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Swift snippets.

8th February: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com appears to have come from a racer in the UK's Fuel ranks who asks "What better use when it can no longer hold oil? It's just an expensive way to go gardening". If you would like to send your own spy picture then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.

Gary Kay tells us that he now has Jayne Kay's Pink Lady Super Pro ET Funny Car running on all eight cylinders and that you can check out a YouTube clip of the fire-up at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlIHsxhS4_Y. The team's web site at www.pinkladyracing.moonfruit.com has been updated with video links and more, and Gary would be pleased to hear from anyone who has any information or pictures about the FC when it was first run by Frank Manzo in the late 1990s. You can contact Gary through the web site.

Regular Eurodragster.com readers will know that Rhonda Cohen, whose husband Anthony Cohen sponsors Eurodragster.com through American Car Imports, has been working on a thesis on sports psychology particularly in drag racing. Anthony tells us that Rhonda is to be interviewed on Inside Sport on UK network BBC1 at 10.35 pm this evening (Monday). You can read more at www.sportpsych.co.uk/press-release.

Herb Andrews is trying to find Sweden's Håkan Andersson who purchased the former Plan X slingshot dragster. If you are out there Håkan, or if anyone reading this has Håkan's contact details then please drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com and we'll put you in touch.
©Eurodragster.com
Tony Byng has been in touch to thank those who chose him to be presented with the Anya Yates Memorial Trophy. "I know that this is a very special award in memory of a very special person", says Tony, "I feel very honoured. I would like to congratulate all of the other Perpetual Award winners, and hope that it will be a great new season for everybody". Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog would also like to thank all those who have been in touch or posted on forums to congratulate him on being presented with the APIRA Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy.

Apologies to those contributors who received E-Mail rejected replies when writing to our News address over the weekend. Please be assured that your E-Mails did arrive here at Eurodragster.com; the reject message was from Tog's mail server in his day job as E-Mails sent to our News address are automatically passed on to Tog's day job address. Apologies also for the downtime on Saturday which was due to a problem which affected our ISP's entire operation and not just Eurodragster.com.

Web site updates.
8th February: In the latest instalment in his exclusive Racer Blog, multiple ACU UK Pro Stock Bike Champion and European record holder Dave Beck explains how he managed to surprise some Swedes in the USA. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
©Eurodragster.com
Thanks to Jan Phersson of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Simpsonshop.se for pointing us to an interesting story about John Force's new involvement in Simpson's safety products. You can check out that story at www.simpsonraceproducts.com.

Editor's note: As mentioned in the earlier incarnation of today's news update your News Editor is having a busy day, so you will have to tune back to tomorrow's update for a season preview from Finnish Top Methanol Dragster racer Esko Raisvuo and Eurodragster.com News sponsor Mike Manners' thoughts on running 100% nitro. In the meantime please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com.

UK Champions, Perpetual winners honoured.
7th February: The winners and runners-up in the 2009 UK National Championships, MSA British Drag Racing Championship, APIRA and Santa Pod Racers Club Championships, and British Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductees were presented with their trophies at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation in Northampton last night (Saturday). The winners of APIRA's Perpetual Awards and SPRC's Perpetual Awards and Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year trophy, for whom Eurodragster.com readers had the chance to vote, were also presented with their trophies.

Congratulations to the Perpetual Award winners:

SPRC Most Promising Newcomer: Jake Mechaell (9.50 Bike)
SPRC Best Appearing Car: Adele and Steve Woodbridge (Outlaw Flat Four)
SPRC Best Appearing Bike: Thomas Granica (Super Street Bike)
SPRC Most Professional Appearing Team: Nosferatu Racing (Super Pro ET)
SPRC James Edgar Memorial Trophy: Ric Naylor (TVR Power Pro Stock Bike)
SPRC Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy: Job Heezen (Supertwin)
SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy: Carole Ismail

APIRA Iris Page Memorial Trophy: Luke Bennett
APIRA Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy: Tog
APIRA Endeavour Award: Peter Donaldson
SCR Award for Outstanding Achievement: Andy Hadfield
SCR Sportswoman of the Year Trophy: Helen Smythe
Anya Yates Memorial Trophy: Tony Byng

Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year Trophy: Jon Morton
SMRA Crew Chief of the Year: Graham Barrs
Red Light Trophy: Nigel Green

British Drag Racing Hall of Fame
Peter and Erica Bartlett
Harold Bull
Geof Hauser
Al O'Connor
Krister Johansson

Many thanks to all of the Eurodragster.com readers who submitted votes for the APIRA and SPRC Perpetual Awards and for the Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year trophy. Tog would like to add a personal Thank You to the Committee of APIRA for the nomination for the Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy, to all of those Eurodragster.com readers who voted for him, to his Eurodragster.com team-mates Simon, Roger, Kirstie and Ed who share in this accolade, to the racers, Clubs, officials and promoters who give us things to write about, and to the sponsors who give us the means to do it.

More support for Carter's US trio.

5th February: Ben Allum of Carter Motorsports' NHRA operation has been in touch to welcome hurleypalmerflatt on board for 2009 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter's forthcoming trio of NHRA events and to thank Chairman Paul Flatt for the company's support.
©Eurodragster.com
hurleypalmerflatt is a leading international multi-disciplinary consultancy providing quality solutions for global clients. They have experts based in London, Glasgow, Dublin, Dubai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, New York, Singapore and Sydney. hurleypalmerflatt provide a full range of services including building services, energy and sustainability, structures, IT consultancy, property services and mission-critical Engineering. By integrating their expertise across disciplines, they serve all sectors for both new build and refit/refurbishment with work spanning over twenty sectors including financial services, education, technology, commercial and construction and property.

"Engineering excellence and innovation are at the heart of all we do and our integrated approach ensures that our clients' buildings consistently exceed their expectations at every stage of each project", says Paul Flatt. Four time European Champion and current record holder Andy Carter says "We are really pleased to have hurleypalmerflatt supporting us with this venture, their commitment to engineering excellence is a great match for us and it is a real shot in the arm to get support from a major global player."

Straight talk from Bellio.
5th February: Belgian Top Methanol FC racer Danny Bellio says that he and his team will be taking one race at a time this year. "You should try getting sponsors when you're the only racer in Belgium and there are no drag races over here", he says.
©Eurodragster.com
"We are busy getting the car ready. The first thing we had to get fixed was our chassis because I had big problems steering it at the end of the track. I thought I was doing something wrong but we took the car to Andy Robinson for a look and luckily Andy found the problem and fixed it. I hope it will drive like a Cadillac again and we can focus on the tune-up again instead of figuring out what's wrong with the steering.

"We are going to the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod to do some testing and we'll see how it goes from there. It will be harder this year: with more cars in the class it's more fun to get qualified. We will try to perform better now that the chassis is fixed."

Thank you Paul!
5th February: UK Pro ET racer Steve Hudson has been in touch to ask us to thank fellow Pro ET racer Paul Baynton for his help with a problem which he recently suffered:

After a good 2009 season, I thought all was ready for 2010. I had no major plans to change much, just to keep working on the consistency it takes to run in Pro ET and to be competitive.
©Eurodragster.com
I decided that the only work needed on the motor this winter was to pull the heads off and fit a stud kit as I had had issues with head gaskets in 2008. Unfortunately, once the heads were removed, it became clear that the block was starting to suffer. The bolt threads were seriously worn and a couple of them looked as if they had stripped themselves. A couple of helicoils were fitted but it was decided that the damage was terminal for that block.

Several depressed minutes followed until a call to Paul Baynton secured the use of his double Championship-winning Small Block Chevy. Fortunately for me, Paul is upgrading to a 383 ci motor for this year and this left his old 327 ci motor sat in his garage. We are both curious to see what the motor will run in a lightweight altered after being ultra consistent in Paul's Capri.

Now the mad thrash begins to get it swapped out and ready for Easter. Cheers Paul, I owe you one, two...

Racers offered secure storage.
5th February: Ray Eldred has been in touch to let us know that a dedicated race car storage facility is now available close to Santa Pod Raceway:

The facility is very secure and has easy access for big trailers and tow vehicles. Located near the A6, it is approximately fifteen minutes from Santa Pod Raceway. This is a new storage facility and business venture which offers indoor and outdoor secure storage from just £5 per week. Its an ideal solution for racers who have to travel long distances towing trailers or for anyone looking for low-cost and safe storage for their race vehicles. The indoor area is approximately 30,000 square feet with high tech security systems in place.
©Eurodragster.com
For obvious reasons I do not want to disclose the exact location but if any racers are interested in this please contact me at Hauser Racing on 01933 682500, or E-Mail me via my team web site at www.nosferatu-racing.co.uk.

Type Approval update.
5th February: Anthony Cohen, MD of Eurodragster.com Main Sponsor American Car Imports writes to us in his capacity as Chairman of the American Import Agents Association to let us know that the campaign against the latest European Type Approval proposals, which threaten the import of American vehicles, is having an effect but that the pressure needs to be maintained:

If at all possible, those people who have not yet written to their MEPs should actually do it. We must maintain the pressure. In drag racing parlance, we have only been through qualifying - race day has not started yet. The letter to MEPs is still very important! I always believed that "people power" from the people with the most horsepower would get the legislators to wake up, sit up and rethink! The MEPs, the UK and American Government and the FIA are aware of the support from Eurodragster.com and the European drag racing scene.
©Eurodragster.com
Last week I gave a seventeen-minute presentation to the Type Approval technical experts from the twenty seven Member States and thirty other people representing the Automotive sector in Europe. This was the bi-annual meeting of the Motor Vehicle Working Group at the European Commission.

At this moment in time, I believe that the European Commission is trying to find the best way to take account of all of our representations. In the last few days I have written to the FIA to garner their support - it was they who initiated the issue when they crash-tested one of the Chinese Landwind vehicles in 2005 following the mass importation of these vehicles into Germany through the "back door".

We are very grateful for the support from Eurodragster.com and European drag racers.

You can check out Anthony's presentation to the Motor Vehicle Working Group (PDF format) by clicking here. If you have not yet written to your MEP about the threat to the import of American vehicles then check out our news item American car scene under threat of 14th January, or download the draft E-Mail (Word format) by clicking here.

Web site updates.
5th February: In the latest update to his Racer Blog, FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter looks forward to a busy few weeks starting with next week's NHRA Winternationals at Pomona. As ever you can check out the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
©Eurodragster.com
Editor's note: It is the APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation this weekend so it will be News Update Lite for the next couple of days. We will post the SPRC and APIRA Perpetual Trophy winners on Sunday and then normal service will resume on Monday with a season preview from Finnish Top Methanol Dragster racer Esko Raisvuo and Eurodragster.com News sponsor Mike Manners' thoughts on running 100% nitro. In the meantime please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com.

A cool deal for FB Racing.

4th February: UK Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Ian Hook and the FB Racing Team are very pleased to add Serck Services Motorsport to the companies and individuals supporting the team's seven-second street-legal 1934 Ford in their 2010 campaign.

"Serck Services Motorsport are delighted to announce that we will be sponsoring FB Racing", said manager Graham Smith. "The car already runs one of our fully custom-built aluminium lightweight radiators on both the track and the road. This car provides a tremendous test for our products and services as the Street Eliminator class maximises performance at every level with its continued development.

"We have been providing equipment to the drag racing industry for over ten years and are looking forward to supporting Ian Hook and the team throughout 2010. Their Ford Coupe has produced some astonishing quarter mile statistics, not forgetting that this is a fully street-legal car. We wish Ian and his fantastic team every success for the season ahead."
©Eurodragster.com
"I am really pleased that Serck Service Motorsport have given us their backing for 2010", said Ian Hook. "Our Street Eliminator '34 has relied on Serck products to cool both the engine and transmission for the past eight years and they have never let us down. The radiator in particular is superb; it is very efficient meaning that it can remain relatively small which both reduces weight and allows us to squeeze it into the narrow confines of the front of our engine bay. Furthermore the continuous development we do on the car has called for a few mods and redesigns over the years and the company have always been keen to help, providing an excellent after-sales service."

Although most known for their custom built radiators, available in both aluminium and brass, Serck Services Motorsport are custom fabricators who can supply intercoolers, oil coolers, fuel and header tanks as well as all the hardware and plumbing needed for installation for both cars motorcycles. They also supply a range of electric fans, air tools, braided brake hosing and much, much more. For full details check out their web site at www.serckservicesmotorsport.co.uk.

Oh Ron, you are a tease.

4th February: Fellow Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Ron Haslett also has some good news on the sponsorship front:

Firstly I'd like to welcome Muscle Fury to the team this year. As the name suggests they have a line of body building products. Their web site is at www.musclefury.com. I'd also like to welcome back our old backers of the last couple of years Wizard of Nos and Express Gearboxes. We're still backing MacMillan Cancer Support.
©Eurodragster.com
The car has moved on quite a bit. It is now all in colour but I will keep on teasing about it. The engine and gearbox is all back in, the car has been rewired and it all works, I think - I've had the engine turning over on the button. Whilst all this was going on I made a couple of changes. All the new floor panels have been made and some have been fitted. On Sunday I received my seats back from Christine Kettle and what a work of art they are. I should have the car fired up by the end of the weekend.

My aim is still to take the car testing at the end of the month. The only down side is that it's my fortieth birthday in the middle of the month and I'll have to do the social thing and leave the workshop. So I'll have to get my finger out.

Swift snippets.
4th February: Registration closes today (Thursday) for the Speedgroup meeting to be held at the Park Inn in Northampton on Saturday (6th). Please note that this meeting is for teams active in and officials connected with the FIA and UEM European Championships only, and that registration is mandatory to attend. If you have not already registered but wish to attend then please E-Mail Speedgroup Administrator Åsa Kinnemar at asa.kinnemar@speedgroup.eu.
©Eurodragster.com
If you are going to the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation, also at the Park Inn this Saturday, then please remember that presentations start at 6:30 pm, so please be in your seats for that time. It would also be appreciated if the noise could be kept down during the presentations as a courtesy both to the trophy winners and to MCs Barry Bohannon and Darryl Bradford.

Aldert Tjoelker tells us that the entry fee for events at Drachten in The Netherlands this season is €200 (€150 for Junior Dragsters and Junior Drag Bikes) payable four weeks before the event. Membership, at €50, is also mandatory. Those wishing to multiple-enter must pay €200 for each class in which they wish to compete. Late entry after the official closing date will be €400. "Then again, this is the best track on the western Continent", says Aldert, adding "Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger". No worries there, Aldert, your News Editor fulfils that role most days.

Dave Cox invites all who have been hiding themselves away during the cold, snowy, wet and frosty winter months to get themselves along to the National Street Rod Association's 21st Swap Meet which is once again being held at the Arena Raceway Essex on Saturday 7th March. If you are buying then gates open at 10:00. You can find out more on the NSRA web site at www.nsra.org.uk.

15:55 Back to the APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Pro ET racer Charlie Chivers would be pleased to hear from anyone who has a pair of tickets going spare. If you can help then please give Charlie a call on 07890 661854.

Of fabrics and free fur bags.
4th February: Mike Chadwick of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Custom Cruisers UK tells us that he will shortly be receiving supplies of Molecule Labs' revolutionary fabric care products which are distributed by Simpson Performance Products.

Molecule Labs' fabric care products protect and care for Nomex fire suits, which must be carefully maintained in order to be fully effective. Molecule Labs has also developed a complete line of products to clean and refresh racing suits, protect them from absorbing fuel, and remove potentially flammable stains and contaminants, all without degrading the suit's protective qualities. "Nomex doesn't burn but the fuel or oil can soak into it and still burn you, that's what people forget!", says Mike.
©Eurodragster.com
Custom Cruisers UK are also offering a free fur-lined Simpson helmet bag with every Simpson helmet bought in February, so long as you mention Eurodragster.com when you E-Mail or phone.

To check out the range of Simpson helmets and other equipment on offer, check out Custom Cruisers UK's web site at www.simpson-helmets.eu.

Web site updates.
4th February: In the latest entry in Bennett Racing's exclusive Racer Blog, team member Joe Riley wrests the keyboard from Luke Bennett's grasp and recounts his first season with the team which turned out to be quite a year as Frank Bennett won the Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association Championship. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
©Eurodragster.com
Not entirely unconnected with the NFAA, if you are of a certain age you will remember that in a past life former NFAA Co-ordinator and Chaos Fuel Altered owner Lawrie Gatehouse was a drag racing photo-journalist...of course, if you are that old then it's time to lie about your age but we're getting off-topic. Our good buddy Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with a selection of Lawrie's magazine articles from the 1970s which all make interesting reading both as pieces in their own right and as historical records. You can check out Lawrie's work via the What's New link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Alan tells us that more pieces will follow.

Speedgroup Contingency fund grows.

3rd February: Courtesy of Speedgroup Contingency Co-ordinator Gittli Koller comes the news that the 2010 contingency programme fund for FIA and FIM/UEM classes has now reached $106,000.

"We have worked hard on the contingency programme since the PRI Show in Orlando and the interest has been fantastic", says Gittli. "Although the current value of the program is $106,000 there are more companies becoming involved - we are just waiting the details to clear.
©Eurodragster.com
"Some racers and team owners have been deeply involved in introducing their suppliers to the programme and some have also signed up their own companies. We have a strong and useful group of companies who have chosen to support their existing customers as well as to make it attractive for new customers to use their products or services."

For more information about the contingency programme check out Speedgroup's web site at www.speedgroup.eu.

Crazy Horses goes east.

3rd February: The official UA East Coast launch of Crazy Horses - The History of British Drag Racing is to take place at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing at Ocala in Florida over the weekend 6th-7th March, the weekend before the Gatornationals. The book will be available from the Museum gift shop and signings will take place at 2:30 pm on both the Saturday and Sunday.

The book's author Brian Taylor will be there, joining Don Garlits and reigning FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter. Don has raced in the UK three times, in 1964, 1976 and 1977, but it is 1964 that he most fondly remembers. These were the pioneering years when Sydney Allard organised American teams to demonstrate the sport to a British audience only just coming to terms with what dragsters were. Most had never heard one until that time and they were blown away by the show put on by the American team at airfields throughout the country.

"When Brian asked me to write the Foreword to Crazy Horses I was really pleased to say yes because I believe it is most important to record the sequence of events that led to today's European drag racing scene, before too much time has passed by", says Don Garlits. "Thats why I'm such a supporter of the Project 1320 team recording the sport's American history as told by those that were there. We chose 6th and 7th March for the book's East Coast launch because reigning FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter will also be at the museum with his car which I am proud to be supporting. So over the same two days we will have the history of British drag racing represented by the launch of Crazy Horses, and today's top European Andy Carter - quite a weekend."

"I feel so honoured to be carrying the colours of Big Daddy Don Garlits on my car", says Andy Carter. "I'm looking forward to talking to visitors and it's great that Crazy Horses is being launched at Don's museum over the same weekend. I started drag racing in the 1980s and some of my proudest moments are covered by the book. A truly nostalgic weekend."

"Having Don Garlits write the Foreword to Crazy Horses has been a great privilege for me and I'm truly looking forward to the weekend", says Brian Taylor. "Don has been an inspiration to so many people all over the world and his approach to preserving the sport's history was one of the motivating factors behind the formation of the Allard Chrysler Action Group to restore Sydney Allard's 1961 Allard Chrysler dragster. This car last ran at Blackbushe in 1964, the year that Don first raced in the UK. So as well as signing some books I will be pleased to update folks on how this important project is progressing."

The British Drag Racing and Hot Rod Association Race Director during the 1970s was Syd McDonald and he is joining the signing team. Other drag racing personalities attending the signing will be announced during the next few weeks.

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is at 13700 SW 16th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34473, telephone +1 877 271-3278. Any Europeans who will be in Florida over that weekend please contact Brian at brian@petrolhead.vianw.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Also on the Crazy Horses front Brian tells us that Swedish Top Fuel Dragster legend Pelle Lindelöw will be attending the launch and autograph sessions at the US launch of the book at Pomona on Friday 12th February.

Swift snippets.
3rd February: Pennine Drag Racing Club's Chief Starter Des Brown tells us that there are a few tickets left for the PDRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation at the Campanile Hotel in Bradford on Saturday 27th February. If you would like to attend then please call Marjorie Lyons as soon as possible on 01405 812637.
©Eurodragster.com
Claire Meaddows, Chris Hartnell and the family have asked us to say a big Happy Birthday to UK Wild Bunch racer Helen Smythe. We understand from Claire that it is a "special" birthday but she didn't expand upon that and of course a gentleman doesn't ask. If you are reading this from the top of your mountain, Helen, then have a lovely day and please watch your step on the way down.

Editor's note: We have to finish today's news update here due to pressure of work in your News Editor's day job. We do have a few more pieces to post including the latest from two Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator teams and a special gift offer for those buying Simpson crash helmets, so stay tuned and we'll bring you all of that on the next update. Please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com. We would be particularly interested to hear from racers who have decided their 2010 plans - your fans, which include us, are eagerly awaiting.

UK 8.50 Bike plan for 2010.
2nd February: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club and the Avon Park International Racing Association for letting us know the arrangements for the 8.50 Bike class in the UK in 2010.

In 2010, 8.50 Bike will again be run on a trial basis and not as a Championship. The class will be contested at four events. APIRA and SPRC will be keeping a close eye on the numbers of contestants at each event. The Clubs expect 8.50 Bike to be strongly and equally supported at both tracks as the number of contestants at all four races will decide whether or not the class will run in 2011. The future of 8.50 Bike is therefore in the hands of its racers.

8.50 Bike will be run at the following events in 2010:
©Eurodragster.com
23rd-25th April: Big Bang, Santa Pod Raceway (racing 24th-25th)
1st-3rd May: Springspeed Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
28th-30th August: Open Sport Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
9th-10th October: Extreme Performance Bike Weekend, Santa Pod Raceway

This announcement has been brought forward to save 8.50 Bike racers from having to attend the soon-to-be-announced Riders' and Drivers' Meeting for a single agenda item. If you have any queries about 8.50 Bike then please contact Paula Marshall at SPRC at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or Julie Willcox at APIRA at enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk.

Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator.

2nd February: Eurodragster.com News sponsor Topspeed Automotive have announced that they will be the title sponsor of the UK's Street Eliminator class in 2010. Vinnie, Bill and Scott tell us that they are excited about sponsoring Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator, which they will themselves be contesting with Bill's very tidy Billy the Kid Racing Camaro.

Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Bill Macdermid and partner Vinnie bought Topspeed last year. The 1200 square foot car accessory shop is located in New Haw in Surrey and has been running successfully since 1969. Topspeed Automotive are are agents for and deal with companies such as Wynns, Millers Oils, K&N, Kenlowe, NGK Plugs, Silicone Hoses, Draper, TCI, Felpro, Aeromotive, Taylors, Autoglym, Smart Wax, Meguiars, Mr Gasket, Power Pour, Fram Filters, Holley pumps, some MSD, Autometer, dress up kits, line-locks, trans coolers, Lucas Oils Yuasa car batteries, CTEK Smart Battery Chargers, Jada muscle and VW car models, and service parts for your everyday car, American V8s or classic specials.
©Eurodragster.com
Topspeed Automotive are also main agents for Valvoline Oil can offer any Eurodragster.com reader and drag racer deals on Valvoline Racing VR 1 20/50, from one litre of oil up to a 205-litre drum, and can deliver the drums carriage-free anywhere in mainland UK. Either call the shop on 01932 341700, visit them at 17-19 The Broadway, New Haw, Surrey KT15 3EU, or contact them via the web site at www.topspeedparts.co.uk.

Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator would also like to thank those Associate Sponsors who have renewed for the 2010 season: B&H Automotive, LA Racing Parts, Powerpoint Communications, RPM magazine, Wright Guards Security and Custom Car magazine.

Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator are at present working on attracting further sponsorship to the class for 2010 and into the future. If you are interested in sponsoring or otherwise supporting the class then you can get in touch via their official web site at www.streeteliminator.com.

Swift snippets.
2nd February: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (below left) came with the words "Is that a spy shot or what?". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.

Many thanks to Lizz McCarthy for sending us a picture of the 2009 ACU UK Drag Bike Champions with their trophies at last week's ACU Championship presentation evening (above right, click on picture for large version). Congratulations again on their Championships to Steve Woollatt (Top Fuel Bike), Kev Charman (Funny Bike), Dave Beck (Pro Stock Bike), Ivan Birch (Comp Bike) and Rich Stubbins (Super Street Bike).

An interview with Dutch Top Fuel Dragster racer and Eurodragster.com Blogger and joint webcam sponsor Lex Joon is to be broadcast this evening on internet radio site wforadio.com. The programme starts at midnight UK/01:00 European.

Dave McKenzie has been in touch to remind us that the Supercharged Outlaws AGM and Trophy Presentation take place at the Himley Hotel in Dudley at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm respectively on Saturday 13th March 2010. Tickets are £25 and are strictly limited so please get yours booked from either Lee Gallimore or Dave. Rooms are also available at the Himley Hotel priced at £55 per double room including breakfast. For more information check out the Supercharged Outlaws web site at www.supercharged-outlaws.co.uk.

Eurodragster.com Site Search sponsor Geof Hauser has been in touch to ask if anyone would be able to swap a double room for a twin room this weekend at the Park Inn in Northampton, the venue for the APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation. Geof tells us that his sons Jay and Scott are currently down to share a double room with all that implies and that, obviously, they would prefer a twin room. If you currently have a twin room booked at the Park Inn this Saturday but feel lucky enough that you might need a double, or if you would just like to help, then please call Geof on 01933 682500.

Six out of eight ain't a bad start.
2nd February: The UK's Gary Kay tells us that the Pink Lady Funny Car, which will be driven in Super Pro ET this season by his daughter Jayne, had its first fire-up on alcohol at the weekend:

Quick check, starter on and fire her up - nothing. Both switches on, coil clips off, forgot to connect the mag. Numpty! Try again. A good gulp of gas, fired straight away no issues. Now to try on methanol, filled the tank, started again, this time fed a bit of petrol to get the methanol up. No problem running on alky but only six cylinders firing, six and eight were cold, no fuel burning in those two cylinders.

We removed the bank of plugs, warmed them up and fitted them in different cylinders and tried again. More of the same I left it running as I thought they just might come in with a little heat. It sounded good, a small fuel leak at the barrel valve and we need sealer on rocker gaskets, it's possibly running a little fat. I will sort the pills out when all eight are firing and go up a little on the timing - thirty two at the moment and thats by the rack of eye, so plenty to go at. We will try for all eight cylinders this weekend.

Jayne was very excited and now can't wait. She was a little disappointed not to have sat in the car whilst it was running, there will be plenty of time for that and it will only happen with safety gear on.

We are now only waiting for new clutch discs, belt guard and a few other safety items. I have posted a short video of the fire-up on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=es1QmUR1vR4. Once running we will put the body on and send another video. We are currently looking for transport, if you have anything suitable please get in touch via our web site at www.pinkladyracing.moonfruit.com.

Speedgroup meeting reminder.

2nd February: Speedgroup is hosting a meeting in the Hertford Suite of the Park Inn Hotel in Northampton on Saturday 6th February. The meeting starts at 12:00 noon and ends at approximately 4:00 pm, and is open to teams active in and officials connected with the FIA and UEM European Championships.

Topics include a review of 2009 and a look forward to 2010 and beyond. Don't miss this opportunity to find out what is going on and to take part in shaping the future of drag racing in Europe.
©Eurodragster.com
If you wish to attend then please register by sending an E-Mail to Speedgroup Co-ordinator Åsa Kinnemar at asa.kinnemar@speedgroup.eu or call +46 705 315 332. You must register to be able to attend and the deadline for registration is this Thursday (4th). An agenda will be E-Mailed to those registered.

You can read more about Speedgroup at www.speedgroup.eu.

Web site updates.
2nd February: UK Wild Bunch racer Phil Sweeney has launched a web site at www.sweeneydragracing.com. The site features Blog, gallery, racing history (Good to see that Phil saw the light after a shaky start - Ed), achievements and more.
©Eurodragster.com
British Drag Racing Hall of Fame 2010.

1st February: The British Drag Racing Hall Of Fame continues into its fifth successful year with five new members. Nominees are eligible by dint of having raced, owned, designed, built, maintained, prepared, promoted, officiated, supported or taken part in British drag racing in any capacity, having been involved for at least twenty years or having made a significant and recognisable contribution to the sport.

The 2010 inductees to the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame are:

Peter and Erica Bartlett: Peter Bartlett's part in British drag racing history goes back to 1960 when he was a member of the Highwaymen Hot Rod Club. He raced his 1957 Chevy at the 1964 Big Go and later that year push-started the American dragsters at the Dragfests. Peter became the first Treasurer of the British Hot Rod Association and later the British Drag Racing and Hot Rod Association. He was was joined in 1970 by his wife Erica who worked from home as General Secretary until 1980 when they both retired.

Harold Bull: "King" Harold Bull built his well known Mini-engined Stripduster slingshot in 1965 and developed it over the next seven years adding nitro, injection, supercharger, direct drive and a longer frame and the times went from mid-sixteens at eighty miles per hour to low nines at over one hundred and fifty miles per hour. When Harold retired in 1974 he had won more than forty trophies and had broken several world and strip records in England, Germany and Sweden.

Geof Hauser: Geof Hauser first visited Santa Pod in 1969. By the mid 1970s he was working on Clive Skilton's Fuel cars. Later, together with his then-wife Sylvia Geof fielded a Production Dodge Challenger, the ex-Paul Rossi Dodge which achieved many wins in Top Modified and Super Gas. Geof founded Hauser Race Cars in 1983 and raced in Super Gas then moved up to Pro Mod using a 500-inch Mopar engine. He recorded the first seven-second ET by a British doorslamer in the UK. Geof was also heavily involved in introducing the Junior Dragster class to the UK.

Al O'Connor: After racing his Rocky ll Ford Zephyr for four years Al O'Connor débuted his Chevy-powered Pop Al's Gasser in 1974 and it was an instant crowd favorite with its wild runs and wheels-up launches, taking many wins. After a crash in 1978 a new, lower and quicker Al's Gasser appeared and raced successfully in Super Gas in the 1980s including a year touring the States. The Gasser is still entertaining the crowds to this day.

Krister Johansson (overseas member): Sweden's Krister Johansson first visited Santa Pod in 1972 with a Street Dodge and went home with a trophy. In 1977 he moved up to Pro Comp with an injected-nitro Dragster and took many wins including the European Championship in 1979, and he was also the first European Pro Comp racer to record a six-second pass. In 1982 he switched to blown-alcohol and took the win at the 1989 Supernationals. After a long lay-off Krister returned in 2003 again running injected-nitro and at the 2006 FIA European Finals set a speed record of 262.79 mph.
©Eurodragster.com

Members of the Hall of Fame receive a 'Bootsie', a trophy encapsulating an image of the late Allan 'Bootsie' Herridge, a man who put so much into British drag racing, together with an exclusive commemorative pin. They join the élite list of inductees from previous years and will be listed with fuller biographies on the official British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the British Hall of Fame link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. It is also planned that the Hall of Fame will have its own section in a racing museum. The Hall of Fame trophies will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance this coming Saturday.

The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame is sponsored by USAutomotive, Santa Pod Raceway, Shakespeare County Raceway, Pennine Drag Racing Club/York Raceway, Avon Park International Racers Association, Santa Pod Racers Club, Power Race Graphics and Eurodragster.com.

Trophy picture courtesy and ©Ian Messenger

Swift snippets.
1st February: The UK's Team Gridlock are pleased to announce sponsorship from Artel Motor Sports who are providing the silicon and fluoro-silicone hoses and clips for their new Go Hard or Go Home Comp Altered which will make its début at Race Retro in March. "Check out Artel's web site at www.artelmotorsport.co.uk for more information on their range", says Dexter Price. "If you are in need of hose then chat to Ollie and tell him the Gridlock guys sent you!"
©Eurodragster.com
If you are going to the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation this Saturday (6th) then please remember that presentations start at 6:30 pm, so please be in your seats for that time. It would also be appreciated if the noise could be kept down during the presentations as a courtesy both to the trophy winners and to MCs Barry Bohannon and Darryl Bradford.

Go international? YNot!

1st February: 2009 Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster Series runners-up YNot Racing are teaming up with a German Crew Chief for an international exchange of drag racing knowledge between the two teams. Gittli Koller, who has seventeen years in the sport most recently with Peter Schöfer Racing, will join Jim Whiteley, Norm Grimes and the YNot Racing crew as a consultant on the blown-alcohol car early in the 2010 season. "We see this as a real opportunity to exchange information between race teams and countries", says YNot Crew Chief Norm Grimes.

Gittli brings an impressive resumé to YNot Racing. She started in drag racing in 1993 at the street-legal and Super Comp levels. Her last ten years have been spent analysing data and suggesting set-ups to the Chief Mechanic of Peter Schöfer Racing. PSR had a notable track record as FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champions in 2002 and 2008, runner-ups in 2003, 2004, and 2006, and third place in 2005 and 2007.

"It has always been a dream of mine to race in the States", says Gittli, "and I am very pleased that YNot Racing is giving me the opportunity to join the team for a race". Gittli will join the YNot crew for the Pacific Division opener at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix, with a variety of other races to follow. YNot has not released its full 2010 schedule, but the teams first 2010 appearance will be at the 50th Anniversary Winternationals at Pomona on 11th-14th February. YNot Racing driver Jim Whiteley again pedals the Lucas Oil dragster in 2010 after consecutive second place finishes in 2008 and 2009.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
1st February: The official web site of race car builder ME Racing Service has had a makeover. Lars Göran Eriksson tells us that the site is still under construction but there is already plenty to see with information about Mats Eriksson's racing history, services on offer, pictures of customer cars, a page about Mats' Championship-holding Green Goblin Pro Mod and more. Check it out at www.meracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
More Crazy Horses signings.
30th January: Crazy Horses author Brian Taylor has been in touch to confirm additional autograph sessions at the NHRA Winternationals at Pomona, which will tie in with the Legends autograph sessions on the same days. The signings will will take place at the Wally Parks Motorsports Museum booth situated in the Heritage area and the timetable is as follows, subject to changes in the racing schedule:

Friday 12th February 2.00 pm
Saturday 13th February 10.00 am - 11.30 am
Sunday 14th February 9.30 am

Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Roger Gorringe hopes to join the Museum signing session at 5.00 pm on 12th February as well as some of the track signings. Roger provided most of the colour photographs published in Crazy Horses. Also joining in the signing at the Museum is Kjell Pettersson, Chairman of Svensk Dragracing, who along with Keith Bartlett of Santa Pod Raceway has played a vital role in developing the European aspect of the sport during the last two decades. Another American drag racing legend from the team which toured the UK in 1965 is joining in: Nick Colbert, who drove the Continental Divide Raceway Special, a blown Plymouth Hemi rail.
©Eurodragster.com
The full list of those planning to attend the Museum launch is now Bo Bertilsson, Gordie Bonin, Andy Carter, Merek Chertcow, Nick Colbert, Peter Crane, Sam Eidy, Roger Gorringe, Chuck Griffiths, Tom Hoover, Traci Hrudka, Tommy Ivo, Cliff Jones, Bob Keith, Jon Lundberg, Ash Marshall, Dave McClelland, Syd McDonald, Orah Mae and Robin Millar, Thomas Nataas, Carl Olson, Kjell Pettersson, Rex Sluggett, Brian Taylor and Linda Vaughn.

Invitations to Santa Pod.
30th January: Got a mega-quick Jap or European Run What You Brung car? Then you might be interested in joining the Euro Sports Compact Series or the HKS Drag Series. Both Championships are now recruiting for the season ahead, and both have their first rounds at The Fast Show at Santa Pod Raceway on 21st March.

If you want to get involved then check out japdragseries.co.uk/how2enter.php for Jap machines and eurosportscompact.co.uk/rules.php for Euro machines.

Anyone who makes the grade will get free track time, loads of publicity and some great racing into the bargain. Sounds good? Get in touch as soon as possible.
©Eurodragster.com
Santa Pod Raceway's second Run What You Brung of the year takes place tomorrow (Sunday):

Don't forget that this is an eligible meeting for the 2010 Street Challenge and your easiest chance of the year to claim a top spot! The Street Challenge 2010 is a Run What You Brung Speed Table which lets you see where your best quarter mile time at Santa Pod ranks with other street-legal cars or bikes. To enter the challenge, you must pre-register your vehicle and obtain your personal race number at www.rwyb.com.

New for 2010 and for the first time ever at Santa Pod, passengers are now allowed down the strip. Conditions apply, full details www.rwyb.com where you can also find the full 2010 RWYB calendar. Don't forget your DVLC licence and get your backside trackside!

Maurischat into the five-zeroes.

29th January: Thomas Schmidt of the Nasty 53 team tells us that there a great party was had by all when German Pro Mod racer and Eurodragster.com News sponsor Marco Maurischat celebrated his fiftieth birthday last Saturday.

"The party was attended by 111 friends, old friends, very old friends, very very old friends, and of course Marco's family in the Wulfsmühle (53°41'46.41"N / 9°51'3.32"E) near Hamburg", says Thomas.
©Eurodragster.com
"There was a big surprise when Marco got his birthday present from the Nasty 53 team: a 144-page picture book showing Marco's drag racing career over the last fifteen years. The book included breathtaking photos of Marco's "Beach Attack" at Mantorp Park last summer, taken by Swedish Photographer Anders Mahlstedt, ended with pictures of last year's awesome 6.19 at Santa Pod, a very emotional moment for the whole team after building the car for three years. The book also included many birthday greetings from Marco's drag racing friends and competitors, and Marco was very touched by both the messages and the pictures.

"The party ended at 8:00 on Sunday morning, which is a good time for warm-up at Santa Pod. But normally you don't have a headache after a warm-up."

Swift snippets.
29th January: Another European name has popped up on the entry list for the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville on 11th-14th March. Joining Andy Carter, Eurodragster.com News sponsors Urs Erbacher and Michael Manners, Micke Gullqvist and Adam Flamholc is Swedish Top Methanol FC racer Leif Andréasson. We are not sure that that is everyone yet; stay tuned for more.

One of the off-season's most eagerly-awaited announcements is the new intake to the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. This year's inductees will be anounced here on Eurodragster.com on Monday's (1st February) news update. In the meantime you can check out the current British Drag Racing Hall of Fame membership on its official web site at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Bev and Nigel Batsford and Beth and Paul Satchell have asked us to say a big Happy Birthday to Julie Willcox. "We won't divulge Julie's age, that is strictly Need To Know", they say. Even if you had divulged, guys, we wouldn't have. Have a lovely day Julie.

PMR flying the flag.
Courtesy and ŠDave Derry

29th January: This year's Oval Expo, which ran over both Saturday and Sunday of last weekend at Arena Essex just outside London, was smiled upon by the weather gods and generated interest in drag racing, says Paul Marston:

There was considerable interest shown in our display and plenty of calendars and event schedules were handed out for both Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways. There was particular interest in the Easter Thunderball, the feature attraction of Peter Andre seemed of particular interest (Oh, be serious - Ed). The Swap Meet seemed to grow again this year and the race cars being signwritten and painted live at the show were once again popular attractions. But our favourite, hands-down was the Reliant Robin racing, if you can call it that!
©Eurodragster.com
The Oval Expo was well attended and Paul Marston Racing thanked the organisers for allowing them to display a stand. We were asked to come back again next year as the organisers felt that the show now would not be the same without the Drag Racing display. Many thanks to everyone who stopped by for a chat including Dave Derry, Press Officer for Shakespeare County Raceway, and swap meet attendee Mick The Fish, the current custodian of the Money Hungry Camaro (and pathetic Get Tog Club failure - Ed).

Four wide with RaceAmerica.

29th January: Eurodragster.com News sponsor RaceAmerica is proud to announce that Infinity Raceway's year-round snowmobile drag strip successfully launched this past weekend using RaceAmerica's state of the art XL S4 professional four-lane drag system.

Kirt and April Helsel, owners of Infinity Raceway, began building the track in 2009 after consulting expert snowmobile racers from Ontario, New York, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The couple is hoping to provide the local area with some much needed economic stimulus as well as the sheer excitement of four-lane drag racing. The well thought out facility provides a 500 foot drag strip with over 1,700 feet of shutdown area. The track utilises a computerised RaceAmerica four-lane drag timing system. The XL Professional S4 drag timing system was chosen for its rich array of features including two fully synchronised drag race trees, elapsed time and reaction time readings as well as speed and sixty foot times. The system is run using RaceAmerica's XLScore S4 PC software to control all aspects of the timing system and to provide diagnostics and live testing of vital system components.

Infinity Raceway chose to install the optional RaceAmerica wireless LED finishing order scoreboard and wireless printer with their four-lane system. Spectators and team members can view finishing order results by checking the scoreboard or by viewing the lighting order on the two start trees.

The importance of communicating with the two start trees simultaneously was key in developing a functional four-lane system. A single tree does not provide all racers with same opportunity to see their starting signals.

"To be done correctly a four-lane system needs two start trees so racers are fairly positioned in reference to the starting lights" said Dennis Laczny, RaceAmerica President. "In order to solve the problem of synchronizing the two start trees we looked to wireless communications for the solution. In fact, the S4 was the first system to utilise our exclusive wireless drag race communication devices. The system communicates via a wireless connection from the timing boxes to the tower eliminating wires in a vital area for snowmobile racing while ensuring accurate and dependable communications between all four lanes. The system also wirelessly communicates with our LED scoreboards and printers providing flexibility and time savings for track owners."

The S4 professional four-lane drag system was first introduced to the market in 2001. The proven system has made RaceAmerica the largest supplier of professional four-lane drag systems in the world.

"We wanted a system that was proven, reliable and easy to use" said Kirt Helsel, owner of Infinity Raceway. "The features on the RaceAmerica four-lane system provides us with everything we need, and more, to run a professional event. Our over 250 racers in attendance for our inaugural event loved the system."
©Eurodragster.com
Frost Seals a deal.
28th January: Andy Frost and the UK's Red Victor1 Racing Pro Mod team are proud to announce that Total Seal are joining up with the team as technical advisors.

"After talking through what we are doing with Matt Hartford, Total Seal will be guiding us through all aspects of piston and ring selection, making sure that we make no mistakes in our preparation", says Andy Frost. "We both feel that we can work together to make the jump from pump gas to methanol a successful one."
©Eurodragster.com
"Total Seal is committed to working with Andy in his latest endeavour", says Matt Hartford of Total Seal. "We will be supplying a Steel Gapless Top Ring, Steel Napier second ring, and three-piece oil ring to make sure that the engine is sealed as tight as possible while maintaining superior oil control. This package has proven itself over many years as a perfect fit for Andy's engine. We will be advising on piston to ring fitment as well as cylinder wall preparation."

Andy and the team would like to thank Matt and Total Seal for their confidence in the team to showcase their excellent products, and look forward to working with them.

