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31st March: Sjoerd Hulzinga of Dutch drag racing organisation AMSC Explosion writes with the latest news about the Drachten strip.
"Hollands premier drag strip, at Drachten, was resurfaced in 1999. During 1999, it proved to be one of the fastest tracks in Europe. This year there will be three major events.
16-18 June will see a Test & Tune weekend, to which all Explosion members will receive an invitation. The Dragten Nationals will be held on 14-16 July. Sadly, this will not be an FIM round as communicated earlier, but all racers are of course more than welcome. The Dragten Nationals will feature, amongst others, Super Twin Top Gas Euroseries and the first round of the all new European Super Street Bike Challenge. It promises to be a weekend you don't want to miss! The Dutch Finals will be held on 25-27 August and again all racers are welcome. So put the mentioned dates in your diary, come to friendly Drachten and improve your ET!"
You can find more information on the Explosion website at www.explosion.nl.
E-Manumit Heaven for Eurodragster.
31st March: With the European drag racing season only a few weeks from commencing, Eurodragster is proud to announce that all of our live updates in the 2000 season will be sponsored by e-business service provider e-manumit.com and performance supplier database High Performance Heaven.
Manumit Director Eric Tomlinson said "We are excited at the opportunity to sponsor a performance service to the public. Over the last 6 months e-manumit.com has been providing e-business services to organisations of various types. These services, alongside Manumit Computers' independent consultancy, are being used by a number of performance vehicle parts and service suppliers. This, combined with an addiction amongst our staff for performance vehicles - both cars and bikes - lead us to believe that it is important to encourage Eurodragster to maintain its role as a major force in European Drag Racing journalism.
"It is also our intention that our new database-driven website - High Performance Heaven - will become the country's most comprehensive source for High Performance Suppliers and Race Teams - and it's a completely free service.
Alongside the Eurodragster deal, we are continuing our involvement in drag racing through the Talbot Racing Team. Their all new Hauser Race Cars dragster will be carrying e-manumit.com's colours at all of the National Championship rounds throughout 2000.
Please feel to contact us on 01270 250022 or e-mail us on mail@e-manumit.com".
For Eurodragster, Tog said "We are delighted to be associated with e-manumit.com and High Performance Heaven. Manumit Computers are already staunch supporters of drag racing both through their sponsorship of Talbot Racing and their involvement in Junior Drag Racing, and we are honoured that e-manumit.com and High Performance Heaven should choose to enter drag racing with us. We will do all we can to make our 2000-season live updates worthy of these professional operations".
Eurodragster's first live update will be from the Easter Thunderball Santa Pod Raceway in April, and then from every subsequent race at Santa Pod Raceway and Shakespeare County Raceway.
Shockwave on show.
31st March: The Shockwave Fuel Funny Car is to join Smax Smith's Fuel FC at the Doncaster Custom Car Show on April 8th-9th. "We will be there as part of Santa Pod's promotion for the Easter Thunderball", says driver Gordon Smith. "Dave Bryant (Crew Chief), myself and the whole Shockwave crew will be in attendance to speak to the public about the car, about drag racing, and about the race."
It's going to be a busy month for the Shockwave team, as after the Doncaster Show they will be competing in the Top Fuel v Fuel FC shoot-out at the Easter Thunderball, and one week later they will be participating in the Fuel FC match race against John Spuffard at Super Series 1 at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can keep up to date with developments in the Shockwave camp on their web site at www.millennium-computer.co.uk/shockwave.
RWYB this Sunday.
31st March: The next Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway is set for this Sunday, 2nd April. If you fancy giving your own car or bike a run out then £8 will get you into the track, and £10 and a valid DVLC licence buys you unlimited runs down the strip (NB Competition licences are not accepted at RWYBs).
We have not had word on any racers planning to test at this RWYB. We will however have at least one reporter at Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday, and we will post news of any interesting occurrences.
You can get more details about RWYBs at Santa Pod Raceway by clicking on the Run What You Brung button on Santa Pod's web site, or by calling Santa Pod on 08700 782828.
Get well soon, Wally!
30th March: We're sure that everyone will want to join Eurodragster in sending their best wishes to the NHRA's Wally Parks, who suffered a mild heart attack last week. We hear that Wally has had surgery, but is in good spirits and is planning to attend the NHRA race at Las Vegas next week.
Get well soon, Wally!
Web site updates.
30th March: The web site of UK Super Gas racer Frank Mason has been updated for the 2000 season, including the addition of a great background sound. Check it out at www.northeast-online.co.uk/masonracing.
The UK Drag Racing Nostalgia site at www.ukdrn.co.uk has been updated with a batch of new video clips including a run by Sammy Miller's Vanishing Point Rocket FC, a wild ride by Dave Page, and the never-to-be-forgotten Ray Beadle v Gene Snow final-round FC race at Santa Pod's 1979 World Finals.
Swedish Prostreet News Magazine webmaster Hasse must never sleep. The site has now been updated with Nordic Pro Street Cup rules in English, and of course more of that Scandinavian Drag Racing gossip.
Atlanta calls for Beck.
29th March: UK Pro Stock Bike rider Dave Beck is set to depart for Atlanta, where he will be riding Jay Regan's Pro Mod Bike in the next round of the AMA/Prostar Series. Dave made it to the semi-finals in the first AMA/Prostar race at Gainesville, where he ran consistent 6.9s after fighting a series of problems with the bike. The bike finally expired in the semi-final but Dave was happy with the progress made and is looking forward to the weekend.
"It's a big race just to get the bike ready in time after the terminal blow-up in the semi at Gainesville", said Dave. "We are hopeful that the best motor will be ready, but the spare will be ready just as soon as I put my Pro Stock trannie in the bottom end. We will be a little nervous about reliability, but we will still put the tune-up on kill! Last year's low ET was 6.97, so maybe a low 6.9 can win the race. All I need now is a free upgrade on Delta, and to finish in front of Vose and Franco!".
