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Countdown to the FWD Drag Series. 28th February: Santa Pod Raceway are looking forward to the first round of their new Front Wheel Drive Drag Series, which replaces the Euro Sport Compact series and which is open to all FWD cars of any make, body style and motor. SPR General Manager Neale Saunders gave Eurodragster.com an update. "I have been working on this for quite a while and I am pleased with the way things are turning out", said Neale. "The series is running over six rounds, which are: 17th March: The Fast Show 11th-12th May: Street Nationals 30th June: Jap Show 7th July: Retro Show 17th August: God of the Pod 29th September: Jap Show Finale "We have twenty two racers signed up, and in fact it looks like we could have a bump spot on a sixteen-car field at the Fast Show. I have eight sponsors in place offering a mixture of prize money, vouchers and goodies and prize money will run to £1200 per round. Thanks to our sponsors Wizards of NOS, Stand21, ASNU, TDI North, VP Racing Fuels, Team M Factory, Competition Clutch, and Pfitzner Performance Gearboxes. "You can find full details on the official FWD Drag Series web site at www.fwddragseries.co.uk." Santa Pod Racers Club Assistant Race Director Carole Ismail tells us that entry forms for all FWD Drag Series events are available on the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. Entry to the first round of the FWD Drag Series, the Fast Show, closes on Friday 8th March. Raring to go! 28th February: Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Chair Luke Stevenson says thet with just thirty one days left until the start of the season the Club are raring to go: In 2012 we celebrated our twenty fifth anniversary season. Although it was wet we enjoyed larger fields, awesome racing and a great club atmosphere which can only get better. The VWDRC 2013 Contingency Prize funds for both VW Sportsman and VW Pro are as follows - this is on top of the normal SPRC and APIRA prize money: VWDRC Championship Prizes: winner £400 and runner-up £200 APIRA Championship winner: £100 Event prizes: winner £100 and runner-up £50 In addition there is a bonus of £100 to the winners of each class at SPRC Summernationals, courtesy of Ban'D. There is also the Bio-Cam Perfect ET of £50 which is available to the first VWDRC member to run a Perfect ET at each event (does not rollover to the next event if the Perfect ET is not achieved). None of this could be done without the support of the Club's sponsors Bio-Cam, Discover Motorhome Hire, Bears Motorsport Transmissions, Ken's Diner, WRP Paint and Restoration, StDub, Ban'D Creative Design and Marketing, and LWS Design. It's not too late to join in for 2013, a VWDRC membership is only £10 and a great way to get started in bracket racing. Also the VWDRC Pre-Season Test Day is just around the corner, taking place at Santa Pod Raceway on Friday 15th March. Any racer from any class, VW or not, who wishes to get maximum track time before Easter is more than welcome to attend. There are currently plenty of places available for the day but we hope to fill them. For more details visit our web site at www.vwdrc.com/season. Gabby goes worldwide. 
28th February: Graham McDonald writes that his daughter, former triple Junior Dragster Champion Gabrielle McDonald's
Top Fuel Dragster licencing made it into the pages of Dragster Australia:
A sincere Thank You to John Baremans, the magazine's Editor, who kindly allowed us space in his magazine. Gabby first found out that the article was in print when two Australian Junior Dragster drivers from Perth with whom she raced in Bristol TN in 2008 sent her a message on Facebook saying "Gabrielle you're famous over here, we just read about you in our drag racing magazine". What a buzz that was! As most of you will know you often send out articles to local and national papers and magazines and hear no more about it, so it's nice to actually see someone give you a break and get your story out there. Not only that, but to be asked for a follow up story, when Gabrielle runs again in the RF Motorsport Top Fueller this year, is nice and really gives you a boost and a spring in your step. Click on the picture at right to read the article. You can follow Gabby's racing on her BlogSpot at gabbymcdonaldracing.blogspot.ie or on Facebook. In closing, I recently realised that whilst Gabrielle is getting into Top Fuel my son Liam - who was nearly reared at Santa Pod being there as a baby while Gabby was doing Juniors - will be eight years old in 2014 and can start racing Junior dragsters. So it's like going full circle, not to mention the thoughts of all the transport issues, spare parts, storage etc. That goes along with all that, not to mention the thoughts of the ten years he could be driving a Junior from eight years old all the way to eighteen years old. But I'm sure you'll agree that those years are probably the best years of yours and their lives... well putting aside the stroppy teenager bits of course! Team Gridlock's Unique deal. 28th February: Dex Price has been in touch to announce the latest sponsor for Wild Bunch Champions Team Gridlock: Bradford-based Unique Body and Paint: Unique were introduced to the team by another sponsor, Maxolen, who provide all of Unique's and Team Gridlock's finishing products so there was some synergy, and the deal seemed to fall in place just nicely. After seeing some of their work on some Hot Rods it was a no-brainer to work with them. The new Altered body was taken up to Unique's workshops in Barnsley on Monday and once painted will be sent to Maxolen for final finishing and protection. Unique are also very accomplished at working with fibreglass and the team are very excited to be discussing some plans for 2014 already. Check out Unique's web site at www.uniquebodyandpaint.co.uk, or ring the owner Richard direct for a quote. Swift snippets. 28th February: Good luck and stay safe to ex-pat UK Top Alcohol Dragster racer Michael Manners of Eurodragster.com sponsor Cosmo Residences who is testing in Houston today (Thursday) ahead of contesting his first Lucas Oil NHRA Divisional event of the year between tomorrow and Sunday. You will be able to stay in touch with Mike's progress courtesy of our Drag Race Central friends at www.dragracecentral.com. Steve Dudley has been in touch with a reminder that the next slot drags at MrD Raceway will take place at 8:00 pm next Friday (8th March) at The Cathedral Primary School, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1PA. "There is a small car park in the school grounds which should be able to accommodate us all", says Steve. "Entry and racing are free, all we ask is that you make a donation of a couple of pounds to help toward the hire of the hall, although it's not obligatory. I have loan cars for anybody wishing to try out this exciting form of slot car racing. We try to and run a couple of elimination races during the evening to add some element of competition / tension to the meeting." FIM Europe press release. 28th February: Thanks to 2012 UEM Top Fuel Bike Champion Ian King for passing us an official press release from FIM Europe which is presented verbatim: "Ap Ruitenbeek is not anymore the chairman of the Road Racing Commission, as he announced through the Dutch Federation (KNMV) his resignation for strictly personal matters. Ruitenbeek already resigned last year and then he changed his mind and was, therefore, confirmed in his task by the Management Council on the 16th November in Leuven. "Now his resignation is definitive and UEM-FIM Europe will have to find a substitute. Ruitenbeek entered in UEM in 2000 as a member of the Road Racing Commission and then he became chairman in 2007, taking over Igor Eskinja. "He will be substituted temporarily by the Vice-chairman Ejgil Solkaer, until when the Management Council will proceed with the new nomination". Ian adds: "On a personal basis I am very disappointed to see Ap join the brain drain from the FIM Europe Commission. In his time whilst responsible for the Drag Race Commission he was a staunch supporter of drag bike sport and was very vocal in his opposition at my removal from his team at the order of the Management Committee but was overruled. "On behalf of European drag racing I'd like to thank him for his support and wish him well in his future endeavours but understand his noble decision." Doing the honours I. 
28th February: George Kinghorn of the UKDrag.net Blog has been
in touch with the trophy winners at last weekend's Pennine Drag Racing Club awards ceremony:
Ronnie Picardo (Marshal of the Year): Andy Frear Jack Fletcher (Most Consistent American Car): Bozzy Competion Secretary's Award (Services to PDRC): Billadeau Family Yorkshire Post Trophy (Best Performance by a British Engined Car): Darren Peart Steve Murty Award (Enthusiasm for PDRC): Koami Jones PDRC Endeavour Award (Sustained Efforts for PDRC): Carl Smith B&H Autokraft Award (Best Engineered): Paul Grainger Dave Grady Memorial Award (Superpower, for Fastest Doorslammer): Darren Peart Roy Wilding (Quickest Competition Car): Sag Roy Wilding (Best Turned Out Competition Car): Nik Wilson Pennine Raceway Trophy( Most Outstanding Performance): James Murray Blue Bar Trophy (Entertainer of the Year): Ben Rushforth Duggie White Memorial Trophy (Crew Chief of the Year): Stretch Harrison Chairman's Award (Most Promising Newcomer): Matt Moxon Rescue Unit Trophy (Services to Motorsport): John Sleath Tony Murray Award (Services to UK Drag Racing): Martin Green Brian Lewis Memorial (Raw Horsepower): Pete Youhill Racers' Choice (voted by Racers): Paul Grainger Danger Zone Shane Shentall Trophy (Hard Luck Award) Mick Elsworth Street Shootout (Street ET): Lee Chiles American Super Stock: Lee Chiles Pro ET Shootout: Adam Nowak Glen Jarvis (Car Points Champion): Lee Chiles Air Cooled Eliminator: Daz Chandler Super Cup: Pel Norman Don't forget that you can stay in touch with all the York Raceway and PDRC news at www.ukdrag.net. Doing the honours II. 28th February: The UK's Supercharged Outlaws held their AGM at the Himley Hotel Himley last weekend. Dave McKenzie got in touch to bring us up to date with all the post-AGM news: Alec Coe stood down as Chairman, Lee Gallimore stood down as Treasurer, and Dave Mckenzie stood down as Event Manager. The Committee changes voted at the AGM were Dave McKenzie (Chairman), Mark Windridge (Treasurer), Ian Kerr (Club Tech Inspector), and Lee Gallimore (Committee member). We have two vacancies for an Events Manager and a Club Secretary; if anyone is interested in either of these positions then please contact the Supercharged Outlaws via the web site. In the evening after the AGM we had our Presentation Night where all the winners were presented with their trophies. A great night was had by all. Series winner 2012: The Speed Demon team of Vic Hammond, Sam Freeman, Paul Shaw, Gail Shaw, Micky Moore Runner up in the 2012 series: Mad Rs Racing, Tom and Alec Coe Third place: Paul Watts, No Easy Pick Up Spirit of the Outlaws 2012: Vic Hammond and the Speed Demon team Best burnout in 2012: Ian Kerr against Wild'r at Heart, NSRA Hot Rod Drags 2012 Wildest Ride in 2012: Brian Gandy with his no-parachute 197 mph ride off the end of the track and into the bushes at SCR Top Speed in 2012: Vic Hammond's Speed Demon, 197 mph Quickest ET: Brian Gandy, 7.2 seconds Melanie Dalton Memorial Trophy: Lee Gallimore Our calendar of events this year so far include: Non-points Test and Tune Shakespeare County Raceway 6th-7th April Round 1 SO series NSRA Nostalgia Nationals, SCR Round 2 SO series Dragstalgia, Santa Pod Raceway Non points Bulldog Bash, SCR Round 3 SO series VW Action, SPR Round 4 SO series NSRA Hot Rod Drags, SCR Hopefully more dates will be added. We are also pleased to announce continuing support from Good Vibrations California, Jim Maher has kindly sponsored the Supercharged Outlaws for the fourth year running. The Good Vibrations awards of $100 for the Quickest Reaction Time at six events in 2013 totalling $600, and Good Vibrations will sponsor three events in 2013 - Nostalgia Nationals, Dragstalgia and Hot Rod Drags - with $100 is to be paid to the Team of the Weekend at these three events totalling $300. The winner will be the team voted for by all the non-Supercharged Outlaw drivers at these events. Voting forms will be handed out and counted on the second day of the event so that the winner can be annouced at the track. We would like to thank Good Vibrations California for their continued support. More sponsors are to be annouced in the next few weeks. With many new teams looking at joining the Outlaws in 2013 it is shaping up to be another excellent season. We are even getting teams from abroad asking to race with us in 2013 with two teams from Germany looking at joining us in time for the Nostalgia Nationals, and with the Wild'r At Heart Funny Car guesting with us at the Hot Rod Drags the Outlaws are goining international. Who knows, we may take the show to mainland Europe in 2014. Watch this space. We look forward to seeing everyone at the track in 2013. Have a fast and safe season. Fielding multiple racers? 26th February: Yvonne Tramm of Santa Pod Racers Club has been in touch to remind racers that if they intend fielding more than one driver or riders in the same vehicle in the same class in the UK this season - for example, one driver in a car at the Festival of Power and then a different driver in the same car at the Springspeed Nationals - then they should let both SPRC and APIRA know so that Championship points can be allocated to a team rather than to individuals. If you are going to field such a team this season then please E-Mail Yvonne at ytramm@africonnect.com and APIRA via Shakespeare County Raceway at enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk as soon as possible and at the very latest a week before the Festival of Power. Swift snippets. 
