10-4 Magazine November 2024

66 10-4 Magazine / November 2024 While it makes sense, it’s aggravating from time to time.” Even though trucks became more advanced, efficient and aerodynamic, many of us like Dan still have a special place in our hearts for the more traditional styled rigs and special and/or limited editions. As a loyal Kenworth customer, Dan took the opportunity, in the fall of 2023, to order a once-in-a-lifetime truck. The truck? A limited edition 100-year Anniversary 2024 Kenworth W900L. Offered in 2023 byKenworth, celebrating 100 years of building the world’s best, Dan’s 100th is number 802 of 900. Built at Kenworth’s Renton, WA Assembly Plant on November 6, 2023 and then delivered to Dan just before Christmas on December 23, 2023, this truck is now the pride of the Clary Trucking fleet. While I was photographing the Clary 100th Anniversary W900L at the 2024 Kenworth Truck Show, I asked Dan how many miles were currently on the truck. He replied, “33 now, but it had 22 on it when I left the shop earlier!” As one of the lead trucks in the 2024 Kenworth Parade through downtown Chillicothe, behind a 1923 model year Kenworth, the truck will be going into revenue service and has already been assigned to a veteran Clary Trucking driver named Derek Vallery. Sporting a 264” wheelbase, a 72” Aerocab flat-top sleeper, and painted in Clary Trucking’s viper red colors with the 100th Anniversary stripe package, it will definitely turn heads when this truck begins rollin’ down the highway. The W900L is powered by a 565-hp Cummins X15, mated to an Eaton-Fuller 18-speed, with power being pushed to 3.36 geared rears. It rides on a Kenworth AG400L suspension and has 22.5 Alcoa aluminum rims all the way around, with Bridgestone 726 drives and Michelin X-Line steer tires. For the interior, this limited edition rig has the Kenworth’s classic VIT Diamond Tuck interior and a pair of very comfortable seats from National Seating. Should you get to go for a ride in one of these special 100th Anniversary rigs, you’ll know just how special it is, as there’s a plaque installed on the dashboard from Kenworth stating it’s a 100th Anniversary edition, along with the unit’s production number. Having turned 64 years-old last September, Dan is still very hands-on with his trucking company. But when it’s time to slow down and take a break, you will find him doing a number of different things he loves. For many of us “true truckers” there’s no greater joy than getting out on the highway and just rollin’ and strollin’ down a piece of interstate. While Dan will tell you that is something he still loves, if you talk with him long enough you will find out he’s quite the fisherman, as well. Along with his brother-in-law Butch Brammer, they’ve won several tournaments. Dan will often head out for a weekend in his 21-foot Vexus Bass Boat to participate in fishing tournaments in Ohio and the surrounding states. Married since 1982 to his high school sweetheart Jody, Dan will tell you he’s married to the greatest wife ever! A family man first and foremost, he always has time for his grandchildren. “I think I burnt them out on fishing,” said Dan, referring to his grandkids, “But they still like to get out on a tractor and help me bush hog a field from time to time.” While on the phone a couple of months ago with Dan, asking him some follow-up questions for this article, Dan said to me, “I had a good time hanging out with you Mark. We will have to do that again sometime. In fact, if Dave Robinson invites you to the Kenworth Truck Show next year, I’ll meet you in Louisville again and we’ll go for another fun ride.” Hey, Mr. Clary, thanks for the offer... and you’re on! n