MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Oscar Torgeson, maintenance director for Lakeville Motor Express, won grand prize in the Advantage International Sweepstakes.

The $5,000 gift card towards parts and service was the final component of a three-month promotion by International Truck and Engine Corporation.

Torgeson, winner of the 2002 Outstanding Maintenance Manager Award from the Minnesota Trucking Association, has been involved in the trucking business for 23 years, including the last three with St. Paul, Minn.-based carrier Lakeville Motor Express.

Lakeville is a nine-state, less-than-truckload motor carrier providing 100 percent direct coverage in the upper midwest. A family-owned company since 1921, the company specializes in next day transit service within nine midwest and central states. Through the ExpressLINK strategic alliance with Estes Express Lines, G. I. Trucking, and TST Overland, Lakeville offers regional, national and international services. Approximately half of their tractors are International.

"Oscar is a dedicated maintenance professional who sets high standards of performance for himself and his staff," said Lakeville president Peter Martin. "He is a person of high integrity and sets an example for all of us who work with him."

To qualify for the award, Torgeson took a test drive in a new International 8600 tractor through nearby dealer North Star International. In April, 15,000 International customers received an offer to test drive a new model truck and be entered for the $5,000 grand prize. Customers taking advantage of the promotion also received a $150 Advantage International gift card.

"I was very surprised to hear he had won," said Brad Schreifels, sales professional at North Star International. "After a few weeks of talking about doing a test drive, I brought the truck over to Lakeville, walked in, and said ‘I’ve got the truck outside, let’s go for a ride.’ This was a chance for my customers to get $150 in parts and service; I didn’t want any of them to miss out on it."

When first notified he had won, Torgeson was a bit confused. He had handed Schreifels the entry card unaware of the larger sweepstakes involved. Torgeson joked that Schreifels should have won since he was the one who brought the truck to Lakeville, filled out the card and mailed it in. Torgeson plans to use the $5,000 towards parts and service on his existing trucks.

The International 8600, a regional haul tractor, is available through any one of 1000 International dealers.
Additional information can be found on the company’s Web site at www.InternationalDelivers.com.