Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, October 16, 1995 TAG: 9510160069
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Let's face it, he's a pro at driving large vehicles. He has owned three vans since 1976 and has driven a city bus for more than 20 years.
The Vinton man used his skill Wednesday to place second in the 35-foot category of the 20th International Bus Roadeo competition in San Antonio, Texas.
The Valley Metro bus driver was named the best bus driver in the state in 1994 and 1995's Virginia Roadeo. He also placed fifth out of about 120 drivers at last year's international competition.
Carter said when he saw the buses provided by the San Antonio hosts that he did not expect to do as well this year.
``[The buses] were 6 inches wider, and that seemed like an extra challenge,'' he said.
Carter said the 6-inch difference may have cost him a few points as he maneuvered through the course's 11 obstacles in the given seven minutes. He did not know if the 6 inches was a difference between the width of the bus body or the wheel base.
Contestants are allowed just one test run through the course.
Judges score drivers on safety and smoothness while driving the serpentine course and making reverse turns and sudden stops.
A welcoming party of Carter's co-workers met him at the airport Thursday night. It was a surprise for Carter, who said, ``I don't consider myself that good.''
Humble as Carter is after more than 400,000 miles of safe driving - with no preventable accidents, that is - one wonders where his skills are rooted.
``I always wanted to be a race car driver; of course, that didn't get me where I am now,'' he said.
by CNB