Keep on truckin'

Hauler drivers to compete for bragging rights in Challenge

ATLANTA -- Winston Cup hauler drivers usually don't make the news, but they might this weekend.

The fourth and final leg of the International Truck Challenge is scheduled for Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the site of Sunday's NAPA 500. Those competing must negotiate an obstacle course to test their skills, among other things, and Bill Lewis, the driver of Jasper Motorsports' No. 77 hauler is the man to beat.

Lewis -- or "Stump," if you prefer his CB moniker -- seized a 10-point lead in July, during the competition's third round at Chicago. One of the guys he beat that day was Barry Sheppard, last year's Challenge champion who drives the No. 21 hauler for the Wood Brothers.

"There's been a need for a long time for some way to give the truck drivers a little more recognition for their role in the Winston Cup garage and this International Truck event has done that," said Lewis, who's aided in his weekly driving chores by wife Cindy.

Among the people Lewis needs to defeat this week: The No. 28's Kelly Stewart, and the No. 2's Rodney Pickler. Aside from the obstacle course, all drivers must simulate a loading-dock maneuver and execute pinpoint turns. Cumulative time counts, too, but the biggest thing at stake may be the crowing afterward.

"All the transporter drivers are out here together as a group every week," Lewis said. "Going down the road about 70,000 miles a year to get the cars to the track every week, and we all look out for each other and are pretty close. There's some serious bragging rights involved as well, just between us."

 

Related information

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video