INNISFAIL - Tyler Dupont is not Canada's Worst Driver.
The 44-year-old Innisfail resident, however, made history when he was chosen as the final graduate – most improved -- in the finale in Season 12 of Canada's Worst Driver.
It was the first time in series history that the popular TV show awarded the prized trophy to a final graduate and most improved driver of the program.
“It brings back awesome memories,” said Dupont while watching the finale on Dec. 12 at home. “It's so exciting. It's the last episode.
“I wanted to pass so I wouldn't become Canada's Worst Driver,” he added, noting some of the challenges he faced in the finale that included the reverse slalom and the mega challenge. The final test for all drivers saw them drive through the city of Hamilton with show host Andrew Younghusband.
Neighbours Bruce and Loretta Peterson enjoyed watching the finale with Dupont and his family.
“It's great. He needs to know he can do it,” said Bruce Peterson. “We watched every episode and he did improve.”
During the final episode one of the judges said Dupont had come such a long way with his progress. Dupont said it felt great knowing how much faith a lot of people had in his ability to change some bad driving habits for good.
“I'm proud of him. He's improved a lot,” said wife Jana. “Every challenge he did, he did his best. When he needed help he asked for it and he listened to the instructors.
“He put in his time and he took it seriously,” she added. “That's why they gave him the trophy. He deserved it.”
In the final episode host Andrew Younghusband told the final three participants they were changing things up this season.
“We're in the business of helping people and then celebrating that help,” said Younghusband during the finale. “As ironic as it sounds, usually the person whom we help the most is Canada's Worst Driver so we then present them with the trophy. This year the person whom we helped the most is actually our final graduate,” he added, as he spoke to participants. “We decided we'd mix things up a little bit and instead of calling this the Canada's Worst Driver trophy, we changed it to be the Final Graduate trophy.
“The final graduate is Tyler,” he declared.
Dupont is more than happy to accept the title of Final Graduate and trophy that recognized his dedication, hard work and progress in the program.
“I'm honoured. It's really nice,” said Dupont. “I never gave up.”
Andrew Younghusband, host of Canada's Worst Driver
We decided we'd mix things up a little bit and instead of calling this the Canada's Worst Driver trophy, we changed it to be the Final Graduate trophy. The final graduate is Tyler."
