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29th February: Norway's Siw Nystad will be going back to her roots and contesting
Pro ET at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway in March. Last seen in one of Rune Fjeld's Top
Fuel Dragsters, Siw will be driving Bossie, a 1971 Mach 1 Mustang owned by her father.
"Bossie was the car I started racing in", Siw told Eurodragster.com. "Five days after my eighteenth birthday I entered my first local Street Legal race and won! I first got into a Top Fueller when I turned twenty and I have been on Rune Fjeld's team since then.
©Eurodragster.com
"Bossie has a new 834 hp engine and gearbox, which are not sorted out yet. My previous best in the car is 10.61 with a stroked Cleveland engine so I am hoping to get into the nines at Santa Pod. The Mustang is a lot of fun - she pulls wheelies and she has manual shifting. I have never raced her outside Norway so it's really exciting to be able to race at Santa Pod Raceway and I'm really looking forward to racing in front of such great spectators! My dad and boyfriend will be coming along as crew, and we'll be racing for fun and to set new Personal Bests."
Although racing the Mustang at Easter, Siw working on finding sponsorship to run in the FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship. "Racing the Mustang and racing the Top Fueller is like two different worlds", she said. "But Top Fuel is what I want to race the most!"
Swift snippets.
29th February: The rules for the 2008 FIM/UEM European Drag Bike Championships are now available on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com. A summary of the major changes is available on the Pit Lane Gossip page and the rules themselves either via the summary or via the FIM Championships link on the Home Page.
Also on two wheels, UK ACU UK Super Street Bike Champion Steve Venables is trying out his 2008 Hayabusa SSB at this weekend's Bikeweek Nationals in Valdosta, Georgia. In the absence of a live results service you can stay in touch with Ven's progress via postings on the 200mph forum, and live Web TV from South Georgia Motorsports Park is available at a price on the Dragcast.net web site.
UK blown-alcohol altered team Bennett Racing have launched a large new range of merchandise which is available on line and some of
which will be available at the track or at shows. "You can now get canvas prints, foam board prints (both up to A0), clocks, T-Shirts, key
rings, pens, fridge magnets, mugs and mouse mats", says Luke Bennett. "For a full list and order details see our web site at
www.bennettracing.co.uk. All sales go to support the team and to run
the Relentless altered."
©Eurodragster.com
Nick Curtis of the UK's Team Lawbreakers has been in touch to wish his good friend and Crew Chief John Ricketts luck driving Nick's '57 Chevy in Pro ET. "The last time John drove in anger was in Street Eliminator in a little yellow Anglia and I was his Crew Chief", says Nick. "Have fun mate, try not to break it, and don't forget you're paying for the electricity in the pits."
Julie Willcox sends best wishes to APIRA Chief Timekeeper and Membership Secretary Janet Schreier who is at home recovering from an operation on her foot. " All went well, but Jan will be housebound for the next two weeks", says Julie. "When I saw her tonight she was doing well, and will still be able to deal with all membership queries etc. so no problem on that score. Wayne is matron at the moment! Everyone at the track sends their love and best wishes for a speedy recovery". We second that, and we'll see you at the track very soon Janet.
UK Top Fuel Dragster racer in waiting and Eurodragster.com sponsor Derek Flynn has asked us to congratulate his Crew Chief Ian Pellant and wife Emma on the birth of Isabel Maeve who was born at 11.13 am yesterday, weighing in at 7 lbs. Derek tells us that mother and baby are both well.
Jason Yates of the UK's Orange Pop Outlaw Anglia team says that the Pop's engine is up for sale. If you are interested then you can get details from driver Simon Barlow on 07950 271044 or E-Mail Jay on fordpop@hotmail.com.
Web site updates.
29th February: Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Roger Gorringe has updated his Nitro Exposure web site with pictures from the Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Pomona and the Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals in Phoenix. You can check out Roger's pictures at www.nitroexposure.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Adam Charnley has launched a new web site about his Legend, which he regularly drives at Run What You Brung events, and his planned mini Funny Car. You can find the very nicely-designed Aquila Motorsport web site at www.aquilamotorsport.com.
Feature: NHRA in Phoenix.
20th February: The latest in our occasional series of Features presented in association
with John Woolfe Racing is Roger's report and pictures
from the weekend's Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals in Phoenix. Roger's report covers both the
Pro and Sportsman classes.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view Roger's Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals report and pictures, or click on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Cue the sibling rivalry.
28th February: Timo Habermann tells us that
Germany's fastest brothers are ready
for action in 2008. Werner Habermann Racing
are fielding two Top Methanol Dragsters this year as the team have purchased a new TMD to be driven by Timo,
whilst Dennis will step into the dragster previously driven by his brother:
The Werner Habermann Racing Team were very pleased with the performance of the Top Methanol Dragster driven by Timo in the 2007 Season. It was Timo's first season with a pedal clutch and it was successful, setting new Personal Bests of 5.69/396 kmh although the dragster was 125 lbs overweight.
For the 2008 season we went and bought one of the fastest Top Methanol Dragsters in the world – the ex-Duane Shields Dragster which ran 5.27 in the USA (left, click on picture for large version). It is a Brad Hadman 280" cable car. The new dragster will still be powered by a Miner Brothers Racing (Arias/Fontana) engine with a similar set-up to last year's. We hope to save a lot weight in the new car in order to go quicker than in 2007. The dragster arrived at our shop in December and work is progressing to get both cars ready for the 2008 season.
Timo's younger brother Dennis is stepping up to Top Methanol Dragster in 2008 with Timo's old car, which is also powered by a brand new 433 ci MBR engine. Dennis made some very fast passes with the old 302 ci blown Small Block Comp Eliminator dragster, but we were at the limit with that combination. The best run was 7.0/306 kmh. The plan for Dennis in 2008 is to compete in some races in Top Methanol Dragster and some in Comp Eliminator, where we plan to run quickly, and we will try to push the European record in AB/Dragster.
©Eurodragster.com
Our first race will be the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod. We will be more or less testing because it will be the first time driving their new cars for Timo and Dennis and so they will be getting used to them. Our team will be identical to last year, but there will be some additional crew to work on both cars.
Some quick facts:
- Every run Timo made in 2007 was in the fives, so the set-up was very consistent.
- At Mantorp Park in 2007, Timo won the Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award for a 0.000 Reaction Time
(0.0009 to four places).
- Also at Mantorp Park in 2007, Timo's average reaction time during qualifying and eliminations was
0.029 seconds.
- Dennis was the 2007 German Champion in Comp Eliminator.
- 2008 will be the first time that Werner Habermann Racing compete on the complete FIA Tour including Finland.
Swift snippets.
28th February: Darren Prentice of Santa Pod Raceway has been in touch to inform racers that they will again be able to hire their own Portaloos for the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball. The rental fee is £100 plus VAT. To book your Tardis, drop Darren a line at darren@santapod.com.
Swedish Top Methanol FC racer Leif Andréasson and most of his team have now arrived in California ready to start work on the Stratus in preparation for their three-date NHRA mini-tour. Leif will be writing a Blog which you can find on his web site at www.andreassonmotorsports.com.
©Eurodragster.com
This year's UK Pro ET Sponsorship Scheme will be supported by Toxico Clothing, Real Steel, Black Bear Harley Davidson, Hauser Race Cars, Penn Autos, Motorshack, WASP, A1 Motor Stores, Inkwell Pinting and Alleyjax. #1 qualifiers at Santa Pod Raceway will receive £100, vouchers from WASP and Hauser Race Cars, and a trophy. #1 qualifiers at Shakespeare County Raceway will recieve a trophy. Co-ordinator Carl Burton tells us that the class T-Shirts are now in print. For more details about the Pro ET Sponsorship Scheme check out www.pro-et.co.uk.
Dave McKenzie has been in touch to remind anyone interested in running with the Supercharged Outlaws that a meeting is to be held at 12 noon this Saturday (1st March) at Ettington Village Hall, on the Banbury Road not far from Shakespeare County Raceway. "All are welcome", says Fuzzie. "Tea and coffee will be available at the meeting and some of us are having a drink in Stratford afterwards." If you cannot make the meeting but would like more information on the Supercharged Outlaws then please E-Mail Fuzzie at fuzzie134@ntlworld.com.
Luke Bennett has asked us to thank everyone who has been in touch since his cancer was diagnosed. "It has been very nice to read every E-Mail, and nice to know that there are people like this in drag racing", says Luke. "It's a top sport as we all know, and a brilliant community, thanks again. I had my first dose of chemo last week and as expected it wasn't the best, but there you go it's gotta be done! Again thanks to everyone for taking time to write."
Thanks to those of our sponsors who have already responded and/or paid for 2008-9. If you are not planning to renew, then can you please get in touch and let us know as soon as possible - remember that this Saturday is renewal day and unless you tell us otherwise we will assume that you are renewing and send you a reminder. If you did not receive your renewal notice and invoice (they were all E-Mailed two Sundays ago) then please drop us a line at tog@eurodragster.com and we'll send you a replacement.
From our man in Dubai...
28th February: Ex-pat Brit Bruce Moult writes from the United Arab Emirates to tell us that the
season there is coming to a close:
The season, which started in November, saw the banning of the Land Cruiser class - thank goodness. They are very popular vehicles over here, good for going over sand but as aerodynamic as a brick and prone to hitting the barrier soon after launch. But Pro Mod, the highest class here, has seen some fantastic racing with Khaled Al Balooshi posting a 6.187 at 375 kmh in qualifying, only 0.077 seconds off Mikael Lindahl's record set at Santa Pod in September last year.
©Eurodragster.com
It also saw the recruitment of our youngest marshal yet, fifteen-year-old Sam from Nottingham, who apart from enjoying some time on the beach during half term became a valuable helper too.
due to funding problems, the Motorplex were unable to fund a return visit of Andy Carter and Harlan Thompson this season but interest is now being shown by some of the major companies in the region so we are looking forward optimistically to the 2008/9 season.
It's bizarre that we don't race here in summer, but with temperatures exceeding 40 C it's a bit too hot for spectators but at least even in winter when it's a milder 25 C it still doesn't rain (much). Two more races before the season is over and it gets too hot and then we're back to old Blighty for a sniff of nitro!
...and meanwhile, in Carolina...
