Pilot has named Joshua Kearney, an Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient and professional driver for Kaplan Trucking of North Ridgeville, Ohio, as the winner of its 2026 Road Warrior contest. Kearney, with nearly 1 million accident-free miles, was selected from more than 2,000 nominations.
The annual Road Warrior contest, according to a statement from Pilot, celebrates the people who keep America moving and reflects the retailer’s commitment to supporting professional drivers.
Pilot worked with Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers to customize a Kenworth W990 truck for this year’s winner. On Oct. 27, they joined Kearney’s family and his colleagues to hand over the keys to his new truck and a $50,000 check, celebrating him as this year’s Road Warrior champion.
“Joshua’s story reflects the resilience, work ethic and character that drive our industry forward, representing the very best of the professional driving community,” said Kari Irons, chief experience officer at Pilot. “It’s exciting to work with Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers to celebrate the remarkable people behind the wheel of America’s trucks.”
Kearney served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 2008 to 2012 and in the Army Reserve from 2013 to 2020. He received a Purple Heart in 2011 after being wounded in combat in Afghanistan. After returning home to Ohio, he built a career in trucking and today hauls steel coils for Kaplan Trucking, one of the state’s oldest trucking companies.
Kearney was nominated by his wife, Shannon, who highlighted his dedication to both his profession and his family. A husband and father of two, Kearney’s sons are already captivated by trucks and enjoy watching their dad work on and drive his rig.
For over a decade, Pilot’s Road Warrior contest has honored the heroes of the highway who go the extra mile to keep America moving. The annual contest highlights professional drivers whose safety records, service and character exemplify excellence on and off the road.
