Simpson expand trackside service. 31st January: Eurodragster North sponsor Simpson is to expand its presence still further in 2007 with a new rig providing trackside service to racers and fans in the Nordic region. "The new rig is in development right now and will be finished in time for the start of the season", says Jan Phersson. "The new rig will allow us to bring even more of Simpson's great products out to the track. We will be able to offer racers and fans the complete line of Simpson products in most sizes. ©Eurodragster.com "The 2006 season was the first in the Nordic region for our Trackside Service Tour. It was a great success - we've had customers from almost all teams and all nations, we received great feedback, and our off-season business is larger than expected. That, together with our passion for the sport, made us take the decision to invest in the new rig. "Hope to meet you all soon!" SCR's new safety partners. 31st January: Shakespeare County Raceway and APIRA are pleased to announce the addition of two new partners, DSRacewear and Nimbus Motorsport, to benefit the race track's safety crew writes SCR's Marketing Manager Jerry Cookson. DSRacewear, a relatively new company run by Wild Bunch racer Peter (aka Eddie) Yates, will be continuing its support of Shakespeare County by supplying two SFI-spec RJS two-piece branded suits for use by the APIRA start line fire crew. This association has also been tied in with Steve Clark's company Nimbus Motorsport who will be making sure that the two-man crew will receive that added extra protection with the latest range of fire retardant underwear from Nimbus CarbonX. "All my suits are custom-made to a set of very detailed measurement to ensure a perfect fit so I'm really pleased to be involved with Shakespeare County and the APIRA crew", says Peter. "I can also supply custom-fitted full spec Junior Dragster suits, as well as the suits in SFI 2.3A /5 /15 and /20 spec together with a full range of boots, fireproof balaclavas, gloves, underwear, SNELL 2005 helmets, Harnesses and other SFI spec equipment." Used by many of the NHRA touring Pro racers, Nimbus CarbonX utilizes a highly-effective flame retardant fabric to aid safety as well as comfort in extremely hot conditions. "We are really pleased that the safety of the fire crew has been recognised to be as important as that of the drivers", says Steve. Being specifically designed for motorsport drivers and engineers it forms the ideal base layer in a multilayer race suit and is fully endorsed by many of the sports leading racers. Nimbus CarbonX is approved to FIA 8856-2000 and CE marked to EN531. For further information regarding the availability of DSRacewear fire suits check out their web site at www.dsracewear.co.uk or call 01454 857328. For details about the complete range of Nimbus CarbonX as well as other great products from Nimbus Motorsports stop by www.nimbusmotorsport.com or call 01377 236170. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 31st January: Sweden's DD Racing Comp Eliminator team have a lot of work to do on their Oldsmobile this off-season, says Thomas Dahlblom. "We need to take 50 kg or 110 lbs to get the weight right for D/A", says Thomas. "New carbon fibre parts, new shocks etc are on the way from RJ Racecars. Big thanks to Mike Corvo Jr. We will see if our US engine builder Jeff Taylor has any new ideas to make more horsepower out of our 358 ci engine". You can find out more on the team's official web site at www.ddracing.se. ©Eurodragster.com Chris Orthodoxou tells us that the resurrected UK Red Light Trophy has a clear winner and promises that the racer in question will be embarrassed to be presented with the legendary item in high-profile ceremony at this Saturday's joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance. "Thanks to Paula Marshall and Andy Marrs for their help in finding the winner", says Chris. The Bahrain Drag Racing Club has announced a sponsorship deal with Addax Investment Bank who expressed themselves pleased to support the BDRC's efforts in promoting both drag racing and the Kingdom of Bahrain. "Sponsoring the BDRC was as easy as 1-2-3", said CEO Mr Yousef Al Essa (third from right with Yasser Abdulla, Fahad Taqi and Saeed Al Nooh). The Club is going to be a good ambassador for the Bank and its continued success". Web site updates. 31st January: Pål Modahl has launched a web site featuring some great video clips from Norwegian races. You can find Pål's web site at home.online.no/~gabergen. ©Eurodragster.com 2007 SFI Tour details. 30th January: Many thanks to SFI Foundation President Arnie Kuhns for sending us the dates for this year's SFI re-certification tour: Thursday 1st March Certifications between 09:00 and 13:00 at: Kart Centrum Silverstone Weerenweg 21/23 1161 AE Zwanenburg The Netherlands Friday 2nd March Certifications between 09:00 and 13:00 at: Finnish Hot Rod Association Tiilenvalajantie 6 02330 Espoo Finland Phone: 09- 2515 250 ©Eurodragster.com Saturday 3rd-Sunday 4th March Certifications between 11:00 and 16:00 Saturday, and between 10:00 and 14:00 on Sunday, at: Persåkers Speed Shop Solbergavägen 28 640 60 Åkers Styckebruk Sweden Phone: 0159 - 133 70 Monday 5th March Certifications between 09:00 and 14:00 at: Santa Pod Raceway Airfield Road Podington Northamptonshire NN29 7XA England Phone: 01234 782828 Items to be certified are: Clutches Bellhousings Auto Trans Shields (4.1 rigid) Flexplates Flexplate Shields Wheels (15.1, 15.2, 15.3) Swift snippets. 30th January: Pro Modified racers intending to compete in this year's MSA British Drag Racing Championship are reminded that they are invited to a meeting at Santa Pod Raceway at 12:00 midday on Saturday 10th February. If you plan to attend the meeting then please register with SPRC Club Secretary Paula Marshall at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625). ©Eurodragster.com This year's inductees to the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame will be announced here on Eurodragster.com News on Thursday's (1st February) news update. Forever The Pom... 29th January: Our good friend Heather Bond has been in touch from Australia to bring us up to date with ex-pat UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Steve Read's progress with his new car (right, click on picture for large version). "Our car eventually arrived from America in August, which meant we couldn't contest the Australian Championship which starts in September", says H. "There were various reasons for this, but the two main factors were that we wanted to use new clutch and fuel management systems which our Crew Chief had to get his head around, and that our crew are predominately new to working on a race car. We decided to do it this way as they are bringing no other habits to the team, just an eagerness to learn. These guys were spectators in the crowd last season, but with a passion for the sport and a willingness to put in the long hours we now have a complete crew to be proud of. "We took the car to our local track just before Christmas and did a launch on a Run What You Brung. This gave the guys a practice at what to do on race days. Two weeks later was the USA v Australia event at Western Sydney which started on Boxing Day. Steve and I deliberated long and hard whether we should take the car, but we both agreed that it would be unfair on the guys to ask them to leave their families on Christmas Day and also to put them under the extreme pressure of a high-profile meeting. ©Eurodragster.com "As it happened we received a call from Team Wesco who purchased the car which Steve campaigned up until last year. Their driver had not gained his licence in time so Steve was asked to drive for them. This was a test weekend for them as the car was new to the crew and they wanted to gather data. They suffered a blower belt issue which stopped the car from making a full pass, but the first half increments looked good. It was great to see Team Koedam there putting on a show for the Aussies. Unfortunately the bike couldn't make a full under power pass as the shutdown areas over here are a bit short, hence why a couple of the bikes use a parachute. "We took our car to Willowbank Raceway for the Night Fire Top Fuel meeting on 5th-6th January. Bearing in mind that this was a testing session for the car, the first pass gave a 0.855 sixty foot and a 330 foot of 2.23. Shortly after that the blower belt let go but we were very happy with the result. The next run was another 0.85 with a 2.20 330' and yet another belt. The next day was eliminations and we were matched up against another Queensland car. He smoked the tyres straight off the line and we were through to the next round. In the semis we lost out, but all in all it was a great two days for the crew and the début of the car. When the crew went to collect Steve from the bottom end they received a standing ovation from the crowd for all the hard work put in. "Steve has now become an Aussie but I'm sure will always be known as The Pom when racing. Our next meeting is at Western Sydney on 16th-17th February. We will be trying a new blower belt system to get these suckers to stay on!" Swift snippets. 29th January: If you are attending this Saturday's (3rd February) joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation in Northampton then please note that the Club Championship presentations will take place before dinner, so please be in your seats by 6:30 pm. As last year's presentations were marred by loud conversation it is also asked that courtesy is shown to Champions and runners-up, Perpetual Award winners, Hall of Fame inductees, MCs and everyone else in the room by keeping quiet during this Saturday's ceremonies or by leaving the room if you wish to talk. Justin Grant of Stardust Racing has been in touch with an update on the tribute Stardust nitro 'Cuda which he is building for Don Schumacher. "The body and paint are complete, as well as the new engine", says Justin. "We are using a TFX with Alan Johnson heads. All late model parts, but with a nostalgic build. We run a twenty-gallon pump, eight-amp Mallory mag, 6-71 blower etc. We will be testing in late February. We are also looking for the original chassis". If you can help with the chassis then you can contact Justin at justin@stardustracing.com. ©Eurodragster.com Paul Jackson has been in touch to congratulate Lee and Jo Darby on the birth of their baby boy Harley-Jay, who was born at 17:41 on Saturday. "This is the same birthday as our boy Lukas!", says Paul. "It will be interesting to see who gets to wear the My dad's faster than your dad T-Shirt that we acquired at the Street Car finals. Harley-Jay weighed in at 8 lb 9½ oz so all we can say is that we think he shares his dad's belly." Hannah Todd has been in touch to ask if readers could vote for one of her fellow Lucas Oil "girlies" (Her word - Ed) who was very much in evidence around the Lucas Oil and Carter Motorsport displays at Autosport International. "Monica (right) has been nominated as one of the sexiest women in Britain by the Daily Star", says Hannah. "To vote you need to text MONICA HARRIS to 82100. Texts cost 25p so it won't break the bank and it will help one of us Lucas Oil girlies get the recognition she deserves!" Web site updates. 29th January: Dan Welberry tells us that the Carter Motorsport web site at www.andycarter.net has had a major update since the unveiling of the new Lucas Oil sponsorship deal. "The most recent update is in the Merchandise section which now includes a range of Lucas Oil clothing, posters etc and some major savings on previous lines - some items are now available with a third off", says Dan. "Details of our 2007 Inside Top Fuel packages will soon be available. Keep an eye on the site and don't forget to leave your mark in our Guestbook." ©Eurodragster.com TTDS, SDC combine for 2007. 28th January: The Toyo Tires Dragracing Series (TTDS) and the Scandinavian Dragracing Championship (SDC), two of Sweden's leading drag racing series, have combined to present a new series in 2007. The new series will be made up of Northern and Southern divisions, some events from which will also qualify for an overall Championship for racers wishing to race across the country: North Series 10th June: Piteå 16th-17th June: Sundsvall 30th June-1st July: Västerås 13th-15th July: Piteå 20th-22ng July: Skellefteå 18th-19th August: Lindesberg 18th-19th Augusti: Sundsvall 25th-26th August: Piteå South Series 18th-20th May: Meca Raceway 1st-3rd June: Meca Raceway 9th-10th June: Gardermoen 22nd-24th June: Vandel 6th-8th July: Meca Raceway 20th-22nd July: Göteborg 3rd-5th August: Gardermoen 17th-19th August: Meca Raceway Battle North v South 13th-16th September: Meca Raceway Scandinavian points 9th-10th June: Gardermoen 16th-17th June: Sundsvall 30th June-1st July: Västerås 13th-15th July: Piteå 20th-22nd July: Göteborg 3rd-5th August: Gardermoen 18th-19th Augusti: Sundsvall 13th-16th September: Meca Raceway "In 2006 there were 458 drivers in TTDS and 342 drivers in the SDC", say Tommy Edström of SHRA Sundsvall and Christer Håård of SRIF. "Plans to cut down on classes and series have been discussed for some years but have come to nothing. Now we have taken the first step towards a more structured sport in Scandinavia. The new series will offer driving opporunities for everyone, from the north to the south. If you want to drive locally you can choose to attend the northern or the southern races. If you want to go further and compete in the Scandinavian series with events in both the south and the north then this is also possible. The class names will be the same as under the SDC and we have also included Super classes in the series to give everbody a chance to participate. Rules for the classes are mainly the same as in TTDS with some minor adjustments and additions. To have a look, go to www.srif.se/regler2007.htm. "The TTDS and SDC organisers will come together and start this new series of 2007. The new series will be lead by a newly-developed non-profit association consisting of representatives from the organising clubs. Toyo Tires will follow on as a sponsor from the previous Toyo Tires Dragracing Series. We want to apologise for the calendar being presented late this year but you will understand the reasons and we promise to make it better next year. "More information will later be presented on the TTDS and SDC home pages, and a new home page will be presented shortly. With this, we want to present the calendar and the classes but all the details haven't yet been looked at. These will be presented at an information meeting at the Åby Dragracing Market on 10th February. "The name of this new series isn't yet definite and we therefore want to open this up to the public: we would like you to come up with some good suggestions and E-Mail them to namnet@srif.se. The winning suggestion will be presented at the Åby Dragracing Market and prizes consisting of free entry fees or entry to our races. The only condition is that the new serie has to include the word Toyo and that it is used in such a manner that it would be easy to change or remove if the sponsorship ended. "Now we're hoping for 2007 to be the best drag racing season ever!" ©Eurodragster.com Rolfstad heads for USA. 28th January: Bad news for European fans of FIM/UEM Supertwin is good news for our US counterparts, writes our good friend Par Willen of HarleyDrags.com. Veteran Norwegian Supertwin race Svein Olav Rolfstad (right, picture courtesy and ©PiPPi), currently has his bike on a ship headed for the USA where he will compete in a number of rounds in the AHDRA National series: The first outing is in Florida for testing leading up to the Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts Bike Week Nationals in Gainesville on 2nd-4th March. Svein Olav will travel back and forth between Norway and the USA but the bike will stay in the USA for the duration of the 2007 season. Svein Olav's plans includes trips out West for the season-ending races in Las Vegas and Pomona, with stops on the East Coast including Bristol and Rockingham. "It's a dream come true", says Svein Olav. "I've had this in my head since I first went to Sturgis many years ago". It's too bad for us here in Europe, as Svein Olav is both a strong racer on track as well as a major nice guy in the pits. One benefit though, we track announcers will have a lot easier time not to screw up the names of the Norwegian Supertwin racers this year. I don't think I'm alone in wishing Svein Olav the best. You can follow his progress in a Blog at www.vgb.no/20180. It's in Norwegian at the moment but just drop a hint or three and that could be changed. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 28th January: A very Happy fiftieth Birthday to our good friend, Pro Stock crewman Magnus Cato. Magnus, a frequent contributor to Eurodragster.com News has treated himself to this very nice '58 Chevy which he will pick up in New York at Easter and then drive across the USA on Route 66. Have a great day Magnus. Dan Ford has been in touch to say that as a result of the changes in the Carter Motorsport operation, which were announced in yesterday's news update, he is available to crew in 2007. Dan was one of Andy's cylinder head technicians. Fuel teams needing an experienced crew member can contact Dan at danielford37@aol.com. ©Eurodragster.com Showtime Fuel FC Crew Chief Bob Jarrett sent this picture of a car he encountered whilst arranging shipping of the team's new FC to the UK. "I noticed that Eurodragster's News Editor is getting a new car too (see inset)", says Bob. Santa Pod Raceway are holding their first ever Stunt Night on Friday 16th February. Jo Harris tells us that it promises to be an evening of wild stunts and displays for all the family. "There'll be a monster mix of untamed stunts and track action from a variety of people including the Terry Grant Stunt Show, Monster Truck, Fireforce 3 Jet Car and the AWOL Stunt Ryderz", says Jo. "We'll also have a funfair and fireworks to end the evening with a bang, as well as live bands and full bar and catering facilities until 11:00 pm. Gates open at 4:00 pm with the main attractions taking place between 6:00 and 8:00. For ticket prices visit www.stuntnight.com." Also on the subject of Santa Pod, we understand that this year's Pro Fuel Shootout at the Easter Thunderball could be contested by as many as eight Fuel cars. Naturally we will bring you details as we receive them so stay tuned. VP introduce Tech Support. 