The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) held its annual Equipment Operators Roadeo on June 12, 2025. The event gathered ARDOT crews from across the state to test their equipment skills in a series of competitions. Each category was designed to reinforce safety practices in a controlled environment.
The Roadeo aims to keep crews proficient while enhancing safety awareness for those working with heavy machinery. Participants demonstrated their abilities in operating equipment essential for maintaining the state’s highways and interstates. Competitions focused on precision, safety, and efficiency across seven categories: Lowboy Truck, Tandem Axle Dump Truck, Single Axle Dump Truck, Tractor/Mower, Backhoe, Motor Patrol, and Skid Steer.
Competitors represented their respective ARDOT districts. The results were as follows:
– Lowboy Truck: John Harvey (District 2) took first place.
– Tandem Axle Dump Truck: TJ Pulley (District 1) secured first place.
– Single Axle Dump Truck: Kirk Fossler (District 5) won first place.
– Tractor/Mower: Rodney Armstrong (District 1) achieved first place.
– Backhoe: Chad Foster (District 9) claimed first place.
– Motor Patrol: Nick Rushing (District 5) earned first place.
– Skid Steer: Larry Logsdon (District 4) finished in first place.
The top two winners from each category will advance to the Southeastern Regional Equipment Operators Roadeo in Lexington, Kentucky, later this year. This regional event features operators from thirteen states competing over several days.
Information from this article can be found here.
