Jerry Kraetsch is named the Flatbed 1st Place Champion for his safe driving knowledge and skill behind the wheel.

Kraetsch, a professional truck driver for YRC Inc., was crowned first place in the Flatbed Division of the 2011 Minnesota Truck Driving Championships.

Jerry, who resides in Racine, earned the title competing against more than 100 professional truck drivers who came to the Koch Trucking facilities in Minneapolis from across the state.

He will go on to compete in the American Trucking Associations National Championships, Aug. 9-13 in Orlando, Fla.