28th January: Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor VP Racing Fuels Inc, an industry leader in the production and distribution of racing fuels and other performance products, has created a new position titled Technical Director described by Steve Burns, VP's President and CEO, as "Critical not only to our effort to stay on the leading edge of race fuel technology but to ensure our customer support remains unsurpassed". Burns continued "While I will continue to lead VP's R&D efforts, the primary role of this new position will be to oversee the introduction and support of our new and existing technology in the marketplace via hands-on applications testing of new technology and maintenance of a database of technical product information. "The importance of the technical support this makes available to our customers can't be overemphasised. When you lead an industry in technological development as we do, people look to you for guidance and support to ensure they can effectively implement that technology. And although VP's custom blending has always been its strength, with more than sixty blends of racing fuel now available, it's understandable our product line can appear somewhat intimidating to customers just getting started. VP's customers have always had direct access to its regional offices for technical assistance in this regard, but now they'll have another ready resource from whom they can obtain application-specific support on a timely and ongoing basis." Named to the new Technical Director position is Jay Farnsworth, previously VP's Regional Manager for its Midwest Region. According to Burns, Farnsworth has been actively involved in VP's R&D efforts for many years - not only for racing fuels but VP's traction adhesives. "Like most of us at VP, Jay was first a racer who now has lived and breathed racing fuels for almost nineteen years, not to mention years of experience with automotive and aftermarket parts prior to joining VP. I'm happy we're able to turn to someone with Jay's experience and passion to fill this critical role and I expect customers will come to appreciate his responsiveness and the insight he can provide." "We encourage customers who require fuel recommendations or other technical support to direct questions to Jay at tech@vpracingfuels.com or to call our Technical Support line, which we intend to staff from 8:00 am to 10 pm seven days a week" said Jay Farnsworth. "At that point, customers will be walked through their application to determine the most appropriate fuel and how to tune for it, before being referred to the appropriate VP regional office for product delivery". VP Technical Support can be reached at +1 812 878 2025. For more than thirty years, VP's fuels have enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for superior power and consistency, fuelling champions in virtually every form of motorsports – from drag racing, circle track and road racing to motorcycle, off road, off shore and even airplane racing. VP's product line also includes performance chemicals, specialty lubricants, traction adhesives and fuel handling accessories. VP Racing is the Official Racing Fuel of NHRA Championship Drag Racing, as well as exclusive fuel supplier and/or sponsor of AMA (American Motorcycle Association); Champ Car Atlantic; Championship Off Road Racing (CORR); National Muscle Car Association; National Mustang Racing Association ; Star Mazda; and Stars of Karting among many others. More information about VP Racing can found on its web site at www.vpracingfuels.com. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 28th January: Our good friend Pete Roberts has been in touch to let us know that his very popular web site The Pod - A Look Around now has its own domain. You can check out Pete's unique Santa Pod Raceway panoramas, daily wallpaper and much more at www.podlook.co.uk/menu.html. ©Eurodragster.com Carter into Andersen Racing seat. 27th January: 2007 has already proved to be a big news year for UK Top Fuel Dragster team Carter Motorsport as we announced the massive sponsorship deal with American oil giant, Lucas Oil. It's safe to say that this deal has taken us to another level in terms of our approach to the forthcoming FIA Top Fuel Championship and it is with great pleasure that we announce the following: Andy Carter, two time FIA European Top Fuel Champion will be driving the Andersen Racing Top Fuel car for the 2007 season. This car is one of, if not the, finest and most up-to-date Fuel cars on the European circuit and of course, the car that Håkan Nilsson shoed to the 2006 FIA title. Following Håkan's surprise decision to hang up his firesuit earlier in the month, it was not long before in-depth discussions were being held between Andy and the Danish team. The new deal was finalised in person as Andy visited Karsten and Per in their home nation last weekend. "Carter Motorsport is committed to obtaining maximum exposure for their primary sponsor, Lucas Oil", said Dan Welberry of Carter Motorsport PR and Marketing. "This is not something we take lightly and this deal is very much a response to this objective. With Andy at the wheel of the Andersen Racing car, we will once again be able to use the Carter Motorsport Top Fueller for the many show/public appearances already in the diary for 2007. The two cars will enable us to significantly raise brand awareness for Lucas Oil and associated sponsors throughout Europe and ultimately assist in increased sales. We are also very proud of our outstanding list of associate sponsors. We are sure that they will also be delighted with this deal and see it as further commitment by our team to raise their profile." "What an amazing year for Carter Motorsport!", said Andy Carter. "All the hard work is really paying off and there is so much more news to follow. Lucas Oil were delighted with the unveiling at the Autosport Show and the coverage since then has been fantastic. I am delighted to make this announcement. The car is simply awesome and we know it's competitive after the outstanding season had by the team last year. It really is a state-of-the-art Top Fuel machine, capable of the consistent 4.8s that we believe will be needed to win the title this year. The Andersen Racing team have already stated that 4.7s have to be the objective for this season and I am more than ready to do all I can to see those numbers on the board. Per and Karsten have been good friends for over ten years now and I am really looking forward to working with them. I would like to thank all those who have helped to get me to this point. I know that without your help and support, none of this would have been possible." Carter Motorsport would like to thank their primary sponsor, Lucas Oil, and would also like to thank the following associate partners for their continued support: NGK Spark Plugs, Binamic Web Design, Pioneer Print, Crane Cams, K&N Filters, Yuasa Batteries, BMRS, Sigma Signs, Antiqus-2000, Rainbow Conference Sets, Mike Shorer Fine Jewellery, 3t Creative Ltd, Norfolkline, RCS Cables, Teng Tools, A1 Motor Stores, Autotel Race Radio, Landmeco A/S, USA Autodele and Jerrys. ©Eurodragster.com Pro ET heroes and... 26th January: Carl Burton, who co-ordinates the Sponsorship Scheme for the UK's Pro ET racers, says that a second wave of sponsors has now joined up for the 2007 Scheme. The full list of Pro ET sponsors for 2007 is currently: Real Steel Sandy Scooters Penn Autos A1 Motor Stores Toxico Clothing Inkwell Printing Alleyjax WASP Speed Shop Black Bear Harley Davidson Hauser Race Cars "Sponsors have been impressed with the number of cars running their, decals especially when Santa Pod has been rammed", says Carl. "Some sponsors have told us that racers have been using their services - thanks guys. Keep letting them know where you heard of them! We have extended the offer to display banners in the pits if sponsors wish, and we will continue to plug their names at every given chance. "On behalf of all in Pro ET, Thank You to all involved." ©Eurodragster.com Meanwhile Pro ET racer Marius Blackburn says that he had a poor response to his request before Christmas for Pro ET teams to send their news and thoughts on the 2006 season. "To say the response was poor is a bit of an understatement", says Marius. "The result was a case of writer's block for everyone! Let's try this again...the Pro ET site could do with some updates from you guys. We look forward to your replies. "We also asked if anyone would be interested in gathering information at the races - qualifying and race results etc - to help to keep the site up-to-date. We are still awaiting applications for this much sought-after post, so don't be shy, E-Mail Bob Regis from the Pro ET site to discuss this. "Finally I will again be working with Roger Gorringe to put together articles for Santa Pod's event programmes, so it might be to your advantage to E-Mail mariusb@fsmail.net with any news you might care to pass on...you could use this as a springboard for your report, which I'm sure you are now compiling for the Pro ET site! I look forward to hearing from you." Swift snippets. 26th January: Jerry Cookson tells us that two additional tidy-up weekends have been added at Shakespeare County Raceway, on 10th-11th February and 24th-25th February. "If you would like to help out then please call 01789 720180 days or 01453 791818 evenings", says Jerry. Jo Harris of Santa Pod Raceway says that this Sunday's (28th) Run What You Brung promises to be another corker with people blowing the cobwebs away after the Christmas break. "We have got Martin Hill testing Fireforce 3 to take the chill off the crisp January weather!", says Jo. "This is also another eligible event for the 2007 Castrol Challenge Speed Table, and the driver with the quickest time at each Castrol Challenge eligible event will receive a voucher for free entry and sign-on at a RWYB meeting". For more information check out www.rwyb.com or call 01234 782828. ©Eurodragster.com Next Thursday, 1st February, is the deadline for submission of items for the agenda for the UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting which takes place in the Kimberley Suite of the Diamonds Centre in Irthlingborough on Sunday 11th February. For more details including where to send submissions please check out our news item of 11th January. Editor's note: Thanks to those who wrote with supportive comments after yesterday's news update was cut short by an emergency in your News Editor's day job. We also appreciated the offers of help should it happen again. If anyone would like to finance a full-time News Editor for Eurodragster.com then you know the address. Magazine update. 26th January: The February issue of Banzai magazine features Ross Juniper's low nine-second Mazda RX-7 from Dragon Performance, the world's fastest with an H-pattern gearbox, writes Jerry Cookson: ©Eurodragster.com Editor Joe Clifford gets under the skin of this amazing 800 bhp 1.3-litre RX-7 and finds out why it's the fastest rotary-engined car in Europe. Also featured is the Australian 1000 bhp drag spec Lexus SC-400 Soarer owned by brothers Charlie and Moreno Gullotto. Sporting a mighty Toyota V8 engine with huge Garrett GT35/40 turbos, this sharp sportster runs low 7.3s at 180 plus mph in the Super Sedan category at Perth International Dragway. Banzai, the popular tuning magazine for Japanese owners, is available now at £3.99. Chevrolet back BDRC. 26th January: Chevrolet Motorsports have given the Kingdom of Bahrain Drag Racing Championship a huge boost thanks to the efforts of the Bahrain International Circuit and the Bahrain Drag Racing Club, writes BDRC President Fahad Taqi: Chevrolet Motorsports has put in £135,500 for the 2006-2007 drag racing season, which consists of seven Championship rounds, and has also sponsored the BDRC with £24,500 for what it said was one of the best organisers they have seen. Chevrolet Motorsports are proud to support such high professionalism, which what Chevrolet themselves are all about. ©Eurodragster.com This £160,000 deal wouldn't have gone through without the hard work and excellent partnership which that the BDRC has with the BIC. I personally would like to thank Martin Whitaker for his great support for the Club and the sport of drag racing. He and his team at the BIC have always been there for us, and this Chevrolet sponsorship was a dream come true not just for drag racing but for all of the racers who take part in it. The Bahrain Drag Racing Club will shortly open a new forum on which BDRC will answer questions and racers can exchange information. Stay tuned for more details. My little ponies. 26th January: An spooky coincidence on today's Eurodragster.com News update as we received two news items from separate contributors which turned out to be related. Firsty Ian Turburville wrote to us to tell us about GBC Racing who produce astounding mini-Funny Cars which are Super Pro ET legal in the USA. These Mini Pro cars are designed to be powered by rear-mounted motorbike or snowmobile engines and are legal to 7.50 over the quarter mile. "With our design, the biggest comment is that people can't believe how economical and maintenance-free the car is to run", Gary Bray of GBC Racing told Turbo. "Especially at the retail price of $31,900 for the full turnkey S & S V-Twin powered Thunder Series Mini-Pro Funny Car which includes linelock, electric reverse, and a special transmission that we have developed which is a belt drive autoshift transmission. All we have to do is hold the hand brake, slam the throttle and aim it out the other end. A full turn-key with everything on it is under 700 lbs. We also offer a complete roller for $9,895. We've strived hard to achieve all of that". Turbo rightly adds that he would like to see one of these puppies powered by a nitro Harley engine. You can find out more at www.gbcracing.com. ©Eurodragster.com Then we received a news item from Junior Olley who told us about a mini Jet Funny Car (right) put together and operated by Tim Arfons, son of legendary Land Speed Record holder Art Arfons. The FC is powered by a T58 jet engine with afterburner and turns out to be a GBC Racing model. How about that for coincidence? Putting the oval racers straight. 26th January: The weekend's Oval Racing Expo at Arena Raceway Essex, which included demonstration appearances by drag racers, was judged a great success with attendance and entries up, writes Paul Marston: The usual bracing weather did nothing to dampen enthusiasm, brisk business was done by the traders and the Racing Junk swap meet had plenty to offer. The Drag Race display went down very well during our two slots on Sunday, and a whole load of event schedules were handed out for both Santa Pod Raceway and Shakespeare County Raceway. PMR saw plenty of old faces who have not been to the drag strips for a while who are now coming to see how our great sport has progressed these past few years. ©Eurodragster.com Special thanks go out to Ray Tucker and his crew for entertaining the crowd with his beautiful AMS Oil-backed blown Corvette which currently competes in the Real Steel Street Eliminator, and to Andrew and Sandie Gibb for bringing down their Junior Dragster to display in the drag racing exhibition in the marquee and Kirsty Gibb for the live demo on the track. The promoters of the event have already indicated that they would be looking to increase the drag racing side of the Oval Expo next year. On behalf of Paul Marston Racing and crew I would like to thank the Rolling Thunder Show for inviting us to attend and we look forward to attending next year's show. Swift snippets. 25th January: Paul Watson of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor DynoSpeed Developments tells us that his Pro Stock Bike, which is still for sale, and Mark Watkins' new GSXR Super Street Bike will be on display alongside Dave Newbery's Top Fuel Bike at the Bike Show at Alexandra Palace, which starts tomorrow. "We are looking forward to it and hope that everyone will come up and say hello", says Grumpy. ©Eurodragster.com A big Well Done to Shelby Webster who passed her driving test at the first attempt yesterday (Wednesday) despite snowy conditions. "Obviously her father's daughter, we are very proud of her", says Jeanette Webster. "Will we see father and daughter in the pairing lanes some time?". ...and it's still green. 24th January: Swedish Pro Stock Bike racer Anders Larsson is well into his planning for 2007, rebuilding his bike from the ground up and cloaking it in a new body with a great paint scheme (right, click on picture for larger shot from another angle). "For the last couple of years we have more or less been known as the team who in the lead of breaking things in Pro Stock Bike", says Anders. "We have had limited outings due to breakage. So the decision for this year was an easy one: lesson learned, start with a clean sheet. The only thing we've kept from last year are the frame, fork and electrical system - everything else has been sold or put on the shelf. "So the first piece of new stuff to be finished and ready to unveil is the new TL1000R body and paintwork. The paint has once again been applied by Edsbylack in Edsbyn as previously. We called last year to see if it would possible for Sigge to apply the new paint in the Edsbylack facilities, which are owned by Danne Johansson. "Sure, come over here and we'll figure something out", they said, and I think they did more than just figure something out this time! A couple of weeks back Sigge called and said "It's just about ready...and it's still green! "I was a bit surprised when I finally did see the bike, because last time I asked for "Red paintwork" and got green, so I was not too sure what to expect this time. For sure it's an astonishing piece of work - I asked for a green theme and got it! I totally loved this new theme, as I did with old one which stayed with me from 2001 until the end of the 2006 season. Sigge and Danne have done more than just bike paint, Fast Freddy's truck has been there a few times as well." ©Eurodragster.com Anders says that the next job is to build the bike back up. "The chassis is now powder coated and the front end has been fully-assembled with a new ultra-light front wheel from Performance Machine, and the rear wheel has also been replaced with a Performance Machine wheel", he says. "The plan is to start testing as soon as possible - and up here that most likely mean the Norwegian test at Gardermoen in May. "We'd like to say thank you to our partners Enström and Partner AB, Colormailer, Fastlab, Rogspeed, Dezeta Reklam and Olssons Grafiska for their continued support in 2007." Sweden's new Fuel FC capital. 24th January: Knut Söderquist of the Carbon By Design team says that Åstorp in Sweden has become the country's very own Gotham City. "Åstorp has been the Top Fuel capital with seven of them in a city of thirty thousand people", says Knut. "It is now turning into the Funny Car capital." Knut has now taken delivery of the Fuel Funny Cars which he bought at the end of 2006 (right, click on pictures for large versions). "One of the cars is a 2001 Murf McKinney 2001 chassis with a 2004 Camaro body, and the other car I bought from Terry Haddock", he says. "I received Terry's car last week and I am very pleased with the chassis which is a Pleuger, which ensures that it will be a good car. All I did to that chassis was to add a couple of boxes for the computer and fuel system. It's the usual thing with the bodies - a few cracks, everything is well used after an NHRA season." Patrik Pers has had his first fitting in the FC which he will drive this year and Knut says that he is very impressed. "Patrik liked it so much that he decided to sell the new Pro Mod car which came in the same container", he says. "The only thing Patrik wanted was for me to mount a mirror in the car so he can see Fast Freddy. The body will now go to Stockholm for some repairs and a paintjob designed by Patrik, be ready for some nice stuff. This car will get all the latest stuff - setback blower and a new design of clutch cannon from Professor Alan Jackson. We tried this cannon on the car which Harlan Thompson drove in Bahrain and it was promising." ©Eurodragster.com Knut adds that it is possible that we could see the return of Harlan Thompson to European racing this season. "The best Funny Car Driver ever seen in Europe could return", he says. "I do not know details right now but Harlan and I are working on a couple of ideas which might come off or might not. To start with there is a deal for the Far East which has big interest from Budweiser and many other companies. I also don't see it as an impossibility that we will see Harlan doing his stuff at Santa Pod once again. There will be more news soon, as we are getting going on putting the two cars together." Finally in a busy off-season for the CBD team Knut found time to do a last-minute deal to send two Top Fuel Dragsters to the United Arab Emirates to make demonstration passes at the Emirates Motorplex at the start of February. "This deal was done in a couple of days", says Knut. "I got the all-clear from the track to send two Top Fuel Dragsters at eleven one morning, but the only problem was that the container ship was leaving at seven o'clock that same evening. Luckily I got the cars ready and we made it with fifty minutes to spare.The cars will be driven by Harlan Thompson and Andy Carter, more news will follow soon." Andy Carter told Eurodragster.com that he will send a news item about his UAE trip very soon, but in the meantime he asked us to thank Knut for the offer. "I am very grateful to Knut for the opportunity to get some seat time so early in the year", said Andy. Swift snippets. 