The field is set, and $15,000 in cash (plus plenty bragging rights) is up for grabs, for the 2027 Mid-America Trucking Show’s Big Rig Build-Off custom truck competition.
The upcoming Build-Off brings together three of the custom builders' world's most visionary competitors for a high-stakes, winner-takes-all showdown. Each builder's given a limited window to put together the best unit they can to bring to MATS 2027, which will be held March 18-20 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Every weld, custom paint job and fabrication detail will be rigorously judged on creativity, precision and overall execution for the big prize.
This year’s Big Rig Build-Off will feature:
- Randy Menkel, Never Satisfied Builds/J&L Contracting: Menkel and Never Satisfied return to the competition next year with their eyes set on a repeat. The team captured the Build-Off win this year with their immaculate “Outta the Ordinary” 1985 Peterbilt 359. With the 359, Menkel said the team “put about 11,000 hours' worth of hard work in” for the finish, with 12-14 employees at various times “averaging 115, 120 hours a week in the shop.”
- Kevin Love, Stretch Customs: Regular Overdrive readers will be familiar with Love’s work, as several of his units have been featured through the years -- a 1980 Peterbilt 359 featured back in 2019, an impressive zero-miles 2002 Peterbilt 379 glider, a classic 1987 Peterbilt 359, and a 1984 Pete 359 that was basically brand-new upon completion. Headquartered in Texas after moving from Canada in 2024, Love is known for transforming classic trucks into award-winning showpieces that blend timeless styling with modern craftsmanship.
- Rolan Nolt, Trostle Hill Garage: From Pennsylvania’s trucking country, Rolan Nolt has built a reputation for classic trucks and meticulous craftsmanship. Representing Trostle Hill Garage in Mohnton, Nolt brings years of custom truck-building experience and a passion for the details that make a rig stand out. His trucks have earned honors at major events, including a Limited Mileage Combo win at MATS in 2023. Now, he brings his experience and Pennsylvania truck-show style to the Big Rig Build-Off.
Past Build-Off winners include Davis Brothers Designs’ 2024 Peterbilt 389 in 2024, Luke Rethwisch’s 1987 Peterbilt 359 in 2025, and Menkel’s ’85 359 this year in 2026. Catch videos of all of them below:
Keep tuned to Overdrive and subscribe to our weekly Pride & Polish newsletter via this link for results after the 2027 event and plenty more in the meantime.
[Related: 'Outta the Ordinary' 1985 Peterbilt 359 captures $20K MATS Build-Off win]
