Midnight UK tonight (Friday) is the deadline for early bird ticket bookings for events at Santa Pod Raceway, with 20% discount available.
You can book on-line at www.santapod.com until midnight or by phone on 01234 782828
(outside the UK +44 1234 782828) until 17:30.
Andres Arnover, who raced at the Doorslammers and FIA/FIM Main Event, has come to Florida to race in Bradenton's December Snowbird Outlaw Nationals and US Street Nationals. He shipped
over his 2009 Ford Mustang which has a twin-turbo 427 small block engine and had a single objective, to run in the fives at over 240 mph. This was achieved at the quarter-mile Snowbird Outlaw
Nationals. At the US Street Nationals the car ran a best of 3.95/185 before a 3.94/195 first round loss to Tommy D'Aprile. Andres explained "The car is heavy for the rules over here which specify
a minimum of 2200lb with a small block twin-turbo combination, but the FIA rules specify 2600lb and the car's weight is 2550lb. I can increase the boost here to 63psi (compared to 33psi under
2020 FIA rules) and tried some changes but the car shook. The track is fantastic as it is set up mainly for small tyre racers and a lot more grip juice is used than in NHRA and FIA."
After the race, Andres will ship his car back to Estonia and then plan his European season which he hopes will include another appearance at the Doorslammers and FIA/FIM Main Event.
Sunday's video coverage, and replays of Friday and Saturday of the US Street Nationals, is presented by
SpeedVideo.com which is free but registration is required.
All are welcome to attend with questions, points of view, fund-raising ideas and other support. Donations will be accepted to add
the to sizeable sum already raised.
The meeting takes place at 13:00 on Sunday at the Holiday Inn Leeds Brighouse which is just off Junction 25 of the M62, postcode
HD6 4HW (map).
To find out more, or to donate towards the return of drag racing at Melbourne Raceway, check out the
Straightliners web site.
2020 FIM Championship rules released. 23rd January: Many thanks to Job Heezen for letting us know that the rules have been released for the 2020 FIM Europe Drag
Bike Championships.
You can check out the new rulebook (PDF format) by clicking here, and you can check out the calendar for
the 2020 FIM Europe Drag Bike Championships by clicking here or by clicking on the
2020 FIA/FIM Championships schedule link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
VWDRC season beckons. 23rd January:Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Chair Luke Stevenson writes
that there are less than ninety days to go before the 2020 season begins:
As ever we are excited to see what our current racers have done over the winter and also very excited to meet our newest members who will be joining for their first races.
I'm happy to announce that VWDRC Heads-Up will be back for another year and it's looking to be even busier than its inaugural year. This new class is very exciting for the VW/VAG
community as it brings together all types of configurations, with a mix of FWD, RWD and AWD, Watercooled and Aircooled fighting for supremacy in a Heads-Up format.
Much like last year we will be hosting three rounds at GTI SpringFestival, DAS Auto Show and GTI Festival (hopefully all covered live on Eurodragster.com).
It's also early in the campaign but we are happy to announce a great number of sponsors already signed up to support our Club, creating a very tasty prize pot for VW Pro and VW
Sportsman. Thanks to:
R-Tech Performance: Performance tuning company based in Nuneaton, from fuel-saving remaps to custom performance tuning and
vehicle modification it can all be done in-house at R-Tech.
Darkside Developments: VAG Diesel Tuning Specialists, that offer a wide range of bespoke tuning products, custom ECU mapping,
diagnostics, servicing and repairs as well as new or used genuine OEM parts.
WRP Paint & Restoration: Rushden-based paint and body shop. From crash damage, restoration or Show-winning paint jobs. Bruce
has become known for his Fast Paint, having put paint to so many race cars a cross the classes.
Renegade Racing Fuels UK: It's simple, Racers that Win pour it in, Renegade Fuel hit our shores in 2019 and so many racers have made
the change, their range of fuels create more power, less detonation and safer running engines. You can buy direct from Renegade Racing Fuels
UK or from one of many UK dealers.
Hangar 30: Based in Ely Cambridgeshire they offer services such as custom rollcage fabrication, track day preparation, MOT repairs
and welding. They also make anything custom from fuel tanks to solid wishbones for FWD drag racers.