24th January: Calling all contingency sponsors: if you sponsor a contingency scheme in the UK then Caroline Day of Santa Pod Raceway would like to hear from you, as she is preparing a page of the Easter Thunderball event programme dedicated to contingency sponsorships. If you sponsor a contingency scheme then please E-Mail details to Caroline via contingency@santapod.com. We have two birthdays today and by an uncanny coincidence they both fall at the premises of joint Eurodragster.com webcam sponsor Webster Race Engineering. So a very Happy Birthday first to The Boss, Jon Webster, who Jeanette Webster tells us is not quite old enough to be the father of WRE employee Graham Rice whose thirtieth birthday it is today. Hope that you have a great day guys. ©Eurodragster.com Further to yesterday's news item about Toyo's contingency scheme for the 2007 UK National Championships, Toyo tyres are also available from Gordon Appleton's Wheelgame on 0118 981 3404. Web site updates. 24th January: In the latest entry in his exclusive Racer Blog, Dutch Top Fuel Dragster racer Lex Joon reacts to FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Håkan Nilsson's shock retirement announcement. You can read Lex's Blog by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blog link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com MSA Championship changes class. 23rd January: It has been confirmed that the MSA British Drag Racing Championship has moved classes for 2007. After being contested in Top Methanol between 1997 and 2006 the MSA Championship will now be contested in Pro Modified. "The bottom line was that we couldn't carry on trying to run the MSA Championship with two or three cars in Top Methanol", said FIA European Championship promoter Keith Bartlett who also holds the rights to the British Championship. "There will be more cars in Pro Mod, and a doorslammer class has a more immediate appeal and is easier for the public to identify with. Top Methanol also suffered because people were aware that faster versions of the cars existed in the Fuel classes. There are no quicker or faster doorslammers than Pro Mods. "We are hoping for an entry of between six and eight cars at each round, but at the FIA rounds all of the European cars will also be eligible for points so we will have a particularly exciting field at those events. But there are more and more British teams coming in to Pro Mod, and if they can't yet afford to compete in Europe then they now have the prestigious MSA British Championship to participate in." ©Eurodragster.com The 2007 MSA British Drag Racing Championship will be contested at the Easter Thunderball, FIA Main Event, SPRC Summernationals, FIA European Finals and UK National Finals, all at Santa Pod Raceway. "We are working on bringing in Shakespeare County Raceway for next year", said Keith. "We are also working on a TV package and we will make a decision on TV in the next four or five weeks." Pro Modified racers are invited to a meeting to discuss the new MSA Championship. This meeting is to take place at Santa Pod Raceway at 12:00 midday on Saturday 10th February. Those participating in this year's Championship, or intending to participate, should get in touch with SPRC Club Secretary Paula Marshall at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) to register for the meeting. We understand that a UK National Championship is to be set up for Top Methanol and that this will be contested at the Easter Thunderball and UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. Toyo post £25,000 contingency. 23rd January: Tyre giant Toyo have announced a £25,000 prize fund for 2007 UK National Drag Racing Championships, the largest prize fund in the company's history. £300 will be available to the winner and £150 to the runner-up in all seven rounds of the UK Championships at Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways in the following classes: Super Modified Super Pro ET Pro ET Sportsman ET Super Comp Super Gas Super Street VW Sportsman To qualify for the prizes, competitors have to race on Toyo tyres and display the approved Toyo logo on both sides of their vehicle. "We offered a similar package to the Super Comp and Pro ET Championships last year when we introduced the Toyo DRR1", said Mike Rignall, Marketing Director for Toyo. "We were very happy to write the cheques when competitors won as it proved that Toyo drag slicks were competitive." Although Toyo are a newcomer to drag racing, this hasn't stopped them hitting instant form - taking some of the US and Europe's most brutal machinery to podium and Championship leading results. Toyo DRR1 Drag Slicks took a blistering Championship 1-2 in the Southern California Drag Racing Association Super Comp Class. Drivers Todd Henry and Lee Priest were quick to praise the consistent performance of the Proxes DRR1 for their part in the teams success. Team Owner/Manager Thomas Bayer was similarly impressed with the team, the talent and the tyres: "In this class you need consistency. I think Toyo's speaks for itself with a 1-2 Championship finish! Todd and Lee run completely different chassis set-ups and have their own unique driving style, but our Proxes DRR1 slicks allow us to tune the car for each driver - and win!" With such a huge prize fund available, Toyo look set to provide the traction and action across a multitude of UK Drag Racing classes in 2007. Toyo drag racing products are already available in the UK from Hauser Race Cars on 01933 312735 and Wheelgame on 0118 981 3404. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 23rd January: We were very sorry to hear from Pat Ginn that her good friend Tina Ingham has passed away. "Our thoughts are with the girls Sarah and Amanda and their family", says Pat. "Tina had health problems but got on with things. She would help anyone and we always had a laugh. Tina we will miss you. Sarah and Amanda you know where to reach me if you need anything or a chat". Our deepest sypathies to Tina's family and friends. Adam Flamholc of Sweden's MMR/Glueharbor Dragracing sent us this picture of the team's ex-Jimmy Ålund European Championship-holding Pro Stock in its new colours (right, click on picture for large version). "As well as new paint we have made some other updates", says Adam. Sweden's Janne Ullberg is the new owner of Mitch Knight's world record-holding Stock 1973 Duster. "At its last race in the USA the car went 1.35 under in G/SA", says Janne. "The car can run F/SA, G/SA and H/SA. Before shipping the car to Sweden I will race in a Division 2 race in Orlando in March and the plan is then to race in Gainesville the next week. The car is getting a new Parson & Myers 340 engine, new Protrans gearbox, Trick Titanium bearing front suspension and new shocks. So the future looks great." ©Eurodragster.com Pete Schofield has been in touch to ask us to remind readers that Driving Force, the Reality TV series about John Force and his family, starts broadcasting in the UK on The Biography Channel at 10:30 pm next Monday, 29th January. It came too late for yesterday's news but Ian Warren asked us to wish his son, UK Super Street Bike and 9.50 Bike racer David Warren, a Happy Birthday for Sunday. Hope you had a great day, David. Turner collects trophy. 23rd January: Rob Turner attended a star-studded awards ceremony at the exclusive Royal Automobile Club on London's Pall Mall to receive his 2006 MSA British Drag Racing Championship trophy from Damon Hill, the last British driver to win the Formula 1 world title (right, click on picture for large version). Rob was present at the Motor Sports Association's Night of Champions event - attended by every British Championship winner from 2006 - to receive the prestigious piece of silverware. This is the ninth time that Rob has won the Championship since he first entered in the early 1990s. "The thrill of accelerating from 0-100 mph inside a second and getting close to 260 mph inside the quarter mile is just as exciting as it ever was", said Rob. "A lot of my success is down to the team of mechanics who worked on the dragster - again in 2006 it was among the quickest out there but it was by far the most reliable and that was crucial in helping me score big points every time." Rob will concentrate on winning the European title in 2007. ©Eurodragster.com Statement from SCR. 23rd January: Since Shakespeare County Raceway announced their 2007 schedule of events, there has been a considerable amount of discussion via E-Mail and web forums regarding the Raceway's commitment to host only two UK National Championship event meetings this season. SCR hope that the following statement will more clearly address the feelings raised regarding the Raceway's position. If anyone has any comments then please feel free to address them to enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk. "As a race track, Shakespeare County Raceway and the organising club Avon Park International Racing Association can fully understand the sentiments regarding the number of permitted meetings for 2007. We know that everyone has heard a multitude of excuses before so there is no point in beating around the bush. "SCR had a very fraught year last year seeing the departure, sudden in some cases, of both key personnel and the promoter. We are not going into the reasons why this happened because all we are interested in is the future of the Raceway and trying to safeguard its existence as a viable drag strip. We realise that we are constantly being compared with Santa Pod but in reality they are two completely different entities. Santa Pod run approximately forty eight weekends per annum and on a purely commercial basis. Shakespeare County can only run fourteen weekends per year due to planning constraints (the track must observe a weekend's solitude between each event) and, bar one, is solely manned by volunteers. We therefore do not have the investment and must use other means to finance maintenance and renovation. "Furthermore, the summer period sees a number of well-established events which only exist due to the nature of their regular appearance in the calendar, and to move this round the existing calendar would almost certainly downgrade their credibility and the worst fear of all, kill them off completely. It is also SCR's intention to run three additional permits for the Junior Drag Bikes making up for the deficit to all the other classes which will be competing in five national rounds. This is a joint imitative between the ACU and SCR and will hopefully prove beneficial to encourage more people into the sport in the same way as Junior Dragster has grown over the years. Further details will be announced in due course. "The cold truth is that SCR does not make enough money (at present) out of permitted meetings for them to be financially viable at present hence the amount of Public Track Day/RWYB scheduled for 2007. We are using these as financial support for the track so that we can increase the number of permitted meetings in the future. "There will not be more than two permitted meetings in 2007 at Shakespeare County Raceway but we sincerely believe that the future of the track is very promising and that everyone intends to build on this season with a view to increasing events for 2008." ©Eurodragster.com SCR launch Tidy-Up Weekends. 23rd January: After the recent storms experienced by most parts of the UK last week, Shakespeare County Raceway and APIRA have allocated a number of tidy-up weekends to get the Raceway up and running before the start of the season in nine weeks' time - the Test and Tune weekend on March 31st-April 1st, writes SCR's Jerry Cookson. Tidy-up dates include: 27th-28th January 10th-11th March 24th-25th March 6th-9th April All the usual items connected with the Raceway need attending to, with priority given to concrete and hole repairs, start and pit area repairs, and staging lane barrier repairs, weather permitting. "The winds were so fierce that the staging lane fence, including the concrete sleepers, were ripped out of their fixings!", says Jerry. If you are able to help, or know of any materials the track could use, please get in touch with the track office on 01789 720180 during business hours or contact Richard Warburton on 01453 791818 during the evening. Materials, tools and vehicles will be available all weekend together with hot food and drinks. If you wish to stay over on Saturday evenings, then please let Jerry or Richard know as a social evening can be arranged at the AV Club. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 23rd January: On the European drag racing front, one of the most exciting pieecs of news recently was the announcement at Autosport International that Andy Carter will be sponsored throughout the 2007/2008 FIA European Top Fuel Championships by Lucas Oil. As most who follow the sport will know, Lucas Oil is a major name in American drag racing. The guys at Drag, Rod and Classic Review magazine caught up with Andy after the show to find out more about his exciting new sponsorship arrangement and you can read the full interview at www.drcreview.com. ©Eurodragster.com The Dragsterworld web site at www.dragsterworld.com has been updated with pictures of the unveiling of Andy Carter's Top Fueller in its new colours at Autosport International as well as pictures of pre-season testing in Las Vegas. Tony Byng tells us that what he terms an "Unofficial" Shakespeare County Raceway forum is on-line at sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/britdragracing. "Other than the fact that no abuse of any nature will be tolerated, the forum is open to all postings, on- or off-topic", says Tony. "There are plenty of facilities including a calendar, photo album, database etc. Posts can be sent in HTML if you are feeling adventurous! Call in, have a look around and say hello!" Shock announcement from Nilsson. 22nd January: We were shocked to hear from multiple NDRS Pro Mod and 2006 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Håkan Nilsson that he has decided to retire. "After long consideration with myself and my family, I have decided to retire from professional drag racing for now", said Håkan. "The reasons are multiple, but health and family issues as well as business commitments made me take this decision. ©Eurodragster.com "I had a great year with Per and Karsten in my Top Fuel début and I can't think of a better way to end my career. "I would like to thank the whole Danish crew for giving me the great opportunity to go Top Fuel for a season and my Swedish team for sticking with me for all these years and being the foundation for our joint success." We're sure that everyone will join us in sending Håkan our best wishes for his retirement and in hoping that we will at least still see him at the track. Swift snippets. 22nd January: Not exactly a spy picture since it came from the racer concerned but Sweden's Patrik Pers has taken delivery of his ex-Jay Payne BAE Top Doorslammer Camaro. "If we get the time then we'll play around a bit with the Camaro but we'll put all our time into the Nitro Funny Car", says Patrik. "Our first race will be at Santa Pod at Easter. We're working to get the trailer ready, put new paint on the Funny Car and get it race-ready!". Stay tuned for more about the Fuel FC. The UK's Nick Holland will be riding dad Barry's Flying Dutchman Comp Bike this season. "Hopfully Nick will début at the Easter Thunderball", says Babs Holland. "Dave Branch will hopefully be attending the first meeting to give some help and technical assistance, and dad will be crewing as and when work allows. Nick is keen but a little apprehensive, but once he has mastered the handling of the bike he would utimately want to get it in the eights as his dad was not able to manage lower than a 9.4 due to work commitments." ©Eurodragster.com Dave Newbery's Top Fuel Bike is to appear at this weekend's Motorcycle Show at Alexandra Palace. Dave told us that the TFB, which is all but complete and is scheduled to run at Easter, will be alongside a Pro Stock Bike and a Super Street Bike forming part of a modern drag racing display which itself is alongside a classic drag racing display, all put together by Tony Huck. The Motorcycle Show is sponsored by Superbike magazine and runs from Friday (26th) to Sunday. More details at www.superbike.co.uk/allypally. The UK's Venom Fuel Altered team have been hard at work so far during this off-season stripping the car down and acquiring a new blower and trailer. You can find out more about what Tony Betts and the guys have been up to on the team's official web site at www.venomracing.co.uk. Top Fuel Dragster crew member Ray Gardner tells us that Barry Paton's Top Fuel Dragster team, with whom he worked in 2006, have placed a Fuel-style Strange Engineering twelve-inch aluminum rear-end assembly on our Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet. "We think this will be of interest to European Fuel teams", says Barry. You can find details in the Cars Parts For Sale section. LA wheels. 22nd January: With the new season just around the corner, Lee Child of joint Eurodragster.com Links and Perfect Award Scheme sponsor LA Racing Parts is proud to announce that the company is a dealer for American Racing Wheels and Motegi Racing Performance Wheels. "From street tough muscle cars to Top Fuel Dragsters, we sell them all at LA Racing Parts", says Lee. "Our once a week airfreight ensures you get your wheels on time at no extra charge. The American Racing Trakstar can be used in any car class in UK National Championship drag racing and European competition. For the full range of wheels go to www.americanracing.com and select the wheel of your choice. We are happy to answer any questions on this product and don't forgot to ask about our wheel and tyre package pricing. We quote, you pay, there is no extra charge at the end of the day. Call 01803 554308 or E-Mail lee@laracingparts.com. ©Eurodragster.com "Motegi Racing Performance Wheels Predator series is the only wheel purely designed for NHRA Sports Compact. Their success has been phenomenal in the NHRA series for the teams in Pro Rear Wheel Drive and Front Wheel Drive categories. The whole range of Motegi Racing Performance Wheels is now also available from LA Racing Parts. We can sell a Championship-winning combination by wrapping the wheels in Mickey Thompson Tires.The three piece 6061-T6 forged aluminium wheel sizing starts at 15 x 8 to 16 x 16 and a 15 x 3.5 spindle mount is also available. I'm really excited about the growth of the European and Japanese car scene and look forward to a Sports Compact National Championship one day". For more info and pricing on Motegi Racing Performance Wheels contact LA Racing Parts as above. Web site updates. 22nd January: Our good friend Peter Donaldson has updated his photographic web site with shots from yesterday's (Sunday's) Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. You can fins Peter's pictures at peterdonaldson5305.fotopic.net. Andrew Bamford has updated his Racing Green site with some great spectator-side pictures from the 2006 FIA European Finals. You can check out Andrew's shots at www.racing-green.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Richard Stirling has updated his Topnitro fan site at www.topnitro.co.uk with a report and pictures from last week's Autosport International and pictures and an interview from the unveiling of Andy Carter's Top Fuel Dragster in its Lucas Oil colours. TMFC runs off to join the Circus. 