The state's top truck drivers are in Eau Claire, vying for the title of state champion in terms of safety and skill.

For the 70th year, Wisconsin's top truck drivers are competing against their colleagues and peers for the state title, while promoting safety on the state's roads.

Ninety of the state's truck drivers with the safest driving records over the past year are taking to the course in Eau Claire.

"This is the best of the best represented here today," said event chairman Matthew Kromrie.

The competitors represent 30 different companies, driving every type of truck, from sleeper class to straight trucks.

they first show off their skills in a written test and pretrip inspection.
"We've gone through the trucks and have put in or taken the lugnuts off, flat tires and what not, they have to go through and find these defects," Kromrie said.

Everything is timed and tallied on a score sheet for a reason.

Since many drivers don't use the same truck everyday, they say it's crucial to inspect the vehicles constantly and know how to recognize if something is wrong.

"This whole thing is set up to promote safety and let the general public know the trucking industry is trying hard to keep things safe," said Walmart driver Tim Hagen. "So when you're out there on the road it takes a little of the fear away from running next to a big truck."

Once drivers pass the inspection, it's off to the obstacle course.

The round track is designed to test drivers' skills with eight different obstacles, like manuevering through a narrow space, backing into a tight spot and driving close to an object without hitting it.

"You have to maintain a degree of calm, you have to keep your head about you," said Conway Freight driver Daniel Leslie. "Just like driving in the city or interstate."

Drivers say the competition at the obstacle course is especially fierce.

For Leslie, it's also a chance to learn.

"I talk to the other drivers at the championships," Leslie said. "Through the exchange of ideas and techniques of driving, I believe it translates to a safe environment for the whole trucking industry and the civilian drivers."

Winners in each driving class will get trophies at the end of the competition.

The grand champion will receive a savings bond and will advance to the national competition later this summer in Minneapolis.