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Festival of Power results.
22nd April: Congratulations to the winners at the weekend's Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway:

European Nitro Funny Car Series: Kevin Chapman 4.4514/282.18 def. Kevin Kent 4.2360/286.49
Motorsport UK Pro Modified: Kev Slyfield 6.2668/219.08 def. Marck Harteveld 8.7245/106.51 DQ red light
Secret Worx Comp Eliminator: Andy Hone (7.90) 7.4456/184.35 def. Robin Orthodoxou (7.45) 7.0312/189.59
Bloodwise/Another Small F Super Pro ET: Joe Kellett (7.85) 7.8627/169.76 def. Dave Catton (7.58) 7.6147/177.04
Modurstang Pro ET: Ben Newsome (11.65) 11.6678/114.75 def. Paul Brown (9.03) 9.0153/146.62 DQ breakout
Hutchinson & Dibley Sportsman ET: Gary Lake (14.32) 14.5506/84.72 def. Ashley Symons (13.60) 14.0227/99.90
Jon Morton Super Gas Shootout: Simon Fulton 10.0142/132.92 def. Jon Turner 9.9097/142.04
Phoenix Personnel Super Comp: Leah Kellett 8.9154/164.85 def. Pete Creswell 11.0943/82.72 DQ red light
Lucas Oil Junior Dragster: Matthew Dowdy (8.17) 8.2064/77.78 def. Frankie Fordham (8.00) 7.9988/78.83 DQ breakout
Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator: Joe Stevens 8.2075/175.75 def. Graham Smith 8.9781/149.56
VW Pro: Ed Keech (11.99) 12.5955/96.47 def. Paul Jordan (11.00) 11.8582/137.68 DQ red light
VW Sportsman: Jon Crawford (15.93) 16.2839/70.38 def. Paul Walklate (15.15) 15.3637/89.08
Wild Bunch: Keith Crampton (10.83) 10.8830/116.73 def. Callum Swinchatt (9.05) 9.0317/144.38 DQ breakout

Banks Nightclub Top Fuel Bike: Steve Woollatt 10.0380/77.64 bye, Neil Midgley no show
Funny Bike: Jiri Lukes 9.0587/135.63 def. Kars van ven Belt 15.1001/58.82
Super Street Bike: Steve Venables 6.8363/198.99 bye, Garry Bowe shut off (fluid)
Comp Bike: Louis Davies 7.6351/167.29 def. Phil Leamon no time broke
NMCN 8.50 Bike: Ian Chrichlow 8.6290/160.77 def. Alan Morrison 8.4860/158.58 DQ red light
9.50 Bike: Adam Burns 9.5085/128.30 def. Alan Morrison Jr 9.5614/127.33
Accelerate for a Cause and a Cure Supertwin Top Gas: Les Harris 9.7385/133.27 def. Michael Gooding 11.0812/138.21
Accelerate for a Cause and a Cure ET Bike: Gary Hester (10.62) 10.6659/121.39 def. Jordan Kenway (9.80) 9.8196/135.68
In Posterum Junior Drag Bike: Meggie Talbot (9.64) 9.7913/66.77 def. Blade Dummer (8.80) 9.5309/72.61

Subject to official ratification the following records were set:

Fuel Funny Car ET: 4.236 seconds, Kevin Kent
Fuel Funny Car speed: 286.49 mph, Kevin Kent
ACU Top Fuel Bike ET: 6.062 seconds, Steve Woollatt
ACU Super Street Bike ET: 6.815 seconds, Steve Venables
ACU Super Street Bike speed: 211.92 mph, Steve Venables

The Eurodragster.com/Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award was, unusually, not claimed so has been increased to £75 for the Springspeed Nationals at Santa Pod Raceway. Thanks to Track Announcer Colin Theobald who put up a one-off £50 Bruce/Eurodragster.com Perfect ET Award although it went unclaimed, also unusually.

You can check out our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored Festival of Power reports, results, pit notes and galleries by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Stoneleigh does Nostalgia.
19th April: If you can't make it to Santa Pod this weekend but want something to satisfy your automotive cravings, then Alan Martin suggests that you visit the Nostalgia Drag Racing stand at the National Hot Rod, Custom and American Car Show which takes place on Saturday and Sunday at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh CV8 8LZ:

So that we can showcase what the NSRA Nostalgia Nationals and Hot Rod Drags are all about, our thanks must go to Ken and Bradley Cooper for allowing us to display their Back to the Past nostalgia Ford Flathead-powered slingshot, and Steve Ellis and Jim Usher for pulling out all the stops to bring Hemi Hunter to the party. Other exhibitors include the NSRA, Outlaw Anglia and Willys Wars. What's not to like?

It's a huge show, both indoor and outdoor, and promises to be a great action-packed weekend. If you're in that neck of the woods then stop by and have a chat. We'd love to see you.

Festival of Power racer update.
16th April: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us details of the arrangements for this weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway:

Thursday 18th April
08:00 Gates open for the duration of the event
10:00 Signing On office opens
10:00 Car scrutineering commences, no specific order
16:00 Bike scrutineering commences, no specific order
18:00 Signing On office closes

Friday 19th April
07:00 Signing On office opens
07:00 Car scrutineering commences: sign-on/scrutineering details
07:00 Bike scrutineering commences: sign-on/scrutineering details
09:30 Track opens for qualifying

Saturday 20th April
07:30 Signing On office opens
07:30 Car scrutineering commences
07:30 Bike scrutineering commences
09:30 Track opens for qualifying and eliminations

Sunday 21st April
07:30 Signing On office opens
07:30 Car scrutineering opens
07:30 Bike scrutineering opens
09:30 Track opens for qualifying and eliminations

Wild Bunch and Supertwin Top Gas racers please note that your schedules have changed.

The provisional running orders are now available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please note as ever that running orders are subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials.

No race vehicle motors are to be fired up before 09:00 or after 20:00 on any day of the event including Thursday's Pro Peak Performance Test and Tune Day. Before 09:00 vehicles should be pushed or towed to Scrutineering, not driven or ridden. Non-observation of curfew will result in exclusion from the event.

Junior Dragster and Junior Drag Bike racers please remember the rule about pushing vehicles back to the pits once through the arch beside Scrutineering.

Only race officials and SPR staff are allowed in Race Control whilst racing is underway. Should racers wish to raise any matter with race officials then please do not visit Race Control; please firstly see the Race Secretary who is based in Signing On.

Colour commentators are requested to come to Commentary only when their class is at the head of the lanes, to vacate Commentary as soon as their class has run, and not to bring guests to Commentary with them.

At the request of SPR management the Eurodragster.com office at the Bankside end of Race Control is similarly out of bounds during racing except to Eurodragster.com staff, Zeon TV crew and racers or crew collecting the Eurodragster.com Perfect Light Award.

Thirty Nicholson years.
16th April: Belinda Nicholson tells us that her husband, UK Motorsport UK Pro Modified racer Wayne Nicholson, started racing thirty years ago this weekend:

My then-boyfriend Wayne started racing in a Ford Pop called Born To Run. He was entered into the Rover V8 Challenge, and this is where we started our future together as a racing family. Little did we realise that thirty years on Wayne would end up running a Pro Modified Corvette which would reach speeds in excess of 220 mph and run low sixes.

Even when our children Gareth and Joe came along we still managed to race as a family and the boys grew up around the track, making lots of friends whom we now know as family. Drag racing is an integral part of our lives. The Santa Pod team and crew, plus all the racers and their families all make up our extended family.

We truly feel blessed to be part of this amazing sport. Wayne has always said life is not a rehearsal. Drag racing is hard work, blood, sweat and tears, quite a few cross words... but when it all goes right there is nowhere on earth you would rather be. Working until early hours of the morning to get the car ready for the next day's qualifying rounds, leading onto eliminations and having that one PB which allows the whole team to join in the exhilarating mind-blowing adrenaline rush known as drag racing!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our fans, all of the Santa Pod team, and all of our crew past and present. Over the last thirty years you have all helped to make my husband's dreams come true, enabling him to run Pro Modified racing team. Thank you from Belinda Nicholson and all of the Lucky Devil team.

Perfect Light Award continues.

16th April: UK Modurstang Pro ET racers Cath and Tig Napier have confirmed the renewal of the Eurodragster.com/Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award for the 2019 season.

£50 will be available for the first 0.000 Reaction Time at the following events, all at Santa Pod Raceway:

Festival of Power
Springspeed Nationals
FIA/FIM Main Event
SPRC Summernationals
Dragstalgia
Bug Jam (Fuel FC, VWs, Hutchinson & Dibley Sportsman ET, Outlaw Anglia, Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator)
Mopar EuroNationals (Motorsport UK Pro Modified, Nostalgia Super Stock, Gasser Circus)
Green Light Nationals
FIA/FIM European Finals
UK National Finals

The money will be paid in cash to the first racer to record a Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds during qualifying or eliminations. All classes are eligible but the money will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the event. If not won, the Award will increase by £25 for the next event; if won then it will be reset to £50 for the next event.

Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried. Eurodragster.com decals will be available in the Signing On office or from the Eurodragster.com office in Race Control (entry via Spectator Bank side stairs only). Cath Napier tells us that despite temptation she and Tig will not be insisting upon Pentastar decals.

A big Thank You to Cath and Tig Napier for their continued support.

VWDRC Heads-Up result.
14th April: Congratulations to Sam Chisholm-Brown who won the inaugural VWDRC Heads-Up race at today's GTi Spring Festival at Santa Pod Raceway:

Sam Chisholm-Brown 10.6461/134.82 def. Samir Lukac 19.3504/51.99

Sam qualified #1 with a 10.5502/137.70 from his Golf and met #2 qualifier Samir Lukac in the final.

You can check out VWDRC Heads-Up qualifying and elimination results and view our GTi Spring Festival photo gallery, which are presented in association with John Woofe Racing, by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

You can check out a photo gallery from our other weekend coverage, Saturday's VHRA Vintage Nationals also at Santa Pod, by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Dahl opens 2019 account.
14th April: Having left the Sunshine Express Top Fuel Bike with Bill Hahn Jr at the Hahn Racecraft HQ since the 2018 Manufacturers Cup World Finals 2018, Norway's Sverre Dahl and the team returned to South Georgia Motorsports Park to contest round one of this year's series. Marcus Möller writes:

During the 2018 Finals Sverre won a "pedal" fest in E1 against Dave Vantine but got defeated in the semi-finals against Mitch Brown. The 2019 Manufacturers Cup kicked off at the same track. Sverre and the team arrived Hahns Racecraft a week before the race, packed up and went to the track.

Due to rain there was no qualifying on the Friday, but there were three runs on the Saturday although only two participants in the third round. Q1 took place at noon on Saturday and Sverre went 6.11/218! A couple of hours later Q2 took place and Sverre ran 6.12/222 which was the last run for the team this time. A rod bearing failure, with a broken rod and crank as result, put an end to this journey.

Regardless of the outcome of this race the Sunshine Express team's plan was to pack up the bike, spare parts, tools and so on and to send it back to its home in Norway and to continue their schedule for 2019 which is to go to Gardermoen and the two events at Tierp Arena.

Sverre and the Sunshine Express Top Fuel Bike Team would like to thank Romerike Drag Bike Klubb, Hahn Racecraft (US), NMF, Gigant Norge, Videoutstyr AS, Tools AS and Tommy Holte, all of whom made this journey possible.

Adding up to a great season.
14th April: Andy Thetford, UK Pro ET racer and sponsor of Nitro FM, has been in touch to thank Thompson Elphick Chartered Accountancy for their continued generosity in sponsoring the Insanity Drag Racing Camaro for the 2019 season:

Thompson Elphick's enthusiasm for drag racing is absolutely infectious. With their help we are now able to campaign in a full year's racing, as well as being able to compete in The Doorslammers, possibly Europe's biggest cash drag racing event of the year.

Thompson Elphick, of Aylesford in Kent, are able to assist in all forms of accountancy from individuals to large companies, Call them for a friendly chat on 01622 790052 or E-Mail info@thompsonelphick.co.uk.

Salt with your Top Fuel.
14th April: Having set a new class recordof 258.679 mph at Bonneville Speed Week last August, Geof Stilwell and the 7707 Salt Shaker land speed racing team have started work on updating the car for the 2019 regulations. Geoff writes:

On our last run, made to back up the record, we suffered a series of issues which led to some pretty major damage. What we did not know was that the car had caught fire and in fact the inlet manifold between the supercharger and the engine block had cracked and then the fuel had caught fire burning a hole where into which you could put three or four fingers. So, with the fuel burning it made the mixture go weak on that cylinder. The piston got very hot and seized in the cylinder causing the con rod to snap and then try to escape through the wall of the block. The motor had also developed an oil leak from somewhere which had also caught fire. At the same time again what we did not know was that with all the extra horsepower we had with this motor it had actually broken off at least five of the pinion teeth. To coin a phrase, we were extremely lucky. The repercussions of the fire were pretty serious in that the fire had been quite intense so not only had it destroyed magnesium inlet manifold, but it had melted the secondary parachute cable, the parachute packing and the transmission blanket. All this was going on behind me and I had no idea at all the car had been on fire.

But the point was we got the record.

To comply with the 2019 rules meant changing all the tubing around the cockpit. The car has a new home now in Pomona, Los Angeles with full workshop facilities which makes life much easier with welding, grinding etc etc. In changing things around we have completely redesigned the cockpit making it more comfortable to drive and easier to get in and get out of. We have put the chute buttons and the shift button on the steering wheel. The chutes now have an electronic ejection system so I don't have to take my hands off the wheel. In addition we have changed the rev counter as the digital counter is actually quite difficult to read when going over the bumps at Bonneville. A new Racepak on-board computer system has been ordered. Safety is a real factor and we have decided to increase the on-board to four instead of the usual two, that way we have two on the motor and two on me.

Now to the most important part: the heart of 7707 for 2019 will be a Brad Anderson billet block and heads with a 14/71 supercharger and twin 44 amp magnetos. This is being put together by well know land speed racer John Beck of Vintage Hot Rods. Running on a diet of 70% nitro and kicking out approximately 5000 bhp it will in efectbe a detuned current Top Fuel motor. This baby is going to kick some butt.

So what are the targets for 2019? If the weather and salt are good then it is our intention to increase the record from 258.679 mph and to try to go 300+ mph.

We also have some sponsorship opportunities so if your company or business would like to be part of this record-setting team in 2019 please contact me during UK office hours on +44 1622 755647.

You can also keep up to date on Facebook at Saltflat Racer.

Web site updates.
14th April: The Mad Welshman has updated his Flickr site with his first gallery of 2019, from the pre-Fast Show Saturday Night Special at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Mad's pictures at www.flickr.com/photos/the_madwelshman.

Event entry update.
11th April: Thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 5 of the official entry list for the Springspeed Nationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 4th-5th May and which is a round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and some Club Championships. You can check out the Springspeed Nationals entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Springspeed Nationals entry closes tomorrow, Friday 12th, after which a Late Entry penalty may apply. You can download the official entry forms via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

Thanks also to Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 1 of the official entry list for the FIA/FIM Main Event, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 24th-27th May and which is a round of the FIA European Drag Racing and FIM Europe Drag Bike Championships plus a round of the UK National Drag Racing Championship for certain classes. You can check out the FIAA/FIM Main Event entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

FIA/FIM Main Event entry closes on Saturday 27th April, after which a Late Entry penalty may apply. You can download the official entry forms via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

If you have any queries about event entry then please get in touch with Ian at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

FAO racers and crew: SPR pit passes.
10th April: Santa Pod Racers Club's International Race Director Carole Ismail has been in touch with an important message for both racers and crew about the use of pit passes:

As from next week's Festival of Power we will be checking all pit passes. The only passes which should be used are the two passes which SPRC issue with your entry tickets.

Anyone found to be photocopying or using passes in the incorrect manner to gain access to the pits will be asked to vacate the pit area and will be dealt with by both Santa Pod Racers Club and the track.

The same will apply to anyone found in the pits with no pass.

You must all appreciate that we can only allocate two pit passes to each team due to safety and the space available in the pits.

Please help us to help you in maintaining a safe pit area with easy passage.

Post-Main Event Test Days.
10th April: A regular feature of racing in the USA is a track remaining open for testing on the day after an event. This concept has now arrived in the UK as Santa Pod Raceway has been hired for testing on the Tuesday and Wednesday immediately after the FIA/FIM Main Event (28th-29th May). The organisers are now inviting racers to join them.

The Test Days are open, at a fee, both to racers who wish to stay after the Main Event and to those who wish to drive or trailer in on either or both days. All classes are welcome, both car and bike, with the exception of nitro-fuelled cars and bikes which cannot be accommodated. Slicks or Drag Radials are preferred; vehicles with street tyres will all have to use a particular lane. Spectators are also permitted to attend, again for a small fee.

The track will be prepped and safety cover will be provided.

If you would be interested in attending then please contact Thorsten Appel either at payupsukker@web.de or via Facebook.

Ten years, still going stronger.

10th April: Jade Race organiser Michael Behrens is proud to announce that the tenth running of the Jade Race will take place on a newly-laid quarter mile at Jade Bay near Wilhelmshaven, close to the North Sea in Germany, on 19th-21st July.

After humble and troubled beginnings - three rain-outs in a row - the Jade Race has evolved from a RWYB airport race to the second official NEAFP Sportsman race in Germany.

The local officials liked the event from the start and have now clubbed together to finance a long-awaited track renovation on Mariensiel Airport, from which both pilots and racers will profit. Earthworks will start in April and will be followed by track prep by the Jade Race Crew. Michael has built his own rubber sled and tyre rotator which proved a success at the NitrOlympX.

In the pits at Hockenheim last year fans may have wondered what an altered was doing with huge tubework on the sides. It was not rocket science but a showpiece from Schrage Conveying Works, a company which is located close to Jade Race and whose board members have been long-standing fans and sponsors of the event. For 2018, they bought and reworked the blown altered as a rolling showcase, and had their own VIP grandstand and catering area at Jade Race and highlighted their Summer Fest with some impressive runs with Super Pro ET racer Dominik Reinhardt in the seat, as can be seen in this video. Schrage Conveying Works also presented the altered at several trade shows in late 2018. Michael Behrens would like to thank Schrage for this spectacular co-operation benefitting both parties, and hopes for a record entry to celebrate ten years of the Jade Race.

Registration and entry will soon be on-line at www.jade-race.com.

Street Racers return.
10th April: Continuing its quest for drag racing venues and events, the Nomad Drag Racing Club is thrilled to announce the revival of the Street Racer Championship. Howard Homes writes:

It is something of a misnomer to call it a Championship. This must surely be the quickest and most furious drag racing event on the calendar for street cars. Its a really beastly thrash, with a sixteen-car field of some of the UKs quickest genuine street cars in a rapid-fire shootout.

Following a brief respite since the closure of York Raceway, the Street Racer Championship now returns with a date and distance not too for from its origin, at Elvington on 27th July.

All cars must have Road Tax, MoT and insurance, they must be in road trim. The sixteen contenders are drawn from the hat and paired up. The winner from each round then returns to the fire up lane for the next round. Cooling down, downloading the data, reapplying your toupée; none of this is going to happen. If you win, you have to keep going, through to the final.

And, traditionally, bad weather doesnt stop play either. The Street Racer Championship is for truly fast true street cars. So when the heat is on, red lights and fan belts can get thrown, stuff happens. So the event can often be a great leveller. The fastest car may not be the winning car; anyone can get lucky.

