European Drag Racing News

RWYB-bound Shockwave seeks driver.
31st March: The UK's Shockwave Fuel Funny Car team plan to attend this Sunday's (6th April) Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway with the aim of at least firing the car up. There have been a lot of changes to the car over the season, not least an ex-Jim Dunn Firebird body as well as a new engine set-up.

"The work on the car should be complete at the weekend - it's all hands to the pump!", driver Gordon Smith told Eurodragster late last week. "We still have a few things to sort out. I'm doing the heads and Dave (Bryant, Crew Chief and co-owner - Ed) is sourcing the last few parts. The block is in the car and just needs to be built up. With all the new parts we have also had to change the fuel system. So we are hoping to go to Santa Pod to fire the car up, or if we can find the oil and nitro maybe put in a three hundred foot pass. Then the week after the car is at the Doncaster Show for Santa Pod - that's the plan anyway!"
©Eurodragster.com
Gordon is impressed with the new body. "The paintjob has turned out just fantastic, you're going to love it!", he said. "It's completely different to how it has looked before. And the rear wing is just enormous, I don't know if we'll have enough power to move it down the track!"

Gordon was sorry to hear that John Spuffard's fastest-outside-America mark had gone to Australia last weekend. "I wanted to take that record off him!", he said. "But Spuff could easily take the speed back and with all the parts we've got now we could do it, or we could break the ET record. I think that 2003 will be the year when the FCs make a breakthrough in ETs - probably early in the season when we have stuff to blow up!"

The Shockwave team have two new crew members, which Gordon was kind enough to say was down to news items published on Eurodragster, but the team need a driver to get the car to the track and back. "We need an HGV driver", said Gordon. "If you have an HGV licence and you can do at least race weekends, then please get in touch". If you are able to help then please drop us a line at webmaster@eurodragster.com and we'll put you on to Gordon.

On the sponsor front Gordon said that Autolite Spark Plugs, Fram Filters, Loctite and Abac Air Compressors are still on board. "We are also talking to people about this year", he said. If you are interested in sponsoring the Shockwave FC then, again, drop us a line at the above address and we will put you in touch.

Racers: Are you testing at this Sunday's RWYB at Santa Pod, or did you run at yesterday's RWYB? If so, drop us a line at news@eurodragster.com with details and we will publish the news here.

Machine ready in Time.
31st March: The UK's Time Machine Racing Competition Eliminator team are preparing for their first season in the class, getting their altered and its engine together.

"It may only be three weeks until the first race of the 2003 season, but we are confident we will be at the track despite not having put anything together yet!", says driver Martin Gleadow. "The block is in London, on its way to have the four bolt mains conversion fitted and to be bored to tidy up the cylinders, whilst the heads are in Nottingham being assembled by Darren. Even if we do not actually compete at the Easter Thunderball, we are planning on being present so that I can do my observed runs and to give the team a chance to work out logistics for a race, since we have not all worked as one team before and the car is completely new to us.
©Eurodragster.com
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those assisting us in this venture, including Lucas Oil Products, R-M Automotive Refinish Paints, and everyone who has provided help, assistance or time so far. For more information on what we are doing, visit our team web site at www.eurodragster.com/timemachineracing."

Provided that there are enough entrants, the Easter Thunderball will be the first meeting of the year at which Comp Eliminator will be contested. "If you have a new car and are not sure which class to run in, or if you just fancy a change, visit the UK Comp Eliminator web site at www.compeliminator.co.uk for information on what is involved", says Martin. "We would like to see more competitors in this class which is so successful in Europe, as racing against yourself can get boring after a while! If you have any questions about the class please come and see us in the pits, or you can E-Mail us at info@compeliminator.co.uk."

Web site updates.
31st March: Launching today is the new official web site of the Drivers' Association for the Scandinavian Dragracing Championship's Street 10.5" class. "Because we only have Scandinavian drivers, the site is only avalable in Swedish", says Patrik Jacobsson. The very professionally-designed Street 10.5" site includes news, race dates, results, class rules, a run-down of the teams, mailing list sign-up and a lot more. Check it out at www.streetdrivers.com.

Eurodragster staffer Sharkman was at the Run What You Brung at Santa Pod yesterday, and has already posted two pages of pictures of the action on his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales, which you can find at www.topendtales.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Johansson plans full Tour.
30th March: Swedish Top Methanol Dragster racer Krister Johansson is planning to contest the entire FIA European Championship tour in 2003. Krister, a past European Champion and forever resident in the history book as the first European Pro Comp racer into the sixes (in 1979), will be racing in his injected-nitro dragster which had its first outing at Mantorp Park last July.

