Cover Story-June 2022

CPC Recognizes Drivers During Driver Salute Event

CPC Logistics recognized 18 of its Hall of Fame and All-Star Drivers from across the United States and Canada during its special Driver Salute event held in St. Louis during the weekend of the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race June 4-5. The drivers honored were:

– Kent Alexander, Driver of the Year, assigned to Walgreens Oshkosh in Tabor, IA

– Donald Hill, All Star Driver, assigned to a large consumer packaged goods company in Edwardsville, IL

– James Bloodworth, All Star Driver, assigned to Walgreens Oshkosh in Sweetwater, TX

– Paul Jankowsky, All Star Driver, assigned to a large consumer packaged goods company in Mehoopany, PA

– Nicky Kelly, Driver of the Year, assigned to Walgreens Oshkosh in Fayetteville, NC

– Adrian Madrigal, Driver of the Year, assigned to Walgreens in Moreno Valley, CA

– Patrick Miehle, All Star Driver, retired

– Cornell Richardson, All Star Driver, assigned to Cooper Tire & Rubber Company in Albany, GA

– Les Lasenby, All Star Driver based in Jacksonville, FL

– Wayne Smith, All Star Driver, assigned to Moen/Fortune Brands Global Plumbing Group in Kinston, NC

– Guillermo Luevano, Driver of the Year, assigned to TForce in Perris, CA

– Glen Manning, All Star Driver, assigned to John Deere in Davenport, IA

– David Nunn, All Star Driver, assigned to Avery Dennison in Sharonville, OH

– Randy Packham, Hall of Fame Driver, assigned to John Deere Canada in Grimsby, ON

– Stuart Shuck, All Star Driver, assigned to John Deere in Davenport, IA

– Steve Smith, Hall of Fame Driver, assigned to John Deere Canada in Regina, SK

– Chris Trice, All Star Driver based in Lebanon, TN

– Jeffrey Venhaus, All Star Driver, assigned to Toyota Motor North America in Torrance, CA

Additional drivers in attendance included:

– Drew Hill assigned to Benjamin Moore

– Jay Price assigned to Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

– Charlie Shields, retired

The event kicked off Saturday when the drivers and their guests arrived for their stay at St. Louis Union Station Hotel. That evening, CPC hosted a reception at PBR St. Louis in Ballpark Village where drivers as well as customers and members of the company’s leadership team enjoyed food and drinks. The drivers were then recognized for their achievements during an awards ceremony led by CPC President Butch Wallis and Managing Director Duane Trower.

Before the race began on Sunday, the drivers drove two laps around the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. During their individual parade lap, an announcer read the driver’s name and accomplishments while his picture was broadcast on the jumbotron. Then the drivers drove a second lap as a group at a higher speed and blew their horns when they passed the grandstand. For the rest of the day, they experienced CPC’s VIP tent, concerts and performances, and of course, the big race.

CPC organized the event to show appreciation for its entire team of safe, experienced truck drivers. Currently, 11 Hall of Fame Drivers, 98 All-Star Drivers and more than 155 Million Mile award recipients have driven for CPC.

“Our dedicated truck drivers should be proud of all their hard work and dedication,” said Wallis. “By powering some of the most recognizable fleets on the road, they keep our country running smoothly. The Driver Salute is just one great way to recognize their achievements.”