28th February: Nigel Taylor has been in touch with the latest news from the garages of Carolina Classics:
©Eurodragster.com
We are now official distributors of American Auto Wire, supplying all wiring looms for hot rods, Chevys etc. The looms are excellent and come with fuse boards and switches. We have also added to our many exhaust supplies including Billy Boat, Aero and Magnaflow and have all pipework on site. To add to all of this, we now supply Haynes Manuals direct and Pertronix. The Carolina Classics parts hotline number is 0845 602 5490 and there is a 20% discount on all stocked parts for Eurodragster.com readers. Visitors to the Carolina Classics Workshops in Andover will now be able to view a nice selection of die cast hot rod and American models.
For all vehicle enquires for MOT work, welding, paint and body shop, service and repairs and nearly everything else contact Cliff Hepton or myself on 01264 321170, or check out the newly updated web site at www.carolinaclassics.co.uk.
2008 FIA and UEM registration.
27th February: Power Racing Promotions Ltd, the administrators of the UEM Drag Bike Championship and the FIA European Drag Racing Championship, are happy to announce a new feature on the European Drag Racing Championship web site at www.powerracing.eu.
©Eurodragster.com
On-line registrations are now open for drivers in the 2008 FIA European Drag Racing Championship and riders in the 2008 UEM Drag Bike Championship. By registering on-line there is a two per cent saving on the credit card surcharge.
Salvador Bengtsson.
27th February: Stefan Boman tells us that Per Bengtsson's two-time European Championship-holding
Supertwin is to be part of an art exhibition in Sweden on 1st-24th March (click on picture for large version):
The exhibition is called Motorcycles as Art. Besides Per's drag bike some choppers and custom motorcycles will be displayed along with photography from bike events. The location is the art gallery next to the City Library in the town of Klippan, where Per lives, and the opening hours will be 10:00-19:00 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00-16:00 Wednesday and Friday, 10:00-13:00 Saturday, and 13:00-15:00 Sunday. There is no admission charge.
Even more interesting to see is that Per himself now looks at himself as an "artist" with a completely new meaning. Rumour has it that he is trying to grow a Salvador Dali-style moustache in time for the grand opening, most likely wear a basque-hat and sip red wine while speaking with a fake French accent. This alone would be worth the trip to Klippan.
©Eurodragster.com
Page in "Bottling it" shock.
27th February: You'd think that any Fuel Funny Car pilot would have to be a pretty fearless kind of guy, but the UK's Gary Page has admitted to bottling it at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation where he made a speech of acceptance for the Page family's British Drag Racing Hall of Fame trophy.
"I meant to thank more people in my speech but I crapped myself", Gary told Eurodragster.com. "If I'd had my firesuit and crash helmet on I'd still be standing up there talking now! I really want to thank Terry Giles for being around. Also the track crews, marshals, organisers, the fire crews - we couldn't do it without them. It takes everyone from the bottom to the top to run a drag race. Everyone is equally important. You might think that the Fuel classes get preferential treatment but we're told when we run the same as everyone else. I'd also like to thank all the staff of Eurodragster.com (Thanks - Ed). It gives us all a fantastic insight into the sport and it must have way outgrown what you thought when you started it."
Whilst speaking to Gary we took the chance to ask him the latest on Kenneth Lorentzon's Mongoose Performance Exhausts- and Pennzoil-sponsored Fuel Funny Car, which Gary will be driving this season. "It's nice to be back in the Funny Car and it's nice to know what I am going to be doing for a change!", he said. "The chassis is back from its updates, the body is being painted - and it is going to look stunning on the track, hopefully not fifty feet above it! Kenneth got more parts at the Winternationals. We are putting in a moulded seat and a seven-point harness and I need to fit my HANS device around that.
"Kenneth has been really good so we just need to get the driver in gear now and we'll be fine. I will also be looking out for my nephew Dan and niece Heide who will be racing this year. I'm looking forward to seeing another Page on the track."
Swift snippets.
27th February: Luke Bennett tells us that Forge Motorsport have
supplied a fuel tank for Bennett Racing's Relentless blown-alcohol altered (right). "It is a lovely piece and a testament to their skill", says
Luke. "It has nine gallons' capacity, plenty for our car and a little to spare, and there are four returns for fuel - they can make as many as
required - and a larger bottom opening. The workmanship is superb so if you would like any size or shape tank for your car or bike
then visit www.forgemotorsport.co.uk or call
01452 380999
©Eurodragster.com
UK Pro ET racer Vic Amato tells us that his new engine went from the USA to Germany and then back to the USA after Customs smelt petrol upon opening the crate. "They deemed it hazardous cargo so flew it back to Cinncinati!", says Vic. "Someone now has to inspect and certify the engine and put a sticker on the crate. Everthing was drained, petrol, oil, water, but they forgot to squirt the power valves empty! So they had maybe two or three thimblefuls of petrol in them". A salutary tale if you are having an engine imported...
UK Supertwin racer Ian Turburville has been in touch to explain that the apparent earth tremor in the UK just before 1:00 this morning was a fire-up of his bike Mr Spokehead, because he could not wait as long as Easter. "It sounded good!", says Turbo.
We received a number of Tenth Birthday messages yesterday, for which we are very grateful. In association with John Woolfe Racing we have put together a Feature page with the messages which came in. You can check out the Tenth Birthday Card by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes page on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
ARRC continue sponsorship.
27th February: Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Andy Robinson Race Cars are pleased to announce 2008 contingency sponsorship schemes for both ARRC and Stroud Safety.
These will follow previous years' form with vouchers for winners and runners-up in various classes as described on the ARRC web site at www.robinson-race-cars.co.uk. The exceptions are Super Street and Sportsman ET which will follow 2007 with a joint Stroud/ARRC promotion that offers a prize at the end of the season for the Champion and runner up. This year the top prize is a single 'pilot chute' parachute suitable for the car in question together with a release kit; the runner-up prize is an SFI certified five-point harness; once again all details are available on the ARRC site.
As usual drivers must display Stroud and ARRC decals on both sides of the car to be eligible; these decals will be available from the ARRC pit at Easter.
2007 Champions and runners-up in Super Street and Sportsman ET will be presented with their suits and other gear during the Easter weekend.
©Eurodragster.com
Situations vacant.
27th February: Due to recent expansion, Hauser Race Cars has a vacancy for a race car welder/fabricator. This vacancy would suit someone who is into drag racing or circuit racing and who has worked on or built this type of car. Ideal candidates will have good welding and fabricating skills, be able to work with a variety of materials, have a good understanding of race cars, and be able to use tube bending equipment etc. Good mechanical skills in an automotive environment would be beneficial. If you think you would be suitable please contact Geof Hauser or Ray Eldred on 01933 682500 or e-mail your CV to sales@hauserracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Tony Froome is seeking crew for his Sundance blown-alcohol Funny Car. Tony tells us that at the moment his crew consists of himself, brother Terry and a go-fer and that he would be pleased to hear from anyone with knowledge of Keith Black engines. The FC is a Chevy Beretta with a 525 ci KB, pedal clutch and three-speed. If you would be interested in working with Tony then you can call him on 07754 783123.
Web site updates.
27th February: Our good friend Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with a seventh page of the Lawrie Gatehouse Collection. "Lawrie made several trips to the USA during the 1970s and this page is devoted exclusively to his Funny Car pictures", says Alan. "Most of the major US drivers of the period are featured including Don 'The Snake' Prudhomme, Ed 'The Ace' McCulloch, Tom 'The Mongoo$e' McEwen, Gene Snow, Tom Hoover and more. There is even an illustrated article on Pat Foster's Chicago Patrol flopper which, amazingly, was sponsored by the local Old Bill". If you remember, or want to know, when Funny Cars looked like cars then check out the update at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Editor's note: Due to pressure of work in your News Editor's day job, which we mentioned yesterday, we have a small backlog of news. We are effectively a day behind but we will catch up tonight, so tune in to tomorrow's update for the latest from the Werner Habermann Racing pit, some ex-pat Brits in Dubai and more, and keep those news items coming to news@eurodragster.com.
Swift snippets.
26th February: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding us Version 5 of the official Auto Trader Easter Thunderball entry list, which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page and selecting the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball. If you think you should be on the list, or if you have any queries, then please get in touch with Paula on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail paula.marshall@btconnect.com.
UK bike racers with any concerns about the 2008 ACU licencing procedure for new or returning racers ("returning" means more than three years away) should check out the Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com where ACU UK Drag Bike Championship Co-ordinator Ian King has posted a clarification plus contact details for any specific queries.
©Eurodragster.com
Nicola, Owen and Mason Prentice have been in touch to ask us to wish a very Happy Birthday to Santa Pod Racers Club International Race Director Darren Prentice. We are very pleased to do so, you have the happiest of birthdays D.
Eurodragster.com into the Tens.
26th February: Also celebrating an anniversary is Eurodragster.com which reaches its tenth birthday today.
We must say that none of us ever thought that Eurodragster.com would grow and take over our lives in the way it has, but it certainly doesn't feel as if we have been doing this for ten years. And we would be willing to bet that UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter didn't know what he was starting when he sent us our first news item on February 26th 1998.
©Eurodragster.com
If you are reading this page then you have played some part in the success of Eurodragster.com whether you are a racer, promoter, race, club or track official, Championship or Class Co-ordinator, track owner or employee, safety crew, sponsor, fellow journalist or photographer, fan, friend or family. We would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your support. We couldn't do this without you, and we must not forget either Tony B or Sharkman who may not be working with us any more but who both played a huge part in our success.
Ålund joins PS Team Europe.
25th February: Very few days have gone by recently without our reporting upon a European
racer competing in the USA before the 2008 European season starts, and 2007 FIA European Pro Stock Champion
Jimmy Ålund is the latest to let us know of his plans. Jimmy's Klintberg and Way-sponsored GTO is already
in Miami where Kent Trenneman of Trenne Export and Shipping is looking after it.
"We decided to ship the race car overseas again because it looks like a very short FIA race calendar this year", Jimmy told Eurodragster.com. "The whole team is going and we will wrrive in Miami next Monday. Our plan is to go to the Eastern Spring Test Nationals in Valdosta, Georgia where Jerry Haas is going to meet us. Jerry has kindly offered us the use of his race trailer during our visit.
©Eurodragster.com
"We plan to stay at the track in Valdosta from Thursday 6th March to Wednesday 12th March and to make as many runs as possible. Bob Ingles is building a new engine - Maggan II - which we plan to use during both races. Also joining us at the track will be Dale Cubic from CFM Carburettors. If everything goes according to plan Bob Ingles is going to be there also. Since we shipped the car race-ready we are going to see how quickly it can run with last year power under the hood before we change engines. Our goal is to improve on the 6.77 which we ran in Valdosta last year and to see where we stand compared to Adam Flamholc and Richard Sundblom who will also be testing there.