20th January: Swiss Top Fuel Dragster racer Urs Erbacher has sold his multiple Championship- and record-holding Top Methanol Funny Car. The new owner of the Fat Attack TMFC is Swedish Pro Mod racer Freddy Fagerström who is returning to the class after a few outings in a borrowed car a few years back. "Freddy picked the car up today", Urs told Eurodragster.com. "He has bought the whole car turn-key. We have given him all of our secrets and the running log with all of the track and trick information which will help him to become European Champion on 2007. We will help him to run the car at Santa Pod at Easter." ©Eurodragster.com The whole deal went through very quickly. "Freddy called me up at 11:00 at night last Thursday and asked me for the latest price", said Urs. "I told him that I was not sure I wanted to sell because I have had this car for over ten years and was like a kid to me and my crew. Freddy told me that he needed to know, so after thinking for two more hours and having some drinks I decided to sell the car to Freddy because he wants go fast and win races like I did when I bought the car from the States, and I know that the car likes it. "It was really hard for me when the money showed up in my account two days later and I knew that it was gone then. Freddy arrived at my shop yesterday evening to pick up the car. My whole crew explained the car and the systems and then we went out for dinner and some beers. We got up early this morning to loading the car and all the spares and Freddy is on his way to Sweden now. "The whole Erbacher crew was close to crying, but we wish Freddy and the crew all the best with their new toy." You can view some pictures by clicking on Sold on Urs' web site at www.erbacher.biz. Something for the weekend... 20th January: Despite the terrible storms and wind of the last few days, Jo Harris of Santa Pod Raceway has confirmed that tomorrow's (Sunday's) first Run What You Brung of the season will take place. "Although there has been some damage around site, everything is being fixed or replaced as I speak and will be up and ready to go in time for tomorrow", says Jo. "The first RWYB is always popular so we are looking forward to kicking off the season with style and seeing both new and regular faces put their vehicles through their paces. For more information check out www.rwyb.com or call 01234 782828. ©Eurodragster.com Starting at 3:00 pm today and going into tomorrow is the Oval Racing Expo at Arena Essex (right next to Junction 30/31 of the M25) which will tomorrow include live displays from drag racers. Paul Marston, who organised the drag racing contingent, tells us that the sport will be represented by Bob and Ray Tucker (Street Eliminator), Matthew Wright (Street Eliminator), Andrew and Sandie Gibb (Sportsman ET) and Annalieze and Kirsty Gibb (Junior Dragster). The display in the pits will be accompanied by racing DVDs and flyers for both Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways will be available. The first live display is scheduled for 12:15 pm tomorrow. For more information about the Oval Racing Expo check out the event's web site at www.rollingthundershow.co.uk. Casters for your Fuel bike. 20th January: UK Top Fuel Bike racer Ian Turburville has got together with Sprint Engineering to come up with a way to protect bike chassis from scrapes when leaning over (right, racing pictures courtesy and ©Pete Roberts). ©Eurodragster.com "Several times I watched Lorenz, Gunther, Charley, Ronnie, Per etc. laying their bikes down so hard that it scraped the chassis on the track", says Turbo. "That set me thinking...Top Fuel cars have blocks of alloy bolted under the frame rails at mid chassis to protect them when they flex, shouldn't we protect our very expensive chromoly chassis too? Now, the dynamics of a bike are different and you really don't want steel digging into the track surface and high-siding you, at best it is bad for the track let alone your bike. So, with the help of Sprint Engineering, here is my solution. Nice, rounded, soft alloy wheels with very heavy duty cam bearings, fitted with high tensile bolts into the chassis crossmembers. They will also save any dings to your pipes or rails should it fall over in the pits of off its stand etc. "We can make these for anyone else should there be a call for them. Contact me with your requirements through my web site at www.turboville.com." Also on show via Turbo's web site is a video clip of Champion Mike Romine at the 2006 AHDRA finals in Las Vegas. "It's a beautifully-shot, mid-six run at night, with the mountains in the distance", says Turbo. "Cauldwell do some really good DVDs and will mail to Europe! Sound on loud, go to www.turboville.com/turbo-7/team.htm, and sniff the nitro!" Swift snippets. 20th January: Tommy of Summer On Wheels tells us that his DVD of the Sportsman action at last July's Veidec Festival is now available. You can find out more at www.summeronwheels.com/index.php?target=item_show.php?code_no=veidec06. ©Eurodragster.com Adam Gleadow has been in touch to ask us to say a big Get Well Soon to Crew Chief Darren Galloway who is in hospital after suffering a triple heart attack on Thursday. "If it wasn't for Darren and his hard work it wouldn't be possible for us to race", says Adam. Get well soon Darren, there are plenty more pigs out there needing your attention (This has been a Eurodragster.com in-joke for those with long memories - Ed). If you would like to talk to Darren then his bedside number is 07041 136273. Web site updates. 20th January: Sweden's JD Racing Pro Stock, Super Street and Junior Dragster team has launched a new web site at www.jd-racing.nu. The great-looking site is presented in Swedish and features team biography, results, links, galleries and more. ©Eurodragster.com Tezzii at our partner site Eurodragster North has posted an interesting feature on Sweden's Roger Karlsson who owns the Super Street Dodge Dart driven by Anders Söderberg. The feature is presented in both Swedish and English and can be found at www.eurodragsternorth.com. Thanks to our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson for letting us know that Sweden's Lindahl Brothers Pro Mod team have launched a web site at www.kendallmotoroil.se/teamkendall/index.html. As well as everything you could want to know about their wild Chevy, the Swedish-language web site includes information and pictures of the twins' new Camaro which is currently under construction. Enter the Superman. 19th January: As if his Lethal Zephyr wasn't enough of a handful, UK Pro Mod Racer Ray White's car is now sporting a Kobelco Superman blower. "It fitted in the end", says Ray. "Shame about my carbon dash. I'm surprised by the size of the blower but it all lines up OK. The heads are just about to go off to C & S Racing Engines for new valves and guides before Jon jets back off to Spain - how the other half live eh? ©Eurodragster.com "We have decided to leave the car in Dartford Racing Black again for this year. We have found a lot more power and I haven't really shaken the tyres yet, so watch this space." Outlaws gear up for 2007. 19th January: Dave McKenzie has been in touch to bring us up-to-date with current developments in the Supercharged Outlaws. "We have been in touch with Jerry Cookson and the dates for Shakespeare County Raceway are confirmed", says Fuzzie. "We are in talks with the Truck Show at Santa Pod and we are also waiting for confirmation at York in August. We are having five points rounds and a Test and Tune at the beginning of the season. We will also have an end of season bash at the Halloween Showdown and we do not rule out more events being added during the season. ©Eurodragster.com "The rules are in place: we will be running one class only and all cars will run in the first three sessions of the event. The two cars with the quickest aggregate times will race in the final, and there will also be a third/fourth place run-off. We have done this to keep it as simple as possible - with no dial-in or percentages etc we hope the crowd and commentators will also find it easy to follow. We will have spot prizes during events." You can find out more on the official Supercharged Outlaws web site at www.outlawsuk.bravehost.com. Jap Racer Year III. 19th January: With the ever-increasing demand for Japanese-oriented racing events, Shakespeare County Raceway is pleased to announce the continuation of its popular Jap Racer Day series, now entering its third year. "Given the overall enthusiastic interest shown and the increased attendance for the Jap Racer finals in October, SCR have expanded the number of events to five one day races from April to October", says SCR's Marketing Manager Jerry Cookson. "The format for this 'fun no pressure' series stays relatively the same for both the Unlimited Drive and Front Wheel Drive categories. The only revisions we have made is to the points: this now includes establishing track records, allocation of numbers to last season's top five in each category, and the introduction of general RWYB rules for the track." Dates for the series include: ©Eurodragster.com 21st-22nd April: Public Track Day/Test and Tune 19th-20th May: Kelsey Challenge Street Shootout 16th-17th June: Shakespeed '07 incorporating Jay's Cruise 29th-30th September: Public Track Day/Test and Tune 27th-28th October: Halloween Bonfire Burn-Up Although the series is financed by the track, the team at SCR is looking at several sponsorship opportunities but if there is an individual or company looking for a cheap way of getting involved with a drag racing series then please get in contact with the SCR office on 01789 720180 or E-Mail Jerry at enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk. Picture courtesy and ©Rupert Barnes Swift snippets. 19th January: UK Top Methanol Dragster racer Lindsay Deuchar has been in touch to ask if any Eurodragster.com reader can provide a secure place to park an artic race car transporter. "Preferably in the Barnsley area but anywhere in South or West Yorkshire would probably be OK", says Lindsay. If you can help then please drop Lindsay a line at laracer@laracing.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Magazine update. 19th January: Brian Nixon tells us that there is plenty of interest in this month's issue of Practical Classic magazine. "The story features an Al O'Connor interview, and comparisons and pictures of a stock Pop and Dean White's Bob Nixon-built ex-Dave Pearce ex-Billy Macdermid black flamed Outlaw Anglia at Santa Pod." ©Eurodragster.com The February issue of Max Power magazine, out today (Friday), includes a six-page feature on Andy Frost's seven-second street-legal Red Victor 2. "Written by Jonny Smith, the article includes an in-depth tech sheet (a first for mags), and some stunning photos taken on the move whilst I was driving around Wolverhampton", says Andy. "If you didn't know, Max Power is going through a revolutionary change at the moment, with more in-depth articles on extreme cars coming up in the following months." Finally Ian Turburville writes to tell us that the February issue of Streetfighters magazine contains coverage of the ACU UK Drag Bike Championship classes at the UK National Finals, written by Steve Moxley. "The whole back cover of this issue featues a drag bike, which can only be good for the sport!", adds Turbo. Sellers beware. 19th January: Harry Stedman has been in touch to ask us to warn readers of a scammer targeting classified advertisement services on the web. "Look out for "Patrick Hamington" of Centrum Com Inc, supposedly from Denmark", says Harry. "I advertised my bike and was contacted by this person via E-Mail. He later made several phone calls direct to us. He later forwarded a bank draft and instructions to send cash for shipping purposes though a Western Union outlet. Luckily I put the bankers draft into a Building Society account, therefore I was unable to draw off it for five working days. This enabled the Building Society to pick up that the draft was a forgery. The fraud squad was called in and my account has now been frozen. Due to the delay period in the cash being available "Hamington" asked me to use my own cash to start the shipping process, approximately £1000. I sensibly refused and was awaiting clearance of the draft, which was later obviously found to be fraudulent. "Hamington" had no intention of purchasing the bike, he was just trying to obtain cash. ©Eurodragster.com "Please be aware as he may be working under a different name." This did not happen on the Eurodragster.com Swap Meet but all classified advertisement services on the web, including ours, attract the attention of a small number of such criminals. As Harry says, be aware, and if a deal seems too good to be true then it probably is. Web site updates. 19th January: Pete Roberts of the popular The Pod - A Look Around web site has posted a number of excellent on-track shots taken at various events at www.avebury-web.co.uk/2006.html. ©Eurodragster.com This week's edition of Drag, Rod and Classic Review magazine at www.drcreview.com features the latest instalment in the Back to the Future series. Editor Andrew Kirk tells us that Part 6 shows the Model A sedan fully assembled externally and details some of the important jobs necessary to get it up and running. Of interest to drag race fans, Keith Harman has been in touch with details of a new DVD, called Fast Lane Summer, which chronicles the struggles of a team racing a Nostalgia Top Fuel Dragster. The DRC team have not yet seen the DVD but Keith sent a review of the documentary which you can read on the web site. If you missed last week's edition of DRCReview.com then you will have missed the interview with John Price who has been the voice of British drag racing for well over twenty years. We can recommend checking out this interview as it makes great reading. Another record for Malta. 18th January: A new Toyota Supra-powered world record of 7.44 seconds was set in Malta during the Malta Drag Racing Association's December event held at Hal-Far Raceway. The record was established by Gary Curmi, driving his 7MGTE Supra-powered dragster. "It's a great achievement for the team and I", said Gary Curmi. "Clocking 7.44 with only 39 psi of turbo boost and no Nitrous is incredible. The record was previously owned by HKS with a 7.6 assisted with Nitrous." ©Eurodragster.com Crew Chief and mechanic Joseph 'Sieheb' Tabone was over the moon seeing his creation breaking a world record. "For me, it's a dream come true", he said. "This would not have been done without the help of our team, who have made a magnificent job. Also thanks to Gary, who drove the dragster perfectly, and he clocked a sixty foot of 1.06sec! A big thank you and well done goes to Cypriot ECU tuner Mike Charalambous of JMC Power Automotive, who has done a great job of setting the engine to its best." The Mibrun Racing Team would like to thank sponsors Total Oils, Thomas Smith Freight Forwarders, Casa Nova, Cat Cams and JMC Power Automotive for their support. Anyone interested in sponsoring the dragster can get in touch with the team at mibrum@maltanet.net. The team is now planning to add more power, mostly by increasing the boost to 45-50 psi; a new clutch set-up will help. Not long to Easter... 18th January: Carmel Turner of UK Top Methanol Dragster team Turner Motorsport says that she can't believe that Easter is only twelve weeks away. "I'm sure that most of the racers out there, like us, need the time to finish any improvements to their vehicles", says Carmel. "We've got new parts on order for the dragster this year, a new paint scheme, and some new crew! "Over the closed season we have interviewed numerous potential crew members, and thanks to everyone who has shown an interest in wanting to be part of Turner Motorsport. I'm sorry we couldn't accommodate all the applicants, but as we are only supplied with ten crew tickets we have found it very difficult to only include four new team members. We really would have loved to have been able to ask everyone who applied to join us this year. ©Eurodragster.com "We would like to welcome Paul Brown, Michael Fordham, Steve Nelmes and Mark Churchman to the team. Over the past couple of months they have all shown immense interest in seeing how we run our racing operation. They now join the rest of our superb crew. "At the moment we are seeking and in negotiation with new sponsors, and we hope to announce very shortly some further names that have joined us in 2007. We hope to have some very special anouncements to release in the very near future." 2007 NFAA calendar. 18th January: We are indebted to Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association organiser Lawrie Gatehouse for confirming this year's NFAA calendar: 6th-9th April: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway 5th-7th May: Spring Speed Festival, Shakespeare County Raceway 16th-17th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway 30th June-1st July: NSRA Nostalgia Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway 25th-27th August: Open Sports Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway 15th-16th September: NSRA Hot Rod Drags, Shakespeare County Raceway 29th-30th September: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway ©Eurodragster.com You can find out more about the NFAA on their official web site at www.nfaa.info. Swift snippets. 18th January: With an ever-demanding quest for quicker ETs and faster terminal speeds and with safety at the forefront, Lee Child of LA Performance Services is now taking bookings for track prep for the 2007 season. "We have worked with all types of track glue such as VHT, VP Lane Choice and water based glues with all record-breaking results", says Lee. "Track location is not a problem as we have worked with low and high track temperatures. LA Performance Services can offer a two- or three-man team and can source equipment, glue and track-related products". For a quote E-Mail lee.trackprep@hotmail.co.uk or call 07771 590176 (outside the UK +44 7771 590176). Our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson tells us that Norwegian Pro Mod racer Terje Håkonsen is working on his comeback from last year's fire, whilst Sweden's Patrik Wikström has also been hard at work on the front end of his Camaro. You can find out more on the European Pro Mod Association web site at www.promod.nu. ©Eurodragster.com Further to Monday's news item, several readers have been in touch to let us know that the UK's Channel 5 have now confirmed that they will be broadcasting NHRA drag racing again this year. Channel 5 hope to commence broadcasting NHRA races a couple of weeks after the Winternationals in February. Magazine update. 18th January: Jerry Cookson writes that magazine featuring drag racing are coming from all angles this month: First up is Vintage Fuel, available from American Auto Mags. There is some great action to be had here with photo coverage from the Pepsi Nightfire Nationals, Long Beech Cacklefest and the Englishtown Funny Car reunion, profiles about FED racers Troy Coker and Jim Swedberg and from the Funny Car wars Becky 'The Rattler' Sylvester. Also new on the shelves at AAM is the March issue of Drag Racing Action. DRA is as usual packed with some great features with NHRA Funny Car star Bob Gilbertson, the Best (and Worst) of 2006, the Real World Street Nationals at Orlando and a pictorial tour of the SEMA Show. Both mags are available on subscription or singly via www.americanautomags.com. The February issue of Custom Car looks back at the Bonfire Burn-Up and Flame and Thunder Shows at Shakespeare County and Santa Pod Raceways as well as their usual look at the Bonneville Speed Week and SEMA Shows. Also giving coverage to the SEMA Show are American Car World and Classic American, which only goes to prove how popular this annual Las Vegas show is (or how popular blagging a trip out there is - Ed) with the Brits as well as the rest of the dragging and rodding world. However, ACW goes one step further with its profile of legendary Mopar Man Alan Putnoky and a photo report from Classic Motor Show at the NEC. All three titles are available now. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 18th January: The official web site of the Avon Park International Racing Association at www.apira.org.uk has been updated with event flyers, membership forms, track records, contact information and other essential links. Further updates will be posted in the lead-up to the start of the Shakespeare County Raceway season in March, including a Photo of the Week. ©Eurodragster.com Turbo: We're all set. 17th January: Team Turboville is getting ready for the coming season in ACU Top Fuel Bike, and Ian Turburville tells us that he has been making some improvements to Mr Spokehead over the winter. "The main change is the addition of another plate in the Bentec clutch (right) and some longer weight arms to improve sixty foot times, along with some new cylinders and pistons and higher lift on the cams", says Turbo. "Big thanks to Sprint Dampers for the CNC work on the new outboard supports which are all ready for the Bentec timed clutch assembly when funds permit. This may necessitate the use of an EK-Z chain, the biggest bike chain in the world rated at 30,000 lbs tensile strength. Negotiations are under way for a sponsor to help with one of these monster chains but meanwhile we have picked up another sponsor in the guise of A & A Business Supplies in Southampton who were very keen to help out, so welcome aboard gang! ©Eurodragster.com "We are also in negotiation with a non-automotive American company which will be a big surprise for the 2008 season but, in the spirit of Andy Carter, you will have to wait until the 2008 Autosport Show 2008 for that announcement! "Meantime we are all set to go with our new Crew Chief Steve Leedell and our regular members Custom Chrome Europe, Red Line Oil, Gates Belts, Arias Pistons, Simpson, S&S Cycle, Jims, Curbishley Automotive, Rush Racing, Zodiac, Sprint Dampers, RST Wheels, Fast Lane Racing (Canada), King Racing and A & A Business Supplies Ltd." Pro ET sponsors return. 17th January: Sponsorship Co-ordinator Carl Burton tells us that sponsors have started to sign up to the 2007 Pro ET Sponsorship Scheme. "So far we have Penn Autos, A1 Motor Stores, Toxico Clothing, Alleyjax, WASP Speed Shop, and Hauser Race Cars", says Carl. Many thanks to them for their continued support in 2007. ©Eurodragster.com "Toxico Clothing are planning to do us some Pro ET T-Shirts with sponsors' names on the back - check them out at www.toxico.co.uk. Can I remind any remaining racers or sponsors to sign up as soon as possible. As part of the deal for sponsors we offer to display decals or banners, or wear or hand out any promotional stuff in the pits". If you would like to sign up then check out the UK Pro ET web site at www.pro-et.co.uk. Swift snippets. 17th January: Jo Harris of Santa Pod Raceway tells us that Martin Hill will be testing the Fireforce 3 Jet Funny Car at this Sunday's (21st) Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. Sunday's RWYB is also the first event of the 2007 Castrol Challenge series, for the quickest street-legal car, backed once again this year by Castrol Edge. For full details of RWYBs at Santa Pod Raceway, including the new voucher scheme, check out www.rwyb.com or our news item of 8th January. UK Top Methanol Dragster racer Derek Flynn of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Gold RV has welcomed two new members to the Gold RV Racing team. "We are really pleased to announce that John and Sarah Foster will be joining the team this season", says Derek. "Obviously their Top Methanol experience with Turner Motorsport should really help us in our début year!" ©Eurodragster.com Lizz McCarthy has asked us to thank everyone for the number of Get Well messages she has received, which she says is overwheming. "I totally understand where Pat Ginn is coming from - it's lovely to get the calls, but it's exhausting!", says Lizz. "Big up to all at Paul Marston Racing for jollying me along when I went to Drag Race Engineering on Saturday, I got a bit emotional and in usual form got told to "Shut up you tart!". All being well, I will see everyone at the Dinner Dance!" Editor's note: Please accept our apologies for the absence of a news update yesterday (Tuesday). All of yesterday's news was forwarded to your News Editor's day job for a lunchtime update but never arrived. Bennetts seek NFAA crew. 17th January: Luke Bennett tells us that the Bennett Racing team are seeking two crew members to work on their blown-alcohol Topolino in their 2007 Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association campaign. "You will need to be mechanically minded", says Luke. "Experience working on a race car is preferred, and experience on blown methanol motors would be great. We are based in Essex and would need people who can give one night during the week to help prep the car for the season and during the season itself, as well as some weekend work. So you need to be fairly local or willing to travel. If you are not committed then you are not for us. ©Eurodragster.com "Entry, food and drink will be provided for all events." For more information and contact details check out the team's advertisement in the Drivers/Crew required category on our Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet. Coming up trumps. 17th January: No sooner do we hear from Eurodragster.com News sponsor Gold RV than we hear from a satisfied customer, UK Super Street Racer Paul Spiers who has been in touch to say a big Thank You to Derek and Fiona Flynn, Gary Jenkins, and all of the Gold RV staff for their help. "The quest started in June 2006 when I started to look for an RV with all the extras on it for the 2007 racing season", says Paul. "The search took me all over the four corners of the UK clocking up many thousands of miles and a great deal of time. At the time Derek did not have a vehicle to sell me due to the continuing success of his business, but he was happy and willing to give me advice and technical support on all of the RVs I looked at. To my disappointment, all of the RVs which I viewed, were not to the standard that I expected or hoped for. ©Eurodragster.com "Out of the blue, Derek contacted me and said "I think I have just the RV for you". That same night I jumped in my car and drove to Alton to view the Ford Catalina Coachman. Not only did it have all the extras on it which I wanted, it was at a very reasonable price and had the bonus of having a slide out. Gold RV professionally converted the electrics to UK specification, and fully inspected and tested all of the functions. "The moral of the story is if you want quality at a reasonable cost, choose Gold RV." Web site updates. 17th January: Our good friend Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive web site with a third page of the Jermey Cookson Collection. "The update features interesting pieces on Europe's first Junior Fueller and fastest 'Kafer' bug, a dragster v jet fighter contest, Danish street cars and Top Fuel star Viveca Averstedt", says Alan. "As always the pictures are brought to life by Jeremy's entertaining and informative captions". Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Interview with Keith Bartlett. 15th January: We had our annual chat with FIA European Championship promoter and Santa Pod Raceway/Trakbak Racing CEO Keith Bartlett at Autosport International on Saturday. Although Keith is always very busy at such events he made some time in his schedule for a brief chat about the European Championships, development work at Santa Pod, and the renewed interest in Fuel Funny Car. ©Eurodragster.com Click here to read our interview with Keith, or click on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. The Fullsize Express returns. 15th January: After spending a couple of years tending to his business Dækimporten, Denmark's Martin Boye will be returning to the track in 2007 with his 1963 Impala. Martin says that his huge race car (right, picture courtesy and ©Sharkman) will be toting even more power this season. ©Eurodragster.com "I like the car very much - I know it will never be the fastest on the track but I don't mind, I have had a lot fun with it", says Martin. "I have had a new roll cage installed and had a lot work done on the chassis. In a couple of weeks a new Reher Morrison 565 ci engine will arrive and we will mount a couple of turbos and injection on it. After talking to Steve Nash and Brillko from Sweden we decided that that is the way to go. "I am really looking forward to trying this new combination. The plan is to do some races in Denmark and Sweden and the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod." Street Eliminator Germany dates. 15th January: Dennis Kieselhorst of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Dragracer magazine has been in touch with the calendar for this year's Toyo Tires Street Eliminator Germany: ©Eurodragster.com 26th-27th May: Bitburg (Shootout and first round) 8th-10th June: Alkersleben 13th-15th July: Wittstock 3rd-5th August: Rotenburg 22nd-23rd September: Bitburg "More than sixty racers have already registered", says Dennis. You can find out more at www.street-eliminator.de. Åby Motorklubb Swap Meet. 15th January: Åby Motorklubb are holding their annual and very popular Drag and Street Racing Swap Meet in Norrköping on Saturday 10th February. "At the Swap Meet you can find every type of racing gear from complete engines, belts, gauges, turbochargers, brake parts, ignition systems, NOS, rear ends, gear boxes - you name it and you will find it!", says the press release from Åby Motorklubb. "Both new and used parts are on sale by companies and individuals. This is one of the winter highlights: everyone from street racers to Top Fuel racers is in the building!" ©Eurodragster.com If you wish to sell then pitches need to be booked in advance. There is a limited number of sales spots available on a first come first served basis, so make your reservations as soon as possible: you can contact Åby Motorklubb via their web site at www.abymotorklubb.se or call/fax +46 11 69833. Sellers will be able to enter the Swap Meet at 07:00. If you are buying then gates open at 09:00 and close at 15:00. Entry to the Swap Meet is 100 SEK for adults over fifteen years of age, free for kids. Norrköping is south of Stockholm on the E4 motorway. You can find more information at www.abymotorklubb.se. Swift snippets. 15th January: Shakespeare County Raceway's Marketing and Promotions Manager Jerry Cookson tells us that SCR's new 2007 Event Guide has now been published and ready for dispatch. If you're not already on SCR's ever-expanding mailing list and would like to receive a copy, then simply E-Mail your address to enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk and the SCR team will pop a copy in the post by return. A number of his fellow racers have asked us to wish a very Happy Fiftieth Birthday to Swedish Pro Stock racer and European record holder Michael Malmgren. No sooner said than done, have a great day Michael. ©Eurodragster.com Tom Posthuma has been in touch to ask for readers' help in re-compiling a historical list of UK drag racing venues after his original research was lost to a computer failure. "I have thirty five venues but my old list had more than forty", says Tom. "I recall two airfields in Wales which ran drags in the 1960s or 1970s. I also had a venue besides Crail in Scotland, and one in Ireland that I can find no mention of, although in searching I ran across the West Cork Motorcycle Club drags in Old Chapel and Bishopscourt Race Track which may be sprints rather than drags". If you can help then please drop Tom a line at racertom@hotmail.com. Lee Kirk tuned in to our Autosport International coverage and got in touch to let us know why Santa Pod Raceway's Drift car has its sponsor logos reversed on one side. "Drifting started in Japan, and the trend for reversed lettering began when they started getting sponsorship and painting their cars with corporate colours and logos", says Lee. "As all the brand names are in English, this means nothing to the Japanese anyway, so putting them in reverse on one side makes the car appear symmetrical." Channel 5 appreciate fan letters. 15th January: Russ Shane says that the UK's Channel 5 appreciate hearing from drag racing fans thanking them for showing the 2006 NHRA Powerade Championships and that the TV company will be bidding for the 2007 coverage. "I'd like to encourage fans to write to convince Channel 5 to ensure they get the broadcasting rights to show the 2007 Championship", says Russ. "This is the response I got to my own E-Mail: Thank you for your recent enquiry regarding NHRA Drag Racing. We were pleased to read that you enjoyed our coverage of the 2006 races and your appreciation has been noted in our Viewer Enquiries Report. ©Eurodragster.com We will be making a bid for the broadcast rights to the 2007 NHRA series but it is too early to tell if our bid will be successful. Nevertheless, your interest in this sport has also has been noted in our Viewer Enquiries Report. This is circulated throughout the company and will be seen by all relevant personnel. If there is anything further we can help you with, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your interest in Five." You can write to Channel 5 at customerservices@five.tv. Carter unveils Lucas Oil sponsorship. 13th January: A proud Andy Carter unveiled the magnificent new colours of the Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster at Autosport International in Birmingham today. Lucas Oil becomes Carter Motorsport's primary sponsor in a two-year deal, and Andy joins an élite list of Top Fuel Drivers running under the Lucas Oil banner which includes US names such as Brandon Bernstein, Larry Dixon and Morgan Lucas. “Since winning the FIA European Championship in 2001 and 2004, Carter Motorsport has consistently been one of the strongest FIA Top Fuel teams in Europe", says Andy Carter. "Lucas Oil will give us the global back-up we need to mount a successful challenge for a third title in 2007. All the top teams are investing in the very latest equipment and technology and to stay competitive you need a great car, a great team, a great driver and lots of hard work, plus the technical and financial backing of a company like Lucas Oil. We are absolutely delighted to have the support of Lucas Oil, a strong supporter of motorsport around the world with a terrific track record in drag racing." Les Downey, managing director of Lucas Oil in the UK gave a helping hand as the new livery was revealed on the Santa Pod stand in front of an appreciative crowd. "If you want to demonstrate the technical quality of your motor oils and lubricants, there aren't many more demanding environments in motor sport than keeping an FIA Top Fuel Dragster lubricated", said Les. "Lucas is one of the fastest growing lubricant brands in the UK and Europe, and with Andy behind the wheel the Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster will be one of the fastest moving brands on the planet in 2007." "Lucas Oil is a strong supporter of motorsports and this two-year sponsorship move represents a significant investment in the UK motor racing industry", said Bob Paterson, Vice President of Lucas Oil. "Andy Carter has a winning pedigree in the FIA, with two Championship wins. Lucas Oil has the capabilities to help drive him to the hat-trick and we think 2007 is going to be the year he achieves it." The team will start testing the 320 mph, 7000 bhp dragster after the show. The first FIA Championship round takes place at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway on 25th-28th May. ©Eurodragster.com Andy Carter kindly invited Eurodragster.com to his workshop last weekend to check give us an exclusive sneak preview of the dragster in its new colours. Amongst other things we took the chance to ask Andy about his new deal, how he interested a large US company, and about his plans for this season. You can check out our interview and pictures by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Autosport International coverage. 13th January: After two long and tiring days we have now posted our report and a second set of pictures from Autosport International in association with American Car Imports. ©Eurodragster.com Click here to view our coverage, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. See STA for JW Racing. 12th January: STA, the automatic gearbox company based in Aylesbury and featured in a How to do it series in Custom Car magazine many years ago, has recently become an approved rebuilder and parts supplier for the world famous Florida-based JW Racing. With over twenty five years' years experience in building automatic transmission, including many race car and rod applications, STA has invested heavily in a brand new state-of-the-art workshop in Aylesbury. The years of knowledge, coupled to JW Racing premium parts and torque converters now means that STA can offer new racing transmissions, upgrades or rebuilding services for most trans types including the ever-popular PowerGlides and TH400s. ©Eurodragster.com STA built transmission are used in the Forward Thinking Topolino Comp Altered and LASuperTrux Big Foot monster truck, which has just won the 2006 European Monster Truck Championship, proving that their approach and commitment to 'doing the job right' has real-world backing. "After twenty five years of building boxes for rods and race cars we finally thought we would let people know about it", says Kenny Crossley of STA. "As we race the Topolino we feel that on-strip experience has the advantage of knowing what the driver and crews demand from their transmissions." You can find STA at Unit 18, Anglo Business Park, Smeaton Close, Aylesbury HP19 8UP; call 01296 481145; E-Mail workshop@staautogearbox.co.uk; or check out their web site at www.staautogearbox.co.uk. Swift snippets. 12th January: Matthew Wright of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Gleeson Wright Security is set to start work on his Nostalgia Fuel FC after selling his wild eight-second pick-up turn-key to Paul Finch of Street Eliminator sponsor Finch's Fleet Maintenance. Matthew tells us that his Nostalgia FC's Mark Williams chassis and 1973 Plymouth Satellite body are shortly to be put into a container in the USA and shipped to the UK for arrival in late February. ©Eurodragster.com Matthew Wright also reminded us that the Pat Ginn Appeal is still going strong. If you would like to contribute to the Pat Ginn Appeal then the bank is Barclays, the account name is The Pat Ginn Appeal, the sort code is 20-20-37 and the account number is 23409724. A very Happy Birthday for yesterday to Sam (She's Lovely) Stretton of Santa Pod Raceway's timing crew. Hope that you had a great day, Sam. More plans for PMR. 12th January: Paul Marston Racing have unveiled some more of their plans for the 2007 season, which include the addition of at least three more crew and possibly two more race cars. With their continued success of the past few seasons, PMR see the 2007 season as another great year in prospect. Paul Marston says that PMR will build on the solid progress made in 2006, enjoying the advantages that come from continuity of drivers and crew, consistent reliability and growing competitiveness of the Paul Marston Racing race cars. "All of this is a testament to the professionalism of the crew who do such an outstanding job", he says. "The Paul Marston Racing pit crew makes all the drivers look good, their exploits mainly go unnoticed as they make Paul Marston Racing run so smoothly, it looks effortless. But believe me we could never thank them enough. "For the 2007 season more race cars are to be entered and more classes contested, and this all means more work for the hard working Paul Marston Racing pit crew. There are going to be some new additions to the crew roster and a welcome return of a veteran. The 2007 season sees the very welcome full-time return of Mick Pusey. Mick crewed on the Chrysler UK-sponsored PT Bruiser for the 2001-2003 seasons as joint Crew Chief with Steve Brennan, and will resume the role of full Crew Chief of either the PT Bruiser or one of the two new race cars which have yet to début. Whether that is our first venture into Super Modified or Super Pro with one of the new race cars remains to be seen. With potential sponsor negotiations still to be completed it's a little early to announce a final decision. ©Eurodragster.com "Mick has been no stranger during the past two seasons, and with the potential addition of two more race cars it makes sense to restructure the pit crew for 2007. It's all part of the evolution, with strong support from Gary Springford and Drag Race Engineering (0208 597 9484) our success continues and Paul Marston Racing grows. Gary Springford's dad has signed up for a full year after joining us at the UK National Finals last year. Dad was so impressed and enjoyed himself so much that he has signed up again. "Our last inductee is yet another avid drag racing fan who approached Paul Marston Racing about the possibility of gaining some experience as pit crew and seeing our great sport of drag racing from another perspective. Harry will be visiting the Drag Race Engineering workshops on Saturday; it has to be said that in the past some PMR crew members have got over-excited over the prospect of a new crew member to initiate. Some past incidents have left the victims with both physical and mental scars not to mention other, more personal, physical impediments that they carry to this day. I can assure everyone who is concerned for this young lad's safety that all precautions have been taken and the PMR crew have decided to draw straws instead of the usual "Let's all have a go" attitude, so at least Harry stands some kind of chance. I can also guarantee that there is no hidden tattoo gun anywhere on the premises and even if there was the only person who might actually know where it is can actually spell this time. We do have an excellent brand new hospital that recently opened nearby, most of the ambulance drivers still don't know where it is but once Harry's in the back he is no longer our problem! "Lastly on behalf of Paul Marston Racing and everyone who knows her, all our prayers and thoughts are with fellow Paul Marston Racing crew member Lizz McCarthy who is currently very ill and undergoing chemo- and radiotherapy after a recent operation. Never one to complain, Lizz is bravely facing this most difficult time. You are always in our thoughts Lizz - get well soon 'cos we need you on that start line and we couldn't do it without you." 2007 UK Riders' and Drivers' meeting. 