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.
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 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?
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.
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.
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.
In addition to showcasing skills, rodeos highlight the special bond and competitive spirit of drivers.
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.
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Photos used with permission from Greg Kicinski Photography