A FITTING REWARD
Page 19
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Paul Russell (pictured) is looking well pleased with himself— and with good reason. Paul, who works for Motorway Tyres, based in Neath, was hailed as the 2000 Dunlop Truck Tyre Fitter of the Year during the finals of the contest, which were held at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC Birmingham last month.
This was no mean feat, as the 32-year-old foreman saw off 19 other regional finalists to secure the £1,000 cash prize. But then Paul, who has worked for Motorway Tyres for 11 years, is not the quitting type, and this was his third appearance in the finals.
The competition was organised by the National Tyre Distributors Association and sponsored by Dunlop.
A panel of judges cast their expert eyes on the competitors as they completed six individual sections covering technical requirements and safety procedures. These included jacking a commercial vehicle, removing and refitting a tyre, regrooving, identifying tread patterns and displaying general tyre safety knowledge.
Lee Scott, of Central Tyre, Manchester, was runner-up, winning a prize of £500. Third prize of £250 went to Shaun Hodson, of Motorway Tyres, Gainsborough.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. The Hawk would just like to take this opportunity to point out that, contrary to popular office opinion, he does know the location of his spare tyre—and it's not round his midriff, as has been so cruelly suggested!