#StarNation, you delivered once again with your incredible entries for the 2025 Star Nation Experience! With overwhelming passion from Western Star owners, operators, and American Truck Simulator fans, selecting just eight winners wasn’t easy.

We’re thrilled to announce the eight standout finalists who will join us in Bend, Oregon, from June 6-9 for an unforgettable adventure. Their journey includes a visit to the Madras Proving Grounds for the ultimate Driver Challenge, a firsthand look at the X-Series lineup and innovations, and exclusive time with Western Star product experts.

The experience doesn’t stop there; they’ll also enjoy a guided fly-fishing trip and an off-road ATV Side-by-Side ride through the stunning Pacific Northwest.

This year, we’re also excited to welcome back two past Star Nation Experience winners, who will return as mentors to help coach the weekend and show the new crew the ropes. After all, who better to pass the torch than those who’ve lived it? Stay tuned to our social channels to find out who’s coming back!

We can’t wait to see them all in the wild.

Ronald Byrd

Owner Operator in Texas, USA

Social Media: Facebook @ronnie.byrd.334

Inspired by classic trucking songs, TV shows like B.J. and the Bear, and movies such as Smokey and the Bandit, Ronald dreamed of life on the open road from a young age, but initially took a different path, preparing to take over his father’s business. That changed in 2007 when a job in the oilfield offered a small bonus for having a CDL. Motivated by determination and grit, he earned his license and endorsements in under a week, launching a trucking career that’s now spanned nearly 18 years.

Today, he drives a 2014 Western Star 4900SF, a truck he had admired for years and finally acquired after recognizing its unmatched durability and safety. Western Star’s strength and reliability became especially meaningful after a close friend’s accident highlighted the brand’s industry-leading cab design.

What keeps him behind the wheel? The independence, the peaceful countryside routes (often off-road), and the relationships he’s built on the job. Outside of trucking, he and his family raise and show Shorthorn cattle, shoot sporting clays, spend time at the lake, and enjoy life around their property.

He's most excited for the Star Nation Experience to connect with fellow drivers, experience the latest equipment, and see what the ride and drive challenge is all about.

Cody Tarasewich

Operator in British Columbia, CA  

Social Media: Instagram @ctarasewich

Born into the industry, Cody knew from a young age that trucking was his calling. He got his CDL as soon as he was legally able and has been behind the wheel for 14 years. Today, he works alongside his father at the family’s small fleet operation just outside Kelowna, BC, where trucking has been a way of life for generations.

The company runs five trucks, most of them Western Stars. In the winter, he hauls logs through steep, remote terrain in a 2016 4900SB tri-drive short logger with a DD16 and 18-speed manual. During summer, he transitions to gravel in a 2019 4900SB dump truck. For him, nothing beats winter logging: the peace of the bush, the adrenaline of steep grades, and the satisfaction of mastering tough conditions.

When he’s not working, Cody enjoys time with his wife, Katie, and their two young kids, Emmett and Allison. They love camping and taking road trips around British Columbia whenever possible.

He's especially excited for the Star Nation Experience to visit Oregon for the first time, meet fellow drivers, and take on the ride and drive challenge.

Tyler Doliber

American Truck Simulator Gamer and Operator in Maine, USA

Social Media: Instagram @doliber_tyler

From a young age, Tyler was captivated by trucks and heavy equipment. Growing up in Maine, he spent countless winter hours riding shotgun with his dad, who plowed highways for the DOT. One of the trucks in that convoy, a rugged old Western Star 4900, left a lasting impression and ignited a passion that would guide his future.

That passion first found a home in American Truck Simulator, where he’s been driving since the game’s launch in 2016. But in the past year, the dream became reality when he earned his CDL and stepped into the driver’s seat for real. Today, he drives a 2024 Western Star 49X dump truck for a construction company, contributing to public infrastructure projects and feeling a sense of pride and purpose in his work.

In both ATS and real life, Tyler chooses Western Star for its bold styling and proven reliability, especially in Maine, where the brand is a staple among loggers and contractors. Whether it’s behind a screen or behind the wheel, piloting a truck feels like a privilege, and a connection to something bigger.

Outside of work, he enjoys renovating his home and diving into hands-on projects that challenge him to learn and grow.

He’s most excited for the Star Nation Experience to meet fellow trucking enthusiasts, share his love for Western Star, and test his skills in the ride and drive challenge.

Eric Schneller

Owner Operator in Michigan, USA

Social Media: Facebook @snowcountrycontracting906

Trucking and heavy equipment has been a part of Eric’s life since day one. Growing up in the construction industry, he spent his childhood playing with Tonka trucks outside the family office of Snow Country Contracting, mimicking the real trucks rolling by and signaling for air horns. Now, with nearly 20 years behind the wheel and a Class A CDL earned at age 20, he’s continuing the family legacy while raising the fourth generation to love the industry just as much.

