Congratulations, Y'all

by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

Take over 40 automotive journalists, lead them to a rustic ranch with 2 off-road courses, and throw in a bull for good measure. Offer them a chance to drive nearly 50 new vehicles and then add some manufacturers reps to explain the features and brag about their best.

That's the annual Texas Truck Rodeo sponsored by the Texas Automotive Writers Association. The competition is fierce. But all are mellowed out by fabulous food in a picturesque setting and a gorgeous day. The task is challenging, as you try to drive each and every vehicle in less than two days.

Who wins? Everyone who participates. Writers get a sneak preview of what's coming. Manufacturers get anonymous feedback from a knowledgeable group. Here are the top favorite with TAWA members 

RESULTS OF THE 2009 TEXAS TRUCK RODEO

Truck of Texas – 2010 Ford F-150

SUV of Texas – 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC

CUV of Texas – 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8 Liter Turbo

Truck Line of Texas – Ford

Outstanding Feature – Ford Work Solutions

Full-Size Pickup Truck – 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Supercab

Mid-Size Pickup Truck – 2010 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab TRX4

Luxury Pickup Truck – 2010 Ford F-150 King Ranch SuperCrew

Heavy Duty Pickup Truck – 2010 Dodge Ram 3500

Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle – 2010 Ford Expedition King Ranch

Trail Edition

Compact Sport Utility Vehicle – 2010 Jeep Patriot Limited 4X4

Full-Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle – 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC

Mid-Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle – 2010 Lexus R450h

Luxury Crossover Utility Vehicle – 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8 Liter Turbo

Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle – 2010 Subaru Outback

Mid-Size Crossover Utility Vehicles – 2010 Lincoln MKX

Full-Size Crossover Utility Vehicle – 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost

This was Madelyn Miller's third rodeo and she thinks they get better every year. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com