“Hi! My name is Gord Cooper, but you can call me Coop, Gordy or the Western Redneck. I’m an owner/operator with my own company called O.C.E.A.N. Hauling. We’re based out of Calgary, Alta. where I’ve been running the business with my wife for the last 25 years. We live just on the eastern edge of Calgary where I have several antique Kenworths that I like to work on. I’ve got a couple of trucks that are customized, but I’ve got some originals as well.

I think I’ve been reading Truck News for at least six or seven years, but probably longer. I like the magazine because it has interesting stories and covers a wide range of topics. It’s very up to date on current issues.

I like to keep abreast of what’s going on in the trucking industry. Any current issues or ongoing news, including Hours-of-Service, are normally what I’m drawn to. I think Truck News has started to cover more when it comes to special interest vehicles, and I’ve enjoyed reading up on people with similar hobbies to mine – which brings me to my hobby.

In addition to running my business, I’m also the owner of one of Canada’s only drag racing trucks: a custom-built 1968 Kenworth known as the Smoking Gun.

I acquired the truck back in 2001 when my son needed a makeshift “limo” to take him to his graduation ceremony. I started racing it soon after that and have since reached a top speed of 116 mph on the quarter mile track. I like the interest that comes with racing.

I’ve been involved in antique trucking, but when you start talking about racing, it starts to get everyone’s interest up. It’s a positive, entertaining type of sport, but it is dangerous if you don’t do it professionally.

We try to do it as safe and professional as we can though we are definitely pushing the limits of power (we have her up over 2,000 hp this year). It’s great because I get to play with something that’s a whole lot of fun and a real challenge too.”