As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Trucking Associations has cancelled the National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships, which were scheduled to take place Aug. 19-22 in Indianapolis.

In a letter dated April 6, ATA President Chris Spear wrote: “Our industry’s creed and the very spirit of these competitions is ‘safety first,’ and this decision reflects that. It’s made out of an abundance of caution on behalf of the professional drivers competing at the state level, along with the state associations, companies and family members who organize, host and cheer on the competitors.”

He further noted that since most drivers are unable to practice for the competition, or even compete at the state level due to cancellations, the decision made to “maintain the integrity of a ‘national’ championship.”

Currently, Arizona, New Hampshire, Vermont, South Carolina, New Mexico, and Connecticut have all canceled their state truck driving championships over coronavirus-related concerns.

Other states, such as Mississippi, Tennessee, California, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina, have postponed their events but are considering whether or not to cancel them. Wisconsin is considering holding a scaled-down event, while Virginia’s event is still postponed until further notice.