KEARNEY, Neb. - No snow, no problem. The state's top snowplow drivers are putting their skills to the test in a unique summer showdown.

The best snowplow drivers from across Nebraska are convening in Kearney to compete for a spot in a national competition.

The Snowplow Roadeo is an obstacle course that simulates tasks and situations which snow plow drivers often deal with on the roads.

Leading up to the event, local competitions were held in each of NDOT’s eight districts where the top two teams from each district advanced to Kearney.

"This is a great opportunity for our teams to not only show off their skills, but to have a little friendly competition against each other, but this is really about safety and recognizing what it is to be a snowplow operator," said NDOT Deputy Director Mick Syslo. 

Winners will advance to a national competition in Colorado this fall, competing against operators from across the country.

This is the third year the competition has been held at the Nebraska Safety Center in Kearney.

NDOT officials said the competition also serves as an important reminder of what it takes to keep our roads safe each winter.

Tyrel Yager and Chad Shaul of Valentine were back-to-back state champions of the Snowplow Roadeo the last two years.

Jim Paulsen and Justin Polk, from Chappell in District 5, were this year's victors.

Second place went to Ryan Kozal and John Saxton of Gordon, also from District 5.