GOLDEN MILE FOR COACHES
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This year's event saw a dramatic increase in support with twice the number of entries and more sponsorship— including an award from Commercial Motor.
• After a couple of years in the doldrums, the National Coach Rally at Blackpool recovered dramatically this year, with double the number of entries, and support from a large number of trade exhibitors and the event's sponsor, Bus Times.
Competition for the top prizes in the driving and concours classes was intense, the final "top ten" drive-off for the Driver of the Year competition sponsored by Commercial Motor being a particularly close-fought affair. It was Gary Wilson of Allander Coaches, Glasgow, who collected the Commercial Motor award, including 2100 prize money and a year's subscription to the magazine. Wilson, who has been driving PSVs for four years, used a 10m Volvo B9M with Van Hool coachwork for the competition, and the Allander entry also picked up the Volvo Rosebowl and the Moseley Continental Trophy.
Second in the Driver of the Year awards was Victor Matthews of Matthews European Tours, Cwmbran, with third place going to Paul Rushton of Bibbys of Ingleton.
The Coach of the Year award went to a new Daf/Bova belonging to Ron Lyles & Son of Batley. This coach also appeared in the finals of the Driver of the Year, driven by Nigel Lyles.
by Allan Winn