February 16, 2008
Why Did the Pickett Brothers Leave "Trick My Truck"?
Judging by the sudden searches on the subject (new episode tomorow, so fans are noticing the change), people wants to know.
This is what Ryno says about Rod and Kevin leaving...and all the other changes. (No more Bryan, CB, etc.)
UPDATE 2/17: It was pointed out in email that Bryan isn't actually mentioned in Ryno's blog entry...from what I understand, Bryan is the owner of 4 States Trucks, and so there may be some hard feelings between him and the Picketts, Ryno, and Rob. That is only speculation on my part, anyway, so take it for what it's worth.
Another UPDATE below the fold...
UPDATE 2/19: Bryan has his say here, which I will pullquote because it doesn't look like it gets archived:
It was a quite an opportunity to be a part of the TV series 'Trick My Truck'. We had the chance to be featured on 41 episodes over a time span of 2 ˝ years! CSM feels privileged to have been able to play a part of showing viewers a glimpse of the American truck driver, and educate them on the sacrifices and dedication involved with being a professional truck driver. We are dedicated to this great industry of ours and have always strived to improve and promote the positive image of trucking. However, we have declined the opportunity to participate in season 4 which will most likely air sometime in 2008.Several factors led us to this decision:
- CSM does not approve of, or endorse the new 'Trick My Trucker' series that was aired on TV recently. It is my opinion, that it tends to make our industry and essentially our customers look a little ridiculous and encourage a stereotypical public perception of drivers, which is in contrast to our efforts to promote trucking and truckers in a positive and respectable fashion.
- TMT was drifting away from the ‘big trucks’ which is our primary focus at 4 State Trucks/CSM.
- We could no longer insure the quality of the work done to the rigs on TMT, and we will not jeopardize our reputation for top-notch work by having trucks out there with our name on them that may not be built to our standards. We will not compromise our reputation.
- There were several instances of styling and creative differences of opinion between show management and CSM, regarding the projects on some of the truck builds.
- CSM is proud to reserve the right to deal with, and provide work for, anyone we choose and was not willing to be directed as to what companies we can endorse or affiliate with.
And I don't have a link to provide, but have been told that the Picketts will be spending more of their time focusing on their drag racing/motorsports enterprise. That news is not from the Picketts, so take it with a big ol' lump of salt.
UPDATE 3/5/08: Ryno has responded to Bryan's post. The first line:
I first want to start off by saying I have no hard feelings and all the respect in the world for Kevin, Rod, CB and Scrapyard for their decision on not coming back for another season and I wish them all the best!!
...clearly missing one name from that group. He never names Bryan directly, but "you were just doing what you[r] boss told you to do!!!" later in the article is clearly meant for Bryan, owner of 4 States Trucks and the CSM brand.
So there ya go.
Smallish UPDATE 3/29: Rod says:
“We had a great time,” says Rod Pickett, “but we really needed to get back to what we do best, big rigs. This is where we feel most comfortable, in this shop, and this is where we do our best work. This is what we love to do.”
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