"Krister, Torsten Dahl and I visited America over the winter and learnt a lot about A/Fuel racing from the friendly American racers", says team member Lars 'Linkan' Lindqvist. "The fuel system is being rebuilt, the fuel tank moved, we have a six-shooter to adjust the mags, and we will also make a lot of small changes and we may even fit a Racepak."
©Eurodragster.com
Krister and his team of Lisa, Thomas, "hopefully" Tim Read, Thomas ex-of Tony Dönges' team and of course Linkan have a simple philosophy. "A/Fuel is a lot different to methanol racing, which we have been doing for more than twenty years", says Linkan. "So why not make things a bit complicated? It makes life more interesting!"

Web site updates.
30th March: Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive site with a sixth page of motorcycle pictures. It contains more of Henk Vink's motorcycles including the first rocket bike in the UK, World Champion Bo O'Brochta, some classic early British drag bikes, both of Brian Chapman's Vincent powered machines, an early Harley competition bike and much more. Alan tells us that it is the last of his pictures that he intends to put on the site but that plans are afoot to keep the site growing so stay tuned.

Flavell looking forward to being blown.
29th March: Many thanks to Mark Flavell for bring us the latest update on the Performance Unlimited Super Pro ET Dragster. Back on the 21st March Mark gave us the low down on the teams plans and the new engine combination and now Mark reveals that he is very much looking forward to being blown and that his first experience of it will be at this Sundays RWYB.
©Eurodragster.com
"The Blown Gas Dragster will stretch its legs this Sunday at Santa Pod's RWYB." says Mark. "It's the first opportunity we've had to test the Performance Unlimited Super Pro Dragster as the final pieces were only bolted together yesterday. With the English weather as fickle as it can be, you never know when or if you'll get another chance before our championship campaign takes off at Easter. We're proud of what we've built, I only hope that it lives up to all our expectations after what seems like a long winter which started with a ultra fine sand-blasting of the chassis for a ground up thorough inspection and update and has finished up with a new drivetrain, fuel systems, wing etc, etc. We'd have liked to get as far as the body shop for a make over but time and funds have run out. Thanks must go Craig and Pete the super crew and also to everybody who has helped to get us there."

Gleeson Wright secure Ultimate backing.
29th March: LA Performance Services have announced that Gleeson Wright Security Services have signed up as a contingency sponsor for the 2003 Ultimate Power Drag Racing Championship at Shakespeare County Raceway. The Waltham Abbey-based company are posting £50 for the winner of Super Street and £25 for the runner-up, and will also be posting a bonus of £25 for the first Super Street racer to post a perfect 10.900 in eliminations.
©Eurodragster.com
Gleeson Wright Security Services are a familiar name in drag racing; Matthew Wright races in Super Street himself, formerly with a Ford Escort but in 2003 with a Big Block Chevy-equipped '75 Chevy C10 stepside pick-up, and the company also sponsors Super Modified racer Andy Hone. Matthew has already stated that should he make the Super Street final at any of the Ultimate Power events then he will not take his own money but hand it back to the promoter to put back into the class.

"We are very grateful indeed to Gleeson Wright Security Services for their backing", says Lee Child of LA Performance Services, who sponsors our Links pages through his company LA Racing Parts. "Matthew is continuing a growing trend of racers putting money back into the sport. We also appreciate Matthew's class act in refusing to take back his own money should he achieve the success he deserves."
©Eurodragster.com
Gleeson Wright Security Services are based in Waltham Abbey in Essex. The company specialises in twenty four/seven manned guarding, security fencing, closed circuit TV, and other services to customers' requirements. You can contact Gleeson Wright Security on 01992 767164.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Ultimate Power Drag Racing Championship then you can call Lee Child on 01803 554308 or E-Mail la.racing@virgin.net.

Wildcat in Super Modified.
29th March: Tim Garlick, driver of the crowd-pleasing wheelstanding Super Modified Cortina has contacted us to let us know that, due to the perennial favourite 'circumstances beyond his control', the Super Modified ranks will be lacking his presence until some time in May.

With the aim of getting up amongst the front-runners, an all new engine combination has been formulated over the off season and, a delay in the delivery of some proprietary components, sourced from overseas, has resulted in the deadline having to be slipped.

"Until you try and build something out of the ordinary, you have no idea of the difficulty you might have in sourcing component parts. It has taken us nearly three months to have a roller camshaft ground to our specs because nothing is available off the shelf!" said Tim.

"The car was built for and is very much suited to the characteristics of a Rover-based powerplant" he added. "Because of this, we have built as close to the optimal Rover engine possible within the confines of the Super Modified regulations, confident that the class is very much in a 'growth-mode' and with closely governed and monitored rules.
©Eurodragster.com
It will involve a substantial amount of testing once the combination is complete and, whilst we certainly aren't going to be making any predictions about performance, we think that eventually we can offer an alternative to the more proven combinations."