After what we hope will be a fun time in Valdosta we are going to Gainesville for the NHRA Gatornationals on 14th-16th March. With some more Bob Ingles horsepower, Jerry Haas' on-track experience, CFM carburettors and our team's season of experience with this car, we hope to improve on last year's qualifying spot, dead last at 6.74 (But pretty impressive nevertheless - Ed).
"This trip would of course be impossible without the help of all of our sponsors and Kent Trenneman. Big thanks to all of you. From what we have heard there are going to be a lot of people from Europe in both Valdosta and Gainesville, which makes this trip even more fun. See you all in the States."
Motoshine on cloud Nine.
25th February: Congratulations to Ash and Claire of Motoshine Polishing who finally got their
nine-second pass at Santa Pod after full season of Run What You Brungs in 2007 and many additions to the bike:
All of our good faith in the engine has finally paid off and at the Saturday Night Special on 16th February the Motoshine GSXR 750-engined bike ran its first nine with a 9.97 at 136 mph. We think there is still more to come out of the bike: in sixth gear at three-quarter track it is running out of gearing so we're hopeful of a mid or even low nine second run once we've done a bit more work.
©Eurodragster.com
The engine is from a 1991 750 GSXR Slingshot in a John Clift Comp Bike chassis (Click on picture for large version), and managed the 9.97 with some help from a little bit of nitrous. It has been built up at home from scratch on very limited funds, but we never miss a RWYB if we can help it. Thanks to Mark Fisher at Greenhill Racing for all of his help and advice.
If anyone knows of another 750 in the UK which has run quicker than this please let us know at motoshine@tiscali.co.uk so that we know time what we need to aim for!
Claire would also like to thank the guys at Surrey Muscle for their advice last weekend. Her car is now running OK again - more about that another day! - so I'll be in the chair next time you're up at Santa Pod!
Swift snippets.
25th February: We're sure that we don't know where the time has gone, but tomorrow (Tuesday 26th) is Eurodragster.com's tenth birthday. If you have any favourite Eurodragster.com stories or memories from those ten years then please drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com and we'll publish them here.
©Eurodragster.com
Also on the subject of birthdays, a very Happy 9th Birthday from The Big Misters and The Big Miss to our good friend Carl Zettervall. We hope that you have a great day Carl, and Tog in particular is looking forward to his piece of cake.
Markus Münch tells us that his band The Lonesome Dragstrippers have finished recording their new album Top Fuel Thunder and that it will be released in a few weeks' time. You can get a preview of some of the songs on MySpace at www.myspace.com/lonesomedragstrippers. "I hope you are well entertained and that it reduces the wait to the Easter Thunderball", says Markus.
Without whom...
25th February: UK Pro ET racer Vic Amato seems to have had some bad experiences with suppliers recently but luckily some of his sponsors and supporters came to the rescue and he will be racing his pretty Mustang this season complete with new engine:
To Thames Labs and John Richards MD, who are my main sponsor, thank you for your ongoing support and without it racing this year would probably not be happening. Thames Labs are Health and Safety consultancy, so if you need that sort of help at your work place then visit www.thameslabs.co.uk or call 0800 0852348. They also specialise in the survey and removal of asbestos.
To Jack Spivey, what can I say. Jack is the design master of my beast of an engine, specs to follow soon. He chased all those suppliers, god knows how many miles and phone calls he has had to make, to people who were so laid back that words could not express. All this he does just to help a friend he has never met, it speaks volumes about good old fashioned human kindness. Both Jack and his wife Bev have demonstrated to me that there is hope for us all in this troubled world, if only more people were like them. Without Jack Spivey we would not be writing this news item, we would have nothing to say. I know Bev chewed some ears off on the phone when Jack was out and calls came from some parts people. So thanks to Jack and Bev.
©Eurodragster.com
Thank you to Eric at Performance Engineering in Ohio, phone +1 513 738 5001. Eric did all the machine work, final assembly and chasing of final parts etc,. He also did lots of other things without being chased or asked. Basically if you want an engine builder and dyno tester in the USA and you want someone who'll go that extra mile then these are the guys to see. You can trust them to do a first class job!
Thank you also to Dave Emerson at Seko Synergy (01753 588600), freight forwarding and logistics to the world. Without Dave's help and that of his partner Sandy Graff in Cincinnati the engine would still be at the docks, instead its on a Lufthansa flight and arriving this Thursday. Dave has another great Company, Personal Shipper who arrange next day delivery any where in the UK, up to 10 kg for £7.99 next day including VAT, USA service £55 up to 10 kg soon to be launched so watch this space. If you buy from Jegs or Summit who do free surface mail delivery in the USA, Dave will give them a central address to ship to, then it will only cost you about £45.
Haven't I gone on, but it is important to me to let all the above people know what an outstanding contribution they have all made in their own special ways. They have all played there part in my jigsaw puzzle. The final pieces should come together next week when we fit the engine and this is what it has been about!
Glen from CLC (07708 292153), mobile mechanic supremo, will be the main man when we fit the engine next Saturday. Jack tells me that from the dyno he did with Performance Engineering we will get, with my race headers and the blower effect from going down the track, about 945 bhp and 850 ft/lbs torque at 4500 rpm, they got that torque figure on the dyno test! Eric was very impressed with Jack's porting work on the heads and intake, and he commented that the motor's fuel to air ratio was fantastic, and that the motor just loves air. Jack had done some trick welding of the ports on the aluminium Super CJ Cobra Jet heads. I know Jack spent a lot of time talking to the Ford SVO people who were very helpful with all the latest flow tricks.
I hope I haven't bored you with all the above. More details of the spec of the engine will be available soon, and as soon as I get all the paperwork from Jack I will post it on the Car page of my web site at www.vicamatoracing.co.uk. Remember: "Fast is fun and you can't have too much fun".
Sweeney far from Idle.
24th February: UK Wild Bunch racer Phil Sweeney was over the moon with the performance
of his Bone Idle altered, which made its début in his hands in the middle of last season,
and says that there is more to come.
"Rob and Nick at ICE Automotive did us a great deal on a 468 ci Chevy and it has lived up to Rob's initial predictions going deep into the eights with an 8.6 at over 150 mph at Shakespeare County Raceway", says Phil. "We've only run it conservatively so far, with low RPM launches, so there is definitely more in it. As well as the Wild Bunch we dipped in to Super Pro ET at the FIA European Finals, pitted next to another moonlighting 'Buncher, Roy Wilding. We were made very welcome in the Super Pro pits and the initial performances were promising with consecutive breakouts of 0.0001 and 0.0002, but the big cherry I pulled against Steve Green put us on the trailer.
©Eurodragster.com
"Looking ahead into 2008, we're knee deep in an overhaul with upgrades to the transmission, brakes and carb set-up. We're entered into the Easter Thunderball in a bumper field of eight Wild Bunch cars. We intend to run most Wild Bunch rounds and to run in Super Pro ET for the Main Event and European Finals.
"It's tough running a race car and holding down a full time job and I can't stress too much the amount of support I get. I would like to thank my long time girlfriend, now wife-to-be, Abby Huggins for putting up with the not so fun bits which go with racing and for still agreeing to marry me! Thanks to my pal and Best Man to be Tony Roberts for sticking with the racing, even when the fun occasionally runs out, and last but not least thanks to Ian Jones, who was new to our team last year but already proved his worth at the track and in the off-season. Good luck to all competing at the Thunderball, it'll be a blast!"
Warren heads for SSB.
24th February: The UK's Manor Racing have announced that David Warren is to move up to Super Street Bike in 2008 on board a Big CC-tuned Turbo Kawasaki ZX12R.
"We bought the Kawasaki from Andy Head, who competed successfully in the Straightliners Series doing mainly flying mile runs at Elvington where he ran a best of 241 mph", says David. "His best time so far at Santa Pod has been an 8.3/180. There is still a lot more to come from the bike, which has a potential of mid to high seven-second runs at least. We are grateful for Andy's help in the forthcoming season.
"We are approaching this season as a learning year while we get used to the Kawasaki and feel our way around the different systems and settings before we try to win races. We have already received help from Webster Race Engineering: Jon Webster and I have worked closely together to develop the chassis and the overall package of the bike. With the experience and knowledge that Jon has throughout the various drag racing classes we are very excited to see what we can achieve with this bike.
©Eurodragster.com
"We had our first test session of the year at last weekend's Saturday Night Special at Santa Pod, which turned out to be more interesting than first expected. We managed to get in five runs. The first three runs were wheelie-tastic due to a problem with one of the waste gates and also in the fuel mapping system but Jon soon found that. We went out again to run a more sedate eleven with a lot of wheelspin off the line, I calmed things down by 330 feet and went through the finish line at 154 mph. We decided to try and go for one more pass but with the night drawing in and the temperature dropping we were not expecting anything much. With a fairly good launch for the conditions but still very poor for Super Street, the bike was spinning through second and getting a lot worse in third, then to cap it off the bike went into a violent tankslapper so I decided to get out of it and coast through for a 10.04.
"We learned a lot from the day. We didn't set the world on fire but we are going to try and get out testing again to acquire some base settings before the Easter Thunderball where we hope to run a lot stronger.
"I would like to thank all of the Super Street Bike racers who have already helped out so far especially Graham Dance, Steve Venables and Graham Balchin who have said they will assist me in keeping the bike in one piece as the team is running on a very tight budget. We are also pleased to announce our team sponsors for the 2008 season: Rock Oil for product sponsorship which is great news, Webster Race Engineering for help and support with the development of the bike, and Motorshack who have supported me with fuel for the last few years so thank you to 'Uncle Steve' Wood.
Swift snippets.
24th February: Santa Pod Raceway are looking for racers to make demonstration passes at its first major event of 2008, the Marangoni Fast Show, on Sunday 9th March. "The Marangoni Fast Show has quickly become an important feature on the calendar", says Rick Cuthbert, "and we are inviting drag racers keen for a bit of early season track time to volunteer for demos. The event only has space for about six racers, so these spaces will be prioritised for the drivers of the biggest, fastest cars! If you are interested in free track time and a fun weekend at Santa Pod, please E-Mail your application to me at rick@santapod.com."
