Star Nation Experience winners tell it like it is.
STAR NATION STORIES
2025 Star Nation Experience
When you hear phrases like “the best time of your life” and “top tier” thrown around, you know people mean it. The 2025 Western Star Star Nation Experience has wrapped up, but the talk about it hasn’t. Once the winners had a chance to catch their breaths, they had a lot to say about their jam-packed, four-day agenda in Bend, Oregon.
About the Star Nation Experience
Unlike any other experience in the trucking industry, Star Nation Experience participants were given behind-the-scenes access to Daimler Truck North America's facilities, an up-close look at the X-Series lineup, a hands-on driving challenge at the Western Star Madras Proving Grounds, and face time with industry leaders--all set against the rugged backdrop of the Pacific northwest.
“Being lucky enough to go to the plant, meet the designers, engineers, validation crew, and all the other steps to creating a truck, you realize the people behind the scenes ARE the Western Star brand, and the trucks are the product of the passion for what they do."
- Casey LaDelle, Oregon
These serious truckers also got out from behind the wheel, getting to experience an adventure day filled with untamed activities like fly fishing the Crooked River and four-wheeling through the Cascades. Rounding out the trip were late night conversations that no one wanted to end, a fireside chat with Western Star Executives, and an epic photoshoot. Though they arrived as strangers, their shared love for Western Star trucks quickly turned SNE winners into friends, bonding over a passion that defines the Star Nation way of life.
"My favorite part is getting together with drivers from around the country. We accidentally bumped into each other at a connecting airport. By the time we get to the Experience, we're buddies."
- Ronnie Byrd, Texas
About the Driver Skills Challenge
The highlight of the Star Nation Experience was the Get-Tough Challenge, a driver skills challenge, which put two opposing teams to the test behind the wheel of the 47X and 49X. Events included the dump truck back up challenge, gravel dump challenge, and the American Truck Simulator challenge. Participants were also able to test out the latest Detroit Assurance features like Automatic Brake Assist plus take a spin around the durability track.
“My favorite part of the challenge was being around these guys and seeing the new technology in the Western Stars. This experience helps me to be comfortable about safety, how it protects my business, and how it can make me more productive for my customers back home.”
- Perry Jones, Louisiana
“The 49X is smooth, it's got all kinds of power, and it's a great transmission. I think everyone was surprised by how smooth it shifts. All around it makes me a better driver. It just makes me safer during my daily work.”
- John Steinhauer, Michigan
Route Recap
The 2025 Star Nation Experience was driven by the grit, passion, and the unbeatable attitude of the Western Star faithful. Wrapping up our third year, this event continues to be fueled by the very people who keep the wheels turning across North America and Canada.
Already looking ahead? So are we. Details for the 2026 Star Nation Experience will be announced before the new year—so stay tuned, stay ready, and keep living the Star Nation way of life.
“To all my black ‘n red, it was so great to hear your stories and how you’re able to move mountains through your skill, grit, and passion. I was so honored to be invited alongside all y'all and felt like a member of the family at each and every turn.”
- Alex Rodich, American Truck Simulator, Minnesota
2025 Star Nation Experience Winners:
Jack Snowdon, Ontario, CA
Eric Schneller, Michigan
Perry Jones, Louisiana
Cody Tarasewich, British Columbia, CA
Ronald Byrd, Texas
John Steinhauer, Michigan
Tyler Doliber (ATS), Maine
Alex Rodich (ATS), Minnesota
2025 Star Nation Experience Special Guests:
Tatiana DeYoung, New Jersey - 2023 SNE Alum
Casey LaDelle, Oregon - 2024 SNE Alum
