Pennsylvania Native Jason Herko Set for Return to 91视频 State as Kentucky Grand Champion
Jason Herko has resided in Kentucky most of his life. As a child, he even lived in Jamaica, with his parents, who were missionaries. But now he鈥檚 headed back to his birth state as a Grand Champion for the first time.
鈥淢y first reaction when they called my name was shock,鈥 Herko said. 鈥淲hen the shock wore off, it was replaced by a humbling feeling as I looked around the room at all the other drivers who were previous Grand Champions and national champions.鈥
Herko, who was born in Pennsylvania, captured the ultimate prize after winning the 3-Axle division at the Kentucky Truck Driving Championships, which were held May 17-18 at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. He will make his second appearance at the National Truck Driving Championships, which are taking place this year in Pittsburgh. He also won Kentucky鈥檚 3-Axle division in 2018 and appeared at NTDC in Columbus, Ohio, finishing 30th. Herko said the result makes him feel as though he has some unfinished business to take care of in Pittsburgh.
The 2019听National Truck Driving Championships
Qualifiers | Map | Photos | Video
奥丑辞:听Winners from nine categories at the state level have听advanced to the national competition, where a Grand Champion will be crowned
奥丑补迟:听Contestants are judged on a written examination and their driving skills
When: Aug. 14-17
Where: Pittsburgh
Herko, who has logged 1.2 million accident-free miles, moved with his parents to Kentucky at the age of 2. At 11, they moved to Jamaica because of his parents鈥 missionary work. Herko says his faith plays a large role in his success as a truck driver.
鈥淐redit to the good Lord for putting the right people in my path,鈥 he said.
PHOTOS: 2019 Kentucky Truck Driving Championships
KENTUCKY ARCHIVE PAGE: Previews, recaps and more
At age 17, Herko came back to Kentucky to attend college. He鈥檚 worked for UPS for 24 years and driven trucks for the company since 2000. This was his sixth appearance at the state competition. Herko competed in the 4- and 5-Axle divisions before settling on the 3-Axle class the past two years.
For Herko, 鈥渢he right people鈥 include family, coworkers and fellow competitors.
鈥淚 have to thank my wife and family, who put up with me being gone for practice and preparation. I also have great teammates constantly encouraging and inspiring me and a great support team at UPS.
鈥淚 also receive encouragement from other drivers at the state competition. Proverbs 27:17 says, 鈥業ron sharpens iron as one man sharpens another.鈥欌夆
2019听厂颁贬贰顿鲍尝贰:听State-by-state list.
All competitors moving on to nationals:
- 3-Axle:听Jason Herko, UPS
- 4-Axle:听John Willinger, FedEx Freight
- 5-Axle:听Jamie Dunn, Walmart Transportation
- Flatbed:听Wayne Crowder, FedEx Freight
- Sleeper Berth:听John Wiley, Walmart Transportation
- Tank Truck:听Gerald Wrinkle, Walmart Transportation
- Twins:听Derek Schweinhart, FedEx Freight
- Straight Truck:听James McNulty, FedEx Express
- Step Van: Dustin Powell, UPS
