Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation brought together its most skilled heavy equipment operators on Thursday, June 11, for the 2026 Equipment Operators Roadeo, an annual competition designed to test precision, safety awareness, and real-world operating ability under controlled conditions.
The event, organized by the Arkansas Department of Transportation, gathered crews from across the state, each representing their assigned districts. While the atmosphere carried a sense of competition, officials emphasized that the main purpose of the Roadeo goes far beyond trophies. It is built to reinforce safe operating habits and sharpen the technical skills required to maintain Arkansas highways and interstates.
Operators were challenged in seven different equipment categories, each reflecting tasks they perform daily on the job. These included Lowboy Truck, Tandem Axle Dump Truck, Single Axle Dump Truck, Tractor/Mower, Backhoe, Motor Patrol, and Skid Steer. Every course was designed to mirror real-world scenarios, demanding careful control, accuracy, and efficiency.
Participants competed individually, with each operator navigating timed and skill-based challenges using large-scale machinery. Small mistakes carried penalties, while smooth, precise handling often made the difference between finishing in the middle of the pack or securing a top position.
Read also: Miss Arkansas competition continues with announcement of night two winners
In the Lowboy Truck category, first place went to Tommy Bull of District 8, followed by Tyler Phillips of District 5 in second, and Kevie Jackson of District 7 in third. The Tandem Axle Dump Truck event saw Joshua Harness of District 5 take first place, with TJ Pulley and Brad Brown, both from District 1, finishing second and third.
The Single Axle Dump Truck competition highlighted strong performances from across multiple regions, with Nicholas Epps of District 6 earning first place. He was followed by Jacob McWilliam of District 8 and Harrison Gabbard of District 4.
In the Tractor/Mower category, Blake Angel of District 6 secured the top spot, while Tyce Moser of District 5 and Dakota Sullivan of District 4 rounded out the podium. The Backhoe event was won by Chad Foster of District 9, with William Ring of District 10 in second and Tony Skarda of District 6 in third.
The Motor Patrol category brought another strong showing from District 5, as Nick Rushing earned first place. Nathan Daniels of District 9 placed second, and Ryan Wages of District 7 took third. In the Skid Steer competition, Nicholas Walker of District 3 claimed first, followed by Sherman Goates of District 8 and Matthew Davis of District 7.
Read also: John Legend concert in Pine Bluff delayed following death in family
Beyond individual recognition, the event also highlighted overall district performance. In the crew standings, District 8 took first place, with District 5 finishing second and District 9 placing third.
Officials noted that the Roadeo plays an important role in reinforcing safety culture within ARDOT. By simulating real operating conditions in a competitive setting, the department aims to keep skills sharp while reducing risk on active road projects.
The top two finishers in each category will now advance to represent Arkansas at the Southeastern Regional Equipment Operators Roadeo, scheduled for October in Hampton, Virginia. That event will bring together top operators from 13 states for several days of advanced competition, showcasing equipment mastery and professional skill at a larger scale.
