Drivers Put Western Star Trucks to the Test at Star Nation Experience

Heavy Duty Trucking traveled to Madras, Oregon, for the 2026 ‪Western Star Nation Experience, where professional drivers, owner-operators, fleet owners, and trucking enthusiasts got behind the wheel of the latest Western Star trucks.

Participants tested the Western Star 47X and 49X, explored sleeper and cab features, experienced safety and durability demonstrations, and compared real-world driving with a full-motion American Truck Simulator setup.

The event also offered a closer look at the people behind the equipment. Drivers and fleet operators shared how they use Western Star trucks in oilfield, crane, roll-off, and other demanding applications, along with what comfort, safety, and support mean when a truck is both a workplace and a home away from home.

With nearly 4,000 applications submitted for the 2026 experience, Star Nation has grown into more than a truck event. It is a celebration of the drivers, operators, and businesses that keep the heavy-duty trucking industry moving.

Join HDT for an inside look at the trucks, technology, and community behind the Star Nation Experience 2026!