TR Group has teamed up with the NZ Trucking Association and Road Transport Forum NZ to restart the New Zealand professional truck driving competition.
The New Zealand Truck Driving Championship has had a complete overhaul with a new format and different challenges which mirrors overseas competitions.
The competition will be structured to encourage drivers from all over New Zealand to participate with several ways to enter.
Companies may choose to sponsor their top drivers and fund their trip to Christchurch, larger companies may like to hold their own in-house ‘heats’ in order to select their best drivers, or individuals are welcome to enter themselves and will be encouraged to do so.
Information packs containing details on how to enter will be available to all who are interested in pitting their skills against New Zealand’s most talented transport professionals.
Participants are encouraged to enter as early as possible as entries are limited.
The competition will run alongside the 2020 TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show that is being at the Canterbury Agricultural Park, Christchurch from March 20 to 21.
It will include grandstands and commentary, which will provide a great public spectacle and showcase of professional driving skills. The event is expected to attract large visitor numbers by running alongside New Zealand’s largest truck show.
The Teletrac Navman Industry Show Dinner on the Saturday night will be used to hold the Driving Competition Awards Ceremony. The competition has been designed to celebrate and test all levels and types of driving, from Class 2 right through to Class 5.
The TR Group Truck Driving Championship categories are:
- Class 5 – Truck and Trailer Driver of the Year.
- Class 5 – Semi Driver of the Year.
- Class 2 – Driver of the Year.
Selected from these competitors will be the Supreme Champion Truck Driver of the Year 2020.
There will also be special recognition for Up and Coming Young Driver and Women Driver of the Year.
2018 Championship winners will be eligible to defend their titles with automatic entry into the finals on Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Competitors can only compete in one category. Three competition courses will run simultaneously, so that the audience can follow the progress of each category from the grandstands.
Once the competitors have completed their part, they have the luxury of enjoying all the 2020 TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show has to offer.
New Zealand Trucking Association Dave Boyce says the competition is about celebrating trained and professional truck drivers.
“So, it’s time to showcase the skill that New Zealand truck drivers have and there is no better way than to have them compete against each other at a premium event to reward the best truck drivers.
“Holding the competition at the TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show makes sense, It gives the competitors something to do while they are not competing and it’s an opportunity to involve the public and inspire the next generation to choose trucking as a career,” he says.
TR Group managing director Andrew Carpenter says his company is “delighted” to continue its four-year sponsorship of the NZ Truck Driving Championship.
“Inspiring the next generation of drivers and celebrating all that is great about our industry is exactly what we had in mind when the competition was re-launched in 2015 and we look forward to seeing an exciting competition that draws the crowds in Christchurch next March at the TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show,” he says.
The competition comes with a huge prize pool for the winners and runner ups. Each winner of the three driving categories will receive a prize pack valued at $5,000.
Winner Prize Packs Include:
- $2,500 cash.
- Trip for two to the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show, including airfares, three nights’ accommodation and entry tickets.
- Goodie Bag that includes vouchers and products.
Runner up Prize Packs Include:
- $1,000 cash.
*Go to truckingindustryshow.co.nz for registration and information.
