Ina Daly Back to Defend Arizona Truck Driving Championships Title
The Arizona Trucking Association is gearing up for a scorcher of a competition this year at its state truck driving championships April 13 in Tempe. This year, 177 competitors will vie for the Grand Champion title.
The field includes 64 rookies.
“All competitors should be looking out for the rookies that are hungry for a win,” said ATDC Chairman Sean Williams, CEO of Southwest Truck Driver Training Inc.
2018 state Grand Champion Ina Daly will return to defend her title, this time competing in the 5-Axle division. Last year, Daly competed in the Tank Truck division and in 2013 made history as the first woman to win a division title at the National Truck Driving Championships.
Road to NTDC
Watch for our state-by-state 2019 Road to NTDC coverage coming in late April. Look back at 2018's coverage here.
Other drivers to watch include former national division champion Eric Ramsdell of Walmart Supply Chain, 2017 Arizona Grand Champion Steve Smalley of ABF Freight System, and 14-time first-place class winner and three-time Arizona Grand Champion Charlie Woodland of FedEx Freight.
Many contestants have been attending for several years, creating competition and friendships.
“I am most excited about watching camaraderie between drivers as well as seeing all the efforts the industry commits to the TDC to make it possible,” Williams said.
2019 SCHEDULE: State-by-state list.
This year, almost as many volunteers as competitors are expected.
“The sponsorships we get from our carrier and allied members is fantastic,” he said. “This event would not be possible without everyone’s support.”
Look for competition results April 15.
