Rick McClerkin, the winner of a Peterbilt Heritage Model 567 — the 1 millionth Peterbilt truck produced — in the recent Peterbilt SuperFan competition, has little doubt the contest found the right guy.
“They truly found their biggest fan,” says the San Josebased materials hauler, whose passion for Peterbilt history and the iconic trucks themselves is evident in his yard, where working Peterbilts are mixed with various restoration projects, including a rare 1917 Fageol — the predecessor of Peterbilt — and a pristine 1941 Model 360.
“Honestly, when I first heard about the contest, I literally said to myself, ‘I’m gonna win,’” he says. “I gave it everything I had.”
That was enough to lift McClerkin past four other finalists, all of whom were given an expense-paid trip to Louisville, where the winner was announced at the Mid- America Trucking Show.
“Everything was first class, all the way,” he says. “It was wonderful the way they took care of all of us.”
McClerkin took delivery of the truck shortly after the event and says he is currently using it as a “toy hauler,” bringing some of his collectibles to various shows and events across the country. He’s also using his prize in industry outreach efforts, such as at career days that seek to draw more younger talent into the trucking industry.
“I’m just very honored to be able to represent the brand like this,” he says. “It’s truly a special accomplishment.”