National rules cause trouble
Page 49
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SOUTHALL LDOY champion for three 1.3years is the proud record of Mr. W. J. O'Brien of Express Dairies Ltd. At the AEC factory on Sunday Mr. O'Brien was first in Class B with only 38 penalty points.
As at Ruislip, the Southall Committee ran the event in reverse with 13 competitors in Class H, leading a field of 148 which is, I understand, a record entry for Southall. The organization was as faultless as one might expect with Mr. A. Teer leading the team. The accommodation supplied by AEC Ltd., and the glorious weather, helped to make this event almost a model for all others.
When there is a large and enthusiastic entry, it is a safe bet there will be some protests-it was the same story on Sunday. The leading bay, again too tough for many, and the kerb parking tests caused the trouble. When a driver knocked over the rear barrier or mounted and remained on the kerb he was in a position where he could not be measured. National regulations do not cater adequately for these situations and the local committee had eventually to make a domestic arrangement. Happily, all the protests were amicably resolved thanks to the tolerance of the stewards.
The fight for class awards was close in seven of the 10 classes but the toughest was in Class C where Mr. T. J. Prudence with 40 points was one point in front of soldier-driver Nesbit of RCT. This is the lowest services score I have seen recorded this year.
Although the overall champion was a veteran there were others in the prizelist and in the competition for the first time. Notable here was Mr. D. Edwards of Roy Bowles S and S Club. This competitor, with a commendable 59 points in Class E(1), also won the award for the best Aand B-licensed driver. The best C-licence award went to Mr. W. C. H. Dimond, Beecham Foods Ltd., who also won Class D with only 23 penalty points.
There are only a few rounds left but scores at eliminating centres indicate that competition at Bramcote on September 10 will be tough. I have heard of three companies who have qualified and intend to bring along coach-loads of supporters each. Competitors will obviously not lack support.