26th February: Allard Chrysler Action
Group Chair Brian Taylor writes that the Allard Chrysler Dragster has a floor. "It is the only bit of flooring on the car but
it is original and very pretty", says Brian. "We should be ready for a test fire-up next Sunday, with a fair wind."
We would like to say a very Happy Birthday to our good friend and Honorary Eurodragster.com Staff Member Darren Prentice of Santa Pod Raceway. Have a great day Darren. Happy Birthday also to UK Fuel Funny Car racer Kevin Kent. You have a great day too Kevin. Like Her Majesty the Queen (not of Race Control), Eurodragster.com has an official birthday and that day is 26th February. Your favourite drag racing web site is fifteen years old today. Thanks to all of the racers, clubs, officials, promoters, sponsors, fans, friends and everyone else who helps to keep us going. Caddy 365, where are you? 26th February: Eddie Corr has been in touch seeking the help of Eurodragster.com readers to locate a motor. Not just any motor, though... A friend of mine has a '56 Caddy, but it is without its original engine, and that is what we are now trying to find. Apparently, a programme from the first ever race meeting at Santa Pod shows Allan Herridge's dragster running a 365 Cadillac motor, the 365 being a one-year-only motor for 1956. This particular 365 is believed to have been pulled from a convertible, so it is thought that the 365 in that dragster is the one which was pulled from my friend's 56. Does anyone know of the whereabouts of that 365, or indeed any other 365 which possibly fills in the gaps in this potted history? Any help or information would be greatly appreciated, and in fact perhaps a little reward could be offered if the motor is found. This would not be a financial reward, but it would be something which any gearhead who reads this web site would appreciate. There you go folks, get seeking. If you have any information then please drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com and we'll pass it on to Eddie. Web site updates. 26th February: We were very pleased to hear from Chris Dossett that his superb and Nostalgia site Trakbyte's UK Drag Racing History is to be updated again after a long period of remaining static, although it was no less valuable for that. Trakbyte's, which is supported by the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame, contains a year-by-year and in a lot of cases week-by-week history of UK drag racing from the 1960s to the end of the 1990s and is an invaluable research tool and argument settler. Check it out at www.trakbytes.co.uk. Carrying on with the Nostalgia theme, our good friend Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with a thirty first Readers' Gallery which has an international flavour, featuring pictures taken in France, The Netherlands, and the USA. You can check it out via the What's New? at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Young Blood at Easter. 25th February: Easter's Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway is eagerly anticipated by all of the UK drag racers as the first meeting of the new season, and no one is more eager than the UK's Laura Turburville who will be débuting her very pretty slingshot dragster. Dad Ian writes: After leaving Junior Dragster ranks in 2011 Laura took a year off to start college while dad had fun in his slingshot and crewed for FIM champion Nate Gagnon. During the 2012 season I built a Junior Comp dragster for Laura using my spare Overkill V-twin motor. This unique car turned out great and made a couple of appearances at Santa Pod for shakedown runs which went as expected. We knew from that point on it would be a year or so of development to make the new concept car work to full potential, but Laura felt that she hadn't that long to spare what with impending university applications etc. She had the need... 
Karma stepped in and fellow Wild Bunch racer Ed Yates mentioned that he wanted to build a bigger, faster slingshot for his team. This meant he was selling Ramraider, a lovely little car which had won the Championship several times and which was fast and reliable. Laura was double-entered with Sarah Howells at the National Finals and she gained her licence in great style. She really handled the car well. Everyone said "It's in the blood" and so Bloodlines Racing bought the car and handed it over to Laura and I (at Turboville Racing). We gave it an autumn make-over, re-christening it Young Blood. The car is basically the same as Ed and his gang ran it, with the strong 355ci injected Chevy and Powerglide combo in a 155" chassis but I re-built the rear axle, re-modelled the bodywork, made a new fuel system, took a lot of weight off, added wire spoke wheels, and generally spruced it up. Martin Curbishley did his usual superb job on the paint, Big Andy did some fantastic carbon hydro-graphics on parts and Nottingham Platers did a great job of adding a lot of bling to the front end and the driver's compartment. New narrower rear slicks were supplied by Topspeed Automotive who also decided to sponsor Laura with a lovely chrome differential cover. The car turned out pretty nice and is almost unrecognisable as the old Ramraider. It turned out so nice in fact that the Southwest Junior Fuel Association, who run this type of car in Texas, have made Laura their honorary overseas member and supplied her with some great kit. 
Laura then realised that her new firesuit for the Junior Comp dragster was no good for a methanol-burning front-motor car! She put the word out that she needed a SFI-15 suit to buy or borrow as she could not afford a new one. The big surprise came at Christmas when a box arrived from Finland for her: Laura's hero and everyone's favourite Top Fuel Dragster pilot, Anita Mäkelä, donated her back-up suit to Laura as she knew they were the same size! Laura has to cook the Finnish team a big meal at the FIA Main Event in return, so we hope they like Pot Noodles! Big thanks go to Anita, Nottingham Platers, Topspeed, Andy at AC Coatings, Team Dogs Bollox and of course Bloodlines Racing without whom we couldn't race at all. Good luck to Laura in the ET classes this season! News to follow soon on my ride, the supercharged True Blood! ET Bike details. 25th February: Tony Smith has been in touch with details of the proposed ET Bike class which will be running at the Springspeed Nationals and Open Sport Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. Both classes will be open to any type of motorcycle. Pro Bike will run 8.50-10.99 (prefix PRB or PEB) and Sportsman Bike 11.00 down (prefix SPB or ETB). Both classes will be run off a 0.4-second Sportsman Tree with a handicap system using dial-ins. Qualifying will be closest to dial-in and the field will be all-run with progressive ladders. Breakout and other rule book race procedures apply. Clothing, helmets etc must comply with GSR 10. Lanyards are mandatory unless the bike is ridden to the track and competes in full street legal-condition. Chain Guards are mandatory. Pit fire extinguishers must comply with GSR 9.2. Competition Bikes must comply with GSRs relevant to the type of bike. Licences will be Cat 1/Clubman and new riders or riders with new bikes will have to make observed runs before they can compete. If you have any queries, comments or suggestions then please E-Mail Tony at cunningplan@btinternet.com. Swift snippets. 25th February: Many thanks to photo-journalist and Honorary Eurodragster.com staff member Andy Willsheer for snapping us these pictures of SPRC Chief Starter Ian Marshall working the start line at this weekend's NHRA Arizona Nationals at Phoenix. SPRC Assistant Race Director Carole Ismail arranged Ian's startline surprise with the assistance of Phil Burgess of NHRA. Thanks also to Jeff Wolf of Don Schumacher Racing for forwarding the pictures. 
UK Pro Modified racer Wayne Nicholson
is delighted to welcome Custom Coach Trimming as a sponsor of the Lucky Devil racing team.
"Chris is very well known for truly fantastic interior work on pretty much anything with wheels", says Wayne. "Classic cars, motorhomes, hot
rods, muscle cars, VWs etc, custom seat covers and loads more. You can find their web site at
www.customcoachtrimming.co.uk.
We can't wait for Easter when we are really looking forward to flying the flag for all our sponsors."UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting report. 24th February: The 2013 UK Riders' and Drivers' meeting took place this afternoon (Sunday) at the Hilton Hotel in Northampton. The official minutes of the meeting will be published in due course but these are the main points: The dates of this year's UK Championship rounds are listed below. Entry forms for events at Santa Pod Raceway are now available on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc and forms for events at Shakespeare County Raceway will shortly be available on the Shakespeare County Raceway web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. Closing dates are listed on the entry forms and reminders will of course be posted here on Eurodragster.com. SPRC hope to introduce on-line race entry in time for Big Bang. Once you have entered your details on the SPRC web site the information will be held making subsequent meeting entry a simple task. Racers will be able to pay for their entries via card payment, which will hopefully be cheaper than the current card costs. Cheques will also still be accepted when entering on-line, by posting cheques to the usual SPRC address. SPRC are also looking into membership applications on-line in the near future. Details will be posted on Eurodragster.com. As in 2012 all teams intending to field more than one driver or rider for the same vehicle must send a list of the season's drivers to both APIRA and SPRC one week before the Festival of Power. JDS and FWD racers wishing to field more than one driver must send a list of the season's drivers to SPRC one week before the Fast Show. From 2014 the Junior Dragster round at the FIA European Finals will be reinstated as a points round. To avoid a disadvantage for those unable to take their children out of school, from 2014 Junior Dragster racers who contest all rounds will drop their worst SPRC round from the Championship.
Shakespeare County Raceway's proposed ET Bike class (see news update of 13th February) will run at the Springspeed Festival and Open Sport Nationals at SCR and possibly at the Extreme Performance Bike Weekend at Santa Pod Raceway. Brackets will be 8.50-10.99 and 10.99 down. Full details of rules and procedures will shortly be provided to Eurodragster.com and Kingracing.com.
