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What's New
28th February: The year 2000 FIA European Championship season review video is now available, after a production problem forced postponement of the original pre-Christmas release.
The video costs £15.99 plus £2.00 postage and packing, and is available from Santa Pod Raceway on 01234 782828. You can also download a Word-format order form for posting, faxing or E-Mailing from the Merchandise page of Santa Pod's web site at www.santapod.com.
Pricey at Shakespeare County, too.
27th February: UK track commentator John Price has confirmed that he will be announcing at both Santa Pod Raceway and Shakespeare County Raceway this season. As we revealed on Friday, John is returning to Santa Pod to reform his legendary partnership with Graham Beckwith, but he has asked us to stress that this does not mean that he is leaving the commentary booth at the Super Series.
"I would never do that to them, and I wouldn't want to", said John. "I have been at Shakespeare County for the last three years. I feel a great loyalty towards Terry Gibbs and the Super Series, and they have been tremendously loyal to me.
"Keith Bartlett talked to me about going back to Santa Pod, and it made a lot of sense. I am so looking forward to the season at both tracks - it's going to be a hell of a lot of work but I can't wait!"
UK racers at Gainesville.
27th February: Two UK Drag Bike racers will be competing at this weekend's AMA/Prostar MRE Sunshine Nationals at Gainesville in Florida. Ken Cooper and Dave Beck will both be competing in Pro Mod Bike: Ken on his own machine which has run 7.1s in testing, and Dave Beck on Jay Regan's Pro Mod Bike.
Our good friend Ian King is already posting regular updates on the pair's exploits on the Pit Lane Gossip page of his web site at www.kingracing.com. Check in with Ian's site every day this week and into the weekend to follow Ken and Becky's progress.
Official qualifying and elimination results will be available on Dragbike.com when the race starts on Friday.
Poltergeist becomes Time Machine.
27th February: Second-generation racer Adam Gleadow has become the new owner of Paul Lindley-Allen's Junior Modified Dragster after successful testing at Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday. "The car will be renamed Time Machine 8, and painted candy apple red with chrome chequers", says Adam. "The highlight of the season will be a trip to the Nitrolympics at Hockenheim in August!"
Can you find Can Do 2?
27th February: UK Super Street racer Brian Huxley is looking for information on the whereabouts of
an old race car, Can Do 2.
"The car was a Toyota Corolla SR", says Brian. "It was campaigned from 1984 to 1989 and was fitted with a 289 Ford V8. I last saw it was in the car parking area at Shakespeare County Raceway a couple of years ago. I was told that it was now in London area and that it is now fitted with a Rover V8. If you have any details of the car's curreent location then please E-Mail me at cando@maddoctor.co.uk."
Web site updates.
27th February: The Shockwave Fuel FC web site at www.funnycar.co.uk has been updated with the latest news from the team, including a radical change in transmission, and a sponsorship update.
Europe features in USA.
25th February: European Drag Racing is currently the subject of a number of features in the USA.
Thanks to our good friend Ed O'Connell of New Hampshire, USA for sending us details of two European features in the latest (March) issue of Drag Racer Magazine. Pages 18 and 19 contain a feature on Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren. Ed tells us that although the article is not illustrated, it does mention the URL of our very own Sharkman's video of Michael's historic six-second pass at last season's Main Event. As if one feature wasn't good enough, pages 68, 74 and 75 of the same issue of DRM contain an in-depth interview with FIA Championship promoter and Trakbak Racing and Santa Pod Raceway Chief Executive Keith Bartlett.
Lee Child tells us that his company LA Racing Parts are direct importers of Drag Racer Magazine, and that he has copies of the March issue left. Copies are £3 including postage; to order, or to subscribe, contact Lee at la.racing@virgin.net or by phone on 01803 554308.
Thanks are also due to Ian King for alerting us to an interview with UK Funny Bike racer Chris 'Cannon' Hannam, which can be found in on-line magazine Stripbike.com. Cannon's interview is wide-ranging and highly entertaining, and contains a couple of great photographs.
Fuel FC team seeks crew member.
25th February: The UK's Shockwave Fuel Funny Car team is looking for a new crew member to take part in their 2001 campaign.
"We are looking for an enthusiastic person who may or may not have experience of working with a Nitro Funny Car team", says Shockwave crew member Stuart, "but they must be willing to learn, be prepared to get dirty, be reliable, be available most weekends throughout the season and above all be enthusiastic!"
If you fancy joining the Shockwave team then you can E-Mail them for more details at shockwave@funnycar.co.uk.
Stuart tells us that the team's web site at www.funnycar.co.uk will be updated very soon.
Web site updates.
