David Fountain Finds Connections, Camaraderie at NTDC
“I begin the time without work with a prayer within the truck, and I’m going on my approach. It helps me placed on a fantastic mind set,” says South Carolina 3-axle winner and grand champion David Fountain. (FedEx Corp.)
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Ask the typical precision driving competitor who took house the first-place trophy in a sure car class, or which group received the state class a few years in the past, and also you’ll in all probability get a clean stare in return.
But, each one in all them would agree on the worth of American Trucking Associations’ Nationwide Truck Driving Championships and Nationwide Step Van Driving Championships.
The precision driving match, established in 1937, is a celebration of security in addition to a venue for creating friendships.
The Street to the 2023 Nationwide Truck Driving Championships
NTDC Qualifiers | State Picture Gallery | Map of State Champions
Who: Winners from 9 classes on the state stage who’ve superior to the nationwide competitors, the place a Grand Champion can be topped
What: Contestants are judged on a written examination, pre-trip inspection and driving abilities
When: Aug. 16-19
The place: Columbus, Ohio
For FedEx Specific’ David Fountain, connecting with fellow drivers is the true essence of what’s generally known as the “Tremendous Bowl of Security.”
Fountain, winner of the South Carolina Truck Driving Championships on April 28, will compete within the 3-axle division.
An affinity for NTDC’s household reunion-esque discussion board motivates the Palmetto State’s grand champion to maintain on qualifying. This week will mark his eighth journey to the summer season traditional. NTDC kicks off Aug. 16, and winners can be introduced throughout an awards gala Aug. 19.
Though Fountain is appreciative of the occasion’s aggressive nature, he retains his give attention to his love for the occasion.
Attending to Know You
Identify: David Fountain
Age: 52
Firm: FedEx Specific
Car: 3-axle
Favourite meals: Gumbo
Final film you watched: “Most Overdrive”
Sports activities Hero: MLB Corridor of Famer Reggie Jackson
Why do you compete at NTDC: “It’s thrilling. I’m pleased with it. I’m pleased with my security file. I’m proud to even be representing the state.”
All-time favourite trip: Alaska
One thing individuals don’t learn about you: “I miss maple sugaring. I used to try this up in Vermont and New York state.”
“It’s nice sportsmanship, I assume you might say, , trucking sportsmanship. It’s only a nice occasion,” he lately informed Transport Matters. At nationals, his spouse, Jennifer, is commonly by his facet.
“We met lifetime mates at this occasion,” Fountain mentioned. It’s a fantastic reunion. Simply to be eligible for this competitors, clearly… you bought to be a secure driver. And that’s what I attempt to do all 12 months lengthy. And it’s an honor to be on the occasion.”
Main as much as NTDC, Fountain integrated his coaching on the weekends and earlier than or after work. The target was “simply attempting to place myself in the appropriate mind set.”
Tackling the “Information for Drivers” guidebook, the premise for the match’s written examination, has been an unvarying routine.
“It’s all the time an excellent learn,” he mentioned. “I’ve been attempting to actually crunch — attempting to memorize the important thing factors of that.”
Finally, competing at nationals stays a thrill.
“I all the time have a good time on the occasion. It’s an enormous adrenaline rush,” Fountain mentioned.
“And, , I assume what I all the time do is, I imply, I do that day-after-day. I say a prayer. I begin the time without work with a prayer within the truck, and I’m going on my approach,” he added. “It helps me placed on a fantastic mind set.”
Different South Carolina winners:
4-Axle: Kenneth Smith, Previous Dominion Freight Line
5-Axle: J.B. Quarles, Walmart
Flatbed: James Prepare dinner, TCW
Sleeper Berth: Richard McCoy, ADUSA-Meals Lion
Step Van: A’rabb Thompson, FedEx Floor
Straight Truck: Dubby Freeman, FedEx Floor
Tank Truck: Bennie Yearty, TCW
Twins: Blake Taylor, Previous Dominion Freight Line
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