CG Motorsport Clutch Specialist: CG are one of the largest independent clutch manufacturers in the UK and a leading supplier of
hand-made fast road and competition clutches in the UK and Europe.
Star Autos LTD: Nationwide HIAB crane hire and road transport company based in Bury, who also deal with supply and delivery
of shipping containers.
Volksworkshop: Performance tuning company based in Blackpool and also a supplier of Renegade Racing Fuels.
Pro Race Engineering: A race engineering company with many years' experience building high performance race engines and chassis
set-ups. They specialise in custom works and builds. Their on-line shop supplies parts from all the main engine component companies such as
ARP, Cat Cams, JE Pistons, King Bearings and many more.
Again thank you to all the companies new and old for supporting the Volkswagen Drag Racing Club: as we always say "Support the companies
who support our sport".
Items to be discussed include the calendars for the UK Championships, rule changes, event entry fees, pitside power fees and prize funds, as well as Any Other Business.
If members have items for the agenda then please send them in writing to Ian at ir.marshall@btconnect.com
by close on Friday 21st February. Please note that if you wish to have your agenda item discussed then you must attend the meeting. If you have any queries then you can
call Ian on 01933 313625.
The Riders' and Drivers' Meeting will be followed by the SPRC Annual General Meeting, which is open to SPR members only.
Ian adds that the next meeting of the UK Tech Committee will take place at at 11:00 on Sunday 5th April, also at the Hilton Hotel at Collingtree. If you would
like to attend, or if you have any items for the agenda, then please get in touch with Ian as above by close on Friday 27th March.
Swift snippets. 21st January: If you are in California this weekend then you could do a lot worse than to visit the
Pomona Fairplex where the seven-hall Grand National Roadster Show is taking place on Friday to Sunday. Geoff Stilwell tells
us that his Land Speed Record-holding blown-fuel BUA Motorsport
Roadster will be on display with Lucas Oil Products in Hall 4. Geoff will be in attendance each day to answer questions both on
Land Speed racing and on his nitro-fuelled 5000-horsepower race car.
Please note that voting for the SPRC Perpetual Awards has now closed and the results have been sent to and agreed by the SPRC Committee.
Votes arriving now are going straight into Deleted Items.
To check out the shortlists and to place your vote, go to the official Perpetual Awards voting
page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the
SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If your device doesn't automatically generate
an E-Mail then please E-Mail your choice to ar@eurodragster.com.
For each of the Awards, one vote per E-Mail address per nominee will be accepted: multiple votes for the same
nominee from the same E-Mail address will all be disqualified. Please note that blatant attempts at organising
mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends to vote en masse - are easily identified
and all such votes are being DQ'd as they have been in previous years. Concerted attempts at vote-rigging will
result in the nominee being removed from the shortlist whether or not that nominee knows what was going on. We know all
the dodges so it's just not worth trying. If in any doubt about what constitutes canvassing then please drop us a line
at ar@eurodragster.com.
The Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which nominations are also being taken, was first awarded to Santa Pod Racers Club's
late Chief Marshal, Alex Brachtvogel, in 2001 to mark his outstanding contribution to Santa Pod Raceway and the sport as a whole.
After Alex's death the trophy was named in his memory and continues to be awarded for contribution to drag racing.
There is no shortlist for the Alex Brachtvogel award. Nominations are invited from Eurodragster.com readers for racers,
race officials, track and safety crews, club officials, media, or anyone else who has contributed to the sport. Last year
the trophy was awarded to Santa Pod Raceway Track Announcer Colin Theobald. Again see the official page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to
ar@eurodragster.com
specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail.
Update from Germany. 19th January: Andrea Kloss writes from Germany that whilst the Jade Race crew are working to overcome the loss of the venue of
their Sportsman race, they are also keeping an eye on developments at the Hockenheimring:
Local newspapers have been reporting that changes have been on the horizon for a while. Since 2007 the German Grand Prix has been shared with the Nurburgring, meaning that
Hockenheim hosted the event every second year. It is now anticipated that F1 will not be returning to Hockenheim, although apparently Hockenheimring GmbH would welcome it.
It is being reported that the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (German Touring Car Masters) will not be able to run the season opener event at Hockenheim but only the season's
final round.
However, it has been reported that the NitrOlympX will remain as well as the Jim Clark Revival, and it is expected that there will still be other motorsport events. No mention
has yet been made of the Public Race Days which is held together with the Test and Tune event for drag racers a week before the NitrOlympX.
The City of Hockenheim has clearly stated that the Hockenheimring must be developed into a modern business location. The goal is to get more and more companies to settle
on-site at the Hockenheimring. Despite the long tradition of the Hockenheimring, it is felt that further enhancement and adjustment in accordance with social development
and issues is necessary. The Hockenheimring will however continue to be open to major public events with over 100,000 spectators such as open-air concerts. A further
possibility would be as an exhibition venue. Last week the Minister for Economic Affairs of the region was invited to the Hockenheimring for a fact-finding visit.
I will keep you informed of any updates.
"If anyone would like to brush off those winter cobwebs and create some clouds then please contact me at
jake@santapod.com or call me on 01234 782828", says
Jake.
2020 European SFI Tour. 17th January: Many thanks to SFI Foundation President
Jennifer Faye for sending us the dates of this year's European SFI Recertification Tour:
Thursday 5th March: The Netherlands
Hotel Ibis Amsterdam Schiphol
Schipholweg 181
Bedhoevedorp 1171PK
Inspections 08:00-12:00
Friday 6th March: Finland
FHRA Office
Helsinki-Malmin Lentoasema
Helsinki 00700
Monday 9th March: UK
Hospitality Suite
Santa Pod Raceway
Airfield Road
Podington NN29 7XA
Inspections 10:00-16:00
You can see a list of items to be inspected by clicking here, but please note that the inspection team will not be able to
inspect any Weld wheels, including American Racing wheels. This is because Weld have revised their inspection process, and it requires equipment which is not portable.
To have Weld wheels inspected please contact Robinson Race Cars. Wheels must be sent to RRC with
beadlocks on and tyres off.
Urgent message from SPRC. 17th January:Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall has been in touch with
an urgent message for those sending Dinner Dance bookings or queries, or Club membership queries:
Please do not send any E-Mails to trammyd5@gmail.com as we believe that the account may have been hacked, yesterday
(Thursday) and yesterday only. Those who are potentially affected have been notified.
For the time being please send membership communications and Dinner Dance forms to SPRC at
ir.marshall@btconnect.com. If you have any queries then please call SPRC on
01933 313625; please do not contact us through Facebook.
As soon as we have a new E-Mail address we will let you know via Eurodragster.com.
Santa Pod's Dial-In Day now booking. 17th January: Jake Wray writes that Santa Pod Raceway's annual Dial-In Day returns for 2020, taking place on
Saturday 7th March:
This hugely successful public event aims to attract first-timers as well as experienced RWYBers looking to step up to the next level. The day is designed to hone your skills
and increase your knowledge on racing the famous quarter mile.
The day begins in the classroom, running through the do's and don'ts of bracket racing with some money-can't-buy tips and hints thrown in. Then it's out to the track for
mini events allowing you to experience full qualifying and eliminations.
Don’t worry, you don't need a race car to enter! In fact, we restrict the day to vehicles completing the quarter mile in 12.00 or slower. The Dial In Day is tailored to reinforce
the accessibility of drag racing as a sport. Only RWYB rules apply.
Supercharged Outlaws' sponsor renews. 17th January: Mark Windridge writes to thank Good Vibrations Motorsport
for continued support and sponsorship for the UK's Supercharged Outlaws. In 2020 Good Vibrations will
be sponsoring the Quick Reaction Award.
If you are interested in knowing more about the Supercharged Outlaws then you are welcome to the group's AGM which takes place at 15:00 on 15th February
at the Kettering Park House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6XT. You can also check out the
Supercharged Outlaws UK Facebook page.
For several of the 2019 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted
for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC Committee decides upon their
winners.
Today's category is the James Edgar Memorial Trophy. The James Edgar Memorial Trophy is awarded for outstanding
performance by a Crew Chief, tuner, racer/tuner, or crew member. The SPRC Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order,
is as follows:
For each of the Awards, one vote per E-Mail address per nominee will be accepted: multiple votes for the same
nominee from the same E-Mail address will all be disqualified. Please note that blatant attempts at organising
mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends to vote en masse - are easily identified
and all such votes will be disallowed as they have been in previous years. Concerted attempts at vote-rigging will
result in the nominee being removed from the shortlist whether or not that nominee knows what was going on. We know all
the dodges so it's just not worth trying. If in any doubt about what constitutes canvassing then please drop us a line
at ar@eurodragster.com.
Additionally, if anyone should have issues with the content of any of the shortlists then please contact SPRC direct
rather than E-Mailing Eurodragster.com or commenting on social media. E-Mails to Eurodragster.com regarding the content
of the shortlists will receive neither a reply nor any other acknowledgement.
Voting for all categories closes at 23:59 UK time this coming Sunday, 19th January.
For several of the 2019 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted
for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC Committee decides upon their
winners.
Today's category is Most Professional-Appearing Team. The Most Professional-Appearing Team trophy recognises not just the presentation of a race
vehicle but the team's overall approach to racing. As well as a well-turned-out car or bike, the Committee have considered such aspects as the appearance
and attitude of team personnel, the organisation and appearance of their pit area and support equipment, and their readiness when their class is called.
The SPRC Committee's shortlist is as follows:
Powerflow Exhausts (Elaine Hancock, David Smith and team, Secret Worx Comp Eliminator and Modurstang Pro ET) Vote for Powerflow Exhausts
Slick Tricks/Slick Chicks (Susanne Callin, Jacqueline and Lara Bartlett and team, FIA Top Fuel Dragster and Lucas Oil Junior Dragster) Vote for Slick Tricks/Slick Chicks
For each of the Awards, one vote per E-Mail address per nominee will be accepted: multiple votes for the same
nominee from the same E-Mail address will all be disqualified. Please note that blatant attempts at organising
mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends to vote en masse - are easily identified
and all such votes will be disallowed as they have been in previous years. Concerted attempts at vote-rigging will
result in the nominee being removed from the shortlist whether or not that nominee knows what was going on. We know all
the dodges so it's just not worth trying. If in any doubt about what constitutes canvassing then please drop us a line
at ar@eurodragster.com.
Additionally, if anyone should have issues with the content of any of the shortlists then please contact SPRC direct
rather than E-Mailing Eurodragster.com or commenting on social media. E-Mails to Eurodragster.com regarding the content
of the shortlists will receive neither a reply nor any other acknowledgement.
The next voting category, the final, will posted on Wednesday of this week and will be the James Edgar Memorial Trophy.
Voting will close this coming weekend.
Autosport International report. 12th January: Further to Thursday's preview we are now pleased to bring
you Bob Roberts' Autosport International report presented in association with John Woolfe
Racing.
As well as notes and pictures Bob's coverage includes video of one of Paul Brown's burnouts in Santa Pod Raceway's Two Seat Dragster as
part of the Live Action Arena show.
You can check out Bob's Autosport International coverage by clicking on the picture at left, clicking
here, or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Owned and run by Andy Wright, Wright's Mech, Eng and Fab has two divisions: Race Car and Street Rod fabrication.
Andy has thirty years' experience in race car fabrication and has a fully equipped machine shop including CNC
milling machines, Colchester Lathe etc meaning he has the capability and capacity to produce anything from bespoke
parts to a customer's specification up to a complete turn-key Pro Mod. Unless specified, parts are CNC machined
using steel, aluminium or titanium.
A selection of Andy's recent projects have included:
Updates to Bobby and Annie Wallace's pair of Pro Mods (Wallace Motorsport)
Modifications to bring Nev Mottershead's Vauxhall up to 7.50 specification
A full-build Ford Pop street rod featuring air suspension, electronic steering and fitted with a fuel injected Big Block Chevy
Andy also designs, manufactures and supplies specialised race car parts for individual race car builders including parachute release
systems, adjustable steering columns, pedal assemblies and motor and mid plates.
Many thanks to Andy Wright for his support. As ever please repay the support of Eurodragster.com sponsors by considering them when shopping for
products or services.
The return of Can Do. 11th January: Marc Huxley tells us that he is building a replica of Brian Huxley's legendary Dan Do Corolla.
"The plan is a 7.50 chassis", says Marc. "I'm building it at Huxley Motorsport with a 347 ci Small Block Ford. My goal is to build it
in eighth months and maybe test at the end of the year if all goes well. I'm one for getting the correct parts and not cutting any
corners.
"The donor car came from Portugal. Mark Todd originally imported it to build a mad rotary race car but I convinced him to let me build
it to come racing finally.
"The plan is run in Pro ET along side my brother Lee and even let Dad race it himself. Big thanks to Dad and Lee for prepping the engine, and to Mark Todd for so much help
with parts."
Swift snippets. 11th January: Pro Modified and Super Pro ET racer John Tebenham says that he is getting both cars ready for the
new season. "I'm looking forward to the Doorslammers test day, my crew tell me it's good driving experience but I'm not so sure", says JT. "We are hoping that a new crank, valves,
lifters and a diet should get us further into the fives. "We have lost one of our brothers, Tim Mugridge, but he will be with us forever."
Eurodragster.com Perfect Light Award sponsor Cath Napier asked us to say a big Happy Birthday and Happy
Anniversary to Tig Napier. Our pleasure Tig, have a great day and a very Happy Anniversary to you both. A big Happy Birthday also to
our good friend Mikey Durbridge, hope you have a great day Mikey.
Introducing CG Composites 2019. 11th January: UK Super Pro ET racer Martyn Jones is proud to announce the acquisition of the CG Composites business from founder Carlo
Gandolfi.
The company, now called CG Composites 2019 Limited, plans to continue the
development, production and sales of Carlo's outstanding
product lines. Carbon production will be handled by Marcus Biney, of Creative Carbon, and product finishing will be carried out by Steve Johnson
of Motor Mouse Racing, and Martyn himself. Carlo, who will continue to be involved as a consultant, would like to thank his customer base for their
loyalty and wishes the new business success for the future.
CG Composites produce composite fuel injector hats for use in supercharged drag racing applications. Customers include Micke Gullqvist and
Kevin Slyfield (Pro Modified), Habermann Family Racing (Top Alcohol Dragsters), Rune Fjeld Motorsport (Top Fuel Dragsters) Kevin Chapman and
Kevin Kent (Top Fuel Funny Car), Ian King (Top Fuel Bike) and Martyn Jones (Super Pro ET).
As well as Santa Pod Raceway's display, eagle eyes will spot the world's fastest lawnmower constructed by Eurodragster.com
sponsor Robinson Race Cars as well as former Outlaw Anglia
racer Pete Moore's '34 Ford also built by RRC.
Bob is attending Autosport International on our behalf and his report will be available at the weekend. Press and Trade Days
take place today and tomorrow with public days on Saturday and Sunday. You can find out more and book tickets at
www.autosportinternational.com.
On the subject of the Robinson family, a big Happy Birthday with hugs to Stefani Fisher. Have a lovely day Stef.
2019 SPRC Perpetual Awards vote 3. 5th January: Santa Pod Racers Club and Eurodragster.com are again teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the
SPRC Perpetual Awards, which will be presented at the SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation in
February 2020.
For several of the 2019 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted
for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC Committee decides upon their
winners.
Today's category is Best Appearing Bike. The SPRC Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows:
For each of the Awards, one vote per E-Mail address per nominee will be accepted: multiple votes for the same
nominee from the same E-Mail address will all be disqualified. Please note that blatant attempts at organising
mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends to vote en masse - are easily identified
and all such votes will be disallowed as they have been in previous years. Concerted attempts at vote-rigging will
result in the nominee being removed from the shortlist whether or not that nominee knows what was going on. We know all
the dodges so it's just not worth trying. If in any doubt about what constitutes canvassing then please drop us a line
at ar@eurodragster.com.
Additionally, if anyone should have issues with the content of any of the shortlists then please contact SPRC direct
rather than E-Mailing Eurodragster.com or commenting on social media. E-Mails to Eurodragster.com regarding the content
of the shortlists will receive neither a reply nor any other acknowledgement.
The next voting category will be Most Professional Appearing Team.
Santa Pod renew DFDS ferry deal. 8th January: Santa Pod Raceway are pleased to announce that DFDS have renewed their cross channel ferry travel partnership for the 2020 season.
Despite increased costs, DFDS have agreed to keep the rates the same as last year.
..and should please ensure that the form is sent to both E-Mail addresses in the instructions.
Santa Pod are proud to have worked with DFDS for many years and look forward to continuing the partnership for many years to come. Caroline Holden of SPR says "We'd like to promote
both DFDS and our race teams using the ferry crossing service, so we'd be grateful for any pictures and stories from race teams, especially if the DFDS logo and branding is in the
picture!"
Swift snippets. 8th January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (below left) came with the words "California
dreaming!". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at
editor@eurodragster.com.
Thanks to Bianca Booj for sending us the latest update from the workshops of Michel Tooren and the Pro Dutch Racing Pro
Modified team, which to our pleasure includes a 2020 calendar of full FIA and Motorsport UK Championships. You can check out the
Dutch-language PDF by clicking here or by clicking on the picture above right.
Our good buddy Remco Scheelings has finished his set of features on this year's European and EDRS Pro Champions with an article about
multiple FIA European Pro Stock Champion and FIA Pro Modified racer Jimmy Ålund, which you can check out on the
Drag Racing Europe Blog at www.dragracingeurope.eu.
VP appoint new Sales Manager. 8th January: Eurodragster.com sponsor VP Racing Fuels Inc
has named Eric Bishop as its International Sales Manager.
"The VP team prides itself in having star players in every division and at every level" said Alan Cerwick, VP's President and CEO. "We live in a global economy,
and Eric is a tremendous addition to our roster. We look forward to big things from him in 2020 and beyond."
Bishop is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and comes to VP after nearly ten years with the Husqvarna Group where he rose within the company from
territory sales rep to key account manager and then senior account manager. His experience with a global company in the premium outdoor equipment space,
managing all facets of the dealer, distributor, and retail relationships also as well as merchandising and solution-based consulting, will be a tremendous asset to VP.
"Motorsport addresses the human desire to succeed and to win" said Eric. "We understand the multiple racing categories among international motorsport, and we
are focused on delivering the tools to give our customers the competitive edge."
Autosport International beckons. 7th January: Santa Pod Raceway are launching their 55th season at this week's
Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham:
Santa Pod's stand, 2680 in Hall 2, showcases the Slick Tricks Top Fuel Dragster piloted by Susanne Callin and Andy Bond's 1956 Chevrolet, the reigning UK Street Eliminator
Champion entry. Nicknamed Ugly Sister, the turbo Chevy's artfully-distressed appearance belies its 200 mph potency and its road-legal status.
In an adjoining hall, Santa Pod's two-seater Thrill Ride dragster will inject some noise into the daily Live Action Arena displays.
Elsewhere in the Show, Robin Read's new blown-nitro Daimler dragster will make its public début whilst Serck Motorsport on stand 2342 are promising the usual
surprises including and race vehicles. Simon Barlow's record-holding blown-alcohol Outlaw Anglia van is on the guest list.
Autosport International starts this Thursday (9th) with two Trade and Press Days, then is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday.
You can find out more and book tickets at www.autosportinternational.com.
If you can't make it then longtime Eurodragster.com supporter Bob Roberts is attending on our behalf and will be sending a report and
pictures. If your race car or bike is at the Show then it's not too late to drop us a line at
editor@eurodragster.com.
Supercharged Outlaws extend support. 7th January: Andy Hadfield aka Fadster, who sponsors the Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award supported by the
Twister Race Team, has been in touch to let us know that the Supercharged Outlaws, which he chairs, will be increasing their sponsorship
in 2020:
I am delighted to report that the Supercharged Outlaws will be providing sponsorship to Pro ET for the fourth consecutive year, and we are extending our sponsorship
to two more worthy causes.
The Supercharged Outlaws have donated to the recently-formed UK Junior Drag Racing Foundation, which provides assistance to the youngsters who are entering our sport.
We are also providing a donation to the hard-working track staff at Santa Pod to facilitate soft drinks and coffee during the 2020 season, which we know will be appreciated
during those chilly mornings and hot summer afternoons.
I am incredibly proud to chair one of the most generous group of racers there is, a group of teams who are prepared to give back to the sport they love.
See Post en Dros for Atomizer. 7th January: As well as well-known brands such as Racepak, MSD, Holley, Fueltech, Haltech, Clevite, Victory Titanium Valves and many
more, Eurodragster.com sponsor Post en Dros are very happy to announce that they are the official European
dealer for Atomizer Racing Injectors and can now supply everything necessary to get your Racepak
vehicle fully-loaded with everything you need to go EFI, which Dick Koster tells us is the future in the blown, turbo or naturally-aspirated racing.
Dick adds a brief history of Atomizer Racing Injectors: In the early 2000’s, the demand for higher flowing fuel injectors for drag racing applications sky rocketed. The largest
available injector was a 160 PPH (pound per hour) compressed natural gas version for Ford trucks. This became a performance limiting factor in the drag racing arena. The
decision was made to apply a combined 40 plus years of injector design engineering to manufacture a purpose built racing injector and end the performance limitations of
the time.
Working directly with racing engine builders and tuners, the first purpose built, all billet material, adjustable and serviceable racing fuel injector was manufactured. In our
Generation 2 injectors, Atomizer Flow Technology was implemented to create a more efficient dissipation of the fuel, resulting in a lightning fast spooling of turbocharged
engines, as well as cleaner, consistent burn in all varieties of power adder and naturally aspirated applications.
Now, with the ever increasing demand for more horsepower, the Atomizer 3 generation is here, with up to 700 PPH of fuel flow, Atomizer 3 is the highest flowing racing
injector in the world! We are currently refining the design of the Atomizer 4 generation to supply up to 1500 PPH each. This will enable a single injector per cylinder fuel
supply for high horsepower, methanol applications. A single injector per cylinder configuration will minimize the risk of engine damage in the event of a injector driver
failure, wiring issue, or any number of other reasons for having fuel delivery issues.
Through direct racer input, and utilizing the continuous improvement approach, Atomizer injectors continue to evolve. We have sponsored many racers to multiple
world records and championships, as well as supported years of class sponsorship in various arenas. Our products are 100% made in the USA.
Smax on 2019. 7th January: Ex-pat UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Smax Smith got in touch from Canada to wish Eurodragster.com readers, racers
and friends a safe and successful 2020. Whilst at it Smax gave us a rundown of 2019:
We had a great 2019 season highlighted by the fact that we (finally) ran our first three-second 1000 foot in Charlotte.
We had been knocking on the door and working so hard to achieve that 3.93 - the Leverichs have been unbelievable!
Unfortunately the car shut off at 800 feet but I was doing 295 mph at that point, it transpired that as I didn't have a poured
seat the G-forces were pushing me back off the pedal a bit but, enough that G-force came off me so I lifted.
This happened at the Nitro Nationals in July which we won, but although the car shut off early we didn't get required data to figure out why.
We did 276 mph in 3.1 seconds to the eighth too!
We also went to Reading, Pensylvania where my first qualifier was against former European Champion and friend Lex Joon!
Although we beat him with my ever so quick pedal job to recover from tyre shake he was buzzing as it was on his bucket list to have two European Champions racing in NHRA!
We qualified ahead of Lex and Todd Paton but on race day against Doug Kalitta we had a borrowed fuel pump from John Force, but not having
flow data was a crap shoot. I left on Doug but immediately dropped cylinders which shoved me over towards his lane so I lifted.
We then went to Charlotte and ran the 3.93 to qualify well ahead of Chris Karamesines, Lex, Cameron Ferre and Todd Paton.
Sunday's race day was a washout so we stayed to race Brittany Force on a green track on Monday. I left first on her but we smoked the tyres and she was gone running a
3.69, best of the weekend. My lights are improving anyhow, of the last five two were 0.09, two were 0.08 and a 0.07 against Brittany.
Meanwhile we have been campaigning our alky Funny Car with my boy Aidan at the helm.
In June we did some wheeling and dealing and sold our real nice Funny Car roller and two Lencos to New Zealand and purchased one of the nicest rollers in Canada.
We rushed to get it wrapped, reversing the colors of our old car, and had a mad thrash to get to the local Nitro Nats where Aidan had run our first five-second pass last year.