25th February: Fangmeister Carl has been in touch with the latest news from The Fang drag bike's web site at www.thefang.co.uk. "Our regular visitors will know that we haven't been totally idle over the winter. Phil Baimbridge puts in a guest appearance on our home page where our new ultra lightweight rider debuts. Latest bike to feature in 'Dragbike' ( 5 ) is Monty Hill's Suzuki V8. Pictures are far better quality than on Monty's own site as he sent me the originals. Find out why our bike has such a weird name on the new Nervous Norvus page which also features a 60-second clip of this crazy song. And find your way around with the new site map". Carl tells us that The Fang will be in action at all Super Series dates at Shakespeare County Raceway this season.
Richard Bell's Drag Racing Explained fan site at www.dragracing.4all.cc has had a complete overhaul with a new look and a number of new features. Drag Racing Explained is a very nicely-designed site and lives up to its title with basic details of Drag Racing, a Drag Racing A-Z, a run-down of classes, dates, photo gallery, links and much more. Well worth a visit.
Phil shows us his Willys.
23rd February: We are indebted to Phil and Rose Morgan of Bald Eagle Racing for sending us a report
and pictures of their '41 Willys Coupe which is nearing completion, and which we
cannot wait to see out on the track.
"The car was bought as an abandoned project from Tony Betts", says Phil. "All the chassis and tin work was done by the great guys at Hauser Race Cars, and the body and paint work is being beautifully done by Martin, Andrew and Jane at CPI Paint. The car is powered by a Jim Oddy-built, 509 ci Merlin with a BDS 8-71 blower. Oddy-Perfection dyno'd the engine at 944hp.and 800 ft/lbs of torque."
There aren't many doubts about the likely performance of the car, although Phil appears to have doubts about his own performance (likely to be unfounded doubts, we reckon - Ed). "The beast should be good for better than 9.0 seconds", says Phil. "I'm afraid the weakest link in the formula is me, the driver. The last time I was behind the wheel was when they used a flagman. We did race here at Santa Pod from 1966 to 1969 with a CCMP 57 Chevy known as the 'Maverick'. I won't tell you how old I am, but I remember watching The Greek run 204 mph on hydrazine at Cordova, Illinois while the NHRA had outlawed nitro. That was a loooonnng time ago!"
Phil is a US citizen but works as a civilian at Lakenheath Air Force Base, and it sounds as if he and Rose have put down roots and are here to stay. "Rose and I moved back here in 1991 and bought a house in Ickburgh, Norfolk. We met up with Sam and Roland Chaplain of Think Pink Racing and have tagged along to several events with them.", he says.
Phil is obviously relishing the chance to get back behind the wheel "This should be a very interesting time for us and we hope the fans will enjoy watching the fun!", he says.
You can see several pictures of Phil and Rose's Willys by clicking here.
Santa Pod confirm pre-Main Event test...
23rd February: Santa Pod Raceway track manager Kjell Petterson has confirmed that a private test session is planned for the Saturday before the FIA Main Event, 19th May 2001. Racers in all classes are invited, and the test session will only take place if there is sufficient interest (we understand that a Top Fuel team is interested - Ed). There is also a regular Run What You Brung scheduled on the Sunday, 20th May.
Any racer wishing to register interest in running on Saturday 19th is asked to contact Kjell Petterson at Santa Pod Raceway, either via E-Mail at test@santapod.fsnet.co.uk, or by Fax on 01234 782818 (from outside the UK, +44 1234 782818), as soon as possible and by April 2nd at the latest.
...and the return of the Old Firm.
23rd February: Still on the subject of Santa Pod, it has been announced that track announcer John Price is to return to SPR in 2001 to renew his partnership with old friend and partner-in-commentary Graham Beckwith. Graham writes:
"Following the completion of negotiations, Keith Bartlett has secured John Price's services to rejoin me on the commentary team for the five big meetings at Santa Pod Raceway in 2001. This resurrects the partnership that grew during the nineties; we have remained the best of friends since our earlier 'show' days. We are both delighted at the prospect of working together again and returning to those informed, yet somehow surreal, marathon days of speculation and mixed opinions.
"Good news for music fans too, who are tiring of the sound of my two-CD music selection. Roll on Easter!"
Adam to test JD at RWYB.
23rd February: Second-generation racer Adam Gleadow will be testing a Junior Modified Dragster at Sunday's (25th February) Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. Adam, whose father Bob has long been involved in UK drag racing, will be taking the wheel of the L-A Motorsports JD which has been successfully campaigned by Paul Lindley-Allen.
We understand that one or two other racers may be making the trip to Santa Pod on Sunday including at least one Super Street Bike racer.
