Wide Open Competition Expected at Minnesota Truck Driving Championships

Drivers take the written test at the 2018 Minnesota Truck Driving Championships. (TT file photo)

Expect some fresh faces at the Minnesota Truck Driving Championships, taking place June 8-9 at Rihm Kenworth in Coon Rapids, a northern suburb of Minneapolis.

Last year’s Grand Champion, Tim McNamee, who won the title out of the 5-Axle division for YRC Freight, has moved to Florida and won’t compete, according to Kristi Shepherd, a Minnesota Trucking Association representative.

McNamee

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Additionally, the rookie class is large.

“We have 31 rookies this year and several new competing companies,” she said. In all, the event will boast about 96 drivers and more than 70 volunteers.

The state championships will highlight the skills and abilities of drivers over three categories: pre-trip inspection, written exam and skills/driving obstacle.

As always, safety is the one of the biggest points of emphasis.

“[Safety] is very important and a central and key message,” Shepherd said.