But to win, you have to enter, or rather pre-enter for this event, for your chance to be the 42nd winner of the Street Racer Championship. The previous trophy winner needs to be located. And if we cant, then well build a bigger and better one!

The Street Racer Championship was originally an idea attributed to drag racing legend Dave Grady and we are honoured to continue the tradition.

Follow us on Facebook.

Not too late to go No Prep.
10th April: The 2019 No Prep Outlaw Drag Racing season kicks off this weekend, Saturday 13th, at Lancaster Dragstrip, East Kirkby Airfield (PE23 4DE). Paul Marston writes:

This event features two brand new classes, True Street and Pro Street. By definition they are both for roadgoing cars. The format is heads up drag racing, everyone gets to race everyone else in their class. So for example if there are eight cars in True Street then you get seven races, and the competitor with the most wins/most points will be the winner.

The entry list is not yet full, which we did expect: after all, it's a pretty early date in the calendar, a lot of cars are not yet back in one piece, and this is a pair of new classes. There is still time to enter and if you wish you can turn up on the day, register, join the Straightliners Club and get your IOPD Race License or use an MSA licence if you have one. Once completed you are in for a full day's worth of action packed No Prep Outlaw Drag Racing, with plenty of track time available.

With up to £750 up for grabs for a sixteen-car field there is plenty to play for.

We are also looking forward to also seeing the Nostalgia Super Stock guys at East Kirkby on Saturday.

Gates open at 18:00 Friday for competitors and at 08:00 Saturday for spectators. Admission is just Ł5.00. The action starts at around 10: 00 and there will be plenty of track time available for competitors.

Remember: this is an event run by racers for racers, it's a street car event. And if you are coming then let us know if you can - we know that a few of you are burning midnight oil to make it, we hope to see you all there. For more information E-Mail pmdragracing@gmail.com, call or text me on 07831 650230, or visit the No Prep Drag Racing Facebook page.

Many thanks to all of sponsors and supporters, in particular Eurodragster.com (Thanks, you're welcome - Ed).

Magnussen's team grows to five.
10th April: Polly Magnussen Motorsport is teaming up with Top Fuel Bike rider Kristin Hegre to campaign a multi-bike and motorsport team for 2019. Polly writes:

All of team members will be from Norway this year, with three racers in drag racing and two in motocross:

Polly Magnussen: Super Comp Bike/Top Gas Bike
Kristin Hegre: Top Fuel Bike
Lea Nadine: ET Street Bike
Tian Magnussen Dachert and Christina Mile: Motocross

Team owner Polly Magnussen, who has been a part of the sport for some years, is racing on a US-built Top Gas Bike this season this year as well as managing the team. The latest racer to join the trio is a young Norwegian newbie Lea Nadine, who will make her licencing passes in May to become a ET Street Bike racer.

This season may be Kristin's last, but the fifty five-year-old lady from the redneck hillbilly district of Toten in Norway is keen to go out with a bang and is aiming for big numbers this year. With the support of her trustd mechanic AK Nettum and PMM she should surely be able to do it.

"We are racing at all of the National and Nordic races this year which means Gardermoen, Tierp and the new track in Finland", says Polly. "The goal is also to run Kristin at the European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway in September, but this needs some work. We might give RF Motorsport a call and ask for a favour on this front!"

PMM would like to thank sponsors, friends and fans for all of their support. "We do this for the love of the sport", says Polly, "and because it's fun, nothing else. But it's a hard road to follow and we are so grateful that people actually care about us."

JT backs the Mugridge clan.
10th April: Jan Mugridge tells us that neither Tim, Nick nor Luke Mugridge were going to be able to race this year due to personal circumstances but that we will now see Nick and Luke at next week's Festival of Power courtesy of a family friend:

After having a catch-up with our good friend John Tebenham, who sponsored Nick's Super Pro ET dragster last year to help him gain his licence, he very kindly offered to sponsor not just Nick but Luke so that both can run at the Festival of Power. We are very grateful for John's friendship and continued support. Nick would like John to know that he is deeply grateful for his support, that he admires his work ethic and outlook on life and is proud to race from the JT Racing camp. Plus of course Nick looks forward to racing alongside JT in Super Pro ET and to supporting his Pro Mod efforts.

Can I also just remind prospective buyers that our complete Comp Eliminator outfit is for sale with the Wilson Doubledeck trailer reduced to £30,000 and Man tractor unit to £5,500. The Camaro is now available compete or as a roller. Engine and lenco are available separately. If you have any questions then please phone or see us in the Super Pro ET pits.

Thank you to Ian Marshall, to all at Santa Pod Raceway, and to Eurodragster.com (Thank you! - Ed). Happy racing everyone.

Mead and Sprout ready for 7.0s.

10th April: UK Taylor's Trophy Super Street Bike racer Steve Mead writes that he is ready to go:

The set-up has not changed radically, as we were making good progress last year. I still have my friend and tuner Walter Sprout working with me this year and he'll be looking to get me into the 7.0s. With much of the Super Street Bike field already in the 7.0s and quicker we need to try harder.

This year I have help from GT Motorcycles of Plymouth which was founded by Mike Grainger, no stranger to speed himself and known as Britain's fastest grandad! He runs at over 250 mph on his turbo Hayabusa. GT Motorcycles is probably the biggest motorcycle dealership in the south. A Kawasaki, Honda, Ducati and of course Suzuki dealer and will be a great help.

Joe Elliott will be putting up with me again this year, with the difficult and important task of crewman.

I'm looking forward to the season ahead and the prospect of a new Personal Best.

Pro ET sponsorship 2019.
10th April: Modurstang Pro ET class sponsor and racer Mike lacey writes with an update on the 2019 Pro ET Sponsorship Scheme:

The class, and particularly myself, would like to thank all of our sponsors for this coming season's racing, which will be starting very soon at the Festival of Power. I feel very proud that I and a few others started this Sponsorship Scheme about twelve years ago, and that it is still running strong all these years later. A few other classes have noticed our success and have followed in our footsteps with similar schemes. Following on from this we also see class sponsorship as well, a great way to get your companies noticed for very little cost.

With Pro ET we have been lucky enough to have companies supporting us for many years. Some have been with us from the start, fantastic support from some fantastic companies. Our 2019 sponsors are Hauser Race Cars, Engine Data Analysis, NGK, Zannetec, the Supercharged Outlaws, Jon Turner Upholstery, Topspeed Automotive, Power Engineering, Full Tilt Racing, Daz Lift and Shift, VP Racing Fuels supplied by Santa Pod Raceway's shop, Double H Racing: Hunter and Hudson, two likely lads and Pro ET's own. Find them in the pits.

We would also like to welcome back MPM Oil, a longtime supporter of drag racing. Great to see you back. They have brought along with them SES Autoparts, who are one of their outlets for their fantastic range of oils, and all things vehicle-related.

Finally my company Modurstang is the class sponsor.

Thanks again to all sponsors present and past. If anyone feels that their company could benefit from class sponsorship, then please contact a representative of the class which you feel you could support. If it's Pro ET then either Lee Huxley or I will be happy to discuss anything you have to offer and get you on board with this fantastic sport which we all love.

Swift snippets.
10th April: We have two birthdays today. Ladies first and a very Happy Birthday to UK bike racer Lizz Charman, have a lovely day Lizz. Happy Birthday also to Santa Pod Raceway Track Announcer and Bruce's dad Colin Theobald. Have a great day Colin.

Event entry update.
8th April: Thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 4 of the official entry list for the Springspeed Nationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 4th-5th May and which is a round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and some Club Championships. You can check out the Springspeed Nationals entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Springspeed Nationals entry closes this Friday (12th), after which a Late Entry penalty may apply. You can download the official entry forms via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

If you have any queries about event entry then please get in touch with Ian at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

FAO UK teams with multiple racers.
8th April: UK National Drag Racing Championship Co-ordinator Yvonne Tramm has been in touch with the usual reminder to racers who intend to field more than one racer in the same vehicle this season.

If you will be fielding multiple racers in the same vehicle this season then please E-Mail Yvonne at trammyd5@gmail.com with class, race number, team name and racer names. Information must be submitted by Wednesday 17th April.

If you have any queries then please contact Yvonne on the same address.

Cause and a Cure campaign to launch.

8th April: If you have checked out the official entry list for the Festival of Power, or if you were tuned in to Eurodragster.com News last Monday, you will have noticed that the UK National Super Pro ET, Supertwin Gas and ET Bike classes are sponsored by Accelerate for a Cause and a Cure, a new campaign spearheaded by Eurodragster.com sponsors Derek and Fiona Flynn and friend and business partner Nobby Clark to support the blood cancer charity Bloodwise with particular emphasis on encouraging blood and stem cell donations.

SPRC Chief Starter Ian Marshall will launch the campaign by driving Accelerate for a Cause and a Cure's Sportsman ET Audi S4 at the Pro Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway on Thursday of next week.

"Even before I was diagnosed with myeloma I was inspired to support Bloodwise by the late Paula Marshall", says Derek. "Paula was instrumental in getting me into drag racing. I had done circuit racing but I wanted to go faster than 170 mph which I had done in my Porsche. Paula made it really easy for me. Bloodwise, which the racers adopted after Paula's death, are very grateful for the support of the community and they will have representatives at the track this season."

Derek has a long history both of racing and of supporting the sport having sponsored a number of racers, Eurodragster.com, classes including Super Pro ET, Junior Dragster, Supertwin Gas and ET Bike, with a special interest in sponsoring classes in which he has raced in the past. He also sponsored the Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme for many years in the names of Gold RV, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Bloodwise, only withdrawing his backing after being hounded by an individual on social media.

Having put a lot back into racing, Derek is now aiming to put something back into life by raising funds for Bloodwise and persuading the racing community to give blood and/or donate stem cells. The community has already responded generously to Derek's birthday fundraiser for Bloodwise on Facebook, with the original £250 target quickly overtaken and the total on his actual birthday Saturday just gone - currently over £1300. Now a major effort is planned to encourage donations of blood or stem cells, both of which can also save lives.

"The benefits of blood donation are obvious and well-known but a single donation of stem cells could save up to four lives", says Derek. "We would like one member of each team to give blood or donate stem cells. I have had a quiet word with a few people and everyone thinks that it's a great idea and have already pledged to help. John Everitt, for example, will be giving blood and will consult his GP about cell donation. Both Andy and Luke Robinson have agreed to give blood as have Laura Turburville and Andy Flavell. Those who give blood or stem cells will get a special decal to run on their car or bike."

As well as Ian Marshall's drive in the Audi S4, SPRC Starter David Warren will ride Derek's Supertwin Gas Bike at the Pro Peak Performance Day. Accelerate for a Cause and a Cure will then be present at the Festival of Power to spread the word and to encourage blood or stem cell donations.

"Santa Pod Raceway have kindly given us space in the pit", says Derek. "Accelerate for a Cause and a Cure HQ will be an Airstream with Bloodwise decals so won't be difficult to find. As well as racing, we will be on hand to answer any questions about blood or stem cell donation."

If you would like to find out more about blood or stem cell donation, or if you would like to donate, then you can find the Bloodwise web site at www.bloodwise.org.uk.

We are also very pleased to welcome Accelerate Your Marketing as a sponsor of Eurodragster.com. "Accelerate Your Marketing specialise in having fun and helping people to have fun", says Derek. "If someone wants their car prepared for a race track, or if they want to get a car then we are happy to help. We can provide consultancy on sponsorship and logistics (for example, trailers and RVs). A lot of our customers are involved in historic racing. If you have a look at our web site at www.accelerateym.comthen you can find out more and see examples of the cars we have sold.

"We will be fielding a team in Sportsman ET in the name of Accelerate for a Cause and a Cure with Pete Walters and Nobby Clark driving the Audi. Nobby is a drag racer-in-waiting; he has previously been a circuit racer but is a longtime fan and has crewed."

UK Super Gas update.
8th April: UK Super Gas racer Brett Featherstone has been in touch with an update on the class and a call to SG racers attending the Festival of Power:

We have continued naming the Shootout after a legend of the class, and this year it will be known as the 2019 Jon Morton Super Gas Shootout. A vote between racers and friends of the class was held and Jon's name was rightly voted as the majority winner.

It's good to see some new names on the entry list including Andy Dibley with Jon's former car (good luck with your new venture Andy) as we have also lost two more big hitters for this season, so come on guys/girls nows your chance to have a go at the Championship.

We are pleased to announce that the number one qualifier award for each of the six rounds will be sponsored by Silverton Aggregates and Building Supplies, who have put up a trophy plus £100 per round, many thanks to one of East Anglia's leading aggregate and building supply companies. A list of all the class sponsors will be made available soon.

Can all racers entered in the Festival of Power please meet up at the Nova Scotia pit area after Friday's qualifying so that the 2019 Shootout prize fund can be arranged.

Swift snippets.

8th April: After a year of hard work, The Netherlands' Marck Harteveld and the Voodoo Hemi team held the official presentation of their Pro Modified Superbird which was badly damaged in a crash at Santa Pod Raceway in May 2018. "I would like to say a big thank you to everybody who helped us with this rebuild, whatever their contribution", said Marck, "but to all the Voodoo Hemi crew who spent so many hours in the workshop. Let's make it a great season". You can read more courtesy of our good friend Remco Scheelings by clicking here.

We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to UK Super Gas racer and self-contained Package Simon Gough. Have a great day Simon.

Eurodragster.com will commence its Jon Woolfe Racing-sponsored Event Coverage at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend with galleries and Webster Race Engineering/Nimbus Motorsport webcast from Saturday's VHRA Vintage Nationals and Sunday's GTi Spring Festival. Sunday's coverage will also include live results of the first VWDRC Heads-Up Race. You can check out this season's Event Coverage schedule by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Pro8 for Pro Mod.

7th April: Finland's Jere Rantaniemi and Team Pro8 will début in the FIA European Pro Modified Championship in 2019. The orange Pro Line Racing Hemi-powered 2013 Camaro will be seen in Sweden, Finland and Germany. In the last two seasons Jere ran in the Finnish national Top Doorslammer Series, winning the Championship in 2017 and finishing second in 2018. The team's first ever appearance abroad was at the Top Doorslammer finals in Sweden last September, a race that Rantaniemi won.

"After the successful weekend at Tierp we began planning to compete in an international series", says Crew Chief Niko Putkinen. This will be an international series début for the whole team. Team owner Sami Hanhisuanto feels that the jump from TD to Pro Modified is surprisingly big, even though the JBRC Camaro was originally built for ProMod racing. There are major changes to the FIA Pro Modified rules for season 2019: Turbocharged cars will be equipped with a boost controller and the maximum allowed boost will be set at 36 psi. "To be more competitive we made a decision to go for a new power plant", says Sami. "We've already run two seasons with a Pro Line engine, the 481X, and it churned on like clockwork. Pro Line Racing has proven to produce some of the most powerful and simultaneously reliable motors on the market. The PLR Hemi has been engineered to provide massive power even at these lower boost levels the new rules mandate. I am happy that we managed to do this as it allows us to challenge the top teams in Europe."

Experienced race driver and Pro Modified European record holder Andreas Arthurson of PPF Racing is excited that Pro8 has the equipment to mount a real challenge. "I will do my best to help the guys at Pro8", he says. "The crowds like turbos and Europe can certainly do with some more turbocharged Pro Mods on the grid. It will probably take a few races before they are up to speed, but they'll be a contender for sure."

"We are on the right track with our partners PPF Racing, Pro Line Racing, Moran Motorsports and Jerry Bickel Race Cars", says Niko. "We will benefit from being PPF Racing's 'Junior' team tapping in on all their experience and support during the season. In return we hope to be able to help them on their road to becoming European Champion."

For a team which has previously only raced in a National series, the coming season is going to be demanding. "Sure, it's going to be a challenge", says Jere. "But I believe we are up to it. Though I consider myself a mentally strong and seasoned race driver, I still feel a bit anxious. The competition in Pro Modified is extremely tough. Unlike other teams we're not familiar with most of the race tracks. However I have faith in my team and our equipment. Like most drivers on the verge of a new season I'm just itching to get behind that steering wheel."

2019 French ATD calendar.
6th April: Many thanks to Élodie Dubois for sending us the 2019 Association Trophée Dragster calendar for 2019, which takes in three dates at Clastres in France and to which all are welcome:

"We look forward to seeing you", says Élodie. You can find out more on the Association Trophée Dragster Facebook page.

Event entry update.
6th April: Thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 3 of the official entry list for the Springspeed Nationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 4th-5th May and which is a round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and some Club Championships. You can check out the Springspeed Nationals entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Springspeed Nationals entry closes next Friday, 12th April, after which a Late Entry penalty may apply. You can download the official entry forms via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

Ian has also forwarded us a slightly tweaked final entry list for Festival of Power, which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

If you have any queries about event entry then please get in touch with Ian at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

Swift snippets.
6th April: We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Derek Flynn, long-standing sponsor of both Eurodragster.com, and to former Top Fuel Dragster racer Kim Reymond. Have a great day, both.

Santa Pod's new lane sponsor.

6th April: Independent energy consultancy The Energy Check has been confirmed as a new Official Lane partner at Santa Pod Raceway.

Under the agreement the South Shields-based business will help to manage energy consumption and identify energy-saving opportunities at the home of the FIA European Drag Racing Championships. As official lane sponsors, The Energy Check's branding will also now feature prominently above the drag strip's left lane to be known as The Energy Check Lane - for the duration of the three-year deal.

Caroline Holden, Commercial Manager of Santa Pod, said "We are delighted to announce this new partnership with The Energy Check. We know how highly-regarded the business is across a range of sports and have been impressed with the work they have done in helping football, rugby and cricket clubs, as well as other events venues to improve their energy efficiency. We are sure that our partnership with The Energy Check will be similarly beneficial to us over the coming years."

Head of Corporate Partnerships at The Energy Check, Shaun Martin, said "As one of the world's most iconic raceways, we are proud to have The Energy Check name associated with Santa Pod for the next three years. I look forward to seeing many victories for racers in the left lane!". Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Energy Check, Marcus Mellor, said "Over the coming months we will be working closely with the team at Santa Pod to help them in getting the best deal on their utilities and taking steps to reduce their energy consumption wherever possible."

Allard picture sought.
5th April: Brian Taylor has been in touch on the hunt for a source for picture for Alan Allard, who is writing a book:

The picture shows Alan and Norman Barclay splashing through the puddles at Blackbushe in 1965. I think it is a scan of a picture published in a magazine at the time and I used it in Crazy Horses, but only as a small image. Alan is looking for a higher=resolution version for publication in his book. I have tried the normal sources without success, I know that lots of fans collect magazines so we might be lucky and lead Alan to the photographer or a picure archive.

If you can help then you can get in touch with Brian at brian@petrolhead.vianw.co.uk.

American Super Stock returns.