©Eurodragster.com
Also looking for help from a racer is Marc Owen who wonders whether any racer with a street-legal car would be interested in driving himself and his bride around on their wedding day at the start of July. Two passenger seats seems to be the sticking point, but if you can help Marc then give him a call on 01582 507987.
Charnley gets a bird.
24th February: The UK's Adam Charnley, who campaigns a converted legend at Run What
You Brung events, tells us that he has changed his team name from Cougar Racing to Aquila Motorsport. If you
didn't do Latin at school and you don't get the reference, then the picture at right is a clue. Adam explains:
There are several reasons for the change of name. Firstly I have become heavily involved in falconry over the past year, hence the car's name Talon, and secondly we have a sponsor soon to be announced in the falconry world, so Aquila seemed more apropriate than a big cat! Talking of sponsors I want to send a huge Thank You to Ian Turburville who has become a sponsor of Aquila Motorsport supplying us with crew shirts. I don't think I need to tell everyone how much of a credit Turbo is to the sport and how helpful he is. I've had ties with Turbo since I was involved in the F1 in Cchools competition back when I was seventeen and it's been a pleasure knowing him all this time.
I went down to Santa Pod last weekend for testing on the Saturday and Sunday but I thought I'd just pop down to watch the Stunt Night as I'd never been before. I have to say I was extremely impressed. After I had unloaded the car I was told that there were still places available to run demos so I put my name forward...it's free testing and I'm only too glad to help out when I can (I thought the track announcer extemporised brilliantly - Ed).
©Eurodragster.com
The first run went OK. I was sideways off the start line, as usual, and I went on to run a 13.6 which is pretty good considering it was the first time I had driven the car since September. On the second run I got out of shape off the start, missed second gear and then got out of shape at one thousand feet, which was one hell of an eye-opener in the dark and one hell of an adrenaline rush! I have so much respect for the other guys doing demos that night, the conditions were icy and those guys had far more power and were running quicker than me.
Saturday started off well with a 13.4 then a 13.2, which I was really pleased about, but on the next few runs I kept missing second gear and hitting neutral - in the Legend, neutral is between first and second gear so if you miss second you hit neutral - I just thought it was lack of talent on my part as I'm sure did most people. On the last run I got second gear but then it wouldn't shift to third. I took the car back to the pits and took everything apart. It turned out that we'd bent a selecter arm in the gearbox, no wonder I kept missing gears! The car is now back in the garage and we'll have the gearbox sorted and the engine freshened up whilst we're at it.
We have a new car in the pipeline, one of the Mini Pro Funny Cars from the USA. We will buy a rolling chassis, bolt in a ZX14 engine and either supercharge or turbocharge it. The current UK record is held by Dave Ellis with an 8.97 from Mr Exile, so that's our target! It will be a couple of years yet because we want to plan the build to the last detail, plus as with all things we need the funds too.
In the meantime big thanks go to the Santa Pod crew as usual, they always do a great job, and to Dave Warren's crew who helped us diagnose our gearbox problems and gave us some good advice.
Web site updates.
24th February: Launching a web site this week are Mike Cresswell and the fReQracing
Wild Bunch team, who campaign the Living the Dream slingshot and whose mission is to enable young
people to participate and become actively involved in legal motorsport activities. Good for you, Mike
and the guys. The web site is in an early state of development but you can check it out at
www.freqracing.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Swedish Pro Modified team MSS Motorsport have also launched a web site at www.mssmotorsport.se. The site, by our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson, features news, team listing, media galleries, sponsor page and more.
One Lucky Pro Mod.
22nd February: Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed the name of former Super Pro ET racer Wayne Nicholson in Pro Modified in the entry list for the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball. Kirstie had a word with Wayne to get the lowdown on the latest move for his beautiful blown-alcohol 'Vette.
"I am really excited about running in Pro Mod", says Wayne. "It's the class I still run to the fence to watch, but I can't do that anymore can I! It is the class as far as I am concerned, the class I have aspired to since I started racing in 1989. Every single car is so different and individual, where else do you see such a variety of cars with a ridiculously huge amount of power on board? Every car should have a name in my opinion, where else can you see the Green Goblin racing Dr Evil? You only have to listen to John Price and Graham Beckwith when the pairing lanes start filling up with these awesome machines to realise the enthusiasm. It's electric and a Hot Rodder's dream...thousands of horsepower in a doorslammer!"
Wayne started racing in a home-built Ford Pop, named Born to Run, in the Rover V8 class. "My first run was a seventeen!", he says. "It eventually ran mid-elevens with wheels-up launches. The car would regularly get into semi-finals, but never saw a final. I sold the car in 1996. During this time Belinda and I got married and we had our two sons Gareth and Joe. I then started building the BMW, which was the ex-Kenny Coleman Rover 800 "Police Car". I re-bodied it as the BMW and ran a Small Block for a year or two at test and tune events and a few rounds of Pro ET. I then put a Big Block in it to run eights in Super Pro ET, where we didn't do too badly. Hard launching, no wheelie bars, rolling burnouts! A couple of memorable events were qualifying number two at the Doorslammers at Shakespeare County Raceway in 2002 and coming runner-up to Brian Pateman. We came away happy with a few hundred quid after beating quite a few well-known cars. The following year we had a win in Super Pro against Nick Stephenson at Shakespeare County Raceway."
Wayne's next race car, the 'Vette, was christened Lucky Devil after an unfortunate event a few years ago. "The name Lucky Devil comes from the motorway accident in 2003 in which the BMW was destroyed", he says. "I consider myself extremely lucky after that accident. I was cut out of the wreckage and airlifted to hospital where they operated on me that night. I was on the possible fatality list for a couple of days, so I think luck does come into it. My youngest son Joe and my good friend Dave Billadeau were also in the accident, but they had cuts and bruises, so we were all very, very lucky that day. It certainly makes you look at life differently. One life, live it a quarter of a mile at a time! We had the race number 777, no reason really - it just happened. Seven is a lucky number and 666 is the number of the devil, so 777 must be Lucky Devil.
"The car was built by Jon Webster to be Pro Mod-legal, so to race Pro Mod this year I have just had to update the fire system and add a little bit of weight to the car. The engine is 510 ci and based on a Chevrolet.. Almost everyone uses a Hemi in Pro Mod. Over the winter we have changed the fuel system with a bigger fuel pump and a different injector hat. We were only just starting to make progress at the National Finals last year."
©Eurodragster.com
So what times does Wayne predict for the Lucky Devil? "I am not going to predict any particular times for this year", he says. "We are still learning. All I will say is it needs to start with a six and we need to be reliable. Then we will go from there". Wayne's Personal Best was set in Super Pro ET, 7.26/189.96 with a 1.041 sixty foot time, so not far off that all important magic number.
Is Wayne thinking about a larger engine or something more drastic for the future? "I would like to see how competitive we can be in Pro Mod", he says. "Maybe a Hemi at some time? I hope Belinda isn't reading this! If I was offered a drive in a Fuel car or a Funny Car, I wouldn't have to think about it for too long. I couldn't afford it myself , and I really like cars with doors! Boy am I in trouble when Belinda reads this!"
Wayne has a list of thanks as long as your arm. "I would like to thank my sponsor from last year, Quarry Motors BMW salvage specialists who are returning this year, and a new co-sponsor for this year, Kerry Tate of Originals Hot Rod Supplies (01757 618907). I would also like to thank Jon Webster for building the car I asked for and more, Kenny Coleman for being Kenny, my super crew Carl "Dennis" Watten, Luke Smith and Bryan Whitfield, anyone who has ever helped with cars past and present including Nigel Carter (ring me!), Ricky Johnson, Dave Billadeau, Ian Tubb, people like the late great Dave Grady and Steve Green for inspiration. So many people to thank. The biggest thanks has to go to Belinda, she has never known me without a race car or a hot rod! My two boys Gareth and Joe...Gareth you have to wait a few years yet before you get in "the seat".
"If you would like to be associated with what really is a spectacular motorsport, please get in touch with us, however large or small your offer. And look out for our web site soon."
Swift snippets.
22nd February: Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of tractor puller Chris George who died earlier this week. A very friendly and knowledgeable chap, Chris became involved in drag racing when he assisted Ian Caseley with his Roadzombie 2 Jet Dragster, and he liked what he saw: had Chris not become ill then we would not have been at all surprised to have seen him field his own jet-powered race car.
Dan Welberry of Eurodragster.com News sponsor 3t Creative has sent us the latest example of his company's
work, this year's hero card for UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter. Click on the picture at right
for large version of the front side, and click here to see the
back side which includes news of the book to be released by Carter Motorsport in 2009. For more details
about the services which 3t Creative can offer then check out their web site at
www.3tcreative.com.
Updated 17:20 Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding us Version 4 of the official Auto Trader Easter Thunderball entry list, which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page and selecting the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball. If you think you should already be on the list, or if you have any queries, then please get in touch with Paula on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail paula.marshall@btconnect.com, and don't forget that today is the official closing date for entry, unless you are feeling particularly rich.
©Eurodragster.com
One of the additions to Version 4 of the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball entry list is Norwegian Top Fuel Dragster racer Siw Nystad, running her family's Bossie Ford Mustang in Pro ET. We'll have some words from Siw soon.
UK Supertwin Gas racer Les Harris tells us that a last-minute slot has become available for a race bike and rider at a photo-shoot in Tamworth, Staffordshire this Sunday, 24th February. Pictures will be promotional type (some including models) which will be good for hero cards, press releases, pictures for sponsors etc. If you are interested then have a word with the photographer, Neil Stedman, on 07974 441845.
The UK's Volkswagen Drag Racing Club have announced their class sponsors for 2008. VW Sportsman will be sponsored by Birmingham's Bears Motorsport Transmissions, suppliers of road and race gearboxes for all types of VW. VW Pro will be sponsored by Volkszone.com, the UK's biggest VW-based internet site. VW Alternate Engine class will be co-sponsored by the Intergalactic Custom Shop and TSR Engine Conversions.
A big thumbs-up to UK Pro ET racers Carla Pittau and Rick McCann who are the first racers to sign up to take their race car to the Lefthookers American Auto Club Charity Show, about which we wrote on Tuesday. The organisers still have room for more cars so if you are interested in joining Heaven & Hell and helping the Miles Of Smiles kids' hospice then check out Tuesday's news item.
