Check out shots from the 2013 America's Best competition, in which school bus technicians and inspectors from around the nation tested their skills.
2013 America's Best Competition
The 2013 America's Best event was hosted by the Washington Association for Pupil Transportation and PACCAR.
The national event includes separate competitions for technicians and inspectors, each with a written exam and a hands-on portion.
Returning champion Alan Fidler of Indiana, who won the school bus technician category in 2012 and 2011.
Ivie.
The competition took place at the Federal Way Public Schools transportation facility, south of Seattle.
Bill Alsko of Virginia, who placed third in the tech category.
Winning inspector Middleton (right) with Don Carnahan of Zonar, an event sponsor.
This year's event drew 31 participants representing 19 states.
In addition to the competition, participants attend training seminars and tour host facilities.
Ryan Texer of Colorado, who placed third in the inspector category this year.
Bryce Ivie of Utah, who placed second in the inspector category.
Casey Middleton of Oklahoma, who placed first in the school bus inspector category.
The school bus inspectors pose at the PACCAR facility.
The school bus techs pose at the PACCAR facility.
Winning tech Patrick Maloney (left) of Colorado with Dwight Gleaves of Hydrotex, an event sponsor.
From left: Carnahan, top inspectors Ivie (second), Middleton (first) and Texer (third), and Marshall Casey, an event organizer.
From left: Casey, top techs Jon Studivant (second), Maloney (first) and Alsko (third), and Gleaves.