At The Top
A PodWheels Column
After nearly a dozen appearances at the National Truck Driving Championships, Chris Poyner says this year feels different.
Poyner, a professional driver for XPO, recently qualified for nationals after winning his division at the Washington state truck driving championships, marking his 10th trip to the national event. He will compete this summer in the three-axle class when NTDC heads to Pittsburgh in August.
“I just felt more comfortable this year,” Poyner said. “I didn’t really change anything in my preparation. I just felt relaxed, and when I saw the course, it felt right.”
That comfort level translated into results not just for Poyner, but for his company as well. XPO drivers captured four division titles at the state competition, along with the grand champion award, placing Poynor atop the podium.
Poyner’s longtime training partner — and cousin — Robert Dean also finished first in his division, the flatbed class. The two have practiced together for years, building a routine that has evolved as their experience has grown.
Poyner transitioned to the three-axle class this year after competing in the twins division previously. While some drivers describe the three-axle class as especially tricky, Poyner said difficulty depends largely on course design.
“Twins can be one of the toughest,” he said. “Once that trailer starts bending, it doesn’t want to come back. Three-axle has its challenges too, especially backing, but overthinking is what usually gets you.”
The state win adds to a long NTDC résumé. Poyner has logged nine previous national appearances, with two second-place finishes and back-to-back national championships in 2016 and 2017 in the twins division.
For Poyner, his NTDC approach is guided by a simple philosophy.
“Do it right the first time so you don’t have to do it again,” he said. “At NTDC, you only get one shot.”
Answers To The Eugene Questionnaire
Name: Chris Poynor
Age: 53
From: Richland, Washington
Class: 3-Axle
Favorite Food: steak with a baked potato; favorite snack is Ruffles potato chips
TV/Movies: Breaking Bad series and Die Hard movies.
Music: country rock
Message to NTDC competitors: Keep doing what you’re doing. Everybody is a champion.
Last Word: “You’re here because you did something right.”
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