Sunday's Run What You Brung at Santa Pod is of course open to all. Entry to the track is £8; a further £10 and the production of a valid DVLC driving licence (Competition licences are not valid for RWYBs) will get you as many passes down the track as you can fit in. Gates are open at 8:00 am and the strip is usually open by 10:00 am. For more details call Santa Pod on 01234 782828.
Shell Racing set 2001 schedule.
23rd February: UK Top Methanol and Junior Dragster team Shell Racing have announced their 2001 schedule and the continuation of backing from Shell. "We will be fielding two cars in 2001", says Crew Chief Martyn Hannis, "the TMD which Doug Bond drove last season, and Joe Bond's Junior Dragster. Doug will be contensting the two FIA Top Mathanol rounds at Santa Pod Raceway and all rounds of the MSA British Top Methanol Championship, and Joe will be contesting all UK, SPRC and Super Series Junior Dragster Championship rounds."
Doug and Martyn are travelling to Gainesville in March and will take the opportunity to stock up on spare parts. News of this trip and other updates will be posted on the team's web site in the near future.
Megadeth photo shoot: the result.
23rd February: Many thanks to photographer Fin Costello for sending us one of his finished articles from the
Megadeth photo shoot at Santa Pod Raceway last weekend. The composite picture puts Dave Mustaine in the driving seat
of the Fireforce 1 Jet FC, with full afterburner. Click here to see a larger
version, then click on your Browser's Back key to return to this page.
Fin Costello's web site can be found at www.fincostello.co.uk.
Scottish Drag and Custom Show.
23rd February: The fifth Scottish Drag and Custom Show is to be held at Crail Airfield in Scotland on 13th-14th July. The show features a Run What You Brung, custom cars, and many sideshows including trade stalls, various methods of marking your body, bands, entertainment for children, and just announced is an appearance by Roger Goring's Firestorm Jet Funny Car.
For more details, check out the just-launched official web site of the Scottish Drag and Custom Show at www.crailcustomshow.co.uk.
Web site updates.
23rd February: Hi Nitrofans! Es gibt wieder ein paar neue Updates auf meiner Seite (www.nitrofan.de). Ich habe das Menü überarbeitet und einen Chat room Button hinzugefügt. Er führt zu dem Chat room von Nitromater.com den ich erst kürzlich gefunden hatte. Hier treffen sich alle Nitrofreaks von Fans über Crew Mitglieder, Photographen bis hin zu Fahrern alles ist hier vertreten! Also vorbeischauen lohnt sich!
German fan David Beitler has updated his site at www.nitrofan.de with redesigned menus and a link to the increasingly popular Chat Room at US site Nitromater.com, which is often visited by professional drivers, team members, and media.
The SMK Trollhättan site at www.smktrollhattan.com has been updated with an extensive calendar of Swedish Drag Racing dates for 2001. As regular readers will know our Swedish doesn't extend much past "talar ni engelska?" but the Trollhattan site appears to cater for all Swedish motorsport fans, and the drag racing section contains gossip, links, information on classes, and much more.
2001 my last year, says Rønning.
21st February: Norwegian Super Comp racer Linda Rønning has announced that 2001 will be her last season for a few years. "In February of 2002 I am going to Australia to study hotel management for two to three years", says Linda. "My brother Daniel, who is currently fifteen and a half, will take over the seat of the Rønning family dragster next year."
Linda takes away some happy memories and is grateful to those who have helped to guide her career. "I would like to thank Rune Fjeld, Barry Sheavills, Gary Page, and the rest of the team for everything they have taught me about drag racing and for all of their support. They have taught me not just to hit the throttle but to understand what makes it go."
No UK trips in 2001, says Dony.
21st February: Belgian Sportsman ET racer David Dony has announced that he will not be making his traditional trips to the UK to race his Buick in 2001. Fan favourite David and his wife are expecting their first child this year. "I hope to be back in 2002", he says.
We're sure that everyone will want to join us in congratulating David and his wife on the forthcoming addition to the family.
Atlas Race Days cancellation.
21st February: German Drag Racing Page webmaster Torsten Kath has written with more details about the cancellation of June's Atlas Race Days event, which we mentioned in our last news update.
"Promoter Kai Leibig says that he has time problems and money problems, and because of the bad weather last year sponsors won't put as much money in", says Torsten. "He might run other races in the future, maybe at other tracks, but for this year the show is over."
You can find the full story on the Drag News page of our good buddy Peter Calwer's excellent Dragsterracing.de web site at www.dragsterracing.de.
Megadeth blown away by photo shoot.
21st February: Regular readers will remember that last week we put out a call for a race car to appear in a photo shoot for heavy rock band Megadeth. The Fireforce Jet FC team stepped in for Sunday's photo session at Santa Pod Raceway, and photographer Fin Costello and the members of the band were more than impressed with what they saw.
Eurodragster staffer Sharkman was at Sunday's photo shoot and has posted an illustrated report, which you can read by clicking here.
There is also a page of photographs which you can view by clicking here.
NDRS dates posted.
19th February: The Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se is now carrying this year's Nordic Drag Racing Series calendar. "The system with Type 1- and 2-rated races will disappear this year", says Christer Abrahamson of Svensk Dragracing. "All points will be counted from one system."
A more detailed Racers' Calendar will be posted on the Svensk Dragracing site within the next few days. The latest update to the site also includes a few thoughts from Super Gas Bike Champion Thomas Wachman.
Atlas Race Days cancelled.
19th February: German Drag Racing Page webmaster Torsten Kath tells us that this year's Atlas Race Days event at Ganderkesee, scheduled for 15th-17th June, has been cancelled. More information is expected soon; in the meantime you can get the latest news from Germany on Torsten's site at www.dragracing.de.
News for your fans?
19th February: This is traditionally a quiet time for drag racing news, as the season approaches and racers are shut away in their workshops working longer and longer hours to get their rides ready. Out here, though, is a Continent of fans all eagerly awaiting to hear what you're up to and what you've got planned for 2001.
Have you a new race vehicle? Personnel changes? New sponsors? Changed classes? New colours? Be sure to let us know at news@eurodragster.com and we'll post it here.
Web site updates.
19th February: The Swedish Pro Street News Magazine has been updated with a new Wallpaper of the Month, a new Link of the Month, other new links, and workshop photographs from Sweden. Check it out at www.swedishprostreetnews.com.
Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has posted yet another video clip on his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales. The latest clip features Micke Kågered on a 5.86 second pass in his Top Methanol Funny Car, at the 2000 FIA European Finals. Sharkman's site can be found at www.eurodragster.com/sharkman.
Hill gets Megadeth date.
16th February: Photographer Fin Costello has asked us to thank everyone who responded to his call for help yesterday. Fireforce Jet Funny Car racer Martin Hill has pulled the duty for the Megadeth photo shoot at Santa Pod on Sunday.
"You seem to have a very tight community there - everybody who contacted me was really helpful", said Fin.
Web site updates.
16th February: Swedish Competition Eliminator racer Kenneth Feldthusen's web site has been given a complete overhaul. Kenneth's wild six-second North Race altered is a fan favourite, and the new web site will keep his fans more than happy! The great-looking site is presented in both Swedish and English and features full details on the car, a team introduction, race calendar, newsletters, sponsor run-down, press cuttings, video clips, photographs, Windows wallpaper, and a lot more besides. Check it out at www.northrace.com.
Sonntag, den 18.2.01 wird wieder ab 19:00 unter www.dragracing.de gechattet. Da die Saison immer näher rückt, werden wir in Zukunft wöchentlich chatten.
Die Website der Firma Liberty Performance mit einer Vertretung in Berlin/Germany wird leider noch ein paar Tage brauchen. Wer Getriebeteile oder Wandler braucht, kann sich vorher unter info@racetrans.de informieren.
The next Chat session on the German Drag Racing Page at www.dragracing.de takes place this Sunday, 18th February, at 19:00 European time. As from this week, the Sunday chat sessions will be on a weekly basis.
German Drag Racing Page webmaster Torsten Kath tells us that he is working on a web site for Liberty Performance. "Anyone who needs information or prices for top of the art racing transmissions and converters can E-Mail info@racetrans.de", says Torsten.
Megadeth urgently need racers' help.
15th February: A photographer who has scheduled a shoot for rock group Megadeth urgently needs the help of a UK drag racer.
"It is a photo-shoot with Dave Mustaine from the group Megadeth", says photographer Fin Costello. "The idea is to do a photograph of Dave in front of a burnout - plenty of smoke, flames etc. The shoot has to take place this coming Sunday, 18th February, and Santa Pod Raceway have agreed to open up for us. All I need now is a car that will give me the effect I'm looking for!"
Fin is on a magazine budget of "0-nil", but he says that he can pay expenses and will supply copies of the pictures he takes.
If you are able to help out then please contact Fin as soon as possible on 01273 711081, or on his mobile on 0700 5334279, or via E-Mail at fin@fincostello.co.uk.
SPR Race Director seeks marshals.
14th February: Santa Pod Raceway's International Race Director Darren Prentice is looking for more marshals for the 2001 season."I'm mainly looking for spotters, pit crew and personnel for the bleach box", says Darren. "We will provide full training. The jobs will suit team members who don't mind hard work and long hours, and who won't mind not being paid in their first year."
If you are interested in becoming a Santa Pod marshal, or if you would like more information, then please E-Mail Darren and he will fill you in on the details.
All invited to Super Modified meeting.
14th February: As regular readers will remember, preliminary discussions have been underway in the UK to assess interest in a heads-up, slick-tyred, doorslammer class incorporating limited tuning and weight-per-cubic-inch considerations. This proposal is being discussed under the class name Super Modified, not to be confused with either Scandinavian Super Mod or the also-mooted UK index-based class.
The next meeting, regarding the viability of rules, eligibility of cars, driver and other parties' interest, and any other business, is to be held at the Rilton Hotel in Rushden at 11.00am this Sunday, 18th February. All drivers, and other parties who consider they have valid input from a technical or logistical perspective, are invited.
For more details please contact Nick Davies via E-Mail at rooster.ice@btinternet.com or phone 01189-343695 between 6.30-8.30 pm weekdays, or any time at the weekend.
Shakespeare County rumours quashed.
13th February: The future of the UK's Shakespeare County Raceway as a drag racing venue has been assured by the venue's owner. E-Mails to Eurodragster and the King Racing web site repeated rumours that Long Marston Airfield, which incorporates the Raceway, had been sold with the new owners intent on returning the airfield purely to aviation use.
In an item now appearing on the Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com Anthony Hodges, the owner of Long Marston Airfield, has categorically stated that the venue has not been sold, and that any developments would not affect the future of the drag strip. Check out the King Racing site for Anthony's full statement.
Mäkelä launches web site.
13th February: 2000 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Anita Mäkelä has launched a web site at www.anitamakela.com. Anita's site features trilingual news (English, Finnish and Swedish); a biography of Anita and her racing career; a team introduction; details of the dragster; a photo gallery; race calendar; links, and more.
Web site updates.
13th February: Our good friends at Svensk Dragracing have posted on their web site a report and photographs from the weekend's Scandinavian SFI Tour. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
The UK's Firestorm Jet Funny Car team have updated their web site with the latest news including the appearance of the car at a show at the Sheffield Arena, and updates to the photo gallery. The Firestorm site can be found at www.firestorm-jfc.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk.
Dave Schultz.
12th February: We are very sorry to have to report that US Pro Stock Bike racer Dave
Schultz has passed away at the age of 52. A hero to many European racers, Dave was a six-time NHRA Champion
and holds the record for the most wins in NHRA Pro Stock Bike competition.
Dave won his latest race as recently as October 2000 when he returned victoriously to competition in Houston after a bout of chemothrerapy. For us, this very neatly sums up Dave's courage and attitude.
To Dave's wife Meredith, son Brian, daughter Kim and to all of his family and friends we offer our deepest sympathies from this side of the Pond.
Further tributes can be found on Nhra.com, and doubtless on many other web sites within very short order.
Motorsport Gegen Rechts schedule.
11th February: The official schedule has been released for the Motorsport Gegen Rechts festival which takes place at Eco Raceway at Wittstock, Germany on 27th June-1st July. As we revealed in January, one of the headliners of the Festival is the first round of the 2001 Swedish Top Fuel Tour as part of a full-blown Drag Race meeting, and other highlights include the chance to take a NASCAR racer for a drive down the strip plus Formula One displays (go on Jörg, put an F1 up against one of the Fuellers and show them who's boss - Ed).
The schedule is available via the Home Page of the Festival web site at www.motorsport-gegen-rechts.com, where you can now also get a look at the event's flyer.
Web site updates.
11th February: The FB Racing website ("Home of all things Street'n'Strip") has recently been updated. There is a fresh entry in the Diary section, and the News page now contains dates and venues for both the 2001 Northern Street Car Challenge and for the Street Machine Street Racer Sundays. The latter will, for the first time be run as a time trial championship with an overall winner being crowned at the end of the year. There is also news of some of the potential entrants in the 2001 Custom Car Street Eliminator. Check it out at www.fbracing.co.uk.
Eurodragster is now also available via www.eurodragster.co.uk, although it is only a placeholder which diverts straight to our .com address.
RWYB, Hospitality at Santa Pod Raceway.
9th February: Santa Pod Raceway are holding the next of this season's Run What You Brungs this Sunday (11th February). Entry to the track is £8; a further £10 and the production of a valid DVLC driving licence (Competition licences are not valid for RWYBs) will get you as many passes down the track as you can fit in. Gates are open at 8:00 am and the strip is usually open by 10:00 am. For more details call Santa Pod on 01234 782828.
Santa Pod are now also accepting bookings for the Hospitality Village for the FIA Main Event on 26th-28th May and the FIA European Finals on 14th-16th September. The track is offering a special discount scheme for race teams participating at these events. The scheme has been created to support teams with their service to sponsors and business partners. If you would like more information about corporate hospitality and the racers discount scheme, please contact Kelly Ingall at Santa Pod on 01234 782828 (outside the UK +44 1234 782828) or by E-Mail at kelly@santapod.fsnet.co.uk.
Fantasy Contest continues in 2001.
9th February: Following last year's Fantasy Drag Racing Competition, webmaster Ian Highfield writes that he is once again planning to run a competition in 2001. In addition to the Drag Racing Competition won by Spencer Tramm, he is also running a Formula 1 competition (first public warning - Ed), with a couple of small prizes on offer to the winners. With the F1 season just around the corner, you can visit www.fantasy-sports-web.com to register your interest in the competitions.
Ian also tells us that any suggestions you have for the Drag Racing competition (entry fees, prizes etc.) are most welcome, and that you will be credited for them on the site.
Talbot in Eurodragster support deal.
7th February: We are very pleased to announce that, as a result of an offer from Stephen Talbot of UK Super Pro ET team Talbot Racing, a deal has been agreed to fund Eurodragster's monthly ISP subscriptions. In addition to the funding, Stephen will also be providing us with technical and programming support.
In gratitude for Stephen's generous gesture, we have nominated him an Honorary Staff Member of Eurodragster.com. This means that Stephen will have to take up sleeping in the back of a car and subsisting on a diet of pizza and beer and/or Coke, but given the legendary status of Talbot Racing barbecues we do not think that this will be much of an issue.
Deal alters sponsorship rates.
7th February: A basic part of Eurodragster's budget has been covered by the deal with Stephen Talbot. Because we run Eurodragster as a non profit-making organisation, we have been able to amend our advertising rates for the Home and News pages, Raceday Updates, Swap Meet and Links pages. If you are interested in sponsoring Eurodragster then please E-Mail us at administrator@eurodragster.com.
Boaters duo recover after spill.
7th February: Regular customers of the popular Boaters catering trailer at UK Drag Races will be sorry to hear that its former proprietors Graham and Margaret Garbutt, who retired from the business during this year, were recently involved in a motorcyle accident in Spain.
The good news is that neither Graham nor Margaret were seriously injured, and that they are in good spirits and rapidly recovering. We're sure that everyone will want to join the Eurodragster team in wishing Graham and Margaret the speediest of recoveries, and a less eventful retirement from now on.
British TM Championship will happen.
6th February: This year's MSA British Top Methanol Championship will definitely take place, says its Co-ordinator.
The 2001 MSA Championship is scheduled to be held over four rounds; two at Santa Pod Raceway and two at Shakespeare County Raceway. We reported last week that the two rounds at Shakespeare County Raceway are currently in doubt due to funding problems; however MSA Championship Co-ordinator Dave Alexander says that the Top Methanol contingent are determined to help Terry Gibbs (Super Series organiser - Ed) resolve the issues which have put the Shakespeare County Raceway rounds in doubt.
"There will be an MSA British Top Methanol Championship in some shape or form", says Dave. "The racers have offered to help the Promoters in any way they can to make it the full four-round Championship at two tracks, including helping to find a series sponsor."
Dave has spoken to all of the British Top Methanol competitors in the past week, and says that the dialogue will continue both with the racers and with the authorities. He has an encouraging message for Top Methanol racers and fans alike. "In practical terms, it would be sensible for racers to plan for four rounds, not two", he says.
Obsession Super Gasser for sale.
6th February: Obsession Motorsports have put their Camaro Super Gasser up for sale. Obsession was originally driven by Terry Gibbs, now Super Series organiser, before son Craig took over the driving seat.
"Terry and Craig both feel that its time to move on", says Tina Gibbs of Obsession Motorsports. "The car has been very good not just to Terry when he campaigned it, but to Craig as well. We will miss the Camaro as it has given us as a family a lot of fun over the last eight or nine years, but a new challenge is needed."
The Obsession team may be looking across the Atlantic for their next race vehicle. "It may be to Pro Stock spec, who knows?" says Tina, although Terry adds "I want to see what happens in this country this year on the Drag Racing front before Craig and I definitely make up our minds."
"I've enjoyed Super Gas over the last three years but the desire to go faster has really made me think", says Craig. "I'll be for crewing for Katie (Craig's younger sister - Ed) on her Junior Dragster this year, but it won't be the same as being in the driving seat and I'm sure that at times I will miss the buzz of competition!"
If you are interested in purchasing Obsession, check out the details in the Cars For Sale section of our Swap Meet section.
SFI European Tour reminder.