Swift snippets.
28th January: Many thanks to all those who submitted some two thousand votes and nominations for the APIRA/SPRC Perpetual Awards. Voting and nominations are now closed and the results will be forwarded to Obsession Motorsports and to the Committees of APIRA and SPRC to assist their final deliberations. The winners will be presented at next week's joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation.
©Eurodragster.com

Ian Turburville tells us that he is awaiting a shipment from Impact of Nitro helmets with breathers on the front, but more importantly that he has bought one of the brand new Nostalgia face masks "In case any racers of good taste need one! If anyone asks you where to get the Nostalgia masks, now you know!". Well, we know, but in case you don't then that web site address is www.turboville.com.

A big Thank You to Ian Hook for organising a French translation of the letter to Members of the European Parliament about the threat to the import of American cars. You can download the French version of the letter (Word format) by clicking here. For more details about this matter check out the news item American car scene under threat of 14th January.

Web site updates.

28th January: Photographer Julian Hunt has updated his web site with pictures from the 2009 UK National Finals and Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway. Julian apologises for the delay before posting but he has commitments to publishers to fulfil before he can make the pictures more widely available. You will have seen some of Julian's excellent Flame and Thunder Show shots here on Eurodragster.com when he stood in for a cup-tied Roger; if you would like to see more of the same then you can check it out at www.julianhunt.net.
©Eurodragster.com
Speedgroup to hold UK meeting.

27th January: Speedgroup is hosting a meeting at the Park Inn Hotel in Northampton on Saturday 6th February. The meeting starts at 12:00 noon and ends at approximately 4:30 pm, and is open to car and bike racers, teams, and officials with an interest in the European Championships.

Topics include a review of 2009 and a look forward to 2010 and beyond. Don't miss this opportunity to find out what is going on and to take part in shaping the future of drag racing in Europe.
©Eurodragster.com
If you wish to attend then please register by sending an E-Mail to Speedgroup Co-ordinator Åsa Kinnemar at asa.kinnemar@speedgroup.eu or call +46 705 315 332. The agenda for the meeting will be E-Mailed by the end of this week to all those registered.

You can read more about Speedgroup at www.speedgroup.eu.

Feature: Bilsportgalan gallery.
27th January: The latest in our occasional series of Features presented in association with Stroud Safety and Andy Robinson Race Cars is an additional gallery of pictures from the weekend's Bilsportgalan at the Conventum Congress Centre in Örebro, at which the 2009 European Champions were presented with their trophies. The pictures were taken by Stefan Boman and Christer Abrahamson and the captions supplied by Stefan, to whom many thanks for sending the pictures.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view the Bilsportgalan pictures, or click on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

WRE confirm 2010 Test Days.
27th January: Joint Eurodragster.com webcam sponsor Webster Race Engineering have confirmed that they are to hold three Test Days at Santa Pod Raceway in 2010. WRE Test Days feature a track prepped to National Event standard, full safety cover, and WRE staff on hand for help and advice. Entry is limited to guarantee maximum track time.

This year's WRE Test Days take place on:

Friday 19th March
Friday 14th May
Friday 24th September

An additional date is currently under discussion. For more details or to book your place, download the entry form (Word format) from www.webster-race-engineering.co.uk or download the form directly at www.webster-race-engineering.co.uk/test_day.doc.

Swift snippets.

27th January: Bob Hancox writes after the UK's Outlaw Anglia presentation evening to say Well Done to Richard Colby on his Championship, Cliff Griffin on runner-up, and to Colin Millar (right, with crew) for winning the Debbie Hancox Memorial Trophy. "I would like to thank all the Outlaw Anglia racers for supporting Debbie's trophy, and also to thank the organisers of the party", says Bob.
©Eurodragster.com
We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to huge Eurodragster.com supporter Donna Giles of the UK's Roar Willys Super Gas team. Have a lovely day Donna.

Web site updates.
27th January: In the latest entry in his exclusive Racer Blog, Pro Stock Bike racer-in-waiting Karl Lyrén tells of an evening at the Bilsportgalan, the preparation of a bike for a show in Finland, and his imminent trip to Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page
©Eurodragster.com
Street Eliminator goes National.
26th January: After several months' discussion it has been decided that the Street Eliminator class will become part of the UK National Championships in 2010.

The class will run at all the current dates which have been set for the 2010 B&H Automotive/LA RAcing Parts Street Eliminator Championship. The only major changes are that Street Eliminator will now run under the National Championship points system and that all Street Eliminator rules will be set via the UK Tech Committee.
©Eurodragster.com
The long-running issue over what constitutes a street tyre has also been set for 2010 and beyond. Current tyres will be within the regulations, including ET Street Radials to a maximum size of 315/60-15 and 325/50-15. ET Street tyres will not be legal for 2010.

Santa Pod Racers Club and Avon Park International Racers Association are still finalising the fine details of the Championship and will provide further information soon.

Rapp sits out 2010.
26th January: Swedish Pro Mod racer Ulf Rapp has announced that he will be sitting out the 2010 season.

"Our season in 2009 was filled with problems, including the gearbox which has been changed for a new one", Ulf told Eurodragster.com. "Because of the current stateof the economy, many of my sponsors can't help me out 2010 and I have also lost some of the key people in the team who are now taking care of their families etc. I have been under some stress for a long time and am starting to lose hair. I have been advised to calm down and to take one step at a time. Because of this I have decided not to compete in 2010, but I promise that I will be ready for the 2011 season. Naturally I will attend some events as a spectator in 2010."
©Eurodragster.com
På svenska: Säsongen 2009 var fylld av problem med bland annat växellådan denna är nu utbytt i mot en ny. På grund av rådande lågkonjunktur så har många av minna gamla sponsorer ej kunnat ställa upp under 2010. Jag har även förlorat några av minna nyckelpersoner i teamet som nu tar hand om sina familjer mm. Skälv har jag varit utsatt för en långvarig stress och börjat att tappa håret fläckvis enligt rekommendationer så måste jag lugna ner mig och ta nya tag.

Med dessa skäll så har jag beslutat att inte tävla under 2010 men jag kommer att vara bered till säsongen 2011. Naturligt viss kommer jag som publik till diverse tävlingar.

Swift snippets.

26th January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the information that a former King of Europe Champion is on the move. This is, apparently, a 2009 donor car with only 3000 km on the clock. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spu picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Hopefully the last time we'll have to say this for this cycle but could those trying to organise a mass vote for one of the Perpetual Award candidates please give it a rest. We're on to you and, for the nth time, it's not worth it. For the more fair-minded, voting and nominations for the Perpetual Awards close at midday UK (13:00 European) this coming Thursday (28th). To check out the shortlists or to submit your votes or nominations check out the official Perpetual Awards page by by clicking here or by clicking on the 2009 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

A pact signed in snow.
26th January: Further to yesterday's news item our good buddy, photo-journalist Stefan Boman has sent a couple of pictures from yesterday's ceremonies surrounding the announcement of Tierp Motorpark.

At left below is Lars-Göran Hagström from Tierp Motorpark shaking hand with Tierp Politician-in-Chief Bengt-Olov Eriksson after signing a statement of intent to build the new Tierp Motorpark facility. Looking on are Top Methanol Funny Car racer Leif Andréasson, Lars Pettersson of the Swedish Automobile Sport Federation and FIA Drag Racing Commission, and Leif Lagman, Production Manager for the City of Tierp.

