Championship Saturday at NTDC 2025 was filled with memorable moments and North Dakota’s David Comings of FedEx Freight shared the realization of a career goal with his six children and his wife Judy cheering him every step of the way. On the eve of his 23rd wedding anniversary, David was able to hand the Bendix NTDC National Championship trophy to Judy that he earned as the 2025 Grand Champion. In this episode of our podcast, you will hear David’s full acceptance speech and our interview just as David walked off the stage.

PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson and Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero recorded this episode just as the annual awards banquet was concluding. In addition to David’s interview, you’ll hear the tribute to two-time NTDC Grand Champion Richard Gillespie, who was presented with the inaugural NTDC Lifetime Achievement Award. This episode will put you right in the room where the announcements were made and celebrations took place.

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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