Aaron Brookshire’s journey as a motorcoach driver began behind the wheel of a church bus. Since then, helping transport youth groups and others to activities has segued into a professional career.
More than two decades later, Brookshire has earned one of the highest accolades in the motorcoach industry, winning the 2025 United Motorcoach Association (UMA) International Driver Competition on his first attempt, being named the Grand Champion.
Brookshire, a professional motorcoach operator for 15 years, bested an elite group of drivers to claim the top prize at the UMA’s annual event, held in Oklahoma City. The competition, held on Feb. 22, was designed to test technical knowledge and real-world driving skills. (See photos from the competition) It included a written exam and a challenging course that simulated tight urban turns, parallel parking, and precision stops.
Though Brookshire approached the challenge with a laid-back attitude, he admitted the competition pushed him to his limits.
“The written test was very technical, and there were a lot of things I didn’t know,” Brookshire said. “Then, I bumped one of the poles on the road course. When I hit it, I thought, ‘I’m done.’”
But that wasn’t the case. When the final results were announced, his fellow drivers and colleagues erupted in applause.
Mentor to younger drivers
Brett Allen Roes, owner of Eagle Christian Tours, was among the first to congratulate him.
“Great job, Aaron, what an amazing achievement!” Roes posted on his Facebook page. “I have ridden and slept for thousands upon thousands of miles in an entertainer bus with Aaron driving and I would concur that he is most certainly among the best of the best!”
Brookshire, who started his driving career in 2004 transporting church groups while serving as a youth pastor, transitioned to professional motorcoach operations in 2011. Today, he not only drives for Eagle Christian Tours but also assists in training and mentoring other drivers.
“I’ve been to UMA before, but this was my first time ever doing a competition,” he said. “I didn’t really have expectations. I just wanted to see what it was like. I don’t know if I’ll compete again, I’d like to encourage someone else to do it.”
Anthony Scot Bouwman, a driver for Affordable Limousine, was first runner-up. Bouwman, who previously worked as a wrecker operator before joining the bus industry, found the event humbling and inspiring.
“The driver’s side parallel parking didn’t throw me off,” he said. “It was the bus. Never driven it before. The turning radius is what got me. I think I would have been fine on the alley dock if I had just pulled forward a little more before backing up.”
Despite the challenge, Bouwman was grateful for the opportunity to compete.
“Drivers don’t usually get to see the business side of the industry. Being here at EXPO, I got to meet people in insurance, operations, and other parts of the business. It’s been eye-opening,” he said. “I hope to be back next year.”
He won his spot in the competition after taking first place in the Midwest Bus and Motorcoach Association’s annual driving competition in July during its conference held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Rounding out the top three was Robert Saucedo, owner of Carreras Tours and a UMA Board Member, who secured the second runner-up spot. Saucedo, who also won the 2024 California Bus Association driver’s competition, comes from a family of professional drivers and takes pride in upholding the high standards of the industry.
Saucedo says he never expected to place in a national competition. He said he entered the California Bus Association competition just to set an example for his drivers and even offered to cover their entry fees.
Despite his initial hesitation, Saucedo dominated the state competition and went on to compete at the national level, where he faced some of the best drivers in the industry.
“I was extremely surprised,” he said about becoming second runner-up. “I bombed one of the obstacles, but when they called my name, I was shocked. They said, ‘You blew everybody out of the water.’”
CEO still loves driving
Saucedo’s journey in the industry started in 2006 when his father encouraged him to earn his commercial driver’s license after a short-lived venture in the restaurant business.
“My dad had a bus and told me to get my CDL,” Saucedo said. “At first, I pushed back because I knew what that entailed, but once I started driving, I loved it. You get paid to do this? That’s great.”
After several months behind the wheel, Saucedo and his father launched their own charter bus company, Carreras Tours, named after their hometown in Mexico. The business quickly grew, and Saucedo transitioned from driver to CEO, though he still enjoys getting behind the wheel.
“I don’t drive as much anymore, maybe once every two weeks, sometimes once every two months. But it’s like riding a bike. You never forget,” he said.
At the UMA event, Saucedo competed against a group of seasoned drivers, including past champions.
“I felt intimidated because these guys had won before,” he said. “But I decided to just go out there, have fun, and see how I measured up.”
At the awards dinner, Saucedo was caught off guard when his name was called.
“I was very surprised, I didn’t even expect to make the top 10,” he said.
In addition to that honor, Saucedo was recognized for 12 years of safe driving, having logged more than a million accident-free miles.
“That was unexpected, but I felt good about it,” Saucedo said. “I’ve never had a claim, and that’s something I take pride in. I want all of my drivers to have that same standard.”
Emphasizing the importance of drivers
The UMA International Driver Competition has become a centerpiece of the annual Motorcoach EXPO, drawing some of the best drivers in the industry. The event, which began in 2016 at the recommendation of the UMA Risk Management Committee, was created to celebrate and recognize the professionals who keep the motorcoach industry running safely and smoothly.
During the awards presentation, UMA Board Member Matt Dance highlighted the essential role drivers play.
“Drivers are the backbone of our operations, the ones who keep our wheels turning and our passengers safe,” Dance said. “Without them, most of us wouldn’t be here this evening, and I certainly wouldn’t be standing here today.”
Prevost, a leading motorcoach manufacturer, sponsors the event along with Lancer Insurance.
Guillaume Charron, Vice President of Retail Operations for Prevost, emphasized the importance of recognizing drivers’ contributions.
“We all know drivers are the face of our industry and key to our business success,” Charron said. “The current driver shortage is a real challenge, which is why it is so important to take care of them, help them develop, and show appreciation for their dedication.”
Charron said Prevost remains committed to enhancing the driver experience through innovation, safety features, and support for training and recruitment efforts.
In addition to the top finishers, five drivers were recognized for their safety records. Saucedo, Stacie Renee Farrell, Jason Duwayne Farrell, Matthew Corey Headly, and Steven Edward Wortman achieved 12 or more years of crash-free driving and earned the prestigious UMA Master Driver designation. They were honored during the UMA Awards Gala.
Dance encouraged UMA members to continue supporting their drivers and to consider sending competitors to next year’s event.
“Every driver competing in the UMA International Driver Competition must qualify for the Excellence in Driving Certificate,” Dance said. “This year’s competitors represented a combined 171 years of crash-free driving, which is truly remarkable.”
