This award was introduced at the 2025 UMA Motorcoach EXPO Awards Gala to honor technicians who have demonstrated consistent excellence over the years. 

“These are the best of the best,” said Kevin Whitworth, longtime competition organizer. “Once someone wins three times, they become eligible for the Ring of Honor but retire from competition. It opens the door for new talent to rise, while keeping our legends close to mentor the next generation.”

The Maintenance Competition, sponsored by ABC Companies, tests competitors on written knowledge and hands-on vehicle inspections. It’s part of a broader tradition that includes the UMA Maintenance Interchange — a 27-year-old forum where mechanics and operators share real-world solutions.

“Competitions like this aren’t just about bragging rights,” said UMA President & CEO Scott Michael. “They’re about elevating the skills of our maintenance professionals, encouraging learning, and spotlighting the vital work that keeps our fleets running safely every day.”

To commemorate the Ring of Honor, UMA unveiled a trophy — a bright red toolbox engraved with honorees’ names — that will return each year to EXPO.  Kevin Whitworth called it “the perfect symbol for honoring hands-on excellence.  It’s more than a trophy, it’s a reminder that greatness in this field is built one wrench turn, one diagnostic test, one fix at a time.”

The inaugural class includes:

• Wes Kanaga
• Greg Lammers
• Dave Meyerhofer
• Darren Haines

These individuals collectively have claimed 12 first-place titles over the event’s 17-year history.