Lafayette Truck Driver Wins $50,000 and Custom Rig in National Contest

LAFAYETTE, La. (KMDL-FM) - A truck driver from Lafayette has been honored as one of the nation's top professional drivers and was awarded with quite the grand prize.

Road Warrior Contest Put on By Pilot

The promotion was put on by Pilot, the nation's largest travel center operator and third largest tanker fleet operator in the U.S. They announced Stacy Batiste of Lafayette as their 2025 Road Warrior champion.

The nationwide contest yielded thousands of deserving entries, but Batiste eventually came out on top. For his life's efforts in the field, Batiste received the largest prize in the contest's history -- a custom Kenworth truck built by Diesel Brothers and a $50,000 cash prize.

About the Road Warrior Contest

Pilot's Road Warrior contest is a way for the company to say thanks to the drivers who go the extra mile and keep America moving.

A bonus second place winner was awarded to Bobby Peeker of Woodruff, South Carolina. He is receiving a $10,000 cash prize and a $25,000 donation to a charity supporting veterans' causes of his choice.

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“We received thousands of entries celebrating the efforts of drivers who go the extra mile each and every day. Stacy’s and Bobby’s hard work, dedication to the profession, commitment to safety and service stood out. We are honored to welcome them to the Road Warrior winner’s circle,” said Jordan Spradling, senior vice president of transportation and midstream assets at Pilot Company. “They both are prime examples of the positive impact professional drivers have on and off the road.”

Lafayette’s Pride on the Road

Batiste has been driving professionally for 33 years, logging more than 5.1 million accident-free miles. He considers trucking to be his calling.

A Marine Corps veteran, Batiste remains motivated by the pride of knowing his efforts keep communities and families supplied with the goods they need.

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On October 21, Batiste was surprised by Pilot with his prize while he was working on the road. He had stopped at a Flying J in Baytown, Texas, when Pilot and the Diesel Brothers handed over the keys his new custom Kenworth truck and presented him the $50,000 check. His family hid in the travel center to be a part of the surprise.