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Eurodragster.com FAQ
24th June: The Eurodragster.com team are at Santa Pod Raceway to bring you all the action from the SPRC Summernationals in association with John Woolfe Racing.
Our coverage will consist of real-time results and reports on the on-track action throughout each day together with pit notes updated throughout each day and a photo gallery at the end of each day. The Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam will be on-line broadcasting live video and commentary / Nitro FM audio so long as the track is open each day. Thanks to Doyousee.me for the provision of streaming services.
You can check out our SPRC Summernationals coverage index, which also contains links to the final official entry list and provisional running orders, by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Ben 'Panda' Butler.
23rd June: We were gutted to hear of the death of start line marshal Ben 'Panda'
Butler after his recent stroke. Lizz Charman has been in touch to tell us that plans to show support for Ben
and partner Natalie at this weekend's SPRC Summernationals will go ahead as planned.
"We were intending to fill the pits with pandas to give Ben some support and show how much everyone was thinking about him", says Lizz. "We are still going ahead with that that. Thanks to Sue Morris we have some A4 panda logos, which we are going to distribute to racers who wish to put them in the backs of cars, on their bikes etc, and there will be a wad of them in Signing On. Thanks to quick thinking from Caroline Boncey we also have a couple of toy pandas which we are going to photograph around and about the track to make an album for Natalie and the family. We are pretty sure that a lot of the racers will be happy to show support.
"Judging by the amount of tributes already on Facebook, it's totally confirmed that Ben was much loved, and will be greatly missed."
We will second that. Ben was one of the nicest guys you could hope to meet, thoroughly professional and competent in his safety crew duties. The sight of Ben suited up, unmistakeable with his huge boots, was a reassurance to racers in all classes.
Our favourite Panda memory is from the first of the two races in Bahrain with European involvement when after a carb fire a highly-placed crew member decided that it would be a good idea to have a fight with the start line safety crew, of whom Ben was one. To cheers from the crowd Ben put his arms around the guy from behind and gently manhandled him, still struggling, about fifteen feet out of the way and out of danger.
Our deepest sympathies to Natalia and to all of Ben's family and friends.
Bug Jam entry update.
23rd June: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 2 of the official entry list for Bug Jam, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 22nd-23rd July (RWYB Friday 21st and until 15:00 Saturday).
You can check out the Bug Jam entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Friday of next week, 30th June, is the official closing date for Bug Jam after which entry, if accepted, may be subject to a late entry penalty. You can download the official entry forms from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
BMW Show demo vehicles sought.
22nd June: Phil Bennett of Santa Pod Raceway says that the track are looking for sub twelve-second vehicles to make demonstration passes at the BMW Show on Sunday 2nd July.
If you would like to take part then please contact Phil on 01234 782828 or E-Mail phil@santapod.com.
You can find out more about the BMW Show on its web site at www.bmwshow.co.uk.
£2000 for Finals Super Gas win.
22nd June: Al's Gasser Super Gas Shootout organiser Jon Giles has been in touch to let us know that there will be a bumper payout for the winner of Super Gas at the FIA / FIM European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway in September:
Due to the rainout at the FIA / FIM Main Event we have carried over the prize money from that race to add to the Al's Gasser Super Gas Shootout pot at the European Finals. So there will be a prize pot of £2000 plus SPRC's prize money for the winner of Super Gas.
I am trying to make Super Gas fields as big as possible and to see if it can be duplicated next year. The numbers have gone up so it seems to have worked a bit.
Goring seeks Jet FC crew.
22nd June: Firestorm Jet Funny Car pilot Roger Goring says that the team are seeking a crew member.
"You will need to be willing to travel, reliable, enthusiastic, able to give a sizeable commitment and be a non-smoker", says Roger. "No jet knowledge is needed but mechanical ability is a must. It doesn't matter if you never crewed before as we will provide training, but you should be willing to learn.
"E-mail us at roger@firestorm-jfc.co.uk and tell us what you have to offer and let's have a chat."
Swift snippets.
22nd June: René Martin asked us to say a big Happy Birthday to Supercharged Outlaws Germany racer Tom Winter. Our pleasure René, have a great day Tom.
Further to last Thursday's news item about drag racing possibly starting in Eire, UK drag racing legend and British Drag Racing Hall of Fame member Pete Crane writes that the Bexhill Motor Race in May 1902 featured two cars against each other and the clock. "Sounds pretty close to drag racing, don't you think?", says Pete. Certainly does. Any more takers?
Bonneville: The return.
22nd June: Land Speed racer and sponsor of various drag racing parties Geoff Stilwell of Beech Underwriting plans to address some unfinished business at Bonneville Speed Week:
Last year I got my B class Land Speed licence on the Bonneville Salt Flats but sadly just fell short of the 200 mph we really wanted. Afterwards, I sat down with
Brian Hope of Rat Trap Racing sat down to see what we would do in 2017. The answer was that we, or more to point I, needed to do it.
How could we make the car go faster etc etc. The first thing we did was to order a new ProCharger for the car plus electronic fuel injection and a new dry sump system for 436 cubic inch Chevy. Ed Iskenderian of Iskenderian Racing Cams ground a special cam for the car, Arias supplied the pistons and Trickflow the heads.
Fast forward to this past weekend. To make the car more comfortable to drive I made the trip to the Rat Trap Racing shop in Tennessee where we poured my new safety seat. I had to wear my full firesuit and with the air temperature at over 100°F and 85% humidity, plus the heat from the special chemicals used to form the seat, I was glad when I could get out and take off my firesuit.
As I write this we have fifty two days until Bonneville Speed Week starts. Our entry is in and been accepted, and the engine is being completed and should be in the car shortly. Then we have to fit the ProCharger, intercooler and all the computer wizardry. Oh and I can't forget that we need to make some mods to the body to cater for the ProCharger plus tweak the aero package on the car.
So what is the target? The car has been built to go for a reachable but specific record. The class record for the car in which I will race, BB/GMRR or Blown B Class Engine,
Gas, Modified Rear Engined Roadster, currently stands at 212 mph. Our calculations suggest that with the gearing and the increased bhp we should be able to go at least 250
mph. The plan however is to shake the car down on the first day and to make sure that I get my A class licence, which will allow me to go after the record on the following days.
Our whole racing programme is being filmed for TV; we started filming this past weekend when we were at Bowling Green for the Holley Hot Rod Reunion.
I cannot thank enough all of the Hope family especially Ron, Brian and Rebecca, all of the Rat Trap Racing Team, Bob and Sharon Muravez and Ray Iddings the legendary TV producer and director, not forgetting Tony Thacker of Thacker and Friends because I just could not do this without them. In addition I also need to thank Iskenderian Racing Cams, in particular Ed Iskenderian whose help has been amazing, Technocraft Aluminium Cabinets, Rat Trap Racing and BUA Motorsport.
Web site updates.
22nd June: Our good buddy Remco Scheelings has posted two Tierp Internationals reports on the Autosport.nl web site. As ever there is a race report which you can check out by clicking here and a report of "Other things I saw" which you can check out by clicking here. Don't worry if you can't read Dutch because, as ever, it is pretty clear what is being said and, as ever, the pictures are great.
Photo-journalist Dick Parnham has updated his Flickr site with a gallery from the FIA / FIM Main Event which you can check out at www.flickr.com/photos/dickparnhamdragracing.
SPRC Summernationals Perfect Awards.
22nd June: This weekend's SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway is the latest event in the 2017 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme. £100 is on offer for perfect performance.
The Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award has been reset to £50 after it was won by
Super Pro ET racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Pete Walters at the
FIA / FIM Main Event. The Award will be paid in cash to the first racer this weekend to record a Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds.
The Perfect Light Award is available to racers in all classes during qualifying and eliminations, but will only be awarded
for the first Perfect Light of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to £75 for Dragstalgia
at Santa Pod Raceway in July; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for Dragstalgia. The Perfect Light Award is presented
in association with Bad Habit Racing (Cath and Tig Napier, Pro ET).
Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried. Eurodragster.com decals are available in the Signing On office or from the Eurodragster.com staff.
The Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise has been reset to £50 after it was won
by Pro ET racer Paul Brown at the FIA / FIM Main Event. The Award will be paid in cash to the first racer this weekend
to run an ET to the thousandth of a second on dial-in or index. The Perfect ET Award is available during qualifying or
eliminations in Gearhead Garage Super Pro ET, Modurstang Pro ET, Sportsman ET, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street,
Lucas Oil Junior Dragster (eliminations only), VW Pro, VW Sportsman, Nostalgia Super Stock, 8.50 Bike, 9.50 Bike, ET Bike
and Junior Drag Bike, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Run of the event. If not won this weekend then the
Award will be increased to £75 for the Bug Jam Santa Pod Raceway in July; if it is won then it will be reset to £50
for Bug Jam. The Perfect ET Award is presented by Derek and Fiona Flynn of Eurodragster.com sponsor
Gold RV in support of Bloodwise; you can donate to Bloodwise at
www.bloodwise.org.uk.
To be eligible to collect the Perfect ET Award, racers are required to carry Eurodragster.com / Bloodwise decals, one on each side of the vehicle. If you pull an event's first Perfect ET but are not carrying decals then there will be no discussion; we will not pay out and the next person to pull a Perfect ET will get the money assuming that they are carrying decals. Decals are available in the Signing On office.
Everyone knew, save the winners...
21st June: The second leg of the 2017 Havoc US Tour was at the weekend's Holley National Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky where Nick Davies, Rob Loaring and the team were one of four Fuel Altered teams in attendance. Nick writes:
The event comprised a round-robin series of match races between Rat Trap, Bradford's,
Nanook and Havoc. The weather was hot and humid, mid 90s on both days and adjusted
altitude not below 3,250 feet so not ideal for us.
In round one on Friday we raced stablemate, and local hero, Ron Hope in the Rat Trap Bantam. Problems in the right lane gave us a relatively simple task, but a 6.46 at 214 mph was an encouraging start. In round two we were up against good friend Randy Bradford and his Fiat. We were 1-1 in previous meetings with Randy, who was developing the car with a new fuel pump system and injector with impressive results. All felt good in the burnout but too many energy drinks and stifling temperatures helped contribute to leaving a cherry on the tree and handing the win to Randy. We ran 6.55 at 223 mph, the speed becoming all too apparent when the chutes didn't deploy and a sharp reminder of the benefits of front brakes ensued. Thankfully the shutdown area was smooth and the car stopped short of the sand pit, with the Safety Safari arriving as I pulled to a halt. All good - other than the cherry and the poor sixty - the weather was at 3,750 feet and the motor was dropping cylinders at the startline in protest!
Round three on Saturday and a first race with the legendary Nanook, now driven by Vincent
Generalao Sr. Burnouts completed into pre-stage, breathe and get settled. Do not
bulb again. Tree runs, reasonable light and a couple of tell-tale puffs from the headers
indicate more dropping cylinders. Nanook appears on the left side but isn't pulling away.
We're starting to haul as we hit mid-track, moving around a little but nothing too scary.
We're pulling him in now, the body's gone out of the peripheral, and now the motor too.
The wheel disappears as the finish line approaches. It's too close to call. Great race.
Chutes hit, stop the car and neither of us know who won. Of course it doesn't really matter
but it matters hugely!
Crews arrive and much back-slapping and hugging ensues as I'm told we didn't quite make it - if only the track was twenty feet longer! Tow back and plenty of applause through the pits for what must have looked a great race, both cars run 6.44 - Nanook 6.447/222 to Havoc's 6.449/228. Back to the pits and travelling Brit supporters are all smiles and congratulations. "Thanks, but it would have been even better if we'd won." Response: "You did win!". "Huh?". We did win. The win light is so small, the crew didn't see it. Won it on a holeshot with a margin of victory of 0.0127 seconds (49.62 inches - Ed). Doesn't get much better. Amazing race.
Round four and back against Rat Trap. Loser buys dinner. Unfortunately, the transformer malfunctioned in the burnout and we lost fire. We bought dinner and it was a pleasure to do so.
A fantastic weekend with thanks to the Hope family, Geoff Stilwell and Beech Underwriting Agencies, Lawrie Gatehouse and the NFAA, Stewart Bassett and US Automotive, Goodyear, Motorstate, Lucas Oils, ARP Fasteners and the Sherratt family.
See you next in Martin, Michigan. Can't wait!
50 Shades of greenbacks.
21st June: The UK's Andy Dibley says that his 50 Shades of Racing team will again be putting up a bonus in Eurodragster.com Sportsman ET at Bug Jam at Santa Pod Raceway on 22nd-23rd July:
The 50 Shades of Racing Reaction Time Award is back! The rules are pretty simple: all of each racer's RTs in qualifying are added together up and the racer with the lowest total time is the winner. 0.5 is added to your total if you go red or if you miss a qualifying session. Last year Chris Creswell took the pot of cash with an overall RT total of 0.632 seconds after six rounds of qualifying.
Entry is open to anyone competing in Eurodragster.com Sportsman ET over the weekend. The entry fee is £5 all of which goes into the pot for the winner to add to the £50 already in the kitty from Yours Truly. A change from last year is that all cars taking part must have a 50 Shades of Racing decal on their car; decals are available from our pits when you enter.
With a lot of guest appearances from other classes for the weekend we're hoping for a record cash prize and some good class-to-class rivalry! For more information head over to the Sportsman ET Facebook page.
Swift snippets.
21st June: Many thanks to timing and stats guru Andy Marrs for forwarding us an updated table of European and UK bests now including Micke Gullqvist's Pro Modified ET record set at Tierp Arena on Sunday. You can check out the updated table by clicking here or by clicking on the European and UK Bests link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Editor's note: Your News Editor is still shagged out from the weekend so we currently have a backlog of news which will be cleared on the next update due this evening. Stay tuned and please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com.
Summernationals racer update.
20th June: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us details of the arrangements for this weekend's SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway:
Friday 24th June
08:00 Santa Pod Raceway's gates open for the duration of the event
10:00 Signing On office opens
12:00 Car scrutineering commences, no specific order. Car scrutineering details
16:30 Bike scrutineering commences, no specific order. Bike scrutineering details
18:45 Signing On office closes
20:00 Bike scrutineering ends
Saturday 25th June
07:00 Signing On office opens
07:00 Car scrutineering commences. Car scrutineering details
07:00 Bike scrutineering commences. Bike scrutineering details
09:30 Track opens for qualifying
Sunday 26th June
07:30 Signing On office opens
07:30 Car scrutineering commences. Car scrutineering details
07:30 Bike scrutineering commences. Bike scrutineering details
09:30 Track opens for qualifying and eliminations
If you are at the track on Friday then if possible please try to have your vehicle scrutineered on Friday.
The provisional running orders are available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please note as ever that running orders are subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials.
No race vehicle motors are to be fired up before 09:00 or after 20:00 on any day of the event including Friday's All Torque Test Day. Before 09:00 vehicles should be pushed or towed to Scrutineering, not driven or ridden. Non-observation of curfew will result in exclusion from the event.
Junior racers please remember the rule about pushing vehicles back to the pits once through the arch beside Scrutineering.
Only race officials and SPR staff are allowed in Race Control whilst racing is underway. Should racers wish to raise any matter with race officials then please do not visit Race Control; please firstly see Race Secretary Kathy Taylor who is based in Signing On.
Colour commentators are requested to come to Commentary only when their class is at the head of the lanes, to vacate Commentary as soon as their class has run, and not to bring guests to Commentary with them.
The Eurodragster.com office at the Bankside end of Race Control is similarly out of bounds during racing except to Eurodragster.com staff, Zeon TV crew and racers or crew collecting Perfect Award money.
Bug Jam entry update.
20th June: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 1 of the official entry list for Bug Jam, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 22nd-23rd July (RWYB Friday 21st and until 15:00 Saturday).
You can check out the Bug Jam entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Friday of next week, 30th June, is the official closing date for Bug Jam after which entry, if accepted, may be subject to a late entry penalty. You can download the official entry forms from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Eurodragster.com Sportsman ET.
20th June: We are very happy to reveal that Sportsman ET will be sponsored by Eurodragster.com at Bug Jam. We are doubly pleased and proud to support the class, not only because Sportsman ET the entry level to the sport but also because Bug Jam is developing a tradition of attracting a huge Sportsman ET field including racers from other classes in their street cars making it fun as well as competitive.
As well as the mandatory decals for the Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise, Sportsman ET competitors will be required to carry Eurodragster.com decals at Bug Jam.
News of what is on offer to the winner will be announced closer to the event.
Tierp Internationals results.
18th June: Congratulations to the winners of this weekend's Tierp Internationals at Tierp Arena:
FIA Top Fuel Dragster: Duncan Micallef 5.5115/195.51 bye, Antti Horto no show
FIA Top Methanol: Sandro Bellio 5.5427/419.91 def. Dennis Habermann 5.3853/430.62
FIA Pro Modified: Micke Gullqvist 5.8360/400.00 def. Åke Persson 6.0993/386.27
FIA Pro Stock: Bengt Ljungdahl 6.5310/334.99 def. Stefan Ernryd 7.2257/312.86
EDRS Pro Top Fuel Bike: Peter Andersson 7.9010/221.86 def. Sverre Dahl 6.5169/265.75 DQ
EDRS Pro Supertwin: Anders Hörnström 6.6688/333.33 def. Greger Johansson 6.9418/304.23
EDRS Pro Pro Stock Bike: Thomas Lysebraate Olsen 7.2679/267.08 def. Robert Karlsson 7.3504/251.16
EDRS Pro Super Street Bike: Mogens Lund 7.2229/309.99 def. Anders Blanck 7.3934/310.17
Top Doorslammer: Victor Jansson 3.9434/310.34 def. Andreas Sjödin 3.8425/215.24
Comp Eliminator: Daniel Jedborn (7.41) 13.2666/117.11 bye
Pro Street: Johan Källberg 7.6353/267.99 def. Seppo Raussi 7.6333/289.23
Super Comp: Micke Nilsson 8.8898/250.12 def. Kristina Nygren 8.8602/252.69
Super Gas: Johan Renström 9.9094/213.96 def. Patrik Wickman 9.9116/202.63
Super Street: Jonas Larsson 10.9199/195.94 bye, Ulf Axelsson shut off
Stock / Super Stock: Christer Lidberg (10.46) 10.9492/155.75 def. Anders Lindh (10.29) 16.8938/106.07
Junior Dragster: Atle Poolsar (8.01) 8.0663/121.79 def. Niklas Larsson (7.91) 7.9770/132.78
Super Comp Bike: Kimmo Rantala 8.7520/247.93 def. Emil Östlund 8.8777/250.81
Super Gas Bike match race: Magnus Pollack 3, Iiro Reinola 0
Junior Drag Bike: John Rolfstad (9.60) 9.6162/109.89 def. Tim Christensen (12.20) 14.4226/86.19
Congratulations also to Micke Gullqvist who set a new European Pro Modified ET record of 5.836 seconds.
You can check out our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored reports, results, pit notes and galleries by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Many thanks to Åsa Kinnemar for forwarding us the post-event standings in the FIA European Drag Racing Championships. You can take a look at the FIA points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page which you can reach by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
From air strip to drag strip.
15th June: Marcus Möller writes that Supertwin star Tommy Grimes arrived in Sweden yesterday (Wednesday) preparatory
to riding Per Bengtsson's Beast at Tierp Arena this weekend, but that in the short time since since his arrival he and the Beast
team have got in some testing:
Tommy flew in to Sweden and went straight to Malmö Raceway with the team. As usual the team have been diligent during the off-season; the most visible change is the addition of a chute, which was about time for the European speed record holder don't you think?
The ambition for tonight was refreshing all of the routines and giving Tommy a couple more runs under his belt. I left the team at the track after two launches and they looked determined and expectant.
The Beast Drag Bike Team are looking forward to meeting racers, friends and fans at the Tierp Internationals!
Did drag racing start in Eire?
15th June: FIA Drag Racing Commission member and UK Tech Committee Chair Phil Evans says that the common assumption that drag racing began in California might just be misguided not to mention wrong by forty or fifty years:
There were side by side sprint races at the Brighton Speed Trials during the 1930s, and now I have been given a book by Graham McDonald which appears to place the birth of drag racing in Phoenix Park, Dublin during a speed trials event in 1903.
The track was laid out along the two-mile straight which runs through the centre of the Park: a measured mile for acceleration then a kilometre for measuring the speed, to set flying kilometre records. One problem was the Phoenix Monument which was (and still is) placed about half way along, so the sides of the plinth were trimmed back to give more room for the competitors to pass either side!
The world speed record was broken and a new record of 89.5 mph was set, which was pretty good for 1903. However after the speed trials were completed they staged match races in which cars competed in pairs, flagged off from a standing start, to see which got to the finish line first. Sound familiar?
So just maybe the very first drag races were held not in California, but in Ireland fifty years earlier!
Street and Strip back Ruaridh.
15th June: UK Junior Dragster racer Ruaridh Hart is pleased to announce that his Eliminator dragster is to be supported by Street and Strip magazine for the rest of this season:
Pro Stock racer Thomas Lindström and wife Nina, who now own and edit the Swedish drag race and hot rod magazine are great supporters of Junior drag racing, describing the class as "The future of our sport". Ruaridh has long been a fan of Thomas and his Team R/T Pro Stock. As an honorary team member and friend, Ruaridh is delighted to announce the Street and Strip sponsorship.
"We have come to a mutual arrangement between the magazine and Ruaridh", says Thomas. "Thomas has been my mentor and friend since I was ten years old and first in a dragster" says Ruaridh. "I am really pleased to be working with Team R/T and Street and Strip magazine."
Street and Strip will be making further announcements regarding Junior Dragster racing in the near future so keep an eye out for an exciting opportunity to be promoted through the magazine.
Get Well Soon Panda!
15th June: Lizz Charman has been in touch to ask us to send love and best wishes to Ben 'Panda' Butler who
is in hospital after a suspected stroke:
Panda has been involved in drag racing since he was seventeen years old working first at Shakespeare County Raceway then moving to Santa Pod Raceway as part of the fire crew. He has travelled all over with the Santa Pod crew including Bahrain, Sweden, Belgium and Spain. In 2012 he and long-time girlfriend Natalie moved to the arse end of nowhere in the highlands of Scotland.
Natalie tells me that on 1st June Ben was rushed into Caithness General with a suspected stroke, and emergency airlifted to Aberdeen Royal infirmary where life-saving surgery was undertaken to insert a drain to relieve the pressure. Since then Ben has had two further operations. They think that the cause of all this is an infection in a heart valve which will need replacing once they are on top of the infection. He is still in a pretty poorly condition in ICU, but is fighting it.
He is only thorty two and has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met, which goes with the biggest feet ever, for which everyone used to take the mickey out of him!
Our own very best wishes to Ben for a rapid and full recovery.
Three Gumbys and a Fuel Altered.
13th June: Three months ago the UK's Havoc Fuel Altered team left the hallowed ground of Famoso Raceway with mixed feelings but enhanced knowledge. Why "Mixed"? Driver Nick Davies explains:
Achievement though it was to get the car to the March Meet, let alone qualify for an eight-car field, the team went out there to win. Ambitious? Maybe. Unrealistic? Possibly. It was a huge task to get as far as we did, but it still niggles. What if...
So onto Round 2, and the historic Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Affectionately known as "Boiling Green" at this time of year because of the heat and humidity. Will it bother three pale-faced Anglo Saxons? Not a chance: knotted handkerchiefs and rolled-up trousers packed and ready for battle (Don't forget the Watneys Red Barrel - Ed). Knowledge gained from Round 1 included the fact that arriving two days before the race meeting left insufficient time to complete prep work satisfactorily so, with this in mind, Crew Chief Rob Loaring left the UK a week early to undertake maintenance and servicing. This is all continuing satisfactorily with no surprises, thankfully, so tomorrow (Wednesday) will comprise loading and travelling to the track. On Thursday we will disassemble and service the motor and on Friday the flag will be unfurled and we will go into battle with the other assembled Fuel Altereds.
Format is to be decided but is likely to be a friendly round-robin affair with ourselves, Ron and Brian Hope's Rat Trap Bantam, Randy Bradford's Fiat - sporting new fuel system, pump and injector - and the infamous Nanook of Dave and the rest of the Hough family. We will, of course, take each round like barely-disguised smiling assassins.
Anyone with NHRA All Access can apparently watch live coverage of the event including not only the racing but also the Saturday night Cacklefest. All Access is something about which I have only read and if the coverage is intermittent or non-existent then please don't complain to me but instead send all spontaneous, unreasonable complaints to the usual Eurodragster.com address as per normal (I only wish it were a joke - Ed).
As a celebration of the 2017 tour, Paul Whitehouse has completed one of his drag racing renditions detailing a race between Havoc and Rat Trap at Famoso, as shown above. Paul is considering a small print run of the painting. Please register your interest by E-Mailing Paul at pwhitehouse3@aol.com.
Thanks, as ever, to our tour partners Beech Underwriting Services, Lawrie Gatehouse and the NFAA, US Automotive, Rat Trap Racing, Lucas Oil, Goodyear Tyres, Motorstate Distributing, Thacker & Friends, the Sherratt family, ARP Fasteners, and all the supporters back home for your kind words of encouragement - it is greatly appreciated! Scott and I will try and keep you updated via Facebook, Instagram and any other means available including Eurodragster.com if the team have time away from their busy schedule at Tierp Arena (We'll make time - Ed).
Overpowered and over here.
13th June: Not only do the UK's Nostalgia stars go overseas but overseas Nostalgia stars come to the UK, as James
Forster writes about Dragstalgia at Santa Pod Raceway on 14th-16th July:
Whilst in 2016 the stars of the show were the Fuel Altereds from the USA, this year's line-up includes an influx of entries from a little closer to home, i.e. Scandinavia. The bulk of the guest entries are making the 1,000+ mile journey from Sweden but you'll also find racers from Norway, France, Holland, Italy and beyond throughout the entry list.
One of the main classes to benefit from overseas guests is the Slingshot Showdown, a heads-up class for front-engined dragsters capable of completing the quarter mile in less than 8.50 seconds which means that meaning high-octane, exciting racing is guaranteed. In this, only the class' second year at Dragstalgia, we have no less than four cars from Sweden and another from Norway taking the challenge to our home-grown heroes. Joe Bond is likely to remain the favourite following his dominant victory at the 2016 event with a whole host of impressive six-second passes but if he's going to lift the trophy again he'll certainly have to work for it!
The other class with a significant injection of Swedish machinery is the Gasser Circus. The UK Gasser Circus racers are a highlight of Dragstalgia in their own right but a showdown with our Scandinavian guests really is a mouth-watering prospect. Sweden will be represented by The Rattler Bel Air, Dogcatcher Crown Victoria, Super Nova and the Sharp Teeth Barracuda to take on the likes of the Mighty Mouse Ford Pop, Gold Rush '41 Ford, Honky Tonkins 1 and 2 and many more.
The 1,000 mile journey from Sweden is dwarfed by the journey which Wild Bunch entrant Valdo Westphal has planned with his altered. Valdo is making the trip to Santa Pod from Noumea in New Caledonia which is a French island off the coast of Australia – a 10,000 mile trip! That's commitment for you!
The Dragstalgia Cannonball is another class which is shaping up nicely with new cars emerging this year. Defending Champion Ramon van der Weurf will be returning in his
awesome Wild’r at Heart Dodge Charger but to retain the title,he will have to fend off the 2015 champion Tim Garlick in his five-second Firebird. Tony Betts in the
Venom Camaro is a new contender and he has already been showing promise after just a few outings this year. There are a number of other methanol- and nitro-burning
altereds and Funny Cars on the entry list too so this year's title really is anyone's game. We can't wait to see how this one plays out!
The weekend wouldn't be complete without a mixture of automotive highlights from classes such as the iconic Willys Wars, American Muscle of Nostalgia Superstock, Crazy Outlaw Anglias, NSA Historic Bike Shootout, Supercharged Outlaws, Outlaw Flat Fours and new for 2017 Nostalgia Pro Stock Bike! As usual the highlights run throughout the Dragstalgia Invitational in which anything goes. You'll be treated to a whiff of nitro during these sessions too: Clive Mechaell will be bringing the California Kid for its annual outing and we're pleased to have Robin Read making passes in the legendary Daimler dragster.
There's plenty to take in away from the track too with Ken Fox's legendary Wall of Death, the Autoglym Show and Shine competition presented by the NSRA, static displays, a beer festival and loads more!
So mark your diaries for one of the most action-packed, historic weekends on the calendar, Dragstalgia on 14th-16th July. Discount advance tickets are available until 17:00 UK time on Friday 7th July meaning you can grab a weekend pass for just £35 plus fees to include three days of racing, show cars and entertainment plus two nights of camping with live music (as part of your Sporting Event entrance only). See www.dragstalgia.co.uk for the full line-up and entry list and to book your tickets.
£1000 for York's Street Racer Champion.
13th June: £1000 is up for grabs by the winner of the 40th Street Racer Championship at
York Raceway on 2nd July. Chris Murty writes:
The original race for real street-legal cars returns for its 40th running. One thing for sure is that it is never a dead cert who will win. Drivers and their cars have to bring their A-game. There are no second chances. Cars can't consistently come and do well over a season and claim a Championship... one bad reaction, one red light, one missed shift, one bad launch and it is game over, you are in the stands. This provides the most gripping race that York Raceway has to offer.
To enter, you need a car which is taxed and tested and in full street-legal condition. Further guidelines can be found on our Facebook page. Entry to the event is £15 and Street Racer entry is £40.
Thank you to all of our sponsors for helping us raise the £1000 prize fund: Blue Bar Caterers, AB Auto Performance, Evil Tuning, LA Racing Parts, Max Car Care, Nationwide Electrical Ltd, Northrace Speedshop, Performance Unlimited and The Turbo Shop.
Feature: 1970s Santa Pod gallery.
12th June: The latest in our occasional series of Features presented in association with Lucas Oil Products is a gallery of pictures taken at Santa Pod Raceway in the late 1970s by longtime Eurodragster.com supporter Pete Smith of, amongst other things, Just Mental Street Eliminator Corvette fame.
The 119 pictures cover pits, fire-up road - which puts a date range on them - on-track both trackside and spectator-side,
shutdown area and return road and feature a number of famous names, both racers and vehicles (left) and both
UK and European, including a handful of racers still active today. We could not put hand on heart and say that we can
place every single picture, not least because they are obviously from more than one event and from more than one year,
but suggestions are welcome at editor@eurodragster.com.
Pete gave us three boxes of slides which were carefully scanned and in many cases rescued by our good friend Alan Currans of the Acceleration Archive. We would like to say a big Thank You to Alan for his painstaking work and of course add that if you like your Nostalgia then please do visit Alan's own site at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. A big Thank You also, of course, to Pete for passing us the pictures.
You can check out our gallery of Pete's 1970s Santa Pod shots by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Bartlett on the Main Event.
12th June: On behalf of Trakbak Racing, Santa Pod Raceway and Track Group Europe CEO Keith Bartlett has been in touch with his take on the FIA / FIM Main Event:
The Main Event was blessed with some fine weather over the first three days and as a result some fine qualifying sessions took place for the Pro classes along with some good racing in the Sportsman classes. We lost much of the Bank Holiday Monday to very frustrating intermittent rain but the racing which did take place produced some quick times and speeds. The bottom line is that had we not have lost the second round of Top Fuel to rain then I feel sure we were about to witness some very fast times, even possibly in the 3.80s at over 300 mph. The conditions before that final rain were ideal with a good track temperature combined with fairly good air and no wind. As is so often the case in these situations, and after hours of trying to dry the track against a light but constant drizzle, when finally we were ready to go it rained again and heavy enough to bring the meeting to an end.
At least the many thousands of spectators who attended on Friday, Saturday and Sunday were treated to a full busy schedule and some good runs all round.
Some of the highlights of the weekend were seeing Super Street Bike running over the 200 mph barrier - and not just one run and one rider. In Pro Modified it was very encouraging to see such a strong turnout and entry of British cars and teams. To have had an entry of over twenty cars containing only four Swedish Pro Modifieds was a first for the class in the FIA European Drag Racing Championship. It was also great to see crowd favorite Fredrik 'Fast Freddy' Fagerström back with his '66 Chevrolet C10 Pro Modified pick-up truck. Now with a return to his old blown motor set-up, things were back to normal with his wild long burnouts. Talking of Pro Modified, as expected it did not take Jimmy Ålund (of Pro Stock fame) long to get a handle on his new ride in the '51 Chevrolet Pro Modified business coupe. We can expect some keen competition this season for Championship honors between Jimmy and reigning FIA Champion Michael Gullqvist. The Old 51 Coupe has a good history of running fast times with two other famed Swedish drivers, Nicolas Andersson and John Lindberg. One new car for 2017 in the Pro Mod ranks made it to the event but was not quite ready to run in the competition – Jon Webster's '67 Ford Mustang. Like all Webster Engineering-built cars, it's engineering at its best and immaculate! In fact so much so it could be wrapped in gift paper and never raced – I know a few people who would like that as a present.
The Main Event was the first round of the 2017 FIA European Drag Racing Championship at which the two FIA methanol classes, Top Methanol Dragster and Top Methanol Funny Car, had been combined to run together. This was a new ruling from the FIA Drag Racing Commission for 2017 and was almost a hark back to the days of Pro Comp in the 1980s albeit with a 0.26 sec index between Funny Car and Dragster. Brought about by the lack of cars in each of the individual classes (TMD and TMFC) and now named Top Methanol, the combined class was an initial success over the weekend with an entry of six cars, including two Funny Cars. We shall wait and see how this class develops throughout 2017.
It was good over the Main Event weekend to see yet another young person licensing to join the Formula 1 class of drag racing – Top Fuel Dragster. Urs Erbacher's daughter Jndia, having already run a A/Fuel Dragster in Top Methanol, made some licencing runs to gain her Top Fuel licence. What we saw was a cool performance, not only doing what she was told, but showing that she can handle 10,000 HP as well as her dad when the car gets loose at half-track with a wild ride captured live on the TV cameras. No doubt in my mind Jndia will get her Top Fuel licence sooner than later.
One of my own favourite classes in drag racing, Street Eliminator was on show again with all the usual suspects running the numbers. I really do see this class representing the true roots of drag racing; street legal cars (just) running very fast, albeit I accept that the cars in this class are not exactly your normal street cars. This is where I came from in the 1970s with Street Modified. Somehow along the way, I drifted into running Pro cars and Pro classes in the 1990s via the European Top Fuel Association and the rest as they say is history...
I remain very keen to do something with Johnny Smith and the Channel 5 TV show Fifth Gear built around Street Eliminator.
On two wheels, we have an interesting season ahead in Top Fuel Bike as to who will take over Ian King's crown. We had eight entries at the Main Event seeking to do just that. This scenario will unfold over the next few rounds of the FIM European Drag Bike Championship and with a limited number of Championship events this year every round win is crucial.
We had very good weather over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In fact the track temperature was too hot on Sunday and, no matter how well we prepare the track surface, when it's around or goes above 120° on an asphalt track, it gets real tricky to prevent movement on the surface. Life can become quite difficult for the teams to tune their cars to it and at the same time for us to tune the track to suit all classes; Sunday afternoon qualifying demonstrated that. However, with the cloud cover and lower temprature on Monday, the track was bitching and ready to take fast times and high speed numbers. We started to witness this before the rain stopped play.
The Main Event saw the continuation of Trakbak Racing Ltd's live web broadcast and, as I have been preaching for several years now, this form of TV broadcasting is the future for all sports and especially minority sports. With that said, I am not so sure that drag racing at Santa Pod Raceway is so much a minority sport any longer.
Live coverage of the Main Event proved to be our most successful broadcast to date both in terms of viewing figures as well as innovation within the production across the weekend. We had just shy of 250,000 unique views and with the new addition of Facebook Live an incredible worldwide reach of over 8.2 million which is absolutely staggering and excellent for the sport of drag racing – as said, no longer minority sport figures.
A big Thank You goes out to all the fans who have helped the live stream increase year on year and with the ever-increasing power of social media we hope to continue driving the sport forward to new audiences and improve for all our loyal, longtime fans.
Some of you would have seen we are in the middle of refurbishing one of our main shops, the Garage next door to the Pod Shop in the pits. This project is only half finished and when completed will be selling an alternative range of clothing to that which is sold in the normal Pod shops. This will include brands such as Gas Monkey and Quarter Mile Clothing. In addition, we will continue to sell VP Racing Fuel, a full range of products from Autoglym and Lucas Oil, plus the complete Draper Tools range of tools and equipment.
Another successful addition to the Main Event was the weekend's Beer Festival hosted in main bar, where you could buy designer drag racing beers and ales. Our bar manager Paul Savage has successfully negotiated with a local brewery to produce and market some specially-branded beers and ales with aptly named labels including Pod Face, 92nd Bomber, Trackbite and of course Top Fuel all of which were very well-received by our race fans and weekend campers. Look out for the extended range at next month's Dragstalgia event,
We now look forward to the next round of the FIA Championships at the Tierp Arena in Sweden next weekend, followed by the SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod.
See you at the track.
European Top Gas Round 2 review.
12th June: Herman Jolink (right) writes that the latest round of the
European Top Gas Series took place over the eighth mile at
Mälmo Raceway last weekend:
The track was very well-prepared by Lee Child of the UK. Eight qualifying sessions were possible starting at 11:00 on Saturday morning. Final qualifying:
- Joerg Lymant D on 2622 V-Twin 4.743/234. Joerg doing very well on his S&S Pro Stock Bike.
- Janne Malmberg S on 2400 blown V-Twin 4.837/229. In the second run the bike stopped on the start line, Janne tred a different set-up on his Motec fuel injection and the following runs were OK.
- Fredrick Schack DK on 2622 Buell V-Twin Pro Stock Bike 4.852/233. On his furst run Fredrick had some engine problems, luckily nothing big.
- Herman Jolink NL on Ducati 1198 RS (1266) 5.223/208. Herman had a new Personal Best sixty foot by 0.012 seconds and had support from one of Jorg Braune's crew, thanks Kalle.
- Gerd Caspari D on 2400 V-Twin 5.227/209. Gerd's Crew Chief Bernd Niessen rode the bike for several years and he is now helping Gerd although Gerd originally built and rode the bike.
- Chris van Nimmen B on 2622 V-Twin 5.446/201. Chris' Crew Chief was Marc v d Boer as his own bike was not ready.
- Olaf Menzi CH on 2622 V-Twin 5.455/161.
- Anders Jensen DK on 2000 V-Twin with mechanical turbo 5.673/188. In one qualifying run Anders has a big fireball melting a hole in the aluminium cylinder head, he took the head off and took it to Jorg Lindskog thirty kilometres from Malmö Raceway. Jorg welded the cylinder head so Anders' motor was OK for eliminations.
On Sunday it started to rain at 09:15 and eliminations were cancelled at 14:30 as the sky was full of black cloud.
European Top Gas Series points standings:
- Schack DK 865
- Lymant D 765
- Malmberg S 640
- Jolink NL 600
- Braune D 430
- Schleichert D 410
- Caspari D 340
- Foit D 340
- van Nimmen B 330
- Menzi CH 320
- Niklas D 320
- Jensen DK 310
- Rasmussen DK 300
What he said would never happen...
11th June: In two weeks' time Santa Pod Raceway Track Announcer Colin Theobald will move from the commentary
box and take his '69 Camaro Bruce into the world of Pro ET racing for the first time. Colin writes:
I never, ever thought I would race this car (We all knew better and said so - Ed), but the urge took over and the number one item on my bucket list is about to be realised (See? - Ed). Commentary comes first for me, but with my business I'm normally working the same weekend as the SPRC Summernationals, but not this year. Thankfully I knew well in advance that the weekend would be clear so my MSA licence and my SPRC membership were applied for back in January. My licensing runs were made back in March under the watchful eye of Ian Marshall; it felt so good when he shook my hand and said "Congratulations" followed by the usual "It's a slippery slope from here...".
As you know one of my favourite past-times at Santa Pod is the passenger rides and I wasn't prepared to do these without the correct safety equipment. Webster Race Engineering installed the roll cage last year and what a stunning job they did. Remember, this is a street car so the door bar and harness bar had to be removable, not that the harness bar has ever come out since it first went in. Ash and Nic at OCS Paint then painted the roll cage black to match the interior and you have to look at least twice to see that it is there. I had the car inspected at Easter in preparation for racing and a few minor changes were pointed out to make the car race-legal, for example two springs on the throttle return etc.
Bruce is once again at his second home, Williams Bros Racing, having the flex plate and harmonic balancer changed along with a full fluid service, of course only Lucas Oils products here. I've treated Bruce to a new pair of slicks as the old ones were, shall we say, getting lots of use especially in the burnout box.
As most of you know I'm racing with the Williams Bros Racing team, we have three cars entered for the event and all in Pro ET. Nic Williams has stolen his dad Keith's Chevelle once again and has Lorne Denny as Crew Chief, James Oliver will be in the Firebird with Dan Williams as Crew Chief, so it's Summer Wine racing with me driving and Keith Williams as Crew Chief. No doubt the banter will reach new levels over the weekend and that's just between the three WBR teams. James and I are both double-classing in Nostalgia Super Stock as well, so making the most of the event.
At this stage I'd like to say a massive thank you to Lucas Oil Products who supply all of the oils and lubricants for the car, we wouldn't use anything else; Santa Pod Raceway for giving us the venue where we all live for those precious seconds on the quarter mile, AutoGlym for making sure that Bruce looks his best all of the time, Peter Walters Race Designs for his continued updates for which I keep asking him along with the web site, logo designs etc, Eurodragster.com for the superb coverage and keeping us all informed, where would we be without you (Thanks! You're welcome - Ed), CJT Promotions - might as well mention my own model car racing events company - and finally Williams Bros Racing and OCS Paint. Nic, Dan and Keith Williams along with Ash, Brendan, Matty, Alix and Elaine... if it wasn't for these guys and girls I wouldn't even have the car, let alone be on the verge of racing it, thanks for having me as part of the team.
So instead of my opening announcement of each event I'll be waiting impatiently for my good friend Darryl Bradford to call "Pro ET into the pairing lanes". No doubt Darryl will be insulting me to the best of his ability (Not just Darryl - his fellow announcer) so I'll have everyone listening in and letting me know what has been said!
I apologise in advance for all of the excitable banter to the other racers, especially those I eliminate on the way to my first event win... I might even wake up from this dream soon.
Swift snippets.
11th June: After a year's break due to work commitments Billy Gane's drag racing summer party is back for the fifth time in Chelmsford on Saturday 5th August. "The format is much the same as in previous years", says Billy. "It's an excuse to get together and have a good time. Everyone is welcome, racers or fans and there is plenty of space to stay the night if you wish. Tickets are £10 on the door and include a barbecue, entry into the win-a-car raffle, and a souvenir glass. There will be a Gladiator Knockout to win a gallon of beer, various party games, a live band, disco, and of course the famous Chodes Bar serving some bargain price booze!". If you have any queries either message Billy on Facebook or call / text 07904 612048.
Thanks to Bianca Booij for sending us an FIA / FIM Main Event review from Michel Tooren and the Pro Dutch Pro Modified team. You can check out the Dutch-language PDF by clicking here.
Please note that there is no webcast of this weekend's Tierp Internationals either by Eurodragster.com or by any other party. You will have to slum it with our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored Event Coverage which, we flatter ourselves, has never let anyone down yet and certainly not those who steal from it.
Main Event Street Eliminator review.
11th June: Many thanks to Richard Merriman for forwarding us a review of Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator at the FIA / FIM Main Event. Pictures are courtesy and ©Matt Woods Photography.
In total we had twelve cars entered but unfortunately there were a few no shows. Firstly no Stu Williams with the Supra due to delays in getting the engine back from the machine shop leaving no time to get the car MOT’d. Gordon Stimpson, who was due to début the ex-Andy Bond Mustang with its fantastic new paint job unfortunately had an incident on the way to the MOT leaving the car with a broken windscreen and not enough time to get it fixed and retested. The last car did show, the 1955 Chevy sister car to Andy Bond's 1956, however a few jobs picked up by the scrutineer meant that it was unable to race. We did however welcome the return of a number of racers and the début of two new cars, Anthony Wilkins with the new Morris Traveller and the long-awaited 1956 Chevy of Andy Bond.
Friday was scheduled for six qualifiers and was certainly going to be a busy day if you wanted to run every round. In Q1 Gary Gooding and Martin Smith put in good passes, both getting a feel for the track. Al Williamson and Nigel Hale in their Chevy pick-ups were making their first checkout passes following engine repair work. Both looked like good runs and put a number on the board. Nick Hale having being spotted the previous day towing his caravan into the event with the race car showed what his multi-purpose street car could do running a storming 10.14 ET straight off. Mark Todd put in his claim early for the #1 position running a 7.68 pass despite tyre squeal from the launch! Andy Bond made his début run in competition following a number of passes on the test day with the stunning 1956 new Chevy, a gentle pass and just below the class index required to make the qualifying list.
A small while later we were back round for Q2. Martin clearly leaning on the car a little more this time round to consolidate #2 position with a 8.18 pass meanwhile Al with the truck smoked the tyres from the get-go but still managed to improve on the ET and up one position to #4. It was now time for the first competitive outing for Anthony Wilkins in the supercharged Morris Traveller, a great run netting him an 11.90 with an early shut-off so plenty more to go. Jeff Meads with the bright yellow Pop made a welcome return but decided a no nitrous 9.83 run was the way to go which put him in at #5. Nick Hale chipped a bit more off the ET this time but down into #6. Nigel Hale meanwhile stormed down with a 10.65 in the big truck securing #7.
No changes in Q3, onto Q4. Mark Todd clearly tried to put a bit more power into the car on this go with the tyres fighting against it, despite trying to drive through he had to back out. Nick and Nigel both had solid passes but made no improvements this time. Al stepping up the power once again had to pedal during the run but managed to get back into the eights running 8.75/150. Two more runs remained for Friday although some decided not to run every round due to the tighter turn-round times, opting to check the cars over, let them cool, and make changes. Strong launch for Al in Q5 but only to the eighth then easing off for the rest of the run, all looking like it was planned so no dramas. Gary in the Supra made some changes for this run which look to have paid off chipping over a tenth off his time but still leaving him #3. Mark made a good run this time around but without the painful squealing of tyres, a step in the right direction but again no improvement.
In Q6 Nigel nailed the consistency running a 10.67 after the previous 10.65, good going for the big truck. The last pair to run through was Al Williamson and Anthony Wilkins. Drama for Al following the launch the truck picked up the front wheels to one of the highest wheel stands the team had seen. The truck came down hard and hit the track and repeated a couple more times resulting in a huge ploughed section where the chassis dug in. Al shut off following the wheelie and avoided a potential catastrophe as Anthony in the other lane struggled with the Moggy as it pulled him across the track towards the top end and into A'ss Lane. Both were OK, no damage to either car despite the hard touchdown to Al's truck. Anthony discovered a puncture which caused the abrupt lane departure. The track however didn't fare quite so well which resulted in the rest of the qualifying being held in one lane and the track crew staying up until midnight to fix the damage.
Saturday rolled round and a nice lay-for the teams as we weren't due on track until gone midday, however with a few delays in the Pro session this was then pushed back until 15:00. Conditions were challenging with a strong blustery headwind. Mark, Martin and Gary were all suffering with traction issues in the first quarter of the track meaning aborted runs and no improvements. Andy Bond managed a good launch and half pass netting a stout 8.58 and thus PB for him in this car. Jeff Meads completed the burnout but something didn't quite sound right. After he lined up for the run and the lights dropped there was a horrible sound of something not happy inside the engine and he shut off and pulled over. Once back in the pits it was later diagnosed that there had been a nitrous malfunction resulting in a number of melted pistons. Such a shame to end the weekend that way, we hope you can get repaired and out again soon Jeff. Q8, a late start due to previous setbacks but the cooler air and warm track seemed to be helping. Martin was getting somewhere with the Bentley and managed to run his first seven of the event with a 7.88 however he still stayed #2. Mark also had a slightly better run improving his ET by the smallest of margins to run 7.62/194. Gary's go next but the engine stalled after the burnout and once again before staging, something wasn't happy so was pushed back from the line and trundled back to the pits. Fantastic run for Andy, things really going in the right direction now with a another PB of 8.10/184. Al ran an 8.73, a marginal improvement over the previous 8.75. No order changes in this time, we were to await the final qualifying round on Sunday to see if that changed things.
Sunday arrived and quite a change in the weather, having lost the very strong headwind present on Saturday and with the sun beating down. No lay-in for the teams this morning with Q9 kicking off at just gone 10:00. Gary in the Supra first off and a good solid run his first seven-second pass of the event put him into #3. Mark made even more progress this round with the GTO now bagging a 7.46/198. Anthony was another to improve on his time, finally getting to grips with the Moggy, this time running 10.84 knocking over a second off this previous PB in this car. Andy Bond once again creeping up on the tune ran his first ever seven netting him a 7.90/173. Al discovered that the truck was running out of capacity on the injectors so decided to switch back to Super Unleaded from E85 so the softer tune meant ETs were down.
Now that qualifying was complete we had a bit of time prior to the Cruise, giving teams the opportunity to check the cars over, top up the fluids and pump up the tyres. All in hand and even time to grab a bite to eat. The teams were given a few minutes' signal a few minutes to gather at the scrutineering shed ready to parade down the track. All gathered except for one car: Andy Bond's Chevy decided it preferred the comfort of the pits and refused to engage drive, but after a frantic rush around they managed to resolve the issue just in time for the procession in front of the crowds. We left the track and began to meander our way down the country lanes to the fuel stop. All fuelled up successfully, we set off once again all apart from Anthony Wilkins who was already fighting with the heat and struggled to get the Moggy started. In a last ditch attempt the car fired up and he was able to tag on the back of the cruise. We then made our way to just outside the hot start area and were greeted with a lengthy quuee. Clearly many people were taking advantage of the nice weather to go shopping. This was really going to test the cars as the roar of cooling fans was almost as loud as the engines! So after the mandatory stop to allow heat soak into the engines it was time to then fire them up. Each competitor has two minutes to get the engine started and all apart from Gary managed to fire as he struggled with battery voltage having had the fans sap a bit too much juice. Anthony Wilkins only just managed to make it back in through the gate before he had to turn the engine off due to soaring temperatures.
Out of nine qualified we were now down to seven, who would be the lucky ones to gain the bye? Well unfortunately those who did have byes never had the opportunity to run as when Monday came round the weather just didn't want to play, with shower after shower coming through then finishing with a torrential rain storm. Such a shame to finish what had otherwise been a great weekend.
We would like to say a big thank you to our sponsors who of course help make all this happen: AW Upholstery, Insane Creations, Matt Woods Photography, Power Pour, Serck Motorsport, Topspeed Automotive, Webster Race Engineering, and Zeon TV.
If you would like to keep up to date with what's going on check out our Facebook Page and our web site at www.streeteliminator.com.
Spot available for No Prep race.
9th June: Paul Marston tells us that a place has become available in the Gearhead Garage No Prep Nationals at North Weald Drag Strip on Sunday 2nd July:
We had to disappoint a lot of people who didn't get in first time around, so now is your chance to be part of history.
The race is eighth-mile, heads-up, no times or speeds, two test hits then into eliminations. Random pairings but we will allow callouts in the first round and a minimum £50 side bet, providing both drivers agree. This event will be filmed and will be shown worldwide on 1320.com. Eurodragster.com also will be covering the event with an end-day report and gallery.
Entry is £125 for which you will also receive a commemorative T-Shirt and priority entry. The spot will be filled strictly first-come first-served so don't delay, call 07831 650230 today, E-Mail pmdragracing@gmail.com or contact us through the UK Top Sportsman Facebook page.
Our sincere thanks to Gearhead Garage, the Eurodragster.com team for attending and for all their support (Thanks! You're welcome - Ed). Special thanks to Tony Huck and Maitland Racing, the organisers of North Weald, for hosting us.
She Devil and the history books.
7th June: UK Top Methanol Funny Car racer Steph Milam, husband and tuner Dave and the She Devil team
reappeared on track at last week's FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway after twenty months away. Steph made a little bit of
history as she won the first FC v Dragster race under the new rules:
The first passes were all about getting used to the car again. We were cautious with the tune-up as we had changed the fuel system to suit the new blower overdrive. But it all settled down nicely and we improved with every pass, finally getting back into the low sixes with good speed.
In the first round of eliminations, with the new handicap start, I was up against Jonny Lagg in his A/Fuel dragster. I cut a good light and took the first round of competition, an historic event. We were all queued for second round, this time against Dennis Habermann, when the skies opened and we all got very, very wet. And that was the end of The Main Event.
We have high hopes for the European Finals so see you there, and don't forget that we will be out with the altered at Dragstalgia in July.
Many thanks to our sponsors for their continued support - NGK Spark Plugs, Torco Oil and Nimbus Motorsport - and a big Thank You to our crew, whom we hope have dried out by now.
Swift snippets.
7th June: Thanks to MSA British Drag Racing Championship PR Robin Jackson for letting us know that a report on the Main Event FIA / MSA Pro Modified action is now available on the MSA British Drag Racing Championship web site at www.msadragracing.co.uk.
Smax drills The Sarge.
7th June: Only June and ex-pat UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Smax Smith was headed to Epping for his fourth race of the season. After son Aidan raced his Top Alcohol FC last weekend, this time it was Smax's turn again in the Leverich Family's Top Fuel Dragster:
It's eleven-hour drive for us so I got up at 02:30 and picked up my boy Aidan and his friend Jake, and made the border before 04:30, a beautiful drive through all the mountains etc, a real nice part of the country. We met up with Gary, Bob, Dan and gang and got to work setting up final stuff for Q1 at 17:00. We had to be careful as we were down to one spare head.
We were paired with good friend Dom Lagana. Aidan had me tightened in and lined up and ready to do a planned eighth-mile shot. We both did nice burnouts then Dom was away first to a nice 3.80 run, but we underestimated the track as we shook when we pulled timing so I drove through it, but it started to spin the tyre so I pedalled and it recovered beautifully. I could still have run through but opted to shut it off to save parts. Still we qualified #12 with a 5.20.
Back in the pits the motor was happy apart from some scuff on two pistons, so we sat out rest of qualifying and only got bumped to fourteenth. Aidan did the clutch and Jake did the bottom end in record time while Dan and new crew guy Truitt did the heads. Great job all round, got the car ready and hit Applebees! On Saturday we partied with the locals and went through a bunch of stuff in the trailer. I built a set of spare rocker stands with Aidan, did an interview with Competition Plus, chatted with Noah Stutz over at Scott Palmer's then hit Pizza Hut (✔ - Ed).
Up early for round one on Sunday, paired against The Sarge Tony Scumacher and the huge US Army team. We did our usual warm up with two huge nitro whacks to the delight of the sold-out crowd - they lost their minds as only our team does this... see the clips on the Ant Hill Mob Drag Racing Facebook page. I also got hero cards for the first time in forty three years, took a thousand of them; they were all gone before race day and I signed most of them. Time to go racing!
There was a long delay as our friend Terry McMillen had a real huge explosion, but then it was our turn. Nice burnouts and Aidan had said stage last as then I usually cut a better light. I pre-staged but Tony seemed to take a while so I staged first, then I saw him stage, then something must have distracted me as I never saw the ambers I just heard Tony launch. So did I! A horrible light, the car made a good move then I saw Tony in trouble and shot past him running 285 mph to his 270. We only ran a safe 4.20 as we hadn't done enough in qualifying to fine-tune the power curve, but a good job by Gary and a new PB speed. Unfortunately the throttle stuck as we think taking the DJE off the car built too much fuel pressure. It quickly ran out fuel then it went bang, threw the blower belt, broke the snout and cracked the injector hat. With all this drama going on it hadn't sunk in that I just took down The Sarge and got my first-ever NHRA round win until the TV crew bounced over to interview me. Wow! I just wouldn't shut up and they had to cut me off!
It transpires that that is the first time a European has won a Top Fuel round since good buddy Urs Erbacher did it in 2008. I wonder if anyone knows the last time an Englishman won a Top Fuel round (Clive Skilton? - Ed)? If anyone knows then E-Mail me at smaxsmith1@gmail.com. We shot back to try to turn round and Ashley, Scott Palmer's girlfriend, was in our pit with a fresh blower offering whatever we needed to face Shawn Langdon. Again Aidan and Jake had the clutch out and the bottom end apart but we had a spun number three. Truitt and Dan also had the heads off and found that one was slightly damaged and one torched.
Gary had a spare short block so we set about changing it but we had to sort out a rack and swap everything over from the torched head to our last spare with header, down nozzles etc and fix the slightly damaged heaf as well as fixing the two-piece intake we had borrowed off Dom which was now ballooned a bit needing all-new blower studs and burst panels. Whilst all this was going on the explosion had cut down a chute, which I had to change, and broke our clutch linkage, which I fixed, but we missed the call by less than twenty minutes - Terry's delay meant that NHRA was pushing like mad to get turned round. A game effort by my team had the crowd applauding us as we only needed to drop the intake back on with the blower and do the lash. Never mind, we wouldn't have beaten Shawn's 3.79 anyhow.
We went as far as we could on the car then loaded up and Jake, Aidan and I headed back to work getting home at 03:00 after I drove nine hours straight. Had some windows to clean on Monday and cars to fix on Tuesday. Bob is driving the rig straight to New Jersey and we are heading back Wednesday to see Iron Maiden then finish rest of the car for Friday qualifying. Stay tuned!
Thanks to all the European fans for all the best wishes - I'm overwhelmed!
Retro Show demo vehicles sought.
6th June: Phil Bennett of Santa Pod Raceway says that the track are looking for sub twelve-second vehicles to make demonstration passes at the Retro Show on Sunday 18th June.
If you would like to take part then please contact Phil on 01234 782828 or E-Mail phil@santapod.com.
You can find out more about the Retro Show on its web site at www.retroshow.co.uk.
Serck Motorsport back Outlaw Anglia.
6th June: The Outlaw Anglia Racers Association are very excited about yet another development within the class, the announcement that Serck Motorsport will be the main class sponsor for 2017, supporting the class and race teams on and off the track.
Discussions took place earlier in the year and with the help and support of both Graham Smith and Mark Gardner of Serck Motorsport a plan was put in place which will provide professional support to the class on and off the track. The huge range of products which are now available and in stock right here in the UK will be available for racers to order and pick up at the track, supplemented by a stock of fluids and nitrous to keep them racing all weekend. Nearly all the teams utilise the cooling products which have been the backbone of Serck, but with the additional product lines now introduced which cover everything an Outlaw Anglia racing team could wish for, this new relationship is a really special opportunity for both parties involved.
The class has recently launched a vibrant new web site at www.outlawanglia.co.uk where you can find event dates and race reports, as well as fantastic videos and photos all from Callum of Pudgey's Pictures and details of all the teams including PBs in quarter mile times and speeds.
"As this is Outlaw Anglia's twenty fifth anniversary, Serck Motorsport becoming the main class sponsor compliments and strengthens one of the most entertaining classes in drag racing", says Colin Millar. "With Serck's help we will keep you on the edge of your seat watching these errant 101" wheelbase Fords, which have the aerodynamics of a brick, run side-by-side seven-second passes at speeds of up to 190 mph, sometimes in the same lane!
"Come and join us at the NSRA Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway on 24th-25th June where we will put on the show that is Serck Motorsport Outlaw Anglia drag racing at its best. See you all there!"
Swift snippets.
6th June: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us the final version of the official entry list for the SPRC Summernationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 24th-25th June. You can check out SPRC Summernationals entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
NitrOlympX entry forms posted.
5th June: Thanks to Jerry Lackey for letting us know that the official invitation, entry forms and other information are available for this year's NitrOlympX which takes place at Hockenheim on 18th-20th August.
You can download the entry forms via the Racers' Page link on the NitrOlympX web site at www.nitrolympx.de.
Sportsmen welcome to Jade Race.
5th June: Sportsman racers are invited to the Jade
Race, which takes place at the Flugplatz Mariensiel on 14th-16th July. The event is again a National A (NEAFP) and EU Open
(FIM Europe) event:
Stemming from its roots in street racing, the Jade Race has developed over the years into a pure motorsport event. Last year we organised the event as an official DMSB Event. The employees of Jade Race visited the DMSB Academy in order to qualify to run a drag race and to perform to professional event standards. Along with NitrOlympX at Hockenheim, the Drag Races at Phoenix Dragway in Bad Sobernheim, and the Speeddays in Alkersleben, the Jade Race is one of the biggest DMSB drag races in Germany.
The following classes are invited:
Public Race (OSL)
ET Handicap (Super Pro ET, Pro ET, SE)
Street Modified (SM)
Wild Street (WS)
Super Gas
Super Comp
Extreme Outlaw (XO)
Junior Dragster (JD)
Super Twin Top Gas (STTG)
Funny Bike (FB)
Street Legal Bike (SLB)
Pro Street Bikes (PSB)
ET Bike (SMB, SOET)
Junior Drag Bike (JDB)
The entry deadline at standard rate is 2nd July; entry up to this date is €90 then afterwards €120. For this event DMSB driver licenses, or the respective ASN license from the racer's country of origin, is required in all classes. Those who have no license may purchase for the event a DMSB Day Licence either in our on-line shop or at the Race Office. Details of which licence is required in which class are available on our web site at www.jade-race.com/?page_id=333.
If a race vehicle has no car pass or SFI chassis tag then this can be done at the event. If you wish to take advantage of this service then please register in advance on our web site at www.jade-race.com/?page_id=2518.
To register for the race or to buy tickets please visit our web site at www.jade-race.com/?page_id=829, and for ticket prices please visit our web site at www.jade-race.com/?page_id=2164.
Three holes better.
4th June: After a seventeen-year absence Phil Baimbridge Racing are returning to competition in Top Fuel Bike. This is not just any Top Fuel Bike though, as it has a unique powerplant. Phil, who hopes that the bike will be ready to run at the SPRC Summernationals towards the end of this month, writes:
After taking early retirement at the end of 2015 I decided to embark on a new project, doing what I enjoy doing most: building a Top Fuel Bike. Little did I know that I'd effectively end up "making it", rather than just "building it", with the help of my buddies at Burlow Engineering and a raft of other people - one of the joys of the project has been the help and support I have received. Two and a half years later the project is nearing completion and is coming to a race track near you soon!
I wanted to do something a bit different, and here it is: a 1690 cc three-cylinder Top Fuel Bike, based on a Triumph Rocket 3. The non-OEM motor has been approved by the ACU for competition in ACU-permitted events, so we’ll be able to race at UK National events. We’ve had the motor fired on petrol and run some nitro through it and so far everything as gone better than we could have hoped. Will it make horsepower? Will it be reliable? Who knows. We'll find out soon, but whatever happens it will certainly add a bit of variety to the Top Fuel Bike ranks.
Sadly the years have taken their toll on my body (rheumatoid arthritis) and I am no longer capable of riding a Top Fuel Bike, so I will stick to tuning and spannering duties. Piloting duties will be taken on by Al Smith, who also made a super job of building the chassis. Al is taking the role very seriously – he has lost a bunch of weight and is going to the gym regularly (Lo-cal Marie Rose sauce? - Ed). Al and I will be supported by the crew of Neill Curtis and Mark Eavers and, I'm pleased to say, the one and only Bob Brooks of Yellow Metal Racing fame.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our short list of sponsors Burlow Engineering, Team APE and Fuel Injection Enterprises (Spud Miller). You can Follow us on Facebook at PBR Top Fuel Bike or visit the web site, which I am not very good at keeping up to date, at pbrtopfuelbike.moonfruit.com.
See you at the races.
Shifting sands.
4th June: Sebastian Lindau writes that the Sand Drag Racing team are headed to Iceland for their first Sand Drags event of the season:
We are attending the race at Akureyri on 14th June. Because Iceland is located in the North Atlantic and completely surrounded by water we need to take a ferry from Denmark. We started our trip on Friday so that we can be there on time.
We plan to make a few test hits on the new track at Hafnarfjörður which is close to the capital Reykjavik. Our Hayabusa will have its first serious race in Iceland and we need to see if it does what we want. It was cool to have some fun at the race in Uesslingen, Switzerland last September but it was not the right environment for our kind of bike. So we look forward to that and hopefully all of preparation work will pay off.
If you want to stay updated then I recommend a look at our Facebook page. I will post all news there.
I would like to say a big Thank You to our supporters Bílaklúbbur Akureyrar, Kvartmíluklúbburinn, Gula Villan and Projektart.
King does Valdosta.
4th June: The UK's Ian King and the Gulf Oil Dragracing Top Fuel
Bike team started kicked off their 2017 season at the Manufacturers Cup season opener at South Georgia Motorsports Park, Valdosta GA. With the team operation based out
of the impressive race facility close to Atlanta operated by ex-pat Brit and former motorcycle dragbike racer Andrew 'H' Smith of H Craft Customs, the passage to the event
relatively smooth and eagerly anticipated by the team.
Despite the warm and sunny weather, the first days of the event were blighted by high crosswinds which prohibited many of the teams, including the Gulf Oil team, from making test and qualification runs, at least under full power for the whole quarter mile.
After no testing on day one, and despite early shut-offs in qualifying runs, the team led qualifying with a 6.190/198.96 until the very last session, finishing in third place overall for race day just behind local favourite Larry McBride 5.925/233.16 and drag bike veteran Sam Wills 6.001/233.60.
However, whilst performing pre-race day maintenance the team discovered some tight exhaust valve guides which had been sapping the European Championship-winning machine of full power. Having resolved the issue the team were left in a quandary – should they take some clutch or ignition lead out to compensate for this power hike, as they had a setting to get down what was a tricky track with less than its usual degree of traction, or hope the track would come around? They opted to gamble on the track but that proved to be a mistake when King lost traction in a big way immediately from the hit of the throttle, allowing Dave Vantine in the other lane to take the win almost unopposed.
The team went into this weekend's next round in Memphis, Tennessee with hopes for better weather conditions and a track on which they can exploit their full potential.
Manufacturers Cup 2017
7th-9th April: Spring Cup - Valdosta, Georgia
3rd-4th June: Memphis Internationals - Memphis, Tennessee
15th-16th July: MTC Nationals - Galot Motorsports Park, North Carolina
23rd-24th September: Rock - Rockingham Dragway, North Carolina
17th-19th November: World Finals - Valdosta, Georgia
For more information on the Gulf Oil Dragracing team please visit their web site at www.gulfoildragracing.com, their Facebook page, and their YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/kingracingpuma.
The Gulf Oil Dragracing team uses and endorses exclusively Gulf Oil greases and lubricants in their history making machine. The team is extremely proud to be supported by many leaders in their chosen markets in their participation in the 2017 USA National Championship:
APE - The world's most innovative manufacturer of aftermarket parts for drag bikes
Barnsdale Leisure – The UK's Premier Knaus Caravan dealer
Bell Helmets (UK) - The most iconic name in helmets, since 1954
Cometic Gaskets - The premier manufacturer of racing gaskets
Gates - The world's most trusted name in drive belts, hoses and hydraulics
Goodridge - The original and the best in fluid transfer systems
Grand Prix Originals - The brand for drive and lifestyle, past and present
Graphite Additive Manufacturing - A leader in 3D printed technologies and rapid prototyping
Gulf Oil International - The world's most iconic brand in automotive fuels and lubricants
H Craft Customs - Race car preparation, roll cages, fabrication and custom projects
Hotrod Hangar– Home of the world renowned custom artist Knud Tiroch
Hyperpro - The leading producer of progressive suspension products for motor bikes
JE Pistons - The world's premier manufacturer of high performance forged pistons
John and Dea Morgan Racing - The creators of the world's most advanced New Age Funny Bike
Kibblewhite Precision Machining, Inc -The highest quality valve train components on the market
Mickey Thompson Tyres - Simply the best drag race tyres in the world
MRE - Leaders in trackside support for drag race components and air shifting systems
MTC Engineering - Manufacturer of clutches for the fastest motorcycles in the world
NitroShutter - Europe's leading drag racing photo-journalists
NCT Engineering - Manufacturer of the world's leading non contact torque sensors for motorsport
NGK Spark Plugs UK - The world's number one spark plug manufacturer
Pär Willen - Master webmeister and proprietor of HarleyDrags.com
Scott Perri Trucking - Logistics solutions par excellence
Portable Shade - The best custom branded collapsible canopies available
Pro Alloy Motorsport - UK's leader in fabrication of alloy racing tanks, intercoolers and radiators
Trim-Tex - The premier manufacturer of vinyl drywall beads and accessories
Tryka LED - The UK's cutting edge LED lighting manufacturer
Van Es mobility - The leading manufacturer of telematic products for management of moving objects
Vanson Leathers - The most iconic brand in motorsport leather goods
Web Camshafts Inc - Simply the company for Top Fuel Bike camshafts
Worldwide Bearings - The world's leading supplier of ceramic bearings for racing
Zodiac - Europe's largest supplier of performance and aftermarket HD parts
New car, new class... same outcome.
4th June: Sweden's Jimmy Ålund finished off the 2016 racing season by winning an unprecedented tenth FIA Pro Stock Championship, but This year will be a bit different for the Norrköping native.
"I will not be shooting for an eleventh Championship in FIA Pro Stock, but I will be shooting for an FIA Championship in Pro Modified", explains Jimmy. "Magnus Petterson, the owner
of the legendary Old 51 Pro Mod Chevrolet, needed a new driver for this season and contacted me. Of course I jumped at that opportunity. It's a different way of driving to my
Pro Stock car, lots more horspower and speed but a little bit less to do during the run". Jimmy will race the full Championship season in Pro Mod and plans to double duty with the
Summit Racing Pro Stock Camaro at both rounds in Sweden and the round at Alastaro, Finland.
The FIA season started at Santa Pod Raceway, not only a classic place for drag racing but one of the top performing asphalt tracks in the world. Qualifying ended well despite problems on the first run when the new combination of transmission and engine tune-up caused a blown burst panel. Jimmy rolled through the top end without power but was still good enough for an ET of 6.30 and a #4 qualifying place. Ensuing repairs caused Jimmy to miss the second qualifiyng session but his Q1 time was good enough to stay #4 going in to the second day of qualifying.
In Q3 Jimmy improved with an ET of 6.21 and a #3 spot in the list, even though that run included a bit of a pedal job. In Q4 Crew Chief Magnus Petersson put a more agressive tune-up into the car and Jimmy took advantage, driving the Old 51 to the top of the qualifying list with a fantastic 6.01 at 378.67 km/h (235.3 mph). "That was of course very very satisfying", says Jimmy. "First Championship race, new car for me, new combination of transmission, motor and driver for the team and we end up top qualifier. As good a start as can be."
The high-performance streak continued into eliminations where Jimmy took out fellow Swede Fredde Fagerström in the first round with a solid and straight 6.05 elapsed time. The chassie and engine were set up for even more and car responded well; in E2, Jimmy took the Old 51 to another win and he scored his first five-second run, a 5.96 at 379.98 kmh (236.11) which also turned out to the second quickest Pro Mod run of the weekend. That was unfortunately the end of racing as persistent rain caused the event to be called off.
Nonetheless Jimmy was very satisfied with his first Pro Mod Championship weekend. "Yes, of course", he says. "The whole team is elated about what we accomplished. Number one qualifier and two round wins the first time out is exceptional. There is more potential in this new combination and that obviously includes the abilities of the driver. Every round is an education for me".
Last but not least, Jimmy left Santa Pod in a shared points lead.
The next race is at the superb concrete track at Tierp in Sweden, on 16th-18th June. Jimmy says "We're very much looking forward to the Tierp race and I want to point out that Summit Racing and Viking Industrimålning are sponsoring both the Pro Mod car and my Pro Stock Camaro this year as well. I'm very grateful for the continuing support from such great companies."
Nicholson evokes Churchill.
4th June: UK Pro Modified racer Wayne Nicholson says that struggling with performance affects attitude and
enthusiasm, but that working harder and smarter than before can overcome most things:
As Winston Churchill once said, "When you are going through Hell, keep walking". Well, I wouldn't say it was quite Hell, but... We couldn't get the car to repeat its performance and I wonder why we even ran as quick as we did before. The car was ignorant to most things we tried, and coupled with smaller issues along the way things were tough.
Well, after finding our handling issue towards the end of last year I could then get the car to be a little better with its manners but we now had to try and start again with tuning what we had performance-wise, I always knew deep down that we could get quicker than before. So we decided that in order to become better at what we were trying more seat time and testing were needed even if it was to test all the systems live with the motor running - something we can't do at home.
So, almost blindfolded by now we set off to Santa Pod the weekend before Easter to test our luck. With the time we had, a single pass was made but we were not quite happy with something (Dropping the chutes in front of the GantryCam was much appreciated though - Ed). Rolling on to the following week we had the same issue which forced us to take the Bruno Drive out more than once, tiring to say the least. Having fixed the issue we headed for Q3 and we were shut down on the line, rightfully so, but this was the point where my own energy was completely exhausted and I made the decision to pack up and have a good think about our my racing going forward. This was the straw that almost broke the camel's back. So a team meeting was planned and we all discussed what we should and shouldn't do, and a renewed enthusiasm was found. Oh, the leak? Yep, a five-minute fix!
So, on to testing the week before the Main Event. Again we made one pass on the Sunday and ran a very easy and conservative 6.60 at 215 mph. Now we had a little something to start and work with.
At this point I want to mention Gareth, our eldest son. He has been very instrumental in the understanding of our data and tuning and we call the shots between us and see how far we can het. Yes, we disagree and fall out but I guess that goes with the territory and relationship. You are doing a great job as Crew Chief, son.
The Main Event arrived and we got stuck in, ending with a 6.45 to qualify eleventh and only a few thousandths from a PB. We got through the first round of eliminations against Bert Englefield and very nearly got a free ride through round two when David Vegter almost didn't make it, but he did and a tough match up it was. We tried too hard and had tyre shake early in the run. Well done David, European Champion in the making.
We came away very pleased to say the least, and knowing we can start to move forward. I know we will have issues in the future, as does every team, but I believe that we are better placed to deal with them now for sure.
Many Thank Yous are in order. Belinda, you are just plain awesome; Gareth and Joe, wow! Richard and Tim, thanks for keeping the faith and Thank You; Martin, newest recruit, in at the deep end, thank you; and Thank You to Dick Koster of Post en Dros and Racepak for your help. Of course, we are also very fortunate to have some great sponsors and supporters: EMACS Bodyshop Management Systems, Lucas Oil UK, NGK Spark Plugs UK, Gemini Accident Repair Centre, Engine Data Analysis (01977 516622) - Thank You Kenny.
See you all at the SPRC Summernationals.
Volkspower Powerfest report.
4th June: Thanks to Chris Murty for sending us a report of last weekend's Volkspower Powerfest at York Raceway:
The gates opened on Friday and there was excellent music playing into the evening. On Saturday we had our Club Wars for VW clubs, which turned into an
open RWYB session and which we will expand for 2018. We had another excellent evening of live music until late.
On Sunday the sun was baking and the track was in good form, Nostalgia Super Stock put on a great show with plenty of cars new to York well-received by the northern spectators and racers. Eleven cars were competing for the event title. Andrew 'Boz' Bosomworth had the perfect event taking number one spot in qualifying and taking the round win in his '66 Coronet.
Due to scheduling conflicts not all classes made it on to the track but there was time in the schedule for one of our Big Bracket events, a simple, open-to-anything bracket race in which saw CJ's £50 Forester battled through the field and with a lot of luck he took the win and the prize pot which was three times the value of the car!
With Monday's forecast not looking great, we brought forward Super Cup. Paul Grainger was back in the Ford Anglia after the huge wheelie in the previous round and now with wheelie bars. Paul was number one qualifier but the top three in this heads-up race were within three tenths so literally anyone's for the taking. Des Taylor was way too eager and redlit early on against Ben Rushforth who was back in the Jag-powered Cobra – he went on to meet Paul in the final. Ben took the long way down the track, gifting the win to Paul. In Volks Stock, a red light from Dave Downes in the borrowed John Maher Beetle handed the win to Andy Taylor and his Beetle.
Two-time JDM-DRC champ Phil Davison returned with a now turbo'd MX5 he reached the semi-final but was knocked out by Shaun Rounthwaite in the V8 Lexus. Shaun ultimately lost out in the final to Peter Richardson who has been very consistent despite being a FWD car in the low elevens, the tens just in touching distance. Pro FWD also went Pete's way, taking the win against Lee Openshaw in the UK's fastest 1.4 Punto which runs high twelves.
With the racing finished it was the final night of live music which was enjoyed by racers, Vee Dubbers and a Minion.
On Monday the weather was drastically different. The days could have been months apart, it was cold and damp. We studied the ever-evolving weather, tracked the rain and decided on one-shot qualifiers for all classes and we knew we had to work fast to get the finals run before the next band of rain at 4:00 pm
HRSC – Andy Crolla cut the better light, just beating Derek Beck in the final. Pro FWD – Pete met Lee in the final, but after a long run of brilliant lights Pete's luck ran out and he red lit, giving the win to Lee. Sportsman ET – Craig Rounthwaite had the perfect round, taking the number one spot and taking the round win against Scott Presland in the Ford Pop who redlit. Super Cup went back out on track, as the weather was just holding off – another win for Paul Grainger.
Pro ET Champion Lee Chiles showed why he was Champ by getting the round win in his Plymouth Valiant, beating Dave Billadeau in his station wagon in the final. American Super Stock – George Chiles in his supercharged Chrysler Crossfire was back in the groove and getting more used to the car, consistent 0.5 reactions helped him to take the round win, beating Duncan Beard in his Mach 1 Mustang in the final. An excellent result for Duncan in his first season. JDM-DRC – Phil now getting to grips with the new set-up met with Shaun in the final a red light from Shaun gifted the win to Phil.
The next rounds will be on 1st July then on 2nd it's the 40th Street Racer Championship, the original race for street-legal cars.
Shining in Toronto.
4th June: In between NHRA dates with the Leverich Family's Top Fuel Dragster, Aidan Smith contested the Ultimate Showdown Series, showcasing Top Alcohol Funny Car, Pro Modified, and the 10.5 class, at Tortonto Motorsport Park. Smax Smith writes:
Aidan had been chomping at the bit all winter to get to grips with our latest acquisition, a 2010 NHRA-legal screw blower set-up with our 44 foot trailer and awning. Aidan wanted it all in true Ant Hill Mob style. My son Ronan opened a powder coat shop last year so we stripped the car to the bare chassis and Aidan coated it with new dye to keep it in tip top condition without rusting, but see-through enough to check for cracks! I talked to my good friend Bill Zinger from Blendtek who kindly agreed to sponsor us for a wrap on both the trailer and the carbon fibre body. Aidan went about designing what he wanted after stripping out the windows, wings etc and shipped the body to our great friends and long time sponsors Clearshot Customs in Brantford who not only repaired all the cracks and imperfections but laid a stunning gloss black paintjob to finish off. Ronan flawlessly powder-coated everything Aidan could pull off the car and the golf cart and did a stunning gloss black with gold metallic blend as well as getting golfcart wrapped black!
Engine Technology of Cambridge have been helping us for a while now so they checked through the block and decided that my splined crank was junk. They also repaired the heads which we torched testing and checked compression etc. We were finally happy so Aidan rebuilt the motor while I degreed the cam and rebuilt the golf cart with bigger wheels and tyres from friend Jed Snyder. Once everything was rebuilt and cleaned we picked up the trailer and Funny Car body and were amazed at the quality of work by Creative Edge Designs. We got our methanol from Renway and plugs and sundries from McNeil's Auto. Thanks to you all guys much appreciated! Finally we got my F350 diesel back from the paint shop the night before so I got friend Les to reinforce the gooseneck frame supports and refitted the eight foot dually box while I put mirrors etc back. Then hooked up the trailer!
On Friday morning Aidan, Ronan and friend Josh, who does the cylinder heads, set off to get set up while I borrowed an RV and hooked up Aidans caravan then met them at the track-the set up looks amazing! Fans and photographers were all over the car taking pics which was awesome. Friend Jake, who does our bottom end, showed up then we finally got ready to fire up and a crowd gathered! It came alive no problem but we had too much fuel at idle. Normally I would have tried adjusting the barrel valve but we had sent all our fuel system to the guru Jon Salemi at Resolution Racing, he had found our problems from last year and hopped up our deal so I didn't want to mess with anything until I could get our flow meter working to get some data. I checked our barrel valve at 92% and checked with another screw blower Funny Car guy and it was the same so I started doubting that our cam was in correctly. So we ended up going through all of that until finally we were finally happy. It was correct all along but the fuel issue still there. We decided to do a burnout and try to qualify with a 300-foot squirt so I could watch the pipes and see if the motor cleared the excess fuel,
We got everything else ready. Aidan did a stunning burnout and I was gobsmacked how good the car sounded! He pre-staged and brought the RPMs up over 6000, the pipes cleared and it launched hard. Aidan said it shook so he plugged second but it shook again so he pedalled and shut it off and it still ran a 7.90 at only 128 mph. Wow, what a rocket ship! We were all ecstatic - great job Aidan! A quick turn-round, no damage but found that the wheelie bar too low as we had it apart to powder coat so that was why it shook and unloaded the tyre. An easy fix along with rewiring flow meter and finding out our crank trigger didn't work as it was a quarter inch off off the magnet. We really needed the data and now just the tach was not working from the MSD grid.
We towed down for Q2 and Aidan did a quick burnout. The RPMs shot up and stopped. All gauges good but Aidan went to bring the RPMs up but it wouldn't rev. The throttle cable was OK so we switched off and pushed back. I saw the blower belt was loose so I lifted body to retighten but quickly saw that bottom blower pulley had stripped all the bolts. Damn!
Back to the pits where had I had a spare pulley and bolts so retapped threads ready for Q3. It was a bad day, cold and a bad cross wind so racing was only an eighth mile and there was also a bunch of crashes to dampen things.
We drew last year's Champion. Again Aidan did a stunning burnout but the extra nine thou of fuel I added, as air had got so good, meant more fuel coming out of pipes and the start line crew shut him off. I ran over and explained that all was fine and that Aidan would hold the RPMs up and clear the pipes so we went to re-fire, but I hadnt realised that Aidan shut off on the mag, not fuel, so without backing the motor down one turn of the starter resulted in a bang and a hydraulic... bummer. Back in pits we found we had a bent pushrod but got away with any other damage.
Sunday was forecast for a washout. My youngest Azzy had rented some DJ equipment so cranked the music we and partied till the wee hours with a bunch of racers. A great first weekend! We will pull the motor and go through everything with a full clean ready for the Nitro Nationals on Canada Day, 1st July. Watch this space!
At Epping this weekend racing the Top Fueller then Iron Maiden in New Jersey next Wednesday followed by NHRA at Englishtown. Busy boy!
Swift snippets.
4th June: UK Comp Eliminator racer Robin Orthodoxou asked us to thank all those who showed interest
in his altered and helped with parts and knowledge to get the car running properly at the FIA / FIM Main Event."You know who you are and all your input is gratefully
received", said Robin. "We had some interesting conversations and the team hopefully left with a better understanding of what the bloody hell is going on and what
we would like to see happening over 1320 feet."
Last weekend's FIA / FIM Main Event included an invasion of EDRS Pro MC drag bike racers getting in some pre-season action before their Series kicks off at Tierp Arena in a couple of weekends. You can read more courtesy of our good buddy Remco Scheelings, on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
Further to last week's Flickr update, Paul Bryan has posted a Dragstalgia gallery on his site which you can check out at www.flickr.com/photos/paulbryan_photopedia.
Swift snippets.
3rd June: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 4 of the official entry list for the SPRC Summernationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 24th-25th June. You can check out SPRC Summernationals entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
The FIA have published an invitation for expressions of interest in organising and promoting the FIA European Drag Racing Championships from 2018 to 2020. You can check out the tender invitation on the FIA web site at www.fia.com/invitation-tender.
Daughter Anne Barker and son David Wilson asked us to say a big Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to Dave and Linda Wilson. Our pleasure, and our congratulations to Grumpy and Linda.
Last call for Dragstalgia Invitational.
2nd June: James Forster of Santa Pod Raceway tells us that time is fast running out to apply to run in the Invitational sessions at Dragstalgia on 15th-16th July:
We only have limited availability, and we already have more applicants than we have spaces for, so unfortunately we can't accommodate everyone. However we will be offering spaces to those with the most relevant vehicles to the event. If you would like to be considered for a space to run in these sessions, please send an image of your vehicle, summary of its history if applicable, and current Personal Best to 2017@dragstalgia.co.uk by midnight UK this Sunday, 4th June, as places will be offered on Monday.
Swift snippets.
2nd June: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 3 of the official entry list for the SPRC Summernationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 24th-25th June. You can check out SPRC Summernationals entry list by clicking here. Today (Friday) is the official closing date after which entry, if accepted, may be subject to a late entry penalty. You can download the official entry forms from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Many thanks to Yvonne Tramm and our own Simon for posting the post-FIA / FIM Main Event points standings in the 2017 UK National Drag Racing and Santa Pod Racers Club Championships. You can check out the points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page which you can reach by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
UK Junior Dragster racer Adam Bentley has been in touch to thank those who helped him at the FIA / FIM Main Event. "On Friday I had no crew, so Richard Bell and Chris Redshaw very kindly offered to help me", says Adam. "Also on Saturday Scott Hauser and Dan Block fixed an oil leak with parts lent by Andy Fensome using tools borrowed from Team Extreme and the Hales family. I am very grateful for their help."
Santa Pod Racers Club Pit Marshal Caroline Boncey aka Oscar asked us to Thank You to everyone who sponsored her in the 5K Bubble Rush for the Hospice of St Francis.
"I raised £700 for the Hospice", says Caroline. "Oscar has the biggest smile ever! I am feeling very greatful to everyone who helped me to raise the money."
Also grateful is Eurodragster.com Pit Reporter Simon who says that the weekend's collections for the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Benevolent Fund, of which Simon is a Trustee, raised £777.16 for the charity. "We are grateful to all donors for their generous support", says Simon. "Anyone who wasn't able to donate at the track may do so on-line at mydonate.bt.com/donation/start.html?charity=189025. There will also be auctions of memorabilia later in the year, and you may also donate by purchasing a Bob McClurg poster of legendary Fuel Altered racer Willie Borsch, which are available for £10 from the Signing On office at Santa Pod."
Longtime race fan and Eurodragster.com supporter Andy Kitson took his movie camera to Santa Pod on Sunday and made a spectator-side film from both sides of the strip and the pits. You can take a look at Andy's movie at www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJjlhEQchL8.
Corbeau harness recall.
1st June: Thanks to Geoff Martin of the UK's Tech Crew for letting us know about a recall notice for the Corbeau USA five-point camlock harness belt.
You can read full details at www.corbeau.com/product-recall.
Event entry update.
1st June: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 2 of the official entry list for the SPRC Summernationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 24th-25th June.
You can check out SPRC Summernationals entry list by clicking here.
Tomorrow (Friday) is the official closing date after which entry, if accepted, may be subject to a late entry penalty. You can download the official entry forms from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
FIA/FIM Main Event snippets.
1st June: Nicola Stubbins of Protek Racing tells us that she found this glove at Santa Pod
Raceway on Monday and would like to return it to its owner. "Sometimes things are special to some but not to others", says Nicola. "I
found this glove next to the pit bike park in the pairing lanes when we all scattered after the rain started. I asked a few in the pits when the rain died down
but everyone said no. I'm quite happy to send it to the owner or they can have it back at the Summernationals". If this is your glove then drop us a line at
editor@eurodragster.com and we'll put you in touch with Nicola.
Many thanks to Palle Lind for forwarding us the post-event points standings in the FIM Europe Drag Bike Championships. You can take a look at the FIA points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page which you can reach by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Thanks also to Andy Marrs and SPRC's timing crew for forwarding the official Timing Data from the FIA / FIM Main Event, which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Our good buddy Remco Scheelings has posted two FIA / FIM Main Event reports on the Autosport.nl web site. As ever there is a race report which you can check out by clicking here and a report of "Other things I saw" which you can check out by clicking here. Don't worry if you can't read Dutch as it is pretty clear what is being said and of course the pictures are great.
Paul Bryan has posted a gallery of excellent spectator-side and pitside FIA / FIM Main Event shots on his Flickr site and you can check those out at www.flickr.com/gp/paulbryan_photopedia.
On behalf of the whole Eurodragster.com team, a big Thank You to everyone who sent feedback on our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored FIA / FIM Main Event week coverage and Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam over the last week and a half or so. We have received some very kind E-Mails, postings and text messages all of which have been seen by the whole team. We also particularly appreciated everyone's patience when a power issue took out the webcam PC for a couple of hours. Thank you again.
Editor's note: Astute readers will realise that your News Editor is shagged out from the race week and thus that there is a backlog of news with which we will catch up over the next couple of updates. We always have room for more, though, so please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com.
FIA/FIM Main Event rained out.
30th May: Yesterday's (Monday's) eliminations at the FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway were ultimately curtailed by heavy rain. Super Pro ET E3, all of Pro E1 and Pro Modified and Super Street Bike E2s were run but the showers which plagued the day eventually turned into a deluge giving race officials no choice but to call the event.
The only full result was the first of the two planned Super Street eliminations:
Super Street 1: Paul Marston 11.3480/109.26 def. Dave Cherrett 11.4316/105.28
Congratulations to Super Pro ET racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Pete Walters and to Pro ET racer Paul Brown who won the Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award and Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise respectively. Both Awards have been reset to £50 for the SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway in June.
No records were broken although Anita Mäkelä and Duncan Micallef contested Europe's quickest side-by-side 1000-foot Top Fuel Dragster race beating the previous best by 0.0001 seconds. Europe's first staggered-start Top Methanol Dragster v Top Methanol Funny Car race under the new rules was won by Steph Milam in the She Devil FC.
Many thanks to Åsa Kinnemar for forwarding us the post-event standings in the FIA European Drag Racing Championships. You can take a look at the FIA points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page which you can reach by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
You can check out our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored FIA / FIM Main Event reports, results, pit notes and galleries by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Time to mark Lindström's prep.
24th May: Swedish Pro Stock racer Thomas Lindström has had a spectacular career so far
but he says that we should wait and see because 2017 will be even better:
2016 was a great year for our team. We managed fourth place in the Championship and we did that in style because we only attended four out of six races and only used the spare engine. Our team also got a little bigger so this year we will bring two small new team members who will experience the world of drag racing for the first time. They will be in our pit at the Main Event so please stop by and visit Jaxson and Freja, the new future young guns.
Team R/T bought a new engine from AJ last year but as planned we didn't use it until the last event at Tierp. There it made a 6.56 run right out of the box and has never been run since then so we feel confident that we have the power we need to win. But power isn't everything, power and speed are merely for bragging rights. What count on the track are ET, reaction time and of course tuning. You need to be humble all the time and never let your guard down because someone will run you over if you do.
It's not easy to get a Pro Stock car to leave the line and make good numbers. There are so many things which must be adjusted and calculated: weather, gears, carbs, shocks, weight, four-link and third member. I have been racing in Pro Stock for some years now and I am just starting to figure out some things. But then you come to another track and it has all changed. We made the save of the year at the 2014 European Finals... we lost the round, had to repair the car and change underwear for the driver but we ended in style anyway. But I must say that I absolutely love driving a manual 1500 hp race car. Straight or all over the track, it doesn't matter!
At the first hit at the Main Event we'll see whether we did our homework properly over the winter or whether we need to go back to the drawing board, Lets see if we have done our winter homework at the first hit at the Main Event or whether we need to go back to the drawing board.
Thanks to our proud sponsors: DK Lyft & Transport, CUB, Björnbergs Åkeri, Contractor maskiner, Pro-tools, Verkstadspartner, R/T Bil&Maskin, and Street&Strip magazine.
2016 was also the year that Nina and I made the decission to buy Sweden's, and perhaps one of Europe's, biggest drag racing magazine, Street&Strip.
The first issue is already out and number two is in the working process right now. The stuff about which we will write inclides the FIA and FIM Championships,
tech articles, NHRA stars, dragracing from the 1970s and 1980s, bad-ass cars and of course a lot more. The magazine sells in stores in Sweden, Norway and
Finland and is mostly written in Swedish but if the pressure gets too much we might do it in English.
There will be six issues a year to begin with and that will hopefully ground the public's interest in drag racing. Thats is one of our goals with the magazine, to raise the value of the sport. Not much printed media writes about drag racing but we will! You can of course support us and the drag racing comunity by subscribing, or why not advertise as company or promote your team and sponsors with a feature.
If we get bigger and get more funding then we can make even more pages and more issues and buy in more articles. That will make the sport more visible and it will be easier for organisers and teams to get more sponsorship which will raise the bar even more. So its a win-win situation for sure. Most racers cry that they need more sponsors so now they can do something about it. The strange thing is that some of the racers want the magazine for free and are seeing the big picture. We are not in this for the money, we are in this because we love drag racing and want to do something about it (Welcome to our world - Ed).
If you have any questions about the magazine then please E-Mail info@ntlmedia.se.
Tooren's long lists.
24th May: Many thanks to our good buddy Remco Scheelings for forwarding us a preview of the 2017 season
for Dutch Pro Modified racer Michel Tooren and the Pro Dutch Racing team:
The Main Event kicks off Michel Tooren's second season as a driver. After an extremely successful 2016 with two runner-up finishes, number four position in the MSA British Pro Modified Championship, a stunning personal best of 6.005 seconds, and the title SPRC Most Promising Newcomer, Pro Dutch Racing are looking forward to their second season with Michel behind the wheel of the '71 Plymouth Barracuda.
It is a bit too much to say that the Pro Dutch Racing '71 Plymouth Barracuda is a brand new car this season, but the list of changes and new parts is almost too long to mention. But let's give it a try.
First of all the engine will have new heads designed and fabricated by Post & Dros Racing Engines & Parts in The Netherlands. With the new heads, there also had to be new pistons and connecting rods. Except for the block itself, almost everything inside is new. With the different size of the heads, the spark plug cables and all of the hoses also had to be renewed. The injector is also new. As the rear axle gave some problems at the end of last season, a new billet rear axle was ordered from Tim McAmis Race Cars, the builder of the Cuda. With all the adjustments the team had to make to the four link, the back of the car is almost brand new and as it was when Tim McAmis delivered the car. To reduce some weight, there is a new carbon fibre wheelie bar. And to complete the list there are also new Weld Racing rear wheels and new lexan windows. The gearbox was also checked and rebuilt over the winter. There are no fewer than eleven new sensors in the car, including on the carbon fibre wheelie bar.
Because many parts didn't arrive in time, Pro Dutch Racing had to skip the first race of the season at the Festival of Power, which was round one of the MSA British Pro Modified Championship. As it will be almost impossible to win the Championship after missing one round and losing the potential bonus points, Pro Dutch Racing have changed their original plan to contest the British Championship and will now go for the full tour in the FIA European Pro Modified Championship, something on which Michel had his focus from the first moment he started his racing career. The team will only rethink this plan if there are serious problems at the Main Event.
The Pro Dutch Racing crew will be the same as last year. Jaap Oonincx, Leon van der Linden, Anton Vink, Arjan van Bemmel and Jan Selles are back again
and the same can be said about Alexander Durinck, Bianca Booij and Wim Verkerk, the three team members who work a bit more in the background. Benjamin
Selles, Jan's youngest son, is new to the team. Benjamin joined the team for a few races last season but will be a full time crew member this year.
Last but not least, Pro Dutch Racing moved over to a new workshop at the end of last season. They can now store the race car and truck-trailer combination indoors and have a separatedengine and fabrication room.
Pro Dutch Racing will arrive at Santa Pod tomorrow (Thursday) and will try to make one or two test runs at the Pro Peak Performance Test and Tune Day.
Another list which is never too long to mention is the list of the thirty partners and supporters of Pro Dutch Racing for 2017: Arton USA Cars & Parts, Burger Ferry Agencies, Climalogic, De Stroming Media, Dockmarks Signs BV, Duraship, Emprove People, Erro BV (Café t'Buisie), FEMM Rotterdam BV, Flanto Shipping BV, Helmacap Belgie BVBA, Hobrand Algebra BV, JICS BV, MST Shipping, Noordtrans Scheepvaartbedrijf, Oonincx Scheepsonderhoud BV, RBC Nederland BV, Riegman & Klaverdijk BV, Rotyle Dakbedekking, RTR Barging, Scheepswerf 't Ambacht, Tribute Space BV, Tristan Shipping BV, Ve woning en scheepsstoffering, Verhaar Omega, VKV Service BV, VOF Saron, Vrooam Powersports Lubricants International BV, Wico Logistics and Rijnaarde Global Trading & Logistics BV.
Swift snippets.
24th May: Many thanks to Yvonne Tramm and our own Simon for posting the post-Race, Rock'n'Ride points standings in the 2017 UK National Drag Racing Championships. You can check out the points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page which you can reach by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
The thefts are creeping up again and the FIA / FIM Main Event is approaching so just a reminder that, unless you are one of the very few parties with standing permission, you must not copy text, pictures, results, race reports, points standings, webcast video or anything else from Eurodragster.com. The primary consideration here, as anyone with a brain should realise, is that our sponsors have the right to expect our information to be viewed in its proper place accompanied by the banners for which they have paid. We have the right to expect our hours of hard work to be viewed in its proper place and not purloined and posted elsewhere by shabby thieves. Share links by all means, but if you take our work without asking then it is only going to end badly for you.
A testing weekend.
24th May: The UK's Robin Read has been in touch with a report on the testing of his blown-nitro V8 Daimler dragster at Race, Rock'n'Ride:
The first run went pretty much according to plan. The sixty foot time was, but it rattled the tyres so we took some weight off the clutch for the next full pass. It soon became apparent that this change was wrong - in hindsight we should have put more weight on. We either over-revved the motor in the burnout or at the launch, I shifted into second hoping that it would calm things down, nope! Two lash caps on cylinders three and five had come off during the valve float and the poor motor was hurting from then on. The exhaust valve clearances were then way too wide, changing the valve timing on those two cylinders. They ran lean and burnt the plugs.
I should have got off the throttle then, but wanted to make a full pass because we had hatched a plan with Brian Cross' family to pack some of his ashes in with the parachute and give him a drag racer's send off. If you look at the run footage you'll see him go! So job done there, but we had sustained some damage to the valvetrain and clutch. We decided that the best plan would be to return to the workshop to inspect and repair before we ended up wounding the car a lot.
There were some positives to take away from the test. We had been suffering some excessive main bearing wear and had increased the oil pressure and made changes to the oiling system to create a priority oil flow to the main bearings. Results of preliminary inspection are extremely promising. Hopefully we can get in another test day before Dragstalgia.
FIA/FIM Main Event Perfect Awards.
24th May: This weekend's FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway is the latest event in the 2017 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme. £175 is on offer for perfect performance.
The Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award has been increased to £75 after it went unclaimed
at Race, Rock'n'Ride. The Award will be paid in cash to the first racer this weekend to record a Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds. The Perfect Light Award is available to racers in all
classes during qualifying and eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to £100
for the SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the SPRC Summernationals. The Perfect Light Award is presented in association
with Bad Habit Racing (Cath and Tig Napier, Pro ET).
Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried. Eurodragster.com decals are available in the Signing On office or from the Eurodragster.com staff.
The Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise has been increased to £100 after it went
unclaimed at Race, Rock'n'Ride. The Award will be paid in cash to the first racer this weekend to run an ET to the thousandth of a second
on dial-in or index. The Perfect ET Award is available during qualifying or eliminations in Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super
Street and Lucas Oil Junior Dragster (eliminations only), but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Run of the event. If not won this weekend
then the Award will be increased to £125 for the SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway; if it is won then it will be reset to £50
for the SPRC Summernationals. The Perfect ET Award is presented by Derek and Fiona Flynn of Eurodragster.com sponsor
Gold RV in support of Bloodwise; you can donate to Bloodwise at
www.bloodwise.org.uk.
To be eligible to collect the Perfect ET Award, racers are required to carry Eurodragster.com / Bloodwise decals, one on each side of the vehicle. If you pull an event's first Perfect ET but are not carrying decals then there will be no discussion; we will not pay out and the next person to pull a Perfect ET will get the money assuming that they are carrying decals. Decals are available in the Signing On office.
FIA/FIM Main Event coverage.
24th May: The Eurodragster.com team will be at Santa Pod Raceway from tomorrow (Thursday) to bring you all the news from the FIA / FIM Main Event in association with John Woolfe Racing.
Our coverage commences with tomorrow's Pro Peak Performance Day from which we will be posting a live report throughout the day and a photo gallery at the end of the day. From Friday until Monday we will be posting real-time results and reports on the on-track action throughout each day together with pit notes updates throughout each day and a photo gallery at the end of the day.
The Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam will be on-line tomorrow, Friday and Saturday then the Trakbak Racing / Track Group Europe Web TV takes over for Sunday and Monday. We will be broadcasting live video and trackside audio tomorrow then live video and commentary / Nitro FM audio on Friday and Saturday. Thanks to Doyousee.me for provision of streaming services.
We will post a Home Page link to our coverage as soon as it commences tomorrow, but in the meantime you can check out our FIA / FIM Main Event coverage index, which also contains links to the final official entry list and provisional running orders, by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Event entry update.
23rd May: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 1 of the official entry list for the SPRC Summernationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 24th-25th June.
You can check out SPRC Summernationals entry list by clicking here.
The official closing date for the SPRC Summernationals is Friday 2nd June after which entry, if accepted, may be subject to a late entry penalty. You can download the official entry forms from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Curbishley gets a Fix.
23rd May: UK Super Comp racer Martin Curbishley is delighted to welcome on board Fixauto.com as a main sponsor for this weekend's FIA Main Event:
We have been working closely with Fix Auto Penzance putting together a sponsorship deal which hopefully will take us through to the end of the 2018 season. Stuart Cameron, Managing Director of Fix Auto Penzance, is excited to be working with Martin Curbishley and Paul Marston Racing and to be part of such a prestigious event. "This is our first foray into any kind of motorsport sponsorship and to choose drag racing over any other circuit based motorsport made a refreshing change", he says. "We understand that Martin has a good working relationship with Paul Marston Racing and the Drag Racing School and that he had success in 2010 wining the UK National Super Comp Championship. To go rounds at the Main Event is their goal.
"This is what Fix Auto is all about. Fix Auto is a Global collision repair franchise with repair centres in the UK, Canada, USA, France, Turkey, Australia and South Africa, and continues to build on high standards and quality, ethics and performance across the world.
"We are no ordinary bodyshop. An automobile collision is a big disruption in your daily life, everybody values continuity and keeping things moving along smoothly. Fix Auto understands this, which is why we offer the convenience of one stop shopping. Fix Auto not only handle your vehicle repair, but also the processing of your claim. Any repair undertaken by a Fix Auto bodyshop is guaranteed for life across our network, no ifs, ands or buts. With us, you're choosing the route of security and peace of mind. The Fix Auto lifetime guarantee is endorsed by a network stretching across the UK. Wherever you are, you're never far from worry-free service at a recognised repairer.
"Please visit Fixauto.com to find your nearest repairer.
"Stay safe everyone and have a great weekend racing."
Maurischat seeks a smooth ride.
23rd May: German Pro Modified racer and Eurodragster.comp sponsor Marco Maurischat opens his season at this weekend's FIA / FIM Main Event and says that his race operation will stay in the UK for the rest of the year:
We will run the MSA British Drag Racing Championship this season. Because of the pressure of running my Cerakote Ceramic company PBN here in Germany it's way easier for us to fly back and forth instead of driving the truck to every race.
We haven't made any big changes to the race car. We will run a new shock system which we hope will improve our sixty foot times as well as the stability of the car at the top end. The engine is the same Lindberg Brothers Hemi which we first ran last year. It's a great engine, at lastyear's UK Nationals we ran 6.13 with a set-up which was not all that aggressive. So we are pretty sure that we can improve this number with a more rideable suspension and shock set-up.
We will be at the Pod for some test runs on Thursday.
Our sponsor remains the same, our Cerakote Ceramics High Temp and Firearm coating brand. Thanks to Mike Strasburg from B&J Transmissions who gave us some great help on transmission parts.
I'm looking forward seeing you all at the track.
Laseur's narrowed rear end.
23rd May: Having taken the 2016 title, FIM Europe Pro Stock Bike Champion Gert-Jan Laseur decided it was time to step up. Consequently he will be contesting FIM Europe Supertwin this year:
My whole life revolves around Harleys so a Nitro Supertwin was of course the only option. The week after the European Finals I heard that Chris Hannam had his one-year-old bike for sale. After a call we sealed the deal and I sold my Buell to my friend Charly Abraham two days later.
The bike lifted the head at the finals and that is how we took it. I rebuilt the engine, changed the transmission to an Owens two-speed, made some mods to the clutch, changed the air system, added a chute, put a shorter tyre on the rear, made the seat smaller for my little ass and moved the pegs.
We still have Eurol Oil as our main sponsor, and Zodiac have stepped up seriously in their support. Big thanks to Paul and Petra for their support and of course my crew Patrick and Sander who have worked their asses off. Special thanks to Jonnie Vickers and a lot of thanks to Marius van der Zijden for being a great mentor.
The only problem we have is me. I have to learn to drive this animal and my first ever run will be at the Main Event!
Swift snippets.
23rd May: Steph and Dave Milam and the UK's She Devil Racing Top Methanol Funny Car team say that the FC is clean and ready for the weekend. The team are pleased to announce continued sponsorship from NGK, Nimbus Motorsport and Torco.
UK Comp Eliminator racer Robin Orthodoxou is pleased to announce Ziebe Förch as a new sponsor for his 2017 campaign. "Ziebe Förch can supply all your consumables, pit and workshop equipment", says Robin. "We are also grateful for the continuing support pf Hauser Race Cars and Blackett Photography. Thanks also to my team - Crew Chief Darren, Catering Manager Tracey, Motivational Speaker Jake and Sheep Rustler Darrell - for all of their hard work preparing the altered. See you in six seconds."
Nick Brooke-Langham says that the UK's Gasser Circus Showdown will again be contested over five rounds in 2017. "We start the season at Shakespeare County Raceway this weekend, and will conclude at the same venue at the Hot Rod Drags in September", says Nick. "This weekend we have fourteen Gassers entered, and after a long winter lay-off we are all raring to go."
Frøya's Paul Ingar Udtian will be contesting FIA Top Fuel Dragster next season. You can read more at www.froya.no.
Thanks to Ian King for letting us know that the post-Race, Rock'n'Ride points standings in the 2017 ACU UK Drag Bike Championships are now available on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.
Many thanks to Andy Marrs and SPRC's timing crew for forwarding the official Timing Data from Race, Rock'n'Ride, which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Benevolent Fund (see below) is appealing for volunteers from the ranks of Junior racers to help shake a bucket, with adult supervision, at this weekend's FIA / FIM Main Event. Collections will take place on the spectator bank and in the pits at 11:00 and 15:00 on Saturday and Sunday and at 10:00 and 13:00 on Monday, event timings permitting. Collections should last for a maximum of an hour and collectors will be lent secure charity buckets with BDRHOF Benevolent Fund signage, a BDRHoF shirt to wear during the collection, and an ID badge to identify them as an official part of the collection. If you would like to play a part in making the collection at any of these times, please get in touch with BDRHOF Benevolent Fund Trustee and Eurodragster.com Pit Reporter Simon Groves at simon@eurodragster.com or via Facebook.
Gibbs receives HoF Achievement Award.
23rd May: The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame and Lucas Oil Products UK are pleased to announce that long-time NHRA Vice President and drag racing pioneer Steve Gibbs is to receive the 2017 BDRHoF Lucas Oil Global Achievement Award. The Award will be presented later this year at the BDRHoF Gala Awards Dinner at the historic Oatlands Park Hotel in Weybridge, Surrey on 18th November.
Those of you who were at the Gala last year will know that Steve attended the event to accept the 2016 Lucas Oil Global Achievement Award
on behalf of the National Hot Rod Association. But early in 2017 Steve shocked the drag racing community when he announced his retirement
from the NHRA after forty eight years. At the time Steve said "I will be eternally grateful to Wally Parks for the opportunity to do the
things I did, and for so long. I'm proud of the fingerprints I have left on the sport. But it's time to move on."
In truth, Steve's fingerprints are more like huge footprints and this year he is attending the BDRHoF Gala to accept the same award, the difference being that this time it is for the work and commitment which he personally has shown to drag racing since the late 1950s. It is Steve's name on the Award and you will have to look a long way to find anyone who doesn't think that he is most deserving. On hearing that he was to receive this award Steve said "This is all a bit overwhelming. I will be extremely honoured... humbled... and eternally thankful to accept the award. It would mean a great deal at any point in time, but is particularly rewarding at the present moment. I cannot adequately express my heartfelt thanks to the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame and the date is circled on my calendar."
Although probably best known as a former NHRA Competition Director and for re-establishing the NHRA Safety Safari Programme, and refining track preparation, Steve Gibbs started his involvement with drag racing in 1961 when he became a part-time official, with a wide variety of duties including track reporter for Drag News and Drag Sports Illustrated, at San Gabriel drag strip. Between 1965 and 1968, Steve managed Irwindale and Fremont Raceways.
In 1969 Steve was hired by Wally Parks at the NHRA and he remained there until this year. Initially he was Advertising Director for the NHRA's National Dragster Magazine, but within six months was promoted as Assistant to Jack Hart running NHRA events. In 1973 he became Competitions Director and later Vice President of Competition where he managed approximately four hundred NHRA National and Reunion Events during a forty eight-year career. Many of the safety developments in place at NHRA events that continue to today are attributed to Steve Gibbs and his Safety Safari team.
In the early 1990s Steve formed NHRA Historical Services and in 1992 he helped launch the first California Hot Rod Reunion at Bakersfield, a living history bringing to life the sights and sounds of the early days of drag racing, with the proceeds of the original meeting and subsequent Reunion events going towards the creation and maintenance of a Drag Racing Museum, to be based at Pomona, which opened in 1998. Its first Executive Director was of course Steve Gibbs and he remained involved in the Museum and the Hot Rod Reunions from his retirement from full-time NHRA activity in 2003 until early this year. He was inducted into The Don Garlits International Drag Racing Hall Of Fame in 2006 and, at the age of seventy seven, he remains committed to his calling. He is now involved in organising Nostalgia Events in his own name so the sport has not lost his amazing talent and enthusiasm.
Steve says "My goal is to follow many of Wally's original concepts of the sport, and to provide events that celebrate and respect our rich drag racing and hot rodding heritage."
Someone once said that if the California Hot Rod Reunion had a face it would be that of Steve Gibbs. It is for his long and tireless service to the sport of drag racing along with his extensive expertise that Steve Gibbs has been awarded the BDRHoF Lucas Oil Global Achievement Award. We thank him for the role he has played in creating our sport and wish him well with his future plans.
Morgan Lucas, Senior Vice President of Sales for Lucas Oil, said "We are so pleased that a trophy with our name on it is being presented
to someone whose commitment to drag racing goes back to the very early days and his positive influence on so many aspects of our sport
will act as a guiding light for others in the industry. He has played a leading role in laying the foundations that have served drag racing
well and will continue to be part of his legacy. We thank the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame for enabling us to be part of honouring Steve
this way. You have chosen well."
The BDRHoF is now taking reservations for the 2017 Gala Awards Dinner by E-Mail at stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk or by telephone on 01933 279102. This year the tickets are priced competitively at £65 which includes a pre-dinner reception. The event always sells out well in advance, so if you would like to join us for the occasion we suggest you make your reservation sooner rather than later. On receiving your reservation you will be given the procedure to book rooms at the negotiated room rate that includes breakfast and VAT as well as parking.
On-going news about the Gala, sponsors and other events in which the BDRHoF is involved will be published on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk, on Eurodragster.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Look for the gold logo.
23rd May: The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Benevolent Fund was established by the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame and registered with the Charities Commission in 2016 as Charity 1167197 to create a professional fund-raising platform to support injured racers and the Air Ambulances which support the tracks.
The fund is run for drag racers by trustees who have had many years' experience in the sport: Stu Bradbury, Simon Groves, Robin Jackson,
Ian Messenger, Graham Beckwith, Ian Marshall and Phil Cottingham. A bank account has been set up and a BT MyDonate internet fund-raising
page is now live at mydonate.bt.com/charities/bdrhofbenevolentfund.
The BDRHoF would like to thank all those who have so far contributed £1,518 so far. Trustee, Treasurer and Eurodragster.com Pit Reporter Simon Groves said "Many thanks to all those who contributed at the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala last November, and Santa Pod Racers Club, Avon Park International Racers Association and Pennine Dragway for further contributions."
Fund-raising efforts in 2017 will be focused on the key events with BDRHoF presence: the FIA / FIM Main Event (see above), Dragstalgia and the FIA / FIM European Finals. Look out for the gold logo. As mentioned above there will be bucket collections along the spectator bank and at the Nostalgia marquee on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday at this weekend's FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. Collections will be announced by the Track Announcers at an appropriate point in proceedings. Please give generously by placing cash in the donation buckets. The BDRHOF Benevolent Fund is grateful to Santa Pod Raceway for granting us permission to raise funds in this way.
There will also be collections at BDRHoF events and through corporate giving by sponsors. The overall 2017 target is £10,000 which will give the BDRHoF resource to make a sizeable grant to those in need.
Race, Rock'n'Ride results.
22nd May: Congratulations to the winners at the weekend's Race, Rock'n'Ride at Santa Pod Raceway:
Pro Stock Bike: Len Paget 7.3804/177.13 def. Alex Hope 9.2299/95.09
Funny Bike: Eric Richard 7.4337/177.83 def. Allan Davies 8.6446/131.06
Super Street Bike: Rick Stubbins 7.3524/198.14 def. Graham Balchin 7.9145/197.15
Comp Bike: Eddy Smiley 7.6828/183.55 def. Paul Hambidge 7.7214/179.97
8.50 Bike: Augy Harrison 8.7067/137.00 def. Ian Chrichlow 9.2150/146.66
9.50 Bike: Mark Dainty 9.8119/139.54 def. Brett Cordelle 9.7236/129.04
ET Bike: Gary Hester (10.65) 10.6877/120.42 def. Phil Pratt (9.04) 9.3965/146.68
Junior Drag Bike: Blade Dummer (9.00) 9.0706/69.50 def. Liam Holgate (9.70) 9.6976/64.04 DQ breakout
Saturday's qualifying was badly affected by rain, which also led to weepers holding up the start of Sunday's racing. A big Well Done to the track crew who never stopped working, to the race officials and Santa Pod Raceway staff who got the event finished, and to the racers for their co-operation.
Neither the Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award nor the Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise were won and they have been increased to £75 and £100 respectively for this weekend's FIA / FIM Main Event.
You can check out our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored Race, Rock'n'Ride reports, pit notes and galleries by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please join Tog in a big Thank You to Grace, Kirstie and Simon for their hard work on the event coverage.
Main Event snippets.
22nd May: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Liam Jones and team are more confident than ever that they will be serious contenders for the FIA Championship with the improvements made to the Rune Fjeld Motorsport dragster. "We plan to run the full season", Liam told Eurodragster.com. "We have better cylinder heads, an improved fuel system, and the car has been front-halved. Paint and sponsors remain the same, with one minor adjustment - we have new logos on the canards for the Movember foundation: a charity for which our photographer Nicki, my friend Joe Taylor and I will be scaling Mount Kilimanjaro in January 2018. Luke Williams will be joining Gary Page on the bottom end."
Swedish Top Methanol Dragster racer Jonny Lagg and team have done a lot of work on the car in the off-season. "The dragster has a new back frame as the old one was badly twisted", said Jonny. "Krister Johansson working on a new engine and clutch set-up to get rid of our tyre shake problems. We have also got some weight off the car as we have been 140 lb too heavy for a few years now. Our main sponsor 76 Oil has changed to Phillips66."
Swedish Pro Stock racer Bengt Ljungdahl plans to test at Santa Pod Raceway to continue successful testing at Malmö. "We got what we needed and quickly found time in the run and in the pits between races - we were very pleased with what we were doing", he said. "We have made some minor updates which we believe will take us forward. We will contest the whole series and our aim is to take home the European title. We have a joint venture with VP Racing Fuels by which we have the agency and market their products in Sweden. The car looks the same with the addition of the sponsor decal on the door."
This week's FIA Main Event will be Swedish Pro Stock racer Robin Norén's first visit to Santa Pod as part of his first full season. "We made some small updates to the car over the winter after testing our motor for this season at Malmö last September", said Robin. "We were very happy with the results of that test. I want to say a big Thank You to my Club Jakobsbergs Bilsport Förening who support me very strongly. It's going to feel really funny to race at every event this year and that would not have been possible without all our fantastic sponsors. Skandinaviska Teknik & Smörjsystem, Snahr Production, Blenco Speedshop, A3 Design, JOMS Entreprenad, SixPack Custom, Turebergs who have all continued from last year and new sponsors Westers Mark & Transport, Teknik Service, Bygg & Kakelarbeten."
Fellow Swedish Pro Stock racer Simon Gustafsson says that the team hope that they have sorted out last season's engine problems. "The engines have been at Allen Johnson in the USA for service and updates", Simon told Eurodragster.com. "We tested in Malmö last weekend with times close to our Personal Bests. We are looking forward to coming back to Santa Pod this year as we missed last year's races due to the engine problems. Mikael Sjökvist is our Team Owner and Crew Chief, Jan Jönsson is doing the engines and we have two new guys, Göran and Tommy who help out wherever needed. Our main sponsors are CHM Maskin, AXS Nordic and Glas & Bygg and a big thanks to them, we really appreciate it."
Swift snippets.
22nd May: Not exactly a spy picture but one which we were requested to post and which we
present without comment. An amusing (and repeatable) caption to editor@eurodragster.com
may win you some Eurodragster.com goodies, though.
Lizz and Kev Charman and everyone at Nitrous Junkie asked us to say a big Happy 18th Birthday to Jake Charman. "We are very proud of you Jake", says Lizz. Have a great day Jake.
Web site updates.
22nd May: Thanks to our good buddy Steve Moxley for letting us know that his Festival of Power and APIRA Springspeed Nationals reports are now available on the ACU web site at www.acu.org.uk.
The Mad Welshman has updated his Flickr gallery with pictures from Saturday of the APIRA Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can take a look at www.flickr.com/photos/the_madwelshman.
They do move in herds...
20th May: Nick Mugridge, himself multiple UK National Champion when he raced Junior Dragster, has revealed that Monday's spy picture was part of the spectacular new colour scheme of his brother Luke's Junior Stock Dragster.
"I've always wanted to do a Jurassic-themed race car, ever since I was racing Junior Dragster myself", Nick told Eurodragster.com. "When I asked Luke last year what he wanted on his dragster, his reply was "I want Jurassic World". Well, it didn't take me long to say "Hell Yes" to the idea! I immediately got in contact with good friend Peter Walters of Peter Walters Race Design to make some temporary decals for Luke's first year. They turned out brilliantly and Luke was pleased with them, we would always be stopped in the fire-up road by families asking about the car after their kids were attracted by the dinosaurs.
"Starting this year I contacted Pete again to evolve the design into a full vinyl wrap to complete the transformation. The result was this fantastic design!
"Paul and the guys at Paul Foote Ink did a great job of producing the vinyls and turning the car round. I'd never had a wrap done before and I've got to say it's awesome. We took the dragster to PFI on Thursday morning and got it back yesterday afternoon so thanks to them.
"Good luck to the rest of the Junior Dragster teams... unlike the dinosaurs we don't intend to break out!"
FIA/FIM Main Event racer update.
19th May: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us details of the arrangements for next week's FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway:
Thursday 25th May
08:00 Santa Pod Raceway's gates open for the duration of the event
10:00 Signing On office opens (earlier for Pro Peak Performance Day entrants)
12:00 Scrutineering commences for Sportsman cars Sportsman car scrutineering details
Friday 26th May
07:00 Signing On office opens
07:00 Scrutineering commences for Sportsman cars Sportsman car scrutineering details
09:00 Scrutineering commences for Pro Bikes Pro Bike scrutineering details
09:30 Track opens for qualifying
12:10 Scrutineering commences for Pro cars Pro car scrutineering details
Saturday 27th May
07:00 Signing On office opens
07:00 Car scrutineering commences
07:00 Bike scrutineering commences
09:30 Track opens for qualifying and eliminations
Sunday 28th May
08:00 Signing On office opens
08:00 Car scrutineering commences
08:00 Bike scrutineering commences
09:30 Track opens for qualifying and eliminations
Monday 29th May
09:30 Track opens for eliminations
The provisional running orders are available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Super Comp and Al's Gasser Super Gas Shootout racers please note that your Sunday and Monday running orders have changed since being sent out. Please note as ever that running orders are subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials.
No race vehicle motors are to be fired up before 09:00 or after 21:00 on any day of the event. Before 09:00 vehicles should be pushed or towed to Scrutineering, not ridden. Non-observation of curfew will result in exclusion from the event.
Junior racers please remember the rule about pushing vehicles back to the pits once through the arch beside Scrutineering.
Only race officials and SPR staff are allowed in Race Control whilst racing is underway. Should racers wish to raise any matter with race officials then please do not visit Race Control; please firstly see Race Secretary Kathy Taylor who is based in Signing On.
Colour commentators are requested to come to Commentary only when their class is at the head of the lanes, to vacate Commentary as soon as their class has run, and not to bring guests to Commentary with them.
The Eurodragster.com office at the Bankside end of Race Control is similarly out of bounds during racing except to Eurodragster.com staff, Zeon TV crew and racers or crew collecting Perfect Award money.
Faster still Fil.
19th May: Greece's Filippos Papafilippou goes into the 2017 FIM Europe Top Fuel Bike season with his plans already set for 2018 as he will step off his brace of six-second PXM Bikes and climb on board a five-second Top Fuel Bike.
"2017 will hopefully be an easy-going and hopefully calm year for the 300 Spartan Warrior team
before I jump on the King Racing Top Fuel Bike in 2018" says Fil.
"The PXM bike is as it was after the win at the 2016 European Finals. We have not made any improvements or other changes over the winter, just the minimum service and maintenance.
"The team's strategy this year is to study all our best runs since 2013 and to see what we can do to improve our PB of 6.54 and to maintain our already high level of consistency. We know that the bike has the power and the potential to run numbers below the mid-sixes, but we still need to research such an achievement. We do have the world record quarter mile speed for a nitrous PXM bike of 206.17 mph and we have backed that up many times, so we know that we have the power to get the bike in the 6.4s or even the 6.3s and become more competitive against the five- and low six-second nitro Top Fuel Bikes.
"My team is supported and sponsored this year under a strong brand shop, DragStore EU, and we are all looking forward to this new co-operation.
"We are also looking forward to having a great year and many more ahead of us, especially in 2018 on a real nitro-fuelled bike with the support of the King Racing team.
"We will have two almost-identical nitrous PXMs in the Dragstore truck this year. They are almost clones and both are mid-six machines. We are presently looking for a capable and reliable driver to rent the second bike and race it, hopefully in the sixes. It is a great opportunity for someone with the experience and ability to jump on a six-second machine and feel the noise, smell the nitro and live the magic of FIM Top Fuel Bike. If you are interested in racing our second bike then please enquire via the DragStore EU Facebook page."
From Stavdal to Santa Pod.
19th May: Multiple FIA European Pro Modified Champion
Micke Gullqvist and his
newly-augmented team spent the off-season constructing then moving in to a new workshop, but are
now getting ready to retrieve record-holding blown-alcohol Camaro, close the door of the trailer,
and travel to England.
"I'm very pleased with how the workshop turned out", Micke told Eurodragster.com, "even if it's not completely finished. Right now we're doing the last jobs to be ready for the FIA Main Event. The car is race-ready and this week has been on display at one of our partners, Stavdal, who have opened another new rental centre for construction equipment.
"The team has changed slightly for this season with the addition of Kenny Steibert and Alex Kunc. I think we are pretty well-prepared to get after it when we need to. Between seasons I always try to find something between to improve upon and I always have an idea of changes to speed it up a bit. However sometimes the weather forecast is shaky and we just need to play it safe and qualify well. But whenever the conditions are good and we are firmly qualified, we'll get after it."
For more information about Micke Gullqvist racing check out the team's web site at www.mickegullqvist.com.
Main Event snippets.
19th May: Åland's own Pro Stock Bike hero Fredrik Fredlund was able to sum things up for Eurodragster.com very succinctly. "I don't have anything new, I will not test before the Main Event, and the plan is to run the FIM Championship!", he said. Questions anyone?
Hussain Al Shammari told Eurodragster.com that his humungously-motored nitrous-assisted Pro Modified Camaro has reached the UK from Kuwait. "We made a couple of changes to the car including alterations for unleaded fuel", he said. "If the weather helps then I hope we can run 5.7. That's the plan."
Reigning FIM Europe Supertwin Champion The Netherlands' Martijn de Haas says that although close runner-up Samu Kemppainen is not contesting FIM Europe Supertwin this year, he realises that the other teams will provide tough competition. "The Zodiac boys have made some impressive improvements, Gert Jan Laseur has a very serious bike, and Roman Sixta is getting stronger every time we race him" says Martijn. "So over the winter we made changes to the fuel system and clutch: more fuel to improve on the last hundred metres and changes on the clutch to improve our sixty foot times."
Regular readers of Eurodragster.com will understand the circumstances of the announcement that Sandro Bellio will replace dad Danny Bellio in the Danny Racing Top Methanol Funny Car. You can read more on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
Top Gas at Malmö.
18th May: Herman Jolink has again been in touch with a report of the latest round of the European Top Gas Series which took place over the eighth at Malmö Raceway last weekend.
The track was very well-prepared by Lee Child of the GB. The Top Doorslammer cars were able to make runs in the 3.7s and 3.8s. It was very windy on Friday and Saturday but nice and sunny with almost no wind on Sunday. We had six qualifying runs. With the spectators there was a nice atmosphere.
Qualifying:
- Frederik Schack DK on 2622 V-Twin 4.7003/234 kmh, Frederik made consistent 4.7-second runs
- Janne Malmberg S on 2400 two blower V-Twin, home made bike, 4.814/231 also consistent
- Jorg Lymant D on 2622 V-Twin 5.066/213 some tuning problems
- Herman Jolink NL on Ducati 1198 RS 5.367/207 very straight passes on the Ducati
- Bernd Foit D on 2700 V-Twin 5.877/193, problems with the gearbox as the main shaft bent
- Jorg Braune D on 2000 V-Twin 6.093/184, very consistent runs
- Peter Niklas D on Turbo Honda 1000 SP 6.101/209 bent an exhaust valve
- Sven-Ole Schleichert D on V-Rod 6.299/176
E1: Schack 4.754/232 bye run - Schleichert out at the start with an electric al problem. Jolink 5.555/194 bye run - Foit with the gearbox problem. Jolink was wheelying every time he shifted gear, for the next round the team put the wheelie bar a little lower. Malmberg 4.882/222 bye run - Niklas broke. Lymant 4.967/231 def. Braune 5.974/181.
E2: Schack 4.712/233 def. Jolink 5.519/200, the track was too sticky for Jolink and pulled the motor down. Lymant 5.190/224 def. Malmberg 4.891/226.
Final: Frederick Schack DK 4.731/231 def. Jorg Lymant D 5.404/210. RTs Schack 0.077, Lymant 0.088, after about one hundred metres Lymant was close to the guardrail and shut off.
Top Gas Championship:
- Schack DK 705 points
- Lymant D 560
- Malmberg S 470
- Jolink NL 450
- Foit D 340
- Braune D 330
- Niklas D 320
- Schleichert D 300
- Rasmusen DK 300
School's in.
18th May: Paul Marston says that his Drag Race School is already busier this season than it was in 2016:
This is a healthy sign for the great sport of drag racing. We have already been at the track with the doorslammers this year and we have had interest in dragster courses too, with a couple scheduled over the next few weeks. So the Drag Race School will be a more regular sight at Santa Pod in 2017. There is also a healthy resurgence in the Race Car Rental Scheme, with no less than three drivers at the FIA /FIM Main Event, plus myself.
Add in UK Top Sportsman and the No Prep event at North Weald and it all adds up to an exciting 2017. If you are interested in anything which the Drag Race School has to offer then please visit our new web site at www.paulmarstonracing.com.
Race, Rock'n'Ride Perfect Awards.
18th May: This weekend's Race, Rock'n'Ride at Santa Pod Raceway is the latest event in the 2017 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme. £125 is on offer for perfect performance.
The Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award has been reset to £50 after it was won by Topspeed
Automotive Street Eliminator racer Mark Todd at the APIRA Springspeed Nationals. The money will be paid in cash to the first racer
at the event to record a Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds. The Perfect Light Award is available to racers in all classes during qualifying
and eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be
increased to £75 for the FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the FIA / FIM
Main Event. The Perfect Light Award is presented in association with Bad Habit Racing (Cath and Tig Napier, Pro ET).
Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried. Eurodragster.com decals will be available in the Signing On office or from the Eurodragster.com staff.
The Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise has been increased to £75 after it went unclaimed at the APIRA
Springspeed Nationals. The money will be paid in cash to the first racer at the event to run an ET to the thousandth of a second on dial-in
or index. The Perfect ET Award is available during qualifying or eliminations in 8.50 Bike, 9.50 Bike, ET Bike and Junior Drag Bike, but will
only be awarded for the first Perfect ET of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be
increased to £100 for the FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the FIA / FIM
Main Event. The Perfect ET Award is presented by Derek and Fiona Flynn of Eurodragster.com sponsor Gold
RV in support of Bloodwise; you can donate to Bloodwise at www.bloodwise.org.uk.
To be eligible to collect the Perfect ET Award, racers are required to carry Eurodragster.com / Bloodwise decals, one on each side of the vehicle. If you pull an event's first Perfect ET but are not carrying decals then there will be no discussion; we will not pay out and the next person to pull a Perfect ET will get the money assuming that they are carrying decals. Decals will be available in the Signing On office.
Web site updates.
18th May: In the latest instalment of his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Gearhead Garage Paul Marston brings us up to date with the construction of his twin-turbo Cortina. You can take a look by clicking here or by clicking on the Gearhead Garage Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Straightliners back BDRHoF Gala.
18th May: The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame
have announced that Straightliners Events are joining the list of
businesses sponsoring the Gala Awards Dinner the historic Oatlands Park Hotel in Weybridge on 18th November.
Straightliners Events was established over twenty years ago by Trevor Duckworth. Its ethos was to make motorsport, sprint and speed events more accessible to motorcycle enthusiasts by removing much of the red tape yet retaining the safety and all other aspects of a motorsports which enforced rider and spectator safety. It has opened doors to thousands of motorsports enthusiasts and spawned a cult following of not only motorcycle fanatics but also the car tuning fraternity.
Trevor has spent forty seven years in the sport and holds twenty seven World Records and numerous British National Records over a quarter
mile, kilometre and mile on both two and three wheels. His Straightliners Events business continues to grow and is now involved with a range
of meetings which encompass Championship Sprints, Drag and Drift meetings and Speed Events. The venues include Santa Pod Raceway, East
Kirkby (Lancashire Raceway), York Raceway, East Jurby on the Isle of Man (right), Elvington, Pendine Sands, Dakota Raceway in Devon
and Spitfire Raceway in Cornwall.
Trevor said "There is a great deal of cross over between those attending Straightliners Meetings and the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner. Many of its members compete at our meetings and of course drag racing in the UK grew out of sprint and speed events. Both organisations celebrate the roots of drag racing in our different ways and we are pleased to add our support to what has become a fabulous occasion with the spotlight shining on the sport's pioneers."
BDRHoF Limited CEO Brian Taylor said "It's always good to welcome a new sponsor - particularly one which has broadened the opportunities for sprint and speed events to take place throughout the country. Straightliners meetings provide a key entry point to the sport, being accessible from Yorkshire to Cornwall and Wales to the Isle of Man. They also give out-and-out drag racers the chance to try out other forms of straight-line motorsport. Looking back, many drag racers went to Bonneville in the USA and people like Dennis Priddle, Clive Skilton, Tony Densham and John Hobbs all set records at Elvington. Today, quite a few of our two-wheeled drag racing legends find the more relaxed atmosphere of these events a welcome addition to their drag racing schedule and very useful for final tuning. The Gala could not exist without sponsorship and I thank Trevor for his support."
Details about Straightliners events and how to enter can be found by visiting the Straightliners Events web site at www.straightlinersonline.co.uk or on their Facebook Page.
The BDRHoF is now taking reservations for the 2017 Gala Awards Dinner by E-Mail at stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk or by telephone on 01933 279102. This year the tickets are priced competitively at £65 which includes a pre-dinner reception. The event always sells out well in advance, so if you would like to join us for the occasion we suggest you make your reservation sooner rather than later. On receiving your reservation you will be given the procedure to book rooms at the negotiated room rate that includes breakfast and VAT as well as parking.
On-going news about the Gala, sponsors and other events in which the BDRHoF is involved will be published on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk, on Eurodragster.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Race, Rock'n'Ride Friday gates change.
17th May: James Forster of Santa Pod Raceway has been in touch to let us know of a change to the gate times for this weekend's Race, Rock'n'Ride.
For those entered in ACU and UK National competition, Santa Pod Raceway's gates will now stay open until 22:00 on Friday (was 20:00). This applies to those with racer tickets only, whether you have already received them through the post or will be picking them up at the gate.
If you have any queries then you can contact Santa Pod Raceway on 01234 782828 (outside the UK +44 1234 782828).
Roadworks near SPR next week.
17th May: Neale Saunders of Santa Pod Raceway tells us that roadworks are being undertaken near the track next week:
On Wednesday 24th May Wymington Road, in the area of Podington village, will be closed for re-surfacing works (map). Diversions will be in place to help you round the closure. The council have assured us that works will be suspended over FIA Main Event weekend so access via this route will be restored for the duration of the event.
Anita's bid to scare Stig.
17th May: Reigning FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Anita Mäkelä has been in touch to let us know how things are shaping up for 2017:
L-G of ME Racing Services has put a brand new front end on the car. I remember when Thomas Nataas said how good his new chassis was to drive; maybe our chassis was getting a bit tired as it was restless at high speed at the top end.
We have invested in AJP Stage 7 heads. We have kept the Stage 5 heads as spares because you can still run decent numbers with those. But most of the tracks are taking more and more power, so it was a high time to use Stage 7s. Another good reason for the investment was that the guys were getting closer and closer to our European record. I will be surprised if the current record remains after the Main Event or the Tierp Internationals. All of the Top Fuel racers on the Main Event entry list can run below four seconds so the racing will be tough.
We will have Nitro Ninja Dom Lagana and Jake Sanders with us. I know that once I say those names Stig is shaking, right Stig?
We will arrive at Santa Pod next Wednesday and make a test run or two on Thursday.
The car looks the same. There is no new paint just one new decal, TF1, which we shall try to keep on the car.
Phoenix Dragway arises.
17th May: Our good buddy Benni Voss tells is that "The best German Dragway which no-one knew about" is now history, but that the phoenix has already risen:
Diggers have torn up the famous taxiway of old US airbase in Bitburg. This track had been operated by 1on1 Motorsport since 2002 and countless runs were made on the unprepped but grippy track. Many Personal Bests were set there. 1on1 Chair Silke Beer was not amused to get the final "No" from the authorities only weeks before the first race in 2017, but she maintained a poker face because she had an ace up her sleeve.
Long-term negotiations were ramped up and now German Sportsman racers are looking forward to the weekend of 26th-27th May when they will set their SatNavs to Industriepark Pferdsfeld where a new quarter mile will be inaugurated on this former air base and recent GM test centre located closer to the Rhine-Main area and Ruhrgebiet with easy access to the nearby autobahn nearby. Phoenix Dragway will rise from the ashes of Bitburg: for more information visit www.1on1-motorsports.de or look at their Facebook page.
Swift snippets.
17th May: Swedish Pro Stock racer Stefan Ernryd has a new main sponsor for 2017, Dico by Belgetti who provide finance solutions for contractors and their customers. "The Dico by Belgetti Dodge Dart is going for the full Tour in the FIA Championship 2017 as PRO 5", says Stefan. "We tested at Malmö this past weekend and we are now loading up for the Main Event at Santa Pod."
Thanks to Bianca Booij for sending us a season preview from Michel Tooren and the Pro Dutch Pro Modified team. You can check out the Dutch-language PDF by clicking here.
We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Super Pro ET racer and Eurodragster.com brother-in-law Tom Atkinson, to Sweden's leading Fawlty Towers afficionado Anders Envall, and to Nick Mugridge. Have a great day guys.
Top Gas at Hoskovice.
16th May: Herman Jolink writes that the latest round of the
European Top Gas Series took place at Drag Day 1 in Hoskovice in the Czech
Republic on 6th-7th May:
This is one of the nicest drag races in Europe with a good start crew, a very good concrete track and friendly Czech people. We had a lot of luck with the weather, just a few drops of rain but the track dried quickly.
Qualifying:
- Markus Laur D home made Turbo Suzuki. 8.308/268 kmh on Friday night the team changed the engine because of a broken gearbox main shaft
- Pavel Bajer CR Turbo Suzuki 8.529/250
- Herman Jolink NL Ducati 1198 RS 8.736/242 every run was very straight
- Luc Raeymakers BNOS 1446 Kawasaki 8.930
- Martin Petranek CR Turbo Suzuki 9.317/231 with tuning problems
- Jorg Braune D 2000 V-Twin 9.524/223 Jorg will contest the Top Gas Championship
- Janek Sevara CR Suzuki TL 1000 9.887/216
E1: Lauer bye run 9.770/186, crossed lanes but not a problem when you have a bye run as you only have to leave the start line under power. Raeymakers 8.141/251 def. Petranek 8.983/234 kmh. Bajer def. Sevara 9.858/216new Pb for Savera, he was ferry happy. Jolink 8.750/237 def. Braune 9.483/224, RTs Jolink 0.139 and Braune 0.272.
E2: Raeymakers 8.116/260 def. Laur 8.269/268, Jolink 8.682/236 def. Bajer 8.844/251, RTs Jolink 0.188 and Bajer 0.437.
Final: Raeymakers 8.047/264 def. Jolink 8.887/238, reactions Jolink 0.130 Raeymakers 0.404.
We are going back to Hoskovice for one day on 15th July and then again on 2nd-3rd September.
My Ducati 1198 RS bike has a new special paint job (right) by Cees v d Bosch of Moto Paint, Kruisland, and I have sponsorship from Putoline Motorcycle Oils and Premier helmet from their Dutch importer IGM Trading. The Ducati Panigale-1 bike is moving forward, it is not easy modifying the engine.
Swift snippets.
16th May: UK Fuel Funny Car racer Steve Ashdown asked us to say a big Thank You to Geof Hauser and all at Eurodragster.com sponsor Hauser Race Cars for all of their help in getting all of his fire safety equipment sorted for the Undertaker FC, and to Simpson for their great equipment as usual.
Sixteen go to No Prep Nats.
16th May: Paul Marston writes that a sixteen-car field is already assembled for the inaugural running of the No Prep Doorslammer Nationals at North Weald Drag Strip on Sunday 2nd July:
This will be the first of its kind on UK shores as far as we are aware. With £1000 cash up for grabs for the winner it's going to be brutal! The format is simple: eighth-mile, first to the stripe wins, no ETs or speeds, no prep, random pairings all the way other than call-outs first round. There is simply no way of telling who will win as it has never been done before. All I can tell you is that you will see some great close racing.
We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Mick Pusey and Gearhead Garage who are supplying T-Shirts to all of the entered racers as a token of their appreciation. Gearhead Garage are a sponsor of many forms of drag racing, including title sponsor of the 2017 SPRC Super Pro ET Championship, Eurodragster.com and UK Top Sportsman. Mick has also been known to compete himself and will feature in UK Top Sportsman later in the year. Gearhead Garage specialise in locating American pick-up trucks, parts and American cars. So if you're looking for something American it's worth checking them out.
Vegter: We'll make it.
15th May: With less than two weeks before the FIA European Drag Racing Championship season commences Dutch Pro Modified racer David Vegter and team have an awful lot of work left to do. Our good buddy Remco Scheelings writes:
"We will make it" says David, driver and driving force behind PTTM Drag Racing who have been amongst the frontrunners in FIA Pro Modified. "Finally we have
all the parts we were waiting for and we can start building again. The Main Event finally kicks off the Championship on Saturday 27th May and I'm really
looking forward to the coming season."
After the season kick-off in England, David Vegter and his team PTTM Drag Racing will travel to Tierp Arena, Alastaro, Hockenheim, Tierp Arena again and then back to Santa Pod Raceway where it all started.
As a result of the closer co-operation with sponsor and partner PedalToTheMetal Musclecar Performance, the name of the team has changed to PTTM Drag Racing. The changes in the crew are less dramatic. "Gerard, Willem, Johan and Elin are back for another season", says David. "Nik will help us in the workshop, but has no time to come to the races. After a one-year break, Gijs is back in the crew and will be with us at three races. Last, but not least, I will tune the '67 Camaro again". Last season at Tierp Arena David broke the six-second barrier for the first time with a stunning 5.958 seconds and ended the FIA European Pro Modified Championship in fifth position.
The team are working around the clock to get their operation ready for the Main Event. "Unfortunately not everything went according to plan", says David. "Last
week the last parts arrived, and finally they sent us the right ones. We can start assembling the engine and we can finish the rebuild of the car which was stripped
and updated over the winter. There is still a lot of work to be done, but we will make it. I'm really looking forward to it. Last year was extremely busy and hectic but
this time we will focus on the FIA European Championship and nothing else. There are twenty three entries for the first race of the season and several teams will do
the full Championship tour, so competition will be tough."
New for this season is the team's truck and trailer combination. "After many years, we had to say goodbye to our team bus", says David. "A trailer is so much easier for the ever-increasing number of race parts and other stuff we have to take with us. We bought the trailer from another race team so we didn't have to change that much. It's in the paint shop at the moment but the decals will be in the right place before the Main Event."
Longtime loyal partners WVB Holland and HKR Techniek have extended their partnership with the team, and the PTTM Drag Racing '67 Camaro will also be supported again by Sonic, DutchBoxx Golfkarton and PTTM Musclecar Performance. Red Line Oil Scandinavia is the team's new lubricant partner for 2017.
Swift snippets.
15th May: Defending EDRS Pro Top Fuel Bike Champion Thomas Pettersson (Funny Bike) and Super Street Bike racer Robert Häggblom, collectively Team 817, have tested in what Thomas says was a cold and rainy Sweden and are now getting set to travel to Santa Pod Raceway for the first rounds of FIM Europe Top Fuel Bike and the FIM Europe Super Street Bike Cup at next week's FIA / FIM Main Event. "We are looking forward to this season and our efforts to place ourselves in the the upper half", says Thomas.
The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (below left) came with the words "Life... uhh... finds a way". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
Lee Huxley of the UK's multiple Championship-winning Cando, Top Banana and Dark Horse teams tells us that on old friend will be paying a visit on the Sunday of the FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. "The visitor is the one and only Top Banana Roadster (above right)!", says Lee. "It does look a bit different now but still has a stance. I built this car in 1988 with a little help and it was raced until sold in 2008. The current owner uses it on the road when possible. It will be parked in the Dark Horse pit area on the Sunday if anyone wishes to see it again."
If you are planning to tune in to our Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcast from this weekend's Race, Rock'n'Ride at Santa Pod Raceway then please be sure to read the important message about the broadcast as you pass through the webcam landing page. Any queries indicating an omission to read the message may incur an unimpressed reception from a busy coverage team.
Bob Roberts of Eurodragster.com sponsor Andy Robinson Race Cars tells us that he availed himself of one of the new roll-up banners offered by Eurodragster.com decal sponsor Paul Foote Ink and that he was very impressed. "The banner duly arrived in the forty eight hours promised and it's absolutely great", says Bob. "Top quality and top service". You can find out more on the PFI web site.
When Smax out-qualified Brittany...
15th May: After missing out on qualifying for the Four Wides by 0.02 seconds, ex-pat Top Fuel Dragster
racer Smax Smith and the Leverich Racing team decided to contest the following weekend's NHRA National event in Atlanta as
with sixteen teams entered they were guaranteed to qualify and to make up for the money lost in Charlotte. Smax writes:
The forecast was dodgy for Friday (The trick is not to look - Ed) but looked good for the rest of the weekend. We drove over four hours to Detroit Airport taking Mark Morris from the Patons' team who was off to help Scott Palmer on clutch. Sadly we were missing Aidan again as work deadlines beckoned.
We hoped that we had addressed our dropped cylinder issues by restripping the blower... we found out why top teams restrip every two runs! We had quite a bit of work to do after our the damage to the heads. I rebuilt the rocker assemblies, mixed the nitro, set the clutch pedal and did the chutes whilst Jake got stuck into the heads as the bottom end was ready. Torrence's guys helped us out with blower rotor bearings and Dave Richards gave us a rocker shaft.
It was raining on and off on Friday but we fired up and Gary did a couple of nitro whacks. I commented it seemed flat and I suggested checking the lash whilst I checked the nitro percentage and found we had dropped an exhaust valve. Damn! We put our spare head on and discovered our geometry was getting borderline, which happens when you get old used parts and keep repairing them! We got it all done and headed to Jeff Diehl's Nitro Funny Car pit for a pint before heading to Applebees with Jake as Gary and Bob went back to Atlanta Airport to pick Dan up. We hung out with Jim Dunn's guys and the amiable Jim Campbell. Up for a good brekky then back at the track Jake started rebuilding our last shaky head and got ready for Q3 as Q1 and Q2 were rained out.
We paired with Bob Vandergriff Jr but we only planned a squirt to make sure that we left on all eight cylinders. I wasn't going to try to cut a light either as we as needed to check that our stupid brake issues were addressed. We did a perfect burnout (6300 rpm) and our new guy Truitt let his girlfriend Kristen don boots and back me up perfectly. I did a good launch on all eight and shut it off to qualify #15 amazingly ahead of Brittany Force.
We turned the car around and as Gary downloaded Racepak he discovered that discovered that the DJE we took off actually returned forty gallons so it was a good job I shut off after a second and a half! It was an easy fix for Gary and we were all ready for race day. We sat out Q4 and I watched Brittany from the start line expecting her to bump me to #16 but she instantly smoked again so stayed #16 herself. Force has all that trailer set up and little us outqualified them!
We headed out to a Mexican near the track for pints and nosh then Jake and I went back to the track to hook up with Scott Palmer's crew. I've gotta give a big shout out to this amazing team. I feel they took us under their wing as not only did they restrip our blower rotors but they gave us a pair of slicks and a bunch of oil.
Up early and a drive-through brekky on raceday. We did last-minute stuff on the car and were ready to face good friend Steve Torrence. He was on rails having run two 3.738s so thought it best not red light as the only way we were going to win was if he smoked or blew up, which of course he didn't but we looked good on TV! Weirdly we dropped #5 cylinder but the motor was happy and the belt stayed on. We ran 4.41/270 on seven cylinders but we were confused why. This thing is ready for a three at three hundred if we can keep all eight lit.
The turnaround revealed we had dropped another exhaust valve at the hit, bummer. We suspected mismatched keepers and retainers but more on that soon. Still, mission accomplished we did qualify and we addressed the tune-up side of the dropped cylinders, plus Atlanta was the only track at which I had failed to qualify (by five minutes).
The next outing is at Englishtown in two weeks with Aidan our new screw-blower Funny Car, hooking up with Iron Maiden... watch this space.
Simpson Voyager 2 helmets recalled.
12th May: Job Heezen of the FIM Europe Drag Racing Commission has been in touch with an urgent and important message for racers:
Yesterday we were informed about safety issues with the Simpson Snell SA 2015 certified Voyager 2 helmet. According to the bulletin, there are serious problems with the attachments of the chin straps, making the helmet unsafe to use. Helmets in use will recieve a recall notice.
Until further notice, the Snell SA 2015 Voyager 2 helmet will not be allowed for racing and the FIM will instruct scrutineers on duty to pay special attention to this subject.
Should you be using this specific helmet, make sure that you have an alternative when going racing.
You can check out the Safety Bulletin (PDF format) by clicking here.
Swift snippets.
12th May: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words
"Old Fords never die and may resurface this weekend!". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at
eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.Graham, Leong, Emery for BDRHoF Gala.
12th May: The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame have announced that US legends Marvin Graham, Roland Leong and Dale Emery will join the regulars at November's Gala, courtesy of supporter DialAFlight:
Part of the multi-million pound Lotus Group and protected by both ATOL and ABTA, DialAFlight is in its thirty sixth
year of trading. They organise travel for over 450,000 people every year and the business has become the BDRHoF
Official Travel Partner during 2016-17, helping to fly in the many drag racing legends who now attend the event.
DialAFlight has three hundred travel managers. Working closely with their major travel partners in all airlines, car hires
and hotels, they can tailor-make itineraries suiting individual needs to virtually any destination in the world from a
first-class round-the-world ticket, to a European city break or maybe arrangements to get you to the USA for a
major drag race meeting. And, as the name suggests, DialAFlight does not believe in operating an on-line transactional
service but instead offers customers the opportunity to book over the phone which is a more efficient, friendly and
customer-focused experience.
Full details about the company can be found by visiting www.dialaflight.com, or why not telephone Travel Manager Bobby Tuggey on 01732 592997 or E-Mail bobby.tuggey@dialaflight.co.uk. Bobby says "We are proud to be supporting the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner again. The evening was a fabulous affair last year and I am already looking forward to the 2017 event. It has been a great privilege to organise travel for some of the greatest names in drag racing who attended in 2016 and again this year. In fact we now arrange travel for many businesses involved in the sport and have made lots of new friends and it has been a thrill to be involved with team transport supporting the Havoc Fuel Altered Tour of the USA."
So who from the USA is joining the party to celebrate our own drag racing pioneers this year, those whom we can announce today, anyway? For a start we have BDRHoF Honorary International Ambassador and the most successful driver of the twin Chevy-engined Freight Train Gas Dragster, Bob Muravez (aka Floyd Lippencote Jnr) who is returning for a third year. Then we have Gigi Carleton who is President of the Margie and Robert E Petersen Foundation which supports the world-famous Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles as well as several cancer research and childrens' charities. Gigi is joined by SEMA Hall of Fame member Gentleman Joe Schubeck, the drag racer who started Lakewood Products.
Long-time former NHRA Competitions Vice President and Nostalgia Supremo Steve Gibbs is returning, as is one of America's most popular Funny Car and Top Fuel Dragster drivers and tuners Ed 'Ace' McCulloch. One of the BDRHoF sponsors, Ron Hope, is joining us again after a very successful world tour with his Fuel Altered Rat Trap, and we also welcome back Blue Max Funny Car tuner Waterbed Fred Miller. Both are Honorary BDRHoF International Ambassadors.
World-renowned and award-winning automotive journalist, author and photographer Bob McClurg will again be with us hosting the Bench Racing Session and we will also be joined by three Gala first-timers. The first is Top Fuel legend Marvin Graham (sometimes known as "Marvin Who?"). Marvin was Technical Advisor on the film about Shirley Muldowney, Heart Like a Wheel. The second is chassis builder, Top Fuel Dragster driver and Funny Car Crew Chief and Tuner Roland 'Hawaiian' Leong. Finally we will be able to welcome Dale Emery who first visited the UK in 1976 driving the Chadderton and Okazaki Vega Funny Car. Along with many other achievements he went on to become Crew Chief for Raymond Beadle's Blue Max Funny Car.
Bobby Tuggey says "There are more legends to be announced but their names must remain a secret for a few weeks yet. Once again it is going to be quite a drag racing CelebFest: a unique occasion to talk with drag racing pioneers from both sides of the Atlantic and a fitting tribute to those who helped grow drag racing this side of the Atlantic."
The 2017 BDRHoF Inductees will be announced on Eurodragster.com during Dragstalgia weekend at Santa Pod Raceway on 14th-16th July and will be presented with their awards at the Gala in November. The BDRHoF is now taking reservations for the 2017 Gala Awards Dinner by E-Mail at stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk or by telephone on 01933 279102. This year the tickets are priced competitively at £65 which includes a pre-dinner reception. The event always sells out well in advance, so if you would like to join us for the occasion we suggest you make your reservation sooner rather than later. On receiving your reservation you will be given the procedure to book rooms at the negotiated room rate that includes breakfast and VAT as well as parking.
On-going news about the Gala, sponsors and other events in which the BDRHoF is involved will be published on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk, on Eurodragster.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Race, Rock'n'Ride racer update.
11th May: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us details of the arrangements for next week's Race, Rock'n'Ride at Santa Pod Raceway:
Friday 19th May
12:00 Santa Pod Raceway's gates open for entered racers only
16:00 Signing On office opens
17:00 Scrutineering commences (details)
20:00 Signing On office closes
20:00 Scrutineering ends
22:00 Santa Pod Raceway's gates close
Saturday 20th May
07:00 Signing On office opens
07:00 Scrutineering commences (details)
08:00 Santa Pod Raceway's gates open for the remainder of the weekend
09:30 Track opens for qualifying
Sunday 21st May
07:30 Signing On office opens
09:30 Track opens for qualifying and eliminations
The provisional running orders are available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please note as ever that running orders are subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials.
No race vehicle motors are to be fired up before 09:00 or after 20:00 on any day of the event. Before 09:00 vehicles should be pushed or towed to Scrutineering, not ridden. Non-observation of curfew will result in exclusion from the event.
Junior racers please remember the rule about pushing vehicles back to the pits once through the arch beside Scrutineering.
Only race officials and SPR staff are allowed in Race Control whilst racing is underway. Should racers wish to raise any matter with race officials then please do not visit Race Control; please firstly see Race Secretary Kathy Taylor who is based in Signing On.
Colour commentators are requested to come to Commentary only when their class is at the head of the lanes, to vacate Commentary when their class has run, and not to bring guests to Commentary with them.
The Eurodragster.com office at the Bankside end of Race Control is similarly out of bounds during racing except to Eurodragster.com staff, Zeon TV crew and racers or crew collecting Perfect Award money.
Swift snippets.
11th May: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us the final version of the official entry list for the FIA / FIM Main Event which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 26th-29th May. You can check out the FIA / FIM Main Event entry list by clicking here, or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words "About time we had a proper paintjob again!". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
Kerryane van den Berg writes that Shark Attack Racing's Tonnie van den Berg will be contesting his first Championship round in FIM Europe Pro Stock Bike at the FIA / FIM Main Event. Shark Attack are looking forward to seeing what the bike, built by Eurodragster.com sponsor Psycleworkz, can do.
Eurodragster.com sponsors Racepak and Post en Dros have extended their partnership in Speedgroup's contingency programme for 2017. You can read more in the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
Editor's note: Apologies for the lack of a news update yesterday. Your News Editor did not have the requisite server access where he was located.
More tributes to Phil Cornish.
11th May: We were very pleased to receive more tributes to Phil Cornish, who died last week.
Sam Freeman writes: I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Phil last week. Despite not seeing other very often, whenever we did it was like it was yesterday, the mark of a true friend. We first met at Santa Pod when Clive Skilton roped me in to help with refuelling the ex-Kuhl and Olson Car. Don B and Phil were both involved with preparing the car at that time. I spent many weekends staying with Phil and his family in North Harrow either to help on the cars or when arriving back late on a Sunday night. Phil was without doubt one of the most knowledgable engineers I have the pleasure to meet and a great asset to any team he worked for or advised. Rest in Peace my friend. My sincere condolences to Bernie and Phil's family.
Bunt and Dinah Willcox say: We have known Phil since the seventies through drag racing and his move to Bridport. We became close friends with Phil and Bernie sharing several holidays to California with them, and the most memorable visit to Las Vegas to be witnesses at their wedding followed by a trip along Route 66. We shared many experiences and moments of laughter. In the last few years Phil was happiest at home with Bernie and his animals, and passed away at the place he loved most. Lots of love to Bernie. RIP Phil.
UK Top Sportsman update.
11th May: Paul Marston writes that entry forms will be available at the FIA / FIM Main Event for JT Construction UK Top Sportsman, whose two races will be contested at the Mopar EuroNationals at Santa Pod Raceway on 28th-30th July:
This is the roughest, toughest, hardest-fought, richest, no-rules, no holds barred, Heads-Up and Fast Bracket Sportsman Doorslammer drag race of the year. This year John Tebenham returns, stepping up as title sponsor of the event as well as posting a hefty prize fund bonus for the winner and runner up in the Heads-up race. This is in addition to posting travel money €100 for any European competitor who wants to race with us. Many thanks Jon! There is also the usual JT Construction UK Top Sportsman prize money to fight for.
There has been a fair amount of rumour mill stuff going on regarding who is entering and what have they built. Remember: other than safety there are no rules, no weight limit, no cubic inch limit, as many power adders as you can spell! This really is the event where, for once in the year, you really can throw the kitchen sink at it. The track will hold it - MSA Pro Modified run at this event so you know the track is National Event standard.
With an average of a thirty two-car field there is a lot of track action and a lot to play for. For more details E-Mail pmdragracing@gmail.com, call me on 07831 650230 or search for UK Top Sportsman on Facebook.
Feature: Famous names in France.
9th May: The latest in our occasional series of Features presented in association with
Lucas Oil Products is a gallery of Christian Bailly's
historical shots from France kindly sent to us by Perry Antoniou. Perry writes:
Most people know how I am involved in a lot more than drag racing. A few years ago I became Chairman of the Sunbeam Lotus Owners' Club. We have close contact with several of the key participants of the Sunbeam Lotus Rally cars of the 1980s and these include the drivers, team and even the media people involved as well as the current owners of the remaining two hundred and fifty cars and eleven Works cars. Sitting in our archives are things like Jean Todt's Contract of Employment with Chrysler / Talbot Competitions Department (£11,000 per annum as co-driver in 1981).
One of the great guys of the time and closest friends of our little French FIA friend is Christian Bailly, known to those around at that time as French Chris. At the time Chris was on the payroll as Team Photographer to Chrysler / Talbot. After those golden years of rallying, he moved on to Citroen who at that time got involved with drag racing. Chris gave me a set of pictures from his personal archives to share with my drag racing family.
It is highly unlikely that anyone reading this has seen any of these photos before. Most of you can easily identify where these drag races were held. Most of you can easily identify why French Chris has given me the privilege of having these photos. Most of you will easily identify some very famous heroes of our past in these photos. Please enjoy them, please do not screenshot them or post them on social media. Please do not ask for copies. They have been given to me as a mark of respect for my hard efforts from one person involved to another person involved because of my love for more than one form of motorsport and for my drag racing family to see. All images are ©Christian Bailly / KIN Conseil Automotive Artprints.
You can take a look at Christian's shots by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
FAO Coldfire users.
9th May: Martin Hill has been in touch to ask that any race team requiring new DJ Safety Coldfire bottles at the FIA / FIM Main Event pre-order for guaranteed delivery.
Martin says that this does not affect recertification or refills, just out-of-date cylinders.
For orders or enquiries please get in touch with Martin at martin.hill@fireforce.co.uk.
Latest spy picture revealed.
9th May: Santa Pod Raceway Track Announcer and Pro ET racer-eagerly-in-waiting Colin Theobald writes that yesterday's spy picture shows the latest full build to be unleashed from the workshops of Williams Brothers Racing and Eurodragster.com sponsor OCS Paint:
James Oliver is the proud owner and driver of this 1973 Pontiac Firebird which two years ago was metallic blue with a faded white interior. It is
destined for Pro ET then in due course will receive an engine swap so that it is a full-on NHRA-legal stocker.
It goes without saying that everything is immaculate on this car, which was painted by OCS Paint. Dan Williams built the 454 ci race engine which has registered way more than 700 bhp on the dyno. The car made its first test runs over the weekend and went straight into the very low tens, with more testing next weekend. Expect to see this car run mid nines and, although the team will try and calm it down, the trademark wheels-up launches will probably appear at some stage this year.
James will be making his racing début at the FIA /FIM Main Event so please visit the team in the pits and check out the latest build.
The PMR quartet.
9th May: Paul Marston Racing are very proud to announce that no less than four National Champions will be driving for the team at the FIA / FIM Main Event, contesting four classes in all. Paul writes:
Our driver line-up has an international flavour once again with the return of ex-pat Tony Morris. Tony will be competing in Super Gas in the 100% Pure Whoopass Chevy Monza. Tony currently drives Bruce Guertin's Ford Fairmont in NHRA Division 2 Super Street, attending the NHRA National event at Atlanta prior to flying over for the Main Event.
Second on the list is Martin Curbishley who will pilot the PMR Miller four-link dragster. Martin is very comfortable with the dragster having previously driven it to victory in Super Comp, and he will again drive it in Super Comp this time. It will be great to have Martin back with us.
Third in our line-up is our very own Mick Howling, who fits quite comfortably in the Miller car as it has a bigger cage than our previous S&W dragster plus he has lost weight. In fact Mick insisted before we even bought the Miller dragster that he try the cockpit for size to make sure that he could drive it! It will be simply fantastic to have Mick behind the wheel again and now in a Super Pro ET dragster instead of a doorslammer.
Finally I will be driving the Monza in the Super Street double-header. This will be the first time that entrants in Super Street will be able to enjoy two eliminations at a UK National Event. Santa Pod Racers Club and Santa Pod Raceway are hoping to expand this to other classes in future but for now it is just Super Street.
Along with his expertise, Tony Morris will be bringing over a Lightning Performance alcohol Dominator carb especially built for the Monza to sharpen her up for Super-class throttle stop racing. For more details of this, and any questions you may have, pass by the PMR pits over Main Event weekend.
Phil Cornish's funeral.
8th May: Many thanks to Mickey Bonome for passing on details of Phil Cornish's funeral.
Phil's funeral will take place at 14:30 on Tuesday 16th May at Weymouth Crematorium, Quibo Lane, Weymouth DT4 0RR (map).
If desired, donations can be made in Phil's memory to Fortuneswell Cancer Trust or to Weldmar Hospicecare Trust by visiting www.grassby-funeral.co.uk or c/o Grassby Funeral Service, 8 Princes Street, Dorchester DT1 1TW (telephone 01305 262338).
Presenting the Ugly Sister.
8th May: Last week's series of "Barn find" spy pictures came courtesy of UK Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Andy Bond. Andy writes:
After five years racing the Mustang, fun but frustrating, a new project was needed. It had to be a shoebox, Big Block,
twin-turbo 'real' car with original chassis number and very Rock and Roll. I've always had a passion for the shoebox
Chevy and already have a really clean Nitrous assisted '55. I wanted the new car to stand out from the other 'polite'
cars in the pits so the idea of the Ugly Sister was born.
There are a few select companies who have helped turn the heavy old timer into a genuine street racer. Thanks to Martin 'Brain' Kerr of Tubeworks Custom Fabrication, for being committed throughout the build with innovative designs and amazing fabrication skills; Nick Davies and Rob Loaring of ICE Automotive Racing Engines / Rooster Racing Equipment who have sourced, supplied and built an awesome engine and drivetrain and supplied us with knowledge which cannot be bought; Nick Williams of OCS Paint for great preparation and paintwork in super quick time; Neil and Jacob Melliard of Prosign whose brilliant vision and incredible airbrush skills have totally nailed my idea for her image; and Mark Harrison of Owen Developments for providing the wizardry that is Motec.
It's taken six years to build up my pit equipment, persuade a seasoned crew to reform and find the right car. I reckon there are ten years left in my drag racing career and I'm gonna make them count! I've assured my ever-supportive wife that this is the last car ever, but if anyone hears of a blown '57 Pro Mod let me know.
The above picture and last week's associated spy pictures courtesy and ©Matt Woods Photography
Swift snippets.
8th May: No sooner do we reveal one spy picture than another arrives, this one without words.
If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at
eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.Help urgently sought.
7th May: Ray White, who runs Eurodragster.com's Complaints Department, has been in touch with an urgent call for help:
I need a cylinder head brought over from the Isle of Wight and wondered if any of the good people of Eurodragster.com Land will be travelling to Santa Pod and could bring it over for me. I will happily pay.
If you can help then please drop Ray a line at ray@si-electrical.com.
Swift snippets.
7th May: The week's "Barn find" spy picture saga concludes with one final shot from our mole. If you know more,
or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at
eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
Many thanks to our own Simon for calculating and posting the post-APIRA Springspeed Nationals points standings in the 2017 APIRA Ultimate Power Championships. You can check out the points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page which you can reach by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Web site updates.
7th May: The Mad Welshman has updated his Flickr gallery with pictures from the Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway. You can take a look at www.flickr.com/photos/the_madwelshman.
SPR Junior Fun Day entry open.
6th May: Santa Pod Raceway's Junior Drag Racing Fun Day returns for a fifth year on Thursday 24th August. Donna Finnegan writes:
Since the first Junior Day, held in 2013, almost 13,000 spectators have attended the event with over £9,000 being raised for various charities. Our chosen beneficiary for 2017 is the Helping Harry Trust based in Daventry. Harry suffered severe brain damage after a traumatic birth and as a result he now has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy along with many other complex needs.
As always, the track action is dedicated to the Junior racers and an entry form is now available for Junior Dragster, Junior Funny Car and Junior Drag Bike racers wishing to take part on the day. The entry form can be downloaded (PDF format) by clicking here. Racers will need to telephone the Santa Pod office on 01234 782828 to book their race voucher (outside the UK +44 1234 782828). There is a sign-on fee of £20 which will go towards the Helping Harry Trust.
For more information on the junior day and The Helping Harry Trust, please visit www.santapod.co.uk/e_junior_day.php.
Swift snippets.
6th May: The week's "Barn find" spy picture saga contines with another shot from our mole. If you know more, or if you
would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at
eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.Smax at the Four Wides.
6th May: Just before strapping in for this weekend's Lucas Oil NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta, ex-pat UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Smax Smith has been in touch with an account of his weekend in the Leverich family's Top Fuel Dragster at last week's NHRA Four Wide Nationals in Charlotte:
On the Wednesday night I had couple of pints and hit the sack at midnight as I was going on the long drive to North Carolina with Aidan and Jakena. At 5:00 am I woke up and dashed down thinking I'd overslept but it was 1:30 am! I was really excited to be going to the 4 Wides again. I went back to bed until 4:00 am then set off on our epic journey through West Virginia and the Virginia Mountains to North Carolina for 6:00 pm. Gary and Bob had driven the rig down but blew a driveshaft when they got there, so they put out a Facebook plea for help and Jess from Simpson sent her dad Bill with a 2016 truck on loadn whilst Bob's truck was fixed. Amazing cyber family or what! We took beers over to Scott Palmer's pit and visited Wayne Butler on Samsel's A/Fuel team - we bought our new alky Funny Car off them for Aidan, more on that soon.
After Gainesville's brake problems we still had air in the system so we proceeded to bleed brakes but ended up taking the caliper apart to service it so I at least had a pedal. I borrowed bigger chute bags off Dave Richards' Funny Car and we were all ready for Q1 on Friday.
We were in the quad with Ike Maier, Chris Karamasines and Shawn Langdon. I was pre-staged and saw The Greek roll the beams so they backed him up again, we had been running for ages so I was hoping it wasn't me who would stage first and time The Greek out but he eventually staged! I shot away with a 0.080 light but 300 feet out it kicked the tyres, put the car sideways and threw the belt. It also had a hole out at the hit! I qualified #15 with an 8.0/75 (better than yhe 26 mph at Gainesville!). The track temperature was hot and air not great so we sat out Q2 and got car ready for Saturday. It was great to have our Aidan back as he is such a machine doing clutch then helping everyone else! Jake did the bottom end in pro time whilst Dan and TJ did the heads and Gary's brother Dan did the fuel. We spun the blower to 44 % and Gary put another tenth compression in the motor and added his timing curve. Troy Coughlin from Kalitta's team asked us to scrub their new tyres - the big teams know the tyres perform better after one run - so we fitted their new rims and tyres which would help us on this hot track. We then went to Steak'n'Shake for supper and went back to the motel.
Up early, went for brekky at the Waffle House then went to the track and adjusted throttle stop and last minute stuff. We let Scott Palmer fire up first as he was pitted by us and he now does a big nitro whack, as does Del Worsham since he went independent again, then we fired and Gary did two huge nitro whacks to the delight of everyone. It should be mandatory! That warm-up got us over 10,000 hits on Facebook alone. We sat out Q3 and watched the Pro cars, amazing being in the stands at 4 Wides but many teams struggled in the heat. Terry Haddock bumped us with a 4.40 run.
When we returned someone must have complained to tech that our blower mainfold was outdated and they said that we had to get another for Q4. Huge panic as the car was ready to go. Huge thanks to the amazing Laganas as Dom loaned us his spare and Bobby tracked us an AJ manifold for Atlanta this weekend. The boys thrashed and we fired up with no issues. We made it down to face Leah Pritchett and Scott Palmer. We did out burnouts but I had issues which transpired to be a failing master cylinder. I pumped the brakes while Aidan guided me in to pre-stage but the car rolled into stage. Aidan beckoned to the crew to push me back so I let go of the brake but they didn't push me so it deep-staged! I hit the fuel shut-off so had to wait for the pump to recover for a few seconds so I left after the other two. It was an ugly run - it dropped a cylinder at the hit again and rattled down to a 4.42 so we missed quailifying by two hundredths of a second. Bummer! We also shredded the belt, I guess the smaller pulley allowed the belt to catch the belt guard.
Back in the pits crew thrashed to get ready for Atlanta. Although the block and crank were fine one head was toast and there was slight damage to the other. It also damaged a couple of pistons, snapped an exhaust rocker and bent the intake shaft but luckily didn't hydraulic. Gary sorted what we needed to do, so we loaded everything up and decided that Bob would wait around until Monday to watch the car count for Atlanta as we really needed to get the qualifying money to survive! When I wrote this there were sixteen cars so we decided to go.
We hung around the Palmers' pit to party on Saturday night before Wendy's and bed. It was great to meet Bob Bode and Aidan and I had pics with him then went to say hi to Del Worsham and chatted with Cruz Pedregon. There are lots of highs at NHRA!
We decided to get brekky and drive back to Canada on Sunday morning as we would have another few days off this weekend. We are ready for our first three-second and 300 mph thousand foot pass - we just need to go down on eight cylinders!
Good Luck and stay safe to Smax, and to Jonnie Lindberg (Fuel Funny Car) who is also contesting this weekend's race. You will be able to stay in touch with our heroes' progress on the Drag Race Central web site at www.dragracecentral.com and on Smax's and the Lindbergs' Facebook pages.
Off to a flyer at York.
6th May: Chris Murty writes that the UK's York Raceway hosted Rounds 3 and 4 of the Pennine Drag Racing Club's Championships last weekend:
Some cars made their début this weekend and those new cars had to find their feet quickly. There was a strong crosswind causing havoc for some racers.
In American Super Stock Kris Thoburn took number one spot In qualifying, but was asleep in the first round and lost to Dave Billadeau in his station wagon. Dave went on to take the round win against 2016 Champion Lee Chiles. In JDM-DRC, Shaun in the V8 Lexus was number one in qualifying but was also asleep on the line and Peter Richardson in the blue Civic took full advantage. Peter went on to win the round, meeting CJ Murty in the final in his £50 race car. CJ dialled in 18.0 and Pete an 11.4. Despite the excruciating wait of over six seconds, Peter cut a great reaction to take the round win. Pro FWD was the perfect round for Peter Richardson and the Civic taking the number one spot and the round win against Stephen Ray in the Astra van who in over-eagerness ran a red light in the final.
In Super Cup, Nigel Preston was on top of the qualifying list but Des Taylor in the Thundergod comp altered was winding up the pressure and finding his feet in the
new car, having to learn fast. Des went on to meet reigning Super Cup champion Paul Grainger in the final. Knowing Des was getting faster on each pass, Paul turned
the Anglia up to eleven and, as you can see from the picture, sent the car in to a huge wheelie. Unfortunately the landing was hard putting the car out of action for the
rest of the weekend. Paul managed to nurse it back to the pits. Volks Stock went the way of a new racer to the class, it was a perfect round taking the number one in
qualifying and the round win.
In Sportsman ET, George Chiles in his Chrysler Crossfire nearly pulled off the perfect round - he was sat on top in qualifying but broke out against Dave Mears in the final. In Pro ET, Richard Granger and his street-legal Plymouth Road Runner and Mia in the Wraith pick up met in the final, a very close race with Mia taking the round win. In HRSC, Derek Beck in the TVR was in the final against Andy Crolla in his 1990s Camaro - both cars on paper very evenly matched but Derek's reaction gave him an advantage all the way to the finish line.
Monday Round 4: In American Super Stock, Kris and his Pro Street Mustang's luck was in, taking the round win against Richard Granger who ran a red light then broke out as well. In JDM-DRC, Shaun Rounthwaite in the V8 Lexus, met CJ Murty in the £50 banger in the final. A very close race but Shaun, right on the numbers, took the round win. Pro FWD was a repeat of Sunday - Pete against Stephen Ray and the Astra van, Pete taking the round win and running a new PB of 11.0.
In Super Cup Des Taylor was getting to grips with the newly-purchased Thundergod, matching the car's PB with an 8.8 and taking the round win for the double. Ben Rushforth was in another Jaguar-powered race car, this time in the Mouse Trap 2 front-engine dragster. A best of a 9.00 at less than half throttle shows huge potential for the car once the team get it dialled in. Volks Stock had many breakages, all David Downes had to do in the Maher Beetle was stage to take the win.
In Sportsman ET Dave Mears got the double, meeting Stephen Gilmour and the Pinto Cortina in the final. A double break-out but Stephen by the larger amount, gifting the win to Dave. In Pro ET, Richard Granger found himself in the final again but this time things went his way - a break out from Vic Parsons and his Belvedere gave Richard the round win.
We will be doing all again at the end-May Bank Holiday at our VW, Music and Drag Racing Festival. Two rounds of Volks Stock, JDM-DRC, Pro FWD and NSCC and one round of American Super Stock, Sportsman ET, Pro ET, Super Cup and HRSC, and we welcome the Nostalgia Superstock series.
Web site updates.
6th May: Our good friend Callum Pudge tells us that the official web site of the UK's Outlaw Anglias has been updated with an illustrated report from last week's second round at the APIRA Springspeed Nationals. You can check out out at www.outlawanglia.co.uk.
Phil Cornish.
5th May: Keith Lee writes that drag racing has lost a talented tuner, and a well-loved character, with the passing of Phil Cornish on Tuesday after a battle with cancer.
Phil was a well-known figure on the strips in the seventies as, along with Geof Hauser, he was mechanic on Clive Skilton's highly-successful race cars. Phil and Geof went to college together in the Harrow area to study mechanical engineering, and made great team mates in those hectic times. "Phil was always very meticulous in the way he worked - and a deep thinker", remembers Geof of their time together working on Top Fuellers and Funny Cars.
Phil had a real feel for all things mechanical, and was always in demand to help out other teams with advice and assistance. Wearing his trademark woolly hat, and shambling around the tracks, he was an instantly recognisable figure, but was never one to seek the limelight. His idea of happiness would be to simply go fishing - something he could enjoy when he moved down to West Dorset to live, and to look after Mickey Naylor's dragster Medicine Man. Sharing a garage with the Dorset Horn and Fire Injun teams was a happy time.
Phil moved on to successfully working on classsic cars and racers in later years, but just very occasionally he had his arm twisted to help out with the odd drag car.
Our thoughts go out to his wife Bernie at this sad time. Details of the funeral have yet to be finalised, but will be updated when available.
Clive Skilton writes: Wow. What a shock. I had lost contact with Phil and had no idea of his health problems. What a great guy. Phil was absolutely instrumental in our racing successes and development of our race cars. So calm in his approach to the hectic race scene. When he prepped a racer I had 100% confidence to drive to the max. In my mind I see him exactly as he was. Instantly recognisable. He has gone where the good guys go.
Dick Sharp says: I've known Phil since his early days in Clive Skilton's team. We became friends almost straight away. He was always eager to help with any problems we had as a team. I would always take his advice above anyone else's when it came to engines and tuning. I knew from the start that he was the man! He could be working on Clive's car and hear another on the track and diagnose a fault just by hearing it in the distance. He always prided himself on not breaking parts, he could get the best out of the parts available without breaking - Jim Seward will attest to that. When Phil first started crewing for him Jim hadn't got the best in the kit he'd bought with the car but Phil got it all working and gradually between them they kept improving until Jim ran his first six. When Clive left for America and Phil took on Mickey Naylor's Medicine Man dragster they had nowhere to house it and Phil came down with the car to our garage in Bridport and lodged with our team member, Tim Russ, and he never left Dorset after that. He even took up fishing and had a small boat moored at West Bay. He helped out on Dorset Horns 6 and 7 when Bunt and I decided to get back into it in the late '90s. RIP Phil, I'm glad I knew you.
Steve Legg says: During my very limited time involved with drag racing and its family, no-one warranted my engineering respect more than Phil. This unassuming, modest and friendly guy never ceased to amaze me with his all-round skill with anything that had an engine - petrol, diesel or nitro. I am sure the name Phil Cornish will be remembered for ever. RIP Phil, condolences to Bernie.
Liz Burn writes: I was shocked and very sad to hear of the passing of Phil. He was such a lovable character, quite and unassuming, but his mechanical talent was well-known in the drag racing family during my time in the sport. I send my condolences to his wife and those closest to him who will now have a void in their lives. RIP Phil.
Brian Taylor says: Really sad to hear about Phil Cornish leaving us. A key member of Clive Skilton's team and helping many others during the 1970s. One of the characters of my era as track announcer. RIP Phil.
If you would like to send a tribute to Phil then please E-Mail tributes@eurodragster.com.
Pick-ups invited to Truxx Factor.
4th May: The organiser of a new truck festival at Santa Pod Raceway has been in touch to invite pick-ups to display and/or make passes on the track.
Truxx Factor at Santa Pod on 13th-14th May features truck racing, displays, parades and shows, model trucks, truck pull and more.
If you have a pick-up and would be interested in appearing at Truxx Factor then please call Steve Horne on 07831 373425.
When it can only get better...
4th May: UK Pro ET racer Paul Baynton writes on behalf of himself and daughter and co-driver Laura that Team Capricious have not had the best start to their season:
We nearly didn't arrive at the Festival of Power at all. We made a detour up the M40 after the M25 was showing delays
of up to an hour and a half. The detour was OK until heading along the A43 dual carriageway, a very kind lady decided
to stop to let someone join from the slip road. With everything locked up we managed to stop inches from the back of
her car and thanks to the observant lorry driver in the other lane, who clearly saw what was going on and managed to
also stop, we avoided a major accident! We continued our journey to Hauser Race Cars for some set-up changes on the
rear of the Capri before heading on to Santa Pod.
Qualifying went OK and Laura qualified seventh which put us up against Paul Brown in the first round. The Capri was running well when we headed down for the first round on Saturday. We sat in the pairing lanes for a while and then we decided to get some heat into the engine. Two pumps of the throttle then thump! The cable snapped and that was it, game over. Gutted! The annoying thing was we had a new cable in the motorhome but no time to fit it. Thanks to Jim Massey for the loan of the coolest recovery vehicle and to Steve Hudson for the driving duties.
On to the APIRA Springspeed Nationals for round two and after an uneventful trip we got set up at the track. Qualifying
went well and at the end of day one and after four qualifiers we were fourth. Sunday produced a stiff crosswind and on
our second run we improved slightly but remained fourth. Sunday night it rained and rained some more. On Monday we were
greeted with a few more showers. After another heavy shower just after lunch we decided to load up ready to head home.
The sun came out and so we waited as the track crew were working hard to dry the track.
Once it became apparent that we were going racing we took the Capri back off the trailer and got ready. We were waiting in the pairing lanes and then there was an untimely oil down. We were then told that we would all only be getting a first round. Not unexpected as time was marching on. All weekend I'd been cutting good lights so I didn't expect such a poor red handing the win to my opponent.
All in all it was an enjoyable weekend. The track didn't feel as good as usual this weekend but the effort put in by all the track crew and officials could not be faulted. Well done everyone. See you all again in August. Next up the Main Event where we hope things will improve for us.
Hosts sought for Main Event VIPs.
4th May: Former racer, co-owner of the Apache Nostalgia Funny Car, and all-round good egg Perry Antoniou has been in touch with a request to racers to help to promote the sport to a brace of VIPs at the FIA / FIM Main Event:
I need a favour from the pits on the Sunday of the race (28th May). I have two VIP guests with me and I have been asked to give them a close-up and personal pit tour of the all classes and teams on that day. Obviously I know how busy the Top Fuel, Top Methanol, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Modified pits can get particularly during turn-round. But if any teams would be happy for me to spend ten minutes or so showing my guests around their pit, vehicle and team to explain what's going on then please let me know. We won't get in your way and I know enough to show and explain to my guests what is going on whilst the crew and driver are hard at it during the day.
Obviously several teams and drivers know who I am, but I still always feel obliged to be courteous and ask if it is OK for me to snoop in with two guests. For those who don't know my face, I'll wear a red rose! This is mainly for Pro classes as I know that all the Sportsman teams are always welcoming to visitors. Except for Rob Smallworth whom I know never wants to be interrupted when he's having breakfast, not even for a qualifying round...
If you can help Perry with his VIPs then please drop him a line at perry@n2oxide.com.
Swift snippets.
4th May: Thanks to Ian King for letting us know that the post-APIRA Springspeed Nationals points standings in the 2017 ACU UK Drag Bike Championships are now available on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.
Terje Håkensbakken writes that Norway's Junior Drag Bike team has a new member in the person of John Rolfstad, son of Supertwin star Svein Olav. John's bike has a new 600 cc motor and will be capable of high sevens over the eighth. At the weekend John met the public at a show in his home town of Skreia.
We have received another spy picture of the "Barn find" from this week's mole. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
Web site updates.
4th May: Thanks to MSA British Drag Racing Championship PR Robin Jackson for letting us know that a report of the first round of the Pro Mod Championship is now showing on its official web site at www.msadragracing.co.uk.
Our good friend Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with shots of Saturday's action at the weekend's APIRA Springspeed Nationals. As ever you can check out the latest updates via What's New at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
Paul Lister has updated his Drag Car Anon site with pictures from the Saturday of the Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway. You can take a look at www.dragcaranon.co.uk.
BDRHoF Allard Award entry open.
4th May: The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame has announced details of the 2017 Sydney Allard Media Awards for Written and Photographic Journalism, which will be presented for the fourth consecutive year at the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner at the historic Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge, on Saturday 18th November. In 2017 a new Award has been added for Best Video.
Established in 2014 in memory of the founding father of British drag racing, the Sydney Allard Media Awards celebrate the best of the
past year's written, video and photographic drag racing journalism and salutes the vital contribution which the media makes to the sport's
well-being and success. Entries are now invited from writers, photographers and those producing videos, amateur or professional, posted on
YouTube and reflecting coverage of British drag racing and associated activities during the twelve months ending July 2017. This means that
anything taken or written since August 2016 is eligible and entry is open now.
This year's entries must be submitted by the end of August 2017 then the winning entrant in each category will be invited, together with a companion, to attend the Hall of Fame Gala to receive a crystal trophy in recognition of his or her achievement.
The Written Journalism Award will be presented to the author of the year's best article, feature, book or blog, published or unpublished, in print or on-line in the designated time frame. The Photographic Journalism Award will be presented for the best picture, and the Video Journalism Award will be presented for the best video, covering the same period.
Writers, video editors and photographers may make multiple entries but each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry form to enable the judges to collate them accurately. Full entry details are available on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk. The judging panel will include Guild of Motoring Writers President, racer, motoring connoisseur and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, and the Editor of Octane magazine, David Lillywhite.
Previous winners include Nick Brooke Langham, Jon Spoard and Julian Hunt. The Andy Willsheer photo at left shows happy 2015 winners Rodger Attaway and Jeni Long.
The BDRHoF is now taking reservations for the 2017 Gala Awards Dinner by E-Mail at stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk or by telephone on 01933 279102. This year the tickets are priced competitively at £65 which includes a pre-dinner reception. The event always sells out well in advance, so if you would like to join us for the occasion we suggest you make your reservation sooner rather than later. On receiving your reservation you will be given the procedure to book rooms at the negotiated room rate that includes breakfast and VAT as well as parking.
On-going news about the Gala, sponsors and other events in which the BDRHoF is involved will be published on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk, on Eurodragster.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Swift snippets.
3rd May: Many thanks to our own Simon and Yvonne Tramm for calculating and posting the post-APIRA Springspeed Nationals points standings in the 2017 UK National Drag Racing Championships. You can check out the points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page which you can reach by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Swedish Pro Modified racer Mats Eriksson has confirmed that the Green Goblin team will be sitting out 2017 whilst a new race car is built. You can read more on the ME Racing web site at www.meracing.com.
We have received two more spy pictures from the same mole who slipped us yesterday's barn find. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
Editor's note: An unavoidable short news update today. We will catch up with the backlog for tomorrow's update, and please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com.
Springspeed Nationals curtailed.
2nd May: Yesterday's eliminations at the APIRA Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway were badly affected by rain. Only the first cycle of eliminations could be run after late start only made possible by an epic and repeated drying job by the track crew and race officials who refused to give up. Only two classes ran finals:
Super Comp: Conrad Stanley 9.024/127.14 def. Andy Williams 8.858/152.41 DQ breakout
Jap Series Pro: David Nicol no time def. David Greenhalgh no time DQ
David Greenhalgh escaped uninjured but for a banged elbow from a hideous crash after his seven-second Jap Series Pro doorslammer turned hard left and impacted the guardrail head-on. A rapid avoiding manoeuvre by Dave Nicol in his dragster averted would could have been an even worse accident; Dave N's dragster suffered minor damage to its front wing as David G's car touched it on the way through.
Congratulations to Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Mark Todd who won the £50 Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award with a 0.000 Reaction Time in qualifying. The Perfect Light Award has been reset to £50 for Race, Rock'n'Ride at Santa Pod Raceway on 20th-21st May. The Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise was not won and has been increased to £75 for Race, Rock'n'Ride.
Clerks of the Course Glenn Stockton, Jane Read and Tony Smith asked us to publish this message of appreciation to racers and crew: "After observations from the MSA Steward, competitors and crew will have noticed that passes are being checked more thoroughly in the staging lanes and on startline. SCR is famous for being a friendly and lenient place to race, but we have had to tighten up on the number of people in the startline area purely for safety reasons. We would like to thank all the teams for their good-natured co-operation."
Apologies for the brief break in webcam service as the racing commenced. From where we were sitting the broadcast software was reporting that that everything was just fine, there were no hints of any problem elsewhere in the process path, but after a timely query from a viewer we restarted the broadcast service anyway and that sorted it out.
You can check out our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored APIRA Springspeed Nationals reports and galleries by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Please join Tog in thanking Simon for his hard work on the live race reports and Grace for her half (or more) of the daily galleries.
Swift snippets.
2nd May: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words "Barn find".
If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at
eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.Event entry update.
29th April: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 6 of the official entry lists for Race, Rock'n'Ride, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 20th-21st May, and the FIA / FIM Main Event which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 26th-29th May.
You can check out the Race, Rock'n'Ride entry list by clicking here and the FIA / FIM Main Event entry list by clicking here, or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Entry is still open for both races but, the official closing date having passed, may be subject to a penalty fee. The official entry forms can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Web site updates.
29th April: Santa Pod Raceway's YouTube channel has been updated with Zeon TV's excellent coverage of Round 1 of the 2017 ACU Super Street Bike Championship which took place at the Festival of Power. Check it out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnw6Lrx9nhY.
The Mad Welshman has updated his Flickr gallery with pictures from the Spring Madness Public Track Day at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can take a look at www.flickr.com/photos/the_madwelshman.
Street Eliminator Round 1 review.
27th April: Richard Merriman writes that after a long winter break it was great to be back at Santa Pod for the first round of the
2017 Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator Championship:
It was a slightly quieter event in terms of entries as we were due to have eight in total. Unfortunately we had no-shows from Andy Bond and Gordon Smith but hopefully we will see them out later in the season.
With two runs scheduled for the Friday everyone was geared up ready for the first round of qualifying. First up was the return of Nick and Nigel Hale. Great to see them carrying on the tradition of big smokey burnouts to get both themselves and the crowd pumped up as well as to put some heat into the tyres. The sun was out but a stiff breeze was heading down the track which was going to hurt ETs a little. Nick off the line first with a fantastic 0.00 reaction time and a nice strong 10.25 pass. Nigel clicked off an 11.46 showing that the headwind was fighting the massive truck. Next pair was Alex McIntosh in the Ford Mustang v Stu Williams in his daily driver Mitsubishi Evo. Alex has decided to put the Ford up for sale as he is looking to go even quicker than his 7.57 PB and the car is limited to 7.50. Stu was out in the Mitsubishi as unfortunately some machining work for CarmaSupra wasn't completed in time for the event. Alex was away first and broke traction almost straight away, however a quick reaction caught the sideways step and he eased the car down the track for a twelve-second run. Stu launched but the car bogged down massively off the line however it soon came up on boost and netted a 12.87/114. Last pair up for this round was Alan Williamson and Mark Todd. A pair of strong burnouts and a nice nine-second run for Al and eight-second run for Mark. Good clean runs and no drama leaving Mark as #1 and Al as #2 after the first round.
Into the second round of qualifying and the headwind was even more noticeable. First pair Stu and Alex, Alex with a nice rolling burnout across the start line laying
down plenty of rubber. A storming run from Alex netting a 7.74/175. Unfortunately for Stu a bunny hop off the line and a stall sent the car into limp mode. This bagged
him his worst drag racing run ever of 27 seconds at 60mph! Nick and Nigel next and another 0.0 light for Nick but no improvement on ET. Nigel improved with a 11.0 this
time at almost the same speed as the previous run clearly getting off the line better on this go. Final run this session was Mark Todd who lit the tyres up straight off the
line and decided to abort the rest of the run. Unfortunately a no show from Al this session. After a check of the rockers after the previous run they noticed one of the studs
had pulled and rather than risk any further damage would fully check over the engine back at the workshop.
Onto Saturday and another two qualifiers scheduled, thankfully a dry start to the day following a good bout of rain throughout the evening. First up were meant to be Stu and Alex however Stu was pushed back for a fluid leak, initially believed to be rainwater it later turned out it was a slight fuel weep which the eagle-eyed Santa Pod crew had spotted, an easy fix but meant he missed this session. Trouble for Alex also in this session after a strong sixty foot the car was struggling with traction and so Alex aborted the run. Nigel and Mark out in the next pair, with Nigel netting his first ten of the weekend despite a quick pedal, Mark suffering the same issue as Alex lighting the tyres up on launch. Nick Hale last of the bunch and once again on it with the lights cutting another 0.0, a brief pedal after launch but netting a 10.67.
The last qualifying session of the weekend before we were due to head out on the Cruise and we saw Mark Todd blast out a storming 7.51 securing his position as number
one qualifier. No improvement for Alex on this run. Nick and Nigel on the next run and again no improvement for the pair this round. Last up was Stu and definitely getting
to grips with the Evo knocking out a storming 11.75 PB for him in this car.
Then it was time to get ready for the Cruise giving the teams approximately an hour to make final checks. We all gathered at the top end of the track ready to cruise down the old fire-up road. Racing was paused and the class trundled down waving at the crowds and allowing the commentators to announce each car. A great privilege and good to see so many fans waving back. At the gate we were then notified by security that unfortunately the traffic was that backed up the start of the queue to get to the crossroads began at the gates! The decision was then made by the Chairman of the club that in this instance the Cruise would have to be cancelled, much to the disappointment of the racers. However it was the right decision given the circumstances.
Sunday dawned and it was another slightly cloudy day but with the sun fighting though and a slight crosswind. No early alarm clocks as the first elimination round wasn't
until gone midday. The first pairing was number two qualifier Alex against number five qualifier Nigel. Good light from Alex and a very strong run resulting in a best ET
of the weekend at 7.63 leaving Nigel playing catch up on a losing 10.61. Next match up was meant to be Stu against Al but as Al was broken Stu was able to use the round
as a test and tune and boy he was glad he did! A 1.75 sixty foot and very rapid 11.30/122 for the five- seat family car! The last pair for elimination round one was Mark Todd
v Nick Hale, Nick knew he would have to pull out all the stops to have a chance against Mark but in the eagerness to cut a good light he managed to pull a -0.08 red handing
the automatic win to Mark.
Round two of eliminations was a match of Alex and Stu. Stu on the money with reactions nailing a 0.01 light, however the car was sluggish to sixty but as Alex had already red lit Stu was already through to the final, Alex realising what he had done trundled down to complete the run. Mark Todd benefited from a bye on this run but used it to see what the track could handle, the result was a 7.52/194 and with this in the bag we were set for the final.
Final time! With a quick turnaround Mark frantically tried to fix a lever which had come adrift after the previous run. Meanwhile Stu patiently waited for Mark but just
being ready put Mark under a bit of pressure. The cars lined up on the start and both were a little lazy on reactions however the brute force of Mark's car allowed him to
bag an 8.20 win to Stu's 11.43. A great race and good see our very first event winner and runner up of the season.
We would like to say a big thank you to our sponsors who of course help make all this happen: AW Upholstery, Insane Creations, Matt Woods Photography, Power Pour, Serck Motorsport, Topspeed Automotive, Webster Race Engineering, and Zeon TV.
If you would like to keep up to date with what's going on check out our Facebook Page and our web site at www.streeteliminator.com.
Swift snippets.
27th April: Good Luck and stay safe to Smax Smith (Top Fuel Dragster), Jonnie Lindberg (Fuel Funny Car), Ulf Leanders (Top Methanol FC) and Johan Lindberg (Top Methanol FC) who are contesting this weekend's NHRA Four Wide Nationals in Charlotte. Qualifying commences today (Friday) and you will be able to stay in touch with our heroes' progress on the Drag Race Central web site at www.dragracecentral.com and on Smax's and the Lidnbergs' Facebook pages.
We would like to say a big Happy 21st Birthday and many more of them to UK Super Pro ET racer Brad Jackson. It scarcely seems possible but Brad's dad Wayne tells us that Brad has been racing for eight years. Have a great day Brad.
The latest Feature on the Drag Racing Europe Blog covers multiple FIA European Pro Stock Champion Jimmy Ålund who will be racing in the Old 51 Pro Mod this season although his own race car will still get an outing or two. You can read more by clicking here.
Eurodragster.com sponsor MPM Oil has introduced a new premium synthetic long life motor oil especially developed for the latest generation 2.0 TFSI (140 kW) and 3.0 TDI CR (160kW) VAG engines where VW specifications 508.00 / 509.00 are prescribed. You can find out more (PDF format) by clicking here.
Flash is back!
27th April: In the latest in our occasional series of drag racing retirements gone wrong, UK Fuel Funny Car racer Gordon Smith has announced that he is returning to the seat of a race car:
I will be driving Mark and Jackie Hawkins' Panic Nitro Funny Car at the FIA Main Event. I am not sure at this stage if this will be for more than the one event, as I know that Gary Page is keen to get back in the seat of a Funny Car. However Gary is not available to drive at this stage so I have stepped in to get things moving for Mark and Jackie. It will be good to see the Panic name back on the strip and I am looking forward to helping the team get up to speed. As is always the case I will be doing my best to put on a good show for all the fans who have supported me over the years.
I still own the Shockwave Funny Car with Dave Bryant, and I am still very involved with the car and team. New driver Steve Ashdown is looking forward to the future driving Europe's premier Nitro Funny Car, he has brought new and fresh drive to the operation. The car will be known as The Undertaker as well as keeping the Shockwave identity. I wish Steve well, it will be difficult for me owning one car and driving another but you all know me - I like to win but I will give Steve all the help and advice he needs to get up to speed.
I look forward to seeing all those supporters at the Main Event.
Event entry update.
26th April: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 4 of the official entry lists for Race, Rock'n'Ride, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 20th-21st May, and the FIA / FIM Main Event which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 26th-29th May.
You can check out the Race, Rock'n'Ride entry list by clicking here and the FIA / FIM Main Event entry list by clicking here, or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
The official closing date for both races is tomorrow, Friday. Official entry forms for both races can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Springspeed Nationals racer update.
27th April: Many thanks to Jerry Cookson for passing us details of the arrangements for this weekend's APIRA Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway:
Tomorrow, Friday 28th April
12:00 Shakespeare County Raceway's Gates open for the duration
17:00 Signing On office open until 20:00
17:00 Car scrutineering commences
18:00 Bike scrutineering commences
Saturday 29th April
08:00 Signing On office opens
08:00 Car scrutineering commences
08:00 Bike scrutineering commences
10:00 Track opens for qualifying
Sunday 30th April
08:00 Signing On office opens
08:00 Car scrutineering commences
08:00 Bike scrutineering commences
10:00 Track opens for qualifying
Monday 1st May
08:00 Signing On office opens
08:00 Car scrutineering commences
08:00 Bike scrutineering commences
10:00 Track opens for eliminationa
Racer tickets, final instructions, vehicle passes and scrutineering slips have now been sent out to every racer who submitted their entries with an SAE before close of business last Friday. Anyone who posted their entry since last Friday will be able to collect their tickets on arrival at the main gate. If any crew member arrives before their respective racer then they must notify the track before hand, or wait to gain entry when their driver or rider arrives at the track.
Entry to the pits will commence at 12:00 on Friday. If racers wish to arrive on Friday morning, before the pit gate opens, then they are more than welcome to park up and wait. Please note that pit marshals will escort all racers to their designated pit, so please be patient if a queue develops on the entrance road into the pits. Anyone who pits incorrectly will be politely asked to move to their allocated pit space.
Scrutineering will commence for both cars and bikes at approximately 17:00 on Friday. Scrutineering will resume at 08:00 on Saturday. Signing On will also open at these times.
Version 5 of the official entry list is now available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Saturday's provisional running order is now available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Copies will be available in the Signing On office which will be open between 17:00 and 20:00 on Friday.
Shakespeare County Raceway would like to remind everyone of the safety requirements in the Staging and Fire Up Lanes. No crew members under the age of seventeen may enter these areas. Under-age Junior crew members can still watch their respective teams race from the grandstands. The grandstands can be accessed from the top of the lanes by the Signing On office. We understand that this may upset some of the Junior crews, however safety is paramount and must be considered at all times. These rules obviously do not apply to under-17s who are riding or driving a race vehicle which is in the pairing lanes (for which you must be holder of an MSA / ACU licence or you are participating in observed runs). All children remain the responsibility of their parent or guardian at all times. Thank you for your co-operation.
Junior racers please remember the rule about pushing vehicles back to the pits once past the Medical Centre.
Please do not start engines before 09:00 or after 18:30 on any day of the event.
Only race officials and SCR staff are allowed in Race Control while the race is underway. If any racer wishes to raise a matter with race officials then please go to Signing On first not Race Control and speak to Race Secretary Julie Willcox who will be based in Signing On.
Colour commentators are requested to come to the Commentary side of Race Control when there class is waiting to run, and leave after their class has run.
Anyone who did not collect their 2016 APIRA Championship trophies at last month's Presentation Evening can do so this weekend. Please see Marie in the Signing On office.
If you have any queries about APIRA Springspeed Nationals entry then please contact Shakespeare County Raceway at shakespearecountyraceway@gmail.com or call 01789 720180 (outside the UK +44 1789 720180).
Netherlands' organisations join forces.
27th April: Kees van der Meij or the Dutch Hot Rod Association writes that the two organisers of races in The Netherlands have joined forces for events at Drachten Drag Strip in 2017:
In previous seasons DHRA and Quartermile have organised three events each. But this season both organisations have put their hands, knowledge and crew together to hold four well-organised events. At these events Pro cars and bikes, street-legal cars and bikes, scooters and kart classes will participate. The Pro bikes and Junior bikes will contest the Dutch Championship under the KMMV flag, and Pro race cars and Junior Dragsters will contest under the KNAF flag.
The organisation and start crew will be a combination of DHRA crew members and Quartermile crew members. 402 Automotive is responsible for promotion, marketing, communication and tickets. 402automotive is also responsible for organising the additional themed events such as All American Cars and Bugfest.
Of the six events originally planned for 2017, we will now run four. The following four events will be organised under a new organisation named Fast Show, powered by DHRA and Quartermile. We invite all racers of Pro and street-legal classes to join us and to support these four rounds, as this is crucial for the survival of drag racing in The Netherlands:
12th-14th May: Fast Show Days of Thunder
2nd-4th June DHRA cancelled
14th-16th July Quartermile cancelled
28th-30th July: Fast Show The Main Event including All American Cars
25th-27th August: Fast Show Summer Edition
29th September-1st October: Fast Show Weekend of Champions including BugFest
This season we will also initiate the official Dutch Street-legal Championship. All four rounds will count towards the Championship. We will soon release the new branding and planning for a European Street Legal Championship on which we are working.
For the past year Quartermile and DHRA have been working behind closed doors to forge a partnership which allows us input on the future of Drachten Airfield and drag racing in The Netherlands.
For event information please visit www.fastshow.nl. For each organisation's other activities you can visit the DHRA web site at www.dhra.nl and the Quartermile web site at www.quartermile.nl.
SPRC warning to racers and crew.
27th April: On behalf of the Santa Pod Racers Club Committee, Club Secretary Ian Marshall has been in touch with a very important message for racers and crew concerning start line access at Santa Pod Raceway:
Riders and drivers are reminded that they are held responsible for the conduct and actions of all of their crew members. This includes ensuring that only the correct amount of signed-on crew members accompany their vehicle to the start line area.
There have been instances of non signed-on crew attempting to make their way to the start line which not only causes congestion in certain areas but also puts those crew members in a very dangerous area without any kind of insurance cover. This has to stop immediately.
Some of those who have been stopped by Security have been less than civil. Security are there to stop non signed-on crew, staff or anyone else deemed ineligible to be in the area. It's about keeping you safe. We cannot and will not tolerate this kind of behaviour. Future instances will be reported to the Race Director and the racer whose crew are reported will receiving an official warning in the first instance and then further action for any additional infractions.
It is the racer's responsibility to ensure that the correct people are where they are supposed to be and that racer and crew maintain a civil tongue if challenged. Please make a concerted effort to keep all crew members safe.
If you have any queries about the above then please contact Ian at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Swift snippets.
27th April: Many thanks to Yvonne Tramm and our own Simon for posting the post-Big Bang points standings in the 2017 UK National and Santa Pod Racers Club Championships. You can check out the points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page which you can reach by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Further to our news item of 11th April Brian Taylor writes that two more Pit Tour Guides are sought for the Institute of the Motor Industry Students' Day on the Friday of the FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway (26th May). Tours take place on the hour from 11:00 until 14:00 inclusive and take an hour each. If you can spare an hour as an ambassador for drag racing then please call Brian on 01395 579733 or E-Mail brian@petrolhead.vianw.co.uk.
Please note that our Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcast from this weekend's APIRA Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway will be transmitted through a 4G dongle, so in the event of extended downtime (for example a track's length of oil) broadcast may be stopped to preserve mobile data and the live race report updated accordingly. In this event, or in the event of any other issues with the webcast, updates will be posted at the top of that day's live race report and not on Facebook. Individuals who post plaintive comments on FB having neglected to read (a) this notification and (b) the race report will receive the treatment they deserve and can play the victim as much as they like.
Event entry update.
26th April: Many thanks to Jerry Cookson for passing us Version 5 of the official entry list for this weekend's APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
If you have any queries about APIRA Springspeed Nationals entry then please contact Shakespeare County Raceway at shakespearecountyraceway@gmail.com or call 01789 720180 (outside the UK +44 1789 720180).
Many thanks also to Race Director Tony Smith for forwarding us the provisional Saturday running order for the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please note that as ever the running order is subject to change due to track or weather conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials.
Many thanks, too, to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 3 of the official entry lists for Race, Rock'n'Ride which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 20th-21st May, and the FIA / FIM Main Event which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 26th-29th May.
You can check out the Race, Rock'n'Ride entry list by clicking here and the FIA / FIM Main Event entry list by clicking here, or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
The official closing date for both races is this Friday, 28th April. Official entry forms for both races can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Testing offered at Race, Rock'n'Ride.
26th April: Jo Haines of Santa Pod Raceway writes that car and bike racers entered for the FIA / FIM Main Event are welcome to test at Race, Rock'n'Ride at Santa Pod on the preceding weekend, 20th-21st May:
FIA Main Event racers may come along and test on what will be a fully-prepped track with three timetabled run slots per day pending track and weather conditions. You will be able to leave your vehicles on-site between Race, Rock'n'Ride and the Main Event but we cannot guarantee that you will be in the same pit bay.
The test slots will have limited availability. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis and will be by advance booking only. Tickets and race vouchers are available by calling Jo Haines on 01234 782828 or by E-Mail at josephine@santapod.com.
Débuting last year with great success, Race, Rock'n'Ride 2017 is all about the need for speed! A festival celebrating everything on two wheels, there's fun for all the family with action both on and off the track from ACU UK National Drag Bike Championships, Bike-only Run What You Brung, Rocket Bike, FireForce Jet Car, monster truck, stunt displays, custom show in association with Back Street Heroes magazine, evening entertainment from Limehouse Lizzy and loads more!
You can find out more about www.racerockride.co.uk.
Outlaw Anglias are go!
26th April: Callum Pudge and Colin Millar write that the Outlaw Anglias' season opener at Big Bang at Santa Pod was a roaring success with plenty of close and exciting racing.
The class is celebrating its twenty fifth anniversary and has a lot of activity going on in both the foreground and the background including a brand new web site for the class which launched at www.outlawanglia.co.uk on the eve of the season opener. Huge thanks to Callum Pudge of Pudgey's Pictures. Take a look at the web site and let us know what you think!
Outlaw Anglia has been rebranded with a new logo and some new marketing material including T-Shirts and hoodies available for purchase in the OA pits. This is your chance to get one of these collectors' items which are simply stunning. Massive thanks to Tom Pugh.
A race report and gallery of photos from Big Bang have been added to the Outlaw Anglia web site and can be viewed by clicking here.
We also have some exciting news coming up very soon, so please keep your eyes open. See you all at the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, run fast and run safe!
Swift snippets.
26th April: Super Pro ET and Sportsman ET racer Tom Atkinson is adding a third string to his bow by entering
Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator at this weekend's APIRA Springspeed Nationals in his twelve-second Caltrac- and drag radial-equipped
pick-up. Tom has also revealed that last week's spy picture presaged a season sponsorship from clothing manufacturer
Toxico. "Huge thanks to Toxico", says Tom. "They make some some killer gear and
it's great that they support drag racing! Please check out their web site and Facebook page."
Many thanks to Andy Marrs and SPRC's timing crew for forwarding the official Timing Data from Big Bang, which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to longtime Eurodragster.com supporter and occasional contributor Stephen Billings. Have a great day Stephen.
Springspeed Nationals Perfect Awards.
26th April: This weekend's APIRA Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway is the third event in the 2017 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme. £100 is on offer for perfect performance.
The Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award has been reset to £50 after it was won by Sportsman ET
racer Pete Creswell at Big Bang. The money will be paid in cash to the first racer at the event to record a
Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds. The Perfect Light Award is available to racers in all classes during qualifying
and eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be
increased to £75 for Race, Rock'n'Ride at Santa Pod Raceway; if it is won then it will be reset to
£50 for Race, Rock'n'Ride. The Perfect Light Award is presented in association with Bad Habit Racing (Cath and Tig Napier, Pro ET).
Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried. Eurodragster.com decals will be available in the Signing On office or from the Eurodragster.com staff.
The Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise has been reset to £50 after it was won by VW Sportsman racer
Aaron Beales at Big Bang. The money will be paid in cash to the first racer at the event to run an ET to the thousandth of a second on dial-in
or index. The Perfect ET Award is available during qualifying or eliminations in Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Sportsman ET, Super Comp, Super Gas,
Super Street, Lucas Oil Junior Dragster (eliminations only), VW Pro, VW Sportsman, the Wild Bunch, Nostalgia Super Stock, 8.50 Bike, 9.50 Bike,
ET Bike and Junior Drag Bike, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect ET of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be
increased to £75 for Race, Rock'n'Ride at Santa Pod Raceway; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for Race, Rock'n'Ride. The
Perfect ET Award is presented by Derek and Fiona Flynn of Eurodragster.com sponsor Gold
RV in support of Bloodwise; you can donate to Bloodwise at www.bloodwise.org.uk.
To be eligible to collect the Perfect ET Award, racers are required to carry Eurodragster.com / Bloodwise decals, one on each side of the vehicle. If you pull an event's first Perfect ET but are not carrying decals then there will be no discussion; we will not pay out and the next person to pull a Perfect ET will get the money assuming that they are carrying decals. Decals will be available in the Signing On office.
Web site updates.
26th April: The official Blog of the UK's Storm Funny Bike team has been updated with a report from the Festival of Power. You can check it out at www.stormdragbike.co.uk.
Longtime spectator Paul Bryan, member of the Warrington Possee (sic), has posted a number of pictures from the Festival Power on his Facebook page. The shots were taken from the spectator bank, Paul's home since 1978, and Paul tells us that those racers who have seen his shots enjoyed them. You can take a look by clicking here.
IOPD and Rat Trap back BDRHoF Gala.
26th April: The International Organisation of Professional Drivers will once again be supporting the 2017 British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Annual Awards Dinner, to be held on Saturday 18th November at the Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge. The BDRHoF is also pleased to announce that Ron Hope of Rat Trap Racing has confirmed that he too is renewing his sponsorship of the event.
The IOPD was formed in 1990 to regulate and support the driving experience sector of recreational motorsport in the UK. It was brought about by the MSA/RAC refusal to recognise and permit Run What You Brung events and track driving activities thereby denying participants and organisers a route to legitimisation and parity with mainstream motorsports. The IOPD soon grew, facilitating events for some 70,000 to 100,000 participants each year - not only for driving experiences but for full competition and drag racing. The IOPD also permits many of the world's international motor manufactures driving experience programmes and track days.
Heading up the IOPD is Steve Murty, who said "We are very happy to support the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner for a third
year. It is a totally non-political impartial organisation which is dedicated to recognising and celebrating those people that have contributed
so much to create the sport we can enjoy today". A visit to the IOPD web site will explain all.
Steve also operates York Raceway with his son Chris, who said "The Hall of Fame embraces Nostalgia - something that has always been a part of the York Raceway culture, and in association with the Pennine Drag Racing Club we have been instrumental in developing several of the classes that have become part of today's national Nostalgia scene. But as some other drag racing and sprinting tracks in the UK, there are some tough battles ahead before we can ensure our survival.
"This year is our fortieth anniversary and racers can help by supporting our meetings – particularly the August Bank Holiday 7th Annual National Hot Rod Reunion which will mark our official birthday celebrations. It will be great to see the return of those that have burnt rubber on our track during our forty years' years history. We plan a real northern welcome and it will be a party". Information about this meeting can be found on York Raceway's web site.
BDRHoF Chair Stu Bradbury said "York Raceway and the Pennine Drag Racing Club have been strong supporters of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame since it was formed in 2006. They have provided a focal point for the development of drag racing in the north of England and long may it continue. UK drag racing would be a poorer place without it."
Ron Hope (centre, with Bob Muravez and Tracey Hrudka) and Rat Trap Racing have supported the BDRHoF for the past two years and have
announced continued commitment for 2017. This year has Ron has been on a worldwide tour with BDRHoF member Rob Loaring and driver Nick Davies
joining the American arm of the Fuel Altered show, racing the blown Chrysler Donovan Hemi powered Havoc. This renews the exciting battles
seen at Santa Pod's Dragstalgia Meet in 2016.
Ron Hope said "I am really glad to continue my sponsorship of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Celebrating the sport's pioneers is an important task that all those in drag racing should support. The Gala Awards Dinner is an amazing event; one that I look forward to attending each year; meeting old friends and making new ones. What started as the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame has truly become an international organisation. It was an honour to have Rat Trap on display at last year's event."
The BDRHoF is now taking reservations for the 2017 Gala Awards Dinner by E-Mail at stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk or by telephone on 01933 279102. This year the tickets are priced competitively at £65 which includes a pre-dinner reception. The event always sells out well in advance, so if you would like to join us for the occasion we suggest you make your reservation sooner rather than later. On receiving your reservation you will be given the procedure to book rooms at the negotiated room rate that includes breakfast and VAT as well as parking.
On-going news about the Gala, sponsors and other events in which the BDRHoF is involved will be published on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk, on Eurodragster.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Event entry update.
25th April: Many thanks to Jerry Cookson for passing us Version 4 of the official entry list for this weekend's APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Entry is still open and you can download the official entry forms from the track's web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. Racers are encouraged to pay their entry fee via Bacs rather than credit card or cheques, as this cuts down on administrative charges and time; SCR's account details can be found on the entry form.
If you have any queries about APIRA Springspeed Nationals entry then please contact Shakespeare County Raceway at shakespearecountyraceway@gmail.com or call 01789 720180 (outside the UK +44 1789 720180).
Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 2 of the official entry lists for Race, Rock'n'Ride which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 20th-21st May, and the FIA / FIM Main Event which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 26th-29th May.
You can check out the Race, Rock'n'Ride entry list by clicking here and the FIA / FIM Main Event entry list by clicking here.
The official closing date for both races is this Friday, 28th April. Official entry forms for both races can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Morris crosses the Pond.
25th April: Ex-pat UK Super class racer Tony Morris has announced that he will be competing in Super Gas at the FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. Tony usually races in the USA where he has made his home for many years:
It's almost the end of April and our NHRA Division 2 season is already past the halfway point. For those who don't know, I drive for Bruce Guertin in his 1979 Ford Fairmont
and we're going into our third season. The last two years we finished eighth out of around sixty cars in Division 2 Super Street.
The first race was on the last weekend in February at Orlando Speedworld. In the first round both cars went red by -0.009 and the computer said we went red first, so on to Gainesville two weeks later. In Gainesville we went out in round two when we were paired up with 2016 Division 2 SST Champion Jonathan Anderson. We both dumped together with JA taking the win by 0.0037, so on to SGMP three weeks later. Again, we lost in round two against an old friend, David Bell in his new Vega, when I missed the Tree with a 0.029 to his 0.018. In addition, we couldn't get there, dumping to a 10.94 so home we went. The next event was a first for us at Galot in North Carolina. Instead of running a quarter mile we ran a first for the NHRA, 1000 feet with a index of 9.35 for SST. For the third time in a row we were out in round two when I went -0.012 red against his 0.020 green and on we went on our twelve-hour ride home.
Next up is our only National event this year, also in Super Street, at Atlanta in two weeks, then two weeks later back to Atlanta for the fifth Division 2 race. After that we have a five month break until October for race six in GA and race seveb in Rockingham NC. The Monday after Atlanta I hop on a plane for the Main Event in the UK.
Last year I got to attend the European Finals and hang out with a bunch of great racers mostly from the Super classes. I was able to help out teams that needed advice on their set ups and also improve on their throttle stop set up, driving strategies, and make suggestions on how to improve overall in the way they approach the Super classes. It's always hard for me to watch racing from outside the car and I started thinking how cool it would be to race again at the Pod. While there, I spent a lot of time talking with longtime friend Paul Marston to whom I talk on a weekly basis. Back in 2005 Paul invited me over to race the Whoopass Monza in Super Gas in return for his racing my SP dragster in Florida in the winter series in late 2004. We made it all the way to an awesome final against Frank Mason at the European Finals however came up short by 0.0008 when Frank ran dead on an 8.90 and we followed through with an 8.94 after backing into him dumping, lifting and breking and giving the strip back by such a small margin. It was one of those races I will never forget in my thirty eight years of drag racing.
Over the winter Paul and I have been talking about how we should go about getting me back behind the wheel in England. He wanted to test the car out first before we entered the event. We figured best to test in Super Gas over Easter to make sure that we were close enough for me to come over. Then I could jump in and together we could do the last of the fine-tuning. Besides a few minor issues over the Easter race weekend, Paul has given the go ahead and I'm all set to make it happen.
I have entered the Whoopass Monza in Super Gas and Paul has entered in Super Street. It's going to be a busy month ahead but I'm very excited to be a part of the European scene.
One more thing: as always if anyone is in need of help or advice, even if you're in my class, please come and ask. I'm always there to help.
Habermanns announce 2017 sponsors.
25th April: Germany's Championship-winning Werner Habermann Racing Top Methanol Dragster team
Werner Habermann Racing are pleased to announce sponsorship from
Mitsuboshi. Werner writes:
Mistuboshi are one of the leading manufacturers in the market for automotive / industrial belts and components. One of their main products is the well-known Star Racer blower belt which we have used for a while and which have helped us to win some events and an FIA European Drag Racing Championship. Werner Habermann Racing will appear in a new design for the 2017 FIA Championship season, and we will have Star Racer blower belts in different sizes for different applications in stock at races. Come and talk to us and we will convince you about this high performance product.
Another new sponsor is Tommy Werbung of Germany, which is a well-known company for vinyl applications on cars, trucks etc. Tommy Werbung is responsible for the new design on the two dragsters and the race trailer.
We also like to take the opportunity to thank our long lasting partners Höfler Fenster, Autokrandienst Habermann, Swagelok, Fuchs Oil and Exide Batteries for their continued support during the 2017 season.
One of our dragster will be displayed on the Mitsuboshi Expo stand at the world-leading Industrial Show in Hannover next week.
Read returns to Dragstalgia.
25th April: The UK's Robin Read has announced that he will be attending July's Dragstalgia at Santa Pod Raceway with his six-second nitro-burning V8 Daimler-powered dragster. Robin says that he hopes that we will be able to add 200 mph to this list after what is a very special event for the team:
The date of Dragstalgia is within two weeks of the thirtieth anniversary of the dragster's début meeting. The intention is to attempt to be the first British-engined car to run 200 mph in the quarter mile. With that goal in mind we will also be attending Race, Rock'n' Ride to do some testing (Webcam event - Ed). This is primarily to check out the changes we have made to the car, but also to make sure that we have solved the oil leak problems experienced at last year's Flame and Thunder Show. Should we be successful in our endeavour then there is every chance that we will run quicker than 6.81 which is the car's best ET, and this would also be a new record.
So our whole team are very excited. It is also a tribute to my crew's dedication that this is still the original line-up from the car's debut in June 1987: Mark Evans, Bill Mears, Bertie Hopkinson and Ella Chapman. I am indebted to them for their support on and off the track.
My thanks go to James Forster and his team for making the arrangements. I look forward to seeing all drag racing supporters old and new, and of course the many friends we have made within the sport. Come and cheer us on!
Swift snippets.
25th April: Many congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy future to SPRC Assistant Race Director and
SPRC Timekeeper Karl and Nikki Birkenshaw who were married last Thursday and are now on honeymoon. Before Nikki whisked him off
Karl sent us this great picture of a very happy couple.
UK Fuel Funny Car racer-in-waiting Steve Ashdown asked us to say a big Thank You to Champion for spark plugs and merchandise. "We are looking forward to meeting Michela, who is making the trip from Italy to see us race the Undertaker Funny Car", says Steve. Thank you to Michela and to Champion for all their help."
Thanks to the vast majority of viewers who were patient and understanding whilst we had network problems with our Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam on Sunday. The problem appeared to lay with the supplier of the link to the outside world and thus was neither SPR's nor our fault. A big Thank You to Julian Parsons of Nitro FM who worked very hard to diagnose the problem. To those who were neither patient nor understanding and moaned and bitched, and to the couple who were downright offensive, we can only offer the advice RTFRR.
Also on the subject of webcasts we would like to say a big Happy Birthday to our good friend Maikel Gloudemans of our webcast streaming provider Doyousee.me. Have a great day M@ik.
Web site updates.
25th April: Chris Eyre writes that the news page on the European Nostalgia Funny Car web site has been updated with a report from the Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway. "It was great to see a couple of new cars in attendance", says Chris, "Tony Betts in Venom and Rob Elsom with Dirty Deeds. Not only is there a report but some fantastic photos by Andrew Green. Also on the same page there is a photo gallery from the March Meet at Famoso Raceway, again by Andrew. These can all be found at euronostalgiafunnycar.jimdo.com."
Big Bang results.
24th April: Congratulations to the winners of the weekend's Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway:
Sportsman ET: Chris Creswell (16.08) 16.1487/84.39 def. Tom Atkinson (12.70) 12.7716/104.53
Lucas Oil Junior Dragster: Billy Everitt (7.99) 8.0273/75.92 def. Holley Marshall (8.29) 8.3313/76.41
VW Pro: Phil Norman (12.60) 12.6729/103.47 def. Paul Herbert (12.10) 12.3815/108.84
VW Sportsman: Tom Herbert (13.85) 14.1009/89.23 def. Carl Goldsmith (15.25) 15.3987/91.04
Outlaw Flat Four: Clarke Hillyard 12.0791/113.76 def. Lucas Daglish 13.5570/97.72
Outlaw Anglia: Colin Millar 7.9479/169.82 bye, Jedd Guy shut off
Nostalgia Super Stock: Thomas Watkins (9.50) 9.5267/136.85 def. Mike Lacey (9.34) 10.3735/96.22 DQ red
Front Wheel Drive Series: Kiel Priestman 9.2103/161.90 def. Paul Atkinson 29.2864/33.70
8.50 Bike: Jake Mechaell 8.6100/156.95 def. Ian Chrichlow 8.5946/154.70 (0.0064)
9.50 Bike: Lewis Burgess 9.5452/133.63 def. Richard Sawatzki 9.7067/140.79
ET Bike: Phil Pratt (9.03) 9.1061/146.88 def. Gary Hester (10.57) 10.5674/125.44 DQ b/o
Congratulations also to Sportsman ET racer Pete Creswell who won the Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award with a 0.0005 Reaction Time in Q1, and to VW Sportsman racer Aaron Beales who won the Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise with a 14.2005 on 14.20 dial-in in Q1. Both Awards have been reset to £50 for this weekend's APIRA Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway.
You can check out our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored live reports and galleries by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
APIRA event entry update.
24th April: Many thanks to Jerry Cookson for passing us Version 3 of the official entry list for this weekend's APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Entry is still open and you can download the official entry forms from the track's web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. Racers are encouraged to pay their entry fee via Bacs rather than credit card or cheques, as this cuts down on administrative charges and time; SCR's account details can be found on the entry form.
If you have any queries about APIRA Springspeed Nationals entry then please contact Shakespeare County Raceway at shakespearecountyraceway@gmail.com or call 01789 720180 (outside the UK +44 1789 720180).
Swift snippets.
24th April: We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Team Heaven and Hell and Earsplittenloudenboomer crew member and Honorary Eurodragster.com Staff Member Colin Roaf. Have a great day Colin.
Event entry update.
22nd April: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 1 of the official entry lists for Race, Rock'n'Ride which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 20th-21st May, and the FIA / FIM Main Event which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 26th-29th May.
You can check out the Race, Rock'n'Ride entry list by clicking here and the FIA / FIM Main Event entry list by clicking here.
The official closing date for both races is next Friday, 28th April. Official entry forms for both races can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC event entry then please contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Swift snippets.
22nd April: If you were tuned in to our Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam during yesterday's Peak Performance Day then your eyes didn't deceive you, that was a Top Fuel Dragster you saw. The driver was longtime fan Kevin Chapman who had never been down the track before but thought that it was about time he had a go, and he did so in one of Rune Fjeld's cars. A competent burnout and sixty foot made up yesterday's first run and Kevin is expected to make two more runs over this weekend.
Red Line Oils have signed up as a contingency sponsor of the 2017 EDRS Series. You can read more on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
York Raceway Easter review.
22nd April: Chris Murty has been in touch with a report of the Easter action at the UK's
York Raceway:
Sunday started so well. The track was in unbelievable form for an Easter meeting and when the first round of qualifying started there were many breakouts as racers were caught out. Unfortunately the rain which we hoped would be a shower sat on us for the rest of the day and racing was called off. A bonus 100 points were awarded to those who made the only qualifying session in American Super Stock, JDM-DRC, Pro FWD and Super Cup.
Monday was a fresh start. The weather was great, the conditions were great, and the team got the track to an excellent standard ready for racing.
In American Super Stock there were breakouts galore, the track catching most people out including the 2016 Champion who broke out in the second round. It was the perfect day for Dave Billadeau who took top qualifier and the event win, taking the maximum amount of points.
In JDM-DRC, with 2016 Champion Nathan Askey retiring and two-time Champion Phil Davison yet to make his return, there was a chance for the rest of the field to gain some ground. The 2016 runner-up was too eager and red lit in the first round, CJ found himself taking the eveant thatnt win in impressive style in a car which cost him just £50. He was the slowest against the quickest in the final: poor Peter Richardson had to wait for six seconds for CJ to get near the eighth before he finally got the green light.
Pro FWD had extremely close racing, unfortunately an early retirement meant that this class went straight to the final. It meant more to PFD6 as he was out the traps and gone! Peter Richardson just couldn't reel him in after that, PFD6 going on to take the win.
Hot Rod was unbelievably close, the reaction times were identical and the ETs almost identical, Derek Beck's TVR just taking the win with an 11.8967 to Andy Crolla's losing 11.8968 in his red 1990s Camaro.
In Sportsman ET, 2016 Champion CJ took himself out with a breakout in the semi-finals, losing to James Murry in the green Cortina Estate who broke out in the final against long-time racer George Chiles who took the win in his Chrysler Crossfire.
Sadly Super Cup was plagued with breakages. Reigning champion Paul Grainger in the green Anglia wason top running 9.8 without the nitrous, however it appeared that there was an issue which put it on the trailer early. Ben Rushforth was out in another Jaguar-powered car, this time the Jaguart motor shoehorned into a Cobra body, but breakages ruled him out from racing. The car ran 9.8722 in RWYB. Unfortunately there was no final run.
In NSCC, Ian Wally in the Yellow Cortina matched his PB at York running 9.8707/136 taking the win from Derek Beck in his TVR 12.1981/113.
All of these race classes will return to York Raceway next weekend, 30th April-1st May.
Web site updates.
22nd April: The UK's Outlaw Anglias have launched a new web site at www.outlawanglia.co.uk. The site by photographer Callum Pudge includes rules, gallery and tributes to Debbie Hancox. Callum tells us that more information will be added as the season goes on including race reports and galleries, garage builds, Championship points after this weekend's first rounds, and more. If anyone has any suggestions for additions or amendments then you can E-Mail Callum at pudgeyspictures@gmail.com or contact him via Facebook.
FIA Top Methanol handicap announced.
21st April: Many thanks to FIA Drag Racing Commission Vice President Lars Pettersson for letting us know that the FIA have now announced the handicap for this year's combined FIA Top Methanol Dragster / Top Methanol Funny Car Championship.
TMFCs will receive a 0.26-second head start on the Tree, and qualifying times will be determined by subtracting 0.26 seconds from TMFCs' ETs.
You can read full details on the FIA web site by clicking here.
UK Parent / Guardian licences.
21st April: UK scrutineer Glenn Stockton has asked us to remind UK Junior Dragster teams about Parent / Guardian licences:
Please read of page 341 of the MSA Blue Book, ref number S 7.1.7 "For Drag Race competitors under the age of 18 years a PG Entrants Licence is required". H 27.1.9 applies, which can be found on page 137 of the Blue Book.
If you have any queries then you can contact Glenn at glennstockton1955@gmail.com.
APIRA event entry update.
21st April: Many thanks to Jerry Cookson for passing us Version 2 of the official entry list for next week's APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Entry is still open and you can download the official entry forms from the track's web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. Racers are encouraged to pay their entry fee via Bacs rather than credit card or cheques, as this cuts down on administrative charges and time; SCR's account details can be found on the entry form.
If you have any queries about APIRA Springspeed Nationals entry then please contact Shakespeare County Raceway at shakespearecountyraceway@gmail.com or call 01789 720180 (outside the UK +44 1789 720180).
All aboard for VWDRC round 2.
21st April: After a most successful Festival of Power racing and weather wise the UK's Volkswagen Drag Racing Club head back to Santa Pod Raceway for Round 2 of their 30th anniversary season. Luke Stevenson writes that this weekend's round is the first for the Championships' new sponsor:
We are happy to announce that Racinglines, a company which provides precision fluid transfer solutions and which specialises in catering for motorsport and fast road applications, have joined the ever growing list of VWDRC sponsors. Racinglines supply a massive range of parts for your fuel system - fuel pumps, fittings, hoses and swirl pots - as well as boost hoses and oil cooling options.
Racinglines have very kindly given us a discount code for all to use on their web site at www.racinglines.com. Use promo code VWDRC17 for 20% off the advertised price. We look forward to displaying Racinglines' logo on all of our cars throughout the 2017 season.
As most head to Santa Pod for today's Peak Performance Day prior to Big Bang we are very excited to welcome back José Realista with his awesome dayglo Diesel Polo. José stunned the Easter crowds with passes into the mid nines and will be looking for a new diesel FWD record this weekend before getting his competitive head on for another round of bracket racing. We also await the unveiling of Paul Jordan's brand new VW Polo race car, Sam Young's newly-competed Black Current 3 who has (adopt Street Outlaws accent) gone Big Tyre as the quest begins for an electric seven. With these, and a massive entry just shy of fifty cars, it's going to be a great weekend.
A quick Get Well Soon message to racer Ross Chisholm Brown who suffered a broken leg on Monday after falling off a swing... no, seriously, he did. Keith, can we have racing back on Bank Holiday Monday? It seems safer.
Tune into the VWDRC Facebook page for more updates during the weekend and to Eurodragster.com for live reports and results.
ATD welcome all to Clastres.
21st April: Didier Concave writes from France to invite European racers to compete at the two rounds of the 2017 Association Trophée Dragster National Championship:
ATD are organising races at Clastres in the north of France on 17th-18th June and 22nd-23rd July. The track is located on a racing complex near Clastres village, between St Quentin and Noyon (near the A1 motorway).
Both races will be over the quarter mile and the track will be prepared by ATD staff. All European racers are welcome. If you are interested then you can find all of the information you need - fees, rules, entry etc - on the Association Trophée Dragster Facebook page or E-Mail atd2003@free.fr.
Please don't hesitate to come and race at France's drag strip, and we wish everyone an enjoyable drag racing season.
VWDRC offered Two Seater discount.
20th April: Donna Finnegan writes that Santa Pod
Raceway are offering Volkswagen Drag Racing Club racers a special discount on Two Seater Dragster rides for their crew,
sponsors, fans, family, friends or indeed themselves at this weekend's Big Bang:
There is one slot available on Saturday and two slots on Sunday and they are only on offer to VWDRC racers entered for the event. The passenger rides are available for £200 plus VAT (usual price £399 plus VAT); this does not include admission to the event but does include a souvenir T-Shirt, certificate and time slip as well as the ride itself.
Terms and Conditions apply and passengers must meet the requirements listed on the Two Seater web page at www.santapod.co.uk/dr_2seater.php.
Payment must be made prior to the event; no refunds or cancellations will be available. To book, please E-Mail donna@santapod.com by 12:00 midday tomorrow (Friday).
Swift snippets.
20th April: Many thanks to Yvonne Tramm and our own Simon for posting the post-Festival of Power points standings in the 2017 UK National and Santa Pod Racers Club Championships. You can check out the points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page which you can reach by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Good luck and stay safe to Jonnie Lindberg (Fuel Funny Car) and Fred Hanssen (Top Alcohol Dragster) who are contesting this weekend's 30th Annual NHRA Springnationals at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown. Qualifying commences tomorrow (Friday) and you will be able to stay in touch with our heroes' progress courtesy of the Drag Race Central web site at www.dragracecentral.com and don't miss the Lindberg Brothers' excellent web site at www.lindbergbros.com and their equally excellent Facebook page.
Eurodragster.com sponsor VP Racing Fuels have signed up as a contingency sponsor of the 2017 EDRS Series. You can read more on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
APIRA event entry update.
19th April: Entry is still open for the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, a round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and other Championships, which takes place at Shakespeare County Raceway at the end of next week, Saturday-Monday 29th April-1st May. You can download the official entry forms from the track's web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. Racers are encouraged to pay their entry fee via Bacs rather than credit card or cheques, as this cuts down on administrative charges and time; SCR's account details can be found on the entry form.
Many thanks to Jerry Cookson for passing us Version 1 of the official entry list for the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. "If you have sent in your entry but are not on the list then please wait for Version2 before panicking", says Jerry. "We can only process entries as quickly as Postman Pat delivers the mail! Furthermore, if you are intending on paying for your entry by Bacs, have marked the entry accordingly, but have not done so yet (we know who you are!) then please make sure that this part of the entry process has been completed by the end of this week."
If you have any queries about APIRA Springspeed Nationals entry then please contact Shakespeare County Raceway at shakespearecountyraceway@gmail.com or call 01789 720180 (outside the UK +44 1789 720180).
Havoc adds fourth US date.
19th April: With the March Meet, considered by many to be a successful first meeting for the UK's Havoc AA/Fuel Altered team, now a distant memory the team are looking forward to the next chapter of the 2017 US Tour. Nick Davies writes:
In June, we will be travelling to the historic Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky for the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion where we will be part of a four-car Classic Fuel Altered shoot-out competing with and against stablemate Ron Hope's Rat Trap, Randy Bradford and his Fiat and Dave Hough's Nanook. For anyone with an interest in the Nostalgia racing movement in the US, check out YouTube footage of the facility then come and support us on 15th-17th June.
A new date has been added in August, as we have been invited to be part of six-car Fuel Altered show at the US 131 Northern Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan. We wanted to arrange at least one summer meeting to allow families to travel without interrupting school term dates, and the Northern Nationals works well. Also in attendance will be an eight-car qualified field of Nostalgia Funny Cars as well as Bob Motz with his world-famous Jet Kenworth Truck.
We will finish off the year at the California Hot Rod Reunion in October, as planned, after which the car will be loaded to travel home.
The team would like to welcome new sponsor Goodyear Tyres, who have kindly offered to supply us with slicks and front runners for the rest of the tour and beyond. Goodyear join Beech Underwriting, Rat Trap Racing, Lawrie Gatehouse and the NFAA, US Automotive, Lucas Oil, Motorstate Distributing, ARP Fasteners and Thacker and Co as supporting partners for the entire US.2017 tour.
The team would also like to thank all the fans for their incredible support prior to, at, and since the March Meet as well as Eurodragster.com for their extensive coverage, all of which helps more than you can appreciate (Thanks, you're welcome - Ed). As well as on Eurodragster.com you can follow the team's progress on their web site at www.havocfuelaltered.co.uk and on their Facebook page.
Swift snippets.
19th April: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words
"Here's a Big Bang taster". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at
eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
Finland's Petteri Liimatainen will be racing in Top Methanol Dragster in 2017. You can find out more on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
The Lady finds her way again.
19th April: Suze Morris writes that UK ET Bike racer Phil Pratt was delighted to pick up the winner's at the Festival of Power, especially as it came after eighteen months during which it seemed that the team had completely lost their way:
In 2016 Satan's Lady had been plagued with problems, meaning that we sat out the UK National Finals whilst former 8.50 Bike Champion Jake Mechaell took her in
and refreshed and rebuilt her motor in time for us to test at the Flame and Thunder where she was to prove consistent beyond belief: five passes all in the very low 9.0s
and finishing the day with a nice 8.99 on the board!
The decision was made to put her away and leave her alone so, in true last-minute drag racing tradition, we loaded up and headed off for Thursday's Test Day. A few minor adjustments to the suspension resulted in Phil putting in his best ever sixty foot time during qualifying, so we were ready for race day. With runs of 9.07, 9.04, 9.04 and another 9.04 in the final with Gary Hester, where we ended our trophy drought, it definitely looks like we've got our consistency back!
We have to say a massive Thank You to Jake Mechaell who worked so hard to get us back on track, and we must also send apologies to Donna, Hayden and Maria for all the time he was tucked away out of sight in the workshop! A huge Thank You to all of the teams in ET Bike for their camaraderie; they are such a great bunch and we're very proud to be a part of the varied and ever-growing class. Thanks also, as always, to the track crew who worked so hard all over the weekend but especially for getting the race surface dry so quickly after the shower of rain just before our semi-final.
As we continue to fly the flag of the Mighty Eighth Air Force above our pits, we are always delighted to have visitors. Our information and displays about the 92nd Bombardment Group USAAF during their time at Podington continues to expand, with families of those who served at Station 109 (as it was during WWII) still sending photographs and stories of their loved ones, which we are honoured to display on our pit walls. If you haven't already popped by and taken a look then please do, it's fascinating stuff and is keeping me busy (and, at times, in need of a new supply of tissues). We are immensely proud to run Satan's Lady in tribute to those who served from the place we all love.
The Festival of Power has given the team a real boost and we are looking forward to hopefully carrying our new momentum through to this weekend's Big Bang and the rest of the 2017 SPRC Championship. Phil really needs a new coat!
Big Bang Perfect Awards.
19th April: This weekend's Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway is the second event in the 2017 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme. £125 is on offer for perfect performance.
The Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award has been reset to £50 after it was won by Gearhead Garage UK
Super Pro ET racer Laura Turburville at the Festival of Power. The money will be paid in cash to the first racer at the event to record a
Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds. The Perfect Light Award is available to racers in all classes during qualifying (commences 16:00 Saturday)
and eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be
increased to £75 for next week's APIRA Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway; if it is won then it will be reset to
£50 for the APIRA Springspeed Nationals. The Perfect Light Award is presented in association with Bad Habit Racing (Cath and Tig Napier, Pro ET).
Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried. Eurodragster.com decals will be available in the Signing On office or from the Eurodragster.com staff.
The Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise has been increased to £75 after it went unclaimed at the
Festival of Power. The money will be paid in cash to the first racer at the event to run an ET to the thousandth of a second on dial-in or index.
The Perfect ET Award is available during qualifying (commences 16:00 Saturday) or eliminations in VW Pro, VW Sportsman, Sportsman ET, Lucas
Oil Junior Dragster (eliminations only), Nostalgia Super Stock, 8.50 Bike, 9.50 Bike and ET Bike, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect
ET of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to £100 for next week's APIRA Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare
County Raceway; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the APIRA Springspeed Nationals. The Perfect ET Award is presented by Derek and Fiona
Flynn of Eurodragster.com sponsor Gold RV in support of Bloodwise; you can donate to Bloodwise at
www.bloodwise.org.uk.
To be eligible to collect the Perfect ET Award, racers are required to carry Eurodragster.com / Bloodwise decals, one on each side of the vehicle. If you pull an event's first Perfect ET but are not carrying decals then there will be no discussion; we will not pay out and the next person to pull a Perfect ET will get the money assuming that they are carrying decals. Decals are available in the Signing On office.
Important messages from SPRC.
18th April: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall has been in touch with a couple of important messages for racers and SPRC members:
Friday of next week (28th) is the official closing date for entry to both Race, Rock'n'Ride which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 20th-21st May and the FIA / FIM Main Event which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 26th-29th May. Official entry forms for both races can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
Ian has to go into hospital today (Tuesday) so he tells us that SPRC business may be slow for a short while. "Depending upon how quickly things progress I hope to be back to answering the phone on Wednesday and dealing with E-Mails on Thursday", he says.
Our very best wishes to Ian for a successful hospital trip and a rapid recovery.
Feature: Webster Race Engineering.
18th April: For the latest in our occasional series of Features presented in association with
Lucas Oil Products Simon stepped in to the workshop of
Eurodragster.com sponsor Webster Race
Engineering.
Simon spoke to Jon Webster about the products, services and facilities which WRE can offer, projects underway including Jon's own Pro Mod currently under out-of-hours construction, and more.
You can take a look at the Feature by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Help Oscar help the Hospice.
18th April: Santa Pod Racers Club pit marshal Caroline Boncey is again undertaking a Bubble Run in aid of the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted and you can help her to raise funds for this very good cause:
"I have sky-dived and walked for the Hospice of St Francis and this year it's the bubble rush again", says Caroline. "Last year
I ended up looking like a Smurf and if they have green bubbles I could end up looking like oscar! My goddaughter Chloe is bubbling
with me again this year.
"Please help me to raise as much as I can so that the Hospice can help as many people as they can. When my nan stayed at the Hospice they gave her love and care and afterwards they helped me. Pennies and pounds add up and will allow the Hospice to carry on loving and caring."
If you would like to sponsor Oscar to get frothy for this excellent cause then you can check out her JustGiving page by clicking here.
Swift snippets.
18th April: UK Fuel Funny Car racer Steve Ashdown asked us to say a big Thank You to Nick Kenway at 3 Sixty Wraps in Northampton for stepping in and helping to sort out the wrap on the Undertaker FC after another company let Steve down. "Nick's a great guy", says Steve. "He has changed all of his plans for the next few weeks to fit in the Funny Car. He really knows his stuff and he is looking forward to helping us with car. I can recommend that anyone who needs a vehicle or a trailer wrapped to call Nick on 01604 645826 or look at his web site at www.3sixtywraps.co.uk."
Many thanks to Andy Marrs for forwarding the official Timing Data from the Festival of Power, which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Congratulations to UK ET Bike racer Siobhan Moor who lowered her PB from 10.8050 to 10.2750 at the Festival of Power. Duncan Barron wrote to let us know that no modifications had been made to Siobhan's bike and that it was just a case of her riding it better after making only ten runs last season.
Although Your News Editor's still-in-force diet precluded sampling the more calorific of it we would like to say a big Thank You to Eurodragster.com Team Nutritionist Syd McDonald, Benni Voss, the Payne family, the Wilson family, the Charman family, the Coulsell family, and all those who brought lunch and Easter treats to Commentary and the Eurodragster.com office during the Festival of Power. It was and is very much appreciated.
We can only hope that people read this stuff, yet again a lot didn't before last weekend, but the current webcast schedule for this weekend's Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway is Eurodragster.com's Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam from Friday's Peak Performance Day, Box Lane Productions' stream via Santa Pod Raceway's Facebook on Saturday, and then the Eurodragster.com webcam again on Sunday. The relevant links are on our Big Bang Event Index page which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
If you have any UK or European drag racing memorabilia taking up space then drag racing fan Adam James is an avid collector and would be pleased to help you to make room. "I do not have pots of money but if you have anything which you think might be of interest then please contact me with details of item(s) and how much you would accept for them including P&P", says Adam. You can contact Adam at chelsead@sky.com.
Danish Top Fuel Dragster racer Stig Neergaard will be enjoying extended support from Lucas Oil Products in 2017. You can read more on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here. Also now showing on the Drag Racing Europe Blog is the great news that oil pump and connecting rod manufacturer Auto Verdi will again be a contingency sponsor of the EDRS in 2017 and you can read about that by clicking here.
Tactless (adj): Asking Eurodragster.com for copies of pictures for use on your Facebook but never sending news items to Eurodragster.com.
Rude (adj): Taking pictures or text from Eurodragster.com without asking permission and without crediting the source or sharing a link. Also see Theft.
This should go without saying.
Festival of Power results.
16th April: Congratulations to the winners at this weekend's Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway:
MSA Pro Modified: Andy Robinson 6.0650/226.80 def. Bobby Wallace 6.2929/218.22
Gearhead Garage UK Super Pro ET: John Gerritsen (6.88) 6.8784/167.27 b/o def. Brad Jackson (7.84) 7.8164/167.88 DQ b/o
Modurstang Pro ET: Mike Lacey (9.32) 9.3607/141.16 def. Paul Brown (9.27) 9.2335/136.91 DQ b/o
Sportsman ET: Stephen West (17.73) 17.7149/75.16 b/o def. Gill Medley (13.13) 13.0865/109.60 DQ b/o
Comp Eliminator: Kev Perkins (8.00) 7.5299/179.82 def. def. Andy Hone (8.00) 9.0947/149.04 DQ red
Super Comp: Collin Morrice 8.9060/142.10 def. Conrad Stanley 8.9131/149.06
Super Gas: Stu Doignie 9.9235/155.29 def. Jon Giles 9.9636/133.66
Super Street: Leigh Morris 10.9568/119.16 def. Dave Cherrett 11.1209/98.14
Lucas Oil Junior Dragster: Billy Everitt (8.01) 8.0753/75.91 def. Aaron Fensome (8.05) 8.1088/79.93
Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator: Mark Todd 8.2076/154.21 def. Stu Williams 11.4369/121.77
Wild Bunch: Tom Hawkins (7.55) 7.5543/166.69 def. Bob Hawkins (7.00) 7.1680/185.89
VW Pro: James Gould (12.55) 13.7545/80.79 def. Jose Realista (9.62) 12.9300/134.89
VW Sportsman: Nathan Cozens (14.20) 14.4061/97.10 def. Polly Judge (15.68) 15.6489/82.86 DQ b/o
Top Fuel Bike: Steve Woollatt 6.3602/215.89 def. Rene van den Berg 13.4950/71.69
Pro Stock Bike: Len Paget 7.8378/142.58 bye, Ian Burns did not start
Funny Bike: Phil Crossley 7.2055/181.40 def. Allan Davies 7.1999/178.51
Super Street Bike: Pete Field 7.2519/200.77 def. Rick Stubbins 7.7937/188.13
Comp Bike: Eddy Smiley 7.9501/171.73 def. Martin Walker 10.6104/99.06
8.50 Bike: Jake Mechaell 8.5938/141.63 def. Jay Roe 8.4798/150.13 DQ b/o
9.50 Bike: Richard Sawatzki 9.5011/141.14 def. Adam Burns 9.4295/119.59 DQ b/o
ET Bike: Phil Pratt (9.03) 9.0486/139.85 def. Gary Hester (10.62) 10.7273/125.56
Junior Drag Bike: Liam Holgate (9.92) 9.9816/62.02 def. Blade Dummer (9.15) 9.1487/68.03 DQ b/o
Congratulations also to Gearhead Garage UK Super Pro ET racer Laura Turburville who won the Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award with a Reaction Time of 0.0004 seconds in Q3. The Perfect Light Award has been reset to £50 for next weekend's Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway. The Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise was not won and has been increased to £75 for Big Bang.
You can check out our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored Festival of Power reports, pit notes and galleries by clicking here of by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
BDRHoF Gala to fête Juniors again.
12th April: Once again the UK National Junior Dragster and Junior Drag Bike Champions will be celebrated at the
British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner at the
Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge, Surrey on Saturday 18th November. Brian Taylor writes:
As at last year's event Santa Pod Racers Club, Lucas Oil Products UK, Atlantic Fluid Tech and US Automotive will sponsor two tables of ten for the top three on four wheels and two, who will be guests along with their parents. It is an occasion to which they all look forward and we must thank our sponsors for supporting the event and the Junior Drag Racing classes in this unique way.
During the evening the Juniors will be introduced to many of the drag racing legends attending and asked on stage to receive the applause of those attending the event.
British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Limited Board Member Phil Evans of Santa Pod Racers Club, the FIA Drag Racing Commission and Atlantic Fluid Tech said "Last year it was such a pleasure to involve the young people entering our sport and introduce them to drag racing legends like Don Schumacher, Ron Hope and Bob Muravez at the Gala. I don't know who was more thrilled, the legends or the Juniors, and it was one of the highlights for me as well. This year we have a few more surprises for them so watch this space."
The BDRHoF is now taking reservations for the 2017 Gala Awards Dinner by E-Mail at stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk or by telephone on 01933 279102. This year the tickets are priced competitively at £65 which includes a pre-dinner reception. The event always sells out well in advance, so if you would like to join us for the occasion we suggest you make your reservation sooner rather than later. On receiving your reservation you will be given the procedure to book rooms at the negotiated room rate that includes breakfast and VAT as well as parking.
On-going news about the Gala, sponsors and other events in which the BDRHoF is involved will be published on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk, on Eurodragster.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Festival of Power racer update.
11th April: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us details of the arrangements for this week's Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway:
Thursday 13th April
08:00 Santa Pod Raceway's gates open for the duration
11:00 Signing On office opens (NB Earlier for Peak Performance Day participants)
15:00 Car scrutineering commences, no specific order
16:00 Bike scrutineering commences, no specific order
Friday 14th April
07:00 Signing On office opens
07:00 Car scrutineering commences (Order and notes)
07:00 Bike scrutineering commences (Order and notes)
09:30 Track opens for qualifying
Saturday 15th April
07:00 Signing On office opens
07:00 Car scrutineering commences
07:00 Bike scrutineering commences
09:30 Track opens for qualifying and eliminations
Sunday 16th April
07:30 Signing On office opens
07:30 Car scrutineering commences
07:30 Bike scrutineering commences
09:30 Track opens for eliminations
The provisional running orders are available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please note as ever that running orders are subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials.
No race vehicle motors are to be fired up before 09:00 or after 20:00 on any day of the event. Before 09:00 vehicles should be pushed or towed to Scrutineering, not driven. Non-observation of curfew will result in exclusion from the event.
Junior racers please remember the rule about pushing vehicles back to the pits once through the arch beside Scrutineering.
Only race officials and SPR staff are allowed in Race Control whilst racing is underway. Should racers wish to raise any matter with race officials then please do not visit Race Control; please firstly see Race Secretary Kathy Taylor who is based in Signing On.
Colour commentators are requested to come to Commentary only when their class is at the head of the lanes, to vacate Commentary when their class has run, and not to bring guests to Commentary with them.
The Eurodragster.com office at the Bankside end of Race Control is similarly out of bounds during racing except to Eurodragster.com staff, Zeon TV crew and racers or crew collecting Perfect Award money.
Big Bang racer update.
11th April: Thanks also to Ian Marshall for forwarding us details of the arrangements for next week's Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway:
Friday 21st April
09:00 Gates open
09:00 Signing On opens for Peak Performance Day participants (NB DVLC licences required)
09:30 Track opens for Peak Performance Day
Saturday 22nd April
08:30 Signing On office opens (NB Competition licences required for race, DVLC licences required for RWYB)
08:30 Car scrutineering commences, no specific order (Notes)
08:30 Bike scrutineering commences, no specific order (Notes)
09:30 Track opens for Run What You Brung
15:00 Run What You Brung ends
16:00 Track opens for qualifying
Sunday 23rd April
08:00 Signing On office opens
08:00 Car scrutineering commences
08:00 Bike scrutineering commences
09:30 Track opens for qualifying and eliminations
The provisional running orders are available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please note as ever that running orders are subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials.
No race vehicle motors are to be fired up before 09:00 or after 20:00 on any day of the event. Before 09:00 vehicles should be pushed or towed to Scrutineering, not driven. Non-observation of curfew will result in exclusion from the event.
Junior racers please remember the rule about pushing vehicles back to the pits once through the arch beside Scrutineering.
Only race officials and SPR staff are allowed in Race Control whilst racing is underway. Should racers wish to raise any matter with race officials then please do not visit Race Control; please firstly see Race Secretary Yvonne Tramm who is based in Signing On.
Colour commentators are requested to come to Commentary only when their class is at the head of the lanes, to vacate Commentary when their class has run, and not to bring guests to Commentary with them.
The Eurodragster.com office at the Bankside end of Race Control is similarly out of bounds during racing except to Eurodragster.com staff, Zeon TV crew and racers or crew collecting Perfect Award money.
Malmgren signs Aeromotive.
11th April: Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren is pleased to announce a deal with Aeromotive to support Malmgren Racing with fuel pumps, regulators and fuel filters.
"We are very happy to be able to work closely with Aeromotive's Motorsports Manager Bub Miller", says Michael Malmgren. "When it comes to fuel systems, they work with
most NHRA Pro Stock teams and have the best products out there."
"Michael Malmgren has been around for a long time and is very professional", says Motorsports Manager Bub Miller. "He works with many other US performance part manufacturers, so he fits in well in our group of supported motorsport teams. We are happy to have Malmgren Racing on board."
Going Perfect with York Raceway.
11th April: York Raceway are delighted to announce that they will be running Perfect ET and Perfect Reaction Time awards across all PDRC Championship classes this season.
The Perfect Reaction Award sponsored by Gasworks Plumbing and the Perfect ET Award sponsored by Northrace Speedshop are worth £25 each, so a fantastic £50 will be up for grabs each meeting and will roll over until it is won.
To qualify racers must obtain a Perfect Award sticker from the Signing On office and display it in a visible location on the race vehicle throughout the event. Prize money will only be awarded to racers displaying the Perfect Award sticker, so don't forget to pick yours up.
York Raceway would like to thank all of their sponsors and Eurodragster.com for their support (Thanks, you're welcome - Ed).
Brown's Pro ET return.
11th April: The UK's Paul Brown Motorsport are looking forward to returning to Pro ET at this weekend's Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway:
This will be our first time in Pro ET since 2012 when we won the UK National Championship. This will be a new challenge in a different car and using a Sportsman Tree for the first time in four years.
Unfortunately the Shorty chassis was too badly damaged in the accident and the repair cost was not worth the trouble, which was a shame as the car and I were becoming a great combination. So I will be driving the dragster which I used for the final race of last season. It has been showing some consistent numbers already but it didn't quite have enough power to make the 8.90 Super Comp index. We haven't really had to do much to the car over the winter as we put in all the legwork to make it to the UK National Finals.
We don't know how many events we plan on running this season as we are so busy away from the track. In addition the car is still for sale as a turn-key, so if you are interested then please come and see us in the pits this weekend or call me on 07554 626162.
The car is sponsored this season by sPeedZ Simulator Experience. sPeedZ is an indoor simulator competing for fastest Reaction Time with a full-sized Pro drag racing tree, steering wheels and full working sounds of Top Fuel, Pro Stock, and Harley bike for a start line experience. There are various different modes to choose from and you can run a full competition ladder. It is available for hire for parties, stag / hen do, car shows, corporate events and trade events. On 20th April the indoor simulator will be making an appearance at Oakley Sports and Social Club, Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7RU to raise money for the Air Ambulance. Everyone is welcome. There are mini moto and short wheelbased dragster outdoor versions coming soon. Please like the Facebook page for upcoming events or for full details about hiring please phone 07947 945935 or E-Mail speedzsimx@hotmail.com.
This weekend I will also be crewing with Andy Harrison, who was awarded his racing licence last weekend and will be racing in Super Gas. Good luck for the season Andy. I would also like to congratulate my best mate and long-term crew member Lee Stapleton who got married to Dani on 8th April. I hope that being married means you will still come to the track to come to play Lee, see you Saturday buddy!
More money for UK Top Sportsman.
11th April: UK Top Sportsman are pleased to welcome JT Construction as the headline sponsor for UK Top Sportsman 2017 which takes place at the Mopar EuroNationals at Santa Pod Raceway on 28th–30th July. Paul Marston writes:
This will be the first year that John Tebenham has stepped up to take the title role and we are delighted to welcome him. JT has in past years offered a hefty cash bounty for the winner of the Heads Up race, last year weighing in with £1250 cash for the number one qualifier and winner.
John said "Nowadays I am just too busy with business to race myself, but I can still support this great class. I really appreciate what Paul and his team do. They all do it for nothing, and if people like them didn't put in the time and effort then it wouldn't happen, it's as simple as that. I know how hard race teams lean on their stuff to win this race, I just put some money up to show my appreciation of Sportsman racers having been one myself. To be honest, with the exception of Kenny Coleman at EDA I am quite surprised that more of the people directly involved in the sport don't help out with a little bit of sponsorship money. After all, it's their customers who race in it."
The prize fund will work as follows. The usual Top Sportsman prize money will be allocated as it usually is, that is to say that after expenses all the remaining entry money goes into the prize pot. This is shared out equally between the Fast Bracket and the Heads Up race. The size of the prize fund is dependent upon the number of entries. JT's money will be available for the Heads Up race and will be £750 win and £500 for runner-up, both in cash. JT's prize fund will not be shared out if the race is not completed, but the rest of the Top Sportsman prize fund will.
In addition JT has also put up €100 travel money for the first three foreign competitors who want to race with us. It won't pay for the trip but it's another way of giving some help.
There are some mean race cars expected this year. Make no mistake, this is the richest, toughest, no holds barred, no rules other than safety race on the calendar for Sportsman doorslammers.
There are still some marketing partnership and sponsor spots available, please contact via Facebook at UK Top Sportsman, E-Mail pmdragracing@gmail.com, call me on 07831 650230, or pass by the PMR pit at Easter.
Once again our sincere thanks to JT, Gearhead Garage, Steve Ashdown, Liam Jones, Matt Wright, Kenny Coleman at EDA, Tog and the Eurodragster.com team, Dave and Helen at Zeon TV, and all the other great people who support what we do. Last but by no means least thanks to all the PMR and SPR crew who help out to make this happen, and naturally our hosts the organising committee of the Mopar Euronationals.
Swift snippets.
11th April: Jens Könnecke writes from Germany with a shot of the team preparing the race car for
Super Pro ET competition at this weekend's Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway. "See you Wednesday!", says Jens.
Teams planning to field more than one driver in the same vehicle in the UK National Championships this season are reminded that they have until close Thursday to inform Yvonne Tramm at ytramm@africonnect.com.
It is not too late to book up for a final day's pre-season testing at Thursday's Pro Peak Performance Test and Tune Day at Santa Pod Raceway. The PPD features a track prepped to event standard and full safety cover. Discounted entry is available on advance bookings. For more details, or to sign up, check out www.rwyb.com.
Eurodragster.com sponsor Simpson Europe has signed up with Speedgroup as a contingency partner for 2017. "In personal safety products designed to work together to create a safety cell, I would say we are market leader" says Jan Phersson, founder and owner of Simpson Europe. Simpson Europe has joined Speedgroup's contingency programme with helmets and firesuits for Pro Modified, Pro Stock, Pro Street, Top Doorslammer and Junior Dragster. You can read more on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
Congratulations to Sweden's Adam Flamholc who took it all in VP Racing Fuels Xtreme Pro Mod at the weekend's NMRA / NMCA All-Star Nationals in Atlanta. Adam qualified #1, set a new record and Personal Best, and won the event. You can read more on the NMCA web site.
No news update yesterday (Monday) courtesy of Tog's incompetent local rail company so we were unable to say a big Happy Birthday with love from Kevin and Jake to Lizz Charman, to Santa Pod Raceway Track Announcer and Pro ET racer-in-waiting Colin Theobald, and to Keith Williams. Hope you had a great day guys. Christine, Sandy, Megan, Stuart and Charlotte asked us to say a big Happy Birthday for today to Super Gas racer Collin Morrice, have a great day Collin, and we would like to say Happy Birthday to Pro Modified racer Jöran Persåker, grattis Jöran.
Today is the fortieth anniversary of Your News Editor's first ever visit to a drag race, and to Santa Pod Raceway. That Tog still jumps out of bed in the small hours to go racing and still gets so excited that he occasionally breaks the speed limit to get to the track speaks volumes. A big Thank You to all of the racers, officials, owners, staff and of course Eurodragster.com colleagues who made and make it so much fun, and here's to another forty.
Web site updates.
11th April: Our good buddy Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with shots of Sunday's action at the Public Test and Tune at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can check out the latest update via What's New at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
The Mad Welshman has updated his Flickr site with a gallery of shots from the pre-Fast Show Saturday Night Special at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Mad's pictures at www.flickr.com/photos/the_madwelshman.
Pit Guides sought at Main Event.
11th April: Brian Taylor writes that Pit Guides are still sought for the Institute of the Motor Industry Students' Day
on day one of the FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway (Friday 26th May):
This year there could be seven hundred students and the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame has been asked to assemble a team of Pit Tour Guides to accompany groups around the pits and to introduce them to the technology, racers and crews.
The aim is to get ten people on board. The busy period tends to be between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, so if you are with a team and not running during those times please let me know. Or if you have been involved in drag racing and think you can pass on your knowledge and enthusiasm to students entering the motor industry then get in touch. We will be based in the Mid Track VIP unit on the pit side of the track.
If you are available and would like to join the team then please let me know so that I can start to plan passes etc. Please call 01395 579733 or E-Mail brian@petrolhead.vianw.co.uk.
Weekend galleries.
9th April: In association with John Woolfe Racing an advance guard of the Eurodragster.com team were at Santa Pod Raceway at the weekend to cover Saturday's Run What You Brung and today's GTI Spring Festival.
You can check out the weekend galleries on our Festival of Power week Event Index, which also contains a link to the final official entry list, by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Decals available this weekend.
9th April: Racers testing at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend who wish to get a head start on carrying Eurodragster.com decals please note that we will have a supply of both car and bike decals in the Eurodragster.com office at the spectator end of Race Control (over the right lane bleach box) today. Please use the spectator side stairs to reach our office.
The new decals for the Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award in support of Bloodwise will be available in Signing On from Thursday morning, as will Eurodragster.com decals; visitors are not allowed in Race Control, including our office, as soon as the Festival of Power commences.
Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards 2017.
7th April: We are very pleased to confirm that the Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme will continue in 2017. There is a change in arrangements for the Perfect ET Award so please read carefully and please be sure to replace the previous decals on your race vehicle.
We are pleased to announce the Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise for the 2017 season, in support of the
charity Bloodwise which funds research into blood cancer of all types
and which is a favourite charity of the racing community in loving and appreciative memory of late SPRC Club Secretary Paula Marshall.
As well as awarding at least £50 to the first racer to record a Perfect ET at supported events, the Scheme is designed to encourage
everyone in the racing community to continue their generous support of Bloodwise.
Derek and Fiona Flynn of longtime Eurodragster.com sponsor Gold RV have supported the Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award since 2008. Last year Derek decided to sponsor the Perfect ET Award in aid of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. "We would like to thank all racers who contributed to this campaign", he says. "Whilst most racers understood that stickers were required, and we were so pleased to see many of the Eurodragster.com / NSPCC decals on so many cars and bikes, it was not understood that we were also encouraging donations to NSPCC. Fiona and I together with Eurodragster.com have chosen to support Bloodwise this season. We would like to encourage all racers to make a donation of £1 for each race event they plan to contest. Should you wish to donate your Perfect ET winnings, or a percentage, to Bloodwise then that would be great and we can arrange that for you.
"Donations can be easily made on-line at www.bloodwise.org.uk/donate or a collection box can be found with Richard Walters in the Super Pro ET pits, or at the Gold RV Racing pit when we are racing. Thank you in anticipation of your support for this great cause.
"We would also like to thank Pete Walters of fellow Eurodragster.com sponsor Peter Walters Race Design for again designing the year's Perfect ET decal free of charge."
The inaugural Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supporting Bloodwise of £50 will be posted at next weekend's Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway. The money will be paid in cash to the first racer at the event to run an ET to the thousandth of a second on dial-in or index. The Perfect ET Award is available during qualifying or eliminations in Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Sportsman ET, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Lucas Oil Junior Dragster (eliminations only), 8.50 Bike, 9.50 Bike, ET Bike, VW Pro, VW Sportsman, the Wild Bunch and Junior Drag Bike, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Run of the event. If not won at the Festival of Power then the Award will be increased to £75 for Big Bang, again at Santa Pod Raceway on the following weekend; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for Big Bang.
To be eligible to collect the Perfect ET Award, racers are required to carry Eurodragster.com / Bloodwise decals, one on each side of the vehicle. If you pull an event's first Perfect ET but are not carrying decals then there will be no discussion; we will not pay out and the next person to pull a Perfect ET will get the money assuming that they are carrying decals. Decals will be available in the Signing On office from Thursday morning.
Cath and Tig Napier of Bad Habit Racing are again kindly sponsoring the Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award which also
starts at £50 at the Festival of Power. The money will be paid in cash to the first racer at the event to record a Reaction Time
of 0.000 seconds. The Perfect Light Award is available to racers in all classes during qualifying and eliminations, but will only be awarded for
the first Perfect Light of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to £75 for Big Bang; if it is won then it will
be reset to £50 for Big Bang.
Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried. Eurodragster.com decals will be available in the Signing On office or from the Eurodragster.com staff.
2017 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme
Festival of Power, Santa Pod Raceway: Perfect Light Award and Perfect ET Award
Big Bang, Santa Pod Raceway: Perfect Light Award and Perfect ET Award
APIRA Springspeed Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway: Perfect Light Award and Perfect ET Award
Race, Rock'n'Ride, Santa Pod Raceway: Perfect Light Award and Perfect ET Award
FIA / FIM Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway: Perfect Light Award and Perfect ET Award
SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway: Perfect Light Award and Perfect ET Award
Dragstalgia, Santa Pod Raceway: Perfect Light Award (All participants including RWYB)
Bug Jam, Santa Pod Raceway: Perfect Light Award and Perfect ET Award
Mopar EuroNationals, Santa Pod Raceway: Perfect Light Award (MSA Pro Modified only)
APIRA Open Sport Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway: Perfect Light Award and Perfect ET Award
FIA / FIM European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway: Perfect Light Award and Perfect ET Award
UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway: Perfect Light Award and Perfect ET Award
Stay tuned because we are not yet finished with the Perfect Awards announcements. We will have more news for you the other side of the weekend.
Nicholson set for 2017.
7th April: UK Pro Modified racer Wayne Nicholson and the Lucky Devil team are, as ever, looking forward to the coming season. Wayne writes:
We hope to enter all six rounds of the MSA Pro Mod Championship. We have a few things to prove with our performance and needless to say like those of all the other teams our
winter has been very busy trying to get everything together for the season and making that sure we can overcome any eventualities as we improve upon our performance.
I am very proud to say that we have Lucas Oil Products UK back on board for this season. We have had the honour of being supported by Lucas for some years now and they supply genuinely great products and support. Gemini Accident Repair Centres, at whose Leeds site I am General Manager, continue to support us too and of course I thank them for that also. Kenny Coleman has always been a big support with the help and services he provides at Engine Data Analysis (EDA) in Castleford, 01977 516622. NGK Spark Plugs are back with us too, again great products and support which we have enjoyed for several years. Thank you.
Unfortunately Easter will be the last time that we will be running with the EMACS logo on our car and rig. We have been very grateful for the support which EMACS have given us as principal sponsor for the last two years; this may be a relationship we see again in the future. Again thank you to everyone at EMACS.
Like any team we would love to chat to any potential sponsors. You never know what we could do to advertise your business and further the exposure you receive. Please contact us via our web site at www.luckydevil777dragracing.com.
Archie's eight-year wait ends.
6th April: The UK's youngest Lucas Oil Junior Dragster racer, Archie Wray, is more than excited about his first
competitive outing at next week's Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway. Archie turned eight in January but has been planning his
racing career since the age of four, if not before.
"Archie has been coming to Santa Pod since he was two years old and absolutely loves it", said Emma Wray of Eurodragster.com sponsors CEJ Training Services Ltd and Phoenix Personnel. "His dad Kevin has been racing in various scenes for over twenty years, his older brother Jake started to race his 105e Anglia in Old Skool Ford last year and he also marshals at Santa Pod, and of course I work in Signing On at Santa Pod so Archie has been brought up around the drag racing scene. Kevin and Jake will be crewing for him this season."
"Archie has been on countdown to getting into a Junior Dragster since he was four years old. Everyone knew him because he would come up to the Pod and sit in all of the Juniors' cars and tell them that he would be racing one soon. Last year he started to get so excited about his eighth birthday because that meant that he would be able to get his own car. He got his licence at the first Run What You Brung at Santa Pod in January, the week after his birthday!"
Archie came up with the name The Shocker and and the design and colour scheme were all his own work. "Archie went along to 3 Sixty Wraps in Northampton with his picture of how he wanted the car to look", said Emma. "They were so impressed with him that they have now sponsored him along with One Day Web and Kejja Motorsport Ltd. The car was finished a couple of weeks ago and Archie has already tested at a couple of Run What You Brungs.
"We would like to say a massive Thank You for help and support to Ian Marshall, Darren Prentice, Carole Ismail, the whole Deevey family... the list is endless! Thank You also to Andy Fensome for all of his time, help and advice: Archie says that he is taking it all on board."
Archie himself said "I am buzzing and can't wait for Easter. I have been waiting for this my whole life."
A Beastly Audi.
6th April: After buying a new car last Autumn and testing Run What You Brungs, second-generation UK racer Rob Creswell has been convinced to have a go in UK National Championship competition:
My Audi RS4 may not be seen as much of a beast compared to a Pro Mod or Nitro Funny Car, but some people outside of drag racing have nicknamed my car The Beast. With high twelve-second quarter mile time slips and seven-minute Nurburgring lap times possible, these cars can move a bit.
So far I have loved every second of driving this car and look forward to competing in Sportsman ET for the coming season. VW Sportsman is also a possibility for me as I understand Audi is an acceptable brand of car for the class (One for you, Luke - Ed). Chris Creswell will also be competing in Sportsman ET and Pete Creswell in Super Comp as well as in Sportsman ET at Big Bang and Bug Jam, which should be a lot of fun!
We would like to wish everybody all the best for the 2017 season and to say a big thank you to our sponsors K&N, DemonTweeks, Goodridge, Samco Sport, Powerflex, SuperPro suspension parts, SPAL automotive, and a special thanks to EpicTech Media - please visit www.epictechmedia.co.uk.
Thanks to Paul Foote Ink.
6th April: We are very grateful indeed to longtime Eurodragster.com sponsor
Paul Foote Ink for supplying the latest of several seasons' worth
worth of Eurodragster.com decals. Paul, whom Eurodragster.com readers will recall for his striking Super Gas pick-up, produced decals
in car and bike sizes and arranged for their delivery to Rogerham Mansions in a matter of days.
Paul Foote Ink, whose web site you can find at www.paulfoote.com, provide end-to-end sign management from design to production and final installation. Prestigious clients include Siemens, The Crystal London, Domino's Pizza and The Ace Café. Introduced in March 2017 were 2000mm x 800 mm roll-up banners from £29 including printing and forty eight-hour turn-round, with twenty four-hour turnround available. These would make great promotional items in a racer's pit; more details are available by clicking here. You can talk to Paul Foote Ink on 01252 371445 or via the web site.
Please show your appreciation for the support of Eurodragster.com sponsors by considering their companies when shopping for goods and services. Again a big Thank You to Paul.
Swift snippets.
6th April: Good luck and stay safe to multiple FIM European Top Fuel Bike Champion Ian King who will be contesting the first date of his 2017 US Tour at the Spring Cup at Valdosta (See below). You will be able to stay in touch with Ian's progress at Dragbike.com, Stripbike.com, and on Ian's Facebook page.
Many thanks to Ian Marshall for sending us tweaked final versions of the official entry lists for the Festival of Power and Big Bang, which take place at Santa Pod Raceway on 14th-16th April and 21st-23rd April (racing 22nd-23rd) respectively. You can check out the entry lists by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
On the subject of the Festival of Power, 17:00 UK time tomorrow (Friday) is the deadline to order discounted Festival of Power tickets. Some great deals are also available on VIP hospitality. For more details or to order your tickets check out www.santapod.com.
We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Derek Flynn, long-standing sponsor of both Eurodragster.com and our Perfect Awards Scheme (about which more tomorrow), and to former Top Fuel Dragster racer Kim Reymond who together with tuners Per Andersen and Karsten Andersen made one of the most unforgettable runs in the history of European drag racing. Have a great day, both.
King confirms USA for 2017.
6th April: Multiple FIM European Top Fuel Bike Champion Ian King and the Gulf Oil Dragracing team The Gulf Oil Dragracing team are pleased to announce that they are to compete in the 2017 USA National Drag Bike Championship. Following a collaboration proposal from California-based John and Dea Morgan Racing, alongside additional support from long time dragbike racing benefactor Joe Koenig of Trim Tex and a number of individual supporters, the team were able to commit to compete in all five rounds of the Manufacturers Cup series.
2016 was a momentous year for the Gulf Oil Drag Racing team. Another record-setting tenth FIM European Championship was won, and in doing so Team Principal and rider Ian King became the most successful rider in European drag bike racing history by accumulating more Championship points of any rider in any class over the two decades since he began competing in the Championship. At the end of the season he diversified his sporting focus by using the very same Championship-winning machine for a successful attempt to set a new FIM World Land Speed Record on a track and in conditions totally at odds with the environment in which he had been so successful over his ten European drag racing Championships.
Following Ian's successful one-off race in the opening round of the 2014 USA National Championship, where he not only won the event but became the final permanent member of the prestigious MTC Top Fuel 5 Second Club, invitations from the organisers to race the entire USA National Championship and the hopes and desires of his many fans across the globe were compelling, so he and his team have been working on a programme to see if he could become the first European rider to do so since the late Brian Johnson more than three decades ago.
Following the decision to ship his operation to the US Ian said "We are so much looking forward to this. We have such good friends in our class, fans across the world and awesome sponsors that we owe it to them to take part in an all-new challenge. We would like to thank Gulf Oil, John and Deanna Morgan, Joe Koenig, Dave Vantine, Ivan Sansom and Rose Hughes, Mark Rendeluk, Ed Kelly, Scott Perri Roethemeier, John Stein, Frank Moya, the Maddox family, Sam Green, Neil Baskerville, Tamre Martin and Jay Regan and Dave Schnitz of MFC alongside our fantastic technical partners who have stepped up far and beyond the call of duty to make it happen."
Manufacturers Cup 2017
7th-9th April: Spring Cup - Valdosta, Georgia
3rd-4th June: Memphis Internationals - Memphis, Tennessee
15th-16th July: MTC Nationals - Galot Motorsports Park, North Carolina
23rd-24th September: Rock - Rockingham Dragway, North Carolina
17th-19th November: World Finals - Valdosta, Georgia
For more information on the Gulf Oil Dragracing team please visit their web site at www.gulfoildragracing.com, their Facebook page, and their YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/kingracingpuma.
The Gulf Oil Dragracing team uses and endorses exclusively Gulf Oil greases and lubricants in their history making machine. The team is extremely proud to be supported by many leaders in their chosen markets in their participation in the 2017 USA National Championship:
APE - The world's most innovative manufacturer of aftermarket parts for drag bikes
Bell Helmets (UK) - The most iconic name in helmets, since 1954
Cometic Gaskets - The premier manufacturer of racing gaskets
Gates - The world's most trusted name in drive belts, hoses and hydraulics
Goodridge - The original and the best in fluid transfer systems
Grand Prix Originals - The brand for drive and lifestyle, past and present
Graphite Additive Manufacturing - A leader in 3D printed technologies and rapid prototyping
Gulf Oil International - The world's most iconic brand in automotive fuels and lubricants
Hotrod Hangar– Home of the world renowned custom artist Knud Tiroch
Hyperpro - The leading producer of progressive suspension products for motor bikes
JE Pistons - The world's premier manufacturer of high performance forged pistons
John and Dea Morgan Racing - The creators of the world's most advanced New Age Funny Bike
Kibblewhite Precision Machining, Inc -The highest quality valve train components on the market
Mickey Thompson Tyres - Simply the best drag race tyres in the world
MRE - Leaders in trackside support for drag race components and air shifting systems
MTC Engineering - Manufacturer of clutches for the fastest motorcycles in the world
NitroShutter - Europe's leading drag racing photo-journalists
NCT Engineering - Manufacturer of the world's leading non contact torque sensors for motorsport
NGK Spark Plugs UK - The world's number one spark plug manufacturer
Pär Willen - Master webmeister and proprietor of HarleyDrags.com
Portable Shade - The best custom branded collapsible canopies available
Pro Alloy Motorsport - UK's leader in fabrication of alloy racing tanks, intercoolers and radiators
Trim-Tex - The premier manufacturer of vinyl drywall beads and accessories
Tryka LED - The UK's cutting edge LED lighting manufacturer
Van Es mobility - The leading manufacturer of telematic products for management of moving objects
Vanson Leathers - The most iconic brand in motorsport leather goods
Web Camshafts Inc - Simply the company for Top Fuel Bike camshafts
Worldwide Bearings - The world's leading supplier of ceramic bearings for racing
Zodiac - Europe's largest supplier of performance and aftermarket HD parts
Web site updates.
6th April: In the latest instalment of his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Gearhead Garage Paul Marston brings us up to date with the construction of his twin-turbo Cortina. You can take a look by clicking here or by clicking on the Gearhead Garage Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Are you the mystery girl?
4th April: Upon inspecting our
pictures from Saturday's
Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway we were impressed to see this on-track passenger staring straight down the lens of your News Editor's
camera.
We figure that the girl in question did so deliberately, so now we need to track her down so that we can forward her a copy of the picture. The car was a very well-turned-out red 2015 Ford Fiesta ST and ran in the right lane at 19:07 on Saturday (click on picture at right to see the car).
If this is you, or if you know who it is, then please get in touch or put her in touch with us at editor@eurodragster.com.
The Clencher rolls away.
4th April: After many years building The Clencher 100e and then undergoing cycles of racing, crashing, repairing and racing again the UK's Duncan Scott decided that the time had come to sell the car:
All of my friends tried to talk me out of it (sorry Charlie) but it had to go. Adverts were placed and a buyer was found, but he only wanted the car
as a roller as he has a bigger (!) engine than the one in the car. And I thought I was nuts!
So the engine is now for sale at a very reasonable price under Parts For Sale the Jeff Bull Race Engines Swap Meet. So to all you wannabe Supercharged Outlaws or any other class for that matter it's time to grab a bargain.
Don't worry, I'm not giving up racing. The Clencher will be reborn into a different 100e, this time a Gasser. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who helped me with the car over the years. I could do a list but this web site has limited space! Suffice to say thanks, its been epic, you all know who you are.
Kicking off the Dart era.
4th April: Nigel Taylor writes that Arthur Bonner, original builder and driver of the Detroit Spinner Prefect, is ready to make his return to the drag strip at this weekend's Public Test and Tune at Shakespeare County Raceway:
The Ford Prefect is now fitted with a 555 ci Dart motor mated to the Fairbanks Clutch Turbo 400 gearbox, so the Test and Tune side of things is probably a wise move as Arthur has always run Pontiac power. This new powerplant era should liven the old gal up a little and may take a little getting used to. Arthur originally built this car in a shed at the bottom of his garden and originally raced it over forty years ago! A great engineer, welder, racer and mechanic, Arthur is now seventy five years old and more enthusiastic than ever.
Thanks for all the support from everybody involved: Sophie Taylor, Elisha Taylor, Kenzie Taylor, Fletcher Taylor; Kelvin Helsdown, KH Refrigeration 01264 363646; Graham Smith, Sercks Motorsport 0208 813 7470; Andy Frost, Penn Autos 01902 344004; Peter Borrett, saunashop.com 01722 746050; Justin Horne, Joust Performance (Paint Shop) and Recovery 07767 614638; Paul Dale, PDH Carpentry 07717 583537; Dave Fulton, Allens Van Centre 01189 813623; Andover Trailers 01264 358944; Mark Gardner, Performance Products / Nitrous 07514 013240 (or contact Serck Motorsport); Shakespeare County Raceway 01789 720180 / 414119; Jeff Bull / Belinda Bull, Racing Engines 01787 227789; Jimmy Hibberd, Valley Gas Speed Shop 01264 353646; Cliff Hepton, American Motor Factors 07821 578066; Darren Pritchett Haulage / Tippers 07785 521932; Michael Hawkins, Get Plastered Plastering; Rob-co Tooling; Phil Mansbridge The Mobile Mechanic 07900 285549; Arthur Bonner; Graham True; Jeff Goddard; Bob Hancox (Runaway Prefect); Chris Cotton; Cindy Cotton; Col Law (Outlaw Anglia); Ben Waldron; Leslie Waldron; Steve Dale; Stephen Lowth; Anita Lowth; Stuart Ashton; Rob Gregory; Edward Ede;Nick Dunford; Richard Hicks; Neil Gibbs; James Gilmour; William Underhill; Mark Timson; Colin Millar (the Flyin' Fyfer team); Richy Barnett Editorial; Oscar Jack Meaton; JP Santos; Denise Moore; Danny Mitty; Mandy Darlison; Mick Patey; Pete Harrison; Kirsty Cleall; Ray Andrews; John Gale; Andy Cummins; Keith Cummins; Steve Baker (engine crane); Andrew Meaton (engineering); Les N Andrea Tubby; John Jbchevy; David and Pam Whatley; Steve Jones, Old Bones Custom Fabrications 07969 982769; Owlselbury Crankshaft Services 01962 855969.
Swift snippets.
4th April: Best wishes for a rapid recovery from Tog, Simon, Kirstie and Julian to Eurodragster.com Contributing Photographer Grace Roaf who has an arm in a cast after her motorbike rudely declined to carry her any further on Sunday. It could have been a lot worse but for Grace's mechanical knowledge and presence of mind as she had realised that something was amiss and had already taken mitigating action before the bike suddenly took its leave of her. Those who know Grace will not be at all surprised to hear that she is not letting her injury beat her and that she is carrying on more or less normally. Get Fully Fixed Soon Grace, this year's first photographic job with us is fast approaching.
We will be testing the Eurodragster.com Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam at this weekend's Run What You Brung (Saturday) and GTi Festival (Sunday) at Santa Pod Raceway. As the kit is on test, broadcast may stop and start without warning, the sound level may go up and down, and captions may appear at random. You can check out this season's webcast schedule by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please be sure to read both the coverage schedule and the webcam landing page carefully, as queries already answered on either page will not be answered.
Web site updates.
4th April: The Mad Welshman has updated his Flickr site with a gallery of shots from the Saturday of Shakespeare County Raceway's recent first Public Test Weekend. You can check out Mad's pictures at www.flickr.com/photos/the_madwelshman.
New partners in education.
4th April: Santa Pod Raceway and Bedford College have launched a pioneering new initiative designed to benefit members of the
College's special-needs community. A two-part pilot scheme finds Santa Pod providing workplace experience to selected students among the community.
The pilot scheme began in February when Santa Pod displayed a Top Fuel Dragster on Bedford College's campus. The display enabled students to view and examine at close quarters the most powerful type of racing machine in world motorsport – capable of generating 10,000 brake horsepower and reaching 300 mph in just four seconds. A fortunate few were even able to squeeze into the tight confines of the car's cockpit.
Part two of the pilot scheme will take place this Easter weekend when selected members of the student community attend Santa Pod's Festival of
Power. The students will shadow members of the Santa Pod staff to learn for themselves the diversity of work involved in conducting a large-scale
public event.
Santa Pod's Commercial Manager Caroline Holden explains: "Despite our Northamptonshire postcode, Santa Pod is a Bedfordshire business, and we're always keen to pursue initiatives that will benefit our home county. We were delighted when Bedford College contacted us to explore the possibilities of such a programme and we hope that, as it develops, it will provide significant value to the College and its special-needs community. It's a rare opportunity for the students, for sure, but we think it might also offer a valuable experience to our staff members, giving them a fresh insight into the work they do."
The initiative was the brainchild of Bedford College's Supported Employment Co-ordinator, Gareth Scorer, who says: "When I approached Santa Pod with
an ambitious idea that combined a visit from Santa Pod and a final work experience project for several students to have an opportunity to work at the
Festival Of Power, I never imagined just how successful the visit to college would be; how fascinated all the students were and just how much support
has been shown by Santa Pod in making this ambitious project come alive. The students selected to work at the Festival Of Power are extremely excited
and feel very privileged to be given this opportunity. I anticipate developing a range of projects that will enhance what Santa Pod already offers and
support our students to gain valuable work skills."
"If this pilot scheme works as well as we anticipate", says Caroline Holden, "I expect there will be further practical links we might develop with Bedford College, and we look forward to building the connection."
3rd April: If there has ever been a Superbird with the right to carry that name with pride, then it is the Voodoo Hemi Racing 1970 Plymouth Superbird which was unveiled on Saturday evening in Wateringen, The Netherlands. Remco Scheelings writes:
When the curtain was pulled back and the smoke disappeared, a loud round of applause arose from the audience for Marck Harteveld's spectacular, 3000 bhp Pro Modified destined for the 2017 MSA British and FIA European Pro Modified Championships.
"The whole team did a fantastic job to get the car ready in just a few months, and the outcome is really fantastic", said a proud Marck Harteveld about the flashy green and purple Superbird (Designed by Eurodragster.com sponsor Peter Walters Race Design - Ed).
Those who are familiar with the team's projects know that these projects are always special but, once again, the audience was surprised at the first glimpse of the creation. The silver-grey Dodge Daytona which rolled into the shop in September last year was turned into a spectacular Plymouth Superbird. In addition to the outside of the Superbird, Voodoo Hemi Racing also spent many hours to rebuild and renew the inside of the ex-Pete Farber NHRA Pro Mod. The team made some adjustments to the chassis, welded some parts of it and painted it again, renewed the wiring, and all other parts were inspected, adjusted or renewed when necessary. Although the 526 cubic inch Hemi engine and driveline are from the team's 2016 Pro Mod, the engine was stripped, inspected and rebuilt as well.
Last year Marck Harteveld surprised by finishing his rookie year in seventh position in the FIA European Pro Modified Championship, claiming runner-up spot in the prestigious NitrOlympX and setting stunning personal bests of 6.12 seconds and 231 mph (372 km/h). "With the same 3,000 bhp we had last year, but a much lighter and 100% Pro Modified-designed car, we will try to break the five-second barrier this season", said Marck.
The new Voodoo Hemi Racing '70 Plymouth Superbird will make its track debut at the FIA / FIM Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway, round one of the 2017 FIA European Pro Modified Championship. The team plan to do three more races of the MSA British Pro Modified Championship and two more rounds of the FIA European Championship this season. "We wanted to make our first runs at Easter at Santa Pod, but as there are still some parts on their way from the States we are running out of time and don't want to take any risks with a new car" said Marck about Voodoo Hemi Racing's difficult decision.
Swift snippets.
3rd April: Congratulations to UK Jet pilot Martin Hill who blasted both of his PBs with runs of 5.077 seconds (yesterday) and 306.27 mph (Saturday) in the Fireforce 5 Jet Dragster. We were fortunate enough to be testing our webcast kit at Santa Pod at Santa Pod on Saturday and happened to have our primary cameras recording so we were able to edit together a video of Martin's 306 mph run...
...as well as a video of one of Roger Goring's check-out passes in the Firestorm Jet FC. We also posted a small gallery from Saturday's Run What You Brung which is presented in association with John Woolfe Racing and which you can check out by clicking here.
If you fancy crewing on a Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator car then Adrian Booth is looking for team members to join him for an assault on the class in 2018. Adrian, who is based in the Halifax area, offers the chance to be involved in the construction of the car and says that body or paintwork skills would be an advantage although not as essential as enthusiasm. More details under Drivers / Crew Required on our Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet.
Not really a spy picture, more of an exclusive. With the Festival of Power fast approaching, and with memories of 2008 still
as clear as if it were yesterday, UK Gearhead Garage UK Super Pro ET racer Phil Toppin has been in touch to show that
he is prepared for any eventuality next week.
Thanks to Ian Marshall for sending us the final version of the official entry list for Big Bang, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 21st-23rd April (racing 22nd-23rd). You can check it out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If you have any queries about Big Bang entry then you can contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Our good friend Lena Perés has been in touch to let us know that she has posted a feature about the Top Doorslammer plans of Finland's Laura Saksa on the Drag Racing Europe Blog. You can check it out by clicking here.
Congratulations to the single reader, namely DD of the Podington Peas, who realised that Saturday's story about Santa Pod Raceway's LED Christmas Tree contained a significant April Fool element, although not of course a filament. That SPR's Christmas Trees are all to be fitted out for LEDs is of course true, but that each LED has to be inserted by hand was complete BS as was the pay-off line about the scoreboards. Congratulations DD; you will be notified of your prize verbally (Have a guess - Ed).
(Lots) more on LEDs.
1st April: Further to yesterday's news item,
work is continuing apace to install the LED lighting system into Santa Pod Raceway's Christmas Tree in time for its first
use at the Pro Peak Performance Test and Tune Day on 13th April and then the Festival of Power. Timekeeper David Anniwell
told Eurodragster.com that it could be a close thing.
"We have to install each LED by hand", said David. "That sounds easy enough but the LEDs are very small, there are eighty LEDs in each bulb, and on there are thirty bulbs on a Championship Tree. We are installing and soldering in shifts. Kieran takes over from me when I need a break and Adam and James are lined up to take their turn."
When the Christmas Tree upgrade is complete the next project is to change the finish line scoreboards to LEDs. David said that the scoreboards use the same LEDs as the Christmas Tree so it will be a major undertaking.
Swift snippets.
1st April: DD and all of the Podington Peas asked us to say a big Happy Birthday to Santa Pod Barn legend Charlie Chicken. We are very happy to do so, have a great day Charlie.
Extra burnouts at Santa Pod.
1st April: The European Burnout Championship is set to hold its first round of 2017 at Santa Pod Raceway on the Saturday of the Festival of Power (15th April). EBC have been working with the Australian originators and organisers to bring the Championship to the shores of the UK and after the first test event at Ultimate Street Car in 2016 they are set for a smokey 2017!
So how can you get involved and what are the rules? Well, it's pretty simple:
- Get your entry ticket via www.fueltopia.co.uk. It's just £20 to enter with a prize purse of £100 up for grabs.
- Each driver is able to take one attempt per session
- Scores will be marked out of a 300 judged total (400 if guest judge)
- Please look out for flags when on track
1. Red- STOP. Run deemed as dangerous and will be a DNF (fire, fluid leak, dangerous driving etc)
2. Yellow- Start your run - Burnouts must last longer than one minute but no more than two minutes. Less or more results in point deductions (one per every five seconds), we will sound fog horn at one minute and two minutes
- Time starts at drop of flag until both tyres are burst, the driver has decided to end his/her run by either coming to a complete stop, by crossing the finish line.
- Start area marked with coloured cones
- The entry is a straight line entry and control will be awarded points
- Helmets and long sleeved/legged clothing must be worn
You can check out footage from 2016 by clicking here.
Attention FIM Europe racers.
31st March: Drag Bike racers who wish to contest this year's FIM European Drag Bike Championships and who have not yet registered are advised that registration us now possible via the on-line shop at www.tgeurope.eu.
SPR Tree goes LED.
31st March: Darren Prentice tells us that Santa Pod Raceway will be this season be using a Christmas Tree with LED lights. The first outing for the new LED Tree will be at the Pro Peak Performance Test and Tune Day on Thursday 13th April, and then it will be in competitive use from the Festival of Power on 14th-16th April.
Electric Juniors for UK.
31st March: Further to David Withington's news item of 6th March Phil Evans, who heads up the UK's Tech Committee as well as serving on the FIA Drag Racing Commission, tells us that work is underway to introduce Electric Junior Dragsters to UK competition:
At the last Technical Committee meeting we discussed the possibility of allowing Electric Junior Dragsters to run in competition with conventionally-powered cars and consequently I have been in touch with the America's National Electric Drag Racing Association to discuss the adoption of their rules, as NHRA and IHRA have done. I have been communicating with John Metric who is the Technical Director of NEDRA and they are pleased for us to base our rules on their regulations. Apparently both Jonny Smith and Sam Young have built their vehicles using the NEDRA construction rules as a guideline.
For complete information please see the NEDRA Electric Junior Dragster rules at www.nedra.com/jr_dragsters.html. You will see that they retain the basic ET structure with the age category catered for by altering voltages (i.e. power available). The construction of the chassis is to the same standard as conventional cars.
If anybody wants to discuss this matter then please E-Mail me at p.evans@atlanticfluidtech.com. I plan to hold a mid-season tech meeting and electric vehicles will be high on the agenda.
Swift snippets.
31st March: Longtime readers will remember our 2015 April Fool, which amongst other things
convinced a large number of readers that model Melanie Bond would be fronting our
Webster Race
Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcasts. In
an amusing case of life imitating art Eurodragster.com received a marketing E-Mail from a French company offering us
a similar service (right). So you see people lift our ideas even when we're joking...
Today (Friday) is the closing date for standard-fee entry to Big Bang, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 21st-23rd April (racing 22nd-23rd). You can download the official entry forms via the Information link of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. You can check out the current Big Bang entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If you have any queries about Big Bang then you can contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Kuwait's Hussain Al Shammari is planning a return to FIA European Championship competition in 2017, this time in his own Camaro. You can read more on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
VP Racing Fuels renew SPR contingency.
31st March: Santa Pod Raceway are pleased to announce that VP Racing Fuels will be continuing their Sportsman-class contingency scheme at UK and ACU National Championship rounds at Santa Pod:
VP Racing Fuels and Santa Pod Raceway will be offering one nineteen-litre pail of any VP fuel to the winner in the following classes at the Festival of Power, FIA / FIM Main Event, SPRC Summernationals, FIA / FIM European Finals and UK National Finals:
- Super Pro ET
- Pro ET
- Super Comp
- Super Gas
- Junior Dragster
- Super Street Bike
- 8.50 Bike
- 9.50 Bike
- Teams must purchase their VP Racing Fuels from the Pod Shop or from Santa Pod Raceway's on-line store
- Teams must display two VP Racing Fuels stickers on their race vehicle; these can be collected from Signing On or from the Pod Shop / Garage
- The team must have won at any of the above events in their selected class
UK event entry update.
29th March: This Friday (31st) is the closing date for standard-fee entry to Big Bang, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 21st-23rd April (racing 22nd-23rd); you can download the official entry forms via the Information link of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. You can check out the current Big Bang entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 11 of the official entry list for the Festival of Power, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 14th-16th April. You can check out the entry list on our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored Festival of Power Event Index by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
If you have any queries about Big Bang or Festival of Power entry then you can contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Official entry forms for the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which takes place at Shakespeare County Raceway on 29th April-1st May, are available to download from the Downloads page of the Shakespeare County Raceway web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk.
One Daimler good, two...
29th March: UK Super Pro ET racer Robin Read has been in touch to let us know that he has picked up his new 250" wheelbase dragster from Wayne Allman's Intergalactic Custom Shop:
I would like to thank the hugely-talented and multi-faceted Wayne for his input and effort with the project so far.
Once we got the car back to our own workshop we carried out a full appraisal of the overall project, which we then set against our own requirements and expectations. We realised that there were areas of design and construction which we needed to adjust. The process of turning a metal fabrication into a functional race car has already started and it is still our wish to be testing later this year.
We have not been idle with our historic and iconic record-holding Daimler-powered dragster. After running 6.84/193 in October 2016 it was felt that the first 200 mph pass from a British-engined dragster was not only possible but achievable with our little car. But! We needed taller gears again than the 3.5 to 1 ratio which we had previously run. Such gears are not available and in fact not even manufactured any more . The only way forward was to go for a taller tyre to increase the roll-out per revolution but this wasn't possible with our old wheels and so we acquired some period Centreline Convo Pro wheels and tyres from Chris Orthodoxou. The new (old) wheels and tyres had a different bolt pattern and were taller and wider than our old wheels and tyres so we had to make new hubs. Whilst we were doing this and taking into account the increase in loading we upgraded to 5/8" diameter wheel studs and also upgraded both the spool and drive shafts from 30-spline to 35-spline Mark Williams components. The 40 spline outer drive plates were designed and manufactured by ourselves.
We thought that Dragstalgia 2017 would be a good choice to make the attempt at 200 mph and we will work towards that. We will have to go testing before that meeting as the whole car has had a rebuild and freshen.
I would like to thank my crew for their endless and enthusiastic support with cars old and new: Bertie Hopkinson and Mark Evans, and of course Ella Chapman and Bill Mears. It certainly wouldn't happen without them.
Swift snippets.
29th March: Good luck and stay safe to Jonnie Lindberg (Fuel FC), Fred Hanssen (Top Alcohol Dragster) and Rob Turner (Top Alcohol FC) who are contesting this weekend's Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas and to Adam Flamholc and Mattias Wulcan who are contesting this weekend's PDRA East Coast Nationals at Galot. You will be able to stay in touch with our heroes' progress courtesy of Dragracecentral.com and the PDRA race will be webcast on Speedvideo.com. Don't forget the Lindberg brothers' awesome and frequently-updated web site and Facebook page.
Per Bengtsson's company Bentec Engineering has signed up as a contingency sponsor for EDRS Pro Top Fuel Bike and Supertwin. You can find out more on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
No news update yesterday, for which apologies, so we were unable to say a big Happy Birthday to race car builder, tuner, British Drag Racing Hall of Fame member and longtime Eurodragster.com supporter Rob Loaring and to Jan Phersson of Eurodragster.com sponsor Simpson Europe. Hope you had great days, guys.
Fast Show Live.
29th March: The UK's first permit race of the year is Round 1 of the 2017 FWD Drag Series which takes place at this weekend's Fast Show at Santa Pod Raceway and you will be able to tune on Facebook for live video of the racing plus other show highlights. Like Santa Pod Raceway on Facebook and turn on notifications for live posts to be among the first to check out the action. Nitro FM will be broadcasting from 18:00 on Saturday evening at www.eurodragster.com/nitrofm.
The Eurodragster.com Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam will start this year's broadcasts with a test at the RWYB and GTi Festival at Santa Pod Raceway on 8th-9th April followed by the Pro Peak Performance Test and Tune Day on 13th April.
Web site updates.
29th March: Congratulations to our good friend Alan Currans who is celebrating fifty years following drag racing. Alan's first update this season is a gallery of Saturday's action at the Public Test and Tune at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can check out the latest update via What's New at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
Nostalgia fans will want to speed over to Dick Parnham's Flickr site which has been updated with a gallery of the NDRC event at Radlett in 1978. You can find Dick's shots at www.flickr.com/photos/dickparnhamdragracing.
US Automotive back BDRHoF Gala.
29th March: Another regular British Drag Racing Hall of Fame supporter has announced that it will be sponsoring the 2017 BDRHoF Gala Awards Dinner which is being held at the Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge on Saturday 18th November. That company is American parts supplier US Automotive which has helped fund the Hall of Fame since it was established in 2006.
Bedford-based US Automotive currently stocks in excess of 20,000 product lines which cover the most popular applications from the classics of the 1950s up to current models and are updated regularly to follow market trends. The company supplies parts from the most respected American manufacturers, including Crane Cams, Fel-Pro Gaskets, Clevite Engine Bearings, Sealed Power and TRW Engine Components, and provides full technical support not only for its product range but also for American vehicles in general.
As a Primary Sponsor, US Automotive's sponsorship is extensive and includes funding the Souvenir Programme production costs, co-sponsoring the Junior Drag Racing tables and table wine for all tables, plus help in other areas.
BDRHoF Honorary Chairman Stu Bradbury, who worked for US Automotive for many years, said "I was working at US Automotive when I set up the BDRHoF back in 2006 and when I floated the idea to them they immediately made a decision to help fund things and have sponsored us every year since. It is no exaggeration to say that without them the BDRHoF would not exist and I can't thank them enough for their encouragement and financial support."
US Automotive Chairman Stewart Bassett said "We are pleased to continue our support of the BDRHoF team who throughout the whole year put
in an amazing amount of voluntary work to celebrate drag racing pioneers in style. The Annual Gala Awards Dinner is a fabulous event and
we are proud to be associated with it. It has become one of my favourite social occasions of the year. This one will be extra special for
us because US Automotive is celebrating its 20th Anniversary."
The BDRHoF is now taking reservations for the 2017 Gala Awards Dinner by E-Mail at stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk or by telephone at 01933 279102. This year the tickets are priced competitively at £65 which includes a pre-dinner reception. The event always sells out well in advance, so if you would like to join us for the occasion we suggest you make your reservation sooner rather than later. On receiving your reservation you will be given the procedure to book rooms at the negotiated room rate that includes breakfast and VAT as well as parking.
On-going news about the Gala, sponsors and other events in which the BDRHoF is involved will be published on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk, on Eurodragster.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Smax feels the heat in Florida.
27th March: Ex-pat UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Smax Smith has been in touch with a report of his weekend at
the NHRA Gatornationals, where he was again driving the Leverich family's car:
After one of our best seasons ever Gary Leverich and I reflected on what we had achieved in 2016. We had attended only six NHRA races but qualified and ended up twenty second of thirty eight teams! We ran our first four-second quarter-mile pass at 4.9, got to the finals at the Mopar Nationals at Grand Bend, then won the Canadian Nitro Nationals at Toronto Motorsport Park and ran my Personal Best of 4.84 with the blower belt coming off before 1200 feet - it would have been a 4.79/310. Not to mention meeting some of the best names in drag racing!
With that in mind we now want to run our first three-second 300 mph thousand-foot pass so, confident we could achieve that, Gary made the call to go to the Gators in Florida. Unfortunately my boy Aidan couldn't come as he had other plans that weekend, which was a bummer, but Gary has friends in Florida who help him a lot. Mark Jones, Eric and Richard were to meet us there while Jacob (bottom end), Dan (cylinder head) and I drove to Detroit to catch a flight to Orlando on Thursday night. Gary and Bob Leverich drove the truck and trailer the twenty two hours but before setting off on Wednesday night found a flat tyre but everywhere was closed. Gary put a plug in but the truck tyre was too thick so he drove onto the spike and successfully penetrated the tyre so he could set off. Needs must! We arrived at midnight then got a rental car and drove to the motel, finally getting to meet up with Lee Webb of the Shockwave team, who flew over to help us, at 2:30 am - he was waiting with a beer! We set the alarm for 5:30 am as we had a long drive to the track and there was a mandatory meeting for drivers and owners at NHRA Hospitality at 9:00! We made it just on time only having had a fast food brekky, Jake and Dan had hit Denny's at 2:30 am so that they could survive. The meeting was really positive that since Fox Sports 1 and 2 had taken over the TV the viewership had increased over 300% and sponsorship now looking a lot tastier now!
Gary and Bob had arrived the night before and got the car all tecched so we planned to do Q1. But then NHRA came over and complained that our Butler head restraint had been tampered with so had to miss Q1 and go see Alan at Simpson to do a repair- thanx to Aaron from Hans who darted around to find SFI material. NHRA also said to retag our mags so we had big thrash and were ready for Q2. We had some concerns over oil pressure but still decided to go out qualify.
We put English Lee out in front as my boy Ronan didn't attend either. I did a short burnout and backed up, then after stopping a chute fell out so I had to shut off. Bummer! We went back and Mark Fedexed two new cables from California whilst I went to see my hero Scott Palmer who gave us two chutes as he had just got a sponsor deal for two new chutes on his car, he also gave us one bag! We got everything ready and hit the Texas Steakhouse but there was a long wait so went to Denny's for food then next with Lee to an Irish pub for green beer and St Paddy's Day!
Had to get up early again to get the car ready for Q3 as we were the only car not qualified. Fast food brekky and jumped back on the car. Fired up but no oil pressure! Long story short, Gary discovered the system one filter screen was plugged even though clean, so left it out and got all the pressure back... phew! With chutes fixed and oil pressure figured this was our chance for that three-second pass. Racing against Shawn Reed I did a nice burnout, staged nice and left first but 250 feet out it went bang and shut off. As I had no radios or mirrors I didn't know that I had had a huge fireball so I just trickled over the finish line at 23 mph in fifteen seconds to make sure that we were qualified. I sat in the car until the Safety Safari put the fire out.
Back in the pits it was another story. The brand new rod #1 rod had disintegrated and exited the block. We lost five points for the oildown. So a huge CSI to find out what happened, as the piston, pin and rod bearing were OK and the data didn't show a misfire we were thinking rod failure but we were not sure. We asked Todd Okuhara of Schumacher's team to look and he felt that we had an ignition malfunction causing a hydraulic and catastrophic rod failure. We pulled the whole ignition off the car and Aaron Grant came over with Audrey to help so he went through our ignition. Todd kindly offered to take all our stuff back and check through it for free! MSD had just checked the mags and Scott Palmer gave us two coils, Aaron checked the boxes and harnesses and rewired whilst I looked at our dated kill switch. Many thought that could have been an issue although we replaced our mag clamps with billet off Scott Palmer's team. We put our spare short block in and thrashed to the wee hours, although I sneaked over to Larry Dixon's pit to meet his amazing family and have a little food. I didn't see much qualifying but said Hi to our man Jonnie Lindberg. We got back to the hotel at around 2:00 am, a quick beer at the Irish pub then a hot bath and set the alarm for 5:30 am!
The first round was scheduled for 11:00 am and I had number one qualifier Tony Schumacher. There was only 305 mph difference between #1 and #16! We got all done and fired up, scared the crap out of the fans with Gary's huge nitro whacks and got a standing ovation. We got such a warm welcome and lots of fans wishing us on. I went down to the driver introduction with Audrey and connected with a lot of drivers as well as getting asked for autographs from fans who thought I was Sammy Hagar! We got the call and towed down. Did my burnout then disaster! The brakes were failing so I shot past Lee and rolled to a stop, got in reverse and not wanting to use up what was left I backed up real slow so I wouldn't risk backing into anyone. All was OK even though everyone including the TV announcer was wondering why but I had to keep my cool as no radios. I then went to pre-stage the car but it rolled through into deep stage. I waited for Tony to pre-stage then highsided but on the yellows I redlit. I went to 300 feet and the car shook so I lifted and rolled to a stop. There was brake fluid on the track which counted as oildown #2 and on race day you lose five points and pay a fine of $2000.
I was bit disappointed. I went to Tony Schumacher's pit to apologise and explain what had happened but he was cool. We then went to service the car for Audrey to do licencing runs on Monday but disaster again - we had spun bearings, not sure why, so couldn't risk the line bore. We packed up and headed to the Texas Steakhouse for drinks and food... I think I was the only vegetarian in the place! Friend Les and Gary and his granddaughter had driven their RV from Canada so we shot over and picked them up too. Saw Jonnie, Johan and Karsten in there then I was going to party with Palmer's gang back at the track but found out that he was at a racers' bar so we turned around and joined him. Over the course of the weekend it was great to see Liam Jones and Gary Page as well as Monique and Roel Koedam, Stig Neegaard and his missus and Andy Wilsheer. On Sunday night Gary was with Tommy Johnson Jr at the same bar, a great night then back to the track to party in Les' RV then finally back to motel around 3:00 am, one last beer in the Irish pub with Jake and Lee. Lee was a great help all weekend and helped Jake on the bottom end while Mark Jones helped Gary, Eric worked on the clutch, and Richard ran around doing everything and proved his worth. It was a shame that Aidan wasn't there though.
As Audrey was not running and our flight home wasn't until 6:30 pm we went back to the track to watch testing. Watched and chatted to Anthony from Gas Monkey and Ulf
Leanders as well as watching Nitro Funny Cars testing. The big highlight was Nico from Iron Maiden who was with the Tequila team, I got to chat to him and Maiden are
touring so he invited our crew to the show in New Jersey when we are at Englishtown. Gary is a huge Maiden fan and has offered to wrap our car to promote their tour so
see we'll see how that pans out, but it's positive!
We'll hopefully get all our damage sorted and head to Charlotte for the Four Wide at the end of April. I will race and we will test with Audrey on the Monday. Hopefully all of the minor dramas of last weekend are behind us and the crew will be dialled in to the car and back on the mission for that three-second pass. Big thanks to Gary and Bob and all the crew for their really hard work all weekend.
Swift snippets.
27th March: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with
no words. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at
eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
We were very pleased to hear that Germany's Werner Habermann Racing will be fielding both Timo's and Dennis' Top Methanol Dragsters on the full FIA European Championship Tour this season. Stay tuned for more.
EDRS Comp Eliminator Champion and full-time genius PerErik Lindgren will be swapping his dragster for a Doorslammer this season. Courtesy of our good friend Lena Perés you can read all about it on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
Your News Editor stopped by Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday to plan the installation of the webcam PC into the track's reconfigured network (Thanks to Julian Parsons for his time - Ed) and whilst there he photographed trackside for an hour or so. You can check out our small Run What You Brung gallery, which is presented in association with John Woolfe Racing, by clicking here.
UK event entry update.
25th March: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 7 (aka "Final-ish") of the official entry list for the Festival of Power, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 14th-16th April. You can check out the entry list on our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored Festival of Power Event Index by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Standard-fee Festival of Power entry closed yesterday (Friday); entry may still be accepted but if so then may be subject to a Late Entry penalty.
Next Friday, 31st March, is the closing date for standard-fee entry to Big Bang, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 21st-23rd April (racing 22nd-23rd); you can download the official entry forms via the Information link of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
If you have any queries about Festival of Power or Big Bang entry then you can contact Ian Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Official entry forms for the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which takes place at Shakespeare County Raceway on 29th April-1st May, are available to download from the Downloads page of the Shakespeare County Raceway web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk.
Malta's own Mister Six.
25th March: We were very pleased to hear that Simon Giordmaina's Super Street Bike, ridden by Franklyn Borg, blasted
into the sixes at Malta's Hal Far Raceway last weekend. With Shawn Buttigieg also on the facility at Round 1 of the Malta Drag Racing
Association Championship the race was on to the first six, as Gabriel Briffa writes:
Meanwhile Shawn Buttigieg took over the National Record with a 7.08 pass, backed up later with a 7.07, meaning that Simon's team needed to step up their game. During Saturday qualifying everything showed that the air and track conditions were better than last November as the bike went 7.11 with a Personal Best speed of 206 mph straight off the trailer and all the incrementals showing that a six-second pass was not an impossible dream any more. Later on the team backed it up with a 7.083 at an astonishing 208.40, which made them believe that it could really happen.
After a lot of data analysis from Simon doing his magic on the MoTeC and AMS2000, and discussion with Franklyn between passes about changes in the tune-up
trying to make the combination work between all of the components, the bike was ready for eliminations. The air and track conditions were ideal. The team had two set-ups
ready and decided at the last minute not to go for the aggressive set-up. The bike left the line, stayed on the ground and ran a 1.23 at sixty feet, then a 4.64 eighth mile showed
up on the scoreboard. We thought "This could be it". The win light went on and all the hard work paid off, 6.993 at 208.95.
It was once a dream, but not any more. Not only a National Record in its class but Simon's bike was the first Super Street Bike to run in the sevens in Malta and now the first SSB to run in the sixes, and it also puts the bike third in Europe of the active registered bikes under FIM Europe SSB rules.
It could not have been a better weekend for us after the non-stop hard work since last November: coming back and qualifying first in both SSB and Open and winning both finals.
Simon, Franklyn and the whole team would like to take this opportunity to thank firstly Rodney Williford for helping and consistently pointing us in the right direction, MTC Engineering
for the amazing clutch, and NLR for power control and more. A special Thank You goes from Simon to Franklyn for doing a great job riding the bike and for also helping out, to Leli
for all the help, to Gabriel for the support and now Press and Media Relations, and to George for finding the time for hard work at the workshop. Special big thanks go to all the people
who have always supported us and continue to do so, again the feedback from you on the stands was something special: you can never explain how happy it makes you when you see
the stands cheering at what you just achieved so thank you all again. We have to say a big Well Done and Thank You to the MDRA for putting on such a great event and giving us a
track which can handle what we throw at it. Thanks to our parents who support and care for us: Charles and Carmen, and Marcell and Doris. Last but not least Simon and Franklyn
want to thank their wives and children for the full support they always give, even when it sometimes means less time with them. We love you and we thank you for being there backing
us up all the time.
There were more National Records at Hal Far last weekend including Duncan Micallef's 4.03/303 Top Fuel Dragster record and courtesy of our good buddy Remco Scheelings you can read more on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
Top Fuel Dragster SFI spec updated.
23rd March: Geoff Martin of the UK's Tech Crew has been in touch to remind Top Fuel Dragster racers that an SFI chassis revision, to Spec 2.3P, was issued on 17th March.
"This means that any existing certification is no longer valid", says Geoff. "Obviously if a car is planning to compete at the FIA Main Event then it will require this revision and a recert. If anyone requires details I can forward them, please contact me at ukchassis2@btinternet.com."
SCR open gates for 2017.
22nd March: It's the first Test and Tune Public Track Weekend of the season at Warwickshire's Shakespeare County Raceway, Shakedown @ S-Town. Jerry Cookson writes:
With many taking full advantage of the weekend the track will host its first in a series of the popular Bracket Gamblers races open to all doorslammers and street legal cars as entrants roll the dice and hopefully they'll win some money in return! Details can be found on the ET Bracket Race Facebook page.
The weekend also features the first 2017 outing for Roger Goring's popular Firestorm Jet Funny Car as the test and development work continues before the team launch into a full programme of appearances in the UK and Europe.
The track will be open from 10.00 am each day and caters for all competitions cars, bikes and street legal machines which are all welcome to come to test those winter modifications or just shake those winter blues out of their systems!
General admission is £12 per person each day or £22 for a weekend pass, track fee is £25 each day or £40 for a weekend of unlimited runs. Helmets are required along with a full driving licence. Overnight camping is available on the purchase of a weekend ticket. Kenny's Bar will also be open on Saturday night. So for a great weekend of fun on the drag strip make it Shakespeare County Raceway this weekend! You can find out more at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com.
Swift snippets.
22nd March: Kerryanne van den Berg writes that 2016 Most Professional Appearing Team winners Shark Attack Drag Racing will be fielding no less than five racers this season and that it will be a family affair: her daughter Bobby Frazier (below) in Comp Bike, daughter Meggie Talbot in Junior Drag Bike, husband Rene van den Berg in Top Fuel Bike, nephew Tonny van den Berg also in Comp Bike, and nephew Louis Davies in ET Bike.
Complementing yesterday's report of the SFI Tour's UK stop, our good friend Lena Perés writes about the new generation of SFI inspectors attending the Swedish stop. You check it out on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
Michael Dowdy has been in touch to ask us to wish a big Happy 12th Birthday to his son, UK Junior Dragster racer Matthew Dowdy. Our pleasure, have a very Happy Birthday Matthew. "Matthew is looking forward to getting the dragster back from Hauser Race Cars where the engine has been refreshed and the harness straps updated", says Michael. "A big Thank You to Gary Lockyer of Wootton Tyre & Exhaust for his continuing support."
How to join in the Havoc.
22nd March: The next stop on the Havoc Fuel Altered's US Tour will be the Holley National Hot Rod Reunion at Bowling Green, Kentucky on 15th-17th June and Geof Stilwell of British Drag Racing Hall of Fame sponsor Beech Underwriting writes that you too can be there at an affordable price:
It's one of the biggest events of the year, with a huge car show and you are near the Corvette museum so it's a great few days.
Nashville is the nearest main airport and Bobby at Dial-a-Flight (01732 593050) has loads of flight or fly-drive deals for those who want to support the team. If you are going then make sure you get your hotel booked as lodgings near the track are limited.
The March Meet was well attended by us Brits, so please come and support our boys.
SFI Tour hits Santa Pod.
21st March: The fourth and final leg of the 2017 European SFI Recertification Tour took place at Santa Pod
Raceway yesterday (Monday). Simon went along to talk to the inspection team and racers attending:
SFI Foundation President Arnie Kuhns said that this would be his final tour and we wish him well for the future. Since becoming president of SFI Foundation in 1984, Arnie has seen it grow to encompass around one hundred member sanctioning bodies and well over three hundred individual equipment manufacturers who participate in more than eighty five specification programmes.
Arnie said "I have been involved in the SFI European Tour for more than twenty years since before the FIA Championship began and around ten years before that. The overall attitude has become more and more professional. The sanctioning bodies know what they're doing and racers are highly co-operative."
Since the passing of the much-missed Tim Hyatt in December 2015, Arnie has had his eye towards succession on the tour. This time, the place of Murf McKinney on the SFI European Tour was taken by L-G Eriksson, now running ME Racing Services in Börlange, Sweden. Luke Robinson has succeeded Tim Hyatt as clutch specialist, and Eurodragster.com sponsor Andy Robinson continues to inspect clutch cans and flexplates. The administration is handled by full-time SFI employee Jennifer Faye who commented that, whilst numbers seem to be down in all countries on the tour, there are increasing numbers of automatic transmissions in many classes.
In association with Lucas Oil Products we are pleased to present a gallery of the day which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Whilst photographing the SFI Day for our Feature we also garnered a few Pit Notes which are presented below in the order in which we spoke to the racers:
Dave Milam of the She Devil Top Methanol Funny Car team, with driver Steph, said "Our new ex-Dan Larsen Stratus was ready at the European Finals and then the class was cancelled a week before the event. We can't see any improvement in class numbers for this year so the car is now for sale as a rolling chassis. We will be running the previous car as an altered at Dragstalgia with a modified front wing to help the drivability, and plan to extend our European record of 6.18 further."
Karl Harrison of the NUA RKS Top Methanol Dragster team is busy with Rod Harrison's car and completing the Beetle Nostalgia Funny Car due out later in the year. He said "There was very little damage last year apart from our torque converter at Hockenheim and so work has been mainly freshening. For the dragster, we will be doing the same schedule as last year: Festival of Power, Main Event, Hockenheim and European Finals. Andy's Beetle is due for a mid-season début and I will be getting involved with Simon Barlow's team later in the year as well."
Ashley Bell will be back in his familiar Super Pro ET AC Cobra with a new black paint scheme, after taking most of the last three years off, with a sole appearance at the Mopars last year. His first event this year will be in Super Pro ET at the FIA Main Event.
Jon Best will be making his return to the track in a '78 Corvette-bodied Nostalgia Funny Car. "It's the old Chaos Fuel Altered chassis which we had altered with the cage reduced in height by around eight to ten inches for a lay-down driving position and a wheelbase of 125 inches. The body is a brand-new Lowlife Customs fibreglass item from former Motorsports announcer Army Armstrong. The engine is an aluminium Big Block Chevy with Arias heads. We will be joined by US Nostalgia Top Fuel racer Brendan Murry at Dragstalgia, as our engine set-up is identical to Brendan's with the exception of a twenty one-gallon fuel pump on the Funny Car as opposed to twenty-gallon in Nostalgia Top Fuel."
Super Mod racer Peter Thompson will be making a return to racing in his '68 Chevelle after a break in driving of four years. The car crashed in 2011 and Peter had it rebuilt and out in 2012, after which he had "A year out that became four years". This time he will be racing his nitrous Powerglide machine in Competition Eliminator.
Former JDS Street racer James Willday had a low nine second RX7, last seen in 2012, but has now built a RX8 for JDS Pro and Super Pro ET or Competition Eliminator. He said "I will be out in June or July. Hauser Racing fabricated the chassis and I have been working with Stuart at Hausers on assembling the body, and the wiring which I will need to be familiar when I run the car. The engine revs to around 14,000 rpm and getting the tuning right is really important as they don't handle detonation well. My sights are on running a six eventually, and the world record for a rotary car is now in the mid-sixes."
Rob Elsom will be making his initial passes in his Dirty Deeds Firebird Nostalgia Funny Car at the Festival of Power after a two year build.
Swift snippets.
21st March: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us updated entry lists for the Festival of Power (Version 4) and Big Bang (Version 3). You can check out either entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. You can download the official entry forms via the Information link of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. Standard-fee Festival of Power entry closes this Thursday (24th).
Mummy Stone remembered.
21st March: Lesley Wright hears that she was so sad to hear that Mummy Stone had passed away:
I have such fond memories of her, always smiling and laughing, it was a joy to be in her company. Whether at Santa Pod, at the Brighton show or on race trips abroad to Sweden, Italy and Switzerland you could always count on Mummy Stone – to go shopping! After making sure her 'Den', Dave, Gerry and Andrew had everything they needed for the day, she was off. Independent and resourceful she enjoyed the bits of drag racing which she wanted to and then pleased herself with her time. Always up for a cup of tea and a gossip in anyone's caravan or trailer, a breath of fresh air whenever you saw her. Mary was an inspiration in that whether at home or abroad, she would hop on a bus and take herself off on her own little adventure for the day. Always back for dinner with entertaining tales of where she had ended up and who she had spoken to. In doing this she allowed the boys the freedom to enjoy themselves too and concentrate on the racing.
She taught us girls how to survive the mistress that is drag racing, always remembered and celebrated birthdays in some small way, and made everyone feel special.
I am so grateful that Mummy Stone has been a big part in my life. My sincerest condolences to all the family.
UK Championship class sponsors.
19th March: Following negotiations between Santa Pod Racers Club and sponsors for the title rights to race classes, SPRC are pleased to announce that Modurstang and Gearhead Garage UK are now the title sponsors for Pro ET and Super Pro ET respectively. Modurstang and Gearhead Garage UK join long-standing Junior Dragster class sponsor Lucas Oil UK. Ian Marshall writes:
SPRC would like to welcome both companies on board and thank them for their sponsorship commitment throughout the 2017 season.
Modurstang is a highly regarded UK-based Ford Mustang performance upgrade specialist. Conducting business in Chipping Norton, Mike Lacey and his team are waiting to help prospective customers to take Mustangs from show room stock wherever their dreams want to take them. Modurstang can be contacted on 01608 678818 or via their web site at www.modurstang.co.uk.
Mick Pusey's Gearhead Garage UK are well-known for supplying American vehicles to suit customers' requirements and parts to improve existing vehicles. They can even supply bespoke garages in which to keep your pride and joy safe, warm and dry, Gearhead Garage UK can be reached on on 01335 372119 or 07973 740076, by E-Mail at info@gearhead-garage.co.uk, or via their web site at www.gearhead-garage.co.uk or of course on the right-hand side of Eurodragster.com News.
Please consider all of your sponsors, especially when looking to buy goods and services, and hopefully these good people will continue to come back and help our racers where they can.
Swift snippets.
19th March: Brian Taylor has been in touch with a tribute to Mary (Mummy) Stone who died on Wednesday. "Sad news about Mary", he says. "She was a lovely lady with no side to her at all. I have many happy memories of her and my sympathies are with the family. Drag racing has much for which to thank Mary and the Stone family."
Glen Read writes with his deepest and sincere sympathies to Dave, Vicky and all members of the Stone family. "The Reads and the Stones were strong competitors on the track but even stronger friends off the track", he says. "We travelled so many thousands of kilometers together during the 1970s and 1980s. Our overseas jaunts usually started at Review Rd where we were all welcomed, fed and watered and more. Mary was like a mum to our team also. I know that Jim used to spend weekends off-season with Dennis and Mary. He came back always heavier and happier. RIP Mummy Stone."
"So sorry to hear this sad news", says Stu Bradbury. "I have fond memories of Mary and Dennis, in fact all the Stones family. Great pioneers of drag racing. Their contributions are one of the reasons the sport exists today! Condolences to family and friends."
The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the
words "Package on its way, delivery address Santa Pod Raceway, 1320 Airfield Boulevard, Northampton". Probably not one
necessitating a rocket scientist but if you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at
eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
No news update yesterday for which apologies (Your News Editor successfully applied for an aegrotat - Ed) so we were unable to say a big Happy Birthday to our good buddy Barry Bohannon. Hope you had a good birthday Barry, similarly we hope that Darren West of Eurodragster.com sponsor Power Race Graphics had a great birthday yesterday. On to today and big Happy Birthdays to Mick Pusey of Eurodragster.com sponsor Gearhead Garage UK, and to Nigel Payne. Have a great day both.
Father and daughter Dag and Kathrine Wagenius have been flying the flag for drag racing at the recent MC-Messen, where they also revealed their plans for the 2017 EDRS Pro Nordic Motorcycle Championship. You can take a look on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
Staying with the 2017 EDRS Pro Nordic Motorcycle Championship, Kristin Hegre will be following in son Jan-Sturla's footpegs by contesting Supertwin Motorcycle in this year's Series. Again you can read more on the Drag Racing Europe Blog by clicking here.
Eurodragster.com sponsor MPM Oil has introduced MB9 Automatic Transmission Oil, a premium synthetic automatic transmission oil especially developed for the latest-generation nine-speed automatic transmission from Mercedes-Benz for which the MB-approval 236.17 is recommended. You can find out more (PDF format) by clicking here.
Fifty years of Nitro Thunder.
19th March: Celebrating fifty years of Santa Pod Raceway and thereby fifty years of Fuel racing, longtime journalist
Mike Collins has compiled an in-depth feature especially for Eurodragster.com readers.
Mike's piece runs to thirty two pages, covering both the 2016 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship season and the history of Fuel racing at Santa Pod Raceway since its opening day.
You can check out Mike's article, which comes in PDF format, by clicking here or by clicking on the picture at right.
PMR's double date.
19th March: Paul Marston Racing are pleased to announce that Paul's name will shortly appear in Super Gas and Super Street on the official entry list for April's Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway:
I will be driving at the opener with entries from the stable appearing in various classes as the season pans out including the inaugural No Prep Doorslammer Nationals at North Weald Dragstrip on 2nd July and in UK Top Sportsman at the Mopar EuroNationals on 28th-30th July as well as other UK Championship dates. Super Gas is where I cut my teeth, competing against what were then the very best Doorslammer drivers, and where I won first my National event, so in some ways it's like coming home. With all the effort that Jon Giles has put into securing such a great sponsor, Super Gas needs racers to show their appreciation which is why I will be competing in the class this season. Just as it was before, the class is chock-full of some very tough racers and teams. To win in Super Gas you most certainly have to earn it. Sure the money helps, but I am excited about the new challenge of running a Pro tree again. Plus it's an even field: no dragsters, just Doorslammers and the occasional roadster.
I will also be supporting Super Street. It's a great class, and as I played my part in getting SPRC to agree to the-double header at the two FIA events with the blessing of Santa Pod Raceway I thought it only fair that I run that class too.
PMR will be fielding the 100% Whoopass Chevy Monza to kick the season off, but don't be surprised to see a change of race car as the season progresses with the début of a purpose built Super Class doorslammer.
Regrettably PMR have lost some of their Super Crew over the off-season, but the Brains Trust stays intact and there will be some new additions as the season progresses. At present all the crew are hard at it prepping everything to be 100% ready for the 2017 season, all that behind-the-scenes work which makes the team tick, and so long as the weather plays ball we will be ready. Please stop by and say hello at Easter.
Mary (Mummy) Stone.
16th March: We were very sorry to hear from Vickie Stone of the death yesterday (Wednesday) of Mary 'Mummy' Stone,
wife of Dennis Stone and matriarch of of the UK's legendary Stones Drag Racing Team:
Mum had returned to her roots in a County Cork, Ireland in 2014 and was enjoying a quiet life in the place where she was born. She was 91.
The picture at right was taken by the Barking and Dagenham Post many years ago when the Stones bought Stardust.
Our deepest sympathies to Vickie and to Dave, and to all of Mary's family and friends. If you would like to send a tribute to or share a story about Mary then please E-Mail us at tributes@eurodragster.com.
2017 European Top Gas calendar.
16th March: Many thanks to Herman Jolink for sending us this year's calendar for the European Supertwin Top Gas Series. Herman writes:
Twenty two European Top Gas racers held a meeting at Molln in Germany to discuss the 2017 races. Jozef Hadnagy invited us to Kunmadaras for the twentieth year celebration on 24th June and said that if we came then Top Gas could have a two-day event, but there was one vote too few so we are going to Malmö twice in 2017.
13th-15th May: Malmö, Sweden
3rd-6th June: Malmö, Sweden
14th-16th July: Drachten, The Netherlands
18th-20th August: Hockenheim, Germany
1st-2nd September: Mosten Race Days, Denmark
29th September-1st October: Drachten, The Netherlands
Herman adds that he had to say goodbye to Eurol, his sponsor of twenty five years, this year but that he will now be sponsored by Putoline Motorcycle Oil.
FIM Europe prepare for 2017...
16th March: FIM Europe Drag Racing Commission member Job Heezen has been in touch with an update from the FIM Europe Drag Bike Championships:
On 17th-1th February, the Magyar Motorsport Szövetség hosted the FIM Europe Drag Racing Commission's seminar for Clerks of the Course and Technical Steward licence holders.
Prior to the seminar, the Drag Racing Commission had a special meeting with Rezsö Bulcsu, director of FIM International's Commission of Circuit Racing together with FIM co-ordinator Victoria Corredoira. This valuable meeting was scheduled to make a first list of issues regarding the plans for the new World Cup of Drag Racing. The overall conclusion of the meeting was very positive although everybody agreed on the fact that there are a lot of issues to manage and solve. Left to right below left are Reszö Bulcsu, Jozef Hadnagy (MAMS), Victoria Corredoira, and Job Heezen, Peder Eneroth, Palle Lind and Jari Halonen all of the Drag Racing Commission.
On day two of the seminar the real work started with training courses for Clerks of the Course and the Technical Steward licencees (above right). The training and examinations for Clerks of the Course were run by Commission Chair Palle Lind and those for Tech Stewards by newly-appointed Commission member Job Heezen.
The turnout of candidates was very satisfying with people from England, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands and Hungary. Those trained will help to bring the quality of the officiating and scrutineering to even highers level. New rules were explained, issues from previous seasons were communicated and there was ample opportunity to exchange views during the day. Major attention was been given to the safety aspects of drag racing, a key issue for the Commission. All of the licencees should be ready for some flawless operation in seasons to come.
Many thanks to our Hungarian hosts who did a wonderful job !
FIM Europe racers and others involved can check out important matters such as rule books, rule changes etc on the FIM web site or go to the Drag Racing Commission's Facebook page.
...whilst Holmberg forgets 2016.
16th March: 2016 was not the most fortunate of seasons for Swedish Pro Stock Bike racer Kenneth Holmberg with a broken thumb necessitating wearing a cast for the first race of the season and a number of broken engines. Finishing ninth in the Championship after previous top five finishes was disappointing but Kenneth says that it is all forgotten now and that he and his team have never been so well-prepared for an upcoming season:
With two updated engines, a number of new sponsors and a tight team, we are really looking forward to 2017. Gabriella 'Gabbi' Nikolovska and Kent 'Kenta' Carlsson, our talented team members for many years, are helping us out at racers with family and friends. We will compete and focus upon all of the FIM races and we will also race in the EDRS Pro series. One of the highlights is of course racing at our home track Tierp Arena in June and August.
This year's goal is of course top position in the FIM European Championship. Hopefully there will be a World Championship at Hockenheim in 2018 if all goes as it should with the FIM and promoters.
The first round of the FIM European Championship will be held at Santa Pod Raceway in England at the end of May with great organisation and a wonderful atmosphere. Before that we have a plan to test at Malm&oum; at the end of April. See you at the track!
Thanks to our sponsors Swecomposite, Hyresbostäder Boliden, EG Nord, ProService, Bilglasdesign, Texstar, Yniq, Swedol and FHRA Feringe.
Swift snippets.
16th March: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us updated entry lists for the Festival of Power (Version 3) and Big Bang (Version 2). You can check out either entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. You can download the official entry forms via the Information link of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
Good luck and stay safe to Smax Smith (Top Fuel Dragster), Jonnie Lindberg (Fuel Funny Car) and Ulf Leanders (Top Alcohol FC) who are contesting this weekend's NHRA Amalie Gatornationals at Gainesville. Our heroes are in action from Friday and you will be able to stay in touch courtesy of the Drag Race Central web site at www.dragracecentral.com and on the racers' Facebook pages.
We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to our good friend and Honorary Eurodragster.com Staff Member John Hackney. Have a great day Hackers.
London Motor Show SPRC discount.
16th March: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall has been in touch with news of a special discount for SPRC members:
The London Motor Show, which takes place in Battersea Park on 4th-7th May, is back again following a highly-successful event last year with over 25,000 visitors. As the show is intended for all car enthusiasts, and before the show sells out again, the Show is offering Santa Pod Racers Club members a special 10% discount on tickets. A special food and beverage area for Club members will also be on hand as a good meeting point with the added benefit of reduced rates on catering.
To use this exclusive special rate members just need to add the promo code SANTAPOD when buying tickets on-line at www.thelondonmotorshow.co.uk.
BDRHoF Gala sponsorship update.
16th March: Lucas Oil Products UK has announced that it is renewing its sponsorship of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner, to be held on Saturday 18th November at the Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge, Surrey. Lucas Oil will be joined by Kelsey Media as joint hosts of the pre-dinner drinks reception, welcoming guests to an evening celebrating those who have helped the sport grow since its beginning in the late 1950s.
Lucas Oil also sponsors the BDRHoF Lucas Oil Global Achievement Award. In 2016 this was presented to the National Hot Rod Association for the
crucial role played by NHRA and its employees in organising, governing and growing the sport of drag racing throughout its sixty five years of
existence including the establishment of the FIA Drag Racing Commission which organises Championships in Europe and Australia. NHRA President
Peter Clifford sent a photo and message saying how thrilled they were with the award and that they are proudly displaying it in their Glendora
Headquarters' conference room.
Lucas Oil UK Managing Director Les Downey said "It is rewarding that British drag racing and Lucas Oil are represented in the sport's corridors
of power in California. Our company has a long history in drag racing and also sponsors the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame based in
Florida. And we are proud to continue our support of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner and this year act as joint hosts
of the pre-dinner drinks reception with our friends from Kelsey Media. As well as celebrating the sport's UK pioneers at the BDRHoF Gala, many
of whom have become personal friends of mine, Lucas Oil is committed to celebrating the young people entering drag racing by co-sponsoring two
tables for the Junior Drag Racing Champions and their families It is great that the 2017 Junior Drag Racing Champions can attend the Gala again
and meet so many legends of our sport. I know they really look forward to the occasion. The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame is doing important
work and I would encourage more companies to get involved". This Andy Willsheer photo was taken at the 2016 BDRHoF Gala Awards Dinner and shows,
from left, Les Downey of Lucas Oil Products UK, Don Schumacher and the 2016 Junior Drag Racing Champions. Sponsorship Partner and BDRHoF
International Liaison Advisor Geoff Stilwell of Beech Underwriting is on the right.
British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Limited CEO Brian Taylor said "I have known Les for many years and he is a true friend of drag racing. This year the event will have a revised format aimed at streamlining the awards programme and providing more time for socialising. I can't think of anyone better to welcome guests before the Awards Dinner and set the right atmosphere of the evening and I thank him for his support."
Joining Lucas Oil this year is Kelsey Media – a business now publishing a multitude of magazines and organising events covering the automotive sector and many other areas too. A visit to their web site www.kelsey.co.uk shows you the amazing breadth of their coverage these days. The world of drag racing knows them for Custom Car, a magazine which has been helping to promote our sport since its launch in 1970. In 2007 the magazine was inducted into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame for its long association with the sport and, along with US Automotive, sponsored the Souvenir Programme for the 2014 BDRHoF Gala Awards Dinner.
Covering everything from low-budget traditional hot rods and customs to hi-tech street rods and 300 mph dragsters, the team of writers at Custom Car bring together event coverage, technical articles, project cars, news and reviews and feature cars on a monthly basis. In addition, the magazine offers a classified section for those looking to buy and sell. It is available in print and digital format and is part of the Fast Car Entertainment event series which brings motoring enthusiasts together to celebrate their shared passion.
Managing Director of Kelsey Media Phil Weeden said "Kelsey Media, and in particular Custom Car magazine, are delighted to be supporting the
British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner. We're equally pleased to be sharing that support with a brand of repute like Lucas Oil. Custom
Car magazine is part of a growing family of motoring publications, web sites and events at Kelsey Media. All have a passion for motoring at their
heart. The knowledge and enthusiasm for cars in particular is especially evident in a brand like Custom Car magazine, which has been around now
for over forty years, reflecting the best in hot rods, customs and drag racers."
Honorary Chairman of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Stu Bradbury said "Custom Car is part of our family, being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007, and it is very rewarding that they are supporting us again. I remember when the magazine was launched and what a difference it made to how drag racing was perceived by the public and sponsors. Of all the titles out there this is the one that has shown longevity in its association with our sport and it is a special pleasure to welcome them back as a sponsor."
The BDRHoF is now taking reservations for the 2017 Gala Awards Dinner by E-Mail at stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk or by telephone at 01933 279102. This year the tickets are priced competitively at £65 which includes a pre-dinner reception. The event always sells out well in advance, so if you would like to join us for the occasion we suggest you make your reservation sooner rather than later. On receiving your reservation you will be given the procedure to book rooms at the negotiated room rate that includes breakfast and VAT as well as parking.
On-going news about the Gala, sponsors and other events in which the BDRHoF is involved will be published on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk, on Eurodragster.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.
UK event entry update.
14th March: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 2 of the official entry list for the Festival of Power, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 14th-16th April. You can check out the entry list on our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored Festival of Power Event Index by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Thanks also to Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 1 of the official entry list for Big Bang, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 21st-23rd April (racing 22nd-23rd). You can check out the entry list on our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored Big Bang Event Index by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Festival of Power entry closes on 24th March and Big Bang entry closes on 31st March; you can download the official entry forms via the Information link of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about Festival of Power entry then you can contact Ian at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Official entry forms for the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which takes place at Shakespeare County Raceway on 29th April-1st May, are available to download from the Downloads page of the Shakespeare County Raceway web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk.
Havoc: The inside track.
13th March: Many thanks to Rob Loaring who has been in touch with the inside story of the Havoc Fuel Altered team's weekend at the March Meet.
Wednesday 1st March: Nick, Scott and I got into Bakersfield around 9:45 on Tuesday evening. We grabbed something to eat, found the hotel and went straight to bed. The previous Sunday, Brian Hope, Keith Dugan and 'Junior' had started the twenty two-hour tow from Rat Trap HQ in Tennessee. About the same time that we were falling into bed, our weary team-mates had parked the two trucks outside the track and were taking some well-earned rest at the same hotel. We met up at breakfast, said our Hellos and headed out to the track.
The pit set up was, to say the least, impressive. Rat Trap had travelled in a recently acquired forty foot trailer and the Bantam was tied down in the team's previous forty foot Gooseneck. Both trailers had been fitted with identical awnings and by the time they were set up we had a covered area about the size of a football pitch. For three guys from England, it was more than we could have dreamed of. The car had travelled well. There was a little organising to do but nothing too painful. Brian had equipped the trailer with a complete set of hand tools and the only stuff we had shipped from Silverstone was some specialist tools and our spares. Scott and I set about getting the car ready for Tech while Nick got things organised inside the trailer. By 6:00 that evening we were all but done. There were a few details to finish up Thursday morning but assuming that the car cleared Tech, we were set for a short run that afternoon.
That evening we all dined at Famous Dave's Barbeque, an establishment which thankfully isn't located anywhere close to where I live in England. The ribs, oh boy the ribs...
Thursday 2nd March: Thursday started bright and sunny; it was to remain this way until Sunday morning. We had finished breakfast and were headed to the track by 8:00 am. Apart from some questions regarding our International SFI chassis tag, Tech went smoothly. Our Tech Inspector made a call to Danny Gracia for clarification on expiry dates and we got the all clear at around 2:30 that afternoon. There was an open test session available from 3:00 pm and we hadn't been idle while waiting for Tech to sign us off. The car was warmed up, the clutch, ignition and idle speed set, and we were good to go.
The only potential banana skin we could see was a tyre roll-out issue. The first time we set the pressure, our new slicks measured just over an inch difference in circumference. If you're unfamiliar with this issue and can afford to waste five minutes of your life, cut out two small circles of card, one a little bigger than the other. If you then push them onto each end of a pencil and roll it forwards it'll go around in a circle. We have the same issue during a run. The rear axle is locked, and with the front end in the air any difference in tyre roll out (circumference) will cause the car to rotate either towards the left or the right. To an extent we can correct this by stretching the smaller of the two but the tyre has memory, making the job somewhat problematic. The slicks are bias-belted and the construction is basically a viscoelastic matrix of fibre cords, polymers and fillers. At the risk of oversimplifying, it's something like a plate of reinforced pasta. If over-inflated, areas in the matrix can break down and when the pressure is reduced to operating level the circumference is increased slightly. The difficult part is that, over time, the tyre continues to recover so for a while it's like hitting a moving target.
By the time we pulled out of the pit the difference was down to half an inch, the right rear being the larger of the two. Alarm bells should have rung when Nick indicated that some right hand steering was needed to keep the car rolling straight but unfortunately, we were excited and tired and missed the connection.
We were directed into lane four along with various other AA/FAs, Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Cars. The Fuel cars would run in pairs chosen entirely at random. We had the right lane and hooked up the starter alongside Adam Sorokin's Top Fuel car. Unfortunately the Small Block had an issue during start up and the team pushed back leaving us to début on a single.
Our first impressions of the track were great, it looked smooth and well prepped. The distance from the water to the staging beams is a little shorter than at Santa Pod Raceway so the car needed to be reasonably well-centred when backing up after the burnout. At the hit we lost cylinder #4 for about two tenths but after that the engine sounded fine. About thirty feet out our roll-out problem became apparent and the car steered left. Nick rolled off the throttle to try to get the front down but no joy, the rear end steered the car toward the centre line and that was that. It went 1.06 at sixty feet which is about as fast as it goes so we had something to smile about.
Back in the pits Nick dumped the Racepak data and it all looked good. Brian and the guys had finished up the last jobs on Rat Trap and we were all set for Friday qualifying. The March Meet was underway.
Dinner that evening was at In-N-Out Burger. Stewart Bassett and Geoff Stilwell (of US Automotive and Beech Underwriting respectively) had arrived that day and we all set off, largely unwashed, at around 6:45 pm. My good friend Andy Willsheer had suggested we try a Double–Double with onions and most of our group followed his advice. With our order placed we sat down at our table and Brian suggested I try one of the side dishes. I asked what they were and Stewart Bassett indicated "Pickles". I selected one about the size of a cherry tomato and bit off just over half. It was a rookie mistake. As the seeds turned the inside of my mouth into lava the entire Rat Trap team wet their pants laughing. So much for the Transatlantic Special Relationship... I'd like to comment on the burger but with what was left of the inside of my mouth it might as well have been a tennis ball.
Friday 3rd March: Brian suggested we start Friday with breakfast at Hardee's. I've always found cultural eating habits interesting, what gets mixed with what and when so to speak. Sitting at the table drinking coffee while our American team-mates sipped 7Up and Pepsi is one such example. We looked at each other and thought "How can you drink that stuff at 7:30 in the morning?". The all-inclusive breakfast sandwich was great but it did hang around for a while, progressing at glacial speed towards my stomach and finally arriving at about 3:00 that afternoon.
Ron Hope, Kay Hudson and Brian's wife Rebecca arrived late Thursday, thus making both teams complete. We weren't scheduled to run until late that afternoon so the pace around the pit was fairly steady. We hooked up with many of our travelling supporters and took some time to soak up the atmosphere. Around midday Ron gathered us all together and made a presentation. As if we hadn't already received enough help, Lawrie Gatehouse along with Bill and the entire Sherratt family had paid for our first barrel of nitro. If things were going to get better, it was difficult to see how.
We got the call at around 4:00 pm. The warm-up had gone OK and Scott had spent some time messing with the roll-out before going to the Goodyear trailer to check the balance. The steering was better, not perfect but a lot better. We sat in the lanes for a long time, Funny Car and Top Fuel qualifying was a hard-fought affair and a few oildowns were inevitable. The sun went down around 6:30 pm and the temperature started to drop dramatically. By the time it got to 7:30 pm it was getting cold. We had no official confirmation but it appeared that if the track temperature got down to sixty degrees they'd call it a day. In conditions such as this it becomes less of a question of what the car can run and more of what the track will take.
By the time we got to the top of the line Nick and I were debating a high-gear launch just to get something on the board. It would probably cost us a clutch pack but with only two qualifiers, the first of which was in cold conditions, we had little choice. In the event, when the Bantam rolled through the water it was sixty two degrees. Nick ran it in low gear for about thirty feet then punched the button. The car fell on its face but stayed in the middle of the lane and ran a 6.57 at 223 mph, good enough for third spot. Bad news was to follow. Half way through the burnout, Rat Trap pushed #2 spark plug out of the head and the team were unable to make a run. Going into final qualifying it would be our third hit at the startline but for our team-mates it would be their first.
Back in the pits Nick dumped the data and Scotty drained the oil. On the tow-back, headlights had illuminated the smoke coming from the clutch can. At this time of day I had no interest in dealing with the remnants, it was 9:30 pm and we were exhausted. Brian and Keith set about servicing Rat Trap and repairing the damaged cylinder head. We made our excuses, loaded the car and tools into the trailer and headed for the hotel. There was a small Mexican restaurant close by and dinner was a brief and light affair. The magnitude of the weekend was telling; you can hide stress from the outside world but your body knows. We were dead on our feet.
Saturday 4th March: The event was gaining momentum. The joking and messing around we enjoyed during the first couple of days had started to give way to a more focused atmosphere. We had one shot left, our team-mates hadn't yet qualified and we were a lifetime away from safe. This change in approach accelerated somewhat when, as we arrived at the track, the announcer indicated that our 4:00 pm qualifier had been moved up to 12:30 pm. There was enough time but we had to get to work. Check the bearings, fit a new clutch pack, mix the fuel, lube the valvetrain and accommodate a few interviews. By 11:00 am we were done. Scotty kept chasing the roll-out problem and when we pulled out of the pit we were in decent shape. It was business as usual for Ron, Brian and the Rat Trap guys. It was the environment in which they lived.
We eventually ran at about 3:15 pm. The staging lanes were organised so that we could run together, Ron in the left and Nick in the right. Our run was a little better, a 6.34 at 234 mph looked a little more likely to keep us in and at close of play it was enough for fourth. Ron had his hands full in the left. Brian has been fighting one or two dropped cylinders during the early part of a run and when they light up Ron spends the rest of the run with the car's front end in the air. A 6.77 at 219 mph was good enough to qualify but by the end of the session the little Bantam was ninth. Unless someone couldn't make the first round, Rat Trap Racing would go into Sunday with one car.
Dinner that evening was at the Outback steak restaurant. I can't explain why the steaks in the US are so good; Nick suggested that maybe the cows are just "Nicer" and frankly I can't think of anything better.
Sunday 5th March: Sunday morning brought rain. The farmers celebrated and we went looking for rope. The ever-changing forecast did little to help, surely we hadn't come this far just go home with a rain-out ticket. Running the race on Monday brought unwanted complications as our flight was due to leave at 9:00 pm that evening. As luck would have it, by about 11:30 am the rain started to clear and the early afternoon found us in the staging lanes waiting for our first round. During qualifying, our fuel mix had been close to 88%, in the first round it was back up to 90%. History has taught us that if we're short on pace, there's little point in making a guess at something better. We just take our A Game to the start line and if we come up short, so be it.
Our opponent was Keith Wilson in the Witch Doctor, a car which had been deep into the five-second zone. To be honest, the race was going to be tough because we weren't fast enough. To make a fist of it, we needed to be closer to the 6.00 index. For our opponents, slowing a mid five-second car down to 6.00 wasn't exactly going to be a walk in the park either. There were no games on the start line. Nick had indicated fuel on his visor during the burnout and at the hit, it was shower head. We enjoyed a hundredth's advantage at the start but by the eighth the Witch Doctor was in another post code. Unable to see much by now, Nick rolled off the throttle and we took a first round loss on the chin.
The mood in the pit was a little subdued, but after a short while the smiles returned and we were prepping the car for its long trip back to Tennessee. It was Rat Trap team member Junior's birthday and another trip to Famous Dave's Barbeque was planned for the evening. With the race over, it was a more relaxed affair, the ribs were great but the company was better. What a weekend.
As ever our sincere thanks go to the Hope family, Lawrie Gatehouse, Geoff Stilwell at Beech Underwriting and of course, US Automotive's larger than life Stewart Bassett. To everyone who has made a donation, many thanks. You've no idea how much it helps.
On AA/FA 6.00: Class performance is somewhat defined by technical regulations. If your car runs seven flat and it's a Super Stocker, you're probably Harry Potter. If it's an Alcohol Funny Car you should probably consider another career. However, without a credible Championship and sufficient long-term funding, writing a set of technical regulations is a waste of time. In the absence of a rule book, racers will naturally build whatever takes their fancy and such is the case with the AA/Fuel Altereds. Bringing a large cross-section of cars together for a single eliminator is probably only viable if an index is in place. The 6.00 number appears to be a good fit for the type of cars most people have built. If the tracks continue to run the format, over time I'd expect application-specific AA/FA 6.00 cars to start appearing. If you're a fan of the short cars, you're probably north of fifty. Despite their enormous popularity, very few people build cars which truly mirror those that ran in the late sixties. For a 108" car with 25% engine set back, a string of 6.00s is a lot to ask. When Ron Hope runs a mid six there's not much left on the table. Over time their numbers will likely diminish so if you're a fan of cars like Pure Hell, Bradfords Fiat, Pure Heaven and Rat Trap I suggest you take every opportunity available to go and watch them. Buy a T-shirt and meet the teams. Nothing lasts forever.
Quote of the meeting from outside our pit:
Upon arriving at the top end with yet another engine smouldering in the front of his Funny Car, our hero was met by a concerned fire marshal asking if his car was on fire. His reply: "As slow as this thing's runnin', I sure ******' hope so".
Quote of the meeting from inside our pit:
After our Sunday warm-up Brian quizzed me about our idle speed. I informed him that it sounded high because, in order to save fuel, Nick turns the fuel shut-off half open. Brian replied "We've got two trailers full of nitro. Burn it. Burn it all."
School Report: Good effort, must try harder. If we'd picked up the tyre roll out issue sooner it would be a B+ but we didn't so, I give us a straight B.
Roll on Bowling Green in June.
Something for the weekend.
10th March: Luke Stevenson writes that the Volkswagen Drag Racing Club's 2017 promotional tour begins this weekend at Ultimate Dubs at the Telford International Centre:
As ever we have a number of cars on display with seasoned favourites plus some new builds for 2017. If you love your modified VWs (Audis, Skodas, SEATs, Porsches) then UD17 is a great day out for you, it's only £10 for Saturday (evening only) or £15 for Sunday. You can find out more at www.ultimate-dubs.co.uk.
Also we are happy to announce another sponsor for the anniversary season in the form of Hangar 30. Ben Speechley has been around the VWDRC for many years, supplying suspension components and custom fabrication to our racers. In 2016 he created Hangar 30 offering custom fabrication, roll cages and track day preparation as well as general car servicing and repairs from his workshop in Ely, Cambridgeshire. Over the winter Ben has already fitted roll cages to four new racers for VW Pro, these along with a great number of racers are leading up to a very busy and exciting season.
As always a massive thank you to our 2017 sponsors Darkside Developments, Vanology Performance Ltd, Kleanfreaks, Engine Carbon Clean, WRP Paint and Restoration, Brickfield Autos, BJ's Speedshop, Trackstuff Racing Fuels and Tyres, Starsz Hair and Beauty and of course Hangar 30 who between them have amassed over £5000 of prize fund for the VWDRC racers to fight for.
Want to be part of the fun? Head to www.vwdrc.com for more.
Webster's Battery of assistance.
10th March: Eurodragster.com sponsor Webster
Race Engineering's new Pro Mod project is underway, the aim being to get out on track as soon as possible. Jon Webster writes:
We've had great interest in the project since the announcement in January. Progress on the build is good and on target. We've got some correspondence going back and forth looking for support and technical partners, with some very positive feedback.
One area of the car getting particular attention is weight. The target legal minimum weight for the turbo vehicles is 2650 lbs with driver. We're targeting a lot less so that we have the option of moving the mass around for chassis tuning. Analysis of the weight and location of all components is key to mass distribution within the car and as this is a fresh build we can appraise each item individually for its spec and potential location.
The battery is a key component on any vehicle, but also very often of considerable weight and size. With some research and several E-Mails and phone conversations we found a product that fitted our requirements. Antigravity Batteries produce a range of extremely compact Lithium-Ion batteries for large range of Vehicles in OEM standard sizes, with over two and a half times the cranking power of lead-acid versions. They are readily available in the UK and are priced very competitively.
Antigravity Batteries have become technical partners with us on the Mustang and we will be using their ATX20 unit, which has 780 Cranking Amps and 25 Ah. The unit weighs less than 5 lbs making a weight saving of more than 30 lbs over our usual choice of battery. With an overall size of 175 x 87 x 155mm, the unit reduces limitations for the location within the car.
Webster Race Engineering will be agents in the near future. Meanwhile if anyone has any interest in their product range, Antigravity Batteries are located in Essex and can be reached via their web site at www.antigravitybatteries-uk.co.uk or call 01702 301664.
No trouble at the Mills.
10th March: UK Outlaw Anglia team Cooper Bros Racing are proud to announce Mills CNC as a sponsor for the 2017 season. Mat Cooper writes:
Mills CNC is one of, if not the, fastest-growing machine tool companies in the UK. Mills are highly-regarded and -respected in the machine tool market and across all those manufacturing sectors they serve: aerospace and defence, power generation, motorsport, oil and gas, medical, automotive and general precision component manufacture, to name but a few.
If you or your company are in the market for a new state of the art CNC machine look no further than Mills CNC. If you have any questions regarding the latest Doosan CNC machines then feel free to contact us via our Facebook page, contact Mills CNC directly via www.millscnc.co.uk or via their Facebook page, or drop by our pit at any Outlaw Anglia meetings. Support the companies which support our drag racing family!
Swift snippets.
10th March: Good luck and stay safe to Sweden's Adam Flamholc who is contesting Extreme Pro Mod at this weekend's NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem at Bradenton Motorsports Park. You will be able to stay in touch with Adam's progress via the free Speed Video webcast at www.livestream.com/speedvideo/nmca-muscle-car-mayhem-2017.
On the subject of drag racing webcasts the excellent 1320 Online web site offers a detailed daily schedule of webcasts from around the planet including Eurodragster.com's own Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam (Thanks Barney - Ed). You can stay up to date with all the latest webcast offerings at www.1320online.com.
Monday's spy picture elicited a single response, to whit: "The dog is named Olive but if it's going to sit underneath a Ford it should be Oily". We are naturally honour-bound to protect the identity of
Thanks very much to Jerry Cookson for letting us know that the official APIRA Trophy Presentation photographs are now available on Shakespeare County Raceway Facebook page.
Geoff Stilwell of British Drag Racing Hall of Fame sponsor Beech Underwriting Agencies asked us to say a big Happy 79th Birthday for today (Friday) to US Fuel legend Bob Muravez. Geoff tells us that he and Ron Hope sprung a surprise on Bob at Bakersfield (above). "Everyone in the pit area sang Happy Birthday to Bob", says Geoff. "Earlier, as a special treat, Ron put Bob in Rat Trap for a warm-up just to give him his nitro fix. Bob was wearing a replica of his original firesuit."
Robin Jackson tells us that Motor Sport magazine's prestigious Hall Of Fame contains a category for American racing personalities and that this year's twelve US nominees include a single drag racer, John Force. For more information, visit the Hall Of Fame voting page at www.motorsportmagazine.com/hall-of-fame/who-will-be-next. Scroll down through the categories and select your favourite candidates. All votes will be entered in a free prize draw for various Motor Sport goodies, including tickets to the Hall Of Fame Awards Dinner itself, which this year retail at a cool £399 apiece. The event takes place on Wednesday 7th June at the Royal Automobile Club, Woodcote Park, Surrey. Be sure to cast your votes in good time.
Web site updates.
10th March: In the latest instalment of his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Gearhead Garage Paul Marston brings us up to date with the construction of his twin-turbo Cortina. You can take a look by clicking here or by clicking on the Gearhead Garage Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Festival of Power entry.
8th March: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 1 of the official entry list for the Festival of Power, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 14th-16th April. You can check out the entry list on our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored Festival of Power Event Index by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Festival of Power entry closes on 24th March; you can download the official entry forms via the Information link of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about Festival of Power entry then you can contact Ian at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Swift snippets.
8th March: Kathy Taylor asked us to say a big Happy special Birthday to her good friend Lesley Wright. We're very happy to do so, have a lovely day Lesley and love and hugs from us too.
STTG, ET Bike run at Big Bang.
7th March: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for letting us know that, subsequent to discussion at the recent UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting and at the AGM of the National Association of Supertwins, Supertwin Top Gas and ET Bike will have an additional UK National Championship round at Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway on 21st-23rd April (racing takes place on 22nd-23rd).
Supertwin Top Gas and ET Bike join 8.50 Bike and 9.50 Bike which already had a UK National Championship round at Big Bang.
The official Big Bang entry forms will be amended to suit and will be available on the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc on or by Friday of this week, 10th March.
You can check out the amended full UK National Championships calendar in our report of the UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting by clicking here. If you have any queries then you can contact Ian at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Swift snippets.
7th March: We would like to wish a big Happy 40th Birthday to our good buddy and Honorary Eurodragster.com Staff Member Spencer Tramm. Have a great day Spencer. A big Happy Birthday also to alcohol tuner Karl Harrison; you have a great day too Karl.
The Undertaker goes Cold.
6th March: UK Fuel Funny Car racer Steve Ashdown is pleased to announce sponsorship from Cold Fire Firefighting on the Undertaker FC:
Hydro Navitas Solutions is a name with which you may not be familiar, but Cold Fire Firefighting might just be. Lift the body of any
Fuel Funny Car and look inside and you might just see a Cold Fire Firefighting fire suppression system staring up at you. Santa Pod
Raceway have been using Cold Fire Firefighting for almost ten years and it is regarded as the very best firefighting product available.
Hydro Navitas Solutions are Santa Pod's official firefighting partners, and are now in their second year as lane sponsor with the Cold
Fire Firefighting lane.
Continuing their support for drag racing in 2017, Hydro Navitas Solutions are proud to announce that they will be sponsoring Steve Ashdown's exciting move into the European Nitro Funny Car series, driving the Undertaker Funny Car in 2017 with their Cold Fire Firefighting brand.
Hydro Navitas Solutions' CEO James Petter said "I got a call from Kath Taylor who was helping Steve raise funds, she asked for ten minutes of my time, there was only one reply I could give her - yes! I was presented with a very professional Undertaker portfolio which got me hooked. In fact, even though I didn't say it there and then, I knew we had to help Steve achieve his own dream of driving in this series, and with Cold Fire Firefighting it made for a great partnership.
"I must say that Dave Bryant has a great team back at the Undertaker garage, Steve has an impressive support team behind him and I wish him every success in 2017. We are glad to do our bit for this amazing sport."
Steve told Eurodragster.com that Fuel FC was where he wanted to be. "I got the opportunity to drive Top Fuel thanks to Rune and Lindsay", he said. "Then it all went a bit crazy and I ended up agreeing to do extra events. Words can't describe how that felt.
"Then the plot thickened! I was going to take a year out to concentrate on Tyler's racing but at the end of last season I was asked if I would like to drive Shockwave. I had a quick chat with the family and then a meeting was set up with Gordon Smith and and Dave Bryant to discuss plans. After a couple of hours we came to an agreement, shook hands and agreed to do the full season in the 2017 Funny Car Championship. I am looking forward to it and I will be getting in there and getting my hands dirty!
"I am really looking forward to it and I have some great sponsors on board. You have read about Cold Fire Firefighting, I am pleased to say that my original sponsors are staying with me as well as new backers: Dave at Robey Scaffolding, Adrian at The Phone Shop, and Richard Deevey has been a gem. As well as Cold Fire Firefighting my new sponsors for the season include Anthony from Aspect Contracts Ltd, Les Downey at Lucas Oil UK, Alex Bateman at Goodridge Hoses, Graham and Mark at Serck Motorsport, Michela at Champion Spark Plugs, Liam Jones TFJ Motorsport and Gary at Fast2Finish Printers.
"I would like to say a big Thank You to Kathy Taylor and Darren Prentice for their help, to Pete Walters for the design and shirts, awesome work as usual, Dave, Gordon and the entire Shockwave team for the opportunity and for making not just me but my family feel so welcome. Thanks to Keith Bartlett and the Santa Pod Raceway staff for continued support of the Nitro Funny Car series, to Dave Bateman and family for all their help through the years, to Paul Marston for all his help and advice because this really all began with the Paul Marston Drag Race Driving School, and to Tog and Eurodragster.com for their help (Thanks, you're welcome, milk and none in mine - Ed). Finally the biggest thanks go to my family for all of their support."
March Meet update IV.
6th March: The UK's Havoc Fuel Altered made a first-round exit in yesterday's eliminations at the March Meet at Bakersfield. Gary Willy writes:
It was always going to be a big challenge against Keith Wilson's Witch Doctor Fuel Altered which has run as quickly as 5.73 seconds at 249 mph. Nick Davies ran a losing 6.91/152 and not without problems as Rob Loaring indicated that there was a fuel leak at the hit (Nick's visor being the Official Receiver - Ed). The Witch Doctor streaked ahead running 6.13/189, lifting early so as to not break out of the 6.0 index.
The whole weekend was however a fantastic achievement for the Havoc team (Hear hear - Ed).
Swift snippets.
6th March: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the
words "Old Fords never die, they just get faster". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture,
then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
Best wishes to the UK's Richie Webb who has made it into September's Hot Rod Drag Week with one of his wild VWs. Entry sold out in six minutes so securing an entry for the street-legal event is grounds for congratulation in itself. Richie faces six races in six days driving between tracks carrying or towing what he needs. You can find out more by clicking here.
Electric shock Hazard.
6th March: The UK's Adam Withington will be making a return to the track in the Hazard Racing Junior Dragster later this season. Dad and Super Street racer David Withington writes that Adam's car has a different power plant to that we last saw nearly four years ago:
The Briggs and Stratton 5 hp engine has been replaced with an electric motor. We think that this should be a natural progression as electric cars are
becoming more common and even appear in Street Eliminator. We understand that this will be totally against the grain with the rule book as it is written
around the use of a side valve engine, but things must move with the times.
We are currently testing the new motor and making adjustments before the first outing mid-season. The new motor can accelerate from 0 to its maximum RPM within 250 metres, which as you can imagine has caused a few issues such as throwing the motor windings and smoking tyres. We are currently tuning the control system to smooth out the acceleration and adding additional safety features to kill all power if anything fails. The custom control system has been designed by GFX Power Ltd in Cannock and has been created from scratch using some of the most up-to-date equipment available. Their strapline Power With Control definitely rings true, as a lot of power without control is pretty useless.
Adam says that will be a whole new challenge and that he is looking forwards to the return.
APIRA Perpetual Award winners.
5th March: The winners and runners-up in the 2016 APIRA Ultimate Power Championships, Supercharged Outlaws and National Association of Supertwins were presented with their trophies at the APIRA Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation in Warwick last night (Saturday). The winners of APIRA's Perpetual Awards, for whom Eurodragster.com readers had the chance to vote, were also presented with their trophies.
Congratulations to the APIRA Perpetual Award winners:
APIRA Iris Page Memorial Trophy: Richard Walters (Super Pro ET sponsorship scheme)
Shakespeare County Raceway Award for Outstanding Achievement: Scott Crookston (Outlaw Anglia)
APIRA Shakespeare County Raceway Sportswoman of the Year: Caitlin Wilson (Lucas Oil Junior Dragster)
APIRA Endeavour Award: Simon Groves (Eurodragster.com)
Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy: Tony Smith (ACU and APIRA race official)
McDonald Racing Ireland Best Newcomer Trophy: Elaine Hancock (Sportsman ET)
Thanks to all of the Eurodragster.com readers who voted.
APIRA Endeavour Award winner, our own Simon, writes: It is a real honour to win the APIRA Endeavour Award and I am sorry I couldn't be at the ceremony in person. I would like to thank all the officials at APIRA for generously giving facilities and information, often requested at very short notice. I would like to thank Tog of Eurodragster.com for giving me the opportunity to work with him on the site which has been, and continues to be, an amazing journey. Eurodragster.com's readers and sponsors should also take credit for providing us with content and backing. I would finally like to pay tribute to my wife Ros for supporting my work in drag racing. See you at the track!
The following special awards were also presented. Congratulations to:
2016 Services to APIRA and Shakespeare County Raceway: Sue Davis, Sherron Guise, Dave Massam
Long Standing Services to APIRA and Shakespeare County Raceway: Gerry and Joan Cookson
March Meet update III.
5th March: Our good buddies at Bangshift.com are webcasting this weekend's March Meet from Bakersfield. You can to tune in to the free webcast by clicking here. Bakersfield is -8 hours on UK time and -9 hours on European time.
Congratulations to Nick Davies, Rob Loaring and the Havoc team on a new Personal Best speed of 234.49 mph in qualifying, coupled with a 6.349 which was good for fourth spot. Gary Willy writes that a new clutch pack was put in before yesterday's qualifier. Geoff Stilwell adds that Havoc has top speed so far in the Fuel Altered class.
In round one of eliminations Nick faces Keith Wilson in the Witch Doctor. Geoff writes that the car is all good and the team are ready.
Pictures courtesy and copyright Gary Willy and Tony Thacker
March Meet update II.
4th March: Our good buddies at Bangshift.com are webcasting this weekend's March Meet from Bakersfield. You can to tune in to the free webcast by clicking here. Bakersfield is -8 hours on UK time and -9 hours on European time.
Nick Davies is currently third in Fuel Altered qualifying with a 6.57 at 223 mph in the dark. Geoff Stilwell writes that there were long delays due to a number of oildowns. "The track was getting slick and was only 68F and the air temp was down to 60F", he says. "Nick pulled a fantastic burnout and before we knew it he had run a 6.57/223. No lights at all in the shutdown area! That time currently puts Nick in third, and we have another qualifying session today.
"Ron Hope in Rat Trap had to shut the engine down as it blew a spark plug clean out of the cylinder head. But it is all repaired and ready to go today."
Gary Willy writes:
Friday it got real for the Havoc team at the forty ninth running of the legendary March Meet. Going into the first qualifier after a test launch on Thursday Nick now had the layout of the track, run off area and procedures and as always the team were calm professional and businesslike.
If it had gone to plan there would have been two qualifying sessions for Nitro Funny Car and Top Fuel slingshot and a single qualifier for the Fuel Altereds. In the first session of Funny Car, twenty eight cars lined up in the lanes and the number one qualifier was the McAttack car of Mick McIntire Jr with a record-breaking ET of 5.549. Ten Fuel slingshots joined the party.
As the day progressed with a couple of major oildowns and a car clipping the wall the schedule started to slip away. At 5:00 pm they were still just getting through the last of the 7.0 Pro class. With thirty eight plus Nitro Funny Cars and Dragsters to get down the track everyone knew it was going to be a late night.
The first Fuel Altered fired up at around 7:00 pm and we had fourteen Fuel Altereds going into the black of night for their first qualifier, the Havoc car getting to the line at around 7.30 pm and coming out sounding strong and ready for business. A good burnout and the car was then nicely backed up by Paula Clayton and brought to the line by Rob. Nick ran 6.57/223 putting the Havoc team an outstanding third qualifying position everything the Havoc team could wish for as we go into today's qualifying.
Advanced backing for Gough.
4th March: Returning UK Super Pro ET racer Simon Gough is pleased to announce AWS Racewear as a sponsor:
When I started racing a few years back I was having some issues finding a suit which not only fit me but which I actually liked. I came across a company called AWS Racewear in Ashford in Kent. I found the company excellent to deal with and they helped me out with not only with my suit but with crew shirts also. I am now on my fourth suit made by AWS and I'm still as happy with them as I was when they made my first. Nick runs a very tight ship and has the very best staff. They use the best materials to keep in line with FIA and SFI standards. They can also look after gloves, boots and helmets.
I am very pleased to say that AWS Racewear is now on our list of sponsors this year. I would like to thank Nick and all his staff for yet another great looking suit and hope to see them in the pits this year.
You can find AWS Racewear's web site at www.advanced-wear.co.uk.
March Meet update I.
3rd March: Our good buddies at Bangshift.com are webcasting this weekend's March Meet from Bakersfield. You can to tune in to the free webcast by clicking here. Bakersfield is -8 hours on UK time and -9 hours on European time.
Nick Davies' first run in the Havoc Fuel Altered gained the team their best-ever sixty foot time of 1.05 seconds. Nick pedalled and then shut off as the car made a move to the left, clocking an 8.0-second time; Geoff Stilwell tells us that the move was due to an issue with the right slick which has been sorted.
Geoff adds that the engine checked out fine after the run and that Nick, Rob and the team are looking forward to today's qualifying.
Pictures courtesy and copyright Geoff Stilwell, Gary Willy and Dale Fackler
UK event entry update.
3rd March: Further to last Sunday's report of the UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting Jerry Cookson writes that the official entry forms for the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which takes place at Shakespeare County Raceway on 29th April-1st May, are now available to download from the Downloads page of the Shakespeare County Raceway web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk. Entry forms for the APIRA Open Sport Nationals will be posted in due course.
Entry forms for all of this season's events at Santa Pod Raceway are available via the Information link of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
Tet has to sit it out.
3rd March: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Tethys has been in touch with a response to those who have asked about his 2017 plans:
It's a somewhat expected turn of events - for me, at least - that I have fans! I thought I'd clear things up here. The simple answer is that I won't be racing this year. This is not through lack of desire, nor even the perennial lack of money which plagues racers. No, it's because at the end of last year, the universe decided to roll out the big guns and use its favourite way to ruin someone's day by giving me cancer.
In January, I had surgery to remove a tumour. The initial indications are that the operation was a success, and the prognosis is good. But dealing with it has been occupying a large amount of my time over the past few months, and something had to give. That something was racing.
I would like to hope that I'll be back in a race car again in the future, once things have settled down a bit, but for now my health is my main priority. All being well, I plan to be at the track for at least the Main Event and maybe other meetings, so do come and say hello. But I won't be driving, and will just be there as a spectator. Good luck to all those taking part this season.
Our very best wishes to Tet for a rapid and full recovery.
The Englishmen abroad.
2nd March: Geoff Stilwell of team sponsor Beech Underwriting has been in touch from Bakersfield where Nick Davies' and Rob Loaring's Havoc Fuel Altered is getting ready to meet the public:
Nick, Rob and Scott arrived in LA safely on Tuesday evening and drove straight to Bakersfield. The aim is to run the car in free practice today: to quote Nick "We are not here to make up the numbers!"
For his own part Geoff is proud to announce that Iskenderian Race Cams have come on board to sponsor him and to help him to achieve his LSR goals in 2017. "I delivered to Brian Hope at Rat Trap Racing the new cam which Isky ground for me a couple of weeks ago", he says.
Geoff also showed us what NHRA racers get up to when they are not racing; in this case flying. Funny Car racer Tim Wilkerson made it possible for legendary US racer and British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Ambassador Bob Muravez to take a flight in this beautiful piece.
Gary Willy writes from Bakersfield that although competition will be tough with as many as twenty four Fuel Altereds in attandance the Havoc team are certainly match fit:
We caught up with the team late yesterday afternoon and all was well with a couple of small alterations needed on the car for tech inspection. Hopefully the car will be out for a shakedown pass today as the team as the team get the car dialled into the track,
The track preparation at Famoso facility is second to none thanks to the efforts of the Bowser family and track management.
Alders offer transmission dyno.
2nd March: Richard Alder of Eurodragster.com sponsor Alders
Automotive tells us that the company has recently installed a transmission dyno:
We found that more of our customers were asking if the transmissions could be tested after undergoing a rebuild and with increased sales on our race transmissions we decided to import a transmission dyno from the USA. This dyno will allow us to check all of our popular American and race transmissions before delivery. We can run the transmission and check transmission pressures, shifts and cooler flow.
This has given our customers peace of mind that they can buy with confidence knowing that their transmission has been dyno-tested before delivery allowing them to focus on their race meeting. The photo shows one of our full-race Powerglide transmissions on the dyno.
You can get in touch with Alders Automotive via their web site at www.aldersautomotive.co.uk or call 01323 848448.
UK electronic rule book update.
1st March: Ian Marshall has been in touch to let us know that there has been a problem with some of the USB sticks containing the 2017 UK rule book distributed to Santa Pod Racers Club members:
It would appear that we have a coding error and that the rule book is not present on those sticks already sent out. The remaining memory sticks are being re-tested and all of the information copied again to ensure that all of the information is present.
For those members who already have a memory stick, please note that we will be sending a locked PDF file to you via E-Mail by the end of the week. You can then save it to the memory stick if you so choose, or keep it as a separate file.
We apologise for the error but we will have it sorted out as soon as possible.
If you have any queries then you can contact Ian at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
FIM Europe SSB Round 1 entry open.
1st March: Alexandra Tóth has been in touch with an update on the first round of the 2017 FIM Europe Super Street Bike Cup, which this year takes place at the Car and Bike Celebrity of May event at Kunmadaras in Hungary on 29th April-1st May:
Our race series in Kunmadaras turns twenty years old this year, so we have many surprises and new features at the event. In addition, FIM Europe has approved Street Freestyle as an official European branch of motorsport, and has given the rights to Hungary to organise a one-round European Cup which will also take place at Kunmadaras.
So all in all we will have many new interesting programmes and two European Cups in Kunmadaras between 29th April and 1st May, and everybody is welcome.
The official entry form and Supplementary Regulations (PDF format) can be downloaded by clicking here. You can find out more about the event at www.kunmadarasmotorsport.hu.
Welcome Dyno Unlimited.
1st March: We are very pleased to welcome Belgian Top Methanol Funny Car racer Danny Bellio's business Dyno Unlimited as a sponsor of Eurodragster.com News.
Dyno Unlimited is located in Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium, and can handle engines which are naturally aspirated, turbocharged,
supercharged, gasoline or alcohol, carburettor, mechanical injection or EFI, from a regular street engine up to a 4000 horsepower
race engine. Danny writes:
The benefit of putting your engine combination on the dyno is that you get a base tune-up in a safe manner instead of risking breaking parts on the track. Potential engine or tune-up problems can be spotted and mended before damage occurs.
We rent out the dyno unit with an operator, engine mounting, water cooling if needed, and logging sensors. The customer will need to bring their own oil, spark plugs, tools, service parts if needed, and mechanic if servicing is needed in between test pulls. The customer will also need to provide a test plan, what is expected from the dyno and how they wish to test their engine.
The dyno can be rented per hour with fee dependent on the type of engine being tested. Engines which need to be serviced between pulls require mechanics to be present although we can also provide the service, parts, and tuning aids and tips at additional cost.
What we offer is a safe base tune-up in an environment where the engine is constantly being monitored in real time and any problems can be spotted before damage is done.
If you are interested our service then please contact us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DynoUnlimited or E-Mail us directly at info@dannycars.be.
1st March is the start of Eurodragster.com's sponsorship year. We are very pleased to say that almost all of our sponsors have renewed for this season and a big Thank You to all for their continued support. Sadly we are saying goodbye and thank you to long-standing Eurodragster.com sponsor and recently-retired Top Alcohol Dragster racer Mike Manners' company Cosmo Residences, and to 2016-17 sponsor GF Innovations.
Please show your appreciation of those who support Eurodragster.com and our sport by considering our sponsors when shopping for anything from a race vehicle to parts, services or support.
Earlier news
