Australia's Top UD Truck Driver Named for 2026
UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge
Press release
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September 21, 2026
Anthony Cassar has been named as Australia's Top UD Truck driver for 2026 to secure global truck driving final berth in Japan.
Following Australia's landmark global victory in 2024 with owner-operator Matt Modra of MA & RC Modra, UD Trucks Australia is proud to announce Anthony Cassar of Coolway Trans, representing Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia Sydney West, as the winner of the 2026 UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge Australia.
Over three weeks of competition, drivers were assessed through UD Connect telematics across key performance disciplines including Anticipation & Braking, Driveline Utilisation, Speed Adaptation and Standstill. In an incredibly close final, Anthony secured victory with an outstanding average score of 82.66, finishing just one point ahead of his nearest competitor.
Launched in 2015, the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge is a skills-based driver competition designed to demonstrate how improvements in driver behaviour can contribute to safer driving, improved fuel efficiency and reduced vehicle wear and tear. The challenge celebrates the professional truck drivers who keep Australia moving while supporting UD Trucks' commitment to creating a Better Life.
As Australia's 2026 champion with 27 years of driving experience, Anthony, will travel to Ageo, Japan, in October 2026 to compete in the Global UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge Final, where he will go head-to-head with the world's best UD drivers behind the wheel of the UD Quon.
"Congratulations to Anthony on an outstanding result," says Cameron Bettany, Vice President, UD Trucks Australia. "The Extra Mile Challenge showcases the professionalism, skill and dedication of our drivers, and Anthony's performance throughout the competition has been exceptional. We're excited to once again have a strong Australian representative competing on the world stage. We wish Anthony every success as he takes on the world's best drivers in Japan and proudly represents Australia."
Sunny Ahmed, Owner, Coolway Trans, added: "Huge thanks to UD Trucks Australia and Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia for putting on the Extra Mile Challenge and giving our driver Anthony Cassar the platform to shine. We're incredibly proud of him and this result. It's a well-deserved achievement that reflects Anthony's professionalism and dedication behind the wheel. Good luck in Ageo, Anthony."
UD Trucks Australia thanks all participating drivers, customers and dealer partners for their involvement in this year's challenge and looks forward to cheering Anthony on as he represents Australia at the global final in Japan this October against 16 competing markets.
