ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, American Trucking Associations announced finalists of the 2017 National Truck Driving Championships and prepared for the final round of the 80^th annual competition.

"With all these great competitors showing off their knowledge and skills in the trucking industry, we are now down to forty-six drivers who have set themselves apart over the last two days," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "We thank everyone who came out to compete and support the National Truck Driving Championships and commend your efforts throughout this year. We look forward to seeing how the field of finalists finish off the weekend and are excited to see who emerges as the 2017 National Truck Driving Championships Bendix Grand Champion."

Competition at the National Truck Driving Championships began August 9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. More than 420 of the nation's best truck drivers qualified for the opening round of competition after winning their individual vehicle classes at the state level and maintaining accident-free driving throughout the year.

Professional truck drivers are competing in eight classes of truck and one step van class. After going through a series of tests on their knowledge of trucking facts, rules, statistics and safety protocols, drivers looked for defects as part of their pre-trip inspection, and completed a difficult driving course.  The top five drivers from each class moved on to the final round of the competition, with one exception: six finalists emerged in the four-axle class.

The final round takes place this morning and the finalists are competing for the title of National Champion in eight different classes. One National Champion will also take home the prestigious overall title of 2017 National Truck Driving Championships Bendix Grand Champion.

The awards ceremony will be held after the final event, recognizing the Bendix Grand Champion, Rookie of the Year and top state delegation, among several other highly-respected trucking industry honors.

ATA's Safety Management Council is hosting this year's National Truck Driving Championships with Premiere Sponsor ACT 1.

Finalists for this year's National Truck Driving Championships are as follows:

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward.

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SOURCE American Trucking Associations