Pilot surprises 2025 Road Warrior champion
Pilot Company recently named Stacy Batiste its 2025 Road Warrior champion.
Batiste, a driver who resides in Lafayette, Louisiana, was selected for his tireless dedication and commitment to professional driving, Pilot reported. His reward is the largest prize in contest history—a custom Kenworth truck built by the Diesel Brothers and $50,000 in cash.
Pilot operates the third largest tank truck fleet in the U.S. Its Road Warrior contest is a way for the company to thanks the professional drivers who go the extra mile to keep North America moving. A bonus second-place winner, Bobby Peeker of Woodruff, South Carolina, received a $10,000 cash prize and a $25,000 donation on his behalf to a charity supporting veterans’ causes.
“We received thousands of entries celebrating the efforts of drivers who go the extra mile each and every day,” Jordan Spradling, Pilot senior vice president of transportation and midstream assets, said in a news release. “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.
“They both are prime examples of the positive impact professional drivers have on and off the road.”
Batiste, who considers trucking his calling, has spent the past 33 years on the road, logging more than 5.1 million accident-free miles. He has been recognized throughout his career for his commitment to road safety, Pilot said. A Marine veteran and driver mentor, Batiste said he’s motivated by the pride of knowing his efforts keep communities and families supplied with the goods they need.
Pilot surprised Batiste with the key to his new custom truck and $50,000 check Oct. 21 during his stop at a Flying J in Baytown, Texas. His family hid in the travel center to be part of the surprise. They say Batiste’s first driving job was hauling sugar cane in South Louisiana, and now, as an owner-operator, this truck will further his passion for safe driving and making a difference in his community.
Peeker, also a Marine veteran, boasts more than 1 million accident-free miles and supports the military community following his service, regularly volunteering his time and resources to aid his fellow servicemen and women. He also participates in truck shows that support the Special Olympics. His family instilled his passion for the profession, which was only strengthened by the role his grandfather played to help remove rubble from the 9/11 attacks with his truck.