2010 North Carolina Truck Driving Champion

David Turnipseed, of Kernersville, was named the best professional truck driver in North Carolina after winning the three axle competition and receiving the highest overall score in the nine competing categories at the 2010 North Carolina Truck Driving Championships. The annual event is sponsored by the North Carolina Trucking Association.

Turnipseed, who drives for Con-way Freight, now qualifies to compete in the American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships August 3-7, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio — also known as the "Super Bowl of Safety." The winners from each of the eight other categories are also eligible to compete in the national championship.

Nearly 400 drivers from all 50 states will compete in Columbus for four days, challenging their driving skills, and knowledge of safety, equipment and the industry. From 18-wheeler five axle sleepers to tank trucks to twin trailers—they will drive a course that recreates situations truck drivers face daily. These maneuvers may include: an alley dock, a rear line stop, a side park, a scale stop, a right turn, a front line stop, and straight line driving through a diminishing clearance.

On Saturday night, August 7, one contestant will drive away as the 2010 National Grand Champion Truck Driver.

"The Truck Driving Championships represent the culmination of the industry's dedication to safety," said North Carolina Trucking Association President Crystal Collins. "I congratulate all the contestants and I hope North Carolina cheers for our drivers as they move on to Nationals in Columbus."

North Carolina participants at National for each category include:

Robert Crowder, Wilson Trucking, Eden, N.C. (Straight Truck)

David Turnipseed, Con-way Freight, Kernersville, N.C. (Three-Axle)

Jeff Whitaker, USF Holland, Belmont, N.C. (Four-Axle)

James Nichols, USF Holland, Greensboro, N.C. (Five-Axle)

Bobby Johnson, UPS Freight Truckload, Mooresville, N.C. (Five-Axle Sleeper)

Neil Morgan, FedEx Express, Walnut Cove, N.C. (Tankers)

Cecil Hicks, FedEx Freight, Norwood, N.C. (Flatbed)

Andy Heffner, FedEx Express, Greensboro, N.C. (Twins)

David Williams, Con-way Freight, Durham, N.C. (Step Van)