11th January: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for letting us know that the 2007 joint SPRC/APIRA UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting will be held on Sunday 11th February in the Kimberley Suite of the Diamonds Centre, otherwise known as Rushden and Diamonds' football ground, in Nene Way in Irthlingborough (click here for a map). The meeting will commence at 1:00 pm with a break at approximately 2:30 during which tea and coffee will be available for a small fee. The meeting must finish by 5:00 pm. Items to be discussed include the 2007 UK National Championship (ratification of dates as well as Championship matters), event entry fees and prize funds, as well as Any Other Business. ©Eurodragster.com "Racers are invited to submit items for the agenda", says Paula, "but please note that your item will only be discussed if you actually attend the meeting." If you have any items for the agenda of the 2007 Riders' and Drivers' Meeting then please send them to Paula Marshall by Thursday 1st February: Paula Marshall Santa Pod Racers Club PO Box 12 Rushden Northamptonshire NN10 0ZU E-Mail: paula.marshall@btconnect.com Autosport International update. 11th January: Santa Pod Raceway will be on stand 11216 in Hall 11 of the Autosport International at Birmingham's NEC this Saturday and Sunday (13th-14th). "As usual we will have an array of monster machines and their drivers for people to get up close to", says Jo Harris of Santa Pod. "Martin Hill will be on hand with his Fireforce 3 Jet Car, John Spuffard will be on hand to talk about the Showtime Fuel Funny Car, and Andy Carter will be unveiling the new sponsor of his Top Fuel Dragster at midday on Saturday. "We will of course also have on display the Santa Pod Top Fuel Bike for all you two-wheel lovers, along with Santa Pod's very own drift car, which competed in last season's D1 Drift Championship, and we've got the Santa Pod Junior Dragster on display to help encourage the European Champions of the future! "To top all this off there will be the opportunity for you all to test your reaction times with a start line simulator, to see how you compare to the real thing. You can also purchase your favourite Santa Pod Raceway merchandise from our fully stocked unit, from model dragsters to T-shirts there'll be something for every drag fan young and old! Don't forget to pick up the new 2007 Guide to Santa Pod Raceway, a must-have for all enthusiasts. And Santa Pod will have a team of people ready and willing to answer any of your questions about forthcoming events over the 2007 season." ©Eurodragster.com Motorshack and Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor VP Racing Fuels can be found on stand 6540 throughout the two private and two public days of Autosport International. Steve Wood of Motorshack tells us that VP Racing Fuels will be launching some new fuels at the show, and that Jim Kelly of VP has come all the way from the USA to man the stand. If you see Jim then be sure to thank him for sponsoring your favourite drag racing web site. Eurodragster.com will be at Autosport International tomorrow and Saturday, and we will post our American Car Imports-sponsored event coverage from the NEC on Saturday afternoon, but tune in to Eurodragster.com News at midday on Saturday for the news of Andy Carter's new sponsor. We will post a direct Home Page link to our coverage as soon as it is posted, but in the meantime you can access the Event Index by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Swift snippets. 11th January: Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren was pleased to read on 4th January that he has retaken #1 spot in the all-time FIA European points standings. "I am extremely proud for my past and present team members, who are all part of my being #1", says Michael. "Also it is a really big thing when you talk to sponsors that they know for sure that they put their money on the right horse. About 2007 I can only say that we will rock!". You can see Andy Marrs' and Simon's work on the Champions' Champions by clicking here or by clicking on the Champions' Champions link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com Turbo's slowest ET. 11th January: Commuters on the A60 into Nottingham City Centre were treated to a bizarre sight yesterday as Top Fuel Bike racer Ian Turburville, resplendent in his bright yellow race leathers, sped along the pavement on a mobility scooter. ©Eurodragster.com "It was all part of a live BBC broadcast during a discussion on traffic congestion and how to beat it", says Turbo. "The A60 is one of the busiest routes into the city and as an experiment a group of people had their normal modes of transport juxtaposed to get the other's point of view! The bus driver had to cycle the five miles, the truck driver had to take a bus, the pedestrian had to take a taxi and I had to drive a battery powered disability scooter at heady 4 mph whilst being interviewed live on the radio! "Although it wasn't a race the taxi arrived first, the bicycle second (despite losing his chain twice), the bus third and I was last. I arrived to great applause at the BBC East Midlands Centre two minutes before the show went off air. The last question was "Would you swap your Harley drag bike for the scooter?". I thought for a moment and was tempted, but I decided that even though the scooter was quite comfy and had wheelie bars and a shopping basket built in, I would stick with Mr Spokehead for the foreseeable future. My ET? A record 80 minutes." SPR lane sponsors renew. 10th January: Santa Pod Raceway's Marketing Manager Caroline Day has announced that both of Santa Pod's lane sponsors have renewed for 2007. "Pukka Pies are now in their fourth year and consider it "One of the best value sponsorships" they have entered into", says Caroline. "Since the start of their relationship with Santa Pod, the company has expanded and developed its famous pie brand into the mainstream retail arena, with their products now available in many key supermarket chains. "Autoglym, renowned for their world-class cleaning products, are enjoying their second season at Santa Pod as sponsors of the right-hand lane. They also sponsor the Show Car paddocks at many of Santa Pod's Modified and enthusiasts events where gleaming vehicles are a sight to behold! "We are very proud to be working in partnership with both Pukka Pies and Autoglym again for 2007. The sponsorship programmes have been really hands-on for all involved. 2007 will be no different - in fact we'll be working with both Lane Sponsors on even more varied projects this year. We hope to support Autoglym at the forthcoming Paris Tuning Show, for example, and you might even see Santa Pod in a new Pukka Pies poster campaign! Watch this space! "Toyo Tyres and Castrol Edge also return as sponsors of the ever popular Run What You Brung series including the very successful Castrol Challenge. See www.rwyb.com for more information on how to take part and win £500! "We musn't forget our many other associate sponsors whom we also work with very closely. Many of these companies have supported Santa Pod for many years and have become synonymous with the sport of drag racing. Amongst others we would like to thank the following partners: A1 Motor Stores, Norfolk Line Ferries, Simpson Racewear, Sumo Power, Auto Trader magazine, Gold RV Motorhomes, Coca-Cola and Meguiars. We look forward to another successful season with them all. "Standard activities like track signage and programme advertising are available throughout the season, as are bespoke packages within individual events. If your company would like to find out more about the advertising and sponsorship opportunities at Santa Pod Raceway then please call me at the track on 01234 782828." ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 10th January: Pat Ginn has been in touch to ask us to say a big Get Well soon to Lizz McCarthy and Tina Ingham who have both been poorly. "Tina is a dear friend who has been a great help to me even though she has been through a very bad year herself", says Pat. "I would like to wish Lizz and Tina a speedy recovery and if there is anything we can do please contact us. Come on you upstairs, give us all a break I think we have all had our share of unhappiness within the last few years. Let us have some fun and some good racing I'm counting on you". We're sure that everyone will join us in adding their best wishes to Lizz and Tina. ©Eurodragster.com Nimbus Motorsport at Autosport. 10th January: Drag racing sponsor Nimbus Motorsport will be exhibiting at this week's Autosport International at the NEC in Bormingham, says Steve Clark. "On stand 8410 in Hall 8 we will be exhibiting the full range of Ringers Gloves (the official gloves of NHRA) which will include some stunning offers only available at the show", says Steve. "The Nimbus CarbonX range of flame retardant racing underwear will also be exhibited. This advanced technology safety clothing will be available for sale at the show and the Nimbus sales team will be able to fully answer any questions relating to these products. "Nimbus Motorsport will also be exhibiting on stand E245 of Autosport Engineering in Hall 19 on Thursday and Friday. We will be exhibiting our range of heat management products, including semi-rigid and rigid heat shielding and also demonstrating some of our Hyperco suspension products. ©Eurodragster.com "The Nimbus sales team look forward to meeting all drag racers past and present to show products that will enhance not only a vehicle's performance but also the driver's performance. I will also be available during the show to discuss the Torco range of lubricants and how they continue to benefit many winning drag racing teams. "All products can be viewed on our web site at www.nimbusmotorsport.com." SE Europe calendar. 9th January: Paul Fischer has been in touch from Croatia with the 2007 drag racing calendar for the south east of Europe. "All races are run in Super class style to an index of 14.9, 13.9...down to 10.9 seconds", says Paul. "Street tyres only, Sportsman Tree, must be street-legal. Where the 2006 event was heavily subscribed, 2007 events will be run over two days: 28th April: Mostar (Bosnia) 12th-13th May: Beograd (Serbia) 26th-27th May: Zagreb (Croatia) 9th-10th June: Slovenj Gradec (Slovenia) 16th-17th June: Osijek (Croatia) 23rd-24th June: Austria (To be confirmed) 7th-8th July: Varazdin (Croatia) 25th-26th August: Rijeka (Croatia) 1st September: Slovenj Gradec (Slovenia) 8th September: Banja Luka (Bosnia) 6th October: Mostar (Bosnia) ©Eurodragster.com The governing organisation is 402streetrace although there is only a very limited English language content on their web site. They are looking for show teams (wheelstander etc.) to be included at selected events. If you are interested then please contact me at pf@pf500.com (English, German, Croatian)." Some words from our sponsors... 9th January: Paul Watson of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Dynospeed Developments tells us that DSD have become dealers for Big CC Turbo Systems. "We have found these systems to be of the best quality and performance and will be to our specs", says Grumpy. "We have looked at many others and found these to be the best value for money, best performance, and the best quality, with everything from street kits to the 700 bhp plus. For prices and more information please don't hessitate to contact us at Dynospeed Developments on 0208 500 5770. Our web site at www.dynospeed.co.uk has also been updated and will be updated on a regular basis with news from the DSD workshop and the track." Starting in February Eurodragster.com Swap Meet sponsor Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Products will be expanding their services to include an in-house dynamic crankshaft balancing service. ©Eurodragster.com "We are currently preparing for the arrival of our CWT Multi-BAL5000 crank shaft balancing machine", says Jeff. "This new, state-of-the-art addition to the Jeff Bull Race Engines workshop is one of the best dynamic crankshaft balancing machines available on the market and will allow us to provide a fast and accurate computerised analysis and correction of an unbalanced crankshaft or rotating part. We would like to thank Randy and Judy at CWT for all their help and Malcolm Francis at Air Sea Logistics for organising the shipping of the machine to the UK." For further details on balancing services and prices please call Jeff on 07834 381804 or 01787 227789. The next Pete Millar? 9th January: Carla Pittau of UK Pro ET team Heaven and Hell Racing has forwarded a couple of cartoons sent to her by fellow Pro ET racer and Sponsorship Co-ordinator Carl Burton whom we see in a new light every few weeks, it seems. "Carl, as well as having a vocation for promoting the Pro ET class, drag racing in general, and helping all his fellow racers in particular, is also a Champion pee taker and an artist", says Carla. "Being able to laugh at myself - I had to learn this in self-defence - I found the cartoon about us highly amusing - although the dig he takes at the dubious handling of Mike Lacey's car is even more hilarious: ©Eurodragster.com Driving Lessons: You may or may not know that Mike Lacey and Anna Metcalfe discussed sharing the driving of Mike's Metamorphosis Camaro. So based on the Camaro's handling in the recent past, Carl illustrated Mike's driving lessons to Anna in this very descriptive cartoon. Engine Swap: Not content with taking the mickey out of one of Pro ET's sponsors and Most Professional Appearing Team nominee (which was already very daring), Carl took to depicting Heaven & Hell's misfortune without a tear of empathy or compassion - and forgetting to draw the mouse gifts brought by Pontiac the cat." Web site updates. 9th January: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter's web site has been updated with some words from the workshop as the Carter Motorsport team prepare to take the dragster to this weekend's Autosport International to unveil Andy's new main sponsor. Check it out at www.andycarter.net. ©Eurodragster.com The story of a Six. 8th January: Towards the end of last year's Run What You Brung season at Santa Pod Raceway, Des Taylor stunned everyone with a six-second pass in the Mark Flavell Racing Super Pro ET dragster in conditions which were far from ideal. Des says that he has had a number of queries about his feat which he says was the culmination of thirty years' drag racing and so has written to let us know how it was from where he was sitting: As many Eurodragster readers will know, Mark and the team have been flying all year with the car consistently running 7.0s but a series of bizarre and frankly freak incidents and accidents had seemingly conspired against the team. Every time they looked to hit the magic six,something weird happened. This culminated with Mark getting knocked down in the pairing lanes and damaging both his ankles and feet so badly that he couldn't walk, never mind drive. Even though it seemed destined not to happen, anyone who knows Mark knows that he is not the type of person to ever give in and he decided that he was not going to put the car away without one last attempt to run a six, and he very generously rang me and told me that if there was time I could have a drive and run my first seven, which I was really looking forward to. So on a cold and misty October morning we pulled up in the pits at Santa Pod and joined the queue of what seemed like three hundred street cars, only to find that Ian and the start line crew were having a nightmare with half a mile of anti-freeze in the right hand lane, and the problem with modern anti-freeze is that it does not evaporate. So after a long and expensive cleanup it was lunchtime before we came round for our first run. Obviously the team had the car set up to produce absolute maximum horsepower, so after a word with Ian and the startline crew we were told to run only in the left hand lane. Crew chief Craig "Coil" Owen was driving the car due to Mark's injury and immediately laid down an impressive shut-off seven flat, even though he had to get out of the throttle at three-quarter track when the car got very loose. Because of the large number of cars at the event our turnaround time seemed like forever, but hey that's RWYB, unfortunately in spite of the start line guys' tremendous efforts the start line was good but the rest of the track was going away fast. Craig had two more runs, both of which he had to abort as each time the car pulled big wheelstands, violently shook the tyres and turned hard left, then right. Craig did a fantastic job keeping the car out of the wall. Mark and the whole team were desperately disappointed, it appeared that events had yet again conspired against them: antifreeze, cold weather, dust and water from hundreds of street tyres made the car simply undrivable with its high HP tune up. Mark then decided that it was time to go but he knew I had been waiting patiently for my go, I had signed on seven hours earlier, so he told me to get suited up. Craig came up and shook my hand, he wished me luck and shaking his head added "You'll need it". Now the last time I'd driven a dragster regularly was back in 1997 when Mark and I had won the National Super Comp Championship with Mark's old dragster running 8.90s on a single four-barrel carb. Unfortunately due to certain financial difficulties (no money) 2006 saw me rather depressingly running an old plywood street car which I had pulled out of a garden, just so I could keep racing. I won the 2006 Sportsman ET Championship at York with the car (nicknamed A Bit Chitty), devastating the opposition with a string of blistering 16.5s. So