A Louisiana trucker has a new custom truck and $50,000 after having been named the 2025 Road Warrior champion in the annual contest held by one of the country's leading travel center companies.
After reviewing thousands of deserving entries, Pilot, the nation’s largest travel center operator and third largest tanker fleet operator in the U.S., Thursday announced their 2025 Road Warrior champion, Stacy Batiste of Lafayette, Louisiana.
Batiste was selected for what Pilot said is "his tireless dedication and commitment to professional driving," receiving the largest prize in contest history: a custom Kenworth truck built by the Diesel Brothers and a $50,000 cash prize. .
A bonus second-place winner, Bobby Peeker of Woodruff, South Carolina, is also being awarded a $10,000 cash prize and a $25,000 donation on his behalf to a charity supporting veterans’ causes of his choice.
Pilot’s Road Warrior contest is a way for the company to say thanks to the drivers who go the extra mile and keep North America moving
“We received thousands of entries celebrating the efforts of drivers who go the extra mile each and every day. Stacy’s and Bobby’s hard work, dedication to the profession, commitment to safety and service stood out. We are honored to welcome them to the Road Warrior winner’s circle,” said Jordan Spradling, senior vice president of transportation and midstream assets at Pilot Company. “They both are prime examples of the positive impact professional drivers have on and off the road.”
Batiste has dedicated the past 33 years to being on the road, logging more than 5.1 million accident-free miles and considers trucking to be his calling.
Batiste has been recognized throughout his career for his commitment to road safety. A Marine Corps veteran, Batiste is motivated by the pride of knowing his efforts keep communities and families supplied with the goods they need. In addition to his time behind the wheel, he routinely mentors younger drivers and serves as a pillar in his local community.
On Oct. 21, Pilot surprised Batiste with his prize while he was working and on the road. Batiste had stopped at a Flying J in Baytown, Texas, when Pilot and the Diesel Brothers handed over the keys to the custom Kenworth truck and presented the $50,000 check.
His family hid in the travel center to be a part of the surprise. They say Batiste’s first job as a professional driver was hauling sugar cane in south Louisiana, and now, as an owner-operator, this truck will further his passion for safe driving and making a difference in his community.
Bobby PeekerPilot
Peeker boasts more than 1 million accident-free miles and supports the military community, regularly volunteering his time and resources to aid his fellow servicemen and servicewomen. He also participates in truck shows that support the Special Olympics.
His family instilled his passion for the profession, which was only strengthened by the role his grandfather played to help remove rubble from the 9/11 attacks with his truck, according to a statement from Pilot.
For over 10 years, Pilot has celebrated professional drivers and recognized them as Road Warriors for their dedication to going the extra mile. To learn more about the Road Warrior contest, including the more than 30 drivers who have been showcased, visit: https://pilotcompany.com/road-warrior.
