I believe that a pilot was required by rule, and had to have a clear view forward. This design was open cockpit, and the rules required a windscreen and a pilot. If you look at the original Key model by Keith Storey, it had both. It was documented in Air Trails magazine in March of 1949. This kit by Berkeley, also from 1949, was likely one of the first B-TR kit available? Maybe others here would know.
The Berkeley kit box featured a picture of the same plane as the magazine article. The First All Speed Team (FAST) rules were included on the plans.
Rule 4: "Must have cockpit or cabin in proportion to the dummy head."
Dave