Test categories
The three-day event challenged the technicians to find manufacturer-specific faults in heavy-duty trucks with Cummins, Paccar and International MaxxForce engines and Eaton and Allison transmissions. In medium-duty, Hino, Isuzu, International and Peterbilt trucks were bugged with faults to challenge the competitors. Additionally, special categories included refuse, bus, body repair and paint and the Go Green natural gas challenge, an area where Rush is investing heavily.
The techs were judged by manufacturer reps who had rigged the vehicles on the floor of the convention center. Mike Besson, the Rush vice president of operations who founded the first rodeo in 2006 and has directed all subsequent events, thanked suppliers for contributing more than $400,000 to sponsor the Rodeo.
The event closed with a banquet attended by technicians, most of whom brought their partners to San Antonio, suppliers and staff. Adding to the excitement, Nascar driver Tony Stewart, who is part-sponsored by Rush Truck Centers, attended the banquet and donated his race gear to Grand Champion Jason Swann.