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Smaller entry but keen interest

20th May 1966, Page 60
20th May 1966
Page 60
Page 60, 20th May 1966 — Smaller entry but keen interest
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

LORRY DRIVER OF THE YEAR

BIRMINGHAM ROUND THE entries in the Birmingham contest this year were down by some 25 vehicles compared with last year, the reduced total being 101. This was attributed by Mr. Gerald Aston, clerk of the course, to the non-participation of the Austin Motor Co., Henry Hopes and Chance Bros.

Mr. Aston reported that the transport managers concerned had decided not to enter because of lack of enthusiasm on the part of drivers, and in a short speech at the prize-giving, Ur. R. W. Brain, of the national committee, said that the competition was "suffering from a type of apathy amongst drivers".

Be that as it may and despite more than 30 errors or omissions in the difficult-todecipher programme, drivers and onlookers at Fort Dunlop showed a keener interest than usual in the event, which undoubtedly was stimulated by the perfect weather and gained momentum as the day progressed.

If any of the drivers could have been said to be apathetic, then surely it applied to some of the participants in Class A and B, a number of whom were described by the TRTA marshals on the bay test as "hope

less". Due credit should, however, be given to T. Stevens, who won Class A with 124 penalty points, the lowest of the day, and gained an easy victory over last year's best C-licence driver, R. Brewer, who lost 158 points.

Both drivers are employed by Fisher and Ludlow, and this company's vehicles also won Classes D, F(I) and F(2). In particular, H. Millington's win in Class F(1) at the wheel of a Morris articulated outfit was outstanding, in my opinion, his total penalty points of 137 including 80 lost in the widthjudging test, which inevitably takes . a

disproportionately high toll of articulated vehicles. Millington lost no points in the Highway Code and route tests, 28 points in the kerb-parking test and 29 points in the hay test.

Virtually every Fisher and Ludlow driver appeared to have studied the manoeuvring tests with diligence, and a number would have achieved a much lower penalty with a• little luck-for example, if they had had the luck of J. D. Swain, of BRS, the winner of Class G, who backed his Bristol attic to within 0.5 in. of the rear barrier in the bay test. P.A.C.B.

BIRMINGHAM RESULTS Class A-up to 16 ft. and irons 20 cwt .:1. T. Stevens 'Fisher and Ludlow Ltd.). Morris. 124 penalty points; 2. R. Brewer (Fisher and Ludlow Ltd.), Morris, 158: 3. S. Mills (Morris Commercial Cars Ltd.), Morris, 244.

Class B-16 to 19 ft.: 1. R. Whitehouse (Morris Commercial Cars Ltd.). Morris. 312: 2, A. Roe (Morris Commercial Cars Ltd.), Morris. 350:3, R. B. Griffin (Kraft Foods Ltd.), Bedford, 693.

Class C-19 to 22 ft.: 1. D. Margetts (Schweppes (Home) Ltd.), Bedford, 126: 2. .1. Morris (Schweppes

Icale," Ltd.), 'Bedford. 186; 3, 13. Groves (Post Office Supplies), Seddon, 189.

Clam D-22 to 26 fit.: 1, H. Bone (Fisher and Ludlow Ltd.), Austin, 140: 2, J. H. Farmer (Mitchells and Butlers Ltd.), Austin, 142; 3, J. W. Bayliss (The Park Bottling Co. Ltd.), Dennis, 143, Class E i11-over 25 ft. two axles:1. A, Lea (Senior Delivery Service Ltd.), Bedford, 161:2. J. I. Morgan (Gibbons Transport Ltd.), Commer, 201: 3, B. T. Jarvis (George Baker Ltd.), Bedord. 212.

Class E (2)-over 25 ft., more than two axles: 1, D. Maguire (Shell-Mex and BP Ltd.), Albion. 183; 2, S. oodfellow {W. Allport and Son Ltd.). Dodge, 201; 3, F. J. Farmer (Mitchells and Butlers Ltd.). Albion, 202.

Class F (1)-artic tractive units under 4 tone, Hater sided semi-traNer up to 38 ft.: 1, H. Millington (Fisher aid Ludlow Ltd.), Morris, 137:2. E. Lewis (Fisher and Ludlow Ltd.), Morris, 155; J. G. Edwards (Midland Counties C airy Ltd.). Bedford, 229.

Class F (2)-artic tractive units under 4 tons, box or tinker semi-trailer up to 38 ft.: 1, P. Phelps (Fisher and Lidlow Ltd.), Morris, 216:2. R. Poole (Morris Motors Lid.), 407: 3. J. Dobson (Fisher and Ludlow Ltd.), Morris, 450.

Class G-srdc tractive units over 4tons, flat or sided ssmi-trailer up to 38 ft.: 1, J. D. Swain (BRS). Bristol 213:2, R. Roberts (BPS). Bristol, 252 (only two entrants).

Class 14-box or tanker semi-trailer with tractive units 4 tons or over: 1, L Tombs (Shell-Mexand BP Ltd.), AEC. 425: 2. W. Dainty (BPS). Leyland. 454: 3. E. Lees (Gulf Oil (GB) Ltd.). Guy. 882.

Beat Aand Ell-Iicerece Driver: A. Lea (Senior Delivery Service Ltd.)..

Best Climpece Driver: P. Phelps {Fisher and Ludlow Lid.).


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