GO Trialling - MCC Class 0
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To celebrate the Exeter Trial's 90th anniversary the MCC organised a separate “Run” which took place alongside the actual trial but used only hills of a totally non damaging character. These had figured in past trials but by their nature were no longer difficult enough to be of interest to present day competitors. This event-within-an-event was an immediate success with competitors asking for more of the same and from this was born our present Class O. This is an entirely separate class in each of the three MCC classics. It is part of the main trial using a similar route but deviating to take in easier hills, usually with a historic MCC background, and a shorter night road section. Unlike the regular classes with gold, silver and bronze medals, plus class and overall awards, there are no prizes here other than for finishing without penalty which means that no competitor's success or failure can affect another. This takes us back to the basis of all MCC trials which is for the competitor to be pitting his skills against the club. Anyone in any type of car or motorcycle can take part in Class O and consequently it appeals to many for whom the general classes might be too competitive. These competitors may be people who are newcomers wishing to dip their toes into the water before tackling the real thing or “Oldies” who still enjoy being part of an MCC event but for whom age or health presents a problem. The class also appeals to owners of old, interesting but fragile, machinery which could not cope with the hurly burly of today's sections but which would be perfectly at home with the less damaging hills of, say, fifty years ago. Competitors on two, three or four wheels all run together in true MCC manner, the club being one of the very few where drivers and riders rub shoulders. It would be a mistake, though, to think that Class O is merely a nostalgic social run in interesting countryside. All the hills have a sting in them. Some are surfaced but have enough gradient and corners to make drivers think, particularly when faced with a restart on the most difficult bits. Those that have gravel or muddy surfaces, although not rough and damaging, are “stoppers” in their own right ensuring that vehicles should be carefully prepared and competently driven. To claim a Class O award for a faultless performance, which appropriately takes the form of an MCC medal cast from genuine Cornish tin processed from our own Blue Hills Mine, is no mean achievement. The introduction of Class 0 has certainly added a new dimension to the three MCC Classics, allowing fifty or more members each time to sample the action rather than having to stay at home regretting their inability to compete due to age, lack of experience, or possession of suitable machinery. Competing in a car / Competing on a bike |
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