Tractor drivers prepared to pit their skills and experience against each other can shoot for success in a new Tractor Driver of the Year contest.

The format for Trelleborg’s competition has been honed during five events held in Italy and, this year, is being staged for UK farmers, contractors and their employees for the first time.

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A total of 40 drivers will be selected from those who apply to take part in four time-based challenges at Prestwold Hall, near Loughborough, Leicestershire, on Thursday 16 October.

Designed to replicate everyday tractor operations, the manoeuvring, hoisting, trailer reversing and stability control challenges will use a fleet of Valtra tractors.

Competitors will be evaluated not just for speed, but also for professionalism under pressure.

Beyond the contest action, participants (who can take one guest) will see presentations on Trelleborg’s tyre technology.

Specialists will be on hand to explain features, benefits and how to extract the best performance for different applications.

Entries for the Tractor Driver of the Year are now open via the Trelleborg website.