5th April: Since the demise of York Raceway at the end of the 2017 season, the highly successful American Super Stock Championship had to sit out 2018. Howard Holmes writes that this won't be the case in 2019 and that American Super Stock is back:

Wheels were set in motion initially by Alan Perkins (PDRC Chair), and subsequently by Dave Billadeau (A/SS stalwart) and Howard Holmes (A/SS and Nomad Drag Racing Club). Discussions commenced with Trevor Duckworth, the protagonist of two-wheel drag racing and sprinting with his Straightliners series. Trevor has offered American Super Stock a four-round championship at Straightliners events in 2019. These are:

Round 1: Saturday 13th April, East Kirby, East Kirkby Airfield, Spilsby Lincolnshire PE23 4BP
Round 2: Saturday 29th June, Church Fenton, Also known as Leeds East Airport, near Sherburn-in-Helmet. Navigate to LS24 9SE
Round 3: Sunday 30th June, Church Fenton. Part two of this double-header weekend, overnight camping available on site
Round 4: Saturday 27th July, Elvington

Elvington is a big weekend event, with the final A/SS round on Saturday, but it's also worth stopping over and making a weekend out of it, there's much going on including the Ten Of The Best event.

As in previous years, American Super Stock is a dial-your-own-handicap bracket championship. As such A/SS is not just about having the fastest car, indeed it has always been a very inclusive series in which any American vehicle is usually acceptable, but the more muscular, of course, the better. As long as a car (or truck) is in the spirit of the series, and it's safe, then it's OK.

There are fewer rounds this year than in previous years when the Championship was held at York Raceway, where it had become a huge success and the halo series for the venue. "Now there is every chance Super Stock will return bigger and better, but for this year, it's great to be back racing again" says Dave Billadeau, no doubt looking forward to getting some fresh air under his front tyres again. "We're all looking for forward to the thrills and the fun and the competitive racing again."

Just two questions are left: whose name will be added to the trophy at the end of the season? And who has been holding on to the trophy? We think we know the answer to the latter, but will he be retaining it? There are two previous American Super Stock winners already entered into the first round, so expect the same competitive racing to continue.

You can find American Super Stock on Facebook.

Seeing red at Warpspeed Racing.
3rd April: After a very eventful and expensive ten years in Pro Stock Bike the UK's Mark Smith, aka The Punisher, is changing classes to Top Fuel Bike. Mark has been in touch with an update on his new bike and those of his Warpspeed Racing team-mates:

Mark purchased Paul Gast's Pro Stock/Pro Mod chassis, which then underwent a vast transformation by Stuart Crane at Warpspeed Racing. The off-season was spent making a few modifications to the chassis, installing a high pressure nitrous system, brand new Ward two-valve engine and re-wiring.

The bodywork has been resprayed by MDH Body Repair Centre in beautiful 2013 Dodge Viper SRT red paint. Unfortunately for the team Mark chose to buy himself some new leathers, but you should easily be able to spot him at the track... what was he thinking.

With the ongoing support of their sponsors Warpspeed Racing, Greens Plumbing, MPM Oil, Draper Tools and MDH Body Repair Centre, the team are hoping for a successful and cheaper 2019. Mark, Kerry and Greeno are all excited about the upcoming season, with a few nerves chucked in for good measure due to the steep learning curve of a new class and nitrous, but they are well up for the challenge. Bring it on!

The Punisher's team-mates Stuart Crane and Dale Leeks have also had busy off-seasons. Stuart has made a few changes to his Pro Mod Bike: he has replaced his back tyre, replaced his gearing and fitted a new vacuum pump. The biggest change is that Stuart will be returning to a single stage of nitrous.

Dale decided late December that he wanted to change the existing fuelling set-up on his Pro Mod Bike, from nitrous to methanol turbo. Dale and Stuart talked the idea over and contacted Dan Wagner of DTM Performance in the USA, who was more than happy to convert the bike. Dale and Stuart flew out to the States to collect the parts for the fuelling system upgrade. They have worked closely with DTM Performance and are now putting the finishing touches to the bike.

Stuart has built a new Warpspeed turbo system and everything looks awesome. The bike is still 1640cc with an Owen Developments turbo and Hilborn injection system from DME. The final piece to the puzzle is the new Maxx ECU system supplied by tuning genius Steve Nichols in the USA.

All being well, Dale hopes to test before the Main Event so he's all ready to please the crowd in the upcoming season.

The Warpspeed Racing team will be at Santa Pod Raceway for the FIA/FIM Main Event in May, why not drop over to the pits and say Hi... you may get the added bonus of seeing Mark's delightful leathers, don't forget your sunglasses. Fingers crossed for a record-breaking year.

Bike Gamblers open to all.
3rd April: Supertwin Gas racer Robbie Dobbie writes that although the National Association of Supertwins has been wound up, there is still plenty to race for with a second running of the Bike Gamblers' Challenge, open to all bikes, over three events at Santa Pod Raceway:

Regrettably the decision to wind up the club was taken at the AGM which followed the Riders' and Drivers' meeting in February. With falling membership and the the closure of Shakespeare County Raceway, NAST's spiritual home for so many years, the end was inevitable. We would like to thank the tracks and everyone for the support which NAST had over its twenty five years.

Last year James Forster of Santa Pod Raceway agreed to allow us to run a Gamblers' Challenge during RWYB Saturdays to celebrate NAST's 25th Anniversary. We will be running this again by kind permission of James.

The format of the 2019 Bike Gamblers Challenge will be the same as same as last year. £10 in the pot and the winner and runner-up share the proceeds and each receive a trophy. Each event is open to any motorcycle or trike and will be run under ET class rules. Each round is stand-alone, no points carried forward, on the following Saturdays:

1st June: Das Auto Show weekend
20th July: BMW Show weekend
12th October: Straightliners weekend

Please note that if you want to stay overnight at any of these events then you must buy a weekend ticket.

The June and Julr events will finish at 17:00 and the October Saturday Night Special at 20:00.

Submit your name and number the week before, and if you like it then why not take it seriously and race in ET Bike.

Further details will be posted nearer the time on the ET Bike UK Facebook page, or E-Mail robbie_superpenguin@hotmail.com.

Swift snippets.
3rd April: Serck Motorsport are delighted to support the Quickest Reaction Time Award in Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator Championship this season. The team with the average quickest Reaction Time in qualifying will be awarded £50 along with a cheque presentation photo with their car. "Good luck to all competitors for the season", says Graham Smith.

The official web site of the UK's Wild Bunch at www.the-wild-bunch.co.uk has had a make-over and now features a bright new layout, updated photo gallery, sponsors links and all the latest news from the club who will be celebrating their 24th season during 2019. "We would all like to thank webmaster Ed Yates for all his hard work in producing the new web site, which we are sure will be enjoyed by club members and fans alike!" says Co-ordinator Claire Meaddows.

OCS/WBR back The Doorslammers.
3rd April: Santa Pod Raceway are delighted to announce the latest class sponsor for The Doorslammers which takes place on 17th-19th May.

Following last year's success, The Doorslammers is back and the OCS Group/WBR Race Engines are continuing their involvement with the renewal of their Big Bracket class sponsorship. Brothers Nic and Dan Williams of the OCS Group said "After last year's incredible Doorslammers event, we are delighted and proud to continue supporting the event by sponsoring Big Bracket. We were staggered by the sheer amount of coverage this event gained last year which made our decision very easy to continue. We really do look forward to seeing the biggest field of cars entered and welcome fellow racers and fans to see our race winning sportsman engine programme all built and specified in-house. We will be on hand at the event to discuss any engine requirements."

UK rules update.
2nd April: As the first round of the UK Championships approaches, Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall has been in touch with two important messages for racers:

Following the regulation change to mandate the use of silencers on Junior Modified and Junior Modified Advanced Dragsters and Funny Cars, there is some confusion over the required length of the exhaust on Junior Dragsters. The limit of 27 inches has been removed from the rule book to allow for the turndowns on the silencers used by some cars, therefore there is now no limit on exhaust length.

To scotch rumours of impending scrutineering issues: race numbers are required on all vehicles, however numbers and letters do not have to meet the Blue Book requirement of a minimum height of 6 inches as this is considered excessive. The Blue Book regulation is of course a requirement for circuit cars which must be identifiable from much greater distances than necessary in drag racing. The maximum required size for race numbers and letters in drag racing is 3 inches in keeping with the space available on some race vehicles. Should the timing crew have difficulty reading your race number then you will be contacted by a pit marshal.

If you have any queries then please get in touch with Ian at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

Event entry update.
1st April: Thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us the final version of the official entry list for the Festival of Power, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 19th-21st April. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Thanks also to Ian Marshall for sending Version 2 of the official entry list for the Springspeed Nationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 4th-5th May and which is a round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and some Club Championships. You can check out the Springspeed Nationals entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Springspeed Nationals entry closes on Friday of next week, 12th April, after which a Late Entry penalty may apply. You can download the official entry forms via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

If you have any queries about event entry then please get in touch with Ian Marshall at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

UK class sponsors.
1st April: Ian Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club writes to welcome back returning class sponsors and to welcome new class sponsors.

Returning sponsors

Modurstang Pro ET: Providers of performance parts and modifications for not just late-model Mustangs but all kinds of American vehicle servicing. Mike can be contacted on 01608 678818 or Mobile 07774 712000 and please check out their web site at www.modurstang.co.uk.

Hutchinson & Dibley Sportsman ET: Hutchinson and Dibley Ltd is a Buckinghamshire-based precision CNC engineering company specialising in the production of 'hard-to-manufacture' parts. The company has over fifty years of experience in most industries including defence, oil, gas and marine, as well as machining most common metals and plastics but also working with difficult materials such as titanium, magnetic iron and inconel. The shop facility includes CNC turning and milling as well as welding and fabrication equipment. The entire production is ISO9001:2008 approved and accredited. You can find out more at www.hutchinsondibley.com.

New sponsors

Secret Worx Comp Eliminator: Secret Worx specialise in drift cars and fast Japanese vehicles and many types of performance car work. They can be contacted through Facebook at www.facebook.com/secretworx.

Phoenix Personnel Super Comp: Based in Brixworth, Northampton, Phoenix Personnel provide driver staffing for many of the UK's biggest transport companies, as well as driver training and CPC courses. Have a look at their web site at www.phoenixpersonnelltd.co.uk, contact Carole or Emma on 01604 881664 or E-Mail enquiries@phoenixpersonnelltd.co.uk.

Bank Night Club Top Fuel Bike: The name says it all. If you find yourself in Maidstone, Bank Street is the place to head for your night's entertainment (18s and over only of course). You never know, you may bump into a famous Funny Car driver!

Taylor's Trophy Super Street Bike: Kathy Taylor is a long-time supporter of all things Drag Bike, on this occasion taking the Super Street Bike title sponsorship as her way of putting something back in to the sport.

NMCN 8.50 Bike: North Midland Construction, based in Nottingham, are specialist in water civil engineering projects. They have offices across the UK and can be contacted on 01623 515008. A big Thank You to Richard Newton for getting involved.

Accelerate for a Cause & Cure Supertwin Top Gas and Accelerate for a Cause & Cure ET Bike: Derek Flynn is, as we know, supporting something close to his heart and those of many others around him. Accelerate for a Cause & Cure is about Bloodwise, a very worthy charity. More details will follow shortly here on Eurodragster.com about Derek's involvement and how others can get involved at the track.

In Posterum Junior Drag Bike: A supporter of all things new and up and coming within the world of drag racing. The grass roots are very important to the whole grounding of the sport.

"Santa Pod Racers Club would like to thank all of the returning and new title sponsors", says Ian. "Their sponsorship is a great help to all of our racers and also to SPRC."

Swift snippets.
1st April: Ian Marshall also tells us that the Comp Eliminator index for the BB/AF Front Wheel Drive floor pan class will be 8.70 seconds. If you have any queries then you can contact Ian at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

Also mentioned above is Eurodragster.com sponsor Derek Flynn who tells us that a Bucket List item, a drive of a Funny Car, is to be crossed off courtesy of Super Pro ET racer Mark Flavell. We will bring you more on that when we have it.

Allan Davies asked us to say a big Happy 18th Birthday for today (Monday) to Comp Bike racer Louis Davies. Our pleasure Allan, have a great day Louis.

Turbo Technics back The Doorslammers.
1st April: Turbo Technics have been a partner at Santa Pod for several years so will be a familiar name to many fans and competitors - and they're back for more! The Northampton-based company were one of the first to sign up to the new Doorslammers event last year at Santa Pod and return as the primary sponsor of the Pro Street class in 2019.

Said owner Geoff Kershaw "Developing turbochargers for motorsport applications is a complex business but one that Turbo Technics excels at. We have developed solutions for our own competition vehicles, engine developers and for major automotive manufacturers. Turbos have been in our blood for almost four decades so we understand racing. This is the perfect opportunity for us to be associated with the ultimate power that's needed in this no-holds-barred competition."

With the first round of the National Drag Racing Championships looming at Easter, all eyes will be on these initial outings especially in the Street Eliminator class as this will undoubtedly spark a fresh wave of entries. With such a hefty prize pot up for grabs, the Doorslammers event is all about the winning so expect to see the best of the best.

Repeat sponsorship, new ride.
30th March: Dave Dibley writes to confirm that Hutchinson & Dibley will again be sponsoring the UK's Sportsman ET class in 2019 including trophies for the #1 qualifier at each event. This will be Hutchinson & Dibley's second year as title sponsor.

"I feel it is important to get people into drag racing via an easy route, as this is where I started off forty four years ago" says Dave, who used to campaign a 1967 Mustang.

In addition the team have acquired Jon Morton's '69 Camaro and have spent the winter modifying it to suit Andy who will be driving it in Super Gas this year. The Magic Rat is seen below on its return from Richard Walters' paint shop.

Andy will be making his first outing in the car at Santa Pod Raceway today, Saturday, with licencing planned for the Pro Peak Performance Day before the Festival of Power (Which will be webcast here on Eurodragster.com - Ed). Jon Morton and crew Neil will be working with Dave and Andy this season.

In return for the reveal Andy has set a Trivia Challenge for Eurodragster.com readers, namely to identify the inspiration for the Magic Rat's name: E-Mail us at editor@eurodragster.com if you think you know.

There will be more to follow about the new ride but in the meantime we wish Dave and Andy good luck and new PBs.

Swift snippets.
30th March: The official entry list for the Festival of Power is now up to Version 8 courtesy of Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Ian tells us that there is likely to be one more update to the list.

UK Tech Team contact arrangements.
29th March: Mark Norton of the UK's Tech Team has been in touch to announce a new E-Mail address which is intended to be the first point of contact for the Team from now on:

For the past twenty six years the Tech Team have always been prepared, and happy, to field questions about the rules of drag racing. With the almost universal use of mobile phones and social media, the queries which we receive have risen to almost unsustainable volume. Those enquiring have often not firstly read the relevant regulations, and some of those calling do so without regard for the time of day - it should be pointed out that we do this on a voluntary basis.

As a result we have decided that a dedicated contact point should be established to ensure that a proper answer is given. Our new first point of contact will in future be drtukq@aol.com. Please E-Mail us with your query and a phone number, and your question will be properly considered and answered. In future, please only use this E-Mail address and not the contact details published in the rule book.

Toys R Us.
29th March: The UK's John Tebenham has been in touch to tell us that his dream garage contains what will hopefully a seven-second Ford Pop and five-second Corvette:

I'm starting with the Pop in Super Pro at Easter, then the Corvette at the Doorslammers and the Test Day. Hopefully, if all goes according to plan, we will be running both cars at the Main Event! I have Luke Robinson in charge of the car, he unbelievable, and Andy Robinson has offered to be on hand if I need him. Marco Maurischat and his Crew Chief are also crewing to make up this fantastic team.

All I have to do is to learn to drive these monsters. Great respect to everyone who drives a Pro Mod - I hope I can add to this great class!

Please come and see us and and say Hello to us, as we are working hard and doing our best to add to this great race track. And by the way, I would like to say a massive thank you to Keith Bartlett for keeping drag racing alive in the UK!

Formerly known as JT - now Johnny Bee Good - like Frank said, my way.

Sister fact.
29th March: UK Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Andy Bond made a good start with his Ugly Sister Chevy but what he describes as a "bump" at the 2017 SPRC Summernationals delayed proceedings. The return was worth the wait, though:

After a few bolts and some minor body repairs for both driver and car we were back on track - ironically returning exactly one year later at the 2018 Summernationals. The team struggled with bump box issues at first but eventually got consistency into stage. Once there the car left arrow straight allowing us to concentrate on the sixty foot times. Encouraged by this we started to use some of the potential power resulting in a 7.73/190.

It was fantastic to take the wins at Bug Jam 32, the European Finals and the Tri Chevy Shootout at the Hot Rod Drags. The points taken in the back end of the season resulted in a second place finish; the team were well pleased to finally be moving in the right direction.

Winning SPRC's Best Appearing Car for 2018 was a real boost and I would like to thank Eurodragster.com for running the vote and everyone who showed their support by voting.

The Ugly Sister has been in Crew Chief Martin's workshop, Tubeworks in Cheltenham, for some modifications and upgrades, and to shave a few more pounds off that waistline! She's been back on the roads of Wiltshire to the shops, the pub and of course the gas station!

The 2019 season is fast approaching and the team are looking forward to more seat time and a full season to progress the car, to explore her potential and to see just how ugly this year can get...

Swift snippets.
29th March: Our good buddy Remco Scheelings is continuing his series of Features on the Drag Racing Europe Blog with his latest victim The Netherlands' David Vegter and the PTTM Pro Mod. You can check out Remco's Feature by clicking here.

Now calling at Nitrous Station.
29th March: Further to the recent announcement of a partnership between Serck Motorsport and Santa Pod Raceway, Darren Prentice of Santa Pod has been in touch to announce that the promised Nitrous Filling Station will be up and running at the track from this weekend:

Launched in conjunction with Serck Motorsport, this new service represents another big step forward in terms of the trackside services which we can offer our racers and Track Day participants. The onsite Nitrous Filling Station has been installed within Santa Pod's Garage Shop located in the pits, and our trained staff are ready and waiting to carry out your refills at just £10/lb (including VAT).

The Nitrous filling service will be available at all events from RWYB Track Days to full-blown race events, and we can even offer a mid-week service on request to orders@santapod.com. Don't forget to check out the new Serck Motorsport product and parts display in the Garage Shop while your bottles are replenished. New bottles are also available to purchase.

Event entry update.
28th March: Tomorrow (Friday 29th) is the official closing date for entry to the Festival of Power, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 19th-21st April and which is the first round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and some Club Championships. Entry after tomorrow, if accepted, may be subject to a Late Entry penalty. You can download the official entry forms via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

In the last twenty four hours we have posted Version 6 and now V7 of the official Festival of Power entry list courtesy of Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Thanks also to Ian Marshall for sending Version 1 of the official entry list for the Springspeed Nationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 4th-5th May and which is also a round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and some Club Championships. You can check out the Springspeed Nationals entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Springspeed Nationals entry closes on Friday 12th April, after which a Late Entry penalty may apply. You can download the official entry forms via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

If you have any queries about event entry then please get in touch with Ian Marshall at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

Swift snippets.
27th March: Further to last Friday's news item Derek Flynn of Eurodragster.com sponsor Gold RV has bust his third target so far, £1000, for Bloodwise on his Facebook Birthday Fundraiser. "Thank you to everyone who has contributed", says Derek, "let's keep it going!". If you would like to donate to Bloodwise then you can do so at www.facebook.com/donate/1133215770194384.

The official entry list for the Festival of Power is now up to Version 5 courtesy of Ian Marshall. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Entry closes this Friday (28th); you can download the official entry forms from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

Thanks to Mike Collins for sending us the usual preview of his column in the latest issue of Street Machine magazine due out tomorrow, Thursday, plus bonus material exclusively for Eurodragster.com readers. This month the second PDF above will really wet the whistle of Nostalgia fans as it features an extensive report and pictures of a promotional appearance by various cars and bikes at a circuit race at Silverstone in the 1970s. Click on the images above for the PDF downloads.

