Simon Wins Unprecedented Third Championship

MINNEAPOLIS - Raymond M. Simon of Yellow Freight System was named grand champion of the 2001 American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships, becoming the first driver ever to earn the title three times. He won the same award in 1992 and 1997.

"My goal was never to see how many awards or trophies I could get," Simon said in an emotional acceptance speech on Aug. 25. "My goal is to leave this world and be judged worthy of the next."

The awards banquet capped three days of competition in which 350 of the nation's most skillful truck drivers tested their driving skill and knowledge of truck safety at the Minneapolis Convention Center this week.

In addition to the title of grand champion, nine drivers were recognized as national champions in their respective truck classes. They were:

Straight Truck

aniel T. Poole, The Boeing Company, Washington

Three-Axle

erald W. Cudmore, Yellow Freight System, South Dakota

Four-Axle

aymond M. Simon, Yellow Freight System, Minnesota

Five-Axle

oseph E. Obregon, Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Georgia

Tank Truck

orman Melanson, ExxonMobil Corp., Virginia

Flatbed

ike S. Hanson, Sysco Food Services, Minnesota

Sleeper Berth

icky D. Pledger, Wal-Mart Inc., Texas

Twins

avid G. McDonald, Roadway Express, Kansas

Auto Transporters

teve J. Davey, Hadley Auto Transport, Region 1 (California and Nevada)

The Professional Excellence Award (formerly the Sontheimer Award) went to Joe G. Gonzales of H.E. Butt Grocery Co. in Texas.

Randy Pehrson of Wal-Mart Inc. in Colorado was named Rookie of the Year and Gary L. Ott of Roadway Express in Montana received the Vehicle Condition Award.

The Team Championship Trophy went to the state of Minnesota.

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