Grand Champion Makes Return Appearance in Winner's Circle

TAMPA, Fla. - Marty Lawson believed the “rodeo gods” were on his side as he repeated as grand champion of the National Truck Driving Championships — the first time anyone has won the top prize in consecutive years.

But after his performance in the semifinals, Lawson had doubts that he would make it to the final round.

“I’ve done better, but I’ve done worse,” he said after his run through the six test stops. “I think I have a chance to make the finals — but who knows?”

As it happened, Lawson made the finals after wheeling his Mack truck through such tricky problems as parallel parking and backing to a loading dock. His performance drew cheers from a crowd heavily laced with partisans of the big fleets represented at the tournament by the likes of Con-Way Transportation Services, Roadway Express and Viking Freight.

A combination of good scores, good driving and a possible pinch of divine intervention enabled Lawson to win a second grand championship at the 1999 NTDC competition, held Aug. 18 to 21 at the Tampa Convention Center. He took home the top honor this year for his performance in the sleeper berth class, following his 1998 title win in the twins division.

Drivers have twice before repeated as grand champion in the 62-year history of the tournament, but not in back-to-back years. Richard Gillespie of Blaine, Minn., won in the twins class in 1988 and in the tank class in 1991. Raymond M. Simon, with Yellow Freight System in Minnesota, won in 1992 and 1997 in the four-axle class.

“The rodeo gods must have been smiling,” joked Lawson as he posed for pictures along with the eight other national champions.

For the full story, see the August 30 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.