Fifteen drivers disqualified
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CIFTEEN competitors were disqualified I at the LDOY competition at Coventry on Sunday. There was disappointnient for N. J. Andrews, of Fisher-Ludlow, in Class F(1) when his attempt to reach his fifth national final failed.
The disqualifications were mainly attributable to competitors standing in their cabins while reversing in the kerb-parking test. This is a fault which is fairly common in the competition, but seldom have competitors been punished in such large numbers at one centre. Nevertheless, the rules must be applied and competitors, although displaying disappointment, were unanimous in the acceptance of the ruling.
Mr. Andrews failed in his gallant attempt when he strove for an extra inch in the third test. It was surprising to find one so experienced in competition work making this basic mistake. With his vehicle practically stationary, some six inches from the loading bank, he edged further back and struck the barrier.
The Coventry centre produced more "heavy" entries than normal and, as usual, a greater proportion of C-licensed operators than professional hauliers. It has been said that the C-licensee is advertising his goods by entering the event, but one wonders how many extra customers the fuel companies, breweries and vehicle manufacturers have gained as a result of the competition.
The standard of driving was very high and the standard of marking very strict, so one cannot compare the penalty points with other centres. At least five competitors in Class E(1) required only two moves to park their vehicles to their satisfaction in the kerbparking test.
Highway code neglected?
There were only two competitors of the total of 108 who were not penalized in the Highway Code test. In many cases the standard of proficiency attained in this test indicated that the drivers had been neglecting to study the Code recently.
Penalty points awarded on the road route were relatively low and generally indicated that a high standard of driving on manoeuvring tests could be expected. A few competitors did manage, despite adequate signposting, to leave the route. But they returned to the event without any serious damage having been done to their score.
The organization at Coventry is a model other centres. Despite early fears on the rt of the chairman, Cllr. R. W. Brain, the ss winners had been declared by 3.15 p.m. way of a change, the run off to find the ■ ventry champion was carried out this ar in 15 cwt. vans, loaned for the event by m Robbins Ltd. It was thought that this ul.f:1 place an unfair handicap on the heavy ss competitors, but in fact G. P. ;Mullen, Class F2, came out the overall ampion.
Speaking to the competitors after the ;nt, Cllr. Brain promised changes in the ure. "Nothing will be done for this year's al but I can promise you that there will be rations in 1967." The chairman also ted at the possibility of the extension of ivities which would almost certainly see a tish finalist competing in a European npetition.
J.P.B.S.