OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Aug. 08, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nineteen professional YRC Freight drivers have qualified to compete at the 2017 National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) in Orlando, FL. The event will be held August 9-12 at the Orange County Convention Center. These 19 YRC Freight professionals will go up against more than 400 of the nation’s most elite professional drivers in a variety of challenges and competitions.
To qualify for the NTDC, drivers must first take top honors by class in their respective state competitions, maintain continuous employment with a motor carrier fleet for a period of at least one year, and remain accident-free, regardless of fault, for one year prior to NTDC.
The competition consists of a driver skills challenge, pre-trip inspection, and a written exam on subjects such as laws, regulations and vehicle maintenance. Winners are determined based on overall scores at the close of competition. First, second, and third place finishers will be named for each class, plus a Grand Champion--the competitor with the highest overall score across all classes--will be named.
“The National Truck Driving Championships is an incredibly prestigious event,” said Darren Hawkins, president of YRC Freight. “Simply qualifying for the competition is a first-class accomplishment in itself. We are very proud of these 19 professional drivers who are top in their state. Through hard work and a committed focus on safety, they have established themselves as 19 of the very best drivers in the industry. We wish them all the best of luck in August, and thank them for their continued dedication to excellence.”
Champion | State | Class | |||
Mark Stevenson | LA | 4-Axle | |||
Willie Johnson | AZ | 3-Axle | |||
Michael McAfee | NM | Sleeper | |||
Dave Murphy | ID | 3-Axle | |||
Richard Thatcher | OH | 3-Axle | |||
Jeff Medford | OH | 5-Axle | |||
Jeff Rose | OH | Twins | |||
Wade Wageman | SD | Twins | |||
Mike Buck | OK | Sleeper | |||
Blake Johnson | OK | Flatbed | |||
Randall Briggs | UT | 4-Axle | |||
Neil Nogeus* | NH | 4-Axle | |||
Ricardo Molina | TX | Straight | |||
Tim McNamee* | MN | 5-Axle | |||
Jerry Kraetsch | MN | Flatbed | |||
Bruce Quaal* | MN | 4-Axle | |||
Walter Schmitz | IL | Straight | |||
Melvin Andrews | AR | Straight | |||
Kris Knalson | CA | 4-Axle |
* Neil Nogeus and Bruce Quaal were Grand Champion winners in their state competitions. Tim McNamee won the Pre-Trip, Professional Excellence award.
About YRC Freight
YRC Freight, a leading transporter of industrial, commercial, and retail goods, specializes in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping solutions for businesses. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, YRC Freight provides comprehensive North American coverage and offers a broad portfolio of LTL services to bring flexibility and reliability to customers' supply chains. For more information, visit yrcfreight.com. YRC Freight is a subsidiary of YRC Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ:YRCW).
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