What to know about driver, mechanic competitions at EXPO

Drivers and mechanics are invited to compete for cash prizes and bragging rights at the 2022 UMA Motorcoach EXPO next month in Long Beach, California.

There’s still time to register for the professional competitions.

To take part in the 2022 UMA International Driver Competition, drivers must preregister here and complete the required forms. Among the requirements is a good driving record and accident-free for two years. For further information, contact Kevin Whitworth.

The UMA Risk Management Committee will review all driver submissions for validity and completeness and determine final eligibility for awards and competition. The competition is sponsored by Prevost and Lancer Insurance Company.

The event begins with a written exam at 2:30 p.m. (PT) on Feb. 24 and a 7 a.m. breakfast on Feb. 25 just before competing on the challenging driver course through most of the morning.

Driver competition
A driver takes part in the UMA International Driver Competition.

Maintenance Competition

Operators are invited to bring their mechanics to EXPO, and compete in a unique peer-to-peer setting, UMA’s Maintenance Competition.

Held in conjunction with the Maintenance Interchange, the annual Maintenance Competition is for those who wish to test their technical knowledge and skills against the clock and North America’s top bus and motorcoach mechanics. 

The competition is composed of a written exam as well as a hands-on motorcoach inspection.  Both segments are designed to be difficult, testing the knowledge of industry maintenance standards, as well as safety regulations. The written exam is given at the end of the Maintenance Interchange, Thursday, Feb. 24, 4:45 p.m. (PT).  The hands-on competition will take place Friday, Feb. 25 on the EXPO show floor, starting at 10 a.m. (PT).  Competitors will be challenged with two motorcoaches that have been rigged with multiple defects.  One coach will be elevated, the second coach is static on the floor. (To compete in the competition, you must take the written exam at the scheduled time). 

Dave Meyerhofer, a two time grand champion, from Kobussen Trailways in Kaukauna, Wisconsin takes part in the UMA Maintenance Competition.

To be eligible for the Maintenance Competition, you must be registered for EXPO, and be employed by a motorcoach operator that is in good standing with UMA.   

The Maintenance Competition is sponsored by ABC Companies. Not only does ABC provide $4,000 in prize money, but custom-made awards for the top three competitors. Winners of the competition (first three places) will be recognized at the UMA Member Appreciation Dinner on Friday night. The Grand Champion will take home a $2,500 cash prize and a beautiful trophy thanks to the generous sponsorship of ABC Companies. 

24-year EXPO tradition

The UMA Maintenance Interchange will mark its 24th year at the 2022 EXPO. This valuable session allows motorcoach owners, maintenance professionals, and key employees to come together in an open forum, to discuss the maintenance problems they have faced and to exchange solutions and ideas. 

Many companies have had technicians and employees participate since the beginning. Attendees have said time and time again, they come home with solutions that more than pay for their registration and travel to EXPO, and would never miss the Maintenance Interchange.

Maintenance competition
Greg Lammers, a three time grand champion from Cavalier Coaches, Owatonna Minnesota, takes part in an UMA Maintenance Competition. He has since retired. 

The Maintenance Interchange is designed to focus on both common and not-so-common issues faced by maintenance professionals. To facilitate this, participants are encouraged to submit topics for discussion in advance of the seminar. The Maintenance Interchange is an operator-to-operator exchange. It is free for motorcoach operators who are registered for Motorcoach EXPO. Vendors manufacturers, suppliers, third-party repair facilities, or sales professionals are not permitted to attend. The Maintenance Interchange will take place Thursday, Feb. 24, 12:30-4:30 p.m. (PT).

If you have any questions on either the Maintenance Interchange or Competition, click here to contact Kevin Whitworth.  

Related:

What to know about UMA EXPO’s Maintenance Interchange 

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