UK Fuel Funny Car team Nobby Hills Racing are pleased to announce a deal with Spreadshirt which means that they can offer a whole range of t-shirts, polo shirts, jackets, bags and even umbrellas (not that you will need one when going to a race track in Europe), all of which bear the name of Nobby Hills Racing. For more details check out the Merchandise section at www.nhracing.com.
Web site updates.
22nd February: Santa Pod Raceway's Stunt Night web site has been updated with a photo gallery of last Friday's events. which you can find at www.stuntnight.co.uk. There is also a photo gallery from the weekend's Saturday Night Special on Santa Pod's Run What You Brung web site at www.rwyb.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
If you like your Santa Pod Raceway event entry lists illustrated then the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball entry list can be found at www.santapod.co.uk/e_entrylist_easter08.php. "After the photo entry lists proved very popular with both fans and racers last year, the aim for 2008 will be to keep all photos up to date as racers change vehicles and paint schemes", says webmaster DJ. "If new racers would like their photos added to the Photo Entry List they can send them to photo@santapod.com. Otherwise the missing photos will be taken at Easter."
Micke Wickman.
21st February: We were very sorry to learn of the death of Micke Wickman in Stockholm
yesterday. Micke died at the age of forty three after battling cancer very bravely and with good humour.
We had the good fortune to meet Micke when he worked with Patrik Pers' Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car teams. A very friendly guy who was more often than not to be found with a video camera in his hand, Micke was an expert videographer and was into drag racing, extreme sports, cars and bikes.
You can find out more (Swedish language) on Micke's web site at www.motoxsports.se. Our very deepest sympathy to Micke's daughter Rebecca, to Maj-Britt and Ingvar, and to all of his family and friends.
Swift snippets.
21st February: Our good friend Gittli Koller has been in touch to confirm that the German SFI Day will take place at the Sachs-Haus at Hockenheim between 10:00 and approximately 15:00. "The team will check chassis, clutches, and bellhousings as well as 4.1 Auto Trans Shield, 29.1 Flexplates, 30.1 Flexplate Shields, and 15.1, 15.2 and 15.3 drag racing wheels", says Gittli. You can find the full run-down of the 2008 SFI Tour on our news update of 30th January.
Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding us Version 2 of the official Auto Trader Easter Thunderball entry list, which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page and selecting the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball. If you think you should already be on the list, or if you have any queries, then please get in touch with Paula on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail paula.marshall@btconnect.com, and don't forget that this Friday (22nd) is the official closing date.
©Eurodragster.com
UK Pro ET racers Carla Pittau and Rick McCann thought that they were getting far too laid-back and soft, with not enough to do and not enough engines to swap between rounds. So they decided to double the fun with another Camaro, named Heaven & Hell As Well as they say that the only thing better than racing a car in Pro ET is to race two cars in Pro ET. Latest details have been posted on the team's web site at www.heavenhellracing.com: trials, tribulations and everything, but Carla says that hopefully they will get there in time for the Easter Bunny to smile on them while they build snowmen at the Easter Thunderball (Not funny - Ed).
Feature: NHRA Winternationals.
20th February: The latest in our occasional series of Features presented in association
with John Woolfe Racing is Roger's report and pictures
from the recent Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Pomona Raceway. Roger's report covers both the
Pro and Sportsman classes.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view Roger's Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals report and pictures, or click on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Europe's shortest retirement?
20th February: Dutch European Top Gas racer Job Heezen has set yet another European record,
this time for the shortest retirement from drag racing. A chance meeting with Supertwin racer Roel Koedam led to
the acquisition of Ton Pels' Zodiac Racing Supertwin. Job started by
telling us about his racing career so far.
"In the last fifteen years I have campaigned three different bikes in three different classes", Job told Eurodragster.com. "I started on a Harley Davidson XR1000 in Supertwin Street in the early 1990s where we had to struggle against a truck-load of Yamaha V-Maxes, most of them with one and a half times the horsepower of my Harley. But this Sportster was very efficient and we were very rarely beaten by one of the Yamahas.
"At that time the new series of European Top Gas started to crystallize, organised in the beginning by Peter Janssen. It was a rapidly growing and interesting class, so I decided to build an HD Sportster based Top Gas bike, very similar to the AHDRA Pro Stock series with 114 ci engine with stock HD Sportster cases and a Zippers four-speed. It was then that I came to the conclusion that the stock cases were not designed for this kind of job. It was also this time that Harley refused to sell engine cases on order so more than once Johnny Vickers had to come to rescue us after another incident. Although it was a handicap race, we managed to bring home a few European Championships.
"Some time during this process a new challenge came up: trying to make something work that had not been done much before: a combination of an air-cooled big twin, running on gas, fueled by electronic injection and pumped up with a huge blower. That became the blue Supertwin Top Gas bike that you saw more than once at Santa Pod and Avon Park. This bike gave us a lot of pleasure but also a lot of headaches. It was more like a mission impossible project which kept us very busy for a while.
"We took this bike to some races in the USA and on one of these occasions Bill Furr came along, inspected the bike, made some compliments on the construction but then said "You will never get this thing working". Later on we found out that he had tried the same thing but never succeeded. Well, we got it working pretty much, ran more than a few European records, grabbed some Top Gas Championships, and had good times with it on the race track!
©Eurodragster.com
"After all these years I made up my mind to sell the bike and enjoy the free time you get after quitting racing. You know: free weekends, go to the cinema, go on holiday etc."
Anyone who has been drag racing long enough knows that the sport pulls you back in eventually and it happened very quickly for Job. "One day, at a bike show in Rosmalen, I sat down with Roel Koedam", he said. "Over coffee we started talking about their new project, a blown Top Fuel Harley. Roel told me that they planned to campaign two bikes, the old one and the new one. Knowing how much work one bike means, Roel told me that he preferred to stay with one bike, the new one. Having someone else racing the old bike seemed a much better option and for some reason he thought that I should be that guy. Roel advised me to talk to Ton Pels to see if this would have his approval and if he was prepared to sell me his bike.
"In short this is the story of a guy who stopped racing, thought he was going on a long holiday, put away his helmet and leathers and started to read a book, but who has now signed on for the Easter Thunderball to ride a Top Fuel Harley for the first time.
"I can't tell you what I am expecting from the Supertwin. I have been so busy getting it all done that I have hardly had time to think about it. I'll just take it to the Pod, go to the start line and twist the throttle. When that has been done I'll get back to you and tell you what it felt like.
"I want to thank Ton and Roel. Without them I might have been on holiday in the Caribbean at Easter. But, to be honest, I prefer Santa Pod after all..."
Andréasson heads West, then East.
20th February: Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer
Leif Andréasson has shipped his Dodge
Stratus FC to the USA where he will contest NHRA National events in Gainesville, Houston and Las Vegas before
rushing the car back to Europe for the FIA European Championship tour. The car is due to touch down in Los Angeles
next week and Leif and the team have a heavy schedule even before the FC turns a wheel.
"We are taking the car to Eagle One where Brett Williamson will do the chassis upgrades including a new cage", says Leif. "Then we are going to Brad Anderson's place to build new engines. We also have to install a new computer, and the body has to be repainted (click on picture for large version). We like the new Swedish Armed Services desert camouflage!
"Then we have the long drive to Gainesville, then we are to race in Houston and Las Vegas. We investigated running at some NHRA Divisional events but I don't think we will have the time. But we are looking forward to racing in the USA again. If the car runs as it should then we should easily qualify.
"After the race in Las Vegas we have to get the car back as quickly as we can. It is a lot of work getting these trips together - I am having to think about booking a container for the return trip already. Then of course we will be racing the whole European Tour and we are looking forward to taking our car to the next level. We would really like to see the Championship grow."
Team member Henrik Lindström had a head start in the USA as he has been working with MSD and Racepak learning about ignition and dataloggers to be able to provide a trackside servicing facility in Europe this year.
Andréasson Motorsports are very pleased to announce the return of Kamasa Tools as a sponsor after a break last season. Kamasa have supported Leif for the best part of ten years. Leif tells us that he will have some more sponsors to announce very shortly.
Swift snippets.
20th February: Many thanks to our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson for translating for us that Freddy Fagerström is to return to Pro Mod this season with his wild 6.2-second blown-alcohol pick-up which has had some aerodynamic modifications. Patrik quotes Bilsport magazine as saying that Freddy's fans, team and sponsors want him back in the truck (His TMFC is for sale on our Swap Meet - Ed) and we're certainly not going to argue with that.
©Eurodragster.com
Racers sought for Kent Charity show.
20th February: Clive Kirkham has been in touch to ask if any racer would be interested in displaying their car at a Charity show in Kent on Sunday April 13th.
My club, the Lefthookers American Auto Club, has around eighty members", says Clive. "We do charity work and we have started to raise money for a kids' hospice near Canterbury. The hospice charity is called Miles Of Smiles catering from ages three to eighteen, and the home has constant money worries. We are having a car and bike show on 13th April with live bands, side shows etc aimed at families and of course petrolheads. I'm looking to get the local TV first plugging, then filming this event. We want to fill the show with as many interesting aspects as possible and we would like to invite anyone who would like to display their race car.
"I think that this would bring people in and add something interesting to the initial press release and to the show. Maybe the car could be fired up now and again to give people an idea of how these motors sound! I know it is a lot to ask, and we cannot pay anyone (apart from the odd one or three beers!) as so far everything has been pledged to allow us to give all proceeds to the Hospice. Our target is to raise £5000, which is a tall order, but the Club is going to try. What we do gives American car owners a good name in Kent and to see the kids' faces is priceless."
You know what to do, folks. If you would like to take your race car along to support this very worthwhile cause then please call Clive Kirkham on 07977 820923 or E-Mail clive.kirkham@ntlworld.com. Clive tells us that any race cars to attend will be included in the pre-event publicity so he would appreciate a picture or two.
Keeping Saturday Special, again.
20th February: Saturday 16th February was the season opener for the Saturday Night Specials at Santa Pod Raceway and there was some fantastic action on the famous quarter mile strip, says Jo Harris:
Despite the -3 Arctic conditions the track was open right through until 9:00 pm at night, giving plenty of track time for every RWYBer who turned out for the event. With the evening entertainment kicking off when the track closed, things heated up nicely with free pole dancing and music in Fueler's Bar rounding off a great day of racing and making sure those cobwebs were fully blown away!
With the next Saturday Night Special on 5th April we're guaranteed warmer weather and the opportunity for even more track time, so there shouldn't be any reason for you to miss out on all the action.
