Organisers of the UK Coach Rally, which takes place in Blackpool over the weekend of May 6-7, have announced a number of changes which it is hoped will result in slicker operation.
Ann Cousins, of organisers Coach Displays Limited, told CBW: “We have had positive feedback from the first year at Blackpool, and have listened to participants. We have therefore decided to streamline the judging.
“We intend to bring the coaches up to the ramp in front of the trade area and so a group of six will be judged together. The coaches will then proceed either to the finals of the driving tests or back to their parking space in front of the Tower.
“This system will let operators know roughly what time they will be judged. This will reassure the coach operators that all categories have been judged, allowing the operators to watch the driving tests – as well as enabling spectators and visitors to watch the judging and the tests. It will also mean all the judges will be finished at the same time.”
Prizes will presented by Beverley Bell. As this issue went to press, the number of entries stood at 53 coaches. Traders confirmed to date include Arriva Bus & Coach, BASE, Irizar UK, Pelican, Plaxton, Scania and Volvo.