Dave is also happy with his own form. "I feel that I am riding as good as I ever have, and have been on a big diet - I've not been this light since I was eighteen!"
We will bring you any news we receive from Atlanta this weekend, but you can keep up to date with developments on dragbike.com.
Lindelöw's season coming together.
29th March: Swedish Top Fuel racer Pelle Lindelöw has had a boost to his season's plans with the acquisition of a sponsor.
"I'm happy to announce that we have a new sponsor onboard, as we will trust Red Line Oil products to take care of the lubrication of the P & G Racing Top Fuel Dragster during the coming season", said Pelle. "At the NHRA race in Phoenix about a month ago, we saw some of the cars running on Red Line Oil and we started talking to the teams about their experiences. When we got back to Sweden we contacted Bert Jareblom, the Scandinavian representative, and made a deal for this season. Red Line Oil produce a synthetic SAE 70 oil for Nitro engines which suits our needs perfectly. This oil, along with Red Line Oil's other performance lubricants, will give us the confidence which you need in this business."
Pelle has signed up to run this year's Swedish Top Fuel Tour, and is hoping to compete in the first round of the FIA European Championship, the Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway in May. Pelle's last outing, at the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod last September, was plagued with problems although he earnt admiration for turning up with a new engine still in its component parts and building it from scratch at the track. "We've found the cause of our problems last season", said Pelle. "There is power in the car, no doubt about that. So when Kjell Petterson applies his magic to the track, and everyone else does what they can to keep the rain away, we will see some good runs".
Pelle's car will be on show at the Stockholm International Auto Fair from April 8th-18th, and at Jönköping Custom Show from April 20th-23rd. "After that, we will concentrate all our efforts to find the budget to go to the FIA rounds" said Pelle.
Smax's TV date.
29th March: UK Fuel Funny Car racer Smax Smith is to become a TV star in April, when he features in a documentary forming part of a series called A week on the wild side. "The series will be broadcast nightly on ITV2 starting at midnight on April 26th", said Smax. "My episode is called Demon Racer and will be aired on April 29th". ITV2 is available on Cable and on the ONDigital package.
Smax has promised an update to his web site within the next week or so, to show off the FC in its new Mainline Menace colours and to introduce this season's sponsors. The car is planned to be on display at the Doncaster Custom Car Show on April 8th.
So what becomes of the Mustang?
29th March: One question which a lot of fans are asking is what is to become of Håkan Nilsson's Mustang if he has bought Al Cook's '63 Vette. Hasse, webmaster of the Swedish Prostreet News magazine, has very kindly written to let us know that Håkan Nilsson's Mustang has been sold to Christer Jacobs. Thanks, Hasse.
Hauser online, renting JDs.
28th March: Long-established UK race car builder Hauser Race Cars has launched a web site at www.hauserracing.com. This extremely well-designed site features details of the multitude of services on offer from HRC, which start with turnkey operations (from Top Fuel to Junior Dragster) down through rolling chassis, the supply of everything you need to build your own racer, to parts, and much more.
We also noticed from the web site that Hauser Race Cars has four Junior Dragsters for hire this season. A full run-down of the rent-a-racer scheme is available by clicking on the Juniors button on the HRC web site.
Swap Meet returns.
28th March: Apologies to those who have had trouble using our Swap Meet in the last couple of days. There was a problem at our ISP's end which has now been resolved.
We were very sorry to see Dave Pollen's Mustang Pro Mod up for sale on the Swap Meet; Dave cites the escalating cost of keeping a Pro Mod car up to spec. It must be the week for PM sales since we have learnt that Al Cook's '63 Vette has indeed been sold to Swedish Pro Mod racer and European record-holder Håkan Nilsson. We will be very sorry to see the Vette leave these shores, but we know that it is in good hands and we wish Håkan every success with his new acquisition.
Jade Racing grows.
27th March: The UK's world record-holding Supertwin Top Gas team Jade Racing has become a three-bike outfit. World record holder (at 9.662/133.14) Jerry Collier and Rick Davies have been joined by Supertwin Modified racer Barrie Gregory, whose motor was prepared by Jade Racing.
Jerry Collier is now working full-time on the Jade Racing operation from his workshop in Nottingham. "We are both working like mad!" says Sharon Collier, who will be racing her own Supertwin Modified bike later this season. "Jerry has got near enough the same bike as last year but less billet bits and an improved clutch, and Rick Davies on Carbon Copy has now got a full auto gearbox by Jade. My Supertwins Modified RD will be out maybe mid-season; it's a mish-mash of parts borrowed from various people, all of whom are mentioned on our web site".
Jade Racing will continue to receive product sponsorship from Activ8 and Redline Oils this season. "Thanks also to the wonderful Anthony Hodges and everyone at Avon Park for their continued support", adds Sharon.
You can keep up to date with the latest from Jade Racing on their recently-updated web site at www.jaderacing.freeserve.co.uk, and you can contact Jade Racing on 01159 111430 if you need any work done on a two-stroke engine, strip or street.
RNR add sponsors.
25th March: UK Supertwin Top Gas team Ric Naylor Racing have announced a new associate sponsorship deal with IT solution providers Logical and computer manufacturers Compaq. Rider Ric Naylor is looking forward to the 2000 season: "With the backing we have got from Logical and Compaq, we are a big step closer to our goal of getting a two-stroke twin into the nines on a street tyre" he says, adding "Watch this space!"
RWYB on TV.
25th March: Kelly from Santa Pod Raceway tells us that a recent Run What You Brung is to feature on Channel 4's Deals on Wheels this Tuesday (28th March) at 8:30 pm. Two presenters of the programme each bought a car for £1000 and then took them to the February 20th RWYB at Santa Pod.
On the subject of SPR, we understand that there are still places available for the special Easter Sunday VIP deal. Check out our news item of March 6th, or click on the Next Event button on Santa Pod's web site.
Web site updates.
