CJ Nairn's National Championship Blueprint: How He Built a Winning Show Truck

Why It Matters CJ Nairn and his team captured the 2025 National Championship with their Green Diamond Kenworth, proving that meticulous preparation and strategic innovation can deliver results at the highest level of truck competition. The Winning Strategy After receiving a MATS Louisville invitation, CJ made a critical decision: pull the truck from the show circuit and focus entirely on championship-level improvements. The team rebuilt the engine, completed a full wire tuck, and shaved the firewall to eliminate every visible wire and unnecessary component. CJ describes it as reaching "another level" of refinement. What Set Them Apart Competing as the only Kenworth in its class against industry heavyweights, the Green Diamond truck stood out through its unique approach and meticulous attention to detail. CJ credits their distinctiveness as a key factor in pushing them past competitors. Lessons for Next Season Rather than rest on their success, CJ and truck owner Drew reviewed the judges' sheets hanging in their shop. The feedback on mechanical deductions pointed directly to their next improvements. That transparency fueled an off-season rebuild and positioned them to compete again. Moving Forward CJ's team is bringing four trucks to MATS Louisville this year, with three competing in the PKY show and renewed determination to win again.