"I'd like to thank the people who have helped in the development of the car and engine, in particular my crew Paula, Ricky and Paul and the guys at ICE Automotive Racing Engines for providing a viable route to translate my ideas into a working combination."

Prepped Track for APIRA opener.
29th March: The start of the season's events at Shakespeare County Raceway is just two weeks away, writes APIRA Club Secretary Wendy Talbot. The season opens with the season-opening Test and Tune over the weekend of the 12th-13th April.

The season opener will feature a prepped track and of course a full complement of marshals and the FAST team. There will also be free camping, grandstands, toilets and showers. The gates open on Friday 11th April at 3.00pm and prices will be �15.00 per person or �25.00 for the weekend. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult go free. All APIRA club members will receive a discount of �2.00 on a weekend ticket on production of their valid membership card.
©Eurodragster.com
For all those that want to take part in the track action the cost is �15.00 per day or �25.00 for the weekend. Please remember to bring along your valid DVLC Licence and note that crash helmets are now compulsory if you wish to race on the track.

Veidec team well-backed.
28th March: After a very busy winter with a lot of different projects on the go as well as working with sponsors, the Veidec Racing Pro Stock Bike team are almost ready to race, says Crew Chief Roger Lyrén. Sweden's Roger Pettersson and Norway's FIM/UEM European Champion Øivind von Essen have set their targets high for 2003 and have an impressive array of backers to help them in their Championship quest.

"Our main sponsor is Veidec", says Roger. "Rickard Pålsson is a big help to the team and with all of the work he has done for us has made us one of the biggest teams in the sport. Of course, Veidec have one of the most professional products ever made.

"Suzuki Sweden with Ted Ökvist will be supporting us with a new GSXR1000, one Katana Scooter and also the new ATV four-wheeler which we will be using for 2003-2004 season. Suzuki feel that this is a very good way to use our team to advertise these new models, and of course shows the quality which Suzuki stand for.

"Motospeed and Vance and Hines Motorsport will support us with the best engine materials and we can use their workshop for all the work on the bikes. Valvoline have come into the team more, also bringing in Eagle One. We have excellent oils and bike care products to keep the team in good shape.

"Arlen Ness will support the team with leathers and gloves. As they are new to the market with sport bike leathers it is especially good that they want to use us to promote their excellent products. Shoei will support us with helmets, RK Chains with the best chains for drag racing, and Cometic Gaskets will support us with gaskets.
©Eurodragster.com
"Dynatek have the best electronics and computers on the market so hopefully we will take one more Championship for them. Beta Tools will support us with all the tools we need."

Roger tells us that the team's new bus is almost finished. "The bus is a Van Hool, 14.5 metre (46 foot), fully-equipped with space for all ten team members", says Roger. "Also we have a big VIP area so that we can take care of our sponsors at events."

The bikes will be on show for the first time this season at the Custom Motor Show at Jönköping on 18th-21st April, and then the team head for Gardermoen to test on 9th-11th May. "We can't wait to start racing again", says Roger. "I think the competition will be very good this year."

Mums get gift at RWYB.
28th March: Following its success last year, Santa Pod Raceway will again be presenting all mothers who attend this Sunday's (30th March) Run What You Brung with a special gift to commemorate Mother's Day. "We are also expecting between fifteen and twenty scooters at Santa Pod this Sunday as it is the first round of their X-Race series", says David Lloyd-Jones of Santa Pod. "The final round will be at the Pod at Scooter Hijack on Saturday 2nd August."
©Eurodragster.com
Santa Pod's gates open at 8:00 am on Sunday and the strip opens at approximately 10:00, weather permitting. Entry to the track is £9 per person, under-sixteens go free. If you want to race your vehicle there is an additional charge of £13 for unlimited runs. A valid DVLC driving licence must be presented, seat belts are required in cars and crash helmets must be worn by bike riders and the drivers of soft-topped cars. Bike riders must also wear appropriate bike-riding clothing. Drivers of open top cars must also wear arm restraints. For more details check out Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com.

Pre-Main Event Test still open.
28th March: Santa Pod Raceway Track Manager Kjell Pettersson has also asked us to remind racers that bookings are still being taken for the pre-FIA Main Event Test Day, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday 17th May. The invitation to test is open to FIA Top Fuel Dragster, FIA Top Methanol Dragster, FIA Top Methanol Funny Car, FIA Pro Stock, Fuel Funny Car, Pro Modified, Comp Eliminator, Super Modified, Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Sportsman ET, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Custom Car Street Eliminator, UEM Top Fuel Bike (aka Comp Bike), UEM Super Twin Bike and UEM Pro Stock Bike.

