VN spells victory at National Truck Driving Championships

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Once again, the “Superbowl of Trucking” had a clear “truck of champions,” as the Volvo VN was the overwhelming choice of winning drivers at the National Truck Driving Championships in late August. Volvo VNs were driven to first-place finishes in five of the seven categories open to tractors.

The Volvo VN’s domination of NTDC was even more impressive than just first-place trophies, with 15 of the top 21 top-three positions in those categories. In addition, the 2007 National Grand Champion chose a Volvo to drive to victory. NTDC participants are free to choose the truck they will compete with from a number of different brands, even if the truck they choose is not the brand their fleet operates.

“I’ve heard a lot of positive things about Volvo from other drivers and wanted to try using a Volvo truck at nationals,” says Alphonso Lewis, Roadway driver and National Grand Champion of the 2007 National Truck Driving Championships.

“Drivers choose to drive Volvos for good reasons,” says Tony Picarello, executive director of marketing for Volvo Trucks North America. “Even though these are extremely skilled drivers, they know the VN has the superior visibility, maneuverability and driver environment to give them an advantage in this exacting competition. They want to win, so they want a Volvo.”

Volvo’s results for the 2007 NTDC by category are:

  • 3-Axle – Volvo sweep with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place;
  • 4-Axle – 1st and 2nd place;
  • 5-Axle – 2nd and 3rd place;
  • Flatbed – 1st place;
  • Tanker – 2nd and 3rd place;
  • Twin Trailers – Volvo sweep with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; and
  • Sleepers – 1st and 3rd place.
  • “The outstanding qualities that make the VN such a good choice in this competition also make it the first choice of professional drivers out on the road,” Picarello says. “The VN’s design and performance satisfies drivers and delivers increased safety on the road.”