Today, Eric runs a fleet that includes three 2025 Western Star 47X trucks. After years of driving a competitor brand, a failed deal opened the door to Western Star. Since making the switch, Eric hasn’t looked back, citing Western Star’s performance, durability, and service as key to keeping operations strong.

What drives him most is the ever-changing nature of the job: new scenery, shifting tasks, and the challenge of coordinating crews and equipment to deliver results. “I thrive in the chaos,” he says, and seeing a satisfied customer at the end of the day makes it all worth it.

When he’s not working, Eric enjoys ski trips to the Rockies with his wife and three kids, along with relaxing summers at their cottage on Lake Gogebic.

He’s especially excited for the Star Nation Experience, to explore the facility, test out new technology, take on the ride-and-drive challenges, and maybe even hook a few fish along the way.

John Steinhauer

Operator in Michigan, USA  

Social Media: Instagram @littlejohn73

From the time he was six, watching massive dump trucks rumble through the gravel pits near his aunt’s house, John knew exactly what he wanted to do. Now, 31 years later, with a CDL earned in 1995 and three decades of experience behind the wheel, he’s living that childhood dream every day.

After high school, he got his start with a small company, learning the ropes of both equipment operation and trucking. He spent 16 years with one of the region’s largest contractors before settling into his current role as a full-time driver, though he still jumps in wherever he’s needed.

Today, he proudly runs a 2025 Western Star 49X, equipped with the latest Detroit Assurance safety features and powered by a 16L Detroit and DT12 transmission. It’s the best truck he’s ever driven, and that’s saying something after 30 years on the road.

His favorite part of the job? Hitting the open road, windows down, 80s and 90s hits on the radio, and soaking in the freedom of the drive.

When he’s off the clock, you’ll find him on the water, on the golf course, or just enjoying a well-earned summer break.

He’s excited for the Star Nation Experience to meet fellow drivers from across the country, share stories, and test out the trucks.

Perry Jones

Owner Operator in Louisiana, USA  

Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube @thecountryceo

Perry's journey into trucking began in an unexpected place—working as a correctional officer at Louisiana State Penitentiary. After seeing a close friend leave the job to start driving cement trucks, he was inspired to do the same. That decision changed everything. He earned his CDL and began hauling redi-mix concrete, launching a trucking career that now spans nearly three decades.

Today, Perry drives a 2025 Western Star 49X, chosen for its comfort, sturdy build, luxury interior, quiet cab, and tight turning radius. After 28 years behind the wheel, he knows what makes a great truck, and Western Star checks every box.

His favorite part of the job is the freedom of the road. For him, every day behind the wheel brings peace of mind and the promise of a new adventure.

When he’s not driving, Perry stays active in his local community, bringing the same dedication off the road that he brings to every mile on it.

He’s most looking forward to the Star Nation Experience to connect with fellow Western Star drivers, relax, share knowledge, and build new relationships.

Jack Snowdon

Operator in Ontario, CA

Social Media: TikTok, Instagram @hydrovacjack

Jack began his trucking career in 2007 behind the wheel of a recycling truck for a respected local company. Seventeen years later, he still finds deep satisfaction in his work, especially when operating his hydrovac excavator. “The entire operation of my hydrovac is just awesome,” Jack says. “I love every minute of it.”

His relationship with Western Star trucks came naturally—he likes to say the Star chose him. That same sense of purpose fuels his love for new challenges, whether it’s exploring trails on his ATV or jumping behind the wheel of different rigs.

Off the clock, Jack is all about family time. Whether he’s on the road or at home with his wife and daughter, he brings the same dedication and joy to everything he does.

Alex Rodich

American Truck Simulator Gamer in Minnesota, USA

Social Media: Instagram @a.sail.r

A lifelong transportation enthusiast, Alex's journey into the American Truck Simulator (ATS) world began thanks to a few friends from the flight sim community who suggested he give it a try. Already a fan of planes, trains, cars, and boats, ATS was a natural fit, especially once the Western Star 49X was introduced. With a custom 72" mid-roof sleeper mod and countless miles logged behind the wheel, the 49X quickly became his go-to rig in-game.

He's been driving in ATS since the Washington Expansion and prefers flatbed and drop-deck hauling for the visibility and variety. The challenge of maneuvering big loads and backing into tight spaces has become a favorite part of the experience, equal parts relaxing and strategic.

The Western Star brand holds a special place for Alex, not just for its rugged style and modular dash design, but because of its legacy in logging and heavy-duty applications. When his hometown recently upgraded their snowplow fleet to Western Stars, it was a full-circle moment.

Outside the sim world, Alex is an avid sailor who races regularly at one of the largest sailing clubs in the country. On the water or on the road, virtual or real, he thrives on thinking several steps ahead. He also supports Minnesota United and was proud to cheer them on during a thrilling match against Lionel Messi’s Miami squad.

He’s most excited to experience a real Western Star 49X in person during the Star Nation Experience and connect with others who share his passion for trucks, towing, and adventure.