This day will also be a Street Machine Street Racer Saturday Special. Only racers in the above classes who have pre-booked, and Street Machine Saturday Special drivers who have pre-registered, will be allowed to sign on and use the track. More details on the Street Machine part of the event are available from the magazine.

Entry for the Test Day will be £117.50 per vehicle including VAT. This includes six admission tickets. Extra admission tickets can be ordered on the booking form at £10 per person.

Racers must show signing-on personnel a valid national driver's licence and a valid competition licence showing the grading for the type of vehicle they will be testing. It is the responsibility of the racer to ensure that their vehicle meets the safety regulations for their competition class. In addition, there will be no permit from the MSA, FIA, ACU or FIM so it is the responsibility of the racer to provide their own insurance. Santa Pod Raceway will provide third party insurance.

Bookings should be made by 22nd April, after which entry will be accepted at Santa Pod's discretion.

Full details, conditions, and an entry form can be found by clicking here (PDF file for Acrobat Reader). If you have any enquiries then call Santa Pod Raceway on 01234 782828 (outside the UK +44 1234 782828).
©Eurodragster.com
Wikström after PB and race place.
27th March: In yesterday's news update we mentioned that our buddies at Svensk Dragracing had news of Swedish Pro Mod racer Patrick Wikström's participation in the IHRA Springnationals at Rockingham this weekend. No sooner had we heard the news than Outlaw Racing team member Krister Peterson dropped us a line with a few words on the coming race.

"Hopefully the OFAB Camaro can go fast enough to qualify this time", says Krister. "At the IHRA World Finals we acually did run faster than the European ET record (6.37), but we came up short with twenty-ninth place in a field of fifty cars and the bump spot was 6.30 so it's not easy.
©Eurodragster.com
"Maybe Håkan Nilsson's good performance last weekend can inspire the Outlaw racing team to improve their personal best ET, 6.323, and be in the programme for Sunday."

We'll all be pushing for you, guys. You will be able to stay in touch with events at Rockingham on the Drag Race Central web site at www.dragracecentral.com.

Svensk Dragracing ferry deal.
27th March: More news from our good friends at Svensk Dragracing is that racers and fans will be able to get a great deal on ferry fares thanks to an agreement with Affärskompaniet and Silja Line. "The deal includes discounts for all European drag racers and fans travelling over the Baltic Sea to or from any NDRS or FIA/UEM European Championship event", says Erik Zettervall of Svensk Dragracing.

You can find full details on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
A and E confirm FB sponsorship.
27th March: UK Custom Car Street Eliminator team FB Racing are pleased to confirm the retention of A and E Fire Equipment as major sponsors of the Street Eliminator- and NSCC-bound '34 Ford Coupe for the 2003 season. This will be the fourth year of the company's support.

FB Racing's Ian Hook said "We are very happy that A and E Fire Equipment have decided to extend their involvement with our team", said driver Ian Hook, "particularly in light of the fact that the past two seasons have been very difficult for us, minimising the exposure of the Coupe. Rest assured that we are planning to repay their faith in us in spadefuls during 2003."

Roy Amphlett, Projects Director for A and E, added "We have been pleased to be supporters of the FB Team for a number of years. The effort and dedication shown by the lads on a limited budget is a credit to all involved. I am sure their efforts will reap due reward shortly."

A and E Fire Equipment, based in FB Racing's home town of Cheltenham, are well-established in both the fields of fire prevention and fire fighting. With over forty years of experience behind them they are able to provide a high level of advice and support offering everything from a simple detector to a fully-installed prevention and extinguishing package.

With the increased emphasis on fire safety now being brought to drag racing many competitors are faced with the prospect of improving their pit-based fire extinguishers. A and E are currently able to offer discounted rates to racers and safety crews (they have in fact recently serviced the FAST team's range of extinguishers) and can usually deliver to the track if required.

For more information A and E Fire Equipment can be contacted by telephone on 01452 712021, by fax on 01452 714417, by E-Mail at info@ae-fire.co.uk or visit their web-site at www.ae-fire.co.uk: just mention FB Racing in any correspondence.
©Eurodragster.com
Another Leanders Brother.

27th March: A big Congratulations to Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer Ulf Leanders and his partner Karin Andersson on the birth on Tuesday of their son Fredrik. Team member Benny Edvardsson, who kindly wrote to tell us about the happy event, says that Fredrik weighed in at 5010 grammes. "Maybe he will be the driver in future!", says Benny.
©Eurodragster.com
We are sure that everyone will join Sharkman and Tog in sending Ulf and Karin our very best wishes, and congratulations also to Jörgen on becoming an uncle! Two of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet so young Fredrik has a great future.

