Not long after the finalists had been announced and the vehicle parade ended on Championship Saturday in Minneapolis, PodWheels witnessed a moment that we will be featuring with this rewind episode which truly embodies the full spectrum of competition and respect that takes place each year at the NTDCs. Wilbert Vano, a six-time State Grand Champion and true legend from New Jersey with XPO, had struck up a conversation with Matt Lamielle, a General Manager with DHL Supply Chain. Matt is part of the DHL Team looking to grow his company’s participation and success in both the State TDCs and the Nationals.

While Wilbert, with a Top 20 finish in 2025, was disappointed to not be part of the runoff field in 3-Axle, Matt had seen Wilbert drive in New Jersey and he held him in the highest regard. Matt knew Wilbert’s reputation as a great competitor and a true professional. Wilbert, who has made 14 trips to the nationals and won the 3-Axle National title in 2022, was more than happy to chat with Matt, answering questions and sharing some insights that Matt could share in the future with the folks seeking to be a part of NTDC 2026.

For this episode of the podcast, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson talked with Wilbert and Matt about their respective weeks at NTDC 2025 and what they learned. We hope our listeners will find this to be another fun conversation that covers some interesting ground, including Wilbert’s work during basketball season as a high school referee. As a quick side note, DHL did advance one driver to the finals and Merle Ashbaugh from Ohio broke through and claimed the National Championship in the Sleeper Berth Class.

Our Friend of the Podcast Sponsor for this episode of the NTDC 2025 Series is PROJECT 61. Driving health. Fueling life. Supporting the heroes behind the wheel — that’s what PROJECT 61 is all about. Project-61.org is the web address where the change begins. If you’re a driver — or if you care about someone who is — head over to Project-61.org. You’ll find resources to get started, including access to a free mobile app built specifically for life on the road — plus a chance to take the Trucker Health Pledge and show your support for the men and women behind the wheel. You can even make a donation to help PROJECT 61 keep doing this important work across the industry.

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