SuperRigs returns to Joplin this week with a focus on trucks, veterans

Last year’s SuperRigs winner: The 1985 Peterbilt 359 owned by Vinnie Diorio’s Rollin’ Transport.

Shell Rotella’s SuperRigs competition will celebrate its 34th year in Joplin, Mo., this week, returning four years after the annual event pulled into town following a devastating 2011 tornado.

Aside from showcasing some of the most customized working Class 8 trucks in the U.S. June 9-11, SuperRigs will bring an economic boon to the city as it continues to rebuild itself following a 2011 EF5 tornado that caused nearly $3 billion in damages.

The 2012 SuperRigs was held at Speedco off I-44 at Exit 11, which also served as a grand reopening celebration for the location damaged by the tornado.

This year’s event will be held at the Joplin Convention & Trade Center. The event is geared toward owner-operator participants, and no staging is required: Judging takes place continually throughout the event as trucks come and go. Participants also receive a gift package valued at about $50, while supplies last.

This year’s event will also have a patriotic twist. Shell expects to team with Fastport, an agency that helps veterans find civilian jobs, to educate veteran attendees about the job opportunities that exist in trucking.