Joseph Brent Shull Set to Defend Kentucky Title Against Vets and Rookies
The Kentucky Trucking Association will host its Truck Driving Championships on May 17-18 at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta.
UPS’ Joseph Brent Shull, the defending Grand Champion, will compete in the Twin trailer class after winning in the Sleeper Berth class in 2018.
Other drivers to watch include Richard Crowder, America’s Road Team captain, and 2019 America’s Road Team finalist Dale Brenaman, who also is a KTA Road Team captain.
America’s Road Team is a program of American Trucking Associations.
KENTUCKY ARCHIVE PAGE: Previews, recaps and more
The 2019 National Truck Driving Championships
Qualifiers | Map | Photos | Video
Who: Winners from nine categories at the state level have advanced to the national competition, where a Grand Champion will be crowned
What: Contestants are judged on a written examination and their driving skills
When: Aug. 14-17
Where: Pittsburgh
David Proctor, John Higgs, Doug Slagle and Wayne Walker, who all are KTA Road Team captains and veteran drivers, will compete as well. Additionally, the KTDC will see one of its biggest rookie classes compete in this year’s event.
As of May 3, 120 drivers are registered, and the event will have about 60 volunteers.
The state championships will highlight the skills and abilities of drivers over three categories: pre-trip inspection, written exam and skills/driving obstacle.
“The TDC is an event that we truly enjoy; it is an excellent opportunity to recognize the professional drivers and their complete dedication to safety throughout the year,” said Melissa Zink, director of communications for KTA. “We have an excellent group of drivers and companies that participate. The TDC is an amazing tool for the companies, when they have drivers that compete and come back to their local terminals and talk to other drivers about the event. It encourages all drivers to have a higher level of commitment [to] safety and qualify for the competition the following year.”
