Published on: 2026-09-03
Source: KAMAZ – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
A ceremonial opening of the All-Russian professional skills competition “Best Truck Driver” took place in Naberezhnye Chelny, held from September 2 to 4 at the Maidan of the Pribrezhny Park. KAMAZ was the general sponsor of the event.
The competition has been held since 2000, and in 2004 it became nationwide. Over this time, more than 1,500 drivers have participated. Naberezhnye Chelny has hosted the regional stage of the competition three times and the 2016 final. Ten years later, in the anniversary year, Avtograd was once again chosen as the venue for the competition. About 50 drivers from 33 regions of Russia are taking part in the competition.
During the solemn opening ceremony held on September 2, participants were welcomed from the stage of the Maidan by Sergey Kogogin, CEO of PJSC “KAMAZ”, State Duma deputy of the Russian Federation Alfiya Kogogina, mayor of the city Nail Magdeev, and Valery Mashkov, CEO of JSC “Scientific Research Institute of Motor Transport”.
“Today in the homeland of the legendary KAMAZ trucks, there is a wonderful celebration of professionals, courageous, conscientious, responsible people. We are holding an all-Russian competition. It is taking place in a special year for our country, republic, and city, – emphasized Mayor Nail Magdeev. – Naberezhnye Chelny is a city of automobile manufacturers where transport companies are actively operating; it is pleasing that such a celebration takes place in the capital of automobile manufacturing. The head of the city also thanked the Ministry of Transport of Russia, Rosavtotrans, the Research Institute of Motor Transport, and KAMAZ for their assistance in organizing the event.
“For us, automotive manufacturers, it is extremely important that the car brings you pleasure in driving, – noted General Director of PJSC KAMAZ Sergey Kogogin. – We know that everyone who gets behind the wheel of our vehicle will take a piece of our heart with them: we strive to create comfort in the cabin so that every driver feels comfortable sitting at the wheel and can work without getting tired. For us, the driver is a special category of people. We treat this profession with great respect. It is probably the most widespread profession in our country and the world. It is important that these competitions take place here in the year marking the 400th anniversary of the city and the 50th anniversary of the first KAMAZ vehicle. And, of course, the first prize is also a vehicle produced at the KAMAZ plant. Good luck to you! And may the best man win!”.
Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Alfya Kogogina, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Russian parliament: “For me, it is a revelation that today large vehicles are mastered not only by men but also by beautiful fragile women. This means that today’s cars are becoming increasingly safe and comfortable, so even women can drive them with ease. Dear drivers, your work is both honorable and very necessary. Every day you cover great distances to safely deliver goods essential for the national economy and citizens. I sincerely wish that your life journey is long and safe, and that you always have reliable vehicles!”.
Acting General Director of FBU “Rosavtotrans” Oleg Tolstukhin read out congratulations from the Russian Ministry of Transport.
The competition was declared open by the chairman of the jury, General Director of JSC “Scientific Research Institute of Motor Transport” Valery Mashkov. “Today, the strongest representatives of the profession from different regions of the country have gathered here. Each has their own experience, path, and thousands of kilometers of roads behind them, but they are all united by responsibility for their work and a desire to improve their skills. For us, it is important that the competition is not only a contest but also an opportunity to communicate and appreciate this city. This is truly a very hospitable land. I wish everyone to show their best result!, – he said.
On the opening day of the competition, a theatrical performance was organized, a concert took place, and participants paraded. Additionally, valuable prizes were raffled off for event guests, and an exhibition of modern automotive technology was held at the square near the Maidan. The center of attention was the representatives of the new model lineup of the auto giant — high-tech highway tractors KAMAZ-54901, including the unmanned MAYAK version, the KAMAZ-65954 tractor unit, the KAMAZ-65952 dump truck, as well as the electric vehicle KAMAZ-53199 and the racing car of the “KAMAZ-master” team.
The competition includes tests in two classes. In category C, drivers of trucks weighing from 3.5 to 10 tons participate, and in category CE, drivers of road trains consisting of a tractor and a semi-trailer compete. For the contests, the vehicle Kompas 9 (KAMAZ-43089) and a road train comprising the KAMAZ-54902 tractor with a semi-trailer are provided. The program also includes a theoretical part which will take place on the final day of the competition, September 4, at the IT park site — the contestants will demonstrate knowledge of traffic rules. The winners of the competition will be the participants who score the highest total points across all tests. The total prize fund amounts to 1 million rubles. In addition, the leader in the CE category will receive a special prize from PJSC “KAMAZ” — a “Moskvich” car.
The main goal of the all-Russian competition is to popularize the profession of truck driver, enhance personal motivation of professionals to improve their skills, and strengthen the culture of safe driving. The event is held within the framework of the federal project “Road Traffic Safety” of the national project “Infrastructure for Life,” supported by the Ministry of Transport of Russia and commissioned by the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Rosavtotrans.” The organizer is the Scientific Research Institute of Motor Transport (JSC “NIIAT”) with the assistance of the Executive Committee of Naberezhnye Chelny, PJSC “KAMAZ,” and the Municipal Unitary Enterprise “City Transport.”
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