©Eurodragster.com
Gates open at 8:00 am. General admission is £10 for a one day ticket and £20 for a weekend ticket (£15 in advance). Free camping with a weekend ticket! Sign-on is £30 for unlimited runs from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and £ for unlimited runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. It's just £10 for unlimited runs from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Don't forget your DVLC licence.
For more information visit www.rwyb.com.
Web site updates.
20th February: If you enjoyed Peter's selection of pictures from the weekend's Saturday
Night Special Stunt Night at Santa Pod Raceway then you can now check out his full set of pictures of the event
on his Fotopic gallery at peterdonaldson5305.fotopic.net.
©Eurodragster.com
Sweden's Tricky Thörnäs Dragracing Team has launched a web site at www.corvette63.com featuring a very clean twin-turbo Small Block Chevy-powered 'Vette which runs in Top Doorslammer and Comp Eliminator. The site by our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson features news, car details, gallery, race dates, team run-down, history and more.
Auto Trader Easter Thunderball entry.
19th February: Racers running in the 2008 UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and other UK Championships are reminded that the closing date for entry to the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball is this Friday, 22nd February. Entry after this date, if accepted, is subject to a 100% late entry penalty. All Santa Pod Raceway event entry forms are available for download on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
©Eurodragster.com
Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has forwarded us Version 1 of the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball entry list, which contains all entries received up to close of play yesterday (Monday). You can check out the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball entry list by clicking here. If you think you should already be on the list, or if you have any queries, then please get in touch with Paula on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail paula.marshall@btconnect.com.
Erbacher sets NHRA dates.
19th February: 2007 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion and Eurodragster.com News
sponsor Urs Erbacher has decided to continue his
US tour and will be racing at the NHRA events in Gainesville, Houston and Las Vegas before bringing the
rebuilt car back to Europe to defend his title.
"The car is now in near Houston and Wayne Dupuy, Winni and Mike are working on it", says Urs. "We are updating the chassis to the new specs so that the car will legal for the rest of the US races in 2008 and Europe in 2009. The chassis specs are a safety thing too, so I decided to do that now because we have the time for do it because we can't run in Phoenix. The biggest Custom Bike show takes place in Zurich that weekend and I need to be there."
Urs says that he has a great race at Pomona where he became the quickest European Top Fuel driver despite a scare in the last qualifying session. "We ran in the 4.5s without testing our combination", he says. "The new qualifying rules gave us a little work to do because after Friday night only the first twelve cars were qualified. After the first qualifying run on Saturday I was too slow and we were number seventeen. So we only had one more chance to get in the field. After the burnout I shifted into reverse and went to start to back the car up. After I released the clutch nothing happened and the car stayed where it was. So Andy Blitz started to push the car backwards and I put a little pressure on the gas pedal. After the start line crew and everyone in the start area saw what was happening everyone including the NHRA crew started to push the car back.
©Eurodragster.com
"When I got back I tried to move forward to pre-stage. The clutch pedal still didn't work. I gave it a little more stall speed and then the car started to move so fast that I went directly into stage. So Blitz and some other crew members still stayed around the car, but I knew I had a single run and could wait. After Blitz was out of my way I hit the gas pedal and I was happy because the car moved forward. We ran 5.8 and we qualified. So we were happy and thank you to all the NHRA guys who helped me to back up the car.
"In Sunday's first round against Antron Brown I knew I had to pull a fast Reaction Time. I gave it my best and ran 0.085 light, Antron was slow and had a 0.115 light. I didn't see him for the whole run, and at the finish line I was sure I had won. But I lost by three thousandths of a second. Stuff happens but we were happy. We ran with the same engine the whole weekend, the US and Swiss crew worked perfectly together and we were in the field."
Urs went home to Switzerland the day after the Winternationals. "On Tuesday night I enjoyed carnival in my town and on Wednesday morning I went to Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. My family and I spent a couple of days skiing at 3800 metres.
"We are looking really forward to Gainesville with the new back half on the chassis and the other changes."
Swift snippets.
19th February: We understand that Swedish Pro Mod racer and race car builder Mats Eriksson celebrated a very special birthday at the weekend. If that's true, then we hope that you had a great day Mats.
©Eurodragster.com
New sponsor for BDRC.
19th February: The Bahrain Drag Racing Club goes into 2008 with a new sponsor,
says BDRC President Fahad Taqi.
"Our National Championship for this season kicked off in January with and this season the main sponsor for the Championship is the Bahrain International Circuit and its total cash prize in 100,000 Bahrain Dinars which is about £130,000 for the six races.
©Eurodragster.com
"At the start of the season five new Pro Mods were bought from the States. The first blower Mustang to hit the Middle East is owned by last year's Champion, United Arab Emirates driver Bader Alahli. Khalid Al Balooshi has a Pro Mod Cavalier with an 870 ci nitrous beast and he clocked a time of 6.1 seconds.
"The great news is that Al Seem Performance Group (SPG) have approached the club to talk about SPG being the official sponsor of the Bahrain Drag Racing Club. Team founder and owner of SPG Juma AL Kaabi, better known as Bu Saif in the UAE, is no stranger to the sport of drag racing or any motorsport.
"The second Championship round will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit on 12th-14th March."
Web site updates.
19th February: If you enjoyed Peter's selection of pictures from Stunt Night at Santa Pod Raceway
then you can now check out his full set of pictures of the event on his Fotopic gallery at
peterdonaldson5305.fotopic.net.Feature: Nuthin' Fancy Racing.
18th February: For the latest in our occasional series of Features in association with
John Woolfe Racing Kirstie headed over to Cheltenham
to talk to UK blown-alcohol altered racer Joe Bond about his Nuthin' Fancy altered which he campaigns
in the Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association.
Joe told Kirstie about the altered, his plans for 2008, his heroes, running in the NFAA, and his ultimate aim.
©Eurodragster.com
You can check out the Feature by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Editor's note: If you would like to be the subject of a Feature then please drop a line to eurodragster.com@btinternet.com and we'll be back in touch.
Pro ET picks up a new entry.
18th February: At Santa Pod Raceway to test at the weekend's Saturday Night Special was
Paul Foote with his beautifully-prepared Ford F100 pickup which is headed for Pro ET (click on picture for large version).
Signwriter Paul told Peter that he started racing in 1979 with a 1965 Mustang. The F100 was acquired in 2001 and Paul has steadily modified the Ford until an engine blow-up in 2007 forced a decision. The outcome? A Bill Mitchell Merlin 540 ci Chevy motor and a plan to enter highly popular Pro ET class.
The body is all steel save the hood, which explains the 3,600 lb weight of the Motorshack-sponsored '56. A Turbo 400 transmits the 800+ bhp to a strengthened rear axle prepared by Geof Hauser. The high quality of workmanship displayed in the car is testament to Paul's skills and will doubtless be admired by his fellow racers.
©Eurodragster.com
New-engine gremlins prevented any runs on Saturday, but when ironed out this pickup will add to the already high standards of Pro ET.
Paul would like to thank his crew of David, James, Steve and Tim for their support.
Picture courtesy and ©Peter Donaldson
Glassup's double Six shot.
18th February: Bob Glassup of the UK's Xtreme Wheels Racing has decided the J&W Automotive crew are not busy enough, writes Derek Flynn of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Gold RV. "Lee is helping us with the Top Fuel Dragster and Richard is helping son Pete Walters with his début season in Super Pro with his new car", says Derek, "but Bob has decided to give himself a double shot at getting his six, as he has purchased the whole Gold RV Top Methanol Dragster set-up.
"Initially I was not going to sell the car, but after a bit of badgering and contemplation I have now sold the whole set up to team-mate Bob. The plan is to swap the motors between his cars, which would mean the 2,500+ hp BAE Hemi is going in the Altered and his 509 ci blown Big Block Chevrolet is going in the dragster. We both figured that the Hemi will make the altered a right animal, and capable of mid-sixes if Bob can keep it straight enough. Bob promised me a go in it which clinched the deal. Likewise his Chevy engine in our dragster, which was the same as our last blown car set-up, should also be capable of mid sixes, and will make one of the nicest rails in Super Pro ET.
©Eurodragster.com
"I know that both Bob's son and daughter Matty and Holly are itching to have a go in the dragster, and whilst Bob is not really a dragster man he has always liked our new chassis - after all, what is there not to like about it! - and he says he may have a go in it himself before it all goes up for sale. The car, trailer, awning and pickup will all be available soon so any interested parties should contact Bob direct or keep an eye on the Eurodragster.com Swap Meet."
Swift snippets.
18th February: Mark Gredzinski has been in touch with another example of his painting,
this time a work in progress of Wild Willy Borsch's early hemi (click on picture for large version).
"This is far from finished but it gives an idea of the detail on the powerplant", says Mark.
Congratulations to UK Sportsman ET racer Sandie Gibb who clocked a Personal Best of 11.18 seconds in the Li'l Ole '38 Opel at the Saturday Night Special at Santa Pod Raceway at the weekend. Or should that be UK Pro ET racer? Well done Sandie.
©Eurodragster.com
During the FIA European Finals the Carter Motorsport / Andersen Racing team gave classic car and motorsport journalist Paul Bussey a behind the scenes look at Top Fuel drag racing with the Lucas Oil team. This month's issue of American Car World magazine carries Paul's four-page report on his time with the team. In the fully illustrated feature Paul gives a detailed insight into the work done by the crew in between rounds and Andy Carter gives an interesting insight into life as a Top Fuel driver. "Paul has done a great job capturing a day in the life of the Lucas Oil Top Fuel team", says Andy Carter. "It's only a month until our first race at the Easter Thunderball and we can't wait. Paul sums it up very well in his article when he says- "Winning is everything - nothing less will do"!". The March 2008 issue of American Car World is out now and available in all good newsagents.
A big Happy Birthday for yesterday (Sunday) to former Junior Drag Bike racer Andy Irvine. Dad Don tells us that Andy is looking to move into the big league when he can afford it. "Happy birthday from mum, dad and Richard", adds Don. Hope you had a great day Andy.
Flamholc returns to the USA.
18th February: Swedish Pro Stock racer
Adam Flamholc and his team are headed across the
Pond to participate at the test session in Valdosta, then to Bradenton, and finally to the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville.
"This is our second US Tour", says Adam. "Last year we competed at the NHRA event in Richmond, as well as at a couple of test sessions. We ran a Personal Best of 6.752/205 in Maryland. After the Gatornationals we will ship the car to Europe and participate in the FIA European Pro Stock tour. Hopefully we will be well-prepared after this winter's adventures when we have made some updates to the car and the motor.
