Marek Szerenos from Poland, who competed in the Young European Truck Driver (YETD) 2005  final, came back this year to claim the winning title YETD 2007. The competition was held at Scania’s headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden on 21 and 22 September.

“It is too wonderful to describe,” said Szerenos, after beating 26 other contestants, all from different countries across Europe. “I never dreamed I would win. It is the happiest day of my professional life.”

With trophy in one hand and flowers in the other, Szerenos stood on the podium, visibly moved, holding the keys to his newly won Scania truck clenched between his teeth, amidst a whirlwind of white confetti and flashing cameras.

Szerenos’ victory came a bit as a surprise since, of the six contestants in the semi-final, his overall score had put him in sixth place.

The competition ended in a dramatic showdown of the three finalists manoeuvring their trucks in reverse on a challenging zigzag-shaped track, then rushing to be first to knock down the pin at each end of the track.

When the realisation hit Szerenos that he had won, he leaped from his truck to fetch his wife, carrying her in his arms towards the podium.

With little official driver training behind him, Szerenos credited his 12 years of driving experience for helping him win. He said he remained calm throughout the competition by not thinking about the prize.

Szerenos said he plans to serve as a role model for beginner drivers and advise future drivers to drive safely by not letting emotions get the upper hand.

Szerenos, 34, owns a haulage company with his wife, and transports mainly building materials within Poland, as well as to and from Russia. The brand new Scania truck will be a welcome addition to their fleet of five. “I’m sold,” he says. “From now on, it will be only Scanias.”

As soon as he gets home, he will embrace his children, whom he’s missed these last three long days. But tonight, he will be celebrating his victory, late into the night.

Text: Elizabeth Chi