Akron, OH--Ten additional Roadway professional drivers placed first in their respective classes at state truck driving competitions this past weekend. To date, a total of 27 Roadway professional drivers have qualified for the National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC).
Ben Wilds of Portland, OR won in the Straight Truck class; Vic Wheeler of Salt Lake City, UT won in the 3-Axle class for the second year in a row; George West of Chicago, IL won in the Twins class; Ron VanBibber of Salt Lake City, UT won the Tanker class; Lynn Springer of Portland, OR won the Flatbed class; Richard Seigle of Chicago, IL won the 5-Axle class; Julian Scott of Chicago, IL won the Sleeper class; Fernando Noel of Worchester, MA won the Straight Truck class; Hassel Whyman of Milwaukee, WI won the Tanker class; and Richard Beukelman of Portland, OR won in the Tanker class.
These wins qualify each of these state champions for the 71th Annual National Truck Driving Championships in Houston, TX on August 18-23, 2008.
Ron VanBibber has been with Roadway for over 23 years. Ron was the state champion in the 4-Axle class in 2005 and 2006; and the state champion in the Tanker class in 2007 and 2008. He is a Smith System(R) instructor, hazmat instructor, triples trainer, and Close Quarters instructor.
Lynn Springer also returns this year to the National Truck Driving Championships. Lynn earned the state championship in the Tanker class in 2006 and 2007. He has worked for Roadway for over 25 years with 31 years in the industry. When asked why he participated in the National Truck Driving Championships, Lynn replied: "To compete against the best and sharpen my skills."
Vic Wheeler joins the National Truck Driving Championships for the second year in a row as the 3-Axle class state champion. He has been a professional driver for 21 years and has driven for Roadway the last three.
Richard Seigle returns to the National Truck Driving Championships again this year. He earned the state championship in the 5-Axle class in 2006 and the state championship in the 3-Axle class in 2002. He has driven for Roadway for over 24 years with 30 years in the industry. When asked why he participated in the National Truck Driving Championships, Richard replied: "I participate in the Truck Driving Championships because it's an ongoing test of the skills and knowledge that will make me a better professional truck driver."
To participate in state-level competitions, each driver must be accident-free for the 12 months leading up to the event. The state competitions include challenging skills and maneuvering tests on a driving course, a pre-trip inspection, and a written exam on vehicle operation and federal safety regulations.
These state level champions will compete at the National Truck Driving Championships event August 18-23 at the George R. Brown Convention Center Houston. Approximately 400 drivers from around the country will vie for national titles in their respective vehicle classes. The American Trucking Associations sponsors the event.
Get more details on the National Truck Driving Championships and this elite group of Roadway drivers.
