A TRUCK driver has been crowned the Bendix Grand Champion after showing off his driving accuracy and knowledge of truck safety.
The United Parcel Service awarded James Gragg Wilson the title of Bendix Grand Champion at the 2023 National Truck Driving Championship.
Wilson was handed a trophy and the coveted title earlier this month at a ceremony in Columbus, Ohio.
“Gragg delivered a flawless performance to take home our industry’s top prize and earn the title of Grand Champion,” said Chris Spear, ATA President and CEO, in a news release.
“This accomplishment epitomizes his entire career, with 37 years and more than 2.5million miles of accident-free driving.”
This title was not an easy one to come by, though.
Videos from the event show how truck drivers had to maneuver their large vehicles with great accuracy as they were scored by judges.
Gragg’s overall score was compared to 418 other championship nominees.
There were contestants from 49 different states with a combined 643million accident-free miles between them all.
“All of the professional drivers who competed this week are phenomenal ambassadors for our industry,” said Spear.
“They are shining examples of highway safety, and their commitment to excellence makes us proud.”
“Congratulations to Grand Champion Gragg and the rest of the 2023 champions.
“These drivers devote an enormous amount of time preparing for this competition, and the awards reflect the extraordinary dedication and commitment to safety that they bring to their jobs every day,” said Chairman of ATA and President and COO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Dan Van Alstine.
“I would also like to thank the staff and volunteers for organizing this week’s event. Their efforts were instrumental to once again making NTDC a big success.”
Wilson, though, is no stranger to safe driving – he’s won the Nevada State Championship 13 times in six different classes, and the Grand Championship five times.
In 2019, he won the Driver of the Year award for the state of Nevada.
The National Truck Driving Championship events started way back in 1937 to encourage American truck drivers to prioritize in take pride in safe driving.
Since then, the championship has become known as the “Super Bowl of Safety.”
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