ST. LOUIS, MO – Twenty-five of the nation’s top bus drivers are headed to St. Louis to compete in the first annual United Motorcoach Association (UMA) International Driver Competition at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February, 28, 2017. The top performing drivers will compete on a closed course located behind Paddy O’s Restaurant in downtown St. Louis.
All participating drivers have a proven history of safe driving and many have won a championship in a state or regional competition to earn the right to compete in St. Louis at the UMA International Driver Competition.
After a written examination testing their knowledge of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations on Monday, motorcoach drivers will hit the course beginning at nine a.m. and cycle through a series of obstacles such as “Diminishing Lane,” “Offset Alley,” and “Parallel Parking.”
“If you think parallel parking a car can be challenging, try a 45-foot-long, 102 inch wide, $600,000 luxury motorcoach,” said Dale Krapf, Chairman of Krapf Bus Companies and UMA. “This exciting new event will showcase the drivers’ skills and professionalism as the public face of motorcoach operations. These drivers are proven champions in motorcoach safety.”
This first of its kind international competition attracted entrants from 21 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. The UMA International Driver Competition champions will receive cash prizes, trophies, framed certificates, and recognition at the UMA Leadership Awards Celebration on February 28 in St. Louis.
The driver competition is part of UMA’s annual Motorcoach EXPO which features an exhibit hall showcasing the latest buses and motorcoaches, minibuses, and other commercial tour vehicles. The EXPO takes place at the America’s Convention Center in downtown St. Louis, Feb. 26 – Mar. 2. In addition to the vehicles on display, there are educational and networking opportunities for operators of motorcoach companies.
The first annual competition is sponsored by Prevost, Crum and Forster, Shriver-Capacity, and Bob Evans Restaurants.
The UMA Motorcoach Expo is the largest gathering of motorcoach operators in North America, bringing together nearly 2,000 bus and motorcoach industry professionals annually. In addition to the driver competition, the event includes multiple networking opportunities, a sold-out exhibit hall featuring the latest products and service, and an educational program designed to address all bus and motorcoach business operations. Complete details about the UMA Motorcoach Expo are available online.
About the United Motorcoach Association (UMA)
The United Motorcoach Association is the nation’s largest organization exclusively protecting and promoting the interests and welfare of privately owned bus and motorcoach companies. Members include motorcoach owners and industry suppliers.
To learn more about UMA go to their website.
For questions please contact UMA at 1-800-424-8262 or email jryder@uma.org
UMA Motorcoach EXPO 2017
Feb. 26 – Mar. 2, St. Louis, MO
UMA International Driver Competition
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Paddy O’s is located at 618 S 7th St, St. Louis, MO 63102
7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Driver Breakfast and Course Orientation – Paddy O’s parking lot
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Driver Competition – Paddy O’s parking lot
The 2017 UMA Motorcoach EXPO Hall
The America’s Center
701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101
Halls 4 and 5
The UMA EXPO Hall, featuring the largest bus and motorcoach vehicle display in the U.S. and Canada, will be open the following hours:
Monday, February 27
4:30-6:45 p.m.
Tuesday, February 28
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday, March 1
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Media Contact
Company Name: United Motorcoach Association
Contact Person: Julianne Ryder
Email: jryder@uma.org
Phone: (703) 838-2929 x134
Country: United States
Website: http://www.uma.org/
