Nation’s top truckers converge on St. Louis [Video]

Have you always wanted to attend a competitive automotive event, but find the danger of motorsports off-putting? You’re in luck. American Trucking Associations has just the thing for you.

Next Thursday marks the start of the 78th annual “Super Bowl of Safety”–the 2015 National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships.

More than 400 drivers from around the country will compete in America’s Gateway City for the title of Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion.

“Safety is the trucking industry’s top priority,” said ATA Chairman Duane Long, chairman of Longistics, Raleigh, N.C., “and each year, the industry’s commitment to safety is displayed at the NTDCs. The competitors here are the safest drivers on the highway and an example for us all.”

Jackie Stewart would be proud.

The event features 431 competitors from all 50 states, including 39 first-time participants, representing 85 different companies.

The festivities begin on August 13 with the Breakfast of Champions, followed by three days of competition behind the wheel on a challenging driving course and other tests of their knowledge of safety and of the industry. Check out highlights from the 2014 championship below.

Note: The above image was not provided by the American Trucking Associations, nor does it represent the events involved. That’s a semi-truck jumping a Lotus F1 car, for crying out loud.