With the State TDC Season officially underway, our podcast wanted to share a recent conversation we had with the previous NTDC Grand Champions from the past two years. PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson had the unique opportunity to visit in person with 2024 Grand Champion Jackie Reed and 2025 Grand Champion David Comings in person while they were both at this year’s Safety Drive For A Cure.

As you will hear, both Jackie and David share a mutual respect for doing the work and following the process to be prepared for competition while staying safe with every mile that they drive. Many of the insights that Jackie and David share related to their experiences over the past couple of years can serve as both a blueprint and an inspiration for anyone looking at making another run at your State TDC or entering your State TDC for the first time.

It’s a fascinating conversation between the last two people who have climbed to the top of the NTDC Mountain, and it’s clear they understand getting back to the Nationals is a step-by-step process that begins by being ready for your State TDCs.

SAFETY DRIVE is still accepting donations as the event’s organizers, volunteers and participants continue to work to drive their all-time fundraising total over the past 15 years to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation to the $500,000 mark. If you would like to make a donation to Safety Drive, please click here.

FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR:  The Lutzie 43 Foundation is our Friend of the Podcast for this episode of the NTDC 2026 Series. Founded to honor the legacy of Philip Lutzenkirchen, the Lutzie 43 Foundation is dedicated to make sure that the tragedy that took his life would never have to be repeated. Philip was a standout athlete, a beloved teammate, and a man of tremendous character. Today, the foundation that carries his name is working to change the driving culture across the Southeast and beyond by tackling distracted driving, impaired driving, and unsafe habits behind the wheel. To learn more about the Lutzie 43 Foundation and how you can use 43 Key Seconds to run through an important safety checklist before starting your vehicle, visit Lutzie43.org.

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