25th March: Eurodragster staffer Tog's web site Tog's
Drag Racing Page is again hosting a set of US photographer Bob Frye's pictures. This time around the pictures are
from the recent NHRA Winternationals at Pomona and include pictures of European competitors Leif Andreasson and Rob Turner
(right).
Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has also been busy, posting pictures and a movie from recent Run What You Brung events at Santa Pod Raceway and adding more Windows wallpaper to his web site Sharkman's Top End Tales.
Swedish Pro Street News Magazine webmaster Hasse has added an English version of the latest issue.
Prostreet News.
24th March: www.terjeaspmo.com. Denna sida är är väldigt snygg.
Om ni vill se nåt av hans verk kolla in Mässan i Malmö. Extrem duktig. Så har Fast Freddy (Kärt barn har många namn) en hemsida. Denna sida är gjord och Sponsa av Swedish Prostreet news. Faktum år att hans lastbil var den första racetruck/bil vi hade med i NR 1. www.come.to/fast-freddy.
Kolla gärna in Skvaller Sida på SPN. www.dunderklumpenracing.com/prostreetnews.
Web site updates.
23rd March: Sweden's Fast Freddy Fagerström, he of the amazing mid six-second blown-alcohol truck, now has a web site at http://www.come.to/fast-freddy. Freddy's webmaster, Hasse of Dunderklumpen Racing fame, tells us that he knocked this site together in his spare time, but it certainly doesn't look like a rush job!
Swedish Pro Stock racer Anders Johansson, whose web site we mentioned on 20th March, now has both Swedish and English language on the site at www.anders.prostock.just.nu.
The UK Drag Racing Nostalgia site has moved to a new URL, and can now be found at www.ukdrn.co.uk. The UKDRN site features a huge photo library of pictures from UK Drag Racing's past, together with other features such as programme covers, a "Where are they now" page, a biography of the late Allan "Bootsie" Herridge, and much more.
The web site of the Avon Park International Racers Association has been updated with more news from the UK Drag Racing Scene and more shows and exhibitions in the Calendar. Check it out at www.eurodragster.com/apira.
The web site of Ian Highfield's Fantasy Drag Racing Contest has had some additions including a list of entries, links, and a mailing list. Ian is very pleased with the way that his contest is proceeding, especially since he has had entries from all over Europe. If you have not entered the contest, or if you have entered and want to see your competitors' teams, then visit Ian's web site at www.fantasy-sports-web.com.
"Top Fuellers are girly cars" shock.
22nd March: Two of the four contestants in the forthcoming Top Fuel v Fuel Funny Car "Pro
Fuel" shoot-out at Santa Pod's Easter Thunderball have been exchanging banter as the build-up begins.
Wynns Xtreme Top Fuel Dragster driver Barry Sheavills and Showtime Fuel FC driver John Spuffard, who will be
competing in the shoot-out along with Peter Beck and Gordon Smith, were at the Run What You Brung at Santa Pod on Sunday,
and together with our good buddy, drag racing photojournalist Roger Gorringe, we took some time out to talk to them about the
event.
"I'm more ready than Spuff - my car's in England!" said Barry. "Yes, my car's down the Panama Canal!" said Spuff. We asked both drivers what they thought of the idea of Top Fuellers racing Fuel FCs with a small handicap in favour of the FC. "I like the idea", said Barry, "but I think it's going to be difficult not to go with him. I mean, you'll think you've fell asleep!". "It's a similar idea to the Cannonball", said Spuff, "it will be good fun and will put the Fuel cars in the limelight". Each Top Fuel Dragster and Fuel Funny Car will put in three 'qualifying' runs, with the quickest aggregate racer in each class then meeting in the final. Each round will consist of a Top Fueller racing a Fuel FC.
"I told John that whichever lane he starts in, he's got to finish in", said Barry, "but I will be so far in front that it won't matter". "You think!", said Spuff, "We have a totally new combination this year - Bob (Jarrett, Showtime Crew Chief - Ed) told me that when it launches I should hang on!". "We've got a new five-stage clutch coming, and it will be in the car if it arrives in time", said Barry. "You don't want the tow rope we've got you then!" joked Spuff.
We asked Barry and Spuff whether they would be interested in driving each other's cars. "I'd like to have a go at a Funny Car" said Barry, "but nobody's daft enough to let me have a go! If I had a go in a Pro Mod and a Fuel Funny then I could say I'd had a go at everything". "I'd like to have a go in a Top Fueller..." started Spuff, "But John thinks that they're girly cars!" interrupted Barry. "We have discussed a dragster before now" said Spuff, "but we all think that Funny Car is the way to go. Now there's Gordon, us, Smax, and maybe some others too".
Organiser Kjell Petterson is playing his cards very close to his chest on the handicap, although we wouldn't be surprised if the Fuel FCs had an advantage somewhere around 0.4 seconds, similar to that in the NHRA's Winston Showdown. "It's in my advantage", said Spuff, "he'll pull the red". "He can have all the handicap he needs" replied Barry, "I'll give him to half track! It might be quite odd for the spectators, but it will certainly take me a couple of runs to get used to it!"
So who is going to win? "I'll tell you on the Monday night!" said Spuff. "Whoever wins has to buy the drinks so I'm going to let him win!" said Barry.
Gordon Smith and Peter Beck have yet to comment on the shoot-out, but Gordon is already on record as describing the Shockwave Fuel FC as "a Showtime kicker" and Peter Beck is dismissed at one's peril. You can be sure that they will want to have their say, and when they do we'll be there with our pens and notebooks!
For more details on the Easter Thunderball including ticket prices, click on the Next Event button on Santa Pod's web site, or call SPR's Ticket and Information Hotline on 08700 782828.
VP Fuels to reward racers.
22nd March: VP Fuels UK have announced that they will be paying contingency awards in four classes at Santa Pod Raceway at the five major race dates this season. Monies will be posted in Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Pro ET and Pro ET. The payout is £50 for a win, which requires the use of VP fuel and VP decals prominently displayed. Five grades of fuel will be available at the track as usual with no need to pre-order.
Web site update.
22nd March: Super Comp racer Zane Llewellyn has updated the web site of the Bootsoop International Drag Racing Team with the latest news from Zane's own operation plus news from the Bristol Doorslammers and Street Rods and some new items for sale. Check out the Bootsoop page at www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk.
Juniors lose, gain sponsors.
21st March: Just over two months from the original announcement, MPMAN have pulled their sponsorship of Jack Hewitt and Holley Glassup's Junior Dragsters. However, all is not lost since replacement sponsors have very quickly been found.
The new main sponsor is Pro Blend, who produce fuel and oil additives. "The cars have been sent to J and W Autos in Bridgwater for the paint job and should be out in time for the Thunderball in the new colours & decals", says Peter Hewitt. "We hope to run them at a few Run What You Brungs before the season starts". Royal Purple and Rapid Orange have also come on board with the Juniors.
To add to the already-professional image of the Juniors, a thirty-foot trailer is also being constructed which is to be half workshop and half living quarters. "This will also be in Pro Blend colours" says Peter.
Lex accepts the DB Challenge.
21st March: It must be that time of year for new sponsorship deals since Dutch Top Methanol Funny Car racer Lex Joon has announced new sponsorships with Red Oak Farms, a US food company who are now distributing their products in Europe, and Splitfire spark plugs. Lex is promising free samples of Red Oak products in his pit this year, which may turn out to be the wrong thing to have said to at least one of the Eurodragster team.
Lex is also involved in an interesting promotional stunt on April 1st, when he will fire up his TMFC in Leeuwarden in Holland in a challenge to drown out the loudest in-car sound systems. Sounds like no contest to us, but let them down gently won't you Lex.
You can find full details of the new sponsorships and the DB Challenge on Lex's web site at www.eurodragster.com/lexjoonracing.
Web site update.
21st March: The web site of UK Pro Stock Bike racer Martin Bishop has been updated, and webmaster Gavin Dunstan tells us that the updates will now come thick and fast throughout the season, with some interesting news promised soon! Check it out at www.mbmotorsport.co.uk.
Tyre shake does for Malmgren.
20th March: Magnus of Malmgren Racing writes with news of the team's qualifying attempt at the weekend's NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville. "They were the victim of bad tyre shake on every run", says Magnus. "Michael was bitterly disappointed. But the engine worked very well considering that it was a spare which is three years old."
Malmgren Racing are now en route to Las Vegas for the next NHRA event on April 6th-9th.
Read victorious down under.
20th March: The UK's Steve Read won Top Fuel Dragster at Saturday's Castrol New Year Series at Willowbank Raceway, Australia. Steve qualified second at 5.548/190.11 and then advanced through the rounds, defeating Roy Smith in round one (11.034/69.53), Darren di Filippo in the semi-finals (5.578/190.11), and Robin Kirby in the final (10.562/70.28).
RWYB report.
20th March: Santa Pod's third Run What You Brung this season took place yesterday in glorious weather, and was well-attended with a large number and variety of street cars and bikes filling the staging lanes.
On the racer front, Dave Beck ran 7.67/176 off the trailer on his Pro Stock Bike, which is becoming his party piece at RWYBs this year! This was on a track which had not been sprayed and so is doubly impressive. Dave is off to the USA again in a couple of weeks to ride Jay Regan's Pro Mod Bike in the next AMA/Prostar event. Super Street Bike champion Graham Dance was testing out his re-prepped engine and was planning to take it easy, running a number of low nines. Ken Cooper was in attendance with his Pro Mod Bike, running as quickly as 7.67, again impressive on a RWYB-standard track surface.
Rob Moore managed a run of 9.79 in his "Road Rage" Mustang, smoke and flames through the Top End signalling the demise of another engine. "Two runs, two engines - at least I'm consistent" Robin later said. Doug Ripley returned in a refettled CC Racing altered, the engine sounding very strong, but Doug was taking it easy. Sarah Day was learning the ropes in the "Double Trouble" Super Gas/Super Comp roadster, taking it very easy.
Katie Gibbs debuted her beautiful new Junior Modified dragster, a very impressive piece of kit indeed, built to order in the USA. A gentle low nine was followed by an 8.71/75.13 which had the Gibbs family jumping up and down on the start line. Paul Lindley-Allen ran a slew of 9.28s at 69 mph in his JD, as Paul himself said "Consistency wins races". JD new boy Adam Gleadow was licencing in the Santa Pod Racers Club Junior Stock hire car, pulling an impressive 0.66 Reaction Time on one of his first runs, and getting down into the 14s. Adam will be competing in the SPRC car at the Thunderball.
Web site updates.
20th March: Swedish Pro Stock racer Anders Johansson has launched a web site at www.anders.prostock.just.nu. The Swedish-language site is very well-designed and contains all of the regular features.
The Straightliners web site at www.straightliners.co.uk has been updated with results of the bike series covering the last three years, a full schedule of Straightliners-related events including exhibitions and shows involving the Straightliners stunt bike team, and several new entries in the Photo Gallery.
Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.eurodragster.com/santapod has had a minor facelift ready for the coming season. New pages are in place for Race Entry Forms and Supplementary Regulations, which will be available on the site very soon.
Race fan BJ has updated his fan site at www.jsjhisted.freeserve.co.uk. BJ has added sections with his own favourite photographs from the 1999 season, and a very entertaining wheelie gallery.
Beck confirms Thunderball.
19th March: Swiss Top Fuel Dragster newcomer Peter Beck has confirmed that he is to run at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway.
"We are really looking forward to the Thunderball" say Peter Beck and Regula Stucki. "We have been talking about driving a Top Fuel Dragster for ages, and since last October we've had Rico Anthes' second car in our garage. We've spent many nights studying, discussing and working on the car. And now we have the date for the first race, wow!"
