The Irish National Professional Drivers Championship 2025, hosted at the iconic Naas Racecourse, was a spectacular event that showcased the exceptional talents of professional drivers from across Europe. This year’s championship, organized by the European Professional Drivers Association (EPDA) under the leadership of Barry Lyons, attracted an impressive array of participants from the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and many more countries. The event provided a vibrant platform for drivers to demonstrate their skills and commitment to excellence in the profession.
The competition featured a series of challenging driving tests designed to assess not only technical skills but also strategic thinking, precision, and adherence to safety protocols. Drivers faced various scenarios that tested their abilities in real-world conditions, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and safety on the roads. The atmosphere was electric as participants showcased their dedication, passion, and camaraderie, vying for the chance to represent Ireland at the Professional Driver World Championship in Germany in 2026.
ESPORG vzw – The European Secure Parking Organisation – was honored to participate in this prestigious championship, reinforcing our commitment to advocating for the wellbeing of drivers. Our General Manager, Dirk Penasse, represented ESPORG, engaging with industry stakeholders and emphasizing the importance of mental health, physical health, and overall job satisfaction for professional drivers.
A highlight of the event was the European Wellbeing Initiative presented during the workshops. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by drivers, promoting a healthier work environment and enhancing their quality of life. We were grateful for the opportunity to promote the Wellbeing Pledge, an invitation for organizations and individuals to commit to prioritizing driver wellbeing. Our goal is to recruit new signatories and foster partnerships with wellbeing Allies, creating a collaborative network to support drivers across Europe.
The championship was further endorsed by the Union Internationale des Chauffeurs Routiers (UICR), with President Walter Pisarnik emphasizing the significance of such national competitions in showcasing skill and professionalism while also serving as a pathway to international representation. His recognition of the EPDA’s efforts and the hard work of the organizers set a tone of respect and gratitude that resonated throughout the event.
Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding performances and dedication to their craft. The enthusiasm, spirit, and camaraderie displayed during the championship illustrated a shared commitment to excellence in professional driving. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizers, Barry Lyons and his team, for orchestrating such a remarkable event that not only celebrated driving skills but also fostered important conversations about driver wellbeing.
As we look ahead, ESPORG is excited about the potential collaborations and partnerships that emerged from this event. By working together with new signatories of the Wellbeing Pledge and our wellbeing Allies, we can make significant strides in enhancing the working conditions and recognition of professional drivers across Europe.
For more information about the European Wellbeing Initiative and how to get involved, please reach out to ESPORG. Together, let’s drive positive change in the transport sector!
