New Hauler Challenge? UPDATE 2: hearing that International Truck And Engine Corp. is re-starting the old “Mayflower Challenge” truck event(this is where Team Hauler drivers run the haulers on an ‘obstacle type course’, whoever scores the most points wins) in NASCAR this year and are calling it the International Truck Challenge. So far, supposedly 13 rig(team haulers) drivers for the Cup teams are participating in the first event to be held at Sears Point. Two additional events will be held at Charlotte in October and Atlanta in November. There is a $25,000 grand prize to the total points winner(6-1-2001) UPDATE: Everyone knows that stock car drivers can handle a steering wheel with unfathomable skill. But for the first time this weekend, over 25 race team rig drivers will take the wheel of International(r) 9000i Series trucks, start their engines and maneuver the turns with a chance to collect the purse at the “International Truck Challenge.” International Truck and Engine Corporation is hosting the “International Truck Challenge,” a competition showcasing the skills of the drivers behind the drivers, at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., June 24. The challenge is part of the International sponsorship agreement with NASCAR. The course will demand precision from the race team drivers as they show off the truck-driving prowess that gets their team’s car and equipment from race to race all season long. The competition awards points to drivers for skillfully maneuvering International trucks through an obstacle course while racing against a clock. Truly exceptional driving is awarded with bonus points, but mistakes result in deductions. The winner of the challenge receives $1,000 and a boost toward the $25,000 grand prize, given to the point leader after three challenges throughout the season. For driver standings throughout the racing season, or more information on the International Truck Challenge, go to www.internationaldelivers.com and at NASCAR.com International Truck Challenge Participants: Bob Hannagan, #01 Ganassi Racing; Rick Johnson, #02 Penske Racing South; Thomas McCrimmon, #6 Roush Racing; Joey Benson, #7 Ultra Motorsports; John Bobbette/Tracy Cumplain, #9 Evernham-Elliott Motorsports; Jerry Hess, #10 MBV Motorsports; Dennis LaCroix, #11 Brett Bodine Racing; Rodney Pickler, #12 Penske Racing LLC ; Mike Jennings, #14 A.J. Foyt Racing; Jeff Miles, #15 DEI; Peter Jellen, #18 Joe Gibbs Racing; Leroy Treadwell, #19 Evernham Motorsports; Dan Heidtke, #20 Joe Gibbs Racing; John Pounds, #22 Bill Davis Racing; Barry Sheppard, #21-Wood Brothers; Ricky Simmons, #26 Haas/Carter Motorsports; Jim Baldwin, #29 Richard Childress Racing; George Hoult, #31 Richard Childress Racing; Bart Starr, #32 PPI Motorsports; Gale Wilson, #36 MB2 Motorsports; Chris Sweeny, #40 Ganassi Racing; Gary Geissman, #43 Petty Enterprises; Michael Butcher, #44 Petty Enterprises; Stephen Mitchell, #45 Petty Enterprises; Rocky Boggs, #66 Haas/Carter Motorsports; Bill Lewis, #77 Jasper Motorsports; Mike Smith, #90 Donlavey Racing; Mark Parrish, #93 Bill Davis Racing Robby Maschhaupt, #96 PPI Motorsports(NASCAR PR)(6-19-2001) UPDATE 2 The third and final race for the prize UPDATE Sheppard wins: in the International Truck Challenge, a three-event competition showcasing the skills of race team tractor trailer drivers and the International vehicles that help them haul equipment across the country, will be held at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, Nov 17th. The first two events were at Sears Point and Lowes Motor Speedway. There is a $25,000 grand prize to the total points winner. The winner at Sears Point was #43 driver Garry Geissman, at Lowes Motor Speedway was Ricky Simmons driver of the #26 rig. See more at NASCAR.com – International Truck Challenge(11-15-2001) UPDATE 3: #21-Wood Brothers transporter driver Barry Sheppard won the International Truck Challenge Championship this weekend. The contest pits 22 Winston Cup truck drivers in a series of driving tests. Sheppard won this weekend’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, clinching the 2001 title(Richmond Times Dispatch)(11-20-2001)
