Rush Truck Centers recently hosted its annual “Tech Skills Rodeo,” an event that has evolved far beyond its initial concept. This year’s competition in San Antonio, Texas, brought together Rush employees from across North America to demonstrate their exceptional abilities in various automotive fields, including aftermarket parts, truck sales, body painting, collision repair, component service, and truck technician expertise across a range of OEMs. With over $300,000 in prizes, belt buckles, and trophies at stake, the grand champion also received a coveted set of custom spurs. This event not only highlights the skills within Rush Truck Centers but also underscores their commitment to providing top-notch car parts and services, including locations like Rush Truck Centers San Antonio, for all customer needs.
Competitors who successfully passed a written examination traveled to San Antonio for the intense competition held from December 13th to 17th. The truck service divisions presented a challenging scenario where participants had 45 minutes to diagnose and repair issues intentionally introduced by OEM engineers. Following a judged qualifying round, the field was narrowed down to finalists who competed again the following day. Here’s a breakdown of the winners who represent the high caliber of expertise you can expect from Rush Truck Centers, including when seeking car parts in San Antonio.
Parts Category Winners
- Ford 1: Kory Sangster, Rush Truck Centers – Dallas Light‐ and Medium‐Duty
- Hino 1: Aaron Van Straten, Rush Truck Centers – Houston Northwest
- Isuzu 1: John O’Brien, Rush Truck Centers – Orlando South
- International 1: Eric Valenzuela, Rush Truck Centers – Joliet
- Peterbilt 1: Kelly Caddell, Rush Truck Centers – Amarillo
These parts category winners exemplify the deep product knowledge available at Rush Truck Centers. Whether you’re looking for genuine OEM parts or high-quality aftermarket options, Rush Truck Centers, including locations that serve San Antonio and surrounding areas, are staffed with experts like these winners to assist you.
Leasing Category Winners
- Leasing 2: Cameron Gross, Rush Truck Leasing – Tyler
- Leasing 1: Jorge Manjarrez, Carol Stream Idealease
The leasing competition recognizes the expertise required in providing comprehensive transportation solutions. This expertise extends to ensuring clients have access to reliable vehicles and dependable parts support, reinforcing the comprehensive services offered by Rush Truck Centers.
Rising Star Category Winners
- Rising Star 3: Ramses Martinez, Rush Truck Centers – Greeley
- Rising Star 2: Richard Clothier, Rush Truck Centers – Dallas
- Rising Star 1: Riley Doyle, Rush Truck Leasing – Houston Northwest
The Rising Star category celebrates emerging talent within Rush Truck Centers. These individuals represent the future of the company and its ongoing commitment to excellence in service and parts, ensuring customers in San Antonio and beyond will continue to receive exceptional support.
Body Repair and Paint Category Winners
- Body Repair 2: Richard Uzialko, Rush Truck Centers – Haines City
- Body Repair 1: Luis Gonzalez, Rush Truck Centers – Dallas
- Body Paint 2: Daniel Garcia‐Gonzalez, Rush Bus Centers – Salt Lake City
- Body Paint 1: Jose Torres, Rush Truck Centers – Houston
Rusty Rush, Kevin Linger, and Clint Bowyer at the Rush Truck Centers Tech Skills Rodeo, an event showcasing automotive expertise and quality car parts.
Winners in the Body Repair and Body Paint categories demonstrate the meticulous skills required for vehicle aesthetics and structural integrity. This expertise is crucial for maintaining vehicle value and safety, areas of focus for services offered at Rush Truck Centers locations, including those providing car parts in San Antonio.
