Costica Moscal wins DAF UK & Ireland Driver Challenge ‘24

Costica Moscal has emerged as winner of the 2024 edition of the DAF UK & Ireland Driver Challenge. After successfully completing a series of tough theory, practical tests and driving challenges, Costica, a Driver and Driver Trainer at Oxalis Logistics, fought off strong competition from 20 other highly-skilled driving professionals over the weekend event (27th & 28th October). In the fourth edition of the event, the DAF Driver Challenge is the culmination of a search across the UK and Ireland to find the very best commercial vehicle driver.

An initial online registration process included assessments, on-road awareness and demonstrating a thorough understanding of the CV industry. Over 150 selected drivers were then invited to one of 11 regional heats held at DAF dealerships around the UK and Ireland, with just 21 drivers competing at the final event at DAF Dealer Chassis Cab Cambridge. To ensure a level playing field, and that the final contenders were a true reflection of the nation's very best drivers, the DAF Driver Challenge was again open to drivers of any vehicle marque.

Costica Moscal, as well as being crowned the overall winner, also won three tests outright and was a top five competitor in seven of eight challenges, ably demonstrating his all-round knowledge and skill behind the wheel. Challenges included a 'commentary drive' of a New Generation DAF XG, manoeuvring tests with rigid and articulated vehicles, a theory examination, city driving in a DAF XB, plus two exciting off-road quarry driving tests in DAF XF FAW 'tridem' and XDC FAD 8x4 tippers. There was also a special 'Champion's Challenge' a tricky precision manoeuvring test devised by previous DAF Driver Challenge Campion in 2022, Colin Court, who was in attendance throughout the weekend to help adjudicate.

Runners-up included, in second position, Thomas Mills who is also from Oxalis Logistics. and in third place, Adrian Pritchard. Ian Joyce Award (Shane Prior) The Ian Joyce Award was introduced to the DAF UK & Ireland Driver Challenge in 2022 in memory of the late Mr Joyce - a dedicated and extremely popular member of the DAF Dealer Driver Trainer team.

Ian was one of the first DAF Dealer Driver Trainers and a judge at previous DAF UK Driver Challenge events. The winner of the Ian Joyce Award was Shane Prior from Cork, Ireland. Shane demonstrated outstanding levels of professionalism, kindness and consideration; qualities that Ian Joyce epitomised.

In a poignant moment, Shane was presented the award by Duncan Lancaster, DAF Dealer Driver Trainer for Ford & Slater who recalled his time working with Ian at numerous events. "We were extremely impressed with the standard of entrants this year," said DAF Demonstration Manager, Mandy Wannerton. "All of the final 21 competitors can consider themselves as an elite-level driver, but Costica was just outstanding. Congratulations to him and to everyone who took part.

It was nail-biting at times, which really added to the drama. "Of course, the Ian Joyce Award is close to the hearts of everyone in the DAF Dealer Driver Training team," she said, "and this is such a very appropriate way to remember him. We still miss him very much and it was great to remember him over the weekend.

"Our congratulations again to Costica Moscal," she said.