As fair as we can make it
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New rules at this year's finals, says John Darker, give the many newcomers a better chance to make their mark
THIS YEAR drivers in the national finals of the Commercial Motor LDoY will receive descriptions of the tests on arrival at Bramcote. Each contestant will have time to study them before entering the arena.
The LDoY Association decided to take this action to even-out the chances of all competitors. Prior publication of the test details may previously have given a slight edge to competitors enjoying practising facilities at big depots. The new arrangements ensure equal opportunities for all.
Perhaps a good tip to all competitors is: read the teat descriptions slowly and read them at least twice!
The 23rd national finals of CMLDoY take place on September 12 at the usual venue. They provide a special opportunity for newcomers to make their presence felt. Sixty-three per cent of finalists have not previously appeared in a final.
Only three out of seven 1975 class champions have qualified, the eighth being ineligible through promotion. Of the acknowledged experts, last year's winner, Colin Burrows, of Esso Petroleum, Stanwell, will be a hard man to beat.
R. T. Hayes, of National Carriers, Walsall, Class E winner in 1975, came througF from the Newcastle-under-Lyme centre; C. G. Reilly, of Petrofina, Leeds, winner in 1969, comes to Bramcote from West Yorkshire; and N. D. Singer, of BP Oil, Aberdeen, will hope to repeat his success in 1971. W. T. Mills, of Leyland Cars, Cowley, is a veteran contender, with 20 LDoYs under his belt. He is 61. M. J. Allen, aged 19, of Allen's Fuels, Enstone, is the youngest driver in the contest. He is an owner-driver.
One young lady lorry driver, Lesley Smith, of OAF Trucks, Marlow, was a popular winner of the North Buckinghamshire contest. What a shout there would be if Lesley wiped the floor with 300-odd male contestants!
Another innovation for 1 976 is that, apart from major awards, all trophies and other prizes will be . awarded by reference to performance in the national class winners' contest according to the formula for determining the percentage improvement over class • average.
The detailed changes in the arrangements reflect the vitality of the competition organisers, and the many voluntary helpers who make the preliminary rounds possible. Next year, strenuous efforts will be made to attract the smaller operator. It makes sense on all counts to -stretch" the competitive abilities of drivers from the largest firms.
There is something for everyone at Bramcote this year with a variety of competitions and displays to interest wives and children — drivers and nondrivers.
Hard by the well laid out test route for National Carriers' mini-artic in the main hangar is a miniature railway with children's rides. The model railway and a Welly Wanging contest is sponsored by Nuneaton Round Table.
A Radiomobile is one of the good prizes offered by Smiths Industries to the successful.
reader of a tachograph chart (automated log book). Michelin offers spectators holding a valid driving licence the chance to perform on a Grand Prix circuit in Michelin's simulated racing car. Shell UK Oil and DAF Trucks invite holders of HGV 1 licences to compete for the £100 first prize in a fuel economy competition. Entrants must have a clean driving licence.
A display of Dunlop products in the company's tent is supported by an intriguing competition. Brake reaction time can be tested in the main hangar display of the Association of Industrial Road Safety OfficerS and the League of Safe Drivers. Close by is an information stand for the Continental Freight Drivers Club — the UK version of Les Routiers.
Driver training methods will be depicted in the caravan of the Road Transport Industry Training Board. A doubledecker bus houses the display of the Transport and General Workers' Union.
After the Olympics, Conoco's. roller cycling Grand Prix, with' 60 of Britain's top amateur cyclists will interest many visitors.
Sir Daniel Pettit, president of the LDoY Association, in a special message to contestants, says "the lorry driver's skill, competence, resourcefulness, courtesy, tact and consideration are a splendid advertisement" for road haulage and for the companies supporting the competition.
Sir Dan is confident that the skills of lorry drivers will see the industry through the recession. Participating drivers demonstrate the sort of pride in their industry that will see the nation through the difficult years ahead.,