Entry Fees have increased this season after three years without change, and are as below. Payment at the track on the day for Championship events will no longer be permitted. In connection with this, late entry penalties will be more strictly enforced. Prize money has been increased by 2% this season. 2012 Santa Pod Racers Club Champions will again receive free entry to rounds at Santa Pod Raceway in 2013. In the case of teams with more than one driver, one team driver per event will receive the free entry. Pitside power must still be paid for. The free entry must be used during 2013.
Fees for pitside power supply at Santa Pod Raceway have been frozen this season.
Noise reduction measures will be rigorously enforced this season. Glenn Stockton will be the responsible official. Help and advice will be available for racers whose vehicles do not pass testing. This year's rule book will be distributed to APIRA and SPRC members on CD-ROM. Comp Eliminator regulations have been live for some weeks and the class appears to be attracting positive feedback. The Comp page on the SPRC web site will be updated on a regular basis so check back regularly to keep up-to-date. Shakespeare County Raceway will investigate running Comp Eliminator from 2014. In 2014 parental licences will be introduced, so that disciplinary action can be taken against warring parents of Junior racers without penalising the Junior racers themselves. This definition of warring includes arguments on Facebook, forums and other web sites as well as disputes in person at and away from the track. A meeting is taking place this week concerning the resurfacing of Santa Pod Raceway and there should be an update shortly. Weather conditions and timing are considerations as well as cost. Web site updates. 24th February: In the latest instalment in his exclusive Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, Santa Pod Raceway Track Announcer Colin Theobald looks forward to his first on-track outing. As ever you can stay in touch with all the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Nilssons to field Top Fueller. 
22nd February: Jonny Nilsson writes from Sweden that his son Dennis will be driving a Top Fuel Dragster
in South Africa this season after a successful year running a Fuel Funny Car:
We spent a lot of time in South Africa when we ran the Fuel Funny Car. We started with some exhibition runs at Killarney Race Track in Cape Town, then we moved the car to Tarlton Raceway in Johannesburg and ran four events. It was very successful tour, and after the last race we sold the car to the promoter. Right now we have shipped the latest car in the Autoart racing collection, a 2006 McKinney Top Fuel Dragster which we got from Stig Neergaard last year. We have spent lots of time to get it ready with the latest updates. We will keep our South African sponsor Motor One for two more years which makes it possible for us to do this. Dennis and his little brother Teddy, who plays around with a half-scale Cobra, will spend lots of time with the cars in South Africa in 2013-2014. European fans will be able to follow us on the web when we are back there. The famous Tre Kronor nostalgia nitro Funny Car is now back in Sweden and may be for sale! House 1, Top Fuel Bike 0. 22nd February: With only a few weeks to go before the Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway, Lizz McCarthy has been in touch with the latest news from the Nitrous Junkie drag bike team: It is safe to say that Kev Charman will definitely not be racing this season. The general idea being that he supports Jake and Lizz, and does some work to the house, as there will be some money in the bank. Kev finished runner-up in the SPRC Pro Stock Bike Championship, but feels that he is not cured: he still has the nitro bug, so has to be Top Fuel or nothing! Lizz will be racing in Comp Bike again, and would like to thank all the bloody marvellous people who voted for her for the SPRC Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy for overcoming adversity. From broken wrists, to broken engines, to running sevens, was more than Lizz could have hoped for at the end, but what a fantastic end. She is now very much looking forward to the new season, and seeing what can be achieved. Big thanks to John Austin who has let Lizz use the chassis for another year. Jake had a learning curve last season, changing small things and getting faster, getting to grips with the Junior Drag Bike and really coming into his own, finishing in second place on events at Santa Pod (like father like son) and can't wait for the first meeting. We are delighted to announce that Lizz and Jake will be sponsored by Kev's employer Ensys. Kev spoke to Doug Cheke, the Director of the Company, to ask if there was any possibility that his previous sponsorship could be transferred to them, and he was happy to do this. We would like to thank Doug so much for this, and financial backing is always very much appreciated. Meanwhile if there is anyone out there who would like to give us any support at all no matter how small - spark plugs, nitrous, fuel or tyres or even a meeting-by-meeting package - then please get in touch with us at info@nitrousjunkie. Swift snippets. 22nd February: A reminder that the 2013 UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting will be held this Sunday (24th) at the Hilton Hotel, Northampton, on the eastbound A45 just off Junction 15 of the M1 (postcode is NN4 0XW, map). The meeting will commence at 12:00 midday and will go on until approximately 2:00 pm. Refreshments will be available. Items to be discussed include the 2013 UK National Championships (ratification of dates as well as Championship matters), event entry fees and pitside electrical supply, and prize funds, as well as Any Other Business. Further to yesterday's snippet, UK Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Ron Haslett is pleased to announce a sponsorship deal with Serck Motorsport who are helping to keep his Willys cool by supplying radiators, engine and trans coolers, and charge coolers. "If there's anything you need to keep race car, Yank or hot rod cool these guys can make it", says Ron. "They worked closely with Ian "Fatty" Hook on his Street Eliminator '34 Ford". Ron's company Insane Creations is holding an Open Day on Sunday week (2nd March); more news in yesterday's Swift snippets. Further to yesterday's update from Shakespeare County Raceway's Jerry Cookson, Robin Jackson writes that Santa Pod Raceway will also be present at this weekend's Race Retro Show at Stoneleigh Park, displaying the Wild Bunch Time Traveller slingshot dragster owned by Bob and Tom Hawkins. "When you have finished ogling the fine machinery belonging to Shakespeare County Raceway and the National Sprint Association, please come along and pay us a visit too", says Robin. "Stand G4, Hall 1, we'll be delighted to see you." Multiple FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave Wilson has put his 5.2-second, 270 mph dragster up for sale or rent. If you are interested in buying or racing a car with a proven pedigree then check out the Cars For Sale section of our Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet. Murty on York 2013. 
22nd February: George Kinghorn of the UKDrag.net web site spoke to Chris
Murty of York Raceway about the forthcoming season and kindly passed Chris' preview on to us:
2013 has an exciting line up of events which introduces new features alongside our fantastic racers in American Super Stock, Super Cup, Pro ET, Sportsman ET and Aircooled. We are continually trying to bring new features to meetings and the key highlights this year so far are:
21st February: Now in their third year of sponsorship,
Voltz International will once again be
fuelling Team Gridlock in their aptly-named Go Hard or go Home multi Championship- and award-winning Fiat
Topolino-bodied Competition Altered at Shakespeare County Raceway and at Santa Pod Raceway, starting at
Easter with the Festival of Speed.
The Wild Bunch Nostalgia Drag Racing Champions secured first place in their last two years and positively expect to return to glory in 2013. Twenty five year old year old driver Adam Price says "Voltz Energy Shots are a great boost to a tiring day at racing. Concentration has always got to be 100%, as if anything goes wrong things can happen very fast, so you need to be sharp. Can it just be a coincidence that in both the previous years featuring Voltz we have come first?" The dragster runs a naturally aspirated small block Mopar engine, which Team Gridlock confidently believe to be the fastest and quickest naturally-aspirates SBM in the UK. Such is the public’s insatiable demand for punishing motor sports that Team Gridlock will be featured in this summer’s filming schedule with Crews VS on Motors TV. Team Gridlock were also nominated for the Santa Pod Racers Club Most Professional Appearing Team award, promoted by Eurodragster.com and announced, which they considered to be a great honour. Race Retro beckons. 21st February: Not only will show visitors to this weekend's Race Retro be catapulted back in time with tribute displays celebrating the magnificent racing history of Team Lotus and the legendary cars involved in Lotus' most iconic victories, but Shakespeare County Raceway along with the National Street Rod Association will be starting its Fortieth Anniversary celebrations with two fine examples from the world of nostalgia drag racing, one of which will be breaking cover for the very first time at the popular curtain raiser to the historic motorsports season which takes place at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry. 
One of Shakey's most popular classes at any nostalgia event whether it's the Nostalgia Nationals or the Hot Rod Drags is the Gasser Circus, and what better way than to
showcase this most high-riding of classes than Brian Gibson's towering mid-sixties altered-wheelbase FX '63 Dodge Dart Identity Crisis. A product from Dale Snoke's
Funny Car Farm in California, this car was actually raced by Brian on the eighth-mile track at Irwindale before boxing it up to its new home in the UK in 2010. Commonly
known as the 'axle car', Brian's Dodge will certainly turn a few people's heads this weekend if not for its sheer size but for its period looks.
Making its public début at the show will be the new '54 Fordson from Simon Barlow and his distinctive Orange Pop crew. Simon, a very much committed and straight-talking racer from the Outlaw Anglia class, has been working on the Fordson's build for sometime while racing his more familiar '54 Anglia along with partner and Ladies That Launch supporter Michelle. With motive power from a brand new Scott Shafiroff-tuned small block running on alky, Simon's Fordson is going to be a truly welcome addition to the class in 2013 alongside Ginner's all-menacing black Fordson and the rest of the Outlaws! 
In addition to the nostalgia cars, National Sprint Association rider John Young will have one of his
period Triumph Jap specials on display. Frequent visitors to the Raceway will probably remember John from his wild wheelstanding antics on a 500cc Jap which looked great from
the stands but must have been a handful out on the drag strip! John, who is at pensionable age, also competes in long-distance trials on a sidecar and recently picked up a silver
medal at the Exeter Trial.
Meanwhile the NSA will have John's other 350 cc Triumph Jap on display alongside Dave Massam's ex-Harry Foster BMW sidecar and his hand-change 1920s Douglas. The NSA begin their season of quarter mile sprints at Shakey on 20th-21st April. Also appearing at the show will be racing legend Sir Stirling Moss and commentating icon Murray Walker, along with a mouth-watering collection of historic cars and bikes, motorsport autojumble and Retro Racer Café. If you're going to the show Shakespeare County Raceway's stand can be found in Hall 3 (N6). Please stop by and say hello and pick up a copy of the track's new event calendar and flyers. The Portatree Reaction Timer will also feature along with DVD presentations of nostalgia drag racing courtesy of Zeon TV. The Race Retro Show opens its doors at 9:00 am this Friday (22nd) and runs until Sunday. Further information can be found at www.raceretro.com. Swift snippets. 
21st February: All are invited to an Open Day at the workshops of Insane Creations, the company of Topspeed Automotive
Street Eliminator racer Ron Haslett. The open day takes place at 10:00 am on Sunday 2nd March at Unit 11, Furzeley Farm, Sheep Wash Lane, Denmead,
Hampshire PO9 1DN. The event will be covered by Custom Car magazine. "I have asked Mark Norton to attend as I have a few cars to be tagged, so he will be on hand for any advice", says Ron.
