A few scant miles down I-44 from where it joins U.S. 71 sat the Joplin Speedco facility wherein Shell held its annual “super fest” for high-toned chrome and steel. [And you can view two photo galleries of some of the assembled truck “bling” at the event by clicking here and here.]
John O’Keefe out of Portland, CT, captured “Best of Show” honors with his 2007 Peterbilt 379 EXHD Legacy called “Low Life”(and pictured above) at the SuperRigs competition this year, bagging $10,000 and a host of other goodies while also taking first place in the Best Interior, Best Theme, Best Chrome, Best Lights and Best Engine categories.
Paul Rissler of California, MO, took “Best of Show” runner up honors – including $4,000 and other prizes – for his 1996 Peterbilt 379, while T.J. Timblin of West Bend, WI, got third place in the “Best of Show” category, earning $2,500and related goodies for his 2005 Kenworth W900L tractor.
The 2012 SuperRigs event also helped raise $100,000 for the All Roads Lead to Joplin disaster recovery group developed, which is raising funds to benefit the YMCA of to continue the rebuilding efforts in a community devastated by a huge tornado in May last year.