Peter and his crew have an additional variable to cope with in that motor racing is not allowed in Switzerland and so even testing involves a trip out of the country. "Before we come to Santa Pod we will warm up the engine and do a burnout. But it will be the first time that we run a Top Fuel Car; you can imagine how excited we all will be!"
Peter, Regula and team of Horst Pauli, Martin Schmid, Ueli Amstutz and Monika Irsigler will be working with Rune Fjeld at the Thunderball, and the rest of the ex-TMD team will join later on. The plan is for the team to attend all FIA rounds this year in order to make as many passes as possible. "It will be our rookie year in Top Fuel, and that means learning by doing!" say Peter and Regula. "We're looking forward to the new season and to our premiere at Santa Pod".
You can keep up to date with Top Fuel Team Switzerland on their web site at www.topfuel.ch.
Mixed fortunes in Gainesville.
19th March: Micke Kågered qualified 11th in Federal Mogul Funny Car with a best of 6.109/234.86. This pitted him against FMFC Champion Frank Manzo in round one this afternoon. Micke's personal best of 5.952/239.27 was not enough against Manzo's 5.687/255. Micke now plans to test at Gainesville on Monday and must be happy with his progress so far. Micke's web site at www.kagered-racing.com will be updated shortly.
Michael Malmgren put in runs of 7.162/193.68 and 7.132/193.24 today to end up thirty sixth in Pro Stock but with what, let's face it, are very good runs for a new car.
More details in both English and Swedish on Svensk Dragracing.
Rapport på svenska hos Svensk Dragracing.
Gainesville qualifying.
18th March: After the first day's qualifying at the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville, Michael Malmgren is lying 35th in Pro Stock with runs of 7.087/194.30 and 7.109/194.38 with two further rounds of qualifying today. The bump spot is already in the sixes and so Michael faces a tough second day, although his times and speeds are very impressive for an all-new car which had not been on the track before the middle of this week, and Michael's performances already bode well for European competition this year.
Micke Kågered is 13th in Federal Mogul Funny Car with a best of 6.164/233.08, with one round of qualifying left this morning and then the first round of eliminations this afternoon. Thirteen cars are currently qualified in FMFC which should ensure a sixteen-car ladder and automatic qualification, but Micke certainly will not want to be there by default and will give it everything he's got.
You can keep up with the latest from Gainesville on NHRA Online and Drag Race Central.
Good luck Michael, good luck Micke!
Sweden does Gainesville.
17th March: It's a big weekend for European race fans and especially Swedish fans, as two of their own are contesting the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville in Florida.
1999 FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Champion Micke Kågered comes to Gainesville on the back of last weekend's NHRA Divisional event at Orlando Speed World, which was his first outing in his ex-Bob Newbery FC. Micke's luck was not in last weekend as he fought tyre shake, lost his best run to a timing error, and then was eliminated by Tony Bartone in round one of racing. Micke paid his dues last week and he must be due some better fortune this weekend.
Michael Malmgren has been testing his new Jerry Bickel-built Camaro Pro Stock this week and will have valued the familiarisation time before entering into competition. In testing, Michael recorded a best 60-foot time of 1.02, "Very promising!" says Magnus of Malmgren Racing, and a best ET of 7.01 with the spare engine.
Michael is currently the subject of an article on NHRA Online, which you can find by clicking here.
We will bring you any news we receive from Gainesville, but you can keep up with events on NHRA Online and Drag Race Central. Reports will also be available on Svensk Dragracing, and Micke Kågered's web site will be updated after the race.
RWYBs update.
17th March: This Sunday (19th) sees two Run What You Brung events in the UK. The first is at Santa Pod Raceway where £8 will get you into the track and a further £10 and the production of a valid DVLC driving licence will get you unlimited runs down the track (please note, competition licences are not valid for RWYB events). For more details click on the Run What You Brung button on Santa Pod's web site, or call Santa Pod on 08700 782828.
Eurodragster will have reporters at SPR on Sunday and we will bring you news of any notable occurrences. We understand that the Canto Top Methanol Dragster driven by Andy Frost, Super Gas racer Brendan Clancy, Pro ET racer Rob Moore, Pro Stock and (in the USA) Pro Mod Bike rider Dave Beck, members of Team Cooperised, Super Street Bike champion Graham Dance, and Junior drag racers Katie Gibbs, Paul Lindley-Allen and Adam Gleadow are all slated to attend.
For those in the north of the UK there is a Run What You Brung at Crail Airfield in Scotland. For more details contact Crail Airfield Promotions on 01333 450801. If any of Eurodragster's readers is making the trip to Crail on Sunday and would like to send in a report, then please mail us at news@eurodragster.com.
Get a drink on Santa Pod.
16th March: Santa Pod Raceway's Kjell Petterson writes with details of the UK track's latest competition, which will see the winner getting a free day at the races with a little liquid refreshment thrown in.
"We're just entering a new season at Santa Pod Raceway and we've decided that the Santa Pod Raceway Bar needs a new name. That's where you come in! We want you to send in your suggestions for the renaming of our bar. Send your suggestions to barcompetition@santapod.fsnet.co.uk.
"The person whose suggestion is chosen will win a free day's admission to any event during 2000 at Santa Pod Raceway, and a £25 voucher to be used in the newly named bar. Oh and remember, the sign does have to go in a public place so a little decorum please!
"In order to have the bar ready for The Easter Thunderball event on April 22nd-24th we need to receive your entries no later than April 2nd."
Web site update.
16th March: The web site of German Top Methanol Dragster racer Peter Schoefer has had a facelift. As it comes from the dragsterracing.de stable, it will come as no surprise that this web site is polished and professional, containing all the usual features such as news, photo gallery, details on the car etc. Check it out at www.dragsterracing.de/schoefer.
Showtime comes home.
15th March: This year's Showtime Fuel Funny Car is
on its way back to the UK after an extensive rework over what passes for Winter in California. The ex-Tom Hoover car,
which has not seen action since the 1998 season, has been re-bodied with a Pontiac Firebird body and has been so reworked
that, as Showtime's web master Chris says, "It will no longer be referred to as the ex-Hoover car" (sorry Chris,
but we had to set the scene).