"We have been really busy in the workshop on the Willys. It is now rolling: engine and gearbox all mounted, body mounted, bul head and most of the floor is in. I'm running a build thread on the
Willys on my Facebook pages under Ron Haslett and Insane Creations.
Ex-pat UK Top Alcohol Dragster racer Mike Manners of Eurodragster.com sponsor Cosmo Residences, who races in the USA, writes that he will be contesting a few more events than in 2012 when he had to take time out to concentrate on business. Mike starts with testing and a Lucas Oil Divisional event in Houston next week followed by three National and three more Divisional events with possible end-season outings at Las Vegas and Pomona. Santa Pod's Stingray partnership. 21st February: Who hasn't dreamt of the rock-star lifestyle of top race drivers? Enjoying the sights and sounds of paddock and track life before kicking back in your top-of-the-range RV motorhome, setting the air-con 'just so' before relaxing with a cold one in front of the widescreen? With hefty six-figure screen prices, it's a dream that may seem out of reach to most, but thanks to an exclusive discount of 10% off all rental fees from Stingray RV, many racers and spectators can now enjoy the A-list lifestyle for the fraction of the cost of running an RV of their own. 
Stingray RV has become an official partner of Santa Pod Raceway, taking prominent track branding and
advertising across the site, as well as providing the Northamptonshire venue with a luxurious RV of its own to use on key race weekends.
Commenting on the partnerships, Santa Pod's Commercial Manager Caroline Day said "We're delighted to be partnering with the market leader in RV and luxury motorhome hire, as no-one really understands the motorsport market quite like Stingray do. As a treat for a race weekend, whether you're team looking to relax after each meeting, or just a family or group looking to enjoy any of our major events in real style and comfort, a Stingray RV makes a very compelling alternative to 'run of the mill' camping - offering Hilton levels of luxury, whilst camping wherever you want on site." To qualify for the exclusive discount, simply go to the Stingray RV website at www.stingrayRV.com and click on RV Rentals to see the huge range of Winnebagos available to hire. Just quote reference SP when you book to receive a 10% discount. Key dates supported:
21st February: Eurodragster.com sponsor Simpson Europe have relaunched their web site at
www.simpson-europe.com. "The new web site is in English and Swedish, and you can pay in Sterling, Euros and SEK", says
Jan Phersson. "We ship all over Europe. This is a pan-European web site with motorsport safety products for drag racing, road racing, rally, hillclimb etc."International Driving Permit update. 21st February: Further to the snippet sent by Liz and Ian Malcolm regarding a requirement for International Driving Permits in Florida, Andy Wheeler of Eurodragster.com sponsor Alamo Rent-A-Car (to whom Happy Birthday for yesterday - Ed) has been in touch with more information: A bill passed in Florida and effective 1st January 2013 requires international drivers to possess an International Driving Permit, designed to translate the driver's licence, while driving in the state of Florida. Alamo Rent-A-Car only requires the international driving permit if we are unable to read the customer's home country licence, i.e. the licence is not in English or Spanish. Alamo are looking into amending the statute, however until then they will still rent to customers who have a licence written in English or Spanish without an International Driving Permit, however it is at the customer's own risk to drive in Florida without one. We highly recommend that customers obtain such a permit before they leave their home country. Customers in the UK can obtain an IDP from the Post Office for £5.50. Should any customer arrive in Florida without a permit and wish to obtain one while in Florida then they can be purchased from a local AAA branch. AAA will require a passport and will charge $23 to issue the IDP. You can find a list of AAA branches at autoclubsouth.aaa.com/branches. The authorities in Florida recent ly released a statement, which you can read at www.flhsmv.gov/idp.htm which states that at present the law may not be enforced. However for the sake of a trip to the Post Office and £5.50, I would recommend obtaining one before renting a car or driving in the state of Florida. A word to our sponsors. 21st February: All of this year's sponsorship renewals have now been sent out. If you have not received your invoice and it is not in your Spam folder then please drop us a line at tog@eurodragster.com and we'll arrange a downloadable version. We always have room for more sponsors so if any company or individual would be interested in sponsoring Eurodragster.com then please drop a line to the above address and we will send you details. ACAG under Pressure. 19th February: Alongside the restoration work being carried out on Europe's first dragster, Sydney Allard's 1961 Allard Chrysler owned by the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Allard Chrysler Action Group Team Leader Bob Roberts has been designing and sourcing the parts required for the team's remote starter trolley. 
As well as a battery pack, this features a pressurised methanol system with the methanol being stored in a
previously-donated Mooneyes fuel tank. But ACAG needed a pressure tank so Bob contacted drag racing fan Mick
Dowd of CPE Pressure Vessels.
CPE Pressure Vessels specialises in carbon steel and stainless steel vessels and pipework in 304L, 316L, Duplex, Super Duplex,
and 6mo, etc. They have recently completed a new purpose-built workshop in Tamworth with twenty-tonne lifting capability.
They can manufacture vessels up to 30,000 litre capacity with pressures ranging from mains pressure to 1100 barg and they
supply the oil and gas industry along with businesses in petrochemicals, water and pharmaceuticals etc.
Their web site can be found at www.pressure-vessels.co.uk.
Mick has been attending Santa Pod since 1978 when he used to crew on the Wild Honey Competition Altered. He really came up trumps for the restoration project not only supplying a stainless air tank but also a pressure gauge, safety valve and tap. Mick said "I have been following the amazing Allard Chrysler dragster restoration since it was first announced. When Bob contacted me about the pressure requirements for their starter trolley we were only too happy to oblige by supplying our 10 litre capacity 316L stainless steel polished vessel. I find it truly inspiring what the guys at the Allard Chrysler Action Group have achieved – all on a voluntary basis." ACAG Chair Brian Taylor said "It's great to keep announcing new supporters of our project. Individual product sponsors have been a vital aspect of progressing the work – providing expertise as well as product. This starter trolley is going to be one of the flashiest at the drag strip." Web site updates. 
19th February: Renowned 1960s to 80s Top Fuel Motorcycle riders Derek Chinn, Ian Messenger and Mick Butler,
collectively known as Team Pegasus, have announced the launch of a comprehensive web site devoted to the Championship-winning team.
Covering both Vincent and double Norton powered Pegasus machines, the web site features a history page, three wide-ranging picture
galleries, downloadable bike specifications, contact form, and a soon to be active Blog. You can find out more at
www.pegasusteam.co.uk.
In the latest instalment in his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, street-legal Pro Modified racer Andy Frost explains his absence from the forthcoming Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway, brings us up to date on workshop developments, and offers a great T-Shirt for sale. As ever you can stay in touch with all the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Introducing Track Group Europe Ltd. 18th February: A new company has been formed by all the main tracks holding both FIA and FIM European Drag Racing Championship rounds along with other International drag racing events. This new company is called TGEurope Ltd (Track Group Europe). The founding shareholders are TBR (Santa Pod Raceway, UK), FHRA (Alastaro, Finland), BMC (HockenheimRing, Germany) and the S-Riders Kit (Kunmadras, Hungary). Other track organisers and promoters are in discussion with TGE to become shareholders in the future. The aims and objects of the company are as follow:
TGE and its shareholders would like to work with Speedgroup and allow them a role within the TGE structure to continue as a series administrator and it is hoped they will take up the opportunity to join us as a valued part of the TGE structure and set up. The main objectives of TGE operations will be the running and promoting of both FIA and FIM European Championship Drag Racing events, the production of the TV broadcasts and the on-going development of the FIA and FIM Championships to develop a strong product and brand that, in future years, will be able to secure main title-right and other levels of sponsorships. On behalf of the board of directors of TGEurope Ltd (Track Group Europe Ltd). Ten years of Gassing. 
17th February: Nervous Nick says that 2013 marks a significant milestone in the life of the Gasser Circus, the UK drivers'
club which pays homage to mid-1960s Gassers.
"The Gasser Circus celebrates its tenth anniversary this year", says Nick. "The club was founded in 2003 and was the brain child of Terry Howarth. The small group of racers débuted at the NSRA Nostalgia Nationals in the same year. The intervening period has not been without its growing pains and at one point the Circus came very close to packing up and disappearing from the drag strips in the UK. But five years ago, just at the lowest point with very few cars turning up, there was a resurgence of interest. With this came an influx of new Gassers and a batch of drivers hell bent on enjoying their cars. "By 2011 the Gasser Circus had grown to the point where it had enough Gassers to establish a race series. The success of the Gasser Circus Showdown was soon built upon and 2013 will be the third year of Gassers pounding down the quarter mile in full competition. This year we have the added bonus of a fifth event on the calendar. "The Circus first rolls into town at Shakespeare County Raceway at their Yanks Weekend / Gary's Picnic event on 24th-26th May and then at the NSRA Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway on 21st-23rd June, Dragstalgia at Santa Pod Raceway on 13th-14th July, the Mopar Euronats at Santa Pod Raceway on 26th-28th July, and the NSRA Hot Rod Drags at Shakespeare County Raceway on 13th-15th September." Swift snippets. 17th February: Excellent news from Pomona overnight as Fred Hanssen was victorious in his first round of NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster competition at the O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals. Fred faces Don St Arnaud in today's second round and you will be able to stay in touch with his progress courtesy of our good friends at Drag Race Central whose web site you can find at www.dragracecentral.com. Commiserations to Top Alcohol FC racer Leif Andréasson who had to shut off in his own first round race. 2012 MSA British Drag Racing Champion Roger Moore has been in touch to let us know that the latest issue of Race Engine Technology magazine contains a feature on the the nitrous engine in the Pro Mod Viper. "The article is three pages and gives away some (but not all) of our secrets about developing and tuning a big nitrous engine and winning the MSA Championship", says Roger. You can find out more or order your copy by clicking here. UK blown-alcohol altered team and Eurodragster.com Bloggers Bennett Racing are very pleased to announce their latest sponsor StickerDUMP.com. "It's all about scene and stickers!", says Luke Bennett. "They provide worldwide shipping and specialise in one-off custom stickers for a huge amount of scenes. We are very happy to have StickerDUMP.com join Bennett Racing as a sponsor! For all of your sticker needs, visit StickerDUMP.com. You can also follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StickerDUMP. 
