David Dillon Wins 1st Place in VRMCA Truck Roadeo, Chris Johnson Wins 2nd

The 3rd Annual VRMCA Truck Roadeo was again a hugely successful event that gave professional drivers a chance to meet and fellowship with one another, as well as the opportunity to show off their expertise and knowledge regarding safe driving in the concrete industry.

The roadeo took place on November 1st at the Richmond International Raceway and was well-attended with 21 drivers.

Scoring was based on three major components-a written examination covering the essentials of safety, a pre-trip inspection and the driving test. The written test was 20% of the total score, with the pre-trip and driving tests 40% each.

This year, the driving portion of the test was based on accuracy. Speed only became a factor if there was a tie between drivers. Drivers were penalized for knocking down cones and/or barrels and were marked accordingly. Although the driving test is entertaining to watch, the primary goal of this event is to promote safety. The event is overseen by the VRMCA Safety Committee and all participating drivers are CDL licensed.

David Dillon, of Chandler Concrete in Roanoke, won first place and was awarded a $500 cash prize. He will receive an expense-paid trip to the 2007 VRMCA Spring Convention at The Homestead, where he will be presented with a die-cast mixer truck trophy.

Chris Johnson of S.B. Cox Ready Mix, Inc. in Glen Allen took second place and received a $250 cash prize.

Two Virginia State Police Motor Carrier officers, Chip Rosemond and T.H. Maxwell, Jr., scored the pre-trip inspections while other members graciously donated their time to serve as judges on the driving course. These individuals include: Edward Thomas, Phil Sabo, Tina Harvey, Ricky Collins, Neil Logan, Aaron Williams, Todd Shenk, Danny Wilson, Chas Capitano, Matt Crabbe, Jason Landes, Ron Yankey, Gary Woolard and Jim Progar.

Tremendous gratitude is extended to the following sponsors, whose support helps make this event possible: Allied Concrete Company, Capital Concrete, Inc., Cardinal-Virginia Concrete Company, Crider & Shockey, Inc., Florida Rock Industries, S.B. Cox Ready Mix, Inc. and Titan America. We would also like to thank Truck Enterprises, Inc. and Peterbilt of Richmond for providing the ready-mixed trucks for the competition.