Showtime Crew Chief Bob Jarrett writes: "The new Showtime Pontiac Trans-Am left my house yesterday bound for the UK. It will arrive on April 10. Here (picture) is the car being loaded on the tow truck bound for LA. There it will began its long voyage through the Panama Canal and onto Felixstowe. The body was mounted in England by John (Spuffard - Ed) and two of our best guys Lee and Paul before the car was shipped here last December. Now it was my turn! In just twelve weeks I, Bill Caplinger - who has helped me on other race car projects here in the States - and DJB, who had an eight week vacation or so he thought, managed to produce our best car yet."
The DJB Showtime Dodge Avenger FC, which was run by the team in 1998 and 1999, is for sale. You can find details on our Swap Meet section or on the Showtime web site.
Bob Jarrett also has words of welcome for Smax Smith, who is due to make his debut in Fuel FC at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. "I hear that Smax has joined our ranks and wish him the best. Maybe Funny Cars could be back in favour again, I hope so."
Girl Power.
15th March: The Svensk Dragracing web site has been updated with an entertaining report on four young ladies who are already causing a stir in the Nordic Drag Racing Series. We particularly liked the report's observation that Peter Axeldal will continue to be Linda Axeldal's father this season.
ICE/Rooster relocate.
14th March: As from this Saturday, March 18th, UK engine and performance parts businesses ICE and Rooster Racing will be in a new workshop in Rayleigh, Essex, fifteen minutes from the M25. The new facility is more appropriate to the engine-building business from both the size and security aspects, as well as being far more accessible to the majority of customers travelling from the M25. Despite partner Rob Loaring currently being in the USA supporting top IHRA Pro Mod racer Tim McAmis, it is business as usual for ICE who can be contacted via phone or fax on new telephone number 01268 727317 (from outside the UK +44 1268 727317).
Gentlemen, start your fantasies.
14th March: And ladies, of course! Further to our news item of March 5th, Ian Highfield writes to tell us that he is now accepting entries for his Fantasy Drag Racing contest, which you can find at www.fantasy-sports-web.com. Ian has updated the site with a news page showing general progress, a form to add links to the site, and a results page.
"I have had a few entries", says Ian. "Top Fuel, Super Gas etc. may still change, but the driver or rider removed from the list will be replaced from the next in line from last year's championship, or a newcomer if appropriate. Values of drivers will not change, so don't be frightened to enter!" he adds.
Malmgren: it can only get better.
13th March: Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren's US trip has started badly with a theft in New York. "Of course, they stole our computer" says team member Magnus. Unbowed, the team continued on to Jerry Bickel's shop where they are now preparing Michael's new Camaro for action in Gainesville this week. They are due to test on Tuesday and Wednesday before the Gatornationals at this weekend. "They are really excited about testing. According to Michael the Camaro is looking real hot!" says Magnus.
Magnus has promised to pass on any news he receives from this week's tests. Good luck Michael!
Kågered's Orlando progress.
13th March: Sweden's Micke Kågered went out in round one of Federal Mogul Funny Car at the NHRA Divisional event at Orlando this weekend. He qualified 6th after what must have been a frustrating round of qualifying when he suffered bouts of tyre shake and had his best run go un-timed after a mistake by the timing crew, and then met Tony Bartone in round one of eliminations.
Micke will however have been happy with the chance to become familiarised with his new car before next weekend's Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.
You can find full details of Micke's weekend on his web site at www.kagered-racing.com.
Reports are also available in both Swedish and English on Svensk Dragracing.
Rapport på svenska hos Svensk Dragracing.
NHRA's coverage is available at http://www.nhra.com/fedmog/2000/div2/orlando.html.
Sheavills announces new sponsors.
11th March: UK Top Fuel racer Barry Sheavills has announced a raft of new associate sponsors as part of a programme arranged by A1 Auto Stores. The impressive list of sponsors includes some new to drag racing; welcome and thanks, guys. Full details of the new sponsorship and other updates from Barry and the team are available by clicking on the Press Release button on his web site at www.topfuel.co.uk.
Fuel range expanded.
10th March: Mike Kason has been in touch to tell us that further to his announcement of 29th February regarding fuel sales, he and 76 Racing Fuels are pleased to announce that as well as the 76 Nitro, 76 Methanol and 76 Racing Petrol, a replacement for the VP C12 racing fuel will also be available. Fuel will be available at the track but Mike recommends calling in advance to reserve yours.
For further details please call Mike Kason on 020 8868 9441 (Answerphone/Fax) or 0589 733833 (Mobile).
SPR phone number change.
10th March: Santa Pod Raceway have changed their phone number to 08700 782828, which is at the cheaper National B rate. From outside the UK SPR's number remains +44 1234 782828.
Why stop at 6.4?
9th March: Pro Mod fans will be delighted by an exchange on the Gossip page of the Swedish Pro Street News Magazine. Rumours posted there of a British Pro Mod destined to break Håkan Nilsson's European ET and Speed records led to Håkan himself writing to predict 6.4s from his car this year. Then up stepped Patrik Wikström of Outlaw Racing to predict that his own Pro Mod, equipped with a new Bob Newbery alcohol engine, will be running in the 6.3s this season!
We await with interest further exchanges on PSN's Gossip page, and we sure can't wait to see these guys get it on at the track.
Beck talks about Gainesville.
9th March: The Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site is currently running a brief piece with UK racer Dave Beck's comments about his experiences at last weekend's AMA/Prostar Sunshine Nationals, where he made it to the semi-finals of Pro Mod Bike.
Kågered's USA date.
9th March: FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Champion, Sweden's Micke Kågered, is racing at an NHRA Divisional event at Orlando Speed World in Florida this weekend, ahead of next weekend's Gatornationals at Gainesville (at which we should also see Sweden's Michael Malmgren in his new Pro Stock). This will be Micke's first outing in his ex-Bob Newbery FC.
