NEW ORLEANS — Before they ever get behind the wheel to compete, driving championship contestants have to pick a truck, take a written test and conduct a pre-trip inspection, all under the watchful eyes of judges.
Between these events, the contestants spend hours waiting in small meeting rooms known as “bullpens” on the second floor of the vast New Orleans Convention Center. They are only allowed to leave to use the bathroom, be interviewed by judges or to compete.
The scene in the bullpen for the four-axle competitors is typical. Drivers doze, read newspapers or chat with their colleagues. At the front of the room, Steve Hillen, an Arkansan driving for Con-Way Southern Express, nervously reties his blue tie before sitting down to participate in a marathon checkers tournament.
His opponent is Mark Hassemer, a driver from Wisconsin who works for Yellow Freight. Hassemer stops occasionally to remove his pin-laden black company cap to scratch his head as he contemplates a move.
The diversion is the brainchild of Clifford Williams, a Roadway Express employee and competition judge. Williams, who has manned championship bullpens for a number of years, helps the contestants relieve some of their anxiety by providing the checker board and game pieces. He also brings king-sized bags of bubble gum for the nervous drivers to chomp away their stress.
For the full story, see the Aug. 21 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
