Carol Wagner, Leader Correspondent
Photo by Carol Wagner Kalvin Boettcher, of Shawano, stands by the tractor he drives for Reinhart Food Service out of Shawano. He will be competing in a national driving contest this month in Orlando after getting first place in a local competition.
After passing the local tests, Kalvin Boettcher, of Shawano, will be on his way to Orlando, Florida, this month to compete in a national driving contest at the Disney Yacht and Beach Club Resort.
He will be representing and sponsored by Reinhart Food Service of Shawano. The International Foodservice Distributors Association Truck Driving Championship will be held from Sept. 19-21.
“I always liked operating big equipment,” said Boettcher, who worked for Komatsu before it went out of business.
Boettcher has been driving for Reinhart for 4½ years. He said he enjoys his job.
“I like being outside,” he said.
The local contest started in May with 12 drivers taking a written exam. Then they had to find problems in a pre-trip vehicle inspection. They next had to drive their rigs through a course that included cones topped with tennis balls.
“My score had to be high enough to qualify,” said Boettcher, who found out three weeks ago he was among the 150 drivers who advanced to the national competition.
Boettcher and his wife, Cheryl, will fly to Florida, where the drivers will be separated into two groups—three axle and straight truck, and five axle trucks up to 48 feet. He will be driving in the latter category.
The first day includes a new written test about safety rules and operational procedures. On Saturday, the drivers take the pre-trip inspection test and then drive the course. Awards will be presented at a gala on Sunday. There is time Saturday and Sunday for sight-seeing, as well.
First prize is $1,500, a championship jacket and a magnetic door sign heralding the accomplishment.
“I’m excited,” Boettcher said.