400 DRIVERS SEE
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SOME 400 drivers competed at Portsmouth, Coventry, Slough and Leeds, last week-end, for the title of "Lorry Driver of the Year." They were taking part in eliminating rounds for the final contest at Bramcote on October 16. The rallies were sponsored by the local Accident Prevention Councils. At Portsmouth, on Saturday, about 140 competitors faced the starter's flag. The other three competitions, held on Sunday, produced 117 starters at Coventry, 58 at Slough and 76 at Leeds. The Coventry eliminating round was the 'second of two, the earlier one having been held on the previous Sunday. Vehicles were, as last year, divided into six groups: Up to 15 ft long (A); 15 ft.-19 ft. (B); 19 ft.-22 ft. (C): over 22 ft. (D); eight-wheelers (E); articulated vehicles over 25 ft (F). The manceuvrability tests were more difficult than those of last year and were designed to emphasize safe, rather than spectacular, driving. Generally, the bigger the vehicle, the better was the driving. The promoters of the Slough event were hampered by lack of space and the manceuvrability tests suffered. The arrangements were also poor. A heavy programme was corn pleted at Portsmouth in 10 hours. The organization was outstanding and a huge score board showed the marks gained in every section of the competition by every competitor. It was kept up to the minute throughout the day. Peter Privett, present holder of the champion's title, failed by one mark to win his class and was placed second. The first, second and third in each group are entitled to compete in the final test