At The Top

A PodWheels Column

MINNEAPOLIS — On the morning of last year’s finals day at NTDC, I ran into volunteer David Sharp. A day earlier, Sharp shared with me his delight about a column I wrote referring to the NTDC experience as traveling to Aruba (see last year’s NTDC coverage for specifics). Smoothly exhibiting wit, Sharp looked at me and said my column’s coda: “Welcome to Aruba.”

So, on the morning of the finals, I mentioned to Sharp I’d interview him about his rookie volunteer experience at the National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) and National Step Van Driving Championships.

Following an illustrious career of precision driving competition, Sharp crossed over to the volunteer side.

For background, Sharp was a multi-nationals qualifier who helped lead Team Nevada’s best-in-show at the 2018 summer classic. He also is best known among Silver State UPS colleagues as his family’s patriarch. Aaron, his son, is a recent NTDC qualifier—a classic example of following in the ol’ man’s footsteps. 

As fans of The Eugene (that’s me) on the official NTDC podcast know already, my respect for volunteers of any kind is super high. So, seeing Sharp steadfast in his course assignments during 2025’s NTDC left me thinking one word: Respect.

Not to digress too much, below are Sharp’s remarks when I quickly quizzed him about being new to the NTDC volunteer game: “I love it; it’s a joy. I get to learn a lot about what goes on behind the scenes and I had a really good time this week—a bunch of great people that work in this department.”

Sharp continued: “Every time I come here I make new friends; see everybody that I’ve seen for the last 15 years. It’s a good time.” About his role, “to support the drivers that are here competing. They’re what makes this whole industry.”

And, specific to Team Nevada’s recipe for success: “The effort that we put into it and how much we care about being safe in our industry.”

Before I forget: Welcome to Aruba.

That’s all for this week. Hit me up with updates and/or to say ‘hi” at [email protected]. Remember, “I’ll see you at the top.”