STM-bound Harris still up.
27th March: NAST Supertwin Street Champion Les Harris is still on a high after the overwhelming success of his Race Rock Show in Norwich on Sunday. "What a blinding day!", says Les. "One word sums it up: mint. I'm over the moon and I just can't thank everyone enough. It would take hours to go through a list of everyone I need to thank. I know what people went through to get there and I really appreciate it. There was a lot of lovely stuff and a lot of lovely people there, the weather couldn't have been better. I wanted it to be a good day out for everyone, everyone had a great time, what else can I say?"

Les tells us that one of the stars of the show, Jake Carruthers' Junior Drag Bike, was meant to be one of a pair but logistics got in the way. "Don Irvine finished his Junior Bike in the small hours of Sunday morning but once he'd put the full-sized bike on the trailer there was no room for the Junior", says Les.
Very very ©Eurodragster.com
The second Race Rock Show is to be held in 2004 - we'll bring you more details a little closer to the time.

Whilst we were talking to Les he let us in on his plans for 2003 and, as it turned out, 2004. "I am racing in Supertwin Modified this season", he said. "That means an air shifter (and an end to Les' unique gear-change style - Ed), but I am going to give Dave Bartz grief at every opportunity! I will be testing at the APIRA Test and Tune in April. In 2004 I will be racing in Supertwin Gas on a TL1000R, I can't wait. George Laycock has built me a new chassis and I am chuffed to bits with it."

Les will be sending us some more photographs of Race Rock to add to those we took (which you can view via the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page); stay tuned and we'll bring you those as soon as they arrive.

Racer turns TV drag queen.
26th March: Thanks, we think, to UK National Sportsman ET Champion Al Platt for letting us know of some coverage for drag racing on UK television, albeit in questionable circumstances.

"This week's Faking It USA, on Channel 4 at 10:50 pm this Saturday (29th), should be a laugh", said Al. "They are turning a drag racer into a drag queen. I hope this idea doesn't cross the Pond!" (I think we're all agreed on that - Ed)
©Eurodragster.com
Al asked us to say a big Thank You to Hauser Race Cars for supplying a Strange rear axle. "Decent gears at last!", he said.

Web site updates.
26th March: Our good friends at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with a very entertaining crossword. The hard work of Christer Abrahamson, the crossword is not as easy as it looks and should keep all European fans busy for a while. The site has also been updated with news of Patrick Wikström's appearance at the IHRA Springnationals. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.

The official web site of FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion, Germany's Peter Schöfer, has been updated with a report and pictures of the team's recent visit to America. The report by team member Gittli Koller is presented both in German and English and makes very interesting reading. You can find the Peter Schöfer Racing web site at www.p-s-r.com.

UK Pro ET racer Terri Lee has updated her web site with the latest news from the workshop of her beautiful Blown It Ford Escort van, "After what seems an age" (not as long as the off-season - Ed). It's not all good news as it looks like we won't be seeing Terri at the start of the season. Check out the latest at www.terrileeracing.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Carter Motorsports workshop visit.
25th March: Last Friday we mentioned that we had arranged a visit to UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter's workshop on Saturday, and we promised a report within the next few days. The visit duly took place and we have now posted a report and pictures from Andy's workshop.

We spoke to Andy, Crew Chief Eddie Corr, and PR Dan Welberry, and found out what the First National Telecom team had done to the ex-P & G Racing operation since it arrived, how far they are into their preparations for the 2003 season, and what they have planned (and to whom they plan to do it) this year. We were also very pleased to grab a few words with Pelle Lindelöw and Gunnar Elmqvist who were visiting at the same time as us.
©Eurodragster.com
To read about our workshop visit click here, or click on the Features link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Web site updates.
25th March: The official web site of UK Nostalgia racers The Wild Bunch has been updated with a calendar of 2003 events. You can find the Wild Bunch web site at www.the-wild-bunch.co.uk.

UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer and Ultimate Power Championship contingency sponsor Andy Frost has updated his web site with the latest news from the Red Victor workshop. Check it out at www.redvictor1racing.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Wildside rock Goodwood.

24th March: The most British Top Fuel Dragster team met the most stately and British of motorsports events at Goodwood House this week. The Wildside Inc Top Fueller was centre stage at the press launch for this year�s Goodwood Festival of Speed, and was the finale to the day�s exhibitions.

Lord March�s front lawn was witness to the glorious sound of 6000 bhp for the first time ever, as the world's media and noted industry guests were treated to the spectacle of the most powerful discipline in all FIA motorsports.

