ARTICLES:
Top-ranked truck drivers from across the country converged on Calgary to put their driving skills to the ultimate test at the National Professional Truck Driving Championships (Sept. 8-11) hosted by the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA).
A total of 34 of Canada's top truck drivers participated in the competition that saw drivers compete in five vehicle classes – from straight truck to B-train, and vie for points in eight skill-testing challenges. Team Alberta won third place, Team Ontario won the team trophy, and Quebec driver Claude Tessier of Groupe Robert, was crowned Grand Champion and Rookie of the Year.
The event featured the winners from the provincial championships, which made up seven teams: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces. Competitors participate in two-days of rigorous competition, which includes a written exam, truck inspection, and a series of precision driving manoeuvres.
Taking first place in the Straight Truck class was Stewart Jutzi of Erb Transport, representing Team Ontario. The Alberta team did the host province proud with a first place finish by Rod Harrison of Canadian Freightways in the Tandem Tandem class.
Evan Hurst of Canadian Freightways took the top spot in the Single Single category, representing BC.
The most decorated driver of the day was Claude Tessier of Groupe Robert in Quebec, who, in addition to besting the bunch in the Single Tandem class, also earned Rookie of the Year and Grand Champion honours.
Taking top honours in the B Train category was yet another driver with Canadian Freightways, Adam Besse, representing British Columbia.
The team results saw Ontario taking first place, BC in second, and Alberta rounding out the group in third.
