Wisconsin Truck Driving Championships Promise Family Fun

XPO Logistics' Jeff Langenhahn was last year's Wisconsin Grand Champion, but will not compete this year. (TT file photo)

Last year’s Wisconsin Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion win by XPO Logistics’ Jeff Langenhahn was said to be a “family affair” due to his dedicated practice time with his wife and children. This year, the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association is taking the role that family plays in drivers’ success to heart with the addition of a Family Fun Zone.

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Duane Staveness, last year's National Truck Driving Championships 5-Axle division winner, will participate in the Wisconsin championships. (TT file photo)

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The zone will feature activities including a bounce house, an obstacle course, a coloring contest, cornhole, other games and refreshments from the Knotted Cone Gelatto Co. A police officer will be on the premises with his cruiser to interact with children and their families.

Kim Conradt, WMCA safety programs coordinator, said it is always fun to hear children cheer on their parents, grandparents or other family members or friends who are competing on the course, and the association wanted to provide activities for children to engage in throughout the day as well. “There’s something for everyone,” Conradt said.

While Langenhahn will not compete in this year’s state competition, Duane Staveness, last year’s National Truck Driving Championships 5-Axle division winner, will be taking to the course. Staveness, a driver for FedEx Freight, qualified for nationals after taking home top marks in the state’s 5-Axle division. He will be competing in the 5-Axle division again this year.

Eighty-seven drivers are signed up to compete at the event, which will be held May 17-18 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton.

“It’s a really fun way for our whole association to get together and celebrate the trucking industry,” Conradt said.