the dragster should be no problemo. Mark had let me do a burnout and half pass in the dragster at York earlier in the year but this was to be my first full pass in the car. Mark came up as I waited to fire up, and told me that the team had retarded the car six degrees taking a huge lump of horsepower out of the set-up, they had also increased the tyre pressure a bit to help with the tyre shake. He also told me not to use the transbrake, as the car had been hitting the tyres way too hard, OK on the startline but too much to maintain traction on the cold track once past sixty feet. He also told me I would have to shift manually in to high gear due to an electrical glitch. He then said "Just try and stick with it and steer it and lets finish with a full pass". That's all I needed to know. After many years of waiting for a chance, I now had the opportunity to go faster than I ever had before, and I had the Boss' permission, all I had to do was keep it between the white lines. I then got the news from the startline, someone had just dropped anti-freeze the full length of the "good" left hand lane, if we still wanted to run it would have to be in the "bad" right hand lane. It was five o'clock, cold, damp and getting dark, but I said OK. This was it, showtime! The team fired the car up and I blipped the throttle in the bleach box and I noticed that the assembled onlookers all jumped about eight inches in the air! The car still felt pretty damn strong to me. I had too many revs on in the burnout and hit the limiter so whilst the burnout was a bit too strong it was also a bit shorter than intended. I had a bit of difficulty selecting reverse, Steve shifted it for me and I got on the transbrake button and backed it up. I staged the car and then paused to make sure the car was set up, wheel straight and in first gear, let the Tree run and then holding it on the foot brake carefully brought the revs up to load up the converter and then pushed the pedal to the floor. I didn't just floor it, I pushed it down firmly. ©Eurodragster.com The car hooked up hard and banged the wheels high in the air and seemed fairly straight to sixty feet. It then started to break loose, the revs went up quickly and the cockpit really vibrated, so I shifted in to high gear. The car never really hooked up fully and just moved around all the time, I stuck with it and just steered it as per team orders. It went up on the tyres and took a big move around three quarter track and I had to just feather the throttle slightly to get it back, I then squeezed it back to the floor and was extremely glad to see the traps. As I passed the gantry I noticed for the first time that we seemed to be going a bit fast. I pulled the chute and I think the car must have still been a bit out of shape as it lifted the rear end off the ground and took a hard move to the right and bounced a couple of times, before pulling up straight and safe. I suspected something special had occurred when the two-man tow buggy appeared with Mark, Craig, Steve, Mally, Andrew and Sam all clinging on for dear life, and all trying to look a bit disappointed. Craig came up shook his head and said "Sorry mate, you haven't run a seven, (pause) but you have run a ******* six! 6.98/195. Lots of handshaking and backslapping and a bit of whooping and hollering mainly from me. I asked Mally if I had been closer to the wall or the centreline, he thought for a moment then said "Wall, centreline, wall, centreline". I think Mark was still in shock, he was obviously really disappointed that because of his injuries he was unable to drive himself but he was genuinely pleased for me and absolutely delighted that against all the odds the Team had finished the year with a six second car. Following the event I have received lots of congratulations, but I want to make it quite clear that it is Mark and all the guys who deserve all the credit. They have done thousands of hours of work building, tuning, preparing and producing a fantastic six-second car. My contribution was tiny by comparison. I was just the guy who was in the hot seat for the last pass of the season. I want to take this opportunity to thank Ian Marshall and all the guys who worked so hard to keep the track open, and to genuinely and most sincerely thank Mark and all the guys who crew on the Mark Flavell Racing Super Pro ET dragster for allowing me the privilege of driving the car and giving me the opportunity to achieve a lifetime ambition. SPR offer RWYB vouchers. 8th January: Onto this year's Run What You Brung season and as their RWYBs continue to grow in popularity, Santa Pod Raceway have decided to make a limited number of advance sign-on vouchers available for RWYB days. These vouchers are intended to guarantee track time for drivers travelling long distances to the Raceway. The scheme will commence at Santa Pod's first RWYBs of the season on Sundays 21st and 28th January. Vouchers will have the driver's name printed on them and this name must match the driving licence shown when signing on. Only one voucher may be ordered per person per RWYB day. Vouchers are £30 which includes the entrance fee. The voucher only guarantees sign on for the date on the voucher. If that date is rained off the voucher can be sent into the office and a new date booked or the voucher can be used at another RWYB day but sign on is not then guaranteed. ©Eurodragster.com The closing date for advance sign on vouchers is the Monday before a RWYB day. For more details about advance sign-on and tickets, and all other Run What You Brung information, visit www.rwyb.co.uk or call the Santa Pod Raceway hotline on 01234 782828. Advance vouchers are also available with Saturday Night Special weekend tickets. Get Fast and Furious in Denmark. 8th January: Now it is time for all boys, girls and car freaks to remove the old car magazines, winter tyres and the garden furniture from the garage, because the rest of the winter months are to be used on styling and tuning the car before it goes on display at Denmark's Fast and Furious Car Show on 27th-29th April. The Fast and Furious Car Show is the first, the biggest, and the only car show that mixes all the best on four wheels under the same roof. In 28000 square metres of the Fredericia Messecenter you can see the most extreme street cars, american cars, race cars, and hot rods from the time before the first oil crisis. There will be DTC cars, Top Fuel Dragsters, and drag racing cars, all that is exciting to look at on four wheels, and that can make grown up men and fathers from the suburbs dream and forget all about mortgages, unpaid bills and all their other everyday troubles. On 27th-29th April the Fast and Furious Car Show opens the doors to dreamland, and the best of it all is that you can be a part of it all, because it is your car that is going to be on display. Do you have the most extreme street car? Sign it on. Does your car have the hottest paint job this side of the Atlantic ocean? Sign it on. Or do you have a secret dream of showing Jan Magnusen or Alonso how to make a burnout, then sign on for the burnout contest. In other words you can now make sure that you get a chance to show your car at the Fast and Furious Car Show, by signing on at www.streetfire.nu. Attach four pictures of your car from both the inside and the outside. There will be lots of prizes for the best looking stand and car. But there is a lot more going on at the Fast and Furious Car Show. Here you will find all the brand new and hot parts for your car - whether it is a Ford Capri from 1978 or a brand new Golf or Supra in your own style. And yes, of course you have music in your car, but who has the coolest and loudest car stereo in Denmark, this will also be decided this weekend in the Fast and Furious DB Championship. If you think that this is just another car show then you are wrong, because there is lots of action to involve you. How about participating in the Drifting Challenge, or get your car tested on the dyno so that you have a printout of your car's 575 bhp. There will be lots of competitions all weekend, with a load of prizes in the form of tyres, wheels, stereos, gift certificates etc. The main prize for the winner of the Show is a trip for two persons to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas including transport of the car. Here the car will be on display among the hottest cars in the world. Surf, drift, cruise, or race onto www.streetfire.nu where you will find more information about the hottest car show in Denmark. ©Eurodragster.com Translation supplied by Holger Dueholm Swift snippets. 8th January: Thanks to everyone who submitted votes for the Santa Pod Racers Club Perpetual Awards. Voting is now closed and the winners will be announced at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance in Northampton on Saturday 3rd February and published here on Sunday 4th. ©Eurodragster.com Coffee, cake and drag racing. 7th January: The Austrian Drag Racing Association has announced an event in Vienna on 6th-8th July which includes Top Fuel Dragster, Jet action from Martin Hill, and a public race. "A drag racing event in a European capital is really unique in the world!", says Marketing and PR Manager Robert Fuehrlinger. "The first information is available at www.dragster-wien.at/neu. Further events in Istanbul, Dubai and Saudi Arabia are in planning and nearly ready for realisation. Be ready for some interesting developments in drag racing this year. "We have also established our new offices in Vienna at: ©Eurodragster.com Austrian Drag Racing Association Baumgasse 28 A-1030 Vienna Tel/Fax +43-1-966 6613 E-Mail: office@dragster-wien.at "The ADRA is registered in Vienna under oesterreichischer Dragster Verband ZVR# 059812527 under our President Alexander Pilshofer. We are professionals with long years experience in organising, event marketing and media management. "Our new office space with perfect infrastructure offers a comfortable meeting room and professional and motivated staff. From here we are starting with some activities in European drag racing and in the Arabian area, because of our contacts in Dubai and Saudi Arabia." 2007 ATD calendar. 7th January: Gilbert Rozet has sent us the 2007 calendar for France's Association Trophée Dragster which is backed by DCR Engineering: 12th-13th May: Aubenas-Lanas, Dept of Ardeche, south of France 2nd-3rd June: Lurcy Levi, Dept of Allier, central France 20th-22nd July: Turtmann, Switzerland 4th-5th August: Le Puy en Velay, Dept of Haute-Loire, central France 15th-16th September: Millau, Dept of Aveyron, south of France ©Eurodragster.com There may be an additional date at Chambley. For more information visit www.francedrag.com or E-Mail atd2003@free.fr. Swift snippets. 7th January: Our good friend Elias Vathias of the Greekdragster.com web site tells us that a new drag strip is to open in April on the Old Airport at Triodos, six kilometres from the city of Kalamata. "The government gave permission to the municipality of Messini to use this area for drag races and other types of motorsports", says Elias. "Messini came to an agreement with a company called GEM for the transformation of the airport to a modern race track which will include a 1200 metre drag strip". You can see the plans by clicking here, and the airport as it currently is can be seen by clicking here. ©Eurodragster.com Luke Bennett's altered has started its journey to the UK from the USA (right). "The motor and fuel pump are staying behind, everything else is there", says Luke. "So far I have bought a new intake manifold (got a blower to find yet!), found a nice block to use, and got some Brooks alloy rods. I have a lot of parts to find yet, but it's on the move over here." Eddie Yates of Eurodragster.com News sponsor DS Racewear says that now is the best time to order a new suit for the coming season. "All my suits are custom-made to a very detailed set of measurement to ensure a perfect fit and the earlier you order the better", says Eddie. "I can supply custom-fitted full-spec Junior Dragster suits, as well as suits in SFI 2.3A /5 /15 and /20 spec, as well as a full range of boots, fireproof balaclavas, gloves, underwear, Snell 2005 helmets, harnesses and other SFI-spec equipment. RJS get very busy towards March and orders can take much longer to fulfil. Check out our web site at www.dsracewear.co.uk, click on the logo on the right, or call me on on 01454 857328 or 07968 809984." Our colleagues over at Eurodragsternorth.com are inviting racers to register on their database, which will help The North team with their live coverage. All registered racers wil be eligible to win prizes in a number of contests in 2007, for example Best Burnout which would be decided on photographs sent in by readers. To register visit www.eurodragsternorth.com/registration.htm. Voting closes at 23:59 UK tonight (Sunday) for the Santa Pod Racers Club Perpetual Awards. To check out the shortlists and place your votes, either click here or click on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Duke Video say that they will have a stand at next week's Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham. Duke market a number of American drag racing DVDs and videos and you will be able to find them at stand 9520. Web site updates. 7th January: In the first 2007 entry in his exclusive Racer Blog, Dutch Top Fuel Dragster racer Lex Joon describes the challenge of promoting his efforts at home when The Netherlands does not have its own permanent drag strip. You can read Lex's Blog by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blog link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing, who is currently on sabbatical travelling around the world, stopped by Willowbank Raceway in Brisbane to check out their Night of Fire event and has posted some great photographs at www.flickr.com/photos/rick01/sets/72157594464614458/detail. Parting of the ways 1... 5th January: Sweden's two-car Top Methanol FC team Veloctity Performance Group have announced that they are to part ways for 2007. 2006 FIA European TMFC Champions Ulf and Jörgen Leanders will be defending their Championship title, whilst Martin Lundqvist is not yet sure if he'll race next season. "There is no question that a two-car team is the way to go, even if it has been a tough and hard struggle to get on top of it", says Ulf and Jörgen. "But when possibilities and life change there is not so much to do about it. Although we ran out of time with the pay-offs in performance and consistency that we saw for the future with two cars and computers which were exactly alike, we have had many great moments with the Lundqvist team over the past two years and we wish Martin and his team all the best in their upcoming endeavours. ©Eurodragster.com "In our 2007 Championship charge a couple of new sponsors will come aboard, and we have some new home-made products which will be SFI-approved and tested by the time the season starts." "After five years in the drag racing circus I reached a point where I had to make a decision on how to go on", says Martin Lundqvist. "Due to changes in life as the years have passed I have decided to put the racing on hold. The Leanders Brothers will, of course, have our support as they defend their title. Their knowledge has been most helpful and without their help we would probably not have been able to outrun Leif Andréasson in Finland. Leif and his team were our mentors, and we have a lot to thank them for during our racing years. See you at the race track!" The Leanders Brothers have reverted to the Leanders Bros Dragracing team name and will be launching a new web site at www.leandersbros.se, and Martin is reverting to the Lundqvist Motorsports name. ...Parting of the ways 2. 5th January: Joint Eurodragster.com webcam sponsor MPM International Oil Company has announced that it will no longer be the partner of Dutch Top Fuel Bike team Joey Bon Racing. In a press release published today (Friday) and kindly translated for us by Remco Scheelings the company explain that the team's plans for the future were incompatible with those of MPM giving them no chance but to end their sponsorship after many years: The partnership of MPM and Joey Bon Racing won Joey Bon the runner up spot in the 2003 European Top Fuel Bike Championship. In 2004, with the support of main sponsor MPM, the team built its own new Top Fuel Bike. Later that year the bike débuted on the European tracks in full MPM livery. In 2005 the state-of-the art machine made its appearance on European and Dutch tracks. After a one year break Joey Bon wanted to make a comeback in 2007. After the presentation of the teams' plans, MPM came to the conclusion that they were incompatible with those of MPM. MPM wishes Joey Bon Racing all the best for the oncoming season and hopes that the team will come closer to its goal of being a front runner in the European Top Fuel Bike Championship. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 5th January: Benni Voss has been in touch to ask us to wish a very Happy Fiftieth Birthday to Swiss Pro Mod racer Peter Wacker of "I saw birdies at sixty feet" fame. "Born in 1957 just like his Bel Air!", says Benni. No sooner said than done, have a great birthday Peter. ©Eurodragster.com Many thanks to José Batista for letting us know that European Drag Racing is to be broadcast on satellite and cable channel Motors TV. The first broadcast is a 21:55 European/20:55 UK tomorrow (Saturday) with repeats on Sunday. Monday and Tuesday, and on Saturday will be immediately followed by drag boat racing. You can check out the Motors TV schedules by clicking here. Name change for ATI. 5th January: The name Titanium International has been around drag racing for the past few years, with the company involved in supplying titanium to racers and, through drag racing, promoting the motorsport side of the business including sponsorship of Eurodragster.com. As part of a major corporate re-organisation which reflects a change in the company's markets and operations, as of November 2006 Titanium International became Allegheny Technologies Ltd, and this is the name under which the company will be exhibiting at Autosport Engineering at the NEC in Birmingham next week. "Our US based parent company, Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI), is co-ordinating its distribution activities under the commercial banner ATI Europe Distribution using the facilities of ATI's Allegheny Technologies operations in the UK, Germany and France, which were formerly known as Titanium International", says Market Development Engineer Nigel Hoskison. "ATI Europe Distribution provides a wide range of distribution services for the ATI group of companies' broad product range, which includes nickel-based alloys and superalloys, zirconium alloys, specialty steel alloys as well as the more familiar titanium and titanium alloys. We offer just-in-time deliveries and value-added services such as sawing, shearing, water jet cutting, first stage machining, etc. We can assist customers in their selection of the optimum alloy for the application and offer technical support from our local metallurgists and directly from the ATI operating companies. "We will be continuing with our support of the Showtime FC with an ongoing programme to evaluate potential motorsports applications for the new materials we will be handling. "You can see us at Autosport next Thursday and Friday on stand E246 in Hall 19, and you can find our web site at www.titanium-international.com." ©Eurodragster.com European Champions' Champions. 