GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill. — A trio of eastern Canadian truck technicians were among the final group of wrench wielders to compete for "Top Service Technician" at the third annual Navistar Service Technician Rodeo.

The title, however, went to Robert Ball of Maudlin International Trucks of Orlando, Fla.

Still, technicians from East Coast International Trucks in Dartmouth, N.S.; Les Camions Beaudoin, Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.; and Les Camions Inter-Estrie, Sherbrooke, Que. all impressed judges at the competition, which was held at Universal Technical Institute in Glendale Heights, Ill.

Contestants were judged on their commercial truck servicing skills in air conditioning, brakes, drive train and electrical, as well as MaxxForce engines. The technicians had to move through eight stations throughout the day, diagnosing and fixing problems.

The Automotive Service Excellence certified or Canadian-provincial certified participants were chosen from a group of 370 technicians at the dealerships.