The California Bus Association (CBA) is honoring Dennis Easley, a prominent figure in the motorcoach industry, who died in December 2013 of lung cancer at the age of 73.
Easley, known for his vibrant personality, spent two decades in the industry, serving as a loss prevention representative and manager for several insurance companies. He was a longtime associate member of the California Bus Association and a leading advocate for vehicle roadeos as a tool for honing driving skills.
In recognition of his contributions, the CBA has revived its annual driver competition and renamed it the “Dennis Easley Memorial Driver Skills Competition.”
The event, previously known as The Bus Roadeo, was relaunched this week in Ontario, California, with support from Mark Szyperski, of On Your Mark Transportation, who was both facilitator and sponsor. The program design, which includes both written and driving components, is modeled after the United Motorcoach Association International Driver Competition.
Written, road tests
The competition began with a written exam testing drivers’ knowledge of commercial vehicle regulations, FMCSA, and DOT rules. The first day concluded with a networking dinner sponsored by American Stage Tours and Pacific Coachways, with transportation provided by H&L Charters.
On the second day, drivers showcased their driving and maneuvering skills on an obstacle course. Competitors drew lots for their order and vehicle model, with coaches donated by Prevost and Pacific Coachways. The morning’s driving challenges were followed by a lunch and presentation by California Highway Patrol Officer Rodrigo Jimenez, who, along with Officer George Sanchez, conducted a session on distracted driving through the TREDS program and served as competition judges.
The competition’s scores, combining both written and driving portions, highlighted the best in the field. Robert Saucedo, of Carreras Tours, claimed first place; Andrew Magdaleno, of Pacific Coachways, took second; and John Rivers, also of Pacific Coachways, secured third place.
“We are thrilled to host the Dennis Easley Memorial Driver Skills Competition, honoring Dennis’s legacy and commitment to excellence in our industry,” said Vicki Bowman, Executive Director of the CBA.
“This event not only showcases the incredible skills of our drivers but also fosters a sense of community and continuous learning. The enthusiasm and participation we’ve seen are truly inspiring, and we look forward to even more exciting opportunities ahead.”
Following this event, CBA announced a collaborative program with ABA’s BISC team: “Mastering the Roads and Routes: Comprehensive Strategies for Drivers and Fleet Management.” Scheduled for Aug. 12, the program will cover a range of topics, including parking policies at popular tourism spots, industry updates, driver behavior and coaching, navigating challenging HR issues, fleet management, and workplace violence plans.
Registration is now open at https://bit.ly/461xkgC.