Sand drag racing fan Sebastian Lindau writes from Germany that he has set up a web site about the sport and that he would be very pleased to hear from fellow sand drags devotees. Sebastian has built himself a sand drags trike and is very keen to get a scene underway on this side of the Pond not least since he believes it will extend the season. You can check out Sebastian's web site at www.sanddragracing.de and if you are interested then please get in touch with him. "Currently the site is only in German, but if there are any questions then feel free to contact me in English and I will answer as well as I can", he says. SPRC Assistant Race Director Her Majesty the Queen Carole Ismail of Race Control asked us on behalf of the SPRC Committee to say a big Thank You to Yvonne Tramm for organising last weekend's APIRA / SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation. "It was an excellent evening", says HM Carole and we would agree with that. Web site updates. 17th February: Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer Micke Larsson has given his web site a makeover. The great-looking site includes news, pictures, race scgedule, sponsors and more. Check it out at www.mlarssonracing.com. Swift snippets. 16th February: Good luck and stay safe to Fred Hanssen (Top Alcohol Dragster) and Leif Andréasson (Top Alcohol Funny Car) who go into today's eliminations from a fantastic sixth and fifth respectively at the O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Pomona. Top Alcohol eliminations commence at 23:30 UK / 00:30 Sunday European; you will be able to stay in touch with Fred's and Leif's progress courtesy of our good friends at Drag Race Central whose web site you can find at www.dragracecentral.com. Important SFI notices. 14th February: Geoff Martin of the UK's Tech Crew has been in touch to draw racers' attention to an SFI Foundation bulletin concerning race suits made of synthetic materials, maybe using dye sublimation printing, which do not adhere to SFI standards. You can check out the bulletin (PDF format) by clicking here. 
Lena Perés has been in touch to clarify that inspections will only take place on the Saturday of the Swedish
stop on the SFI European Recertification Tour at Persåkers Speed Shop in Åkers Styckebruk. Parts can be
left for inspection between 10:00 and 17:00 on Saturday 9th March, whilst Sunday 10th is for pick-up of parts only
(rapport på svenska).
This year's SFI Tour is as follows: Thursday 7th March: DHRA offices, Het Aambeeld 11, 1969 NC Heemskerk, The Netherlands Friday 8th March: US-Parts Finn Am Oy, Holkkitie 10, Helsinki, Finland Saturday 9th March: Persåkers Speed Shop, 28 Solbergavagen, Åkers Styckebruk, Sweden Monday 11th March: Santa Pod Raceway, England Swift snippets. 14th February: Good luck and stay safe to Fred Hanssen (Top Alcohol Dragster) and Leif Andréasson (Top Alcohol Funny Car) who are contesting the O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Pomona, which starts today (Thursday). Top Alcohol qualifying commences at 20:30 UK / 21:30 European; you will be able to stay in touch with Fred's and Leif's progress courtesy of our good friends at Drag Race Central whose web site you can find at www.dragracecentral.com. A reminder that the Santa Pod Racers Club office will be closed between tomorrow (Friday) and Tuesday 5th March. The SPRC phone number will redirect to Yvonne Tramm for urgent enquiries. However if you need licence upgrades or the ACU licence code which is required either to apply online or on the usual forms then Yvonne won't have access to these codes. If SPRC members need to apply then please either call 01933 313625 or E-Mail paula.marshall@btconnect.com today or tomorrow. Steve Dudley has been in touch with a reminder that the next slot drags at MrD Raceway will take place at 8:00 pm tomorrow (Friday) at The Cathedral Primary School, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1PA. "There is a small car park in the school grounds which should be able to accommodate us all", says Steve. "Entry and racing are free, all we ask is that you make a donation of a couple of pounds to help toward the hire of the hall, although it's not obligatory. I have loan cars for anybody wishing to try out this exciting form of slot car racing. We try to and run a couple of elimination races during the evening to add some element of competition / tension to the meeting." Dragracing marknad. 
14th February: Johan Samuelsson writes that the annual Drag Racing Swap Meet takes place this Saturday
(16th) at the Norrköpings Mässhallar, close to the E4 motorway about sixty kilometres north of Mantorp Park
(map).
"This event is arranged by Åby Motorklubb and is the major winter drag racing event in Scandinavia", says Johan. "All categories of race parts can be found from new to used, from Pro classes to street racing. All the sales spots are booked. "The main entrance opens at 09:00 and gates close at approximately 15:00. During the day there will be meetings with racers' associations in Pro Comp, Top Doorslammer, Pro Street, Super classes and Bracket / Sportsman." For more information about the Swap Meet such as admission fees, road directions etc please contact Åby Motorklubb via www.abymotorklubb.se or call +46-11-69833." Birgitte goes TMD. 13th February: Frøya's Islanders Drag Racing Team have announced that team member Birgitte Bremnes is to drive the Islanders Top Methanol Dragster in 2013: Birgitte has been a part of the Islanders since she was a little kid, and you can say she grew up at the race track. When she turned eight years old, she got her own Junior Dragster and won her licence in Finland. Then in 2010, whilst the "boys" of the team were in Finland for an FIA meeting, Birgitte gained her Super Comp licence with help from Mona Udtian and the girls of the Islanders Drag Racing Team. Since then Birgitte progressed to being a mechanic, learning how to work the bottom end of the team's Top Methanol Dragster and learning about the mechanical side. When Paul Ingar Udtian moved up to Top Fuel in 2012, Birgitte crewed and continued doing the bottom end of the engine. In 2013 the team is planning on getting Birgitte her licence in Top Methanol Dragster. We have started working on the car to get Birgitte fitted into it, as she's a lot smaller than the previous driver. We're shipping the coach and dragster to Santa Pod Raceway where Birgitte will start her licensing at the Easter race. We're looking forward to an exciting weekend! APIRA propose Bike ET Bracket. 13th February: During 2012 Paul Satchell and Tony Smith of Avon Park International Racing Association discussed ideas to formulate an ET Bike Bracket class to be run at Shakespeare County Raceway this year. The Bracket is designed to encourage new riders who can ride their machines to and from the track, pitch a tent, and race, or to help existing riders to bring out their old race bikes and put them back on the track where they belong! The proposal put forward, and to be discussed at the forthcoming Riders and Drivers meeting in Northampton, outlines two categories of ET Bike: Pro (10.99 or quicker) and Sportsman (11.00 and slower). Both classes will run under the usual handicap system with dial-ins and closest to dial qualifying, and will run off a 0.400 second Sportsman Tree using all-run progressive ladders. All other APIRA/SPRC rulebook race procedures will apply to clothing, helmets, chain guards etc. Lanyards are mandatory unless the bike has been ridden to the track and competes in its full street-legal condition. Any Competition Bikes entered must comply with all GSRs relevant to the type of bike. Licences will be Category 1 / Clubman, and new riders or new bikes will be required to make mandatory observed runs before they can compete. Provided there is enough interest in the proposal then it is intended that the class will receive a trial run at APIRA's Springspeed Nationals and Open Sport Nationals in May and August. If any rider or team is interested in the proposed ET Bike Bracket concept then please drop Tony Smith an E-Mail at cunningplan@btinternet.com or write to enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk. Alternatively you can speak with Tony at the Riders' and Drivers' Meeting on 24th February. Injector Dynamics back FWD Shootout. 13th February: July's weather will be hot, but the track action at Shakespeare County Raceway's mid-summer Public Track Weekend will be even hotter as some of the quickest and fastest Front Wheel Drive Outlaw cars descend on the Warwickshire quarter mile for the third annual UK FWD Outlaw Shootout. 
With an estimated prize fund of over £6000, the 2013 Shootout has attracted as its title headline sponsor Injector Dynamics, headed up by company owners Tony Paulo of T1 Race Development and Paul Yaw of Yaw Power Products. Injector Dynamics pride themselves on being an innovative company who have brought a superior range of fuel injectors to a market where results and better and more reliable performance for both racers and tuning enthusiasts alike both count. 
It is expected that there will be a full sixteen-car field on hand at the Stratford-Upon-Avon track with many of the country's top teams competing in some of the quickest nine-second
FWD cars on the planet. Although in previous years the event has been won on reliability rather than power, this year's event promises to be no different with every driver entering hoping
that he or she can take home some of the prize monies on offer from the UK FWD Outlaw Shootout sponsors which include The Drive Shop, EFI-Parts, CPL Racing, Concept Graphics and
Solutions, LA Racing Parts in association with Mickey Thompson Tires, and VP Racing Fuels. To become a race sponsor check out the event web site at
www.outlawshootout.co.uk.
The winner of the inaugural Shootout was Adam Buckley with his consistent high nine-second Honda Civic Type R sponsored by TDI North, while last year's title fell to the 650 bhp MGZR Turbo of Andy Nicholls. Who will scoop the title prizes and overall Shootout title this year? Find out on 21st-22nd July at Shakespeare County Raceway's triple-header meeting with the Fourth Annual For Ladies That Launch competition. See you at the strip! Swift snippets. 12th February: Fabio Cassinelli writes that the Hills Race takes place at Rivanazzano Dragway in September and that it is planned to be the biggest drag race and US car run in Italy. You can find out more about the Hills Race at www.hillsrace.it and all about Rivanazzano Dragway and the Italian Cup at www.rivanazzanodragway.it. Johnny Hall says that there is plenty of work on at the Stamford Speed Shop. "Work is progressing nicely for a Dragstalgia debut for Pat McPartland's blown and injected big block gasser Prefect", says Mental. "We are also slowly building up a genuine early Hemi cackle car for show fire-ups just like we used to do at the Ace Café a few years back. A Caddy-powered slingshot and Ford-powered altered are also in the shop as well as a '67 Mustang Coupe". You can find out more on the Stamford Speed Shop web site at www.stamfordspeedshop.com. The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words "Red, white, blue and yellow". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com. 