We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Supercharged Outlaw racer Jim Usher. Have a great day Jim.

SFI recertification periods II.
26th March: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall has been in touch with an update to last Friday's news item about SFI recertification periods listed in the UK rule book.

4.1 Flexible trans blankets require recertification after 5 years not 2 years, so the updated list is now as follows:

4.1 Flexible trans blankets: UK rule book reads 2 years, should be 5 years
7.1 Lower engine containment device: UK rule book reads 1 year, should read 5 years
14.2 Methanol supercharger restraints: UK rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
14.21 Screw type supercharger restraints: UK rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
27.1 Window nets: UK rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
61.1 Turbochargers: UK rule book reads 1 year, should read 2 years

The rule book on the SPRC web site will be updated to reflect the above.

If you have any queries then please get in touch with Ian at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

Swift snippets.
26th March: The official entry list for the Festival of Power is now up to Version 4 courtesy of Ian Marshall. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Entry closes this Friday (28th); you can download the official entry forms from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Keiran Letts of SPRC's timing crew. Have a great day Keiran.

Mugridge Sr retires from racing.
26th March: UK Comp Eliminator racer has been in touch to let us know that he is retiring from racing, although Nick and Luke are not, and so his seven-second David Monday Race Cars '68 Camaro is up for sale:

The Camaro is for sale completely turn-key and is ready for someone to race now. If there is no interest in the complete car then it can be sold as a roller without engine and gearbox or less any other parts that someone might not need. This is a huge opportunity for someone to get into racing with an awesome race car which they can just step into without having to wait to build or have the expense of building new. The car is ready to run mid-sevens.

The race transporter trailer and tractor unit is also up for sale and has a compete living quarters on the upper deck with four beds, shower room and flush toilet, kitchen with LPG cooker, fridge freezer and microwave and hot and cold running water. It has on-board water and waste tanks. We have stayed in it at Santa Pod for six days. There is a two-tonne tail lift and race platform which will take a doorslammer or dragster onto the top deck. On the lower deck there is a large neck storage area which also houses an on-board compressor. The lower deck comprises of two large storage cupboards, workbench with three tool chests below. There are ample power points, lighting and tie down points. We have carried a Super Pro ET dragster, Junior Dragster and golf cart on the lower deck with the Camaro on the upper deck.

There is a quality Tectonics awning which attaches to the side, 12m long x 4m wide complete with all sides, front and rear panels. Rolatrac black pit flooring is also available.

The tractor unit is a MAN 26/430 TGA model with bunk beds. The tractor can go with the trailer or the trailer can go without the tractor. We have reduced the price; please see advertisements 17289 (race car) and 52529 (rig) on the Jeff Bull Race Engines Swap Meet.

The team's golf cart is also available. It is a petrol powered EZGO four-seater model with full roof and full rain covering. It has very low hours on the hour meter and has never seen a golf course. It has a towing frame fitted to the chassis and comfortably tows the team's Camaro.

FIA release Pro Mod EFI clarification.
24th March: Thanks to FIA Techical Delegate for Drag Racing Frans Steilberg for informing us that the FIA have published a Technical Clarification regarding a rule amendment for EFI in FIA Pro Modified.

You can download the Technical Clarification (PDF format) directly by clicking here or via the FIA regulations page at www.fia.com/regulation/category/101.

When grown men cry...

24th March: UK Fuel Funny Car racer Steve Ashdown says that the Undertaker team are looking forward to the 2019 Funny Car Series:

We went from such a great weekend at the Main Event, taking the win, to the European Finals where nothing we seemed to do went right. If you ever wanted to see two grown men cry then you should have come to our workshop after that race when Dave Bryant and I were almost definitely crying. I can honestly say it nearly broke us. Hopefully this year we will be more fortunate.

We have upgraded a few things on car after last year's devastation! New wiring, new plumbing, upgraded heads, new blocks, in fact pretty new everything! We literally had nothing left at all, which was down to some mechanical failures but also me with the red mist taking over out of pure frustration. I still have so much to learn to allow me to be named a Funny Car driver, the rookie in me just wants to stamp on the throttle and aim it in a straight line and hope for the best, but trust me there is a whole lot more to it. Hopefully more seat time will resolve this little problem.

I would like this opportunity to welcome some new sponsors on board for 2019 season:

Mitchell and the team at Signstar Graphics who are wrapping the FC and our trailer, these guys are absolutely awesome to work with very highly recommended;

Pat and his team at Atrium Marquees for sorting our new marquee for 2019, brilliant service and once again highly recommended;

The J+S group of companies: J+S Entertainment, J+S Facilities, J+S Secure;

Banks Nightclub and Cocktail bar, Maidstone Kent.

Of course we cannot forget the continued support from our old sponsors Dave Robey of Robey Scaffolding, this is his third year of supporting the Undertaker team. Thank you Dave for your continued support. Gary Brookes, fast2finish printers, once again their third year of supporting the Undertaker team. Gary, thank you mate for always pulling the printing out of the bag.

As usual Pete Walters has worked his magic and done this awesome new wrap for us along with new team shirts, T-shirts and hero cards which will be on sale very soon. Thanks Pete, absolute legend.

Of course I have to thank Dave Bryant and Gordon Smith for the opportunity once again to allow me to live my dream. Then there is the team who work tirelessly both on and off the track to give me an absolutely amazing hot rod to drive every year without fail. Thank you to each and every one of you for all your support, hard work, blood, sweat and tears you put into this crazy sport. I can tell you this: we may not be the richest team, or best looking team out there but I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else but Dave and our team.

Thank you to Rune at RF Motorsport for all his help and to our very good friend from the good old USA Michael Domagala of PMP for the blocks and rods etc.

Thanks to Santa Pod's CEO Keith Bartlett for giving us the Series which gives us something to chase, it's going to make it a very exciting season! Lastly thanks have to go to all the Santa Pod staff and crew and the girls in office for working as hard as they do to make sure that we have a safe and fast track to race on. All of you deserve more recognition than you do.

Keep up the good work and see you all at Easter.

100e Challenge nears first round.
24th March: Nigel Taylor writes that the first round of the 100e Challenge, to be held at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday 6th April, is filling up as lots of 100es are coming out of the woodwork:

Round 1 should have more than eighteen in attendance with twelve or more making a pass to get some sort of an idea on what times they will run. Scott Colin and Sean Pop Doyle from the Modified Ford 100e Facebook page have been busy not only on their own cars but also those of their other halves, as well as putting this series together. It's all shaping up to be a great challenge:

6th-7th April: The Fast Show
10th-12th May: NSRA Nostalgia Nationals
15th-16th June: The Retro Show
12th July: Dragstalgia (Friday)
13th-15th September: NSRA Hot Rod Drags

I'm looking forward to being amongst the 100e crew, as well as to the return of the Detroit Spinner and Paul Dale's Acute Angle 105e at the NSRA Nostalgia Nationals.

For more information on joining in with your 100e, or if you just want to follow the action, then get in touch with Scott Collin or Sean Pop Doyle via the Modified Ford 100e Facebook page where you will also find merchandise available for what is looking to be an exciting group of cars.

Swift snippets.
24th March: The official entry list for the Festival of Power is now up to Version 3 courtesy of Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page, and you can download the official entry forms from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

Congratulations to Albert Carter who gained his Super Comp licence during a two-day course at Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School last week. After 200-, 660- and 1000-foot passes on day one, Albert put in runs of 8.20/162, 8.21/162 and 8.26/156 to get the paperwork. "I would like to say Thank You to all the staff at Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School, my sponsors, all the people who are supporting me and wishing me well, Tony Morris, Lex Joon and Terry Haddock for giving me an opportunity and advice at last weekend's NHRA Gatornationals", says Albert.

Nigel Taylor has asked us to say a big Happy Birthday for today (Sunday) to his wife Sophie Taylor. "Although Sophie doesn't like drag racing she has never stopped me going and even gave me the go-ahead to get another 100e!", says Nigel. We would also like to say a big Happy Birthday with hugs to Lucy Moore who as of today is no longer a teenager. Have a lovely day both. No news update yesterday so we were unable to say Happy Birthday to Tog's good friend Karen Brumby; we do however know that Karen had a good day which included a portion of chips cooked in beef dripping and it really doesn't get much better than that.

No Prep Series update.
24th March: The ten-event No Prep Drag Race Series which has stops all around the country has some impressive car counts but there is room for more and everyone has a part to play, writes Paul Marston:

The world-famous Silverstone Classic features No Prep Cash Days. Sixteen of the fastest No Prep doorslammers in the country will fight it out over the-three day event. There will be a serious pile of cash up for grabs at that event, plus a bonus race as well. We are very grateful to Mark from the Rodfathers for inviting and hosting us at this great event.

Sywell will feature North Weald Allstars v York Raceway Veterans, fighting it out for team honours. We will publish the entry list for both the events soon on Eurodragster.com. I must say that team captain for the York Raceway Vets Pel Norman has got together a very, very impressive list of drivers. The North Weald Allstars captained by DRE Boss Gary Springford sure have their work cut out for them.

The first event in our No Prep Drag Racing Series season kicks off at Lancaster Dragstrip, East Kirkby, Spilsby, Lincolnshire, SP23 4DE on Saturday 13th April, the entry is filling up nicely but there are still spots available. For entry forms email pmdragracing@gmail.com, call or text me on 07831 650230, or seek out No Prep Drag Racing on Facebook. We would like to express our gratitude to Trevor Duckworth and the Straightliners team for hosting us at East Kirkby.

If you need any flyers or posters to help spread the word, or a digital image of our flyer or poster, again contact us on the details above. We sure do appreciate the help of people in the drag racing world, we are all in this together and need your support and help to spread the word.

Enter the Nomads.

24th March: Howard Holmes has been in touch with an introduction to the Nomad Drag Racing Club, which is an all-new collective of drag racers, enthusiasts and others involved with the sport:

Working together with promoters and event organisers, the aptly-named Nomad Drag Racing Club is on a mission to ensure the continuation of drag racing, predominantly at grass-roots and sportsman levels. The Club also aims to help the greater good of drag racing and the wider community involved in the sport and hobby.

Since the closure of two out of three of the UK's permanent drag racing facilities, Shakespeare County and York Raceway, the Nomad Drag Racing Club was born out of necessity, when the closure of the Pennine Drag Racing Club was announced.

The Nomad Club provides a community for like-minded, right-minded drag racers and enthusiasts, providing a conduit for communication and support. The Club is not a promoter or a motor sport club, however the Club is eager to offer support to promoters and drag racing event organisers. We aim to be a positive and organised force to help enable these events to happen. Our ultimate goal is to assist in nurturing the return of another permanent drag racing facility in the UK, that is fit for purpose as a 21st century venue.

The Club is currently Facebook-based, and has gained over 500 supporters within two weeks.

We believe the opportunity is wide open for an outstanding new -or renewed- drag racing venue. We will provide as much help and support for this when an opportunity arises.

The case has been argued before, Nomad DRC believes there is a strong commercial case for the return of a permanent drag strip. There is a viable future for this, particularly at the sportsman/clubman/ grass-roots level.

Considering some of the hard commercial facts, there is a viable case. Estimates vary, but there are possibly 3,000 vehicles in the UK built for drag racing, and possibly 10,000 street/strip cars and bikes. Currently, there is just one drag strip in the UK, Santa Pod of course, which is crammed to capacity with drag racing and lifestyle events. Clearly there is the need for another drag strip, there is simply not enough capacity to fulfil the desire to participate in drag racing. We believe this also benefits Santa Pod, as it provides a feeder from grass root to Pro classes. The reopening of an improved York Raceway is absolutely ideal: it is close to the M62 corridor, good for access and it serves a large population within travelling distance. Indeed, it's only a hop, skip and a ferry away from mainland Europe.

Furthermore, York has been an established venue, without noise issues. We understand that the landowner has categorically stated that provision for the drag strip has been stipluated to those using the facility. The supporters of York Raceway have previously demonstrated their huge commitment to making this work and proving this can happen. Clearly, we understand there are complexities to achieving this. and Nomad Drag Racing Club shall play its part in providing as much support and enthusiasm as we can to the interested parties in achieving this outcome, and assuring our loyalty to the cause.

We are living the dream and campaigning the cause, join us on Facebook, search out Nomad Drag Racing Club, which lists drag racing events and some shows we hope to be attending as a Club, so please drop by and say Hi.

Racer update: SFI recertification periods.
22nd March: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall has been in touch with a correction to published SFI certification periods:

The current UK rule book, as distributed on SPRC member lanyards, contains an inaccuracy on several SFI recertification periods. The correct periods are as follow:

7.1 Lower engine containment device: rule book reads 1 year, should read 5 years
14.2 Methanol supercharger restraints: rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
14.21 Screw type supercharger restraints: rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
27.1 Window nets: rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
61.1 Turbochargers: rule book reads 1 year, should read 2 years

Details as posted on the Eurodragster.com News update of 27th March 2018 are correct, and the UK rule book on the SPRC web site will be corrected very shortly.

Festival of Power entry update.
22nd March: Many thanks also to Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 2 of the official entry list for the Festival of Power, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 19th-21st April and which is the first round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and some Club Championships. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Entry closes on Friday of next week (29th March) after which entry, if accepted, may be subject to a Late Entry penalty. You can download the official entry forms via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

If you have any queries about Festival of Power entry then please get in touch with Ian at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

As well as returning sponsors Lucas Oil Products, Modurstang, Hutchinson & Dibley and Topspeed Automotive, welcome to new class sponsors Secret Worx, Phoenix Personnel, Jon Morton, Bloodwise/Another Small f, Taylor's Trophy and Accelerate for a Cause and a Cure. We will have more about the class sponsors shortly. This entry list update also heralds the return of Susanne Callin to Top Fuel Dragster, as announced by Susanne's partner and Santa Pod Raceway CEO Keith Bartlett at the SPRC Dinner Dance. With Maja Udtian also scheduled to run in the class at Easter, Liam Jones finds himself outnumbered two to one.

Swift snippets.
22nd March: Although the birthday of Derek Flynn of Eurodragster.com sponsor Gold RV is a couple of weeks off, he has taken advantage of Facebook's Birthday Fundraiser feature to start to raise funds for Bloodwise. Two targets have already come and gone and so Derek has stretched the envelope with a target of £500. If you would like to donate to Bloodwise then you can do so at www.facebook.com/donate/1133215770194384.

Michael Dowdy, going into his forty-fifth year at Santa Pod, asked us to say a big Happy Birthday for today (Friday) to his son, Lucas Oil Junior Dragster racer Matthew Dowdy. Our pleasure, have a great day Matthew. Michael also asked us to thank Mark Exley of sponsor Gravitas HR who has renewed his support for this year. "Full details of what Gravitas HR offer can be found at www.gravitashr.co.uk", says Michael. "Alternatively just have a chat to Mark at any race meeting. Finally a belated Thank You to the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame for the invitation to their Gala last year. If you are thinking of going this year, just go, you won't regret it!"

Festival of Power entry update.
21st March: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 1 of the official entry list for the Festival of Power, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 19th-21st April and which is the first round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and some Club Championships. You can check out the entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Entry closes on Friday of next week (29th March) after which entry, if accepted, may be subject to a Late Entry penalty. You can download the official entry forms via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

If you have any queries about Festival of Power entry then please get in touch with Ian at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).

Swift snippets.
21st March: Our first Webster Race Engineering/Nimbus Motorsport webcasts of the year will be from the VHRA Vintage Nationals (Saturday 13th April) and GTi Spring Festival (Sunday 14th April) at Santa Pod Raceway. These will be followed by the pre-Festival of Power Pro Peak Performance Day on Thursday 18th April. Stay tuned for more dates.

Swift snippets.
19th March: We will post the first version of the official entry list shortly but a reminder that Friday of next week, 29th March, is the official closing date for entry to the Festival of Power which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 19th-21st April. You can download the official entry form via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

Caitlin and Emmy Wilson asked us to say a big Happy Birthday with love to their dad Duncan Wilson (below left). "Without Dad no racing would be possible for either Em or I", says Caitlin. "We are so grateful for everything he does for us". Have a great day Duncan.

To prove that you can't keep a good idea down, our good friend Bob Roberts got in touch with video of a No Prep race (above right) at Thruxton in 1980. The race took place over 100 yards and featured one of the widest drag strips we have seen. "The Race Director and Chief Starter became a well-known chassis builder (and flight specialist)", says Bob.

If you fancy working on a blown-alcohol altered then the Thunder God team are seeking a crew member. You can find out whether you've got what it takes via the Drivers/Crew Required link on our Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet.

A word for our sponsors.
19th March: Eurodragster.com sponsors please note that this year's sponsorship renewals have been sent out and are now due. A big Thank You to those who have already paid. If your renewal has not arrived and it is not in your Spam folder then please get in touch with Tog at tog@eurodragster.com.

If you are interested in sponsoring Eurodragster.com then please get in touch with Tog at the same address.

Swift snippets.
17th March: Andy Carter's son Albert Carter has been at Gainesville this weekend working in Terry Haddock's Fuel pit, prior to getting in a car himself. "On Tuesday and Wednesday Albert will be at Frank Hawley's school licencing in a Super Comp Dragster", says Andy. "Albert started in Karts aged five and then moved to cars aged twelve. He won the Junior Production Championship in 2017 and 2018 as well as winning the World of Dirt in 2018. Albert would like to say thanks to all of his sponsors and to everyone who has helped him get to this stage in his motorsport career."

The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (above right) came with no words. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com.

Many thanks to our good buddy Kai Plathan for alerting us to a couple of great videos from Räyskälä in Finland back in 1985. Similarly to Kai's last submission this is a runway race featuring some well-known vehicles and names and if you liked your Pro Comp then the first of the two videos is definitely for you.

No news update yesterday so we were unable to say a big Happy Birthday to our good friend John Hackney. Hope you had a great day Hackers.

Support your local drag strip.
17th March: Paul Marston says that with drag racing under attack and threatened in the same way as has happened to Grasstrack, Short Oval, Sprinting and other disciplines of motorsport you can play your part to fight back by supporting the No Prep Series at its various venues this season:

These are strong words indeed, words that up until 2017 I never thought I would be saying, but nevertheless that is my opinion and is exactly what we are facing. It is the grassroots drag racer who is being driven out. Why threatened? Because if you kill the roots the tree falls down, it's not rocket science. With drag racing the loss of York Raceway, Shakespeare County Raceway and North Weald Airfield all happened at once.

The problem is replacing these venues. Believe you me it has not been easy for all of us at No Prep Outlaw Drag Racing. All the venues at which we are appearing are temporary facilities: it's good to cover the country with events just about everywhere. We sincerely thank the promoters who have given us a chance to race with them, namely Mark at the Rodfathers and the legend that is Trevor Duckworth and his Straightliners organisation.

For 2019 we need something from all the grass-roots racers out there, each and every one of you. We need your support. We need competitors to race with us. I am not overstating the importance of this. If the grass-roots drag racer does not support the 2019 series in significant numbers there will be less of a chance of there being a 2020 series. This, like Rockingham Dragstrip, is a series run by racers for racers for the love of the sport, nothing more nothing less. Why? Because if we don't all play our part in supporting the sport then drag racing dies off. The simple truth is that all your race cars will be worthless, just think about that for a while and let it sink in.

