Spotlight on ME AND MY CAB...
Page 17
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
the top driver
By Juliet Parish • Britain's top truck drivers face realistic road condi(ions and a Mastermind-style test of their behind-thewheel knowledge in their quest to become 1994 Lorry Driver of the Year.
And the national finals of the newlook contest, which kicks off on 15 May, will take place for the first time at the Motor industry Research Association's test track at Nuneaton.
The organisers of the 40-year-old event hope to double the number of entrants to 2,000 this year.
Drivers can enter one of six classes in the 20 regional heats: two each for rigids; artics and drawbar trailers. They will have to manoeuvre their own truck through a series of life-like obstacles, including loading hays, and holes in the roads, instead of the traditional cones and barriers. They will also be marked on speed, judgement, a road route and the Highway Code. Three regional champions from each class will then be put forward for the national finals on 11 September to fight it out for the drivers' top accolade and the £2,000 prize.
Drivers should not apply if they have had an endorseable offence or blameworthy accident in the past 12 months, or suffer from stage fright. They will be expected to take a Mastermind-style hot seat to answer Highway Code questions in front of hundreds of spectators. And they will have to negotiate a supplied truck around a range of obstacles.
Other categories include best tanker driver, lady driver and veterans.
Drivers interested in competing or hauliers interested in sponsoring a class in the event should contact organiser Mike Read on (0970) 871881.