After 2,500 votes, five drivers move on to the celebrity judging panel
ATLANTA - Aug. 1st, 2024 - Relay Payments, the fintech company modernizing payments for the logistics and trucking industry, is announcing the Top Five for its second annual Haul of Fame contest, which honors inspiring truck drivers and their contributions to the trucking industry.
Thousands of votes were tallied during the public voting process, revealing the 2024 Relay Payments Haul of Fame Top Five. These exceptional drivers include:
Kevin Worley: With 48 years of experience, Kevin began his trucking career hauling automobiles and has driven across nearly every interstate. Known for his meticulous care of equipment and adherence to safety, Kevin loves the open road. His dedication has earned him a reputation as a standout professional in the industry.
Kirk Phillips: Kirk has been a truck driver for 43 years with Johnsonville Trucking, amassing over 3.1 million safe miles. A member of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers President's Safe Driver's Club for 25 years, Kirk is known for his dedication to safety and mentorship. He also drives the 'Big Taste Grill' truck, providing food and supplies during disaster relief events.
Roger Machback: Roger has been driving trucks for 24 years and returned to the road in 2008 after losing his right arm in a boating accident. He designed a custom prosthetic arm and became one of the first in Maine to qualify for interstate travel with an amputation. Roger now advocates for other amputees, helping them regain their CDLs and adapt to life post-amputation.
Fidel Herrera: Fidel has been a truck driver for 20+ years, starting with a local supermarket before obtaining his CDL. Known for his dedication to safety, clean trucks, and mentoring fellow drivers, Fidel enjoys the freedom of the road and providing excellent service. He is a respected owner-operator and passionate advocate for the trucking community.
Deb Labree: Deb, a truck driver for 18 years, is a key figure in Women in Trucking, serving on the organization’s board and the Image Team. She exemplifies that trucking is not just a “man's job” and is a role model for aspiring female drivers. Deb is also committed to safety and efficiency, making her an inspiration for all in the industry.
A celebrity judging panel will now evaluate these five drivers, and two drivers will ultimately be selected as the 2024 Haul of Fame winners. Judges include:
- NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Series Cup champion and current vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports
- Timothy Dooner, the award-winning podcaster who hosts and produces FreightWaves' WHAT THE TRUCK?!?
- Clarissa Rankin, one of the most well-known female truck drivers, CDL school owner and TikTok influencer with 1.8 million followers who advocates for women in trucking
- Ryan Droege, CEO and co-founder of Relay Payments
The two winners will receive an array of prizes, including a trip to the Quaker State 400 race weekend in Atlanta Sept. 6th-8th, ahead of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Relay Payments serves as a primary sponsor of NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team. The drivers will also be featured on Freightwaves’ WHAT THE TRUCK?!? podcast with Timothy Dooner and receive a $250 fuel voucher.
For more information about the Haul of Fame, visit relaypayments.com/haul-of-fame.
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About Relay Payments
Relay Payments is building a modern digital payment network to revolutionize the trucking and logistics industries. Trusted by more than 350,000 drivers, 90,000 carriers, and 1,600 truckstops nationwide, Relay has brought efficiency and automation to an industry historically reliant on cash, checks, and cards. Relay has joined forces with industry leaders like Pilot Company, Maverik, Schneider, Coyote Logistics, Lineage Logistics, and others to provide secure, reliable over-the-road transactions. Founded in 2019, the Atlanta-based fintech includes more than 150 team members and has won awards for product innovation, customer service, and organizational culture. It is a proud sponsor of NASCAR and William Byron from Hendrick Motorsports for 2024. For more information about Relay, visit relaypayments.com.
