Scania Driver Comps run and won

The 2014 Scania Driver Competition has concluded, with Jola Ramsay conquering the bus division and Ben Johns triumphing in trucks

After an exhaustive series of theoretical and practical tests, the winners of the 2014 Scania Driver Competition – held at the Gold Coast Turf Club in Queensland over September 30 and October 1 – have been determined.

Fending off fierce competition it was Jola Ramsay of Sidd Fogg's Coaches (Newcastle) who won the Scania Bus Driver Competition and tanker driver Ben Johns of Matthews Petroleum in Victoria who won the Scania Truck Driver Competition.

Both aged 28, Jola and Ben each received prizes valued at $10,000 for their efforts.

The Australian Scania Driver Competition is just one of dozens around the globe – the competition was held in 40 countries this year and attracted over 80,000 entrants.

The local competition saw entrants from all Australian states and territories face an online road laws test, the top 70 then facing a phone-based qualifying round. That number was then whittled down to the top 12 drivers in bus and truck categories, who battled it out on the Gold Coast over a series of driving tests, a theory test and a mock media interview.

Bus competitors were provided with a number of Scania-Higer A30 school/charter buses in which they could prove their proficiency, while truck competitors manoeuvred a Scania G 480 with Sleeper cab through a series of carpark tests before taking to the open road in a Scania R 620 V8 prime mover with single trailer.

Brand and Communications Manager for Scania Australia, Ron Szulc, said it was no easy task to emerge victorious from this year's finals.

"This year we have seen a very high level of finalist contest the last round of our competitions," he said.

"The events have been very successful in showcasing the skills and talents of some very fine young drivers, who take great pride in their work and can be considered experts in their fields. They were able to answer some very detailed questions regarding transport and road rules and were able to present themselves well on camera and talk confidently about their industry.

"One of the most notable aspects of all our finalists was their passion for their jobs and careers. The 22 male and two female finalists were all focused on safe and efficient driving, and are excellent role models for the next generation of drivers."

Both of this year's winners were no strangers to the Scania Driver Competition.

"I am very happy to have won at the third attempt," said Jola Ramsay.

"I first tried out for the Scania Truck Driver Competition in 2010 and then entered the bus competition in 2012. I was determined to give the competition another go and it feels really good to have succeeded this time."

Ben Johns had also tackled the competition in 2012.

"It has been a fantastic day," he said.

"The manoeuvring tests were tricky and the driver trainers riding along on the road drive were poker-faced, so I was not able to judge how well I had done."

Mr Szulc said the winners' persistence had well and truly paid off.

"The fact that both the 2014 bus and truck competition winners have returned to the Scania Driver Competition after reaching the finals on a previous occasion underlines their commitment and perseverance," he said.

"They are proof that success requires hard work and resolve."

Scania Driver Comps run and won

Tags