Louisville Hosts 2027 Big Rig Build-Off Contest
Three custom truck builders will compete for a $15,000 prize at the upcoming Mid-America Trucking Show this March.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Trucks
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Do you enjoy attending or following custom vehicle building competitions like the Big Rig Build-Off?
Organizers have announced the three custom truck builders selected to compete in the 2027 Big Rig Build-Off. These builders will face off during the Mid-America Trucking Show, taking place in Louisville from March 18-20, 2027.
Why it matters
The competition serves as a premier showcase for custom fabrication standards in the heavy-duty industry. For enthusiasts and local owners, the event highlights current benchmarks in precision welding, paint application, and structural modification.
Three builders are competing for a $15,000 top prize at the upcoming event. Judges will evaluate the custom trucks based on creativity, precision, and execution.
The players
Randy Menkel
A veteran custom truck builder known for his 2026 Build-Off victory using a 1985 Peterbilt 359.
Kevin Love
A truck customizer who expanded his operations by moving his headquarters from Canada to Texas in 2024.
Rolan Nolt
A recognized fabrication specialist who won a Limited Mileage Combo award at the 2023 competition.
The details
Builders participating in the contest are tasked with constructing custom big rigs that demonstrate high-level fabrication techniques. A panel of judges will inspect the entries to score the quality of welds, the finish of the paint jobs, and the overall complexity of the truck fabrication. This assessment emphasizes the technical rigor required for professional-grade custom builds.
Timeline
2023: Rolan Nolt earned a Limited Mileage Combo award.
2024: Kevin Love relocated his business from Canada to Texas.
2026: Randy Menkel secured a victory at the Big Rig Build-Off.
March 18-20, 2027: The Mid-America Trucking Show takes place in Louisville.
The Home Front
This competition continues the industry trend of pushing high-end fabrication standards through high-stakes public challenges. It builds directly upon the technical precedents set during the 2026 Big Rig Build-Off.
Local owners and enthusiasts should mark their calendars for the March 2027 show dates to view the finished builds in person. Prospective builders can observe the event as a benchmark for professional paint and fabrication standards to apply to their own garage projects.
The takeaway
The competition highlights how elite fabrication requires thousands of hours of precision labor. Readers can follow the event's progression by tracking the work of Menkel, Love, and Nolt as they prepare their custom rigs for the judges in Louisville.
Further reading
For more on industry design trends, visit our Trucks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Overdrive.
Live Poll
Do you enjoy attending or following custom vehicle building competitions like the Big Rig Build-Off?
