10-4 Magazine October 2023

38 10-4 Magazine / October 2023 loaded classes are the same as above but pull the same weight. The loaded trailers weigh 120,000 pounds, which keeps these tractor/trailer combos around what classifies as a legal Canadian load. Today, Neal and Melissa are a team on every level, including Melissa being Neal’s shotgun rider in the races and dubbed the “passenger princess” effective this year at the Quebec races (she had never ridden in the passenger seat during a race until Quebec). Their blended family includes Neal’s daughter Shawna (18) and son Nathan (16), as well as Melissa’s daughters Anaya (16), Elianne (13), and Lexi (11). After losing a customer because they bought their own trucks, Neal was offered a job he couldn’t pass up at a trucking company wearing a few different hats including dispatching, sales, and driving (when the need arises) for Great Lakes Heavy Haul. Melissa is a title clerk at Crown Motors in Holland, and she is always Neal’s biggest fan, biggest critic, and his first hug after every race. A big shoutout to Neal’s sponsors which include Nevius Truck Repair out of Littlestown, PA, Diesel Freak located in Gaylord, MI, Leading Synthetic out of Hamilton, MI, Fine Line Transport & Rigging out of Holland, MI, Jimmy’s Custom Speed Shop from Hamilton, MI, Wolters Honey Farm out of Hamilton, MI, and Valley Truck Parts out of Grand Rapids, MI. Special thanks from Neal to his beautiful wife Melissa for her constant, unwavearing love and support, Jimmy Bantjes of Jimmy’s Custom Speed Shop for stepping up with a sponsorship, the new transmission, and his willingness to help (even in the heat of summer). To his brother Keith for the help and use of his shop, and to all members of his race family for their constant encouragement, support, and advice at events. If you’ve met Neal, you’ve made a friend. His humble and kind demeanor makes him approachable and easy to talk to. I was lucky enough to meet him in 2018 and remained in contact with him over the years. I’ve had the opportunity to hitch a ride during the races withWade Lalone a couple of times in Onaway, and I was able to also ride along with Neal last year at the Draggin’ and Pullin’ In The Pines races in Texas. I’ve been to different kinds of races before, but the uphill racers from the US and Canada are by far the nicest, most helpful, and genuine people out there.