Novelties' at Leicester
Page 54
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IT was rather a "novelty" type of day
at the North Midlands lorry driver competition held at Melton Mowbray last Sunday. A great and ironic novelty for me, back from a " typical " English holiday the previous day, was that the sun shone fiercely all day.
This was interesting but became decidedly wearing later in the day as the small stones which form the surface of the local cattle market became gradually hotter and hotter. Clouds of dust were regularly and impartially thrown from an impressive array of assorted goods vehicles, so that occasional refreshment became quite imperative. This. I soon discovered, was to he taken in an out-ofthe-way cattle pen. That was the biggest novelty! It really is quaint how local customs vary in different parts of the country.
In the circumstances it was most gratifying that despite large entries in Classes D .and El. and the fact that the proceedings terminated with a run-off in which all class winners took part, business for the day was concluded by 5 p.m. An early finish to these competitions is, of course, in no little way dependent on the speed with which the results can be declared and prizes presented and in this respect our North Midland friends obviously have little to learn.
• Despite the heat many fine driving performances were witnessed. The overall winner, 1. Barker, might perhaps be considered fortunate to gain a place in the run-off so easily-Class F2 attracted only three entries-but nevertheless he is to be congratulated for making the most of his chances. In winning his class, Barker collected no fewer than 448 penalty points-whereas Class E2 winner, C. W. Ross, who registered only 196 penalty points when competing in his heat, was unpaced in the run-off. This, I found very surprising-no doubt in other circles there would be some talk of saliva tests!
The Sketehley Limited Trophy, fought for in Class D, attracted more than 30, entries. It was won, ultimately-and most appropriately, by one of three Skctchley Ltd. drivers engaged, S. Bishop. Mr. Bishop later added to his laurels by taking second place in the run-off.
This was my first experience of this latter phenomenon (more novelty!) and if conducted with expedition (as here) it certainly seems to be a good idea. But why a run-off at some centres and not at . others? It seems unquestionable that the accolade of overall winner is (judging by various discontented mutterings which have reached my ears) keenly sought. So a run-off, in which class winners face each other on equal terms, does seem the most equable way of settling the matter. Mind you, if this idea were put into universal practice they'd need to make a jolly early start in some parts of the country!
A further novelty at Melton concerned the vehicle driven by entry number 88, driver R. D. Ball, which appeared on the programme under the initials C.M.T. This was a new one on me, but I have subsequently been told that this is an abbreviation for Cornish Motor Transport and that the vehicle would have been made in Cornwall by John Curso.
Public transport between Melton Mowbray and Leicester certainly leaves much to be desired. is it really not possible to find a more convenient location in the Leicester area? E.J.M.