Temuka truckie Johnny Baxter is finally home after claiming top prize in the on road section at Volvo Trucks’ Fuel Watch Challenge in Gothenburg, Sweden
He represented New Zealand after winning the national heat in Fielding earlier this year.
Competitors from around the world took part in the challenge, trying to return the best-possible fuel economy figures during 12.5-minute stints on a race track.
The youngest competitor at 27, Baxter was entered by his employer Temuka Transport, and admits that he was surprised to have won.
“The goal was to get in the top three with Australia,” he told the Timaru Herald.
“It was such a big surprise to win. I just thought I’d see how I go and try to pick up some good tips. It was a learning curve for me.”
His light-footed approach saw him record a whopping 10% less fuel use than the runner up – possibly due to him being tech-savvy, he says.
“There’s so much technology in the trucks and being young and tech savvy I picked it up quicker than some.”
