WINNIPEG, Man. — The best truck drivers in Manitoba will be pitted against each other at the 2011 Professional Truck Driving Championship held this year at Peterbilt Manitoba June 25.

Each year, drivers match wits and skill at the daylong competition, which is comprised of written and pre-trip inspection tests, as well as an obstacle course. The winner in each class will represent Manitoba in the national competition, held this year in Calgary.

“The Manitoba Truck Driving Championship is a great opportunity for our industry to celebrate the skills of these very talented drivers,” says Professional Truck Driving Championship committee chair Darcy Olson. “It’s a great event because of the competition between the drivers to see not only who is the best in Manitoba, but also the opportunity to go on and compete to be the best in Canada.”

The road-test portion of the championship will take place at Peterbilt Manitoba, 1895 Brookside Blvd. The event is open to the public and spectators are invited to attend. Following the championship, a private awards banquet will round out the day.

Last year, nearly 50 drivers in six classes competed in the championship. In addition to first, second and third place awards, the Manitoba Trucking Association also awarded trophies to the best first-time entrant, highest scoring team and the Grand Champion.

The MTA hosted the National Professional Truck Driving Championships last year, which took place at Canad Inns Stadium and Canad Inns Polo Park.