Husky Liners transporter driver Keith Smith was honored as champion of the inaugural NHRA Pilot Flying J Truck Driver Challenge on Friday at zMax Dragway.

Smith, who drives the hauler carrying Erica Enders-Stevens' Husky Liners Pro Stock Camaro for Cagnazzi Racing, won $30,000 after accumulating the most points over three Challenge events. He wrapped up the title at the final event Thursday and was awarded the championship in a press conference Friday.

Husky Liners transporter driver Keith Smith was honored as champion of the inaugural NHRA Pilot Flying J Truck Driver Challenge on Friday at zMax Dragway.

Smith, who drives the hauler carrying Erica Enders-Stevens' Husky Liners Pro Stock Camaro for Cagnazzi Racing, won $30,000 after accumulating the most points over three Challenge events. He wrapped up the title at the final event Thursday and was awarded the championship in a press conference Friday.

"I'm just blessed, I really am," Smith said. "Anybody could have won this. All the drivers are awesome. I like to keep my ducks in a row and work hard at it. Anything I do I go at it wide-open; I don't leave any stones unturned. Thanks to everybody. You made this old man's day with this check."

The Pilot Flying J Truck Driver Challenge began in NASCAR 10 years, but company officials decided to add NHRA and IndyCar competitions this season. Transport drivers compete in chicanes designed to mirror real-life highway obstacles. The Challenge is based on safe driving and includes tests of Department of Transportation regulations.

"He really embraced it like he embraced his job, like a true champion," Cagnazzi Racing team owner Victor Cagnazzi said.

The first competition was April 18 in Charlotte and the second was held June 13 in Bristol. It featured 55 drivers from 12 NHRA teams this season.

"It's about recognizing the sacrifice, the tough hours, the traffic, the time away from your families, and how hard it is," Pilot Flying J's Kathy Virtue said of the Challenge.

The Challenge will add a fourth event in 2014, and winners from NASCAR, NHRA, and IndyCar will compete for an overall championship at Pilot Flying J's headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn.