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SPRC FIA Main Event notice.
16th May: Ian and Paula Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club have been in touch to clarify the situation regarding staying on site at Santa Pod Raceway after the FIA Main Event has completed, and about pitting in advance of the event:

Following completion of the FIA Main Event, racers and spectators are welcome to camp overnight at the track. However this is on the basis that from midnight you will have to fend for yourselves in terms of water, electric and toilet/shower facilities. All racers and campers will need to be off-site by 1:00 pm on Tuesday 5th June as many local streets will have closures and/or restrictions due to the Queen's Jubilee celebrations.

If you are travelling from abroad and need to stay longer for ferries etc you are welcome to stay, but we would ask that you stay until Wednesday because of the restrictions mentioned above.

The Pit Stop Café will be open between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on Tuesday 5th.

On a separate note, if you wish to test on the weekend prior to the Main Event (26th-27th May) then please note that you will not be able to pit your vehicle in preparation for the FIA Main Event. Due to the move of the Bank Holiday weekend there is now a large Ford event, the Classic Ford Show, on Sunday 27th May. This event will take over the whole site which therefore means no pitted vehicles. There will also be no RWYB for race vehicles on 27th, unless you happen to own a classic Ford race car.

Saturday 26th will be a normal Run What You Brung between 9.30 am and 5:00 pm to which racers are welcome. If it is at all possible to find hard standing for people to leave their race vehicles at the track then we will of course try to accommodate them, however this is not a given as it depends wholly on the space available and it will not be in the pit area of the race track. Thank you for your co-operation.

Hard work rewarded.

16th May: UK Pro ET racer Dan Williams, one half of Williams Bros Racing, contested Stock/Superstock at the weekend's EDRS Nationals at Tierp Arena. Dan made it to the final with his 1969 Chevy Nova, and Alix Smith got in touch on behalf of the team to let us know about their weekend:

On Friday we arrived in Tierp to rain. We got everything set up for the weekend of racing, although looking at the weather we thought we had travelled all that way for a washout. But things just went from bad to worse.

On Saturday it rained all morning and the cars didn't go out until about 2:00 pm. Dan went out for the first round of qualifying, did a huge wheelie and put it on the bumper... again! Dan crawled the car up the track as he didn't know what damage had occurred. When he got back to the pits Dan and the crew checked the car over and found two bent engine mounts, a cracked sump, two dents in the bonnet where the carb had hit it, that both front wings had moved from the force when the car came back down, and finally the fan had come off. Oh, and also another bent back number plate.

The team started to panic thinking the weekend was over and that we had spent all this time and money to go home on the first day. At Williams Bros Racing we were all so disappointed thinking we were going to pack up and go. But, never being ones to give up, the crew thought it was worth a try to fix it. The next minute Dan and the crew were rallying round trying to get the car race ready again. Dan's brother Nic asked to put an announcement out to see if there was an engine crane we could borrow, and a Pro Mod team came to see us with an engine crane. The team then got underway removing the engine.

A very nice man called George - our saviour of the weekend - took Dan's dad Keith to his workshop where the sump and the engine mounts were repaired. While Nic, OCS Paint, gapped all the wings into the correct place. When Keith returned the crew started to put the engine back into the car, and by 1.30 am Sunday morning the car was ready to go. Luckily, as Dan had crawled the car up the track after the wheelie and got a time it meant that he had he had qualified and was in the eliminations.

On Sunday the weather improved drastically, brilliant sunshine although a bit windy. Dan was called at 9:00 am where took part in round one with a heads-up race. After that he was on a roll until he reached the final!

It got to about 3.00pm and the pit runner called Dan to the fire up road for the Stock/Superstock final. Dan went down to the fire-up road where his competitor Anders Lindh had a flat tyre. Rob Tyrrell, Bob Doignie and Nic were not happy about letting Dan race until the tyre had been sorted as it was a danger. The team gave the competitor a chance to get it sorted, they tried to pump the tyre up but the air was coming out quicker than they could get it in. The race officials then sent the Pro Mods out for their final. Dan could have said enough was enough but he is a true racer and didn't want to win on a technicality so. Over an hour later the other team had borrowed a wheel from someone else in the Stock/Superstock pits and changed the wheel on the car, and they were finally ready to race.

Unfortunately, Dan was runner-up but it's still a massive achievement as it was his first Stock/Superstock event and first time at Tierp. At Williams Bros. Racing we are all so proud of Dan for doing so well, congratulations Dan!

We would like to say a big Thank You to the crew Dan Williams, Elaine Williams, Rob Tyrrell, Bev Tyrrell, Keith Williams, Bob Doignie, Nic Williams, Alix Smith, to everyone at Tierp Arena and the Stock/Superstock Association for making us feel so welcome and for letting Dan compete with you, to the Pro Mod team who let us borrow their engine crane, and finally a special thank you to George for all his help - we could not have done it without him! And another big congratulations to Dan!

Retirement: Not an option I.
16th May: It was always going to be tough to hang up the firesuit after thirty successful years in Pro Comp and Top Methanol Dragster competition. Therefore it will come as no surprise to many that Dave Wilson simply couldn't do it.

The five-time FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion had a great year in 2011, finishing runner-up and setting new records along the way with his incredible 5.2 second ET in Tierp. The success of last season meant that Dave was left with some serious decisions to make. The complete operation was for sale and a potential buyer had been found but a swift change of heart meant that Dave would do battle over the quarter mile for at least one more year.

With a limited budget for 2012, early plans are to run at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway on 1st-4th June and the Sweden Internationals at the fabulous Tierp Arena in Sweden on 14th-17th June. However, subject to further sponsorship the situation could very well change.

"It's been a crazy off-season for me!", says Dave. "First of all the car was going and then it wasn't and I then found myself thinking "What have I done?"! Having got over that I knew I had to be fully committed once again, regain my focus and prepare for 2012. Sadly things have not worked out the way we had hoped with sponsors but we're ready to do battle at the first two races and we'll go from there."

To find out more about Dave Wilson Racing, visit www.davewilsonracing.co.uk.

Retirement: Not an option II.
16th May: When UK Top Methanol Dragster racer Derek Flynn of Eurodragster.com sponsor Gold RV sold his injected-nitro operation to Malta's Chris Polidano, you could have been forgiven for thinking that he had retired from driving. However, Derek himself said at the time that no way had he retired and the proof comes with the announcement that he will be driving the Kalanc / Gold RV A/Fuel Racing TMD in July:

The Kalanc Gold RV A/Fuel Racing Team are really looking forward to the Main Event and our first FIA meeting together. Since it has been confirmed that we will now be competing at all FIA rounds we hope to get off to a good start and hopefully keep improving Chris' Personal Bests in the car, or as we call them Team Bests. So far we have improved at each meeting but now we are playing with the big boys and we will need to step up all round. But I am sure the driver and team are up for the challenge.

As some of the keen eyed amongst your readers would already have noticed on the entry list, we welcome back Lisa Selles who has again taken over the hot seat in the Gold RV / Kalanc J/Fueller (JMA13). Our pit is going to be a very European indeed with Maltese, English and Dutch. Lisa has promised us that she will bring the sunshine with her too. Good luck Lisa from all of us at Gold RV and the Kalanc Team.

On the Dutch front I am very excited to announce that, thanks to a very kind offer from Chris and the team, I am going to be driving the A/Fueller at the Drachten Internationals in July. To say that I am excited about that is an understatement! I cannot wait to go to Drachten again and drive; the last time I drove at Drachten was 2006 with our old Super Pro ET car where we managed to break the track record for the quarter mile which I believe is still the record even though the track has since been lengthened. Obviously the A/Fueller will have to compete over the eighth but who knows, perhaps we can have a go at that record too. Again many thanks Chris.

Swift snippets.

16th May: "The 2012 Pro Stock Camaro, now in a showroom near you..." is the stunning new ride of multiple FIA Pro Stock Champion Jimmy Ålund fresh out of Jerry Haas' workshop and ready to contest this weekend's NHRA Summernationals in Kansas courtesy of KW Parts, Geodis, and of course Exclusive Cars. Our good buddy PiPPi writes that you can find the first video of Jimmy's new car, including the first fire-up, at www.jimmyalund.com.

After an enjoyable presentation evening on Saturday Christine Morrice would like to say a huge Well Done to son and Super Comp racer Collin Morrice and all the lads at Linton Granta football team on winning the Cambridgeshire Kershaw Premier League. "It has been a real pleasure to watch the lads play football this season, and everyone wishes them all the best of luck for the 2012-13 season", says Christine.

Geoff Martin of the UK's Tech Crew asked us to reassure all of his friends that, contrary to what you may have read in a junk E-Mail purporting to come from him, he is not stuck in a foreign country with no money so please do not forward any funds to him on account of the E-Mail.

Brian Huxley is challenging all comers to join him at the Gamblers' Race at the Yanks Weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway on 26th-27th May. You can find out more at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com.

All invited to Rushden.
16th May: James Forster of Santa Pod Raceway says that you should be sure to head into Rushden Town Centre on Saturday week, 26th May, to see the finest collection of race cars and hot rods from around the county:

As a replacement of the popular Rushden Powerfest in 2010, Rushden Town Council has joined forces with Santa Pod Raceway and a group of Hot Rod enthusiasts to put on this free static car show in the town. The High Street will be closed from College Street to Queen Street between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm with the display from 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Diversions can be made around the one-way system. Additional road legal vehicles will be sited in the Wheatsheaf car park where famous drag racing films will be shown and a barbecue held. Santa Pod Raceway will be bringing their 300 mph Top Fuel Dragster so why not make the most of this rare opportunity and come along to get up close and personal to one of these awesome 8000 bhp machines.

We already have some local racers lined up to come along including Matthew Seamarks, Nigel Hale and Nick Hale as well as many other Hot Rodders from the local area. We do still have a few parking spaces available so if you want to come along with a vehicle please E-Mail me at james@santapod.com; please do not just turn up and expect a space as chances are that we won't have any room in the main display area!

On the following weekend, 1st-4th June, Santa Pod Raceway hosts Round 1 of the FIA and UEM Drag Racing Championships where you can see these missiles in action. Please see www.santapod.com for further information.

Editor's note: We will be reporting from Santa Pod Raceway on 26th and so we will be unable to attend the Car Show in Rushden. We would be very pleased to hear from anyone who would like to send us a report and a few pictures from the event. We would require the report and pictures to arrive during the day on Sunday 27th. If you would like to volunteer to send us a piece about the Car Show then please E-Mail editor@eurodragster.com. Kids are welcome to volunteer but please make sure that your parents know.

Web site updates.
16th May: Patrik Jacobsson, who kindly provided us with pictures from last weekend's EDRS Nationals at Tierp Arena, has now posted his full gallery from the weekend at www.racebilder.nu.

Feature: The Gasser Circus.

15th May: For the latest in our occasional series of Features presented in association with Lucas Oil Products Simon spoke to Nervous Nick, racer in and administrator of the UK's Gasser Circus.

The Gasser Circus is a group of like-minded racers who gather together to celebrate and keep alive the traditions, spirit and most importantly the cars of the legendary Gasser Wars of the 1960s. Formed in 2003, the membership of the Gasser Circus has grown year-on-year and in 2010 it began its inaugural race series with the launch of the Gasser Circus Showdown.

You can check out our Gasser Circus Feature by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Nevermind the eights.
15th May: Six years after starting racing running twelves, UK Outlaw Street racer Andrew Murton finally got his street-driven Nevermind '68 Camaro into the eights during the second round of this year's Outlaw Street Championship at this weekend's Street Nationals at Santa Pod. David Murton writes:

Having warmed up with a 9.03 pass against arch-rival and close friend Stuart Ramsey's 8.96, the next run was an 8.97. Big thanks must go to the Santa Pod track team for providing a brilliant track to run on at the weekend, when you only have 7½" rear rims and 10½" Street Radial tyres you need all the traction you can get!

Thanks also to Mark Wallington and all the Outlaw Street racers for the support and for making this such a great friendly series to race in. No we didn't turn the gas up Stuart, thanks for the offer of your fuel and gas and we look forward to side by side eights at Dragstalgia!

Andrew also finished second in the Run What You Brung eliminator to Andy Forest's awesome eight-second Subaru. Many thanks to Andy, Ashley Troop and the Beetle driver - sorry didn't get your name! - for the great races.

Swift snippets.
15th May: Many thanks to Paula and Ian Marshall for sending us Version 14 of the official entry list for the FIA Main Event, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 1st-4th June. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

It wasn't just Andrew Murton who beat his Personal Best at Santa Pod at the weekend as Matt Smith of Team Extreme (below left) wiped two tenths off his PB with 9.360/145.34 in his Cosworth-powered Escort. Matt Woods, who supplied the picture, writes that mapper Dave Rowe was on hand on Saturday to re-do the map as it wasn't right, as was Eurodragster.com sponsor Jon Webster who popped up to make some mods on the rear suspension.

Matt Woods also sent us a picture of this beauty (above right), regular Run What You Brung and Test Day attendee Phil Peck's Mustang in its new colours. The street-legal 2005 Mustang GT totes a 598 Big Block Chevy built by Eurodragster.com sponsor Jeff Bull Race Engines and capable of running a 500 bhp Nitrous Express system, custom-built 1498 cfm carburettor by BLP Racing Products, and TH400 gearbox supplied by Penn Autos. The Mustang, which was caged and tubbed by Eurodragster.com sponsor Hauser Race Cars, weighs in an 3740 pounds and has run 10.16/132 normally aspirated and 9.51/142 with 300 bhp of Nitrous. You can find out more at www.ragingbullracing.co.uk.

The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came from the same address as Saturday's second spy picture and like that shot came with no words at all. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.

With rain forecast for the Monday afternoon, everyone was determined to make sure that last weekend's Pennine Drag Racing Club Championship round at York Raceway was not lost to the rain like at Easter. After one last early morning round of qualifying the event went straight into eliminations. Thanks to a great effort by the crew and racers, all classes ran to completion before the weather closed in at about 2:30 pm with the exception of Super Cup. Galleries from each day can be found on Richard Smith's site at rdsmith.zenfolio.com.

Further to our news item of 5th March, although Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe has beaten his target of £1000 for a London to Brighton bike ride to aid the British Heart Foundation in memory of his father, it's not too late to make a pledge to help him along on 26th May. If you would like to pledge money to help the BHF please check out www.justgiving.com/andymarrs.

Thanks to all those who have already sent tributes to the late Tony Gransden, who died on Sunday. You can check out Tony's Tribute page by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If you would to send a tribute to Tony then please E-Mail tributes@eurodragster.com.

The late Knut Söderqvist's son and daughter Peter and Petra have put together a video tribute to Knut which you can check out on our Tribute page by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Steve Dudley tells us that the last slot drag race of the 2011-2012 season at MrD Raceway takes place at 8:00 pm on Friday 25th May at the Cathedral Primary School, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1PA. For more details check out the MrD web site at slotdragracing.weebly.com, and for more about the slot drags check out our recent Feature by clicking here.

Charman's hot new ride.
15th May: 2011 ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Kev Charman, who has switched rides in 2012 to a Pro Stock Bike owned by Richard Gipp, says that PSB is a different animal to anything which he has ridden before:

It is seriously not as easy as they would have you believe. Obviously it is one heck of a lot lighter than the Top Fuel Bike from last year, it also does exactly what you ask it, in terms of steering, much much quicker! You only have to glance anywhere but straight, and the bike will act accordingly! Because of this, I do more than a quarter mile on my runs, as I go the long way round!

On Friday evening of the Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals, I had to drop Lizzy and the caravan up to the track, as she unfortunately was involved in a head-on collision the day before, breaking her wrists, spraining her back and unable to race and drive. To say she was disappointed is possibly an understatement, as she has not been given answers as to the extent of the injuries, or how long she will be out of action. We all wish her speedy recovery, and hope that she gets fit enough to get back out there before the end of the season, even if only testing (Hear, hear - Ed). Richard Gipp and his crew Nigel were on hand to set up awnings and caravan for us, while I drove down to Southampton to fetch Jake, who was competing in Junior Drag Bike. I must thank them, as all we had to do when we got back late that evening was take the Junior out of the van! Thanks guys.

My first run was the second qualifier. We decided that we had bikes to sort out for Jake and Bryony Wadkin-Snaith, who she was doing observed runs, and that it was possibly more important to get them down the track first, plus it was too cold for the OAPs (me and Gipp) to race! First run I put myself into stage crooked, and shot off towards the wall, short shifted, over corrected, but got to the finish line in one piece, with an 8.113/160. The wind at the top end was pretty fierce, from right to left, and I was beginning to worry where Len Paget was, as I didn't want to get blown into his path. I didn't realise that he had had problems on the start line, and didn't race.

Commiserations to Mark Smith who broke a crank on his qualifier, putting him out of competition. Hope to see you back soon mate.

Back to pits, bike prepped and ready for the following day. Sunday's first run was an odd one. Came out of the burnout and one of the carbs was hanging, blipped the throttle a couple of times to try to shut the carb and a flame from the exhaust licked the side panel and set the stickers on fire! I was totally oblivious to all the commotion, until the fire crew came and put me out. Back to pits, cleaned the carbs, prepped bike and resprayed the side panel.

Second run: no fires this time, but I was still short shifting. I have got to get used to this revving thing, and its high RPM! No improvement on time. Monday the heavens opened, and it was called.

I realise that I need more seat time, and we are hoping to get a test in before the Main Event. Big Thanks to Gippy and Nigel for all the advise and support, mickey taking, and incredible curries! Thanks too go to my crew - Chris we missed you, Lizzy stop being so impatient, do as you are told and rest, Jake well done to you on your qualifying and dial ins, and Bryony - get you! Knocking two seconds off your time on the last observed run, and rising above it all when things didn't go according to plan! Thanks too to my sponsors Doug at Ensys and Steve at Motorshack.

Springspeed Nationals JDB review.

15th May: At the end of each meeting Lizz McCarthy asks the Junior Drag Bike Racers to write a few lines. Here is their take on the Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway:

Scott Collier JPB1: We started the weekend not knowing how the bike was going to run at all. This was down to having put a new lock up clutch on my bike which I had made with the help of George Laycock at GLS engineering. This was the week leading up to the event! On the first qualifying run we just had a complete guess at my dial in so we put 9.00, the bike launched, spun a little and hit the wheelie bars and ran an 8.80! When I got back to the pits Dad stripped down the clutch to check the plates. He decided to put a little weight on the arms and we lowered my dial for the next run. But just as I was about to start up my bike to go down to race, smoke started pouring out of the fairing, dad realised after stripping the wires that one or them had shorted on the chassis. But it was fixed for the second day of qualifying. Thanks to my Dad, Glyn, Stewart and Duncan for repairing it. On the Sunday we dialled in an 8.60 and the bike ran an 8.609 handing me the number one qualifying spot on the last run.

Alfie Udall JMB2: I felt quite okay this time, easier than it was before and I nearly got the hang of launching the bike. There were some good races but still eventually it did rain on the last day which was a great shame to miss out but I still ended up fifth at the event

Jasmine Cordelle JMB3: I did quite well. I started at fourth in qualifying then at the end of the weekend I got to third qualifier. On the Bank Holiday Monday we were supposed to start our eliminations but sadly it got called off because of the weather. Hopefully at our next Championships we can do a full weekend :-)

Brett Cordelle JPB4: Saturday and Sunday qualifying was perfect, you couldn't ask for any better weather. Springspeed wasn't really my meeting as neither myself nor the bike were getting the right times on the board. I hope round four has better weather and the bike runs. Rain stopped play again on Monday.

Jordon Bissell JPB10: Good weekend with the weather. I had a few issues with the carb flooding but my top mechanics Glyn and Stu have redesigned the KTM carb, so fingers crossed no more flooding! My engine has gone off with Scott to have a nice new lock-up clutch built. Was quite impressed with my wheelie start on one of my runs! LOL, had my mum worried at home though! Then it rained and that was that!

Conor Meehan JMB6: I had a few problems with this bike misfiring. Wendy and Tim discovered there was a problem with the ignition. Thanks to Kev who had a spare coil and sorted the problem out. Also thanks to everyone else who helped out! When he went out after he did have a better run. Hopefully in August we will get better weather and actually get further than qualifying!

Louis Davis JMB7: The Springspeed Nationals was the first chance to race in a meeting at Shakey with my new bike. On Saturday Round 1 we dialled in a 10.30 but I ran a 10.66 due to a stronger headwind than we had anticipated which put me thirrd qualifier. On Saturday Round 2 we changed the dial-in time to 10.45 and I ran a 10.56 this was an improvement on my first run and put me second qualifier. On Sunday Round 3 I decided to do a brake start to improve my reaction time. We lowered the dial-in to 10.20 as we knew the start would be quicker and the wind had dropped quite a bit. My reaction was 0.158 and I ran 10.27 which kept me in second place. On Sunday Round 4 we dialled in a 10.25 as we had not made any changes and annoyingly I ran a 10.247 just 0.003 below my dial-in, this left me as fourth qualifier. On Monday we did not race because surprisingly it was raining again. We are not making any changes to the bike before the August meeting but going to have lots of fun and practice at the RWYBs.

Jake Charman JMB11: We arrived at the track late Friday night to find the awnings already set up thanks to Gipp and Nige for helping Lizz, as she has two broken wrists, so all that was left to do was get my bike out of the van. Saturday morning was mostly spent getting the wheelie bars on and doing the usual maintenance on the bike ready for scruitineering in a few hours. For my first run I decided to keep my dial in of 10.28 from Easter, as I hadnt had a chance to adjust it at the Big Bang. I went into stage ready for a five-second wait, Liams lights dropped and my side redlit, I ran my run, slightly miffed. When I got back dad told me I had rolled out of stage. We decided not to do a burnout for the next run just because we still wanted to test the track after the previous run. I dialled in a 10.28 and ran an 11.014 at 61.22 mph. The bike bogged a little off the line, a close race with only 0.182 in it. After the bog on the last run we decided again, not to do a burnout. My dial in was 10.28 and after another slight bog, I ran an 11.213 at 63.11 mph. I decided to change my dial in to 11.0 for what would turn out to be my last run. The bike bogged and I ran an 11.121 at 63.03 mph. I would like to thank Dad, Lizz, Bryony, my sponsors, Alan at RCP Training, Uncle Steve at Motorshack and all the staff at Shakespeare County Raceway.

Liam Holgate JB100: The youngest and newest member of Junior Drag Bike, and his first competition. At eight years old he did really well, hardly nervous at all. Parents were worse! Before the rain set in he was looking more and more confident. One to watch!

Help sought for Lorna.
15th May: Kerryanne Frazier is on a mission and is asking for the assistance of Eurodragster.com readers to help one of the drag racing family:

One of my good friends Lorna Barter, who does a lot for everyone else and is a member of our drag racing family, would benefit from a remarkable device named the Tek RMD. Lorna has been an avid race fan and was a bike rider until in the late 1980s when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an illness that is incurable and eats away at your nervous system. The illness has progressed so that now Lorna is constantly wheelchair bound which in itself creates numerous problems. She is having far too many falls and is incapable of moving herself in and out of the chair, so is completely chair-bound 24/7.

This new Tek RMD device is remote-controlled and the user can enter the system forwards eliminating the need to throw yourself into the traditional wheelchair, enabling the user to be able to get in and out of a traditional bed etc. So from initially waking each morning the user can be independent and start the day upright. The new device also allows daily exercise which is vital to preserve the existing muscles and to prevent any further muscle wastage.

The Tek RMD costs $15,000 and I am asking for help to raise this sum to help one of our drag racing family. We have received donations, promises of sponsored cycle rides, marathon runs, neck and shoulder massages etc, the list goes on. Our first event at Shakespeare County Raceway raised £500 and for our second fund-raising event we are hoping to run a raffle during the day and an auction during the evening, run by Nigel of Nitro FM, at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod. If anyone has any prizes to donate these would be gratefully received. For more information please E-Mail me at kfrazier@btinternet.com or call me on 07703 343534. We are on Facebook under Lorna's Tek RMD so please stop by and say hello. Thank you for reading and hopefully helping.

Competition Clutch open UK base.
15th May: Respected American transmission company Competition Clutch is building on the sales success of its diverse race-quality clutch range by opening a dedicated UK sales office and logistics centre. Competition Clutch has partnered with industry leading logistics provider Universal Automotive to allow UK end-users and retailers to enjoy the same levels of stockholding and customer service that has made the brand so popular in its native USA.

Based in Kidderminster, Universal Automotive's state-of-the-art, 40,000 square foot, computer controlled facility will carry all popular Competition Clutch lines for immediate delivery, with the ability to rapidly order more specialist products from the states with very short lead times. Universal are also the logistics partners for household names like Denso, Brembo and Monroe.

At present the Competition Clutch range covers literally hundreds of fitments and includes fast road and motorsport clutch kits, discs and flywheels. The range has already found favour in the UK, being the first choice of many drag racers and drifters as well as being specified as a control part for one-make racing series such as the Buddy Club Civic Cup.

Commenting on this latest development Dan McCarny, sales manager for Competition Clutch, said "We are delighted to be able to offer our UK customers a dedicated call centre and customer service team, as well as the fact that by working with Universal we can increase our inventory of parts and improve our speed of delivery. This is a great partnership for us that will allow us to build on the success and hard work of our existing UK dealer network."

For more details on the Competition Clutch range, please visit www.competitionclutch.com or call the UK team on 01562 512512.

Web site updates.
15th May: In the latest instalment of his Nostalgia Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, Allard Chrysler Action Group Chair Brian Taylor reports upon the latest developments in the restoration of the Allard Chrysler Dragster and looks forward to Dragstalgia. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Our good friend Jon Spoard has updated his UK Drag Racing Nostalgia web site with pictures from last week's Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can check out Jon's excellent shots at www.ukdrn.co.uk.

The Mad Welshman has updated his Flickr site with pictures of Saturday's action at the Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals. You can check out Mad's pictures at www.flickr.com/photos/the_madwelshman.

Tony Gransden.
14th May: We were very sorry to hear from Ray White of the death of the UK's Tony Gransden. Ray writes:

Tony was a partner in American Autoparts. He raced a twin-turbo Camaro in the 1980s and also partnered Terry Gibbs in the Camaros Unlimited car. I raced against him in Super Gas. Tony partnered with Alex Nicol from the mid 1990s until well into the 2000s. Everyone knew him from our SuperGas and Super Comp days. He was a real character and paired with Alex was renowned for a sense of humour and great sportsmanship. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. RIP.

We have set up a tribute page for Tony which you can read by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If you would to send a tribute then please E-Mail tributes@eurodragster.com.

Our deepest sympathies to Tony's wife Angie, their daughters, and to all of his family and friends.

EDRS Nationals updates.

13th May: Eliminations are taking place at Tierp Arena under a clear blue sky. You can stay in touch with results from the EDRS Nationals via the Resultat link at www.nitroz.se.

In addition our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson has kindly sent us a gallery from the weekend, which is presented in association with Lucas Oil Products and which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

If we can be forgiven a moment of partisanship, our congratulations to UK Pro ET racer Dan Williams on making the final of Stock/Super Stock in his first outing in the class and on his first visit to Tierp.

EDRS Nationals updates.
12th May: The EDRS Nationals, the first round of this year's EDRS Series, takes place at Tierp Arena this weekend. As well as an EDRS Championship round a number of Pro racers will be testing and you will be able to stay in touch with all of the action at Tierp via the Resultat link at www.nitroz.se.

In addition, our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson is kindly sending us end-day galleries and you can check out today's gallery, which is presented in association with Lucas Oil Products, by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Courtesy of Åsa Kinnemar of Speedgroup we have received the following pit notes from Tierp:

19:30 Johan Lindberg had the quickest ET by far in Pro Mod during the last qualifying session. The 6.012 run looked straight and smooth and Johan was this content and relaxed after the run.

Crew Chief Jonnie Lindberg was quick to hid the Racepak graphs on the screen for this photo, while laughing. Here with Top Methanol Funny Car pilot and EDRS Workgroup member Jonas Staflund.

Micke Gullqvist managed the last session with a 6.51 which put him in eighth place in the ladder, he found traction a bit out at the track and the car went straight and quick over the remaining part. The top speed of 394 kmh was the fastest in Pro Mod today. Gullqvist will run all Swedish Championship events at Tierp Arena which we gather that most of the fourteen drivers on site will also do.

Mattias Wulcan has a new car for this year after a few seasons of struggling with a car that both flipped over and hit the guard rails almost every run. Wulcan's start at Tierp is seventh place in the ladder with a 6.50.

Super Gas two-car team Christer Uhlin (on the ground) and Olav Skejrvö were number two and number one qualifiers in Super Gas and both were all smiles when we paid a visit to congratulate. They are also involved in the EDRS event at the Hell track in Norway which will take place on the last weekend in June.

Comp Eliminator racer Stig Olsson was second quickest after the qualifying with his nostalgia front engine dragster. His company Stig O and his suppliers Transmission Specialties are also new in the EDRS Contingency Program for 2012.

A few of the FIA and UEM Championship teams we expect on track tomorrow for test and tune include the Leanders Bros (Top Methanol Funny Car Champions) , Mikael Larsson also TMFC Funny Car, Pro Stock teams Callin, Lindström, Palmqvist and Sagelv (new in the class 2012), Samu Kemppainen and Hans-Olav Olstad in Supertwin, and of course all the Pro Mod teams who will fight for points in the EDRS European Drag Racing Series and Swedish Championship, both administered by Speedgroup.

17:15 Mats Eriksson (left) with Mikael Larsson Top Methanol Funny Car and Niklas Andersson Pro Mod (right). Mats shook tires during the second round and is currently no. 5 with a 6.56, whilst Andersson is in 12th spot. Mikael Larsson, who is at Tierp for test and tune, said they will probably wait to Sunday to test.

Micke Gullqvist shut off before starting as he could spot a hose fuel leak from his driver's seat and there was no time to fix it. One more run is scheduled and Gullqvist will have another chance to run for a spot in the ladder.

Rikard Gustafsson, European Funny Bike Cup Champion of 2011 has changed clutch and touched the world record first run out 6.433 and he said afterwards that they did not even try to go for it, just set the bike up to run smoothly which was clearly the way to go under the current circumstances.

PerErik Lindgren, 2011 Swedish Champion in Comp Eliminator, doubles in Comp and Stock Super Stock this season. Still outside the field in Comp but on the upper part of the ladder in Stock Super Stock. Hectic time for Lindgren this weekend!

Kalle Lyrén tested his Pro Stock Bike two weeks ago at Malmö, where he ran his quickest incremental times so far in Europe. At Tierp the first run out Kalle did not find traction but will be back for more testing. Pictured are Kalle with dad and team manager Roger Lyrén.

Martin Lundkvist is low qualifier in Pro Mod with the turbo car after two sessions with a 6.16. He said the car did just what they expected and that he looks forward to the third session which is coming up soon.

It's in the 'Blood!

12th May: Team Turboville and CHF Racing had a great outing at last weekend's VoltzEnergy Shots Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. Ian Turburville writes:

Sunday even saw a little sunshine and the track came around for some exciting racing in the Wild Bunch. I am still learning to drive the car but it's all good fun. We had no idea what to dial in but as we are progressing we broke out on every run.

The first round of eliminations was wisely held on Sunday afternoon as rain was forecast for Monday. We drew Bob Hawkins in his super-quick nitrous rail. We dialled in an 8.9 to be safe as our best to then had been 8.96. It was a perfect side-by-side drag race and we both broke out as the track had improved so much and the air was good. I broke out the most so lost but was very happy with my 8.73 Personal Best and top speed of the meet at 158 mph! Big thanks to Steve Leedell, Martin Chesworth, Ingrid Chesworth, Crunch and the rest of the 'Bunch.

Dave Derry put a Hero camera on the car for the last two runs and you can see that on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3vYbrCpl-U.

The car is all good and we have entered Super Pro ET at the FIA Main Event along with three other Wild Bunch crazies! I shall also be helping Canadian Supertwin racer Nate Gagnon, so it'll be a busy week for me!

Big news this week, Laura said we needed a new hero card to give to fans as so many people seem to like the car, so I had a think. I wanted something special and different, then it hit me! I contacted my buddy, drag legend and artist extraordinaire Kenny Youngblood. The result is a stunning piece of bold art I think you will agree. Thanks Kenny, you are the man! Apparently Kenny is returning to the UK and will be at the NSRA bash at Billing on 9th-10th, go see him and get a print and an autograph! You can commission a rendering of your car from him too, just go to www.youngbloodart.com.

Swift snippets.
12th May: We have two spy pictures for you today. The first came with the words "Back in black!"...

...whilst the second came with no words at all. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.

All invited to Wallingford.

12th May: UK Super Gas racer Dan Page writes that the 2012 Wallingford Car Rally takes place at 11:00 tomorrow (Sunday) at Wallingford Sports Park and that all are invited:

The Wallingford Car Rally is an annual charity event organised by Haynes Car Centre. It commences with a parade of cars making its way through the historic town of Wallingford and around the bypass, ending at The Kinecroft (a field in the town centre) where the cars will park up and where all the activities will be taking place. There will be a chance to ride in supercars and classic vehicles in exchange for a donation to the event, and other charities with displays and activities throughout the day. There will also be a large display by the local emergency services, with the Wallingford Fire Brigade leading the convoy. Well-known car fanatic and TV personality Mike Brewer is hosting the event, and there will be over 250 vehicles ranging from WRC rally cars, The Who VW Magic Bus, steam engines, motorbikes and lots of other classic vehicles in attendance.

The event raises money for Seesaw and other local charities. The rally is a relaxed affair with no fixed start and finish times, free entry to the public and only a modest charge for vehicle entries, and has proved to be a great success over the previous eight years it has been held. More information at www.wallingfordcarrally.org.uk.

FIA Main Event entry update.
11th May: Ian and Paula Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club have been in touch with an important message for racers contesting the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway on 1st-4th June.

As reported here on Eurodragster.com, SPRC recently had problems with their computer and would like to ensure that no entries were lost whilst the computer was out of action. Please check the official entry list by clicking here; if you are not on the entry list but think that you should be then please forward your original entry E-Mail to paula.marshall@btconnect.com. It is essential that your original E-Mail is forwarded, rather than creating a new E-Mail.

If you have any queries about FIA Main Event entry then please contact SPRC on the above E-Mail address or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

Ålund's collection run.
11th May: Multiple FIA European Pro Stock Champion Jimmy Ålund and his team are flying out to Jerry Haas' race shop in Fenton, Missouri this weekend to pick up Jimmy's all-new 2012 Camaro Pro Stock. Stefan Boman writes:

"We will do some testing at a local track before heading to the NHRA race in Topeka Kansas, on 18th-20th May", says Jimmy. "Directly after this the car will be airfreighted to Sweden with support from the good people of Geodis, KW Parts and Exclusive Cars. Our goal is to update the team web site at www.jimmyalund.com with regular video clips from this adventure so please check it out.

"Air freighting the car will make it possible for us to be in England for the start of the 2012 FIA European Championship, and we are looking forward to defending our number one position."

Drag racing in the classroom.

11th May: The Allard Chrysler Action Group has been working with the Institute of the Motor Industry using the Allard Chrysler restoration project to excite young people about the motor industry. As an extension of this strategy, the IMI has recently launched Indicate, a set of motoring-themed, free teaching resources which schools can use to deliver the Key Stage 3 maths curriculum and introduce students to the motor industry. And guess what? It includes a drag racing exercise.

Sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover and available to schools nationwide, the resources comprise a student workbook and a twelve-lesson teaching plan based on real-life activities within the motor industry. This covers subjects like statistics and data analysis, spanning sub-sectors which include motorsport, parts, sales and heavy vehicle. Crucially, the lessons allow students to explore mathematical concepts such as equivalence, proportional thinking and relationships and express them in written and oral forms.

Emily Hakansson, IMI Careers Development Manager, said "Speaking to apprentices over the last year, I found that they showed great enthusiasm for maths in practice coupled with conceptual understanding. When discussing road cars and motor sport for example, they could talk at length about power-to-weight ratios and how they impact acceleration and lap times. This prompted us to build Indicate around real world examples from the motor industry hence the inclusion of drag racing. Our aim is to make maths as engaging as possible for learners."

ACAG Chair Brian Taylor said "I am really chuffed that the IMI has now included a drag racing-themed exercise in this exciting new programme available to schools. The drag racing element is about budgeting and it is the sort of development I have hoped for as part of getting young people involved in our project and our sport. Any teachers reading this who are drag racing fans make sure you get the details. Any students who are fans, tell your teachers."

To register for the teaching resources visit www.autocity.org.uk/headlight/indicate.

Bentec Engineering press release.

11th May: Due to a limited race schedule this year, Per Bengtsson and The Beast Supertwin team will only be able to provide racers with Bentec products personally at the following races:

25th-26th May: Spring Wheels, Tierp Arena, Sweden
14th-17th June: Sweden Internationals FIA/UEM, Tierp Arena, Sweden
27th-29th July: Malmö Nationals, Malmö Raceway, Sweden
23rd-26th August: Scandinavian Internationals FIA/UEM, Tierp Arena, Sweden
8th-11th November: Manufacturers World Cup, Valdosta, Georgia, USA

We can of course always provide parts at all UEM races this season through other racers, so please don't hesitate to contact us with your parts requirements.

Bentec Engineering is now a part of FlexoArt Graphic and Engineering. FlexoArt will produce, develop and provide all Bentec products.

New Beast team member from 2011 Eric Frank has also joined FlexoArt and will work together with Per Bengtsson in the racing department to develop and market Bentec products. We are acurrently testing a new larger sprag for the Magnum gearbox in Hans-Olav Olstad's new bike Thunderstruck, and it will be marketed soon.

You can reach Per Bengtsson at per@flexoart.biz and Eric Frank at eric@flexoart.biz.

Sunshine at the Street Nationals.
11th May: You may have noticed already that it has been raining quite a bit recently. Santa Pod Raceway is badly overdue some decent weather, so it's not a moment too soon that they have forecast wall-to-wall sunshine for the Street Nationals this weekend. Rick Cuthbert writes:

If you want to hit the track to do some Run What You Brung, if you want a crack at the handling track, or if you just want to watch some great racing from the invited race classes, the Street Nationals should be top of your list this weekend. The event starts on Saturday and runs to Sunday. Full information is available on the official web site at www.streetnationals.co.uk. Take a look at the unique RWYB competition format with cash prizes!

See you at the weekend no umbrella required, although if you are camping, you might want wellies as the fields are muddy in places.

Problem solved!
9th May: Simon Innes and the UK's Plum Crazy Pro ET team had a disappointing Auto Trader Easter Thunderball, but are now looking forward to the FIA Main Event having located and solved their problem:

It was really annoying and frustrating for all of the team when we qualified nineteenth at Easter after having some problems with the car. The problems came back before the first round of eliminations. The car wouldn't start. It was an electrical problem but we eventually got it running and kept the car running as long as possible down the fire-up road but it was finally our turn to face Paul Marston, which was great as Simon went through the drag racing school with Paul. I'm sure it would have been a close race with the bracket margin, but it wasn't to be and we had to be taken back to the pits.

Once we got back we had a couple of relaxing weekends off so we didn't worry about the car, as it was over a month and half away from the Main Event. This weekend we got the car out of the garage and went through the car from top to bottom looking at the electrics. We found numerous faults with the electrics on the car so we replaced the regulator and the battery isolator switch and rewired some of the car. Several hours later we are ready to compete at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod.

I would like to thank Ashley Bell's Super Pro ET crew for towing us back to the Pro ET pits after they had run.

A weekend converted.
9th May: After fitting a new 383 ci Small Block Chevy to the In'trevean'ous altered over the closed season unfortunately followed by a disappointing Easter Thunderball due to a water leak, UK Pro ET racer Steve Hudson and team were really looking forward to the weekend's Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway so that they could finally get the car down the track and start tuning the new motor:

Regrettably on the first run on Saturday morning we soon realised that the engine was now producing far too much power for the torque converter to handle, as it just balloned at the hit and we were on the rev limiter in second gear by 330 feet. Back in the pits we soon decided that we would not continue and risk damaging the motor or trans by running it on the limiter for nearly 1000 feet.

However, never one to give up, Neil Hunter who was crewing for me for the weekend returned with news of a converter for sale which might do the job. A deal was struck and the work commenced to get it swapped out. This did unfortunately mean that we missed the second qualifier but the job was completed by early evening. A quick run-up on the stands showed that the new converter was stalling at 5500 rpm which was exactly what we were hoping for.

Sunday morning and we were ready to go, but with no real idea of what the car was going to run we took a stab at a 9.30 dial-in confident that we could not break out. All of a sudden it became clear that this car was working properly again. The burnout was really strong and the car felt like it wanted to go. 1.333 to sixty feet and a new PB of 9.34 showed that the work had been well worth it. One more qualifier followed where we got a bit loose at about half track and only ran a 9.48 (still two tenths quicker than the previous PB) which seemed a disappointment. After sitting at the top end to allow the motor to cool a little, I returned to the pit to discover we had now gone into eliminations.

With very little information to go on we lined up against Dave Cherrett in round one. I was relieved to pass Dave at about half-track and to be able to back off at the top to take the round win.

Unfortunately the rain put paid to any further chance to race, but the team are now much more confident that we can again challenge for the Championship and try to improve on last year's third place.

I would like to thank Neil Hunter for not giving up and helping me change the converter, Nick Griffin from Southern Belle Racing for the 'Try before you buy' deal on the converter, Paul Baynton and Nigel Green for the muscle when we needed to move the motor, and Ian Turboville for the new converter bolts. Now on to the Main Event.

Swift snippets.
9th May: UK Pro Modified racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Graham Ellis asked us to say a big Thank You to Santa Pod Racers Club Chief Starter Ian Marshall and the track crew for their efforts to prep the surface at Santa Pod Raceway at the weekend, when Graham was testing his twin-turbo Superbird. "Ian and the team never stopped working for us", said Graham. "I really would like to thank them for giving us the best track possible especially as it had had a lot of rain on it". Ian's efforts and those of Graham and his team paid off as Graham clocked a 6.4 and a 6.5 in testing and came away with a lot of useful information just in time for the FIA Main Event.

UK blown-alcohol altered racers and Eurodragster.com Bloggers Bennett Racing are pleased to announce that Slick Attire are producing a 2012-13 Bennett Racing T-Shirt. "This is great news for the team", says Luke Bennett. "Thanks once again to Slick Attire who have been supporting us for over five years and long may it continue. Don't forget to check out our Relentless T-Shirt which is still on sale". You can find out more at www.slickattire.com.

Puma Engineering press release.
9th May: Puma Engineering have completed the engine and pod assembly of their unique blown parallel nitro twin for delivery to its new owner, Norwegian rider Hans Olav Olstad, where it will be fitted into a previously-supplied rolling chassis.

The engine is a 4.5" (114.3mm) bore and a 3.23" (82mm) stroke, 102.7 cu/in (1683cc) DOHC four valve per cylinder parallel twin. The barrels and heads are separate from each other (unlike Per Bengtsson's Beast parallel twin) and the crank is effectively two individual single cylinder cranks co joined by a spline and sleeve assembly. Another unique aspect is that the primary drive is gear driven, rather than the more usual belt and pulleys.

It is hoped that the bike will be on track for the first time at the season opening European Dragbike Championship round at Santa Pod Raceway on Jubilee weekend.

Web site updates.
9th May: Our good friend Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with pictures from the weekend's Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest updates via the What's New link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.

