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Giveaway #9 Winner Profile: Clayton Burkholder and the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali Ultimate

Clayton Burkholder never imagined that a small order—just a couple of t-shirts and a sticker—would lead to winning a $100,000-plus GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali Ultimate. After years of following Mike Hyssong’s Street Speed 717 YouTube channel and entering giveaways, the big moment finally happened, though his first reaction wasn’t exactly G-rated.

“Pardon my French, but ‘no [deleted] way,’” Minnesota resident Burkholder recalled when he got the call. The disbelief made sense, considering how long he’d been along for the ride. He’d started watching back during the early Corvette giveaways and entered nearly every one since, walking the line between optimism and realism. His winning haul began with two “I Will Not Comply” t-shirts and a “Street Legalish” sticker.

Like many longtime followers, he started out unsure. “Maybe the first year I was kind of skeptical,” he admitted. But his doubts faded as more winners were announced and the community grew. Seeing the program evolve over time helped cement his trust in it.

The big reveal delivered a payoff that felt larger than life. “That’s a lot bigger than I thought,” Burkholder said when he looked at the GMC. “That’s WAY bigger than I thought,” he added for emphasis. Thanks to a 4-inch Cognito lift kit and 37-inch tires, the truck's sheer size and stance left a strong impression.

Burkholder's background set him apart from some winners. He brought a mechanic’s eye to the table and knows his way around a diesel truck; his current ride is a 2018 Ram 2500 Cummins. Comparing the two, he noted the smoother ride of the new truck. “It’s definitely a straight axle truck, doesn’t ride like a Cadillac like this Duramax does,” he said of his Ram. It was a fair contrast: raw power versus refined comfort. Burkholder appreciates the Denali’s polish but has no plans to tweak it. This one is staying as-is.

His family didn’t believe the news right away. “They thought it was a scam,” he said. But as things unfolded, the win became very real. His own reaction stayed low-key: “I took some time to think and went down to the beach.” No big scene, just a moment to take it all in.

Burkholder’s approach was based on practicality. He’d been “trying to buy a house” and had pulled back on entries in recent months. So when the prize came through, it wasn’t just a cool truck but a financial solution for what’s ahead.

His blunt advice for others thinking about entering was backed by experience: “Ten dollars can change your life. I spent $35 and won $150K.” That kind of return-on-investment speaks for itself, especially from someone who’s been in it for the long haul.

Burkholder kept it simple for anyone still questioning whether the giveaways are real: “Just do your research and know what you’re doing.” Coming from someone who’d followed along for years and stayed actively involved, the advice was grounded in reality.

About the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali Ultimate

Clayton Burkholder’s 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali Ultimate came with a unique twist: two sets of wheels and tires to choose from. 717 Supply offered 24-inch KG1 forged wheels with 33-inch tires or 18-inch Fuel wheels wrapped with 37-inch mud tires, letting him decide which setup fit best. He opted for the Fuel wheels.

That choice leaned toward utility over appearance. The taller mud tires offer more grip in rugged conditions and give the truck a tougher stance. To match the look and fit, 717 Supply installed the Cognito lift to handle the larger tires without sacrificing everyday drivability. Under the hood, the Sierra runs GMC’s 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8, rated at 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic, giving the truck a tow rating of up to 22,500 pounds.

Inside, the Denali Ultimate trim lives up to its name, with brown leather seats featuring distinctive Denali stitching and front seats equipped with massage. Genuine wood accents bring a touch of upscale refinement to the cabin. Other standout features include a 13.4-inch touchscreen, Bose premium sound system, and GMC’s ProGrade trailering setup with multiple camera angles. A power-operated bed cover and retractable running boards add convenience and polish to the overall package.