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31st January: UK Top Methanol Dragster team Nemesis Racing have announced changes in the structure of the team as they prepare to do the full tour in both the FIA European and MSA British Championships again this year and to improve upon last year's runner-up placings in both Championships.
Joint team owner Bob Gleadow has retired from the team to allow him more time to concentrate on his business activities and other interests. Barry Redstone has taken over as sole car owner, and will continue as Crew Chief as well as taking over Bob's role as team manager. Dave Wilson will again drive the car.
The team have made several modifications to the car to enhance performance and to take advantage of the new weight breaks which come into force this year.
You can keep up with all the latest from Team Nemesis on their web site at http://www.eurodragster.com/nemesisracing.
What happened in Australia.
31st January: The web site of the American Drag Bike Association is now carrying elimination details (alas no qualifying) from the Top Fuel Supertwin World Championship round at Calder Raceway Park. The results show both Anders Karling and Ton Pels losing out in round two, and Rob van Geffen going out in the semi-finals. You can check the full elimination details by clicking here.
What happened in Australia?
30th January: As you may already have found out for yourselves, information on this weekend's Top Fuel Supertwin World Championship round in Australia has been almost impossible to find on the Net.
With no official word on the organisers' or track's websites, we have been reliant on word filtering back through various contacts. We are indebted to Svensk Dragracing (who received word direct from Anders Karling), Ben Beneke and Ian King for letting us know that Anders Karling overpowered the track in round two of eliminations, and that Ton Pels reached the semi-finals and then went up in smoke. We also understand that the weather has not been kind to the racers and that the spectator numbers have not been spectacular.
Keep an eye on the Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site, and on the Svensk Dragracing site, for more details from Australia.
We will bring you any news we receive. Here's hoping that the next round of the Championship Series merits better coverage.
ACU dates confirmed.
30th January: Thanks also to ACU Championship co-ordinator Ian King for confirming that the ACU UK Drag Bike Championship dates listed below are correct.
Another Pro Street News update.
30th January: Our friend Hasse, the webmaster of the Swedish Pro Street News magazine, must never sleep. He has now extended the site to include a "For Sale" page. The page contains classified advertisements some of which are illustrated. Check it out at http://www.dunderklumpenracing.com/prostreetnews/4sale.htm.
Shockwave and crew fired up.
29th January: The new-look Shockwave Fuel Funny Car was fired-up in front of a small and appreciative crowd at lunchtime today, at the premises of CC Racing in Northfleet.
The car has a new paintjob in a subtle shade of red, which changes in sunlight. The Shockwave logo remains, although it is now in silver. "Doug Ripley of CC Racing did the paint",said driver and joint owner Gordon Smith, "and the chassis has been cleaned up. We started work on the car before Christmas".
The Shockwave FC carries an impressive list of sponsors, although Crew Chief and joint owner Dave Bryant said that they were on the look-out for more. Motorworld, Millennium Computers, ABAC UK Air Compressors, Fram Filters (Allied Signal), Autolite Spark Plugs, CC Racing Services and Earl's Performance Products are already signed up for the 2000 season.
The new look has extended to the engine. "We have a new piston/rod combination which allows us to run a higher compression and change the fuel volume" said Dave Bryant. "We have a new blower, Racepower are flowing the heads, and the transmission ratio is different". Dave was very appreciative of the help received from the Showtime Racing UK Fuel FC team in 1999. "We can't thank them enough for their help and backing last year", he said, "hopefully it will continue throughout 2000".
The car was started up and run for three to four minutes. There were plenty of fumes to keep us going until April, and the spectators jumped in all the right places as the throttle was blipped. Afterwards, both Gordon and Dave were pleased with the warm-up. "Everything's fine, nothing wrong there at all" said Dave. "All eight cylinders were alight, I'm very happy" added Gordon.
"This year it's a Showtime kicker!" said Dave. "Me and the boys are pretty much ready for anything this year". Gordon was pleased to hear the news about Smax Smith's entry into Fuel FC. "It's another car in the class which can only be good for the sport" he said.
You can keep abreast of developments in the Shockwave camp on their official web site at http://www.millennium-computer.co.uk/shockwave.
UK teams voluntarily run 90%.
29th January: Whilst we were talking to Dave Bryant at the Shockwave fire-up, he revealed that Shockwave, the Showtime Racing UK Fuel FC team, and the Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team are already planning to run 90% nitromethane this season, at least a year in advance of any possibility of NHRA's 90% rule being introduced in Europe. "It's not in the rules, but we're doing it", said Dave, going on to stress that it was purely a voluntary measure, had no official involvement, and placed no obligation on any other Fuel team. This is one story which we don't doubt will develop as the season progesses; we will bring you details as we receive them.
Web site updates.
29th January: UK Super Pro ET and Pro ET team Talbot Racing have given their web site a face-lift. The site now features details of both the new Super Pro ET dragster and the Pro ET Toyota Celica, a new photo gallery showing Talbot Racing's previous cars, and more. Check it out at http://www.talbotracing.com.
The official web site of the Dutch Hot Rod Association has moved to its own URL at http://www.dhra.nl. The site is presented in both Dutch and English and contains all the latest from the DHRA.
Funny Bike mystery cleared up.
28th January: We apologise for the mysterious absence of Funny Bike from our listing of UK National Championship dates. This has now, we think, been corrected, though it's difficult to be sure since we have yet to receive an official, complete listing.
Tina takes charge.
28th January: Congratulations to Tina Gibbs of Obsession Motorsports on gaining her MSA National 'B' Clerk of Course Licence. We're reliably informed that Tina also hopes to gain the ACU Clerk of Course Licence very soon. This of course means that son Craig (Super Gas) and daughter Katie (Junior Dragster) will now officially have to do as Mom says!
Top Fuel Supertwin Championship kicks off.
24th January: This weekend sees the first round of three the Easyriders Top Fuel World Championships at Calder Raceway in Australia, which sees Supertwin Top Fuel riders from Australia, the USA, Canada and Europe duking it out for the title of World Champion. Thanks to Ben Beneke for passing on an update from US participant John Mancuso, from which the following extract is taken:
"The track is Calder Raceway Park and it is a combination Nascar oval, road course and drag strip. We each have our own garages so once the crated bikes were off loaded from the trucks, we took ours out and began our set-up. All the bikes fared very well on the trip so there were no problems there.
"I had a chance to walk around and meet the other riders and see their machines. There are some blown bikes as well as several handmade European V-twin engines. We also saw the track, although we couldn't walk it as there were some cars testing on the road course which part of is the drag strip. Our plan is to walk the track Friday morning and possibly make a test run on Friday night.
"There was a reception and kick-off party later that evening in the Satellite Lounge at the Crown Casino. In attendance were Mr. David Lyons, U.S. Consulate General, Mr. Gary Rowe, member of the Australian Parliament and Sports Minister, as well as media representatives from Australia and Europe. All the riders were introduced which marked the official opening of the 2000 Easyriders Top Fuel World Championships. It was a short night for most, with our travel coaches returning to the hotel at an early hour for the groups much needed rest.
"I have been extremely impressed with the organization of this trip. Peter,Peggy and the whole staff of both ADBA's (American and Australian Drag Bike Associations) must have worked very hard in coordinating this event. To bring sixteen teams from three different continents together has to have been a logistical nightmare. I can't thank them enough for this opportunity."
Updates from Calder Raceway Park will be available on Ton Pels' web site at http://www.dragrace.com.au/bikes/vincent/ on Anders Karling's web site at http://www.karlingracing.com, and the official web site of the American Drag Bike Association at http://www.americandragbike.com.
Nemesis' January sale.
27th January: UK Top Methanol Dragster team Nemesis Racing are holding a January sale. A wide variety of items from connecting rods to a supercharger and a rear end are available. You can get a list of the parts on offer by clicking on the For Sale button on the Nemesis Racing web site.
Svensk interviews Håkan Nilsson.
27th January: It is definitely Pro Mod week on the Net this week, as the Svensk Dragracing web site has been updated with a very interesting interview with three-time NDRS Pro Mod Champion and European record holder Håkan Nilsson. Check it out at http://www.dragracing.se.
Brentwood thoughts.
27th January: Martin Bennett, the organiser of the drag racing contingent at last weekend's Brentwood International Racing Car Show, has written to us with his thoughts on how the Show turned out. It makes interesting reading in the light of the recent discussions about Autosport International.
"The show was a success for all forms of motorsport involved and more importantly a great shop window for the public to get a personal taste of each sport. Whether it be Bangers, Hot Rods, Formula 1 Stock cars or Drag Racing.
"Although it will never be as big as the Autosport Show, drag racing was a premier exhibit, but we still have ground to make up! Short Oval racing promoters (nine in total, some multi-track) were all pushing respective year 2000 events with well organised and manned stands with videos, calendars etc as well as well presented cars.
"Only the very hardworking Peter Hewitt and his band of Junior Drag Racers could match these efforts although the individual cars and bikes from our sport were all superbly turned out. We need to maximise these shows where the sport is asked to attend as a major attraction and not just a novelty act for the amusement of the higher reaches of motor sport.
"Plans are already being laid down for the 2001 show with drag racing firmly involved in one of the major driving seats, let's not waste the opportunity again.
"On a lighter note, some observations from the show:
"Martin Canto during an interview, not wanting to remember how much it has cost to rebuild his Top Methanol dragster, then being told by Mike Kason just how much! Sharp intake of breath all round; Smax and Neil Townson, working like madmen (so what's new!) to get the supercharged outlaws ready to entertain the public; HUGE INTEREST in all the bikes on show (nice work guys and Helen); Crowds flocking to see Smax and Neil fire up and disturb a peaceful Essex weekend; Our future drag racers doing their very best work on the Junior Drag Racing Club stand; Jack Hewitt stating publicly that in the future he wants to drive a top fuel funny car in the USA - Dad's answer not able to be published!
"I would like to personally thank all the people who contributed to the show in whatever way. Special thanks to Paul Marston (Grumpy's Dodge) for the excellent sound and light, Smax and Neil for the noise, Junior Dragster for the best promotion and Eurodragster.com for the usual exceptional web report and show previews.
"If you have any comments or thoughts on the show - good or bad - then please e-mail us at susan@fastalk.freeserve.co.uk. We are already looking for exhibits for next year to make the show even better, if you would like to appear then please e-mail us soon."
Hot Rod Ts launch web site.
27th January: C & P Hot Rod Ts, the UK's premier retailers of Drag Racing and Hot Rod T-shirts and other memorabilia whose unmistakable and always-crowded stand is to be found at both Santa Pod Raceway and Shakespeare County Raceway, have launched a web site at http://www.eurodragster.com/hotrodts. The site contains details of their huge product line and details of how to order.
Sneak a look at Gus' Stude.
27th January: Luke Robinson has updated his LR Racing site, which covers dad Andy's Pro Mod operation, to include a first look at the '53 Studebaker body shell of Andy's new car. Luke promises regular progress reports as construction continues (and we'll hold you to that, Luke). Check it out at http://www.lrracing.8k.com.
ACU Top Fuel Bike Dates.
26th January: Ian King writes to inform us that the ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Championship will be contested over 4 rounds, not 8 as listed in our report from the National Championship meeting last weekend. The four dates are: Easter Thunderball, 22-24 April; Super Series 2, 17-18 June; Cannonball, 1-2 July; Super Series 3, 29-30 July. The offending news item has been amended, for reference purposes.
Cooky calls it a day.
26th January: UK Pro Mod Driver Al Cook has been in touch with us to announce his retirement from driving. Cooky spent last year campaigning his gorgeous Tim McAmis-built '63 Corvette in the UK Pro Mod championships. Despite numerous new-car gremlins it all started to come good for the team at the European Finals with the car running a best of 6.70 @ 204mph.
Al's reason for retiring? "The cost of running a Pro Mod car these days is very high and couple that to the fact that I was simply not enjoying it any more, I decided to call it a day.".
As a result of this decision, Al's Corvette is now up for sale. The car has previously won IHRA Pro Mod events in the hands of Tim McAmis and, as detailed above, went as quick as 6.70 in its first European season. The car has also been completely rewired since it was imported. It is available as a rolling chassis or turn-key; for more details contact Al on 0151 722 3556.
Al went on to tell us that it wasn't the end of his involvement with the sport, as both of his sons enjoy it so much that they will carry on, with Dad there to lend some encouragement. Phill Cook will again be campaigning the Junior Dragster this year and there are tentative plans to expand the team again, either at the end of this season or the beginning of 2001, with Al Cook Jnr driving in one of the bracket classes.
Eurodragster interviews Rob Loaring.
26th January: It must be the day for I.C.E. news, since Eurodragster's latest interview is with Cooky's engine builder and Crew Chief Rob Loaring of I.C.E. Automotive. In a wide-ranging and frank interview, Rob reveals exclusively to Eurodragster that he is to work with USA Pro Mod racer Tim McAmis again this season, gives us his views on Pro Mod in the UK, and talks about his partnership with 1999 Pro Mod Champion Nick Davies. Click here to read the interview.
Turner Racing announce new sponsor.
26th January: UK Top Methanol Dragster team Turner Racing have announced a three-year sponsorship deal with Internet communications company NetCall Telecom. The Turners' new Bob Meyer-built car, currently in the USA for the NHRA Winternationals at Pomona Raceway next week, will be painted in the NetCall colours in time for the race.
It is expected that the NetCall deal will give Turner Racing the funding to attend FIA Tour dates outside the UK, and will help to consolidate their performance last season which netted a best of 5.78 at 241 mph.
Top Fuel ride for hire.
25th January: Having successfully utilised Eurodragster's Swap Meet to recruit new crew members, Carbon By Design Top Fuel team owner Knut Söderquist is now offering for hire a ride in one of his two Top Fuel Dragsters. The Top Fueller, which Robin Read drove to second place in last year's FIA European Championship, has run as quick as 5.08 at 295 mph, and is offered race-ready with the services of US tuner Bill Schultz as Crew Chief.
Knut is offering one-race, multi-race and entire season deals. Contact him on 01933 385090 (Evenings), 0403 496696 (Mobile), or Fax on 01933 405790 to talk prices.
Santa: it was Shockwave.
25th January: Congratulations to Super Gas racer Spencer Tramm, who won the contest which ran between Christmas and January 15th to "identify a UK team who were giving Santa a helping hand". The answer was the Shockwave Racing Fuel FC team; the question referred to a picture on the Shockwave Home Page which appeared to show the Fuel FC giving Santa a tow. Spencer wins a Shockwave T-shirt and baseball cap.
Shockwave are also holding a prize draw at thus year's Thunderball an Santa Pod Raceway, to win a special prize. Everyone who entered the Christmas contest has already been entered into the Thunderball draw, but anyone else who wishes to be entered into this draw need simply e-mail the Shockwave team at shockwave@dragracing.freeserve.co.uk, specifying Thunderball Prize Draw as the subject.
Get some Winter nitro!
25th January: Still on the subject of the Shockwave Fuel Funny Car, the FC will be on display this Saturday, 29th January, at CCR Racing in Northfleet, Kent. It is planned to fire the car up at noon, so if you fancy getting some nitro into your lungs to keep you going to April, then CC Racing is the place to be. You can find full details on the News page of the Shockwave web site.
FIA TV review rescheduled.
25th January: Santa Pod Raceway tell us that the 1999 FIA European Championship Review, which was to be broadcast in some ITV regions last Sunday, has been rescheduled to 5:00 pm this Sunday, 30th January. The TV regions involved are Central and West Country. This week's TV guides have already been printed, so we recommend checking Teletext pages 113 (ITV) or 603 (BBC) on Sunday to confirm the broadcast.
For more details, contact Caroline Day at Santa Pod Raceway on 01234 782828 or at Santa Pod Raceway, Unit 5, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN29 7XA.
2000 UK rule changes.
24th January: We have now transcribed the changes to the 2000 UK Drag Racing rulebook as promised earlier. They are on a separate page to make viewing and printing easier. Click here to see the new rules.
SFI's UK date confirmed.
24th January: It has been confirmed that the SFI Certification Tour will be visiting the UK on Tuesday 7th March at the MSA, MSA House, Colnbrook, Slough, starting at 11:30 am. The technical seminar will also be taking place at 7:30 that evening at the Aurora Garden Hotel in Windsor. Click here to see the text of the SFI's reminder note, which contains details on Chassis, Bellhousings, Clutch Assemblies, and Wheels.
Junerud pictures sought.
24th January: Peter Lantz's webmaster Lars-Åke Henriksson is working on a web site for Swedish Top Fuel Supertwin racer Stefan Junerud, and is seeking pictures of Stefan and the bike. If you have any pictures of Stefan Junerud then please e-mail Lake at lake.henriksson@telia.com.
Meeting agrees 2000 UK Championships.
24th January: The joint SPRC/APIRA Riders and Drivers Meeting agreed the 2000 UK National Championships, including the MSA Top Alcohol Championship - still four rounds - and the ACU Drag Bike Championships. The UK Championship dates are as follow:
- Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway, 22-24 April MSA Top Alcohol, Pro Mod, Super Pro, Super Comp, Super Gas,
Pro ET, Super Street, Sportsman ET, Junior Dragster, ACU Top Fuel Bike, ACU Pro Stock Bike, ACU Funny Bike, ACU Competition Bike, ACU Super Street Bike,
9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike
- Super Series 1, Shakespeare County Raceway, 29 April-1 May MSA Top Alcohol, Pro Mod, Super Pro, Super Comp,
Super Gas, Pro ET, Super Street, Sportsman ET, Junior Dragster, ACU Pro Stock Bike, ACU Funny Bike, ACU Competition Bike,
ACU Super Street Bike, 9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike
- FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway, 27-29 May Pro Mod, Super Pro, Super Comp, Super Gas, Pro ET,
Super Street, Sportsman ET, Junior Dragster, ACU Super Street Bike, 9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike
- Super Series 2, Shakespeare County Raceway, 17-18 June Pro Mod, Super Pro, Super Comp,
Super Gas, Pro ET, Super Street, Sportsman ET, Junior Dragster, ACU Top Fuel Bike, ACU Pro Stock Bike, ACU Funny Bike, ACU Competition Bike,
ACU Super Street Bike, 9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike
- Cannonball, Santa Pod Raceway, 1-2 July MSA Top Alcohol, Pro Mod, Super Pro, Super Comp, Super Gas,
Pro ET, Super Street, Sportsman ET, Junior Dragster, ACU Top Fuel Bike, ACU Pro Stock Bike, ACU Funny Bike, ACU Competition Bike, ACU Super Street Bike,
9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike
- Super Series 3, Shakespeare County Raceway, 29-30 July Pro Mod, Super Pro, Super Comp, Super Gas,
Pro ET, Super Street, Sportsman ET, Junior Dragster, ACU Top Fuel Bike, ACU Pro Stock Bike, ACU Funny Bike, ACU Competition Bike, ACU Super Street Bike,
9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike
- Super Series 4, Shakespeare County Raceway, 26-28 August MSA Top Alcohol Final, Pro Mod, Super Pro,
Super Comp, Super Gas, Pro ET, Super Street, Sportsman ET, Junior Dragster, ACU Pro Stock Bike, ACU Funny Bike, ACU Competition Bike,
ACU Super Street Bike, 9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike
- FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway, 8-10 September Pro Mod, Super Pro, Super Comp, Super Gas,
Pro ET, Super Street, Sportsman ET, Junior Dragster, ACU Super Street Bike, 9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike
- Super Series Finals, Shakespeare County Raceway, 23-24 September Pro Mod Final, Super Pro, Super Comp,
Super Gas, Pro ET, Super Street, Sportsman ET, Junior Dragster, ACU Pro Stock Bike, ACU Funny Bike, ACU Competition Bike,
ACU Super Street Bike, 9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike
- October Meet, Santa Pod Raceway, 7-8 October Super Pro, Super Comp, Super Gas, Pro ET, Super Street, Sportsman ET, Junior Dragster, ACU Pro Stock Bike, ACU Funny Bike, ACU Competition Bike, ACU Super Street Bike, 9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike
The UK rule book for 2000 contains very minor changes; we have been requested to copy and post the amendments, and we will be posting these in full later on today.
TF Harley Championship reports.
23rd January: Although the exclusion of Holland's Willem Been has taken some of the joy out of the event, the Top Fuel Harley World Championship is still going ahead in Australia, starting in Melbourne next weekend. Rob Van Geffen, Ton Pels and Anders "Charley" Karling will be representing Europe.
Updates will be available on Ton Pels' web site at http://www.dragrace.com.au/bikes/vincent/ (Ton says a big thank you to his friend Andy Freeman for the facility), on Anders Karling's web site at http://www.karlingracing.com, and the official web site of the American Drag Bike Association at http://www.americandragbike.com.
Good luck to Rob, Ton and Charley, and here's hoping that the appeals against WIllem Been's exclusion are successful.
Web site updates.
23rd January: We've had a sheaf of web site updates this weekend. First up is ex-FIA Top Methanol Dragster Champion and now Top Fuel Dragster pilot Peter Beck, whose Top Fuel Team Switzerland web site has moved to http://www.topfuel.ch.
Next to move is Holland's Bobby Portier, driver of a street legal '55 Chevy Bel Air. His site has moved to http://www.bobbyportierracing.mypage.org. The site has been updated with pictures of other Tri Chevys.
The UK's "The Fang" Drag Bike team have updated their web site which you can find at http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Gold/3291/drag.htm. The latest update includes a new site navigation system and a Photo Gallery dedicated to the mechanical aspects of the sport.
Been banned from Australia!
22nd January: We're not usually given to political comment on Eurodragster, but today Vincent Pels informed us of what must be one of the most ridiculous stories in the history of drag racing and international relations. Dutch Supertwin Top Fuel rider Willem Been, together with two Canadian contestants, has been banned from entering Australia where he was to race in the forthcoming ADBA Top Fuel Harley World Championship. You would be forgiven for thinking that Willem and his Canadian counterparts had committed a pretty terrible crime to deserve exclusion from a country, but their crime is (now, be sure to be sitting down before you read this) to be members of a motorcycle club! Do not check your calendars, it's not April 1st folks.
You can find full details, including how to join Australian, European and Canadian fans' protests against this monstrous decision - although protests must be e-mailed this weekend - on the ABDA web site at http://www.dragbike.com/news/01-00/012100b.htm
Super Series The Video.22nd January: We've just heard from Obsession Motorsports that the Super Series 99 video is now on general release. This unique 90-minute compilation contains previously unseen footage featuring Top Fuel, Top Methanol, Pro Mod, Jet Cars and Trucks, Pro Stock Bikes, Street Eliminator, Junior Dragsters and all Sportsman classes, plus exclusive interviews and a whole lot more. The video is available exclusively from Duke Marketing,
Smax Mainlines on Nitro.22nd January: Whilst at the Brentwood Show today we encountered UK Top Methanol Dragster and Alcohol Altered driver Smax Smith, who had an amazing piece of news for us. "Look at my jacket" he said, pointing out a patch which read "Smax T/F F/C". Smax told us that he had finished a deal yesterday to buy Alan Jackson's Oldsmobile Achieva Fuel FC operation turn-key, complete with a spare engine and a truck to carry it all around in. Smax will be making his debut in Fuel Funny Car at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway in April. "I've also got a spare altered body which I can put on and run the car as a Fuel Altered!" said Smax.
Smax's "Mainline Menace" Altered has been sold to a racer in Sussex who will run with the Supercharged Outlaws, but the Fuel FC will carry on the name, being dubbed "Mainline Menace 5". Smax is on the look-out for sponsors, so if you fancy your name on the UK's latest Fuel FC then contact Smax.
Brentwood Show review.
22nd January: We're back from the Brentwood Show and have posted a brief review with photographs and a video clip of one of the Alcohol Altered demonstrations. Click here to see the review.
Free Calendars!
22nd January: No, it's not a Greenpeace campaign slogan! Ian (Turbo) Turburville writes to tell us that the next 10 orders for his new improved Drag Bike photo CD will receive a Top Gas Serie calendar, worth UKP11.50, absolutely free. The CD contains around 200 hi res photos of drag bikes from around the world (see the review), including some great shots from last years ProStar finals and costs UKP20 inc P&P. Details from Ian at turboville@usa.net
Autosport Feedback.
22nd January: Well, we asked for it and we most definitely got it! On 19th January we asked for your opinions on the representation of our sport at Autosport International. We've put together all the replies received so far, on our archive site at www.eurodragster.free-online.co.uk/news/autosport2000/feedback.html. People of a nervous disposition are warned to use discretion!
Lex tests at Tucson.
21st January: Dutch Top Methanol Funny Car racer Lex Joon is due to test his car for the 2000 season, an ex-Bucky Austin Pontiac Firebird, at this weekend's NHRA test session at Southwestern International Raceway in Tucson, Arizona. After testing this weekend Lex, Rob Guerain and the team plan to attend the NHRA Winternationals at Pomona Raceway, and Lex hopes to become the first Dutchman to qualify for an NHRA National event.
You can stay in touch with this weekend's developments at Tucson on NHRA Online.
Special off the menu at SPR.
21st January: Santa Pod Raceway have confirmed their Calendar for this season. The Saturday Night Special which was to have taken place on Saturday April 1st has been cancelled, although the Run What You Brung on Sunday 2nd April will go ahead as planned. All other dates which were on the provisional version of the Calendar are now solid. You can find check out SPR's 2000 Calendar by clicking on the Race Calendar icon on Santa Pod's current web site.
York dates posted.
21st January: Also on the Calendar front, the official web site of the UK's York Dragway has been updated with this year's race dates. York's entertaining (and musical) site also features video clips, Pennine Drag Racing Club points standings, classified ads and more. Check it out at http://www.btinternet.com/~yorkdragway.
Wild Bunch on-line.
21st January: UK nostalgia racers The Wild Bunch now have their own web site, at http://www.the-wild-bunch.co.uk. Don't be put off by the Under Construction message on the Home Page, since the site already contains such features as team biographies and historical results with more to come including, promises webmaster Peter Yates, "Those oh-so-complicated Wild Bunch running formats".
The gossip keeps coming.
21st January: If like the Eurodragster team you become a rumour junkie at this time of year, then the gossip page on the Swedish Pro Street News magazine is rapidly becoming a must-see. Webmaster Hasse is doing a fine job of updating the page on a frequent basis with the latest gossip and rumours from the Scandinavian drag racing scene, in both Swedish and English. Recent additions include likely stories about Pro Mod racer Ronnie Bergström and Flamin' Freddy Fagerström.
As if that wasn't good enough, you can also sign up to the PSN mailing list and receive the rumours as they happen, again in both Swedish and English. More details on the PSN Home Page.
UK SFI Inspection Day.
20th January: The UK's annual SFI Inspection Day is due to take place on Tuesday 7th March at MSA House in Colnbrook, Slough. The inspections will start at approximately 11:30 am.
It is hoped to arrange a tech meeting/seminar that evening, starting at 7:30 pm, for the Technical Committee and anyone else who is interested in technical matters. The SFI Team will also be in attendance. Santa Pod Racers' Club will confirm details of this meeting in the next few days.
SPRC Championship 2000.
20th January: The Santa Pod Racers Club are pleased to announce that they will be holding the SPRC Sportsman Championships again this year. The Championship will be held over the five major events at Santa Pod Raceway as follows:
- Thunderball 22-24 April
- FIA Main Event 27-29 May
- The Cannonball 1-2 July
- FIA European Finals 8-10 September
- The October Meet 7-8 October
SPRC Dinner Dance.
20th January: The Santa Pod Racers Club Dinner Dance is to be held at the Stakis Hotel, Northampton on Saturday 12th February. A trophy presentation will also take place for the winners and runners-up in the 1999 SPRC Championships, and there will then be a disco into the small hours. If you have forgotten to book your tickets and don't want to miss out then contact Paula Marshall on 01933 313625 or Fax 01933 355558, or Yvonne Tramm on 01954 210028 (after 7:00 pm).
Reporter Dykes dies in plane crash.
19th January: Eurodragster was saddened to hear of the death on Sunday of online drag racing reporter Ed Dykes. "Fast Eddie," who pioneered drag racing coverage on the internet, first on Compuserve's Motor Sports Forum then on NHRA Online and other web sites, was killed when his light aircraft crashed in Tennessee late Sunday night (local time). For more information and reactions from his colleagues, see NHRA Online.
Tog adds: As a staff member of Racing Information Systems (also known as the Compuserve Motor Sports Forum) I was stunned to hear of my colleague's death. Ed set a standard for professionalism in drag race reporting which most of us can only aspire to. His work was a huge influence on my own efforts on Eurodragster's News page and on our live updates from races. In e-mail exchanges it was clear that Ed was a tremendously pleasant and helpful guy. Drag race reporting will take a long time to recover from Ed's loss, and may never be the same again.
Why no Top Fuel?
19th January: Steve Hiatt, a drag racing fan for over 25 years, emailed us with some thought-provoking comments about last week's Autosport International:
"I went to the NEC Saturday - sadly this opportunity seems to have been generally lost to the drag racing scene for this year. Only the Hausers excellent junior dragsters, Paula Atkin and the Eightrage beetle were present. However I did notice that there was great interest in these few cars and that the Hauser stand was busier than the Benetton stand. Also the audio-visual show on the Rapid Fit stand, showing Top-Gear's prog with Barry Sheavills and Paula Atkin, was crowded. Why were there no top fuellers or funny cars?"Steve goes on to say:
"One decent sized stand (shared ) say Santa Pod/Avon Park and six/seven good motors - even a swedish pro-stocker - would have stood out at the auto show"We think Steve has a point. For a sport that is struggling to re-achieve the recognition it enjoyed 20 years ago, it does seem that Autosport was a missed opportunity. What do YOU think? Send your comments / opinions to webmaster@eurodragster.com.
TMD and more added to Brentwood line-up.
19th January: The drag racing contingent threatens to take over the whole floor (nothing wrong with that - Ed) at this weekend's Brentwood International Racing Car Show show since even more cars have been confirmed since our last news item.
The Canto Top Methanol Dragster will be making its first public appearance after a ground-up rebuild and repaint. The car, to be driven by Andy Frost, will be racing at Top Metahnol rounds in the UK this season. To get a sneak preview of the car's fetching new Mark Gredzinski-designed paintjob, check out the Canto web site at http://www.canto.co.uk: you will find a link to the dragster section of the site at the bottom of the Home Page.
Paul Marsden's "Grumpy's Dodge" Super Gasser has been confirmed, and appearances are also expected from a brace of Outlaw Anglias and additional Custom Car Street Eliminator entries. Another Junior Dragster has also been added to the JD display: the Hauser-built car which is first prize in a raffle organised by the newly-formed Junior Drag Racing Club (see our news item of January 9th). Raffle tickets will be on sale at the Show.
Smax Smith and Neil Townson will be firing up their blown-alcohol altereds in the Brentwood Centre grounds twice each day, and time and weather permitting one of the Junior Dragsters will also be taken outside and be fired up. Smax, Neil and the Junior Drag Racers will be interviewed on the Show's PA each day (How will Smax beat his comments of last year, we wonder).
The latest non-Drag Racing attraction is a display by the Power Pulling Association who have been seen in action with their tractor pullers at Avon Park.
The Show also features trade stands, amusements and games and rides for the kids.
The Brentwood Centre is less than a mile from Brentwood Town Centre which is itself only two miles from Junction 28 of the M25. As the official map appears to have been designed by a minimalist, we have drawn up a map of the Show's location which you can see by clicking here. Doors open at 10:00 am on both Saturday and Sunday, and the Show closes at 5:00 pm on Saturday and 5:30 pm on Sunday. Tickets are £8.00 for adults and £3.50 for children and OAPs, and there is a special family ticket for £20.00 which admits two adults and up to three children.
If you can't make the Show then stay tuned for Eurodragster's report, which we plan to post from the Show itself on Saturday.
Riders and Drivers Meeting.
19th January: The joint SPRC/APIRA Riders and Drivers Meeting will be taking place this Sunday (23rd January) at the Diamond Centre, Nene Park, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire. On the agenda for discussion are the continuation of the UK National Championships and a report from the Technical Committee. The meeting commences at 1:00 pm and will finish at 4:00 pm. For more details or a map call Paula Marshall at SPRC on 01933 313625 or Wendy Talbot at APIRA on 01986 788814.
Scandinavians invade the USA!
18th January: The Svensk Dragracing web site has been updated with a detailed run-down of all of the Scandinavians heading over to the USA to test and race at the start of the NHRA season. There is also a very interesting interview with Sweden's Markus Svensson who is Crew Chief on George Marnell's Pro Stock team.
Scandinavians invade Europe?
18th January: Yesterday's news item about the proposed European Super Street Bike Challenge caught the eye of UK Super Comp racer Zane Llewellyn, who travelled to Scandinavia last season to take part in two Nordic Drag Race Series events.
"The four-wheel Super classes are run at just about every meeting in Europe", says Zane. "As you know, Team BootSoop try to race in as many countries as possible (holiday allowance and finances permitting). Last year, in two races where I didn't fair too well, I finished thirty fifth out of seventy two in the Nordic Drag Race Series. This year I intend to improve greatly on that".
Zane's experiences lead him to look to the future. "Wouldn't it be great if the big events in Germany and England were included in the points system that is the Nordic Series in order to establish a European Champion for each class?" he says. "This would surely encourage people to travel abroad to race more often, and allow our Sportsman classes to race in true European competitions. That twenty two-mile wide bit of water has a lot to answer for! But as we encourage more racers to travel, I believe that it is not far in the future".
'99 FIA Review on UK network.
18th January: The ITV network in the UK has signed up to broadcast a one-hour review of the 1999 FIA European Drag Racing Championship. The programme will be broadcast in all ITV regions, with the first showing in the Central and West Country areas at 5:00 pm this Sunday (23rd January).
For more details, contact Caroline Day at Santa Pod on 01234 782828 or at Santa Pod Raceway, Unit 5, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN29 7XA.
Juniors hail Autosport success.
18th January: The attendance of the Junior Drag Racers at last week's Autosport International has been hailed as a huge success. If you were at the Show or if you read our review then you will have seen how much work the Juniors had put in, and we were very pleased to hear just how well-received it was. Peter Hewitt, whose son Jack drives the MPMAN-sponsored Junior Modified car, writes:
"I would be most grateful if you could through the Eurodragster site thank the following:
"Mr 4 himself, Barry Sheavills, for all his help on the stand on Saturday. We were not expecting him but we mighty pleased for all he did, I have a lasting memory for the show, A lad of around 12 had just climbed out of the Jr we were using for the Raffle when he caught sight of Barry sitting at the back of the stand, his eyes lit up and he rushed off to get his autograph. He then turned to his Dad with the biggest smile I've ever seen. His father told me our stand had made his day: not only had he managed to sit in a Junior Dragster but he also got to meet his hero.
"The Mums: Nicky Hewitt, Kathy Glassup and last but by no means least Karen Jones. Without these hard working ladies we would not have sold the amount of tickets we did, between them they achieved a grand total of £500 over the two days. Their methods of mugging the passer-by was something to be seen. Oh, and please tell them that, yes next year they too will have "Some smart little numbers to wear like the ones on stand across the way" - don't worry, they will know what I'm talking about.
"Last but not least, Geof Hauser and his lovely lady Judy. Geof worked well into the night on many an occasion so that we could have the Raffle car ready for the show, the car has a new body which enables the kids to climb in and out with ease. The Car will be on show at all this year's races both at the Pod and The Park. Geof also managed to obtain from Briggs & Stratton some most excellent Polo shirts, which we will be wearing throughout the coming season."
There you go folks, consider yourselves thanked and we at Eurodragster congratulate you on the success of the Autosport International display. The hard-working Juniors do it all again this weekend at the Brentwood International Racing Car Show; stay tuned for the latest.
European Super Street Bike Challenge.
17th January: German Super Street Bike owner and dragsterracing.de webmaster Peter Calwer is proposing a small European Super Street Bike Challenge series for the 2000 season. Peter was so impressed with the racing and the camaraderie in SSB at last year's European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway that he felt the time was right to build upon what is a already very successful class in individual European countries by bringing them together.
Peter's initial proposal is for a three-race series at Drachten, Hockenheim and Santa Pod Raceway. Hockenheim promoter Rico Anthes has already shown interest, and we understand that a number of UK SSB racers have expressed an intention to attend both Drachten and Hockenheim. We at Eurodragster think that this Series is a great idea, and we will be playing our part to help Peter promote it.
Peter has placed his proposals in both German and English on a web site which you can find at http://www.dragsterracing.de/eurossb. The site already contains two suggested schedules, rules and other details, and Peter is urging all European Super Street Bike racers to take a look and to e-mail him with their thoughts and suggestions. "I think that with the European Super Street Bike Challenge we have a tool to enlarge upon the success of Drag Racing in Europe", says Peter, "Let's work together".
Showtime UK moves.
17th January: The official web site of the Showtime Racing UK Fuel Funny Car team has moved to its own domain name. The new site, at http://www.showtimeracing.co.uk, contains all of the features from the previous site such as news, specs of the FCs, and a history of Showtime Racing, and has also been updated with some fascinating performance tables showing the cars' top five full and incremental performances, and number of additions to the Photo Gallery.
The prizes keep coming!
17th January: You still have a couple of weeks to enter the Eurodragster Photo Contest: entry closes on Wednesday February 9th. You can find full details here.
We are also offering prizes for the best submissions to Eurodragster as follows:
- Reviews (SPRC and Top Gas Serie calendars)
- Articles for the Drag Racing Data or FAQ pages (SPRC and Top Gas Serie calendars)
- Technical tips or other short informative articles (Thrust SSC pen or Ford Rapid Fit baseball caps)
- Suggestions for new features on Eurodragster (Thrust SSC pen or Ford Rapid Fit baseball cap)
UK site hosts Pomona pictures.
17th January: With the closed season offering few chances for new drag racing pictures, UK photographic site Tog's Drag Racing Page has cheated somewhat by posting fifty of NHRA photographer Bob Frye's pictures from last November's NHRA Finals at Pomona Raceway. The pictures cover mainly Top Fuel Dragster and Fuel Funny Car, and are well worth a look. Whilst there, take the time also to check out Tog's newly re-scanned and re-indexed pictures from the 1999 Easter Thunderball, Super Series 1, and FIA Main Event.
Bikes in Super Series 2000?
16th January: The Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site has been updated with the outcome of a meeting between bike racers, APIRA and Terry Gibbs, promoter of the Super Series at Shakespeare County Raceway at Avon Park. The inclusion of bike classes in Super Series 2000 was rumoured to be in question; check out the King Racing page for the latest.
Swedish Pro Street News returns.
16th January: The Swedish Pro Street News Magazine has been updated after a long layoff caused by webmaster Hasse's work commitments. The new issue of the magazine has the latest off-season gossip from the Swedish Drag Racing scene.
Mean Green Machine goes to Hollywood.
16th January: Leif Andreasson tells us that their newly renamed 'Mean Green Machine' Firebird is in mid-Atlantic at the moment, on it's way to the Winternationals at Pomona. As far as we are aware, Lex Joon is still planning on making the trip, as we reported last month. What a story that would make - Lex and Leif meet in the final at Pomona!!! Read more about their plans on their respective web sites at www.andreassonmotorsports.com and www.eurodragster.com/lexjoonracing/.
Junior Dragsters at Autosport.
16th January: Since he failed in his mission to secure exclusive photos of the Junior Dragsters at Autosport International on Thursday, we sent our reporter back yesterday to try again. Click here to find out who is the Juniors' #1 fan.
Malmgren latest to test in USA.
15th January: Swedish Pro Stock team Malmgren Racing set out for the USA on January 28th with a busy schedule to run-in their new car.
"We're sending the bus to Los Angeles, and then we are going to Jerry Bickel's workshop to pick up our new Chevrolet Camaro", a Malmgren Racing insider tells us. "Then we go to a test session in Florida, and of course we will try to qualify for the Gatornationals. We will also try to qualify at the races in Las Vegas and Houston. We say 'try', because the Pro Stock field is a big mountain to climb, but we feel quite confident with a little help from our good friends."
Malmgren Racing have some impressive weapons in their armoury as they take on the notoriously tight-qualifying Pro Stock class in the USA. "George Marnell's well-known former crew chief Bob Cave has promised to help us out, and we will also benefit from a new Bob Ingles Engine". The team also has help from MSD, CFE Cylinder Heads and other companies, to whom they are very grateful.
"Looks like a good idea, don't you think?" asks our source at Malmgren Racing, and we must say that we agree. Michael joins other European racers Micke Kågered, Lex Joon and Rob Turner, all testing out new cars in the USA in the next few weeks. We will bring you news as we receive it - unless any of you guys want to send us a plane ticket...
LA Racing in SFI test exclusive.
15th January: The web site of UK Top Methanol Dragster team LA Racing has been updated with an exclusive on details of this year's SFI tests. Check it out on the News page of the LA Racing site at http://www.laracing.co.uk.
Autosport International Preview.
14th January: We sent one of our intrepid reporters to the (trade) opening day of Autosport International to get a sneak preview. Here's what he found.
Brentwood: first attendees revealed.
13th January: With the Brentwood International Racing Car Show just over a week away (January 22nd and 23rd), more details are emerging of the drag racing contingent.
The two Pro Mods on display have been confirmed as the cars of Dave Pollen and Bill Weston. Colin Aldred's "Classy Chassis" slingshot will be representing the Wild Bunch, and the Custom Car Street Eliminator entries of Jeff Meads and Wilf Stacey will be on display, although we understand that at least one more CCSE car may be lined up.
Smax Smith and Neil Townson's blown-alcohol altereds will be outside in the Brentwood Centre grounds as previously mentioned, but we now understand that there is a possibility that the cars will be fired up twice each day.
Jack Hewitt and Holley Glassup's MPMAN-sponsored Junior Dragsters, which are this week on display at Autosport International will be at Brentwood; kids visiting the JD display will be able to sit in the cars to try them for size, and tickets will be on sale for the JDRC raffle about which we wrote on January 9th.
On two wheels, Team Cooperised is sending two bikes; Ken Cooper's Pro Mod Bike and Helen Curran's Super Street Bike. The Super Street Bikes of Mark Watkins and Matt Nixon are also confirmed.
We expect more details to emerge in the next few days of both the four- and two-wheeled drag racing contingent: we will of course pass them on.
We were very pleased and honoured to learn that the organisers have nominated Eurodragster.com an official web site of the Brentwood Show. By way of celebration we will be posting our report from the Show itself on Saturday afternoon; be sure to say Hi if you see us there.
For those who like to take corners, highlights at Brentwood include an ex-Eddie Cheever Indy Car, a Brisca two-seat stock car which is used to take journalists for ride-alongs, two T-Car saloons which allow under-16s to go circuit racing, and the first public appearance of Arena Essex's new pace car.
For details of times and ticket prices, check out our news item of January 4th, or call the organisers on 01268 543872. We will post a map next week.
Classic Mopars at the Classic.
12th January: The Mopar Muscle Association UK have been invited to put on a seven car display at the Classic and Sports Car Show at the NEC Birmingham (UK) on 29th-30th April. "I'm not sure how the Classic and Sports Car fraternity are going to cope with big-block Mopar power" says MMA UK's webmaster Henry.
So far, there are four cars definitely lined up for display at the Show: for the purists, there will be two recently restored numbers, matching Hemi-powered cars. For the modified Mopar crowd, Tim Holmes' nostalgia-style 1964 Golden Anniversary Dodge Polara and Dave Billadeau's awesome big block-powered white 1970 Plymouth GTX will be on display. You can see both of these cars featured on the MMA UK web site.
We will of course bring you more details nearer the time.
Peter Lantz on NHRA Fuel changes.
12th January: Following on from Alan Jackson's contribution, 1999 Swedish Top Fuel Tour Champion Peter Lantz has also very kindly written with his views on the NHRA's changes to the rules for Fuel cars. Peter's English is a lot better than our Swedish but we have made some very minor changes; any "mis-translations" are the responsibility of Eurodragster.
"We all know that NHRA and IHRA had to do something about these engine explosions or "bombs" which happened last season, as well about the speeds and ETs getting quicker and quicker.
"It's clear to crew chiefs that in today's "multi-detonation" engines, a cause of these explosions is that cylinder pressure off the start line has raised a lot in the last couple of years, with the better blowers on the market. With such high blower pressure on an unloaded engine from the start line, most of those engines have already seen their best days before the eighth mile. The detonation kills the sparks from the plugs and that results in a dropped cylinder, which is a potential cause of an engine explosion, and you can also see the detonation when it more or less welds the aluminium, and green flames can be seen from the headers.
"The 90% nitro regulation might even make the problem worse: crew chiefs have to add more fuel volume to compensate for the loss of oxygen from the lower nitro percentage, and this will be even more critical when it's easier to drop cylinders and hydraulic the engine.
"I think we will see a drastic performance change when they race at the Mile High Nationals, for instance, when the huge loss of oxygen due to the high altitude is usually compensated with a higher nitro percentage. The nitro has to be used, as it is today, to tune the engine and help the engine get the same amount of oxygen regardless of weather conditions. If you can't do that you lose engine durability.
"Personally I think it would be better to reduce the fuel volume by using controlled tagged pumps, of around 55 gallons a minute. Also to reduce the number of engines which are used in competition today. Some teams change engines between rounds to save tuning time; if these teams were only allowed to use three or a maximum of four engines they would have to take a lot more care of them, and if they used 55 gallon pumps then the crew chiefs would have to use their tuning skills instead of the team owner's wallet. This will help to lower the oildowns.
"We have discussed the "problem" that, if we got a larger budget and could afford spare engines, how many we would get. Morgan (Svensson, Peter's crew chief - Ed) had the correct answer: he said not more than three, since if you have to use that many during a weekend it's time to go home anyway, because you are not doing things right. I fully agree with that. But I would still like to have my first spare engine since 1994, which was sold to Jens Nybo in the car he bought from us complete.
"The reduction of time between rounds; it's hard to understand what purpose it serves, if it means that teams change the engine instead of working on the one they're using. But for us is it simple: the less time you have to tune and work on the car, the more mistakes are made and the greater risk for damage and oildowns.
"I'd also like to say that is very hard to comment on this matter when you don't know all the facts surrounding it and weren't privy to the discussions about the problem. But I'm sure NHRA knows what they are doing.
"I can't see any reason for us in Europe to apply any of these regulations, when we are far from their ETs and speeds: our traction does the job for us. I also can't see any problems with oildowns: I don't think we had a single oildown from a car in the Top Fuel Tour last season. But if there is to be a discussion on this matter, then to get the best outcome a committee would need to be set up including crew chiefs and the sanctioning bodies."
Lantz celebrates 20 years.
11th January: More congratulations to 1999 Swedish Top Fuel Tour Champion Peter Lantz, who this year celebrates his twentieth year in drag racing, and is celebrating by building himself a new Top Fuel Dragster and planning to run the full Top Fuel Tour 2000 and at least some of the FIA Tour dates. You can find full details on the PLR Motorsports web site at http://www.plr.nu.
Stay tuned, as tomorrow we will be publishing Peter's views on this year's NHRA rule changes in the Fuel classes.
Bond and Annable join forces.
10th January: The hot news from the Top Methanol pits this week is that Doug Bond and Derek (Grandad) Annable are to join forces for next season. Doug will be driving Derek's car (one previous owner, name of Sheavills) with Doug's engine and Derek will drive Doug's car with Derek's engine and crew chief Martyn Hannis' old funnycar Crower auto clutch. We are told that Doug's car will have a few extra goodies fitted after their trip to the States in March! Obviously, Derek will have to put in the requisite observed runs before he can drive in competition but with the continued sponsorship of Shell Oil, the future looks extremely rosy for the team. The bad news, however, is that Doug's car (or is that Derek's car) won't be at Autosport International (as we reported last millennium) as it's in the paintshop, but we believe Doug will be at the show, crewing for his son Joe in his Junior Dragster.
Pssst! Have you heard about...
10th January: ...the Pit Lane Gossip section on the King Racing web site? It's amusing, informative and mostly downright libellous. The site is still under construction but there's info about the team, the bike and the ACU, along with last season's results and the ACU records and new pages appear almost daily.
NDRS Riders and Drivers Meeting.
10th January: The official web site of the Swedish Drag Racing Association has been updated with an invitation to a Riders and Drivers Meeting which takes place in Norrköping on February 5th.
Blue Max - two careful owners.
10th January: The Svensk Dragracing site also contains a new feature on the 1999 NDRS Super Comp championship, including a short interview with NDRS Super Comp Champion Markko Tossavainen, who drives an ex-Blue Max FC which is now for sale! If you fancy owning a piece of Funny Car history then the site contains details of how to get in touch.
Beck to campaign ProStar.
9th January: The APIRA web site news page is carrying details of Dave Beck's plans to campaign the full ProStar series next season.
Juniors Net sponsor.
9th January: UK Junior Drag racers Jack Hewitt and Holley Glassup will be displaying their newly-sponsored Junior Dragsters at Autosport International at the NEC, Birmingham this week.
Jack and Holley have signed a one-year deal with MPMAN, manufacturers of the first portable MP3 player. MP3 is fast becoming the format for music distribution via the Internet, with easily-downloadable files providing near-CD quality audio, and the market for the "MP3 Walkman" is taking off. "We're absolutely delighted with the deal" says Jack Hewitt's father Peter, "we hope that it is the start of something big".
Both cars have already been painted in the MPMAN colours. In a major marketing push, MP3 players will be on demonstration at Jack and Holley's pits at every race this season, appearances have been lined up at shows, and the Junior Dragsters will be on display at MPMAN retailers around the country.
Stay tuned to Eurodragster for a preview of Autosport International on Thursday evening. After Autosport, the JDs will be appearing at the Brentwood International Racing Car Show.
Win a Junior Dragster!
9th January: The good news for Junior Drag Racing fans doesn't stop there, as the newly-formed Junior Drag Racing Club have announced a contest which will have every young drag racing fan running to the piggy bank.
The JDRC are holding a raffle throughout this season, and the first prize is a turn-key Junior Dragster operation. Everything you need from the dragster to the trailer is included! There are runner-up prizes of £250 cash and £100 cash.
Tickets are only £1. They go on sale at Autosport International this week and will then be on sale at every show and race attended by a Junior Dragster this season. The winner will be drawn at this season's Super Series Finals at Shakespeare County Raceway at Avon Park.
The proceeds of the raffle will be divided equally between the Junior Drag Racing Club and the Downs Syndrome Association - nice one, folks.
Mopar Muscle on-line.
9th January: The official web site of the Mopar Muscle Association UK is now online at http://www.mopar.uk.net/home.html. The site is a must-see for Mopar fans, containing pictures and information on the MMA and Mopar Muscle Cars, the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Mopar EuroNationals. There are also pages dedicated to Australian Mopars, a page of links to other Mopar sites, and - a great idea, this - a hints and tips page for surfers new to the internet to help get around the site and the rest of the internet.
A message board is also available at http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb944485 to keep you in touch with your fellow Mopar fans.
Pie Boy update.
9th January: Young drag racing fan Richard "The Pie Boy" Bell has updated his web site, which features the UK Super Street class and particularly Team Top Banana with which he is involved. The layout of the site has been changed, and Richard has introduced a Guestbook. You can find Richard's site at http://richardthepieboy.tripod.com.
Eurodragster Photo Contest opens.
8th January: The choice of a Santa Pod Racers' Club or Top Gas Serie 2000 Calendar plus a Thrust SSC T-shirt for the winner, and an SPRC or Top Gas Calendar for the runner-up, are up for grabs in Eurodragster's Photo Contest, which opens today and closes on Wednesday February 9th.
All you have to do is to send to our PO Box Number your best photographic prints taken from the spectator areas or in the pits at any drag race in Europe in 1999. We will post the best here on Eurodragster, and the winner and runner-up will be chosen by a vote by Eurodragster's readers.
Click here for full details of how to enter.
FIA rule changes.
7th January: The Drag Racing rules on the FIA web site have been updated. A message on the FIA's Regulations page reads that modifications are displayed in red, but unfortunately this is not the case either with the Drag Racing or other motorsport updates.
Undaunted, we had a very long look through the eighty pages of rules but have only been able to identify one apparent change; that the licence application age has been reduced to 16, although we understand that some of the rules on safety equipment may also have been changed. We cannot find any mention of the new SFI spec for roll cages.
We know that there are many technical experts amongst Eurodragster's readership, so if anyone would like to send us a brief précis of the latest FIA changes then please mail news@eurodragster.com.
Sheavills confident despite armchair help.
6th January: UK Top Fuel racer Barry Sheavills is confident that he and his team have got to the bottom of the problems which plagued his Championship-defending 1999 season, reports Motoring News this week. The 2000 season will see the Wynns and AEZ-sponsored Top Fueller equipped with a five-disc clutch and changes in the fuel load, which Barry thinks will render the immense engine power easier to transfer to the track.
Motoring News also quotes Barry as having received e-mails last season suggesting that he modify the suspension on the car to cure his problems. Eurodragster's resident mechanical ignoramus Tog pleads not guilty...
Hope raised by paperwork problem.
5th January: UK Pro Stock Bike rider Chris Hope has moved up in the 1999 ACU Championship after a paperwork problem came to light. ACU Championship co-ordinator Ian King writes that Chris qualified fourth in PSB at the October Meet at Santa Pod Raceway but then broke and left the track without competing. Because Chris did not compete, the paperwork pertaining to his qualifying place was not forwarded to the ACU by the race organisers, and thus he was not credited with 230 points at the time.
With this problem sorted out, Chris has moved up to third place in the 1999 ACU Pro Stock Bike Championship.
Stars come out for Brentwood.
4th January: A large amount of drag racing machinery is lined up for display at this year's Brentwood International Racing Car Show, at the Brentwood Centre in Essex (UK) on January 22nd and 23rd. After a very successful showing last year the drag racing contingent have been given more floor space.
Already lined up are two Pro Mods, a display by the Wild Bunch, Super Gas and Custom Car Street Eliminator cars, Junior Dragsters which will arrive hot-foot from the Autosport Show the previous week, and a number of bikes. We will have names and numbers closer to the date, and a few surprises are yet promised, so stay tuned for more details.
What is definite is the repetition of last year's highly-successful outdoors demonstration. Last year, Smax Smith and Mickey Moore fired up their cars and comprehensively tear-gassed a large part of Essex. This year we have a brace of blown altereds: Smax is returning only this time with the Mainline Menace altered, accompanied for the first time by Neil Townson with his machine.
The Show also features displays from other forms of motor racing such as Brisca F1 and F2 stock cars, American Sprint cars, Grass Trackers, Hot Rods, Grand Prix Midgets, Bangers and more.
The Show runs from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 22nd, and 10:00 am - 5:30 pm Sunday 23rd. Tickets are £8.00 for adults and £3.50 for children and OAPs, with a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) at £20.00. More details are available from the Show organisers on 01268 543872.
It is not too late to enter your car or bike for this Show; if you fancy displaying your vehicle then please e-mail tog@togsdragracing.com specifying Brentwood Show as the subject and we will put you in touch with the drag racing organiser.
Prizes still up for grabs.
4th January: A couple of festive-season contests are still running, with prizes up for grabs.
Firstly, a UK drag racing team have asked us to run a competition for them. A T-shirt and baseball cap are up for grabs, with all entrants also going into a prize draw for a mystery prize at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. To have a chance at winning the T-shirt and cap, all you have to do is answer the following question:
Which UK Drag Racing team is currently lending Santa a helping hand?
Obviously we can't tell you to e-mail the team since that would give away the answer! Just as obviously, entry is open to those outside the UK as well as in! To enter the contest, e-mail your answer to contest@togsdragracing.com specifying Santa Contest as the subject of the mail. Closing date is January 15th: the winner will be notified by the team and we will publish the result.
Secondly, our friends at Svensk Dragracing have also posted on their web site a great contest, with a T-Shirt up for grabs. Check it out at http://www.dragracing.se.
Muldowney beats Garlits.
3rd January: In the last race of the millennium at Moroso, Florida, Shirley Muldowney beat 'Big Daddy' Don Garlits. More details in the News section of the APIRA web site.
'Kangaroo' hops to new site.
3rd January: Dutch Pro Mod racer Henri (Kangaroo) Joosten writes to inform us that his website has moved to http://www.joostenracing.nl/. We've taken a quick peek and the site is looking better than ever. We particularly liked the Technical Information page (make sure you've got Javascript enabled). Apparently the team have been busy recently... designing T-shirts (see the motif, right).
You may remember that Henri left the car with Andy Robinson Race Cars at the end of last season to have its tendency to space flight tuned out. That work has been completed and the car is back in Holland where the team will be busy again stripping it down and checking everything in preparation for next season. "No wheelies any more, I'm sorry" says Henri, adding (somewhat modestly, we suspect) "But better times and more good runs we hope."
Build your own Nitrous system.
3rd January: If you are thinking about adding Nitrous Oxide to your racer, then we can recommend a visit to racer John Williamson's web site, which explains how to go about setting up an N2O system. The explanations are very clear and simple to understand, and include pictures and graphs. All you have to do is to get past the title of the page which must hold some sort of record for length!
Check it out at http://www.dynopower.freeserve.co.uk/nitrous_oxide/.
Luke and the Big Bad Rover.
3rd January: Fans of UK Pro Mod racer Andy Robinson will be pleased to hear that his son Luke has started a web site concentrating on the Robinson PM operation. At present the site contains information and pictures on Andy's much-missed "Big Bad Rover" (also known as Fido), but Luke promises updates on the construction of the replacement (a 1953 Studebaker as revealed by Eurodragster) and insights from the pits when racing starts this year.
The site also contains details on Luke's other love in life, radio-controlled cars, although there are uncomfortable hints that these cars go round corners.
You can find the LR Racing site at http://lrracing.8k.com.
New Year thoughts.
2nd January: Many thanks to those who have written with Christmas and New year greetings. It's often said that drag racers are one big friendly family; an e-mail from Monique Pels demonstrates this to great effect:
"Last night we had a big 'Millennium P@rty' at ZODIAC in Mijdrecht, Holland. We had over 100 guests and next to Dutch Drag Racers, such as: Ton Pels, Roel Koedam, Rob van Geffen and Jan Honee there were also a lot of Drag Racers from the UK, like Jon Morton, Gary Page, Paul Willis, Ian King, Mick Beamont, Brian Johnson and Rod Pallant. Most of them came with their family or complete crew and it was truly a HAPPY occasion !
"We've known some of our English Drag Race friends for over 25 years and last night showed us again that one of the best 'side-effects' of Drag Racing is that it brings you lots and lots of great friendships!
"HAPPY 2000 to everyone and especially to the EuroDragster Crew!!!"
Thank you very much, Monique. Our best wishes go to you, and to all of Eurodragster's readership.
Svensk Review of the Year.
1st January: The Svensk Dragracing site has been updated with a very interesting review of 1999, and a list of all the Swedish records set this season.
Year of the Review?
1st January: Reviews must be in vogue right about now since UK Sportsman ET racer Tim Fowler has sent us a review of the Photo Library CD-ROM now available from Eurodragster's very own Tog. You can find Tim's critique on our Reviews page.
Earlier news
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