©Eurodragster.com
"Big thanks to Kevin and Chester Houghtaling at Progressive Performance who help us with everything, Steve Schmidt who is providing the power and who made the uppdates on the motor with which we all are satisfied, Hurst Boiling and Welding Company who are our US sponsor, Amalie Oil who are our main European sponsor, Justin Humphreys and his crew who give us advice and help with parts, and of course my loyal team Fredrik Akesson, Robert Broden, Michael Carlsson, Johan Pripp, Peter Flamholc, Petri Nagy, Kevin and Chester Houghtaling."
Web site updates.
18th February: Peter has produced us a couple of galleries of pictures from the weekend's events at Santa Pod Raceway. First up is Friday's Stunt Night; putting on drag racing demos and laying down some good runs in freezing conditions were Martin Hill Sam Freeman, Sandie Gibb, John Hackney, Matthew Seamarks, Zak Johnson and Annalieze Gibb and you can check out Peter's pictures, which are presented in association with American Car Imports, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
©Eurodragster.com
Peter's second gallery is from the Saturday Night Special. This event took place in bright but chilly weather and was attended by a few more racers including Super Gas and Pro ET racers-in-waiting John Giles and Paul Foote. You can view Saturday's pictures, again presented in association with American Car Imports, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Another word for our sponsors.
18th February: We have now E-Mailed 2008 renewal notices and invoices to all of our sponsors. If you have not received your E-Mail and it is not in your Spam mailbox then please get in touch with us at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com and we'll make alternative arrangements to get the paperwork to you.
©Eurodragster.com
Jan Van Broekhoven, please check out your E-Mail and get in touch with us as soon as possible at the above address.
Headed for the Super Gas wars.
17th February: The UK's newest Super Gas racer Jon Giles made his first outing at
Santa Pod Raceway's Saturday Night Special yesterday (Saturday). Kirstie caught up with Jon at Santa
Pod on Friday evening and got the lowdown on the ex-Kev Moore Willys which is instantly recognisable
due to its tall rear wing.
Jon bought the Willys, now named Roar Willys, from Paul King about four months ago. His previous racing experience was as crew for Tim Adam in Super Gas and Super Comp but this is the first time he has been behind the wheel.
©Eurodragster.com
The Willys is powered by a 496 ci Big Block Chevy and Jon has bought aluminium heads from Eurodragster.com sponsor ICE Automotive Racing Engines. Jon is unsure about the wing and having spoken to Eurodragster.com sponsor Andy Robinson plans either to lower or remove it, although it will be left in place during testing since the car runs perfectly straight in its current configuration.
The paint was applied by Paul King and the signwriting is by Neil Melliard of Prosign.
Given successful testing yesterday Jon plans to test again the weekend before the Easter Thunderball and then to make his first competitive outing at Easter.
Power on Tour.
17th February: Tony Oksien, Jim Wilson, Tim Holmes and Richard Berry, the team who every
year bring the Mopar EuroNationals to Santa Pod Raceway and the Northern Lights to York Raceway, are delighted
to announce the UK Muscle Car Power Tour writes Jerry Cookson.
The UK Muscle Car Power Tour is open to all American-built cars from any year. The basic rule is very simple: the car must be shod with a maximum tyre width of 10.5 inches, stamped on the tyre itself.
There will be four events. Each event winner will be the driver with the lowest average Elapsed Time over two runs. A time penalty will apply for a missed run. The series winner will have the lowest average ET over the eight runs, with a time penalty for missed runs, so consistency is the key.
©Eurodragster.com
Dates for the 2008 UK Muscle Car Power Tour are:
Races 1/2: Sunday 4th May, York Raceway
Races 2/3/4: Saturday 31st May-Sunday 1st June, Yanks Weekend, Shakespeare County Raceway
Races 5/6: Saturday evening 26th July, MoparEuroNats, Santa Pod Raceway
Races 7/8: Saturday 25th-Sunday 26th October, Halloween Bonfire Burnup hosted by the MoparEuroNats, Shakespeare County Raceway
The dates are but times may alter due to weather conditions.
The UK Muscle Car Power Tour has also signed up its first sponsor, Wisbech American Street and Performance.
This is the first time in years that all three UK race tracks have been involved in bringing together a nationwide series. The MoparEuroNats committee are proud to instigate this initiative and we look forward to some close heads-up racing in what will be a very exciting series. Please support the Power Tour!
Meet the Outlaws.
17th February: Interest is steadily growing in the UK Supercharged Outlaws with more teams already registered to run than in 2007 and others showing interest, says Dave McKenzie.
"The attraction of running with the Outlaws is the emphasis on enjoyment", says Fuzzie. "The teams are not under any pressure and want to race their cars to their own budgets. We want to put on a good show for the promoters with a variety of different cars from fuel slingshots down to petrol doorslammers: so long as it has a supercharger you are welcome to join the Outlaws.
©Eurodragster.com
"We are having a meeting to finalise this year's format and calendar. The meeting is to be held at 12 noon on Saturday 1st March at Ettington Village Hall on the Banbury Road not far from Shakespeare County Raceway. We hope to have Jerry Cookson there to give Shakespeare COunty Raceway's perspective on the series. If you are interested in joining the Supercharged Outlaws then come along for a friendly chat - all are welcome. If you cannot make the meeting but would like more information then please E-Mail me at fuzzie134@ntlworld.com.
"I will soon be posting features on teams and their race cars. Let's all look forward to a fast and safe season."
Shockwave returns.
15th February: The UK's Shockwave Fuel Funny Car will be back on track in 2008 after the team sat out 2007 due to a lack of funds and sponsrship. Driver Gordon Smith says that the team has a new sponsor and that if you are interested in crewing on a Fuel Funny Car then there is a place for you in the Shockwave pit.
"We will be entering the Pro Fuel Shootout at the Easter Thunderball and look forward to seeing all our old friends there", says Gordon. "Other races will be announced in the near future.
©Eurodragster.com
"Dave Bryant and I are pleased to announce a sponsorship deal with Mapei UK Ltd, who are one of the world's largest manufacturers of sealants and adhesives for the building industry. Although we are starting with a relatively small deal we are confident that we can work with Mapei to increase their involvement in drag racing in the future Mapei are well known all over the world for their involvement in many sports and we are very happy to be bringing them to drag racing. Check them out at www.mapei.co.uk.
"We are still looking for new crew members. Candidates should have some mechanical knowledge and should be able to learn all aspects of crewing on a nitro Funny Car. You will need to be available to travel to Europe three or four times a year and to work on the car between events if required. It would also be an advantage, but not essential, to have an HGV 1 licence. Shockwave is a very friendly team (We can attest to that - Ed) and we have a lot of fun as well as working hard. This is an opportunity for someone to learn a lot with a top nitro team."
If you are interested in crewing on the Shockwave team then you can drop Gordon a line at nitrofc7@aol.com.
Have Fun in Europe.
15th February: Germany's European Fun Race 2008 series will be taking place
over three weekends starting at the end of May. The final EFR Quarter Mile Challenge of 2007, which took place
in Höxter/Holzminden, set the scene for 2008 with 1800 cars and more than 4500 spectators.
The venue for the European Fun Race is Europe's biggest film set for motorway sequences in Cologne-Aldenhoven, which is well-known as the film location for the hit German television series Alarm für Cobra 11.
©Eurodragster.com
The EFR events are a mixture of Run What You Brung and the EFR Series proper which is open to a maximum of twenty five cars. For more information including race dates, or to register for the event, check out the German-language European Fun Race web site at www.efr-germany.de.
Swift snippets.
15th February: Racers please note that next Friday, 22nd February, is the official closing date for entry to the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. Entry after next Friday, if accepted, will incur a 100% penalty fee. Easter Thunderball entry forms are available on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
©Eurodragster.com
UK Supertwin Fuel racer Ian Carruthers will be riding Dave Newbery's Top Fuel Bike in 2008. Dave himself will initially be concentrating on tuning and getting to know the Puma-powered machine. The bike's first test outing is planned for early March at Santa Pod with the first competitive appearance set for the Easter Thunderball. You can read more about Dave's Top Fuel Bike in a Feature which we posted in late 2006: click here to view the Feature or click on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Although the UK rules regarding decimal places on ETs changed late last season, we have decided that this year's Eurodragster.com Perfect Light and Perfect ET Awards will both still run to three decimal places. We will however pay a small bonus if the fourth decimal place is also zero. Stay tuned for more news about this year's Perfect Awards Scheme.
You could own that picture...
15th February: After publishing the latest of Mark Gredzinski's excellent paintings yesterday, it occurred to us to ask him whether his pictures are for sale. So we put the question to Mark and here's what he had to say:
Everything art-related is for sale. I have done the initial set of paintings with the intention of increasing my portfolio. For many years, I've wanted to do these paintings as homage to the beauty of these classic cars. Ultimately, I want to get commissions and I've got a couple of racers interested in the States. I want to get a few more trickling into people's consciousness meanwhile so they can associate me with this sort of art. There are a few people doing graphics on computer now and that is not an area I want to compete in.
The originals will not be cheap since there are simply too many man-hours involved and I don't work in a quick sketchy style. As you'll appreciate, it's not like knocking out a quick landscape where is lots of leeway on the shape of the trees etc. I'm as fussy as hell and do my research. So my '73 Vega will look exactly like that. And in the case of the Matsubara car, it will be a Kirby/Buttera body and not a Pellegrini or a J&E Fiberglass. Did you know that there were at least two bodies and three paint jobs on the car? I slowly found out in my research. Also there was a Lakewood decal that was badly applied on the rear quarters which I was reluctant to paint on. Further research unearthed a shot with it missing so I was made up with that discovery! I'm sick for this stuff and a bit sad obviously (Research and accuracy are not my idea of "sad" - Ed).
©Eurodragster.com
I want to sell to America initially as the subjects I want to get off my chest emanate from there and also they have more dough generally and I have no choice but to be mercenary as I have no other income except from the stuff I do with the drags. I'm doing an early Willie Borsch AA/FA which I'm halfway through, and the Radici and Wise '73 Vega - all in gouache. Then in oil on canvas are the Pabst Blue Ribbon Charger, Prudhomme's Army Vega, Wonder Wagon Vega, Ray Alley's Engine Masters Charger, Jake Johnson's Snowman Charger and Pulde's Revelleader. Since oil takes at least a week to dry, the sessions have to be every so often.