We were pleased to hear from Richard Smith that UK Pro Modified racer Wayne Nicholson can confirm that all of last year's sponsors will be continuing their support of the Lucky Devil team in 2013. Big thanks go to Lucas Oil, NGK, AllyFab, DentRepairs and Kerry Tate at Originals Hot Rod Supply Co. You can find out more at www.luckydevil777dragracing.com. UK Super Modified racer Tim Mugridge is urgently seeking parking space for his Wilson double deck trailer and tractor unit. "I have lost my parking due to the place being redeveloped", says Tim. "The trailer is at Hopkins Motorsports in Bristol having had a roof repair done, I've had the call that it is all done and ready to collect, but I have nowhere to take it! I'm ideally looking for parking somewhere in Surrey, Hampshire or Berkshire. It is a Private HGV , so no Operating Centre is required. It can be permanent or temporary parking to get me out of trouble. Any help will be greatly appreciated". If you can help then you can get in touch with Tim at timmugridge@hotmail.co.uk. UK Pro ET racers the Huxleys are having a party on 23rd March in aid of Dark Horse Drag Racing Team. The party takes place at The Bell pub in Lower Broadheath, nearr Worcester WR2 6QG. "All are welcome, the more the merrier", says Lee Huxley. "There will be a disco and band and free food for only £7 . There will be a raffle with wicked prizes too. It is the same weekend as a Shakespeare County Raceway Run What You Brung and Gamblers' Race so you can have a knees up and do some racing or practice at the same time." Slot drag racers and modellers will be interested to hear from Terry Crossley, owner of Flash Point Motorsports, who manufacture 1/24 and 1/25 scale resin drag racing bodies and parts. "We are currently looking for slot car drag strip owners who might be interested in carrying our products", says Terry. "We really want to get out into Europe this year to pick up some new customers". You can check out Flash Point Motorsports' catalogue at www.flashpointmotorsports.com. Web site updates. 12th February: Leon Bienek has been in touch to invite Eurodragster.com readers to join Racing-picks.com, a free fantasy drag racing league which follows both NHRA and FIA events. "Members sign up and pick who they think will win each NHRA and FIA event in the season", says Leon. "You then earn points for each round your chosen driver proceeds, and you can then see your position in our global leaderboards. The site has hundreds of members already, but we're always looking our for more, and we'd love to get some Eurodragster.com readers on board!" Our good buddy Alan Currans has been hard at work on his excellent Acceleration Archive. "First up is the thirtieth Readers' Gallery page which is devoted exclusively to the work of Brian Ormerod and his late father Allan", says Alan. "The pictures date from 1966 up to 1972 and there are some real classics in there. This new page can be accessed from the Site Map in the usual way. On the subject of the Site Map, regular readers will notice some significant additions to it. In an effort to improve communication between myelf and visitors to the site, I have introduced a Blog so that I can let folk know what is going on and upcoming, and a guestbook so readers can let me have their thoughts on the site and suggestions for improvements. On top of this I have added an update service so that readers can sign up to receive E-Mails advising of additions or updates to the site. The Acceleration Archive is strictly non-commercial so naturally there is no charge for this new service. E-Mail addresses will be kept strictly private and not used for any other purpose. I shall, of course, continue to publicise updates through the good offices of Eurodragster.com". You can check it all out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. After a great reaction to their phone interview with Dave Rudd last week, the UKDrag.net blog has another interview with 2012 Aircooled Champion Daz Chandler. "We also have the launch of our start of the season countdown clock (no excuse now that the season snuck up on you!), a great eBay find, the second part of Boz's racing story and more", says George Kinghorn. "Full details can be found at www.ukdrag.net. UK Champions, Perpetual winners honoured. 10th February: The winners and runners-up in the 2012 UK National Championships, MSA British Drag Racing Championship, APIRA and Santa Pod Racers Club Championships were presented with their trophies at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation in Solihull last night (Saturday). The winners of APIRA's Perpetual Awards and SPRC's Perpetual Awards and Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year trophy, for whom Eurodragster.com readers had the chance to vote, were also presented with their trophies. Congratulations to the Perpetual Award winners: APIRA Iris Page Memorial Trophy: Chris Hartnell APIRA Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy: Team Ballbreaker APIRA Endeavour Award: Brian and Lee Huxley SCR Award for Outstanding Achievement: Colin Millar SCR Sportswoman of the Year Trophy: Sarah Howells Anya Yates Memorial Trophy: Simon Day McDonald Racing Ireland Best Newcomer Trophy: Craig Wright SPRC Most Promising Newcomer: Nick Hale SPRC Best Appearing Car: Mark Todd SPRC Best Appearing Bike: Rene van den Berg SPRC Most Professional Appearing Team: Team Alamo / R2B2 SPRC James Edgar Memorial Trophy: Paul Wright SPRC Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy: Lizz McCarthy SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy: Keith Parnell John Ledster Memorial Trophy: Amos Meekins Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year Trophy: Carole Ismail SMRA Crew Chief of the Year: Jeff Bull In a speech during the ceremony Santa Pod Raceway CEO Keith Bartlett announced a testimonial event in memory of Paula Marshall which will be held in 2014, with proceeds going to a charity of Ian's and Holley Marshall's choice. The Trophy Presentation photographs are now available in a gallery presented in association with Lucas Oil Products and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Copies of presentation photographs are free to the racers concerned; details of whom you should E-Mail are on the gallery pages. SPRC office closure. 9th February: Thanks to Ian Marshall for letting us know that the Santa Pod Racers Club office will be closed between next Friday, 15th February, and Tuesday 5th March. The SPRC phone number (01933 313625) will redirect to Yvonne Tramm for urgent enquiries. However if you need licence upgrades or the ACU licence code which is required either to apply online or on the usual forms then Yvonne won't have access to these codes. If SPRC members need to apply then please either call, E-Mail or post your forms to the SPRC to arrive no later than next Friday, 15th February. Web site updates. 9th February: In the latest instalment in his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, Luke Bennett of the Bennett Racing blown-alcohol altered team tells us about recent promotional appearances. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Dan Holloway has updated the official web site of the UK's Rampage Super Pro ET team with a report on the off-season work taking place on the dragster. You can check it out at rampagefunnycar.blogspot.co.uk. Swift snippets. 8th February: 2012 Wild Bunch Series Champions Team Gridlock are extremely pleased to announce that they are being filmed for a feature with CrewsVS to be broadcast on Sky TV. "We have not yet got broadcast date, but probably late in the season", says Team Principal Dex Price. "As soon as we have some confirmed details of broadcast, Eurodragster.com will be the first to know". Thanks very much Dex. SPR sign lane sponsor. 8th February: Santa Pod Raceway have announced leading insurance company Performance Direct as a lane sponsor for the 2013 season. The deal includes the classic, performance and modified insurance specialist taking high profile track branding at all of Santa Pod's tuning and lifestyle shows throughout a packed calendar of events. Lane sponsorship at Santa Pod means more than at many other venues thanks to the added benefit of each lane being referred to by fans and commentators alike by the sponsor's name, leading to literally thousands of mentions over the year in addition to the hundreds of thousands of guests seeing the branding in person. Performance Direct's logo will also appear in numerous magazine photos and TV shoot backdrops. Commenting on the association, Performance Direct's Marketing Director Matt Collett said "After considering many of the UK's best motorsport venues we decided that Santa Pod would deliver the best access to our audience. No other venue has the sheer diversity of tuned, modified and classic car enthusiasts visiting each year. As their audience precisely matches our own customer base, it seemed like the perfect fit. Also we're staffed completely by enthusiasts so the chance to come and enjoy a few of the Santa Pod events as 'work' seemed too good to miss!" Santa Pod's commercial manager Caroline Day said "It's always wonderful when a sponsor really understands our audience and I know that with Performance Direct we have that connection. It's that perfect situation where they can access our hard-core group of modified, custom and classic enthusiasts and give them something they really need, as well as gaining an even greater experience of precisely what is happening in the market, first hand." The first 2013 modified event at Santa Pod will be the season-opening Fast Show on 17th March. One for your diaries! Swift snippets. 7th February: The fund for Paula Marshall run by Darren Galloway and Ron Haslett will be closing tomorrow (Friday). If you would like to make a donation then the Paypal recipient is paulasmemory@hotmail.co.uk. Alternately to pay in to the account the bank is Halifax, the sort code is 11-08-21 and the account number is 10662062. For overseas contributions the IBAN is gb04 bofs 1108 2110 6620 62 and the BIC code is bofsgb2s. If you have any queries then you can contact Darren on 07738 070337. Tomorrow is also the deadline for items for the agenda of the 2013 UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting which takes place in Northampton on 24th February. If you have any items for the agenda then please send them either to Santa Pod Racers Club at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or to Shakespeare County Raceway at enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk by close of office hours tomorrow. Thanks to Eurodragster.com US Correspondent Ed O'Connell for noticing that Denmark's Stig Neergaard is entered in Top Fuel Dragster and Sweden's Leif Andréasson in Top Alcohol Funny Car at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville in March. Ed is planning to attend the Gators so we should be good for pit notes, reports and photographs from that event. Web site updates. 7th February: Our good buddy Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with a fifth page of photographs from the Alan Holland-Avery Collection. This update features shots from the golden age of the 1970s. You can check out the Holland-Avery Collection via the What's New? link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Finland SFI stop details. 6th February: Thanks to SFI Foundation President Arnie Kuhns for forwarding us the location of the SFI Tour's stop in Finland, which takes place on Friday 8th March. The Finnish SFI inspections will take place at US-Parts Finn Am Oy, Holkkitie 10, Helsinki, Finland. This year's SFI Tour now looks as follows: Thursday 7th March: DHRA offices, Het Aambeeld 11, 1969 NC Heemskerk, The Netherlands Friday 8th March: US-Parts Finn Am Oy, Holkkitie 10, Helsinki, Finland Saturday 9th March: Persåkers Speed Shop, 28 Solbergavagen, Åkers Styckebruk, Sweden Monday 11th March: Santa Pod Raceway, England 2014 Dragfest Reunion confirmed. 
6th February: UK Super Gas racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Paul Foote
has confirmed the Dragfest Reunion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Dragfest at Blackbushe Airport:
I now have a date of 2nd August 2014 and this will be a long one-day event. The plans at the moment are to have pits along part of the runways with original drivers and cars which ran at Blackbushe. As well as this there will be an invited car/bike show with vehicles from this era. There will be another line up of today's dragsters and an area for a car show of day cars too. John Price will be commentating during the day and will also be explaining the history of some of the cars in an arena. Some of these cars will be getting the Don Garlits and Tommy Ivo trophies, however although Don and TV Tommy want to be here, both will be unable to attend due to health etc. I plan a cacklefest and some exhibition runs on a replica section of the track with signs and flag man. There will be a stage with two performances during the day from Eric Clapton and Beach Boys tribute bands, as well as a wall of death, old time fair, trade stands etc and finishing with a Spitfire flypast. This should be a fantastic memorable day of the 50th anniversary of Dragfest. I have put the tickets up for sale now and have reduced the cost from £25 per adult to £20 until May. Although this is early I need to see the response from the supporters of Dragfest as this is an expensive event to put on. So please buy your tickets now. Tickets are available on-line at www.dragfest.co.uk or see me at the monthly meets at Blackbushe. Swift snippets. 6th February: If you're headed to the Winternationals at Pomona next week then our good friend Tim Anderson tells us that all are invited to the Racepak and MSD Open House between midday and 4:00 pm next Wednesday (13th) at 30402 Esperanza, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, forty five minutes from Pomona. The Open House features seminars, product certificate give-aways, refreshments and more. Click below left for a larger version of the flyer including a map. 
