UK drivers in top three at SPAR International Driver competition

Drivers from SPAR wholesalers CJ Lang & Son and James Hall & Co finished in the top three at the inaugural SPAR International Driver of the Year competition earlier this month.

CJ Lang driver Willie Brown (centre) receives the runner-up prize from Tom Rose of SPAR International and Evalena Falck of Scania.

CJ Lang driver Willie Brown was runner-up to winner Rikard Sunde of SPAR Norway. It was an all-SPAR UK third-place play-off with Stephen Metcalf from James Hall & Co completing the podium, edging AF Blakemore’s Thiago Caires into fourth position.

The 2023 SPAR International Driver of the Year Competition was hosted by Scania in Sweden over two days, when drivers from across SPAR came together to compete in three disciplines testing their driving style, manoeuvrability, and safety awareness, all supervised by the Scania test centre team.

The competition was held to highlight the value lorry drivers play in SPAR’s successful operation, and to promote driving HGVs as a career.

Colin Chapman, distribution director at CJ Lang & Son, said: “Our drivers are integral to the success of our business, and it was great to see the event celebrating the important role our drivers play and their amazing skills.

“Many congratulations to Willie for demonstrating his great driving skills and showcasing what a fabulous team of drivers we have at CJ Lang & Son.”

Brown added: “It was a phenomenal event to take part in. It was great to meet other drivers from around the world of SPAR and get the opportunity to challenge our driving capabilities. We also visited the Scania factory which for drivers was very exciting – especially seeing and driving their vehicles.

“I enjoy being a driver with CJ Lang. Along with getting the chance to use my driving skills on a daily basis, I also get to see beautiful parts of Scotland in all weather conditions – no two days are ever the same!”