The overall top driver at the four-day event – to be held this year Aug. 10-13, 2016, in Indianapolis, Ind. – receives the Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion Award. The company says it sponsors the award as part of its ongoing commitment to highway safety and support of the men and women whose skills and habits help make America’s roads safer.
“Every single day, there are millions of commercial vehicle drivers on our highways demonstrating the professionalism and dedication that’s so important to everyone’s safe travels,” says Fred Andersky, Bendix director of government and industry affairs. “The NTDC is the industry’s premier stage for honoring America’s safe drivers, and Bendix – where safety is always the top priority – welcomes the chance to support and take part. At every level, these drivers deserve our recognition and thanks for sharing our commitment to highway safety, and we extend wishes of good luck to all the 2016 contestants.”
Inside the Indiana Convention Center, drivers’ expertise will be tested through a written exam, a pre-trip inspection test, and a skills-based competition course. Drivers must demonstrate extensive knowledge of safety, equipment, and the industry, and put their driving abilities to the test on a course that challenges them to drive, reverse, park, and position their vehicles with precision. Challenges include scales, barriers, and curves, offering the chance for drivers to showcase their abilities in handling their trucks, judging distances, and maneuvering through tight spots.
More than 430 drivers are expected to compete in the 2016 championship event, supported by friends, family members, colleagues, and spectators, Bendix says.
