WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America L.L.C. (TA) has agreed to sponsor the 2018 TA Truck Service Challenge, a competition for the professional transport drivers for teams competing in NASCAR's Xfinity and Monster Energy Cup Series.
The challenge, hosted and managed by Marketing 500, allows drivers to accumulate points in several disciplines throughout the season, with a grand champion's prize of $25,000 for the highest scoring driver.
"Every item at the race, from the race cars to the bottles of water at the concession stands are transported by a truck driven by a highly skilled professional," TA President and COO Barry Richards said.
"We are honored to recognize the transport drivers and the valuable role they play in the racing series."
The challenge calls on drivers to participate in six driving skills competitions, and they also earn points for their driving skills in a driver course and their knowledge of Department of Transportation regulations in a written exam.
A winner will be named for each individual competition and will earn a $1,000 prize. Besides the Grand Champion, the second- and third-place finishers will $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.
The 2018 TA Truck Service Challenge season kicked off at the Atlanta Motor Speedway Feb. 22. Remaining events are:
- Texas Motor Speedway — April 5
- Sonoma Raceway — June 21
- Kentucky Speedway — July 12
- Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Sept. 13
- Charlotte Motor Speedway — Sept. 27
The TA Truck Service Challenge is free and open to race enthusiasts holding the proper credentials.
All NASCAR fans can visit the TA Truck Service and Goodyear booth in the Fan Zone throughout the weekend. Follow each of the competitions and see the winners at tatruckchallenge.com.