Idaho Superstar Readies for Success

As the results continue to come in—announcing qualifications of familiar names to the upcoming National Truck Driving Championships, Idaho’s constant competitor quietly clinched his eighth trip to the big dance. 

XPO’s Dan Istre’s little-engine-that-could quality about him helped to illuminate a field of qualifiers this year already passionate about the industry’s system of safety. After two dozen years competing at Idaho’s precision driving contest, last month Istre took home his second blue ribbon honors alongside the top title trophy in the twin trailer division. 

The highly successful commercial and charismatic driver has benefited enormously from relying on the serene comfort afforded by years of preparation. Anxiety and doubt hardly enter his stratosphere during competition. As he explained during a recent interview with Transport Topics: “Just everyday life—you practice safety every day, doing your routine and it just kind of comes natural on the day you have to compete.”

“And it's either your day or it isn't, you know. It's the best-of-the-best and we're there just to challenge ourselves and compete and just have fun,” he continued. 

Between now and mid-August, Istre expressed a commitment to diligently prepare for the national tournament. His strategy is anchored on perfecting his performance of NTDC’s three disciplines: a written examination of industry regulations, a pre-trip vehicle inspection and precision maneuvers through an obstacle course. Thus, studying the requisite Facts for Drivers book inside-out, enhancing his pre-trip aptitude and amplifying his command of the truck will consume his summer practices. 

Once at nationals, scheduled for Aug. 20-24 in Minneapolis, the goal sounds somewhat simple: Advance to the final round. At NTDC, the finals, or runoff round, typically falls on the Saturday of competition preceded by the drivers’ Parade of Champions. The top five scorers in nine vehicle classes advance: “My whole goal is just to make that runoff — that top five — at nationals to getting to that runoff. That's my goal.” 

For emphasis, he added: “After the [Parade] of Champions, I want to be in that top five to go drive off.”

Name: Dan Istre

Age: 60

From Caldwell, Idaho

Vehicles: twin trailers

Music: classic country & 80s Rock

Hobby: golf, camping

Food: gumbo, southern fried chicken

Movie: comedies

Last word: “Practice safety everyday of your life. When you’re on the road be courteous. We’re on stage all the time when we’re in that ruck. The public needs to see a positive image in those trucks. … Stay with your good habits and you’ll succeed.”