We will bring you any news we receive from Orlando, and updates should be available over this weekend from the Federal Mogul Divisional Events link on NHRA Online and on Drag Race Central. Good luck Micke!
Web site updates.
9th March: Lars-Åke Henriksson, webmaster of Peter Lantz' Top Fuel Dragster web site, has updated his personal web site which explains the technology of Top Fuel racing. He has added to his fascinating explanations of Top Fuel Dragster technology with details on Top Fuel Bike. The illustrated text is presented in both Swedish and English and is a must-see for anyone interested in Fuel cars and bikes. Lake has also posted some pictures from events at Thulin and Santa Pod Raceway last season. Check out his site at http://w1.331.telia.com/~u33106502/dr-main.htm.
The web site of UK Fuel FC team Shockwave Racing has been updated with the latest news from the team, including details of how to enter a prize draw which is to be held at the Thunderball. The Shockwave site can be found at http://www.millennium-computer.co.uk/shockwave.
TF Supertwin collectables.
7th March: Vincent Pels of Zodiac Racing writes with news which will have Top Fuel Supertwin fans and drag racing collectable fans racing for their nearest Internet access. Auction web site E-Bay is auctioning autographed souvenirs of the recent Top Fuel Supertwin World Championship in Australia. On offer are autographed Rider Profiles and T-shirts. Bidding is open for another week or so. "I think that even for a non-Dutch or -Swede it's a great collectable!" says Vincent.
For a full write-up of the items on offer, check out the ADBA web site at www.americandragbike.com/merchandise.html, or to go directly to the appropriate E-Bay page click here. If you have not used an on-line auction before then it is only sensible to familiarise yourself with how it works before submitting a bid.
Web site updates.
7th March: The web site of Swedish racer Joakim Mårtenson's web site has moved to a new URL at home.swipnet.se/~w-83592. If you are a Dodge Challenger fan or a Drag Racing history buff then this site is for you, featuring a full history of the ex-Rossi, ex-Hauser, ex-Persaker car which has seen a lot of action around Europe, as well as all the features you would expect of a web site.
UK drag racing fan Gary Cottingham has treated his web site to a facelift, and added an exclusive interview with Darren Turner, one of Santa Pod Raceway's fire and safety crew. The interview is fascinating, featuring some very well-thought-out questions, and Darren's answers give fans an insight into the world of drag racing safety. Gary's site also features a review of the 1999 season at Santa Pod, a Photo Gallery and more. You can find it at www.dragracing.atfreeweb.com.
Florida results.
6th March: The UK's Dave Beck made it as far as the semi-finals of Pro Mod Bike at the AMA/Prostar Sunshine Nationals at Gainesville in Florida yesterday. A 6.91 in round one followed by a 6.92 in round two took Dave to the semis where he hit problems, recording a nine-second pass.
Germany's Norbert Kutzera went out in round one of Top Fuel Bike in spectacular fashion, scraping one of the bike's foot pegs along the guardrail for a considerable distance. He was unhurt and the bike undamaged.
Full results, reports and pictures are available on Dragbike.com at www.dragbike.com/prostarlive/gainesville_00_1.
Hirebusa.
6th March: Head Honcho of popular UK bike team Team Cooperised, Ken Cooper, was at the weekend's
Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway, testing out a new addition to the Team Cooperised stable of bikes. This one
however is a little different. The bike is a Suzuki Hayabusa, or Hirebusa as this one is known and what's different about
it is it is exactly that, a Hayabusa for hire. Yes, you can become part of Team Cooperised for a race meeting riding this
bike. Ken explains:"The bike produces 200bhp and this combined with an air shifter will make it capable of mid-nine second passes. The idea is to run the bike in the 9.90 bike class. The bike is available for any one, two or three day meeting with the price being £250, £300 or £350 respectively. The price includes your entry to the meeting as well as the use of the bike."
As is normal with any hire arrangement it is on a "You bend it, you mend it" basis, although from what Eurodragster saw at the RWYB that is very unlikely as the bike never went anywhere except straight down the middle of the lane. For full details, or to register an interest in hiring the bike, contact Ken Cooper on 0208 384 5921.
Get the VIP treatment at SPR.
6th March: Santa Pod Raceway are offering VIP tickets to the Sunday of the Easter Thunderball for a £25 supplement on the normal ticket price.
"This really is a good deal" says Santa Pod's Caroline Day. "Just twenty five pounds more than you'd normally pay for your ticket to get the best seat in the house, free strong coffee (hangover special), free nosh and drinks, free event programme, free earplugs (definitely needed on that balcony!), and a big telly to watch the F1 Grand Prix (the slow guys who prefer corners!)". With the Top Fuel v Fuel FC Showdown confirmed for this event, the VIP balcony could be just the place to take in Sunday's action.
The VIP tickets must be booked in advance, and are available from Kelly or Becky at the Santa Pod office on 08700 782828 (from outside the UK +44 1234 782828). More details on the Thunderball, including ticket prices, are available by clicking on the Next Event button on Santa Pod's current web site.
Florida nightmares recede.
5th March: The UK's Dave Beck faced a nightmarish weekend at the AMA/Prostar Sunshine Nationals at Gainesville in Florida, where he is competing on Jay Regan's Pro Mod Bike. Electrical and nitrous system failures initially prevented Dave from putting in a full pass, and rain delayed proceedings, but it all came together in the last qualifying session where Dave claimed third spot with a tremendous 6.908/197.71 and a good chance for another US victory in today's eliminations.
Germany's Norbert Kutzera qualified second in Top Fuel Bike with an out of shape 6.863/184.76 after a 32-second first shot. Norbert is a fraction behind number one qualifier Larry McBride who topped the field out of the trailer.
You can stay in touch with events at Gainesville on Dragbike.com's live update page at www.dragbike.com/prostarlive/gainesville_00_1, and on the Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.
SFI Tour update.
