The American Trucking Associations’ 2006 National Truck Driving Championships will be held Aug. 15-19 in New Orleans’ Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Almost 400 top professional truck drivers will visit the city for the annual competition. The “Big Easy,” still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, last hosted the championships in 2000.
“The trucking industry and our professional drivers were first on the scene when Louisiana needed emergency help,” says Bill Graves, ATA president and chief executive officer. “We’re still there helping with recovery and rebuilding. The affirmation of our plans to hold the championships in New Orleans is another strong indication that our industry is committed to doing its part to rebuild the hurricane-damaged parts of the southeastern U.S.”
NTDC contestants will be the state champions (in eight truck classes) from all 50 states. In their respective classes – from 18-wheeled five-axle sleepers to tank trucks to twin trailers to straight trucks and more – they will compete in New Orleans for four days, challenging their driving skills and safety, equipment and industry knowledge.
“Our New Orleans competition will be a great showplace to not only demonstrate their safe driving skills, but also that truckers will help when needed – anytime, anywhere,” says Michael Baker of Louisville, Ky.-based Usher Transport and chair of the 2006 National Truck Driving Championships Committee. “We think the city is ready for us.”
The National Grand Champion Truck Driver, individual class champions in each class and state champion team will be crowned Aug. 19.
