Some of the best truck builders in the U.S. will be at next year's biggest truck show.
The Mid-America Trucking Show recently announced the return of the Big Rig Build-Off for MATS 2027, taking place March 18–20 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
A premier showcase of the PKY Truck Beauty Championship, the Big Rig Build-Off brings together some of the trucking industry’s most talented custom builders in a winner-takes-all competition. Three elite builders will unveil their latest custom creations at MATS 55, competing for a $15,000 cash prize.
The 2027 competition will feature the return of defending champion Randy Menkel of Never Satisfied Builds / J&L Contracting LLC, along with Kevin Love of Stretch Customs and Rolan Nolt of Trostle Hill Garage.
Menkel returns to defend the title after taking top honors at the 2026 Big Rig Build-Off with a fully customized 1985 Peterbilt 359. His “Never Satisfied” Builds division, based in Springfield, Missouri, is known for elite heavy-haul rigs.
Joining him is Love of Stretch Customs. Now based in Texas after moving the company from Canada in 2024, Love has earned recognition for transforming classic trucks into award-winning showpieces.
Representing Trostle Hill Garage in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, Nolt brings a passion for classic trucks, and the fine details that set a custom rig apart. A previous MATS Limited Mileage Combo winner, Nolt returns to the spotlight as a competitor in the Big Rig Build-Off.
The completed trucks in the Build-Off are evaluated on creativity, craftsmanship and overall execution.
Attendees can see the competing trucks up close throughout MATS in PKY Lot N, located in front of the West Wing and South Wing, and experience the craftsmanship and personality behind each build. The competition is free to all badged MATS attendees and will be open throughout all three days of the show.
The 2027 Big Rig Build-Off is part of an especially significant MATS weekend as the show celebrates its 55th anniversary. The anniversary edition will feature a full lineup of exhibits, education, networking and special events celebrating the people and innovations that have shaped the industry.
The Big Rig Build-Off will take place March 18–20, with trucks on display Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information about the Big Rig Build-Off, including competitor profiles and event details, visit truckingshow.com/big-rig-build-off.