5th February: Drag Racing Committee Chairman Lars Petterson has written with a reminder of the forthcoming European SFI Tour dates. The full list of dates is as follows:
Hockenheim, Germany: Thursday 8th February
FHRA office, Helsinki, Finland: Friday 9th February
Svenska Bilsportförbundet Federation office, Stockholm, Sweden: Sunday 11th February at 11:00 am
MSA House, Colnbrook, Slough, UK: Monday 12th February at 2:30 pm
Thanks for the reminder, Lars.
MSA TM Championship arrangements.
5th February: New MSA British Top Methanol Championship co-ordinator Dave Alexander has written to outline arrangements for this year's series.
"I have reviewed and updated the MSA regulations for 2001 and they are now on the ETMRA web site at www.etmra.com. There is a link under the Rules & Regulations heading in the Table of Contents.
"The regulations state that competitors have to notify me in writing of their intention to enter the British Championship. I have told the MSA that, as far as I am concerned, an E-Mail will count as written notice of intent, so anyone thinking of racing in the British Top Methanol Championship is requested to contact me, either via the post or by E-Mail, if it is possible that you might enter any of the four rounds listed. My contact details are in section 7.5 of the Regulations on the ETMRA web site."
Want to get in some early testing?
5th February: Paul Marston Racing is looking to test the new PT Bruiser in the UK under race conditions on a race-spec track some time this month, weather permitting, and are offering other teams the opportunity to test.
"If there are any other Car or Bike teams interested in sharing costs and taking this opportunity to get some race-condition track time, please E-mail me on grumpysdodge@marstond.freeserve.co.uk", says Paul.
Portuguese Drag Power Show.
5th February: Thanks to Martins Rui for letting us know that the Portugal International Drag Power Show will be taking place at Estoril on 25th-26th August. The Show's official web site will be launched soon at www.mecashow.com, but in the meantime you can get more details via E-Mail at info@mecashow.com.
York Dragway schedule.
5th February: UK strip York Dragway have released their race schedule for 2001. Work days on 25th March and 1st April (volunteers sought) are followed by thirteen race dates covering April to October. You can get the race schedule and details of the work days on the York Dragway web site at www.yorkdragway.btinternet.co.uk.
Web site updates.
5th February: The official web site of the UK's Freddy's Revenge drag racing team has been updated with a new design from Rob Cook. The site features news, history, links and more from the popular Topolino altered team. Check it out at www.freddysrevenge.co.uk.
The Showtime Racing Fuel FC web site has been updated with a new entry in the History section featuring the story of the 'Neon' Showtime FC, written by Crew Chief Bob Jarrett. You can find the Showtime web site at www.showtimeracing.co.uk.
The latest update of the Custom : Cars : Custom : Bikes website gallery includes a 'Race Car Special' including pictures of Bob Cote's Nova SS/A car from the eighties, Michael Malmgren's Pro Stocker, and Paul Marston's PT Bruiser fresh for this season. The galleries include race cars and bikes, as well as hot rods, pickups, and street bikes. Check it out at www.andyrem.freeserve.co.uk or , for less calories' expenditure, www.andyrem.com.
Eurodragster staffer Sharkman is continuing his weekly postings of video clips from the 2000 season. This week's clip features Swedish Supertwin Top Fuel Bike racer Anders Karling on a six-second pass at the 2000 FIA European Finals, including a great wheelie just as Anders passes the camera. "Nothing unusual about an STTF Bike pulling a wheelie" you may think, but Sharkman and his camera were at the Top End! Sharkman's site can be found at www.eurodragster.com/sharkman.
SPRC Champions honoured.
4th February: The Santa Pod Racers Club paid tribute to their 2000 Champions at a Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation in Bedford last night. Trophies were awarded to the winners and runners-up in each class, and to some of the UK National Championship winners who were not able to pick up their awards at the presentation in December.
There were also a number of perpetual awards, which were presented to:
Award for outstanding service to Drag Racing: Alex Brachtvogel
Paul Giddings Memorial Award: Ian King (Top Fuel Bike)
Most Promising Newcomer: Phil Pratt (10.90 Bike)
Best Appearing Car: Paula Marshall (Super Gas)
Best Appearing Bike: Steve Ashby (9.90 Bike)
Best Appearing Team: Turner Racing (Top Methanol Dragster)
Best Crewman: Mark Fossey (Crew Chief, Paul Willis' Pro Stock Bike)
Congratulations to all Champions and Perpetual Award winners on their well-deserved trophies.
Twice as much Nemesis in 2001.
2nd February: It's certainly been a busy news week for the Nemesis TMD team with crew changes, a new major sponsor, and a facelift of their web site. One or two eagle-eyed readers spotted the words "two-car team" in yesterday's news, and today the team have revealed exclusively to Eurodragster what that is all about.
