The idea of a rodeo often brings to mind thoughts of horses, cowboys, cattle and boots. But there’s another kind of rodeo in the ready mix industry. Rodeos are a special and important part of the ready mix industry which celebrate the skills of drivers and builds community.

What is A Ready Mix Concrete Truck Rodeo?

In the concrete truck industry, a "rodeo" is a competitive event where mixer truck drivers showcase their skills in a series of challenges designed to test their driving abilities and knowledge.

These events are typically organized by concrete associations and companies to promote safety, skill development and camaraderie among drivers.

The History of Mixer Driver Championships

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) National Mixer Driver Championship is one of the most recognized events in the industry today, drawing participants from across the United States to compete in various challenges testing their driving skills, vehicle inspection abilities and safety knowledge.

But how did these competitions start?

While the exact origin is unknown, the concept of truck rodeos has roots in informal competitions. These early events were often held at local construction sites or company yards, where drivers would challenge each other to navigate obstacles and demonstrate skills. The friendly rivalry and camaraderie fostered during these informal competitions laid the groundwork for what would become formalized events.

As the concrete industry grew, so did the recognition of the importance of these skills-based competitions. Industry associations and ready mix businesses began to see the value in organizing and standardizing competitions, which led to the formalization of rodeos, with structured events and official rules.

What can you expect to see at a Ready Mix truck rodeo?

• Skill Demonstration: Rodeo competitions provide a platform for drivers to showcase their expertise in handling large, complex vehicles under various conditions. Drivers often navigate through intricate obstacle courses, perform precise maneuvers, and demonstrate their ability to maintain control of their trucks. The driving course challenges include tightest turn, tennis ball drive-through, parallel park, forward stop, on target, rear wheel back-through, scale box and back stopping. The driver ability challenges include chute a hoop, break an egg, bowling, reaction time test and delivery ticket inspection.
  
  
• Safety Promotion: Safety has always been a focus in the concrete industry. By emphasizing safe driving practices and vehicle inspections during competitions, rodeos help to reinforce the importance of safety among drivers.
  
  
• Community Building: Beyond the competitive aspect, truck rodeos foster a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. Drivers, their families and company representatives gather to celebrate the profession and share best practices.

Why are Rodeos Important to the Concrete Industry?

Mixer driver championships are an important part of the concrete industry because they spotlight the incredible contributions and skills of drivers. Without the knowledge, skill and dedication of concrete truck operators, the industry would not be what it is today.

“Rodeos present a key opportunity to showcase and appreciate the important role of concrete mixer drivers,” stated Rick Ross, Senior Regional Sales Manager at Oshkosh S-Series. “These events are truly remarkable to see in person. Mixer drivers have a tremendous amount of skill and rodeos provide an entertaining way for them to showcase their abilities.”

Wisconsin’s First Concrete Truck Rodeo

Mixer drivers from Wisconsin Ready Mix Concrete Association (WRMCA) member companies competed in a best-of-the-best competition in August with drivers from five different companies participating in several knowledge and skills-based tests.

The competition featured 16 drivers representing nine companies. Oshkosh S-Series front discharge mixers were in use and on display at the event and Oshkosh team members volunteered throughout the day.

The competition winner, Gary from MCC, Inc., received a monetary prize, a slot at October’s National Mixer Driver Championship, hosted by the NRMCA and a trophy. In addition, Gary’s name was added to the traveling trophy, which fittingly, is constructed out of a chute from a ready-mix truck.

Concrete Truck Rodeos Take Place Nationwide

Beyond the state of Wisconsin, there are rodeos and championships across the country. As an example, the Indiana Ready Mixed Concrete Association (IRMCA) has hosted a rodeo for more than 15 years, with the most recent rodeo taking place in late August.

“The competition helps us with driver recognition and retention. Members can use this event as an opportunity to treat their employees and show them how valued they are,” said Chad Montgomery, IRMCA Executive Director. “I firmly believe that Indiana has some of the best people in concrete and that starts with the drivers. It is special to me to see how great these individuals are and how skilled they are at their craft.”

In addition to showcasing skills, rodeos highlight the special bond and competitive spirit of drivers.

“I enjoy seeing participants come together from all over the state and interact. The way they trade stories and help each other is something special in itself,” added Montgomery. “The awards ceremony is a special experience where we give out trophies and see the excitement in the winners’ face, as well as excitement from their support system from their company. It is a great feeling!”

The rodeos hosted by state associations lead up to the National Mixer Driver Championship, hosted by the NRMCA. The championship brings together top drivers from across the nation to compete. The NRMCA National Mixer Driver Championship for 2024 was held in Denver, CO October 10-14 as part of Concrete Works 2024. NRMCA's Concrete Works 2025 will be held in Orlando, FL October 10-14, 2025.

“Attending a mixer rodeo is a family-friendly good time,” added Ross. “It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Learn more about Oshkosh S-Series products and parts and service. You can also contact us directly.

Photos used with permission from Greg Kicinski Photography