Wacker Neuson Trowel Challenge Won by Canadian Concrete Finisher

More than 150 concrete finishers from around the world competed in Wacker Neuson’s Trowel Challenge competition at last week’s World of Concrete in Las Vegas. Participants from seven countries, 29 states and four Canadian provinces tested their trowel operating skills maneuvering around a timed obstacle course.

The challenge drew thousands of spectators to the Wacker Neuson booth to cheer on the finishers vying for the grand prize, a custom 48-inch CRT 38-35VX ride-on trowel powered by a Vanguard Big Block V-twin engine. The contestants with the 10 fastest times from the qualifying rounds advanced to the finals held Thursday, Feb. 4. The top 10 finalists each had one run through the course and that time was added to their preliminary time to determine the winners.

First place went to Kevin Suchy, Easy Lay Concrete, Tofield, Alberta, Canada, with a combined run time of 62.963. After his winning run, Suchy celebrated with a victory lap. Suchy is owner/operator of Easy Lay Concrete, specializing in residential, commercial and agricultural jobs.

Less than one second behind, in second place was Josh Smith, H&M Precision Concrete, Greenville, Ohio. Third place went to Douglas Garber, who finished in third place in 2014.

Each of the top three finishers took home a crystal trophy and all top 10 finishers received a special trowel challenges shirt.