LAS VEGAS - Gary Piercy has proven himself to be an expert truck driver, winning Western Star Truck Sales, Inc.'s Serious Trucks Challenge at the annual World of Concrete in Las Vegas, Nev. recently.

The Serious Trucks Challenge took place from Tuesday, Feb. 5, through Thursday, Feb. 7, in the Silver Lot outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Participants had the opportunity to compete in course challenges that simulate various construction applications for a chance to earn prizes, including a VIP trip to the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Michigan International Speedway.

Gary Piercy and his son Ryan are owners of Piercy Construction, which owns concrete mixers and dump trucks. This was the third year of competition for both.

Neither placed two years ago. Gary placed fifth last year, and Ryan missed again. This year Gary won, and Ryan placed fifth.

Gary and his wife Susan will attend the NASCAR event in Michigan in June. Ryan will take care of business.

There were more than 200 competitors for the Serious Trucks Challenge. They could choose to compete with a concrete mixer or a dump truck made by Western Star. Both Piercys chose to drive dumpers.

"We don't own Western Star trucks but probably will in the future," Ryan said. "It didn't matter. The competition was open to all drivers."

The course tested drivers on parallel parking, s-curves, driver side parking, blind side parking, and backing up and stopping on a 42-foot long, steeply graded ramp. All tests were designed to highlight each Western Star truck's maneuverability through confined work spaces.

"We understand the construction segment's needs for rugged equipment designed to handle the daily rigors on the job site," said Ann Demitruk, Western Star director of marketing. "Our Serious Trucks Challenge gives customers a chance to experience Western Star's rugged capabilities firsthand - and with some friendly competition."

Western Star Truck Sales, Inc. is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company. Headquartered in Fort Mill, S.C., it produces heavy-duty custom trucks for long-haul and vocational applications.