Above right is the spontaneous reaction of Leif Andréasson who managed to talk Lars Pettersson in making snow angels at the location for Tierp Motorpark after the meeting. Eurodragster.com are aware of how dogs and cats mark their territory but this was a new one on us.

Colby's confession.
26th January: 2009 Outlaw Anglia Champion Richard Colby has a confession to make about the Outlaw Anglia Party and trophy presentation evening which was held last Saturday.

Upon receiving his trophy on Saturday evening Richard had hoped to say a few Thank Yous to certain people but, as fearless as you need to be to drive a high powered, short wheel based car such as a Pop, when the time came to say his piece he bottled it (You mean nitrous? - Ed).
©Eurodragster.com
Richard has therefore got in touch to let everyone know how grateful he is to his crew, namely father Norman, brother-in-law Paul and nephews Lee, Russell and Barry for their relentless work not just at the track, but for all the hours and hours spent down at the workshop every week, as without them the dream would never have become reality. Richard has also asked us to say Thank You to the guys who inspired him to get involved in this great sport, all of the Outlaw Anglia racers old and new.

State-of-the-art strip for Tierp.

25th January: A press conference is being held in the Municipality of Tierp in Sweden at this moment to announce the creation of Tierp Motorpark, which is to include a state-of-the-art quarter-mile drag strip.

The former military airfield is to be converted into a full-blown recreational and industrial area offering drag racing, karting, rallying, enduro and tractor pulling on the motorsport front as well as a driving school with skid pan, cross-country skiing, live concerts and other outdoor pursuits plus an industrial park and a runway at the far end of the drag strip's shutdown area. The 380-acre facility is moments off the E4 motorway one hundred kilometres north of Stockholm and is at an altitude of four hundred feet above sea level.
©Eurodragster.com

"The quarter-mile drag strip is concrete and asphalt and will be built to FIA and NHRA standards", said Top Methanol Funny Car racer Leif Andréasson, who has been involved in the local Working Group. "The runway is two thousand metres long. The drag strip will run from the south end to the north end with full-length guardrails. The facility has been designed by racers for racers and fans. There will be grandstand seating for ten thousand to begin with, as well as hard standing pits, garages for rent, camping and everything else you need. You will be amazed by the buildings. The City is very excited about this and the local authorities and the local people are all for it."

Planning has been going on for a year and construction will commence in the near future with the drag strip set to start operating in the summer. "I'm real excited", said Leif. "There has been a lot of talk about this but then the City called me - I didn't call them. As soon as one investor showed up others joined. The investors are all well-known international business people - when people like that become involved you know it's a serious project."

Tune back for more news and pictures from this afternoon's official launch. In the meantime you can find the site of Tierp Motorpark on Google Maps by clicking here; the former airfield can be seen on the left of the picture.

Interview: Tom Compton.

25th January: For the latest in our occasional series of Features presented in association with Stroud Safety and Andy Robinson Race Cars, UK photo-journalist and Honorary Eurodragster.com Staff Member Andy Willsheer interviewed National Hot Rod Association President Tom Compton.
©Eurodragster.com
In an interview conducted before the announcement of NHRA Worldwide, Andy asked Tom Compton about the introduction of Pro Modified as a Professional class in 2010 as well as the likelihood of a return to quarter mile racing.

Click here to read the interview with Tom Compton, or click on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Swift snippets.
25th January: 2009 FIA European Pro Mod Championship runner-up Micke Gullqvist will be driving one of Roger Burgess' blown-alcohol Pro Mods in the USA this year. Micke will be taking part in two weeks' testing in mid-February and will then be contesting the NHRA Gatornationals. Stay tuned for more details.
©Eurodragster.com
Bang goes the retirement!

25th January: 2009 ACU UK Funny Bike Champion Kev Charman has shelved his retirement. After an offer from Italy's Davide Ricci, Kev will be racing for Team Whiterace in 2010:

I received an E-Mail from Davide Ricci of Team Whiterace, who has been following the racing quite avidly over here. He saw our latest press release, and asked me what I was going to do now, now that I had sold the Pro Mod. Due to their business and other commitments, they were unable to commit to a full racing schedule and asked if I would be interested in racing for them. They are also very interested in supporting the new UEM Funny Bike class.
©Eurodragster.com
Having just got back from Italy where I met Davide, we are happy to announce that we will be teaming up with Team Whiterace. With the support of Lizzy, my Crew Chef Chris, and the exceptional tuning skills of one Ken Cooper, I will potentially be racing their Funny Bike in the new UEM Cup rounds at the two Santa Pod Internationals and at the opening FIM/UEM round at Hungary in May.

The bike is a phenomenal bit of kit, the ex-Steve Dawson Pro 1 Funny Bike from Canada. This runs Pro 1 cases, Falicon cranks, and nothing has been spared in the top dollar parts list. The bike has run in the six-second bracket, and this is one amazing once in a lifetime opportunity for us and them to promote a sport and a class about which we both feel so passionate.

We are hoping that we can work out a deal with which we are both happy, and that this new partnership will enjoy a successful season. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Davide for the truly amazing hospitality.

Web site updates.
25th January: In the latest instalment in his exclusive Racer Blog, multiple ACU UK Pro Stock Bike Champion and European record holder Dave Beck tells of the well-timed arrival of a Christmas present. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
©Eurodragster.com
Having carried out software and security updates our good buddy Jon Spoard has re-opened the UK Drag Racing Nostalgia Forum for business. Jon's well-managed forum is not just a good place for historical discussion but also an invaluable racing resource with many of the biggest names from times gone by and the most knowledgeable historians of the sport signed up and posting. Check it out at www.ukdrn.co.uk/forum.

UK Super Pro ET racer Sam Freeman has given his Double Density web site a makeover. The new site features not only Sam's very rapid altered but Vic Hammond's Speed Demon slingshot and Chris Bishop's Split Decision 100E. Check it out at www.doubledensity.co.uk.

RaceAmerica's record year.
25th January: Eurodragster.com News sponsor RaceAmerica Corporation is thrilled to report record growth for 2009. Despite the economic downturn, innovative products like the T-Link wireless timing system continue to increase sales.

"We have come a long way since we produced timing systems for RC cars in our garage in 1991", said Dennis Laczny, RaceAmerica President. "We pride ourselves on consistently developing new and better ways to employ our products. Our growth is evidence of the value customers see in our innovations."

RaceAmerica introduced the industry's only totally wireless drag timing system for the professional full sized drag track in 2007. Since then RaceAmerica's full line of exclusive wireless products have been utilized in hundreds of events from autocross to road races and mud bogs to drag races. For 2010 the company looks to continue growth on the strength of new products and by establishing international distribution points and strategic partnerships. The revolutionary new drag race tree, the DTSS, will certainly play its part. With over 1300 light-emitting diodes instead of incandescent filaments it provides an environmentally cleaner and Lower Energy Demand product. Designed from the ground up in order to take advantage of the latest technology and positive characteristics of LEDs, it consumes 98% less energy while providing a sleek, modern look. New Corner Safety lights and black flag displays for oval and road course racetracks that debuted at the PRI trade show in December are also expected to be in demand in 2010. To support growing international sales the company looks to add distribution points in key markets while gently growing its US workforce. With several partnership discussions in process, 2010 looks to be another year of growth.

For more information visit www.raceamerica.com or contact RaceAmerica at +1 408 988-6188.
©Eurodragster.com

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