PORTSMOUTH LDOY COMPETITION 1 by lain Sherriff
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Next time tell the Marines!
THE LAST eliminating rounds have taken place in this year's LDOY competition and all is now set for the final on September 10 at Bramcote. During the eliminators many problems have been overcome, on-the-spot decisions taken to keep things moving, in addition to general behindthe-scenes activity to avoid embarrassment and delay.
On Saturday at Portsmouth there was an obstacle, embarrassment and delay and all because the accommodation was so ideal that the organizers omitted to check one important detail. This round is held at Royal Marine Barracks, Eastney, and inside the drill-shed. Everything was laid on-the tests, spectators' seating, canteen facilities, presentation dais, public address, nothing was amiss. That is until class E(1), when it was discovered that one of the vehicles could not get through the drill-shed door. A quick "recce" discovered a further two vehicles in this category. What a pity no one thought to ask the Marines in advance to widen the access. I understand the Marines would have seen to it.
The discovery meant three classes had to be delayed while the tests were re-set on the drill-square. With 74 entries this eliminating round took almost 11 hours to completemuch too long.
At the end of the day a good cross-section of the haulage industry emerged as class winners. Shell-Mex and BP with Esso Petroleum will add to the strong contingent of oil men already booked for Bramcote. The Southern Gas Board and Post Office Telephones will join their Scottish and Ulster colleagues in the final. The team produced by the Portsmouth eliminator will carry a strong challenge to Bramcote if Saturday's driving standards are maintained.