Truck Drivers Tackle Intricate Course
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
INDIANAPOLIS — The National Trucking Driving Championships, often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Safety,” is best known for its customary vehicle challenges. On the tournament’s second day of competition, a cadre of competitors arrived early to Indiana Convention Center to maneuver around an intricate yet well-meaning course.
The iconoclastic rubber duckies were strategically positioned for the opportunity to not getting squashed by drivers who must avoid contact with them while navigating the course.
Hundreds of women and men were tested on precision-driving skills as well as on their capacity to run commercial vehicles during this high-pressure event. The search for the tournament’s best of the best is officially underway.
Two rookie drivers cherished the moment soon after stepping off their step vans. The experience, they said, captured their imaginations.
2024 National Truck Driving Championships
Who: Winners from nine categories at the state level who have advanced to the national competition, where a Grand Champion will be crowned
What: Contestants are judged on a written exam, pre-trip inspection and driving skills
When: Aug. 21-24
Where: Indianapolis
“My heart is, like, beating really fast; like the excitement of it all. I didn’t realize the amount of people that were involved in this, like how big it is. And, it’s just exciting to be here,” Salena Ashbreck with FedEx from South Carolina told Transport Topics on Aug. 22.
“There’s a few challenging obstacles in there. Most of it is just honing in the skills that we work on every day as daily drivers,” observed Matt Gurley from Oklahoma also representing FedEx. “So, it’s a pretty unique experience to come out here and do it indoors, though most of the time we’re outside. So it’s pretty cool.”
I didn’t realize the amount of people that were involved in this, like how big it is.
Salena Ashbreck, FedEx
Image
Maine’s Austin Vanavery with CN Brown Co. also was competing in his first nationals. He drove the 5-axle. The rookie experience did not disappoint.
“It’s great. I like seeing everybody work together and compete and encourage each other. It’s good, helping each other out,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Day 2 of the National Truck Driving & Step Van Driving Championships brought high energy and impressive skills on display! As the competition heats up, stay tuned for more thrilling action. Best of luck to all the drivers taking the stage tomorrow! #NTDC24… pic.twitter.com/MDONswe6Ab — American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) August 22, 2024
Last year, Connecticut captured team gold, a first for drivers from the Constitution State. A. Duie Pyle’s James Dixon is newly on board this year with Team Connecticut. He competed in the sleeper berth class on his second trip to the national stage.
Most of it is just honing in the skills that we work on every day as daily drivers.
Matt Gurley, FedEx
Image
“I’m excited to be here,” Dixon said soon after his first-round drive. “It’s awesome. It’s so good to be back here, to get another shot at this. That’s all you can ask for — to get a shot. [It’s] such an awesome event, really, really nice. I love being here.”
Dixon stopped short of saying Connecticut would repeat in the NTDC team category. He did, however, explain driving in New England is an ideal preparation for the summer classic.
I like seeing everybody work together and compete and encourage each other.
Austin Vanavery, CN Brown Co.
Image
Drivers will continue to tackle the intricate course at the 87th annual National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships on Aug. 23. The top five scorers on the course, a pre-trip vehicle inspection and an exam of industry regulations advance to the final round Aug. 24. The top three scorers across the nine vehicle classes after the finals will be recognized with trophies. A blue ribbon will be presented to the driver who earns the grand champion distinction.
These two toy rubber ducks literally felt the pressure of serving as course markers during the driving portion of NTDC 2024 at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info:
