Global oil major, Shell, has completed its third annual search for China’s most skilled truck driver.
The event, aimed at finding the Chinese truck driver who most embodies the ‘Rimula Spirit’ took place in the tropical south China city of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province.
The selection stage took place over four months, sifting through more than 80,000 truck drivers from 400 cities across China before narrowin the list down to a final lucky 15. These ‘Rimula’ drivers then competed for the chance to go to Prague in the Czech Republic to compete in the global championships.
Competitors are put through their paces Image: Sinolube.com |
As well as skill-based events such as 'truck limbo', articulated lorry 'basketball' and 'extreme reversing', this year drivers also had to compete on a more physical level as well.
One element of the selection process required the drivers to answer technical questions about Rimula lubricating oils whilst peddling an exercise bike.
The Dutch major hoped the event would reflect the “spirit and culture of lorry drivers” and its “deep love and care for truck drivers.” Contestants were also invited to tell their own ‘Rimula story’ as part of the challenge.
Ultimately, however, there was only room for one Chinese champion and that was Liu Hongwei from the petroleum city of Langfang, Hebei province. The delighted driver took the crown of China’s “Most ‘Rimula’ Truck Driver” and secured a trip to Prague in August to compete for the world title. The next five runners up were also invited to watch their Chinese champion competing for the ‘Rimula Spirit’ abroad.