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

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

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

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


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

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


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

TECH CHANGES

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

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

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

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

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

UK CHAMPIONSHIPS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cars Motorsport UK
Pro Modified
Comp
Eliminator
Super Pro
ET
Pro ET Sportsman
ET
Super
Comp
Super
Gas
Junior
Dragster
Street
Eliminator
Festival of Power
Santa Pod Raceway
19th-21st April
Springspeed Nationals
Santa Pod Raceway
4th-5th May
   
FIA/FIM Main Event
Santa Pod Raceway
24th-27th May

FIA & MS-UK
 
SPRC Summernationals
Santa Pod Raceway
22nd-23rd June
Bug Jam
Santa Pod Raceway
26th-28th July
           
Non-
Championship
Mopar Euronationals
Santa Pod Raceway
2nd-4th August
               
Green Light Nationals
Santa Pod Raceway
17th-18th August
               
FIA/FIM European Finals
Santa Pod Raceway
5th-8th September

FIA & MS-UK
 
UK National Finals
Santa Pod Raceway
21st-22nd September


Bikes Top Fuel
Bike
Pro Stock
Bike
Funny
Bike
Super Street
Bike
Comp
Bike
8.50
Bike
9.50
Bike
Supertwin
Top Gas
ET Bike Junior Drag
Bike
Festival of Power
Santa Pod Raceway
19th-21st April
Springspeed Nationals
Santa Pod Raceway
4th-5th May
FIA/FIM Main Event
Santa Pod Raceway
24th-27th May

FIM

FIM
 
FIM
         
FIM
SPRC Summernationals
Santa Pod Raceway
22nd-23rd June
Green Light Nationals
Santa Pod Raceway
17th-18th August
   
Double
header
 
Double
header

Double
header

Double
header

Double
header

Double
header

Double
header
FIA/FIM European Finals
Santa Pod Raceway
5th-8th September

FIM

FIM
 
FIM
         
FIM
UK National Finals
Santa Pod Raceway
21st-22nd September


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



SPRC CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

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



EVENT ENTRY

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

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

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

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

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

Class Two-day event Three-day event Four-day event
Motorsport UK British Pro Modified; Top Fuel Dragster; Fuel Funny Car; Nostalgia Funny Car £165 £175 £200

NB FIA classes pay FIA fees for FIA European Championship events
ET classes; Super classes; Junior Dragster; Comp Eliminator; Street Eliminator; VW classes; Outlaw Flat Four; Wild Bunch; Outlaw Anglia; Nostalgia Super Stock; other Sportsman car classes £135 £150 £175
ACU Top Fuel Bike £170 £175 n/a

NB FIM classes pay FIM fees for FIM European Championship events
ACU Funny Bike; ACU Pro Stock Bike; ACU Comp Bike; ACU Super Street Bike; 9.50 Bike; 8.50 Bike; ACU Supertwin Gas; NAST Supertwin Gas; ET Bike; Junior Drag Bike £140 £155 n/a

NB FIM classes pay FIM fees for FIM European Championship events
Jet Car £160 £175 TBC
Exhibition £170 £175 TBC



PITSIDE POWER AT SANTA POD RACEWAY

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

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



OTHER BUSINESS

SPRC have acquired an additional fire truck.

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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


Doorslammers set for Viking invasion.
15th February: [ 'Doorslammer': noun  - full-bodied car with sprung chassis and functioning doors ]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

REAL STREET CAR rules
  • Car must have uncut factory floorpan and firewall, small mini tubs allowed.
  • Car must have full interior.
  • Car must have full exhaust system, any make, but must comply with 105 Db noise limit measured metre from exhaust tip at 45-degree angle.
  • Car must have street-legal tyres max size 10.5 inch, no slicks, aftermarket wheels allowed, burnouts allowed.
  • Car must run on pump gas, octane booster allowed.
  • FWD or RWD allowed. 4WD Pro Street only.
  • Car does not need to have the original engine, transmission, drivetrain, etc. No make or CI limit.
  • Use of any/all power adders allowed: turbo, supercharger, nitrous, water injection etc.
  • All competitors must wear a crash helmet. Wearing of more safety equipment is recommended but not mandatory. Any equipment used should be in good condition but does not have to be in date.
  • Any vehicle modifications will be inspected and will have to meet General Motorsport Safety Regulations.
  • All cars must have full insurance, road tax and a proper MoT.
  • All cars will be scrutineered and noise-tested prior to being allowed on track.
  • There will be no swapping of cars, the one you start with is the one you finish in.
  • All drivers must have either an MSA licence or an IOPD licence and must be a member of Straightliners.
  • The organiser reserves the right to include any vehicle they feel meets the spirit of the rules.
Heads Up, flashlight start, eighth mile, water or juice burnout. This is run as a list race at each event. There are up to sixteen competitors; if time allows a competitor will run up fifteen other competitors. Competitors will all be allocated a number one to sixteen or drawn out of a hat. This is your race number for the event and must be displayed front and back of your car.

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

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

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

The entry fee is £150 which includes two entry tickets.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Provisional calendar:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

Congratulations to the SPRC Perpetual Award winners:

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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



Earlier news