"The day was like a dream come true", said car owner Lesley Wright. "The whole day went without a hitch and we were proud to represent FIA Drag Racing on the world's most unique motorsport stage. The more traditional motoring press definitely know what a Top Fuel car is now! We are looking forward to coming back in the summer for the event and to promoting drag racing by putting on an unforgettable show on 11th-13th July."

"As you can see from the picture, Lord March himself tried the hot seat and was more than impressed by the power, and seemed quite relaxed at the possibility of our blowing his windows out", said driver Darryl Bradford. "The whole experience was like visiting royalty for the day - well, like visiting royalty and then making a storming entrance in their front garden, anyway! Being around these cars all the time, you tend to become used to their power and brute force but events like this just prove that it�s one of the world's greatest spectacles. We were sandwiched between Michael Schumacher's Ferrari and David Coulthard's McLaren, and onlookers were stunned when we explained that the power of those two put together was the same as two of our eight cylinders!"

"Press and media attendance was huge so roll on the Festival!", added Lesley Wright.
©Eurodragster.com
Nilsson smashes PB in USA runner-up.
24th March: Congratulations to 2002 NDRS Pro Modified Champion Håkan Nilsson smashed his personal best out of sight at the Competition Plus Spring Open in Virginia this weekend. Håkan made the final of the Pro Mod Shootout and ran a 6.344 at 221.13 mph in taking runner-up spot to Steve Vick in a very close race indeed.
©Eurodragster.com
Håkan's team are updating their web site at www.nilssonmotorsports.com from the USA as and when possible.

The Camaro will now be shipped back to Sweden for its 'off-season' overhaul and the application of a new paintjob.

First Junior Drag Bike unveiled.

24th March: The UK's first purpose-built Junior Drag Bike was unveiled at the Race Rock Show in Norwich yesterday (Sunday). The immaculate 8.90-index CG125 has been built by Ian 'Rush' Carruthers and Mick Jackson's Pro Mod Engineering workshop, and is to be ridden this year by Rush's son Jake Carruthers (right).

"It took us six months to build the bike", Rush told Eurodragster at Race Rock yesterday. "We've had to make everything on the bike as a one-off to get it to scale. It's about six and a half feet long and about two feet high. Hopefully it will help to promote Junior Drag Bike."
©Eurodragster.com
The beautiful paintjob on the bike was the work of Neil Rosling who turned the job round in two weeks. "We want the promoters to want these bikes", said Rush. "We are very grateful to Neil for his excellent and quick job", added Mick Jackson.

Junior Drag Bike is in its first year in the UK and is to be contested at Shakespeare County Raceway this season. There are two classes:

8.90 for 11-16 years, up to 125 cc with manual or automatic clutch
12.90 for 8-10 years, up to 50 cc with automatic clutch

"We wanted to introduce Junior Drag Bike because drag bike racing is the only motorsport discipline which doesn't have a Junior category", explained Rush. "It's a good family thing - I will get to spend more time with Jake and hopefully it will help him progress. We have designed Junior Drag Bike to be as safe, accessible and affordable as possible. You can use any make or model of engine, not just Briggs and Stratton which let's face it aren't cheap. The bikes must resemble either Top Fuel or Funny Bikes otherwise you end up with mopeds!"
Eurodraster make exceedingly © news items
Jake is to make his first passes on the bike at the APIRA Test and Tune at Shakespeare County Raceway on 12th-13th April, and Rush tells us that he expects between four and six JDBs to attend the event.

If you are interested in Junior Drag Bike, or if you would like Pro Mod Engineering to build you a JDB, then call Rush on 07970 900805. You can see several pictures of Jake Carruthers' Junior Drag Bike in our Race Rock Show photo feature, which you can view by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Harris delighted with Race Rock.
24th March: Organiser Les Harris expressed himself "Almost at a loss for words" with the success of the first Race Rock Show in Norwich. The outdoor festival took place in beautiful weather and a party atmosphere, and was attended by hundreds of visitors a lot of whom brought their bikes along to add to the fun.
©Eurodragster.com
"My main fear was the weather - so what can I say?", said Les. "This weather has made a perfect day. I'm amazed and overwhelmed at how many have turned out. As you know we put a lot of time and effort into this show but you don't know how it will turn out until the day. I love it when a plan comes together!"

The Race Rock Show was attended by a large number of drag bikes, including a sizeable contingent of Les' Supertwin colleagues, together with a Fuel Altered, Pro ET-destined Camaro (see below), Junior Dragster, and several bikes from other motorsport disciplines. We have posted a large number of photographs of the event, which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Wilfy's Rat heads for Pro ET...
24th March: One of the race cars at the Race Rock show was the ex-Just a Rat of Alex Nicol and Tony Gransden, now in the hands of its new owner Wilf Moyes. Wilf plans to run the car in Pro ET although he may not be out on the track in anger until 2004.

"We're still in the process of putting the car together", Wilf told Eurodragster yesterday. "The engine is a 454 Big Block Chevy bought from Glyn Robinson. It's seventy per cent ready but there are some small bits left to do such as prop, converter, plumbing it in and maybe a rewire. I'll repaint it if I can find the funds, but I would like to thank Sam for the signwriting on the bonnet (see our Race Rock event coverage - Ed). I will do some Run What You Brungs this year, hopefully get my licence and maybe do one race this year before doing the full season next year."
©Eurodragster.com
Wilf has not raced before, his previous experience being a seventeen-second pass in his Rover street car. "I've always wanted to do this", he said. "I was piecing together a Dart but that's on the back burner now. I'm looking forward to getting out there to play with Dave Potter, now that I've got one of his crew as my Crew Chief!"

...and Potter pulls "kit car" together.
24th March: The subject of Wilf Moyes' anticipation, UK Pro ET racer Dave Potter, should return to the track later this year, says his Crew Chief Ken. Dave's Championship-winning Split Personality Chevelle was very badly damaged in a head-on collision with the guardrail at Shakespeare County Raceway last season but the rebuild is coming along.

"What happened was that a rod let go and almost cut the block in half", says Ken. "Dave had no hope. Bob Doyle has put the front end of the body back together - he must like jigsaws!". The car is currently in what Ken describes as kit form; the chassis is complete and the team are currently waiting on suspension parts. The favoured power-plant has also been chosen.
©Eurodragster.com
"It's lower, lighter and faster", says Ken. "I can't tell you any more because Dave won't let me! Suffice to say you won't recognise it!"

Dave and the team expect to be out testing late this year.

Spuff's mark goes Down Under.
24th March: Courtesy of Luke Nieuwhof in Australia comes the news that the UK's John Spuffard is no longer the fastest Fuel Funny Car racer outside the USA. Spuff has recorded speeds as fast as 286 mph but the fastest-run mark has gone to the other side of the globe for now.
©Eurodragster.com
"Allan Dobson went 289 mph in Allan and Cheryl Greene's Greene Machine Beretta to take away the honours", says Luke. "Unfortunately it was the last time the car will run this season, so now we'll have to see what happens with your Funny Car Championship through our winter!"

Thanks Luke, you know where you'll read it first.

Englefield: We've blown it.
23rd March: Back in February the UK's B A Racing Pro Modified team announced plans to switch to a blown-alcohol set-up in their beautiful '38 Ford Coupe if they could sell their 706 ci nitrous powerplant. Driver Bert Englefield has announced that the switch to a supercharger is now definitely on after the nitrous engine was sold.

"We have purchased a Brad Anderson Fathead Hemi from Nick Davies (of our sponsors ICE Automotive - Ed)", said Bert. "The motor last saw duty in Rob Guerain's Top Methanol Funy Car and is the same spec as Bucky Austin's motor which has run 5.6s with a PSI blower."
©Eurodragster.com
Bert tells us that the team are now sourcing a latest-spec hi-helix blower to make the motor legal for Pro Mod, and that the transmission is being changed to an air-shifted three-speed Lenco. The team have also dug deep into their pockets for all sorts of other goodies.

"A dual-disc eleven-inch AFT clutch is on order, and the nine-inch Ford rear end is being upgraded to a nine and a half-inch model", said Bert. "We are looking forward to débuting the new combination at the FIA European Finals."

Stay tuned to Eurodragster for updates over the next few months.

Another contingency deal Penned.
23rd March: Penn Autos have become the latest contingency sponsor of LA Performance Services' Ultimate Power Championsip at Shakespeare County Raceway. The Wolverhampton-based company, owned by Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Andy Frost, is posting vouchers for £50 and £30 for the winner and runner-up in Super Gas, Super Street and Pro ET. Racers will be required to carry decals.
Don't forget it's ©Eurodragster.com
"We are very pleased to welcome another sponsor who participates in the racing", says LA Performance Services' Lee Child, who sponsors our Links pages through his company LA Racing Parts. "Not only is it good to have Andy racing in Custom Car Street Eliminator but also backing racers in other classes, showing his overwhelming commitment to drag racing."

Penn Autos specialise in the overhaul, repair and service of automatic transmissions, from street cars to full-on race items, as well as the installation and service of nitrous oxide kits and engine building. For more information call Penn Autos on 01902 344004 or visit their web page at www.aorton.freeserve.co.uk/Andydradster/nos.htm.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Ultimate Power Championship then you can call Lee Child on 01803 554308 or E-Mail la.racing@virgin.net.

