Texarkana native Robin Sams has won first place in his division at the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship for the third time and will be one of nine to represent the state at the national competition for professional truck drivers.
The returning state champion was named grand champion runner-up and won first place in the three-axle division at the 50th anniversary state championship held July 14-15 in Rogers, Ark.
The event is hosted by the Arkansas Trucking Association.
Sams was a FedEx Freight driver for 30 years. Last year, he ranked third in his class at the National Truck Driving Championships.
"Truck drivers are knowledgeable of industry regulations and are experts on what it takes to move Arkansas' freight safely. This competition is our opportunity to recognize and celebrate that knowledge and expertise," said Shannon Newton, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association. "The Arkansas Trucking Championship has existed in some form for 50 years because professional drivers have been dedicated to keeping our highways safe and have been willing to put those safety skills to the test."
The anniversary event attracted more than 800 contestants, judges, friends, family members, colleagues and spectators.
"This year's competition was incredibly challenging, but the drivers were up to the task. The winners should be proud of their display of professionalism and skill," said David O'Neal, ATA's director of safety services.
The national competition will be held in August in Orlando, Fla.