Pel Norman said to me earlier this week why so many of the northern lads raced in No Prep at Rockingham Dragstrip, and some mighty tough competition they are too, because they know what it's like: they lost their track two years ago. Without a track to race on your car has no value. Unless you want to put it back on the road, which means a lot of expense and with all the speed cameras and 70 mph speed limit, what use is that when your car is built to do 170 mph?

So my message here is clear: support your grass-roots drag race series if you want drag racing in this country to survive. Don't sit on the fence and wait and see who turns up for the first season, if you do that there might not be a second season! What we have here is a unique opportunity to put drag racing back on the map. To show that we will not go quietly, that this is our sport and this is what we enjoy to do and that we are going to carry on doing it as long as there are drag strips to run on.

Everyone can help out! If you would like some flyers and posters to distribute and spread the word, please contact us via the Facebook page, E-Mail me at pmdragracing@gmail.com or call me on 07831 650230. All we need is your name and address. If you are a member of a race team, call up the car owner and ask him if he will come and race with us. We need supporting, this series is for you guys.

The season kicks off on Saturday 13th April at East Kirkby Dragstrip with True Street and Pro Street. There are some spots left so stand up and be part of the future which starts this year, and enter. The second event is on Saturday 27th April at Dakota Dragstrip in Somerset, with True Street and Pro Street.

The series has ten dates throughout the year. This is your sport if you want it to survive it needs your support, over to you people. Entry forms are available at tinyurl.com/2019noprep or contact us as above.

Fast Fil joins Puma.
17th March: Puma Engineering Ltd, manufacturer of the world's most powerful motorcycle engines, has announced that Athens, Greece based businessman Filippos Papafilippou has joined Ian King as co-owner and Director of the drag race motorcycle engine specialists.

Papafilippou's business interests include Drag Store in Athens, a specialist in carbon fibre composite design and manufacture alongside its tuning and race preparation services. Papafilippou recently joined the multiple FIM European Championship winning and world record-holding team King Racing after acquiring the Gulf Oil machine campaigned by King and built in his Puma Engineering workshops, winning his own and first European title in his inaugural year riding a supercharged nitromethane Top Fuel motorcycle.

Ian King said "I'm very happy to welcome Fil to join me in our small but world-renowned business. He brings a wealth of racing experience on both two- and four-wheel drag racing, and the complementary expertise within Drag Store will help develop our product portfolio for the future. Fil has become a good friend over the last few years and since he joined my race team has proved to be a competent and able development rider, well equipped to feedback improvement proposals in our race efforts. As a one man band I welcomed the opportunity to share some of the burden I have carried alone since Gerard Willemse left almost seven years ago, and am excited at what Fil can bring to Puma Engineering."

Puma Engineering was founded in 1972 by Pete Davies. Pete, an apprenticed engineer and jig borer, had developed an interest in motorcycles from his father who bought, restored and sold motorcycles at Rugby market. Whilst racing as a passenger on a Triumph twin powered grass track sidecar outfit Pete started to improve and remanufacture parts for the fragile engines, and after being made redundant in 1972 started up the company making parts for other sidecar racing teams. After a chance encounter with drag racer Ray Feltell at a show in 1974 Pete commenced the manufacture of parts for drag racing applications. The first nitro engine was built for John Clift, with later commissions from John for use in his famous Chain Reaction Top Fuel Triumph parallel twin.

Puma are now manufacturers of the most powerful motorcycle engines in the world, and power the quickest and fastest accelerating motorcycles across the globe. They offer the complete range of parts to construct all combinations of nitromethane fuelled drag bikes; supercharged and normally aspirated, single cylinder through parallel and V-twin combinations to inline four cylinder.

Commissions from customers across the globe already include state of the art Puma CrMo chassis, billet V-twin engines and a number of four-cylinder engine combinations through to complete turn-key machines. Recent developments have included Mark 2 billet Puma 3V cylinder heads, gear driven camshaft engines, innovative barrel valves developed specifically for Top Fuel Bike applications, and state-of-the-art Carbon Fibre injector hat and precision screw supercharger combinations.

As well as offering its heavy duty Pro1 cases as replacements for the Suzuki GS/GSX engines, Puma has been developing engines and turnkey concepts for the so called New Age Funny Bikes to overcome the engine and gearbox problems associated with running a mid six-second Funny Bike using OEM design engine cases. Powered by inline four engines utilising normally-aspirated nitromethane injected, supercharged/turbocharged petrol or alcohol and nitrous oxide-injected combinations on a pseudo Top Fuel Bike transmission layout, these combinations permit engine setups in excess of 1000 HP to be utilised if desired that could not be reliably achieved with the traditional Funny Bike combinations. Available for all OEM motorcycle cylinder head stud spacings, crankshafts up to 95 mm stroke are offered resulting in capacities of up to 2500cc.

To date, well over one hundred Puma engines have been built for Top Fuel and Funny Bike applications. Puma-powered motorcycles have broken numerous US, European, Australian and world records over the years, and have propelled many riders to Championship titles, many more than any other engine in Top Fuel Bike history. With power outputs exceeding 1500 HP/PS and under 1600 cc, Puma-powered motorcycles are used in the current US, European and British Championship-winning bikes, and hold the accolade of propelling multi US Champion Larry McBride to the fastest (258.27 mph/415.64 kmh) and quickest (5.611 secondss) runs in history on a mechanically-driven motorcycle on a quarter mile from a standing start.

A fund for Jean.

15th March: Further to his request for MS Trust donations rather than flowers at Jean Lane's funeral, Peter Lane tells us that a Justgiving page has been set up in Jean's memory to benefit the MS Trust.

If you would like to make a donation to the MS Trust in memory of Jean then you can do so at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/peter-stuart5.

Webster renews Doorslammers backing.
15th March: Santa Pod Raceway are pleased to announce that Webster Race Engineering, situated next to the track, have renewed their class sponsorship for the eagerly-anticipated Doorslammers event on 17th-19th May.

Jon Webster is a name well known at Santa Pod having built and/or driven just about every conceiable type of race car and his reputation precedes him. Webster Race Engineering are renewing their association with the 4 Cylinder class to put their engineering services in front of competitors and spectators alike.

Jon said "It's a particular discipline in which we are interested with several customers who could make an impact in the class. I was involved with the design and build of Wayne Saunders' world record-setting Ford Focus back in 1999 and the enthusiasm for the potential of the possible combinations out there has stayed with me. The Doorslammers is an excellent platform for these cars. Heads-up competition is the r eal place for them to battle it out. We are currently involved with vehicles that may appear at the event and we offer extensive workshop services and support with respect to race car construction and associated services and support."

Gainesful employment.
14th March: Santa Pod Raceway Track Announcer Colin Theobald has been in touch with the story behind yesterday's spy picture of a Gatornationals staff pass. Announcer Colin is pleased to announce that he is announcing:

Those of you who will be following the NHRA 50th Gatornationals either as part of the very sizeable British contingent at the event, along with many more following via the internet, will probably recognise the voice of one of the announcers in the Tower as I am joining Alan Reinhart and Joe Castello for the duration of the event and will be helping out when required.

I honestly cannot believe I'm here as part of the show. I was fortunate enough to do some colour commentary during the Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex back in 2017 and to be able to join the team from day one is a massive honour. I'll be making sure everyone here knows about Santa Pod and European drag racing. Later on I'll be catching up with Brian Lohnes, who has become a great friend. So you never know what might happen there!

Williams' last US date.
14th March: Eurodragster.com sponsor Nic Williams and the rest of the OCS Group team will be flying the flag for the UK and Santa Pod Raceway as the only competitor from England at this weekend's NHRA 50th anniversary Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

This is the last US event for the WBR AA/SA Camaro as it will be shipped back to Northamptonshire after the race. "We know that there are so many visitors from Europe", says Nic. "Please come and say hi to us as well as to Tony Morris who is pitted next door, and of course to the Swedish Stock racers who are right opposite."

You will be able to stay in touch with our heroes' progress on the Drag Race Central web site at www.dragracecentral.com.

First Doorslammers sponsor declares.
13th March: Santa Pod Raceway are delighted to announce Eibach Springs as the sponsor of the FWD class at the Doorslammers in May.

It's a name with which many Santa Pod followers will be familiar as Eibach have partnered with Santa Pod on a number projects over the years. Commercial Manager Caroline Holden said "We're delighted to have Eibach partner with us again and the Doorslammers event is a perfect fit for their world class products. The FWD class for this event already boasts eleven entries so the competition will be fierce!

Eibach's Head of Marketing told us "We're excited to be part of the community and help educate drivers about the importance of their suspension systems. You could have all the power in the world, but if you can't get it to the ground, it's worthless! With a large range of ERS Coilover springs, Drag-Launch Kits and Alignment products, Eibach can help turn that tyre spin to traction."

Visit www.eibach.com to find out more about the full Eibach range.

Swift snippets.

13th March: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (right) came with no words. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com.

Fuelin' Around signings at the Gators.
13th March: Our good friend Jim Kelly will be signing copies of his latest book Fuelin' Around at the Drag Racing Association of Women booth on the Midway at the this weekend's NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

"Gainesville was always the first big drag race on the east coast and everyone I know would pile into their cars and drive south to escape the cold", says Jim. "It was our spring break but we didn't head for the beaches, we headed for the Gators!

"Fuelin' Around is a behind the scenes look at not just my adventures in the motorsports industry, the highs and the lows, but also tells the story of how a group of us helped a David named VP Racing Fuels to take on the Goliaths of the industry."

NHRA Funny Car World Champion Bruce Larson wrote "This book is great!". NASCAR Modified Driver Mike Christopher's wife jokingly gave Jim a hard time, saying "He stayed up all night reading it!". Other reviews include "A page-turner you're going to attempt to read in one shot" from John DiBartolomeo of Drag Racing Edge magazine, and "Fascinating and enjoyable stories, I laughed out loud more than once" from Eurodragster.com's very own News Editor.

"Jim very graciously offered to give DRAW the profits off each book they sell on the midway throughout the season as a donation" said Steve Lesuer, DRAW Board Member and one of Jim's business competitors mentioned in the book. "I'll be there with JK on the midway and we're looking forward to sharing some of our war stories."

DRAW is a non-profit organisation which provides financial and emotional support to qualified individuals involved in drag racing accidents at a track. From 1985 through 2017, DRAW provided a total of $4,943,250 in financial assistance to 930 racing families. In 2018, DRAW aided twenty three racers and their families with $130,789.66.

In addition to the DRAW Booth at NHRA National Events, Fuelin' Around is also available on Amazon. For more information visit jkkelly.com, .drawfasthelp.org, or at nhra.com.

You can read our review of Fuelin' Around on our news update of 7th January.

Jean Lane's funeral.
12th March: Thanks to Peter Lane for letting us know that Jean Lane's funeral will take place at 10:00 next Tuesday (19th) at the South Oxfordshire Crematorium and Memorial Park, Garford, Abingdon OX13 5PA (map). All are welcome. The venue for drinks afterwards will be advised shortly.

Peter requests no flowers please but a collection will be held for the MS Trust on Tuesday.

Enter the Rebel.
11th March: Hayley Fyfe of the UK's Wrathchild Wild Bunch team has been in touch to claim the 20th February spy picture for Rob and Pete Brown and herself:

The clue was dropped back in mid-February when these pair of rebels turned thirty!

I know that we are all looking forward to the season to begin. However, I'm particularly excited for this year as Rob and Pete will be running Rebel for their first time in MSA. I know they wouldn't mind me saying that this year it's going be a learning curve as it's a step up from running Wrathchild at the RWYB events.

We would like to thank our amazing family and friends for their help and ongoing support (cheers Marras!) Roll on Easter!

PS Wrathchild hasn't been forgotten!

Swift snippets.
11th March: Carrying on the Wild Bunch theme, we would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Wild Bunch Race Co-ordinator Claire Meaddows. Have a lovely day Claire.

Jean Lane.
10th March: We were very sorry to hear from Peter Lane of the death of his wife Jean this morning (Sunday) at the age of 57. Peter tells us that Jean was diagnosed with breast cancer which spread before it could be operated upon.

Stock/Superstock racer Carla Pittau speaks for all of us: "Jean was a dear friend and a thoroughly fantastic person who never for one minute let her serious illnesses affect her personal relationships, never complained, never wanted anyone's pity or sympathy. I will miss her greatly."

Our deepest sympathies to Peter and to all of Jean's family and friends.

Bartlett hails new FIA contract.
10th March: Trakbak Racing CEO and Santa Pod Raceway owner Keith Bartlett writes that after a long period of discussions and negotiations with the FIA an initial four-year contract has been provisionally secured for the promotion and commercial rights to the FIA European Drag Racing Championships. The agreement will be ratified by the FIA Senate in early April.

"We have formed a new company, Drag Racing Europe, to operate the FIA European Drag Racing Championships", says Keith. "The new company will have a voting seat on the FIA Drag Racing Commission plus, and most importantly in my view, we will have sole responsibility for setting the calendar from 2020. The new company will also have a input into all rules and future rule making. More information will be released in April."

The FIA's press release reads as follows:

Following a meeting yesterday of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Geneva, the governing body of world motor sport has provided provisional approval to the appointment of a new promoter for the FIA European Drag Racing Championship.

Having operated without a recognised promoter for over a decade, the World Motor Sport Council has approved the appointment of Drag Racing Europe as the commercial rights holder for the FIA European Drag Racing Championship from the start of the 2019 season. Following a year of discussions, the two parties have agreed on an initial four-year agreement from 2019 through 2022, which is subject to the approval of the FIA Senate and finalisation of the contract.

"We are delighted to be working with Drag Racing Europe to secure the future of the European Drag Racing Championship and I must commend all the stakeholders involved for uniting behind this common purpose" stated Lars Pettersson, President of the FIA Drag Racing Commission. "Through their role as event organisers, the stakeholders behind Drag Racing Europe have been performing the role of promoter of the European Championship unofficially for many years already and the FIA is confident in their ability to restore the Championship to strength."

Drag Racing Europe AB is a consortium formed from the existing venues in the Championship, namely Santa Pod Raceway, Tierp Arena, Hockenheimring and the Finnish Hot Rod Association, in addition to the current Championship administrator, Speedgroup. Each of the five parties is an equal partner in Drag Racing Europe.

"We are very pleased to have been provisionally appointed as the new promoter for the FIA European Drag Racing Championships" stated DRE Chairman Keith Bartlett. "The new promoter Drag Racing Europe will now be able to seek to further develop the Championship, especially in key commercial areas and hopefully over the coming years be able to bring increased benefits to the racers, teams and track promoters alike."

The FIA European Drag Racing Championship is the pinnacle of the discipline in Europe and the only drag racing Championship around the world which awards an FIA trophy. Competition takes place across four classes Top Fuel Dragster, Top Methanol Dragster and Funny Car, Pro Modified and Pro Stock. For 2019, the Championship will take place over six rounds:

24th-27th May: FIA/FIM Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway, UK
6th-9th June: Tierp Internationals, Tierp Arena, Sweden
5th-7th July: FHRA Nitro Nationals, Kauhava, Finland
16th-18th August: NitrOlympX, Hockenheim, Germany
22nd-25th August: Scandinavian Internationals, Tierp Arena, Sweden
5th-8th September: FIA/FIM European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway, UK

Colin Hudson.
8th March: We were very sorry to hear from Mark Skinner, aka Buddha Taz, that Grandad Taz Colin Hudson passed away on Sunday Night.

"Colin was a great bloke, still racing at 70", says Mark. "RIP Colin."

Our deepest sympathies to Coln's family and friends and to the whole Taz Racing team.

SFI bellhousing recert update.
8th March: SFI Foundation Vice President Jennifer Faye has been in touch with a clarification of recertification requirements for SFI 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 bellhousings:

The SFI Specifications 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 for bellhousings state a maximum recertification period, and not an absolute inspection schedule. It says they shall be inspected by the manufacturer for recertification at least every five years for 6.1 or at least two years for 6.2 and 6.3.

However, it can be determined by the certifying manufacturer to inspect more frequently than the maximum period stated in the SFI specifications. For example, a Trick Titanium SFI 6.2 bellhousing must be inspected each year. Inspections are important for the ongoing safety provided by the bellhousings, to check for wear and tear, unapproved modifications that could inhibit the protective capabilities of the parts, etc. Therefore, it is imperative for racers and race teams to check the expiration date directly on the sticker on their bellhousings. That is the overriding control date for recertifications.

The FIA Drag Racing Technical Regulations have also been updated to reflect this.

WBR go large on Gators.

8th March: The UK's Williams Brothers Racing have announced that the team will be contesting Stock Eliminator not only at this weekend's "Baby Gators" NHRA Divisional event at Gainesville but also at next week's 50th Annual Gatornationals:

We are incredibly proud and honoured to be racing at this prestigious event, especially as we are the only team from the UK to be taking part.

The Camaro is performing superbly and Dan, Nic and Lorne have learnt so much over the course of the adventure. Let's hope that we can bring another Wally back home to the UK to go with the Edelbrock Performer of the Race award with which we were presented at the US Nationals last year.

It has been an incredible nine months of logistics, endless road and air miles travelled, and to finish the tour at the Gators was beyond what we thought was possible. What makes this event so special however is that it's not just the three of them this time. Nic's wife Alix is already there , and on Monday the team will almost be complete as Keith Williams, Guy King and Colin Theobald are flying out to join them for the Gatornationals.

We will of course be spreading the word about Santa Pod and racing in the UK and we know that there is a European invasion of spectators and fellow racers coming to the event so please come and say hi, we'd love to see you there.

Swift snippets.
8th March: The official entry forms for the No Prep Series are now available for download (PDF format) at tinyurl.com/2019noprep. For more about the No Prep Series check out our news item of 7th February or visit the No Prep Drag Racing Facebook page.

Swift snippets.
7th March: This pair of spy pictures arrived at the Eurodragster.com offices accompanied by the words "What could be going on? A USA delivery and a man selling cloth". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com.

If you are one of the eighteen or so fans left on this side of the Pond not attending this weekend's Good Vibrations March Meet at Bakersfield then a webcast is available for the princely sum of $24.59 for the weekend. Coverage starts today (Thursday) and with a time difference of -8 hours UK and -9 hours European you still have plenty of time to get your order in by clicking here.

We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to our good friend, Honorary Eurodragster.com Staff Member and Anyone's Crew Spencer Tramm. Have a great day Spencer.

SPRC office closed.
6th March: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall says that the SPRC office will be closed until next Tuesday afternoon (19th):

I will have my mobile phone with me and should anyone require ACU codes I can still sort those out, but only by text to 07436 802907 or to the usual E-Mail address, but not by voice message please as I can't sort that out.

If you have an urgent enquiry then please call, but please take into account that in my location there is a -5 hour difference on UK time.

Belt meter sought for Fuel bike.

6th March: Phil Baimbridge is seeking the help of Eurodragster.com readers with the loan of a meter to set up the belt tension on his unique three-cylinder Top Fuel Bike:

I have spent a lot of time upgrading the primary drive on the Triple. I've calculated the required belt tension but I have been unable to locate a belt tension meter to set the tensioner/idler diameter. Because of the installation I need a system which can measure the belt vibration frequency from the outside of the belt (there is no access to the side of the belt).