Medium-Duty Supplier Category Winners
- Allison 1: Spencer Tucker, Rush Truck Centers – Champaign
- Bus 1: Joseph Behrend, Rush Bus Centers – Idaho Falls
- Ford: Scott Schlarf, Rush Truck Centers – Orlando Light‐ and Medium‐Duty
- Hino 2: Jose Pablo‐Francisco, Rush Truck Centers – Houston Medium‐Duty
- Hino 1: Billy Stanley, Rush Truck Centers – Houston Northwest
- Isuzu 2: Anthony Parrilli, Rush Truck Centers – Elk Grove
- Isuzu 1: Michael Hartz, Rush Truck Centers – Denver
- International 3: Terry Truman, Rush Truck Centres of Canada – Mississauga
- International 2: Timothy Kelley, Rush Truck Centers – Smyrna
- International 1: Christopher Purcell, Rush Truck Centers – Atlanta
- Peterbilt 3: Travis Graham, Rush Truck Centers – Orlando
- Peterbilt 2: Sean Grier, Rush Truck Centers – Las Vegas
- Peterbilt 1 Angel Iniguez,Rush Truck Centers – Las Vegas
Heavy Duty Supplier Category Winners
- Alternative Fuels 2: Charles Marine, Rush Truck Centers – Houston
- Alternative Fuels 1: William Marcy, Rush Truck Centers – Fontana Vocational Services
- Vocational 2: Travis Webster, Rush Truck Centers – Houston
- Vocational 1: Carl Trevino, Custom Vehicle Solutions – Denton
- Cummins 3: Ivan Ramirez, Rush Truck Centers – Lubbock
- Cummins 2: Walter Hobbs, Rush Truck Centers – Fort Worth
- Cummins 1: Wesley Appleton, Rush Truck Centers – Odessa
- Eaton 3: Reuben Handy, Rush Truck Centers – Oklahoma City
- Eaton 2: Matthew Lowrie, Rush Truck Centers – Phoenix
- Eaton 1: John Malone, Rush Truck Centers – Lake City
- Navistar Engine 3: Shannon Smallman, Rush Truck Centres of Canada – Ottawa East
- Navistar Engine 2: Lance Hoffman, Rush Truck Centers – Cape Girardeau
- Navistar Engine 1: Jeffrey Metcalf, Rush Truck Centres of Canada – Kemptville
- Paccar MX 3: Daniel Madrigales, Rush Truck Centers – Cotulla
- Paccar MX 2: Luis Dukes, Rush Truck Centers – Yuma
- Paccar MX 1: Alexander Bergstrom, Rush Truck Centers – Phoenix
The Medium and Heavy Duty Supplier categories highlight the specialized knowledge required for complex vehicle systems. This expertise ensures that Rush Truck Centers can provide the correct car parts and service for a wide range of commercial vehicles, reinforcing their position as a leading provider, including for customers in San Antonio needing specialized truck components.
Truck Sales Category Winners
- Ford, Hino, Isuzo 1: Carlos Perez, Rush Truck Centers – Ceres
- MD Peterbilt & International 1: Sun Hester, Rush Truck Centers – Austin
- HD Peterbilt & International 1: Andrew Hirsch, Rush Truck Centers – Charlotte
The Truck Sales competition winners are recognized for their ability to match customers with the ideal vehicles for their needs. This consultative approach extends to understanding parts requirements and ensuring customers are supported throughout the lifecycle of their vehicles, a commitment upheld by Rush Truck Centers across all locations.
Reserve and Grand Champions
-
Reserve Champions:
- Aftermarket – Metro 2: Richard Zambrano, Rush Truck Centers – Fontana
- Parts – Ford 2: Kory Sangster, Rush Truck Centers – Dallas Light‐ and Medium‐Duty
- Medium‐Duty – International 2: Timothy Kelley, Rush Truck Centers – Smyrna
- Heavy‐Duty – Navistar Engine 2: Shannon Smallman, Rush Truck Centres of Canada – Ottawa East
-
Grand Champions:
- Truck Sales – MD Ford 1 TSR: Carlos Perez, Rush Truck Centers – Ceres
- Aftermarket, Rural 1 ASR: Tony Carranza, Rush Bus Centers – Corpus Christi
- Parts – International 1: Eric Valenzuela, Rush Truck Centers – Joliet
- Medium‐Duty – International 1: Christopher Purcell, Rush Truck Centers – Atlanta
- Heavy‐Duty – Navistar Engine 1: Jeffrey Metcalf, Rush Truck Centres of Canada – Kemptville
All-Around Rodeo Champion
Medium‐Duty, International 1 All‐Around Champion: Christopher Purcell, Rush Truck Centers – Atlanta
The Tech Skills Rodeo culminated in the recognition of grand and reserve champions, and the prestigious All-Around Rodeo Champion title. These accolades celebrate the highest levels of expertise across Rush Truck Centers’ operations. This dedication to skill and knowledge translates directly to the quality of service and car parts available at all Rush Truck Centers, including those serving San Antonio, ensuring customers receive the best possible support for their vehicle needs.
Rush Truck Centers’ Tech Skills Rodeo demonstrates the company’s investment in its employees and its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the industry. For customers seeking reliable car parts and expert service, Rush Truck Centers, with locations like Rush Truck Centers San Antonio, stands as a testament to quality and expertise.
