Local Drivers Triumph at St. Cloud’s Bus Roadeo, Advance to State Competition

(KNSI) – The best bucking bus busters saddled up and earned some hardware after a strong finish during the Bus Roadeo held in St. Cloud.

Metro Bus held the annual event at St. Cloud State University’s K-Lot at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. The roadeo tested drivers’ skills in navigating various real-life driving scenarios in a friendly competition.

Dial-a-ride driver Keith Drake took the top spot in the small bus category, and fixed-route driver Joel Lafrentz brought home the title in the large bus category. Drake and Lafrentz are following in the footsteps of some great competitors before them. Over the years, Metro Bus drivers have taken first place in the Minnesota State Roadeo 25 times and have placed in the top four in national competitions eight times. Drake and Lafrentz will advance to the Minnesota statewide Bus Roadeo on July 19th and 20th at Canterbury Park in Shakopee. Top finishers at the State level are eligible to compete in a national competition.

The other top finishers were David Peacock, Wayne Prescott, Clint Benner and Jason Hiivala.

Metro Bus has hosted a local competition since 1986.

___