The Show Must Go On

By George L. Nitti With a 2021 Kenworth T880 NRC 40 TB Bed enroute to TowXpo San Antonio, and sporting a fresh killer wrap designed by Juls of B & B Signs, Michael Budzinski of Tri-City Towing of Pflugerville, Texas was moving along the center lane of highway 35 at 70 mph when suddenly his front passenger side tire blew. Budzinski said, “Body parts were flying everywhere. We got it off the side of the highway.” Fortunately, Budzinski was driving alongside other company tow operators, including owner Mark Chapla, who came to the rescue with his truck that was also an entry in the Xpo’s USA Wrecker Pageant. Just another day in the life of a tower with all its twists and turns. The semi-beaten up bed was already entered in the carrier class category but the damage was done. Despite all the work invested in upgrading its tires, fenders and bumper. Despite the cleaning, polishing and detailing of the exterior/interior. Despite all the time it takes to ready one’s unit for intense competition. Result: no trophy this year for Budzinki’s rollback, done in a glittering patina wrap, with its arresting colors of aqua and rust pulling the eye of any onlooker caught staring in its direction. “As for the color, it all depends on how the sun hits it. Sometimes its teal. Sometimes aqua. But if you ask me, it’s more like a sea green.” The design itself, which also includes a rusted theme, was a trait that was in accord with Budzinski’s liking. “I was split between the Texas and American Flag or the rusted theme. Mark gave me the choice on what to put on the truck,” Budzinski said. “I went for something different, something that stands out and is like no other tow truck.” Including the creative flair of the tri-city name found on the side doors, popping out in yellow against its teal background. Winning isn’t everything, although Budzinski laments that there was a time when two trophies were given. And that the work of prepping a wrecker doesn’t stop with a pageant. Indeed, the show must go on. Brag @ TIW! Should your truck be featured here? Send a few pics and your contact information to the editor at georgenitti@gmail.com. You might even be selected to go in print, too, in American Towman magazine!