4th January: Following on from Simon's presentation of the 2006 UK Champions' Champions at Christmas, honorary Eurodragster.com staff member Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe has kindly provided us with the 2006 FIA and FIM/UEM Champions' Champions tables, which list all-time European Championship points as well as class-by-class analyses. The game of All-Time FIA Points Tennis between Michael Malmgren and Micke Kågered continues, with Michael taking back the #1 all-time spot at the end of 2006 after Micke held it in 2004 and 2005. Although he may have lost the #1 all-time spot this year, Micke has been in the top three all-time FIA points scorers since the FIA European Championships started in 1996. Congratulations, therefore, to both Michael and Micke. Also of note is that Peter Schöfer has moved up from #6 to #5 in the all-time FIA standings and that Ulf Leanders has moved up from #10 to #9. ©Eurodragster.com On two wheels, Roger Pettersson stays in the all-time #1 spot in the FIM/UEM European Championships even though he did not race in 2006 and he could stay at the top by the end of 2007 even if he does not race again this year. Roel Koedam, just retired from Top Fuel Bike but racing in Supertwin in 2007, stays in #2 spot in the all-time list whilst Anders Karling moves up to #3 and Ronny Aasen comes in at #10 displacing Stefan Junerud. What is also notable is the number of racers who still appear high up in the all-time and class-by-class points tables even though they are no longer racing: examples are Jari Konola, Peter Beck, Rob Van Geffen and the late Paul Willis, which shows just how much of an impact these guys made in their careers. Click here to view the 2006 Champions' Champions tables, or click on the Champions' Champions link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Swift snippets. 4th January: Please join us in sending Get Well wishes to Wolfgang Schöfer and Nev Mottershead who are recovering after falling off a ladder and making an unscheduled exit from the back of a truck respectively. We are pleased to report that neither required a hospital stay and are just taking it easy at home. We hope that you get better very soon guys. As these things tend to come in threes can all of our other readers please do us a favour and take it nice and easy, avoid chasms etc. ©Eurodragster.com Pro Mod fans wanting to keep up to date with the latest on the Lindahl twins' new Camaro and Mats Eriksson's replacement chassis for the Green Goblin could do a lot worse than to check out the Gossip page of the European Pro Mod Association web site at www.promod.nu. Pro Mod on paraffin. 3rd January: UK Pro Mod racer Ray White says that he had a great start in 2006 with his wild blown-alcohol Zephyr even though he and his crew were on a steep learning curve. Ray says that 2007 will be even better although in some respects he will be starting from scratch again. "I took the motor over to Jeff Bull Racing Engines so that Jeff could do some measurements for me", says Ray. "Jeff found the compresson to be a lot lower than I was told - I won't say how low but Jeff laughed (yes he does) and said I could have run it on paraffin. "The compresson is now right on the ball. We now have a new Superman blower, Crane ground me a Pro Mod blower cam, and we have a new fine spline Lenco with all the right ratios. So now all the data with had from last year is in the bin! I'd like to thank Jeff for all the work and hours he put in line-boring the block, all the honing, crack testing and polishing the crank, and sorting all the CNC machining. Anyone looking for an engine builder, take it from me Jeff is your man. ©Eurodragster.com "Paul 'Grumpy' Watson will be joining the team as Team Manager in 2007. He will sort out the general running of the team, all the computer work, and PR matters. That will leave me much more time to spend doing what I love the most, working on the car with the rest of the crew. The crew will be the same as last year: Big Steve Dowler Crew Chief, Steve 'Psycho' Matthews on engine, Chris 'Arnie' Manning and Jeff 'Snake Hips' Willet on clutch and gear box, and me getting in their way saying "You don't want to do it like that". There will be the odd guest apperance by Andy 'Spoons' Oliver. "I'd like to thank everyone for their help in 2006: Dave 'Grumpy' Wilson for the fuel system, Andy Robinson for the advice, Adrian Spencer for the help, Faye and Neil for the art work and graphics and everyone for their support - it keeps us all going. And of course my darling wife Jacky for putting up with it all, feeding all the crew, and not moaning about all the money it costs. "The crew and I would like to wish all Eurodragster readers, staff and all the race teams a happy and successful New Year. See you at the track." Swift snippets. 3rd January: Swedish Pro Mod racer Mats Eriksson and family are currently visiting Australia where they are visiting friends, attending a wedding and of course taking in some drag racing most recently in Sydney. Lars-Göran Eriksson tells us that through his friend Lex Swayn Mats knows Top Doorslammer racer Victor Bray and recently visited the Bray family's workshop, about which more at www.victorbray.com/newsite/News/06-07/mats.php. ©Eurodragster.com UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter has been named one of the Top Ten Tarmac Titans in this week's issue of Motorsport News, which you can buy for £2.10 at any good newsagent. Andy and his team are currently working hard on the dragster preparing to unveil Carter Motorsport's new sponsor at Autosport International on Saturday week; if you can't make the Show then stay tuned to Eurodragster.com and we will of course bring you full details. Having read our news item of 2nd December about Martin Hill's new Jet Bike, UK tractor puller Chris George fancies a go himself. "Martin came down to look at the installation of the Gnome motors in my John Bull Pulling Tractor (right) and I shared information and bits", says Chris. "I have just purchased another Gnome and I like the idea of putting it in a rail chassis for fun, are there any rolling chassis going spare? The Gnome is a small motor but they do go well!". If you have a chassis which would suit Chris then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com and we'll put you in touch. On the record... 3rd January: Swedish journalist Stellan Åberg has been in touch with a list of the new track records set around Sweden in 2006. Congratulations to: Quarter mile Borlänge: 8.51 seconds, Anders Vanhatalo (Race); 301 kmh, Leif Andréasson (TMFC) Skellefteå: 7.57/288, Tage Avander (Competition) Sundsvall: 5.26/435 Tommy Möller (Top Fuel) Eighth mile Arvika: 5.41/221, Mikael Nilsson (Heavy ET) Dala-Järna 4.36/265, Johan Gustavsson (Top Doorslammer) (Wotcha mate - Ed) Eskilstuna: 5.28/219, Rolf Nilsson (Veteran) Lindesberg: 207 kmh, Thomas Wachsmann (Super Gas Bike) Malmö: 287 kmh, Roger Johansson (Pro Modified) Västerås: 4.17/281, Patrik Pers (Top Doorslammer) New Showtime on its way. 2nd January: Showtime Fuel FC Crew Chief Bob Jarrett has as promised been back in touch with some more details about the team's new FC, which will be on its way to the UK later this month. "We have purchased the rolling chassis which Robert Hight drove to the #2 position in 2006, along with a 2004 Mustang body", says Bob. "The plan is to run the car at the Easter Thunderball, provided we are completely happy with the set-up; if not then the old Mustang, if we still have it, will see the light of day again. ©Eurodragster.com "John Spuffard, Bill Sherratt and myself will be at the first Las Vegas test weekend to get an insight of the ways in which a modern-day Funny Car reacts to changing track and weather conditions. This has been one of the major factors in our performance improvement over the last few races, one that we have possibly overlooked in the past. With the help of a new computer system, we should see that trend of improvement continue." With reference to Bob's "If we still have it" above, the current Showtime FC is for sale and advertisements can be found in the Cars For Sale and Car Parts For Sale section of our Jeff Bull Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet. A permanent record. 2nd January: European Top Fuel Dragster record holder Urs Erbacher has taken advantage of what looks like a rather large bicep to celebrate one of his feats in 2006. Team member Andrea Wucher also tells us that Switzerland's fastest man has also made a decision about the sale of his Top Methanol Funny Car. "Urs already has a tattoo of his Top Methanol FC record, and after the European Finals he had to get his new Top Fuel record tattooed (right)", says Andrea. "As the TMFC record is unbeaten since 2003, I am sure the Top Fuel record will also belong to us for more than half a year. ©Eurodragster.com "We officially start work on the 2007 season on 12th January. Crew planning will be the main issue based on the lessons from last season." If you didn't get enough Christmas presents or if you fancy having a tilt at Urs' Top Methanol FC record then Andrea says that the TMFC is now for sale in separate parts as well as turn-key. "Nobody seems to have the money to buy the whole operation race-ready", says Andrea. "We no longer have the space to keep the car in our showroom. So if you are looking for TMFC spare engines, blower, injectors, wheels etc send an E-Mail to urs@fatattack.ch or call him in the next days". You can find more information and Urs' contact details on his web site at www.erbacher.biz. Swift snippets. 2nd January: What do you give the man who's got everything? The clever answer is "Penicillin", but Bob Jarrett kindly sent us this picture of John Force's Christmas present from his team, a stunning replica of the Brute Force Monza, the first FC which John owned (click on picture for larger version). "The car was built in in total secrecy and was unveiled in front of John at the John Force Racing Christmas party", says Bob. "Robert Hight said that for the first time in his life John was totally speechless." Supertwin racer Dave Witts would be pleased to hear from anyone with a broken BAE Top Fuel block, or part thereof, or who has access to a BAE block. "We want to measure the position of the camshaft with relation to the cylinder head as part of our building a parallel twin based on Top Fuel cars", says Dave. "Alternatively access to a Top Fuel Hemi block would also be helpful". Dave would prefer to hear from someone in the UK but if you can help then please drop him a line at dave.witts@virgin.net. ©Eurodragster.com Mark of Taz Racing tells us that the Toyo Tyres King of Europe, a contest to find Europe's quickest street-legal car, is to take place in Poland on 30th June-1st July after a couple of years in Belgium. "Taz Racing and other English teams have been to this event and we will be going to Poland this year", says Mark. "It's great fun and the people are very friendly". For more information check out www.streetracingmania.com. We will be reporting live from Autosport International in Birmingham next week in association with American Car Imports and we would be pleased to hear from any racers whose vehicles are on display at the Show during either the private or public days, or from any companies connected with drag racing who will be exhibiting. Drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com and we'll be round to visit you at the NEC. Editor's note: We would like to draw readers' attention to the rules forbidding organised voting for the Santa Pod Racers Club Perpetual Awards. Workplace and forum mass votes, and multiple votes from the same E-Mail address, are easily identified and equally easily deleted. The final update... 2nd January: It's a sad day for drag bike fans as we have received the last-ever Koedam Racing press release from Crew Chief Marius Van Der Zijden. Roel Koedam made his last passes on the 6.0-second Top Fuel Bike in Australia last week and that really is it for Roel and Top Fuel: Roel started his active drag racing carrier in 1984 on a 250cc Moto Guzzi. At that time it was just Roel with some assistance from Peter van den Bosch. Though I had already known Roel and Peter for many years by then, I remained an observer during this early project. This bike had only a short life and was followed by a Suzuki Funny Bike. That is when I became actively involved. After some three years with the methanol-injected Suzuki, we stepped into the world of nitro with the purchase of a double-engined Triumph. But it was only at the start of the creation of our state of the art Top Fuel Bike in 1992 that the team really came to life and things developed to a more serious business. By this time, Bauke Strobos had joined the team not only as a mechanic, but mainly as a machinist. He was responsible for making all those beautiful CNC machined parts during all the years. Looking at our results over the last decade, I think it is fair to say that the team ruled the European Top Fuel Bike class (according to Eurodragster we were "The dominant force in European Top Fuel Bike"). Our best season was without a doubt 2003, when we qualified and finished #1 at nearly every event and at the same time blasted all of the track records (both ET and speed). With this bike, we finished in the top five of the European Championship each year and captured the title no less than four times. In two years, we barely missed the title simply because we didn't attend every Championship race. On top of that we are still the official European ET and speed record holders. Other highlights were our three visits to Gainesville in the USA to attend the Prostar World Finals. In particular, the first in 1996 was unforgettable because of the variety of bikes that joined us in the sea container. They still talk about it. None of our achievements would have been possible without the support of our very loyal sponsors over the years, whom I will put in the limelight once more on this last occasion: Zodiac International: For their endless support and the personal involvement of Ton and Marianne Pels. Goedhals machinefabriek: For their technical support. Torco International Corp: For making our bike absolutely trouble free lubricated and maintained. Arie Molenaar Motors: For taking care of Roel's custom made leathers. Arai Helmet (Europe) b.v.: For supplying us with the safest helmet products available. Nimbus Motorsport: For making sure our Torco products were distributed in time all over Europe. Dakota-Industry: For the many years of support during their hometown Nitrolympics event at Hockenheim. Flexion b.v.: For their endless supply of Gates drive belts (they are the best!). Goodridge Benelux b.v.: For supplying us world class hoses and fittings. Jan Smit's Power Parts: For keeping your workshop open for us in late times and even on Sundays when necessary. Jan Roelofs Race Service: For your involvement in the development of a truly unique three-valve billet cylinder head. The team's Farewell event to European spectators was during the final European Championship round at Santa Pod Raceway in England. We consider this track more or less as our home track. It was a weekend we will never ever forget. Before a record crowd, we performed our last show on European soil. It was an emotional weekend and we would like to thank everyone involved. With the sale of our bike to Australia's Leonard Azzopardi an end came to its European life. Totally unexpectedly, Leonard asked Roel to ride his newly acquired bike for a few demo runs during a big event at the Western Sydney International Dragway just after Christmas. It didn't take long for Roel to accept this generous offer and part of the team decided to follow Roel on this long journey for the team's last runs with the bike. Though the Australian tech rules are slightly different from ours, Roel was allowed the run the bike under our own regulations. With the assistance of the ANDRA, a temporary license was organised. When we arrived at the venue we were stunned. In our opinion, it can compete with the best tracks in the world. The lay-out, the concession stands and also the (clean) sanitary facilities are an example for many other tracks. The concrete race surface is extremely smooth all the way (including the shutdown area) and the track preparation was very good. The only comment we could make is the length of the shut down area. We measured it at some 550 metres and it is therefore shorter than most tracks in Europe and the USA that we were used to running. The reception we got from both the organisers and the spectators was overwhelming. The racing action takes place over two days and starts halfway through the afternoon (after the heat of the day). We were scheduled for three runs on each day at around 17.00, 19.00 and 21.00, the last one being after sunset under the excellent lighting at the track. We opened with a 6.44 at only 188 mph on the first pass. The low speed indicates that it was clicked off early in the run to check out the length of the run-off area. All the following runs were clicked off between 5.3 and 5.5 seconds into the run. Meanwhile, as part of the learning process, Team Azzopardi gradually took over the normal procedures under the supervision of our watchful eyes. They did a splendid job, especially knowing that neither of them ever worked on a Fuel bike before. Our second pass was a 6.27/222. Our last pass of day one was in the dark. It was a 6.26/197 (very early click off). But most impressive to us were the camera night shots live on a very large screen. They were out of this world, excellent footage we've never seen before! All the runs were in our usual style, i.e. nice and straight as ever with the front wheel up almost all the way. The crowd really loved our show. On day two we opened with a 6.39/194. Our 60 ft times were still in a very slow 1.08 range and we found that the clutch was going away from us. A new challenge for Team Azzopardi was turning the bike around in time with a new clutch. We all stepped in and made it in time. The clutch was set up for a possible 6.1 run which would include an early shut-off. We felt the track could handle that easily. Unfortunately while firing the bike for this round we unexpectedly suffered a back-fire in the supercharger. There was obviously some nitro left in the blower. Let me assure you that this was absolutely not due a faulty procedure of the team. Till this very day I still cannot understand why it happened. It banged while still on methanol. While it remained running normally I personally checked over the bike carefully to make sure that it was safe to run. There was no visible damage or any strange noises at that point and I allowed them to switch over to nitro. Even during the burn out it sounded (and felt, according to Roel) safe and strong. Only when Roel pulled up to the staging beams he heard an unfamiliar noise coming up from the supercharger and decided to shut it off. When we checked over the bike back in the pits, we found out that the supercharger sustained too much damage to go out again. Unfortunately we couldn't complete our scheduled last two passes. We felt very sorry, not just for us, but also for the spectators. On the other hand we hope that we put up a good show for the spectators and showed them how a Top Fuel Bike could running across a good track. We think we did. We enjoyed our visit to Australia very much and hope we performed a good promotion for the bike. By now Team Azzopardi has taken over the running of the bike. We are convinced that after a learning curve, of which they are well aware of, they are more than able to follow the path we've created for them. We really hope that this bike will give you all as much pleasure as it did to the European spectators and organizers. As you are all aware by now, Team Koedam ends here and everyone goes their own way, remaining friends for a lifetime. Roel will pursue a new challenge when he steps onto Ton Pels' Zodiac Supertwin Top Fuel bike. I'm sure he will be successful in this class as well and the European Supertwin riders will surely notice his presence. On a final note, you will notice in time that the team's website will go "Off the air" towards the end of January. For now it is a final goodbye from us and thank you for your loyal support over the years! ©Eurodragster.com We're sure that everyone will join us in thanking Roel, Monique and Marius for all of the entertainment and to wish them all every success in the future. Earlier news