The other evening I was visiting with a bunch of trucking industry veterans. Among other things, we took an historical “talk” through the industry’s history, commenting on milestones and highlights.

After a while, one of the vets said: “Let’s have a little contest to see who knows the most trucking history and trivia.” We all thought that was a splendid idea. “And to make things interesting,” he suggested, “let’s throw a couple of bucks into the pot. The brightest one among us takes it all.”

We all chipped in (never mind how many of us there were, or how much we anted up), and the contest was on.

It was a lot more interesting, educational, and challenging than I expected. I’m proud to state: I ranked in the top three.

How would you do? Here are a few of the questions. The answers follow.

1. What are “idiot buttons?”

2. Who purchased Detroit Diesel in 1987?

3. Where and when did Ford open its Kentucky Truck Plant?

4. What did truckers nickname Peterbilt’s aerodynamic Model 372 cabover? Bonus-point question: When was the tractor introduced?

5. Oscar Mayer placed its first Wienermobile - a hot dog shaped vehicle - into service in what year?

Answers:

1. Driver slang for those raised markers that rumble when run over to alert drivers to hazards, crossing lanes, and so forth.

2. Roger Penske.

3. Louisville, 1969.

4. “Winnebago” and “Football Helmet,” 1988.

5. 1936.