Posted 8/8/01
Local drivers compete in 14th annual State Bus Roadeo
Fifty bus drivers from across Minnesota competed Saturday, July 28 in the 14th annual Minnesota State Bus Roadeo. The winner goes to national competition.
The event took place at the Lake Superior College with an obstacle course set up in the parking lot complete with challenges such as tight turns, backing up using the right-hand mirror and a serpentine course.
Drivers were judged on how well they maneuvered buses, followed safety procedures and how quickly they completed the course. They had seven minutes to beat the obstacles.
The judges, who are managers from various transit companies, say they donít want any perfect scores so they make it very challenging.
Joshua Burdine, a Chisago County driver, who was competing for the first time, told the Duluth News Tribune, ìIíd rather mess up here than trade paint with somebody on the street.î
No one was allowed to drive the course beforehand, so the drivers were on a level ñ but ultra-foggy ñ competition ground.
When the fog cleared and the winners were announced at the banquet Saturday night, Dennis Smith, Chisago County Heartland Express, brought home the third-place trophy.
Seven out of 14 years the Roadeo has been in existence, the Chisago-Isanti Heartland Express has placed in the top four positions including a first place in 1996 for Tim Spicer of the Isanti County Heartland Express which sent him to the nationals where he brought home the first place trophy.