A long-haul trucker from Danville, Iowa was the lucky winner of Great American Insurance Group’s second annual BIG RIG GIVEAWAY at the 2008 Mid-America Trucking Show.

Michael Van Ness’s name was drawn at random from more than 9,000 entries received during the three-month contest period. He won a customized Peterbilt enhanced by Stoops Truck Center of Indianapolis and Chrome Country of Nashville that included a new custom paint job, chrome detailing and an externally mounted “Sidetracker” video camera with in-cab display to minimize driver blind spots. A remote controlled electric hood opener from HoodXpress® was a new feature added to this year’s truck. The Peterbilt is equipped with a 475 hp C15 Caterpillar engine and a 13 speed Eaton/Fuller transmission.

The Big Rig Giveaway was open to all truckers with a valid commercial drivers’ license.  It debuted at MATS last year and drew over 7,500 entries, both on-line and on-site at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville.

The volume of entries increased by over 1,500 during the contests’ second year as more truckers learned of the annual give-away.

Scott Hendricks, Divisional President of Great American’s Trucking Division, said planning has already begun for the 2009 contest.