UK blown-alcohol altered racers and Eurodragster.com Bloggers Bennett Racing are running another competition, this time for kids attending Stuntfest at Santa Pod Raceway on the 23rd February. "Simple one", says Luke Bennett. "Turn up to our pit, colour in a choice of line drawings of our '32 Topolino, stick your name, age and mum's or dad's mobile number on the back and we will be picking two winners, under 8s and over 8s. Both winners will get to sit in the '32 Topolino! If you want to download and colour before the event then simply download from www.bennettracing.co.uk/kidszone or click above right. Goodridge support Frost. 6th February: Eurodragster.com Blogger Andy Frost and the UK's Red Victor Racing Pro Modified team are proud to announce a partnership with Goodridge Fluid Transfer Systems for 2013. 
Jon Hourihan, Group of Sales, Goodridge UK says about Red Victor 3 and the team "Great engineering, great vehicle, world record holder. Seventy three assemblies of Goodridge technology
enabling this to happen. We'd be foolish not to be part of this great success. Safe, fast and built to last."
Team Principal Andy Frost says "We already know how well the Goodridge product works, having used it on RV3 with obvious success. We are looking forward to working with Goodridge over the coming season, and we look forward to continued success with their product!" The team thanks Goodridge for putting their faith in the team to showcase their excellent products. UK Dinner Dance update. 5th February: If you are going to the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation this Saturday (9th) then please note that presentations start at 6:30 pm with awards to Club Champions and runners-up, so please be in your seats for that time. Presentations to UK National Champions and runners-up and Perpetual Award winners will take place after dinner. APIRA and SPRC would appreciate it if the chatter could be kept down during all of the presentations; it is common courtesy both to the trophy winners and to MCs Barry Bohannon and Colin Theobald. If you wish to hold conversations then please remain in the bar. Victor in sight for Gane. 5th February: The UK's Billy Gane has been in touch with an update on his Vauxhall Victor which is currently being prepared for Super Pro ET action. Billy writes that this is a car which has been around for quite some time: The first picture is from the late 1980s, racing at York when it was first owned by Nigel Speed. The second picture is of me racing in Pro ET in 2006, and the third picture is of the car as it is now. It has had this paint scheme for over twenty five years so we have to keep it alive! 
I would like to thank Zane Llewellyn for the chassis work, Jeff Bull for help and advice with the engine, and the Draper brothers for their help setting up the injection system - the car is now running a methanol-injected 545 ci Ford V8. Swift snippets. 5th February: Lena Perés tells us that Svenska Bilsportförbundet held their prizegiving ceremony for the Swedish Championships this past weekend and that husband, race car builder and Pro Mod racer Mats Eriksson of ME Racing Service took the opportunity as class sponsor to present cheques to the top three in Junior Dragster. From left: Angelica Larsson (runner-up), Mats, Amanda Sjöström Andersson (Champion) and Kevin Yrjövaara (third). 
Kuno Racing Germany has become International Performance Distributor for Lithiumpros Batteries. "We are living in the future and we should work with fururistic products", says Norbert Kuno. "There is no longer any reason to put weight in a race car where it is not needed. Lithium ion batteries pack a lot of energy into a small space, and that's why Lithium Pros batteries are light and small. They are perfect for racing where every fraction of a pound counts. The cost per pound saved is approximately €40. If you are considering carbon fibre or titanium weight saving techniques, you should seriously consider a Lithium Pros battery upgrade first". For more information and to order go to www.lithiumpros.de. Web site updates. 5th February: The first 2013 edition of the Speedgroup newsletter includes European Championship and EDRS Series updates, racer features, Eurodragster.com Editor's Diary honouring Paula Marshall, and more. Check it out at club.speedgroup.eu. It's another feature-packed week on the UKDrag.net blog. This week's updates include stories on the 2012 UK Northern Finals, the story of Andrew Frears' diesel Bronco race truck, the first part in the racing story of American Superstock Racer Boz in which he meets the General Lee (a real one!), an interview with York racer and pilot of the infamous Postman Pat Van Ben Rushworth, plus the site's first telephone interview with Dave Rudd for your listening pleasure. The full stories can be found at www.ukdrag.net. Dragstalgia III. 
5th February: Santa Pod Raceway is reminding us of the halcyon days of drag racing with its unashamedly nostalgia-flavoured
Dragstalgia event, now in its
third year. This year, this raucous blend of classic machinery, daring drivers, incredible sounds and wonderful sights takes place on 13th-14th July.
Since its introduction in 2011, Dragstalgia has become firmly fixed in fans' hearts as the Revival equivalent for quarter-mile aficionados. Like that event, Dragstalgia takes its inspiration from a simpler time when brave souls used to strap themselves into ridiculously overpowered and under-tyred machinery to do battle head to head on the West Coast drag strips. As a gathering of Europe's finest collection of classic dragsters, Funny Cars, altered's, gassers, hot-rods, bikes and American Muscle, it's already become a must-see event on many enthusiasts' calendars – not least because of the Health and Safety-scaring fire burnouts! Needless to say, the drag racing line-up is unsurpassable! Mixed with a liberal sprinkling of cars from the Wild Bunch, Gasser Circus, Outlaw Anglias, Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association and Dragstalgia promises an eclectic mix of metal, accompanied by the finest soundtrack on the planet! Two-wheel fans will also enjoy the sights and sounds of the historic bike shoot-out happening over the weekend. Naturally, there will also be RWYB sessions, so make sure you bring your licence, race face and helmet (if you're in something really quick) and enjoy running in the tyre tracks of the greats... quite literally, if you're first in session! The pre-'72 American Bodied Super Stock cars also look set to put on a great show, offering street car thrills at race car pace! 
A Cacklefest on the Saturday evening provides the V8 equivalent of an open-air symphony – definitely one to record for your ringtone, that one, or for those wanting a more genteel experience,
a leisurely walk amongst the Historic race car displays or swap meet will provide the perfect riposte. With a beer festival on site, why not park up and camp for the weekend and have a pint or three
of real ale while you take it all in?
Many of the sport's true greats will also be attending, with many exponents present from the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. With some of the greatest names from the last forty years of the sport in attendance, you can expect to meet your heroes and get some great autographs and photos. If you fancy getting a bit of crowd appreciation yourself, why not have a crack at one of the Showmanship trophies on offer over the weekend. Aimed at catching those really embracing the spirit of the event, less obvious categories include Best Wheelstand, Best Burnout, and even Best Appearing Team, so even if a lowest ET doesn't look like it's in the bag, there's always Best Moment... make of that last one what you will! 
The historic action isn't limited to the quarter mile, however; a dedicated oval circuit is being laid up for the event, to allow the Historic F1 Stock Car Club to swap a bit of paint and recreate the magic
of past battles and entertain the crowds in brutal style. The now obligatory Jet Car displays will also be running throughout the weekend to delight crowds and a glance upwards during the weekend
will reveal the splendour of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in all its glory.
The Show and Shine beckons any serious detailers out there, with the club areas welcoming any like-mind souls looking to kick back and catch a true glimpse of yesteryear fly past at several hundred miles per hour. Summer doesn't get much better than that! For more information, visit www,santapod.com or call the team on 01234 782828. Grand National date change. 4th February: Motorsport Timing and Organisation Sport and Race Director Jerry Lackey writes with news of a date change in the summer: Due to a conflict of race dates in 2013 the MSTO have decided, in the interest of fairness to riders and drivers in and around Germany, to change the date of the 4th Grand National Drag Race at Bechyne in the Czech Republic. The date has been changed from 21st-23rd June to 30th May-3nd June. This means that there will be no conflict with the event at Drachten in The Netherlands. MSTO entry information will be available on the MSTO web site at www.msto.org from mid-April. It is also planned that the Bechyne event will feature a few EDRS Southern Division classes for those interested in that Championship. Classes to run at Bechyne will be Super Street Bike, Supertwin Top Gas, Funny Bike, Pro ET, Super Pro ET, Super Gas, Super Comp, Junior Dragster and Competition. 2013 Wild Bunch calendar. 4th February: Race Co-ordinator Claire Meaddows has been in touch with details of the UK's Wild Bunch calendar for 2013. 
There will be an eight-round Series for main contingency sponsor Real Steel Performance Automotive Products
(see www.realsteel.co.uk or call 01895 440505). The results are decided on
the best seven of eight rounds. This is the thirteenth year in which the Series has been run and Real Steel have once again provided contingency
sponsorship at all eight rounds as well as £200 in vouchers to be won by the top four in the Series. The club would like to thank Real Steel
very much for their continued support.
The club run their Wild Bunch Series, which decides the top four placings, with results decided on the best four of five rounds. 2013 is the eighteenth year of the Series. We also run the three-event Roy Wilding Nostalgia Race Cars Series of which all rounds count. Many thanks to Roy for his kind donation of a prize fund for this season. 
In 2013, the Wild Bunch are again running the Springbridge MSA Challenge over the four MSA rounds in which we compete. The prize for the winner is
one free MSA event entry in 2014. The Wild Bunch are very grateful to Springbridge Direct for their generous support of this Series. Springbridge
Direct are manufacturers of topsoils and related products for industry. For further information visit
www.springbridge.co.uk, E-Mail
info@springbridge.co.uk, or call 0845 370 1919.
Below is the 2013 Wild Bunch calendar with the rounds of each Series: 30th March-1st April: Festival of Power, Santa Pod Raceway (RS 1, MSA 1) 4th-6th May: Springspeed Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway (RS 2, MSA 2) 25th-27th May: Spring Nationals at the Yanks Weekend, Shakespeare County Raceway (WB 1, RS 3) 8th-9th June: June Shootout at the Super Pull, Shakespeare County Raceway (WB 2, RS 4) 22nd-23rd June: 20th Nostalgia Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway (WB 3, RS 5, RW 1) 13th-14th July: Dragstalgia, Santa Pod Raceway (WB 4, RS 6, RW 2) 24th-26th August: Open Sport Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway (RS 7, RW 3, MSA 3) 21st-22nd September: Fall Nationals at the UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway (WB 5, RS 8, MSA 4) The Wild Bunch are really looking forward to the coming season, and will be welcoming more new members as well as an increasing number of regular members. We would like to thank, in advance, APIRA and SPRC, all marshals, officials, track and safety crews, track managers, promoters, Eurodragster.com staff (Thanks! - Ed), photographers, media, and event organisers for all their hard work, time and professionalism. We wish every racer all the best for a fast, safe and sunny 2013! See you at the drags! Further details can be found at www.the-wild-bunch.co.uk. 
Speedflow launch fitting guide.4th February: Eurodragster.com sponsor Speedflow has published a free PDF E-Book, the Speedflow AN Hose and Fitting Guide: The subject of AN hoses and the associated parts remains a black art for many people and this can lead to confusion, money wasted on buying the wrong parts, or worse. Our objective has been to present all the information a person could need to specify and make up a hose in an informative free booklet. It contains an overview of what AN is, how AN hoses fit to your project, how to decide which hose type you need, detailed 'cut through' images showing how hose ends fit the hose, step-by-step instructions on how you can fit hose ends onto hose, useful tips and lots of other relevant information. The book is easy to read, avoids being too technical and presents information in a logical way. It is a good read if you are undertaking your first project or even just want to know more about hoses and the way they work. Since it was made available to download on 27th January 2013 it has been downloaded an average of one hundred times a day. To get your copy go to www.anfittingguide.com. 