Ideally I would like an optical sensor, but I could use an acoustic sensor if that is all that is available. At £650 for a single use I really don't want to have to buy a meter.

If you can help Phil with a belt tension meter then please drop us a line at tog@eurodragster.com and we will put you in touch.

Maja goes for full Top Fuel season.
6th March: Our good friend Remco Scheelings writes that Maja Udtian will contest her first full season in FIA Top Fuel Dragster with Rune Fjeld Motorsport:

The 21-year-old Norwegian made her Top Fuel competition début at the 2017 FIA/FIM European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway and will now join forces with famous team owner Rune Fjeld to make a full assault on the 2019 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster crown. "I'm so excited to work with Rune and his team", says Maja. "I know I still have to learn a lot, but I'm sure I have the best people around me for the next step in my career."

As one daughter of a drag racing family from Frøya, one of the many islands west of Norway, Maja Udtian almost grew up at the drag strip. After a very successful career in Junior Dragster and Super Comp, she didn't hesitate for a second when she got the opportunity to go for her Top Fuel licence in 2017. At her home track in Gardermoen, Maja immediately impressed with her way of driving and her professional approach. A few weeks later she completed her licencing procedure at Tierp Arena with a stunning 4.11-second pass, at 19 years of age the youngest Norwegian driver to obtain a Top Fuel licence. Two weeks later she made her Top Fuel competition début at the FIA European Finals a Santa Pod Raceway.

With the full support of some major Norwegian companies Maja wanted to contest the FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship for a full season and so 2018 was used to find the right seat and to get all the necessary details in place for 2019. With modern social media it was one of the worst-kept secrets, but now it's official that Maja will join forces with Rune Fjeld Motorsport to compete in the 2019 FIA European Top Fuel Championship. "I'm really looking forward to this season, and I'm super excited to work with Rune Fjeld", says Maja. "Right now, as I'm getting partners on board that make it financial possible, it all feels too good to be true. Ever since I was a little girl, driving full season in Top Fuel has been my biggest dream. To be able to do it together with my family and partners who believe in me feels really good. It for sure requires a lot of work on different areas, but I'm so focused on this that nothing else really matters."

The Top Fuel rookie will drive the latest addition to the Rune Fjeld stable, the McKinney chassis, in 2018 campaigned by Antti Horto. Maja will have her first outing in the RFM car at April's Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway, a non-Championship race and the perfect opportunity to get familiar with the car and the team. She will also make some runs at Gardermoen Raceway during the traditional Drag Challenge in early August.

Maja's main partners during the 2019 season are Salmar, Lerøy, Marine Construction and Frøy. Also making this season possible are Skarsvaag Boats, Nutrimar, Erviks Laks & Ørrett, Frøya Transportsenter, Vindfang, Eidsvaag, Seashell and Åkerblå. "I'm really proud to have so many local companies supporting me, and I'm happy to co-operate with them", says Maja. At every race another main sponsor will be highlighted on the car, thus the RFM Top Fueller will have a different design at almost every race. "Instead of having all the decals the same size for the whole season, we think a partner will get more attention in this way", says Maja. "One name will be in large print and the other companies smaller. By changing the name every race, they will all be in the spotlight during the season."

Jamie Willis will, together with Rune, be the Crew Chief for Maja's RFM Top Fueller. Jamie has worked with Rune Fjeld before, has a lot of experience in the nitro categories, and was also one of the crew when Maja made her licencing runs. The other crew members will be Eirik Skjervø, Tom Pawski, Luke Shakeshaft, Ruaridh Hart, Rob Elsom and Thor Larsen. Almost all of them have experience Top Fuel.

"First of all we are here to have fun and enjoy, but it is no secret that you don't do a full season just for fun", says Maja. "Antti and his team proved last year that the dragster can put down some really fast numbers and be at the top in Europe. Knowing that the car is competitive, I'm doing everything I can to be well prepared. I have a training programme, I'm working out five or six times a week, and I bought myself a Portatree to step up my Reaction Times. With that, and my team focusing on making a fast car, I believe we can fight at the top. I'm also looking forward to teaming up with Liam Jones and his team, and I'm sure we will have a great season in the RFM pit. We're ready to give our all!

"Last but not least I would like to thank my family for supporting me, my uncle Arnt for the job he has done, my partners, Jamie, Rune, Lindsey and the rest of the team."

Maja will be accompanied by her family at the races. The well-known Islanders coach which has travelled so many miles all over Europe in the last few years will travel to the tracks and will also carry the Super Comp dragster of Maja's sister Mari to the races. 17-year old Mari, runner-up in the 2018 Summit Racing EDRS Super Comp Championship, will get the opportunity to compete in Super Comp at the races at which Maja will be racing for the Top Fuel trophy.

Racer update: SFI 3.2A suits.
4th March: Many thanks to Tech Inspector Frans Steilberg for passing us the below bulletin about recertification of SFI 3.2A firesuits:

Click on the above image for a PDF download.

Swift snippets.
4th March: We would like to say a big Happy Birthday and Grattis to our good friend, Stock/Super Stock racer Rick McCann. Have a great day Rick.

Weekend reading.
3rd March: We have recently received a couple of Blog updates. First up is The Netherlands' Lex Joon who writes with the latest on his campaign to run in NHRA Top Fuel Dragster. Paul Marston has had one or two other things to think about in the last year or so but has been in touch to catch right up on the development of his twin-turbo Cortina. 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.

Thanks to Mike Collins for sending us the usual preview of his column in the latest issue of Street Machine magazine, plus bonus material exclusively for Eurodragster.com readers. Click on the images above for the PDF downloads.

SFI Tour update.
1st March: Many thanks to Jennifer Faye of the SFI Foundation for sending us a list of items which can be inspected on this year's SFI Tour, which commences on 21st March.

"The only change from last year is that 61.1 turbos are now good for two years (used to be one year)", says Jennifer.

This year's SFI Tour stops are as follow:

Thursday 21st March: The Netherlands Please note new venue
Hotel Ibis Amsterdam Schiphol
Schipholweg 181
Bedhoevedorp 1171PK

Inspections 08:00-12:00

Friday 22nd March: Finland
FHRA HQ
Helsinki-Malmin Lentoasema
Helsinki 00700

Inspections 08:00-12:00

Saturday 23rd March: Sweden
Persåkers Speed Shop
Solbergavagen 28
Åkers Styckebruck

Inspections 12:00-17:00

Monday 25th March: UK
Bankside VIP
Santa Pod Raceway
Airfield Road
Podington
NN29 7XA

Inspections 10:00-16:00

UK blower, restraint rules heads-up.
26th February: Ian Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club has been in touch with a heads-up to racers of a change in the UK rule book:

Following an update from the UK Tech Department, two changes have been made to the 2019 rule book concerning superchargers and restraint systems. The changes are listed in GSR 1.12, GSR 1.13 and ET 1.7.

This update will be included in the on-line 2019 rule book on the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc and supersedes the current version on SPRC members' memory sticks.

If you have any queries then you can contact Ian at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625.

Swift snippets.
26th February: The latest video to be posted on our YouTube Channel is a Director's Cut of Roger Johansson's 5.794 in Q2 of FIA Pro Modified at the FIA/FIM European Finals last September. Although we have posted video of Roger's run before, this version includes grandstand footage supplied by Séan Bowe as well as footage from our three Webster Race Engineering/Nimbus Motorsport webcams.

As ever one wonders where the time goes but today (Tuesday) is the 21st birthday of Eurodragster.com. A big Thank You to the racers, fans, officials and management everywhere for their support. Nicola, Owen and Mason Prentice asked us to say a big Happy Birthday to our good friend and Honorary Eurodragster.com Staff Member Darren Prentice of Santa Pod Raceway. Have a great day Darren. Happy Birthday also to UK Fuel Funny Car racer Kevin Kent, you have a great day too Kevin, and to former safety crew member Geoff Quaife. Have a great day Geoff.

UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting report.
24th February: The 2019 UK Riders' and Drivers' meeting took place this afternoon (Sunday) at the Hilton Hotel in Northampton. The official minutes of the meeting will be published in due course but these are the main points.

TECH CHANGES

Mufflers are mandatory in Junior Modified and Junior Modified Advanced Dragster and Funny Car, and for Junior Stock Dragsters with derated methanol motors which emit more than 113 db. This will take effect at the Festival of Power and will include subsequent Run What You Brung and Test Days as well as race events. For full details including one suggested muffler manufacturer see the Eurodragster.com News update of 6th December.

In 2019 HANS-type devices are recommended for cars capable of 150 mph or faster, and will be mandatory in 2020 and beyond.

A Front Wheel Drive class is to be introduced in Comp Eliminator. The index is not currently finalised. Details to follow.

Prochargers will be allowed within Roots blower classes in Comp Eliminator.

This year's rule book is again available on the SPRC web site but will also be sent out to members on a USB stick together with entry forms in Word and PDF format.

UK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Due to low entries Super Street will no longer be run.

The dates and classes of this year's ACU UK and UK National Drag Racing Championship rounds are listed below, together with a table of other non-National classes running at Championship events. SPRC have proposed new Club Championships for, details of which can be found below.

Entry forms for events at Santa Pod Raceway will be available shortly in PDF and Word format on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

Closing dates are listed on the entry forms and reminders will of course be posted here on Eurodragster.com.

All teams intending to field more than one driver or rider for the same vehicle must send a list of the season's drivers to Ian Marshall or Yvonne Tramm at SPRC before the Festival of Power.

Bug Jam will again be a non-points round for Lucas Oil Junior Dragster.

Racers wishing to enter Sportsman ET at Bug Jam must have contested the class at a previous event or pre-entered a later event. VWDRC Sportsman racers who wish to double-enter and run in Sportsman ET at Bug Jam will not be subject to this restriction.

The two-day Greenlight Nationals will consist of two full one-day events (qualifying, eliminations, points and prize money each day) for Funny Bike, Comp Bike, 8.50 Bike, 9.50 Bike, ET Bike, Supertwin Top Gas and Junior Drag Bike. One entry fee covers both days; it will not be possible to enter for one of the two days.

Cars	Motorsport UK Pro Modified	Comp Eliminator	Super Pro ET	Pro ET	Sportsman ET	Super Comp	Super Gas	Junior Dragster	Street Eliminator
Festival of Power Santa Pod Raceway 19th-21st April	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Springspeed Nationals Santa Pod Raceway 4th-5th May		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
FIA/FIM Main Event Santa Pod Raceway 24th-27th May	✔ FIA & MS-UK	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔	✔	✔
SPRC Summernationals Santa Pod Raceway 22nd-23rd June	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Bug Jam Santa Pod Raceway 26th-28th July					✔			✔ Non- Championship	✔
Mopar Euronationals Santa Pod Raceway 2nd-4th August	✔
Green Light Nationals Santa Pod Raceway 17th-18th August					✔
FIA/FIM European Finals Santa Pod Raceway 5th-8th September	✔ FIA & MS-UK	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔	✔	✔
UK National Finals Santa Pod Raceway 21st-22nd September	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

Bikes	Top Fuel Bike	Pro Stock Bike	Funny Bike	Super Street Bike	Comp Bike	8.50 Bike	9.50 Bike	Supertwin Top Gas	ET Bike	Junior Drag Bike
Festival of Power Santa Pod Raceway 19th-21st April	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Springspeed Nationals Santa Pod Raceway 4th-5th May	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
FIA/FIM Main Event Santa Pod Raceway 24th-27th May	✔ FIM	✔ FIM		✔ FIM						✔ FIM
SPRC Summernationals Santa Pod Raceway 22nd-23rd June	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Green Light Nationals Santa Pod Raceway 17th-18th August			✔ Double header		✔ Double header	✔ Double header	✔ Double header	✔ Double header	✔ Double header	✔ Double header
FIA/FIM European Finals Santa Pod Raceway 5th-8th September	✔ FIM	✔ FIM		✔ FIM						✔ FIM
UK National Finals Santa Pod Raceway 21st-22nd September	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

Other classes at Championship events	Fuel Funny Car	Nostalgia Funny Car	Wild Bunch	Outlaw Anglia	Outlaw Flat Four	VW Pro	VW Sportsman	Nostalgia Super Stock	Supercharged Outlaws
Festival of Power Santa Pod Raceway 19th-21st April	✔		✔			✔	✔
Springspeed Nationals Santa Pod Raceway 4th-5th May		✔			✔	✔	✔
FIA/FIM Main Event Santa Pod Raceway 24th-27th May	✔
SPRC Summernationals Santa Pod Raceway 22nd-23rd June			✔	✔		✔	✔	✔
Bug Jam Santa Pod Raceway 26th-28th July	✔			✔	✔	✔	✔
Green Light Nationals Santa Pod Raceway 17th-18th August			✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
FIA/FIM European Finals Santa Pod Raceway 5th-8th September	✔	✔
UK National Finals Santa Pod Raceway 21st-22nd September		✔	✔		✔	✔	✔	✔

SPRC CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Subject to ratification a group of classes will run under the title of the SPRC Club Championships. This is based upon Clubs which organise themselves but which operate under SPRC permit. A meeting has been held today with representatives of VWDRC, Outlaw Anglia, Wild Bunch and the Nostalgia Super Stock Association to offer them a Championship based upon permitted rounds at Santa Pod Raceway in 2019. This was well-received by those attending, who will now go back to their Committees to confirm their participation.

EVENT ENTRY

Entry fees have risen by £5 per event (not per day).

Racers are encouraged to pay entry fees by Bacs, Faster Payment or other electronic means as cheques are subject to a processing fee.

Prize money has again been increased by 2% for this season.

2018 Santa Pod Racers Club Champions will again receive free entry to rounds at Santa Pod Raceway in 2019 with the exception of Top Fuel Bike, Pro Stock Bike, Supertwin Top Gas and Junior Drag Bike. Free entry applies even if you change classes. At FIA/FIM events SPRC will cover the equivalent of the National Championship entry fee for Pro Modified and Super Street Bike. In the case of teams with more than one driver, one team driver per event will receive the free entry. Pitside power must still be paid for. The free entry must be used during 2019.

For this year's SPRC Champions to receive free entry in 2020 there must have been an average of four bikes contesting events in Top Fuel Bike and an average of six vehicles in each other class.

Class	Two-day event	Three-day event	Four-day event
Motorsport UK British Pro Modified; Top Fuel Dragster; Fuel Funny Car; Nostalgia Funny Car	£165	£175	£200 NB FIA classes pay FIA fees for FIA European Championship events
ET classes; Super classes; Junior Dragster; Comp Eliminator; Street Eliminator; VW classes; Outlaw Flat Four; Wild Bunch; Outlaw Anglia; Nostalgia Super Stock; other Sportsman car classes	£135	£150	£175
ACU Top Fuel Bike	£170	£175	n/a NB FIM classes pay FIM fees for FIM European Championship events
ACU Funny Bike; ACU Pro Stock Bike; ACU Comp Bike; ACU Super Street Bike; 9.50 Bike; 8.50 Bike; ACU Supertwin Gas; NAST Supertwin Gas; ET Bike; Junior Drag Bike	£140	£155	n/a NB FIM classes pay FIM fees for FIM European Championship events
Jet Car	£160	£175	TBC
Exhibition	£170	£175	TBC

PITSIDE POWER AT SANTA POD RACEWAY

As announced last year, fees for pitside power are frozen until 2020.

Event duration	Single phase	Three phase
2 days	£50	£155
3 days	£60	£165
4 days	£75	£180

OTHER BUSINESS

SPRC have acquired an additional fire truck.

The Championship boards outside the Signing On office will now display the Champions for the last ten years as well as the reigning Champions.

If anyone knows of any company which could provide electronic event entry at reasonable cost then please get in touch with SPRC.

If any racer has any comments about or issues adjusting to the new track surface at Santa Pod then please get in touch with Neale Saunders or Darren Prentice of Santa Pod Raceway.

No Prep Series entry open.
23rd February: Paul Marston has been in touch to tell us that entry is now open for all ten of the No Prep Series events:

If you would like to compete you simply can go the No Prep Drag Racing Facebook page and download the entry for whichever event you want to race in. Alternatively you can email us at pmdragracing@gmail.com or callor text me on 07831 650230 and we will post you an entry form.

Please note that a lot of these events are limited to sixteen entries, so once we have reached that number then entry will be full. So if you want to ensure that you have a spot then please enter sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

These are very exciting times in No Prep drag racing. A lot of new venues and challenges await the 2019 competitors, plus a very nice amount of cash and trophies. Teams will have to figure out their power management and driving skills: No Prep events are not just about power, it is about how you use it effectively. There are also our two brand new classes, which will feature in the first three events on the calendar: True Street and Pro Street, a unique formula which will also separate the men and ladies from the boys and girls. All of our events will be true Outlaw style: heads-up, no time, no speed, flashlight start.

The usual No Prep Big Tyre and No Prep Small Tyre are also catered for along with the new to 2019 Cash Days, which will be held at the Silverstone Classic on Friday 26th-Sunday 28th July. Cash days are open to any car you wanna bring, small or big tyre, this is RWYB and hope you brung enough! We will also feature a thirty two-car shootout as well for a smaller prize pot, courtesy Mark from the Rodfathers.

Sywell's Pistons and Props on Saturday 21st-Sunday 22nd September features another unique event, a grudge match style North v South team race. Pel Norman will captain the York Raceway Veterans and face off against team captain Gary Springford and the North Weald Allstars. There will be a lot of money at stake here and a lot of pride to match. If you wanna be part of this, download the entry form and get in on the action. Anyone can represent their side at this event providing that they have run either at York or North Weald. Racing as a team has to my knowledge never been done in the UK so this is another first. Competitors get to pick their own races against the other team, with points awarded for a win, loss or no show. You just need to win your races, so a lot of strategy and skullduggery will inevitably come into play. It's staged over four rounds and will be fun to watch.

A long list of Thank Yous to everyone involved in making this happen, we owe you all. Keep an eye out for event merchandise and flyers at Swap Meet South at North Weald on Sunday 17th March and stay tuned to Eurodragster.com for more news.

Santa Pod refuels with VP.
22nd February: Santa Pod Raceway has renewed its partnership with VP Racing Fuels. VP will serve as Santa Pod's Official Fuel Supplier for at least the next two years and under the deal the respected fuel manufacturer will supply its diverse range of race fuels to racers and teams throughout the year.

With many of the 'Pod's front runners from across Europe already relying on VP's unique formulations to power them to victory, the partnership will ensure that a reliable supply of this essential performance product continues to be available at the track. Race teams can order in advance for the ultimate in convenience or buy directly from the Pod Shop at race meetings.

Commenting on the deal Marc Wesler, VP International Sales Manager, said "VP Racing Fuels is best known as the World Leader in Race Fuel Technology, fuelling Champions around the world in virtually every form of motorsport. VP's fuels have a well-earned reputation for offering more power and unparalleled consistency. Santa Pod is the premier drag race facility in Europe so we are thrilled to continue our involvement with European Drag Racing and Santa Pod Raceway as their Official Fuel Supplier."

Caroline Holden, Santa Pod's Commercial Manager, added, "Naturally we're delighted to continue our partnership with VP. Their racing fuel is used by many of our leading teams and Santa Pod's on-site supply has hopefully removed some of the logistical problem of moving large quantities of fuel around."

Racers can order fuel for delivery in advance simply by visiting Santa Pod's on-line shop at www.santapodshop.com or by calling the Santa Pod team on 01234 782828.

