Wisconsin Trucker Wins Great American Insurance’s Big Rig Giveaway

A Wisconsin trucker who’s been driving for 35 years won a customized truck in Great American Insurance Group’s annual Big Rig Giveaway.

Roger Lemírande was missing from the crowd at booth 69172 on Saturday, March 29, at the Mid-America Trucking Show. In fact, he was eating breakfast when his name was drawn from thousands of entries.

It took multiple phone calls from Mark Calkin, Divisional President of Great American Insurance Group’s Trucking Division, before Lemírande actually returned the call.

“I was sure it was a crank call,” said Lemírande. “I just figured it was some of my buddies messing with me.”

The rig is a 2010 Kenworth, customized for the Giveaway. Lemírande had entered the contest on a whim earlier in the week and never gave it a second thought.

“I have never won anything,” he stammered as he walked up to the truck. “I’m just in shock right now and don’t even know what to say.”

Based out of Oconto Falls, Wis., Lemírande takes regional runs mostly to the Chicago area and is home nearly every night. His current truck is a 1989 model, so the newer Kenworth will give him more opportunities to increase his income. He plans to sell his old truck and begin driving his new rig as soon as possible.

The 2014 Big Rig Giveaway marked the eighth time Ohio-based Great American Insurance Group awarded a truck at the Mid-America Trucking Show. Since its inception, the popular drawing has received more than 45,000 entries.

Each year, the “Big Rig” receives a custom overhaul. This year, it featured a new paint job and new chrome features, “Great American Dream” graphics and a deer guard for added protection. The custom work was done by Elizabeth Truck Center in New Jersey, one of Great American Insurance Group’s Rig Ready shops.

Source: Great American Insurance Group

Topics Auto Trucking Wisconsin