Some of the nation’s top truck drivers are headed to Indianapolis to compete in the 79th Annual National Truck Driving Championships, which opens today, Aug. 10, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 13.
The competition is hosted by the American Trucking Associations.
More than 430 truckers from all 50 states will compete in the championships. Collectively, they’ve driven over 630 million accident-free miles. The competition includes a pre-trip inspection, written examination and a driving course which challenges drivers with obstacles and tight turns.
“Safety is our industry’s calling card and these men and women are leaders in their field,” said ATA Chairman Pat Thomas, who is the senior vice president of state government affairs for UPS. “Watching these professional drivers compete and strive for excellence is an impressive sight, and one that gives me confidence that our safety focus reaches all parts of the country and all sectors of the industry.”
Drivers will compete in one of eight different categories, according to ATA. One driver will be named the 2016 Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion. There will also be awards for each vehicle class and for the top state delegation.
