We're back with another unforgettable episode of SCS On The Road! Join Oscar and Beny as they take you back to Oregon for the Star Nation Experience 2025. Partnering once again with our friends at Western Star, the event brought together eight lucky contestants from across North America for a weekend packed with adrenaline, adventure, and—of course—trucks!
Among the group were two members of the American Truck Simulator community, Tyler and Alex. Tyler, a seasoned truck driver, brought his real-world experience to the challenge. Meanwhile, Alex, despite it being his first time ever behind the wheel of a real truck, was brimming with excitement to test drive the powerful Western Star 49X! You can find more information about the two ATS participants in our previous blog.
Kicking off the action-packed weekend was a team-based competition designed to test both skills and spirit. Tyler and Alex found themselves on opposing teams, turning friendly rivalry into pure entertainment.
One of the highlights of Saturday was a test track experience. But before participants got behind the wheel of a real truck, their first challenge was to complete a course on the SCS Motion Simulator running American Truck Simulator. Once completed, they moved on to driving real trucks on the test track, taking on a series of driving challenges that brought the in-game experience to life.
Another exciting moment came during a challenge at the High Desert Proving Grounds. Participants had to reverse trucks downhill, then stop precisely at a marked zone to score points. Next, they tackled another challenge at a quarry – guessing the weight of a gravel-loaded trailer and spreading it evenly between two cones.
The adventure didn’t slow down on Sunday. With the sun barely rising over Oregon, the group kicked things off with a fly fishing session. Then came ATV riding, where the drivers embraced the dust, speed, and freedom of the Deschutes wilderness. We were once again blown away by the skill and dedication of our American Truck Simulator community. Watching Alex transition from virtual to real trucking with such confidence and enthusiasm was especially moving – a true example of how games can spark real-world aspirations. Tyler’s journey was just as inspiring, as American Truck Simulator played a big role in helping him choose his future path in trucking and earning his CDL.
We’re incredibly proud of Tyler, Alex, and all the participants who made this year’s Star Nation Experience unforgettable. Whether behind a wheel or in front of a monitor, the passion for trucking runs deep in the #BestCommunityEver.
A huge thank you goes out to Western Star for hosting and organizing this amazing event, and for continuing to believe in the powerful connection between simulation and reality. Until next time, keep on truckin’, and we’ll see you out there on the road!