Springspeed Nationals rained out.
8th May: Yesterday's eliminations at the Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway were rained out without a wheel turning. Given consistently bad weather forecasts for yesterday, APIRA officials made the call to run the first rounds of eliminations of some classes on Sunday afternoon, a brave decision which turned out to be correct and which was generally well-received.

Congratulations to Junior Dragster racer Jacob Kopasz who won the £75 Eurodragster.com/ModUrStang Perfect Light Award with a 0.000 Reaction Time in qualifying. The Perfect Light Award has been reset to £50 for the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway in June. The Eurodragster.com/Gold RV Perfect ET Award went unclaimed and so has rollen over to £100 for the FIA Main Event.

You can check out our Alamo Rent A Car-sponsored Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals coverage by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Our first full Webster Race Engineering/Nimbus Motorsport webcast from SCR was a real hit with a deluge of appreciative feedback for which we are most grateful. Thanks to everyone who got in touch over the weekend, and thanks to Maikel and our friends at Doyousee.me for the provision of streaming services.

We would also like to thank Simon Day of APIRA's Tech Crew for his ready help all weekend without which our coverage would have been nowhere near as good. Thanks also to James Ingram and Carole Ismail without whom there would not have been any Perfect Award decals available at SCR at the weekend.

Swift snippets.
12th May: Many thanks to Paula and Ian Marshall for sending us Version 12 of the official entry list for the FIA Main Event, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 1st-4th June. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Standard-priced entry is now closed; entry, if accepted, is now subject to a late-entry penalty. You can download entry forms from the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc or from the Speedgroup web site at www.speedgroup.eu. If you have any queries about FIA Main Event entry then please contact Santa Pod Racers Club at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

VBS Racing cut schedule.
6th May: Urban Johansson and Linda Thun Tønseth of Sweden's VBS Racing Pro Mod team have been in touch with news of their plans for this season, which unfortunately do not include the entire FIA European Championship Tour:

There have been many rumours around Europe lately about Swedes boycotting Santa Pod. We think boycotting is totally the wrong word, but we can only speak for ourselves. We had already decided at last year's FIA European Finals not to do the whole FIA tour this year for various reasons.

Last year was a very busy year with a new car in, new truck and trailer. Loads of hours and hard work was put in to it. After the Finals it was decided to slow everything down, maybe focus on the Swedish Championship, and other things need to come first this year. But it should be said that because of the shape of the Santa Pod track the decision was easier for us. It's not a safe track as it is now so we are thinking about the drivers and the cars as it could all end really badly. Even if the track has been fixed by now, for this new upcoming season we would not have raced there; as we said, other things need to come first this year, but we really look forward to coming back to Santa Pod to race and to meet up with all our fantastic friends and fans. And who knows, we might be back at the Finals.

Per News FAQ 09 and News FAQ 16 we have now given coverage to both sides of the track issue. We consider that we have been scrupulously fair on this subject and we will take a lot of persuading to take it any further - Ed

Big Bang racer refunds.
5th May: Due to the rain out of last weekend's Big Bang, Santa Pod Racers Club and Santa Pod Raceway are offering racers a percentage refund for their entry and electricity costs.

Racers can either be reimbursed or take a credit, to be used by Big Bang 2013, of £50 for cars and £55 for bikes. The extra £5 for bike racers reflects their higher entry fee due to insurance costs.

For more information please contact Santa Pod Racers Club at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

Kuutniemi's aegrotat.
5th May: We are sorry to have to announce that Finnish Top Methanol Funny Car racer Jarmo "Japa" Kuutniemi is unable to race this season. Jarmo has been diagnosed with a serious illness which is now being treated. According to Japa's doctor the prognosis is good and he hopes to be back racing next year.

Jarmo and his team are disappointed because of the depth of their investment for this coming season, but health is of course the number one priority. Japa is renowned amongst his competitors and fans for never giving up easily, and he will use that same spirit to fight his illness.

Jarmo and the OK Racing Team hope that competition in the TMFC class will be at its usual high level this season, and they are only sorry that they can't be racing with the other teams.

We're sure that all of our readers will join us in sending best wishes to Jarmo and Elisabeth for a very rapid recovery and return to the track.

Thanks to Simo Patoharju for translation - Ed

Swift snippets.

5th May: Lena Perés writes that this year's Borlänge Street Open at Dala Airfield has moved from its traditional late-July date to 30th June-1st July. Lena also tells us that this year's may be the last Street Open at the airfield as the runway is due to be relaid after which only aircraft will be allowed on it.

European fans have someone to cheer on at the ADRL Northeast Drags II at Maple Grove as Swedish Pro Modified racer Adam Flamholc is contesting his third ARDL event of the season. A webcast is available at www.adrl.us, results will be available courtesy of our Drag Race Central colleagues at www.dragracecentral.com, and Adam will be updating from the track on the Flamholc Racing Facebook page. Good luck Adam and stay safe.

Bartlett on FIA Main Event.
4th May: Santa Pod Raceway CEO Keith Bartlett has provided Eurodragster.com with the following statement about the FIA Main Event:

There have many rumours recently and varying stories doing the rounds regarding the forthcoming race team entries into the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway on 1st-4th June. The majority of these stories have been started by the racers themselves and in particular from teams who generally campaign the FIA and UEM European Drag Racing Championships.

There are many factors bringing this about.

Firstly the whole situation, and these rumours, have been blown out of all proportion. This is nothing new and often happens within other motorsport disciplines too, where the rumour mill churns from driver to driver, becomes embellished and exaggerated along the way, especially during the closed season.

The bottom line is this. Many of the teams are hurting in economic terms and many of them have far less sponsorship and/or less of their own money to invest into their race cars. Combined with the overall European economy and outlook, many racers can now afford less time away from their business and careers as a result. In addition, we now have the very high costs to travel around the 2012 European Drag Racing Championships tour. For the Swedish race teams in particular, the cost of travel to the UK is the greatest and some of the teams do not have the money to travel this far twice in the season. The same will apply to some of the UK racers looking to go to Sweden and the new Tierp Arena; they will not have the money to travel there twice in the 2012 season. There is a set FIA travel fund that all the tracks pay to the racers and teams who travel from abroad to any one round of the FIA and UEM Championships. This fund, with today's greatly increased travel costs, is in need of a review. That, however, has to be done in a correct and proper manner in conjunction with all the track owners and organisers, Speedgroup, the FIA and the UEM, and this needs to be set one year in advance.

The other issue is that of the track surface. As I have made clear, the whole track needs relaying totally and properly. It is not just a case of resurfacing. The foundations have to be ripped up and completely relaid as well as a new surface applied to the entire length of the track and much of the shutdown area. Once the management team at Santa Pod looked at the full extent of the works to be carried out, it was clear that the cost was over double the original budget. This meant that Santa Pod would not be able to attempt these works during the winter months of 2011 - 2012 as had been previously planned.

Most classes, like Top Fuel Dragster, Fuel Funny Car, Top Methanol Dragster and Top Fuel Bike, have no issues with the track anyway, but other classes like Pro Stock, Pro Mod may have had issues with some bumps at the end of the track. The track has now had a lot of preparation work carried out on it and more will be completed in the weeks leading up to the FIA Main Event. As always the very experienced track crew at Santa Pod will give the racers the best track they can to run on. The track, and in particular the start line, should be up to the level the racers are expecting.

The new start line, which was only completed six days before the 2011 FIA European Finals, is now a much improved one and given some respite in the rain, warm weather in the lead up, plus some good cars going down the track at the Pro Peak Test Day, there is no reason why it should not be very good.

We already have a healthy entry with many European teams competing in the following classes: Top Fuel Dragster (TF), Pro Modified (PM), Top Methanol Dragster (TMD), Top Fuel Bike (TFB) and Super Twin Bike (STB), Pro Stock Bike (PSB) in addition to four Fuel Funny cars (AAFC). Of course, we do still have teams coming from Pro Stock (PS) and Top Methanol Funny Car (TMFC) including Europeans.

This current situation of uncertainty about some teams not coming to the Main Event has not been created by Speedgroup or Trakbak Racing Ltd but by certain race teams choosing not to enter for reasons best known to themselves. However, we at Santa Pod are very confident of a very good entry of race teams overall and given good weather we look forward to a very exciting first round of the FIA and UEM European Drag Racing Championships.

See you at the track.

Urgent Springspeed pitting notice.
4th May: Due to another day of heavy rain lashing the area, hard standing will be at a premium at this weekend's Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway:

Officials and pit staff will make every effort to get racers pitted correctly according to their completed pit allocation forms. With this in mind we respectfully ask any racer with an open trailer not needed during the event to park it behind the wall with any security devices fitted, although there will be marshals parked behind the wall throughout the weekend and overnight. Some racers have asked for space for a tow vehicle and a trailer to help secure an awning. Maybe to help us you could ask your neighbouring racer to secure your awnings to their trailer!

Although pit marshals had every intention of marking out the individual pit bays yesterday, unfortunately this hasn't been possible and may effect the time at which the pit gate eventually opens today (scheduled opening time 12:00 noon). Please be patient with the pit marshals as it is not their fault that the weather isn't playing ball.

