FINDING THE NEW CHAMPION DRIVER
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The LDoY Finals are at Bramcote on Sunday
ON SUNDAY (September 12), the 18th annual Final of the Lorry Driver of the Year competition, sponsored by Commercial Motor, takes place at the Junior Leaders Training Regiment at the Gamecote Barracks, Bramcote, near Nuneaton. Each year sees a bigger and more interesting event and this year is no exception.
The 280 competitors who have qualified from 4000 who entered at the 36 eliminating centres will find only one test which is in any way similar to those of previous years. The loading bay test has become a familiar part of this event. There are five manoeuvring tests on Sunday and the other four are concerned with width or length judgment, and should prove as interesting to the spectators as they will prove exacting to the competitors. (Diagrams shown below).
Drivers will also be required to answer questions on the Highway Code, recognize road signs and display a knowledge of the legislation covering both them and their vehicles.
The proceedings start at 9 am and the clerk of the course, Mr A. E. Teer, estimates that the final run off in which the eight class winners will compete will start at around 2.30. The competition president, Lord Chesham PC, will be presenting the prizes later in the afternoon.
In addition to the Coventry trophy presented by BLMC, the Lord Rootes silver salver, cheques from Ford, Chrysler and Conoco and the George Macaulay Award, this year's champion will receive a set of textbooks on transport subjects presented by the United Road Transport Union and will visit Sweden together with his employer on a three-day study tour as the guests of the Michelin Tyre Company. Competition nerves always play a big part at this event but a few of those competing on Sunday have been to Bramcote often enough to be immune.
Champion's challiange Supporters will have their own favourites for this year's champion, but nobody can ignore the fact that two former champions Sam Gray (1968) and Reg Tooze (1967) are in again this year. And there are, of course, other finalists in the lists.
Forecasting a winner is a hazardous business, only one prize-winner is assured: she is SACW Boyd of the WRAF. Provided this competitor reaches Bramcote and completes the tests she will be thefirst-ever holder of the TGB Motors Trophy in the history of the competition. This is presented to the best woman driver, and there is only one competing this year.
The number of side attractions to entertain the spectators has increased, but again a number of old favourites are back. The roping and sheeting competition sponsored by British Ropes; the roller cycle racing championship presented by Conoco Ltd and the wheel-changing competition organized by Goodyear, offer the competitively minded spectators the opportunity to participate. BSM offers an opportunity to all to test reaction time and skill at a mini-driving competition.
"Inspector Goss" and "Sergeant Lynch" of BBC's Z Cars are to drop in on the site in a helicopter which is being provided by Point to Point who work closely with the Vehicle Observer Corps in spotting stolen vehicles.
On Sunday the TV Stars will stage a live show tracing a stolen vehicle with the aid of
Air Call Ltd, using two-way radio telephone and a "pukka" control room. Spectators will be able to compete in this item of entertainment for prizes of £25, £10 and £5 if they can pinpoint the time and place where Sgt Lynch finds the hijacked vehicle. Various road safety and training organizations will be in attendance to give advice and answer queries on their own specialized subjects. The RHA and VOC combine with Atlas Express in a large security device demonstration and East London Reline Services offers a welcome to its safety village.
CM stand Commercial Motor will have its stand again, with books and publications on 'sale; this year our colleagues from IPC Business and Industrial Training will be on hand to talk about seminars and other training activities.
The children will find entertainment at roundabouts and a small fairground organized by Nuneaton Round Table in aid of charity. The Hope anti-jack-knife company is organizing sessions of its exclusive game. Road Safety Bingo.
NCL will have a 6ft artic unit where all can try their skill but particularly the children. Michelin will have members of their staff demonstrating their skills in the removal and refitting of tyres.
A breakdown Service for competitors and spectators will be provided by Top Ranks Hilton Park, Motorport and Chrysler UK Ltd.
Catering facilities will open at breakfast time and continue until afternoon tea. There will be ample provisions for light refreshments around the arena.