Arkansas sent nine drivers representing five different carriers to compete at the 2017 National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) in Orlando, Aug. 9-12.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) sponsors the annual championships, known as the “Super Bowl of Safety,” to recognize industry leadership in safety and to promote professionalism among truck drivers.
This year, more than 420 drivers from all 50 states competed in nine competition classes in Orlando after qualifying in their state championships.
FedEx Express driver Roland Bolduc from East Longmeadow, Mass. won the Bendix 2017 Grand Champion title on Aug. 12 after competing in the Sleeper Berth class.
Placing fifth in the Sleeper Berth class was Arkansas driver Gary Mars. from Fayetteville, Ark.
An Arkansas Road Team captain, this was Mars’ third time to compete at the national competition, and in 2014, he placed 7th overall in the 5-axle class. Mars has been with Walmart Transportation for 14 years and has served the industry for 26 years.
