ALL COUNTIES | June 12, 2026
Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) crews across the state came together Thursday, June 11 to compete in the 2026 Equipment Operators Roadeo.
This event allows crews to put their equipment skills to the test. Each competition category is designed to reinforce real-world safety practices in a controlled, hands-on way. The Roadeo is one of the ways the Department keeps crews sharp while also increasing safety awareness of employees working in or around heavy machinery.
ARDOT employees are given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in operating the heavy equipment they use daily to maintain the State’s Highways and Interstates. Crews were tested for precision, safety awareness, and efficiency in seven key equipment categories: Lowboy Truck, Tandem Axle Dump Truck, Single Axle Dump Truck, Tractor/Mower, Backhoe, Motor Patrol, and Skid Steer. Competitors enter individually and represent the ARDOT district they work in.
2026 ARDOT Equipment Operators Roadeo Results
- Lowboy Truck
- First Place: Tommy Bull – District 8
- Second Place: Tyler Phillips – District 5
- Third Place: Kevie Jackson – District 7
- Tandem Axle Dump Truck
- First Place: Joshua Harness – District 5
- Second Place: TJ Pulley – District 1
- Third Place: Brad Brown – District 1
- Single Axle Dump Truck
- First Place: Nicholas Epps – District 6
- Second Place: Jacob McWilliam – District 8
- Third Place: Harrison Gabbard – District 4
- Tractor/Mower
- First Place: Blake Angel – District 6
- Second Place: Tyce Moser – District 5
- Third Place: Dakota Sullivan – District 4
- Backhoe
- First Place: Chad Foster – District 9
- Second Place: William Ring – District 10
- Third Place: Tony Skarda – District 6
- Motor Patrol
- First Place: Nick Rushing – District 5
- Second Place: Nathan Daniels – District 9
- Third Place: Ryan Wages – District 7
- Skid Steer
- First Place: Nicholas Walker – District 3
- Second Place: Sherman Goates – District 8
- Third Place: Matthew Davis – District 7
- Crew Winners
- First Place: District 8
- Second Place: District 5
- Third Place: District 9
The top two winners in each individual category will advance to represent ARDOT at the Southeastern Regional Equipment Operators Roadeo in Hampton, Virginia in October. This regional competition brings together top operators from multiple states (13) for a multi-day showcase of equipment agility and knowledge.
Link to ARDOT district map here.
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