In pencil awaiting paint are Willie Borsch's Charger, the Hawaiian Charger and Tommy Ivo's Dart. Then there is my what-if of a Blue Max Torino from 1973 and the Pure Hell sixties AA/FA which will be in acrylic on canvas. I haven't painted in this medium since I did a street Mustang and the Neon Star Pinto for Graham Barrs many years ago.
Of the British stuff I would like to do Stripteaser, Gladiator, Steve Green's original JWR Cortina and a few other iconic cars. Plus bikes too. Luckily, my photo file is extensive and where possible I like to use a hard-to-get view. As an example, the Pabst Charger view is from a body-up shot in black and white. It's taken with a wide angle lens and I've converted it into a mid track burnout shot (adding front wheels!) which would be almost impossible to get – say from a viewpoint ten feet or so past the Tree. And of course, I've had to research the colours.
If you are interested in purchasing one of Mark's originals then you can contact him at gredzinski@tiscali.co.uk. In our opinion, this guy is as good as Youngblood and his paintings are bound to appreciate in value so get in before a bank raid and Sotheby's becomes your only option...
Best wishes to Bev.
14th February: Beth Satchell writes to send best wishes to APIRA marshal Bev Batsford, who heads up the pairing lanes at Shakespeare County Raceway. Bev has been in hospital for a hip replacement after suffering for several years.
"Bev is making a great recovery so far but she will not be back to her normal race position until later in the season", says Beth. "Bev wants everyone to know that she will be back at the front of the fire up road as soon as she is able. It just remains for me to say heaven help us all because once Bev is fit she is going to be able to catch all those who play her up...you know who you are, so I suggest you get in sprint training now!
"I know we all wish Bev a speedy recovery (Hear, hear - Ed). Providing her recovery remains consistent Bev should be home this weekend so if anyone would like to contact her please send an E-Mail to beverley994@btinternet.com. Bev is going to be housebound and bored for the next few months so she would love to hear from you."
You know what to do, folks. Our very best wishes to Bev for a rapid recovery and we look forward to having our butts kicked at SCR some time soon.
Swift snippets.
14th February: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com
shows, we are told, a new ride for a UK Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association racer (click on picture for
large version). As ever, if you know any more, or if you would like to send any spy pictures of your own,
then drop us a line at
eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
UK Pro ET racer Mark Bishop is aiming to install a 521 ci stroked Big Block Ford in his Vegas Hustler altered in time for the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. "We hope this will again lower out Personal Best which is 10.41", says Mark. "Many thanks to my crew, everyone in Pro ET, Webster Race Engineering, my sponsor Dave Eadys American Parts Center and most improtantly my Dad for all their help last year. Also many thanks to SPRC for the two Perpetual Award nominations, not bad after one season's racing". You can check out Mark's new web site at www.vegashustleracing.co.uk.
Fiona Flynn has been in touch to ask us to say a big Congratulations to UK Top Fuel Dragster racer in waiting Derek Flynn of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Gold RV on gaining his HGV1 licence. "Derek will now be able to drive the rig when needed", says Fiona.
©Eurodragster.com
UK photojournalist and graphic designer Mark Gredzinski has been kind enough to send us
a shot of his latest work which depicts one of his favourite Funny Cars, the Pisano and Matsubara Vega of 1973 with
Sush Matsubara at the helm (click on picture for large version). "I finished the picture in the last week and it's one of a series of classic
race machines I'm doing", says Mark. "This one is 20" x 10" and rendered in gouache (opaque water colour). All of my work is brush-painted
in the traditional way and future paintings will be done either using this medium or oil paint on canvas. I also do acrylic on canvas and pencil renderings,
depending on what takes my fancy. I'll also be doing some European stuff soon but I have to get the 1970s Funny Cars out of my system first.
Unfortunately, this will take some time and in reality, probably never!"A word for our sponsors...
14th February: We will be sending out 2008-9 renewal notices and invoices to all of our existing sponsors over this coming weekend. You will be pleased to hear that our rates are not increasing this year. However, if you have already decided not to renew for 2008-9 then please drop us a line at tog@eurodragster.com and that will save us cluttering your mailbox with an invoice you don't need.
©Eurodragster.com
If you do not currently sponsor Eurodragster.com but would be interested in doing so then similarly please drop a line to tog@eurodragster.com. You can find out more about sponsoring Eurodragster.com on our new FAQ page which you can view by by clicking here or by clicking on the Eurodragster.com FAQ link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Web site updates.
14th February: Andy Kitson has been in touch to let us know that video and still pictures from the very earliest days of Santa Pod Raceway are available on the British Pathé web site. "In the 1966 coverage they refer to it as drag racing at Wollaston, and there is some colour footage from 1967", says Andy. "Type in drag racing or Santa Pod in the search box at www.britishpathe.com."
©Eurodragster.com
Funny goings-on in Sweden.
13th February: Knut Söderquist has been in touch from Bangkok, where he is arranging a deal to run a Fuel Funny Car exhibition, to let us know that Sweden's Sundsvall Raceway and Pite Dragway have signed up to run Fuel Funny Car this season, with more tracks to follow. Knut tells us that he has also signed up a new driver for his Fuel FC.
"I am excited that the Funny Cars are back in Sweden as it has been years since race fans have seen them running side by side", says Knut. "I hope that this move will benefit the tracks because people always want to see something new. To make the deal possible we have cut the number of cars to four this year. We were hoping for six as there are so many cars in Europe right now, but it is one thing to have a car but I want to see them all getting the parts to do it right.
©Eurodragster.com
"Patrik Pers has bought a complete roller with two Ford Mustangs. I understand that he wants to run his own car so I will have Håkan Fällström driving my car this year. Håkan will come to my workshop for a fitting as soon as I get home from Thailand. I already know that I will have to change the roll cage and make some adjustments to the steering and pedals. I am excited to have Håkan driving for me. In fact I tried to get him to drive for me some years ago.
"I have decided not to race my Funny Cars at Santa Pod this year. There are several reasons but the cost to get there, and to get a driver, and to hire a car, and to pay for air tickets for the crew is four and a half thousand pounds - and that is before you put the starter motor on the car.
"I am putting one hundred per cent into this deal and I am not finished yet. I am working on finding more tracks. Gardermoen will hopefully sign up when I get home next week and I hope to have some exciting news soon."
2008 Junior Drag Bike Championship.
13th February: Jerry and Sharron Collier of Jade Racing are pleased to announce that the 2008 Junior Drag Bike Championship in the UK will again be contested over five rounds and will be run exclusively at Shakespeare County Raceway. The Championship will once again be sponsored by Dave and Charlotte at Dave Beck Racing.
"As all other classes move to Santa Pod for three of their rounds we have managed to arrange permits to run the Championship at three of the Warwickshire venue's Test and Tune weekends, thanks to the team at Shakespeare County Raceway", says Sharron. "This now means that for the Junior Bikers, these specific weekends will be run under race conditions: you have to be pre-entered, and there will be qualifying and eliminations rounds for trophies, prizes and points towards the Championship.
The rounds are:
Round 1: 19th-20th April
Round 2: 3rd-5th May, Springspeed Nationals
Round 3: 12th-13th July
Round 4: 23rd-25th August, Open Sport Nationals
Round 5: 11th-12th October
©Eurodragster.com
"Entry fees remain at £90 for the Springspeed Nationals and Open Sport Nationals, and £60 for the other rounds. Fees have not been increased this year as Junior Drag Bike only runs at Shakespeare County. Furthermore, riders will be able to test and tune at no extra charge at all three additional permit rounds when they are not qualifying or racing.
"We would like to congratulate the 2007 winner and runner up, eleven year old Scott Collier who retained his JB1 plate and fourteen year old Tyler Clutterbuck. We must also mention and congratulate ten year old 2007 Rookie of the Year Jordon Bissell for winning the Shakespeare County Raceway Award for Outstanding Achievement. Well done lads!
"With interest building in the class, it is expected that there will be a couple of new additions this year, so a big welcome to anyone building a bike for this season. It would be appreciated if any new members could contact Jerry or Sharron with information about their bikes. Also, if there are any ex-Junior Bikers reading this can they also please get in contact to let us know what you are doing now. Is your machine or any equipment or clothing up for sale? We are often asked if we know of anyone selling leathers or complete bikes. For these and any other enquiries about Junior Drag Bike racing please contact either Jerry or myself on 01246 570304."
Web site updates.
13th February: We have posted our new Frequently Asked Questions page, which replaces the About Eurodragster.com page. At present the FAQ covers Eurodragster.com staff and domestic matters, the News service, our Event Coverage, and sponsorship. A section about links will follow shortly. You can check out the Eurodragster.com FAQ by clicking here or by clicking on the Eurodragster.com FAQ link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If you have any questions of your own which are not covered by the FAQ then please send them to faq@eurodragster.com.
©Eurodragster.com
SFI recertification reminder.
12th February: Geoff Martin of the UK Tech Crew has been in touch to remind UK racers that the following parts have a life and can be recertified at the SFI Day at Santa Pod Raceway on Monday 10th March:
- SFI 4.1 Transmission Shields: five years
- SFI 29.1 and 29.2 Flexplates: three years
- SFI 30.1 Flexplate Shields: five years
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If you have any queries then you can contact Geoff at chassis1@onetel.com. You can find full details of this year's SFI Tour on our news update of 30th January.
ACU Championship rules updated.
12th February: ACU UK Drag Bike Championship Co-ordinator Ian King has been in touch to let us know that the 2008 ACU rulebook is now on-line on the ACU Championship section of his web site. You can go directly to the rulebook (PDF format) at www.kingracing.com/pdf/ACU%202008%20rules.pdf where you will find this year's rule changes in green.
Julie Willcox of Shakespeare County Raceway has asked us to draw bike racers' attention to a newly-introduced rule which can be found at Drag Racing: Protective Clothing: Page 238: Sub Section 7.04:
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"While practising and racing, riders and passengers are required to wear an identification disc around the neck, attached by a material approved by the technical officer. Thin chains should be avoided. The disc must be permanently marked with the wearer's full name and date of birth. Identification discs shall be of a durable material circular in shape, between 20 mm and 25 mm in diameter and having edges with no sharp or rugged projections."
Julie tells us that this new rule brings drag racing into line with other ACU disciplines and that it will of course will be implemented at Shakespeare County Raceway (and Santa Pod Raceway - Ed). Junior Drag Bike is included. Racers may like to c