White’s Travel Plaza hosted the 36th annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs event in June. White’s, which is owned by NATSO member Bobby Berkstresser and located on I-81 in Raphine, Virginia, is always a popular location, and when you add a spectacular event like the Shell Big Rigs, it becomes even more of a draw.
Many professional drivers rearrange their schedules with their companies so they can participate in the excitement. The entire event is a powerful tribute to a town coming together to honor professional drivers and the difference they make in all of our lives.
During the event, the local sheriff’s department provided an escort and brought 60 trucks from White’s Travel Plaza to downtown Lexington, Virginia, for a parade. The big rigs lined the blocked-off streets, parked and opened their doors so local friends and neighbors could see the awesome machines they are. Live music filled the air and, once the sun set, the lights of the trucks all started glowing.
One fun highlight of the event is the Shell Starship, a hyper-fuel efficient Class 8 tractor trailer. The truck featured a custom, aerodynamic design and aims to demonstrate improvements in fuel economy for Class 8 trucks. It just finished its first cross-country trip before making its way to White’s.
At night when judges select the winner in the Big Rig Best Lighting category, the parking lot at White’s was a sight to see. The event featured live music, fireworks and vendors.
NATSO’s Vice President, Business Development Pamela Hayes represented NATSO at the event. “It was great to see fellow NATSO supporters, including Bridgestone and Mizco Tough Tested, having a presence at the event. Trucker Buddy, White’s Medicine Shoppe, the local Humane Society, and many other vendors and food trucks were also on the lot,” she said. “I was happy to represent NATSO and to be a small part of this tribute.”
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