2026 Big Rig Build-Off
The Big Rig Build-Off pits four of the industry’s most talented and innovative builders in a winner-takes-all competition that is the highlight of the PKY Truck Beauty Championship. Each custom build will be evaluated on creativity, craftsmanship, and overall execution. The winner will take home a $20,000 cash prize.
March 26 – March 28, 2026
Thursday 10AM – 6PM
Friday 10AM – 6PM
Saturday 9AM – 4PM
Admission is free to all badged MATS attendees.
Build-Off Sponsor
2026 Featured Builders
Luke Rethwisch (Defending Champion)
Rethwisch Transport
He is hands-on with the creation of their famous pink Peterbilts, proudly continuing the powerful “Truckin’ for a Cure” breast cancer awareness mission that his family started. While honoring the old-school cool that defines the Rethwisch name, Luke ensures each new build, including the latest in the “Pain Killer” lineage, pushes the boundaries of modern design and flawless craftsmanship. He represents the future of a legacy built on both award-winning trucks and a powerful purpose.
Andrew Ditz
Stickerbilt Customs LLC
Known for a clean, elegant style and an almost obsessive attention to detail—down to turning every frame bolt the exact same way—Andrew creates trucks that are as much masterpieces of engineering as they are works of art. His builds are famous for their hidden wiring and hoses, achieving a seamless and powerful “wow” factor. Andrew Ditz now brings his humble demeanor and unmatched work ethic to the Big Rig Build-Off, ready to showcase the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the Stickerbilt name.
Randy Menkel
Never Satisfied Builds / J&L Contracting LLC
From the award-winning Kenworth “Never Satisfied” to their latest jaw-dropping builds, Randy and the team have a reputation for flawless fabrication and an obsessive attention to detail. Now, Randy Menkel brings that relentless drive for perfection to the Big Rig Build-Off, ready to prove that for his team, “good enough” is never an option.
James Stegall
Stegall's Truck Shop
From his shop in Perryville, Missouri, James Stegall has built a reputation as one of the elite builders in the custom truck world. What began with a passion for clean lines and flawless detail has grown into Stegall’s Truck Shop, a premier destination for show-stopping, ground-up builds. Stegall made a huge splash with one of his more recent builds last year at MATS with the award winning “Afternoon Delight”. With a legacy of creating trucks that dominate the show circuit, James Stegall now brings his signature style and commitment to perfection to the Big Rig Build-Off at the 2026 Mid-America Trucking Show.
