Truck drivers showcase skills in Rockford’s 39th professional competition

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Truck drivers gathered to compete for a chance to race at the national level in Rockford on Saturday.

The 39th professional truck driving competition hosted by Maggio Truck Center brings truckers from all over the nation to compete.

“We’re out here at Maggio Truck Center today, showing off our skills for the drivers in the Midwest and somewhat all over the United States,” said Rock River Valley Traffic Club Chairman Jeff Wilmarth. “Drivers come from far and wide to compete against their professional or other professional drivers.”

The competition has 50 drivers show off their skills in multiple different challenges in hopes of taking their skills to a national level.

“So this is just a local event that we have here that we’ve done for 39 years to help that driver take that next step up in the competition,” Wilmarth continued. “[An] example came last year. He placed here, went to Illinois State, won at State, and then went on to be the first rookie national champion in the United States.”

Award-winning driver Connor Dent credits the Rockford competition for his historic success.

“Luckily enough, I was really course dominant thanks to these hard courses here,” said the 26-year-old. “I got tied for the highest course score in nationals and was fortunate enough to win the national trophy for the twins class.”

“I think anybody who does it has a lot of respect for it,” Dent explained. “Coming out here is the best tune-up for Skills.”

Dent’s mindset is what brings drivers to the competition.

“People don’t understand that out in the community, you see some of the drivers that, you know, maybe not as professional as the guys that come here,” said Wilmarth. “It’s in their heart to be that professional driver and be successful at it.”