In the age of Social Media Speedflow now has pages on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. On Facebook we have a buoyant following of enthusiasts from all over the world. Our posts also go out via Twitter which has so far developed a modest but very focused following. On YouTube we show a mixture of on-board footage and product promotion. In the near future we will be displaying How To videos on various subjects including fitting hose ends. Swift snippets. 
4th February: Bob Hancox writes that the UK's Outlaw Anglia racers held their annual Trophy Presentation night on
26th January. "Congratulations to Cliff Griffin and Colin Millar on becoming Champion and runner-up", says Bob, "and to Rob Stone for winning the Debbie Hancox Memorial Trophy.
This trophy is for the person with the most spirit for the Outlaw Anglias and is voted for by the racers and crew members. Thank you for the support given for Debbie's trophy and to
the organisers for another great night."Hockenheim resurfacing to start. 3rd February: Race Director Jerry Lackey tells us that work starts shortly to relay Hockenheim's Rico Anthes Quarter Mile. "A new burnout box and a thousand feet of new asphalt will be laid soon", says Jerry, "The 2013 Formula 1 event will be held at the Nurburgring so there will be no problem preparing the new surface in time for the 28th NitrOlympX. We plan on getting help and direction on preparation from a few of Santa Pod's track specialists. We have also ordered 250 new slicks from Hoosier in the USA to help us to get enough rubber on to the track. "If agreement can be reached with the EDRS organisers then we plan to run a few EDRS Southern Division classes. Registration will be handled differently this year; information will be posted on our web site at www.nitrolympx.com by 13th June. We will continue to provide updates as time goes on." Forty years of the Horn. 3rd February: 2013 is the fortieth anniversary of the début of Dick Sharp's Dorset Horn Austin A35 Competition Altered and the team are producing some special merchandise to mark the milestone. Dan Sharp writes: The first programme to feature Dorset Horn in the entry list was the 1973 Easter Meeting at Santa Pod, however the car's first run was at the following meeting. Dorset Horn also shares its fortieth with Shakespeare County Raceway who are celebrating the same anniversary of their first quarter mile event this year. The car can be seen on their first quarter mile programme as well! To commemorate this special and long anniversary year, as well as hopefully campaigning the car for a full and exciting race season especially at the Fesitval of Power at Santa Pod and the Hot Rod Drags at Shakespeare County Raceway, the Dorset Horn team have now turned out a professionally-presented DVD of the 1970s British drag racing film Drag Mad. The film, produced and directed by Nick Gilbey with photography by Derek Jones, won an award at the 1978 London Film Week 1978 and takes an atmospheric look back at the sounds and action from 1977 as three Dorset drag racing teams prepare for the Silver Jubilee meeting at Santa Pod Raceway. Featuring footage from their Bridport base, on-board filming, a period soundtrack, and classic imagery which captures the spirit of 1970s British drag racing, the film culminates in a dramatic end to the season at the Fireworks meeting. This is a must have for any British or Nostalgia drag racing fan! 
The team have also produced men's and women's commemorative T-Shirts in various sizes, with the female shirts being in a fitted cut and collared style. The DVDs are £10 and the T-Shirts a reasonable £15. They can be purchased from the team's pit at a number of race event this year at both Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways, or by E-Mailing t.selman@btinternet.com and sending a cheque to Terry Selman, 15 North Hill Way, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4JX. Second class post and packing is £4 for T-Shirts with or without a DVD or £3 for the DVD. The team would like to say a special thanks to sponsors Fibreglass Applications, Specialist Paintworks.co.uk, Power Race Graphics and all of other sponsors through the years. Also an extremely special thanks to our long standing crew members and co-owners Bunt Willcox, Tim Russ, Terry Selman and Scott Chilcott. Superstock returns to Dragstalgia. 
3rd February: Pete Walton writes that by the kind permission of Santa Pod Raceway the popular Superstock Shootout will again be
contested at Dragstalgia in July:
We have tweaked the rules this year:
If you intend on racing then please contact James Forster at Santa Pod james@santapod.com to register your car and to receive the racer's package. There is no fee to enter the class, we do this purely for the love of it. You win a sticker, and possibly a T-Shirt if I have the funds. For more details please contact me on 07970 206827 or E-Mail peterwalton2ph@btinternet.com. Thanks to all those who have supported the class to date... and where are all the Fords? Start, you vicious b... 3rd February: UK Super Pro ET team Rough Diamond Racing is pleased to announce new support for 2013 from The Cut Productions, in particular promoting their A Slice Of Fawlty Towers dinner show. 
A Slice Of Fawlty Towers is dinner theatre, in which guests are entertained in a restaurant as if it were the famous Fawlty Towers. Basil, Sybil and Manuel (or rather
impersonations of) serve and interact with the diners in character, and re-create versions of some well-known scenes from the show. This results in a hilarious dining
experience which is very different from more usual forms of dinner entertainment.
The Cut Productions' Steve Arber said "We are delighted to have this opportunity to publicise our show to a section of the public who may not have otherwise heard of it". Dave Gibbons added "We're very pleased to have A Slice Of Fawlty Towers on board, admittedly this doesn't provide funds for an immediate move to the Fuel Altered class, it's more in the spirit of 'Every little helps' and we are grateful for it!" A Slice of Fawtly Towers has regular residences open to the public, or can be booked for private parties or events and tailored to your specific needs. Go to www.thecutproductions.com for full details and booking. Of course Dave Gibbons continues to carry out race car component fabrication, engine and transmission work and details can be found at www.roughdiamondracing.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roughdiamondracing. Web site updates. 3rd February: The UKDrag.net Blog has been updated with this year's calendar at York Raceway. You can check out all the news at and around York Raceway at www.ukdrag.net. Calling turbo doorslammers. 1st February: Outlaw Rolls Royce racer Matthew Wright of Eurodragster.com sponsor WG4 Facilities and Services, race car builder Bill Felstead, and Steve Ashdown, whose two classic 'Vettes were featured here on Eurodragster.com on 4th January, are seeking expressions of interest in a new heads-up series for turbo doorslammers. Outlaw Turbo is planned to cater for doorslammers in three classes - four-cylinder, six-cylinder and unlimited - and will initially run at Peak Performance Days at Santa Pod Raceway with the aim of running at lifestyle events. As the Outlaw name suggests, the intention is to keep the rules as simple as possible. "We want to attract hard-core people interested in running flat-out", Matt told Eurodragster.com. "There are cars out there which don't have a home and we aim to give their owners somewhere to run. They have invested a lot of time and money into those cars and we want to offer them a prepped track and heads-up, flat-out running". The initial draft of the rules states that doorslammers must have brakes on each corner, suspension, and left or right driving position - centre steering is not permitted. Any turbo internal combustion motor is allowed; all fuels will be permitted with the exception of nitromethane and hydrazine and nitrous oxide will be allowed. Composite bodies are permitted but cars must retain a factory silhouette. To fulfil insurance requirements chassis must be tagged for the car's performance and cars must fulfil the MSA rulebook's General Safety Rules for their ETs and speeds. Outlaw Turbo racers must become members of the Outlaw Turbo Racers Club whose web site will be launched shortly. The entry fee for events will include sign-on for the Peak Performance Day and a minimal amount for administration, but more than fifty per cent of the entry fee will go into the prize fund which will include a sizeable prize for Best Reaction Time. "Everyone will have a chance of earning", said Matt. The organisers would now like to hear from turbo car owners with expressions of interest, ideas and suggestions and to discuss rules and event structure. If you are interested then please get in touch by E-Mail at danielle@outlawturbo.com. Fresh out of the workshop... 1st February: Martin Goldingay has been in touch to let us know that yesterday's first spy picture featured his Shakespeare County Raceway Camaro which has reached a key milestone: 
The car has left Andy Frost's workshop at Penn Autos, after well over a year in his capable and talented hands. The original brief given to Andy was a tricky one: having asked for a car which was not an all-out race car
but which could also be driven easily on the street for promotional use. The car has undergone a total transformation from front to rear since its arrival at Andy's workshop, with little escaping total replacement or refurbishment
under his critical gaze. The Camaro now runs a 435HP Edelbrock crate engine, custom-made Moser 9" locker rear end, upgraded gearbox, brakes, and propshaft to name but a few of the many parts fitted.
The car was then delivered to Manhattan Motors of Coventry, a body shop whose reputation precedes them, in order to repair and paint the brand new 4" cowl induction hood, which had arrived damaged from America. Alan at Manhattan Motors, jumped at the chance of supporting Shakespeare County's project, having previously painted vehicles for them. The engine will help with the show'n'go as well as the promotional duties it will be performing in its role as ambassador for the Warwickshire drag strip. The engine will need running-in before returning the car to Andy for a mandatory service and safety checks before being unleashed on the world. At the moment we can only guess at what times it will run but, whatever the numbers crunched, it must surely be a vast improvement over stock quarter mile times, which were none too shabby to start with! The team at Shakey are eternally grateful for all the support given by Andy Frost at Penn Autos and project partner and supporter USAutomotive. Steve Trice, Technical Director at USAutomotive, has been extremely helpful supplying the vast majority of parts for the total rebuild of the car. USAutomotive have also agreed to put there name behind Shakespeare County's ever-popular Yanks Weekend taking place on 25th-27th May. USAutomotive will also be supplying the winners' trophies for the many events taking place. The first public appearance of the Shakey Camaro will be at the Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull on 9th March, where the track will be giving two lucky people free tickets to a race event of their choice for the 2013 race season. The team at Shakespeare County Raceway are eagerly awaiting the start of the season, this being the track's 40th anniversary, one which is already shaping up to be the best yet! Martin is seeking a couple of stock rear wheels so that he can use Drag Radials. If you have some stock rear wheels for sale then please contact Martin on 07765 372137. Perpetual Award vote closing. 1st February: Thanks to everyone who has so far submitted votes for the APIRA, SPRC and Obsession Motorsports Perpetual Awards. Voting closes at 23:59 UK tonight (00:59 European tomorrow). Any votes placed after this time will be bounced as the E-Mail address will no longer exist. If you wish to check out this year's shortlists and place your votes then click here or click on the Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. The Perpetual Award winners will be presented at next Saturday's joint APIRA / SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation and they will be announced here on Eurodragster.com immediately following the presentation. Earlier news |
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