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Bostock wins at last
Page 56
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On every occasion in the past eight years that the National Coach Rally has been held, Peter Bostock or one of his drivers has been a finalist for the National Coach Driver of the Year award—and at Blackpool last weekend he won the title. Driving a Bedford-Plaxton delivered only five weeks previously, Mr. Bostock beat Eric Patrickson of Wallace Arnold Tours Ltd., by a mere eight-tenths of a second—and did so with one of the longest coaches in the rally. Whytes (Edgware) Ltd. repeated its 1966 victory by winning the National Coach of 1968 title with an improved version of its "Clipper" delivered the previous weekend from Duple of Blackpool. Known as the "Super Clipper" and with a colour scheme in black, blue and cream, the 36footer carries 28 passengers with a further eight seats in the enlarged conference area and has refrigerated air-conditioning. It has been booked by the Australian cricket team for its forthcoming tour.
Such air-conditioning was not needed at Blackpool on Sunday as a biting wind prevailed, although the sun had shone brightly the previous day during the road section and driving tests. Shorter than usual—under 60 miles—the road route was only along main roads because of difficulties over police consent, and was thus easier. Nevertheless, W. Grundy of Yelloway Motor Services Ltd. was the only large-coach driver to arrive from Wigan penalty-free. B. Dyson, in a mini-coach, also arrived without losing penalties. Yelloway's AEC-Plaxton 45-seater was runner-up to the National Coach of 1968 and won section (e) in the concours event.
Only 38 coaches went through the eliminating test, which was unchanged from last year, but this event was marred by the last entrant, Ted Templeton, of Yellow Rose Coaches, misjudging the distance between a bollard and the jagged rocks banking the Middle Walk during the last part of the test. He tore away the radiator and nearside front wing of his YAM 70 Bedford-Plaxton and sustained a cracked elbow. The other drivers showed their concern by a £50 collection for him at the reception.
This, together with the lack of facilities— there were difficulties about loudspeakers being erected—and the inability to alter the tests because of the narrowness of the test area, will add force to the argument for a change of venue. Since entries were down again this year—from 61 to 46—the organizers may well have to consider a change, although any diminution in spectator appeal might dissuade operators from entering.
Although the concours judging was a long, -drawn-out affair, the drivers felt it was better organized this year. Mr. Patrickson who has entered every year, has been a finalist on four occasions, and this year lost the title by such a narrow margin, applauded the use of a car fitted with loudspeaker constantly informing drivers of what was going on. There seemed to be a shortage of marshals, with only a starter and timekeeper to watch for penalties and run each test.
Other placirigs in the final run-off were: third, W. A. Best., Best and Sons Ltd.; fourth, T. Prime, Stotts Tours (Oldham) Ltd.; fifth, S. J. Rose, Claribel Coaches; and sixth, thrice-national winner N. Tatlock of Mills and Seddon (Excursion) Ltd.
Results of National Coach Rally National Coach of 1968: Whytes (Edgware) Ltd. Duple on AEC chassis (driver J. L. Dilley).
Runner-up: Yelloway Motor Services Ltd.. Plaxton on AEC chassis (driver W. Grundy).
National Coach driver of 1968: W. P. Bostock, E. J. Rostock and Sons, Congleton, driving a Bedford-Plaxton 52-seater.
Runner-up: E. Patickson, WallaceAmold Tours Ltd., Leeds. driving a Leyland-Plaxton 43-seater.