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Firstly its important to note that
classic trials are not just for classic cars although many do
take part. Classic trials are for all sorts of cars and
motorbikes. What's classic about classic trials is the
format of the event.
Today's classic trials reflect the style that was prevalent in
the 30's where works teams from Ford, Austin, Singer, MG and
others battled it out for advertising honours over long
distances and the steep muddy slopes of the country. The
route is used primarily to get from one slope to the next and
the timing is used mainly to keep the whole event on some sort
of schedule rather than as a way of penalising competitors.
Many of the observed sections, which is the name given to the
muddy slopes on which one's performance is observed, are the
same ones which were used at the time and are still as capable
of challenging modern vehicles as they were then.
The
average modern classic trial runs to about 70-100 miles on road
win between the observed sections. There are usually 14-18
sections to each event with a variety of different surfaces to
test your skills. The events are scored by makers by the
side of the section, numbered from 12 at the bottom to 1 at the
top. Marks are scored by getting the front wheels past the
markers. At the end of the day the driver with the lowest
score is the winner. Sometimes sections will include a
stop and restart test. If you remember the trauma of the
hill start when you were learning to drive, this gives you some
idea of this test, but now you're asked to do this on a 1 in 4
hill in thick mud or greasy rock, without the car rolling back
as much as an inch. In addition there is usually a tie
decision speed test to resolve competition between drivers who
have scored the same number of penalties.
This is
a great sport to both watch, marshal or compete in.
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Kyrle Classic Trophy Trial
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