This will be the tough one
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THIS year's CMLDoY final will prove to be tougher than any in the 22 years' history of the competition.
For the first time competitors will arrive at the junior leaders training regiment, Gamecock Barracks, without knowing what tests face them.
Only three officials will be aware of the tests until just before the OFF.
This means that none of the finalists will he able to prepare on replicas of the tests back at their own depot.
It was felt that some of the larger companies had an unfair iadvantage over the ownerdrivers, when they were given special training facilities by their companies.
In recent years the event has been won by some of the country's largest operators. Last year's winner was Colin Burrows, of Esso Petroleum.
Even veterans at the final will find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings i n September. The clerk of the course has changed the test area from the familiar lay-out on the camp roads to large rectangular areas behind one of the principal hangars.
The new lay-out provides for better spectator accommoda tion. It will be possible for the first time for spectators to view all eight classes from a central observation island.
The additional spectator attractions are being allocated more space, but are not as close to the competition area as before. The committee believed that some of the attractions could have distracted drivers' attentions, and for this reason they are ensuring that the PA system on the "side shows" will not be heard in the competition area. A new unofficial competition is being organised by DAF Trucks and Shell Ltd. It takes the form of a fuel economy drive, involving the drivers in a number of gear changes as they drive through a tight manoeuvring course.