Quebec trucker named Grand Champ in Alberta
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. (Sept. 22, 2004) — Quebec truck driver Michel Laplante seemed to feel right at home in the west as he took home the top prize at this year’s National Truck Driving Championships in Lethbridge, Alta.
Michel Laplante of Hector Larivee, Quebec, was named Grand champion at the 2004 competition for his wheel work in the Straight Truck category. Larry Radons of Reimer Express Lines, Saskatchewan and Mike Francis, Unisource Canada, Ontario rounded off the second and third places in the category.
The National Truck Driving Championships — hosted by the Alberta Motor Transport Association and held for the first time at the Lethbridge Exhibition grounds — consisted of six categories. The challenge is to navigate several obstacles such as the Alley Dock, Right Angle Turn, Serpentine, and Diminishing Clearance. Pylons, railings, markers and flags are substituted for real curbs, alleys, roadways, and docks.
The drivers — who had all won first place in their own respective provincial competitions — score points on how quickly they can complete the stations without touching or moving a pylon or flag. From a total of 50 points per station, points are deducted when a pylon or flag is touched or moved. In addition, the drivers must successfully complete a pre-trip inspection and written exam.
Other winners, in finishing order, include:
Step Van: Kevin Pasini, Sokil Group, Alberta; John Klassen, Reimer Express Lines, Manitoba; and Keith Parker, Purolator Courier, Saskatchewan.
Single Tandem: Harvey Gording, Reimer Express Lines, Saskatchewan; Vitas Savickas, Conway Canada, Ontario; and Dale Scott, Canadian Freightways Ltd., B.C.
Single Single: Stephane Cousineau, Labatt’s Brewery, Quebec — who was also named Rookie of the Year; Gary Good, Reimer Express Lines, Manitoba; and Evan Hirst, Canadian Freightways Ltd., B.C.
Tandem Tandem: Don Mason, Loblaws Co. East, Ontario; Alan Constantine, Armour Transportation, Atlantic region; Trevor Mulder, Reimer Express Lines, Manitoba.
B-Train: Doug Pettitt, SLH Transport Inc., Ontario; Ken Wiebe, Ram Messenger, Manitoba; Gord Procyk, Jay’s Transport, Saskatchewan.
The Quebec drivers also made their province proud by winning the Team Champions category.
The 2005 National Truck Driving Championships will be hosted by the Atlantic Provinces in Moncton, N.B.
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