Barry Sheppard, who drives the transporter for NASCAR Winston Cup racer Elliot Sadler, won the first round of the 2002 International Truck Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway April 6.
As part of the company’s sponsorship program with NASCAR, International developed the Challenge as a way to give Winston Cup’s transporter drivers a chance to demonstrate their capabilities on an obstacle course, driving an International 9400i tractor-trailer.
With a course including two 180-degree turns, two slalom runs, a series of
tethered barriers and a simulated loading dock, the competition awards points to drivers for skillfully maneuvering the truck while racing against a clock. Outstanding driving is awarded with bonus points, but mistakes result in deductions.
Sheppard, the Challenge’s defending champion, took home $1,000 for his victory in a close competition with Tracy Lumpkin, driver for Bill Elliott’s team, and Rodney Pickler, driver for Rusty Wallace’s team.