The Krypton name will be back on the scene when Wendy Baker gets behind the wheel of the Krypton dragster to compete in the MSA British Top Methanol Championship. The car will be run under the Team Nemesis banner.
The Krypton crew, led by Paul Stubbins, will supply power to Wendy in her rookie Top Methanol season using a motor built for them by Team Nemesis. They will campaign the chassis that was first made famous by Team Nemesis driver Dave Wilson when he won two NDRC British titles in it in the 1980s. He also ran a best of 6.00 seconds at 229 mph in the car in 1996.
Wendy Baker has been involved in drag racing for many years, most recently competing in the Super Pro category in her police-themed Funny Car and gorgeous Stars and Stripes slingshot dragster. These cars were both campaigned with assistance from Dave Wilson and the two teams already work together very effectively.
Though Paul, Wendy and their crew will run the Krypton car independently they will operate under the team Nemesis banner throughout the 2001 season and will receive assistance and tuning advice whenever necessary. Likewise they will assist the Nemesis dragster in its quest to win the 2001 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Championship.
Svensk Dragracing back on-line, updated.
2nd February: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with a feature on the Grebbestad Super Comp team including a great list of New Year resolutions, news about the Swedish SFI inspection, and links to the Super-class and Funny Bike drivers' and riders' associations. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
The Svensk Dragracing site was out of action for twenty four hours earlier this week as a result of one of those performance improvements which ISPs just can't resist making. "I don't understand what they were doing" (doesn't sound like they did, either - Ed), says Svensk Dragracing's Christer Abrahamson. "Perhaps they were smoking out bugs or something!"
ACI meet their Nemesis?
1st February: Leading specialist vehicle suppliers, American Car Imports will be joining UK-based Top Methanol racers, Team Nemesis for their assault on the British and European Championships during the coming year. The London based company will be supporting the two-car team with a significant sponsorship package for the 2001 season. They will also be supplying a brand-new 4 x 4 crew-truck which will be present at all British rounds.
American Car Imports are the European market leaders in the sourcing, importation and supply of American vehicles to order. They also specialise in the Homologation of American vehicles and as trade experts, even H. M. Customs and Excise call upon their services in valuing American vehicles entering the UK. With a physical presence in Europe, North America and Canada, they hold an unsurpassed reputation for quality service and aftercare.
"I am delighted to welcome American Car Imports on board" said marketing director John Andrews. "Their dedication and professionalism means that they will make the ideal partners for the UK's fastest race team."
American Car Imports can be contacted via their head office and showrooms at 57 – 63 Coburg Road, Wood Green, London N22 6UB. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8889 4545; Fax: +44 (0) 20 889 7500; Web-site: www.americancarimports.co.uk.
You can stay in touch with all the latest news from Team Nemesis on their newly-redesigned web site at www.eurodragster.com/nemesisracing.
TF Team Switzerland start Fan Clubs.
1st February: Top Fuel Team Switzerland have announced the creation of a three-tier Fan Club system. The Pre Stage, Top Fuel and Top Eliminator Clubs carry different benefits starting with regular race reports through T-Shirts to time spent with Peter Beck and the team.
You can find full details on the Clubs page of the Top Fuel Team Switzerland web site at www.topfuel.ch. The web site also features a great new Home Page, updated news, plus the first instalment of the Press pages.
Zane stars on BBC Online.
1st February: UK Super Comp racer Zane Llewellyn is currently the subject of an in-depth article on a BBC Regional web site. "The journalist listened to me pretty well, so it's pretty accurate for a non racing media feature - except that he thought Michael Malmgren's six-second engine was mine! I wish!", says Zane.
You can get to the article via the BBC Bristol web site at www.bbc.co.uk/bristol, or you can get directly to it by clicking here.
Zane's own web site can be found at www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk.
Web site updates.
1st February: Swedish Super Comp racer Jonas Staflund has launched a new web site at www.staflundracing.com. This is one of the best-looking drag racing web sites we've seen, packing a lot of information in and very nicely designed. The site features news, photo gallery, team, driver and car details, sponsor list, links and more.
The FB Racing site at www.fbracing.co.uk has been updated with additions to the News and Diary sections. "We are also very pleased to announce that we shall be covering news of the Northern Street Car Eliminator in 2001", says Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Ian Hook. "We'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate James Murray on his victory in the 2000 championship and would ask for any potential competitors in this years series to contact us with brief details of themselves and their car. Watch out soon for a redesign of the web page as we expand our coverage of street n strip racing. Anybody with any info can contact us via the site. We'd be pleased to hear from you."
Earlier news
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