Harvick's truckie is 'King of the Road.'

Kevin Harvick may have faltered in his bid to win the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup title but the same can't be said for his truckie, Jim Baldwin, who has just scooped the 2004 Pilot Truck Driver Challenge.

The challenge enabled hauler drivers from the Nextel Cup Series to display their positive attitudes towards safe and responsible truck driving. Baldwin narrowly beat a class field and received the grand prize of $50,000.

"Jim Baldwin is the winner among a group of champions," said Mark Hazelwood, Executive Vice President of Pilot Travel Centres. "The responsibilities and demands on these guys are staggering and it is an honour that Pilot Travel Centres can recognize their contribution towards a safe truck driving industry."

Baldwin excelled in all of the competition's events including a narrow win in the Chicane Course category. He also returned to his home town of Jefferson, North Carolina as part of the public service category to promote truck driving safety.

In his home town, Baldwin spoke to a driver's education class from his daughter's high school. He discussed the importance of road safety and answered questions from enthusiastic students about safety on and off the track.

As part of the official announcement owner Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, joined the entire #29 GM Goodwrench sponsored team to congratulate Baldwin on winning the season long competition.

"I'm aware of the effort that Jim and other Hauler Drivers put in throughout the season and it is great to see Pilot recognizing their efforts and recognizing the importance of safety in our sport," said Childress.

During the announcement, Pilot revealed plans for repeating the challenge in 2005. Interest among the drivers in the garage has grown and the competition will be strengthened. Tougher categories, tighter chicanes and increased inspections will ensure that the 2005 Pilot Truck Driver Challenge will bring out the best in these champions.