From Church Bus Driver to Grand Champion: Aaron Brookshire Triumphs at the UMA Competition

Aaron Brookshire’s incredible story began behind the wheel of a church bus, where he volunteered to transport youth groups and congregations to various activities. Now, over 20 years later, his passion for driving and commitment to excellence has earned him one of the highest honors in the motorcoach industry.

Brookshire was crowned Grand Champion at the 2025 United Motorcoach Association (UMA) International Driver Competition during his first-ever attempt.

Source: (Bus and Motorcoach News) Aaron Brookshire of Eagle Christian Tours won the 2025 UMA International Driver Competition.

Mastering the UMA Driver Competition

With 15 years of professional experience as a motorcoach driver, Brookshire represents Eagle Christian Tours and emerged victorious at UMA’s prestigious annual competition, held in Oklahoma City on February 22. This event put participants through rigorous evaluations, including a written test and a challenging driving course that simulated real-world scenarios such as tight urban maneuvers, parallel parking, and precise stopping.

Despite his relaxed demeanor heading into the event, Brookshire acknowledged the competition was far from easy.

“The written test was very technical, and there were a lot of things I didn’t know,” he shared. “Then, I bumped one of the poles on the road course. When I hit it, I thought, ‘I’m done.’”

To his surprise, when the final scores were announced, his peers erupted into applause, celebrating his newfound title.

A Mentor and Role Model

Brent Allen Roes, owner of Eagle Christian Tours, was among the first to congratulate Brookshire, expressing his admiration on social media.

“Great job, Aaron, what an amazing achievement!” Roes posted on Facebook. “I have ridden and slept for thousands upon thousands of miles in an entertainer bus with Aaron driving, and I would concur that he is most certainly among the best of the best!”

Brookshire’s career began in 2004 as he drove for church groups while working as a youth pastor. By 2011, this transitioned into a full-time professional career. Today, Aaron not only drives but also plays a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring other drivers at Eagle Christian Tours.

Reflecting on his competition experience, Brookshire commented, “I’ve been to UMA before, but this was my first time competing. I didn’t have big expectations—I just wanted to see what it was like. I don’t know if I’ll compete again, but I’d like to encourage someone else to do it.”

Other Standout Competitors

Joining Brookshire on the podium was Anthony Scot Bouwman of Affordable Limousine, who secured the first runner-up position. Having previously worked as a wrecker operator, Bouwman’s path to the event was inspiring.

“Driver’s side parallel parking didn’t throw me off,” he shared. “It was the bus itself. I’d never driven it before, and the turning radius got me. I think I would have handled the alley dock better if I’d pulled forward just a little more before backing up.”

Despite the challenges, Bouwman appreciated the experience. “Drivers don’t usually get to see the business side of the industry. Being here at EXPO, I got to meet people in insurance, operations, and other parts of the business. It’s been eye-opening. I hope to return next year.”

Second runner-up Robert Saucedo, owner of Carreras Tours and UMA Board Member, brought years of experience and industry pride to the competition. Saucedo, who also clinched the 2024 California Bus Association driving title, explained how he entered competitions to set an example for his team.

“I was extremely surprised,” Saucedo admitted about his finish. “I bombed one of the obstacles, but when they called my name, I was shocked. They said, ‘You blew everybody out of the water.’”

A Legacy of Excellence

Saucedo’s driving career began in 2006, urged by his father to pursue a commercial driver’s license. Their shared passion for excellence led them to establish Carreras Tours, which now thrives under Saucedo’s leadership as CEO. Though his responsibilities have pulled him out of the driver’s seat, Saucedo still finds joy in occasionally getting behind the wheel.

“I don’t drive as much anymore, maybe once every two weeks or so,” Saucedo said. “But it’s like riding a bike. You never forget.”

At the UMA Awards Gala, Saucedo and several other drivers, including Stacie Renee Farrell, Jason Duwayne Farrell, Matthew Corey Headly, and Steven Edward Wortman, were inducted as Master Drivers. This esteemed honor recognizes 12 or more years of crash-free driving. Saucedo himself has logged over a million accident-free miles during his career.

Recognizing the Industry’s Unsung Heroes

The UMA International Driver Competition is a centerpiece event at the Motorcoach EXPO, showcasing the exceptional skill and dedication of the industry’s top drivers. The program began in 2016 at the suggestion of the UMA Risk Management Committee to honor those behind the wheel.

“Drivers are the backbone of our operations, the ones who keep our wheels turning and our passengers safe,” emphasized UMA Board Member Matt Dance at the awards ceremony. “Without them, most of us wouldn’t be here this evening, and I certainly wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Guillaume Charron, Vice President of Retail Operations for Prevost, a lead sponsor of the competition along with Lancer Insurance, reinforced the message of driver appreciation.

“We all know drivers are the face of our industry and key to our business success,” Charron said. “The current driver shortage is a real challenge, which is why it’s so important to take care of them, help them develop, and show appreciation for their dedication.”

Looking Ahead

This year’s competitors collectively brought 171 years of crash-free driving experience to the event, a testament to the industry’s talent and professionalism. UMA encourages its members to continue supporting drivers and consider sending representatives to future competitions.

“Every driver competing in the UMA International Driver Competition must qualify for the Excellence in Driving Certificate,” Dance noted.

The 2025 competition was about more than winning titles; it was a celebration of dedication, skill, and the incredible people who power the motorcoach industry.

Source: Bus and Motorcoach News