Steve Hill's funeral.
21st February: Paul Satchell has been in touch with the details of the funeral of ACU Scrutineer Steve Hill:

Steve's funeral takes place at 14:30 next Wednesday, 27th February, at Trent Valley Crematorium, Derby Lane, Aston on Trent, Derby, DE72 2AF. After the service we will be going a short distance to the Coopers Arms, Western Hall, The Green, Weston on Trent, DE72 2BJ.

We would really like to celebrate Steve's life and know that he would want that, remembering the good times we have all shared with him.

We welcome everyone who would like to attend the service and/or join us at the Coopers for some light refreshments and to raise a glass to Steve. For catering purposes if you wish to attend the Coopers please can you please let us know at mail@remarkservices.co.uk.

There is no formal dress code, colours are welcomed. We believe this is what Steve would have liked and mostly he would just want you to be there and feel comfortable.

All of you will know Steve's passion for motorbikes, some of his friends and family will be following the funeral cars from our home. If you are able and want to join this procession please let us know at mail@remarkservices.co.uk.

Two good causes.
20th February: SPRC marshal Caroline Boncey is again undertaking the 5 km Bubble Rush in aid of the Hospice of St Francis and would like to raise £250 in memory of her grandmother. "I have my eldest and youngest goddaughters running, walking or skipping this year", says Oscar, "Chloe Roberts and Erin Halliwell along with Chloe's boyfriend Chris. This year we are dressing as super heroes!" (Which one of you gets to dress up as Simon - Ed). If you would like to sponsor Oscar then you can find out more at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/caroline-boncey4.

Almost half way to its target is an appeal set up by Brogan Edwards who is undertaking various challenges in aid of ET Bike racer Giselle Moor who suffered a spinal injury in a start line accident at Santa Pod Raceway last season. Progess is being made towards a wheelchair Smart Drive for Giselle and if you would like to contribute then take a look at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/smartdrive.

Swift snippets.

20th February: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (right) came with no words. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com.

The boss is back.
20th February: The UK's Robin Read says that his new dragster, currently under construction, will be named Spirit of Le Patron in tribute to his late father, Pro Comp racer, BDR&HRA and BDRA Chair and British Drag Racing Hall of Fame member Jim Read:

My Crew Chief Mark suggested that it would be a lovely idea to pay homage to my father somehow with the new car, but what to do? Once the idea had taken root there were suggestions, then modifications to those suggestions, and this is what we thought appropriate. As you know the little car has always been "The little car" or been referred to as Robin Read's Daimler. The new car has remained unnamed, being referred to as "The new car" or latterly "The long car". So the decision at The Shed has been to name the new car.

The new car will be Spirit of Le Patron and will have Dad's old race number PC31 guesting within the artwork on the mid top body panel.

The Spirit of Le Patron will be running billet aluminium cylinder heads, which were commissioned by dad from Bertie Hopkinson in 1989 shortly before he succumbed to a heart attack. These cylinder heads have never been run in anger, only having done an engine warm up at the workshop. Team effort has been ramped up to finish Spirit of Le Patron and we hope to be testing in June.

Progress of Spirit of Le Patron and other team news can be followed on Facebook by searching for Robin Read Drag Racing and asking to join the group.

Serck partner with Santa Pod.
18th February: Graham Smith is thrilled to announce a new partnership on which Serck Motorsport have been working with Santa Pod Raceway over the winter period:

This new partnership is designed for the racer to have ease of access and convenience to Nitrous fills and parts all in one place at every event, from a RWYB to a full race weekend. This evolution allows instant access directly at the track for Nitrous fills and parts from the Garage Shop situated in the pits at Santa Pod Raceway.

Darren Prentice, Track Operations Manager, said This answers the begging question: Will there be Nitrous fill available at the track this weekend? The answer is now "Yes", at every weekend and every event including RWYB, Test Days and Drifting too. We're delighted to be working with Serck to provide this permanent solution."

We at Serck have always prided ourselves on bringing the very best in cooling systems and designs, products, race parts and services direct to all of our customers. The parts list will also be on display in the Santa Pod Garage targeted to help the racer in the event of common failures and many attractive parts for the browsing shopper also. This occurred to me when I was racing Snow White and needed a ring gear urgently, although I managed to get one it could have been a big problem that if I wasn't able to get one I could have missed out on qualifying. The parts list will therefore evolve to suit the customers' needs and we will also welcome suggestions from the pits to help support them. We hope to have the installation and training completed very soon so that we are up and running by the mid to end of March along with the parts stocked for the new season.

Further information will be posted by Santa Pod Raceway as the project nears completion.

Herbert and Beck for BDRHoF Gala.
16th February: The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame has announced that its 2019 Gala will take place on Saturday 23rd November, once again at the historic Oatlands Park Hotel in Weybridge. The BDRHoF also announces two special guests who will be travelling from the US to attend.

Chairman of the BDRHoF Stu Bradbury said "We have had two extremely successful Galas at the Oatlands Park Hotel which offers excellent accommodation at a very reasonable price, together with a location close to many attractions. The main focus of the event will be inducting our new members of the Hall of Fame for 2019 at the evening's dinner and award ceremony. There will be a Bench Racing session in the afternoon, and we will be announcing further details in due course."

The special guests announced by BDRHoF are Top Fuel dragster racer Doug Herbert and veteran announcer Bob Beck with his wife Peg. Doug Herbert is from a drag racing dynasty which includes his father Chet Herbert, who introduced roller cams and zoomie headers to the sport from 1949, and his aunt Doris Herbert who published Drag News, the first great drag racing newspaper. Doug himself has won four IHRA Top Fuel Championships and ten NHRA National events and is planning a Land Speed Record attempt to go 500 mph. Following the death of his two sons in a tragic highway accident in 2008, Doug founded the BRAKES organisation which saves lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving.

Bob Beck has built vehicles seen in the pages of many publications and has many class wins at car shows and driving events. Peg's hot rod won at the Grand National Rod show in Pomona last week. He has also been a driver/builder in AHRA drag racing and US Sports Car and Sedan Racing and has announced at these events and at NHRA, NDRA, VRA and ANRA drag series, including Irwindale and the NHRA Hot Rod Reunions. He can be heard on-line with his radio show Great American Auto Scene at www.gotgaas.com.

Doug Herbert said "I am really excited about being able to come over for this year's British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala as I have many customers and friends in the UK and Europe, and visited Santa Pod Raceway as a guest in 2010". Bob Beck said "Peg and I are thrilled to be spending a week in the UK and exploring the car scene over there as well as meeting the folks in the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame."

The BDRHoF will be taking reservations for the 2019 Gala Awards Dinner by E-Mail at stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk or by telephone at 01933 279102. Dinner tickets, which include table wine, are held at the same price as 2018 at £70 each. Likewise the same rates for hotel rooms are offered, at £115 for double rooms and £94.00 single which includes an excellent breakfast and VAT as well as parking. The event always sells out well in advance, so if you would like to join us for the occasion we suggest you make your reservation sooner rather than later. On receiving your reservation you will be given the procedure to book rooms.

Ongoing news about the Gala, sponsors and other events in which the BDRHoF is involved is regularly published on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk, on Eurodragster.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.

Swift snippets.
16th February: Best wishes for a rapid recovery to Supercharged Outlaws racer and race car builder Roy Wilding who suffered a heart attack and stroke earlier this week. Supercharged Outlaws Chair Andy Fadster says that the best wishes of the Supercharged Outlaws are behind Roy and that they are ready to welcome him back as soon as he regains his strength.

Barry Eastman's funeral.
15th February: Thanks to Lorcan Parnell for forwarding details of the funeral of Team Storm co-owner Barry Eastman.

Barry's funeral takes place at 10:00 am on Thursday 28th February at South West Middlesex Crematorium, Hounslow Road, Hanworth, Feltham, Middlesex, TW13 5JH (location and other details). In tribute to Barry's lack of formality, funeral attire is not necessary. Refreshments will be available afterwards at a separate venue to be arranged.

Please send any messages or memories to stormdragbike@gmail.com for forwarding on to Barry's wife Debs.

UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting update.
15th February: If you have any items for the agenda of next week's UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting then close of office hours today (Friday) is the deadline for submission.

Agenda items should be sent in writing to Ian Marshall at ir.marshall@btconnect.com. Please note that if you wish to have your agenda item discussed then you must attend the meeting.

The UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting will take place at 13:00 on Sunday 24th February at the Hilton Hotel at Collingtree, on the eastbound A45 just off Junction 15 of the M1 (postcode NN4 0XW, map).

Doorslammers set for Viking invasion.

15th February: [ 'Doorslammer': noun - full-bodied car with sprung chassis and functioning doors ]

The 2019 Doorslammers preparation is already under way; the racer entry system is live and drivers are jealously eyeing the riches on offer. News of the Doorslammers' incredible first-year success has spread across the North Sea and the tempting £80,000 total prize money has stirred Viking blood in the Swedish Top Doorslammer community. Look out everyone the Vikings are coming!

2018's welcome revival of the Doorslammers concept at Santa Pod Raceway, after a long hiatus, put down a marker. The atmosphere and enthusiasm generated by the event signalled that big prize money and back-to-basics racing are where it's at! The Doorslammers filled a hole and scratched an itch we knew was there but couldn't quite put our finger on. The event left us eagerly wanting more, and more is exactly what we'll get in 2019: more prize money, more cars, more days and much more excitement.

For many racers and spectators, the Doorslammers 2018 would be hard to beat. The event immediately established a formidable reputation. The hammer blow of Mattias Wulcan's 5.53/262 run over the quarter mile the quickest, fastest doorslammer pass ever seen in Europe sent a shockwave across to Scandinavia that reverberated throughout its Doorslammer racing scene. Now, with eyes fixed on plunder, a Viking raiding party made up of the quickest and fastest outlaw doorslammers is readying to cross the sea in numbers to lay claim to the Doorslammers cash in this year's VP Racing Fuels Pro Doorslammer class.

The Top Doorslammer class in Sweden is run over the eighth-mile; the talk in the class at the moment is all about preparing to race the full quarter mile at Santa Pod, requiring significant tuning changes to be made to set-ups to give them a fighting chance. No fewer than eight outlaw cars, never seen before in the UK, are doing what's necessary to give them the best shot at taking the £10,000 winner's prize, along with the regular crop of conventional Scandinavian Pro Mod favourites. Competition will be fierce and if the Brits are to have a chance of defeating the invasion force, they'll need to raise their game.

Peter Coleman, Business Development Consultant for VP Europe, said: "VP Racing Fuels is delighted to continue its association with Santa Pod's expanded Doorslammers event. As sponsor of the Pro Doorslammers class, we're looking forward to the thrill of watching these spectacular vehicles in the UK once more."

Entries for the VP Racing Fuels Pro Doorslammer class will headline the event with a supporting cast of classes that includes The OCS Big Bracket, Pro Street, True Street, 6-cylinder, Webster Race Engineering 4-cylinder and Eibach Front Wheel Drive.

Don't miss the excitement. Book your tickets for the Doorslammers on the 17th-19th May and visit the Doorslammers web site for all the latest information at www.thedoorslammers.co.uk.

Barry Eastman.

14th February: Lorcan Parnell writes that the UK's Championship-holding Storm Funny Bike team are broken-hearted to announce the loss of team co-owner Barry Eastman, who passed away in hospital on Tuesday afternoon aged 68:

Barry's friendship with Mick Hand extends back over fifty years to when they completed their apprenticeships at the same company and started going sprinting. After racing their own bikes, Mick helped Barry with his Honda CBX Funny Bike Tokyo Express through the 1980s and 1990s, before building Storm together.

Now, though, our thoughts are with Barry's family, especially wife Deb and daughter Sarah. Barry met Deb through drag racing and we are sure that the drag racing community will want to join us in sending our love and sincere condolences.

Tractor unit sought for Nan's 100th.
14th February: Angie Daly of Santa Pod Racers Club's top end fire crew has been in touch to ask if any Eurodragster.com reader or racer has a tractor unit which she could use for one day on Saturday 2nd March:

My Nan will be 100 years young on 28th February, and she is have a huge party on 2nd March. She has always wanted to go out in a truck with me but unfortunately the companies for whom I work do not allow passengers. So for a special surprise I've been trying to get a unit so I can drive her to her party in style! Unfortunately my everyday truck is a fleet vehicle so when I get out of it someone else gets in, so I'm unable to use it. I've also tried to hire a tractor but as I do not have an O licence or fleet insurance I can't do that either.

So I was hoping that someone out there has a unit which is legal and which I could use to make an old lady, and me, very happy!

If you can help then please contact Angie Daly via Facebook or drop us a line at tog@eurodragster.com and we'll put you in touch.

Swift snippets.
14th February: Their BUG wishes lots of love and a very Happy Birthday to UK Wild Bunch racers Rob and Pete Brown (aka Marra 1 and 2). "You are now officially thirty years old and still a pair of rebels!", says Hayley Fyfe. "I hope you enjoy all the birthday celebrations that are in store for you both. I'm looking forward to a full season of racing and fun."

Flamholc comes home.
14th February: Ever-busy Pro Modified racer and tuner Adam Flamholc writes that he is aiming to race in Europe as well as in the USA in 2019:

For the last three seasons I've been working with SMP Racing in Russia, as well as helping customers in Europe and in US, and at the same time I've been racing my '63 Corvette. I really enjoy working with my friends in Russia and helping other teams, but because of these commitments I have not been able to race a full series myself more than twice in my twenty five years of racing. The way it looks now, that might change!

The Flamholc Racing crew, together with Chris Duncan, have worked hard on my Dan Page-built Mustang, to make it NHRA/FIA legal. Chris Duncan Racecars also got the job to build a brand new '68 Camaro for Dmitry Samorukov. Two new engines have been built here at the Flamholc Racing shop in Cape Coral, with two new superchargers from Mike Janis (JanCen).

We tested the Mustang for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and so far it felt good. Next time out will be the NHRA Winter Warmup in Orlando on the first weekend in March. A couple of weeks after that it'll be time to take Dmitry's new Camaro to the track for the first time, and then ship both cars to Europe, where we will run a full FIA tour.

Before we take the Mustang out, the guys at Signtastic in Seebring will make sure it looks great with new colors and design!

I still enjoy racing the '63 Corvette, and if verything works out as I hope then I'm going to try to be at five of the six NMCA events this year. NMCA is a great organisaton to race with, and I really miss those events!

I really appreciate all of the customers who order parts through Flamholc Racing/MMR and who trust us to build and rebuild engines for them. Big thanks to our sponsors SMP Racing and RDRC, Amalie Oil, 5 Day Plantation Shutters & Blinds, R&R connection Rods, Diamond Racing Pistons, Line2Line Coating, Malmö Motorrenovation (MMR), Auto Collection, Signtastic, Davies Technologies and Kvinesdal Auto. As usual the biggest Thank You goes to my family who let me do what I do!

Bunt Willcox.
13th February: UK Wild Bunch racer Dick Sharp writes with deep regret and sadness to announce the passing last week of original Dorset Horn team member Bunt Willcox due to illness:

Although it was expected, the end was much earlier than expected. A blessing for Bunt but a shock to his family and friends. We'd been good mates for over fifty years, many good times, great racing, holidays, parties, and, of course, lots of Jack Daniels!

Our thoughts are with his wife Dinah and sons TJ and Josh and the rest of his family. As Micky Moore said, he'll be up there now with Vic Hammond and Phil Cornish drinking heaven dry!

RIP mate, you'll be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Bunt's funeral service has been arranged at Weymouth Crematorium at 12:15 on Wednesday 27th February, and we hope you will be able to join the family afterwards at a venue somewhere in Bridport to be confirmed to raise of glass or two!

See Serck for Lucas Oils.
13th February: Graham Smith writes that Serck Motorsport has been appointed Racing Distributor for Lucas Oil Products:

We have had numerous meetings with the Lucas Oil team and this new position, recently awarded to Serck Motorsport, is to support racers and teams directly with specific racing products at the best prices and availability. We are investing in a huge range with immediate effect to ensure strong availability and delivery direct to the customer's door. We are updating our web site to have every product listed and available to order, or by phone or E-Mail.

Lucas Oils are also updating their own web site to allow ease of access to customers and their product requirements.

Going forward we will be working closely with Lucas Oils to ensure that our supply is tuned to our customers' specific needs, and we look forward to the seasons ahead.

For enquiries, or to place your orders, call Serck Motorsport on 0208 813 7470 or 0208 561 1508, E-Mail ss.hayes.m@unipart.com, or go via their web site at www.serckmotorsport.co.uk.

Slicks sought for SPR prep.
12th February: Ian Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club has been in touch seeking used slicks to build up an inventory for use in prepping the racing surface at Santa Pod Raceway.

"If anybody has drag slicks which they no longer need, please get in touch with me at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or on 01933 313625 and we will arrange to come to collect them soon", says Ian.

Swift snippets.

12th February: UK Nostalgia Funny Car team Venom Racing are pleased to announce that Lucas Oil Products and BUA Motorsport will be primary sponsors for the 2019 NFC series. Continuing their support from 2018 will be MHD Group, JA Mackenzie Haulage and Super Power Unlimited. "For 2019 Venom will have two new Brad Anderson motors as well as a new carbon fibre body made by Simon at SC Services", says driver Tony Betts. "We would like to thank all of our 2019 partners for their trust in the whole team."

We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to ubiquitous drag bike crew Kerryanne van den Berg. Have a lovely day Kerryanne.

No Prep Real Street, Pro Street rules.
12th February: Paul Marston has been in touch with details of the rules for Real Street and Pro Street which will be included in this year's No Prep National Series. Real Street and Pro Street will have their first outing at Lancaster Dragstrip, East Kirkby on Saturday 13th April:

The rules took a lot of working out to ensure that only Real Street cars can run in the class and hopefully we have got it right. It is really is wide open for what will show up and be competitive. Nowadays there are so many insanely quick super cars, plus the excessively rapid Audis, BMWs and Mercedes, or the Japanese stuff such as Skylines and Nissan 370Zs not to mention new generation Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers. Then you have all the home-grown modified stuff, older modified Mustangs, the traditional Muscle Cars, the small English Tin or street sleepers. There are no restrictions on power adders so it really is an open book.

It soon became apparent that there are Pro Street cars which live alot more closer to the ragged edge of street-legal and are prepared to sacrifice creature comforts in the name of performance. So it was only fair that we created a class for them too. This is for back-half cars up to full tube-chassis street cars; we did not want anyone to miss out.

So there you have it: the rules are below, entry will open soon, and space will be limited to sixteen cars as it was at our first event at North Weald in 2017. Once entry is open you will need to be quick as it will fill up fast.

REAL STREET CAR rules

Car must have uncut factory floorpan and firewall, small mini tubs allowed.
Car must have full interior.
Car must have full exhaust system, any make, but must comply with 105 Db noise limit measured metre from exhaust tip at 45-degree angle.
Car must have street-legal tyres max size 10.5 inch, no slicks, aftermarket wheels allowed, burnouts allowed.
Car must run on pump gas, octane booster allowed.
FWD or RWD allowed. 4WD Pro Street only.
Car does not need to have the original engine, transmission, drivetrain, etc. No make or CI limit.
Use of any/all power adders allowed: turbo, supercharger, nitrous, water injection etc.
All competitors must wear a crash helmet. Wearing of more safety equipment is recommended but not mandatory. Any equipment used should be in good condition but does not have to be in date.
Any vehicle modifications will be inspected and will have to meet General Motorsport Safety Regulations.
All cars must have full insurance, road tax and a proper MoT.
All cars will be scrutineered and noise-tested prior to being allowed on track.
There will be no swapping of cars, the one you start with is the one you finish in.
All drivers must have either an MSA licence or an IOPD licence and must be a member of Straightliners.
The organiser reserves the right to include any vehicle they feel meets the spirit of the rules.

