NRMCA National Mixer Driver Championship
2009-11-03 — On a cold, dark morning in the middle of October, thirty-four mixer truck drivers representing twenty-one states boarded a bus at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott. Their destination was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and their goal was to earn the "Best of the Best" title among the nation's top mixer truck drivers. Over 200 drivers from around the country submitted applications to participate in the NRMCA's fourth annual Mixer Driver Championship, but organization accepted only thirty-four applicants. Women participated in the event for the first time this year as well.
NRMCA's National Mixer Driver Championship included a driving challenge with eight stations, a visual vehicle inspection judged by an Indiana State Trooper and a written exam to be completed within ninety minutes. Bragging rights were on the line, but so were tangible prizes. The first, second and third-place winners received a trophy and $2500, $1000, and $500 respectively.
The Indiana Division is proud that Steve Gustafson competed in the event. Earlier this year Steve placed first in the Ozinga Indiana Division Mixer Rodeo, and in June he placed third in the IRMCA's first statewide Mixer Truck Rodeo Driver Championship. Steve took the national competition quite seriously and spent many hours studying written material and videos in preparation for the written test. Rich Ozinga, a judge for the driving challenge, represented Ozinga on "the other side of the steering wheel."
The competition filled most of Sunday, and on Monday the drivers attended a seminar and then headed out to the Allison Transmission Indianapolis plant and test track. The drivers toured Allison's production facility and drove a variety of different trucks on the on-road and off-road test tracks. The trucks were equipped with different transmissions, so everyone had a chance to try a variety of Allison transmissions. In some instances, drivers could see how Allison's transmissions compare to its competitors'. As drivers explored the Allison plant, they had the opportunity to bond and get to know each other. Steve, an outgoing guy, says he now has thirty-one new friends from around the country and two close friends from New York City.
Over 300 people attended the Awards Banquet on Monday night. Suspense grew as the drivers were introduced and management from ready mix companies around the nation demonstrated their appreciation with several standing ovations. Finally the winners were announced: Trent Slavens of IMI, Greenfield, IN, was third; Jeffery Clark from Aggregate Industries, Greenbelt, MD, placed second; and Joe "Ziggy" Zygas of IMI, Greenfield, IN, won the competition. Steve tied for fourth place, and although the scores are never revealed, NRMCA Senior Vice President of Operations and Compliance Gary Mullings announced that this year's was the closest competition to date.
Steve represented himself and Ozinga very well. Good job, Steve. We are proud of your accomplishments.
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