Metternick Hones His Trucking Craft for the Enjoyable of It
“I simply wish to have enjoyable, and I wish to cheer on my different drivers which might be on the market,” FedEx Freight driver Ronald Metternick says of the camaraderie at truck driving occasions. (FedEx Corp.)
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Hardly anybody predicted Ronald Metternick’s nationwide 4-axle title victory in 2016. And but the FedEx Freight famous person identified for exuding friendship and goodwill managed to reach on the winner’s podium.
Metternick, this yr’s champion within the 4-axle on the Michigan Truck Driving Championships, is positioning himself for what he expects shall be an exhilarating and treasured weeklong household reunion.
Successful his car class within the Wolverine State on June 9 secured his fifth journey to American Trucking Associations’ Nationwide Truck Driving Championships and Nationwide Step Van Driving Championships, to be held in Columbus, Ohio, on Aug. 16-19.
Whereas the 86th annual “Tremendous Bowl of Security” this month is a aggressive enviornment, for Metternick the discussion board presents a possibility to meet up with colleagues, brush up on his abilities and snicker with longtime associates. If he wins a nationwide title once more, he’ll take it.
The Street to the 2023 Nationwide Truck Driving Championships
State Schedule | NTDC Qualifiers | Map of State Champions | Photograph Gallery
Who: Winners from 9 classes on the state degree who’ve superior to the nationwide competitors, the place a Grand Champion shall be topped
What: Contestants are judged on a written examination, pre-trip inspection and driving abilities
When: Aug. 16-19
The place: Columbus, Ohio
“I simply exit and have enjoyable. I simply wish to have enjoyable, and I wish to cheer on my different drivers which might be on the market — all people to have a very good time,” the skilled driver of greater than 4 many years instructed Transport Subjects not too long ago.
Metternick had extra to say concerning the camaraderie that’s so pervasive at trucking competitions.
“I’ve met individuals from all around the nation, and I’m nonetheless good associates with plenty of [them]. Those you understand, I attempt to keep up with all of them that I can, he continued. “And all of us type of work collectively to assist out the brand new drivers coming into this. And to pay it ahead to them and giving them recommendations on the security and how you can do various things.”
Metternick’s favourite a part of the event is the driving course. That motivates him to include his coaching into his day-to-day routine.
Attending to Know You
Title: Ronald Metternick
Age: 63
Firm: FedEx Freight
Car: 4-axle
Favourite Film: “El Dorado” starring John Wayne
Sports activities Hero: Former Main League Baseball participant Kirk Gibson
What’s the final track you heard: “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
What’s one of the best half about NTDC: “Being there with all of the champions and seeing how the gang will get into it.”
One thing individuals don’t find out about you: “I competed in a stomach flop contest in Mexico.”
All-time favourite trip: Frankenmuth, Mich.
As he put it, “Attempting to maneuver all these totally different challenges at these locations as a result of a few of them are fairly tight. So that you do one of the best you may; simply take your time and be protected about it.”
His coaching philosophy is preserve it enjoyable. And he all the time makes time to get pleasure from a enjoyable coaching outing.
“I just about determine I prepare each day as a result of each time I get behind the wheel — each day is a distinct problem it looks as if,” he stated. “And moreover that, I’m coaching a bit bit after I get again within the yard or within the mornings after I get there.”
And having a very good time with it.
Grand champion: Chad Williams, Outdated Dominion Freight Line
3-Axle: Rudy Gauna, Outdated Dominion Freight Line
5-Axle: Roger Lester, Unbiased
Flatbed: Mark Behr, ABF Freight
Sleeper Berth: Wayne Gootee, Walmart
Step Van: Eric Halchishak, Walmart
Straight Truck: Thomas Truskowski, FedEx Freight
Tank Truck: Daniel Ross, Unbiased
Twins: Chad Williams, Outdated Dominion Freight Line
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