Swift snippets.
4th May: 19:30 Many thanks to Paula and Ian Marshall for sending us Version 11 of the official entry list for the FIA Main Event, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 1st-4th June. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Standard-priced entry closes today (Friday); you can download Pro and Sportsman entry forms from the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc or from the Speedgroup web site at www.speedgroup.eu. If you have any queries about FIA Main Event entry then please contact Santa Pod Racers Club at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

European fans have someone to cheer on at the ADRL Northeast Drags II at Maple Grove as Swedish Pro Modified racer Adam Flamholc is contesting his third ARDL event of the season. Qualifying starts today (Friday). A webcast is available at www.adrl.us, results will be available courtesy of our Drag Race Central colleagues at www.dragracecentral.com, and Adam will be updating from the track on the Flamholc Racing Facebook page. Good luck Adam and stay safe.

Brett Hawksbee and Danny Allen write with heavy hearts that they are having to cancel this weekend's RPM Show as the Stonham Barns site is flooded. They offer apologies to anyone who was going but ask that you keep your eyes on www.shows-uk.com for future events.

UEM SSB Cup update.
3rd May: Geoff Myers, the administrator of the UEM European Cup for Super Street Bike, has been in contact to advise racers that UEM European Cup registration is now closed for the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway on 1st-4th June.

SSB racers can still enter the FIA Main Event but they will not be able to claim travel, qualifying or round payments as UEM rules clearly state that to be eligible for payments they must have registered for the Cup a minimum of thirty days days prior to an event.

To ensure that teams wishing to race in the remaining UEM SSB Cup rounds are not caught out, the rest of this season's schedule and registration deadlines are as follow:

10th-12th August: NitrOlympX, Hockenheimring, Germany - registration deadline 10th July
18th-20th August: Kunmadaras, Hungary - registration deadline 19th July
6th-9th September: FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway, England - registration deadline 6th August

You can download the registration form (PDF format) by clicking here.

Springspeed Nationals racer update.
3rd May: Shakespeare County Raceway have been in touch with an update on the arrangements for this weekend's (Saturday-Monday 5th-7th) Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals.

The final version of the official entry list is now available; you can view the list by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Saturday's provisional running order is now available and can be viewed by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please note that this running order is provisional and subject to change for track or weather conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials.

Event officials would like to stress the following to crew members attending the start line:

Please do not lean on the safety barriers.
Please vacate the area after your vehicle or class has run.
Only members of the Press/Media are allowed to stand next to the armco.
Please do not stand in front of any rescue vehicle or Paramedic/Ambulance unit.

Any violation of the above rules may lead to expulsion from the area.

In light of recent events all pit vehicles including golf buggies, quad bikes and pit bikes may only be used for essential transportation by crew members and not for recreational use or fun riding. No one under 17 years of age or not holding a current DVLC licence will be allowed to drive/ride any tow vehicle. Riders of pit bikes must wear a helmet at all times. Pit bikes must not be ridden to the door of Pit Control/Signing On via the traders' area, or the Vehicle Ready Line, or they will be impounded for the duration of the event. Vehicles, including children's bicycles, will be impounded if any of the above rules are not complied with or if excessive speed or careless riding practices are seen at any time throughout the meeting. Please note that these rules, for all motorised pit vehicles, will be enforced throughout the event including after the track has closed for the day. This is for everyone's safety, prevention of damage, and enjoyment of the event.

There will also be a Tractor Pull Test and Tune taking place on the pulling strip near to the main drag strip. This will be in operation at different times during the day and will not interfere with the running of the Springspeed Nationals. There will be a small amount of tractors parked near to the pulling track for sound evaluation tests. If you have the time please go over and have a look from the spectator viewing bank in preparation for the forthcoming Shakey Super Pull on 9th-10th June.

Uncle Steve of Motorshack will be in his familiar spot in the traders' area this coming weekend. Steve will have his usual Motorshack trade unit with him dispensing all manner of goodies including oil products, Motorshack's own brand of fuel addictives, tools, and nitrous oxide refills.

If you have any queries about the Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals then please contact the Raceway at enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk or call 01789 720180 (outside the UK +44 1789 720180).

Swift snippets.

3rd May: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words "Shiny new parts (some from the Gatornationals) for our project. More news and photos before the Main Event". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.

16:30 Many thanks to Paula and Ian Marshall for sending us Version 9 of the official entry list for the FIA Main Event, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 1st-4th June. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Entry closes tomorrow (Friday); you can download Pro and Sportsman entry forms from the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc or from the Speedgroup web site at www.speedgroup.eu. If you have any queries about FIA Main Event entry then please contact Santa Pod Racers Club at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

Thanks to Gabor Majer of Kunmadaras Motorsport for letting us know that France's Eric Teboul clocked a stout 5.24/427.48 kmh on his Rocket Bike at Kunmadaras on Tuesday. You can check out a video of Eric's run at www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUZo_JC43Nk.

Springspeed Nationals Perfect Awards.
3rd May: This weekend's Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway is the third event in the 2012 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards scheme. £150 is on offer for perfect performance.

Racers please note that decals are mandatory for both Perfect Awards this season.

This weekend's Eurodragster.com/ModUrStang Perfect Light Award has been increased to £75 after it went unclaimed at Big Bang. The money will be awarded to the first racer this weekend to record a Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds. The Perfect Light Award is available all to racers in all classes during qualifying and eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to £100 for the FIA Main Event; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the FIA Main Event. The Perfect Light Award is presented in association with vehicle modification specialist ModUrStang whose web site you can find at www.modurstang.co.uk, or visit Mike Lacey in the Pro ET pits.

This weekend's Eurodragster.com/Gold RV Perfect ET Award has been increased to £75 after it went unclaimed at Big Bang. The money will be awarded to the first racer this weekend to run to 0.000 on their dial-in or index during qualifying or eliminations. The Perfect ET Award is available this weekend in Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Sportsman ET, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Lucas Oil Junior Dragster (eliminations only), 8.50 Bike, 9.50 Bike, Wild Bunch, VW Pro, VW Sportsman, Supertwin ET and Junior Drag Bike, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Run of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to £100 for the FIA Main Event; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the FIA Main Event. The Perfect ET Award is presented in association with RV sales and service specialists Gold RV whose web site you can find at www.goldrv.co.uk, or visit Derek Flynn in the Top Methanol pits.

To be eligible to collect either Perfect Award, racers are required to carry decals, one on each side of the vehicle. If you pull this weekend's first Perfect Light or Perfect ET but are not carrying decals then there will be no discussion; we will not pay out and the next person to pull a Perfect Light or Perfect ET will get the money assuming that they are carrying decals. ModUrStang and Gold RV decals will be available in Signing On on Saturday morning.

Springspeed Nationals coverage.
3rd May: Eurodragster.com will be at Shakespeare County Raceway this weekend to bring you all the news from the Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car.

Our coverage will consist of frequently-updated reports on the on-track action each day of the event plus pit notes updated throughout each day and a photo gallery at the end of each day.

The Webster Race Engineering/Nimbus Motorsport webcam is planned to be on-line so long as the track is open and will be broadcasting live video and commentary/Shakey Sounds audio with streaming services provided by our friends at Doyousee.me.

You can check out our Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals event index, which includes the latest version of the entry list and link to the webcam, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Web site updates.
3rd May: In the latest instalment of his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, Kalle Lyrén reports upon a successful test at Malmö for the Veidec Pro Stock Bike team. Don't miss the on-board video. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Editor's note: Can we remind everyone about News FAQ 26. Thank you.

Cooper Racing 'shop update.
2nd May: Matt Cooper writes that it has been a very busy off-season in the Cooper Racing Outlaw Anglia camp:

We have upgraded the chassis to SFI 25.4 spec, and we have replaced the heavy cast SBC block with a nice light ally Donovan unit complete with new rings, bearings etc. Towards the end of last season the 'glide casing cracked, so we have purchased a new JW Ultra-cased glide complete with new torque converter from the States.

The paint was starting to look a bit old so we have given her a lick of paint and some very cool airbrush work by Neil's Auto-Art (07913 476806).

We were planning on running at Big Bang but due to a family bereavement we pulled out. There is still a small amount of work left to do but as you can see from the pictures we are not far off. We are not 100% sure when we will be out but it will be either the Shakey Tractor Pull or the Nostalgia Nats: I am in the process of moving house and keeping the Mrs happy by taking her on holiday!

Towards the end of last year we also completed the rebuild of our little A Series Opel Manta. She recently passed the MOT so expect to see her out pounding the strip at some point this season too. Many thanks to my brother Adam and our sidekick Graham who has recently discovered the art of drag racing!

