ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Thousands of dollars in prizes were presented last month to motorcoach drivers and mechanics competing in the 14th annual Bus Roadeo sponsored by the South Jersey Transportation Authority.
This year's competition, conducted at the Atlantic City Transportation Center, drew 21 drivers and 9 mechanics.
The first-place mechanic was Stephen Scott Wolf of Lion Trailways in Rio Grande, N.J.; the second-place mechanic was Greg Wilson of Academy Bus in Hoboken, N.J., and third place went to William Groff from Cape Transit Corp./Coach USA in Pleasantville, N.J.
The three mechanics won prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500, respectively.
The first-place driver was Michael A. Barksdale from Greyhound Lines; second place went to Daniel Earl LeSane of Suburban Transit of New Brunswick, N.J., and third place was captured by Wyeth D. Lisby from Greyhound.
The top three drivers also won prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500, respectively.
The first place driver also took home a 13-inch TV/DVD combo, and tickets for a dolphin watch cruise around Atlantic City and a passport ride in Atlantic City. The first prize mechanic won a DVD player, plus the dolphin watch and passport ride tickets.
All 30 participants were given overnight stays, meals and grab-bag items from Atlantic City casino and non-casino properties and businesses that co-sponsor the event. Also sponsoring the competition were the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association (formerly Atlantic City Bus Operator's Association), and the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority.
Participating and providing technical expertise were the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the New Jersey State Police and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Motor Coach Industries supplied the buses used in the competition.
The competition tests the skills, competency and knowledge of the participants. Drivers take both a written and driving test, while the competing mechanics must take a written test and ferret out engine defects.