King of Kentucky Truckers: Willinger Bound for NTDC Again
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The overwhelming memory of John Willinger’s time at the Kentucky Truck Driving Championships this year is of focus and persistence.
The decorated commercial driver with FedEx Freight performed brilliantly in the Bluegrass State’s precision driving tournament May 19-20 in Sparta. His state-level grand champion showing in the 4-axle class ensured him another trip to this summer’s National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships.
FedEx ranks No. 2 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America.
The state tournament consistently challenges his skills and safety acumen. Of course, one aspect of the event typically stands out. “The driving course is my favorite part. That’s what I seem to excel in over the written test or the pre-trip,” he said.
Getting to Know You
Name: John Willinger
Age: 59
Company: FedEx Freight
Vehicle: 4-axle
Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump
Last Song You Heard: Something by AC/DC
Favorite Sport: College football
All-Time Favorite Vacation: Niagara Falls
What Do You Say to Yourself Before Driving at NTDC: “I can do this.”
Something People Don’t Know About You: I have a twin brother.
A typical trucking tournament consists of an obstacle course, a pre-trip vehicle inspection and an examination of rules and regulations. Top performers in the nine vehicle classes qualify for nationals.
Willinger will be making his 13th trip to American Trucking Associations' “Super Bowl of Safety.” Preparing for nationals, which will be held in Columbus, Ohio, in mid-August, is an everyday affair for 2017’s Kentucky Driver of the Year.
“Honestly, I think I’ve got maybe a hand up on some of the other folks there because I’m a city driver,” he explained. “I get in tight spots all the time. You got to back it up, you know, in crazy places, and it’s not always a straight back. You sometimes got to wiggle your trailer around to get in nice tight places.”
For Willinger, embarking on the annual trip to the national event is an opportunity to embrace safety alongside peers as well as showcase his talents. To continue to qualify year after year requires a great deal of motivation.
“I would say probably there is a little bit of dedication involved with it,” he said. “You can’t just normally show up and hope for the best. That usually doesn’t work out very well for drivers to do that; you got to put a little bit into it.
The Road to the 2023 National Truck Driving Championships
State Schedule | NTDC Qualifiers | Map of State Champions | Photo Gallery
Who: Winners from nine categories at the state level who have advanced to the national competition, where a Grand Champion will be crowned
What: Contestants are judged on a written exam, pre-trip inspection and driving skills
When: Aug. 16-19
Where: Columbus, Ohio
“So months leading up to the competition we do voluntarily go into our facility, and we have our own course that we set up and we practice probably for two, two-and-a-half months before our competition.”
Ultimately, competing at nationals is about camaraderie for Willinger. Time spent with colleagues is a cherished experience.
"I’ve met a lot of really good friends over the years doing this,” he said. “I know people all over the United States, you know, that I wouldn’t have had the chance to know them had I not been involved in truck driving competitions.”
3-Axle: Jim Niswander, UPS
5-Axle: Norman Penn, Walmart
Flatbed: Ernest Wagers Jr., Old Dominion Freight Line
Sleeper Berth: Jerry Wrinkle, Walmart
Step Van: Peter Dreisbach Jr., UPS
Straight Truck: James McNulty III, FedEx Express
Tank Truck: Rodney Hill, Walmart
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