REGINA — Larry Radons of Reimer Express in Saskatchewan capitalized on home field advantage to take the title of Grand Champion at the 2007 National Professional Truck Driving Championships held this past weekend in Regina.

The three-day event, hosted by the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA),
saw Canada’s top drivers compete for points in a series of skill-testing truck-driving events.

Canadian Freightways driver Garth Deschamps, based in Manitoba, was crowned Rookie of the Year, while Ontario sent over the best group of drivers to capture the Top Team Award for their province.

“Once again, the competitors showcased the incredible talent and skill we have in the professional trucking industry,” said STA President Denis Prud’homme. “These are really the best of the best from across Canada, and to have a Saskatchewan driver take home the top prize should make the province very proud.

“Many of the visitors we hosted from across the country said it was the best
championships they had ever been to,” Prud’homme continued.

Following is a list of winners — from first to third place — in each competition category:

STEP VAN:

Garth Deschamps, Manitoba, Canadian Freightways; Kevin Corscadden, Alberta, Sokil Transportation; Wayne Wedow, Ontario, Purolator Courier.

STRAIGHT TRUCK:

Larry Radons, Saskatchewan, Reimer Express; Leonard Cook, Atlantic, Armour Transportation; Joe Kuntz, Ontario, Koch Transport.

SINGLE SINGLE:

Evan Hirst, B.C., Canadian Freightways; Brian Weslowski, Saskatchewan, SLH Transport; Ron Hughes, Ontario, Con Way Freight.

SINGLE TANDEM:

Harvey Gording, Saskatchewan, Reimer Express; Mike Goodyear, Ontario, Maple Leaf Consumer Foods; Benoit Lestage, Quebec, Groupe Robert.

TANDEM TANDEM:

Jeffrey Maclean, Ontario, SLH Transport; Rod Harrison, Alberta, Canadian Freightways; Mario Desjardins, Quebec, L. Simard Transport.

TRAIN:
Gilles Lefebvre, Quebec, Groupe Robert; Wayne Burnett, Ontario, Rothsay Maple Leaf Foods; Jerry Thibodeau, Atlantic, Irving Oil Ltd.