In qualifying aidee did a planned 330 to make sure we didn't have tyre shake but it ran perfectly.
Back in the pits the normal service routine revealed all was perfect so we warmed the car but disaster - it kicked a rod! We only had six runs on the rods and torque was perfect
but we sent the rods back to sponsor CP Carillo who confirmed it was rod bolt failure. So I guess the hot ticket now is to watch Will Hanna's awesome video on using a rod bolt
stretch gauge, as the stretch is really all that matters to arrive at the correct torque value. Anyhow I digress, it meant we were sidelined as although we had another Brad 6 motor
there were too many differences with the TFX to make it happen, so I took the block to machine shop sponsor Engine Technology for relatively minor repair. Aidan sold the TFX
and found an identical Brad 6 for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile we had put the first Brad 6 in and went to Michigan US 131 for the eighth-mile Funny Car Chaos event with sixteen of any type of FC allowed including Nostalgia and
Nitro! Aidan qualified well at 4.0/187 beating Suzy Qs' 57 Chevy Funny Car putting us in the A field - they run eight-car A and B fields. Aidan also got a bonus cheque for best burnout.
Eliminations were quite strange as we went against the points leader. Both did side-by-side burnouts but the timing equipment had a malfunction so we were both shut off.
We decided not to do another burnout but let Ken do his second, but he stalled it so technically we had won but we allowed him to refire again and gave him a great race, however
we banged a burst panel around 500 feet. The air had got better by whilst we were waiting so it was too lean but stil ran 4.2/158. All in all a really fun weekend with a bunch of great
racers - they even had a keg in the pits!
We are really looking forward to 2020 when we plan on doing couple of NHRA events with the Funny Car. We just got Manton to sponsor us with their sexy rocker assemblies!
You can follow our antics on the Ant Hill Mob Drag Racing Facebook page, and as always if you are ever at the track then come and party with us!
For several of the 2019 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted
for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC Committee decides upon their
winners.
Today's category is Best Appearing Car. The SPRC Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows:
Dave and Andy Dibley
Jon Morton Super Gas Shootout (driver Andy Dibley)
Dan Holloway
Hutchinson & Dibley Sportsman ET
ICE Automotive
Motorsport UK Pro Modified (driver Nick Davies)
For each of the Awards, one vote per E-Mail address per nominee will be accepted: multiple votes for the same
nominee from the same E-Mail address will all be disqualified. Please note that blatant attempts at organising
mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends to vote en masse - are easily identified
and all such votes will be disallowed as they have been in previous years. Concerted attempts at vote-rigging will
result in the nominee being removed from the shortlist whether or not that nominee knows what was going on. We know all
the dodges so it's just not worth trying. If in any doubt about what constitutes canvassing then please drop us a line
at ar@eurodragster.com.
Additionally, if anyone should have issues with the content of any of the shortlists then please contact SPRC direct
rather than E-Mailing Eurodragster.com or commenting on social media. E-Mails to Eurodragster.com regarding the content
of the shortlists will receive neither a reply nor any other acknowledgement.
The next voting category will be Best Appearing Bike.
Please note that the closing date for the purchase of tickets is Friday 17th January.
If you have any special dietary requirements then please make a note on your ticket application so that I can make arrangements with the chef. Please do not contact the hotel to make
arrangements yourself, as they will not know where you will be seated.
If you are a winner or runner-up but will not be able to collect your trophy on the night then please either contact me at
trammyd5@gmail.com or call 07762 195729 to nominate someone to collect it for you. Trophies not collected on the night will be
available from the Festival of Power.
On behalf of Santa Pod Racers Club I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, healthy and safe 2020.
The SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation takes place on Saturday 1st February 2020 at the
Doubletree
by Hilton Hotel at Stadium MK. For full details and application form please check out our news item of 20th
September.
18th January: Jake Wray of 
17th January: Jake Wray writes that Santa Pod Raceway's annual Dial-In Day returns for 2020, taking place on
Saturday 7th March:
8th January: Santa Pod Raceway are pleased to announce that DFDS have renewed their cross channel ferry travel partnership for the 2020 season.
Despite increased costs, DFDS have agreed to keep the rates the same as last year.
