JPM holdings Ltd driver Chris Foot (38), of Dunedin, said he used 90 millilitres less fuel than a Rotorua truck driver to win the New Zealand final of the Volvo Drivers' Fuel Challenge in Palmerston North last week, earning himself a trip to Australia.
''There wasn't much in it at the end.''
In Palmerston North, he and four other finalists had to drive a fully-laden 540hp Volvo truck around a 70km road circuit in the most fuel-efficient way possible.
''I did what I do every day and took it nice and easy. I stayed focused and managed to get the edge on them.''
A computer in the truck recorded brake use, gear selection, speeds, idle times and acceleration.
He used the same techniques when driving around Otago and Southland in a 540 Volvo Globetrotter.
''You've got to read the road. You've got to get a bit of pace up for the hill climb and ease off on the flat ... I just love what I do. I love my job.''
At the Asia Pacific final in Brisbane, Mr Foot will be competing against truckies from 12 countries, including India, Taiwan and the Philippines.
''I'll be giving it 120%. If I win that then I'm away to Sweden,'' he said.
The world final will be held in Gothenburg.
Volvo truck salesman Scott Robinson, of Palmerston North, said he sat in the cab with the drivers in the New Zealand final to provide directions to the truckies and ensured there was no cheating. Mr Foot was a ''smooth'' driver with awareness of how to save fuel, he said.