New home sought for Overkill.
2nd May: The Big Bang was a disappointment for CHF Racing and Team Turboville as the incredibly bad storm washed everyone off the premises, putting paid to Laura Turburville's plans to licence in the unique Harley-powered Overkill dragster. The team have now decided to sell the car. Ian Turburville writes:

Santa Pod did their best in the circumstances and must have taken a big hit financially but they were totally professional as always and have been generous in their recent offer of a partial rain check. The weekend did give us time to sort out some issues and have a long hard think about the future though. The MSA tech boys and the scrutineers had some reservations about Laura's car so we had a couple of meetings and everything was resolved nicely. This is only to be expected with any new and radical design of car. Head scrutineer Amos Meekins consulted ACU Chief Scrutineer Steve Johnson, as he was not familiar with the technicalities of a supertwin motor or slider clutch arrangement. Both seemed to like the car and made a couple of valuable suggestions as to the safety of the clutch and starter arrangements, which have been taken on board 100%. The car now has a full MSA log book and is legal to race in any suitable class. Crunch and I started it up, and Laura drove it out of the tech shed with a big grin!

We do have a team problem though as we are trying to run two cars, although we can never get both to the track at the same meet, and it is getting beyond our resources. The slingshot is performing perfectly and the long term plan is coming together nicely, this involves supercharging it for next year but with period components. Laura wants to race competitively right now though, and I agree that that should be her aim. The Overkill car is a sound concept, that we know works, but will take some development to reach its full potential and to be competitive. Normally this development process is the most exciting and interesting part of any build but Laura is young, I am old, and both of us are running out of patience as everything keeps getting delayed by lost opportunities to test. The Big Bang was also one of Laura's last chances to licence before the FIA Main Event and that is half a year wasted.

So, it is with a very heavy heart that we are putting the Overkill dragster up for sale, complete with a lot of spares and the special tools needed to run such a combo like clutch grinders, starter cart, dataloggers etc. We hope that someone with more time and energy can take it on and develop it fully. It is not as complicated as it looks and Laura says it is just like driving a big Junior Dragster! The car is built with only the best, and safest parts and it's full history can be viewed on Facebook. We might do a deal on a dragster so that Laura can jump straight into the thick of the action, but in the meantime we will continue to develop the car.

Any serious enquiries can be sent to CHF RACING via www.turboville.co.uk.

Swift snippets.
2nd May: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for sending us Version 8 of the official entry list for the FIA Main Event, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 1st-4th June. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Entry closes this Friday (4th); you can download Pro and Sportsman entry forms from the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc or from the Speedgroup web site at www.speedgroup.eu. If you have any queries about FIA Main Event entry then please contact Santa Pod Racers Club at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

Essex-based Wild Bunch Champions Team Gridlock are pleased to announce their latest sponsorship with Swiss professional care products giant Maxolen. The quality label Maxolen of Max Lehner AG has been synonymous with quality for over fifty years of professional know-how in the field of care and cleaning services. Their products meet the highest of international quality standards and include a wide range of services. Team Gridlock will be using their car care product range this season to keep their Competition Altered in show-winning condition. Check out Maxolen's web site at www.maxolen.co.uk.

Tom Bogner of Lucas Oil has decided to sell his '57 Corvette which he has been showing for a couple of years, as he no longer has time to race it. "I am asking $60K turn-key and have an extra set of front and rear wheels and several high dollar spare parts", says Tom. "The car has very few runs on the 1175 hp 605 Chevy. I have only six runs on the elite Comp lifters and a spare set in the trailer along with new valve springs form PAC and titanium retainers and spare T&D rockers and Manton pushrods. This car is a one of a kind and I will not sell it if I can not get a good fair price for it". If you are interested then drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com and we'll put you in touch.

Our good buddy, photographer Matt Woods tells us that the June issue of Performance Ford magazine contains a feature on Matt Smith's Team Extreme V8 Cosworth-powered Escort which is currently to be seen at Peak Performance Days and Run What You Brungs. The Feature includes pictures by Matt W. Performance Ford is available from all good magazine stockists.

Shakespeare County Raceway wish to thank Super Modified racers Belinda and Jeff Bull and Carolynne Campbell for taking time out to display their Chevrolet S10 Pick-Up and Rocket Dragster respectively at RAF Lakenheath last Saturday as well as to hand out event flyers to racegoers who braved the elements to attend the air base's Annual Car and Motorcycle Show. SCR has been invited back for a further display of drag machines to help celebrate the Independence Day Extravaganza on Wednesday 4th July. If anyone is interested in displaying a vehicle then please get in touch with the Raceway at enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk.

Web site updates.
2nd May: In the latest instalment of his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, Eurodragster.com sponsor Derek Flynn tells of his first events working with Malta's Chris Polidano, the new owner of the Gold RV Top Methanol Dragster. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Alan Currans has also updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with the latest bulletin on Pat Neal's restoration of the Veney's Vega Pro Comp Funny Car. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest updates via the What's New link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.

Further to Monday's Swift Snippet, our good buddy Pascal Thébault has sent us a link to a video clip of the conditions which led to the cancellation of the first French ATD Championship round at Mende. You can check out the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJXH6aJi99c.

Springspeed racer arrangements.
1st May: Shakespeare County Raceway have been in touch with an update on the arrangements for this weekend's (Saturday-Monday 5th-7th) Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals:

The official entry list is now available; you can view the list by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Racer tickets, along with Final Instructions, vehicle pass and scrutineering slip will be available at the main gate upon arrival, and will have to be signed for. If any crew members arrive before the racer then they must notify the track beforehand, or wait until the racer arrives at the track to gain entry.

A maximum of four half price racer tickets will be available per team. These can only be purchased on arrival at the main gate and on Friday and Saturday only.

Entry to the pits will commence at 12:00 midday this Friday. If racers wish to arrive on Friday morning, before the pit gate opens, then they are more than welcome to park up and wait. Please note that pit marshals will escort all racers to their designated pit, so please be patient if a queue develops on the entrance road into the pits. Anyone who pits incorrectly will be politely asked to move to their correct allocated pit space.

Scrutineering will commence for both cars and bikes at approximately 17:00 on Friday. Scrutineering will resume on Saturday from 08:00. Signing On will also open at this time.

Saturday's running order will be posted here on Eurodragster.com later this week. Copies will be available in the Signing On office which will open between 18:00 and 20:00-21:00 on Friday.

Shakespeare County Raceway and APIRA would like to thank all the racers for their support for the meeting, especially with the weather and with this being the second event in a very short period for some classes.

If you have any queries about entry to the Voltz Energy Shots Springspeed Nationals then please contact the Raceway at enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk or call 01789 720180 (outside the UK +44 1789 720180).

Urbacher's double date.

1st May: 2011 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion and Eurodragster.com sponsor Urs Erbacher has announced that he will not be defending his title this season. Urs will be contesting only two of this year's Championship events, at Hockenheim and Tierp Arena both in August, due to a shortfall in funds.

"We are still working to get the money for more races but it looks bad", says Urs. "So we have decided to race only at Hockenheim and Tierp this year. The Supertwin ridden by Lorenz Stäuble will race only at Hockenheim this year.

"So for all my fans and friends in England, sorry but we are not showing up at the FIA Main Event. I wish my competitors and friends in Top Fuel a nice fight to find a new Champion in 2012 without me. But we will win in Hockenheim and at Tierp and if the weather helps us we may win the Championship. We are working hard to put the money together for the last two races in the NHRA Championship, Vegas and Pomona, and it is still an ambition to win one race in USA. So if everything comes together we will be in Vegas in October.

"I also have a new racing challenge. I have got my Historic International FIA race licence and I will start Historic Hillclimb races with this 1966 Corvette I bought from the Neufeld brothers in Zurich. The car was raced in the USA from 1967 until 1981 and was in storage after that. But there is still a lot of work to put it back on the track.

"The Supertwin is still for sale. We have reduced the price to €55000 including all the tools and spares, and we have a lot of extras including clutch machine etc. For that money we will give away all the secrets and books plus Lorenz' help with the bike at some tracks. If you are interested in a Championship bike which knows how to win then please feel free to contact Lorenz or I."

Swift snippets.
1st May: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for sending us Version 7 of the official entry list for the FIA Main Event, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 1st-4th June. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Entry closes this Friday (4th); you can download Pro and Sportsman entry forms from the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc or from the Speedgroup web site at www.speedgroup.eu. If you have any queries about FIA Main Event entry then please contact Santa Pod Racers Club at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

Our best wishes to blown-Daimler dragster legend Russ Carpenter who was taken into hospital last week with stomach pains which turned out to be problems with his gall bladder with pancreatitis for good measure (A quick call to Gillian Taylforth will help with the latter - Ed). Latest news from son Andrew is that the symptoms are clearing only slowly but that the medicos are positive. Get Well Soon Russ.

Editor's note: Only a quick news update today because of pressure of work in your News Editor's day job. We have a backlog which we will clear this evening so stay tuned for news from CHF Racing and Team Turboville, Cooper Racing and more, and please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com.

Earlier news