5th March: Our good friends at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with a short report and a bunch of pictures from the SFI Tour's visit to Stockholm yesterday. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
Fantasy Drag Racing.
5th March: Drag Racing fan Ian Highfield is putting together a Fantasy Drag Racing contest for the 2000 season in Europe. It follows the familiar "fantasy" concept where the contestant has a certain amount of money to spend and nominates drivers or riders in each class, who are then awarded points depending upon their performance.
Ian is of the opinion that is is a little early yet for entries - we would agree - but he is inviting fans to check out the contest web site to get the idea, and to mail him with any comments or suggestions.
The Fantasy Drag Racing web site is at www.fantasy-sports-web.com.
Pro Street News winner.
5th March: Congratulations to Tom Guldal of Norway who was the winner of the recent contest on the Swedish Pro Street News Magazine web site.
Webmaster Hasse tells us that a new edition of the Magazine will be online in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime the popular Drag Racing Gossip section is being updated frequently, in both Swedish and English. Check it out at www.dunderklumpenracing.com/prostreetnews.
SFI Tour reminder.
3rd March: Lars Petterson, Chairman of the Drag Racing Committee in Sweden, has written to remind racers that the 2000 SFI/FIA European Certification Tour starts today.
Parts which can be certified on this tour are SFI 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 Bellhousings, and Clutch Assemblies SFI 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4. Teams who have lost the SFI identification on SFI 15.1 Wheels can bring them for inspection.
The full SFI Tour dates are: Hockenheim (Germany) Friday 3rd March; Scandic Infra City Hotel, Stockholm (Sweden) Saturday 4th March; FHRA office, Helsinki (Finland) Monday 6th March; MSA House, Colnbrook, Slough (UK) Tuesday 7th March.
You can find more details on the SFI Tour here. If racers or teams have any questions about the SFI/FIA Tour, they should contact their Federation (ASN) Drag Racing Committee or Club/Organizer.
RWYB this Sunday.
3rd March: The next Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway is set for this Sunday, 5th March. If you fancy giving your own car or bike a run out then £8 will get you into the track, and £10 and a valid DVLC licence buys you unlimited runs down the strip (NB Competition licences are not accepted at RWYBs).
We have still not had word on any racers planning to test at this RWYB. We will however have at least one reporter at Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday, and we will post news of any interesting occurrences.
You can get more details about RWYBs at Santa Pod Raceway by clicking on the Run What You Brung button on Santa Pod's current web site, or by calling Santa Pod on 08700 782828.
European SSB Challenge latest.
2nd March: The European Super Street Bike Challenge is on for the 2000 season and is growing quickly! Our good friend Peter Calwer, who is organising the Challenge and who also runs the outstanding dragsterracing.de web site, tells us that the Challenge is definitely to be a three-race series this year, with rounds to be held at Drachten (Holland) in July, Hockenheim (Germany) in August, and Santa Pod Raceway (UK) in September. "We can expect more than twenty five bikes at Hockenheim" says Peter, "I wouldn't like to miss the qualifying!". Peter also says that a number of German SSB racers are keen to come to the European Finals at Santa Pod in September, no doubt after Peter and his SSB rider Rudi Thurmayr's glowing accounts of their experiences at last year's event.
At present, twenty one European Super Street Bike racers are committed to the Challenge, with others probable, and there is room for more. Peter's dream of a real cross-border effort is becoming reality; Peter is particularly grateful to the UK's Graham Dance, and Duckman of Holland's Explosion Drag Racing Club, for their help in getting the Challenge off the ground.
Peter is currently working on obtaining sponsorship for the Challenge; anyone interested in putting their name to what is certain to be a very popular race series should E-Mail Peter at pp@calwer.de.
Check out the Challenge web site at www.dragsterracing.de/eurossb for full details including rules, dates, the current entry list, and how to get involved.
Erbacher's new look.
2nd March: Swiss Top Methanol Funny Car racer Urs Erbacher has unveiled a beautiful new paintscheme on his FC, which is currently at the Automobil Salon in Geneva. To sneak a look at the new design, click on the Drag Racing button on the Fat Attack web site at www.fatattack.ch.
Crew member Lorenzo Tschumi tells us that sponsors Techno AG of Switzerland, Quaker State Switzerland, Fitness Treff Niklaus, CAL Custom Painting and Fat Attack Custom Bikes are all on board with Urs again this year, and are joined by new sponsors Rego Fix Swiss Precision Tools and PAD Power Automobile Delemont. "Thanks for supporting drag racing!" he says.
A first look at Peter Beck's Fueller.
1st March: The web site of Switzerland's multiple Top Methanol Dragster Champion and Top Fuel Dragster newcomer Peter Beck has been updated with some pictures of the Fueller on display at a show in Paris. Webmaster and crew member Horst Pauli promises more updates on the new-look site very soon. Check it out at www.topfuel.ch.
Magnus and Smax launch web sites.
1st March: Swedish Pro Stock racer Magnus Hansson has launched a web site at www.mhansson-racing.com. This clean-looking site is presented in both Swedish and English and contains all the features you'd expect such as latest news, team biographies, data on the car, a photo gallery, sponsor page and links.
UK Top Methanol Dragster, blown-alcohol altered and now Fuel Funny Car driver Smax Smith has launched a web site at www.smax.co.uk. This is another great-looking site, containing a particularly entertaining biography of Smax, extracts from media coverage, video clips and more.
More web site updates.
1st March: Keeping it in the family is Bill Dossett, webmaster of the new UK Drag Racing Web Site, whose brother Chris runs the popular Showtime Racing UK and Trakbyte's UK Drag Race History web sites. Bill's site at www.stowupland82.freeserve.co.uk is coming together very nicely and already contains the beginnings of a history of drag racing, photographs, track info and race dates.
Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has added another video clip and some more Windows Wallpaper to his web site Sharkman's Top End Tales. The new video clip features Håkan Nilsson on a 6.5-second run in his Pro Mod at last year's FIA Finals, as seen from the Top End.
Earlier news
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