Lynden Transport and Alaska West Express drivers took the top three spots in the Alaska Trucking Association’s 13th Annual Truck Driving Championship in Anchorage in May of this year. Alaska West Express Driver Brian Ambrose earned first place overall followed by Steve Daugherty and Russ Cox of Lynden Transport. All three drivers are eligible to compete in the national competition in Minneapolis.
“We cleaned up,” says Richard Hennigan, Lynden Transport Health and Safety Supervisor. “We are proud of all 11 Lynden drivers who participated.” Drivers are required to complete an obstacle course, a written exam and perform a pre-trip inspection as part of the competition. In addition to taking the top three overall trophies, drivers placed in the following categories: Brian, first place, sleeper truck; Russ, first place, and Brian Aszmus (Lynden Transport) third place, 5-axle van; Steve, first place, 3-axle; and Jack Sorensen (Lynden Transport), second place, flatbed.
“I was on my game this year,” Brian says of his win. “I did better on the driving course than I ever have.” With 12 years of driving in Alaska and a previous trip to nationals in 2010, he says he knows what to expect in August. “It’s a huge step up from the state competition. I will be studying and practicing to prepare between now and then. I set a very high standard for myself.”
In addition to Brian’s first-place finish, one of the highlights of the day was Alaska West Express Driver Kenny Seipel winning the Old Geezer Award in Lynden’s original tractor-trailer Old No. 27. “He strong-armed the old girl to 180 points which was amazing,” says Scott Hicks, Vice President of Operations at Alaska West Express. “We have phenomenal drivers. The Lynden companies definitely have bragging rights this year.”
Pictured above (from left) with Old No. 27: Kenny Seipel, Jim Jansen, Brian Ambrose, Jack Sorensen, Russ Cox and Steve Daugherty
Topics from this blog: Awards Alaska West Express Lynden Employees Lynden Transport Alaska Drivers Ground