Description

We are excited to host the North Carolina Trucking Association Truck Driving Competition and Top Tech Challenge again in 2026 as well as welcome our inaugural Inspectors Challenge!

Below you will find information on registration, Driver of the Month/Driver of the Year nominations, Road Team Captain applications, the Awards Lunch, hotel accommodations, camping, volunteering, equipment donations, and tent space reservations.

SPONSORSHIPS

Sponsoring the TDC | Top Tech Challenge is a great way to show your support for North Carolina carriers and drivers as they, along with their families and teams, come together to compete. Sponsors also help us recognize the NC Driver of the Year and Drivers of the Month.

Below you will find information on our Base Sponsorship opportunities.

Increase your visibility with Itemized Sponsor Add-on Opportunities
***Base Sponsorship Level Required for Add-Ons*** 

REGISTRATION

Deadline: Friday, May 22, 2026

Truck Driving Competition (TDC)

Entry Fee: $150 per driver

Eligibility Requirements

Drivers must:

• Be based in North Carolina and have been continuously employed by a motor carrier fleet for the previous 12 months
• Have an accident-free driving record from the day immediately following the 2025 National Truck Driving Championships through and including the date of the 2026 National Truck Driving Championships
• Hold the proper CDL endorsements for the class driven
• Be employed by an NCTA member company

Important:

Registration is first come, first served until May 22, 2026, or until the maximum of 200 drivers is reached.

There is no cap on the number of drivers per company or per class this year.

If you would like to participate but do not know your drivers yet, please email Laura at lsherman@nctrucking.com to reserve your spots. Include the total number of drivers you plan to register and the classes they will compete in.

Top Tech Challenge

Entry Fee: $75 per technician
North Carolina Community College students: Free

Eligibility Requirements

Contestants must:

• Reside in North Carolina
• Be employed by a member of the North Carolina Trucking Association OR
• Be enrolled as a student at a state-sponsored college or university with a transportation program

Contestants must sign and return the agreement and release form upon registration.

DRIVER OF THE MONTH / DRIVER OF THE YEAR

This program recognizes North Carolina truck drivers for their commitment to safety and professionalism throughout their careers.

Driver of the Month is based on 12 months of performance.

Driver of the Year must be a previous Driver of the Month recipient.

Winners will be recognized at the Awards Lunch on Saturday following the Truck Driving Championship and Top Tech Challenge.

To submit a nomination, complete the application form.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

ROAD TEAM CAPTAINS

The NC Road Team consists of professional commercial truck drivers who demonstrate excellence in safety, courtesy, and responsibility.

Road Team Captains promote highway safety and educate the public about the trucking industry through:

• “No Zone” presentations
• Driver education classes
• Community and industry events

To view qualifications or submit a nomination, complete the application form.

AWARDS LUNCH

*The Awards Lunch is a Ticket-Only Event*

Saturday | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

The Awards Lunch recognizes winners from:

• Inspectors Challenge
• Truck Driving Competition
• Top Tech Challenge
• Road Team Captains
• Drivers of the Month
• Driver of the Year

Entry to the Awards Lunch is included for all competitors with their registration.

Additional tickets are required for family members, guests, and company representatives.

Ticket Price: $40

Tickets must be picked up at the registration table.

Tickets will only be released to the purchaser or an authorized pick-up person.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Home2 Suites by Hilton Raleigh West Lenovo Center
NCTA Room Block at Home2 $165 (Rate expires 5/21/2026)
6825 Chapel Hill Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
4 miles from the NC State Fairgrounds

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh West
NCTA Room Block at Holiday Inn  $145 (Rate expires 5/21/2026)
6115 Corporate Ridge Road  
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919)480-8693
3 miles from the NC State Fairgrounds

Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Arena
NCTA Room Block at Four Points $135 (Rate expires 5/14/2026)
1200 Hurricane Alley Way  
Raleigh, NC 27607
1 miles from the NC State Fairgrounds

Hyatt Place Raleigh/Cary  
710 Corporate Center Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607
2 miles from the NC State Fairgrounds

CAMPING INFORMATION

To arrange camping, contact the NC State Fairgrounds Ground Patrol at (919) 612-6767.

Camping space is available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be arranged directly through the Fairgrounds.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are critical to the success of this event and it’s a great way to experience the TDC/Top Tech.

To view available shifts and roles, complete the volunteer registration form.
Assignments will be sent by email prior to the event.

EQUIPMENT

Equipment is essential to the success of the competition. Without enough tractors and trailers for each class, the competition slows and limits the number of drivers who can compete.

If you are able to donate equipment, please contact Alan Darr directly. (adarr@ezzelltrucking.com)

Equipment is needed from:
Thursday, June 5 through Saturday, June 7

Assignments will be confirmed by email prior to the event.

RESERVE TENT SPACE

Companies wishing to reserve tent space must complete the request form by May 22, 2026.

All spaces will be assigned by the TDC/Top Tech Committee prior to the event.
Location details and setup information will be emailed before the event.

If you have questions regarding this event, please contact Laura at lsherman@nctrucking.com