Irish Driver Wins at Leeds
Page 53
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
entrants whose marking was in the " excellent " category.
An all-round performer, who had come specially from Belfast, proved the overall winner. He was F. W. Johnston (S.P.D., Ltd., Thames), who achieved best performance in the 19-22-ft. class, dropping a total of 40 marks, four on the Highway Code, 10 on the road, 16 on width judgment, 10 on reversing and none on parking.
On the 174--mile road circuit, the average performance was good and five drivers tied without fault for the special award given in this connection. They were G. W. Lee (Joseph Lucas [S. and S.1, Ltd., Commer), B. Allen (B.R.S. [Parcels], Ltd., Austin). B. Watt (B. Watt, Dodge), K. Appleton (B.R.S., Ltd., Bristol), and R. Garland (Henry Long [Manningham], Ltd.. Commer).
Critical Observers
However, even on an occasion like this, when men are aware that they are being watched by critical observers, there were far too many of the field who committed multiple errors in this relatively short distance.
The three tests followed the general pattern with width-judging, parking by the kerb, and reversing into a bay. Of these the first appeared to cause the greatest trouble, and there' is something to be said for the contention of sonic entrants that drivers would react more accurately if an actual vehicle were employed to mark the outer boundary more definitely. '
In general, the class winners were successful by useful margins, so demonstrating their superiority on all counts. A surprisingly frequent fault in the third test was the touching of the rear' barrier. For most of the vehicles the space :it
eath side was ample, so that there may have been a tendency to attempt higher speeds than -necessary, although the most likely reason is that many drivers missed the assistance of a mate in guiding them.
In the 22-25-ft. class, those former prizewinners, S. Brownridge (Benn and Sons, B.M.C.) and H. Brownridge (Berm and Sons, Guy) showed how close a tailboard could be taken without actual contact.
A close finish in this categorybrought out two entirely different patterns of success. The class winner, R. A. Shields (Schweppes [Home], Ltd., Bedford) dropped 10 marks on Highway Code answers, against two by D. Brown (Petrofina [G.B.]. Ltd., Albion), who was the runner-up. The Bedford driver was 10 better on the width test, and parked without penalty, whilst his rival dropped live: they were equal on reversing.
' Shields led the Schweppes team to victory, his class win being supported by F. Johnson (Bedford), with his second in the 19-22-ft. section, and C. Dixon (Atkinson), who had a score of 73 in Class E(2).
RESULTS CLASS A—Up to 15 ft.: 1, B. Walker (Joseph Imca) (S. and S.), Ltd.), Morris, 61 penalty points; 2, G. Bottomley (Bradford Dyers Association, Ltd.). Austin, 69; 3, 1. Cunningham (Leeds Chemical Cleaning Works, Ltd.). Than:es, 71.
CLASS B-15-19 ft.: 1. R. Elder (S.P.D., Ltd., Renfrew), Ausiin, 52; 2, G. Atkins (Leeds Highway Department), Thames, 62; 3, j. Wood (lredale Bros., Ltd.), Bedford; 84.
CLASS C-19-22 fl.: 1, F. W. Johnston (STD.. Ltd., Belfast). Thames,. 411; 2. F. -Johnson (Schweppes (Home), Ltd.). Bedford, 54; 3, D. Hallum (G. Pickersgill and Son, Ltd.), Bedford, 62. CLASS D-22-25 ft.: 1, 'Ft. A. Shields (Schweprin (Home), Ltd.), Bedford, 42; 2, D. Brown (Petrofina (G.B.). Ltd.), Albion, 44; 3, J. Pickersgin (Esso Petroleum, Ltd.), Bedford, 47.
CLASS E(1)—Over 25 ft., two axles: 1, A. Oates (Henry Long (Manningham), Ltd.), Bedford, 45; 2, F. Brownridge (Bean and Sons). B.M.C.,. 49; 3. B. Watt (B. Watt), Dodge. 51.
• CLASS E(2)—Over 25 ft.. more than two axles: 1, H. Myers (B.R.S. Ltd.), Bristol, 56; 2, A. Palfreyman (Regent Oil Co.. Ltd.). Leyland. 58; 3. J. Corcoran (13.R.S. (Parcels). Ltd.), Maudslay. 59. CLASS F(1)--Arlicolated tractor under 3 tons, setnl-trailer under 22 ft.: 1. G, D. Bowiand (Joshua Tetley and Sons, Ltd.), Bedford, 148; 2, G. H. Purchase (She)l-Meg and 13.P.. Ltd.), Bedford, 153. CLASS F(2)—Articulated, tractor under 3 Ions, semi-trailer, 22-27 ft.: 1, E. H. 'Atkin (Joshua Tetley and Sons. Ltd.). Austin. 87; 2, E. Featherstone (British Transport Waterways), Bedford, 148; 3. J. Spalding (British Transport Waterways), Bedford. 225.
CLASS IC—Articulated, tractor over 3 tom, semi-trailer up to 27 ft.: 1, R. Garland (Henry Long (Manningham). Ltd.), Commer, 72; 2, V. Shakesby (Sheii-Mex and B.P.. Ltd.), 87; 3, K. Tobin (B.R.S., Ltd.). Bristol. 165.
CLASS H—Standard rigid military load carriers, 19-22 ft.: 1, CPI. D. Dalby 1521 Coy. R.A.S.C. (T.A.). Leeds), Bedford, 63; 2, L./Cpl. R. Parker (519 Coy. R.A.S.C. (T.A.), Rawdon). Thames. 210; 3. L./Cpl, G. Firth (520 Coy. R.A.S.C,
Commer. 229.