Car can have any modification to floor, back half or front half chassis allowed.
Car does not need full interior.
FWD, RWD and 4WD allowed, no restrictions.
Car must have full exhaust system, any make, but must comply with 105 Db noise limit measured one metre from exhaust tip at 45-degree angle.
Car must have street-legal tyres, aftermarket wheels allowed, burnouts allowed.
Car can run on pump gas and/or race fuel, octane booster allowed.
Car does not need to have the original engine, transmission, drivetrain, etc. No make or CI limit.
Use of any/all power adders allowed: turbo, supercharger, nitrous, water injection etc.
All competitors must wear a crash helmet. Wearing of more safety equipment is recommended but not mandatory. Any equipment used should be in good condition but does not have to be in date.
Any vehicle modifications will be inspected and will have to meet General Motorsport Safety Regulations.
All cars must have full insurance, road tax and a proper MoT.
All cars will be scrutineered and noise-tested prior to being allowed on track.
There will be no swapping of cars, the one you start with is the one you finish in.
All drivers must have either an MSA licence or an IOPD licence and must be a member of Straightliners.
The organiser reserves the right to include any vehicle they feel meets the spirit of the rules.

Heads Up, flashlight start, eighth mile, water or juice burnout. This is run as a list race at each event. There are up to sixteen competitors; if time allows a competitor will run up fifteen other competitors. Competitors will all be allocated a number one to sixteen or drawn out of a hat. This is your race number for the event and must be displayed front and back of your car.

There are no time trial/qualifying runs. The first round is your first run. In every race the winner is awarded two points, the loser one, no show zero. The races are run in blocks of three rounds, so your first race is run and you drive straight back to the staging lane where you will be paired again with your next opponent and then you race again, after the second race you once again return to the staging lane and you will be paired and run again. There is no refuelling allowed, drivers do not leave their cars, and they just wait until paired up with next opponent by the Staging Lane marshal. After the third race, you can return to your pit area. If you cannot make a round simply do not return to the staging lanes.

After a session is completed, the positions will be posted on a list board which will be updated after each race session. We will expect to run all five sessions subject to track time. If your car fails to start when the Staging Lane marshal calls you, you will be considered a no show.

The winner will naturally be the driver with the most points. Prize fund will to be posted closer to the event.

The entry fee is £180 which includes two entry tickets.

For the full No Prep calendar check out last Thursday's news update. If you have any queries then you can get in touch with Paul on 07831 650230 or check out the No Prep Facebook page.

Steve Hill.
11th February: We were sorry to hear from Beth Satchell of the death of ACU Scrutineer Steve Hill, who had fought cancer for two years.

Steve went peacefully with the love of his life, his wife Debbie, by his side. He was a dear friend and not only has the world of motorsport lost a great mentor and teacher but the world has lost a good man.

I first met Steve at the Springspeed event in 2007 when he was brought in as our ACU Scrutineer. He was a true gentleman from the beginning. Quietly spoken, never had a bad word to say about anyone but knew his world inside out so was a force to be reckoned with. He was a real character who was well-known at many circuits in the UK and abroad. Highly regarded within the ACU and the MSA he was an asset to our Raceway. Always there with a kind word and a huge hug and I was proud to be one of his best friends. Paul and Steve would often talk way into the night on the times he stayed with us at the track. I very rarely could keep up with the discussions but I loved listening to them all the same - two massive intellects, two wonderful people who enjoyed discussing all things mechanical! The amount of letters after Steve's name would make a great game of scrabble and he continually to added to them. He loved teaching and thanks to him I became a trainee ACU Scrutineer and a licenced noise official!

Steve will be sorely missed by all that knew him. In the words of another of his dear friends from Derby University "He has left a big polar bear shaped hole in the world". I couldn't agree more and the world of motorsport has lost some of its sparkle.

Swift snippets.
9th February: On behalf of Santa Pod Racers Club Yvonne Tramm asked us to say a big Thank You to everyone who contributed to Bloodwise at last weekend's Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation. "You raised a whopping £871.50 in donations to play Heads or Tails in aid of the charity", said Yvonne. "Together with a pledge of £200 from Colin Theobald this will tip us into a four figure-sum for such a worthy cause which is so close to us all."

Derek Flynn of Eurodragster.com com sponsor Gold RV will be appearing on local and on-line radio station Phoenix FM at 20:00 tomorrow (Sunday). Derek will be appearing on Stepping Out with former Nitro FM presenter Nigel Fitzmaurice. "We will be reminiscing about days as mobile DJs, some racing and Bloodwise, all to the sounds of Disco, Soul and Funk", says Derek. "I have chosen six classic tracks of the day. Come and join us, it will be like being back at the Pod on a Saturday night but in the middle of winter". If you are south Essex or East London then you can pick up Phoenix FM on 98.0 FM, or from anywhere else on the planet you can listen on-line at www.phoenixfm.com.

Jon Turner and the UK's Greenfish Racing Pro ET team would like to welcome fuel sponsors Renegade Racing Fuels UK. "If you need any fuel then the UK supplier is Trackstuff Racing Fuels and Tyres", says Jon. "We're looking forward to some more PBs this season."

If the names Dex Volvo, Roach Coach and Bifrost are engraved upon your heart as deeply as they are upon ours then you will enjoy this 1980 YouTube video (above right) of an airfield race in Finland, appearing not dissimilar to Blackbushe but with similar results. A big Thank You to our good buddy Kai Plathan for forwarding us the link.

Nicholson's thanks.

7th February: A very humble-feeling Wayne Nicholson has been in touch to thank Eurodragster.com readers for voting the Lucky Devil Drag Racing Pro Modified team last season's SPRC Most Professional-Appearing Team:

Thank you so much, firstly for the nomination and then to every single one who voted. Running in Pro Mod was a dream years ago and then by a few turns of fate became reality. Yes it's tough, yes it's hard work, and yes it is very rewarding when it goes the right way. As a family we put as much effort as we possibly can into the racing and like to think that we continually try to improve, so winning Most Professional Appearing Team does mean a great deal to us.

It gives great credibility to the relationships we have with supporters and sponsors too, and of course the class in general. So if you want to get your business and services noticed, we have a great rolling billboard just waiting for you. Don't be shy, get in touch with us at waynenicholson@btinternet.com.

We are competing in the full Motorsport UK Championship again this year and at the Doorslammers too, all being well. I am confident in saying that we will be quicker, faster and more competitive.

Lucas Oil continue UK support.
7th February: Eurodragster.com sponsor Lucas Oil UK has renewed its support for the 2019 Lucas Oil UK National Junior Dragster Championship. The move extends the oils, lubricants and additive manufacturer's association with the UK National Championships for the ninth consecutive year. Prizes will be provided for both the winner and the runner-up at each of the Championship rounds throughout the 2019 season.

Lucas Oil will also continue to sponsor a number of individual drag racers. Among these is Junior Dragster driver Kaitlan Deevey and former Lucas Oil Junior Dragster driver Brad Jackson. The twenty three-year-old VW mechanic now races at senior level and is the reigning Gearhead Garage UK National Super Pro ET Champion.

Wayne Jackson, father of Brad and Crew Chief at Brad Jackson Racing, says "Lucas Oil is justifiably proud to be part of an event which is designed to encourage youth. It is a strong supporter of our sport. Wayne confirmed that Brad Jackson Racing and Nick Good Motorsport which has produced two Super Pro Champions in the last three years will be among the drag racing teams to receive support from Lucas Oil this season.

Dan Morgan, Director of Sales and Operations for Lucas Oil Products (UK) adds "Drag racing is an exciting sport, one that demands dedication and attention to detail. It's also one that can require a great deal of vehicle maintenance. It's great to have drivers and teams like these associated with our brand. It's great that they can help us to prove the quality of our products. It's gratifying that we can help them to control their maintenance costs and rewarding to see so many Lucas Oil logos on the winners' rostrum."

Swift snippets.
7th February: If Wayne Nicholson's words above have inspired you then the Moore Brothers' Dodge Viper Pro Mod is for sale on our Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet. Lucy Moore tells us that the price has been reduced; you can find out more under Cars For Sale.

Also to be found on the Swap Meet, Nostalgia Fuel Altered racer Leo Knight is seeking crew for his unique tribute car. If you are interested then you can find out more under Drivers/Crew Required.

Our good buddy Remco Scheelings is continuing his series of Features on the Drag Racing Europe Blog with his latest victim EDRS Pro Nordic MC Pro Stock Bike Champion Thomas Lysebraate Olsen. You can check out Remco's Feature by clicking here.

No Prep expands for 2019.
7th February: Paul Marston writes with news of a significant expansion of No Prep events in 2019:

The sad demise of Rockingham Dragstrip, due to the sale of Rockingham Motor Speedway, left our organisation without a home. A tragic state of affairs, especially when the support for this kind of Drag Racing was plain to see. I think it is fair to say that UK motorsport as a whole is being squeezed more and more by officialdom which is strangling the availability of suitable venues. The task in hand has been far from easy. finding Rockingham was so quick and easy, but now it's gone we really have seen how hard it is to find anything.

This is our tentative schedule for the 2019 season; it will most probably change here and there and will be updated for sure. Nearly all of our dates will be one-day events and will be two eight-car fields or one sixteen-car field. It might look like a lot of events and a lot of work for us organisers, which it is! But we just want to ensure that No Prep grows and that the teams who have already started building race cars have not done it for nothing. The very least we can do is our best in providing them somewhere to race.

There is also something which we now all have to face: there are some venues which have statutory noise limits, so we have tried our best to run our exciting new Real Street Car class and Pro Street Class at the more noise-sensitive venues.

Yes we are adding a real Street Car class to our line-up. It's a no-brainer really, there are just so many stupid fast street cars out there that they deserve their own class. The rules will be available soon but we want real street cars only in this class: street tyres, full exhaust systems, full interior etc. Not street-legal cars. The way the rules are structured and running of the class will reflect that desire.

Then we have Pro Streetcar, this is really an anything-goes class which will also include 4WD. Rules to follow real soon.

Provisional calendar:

13th April: Lancaster Dragstrip, East Kirkby*
Real Streetcars, Pro Streetcars, both Sweet 16 (sixteen-car field)

27th April: Dakota Dragstrip, Smeatharpe Airfield
Real Streetcars, Pro Streetcars, both Sweet 16 (sixteen-car field)

4th May: Lancaster Dragstrip, East Kirkby*
Real Streetcars, Pro Streetcars, both Sweet 16 (sixteen-car field)

29th-30th June: Northern No Prep Nationals 4 at Ultimate Motor Show 2019, Church Fenton
RWYB, Big Bracket, Real Streetcars, No Prep Small Tyre, No Prep Big Tyre, all unlimited fields

13th-14th July: West Coast No Prep Nationals 5, Llandbedr Dragstrip
RWYB, Big Bracket, Real Streetcars, Pro Streetcars, N/P Small Tyre, N/P Big Tyre, all unlimited fields

26th-28th July: Silverstone Classic, Silverstone Circuit
N/P Small Tyre, Sweet 16 (sixteen-car field)

27th-28th July: No Prep Small Tyre North, Elvington Dragstrip, Elvington*
N/P Small Tyre, Sweet 16 (sixteen-car field)

21st-22nd September: No Prep Team Race - North (York Raceway Veterans) v South (North Weald Allstars), Sywell Dragstrip
N/P Team Race, sixteen-car field

29th September: No Prep Big Tyre North, Kirkbride Dragstrip, Kirkbride Airfield
N/P Big Tyre, Sweet 16 (sixteen-car field)

5th October: Dakota Dragstrip, Smeatharpe Airfield
Real Streetcars, Pro Streetcars, both Sweet 16 (sixteen-car field)

The * above means that this venue has a 105 DB noise limit, measured at two-thirds rpm, one metre from the exhaust tip at a forty five-degree angle. Any potential competitor who wants to measure their cars own noise level, simply download the app from Google Play store, it's free.

There are a lot of people to thank regarding putting this together. There is no I in team, you know who you are, thank you all. Especially the race teams, now you have somewhere to race.

Full details for competitors and spectators alike will be forthcoming on Eurodragster.com over the next few weeks.

Kelly signs up for Pomona.

7th February: If you are headed for Pomona this weekend then Jim Kelly, author of the popular motorsports book Fuelin' Around, will be signing copies at the DRAW booth on the NHRA Midway at the NHRA Winternationals.

"Pomona's always been special for me", said Jim. "It was the first West Coast race I worked as a photographer and the first track I helped deliver drums of racing fuel to, to a racer by the name of Warren Johnson. Fuelin' Around is a behind-the-scenes story of how that little fuel company took on the Goliaths of the industry. I support the DRAW organisation and am very thankful to them for this opportunity."

The Drag Racing Association of Women is a non-profit organization which provides financial and emotional support to qualified individuals involved in drag racing accidents at a track. From 1985 through 2017, DRAW provided a total of $4,825,600 in financial assistance to 908 racing families.

Racers and motorsports editors have given Fuelin' Around high marks. "Fascinating and enjoyable stories, I laughed out loud more than once" said Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog; "A page-turner you're going to attempt to read in one shot", said John DiBartolomeo of Drag Racing Edge magazine; and "This book is great" said Bruce Larson, NHRA Funny Car Champion.

"Jim very graciously offered to give DRAW the profits off each book they sell on the Midway throughout the season as a donation" said Steve Leseur, DRAW Board Member. "Having been involved in the development of his story from the beginning, I am pleased to be able to offer this window into the motorsports industry to the public."

Jim will be at the DRAW booth in Pomona each day from 10:00 to 11:00 and 13:30 to 14:30. Fuelin' Around is also available at the National Sprint Car Museum and Hall of Fame, Santa Pod Raceway's Pod Shop, and on Amazon. For more information visit www.jkkelly.com, drawfasthelp.org or nhra.com, and be sure to check out the book's trailer at youtu.be/nN6ikDh5CVM.

Our own review of Fuelin' Around can be found on our news update of 7th January.

UK/SPRC Presentations gallery.
4th February: The official Trophy Presentation pictures from Saturday evening's SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation are now available. The gallery, which is presented in association with Lucas Oil Products, can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

High-resolution copies of any picture, which will print up to A0 or larger, are free and can be obtained by E-Mailing tog@eurodragster.com with the image number.

Many thanks to photographer Julian for his hard work on Saturday night.

SPRC Perpetual Award winners.
3rd February: The winners and runners-up in the 2018 UK National Championships, MSA British Drag Racing Championship, and Santa Pod Racers Club Championships were presented with their trophies at the SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation in Daventry last night (Saturday). The winners of SPRC's Perpetual Awards, for whom Eurodragster.com readers had the chance to vote, were also presented with their trophies.

Congratulations to the SPRC Perpetual Award winners:

Most Promising Newcomer: Frankie Taylor (Lucas Oil Junior Dragster)
Best Appearing Car: Andy Bond (Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator)
Best Appearing Bike: Alex Hope (Pro Stock Bike)
Most Professional Appearing Team: Lucky Devil Drag Racing (Pro Modified)
James Edgar Memorial Trophy: Joe Stevens (Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator)
Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy: Colin Theobald

John Ledster Memorial Trophy: Keith Bartlett
Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year Trophy: Stuart Doignie (Super Comp/Super Gas)

The new Spirit of Santa Pod Trophy, awarded for achievement, was presented to the McDonald family.

A big Thank You to everyone who submitted votes for the SPRC Perpetual Awards.

Swift snippets.

3rd February: Topspeed Automotove Street Eliminator racer Graham Smith says that he and the Bad Apple Racing team are preparing Snow White for her first eight-second pass. "We've matched Roger Butterworth's 9.1 but promised him an eight so there's an exciting year ahead", says Graham. "I also wanted to say a huge thanks to our sponsors Brantwood Tyres, Serck Motorsport, US Automotive, Brentacre Specialist Insurance, Lucas Oil Products and our wing sponsors. It can't happen without them."

Ferry deal for Isle of Man event.
3rd February: Trevor Duckworth writes that the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company are to sponsor the Jurby Drag race event to be held on 22nd-23rd June, run by Straightliners and the Manx Drag Racing Association:

This is the first time that the IoM Steam Packet Company, well known for sponsoring the TT, Manx Grand Prix and Southern 100 road races, have sponsored drag racing. Richard Heard from the IoM Steam Packet said they where very happy to support the new drag race venture at Jurby with a very good subsidised fares package which makes the event very attractive to UK racers

As well as some very good travel prices, car or van up to 5.5 metres with two passengers just £70 each way and trailers £15 per metre, we also have a package with the Penny Bridge Camp Site, with full facilities for those wanting to camp, and a hotel package at the Ramsey Park Hotel if you want to go posh.

You will need a code from Straightliners to book the travel and hotel packages. Of course you can stay in the Jurby paddock for free as at any event. All details including sailing schedule can be found on the Straightliners web site at www.straightlineronline.co.uk.

Straightliners and the Manx Drag Racing Association would like to thank the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for their involvement in this soon-to-be-annual event.

Flynn: How you can help Bloodwise.

1st February: For some years the UK drag racing community has generously supported blood cancer charity Bloodwise in tribute to late SPRC Club Secretary and racer Paula Marshall. Top Methanol Dragster and Supertwin bike racer and long-standing Eurodragster.com sponsor and supporter Derek Flynn of Gold RV has been diagnosed with a blood cancer and has been in touch to let readers know how they can continue to help in the fight against the various forms of the disease.

"In the space of ten weeks I went from toothache to terminal cancer", Derek told Eurodragster.com. "I went to the dentist and he found something which wasn't right. There was a tumour below one of my teeth. The dentist sent me to a specialist who after a procedure on New Year's Eve told me the that tumour was cancerous. They removed half of the tumour and then did a bone marrow biopsy. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which is incurable but can be treatable with chemo and a cocktail of various drugs which have proven successful at putting this rather nasty cancer into remission. After eighth months of chemo I can undergo stem cell transplant. I know I'm going to die, I just don't know when."

Treatment has started this week with chemo (Derek pictured with nurse Lucy), which precedes the stem cell therapy which has the potential to prolong Derek's life by some years. Derek will be treated with his own stem cells, but cell donation is one of a number of practical ways in which Eurodragster.com readers could help.

"I don't want sympathy and I don't want endless virtue signalling on Facebook", said Derek. "I want you to give blood, or to donate stem cells. Please consider going on the register. You sit in hospital for six hours whilst they harvest the cells. If you donate stem cells then those six hours of your time could save four lives.

"If you are too squeamish to give blood or to donate stem cells then please consider donating to Bloodwise."

Derek said that Gold RV and Bloodwise will be at the track this year to spread the word and to encourage blood and stem cell donation. We will have more news about that in due course, but in the meantime you can find out more on Bloodwise's web site at www.bloodwise.org.uk, donate at www.bloodwise.org.uk/donate, or follow the Bloodwise link on the Gold RV site at www.goldrv.co.uk.

Earlier news