WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — As Martz bus drivers from up and down the East Coast walked around the challenges at the Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township, sticking to their training and strengths gave them confidence.
"I'm a mirrors driver. I'm watching my mirrors," explained Angelo Concert of Harveys Lake, who has been driving for Martz for the last 10 years. "I'm looking at my windows everywhere I can for every potential obstacle."
They are all competing around this parking lot to become the champion of the 2024 Martz Bus Roadeo.
Each driver finished first in regional competitions in Luzerne County, Maryland, and Florida.
"We bring them up here for finals, and now they get to compete," said Martz's corporate safety director Sal Caccavale. "It's really more about the safety aspect. So, they're going to be competing for some trophies, cash prizes, and basically, bragging rights."
"Aside from that, it's just a matter of trying to have fun with it," said Sergio Velez, another competing driver from Hazle Township.
It's fun but also realistic. The written test revisits their CDL exams. The pre-check and the driving portion of the competition mimic real-life scenarios these drivers face every day.
"Look at it as an everyday experience, just showing what I can do. Also, looking at it and the fact that I want to see what I need to work on to make myself a better driver," said Concert.
Points are deducted for any tennis balls that fall off the cones on the course as drivers take hard left turns and navigate through tightening lanes.
"Our trainer, he would name the cones. So as soon as I got close to a cone, I would think, 'Oh, no, not Susie!'" said Velez.
"We turn out some pretty good drivers, and we're really proud of that, especially here in the valley," added Caccavale. "But the whole thing is that you know we want them to drive safe, to get our customers from one point to their destination in the safest manner possible."
"I personally believe that if you can't have fun with what you're doing, then nobody else will because you transfer that energy so you can enjoy yourself and still be safe," said Velez.
"I'd like to take the big trophy home this year. It would look good sitting underneath my TV. But you know, it's all about getting it done and getting it done right. And may the best driver come up with a trophy," said Concert, who ultimately won the competition in Luzerne County, followed by Sergio Vellez of Hazleton.
Also competing were Robert Schuhl, Maryland, third place; Link Ogle, Florida, fourth place; and Anthony Jones, Maryland, fifth place.
Martz Bus, founded in 1908, is headquartered in Wilkes-Barre and offers commuter, charter, tour, and college shuttle services at its three locations.