Bull deals with Herbert.
23rd March: Our third news item in a row to mention a Eurodragster sponsor concerns our Swap Meet sponsor Jeff Bull Race Engines, who have struck a deal with Doug Herbert in the USA to sell a number of lines including Dart heads, intakes, and blocks, Crane Cams, Comp cams, Autometer, MSD systems, and TCI products. "We are working on increasing the lines in the coming months", says Jeff Bull. "It has always been my objective to give UK racers the best deal on engines and parts, with Doug's help this has been made even more possible".
©Eurodragster.com
"I would like to say a Big Thank You to the following users of Jeff Bull Race Engines for their continued support - Have a good season Jon and Sharon Hogarth, Dave and Sarah Day, Stuart and Ann Peck, Martin and Ruth Curbishley, Dave Potter, Jim McGee, Mike Smith, Ritchi and Vines Smith, Trevor and Esta Capewell, Paul Hudson, Malcolm and Em Francis, Keith Boiling, Nick Griffin, Dave Evans and crew, Ray Guy, Dave Gadney, Shaun Lathan, Paul Marston, and those I have missed"

You can contact Jeff Bull Race Engines on 01787 227789 or E-Mail jeffbull.raceengines@virgin.net.

Web site updates.
23rd March: The UK's Showtime Fuel Funny Car team have updated their web site with details of a great new deal with Torco Racing Oils. The team have used Torco products for some seasons and are delighted to formalise the arrangement. You can find full details at www.showtimeracing.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Still time to join York Party.
22nd March: York Raceway PR Howard Holmes has been in touch with a reminder about this year's work parties at York, the first of which takes place tomorrow (Sunday 23rd). The work parties prepare the facility for racing after the winter lay-off and all are welcome to come along and help.
©Eurodragster.com
If you would like to take part then there is still time to call 01422 843651, fax 01422 844171 or E-Mail yorkdragway@btinternet.com for more details.

You can also read more in our original news item of 8th March.

Web site updates.
22nd March: The updates to Alan Currans' Acceleration Archive photo gallery are still running at the rate of one a week. This week's new material is another page of Rob Cook's photographs, a second set of Top Fuel Dragster pictures. Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.

Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with some new Windows wallpaper files specially created for fans of Custom Car Street Eliminator. You can find Sharkman's wallpaper files and a lot more at www.topendtales.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Flavell blows back into Super Pro.
21st March: The Limited Performance dragster raced by the UK's Mark Flavell will be returning to the ranks of Super Pro ET this year. The Performance Unlimited dragster has an updated chassis and a 475 ci blown gas-burning Chevrolet.

"Running a blown set-up has always been on my list of things to do", says Mark, "so I set about this latest project almost the day after the original Super Pro 496 engine spread itself all over Stratford. The object of the exercise is still to run a combination which isn�t on the ragged edge, and to put the car into the 7.8s (-ish). That wasn�t quite how it turned out when the new motor was dyno�d at EDA. A little over a thousand horsepower with similar torque was felt to be excessive without having to re-think the stock block and the rest of the driveline combination.

"A second set-up was devised and built, which we tested on Monday. Many thanks must be extended to Kenny Coleman for his input and expertise, his no-nonsense approach to baselining and quickly maximising the motor's potential. I always feel that you�ll learn more in one dyno session than you would in two years at the track. Now that we know what we�ve got we can get on with our job of achieving the car's potential.
©Eurodragster.com
"The Super Comp 427 (Frankie�s Racing Engines) set-up is now our back-up, and depending upon how the blown engine performs we may well revert to this for the European Super Comp series.

"I�ve done this a few times over the years. We run a combination which we are just about getting a handle on with a solid data base and then bingo - change everything, which renders it all but useless. Not really the most practicable of approaches but it definitely keeps our racing exciting. Super Comp has always been brilliant with the competition intense, but I think that when it comes right down to it I�m simply a horsepower junkie. My good friend and Crew Chief Craig Owen summed it up with a single simple comment: Awesome, let's go racing.

"If you�re a scantily-clad female, a tyre-kicker or just simply fancy a beer and a chat, we hope to be at all Championship rounds this year and look forward to seeing you."

Racers happy with WRE test.
21st March: Yesterday we heard from Jon Webster who was very pleased with the first WRE Test Day at Santa Pod Raceway on Wednesday. Today we have heard from a couple of racers who attended the test day and are equally happy.

"A big thank you to Jon Webster for a really good day", says Super Street Bike racer Pete Bellenie. "All of you who thought to yourselves 'Should I go', let me tell you that you should have! Even though I didn't get my clutch set up by the end of the day, what with a few other unrelated problems I had to give up on some gas runs. Once I have made a few minor adjustments to the bike and also bought a few bits I shall hopefully be at the next one. Let's hope the weather is as kind to us then. Thanks to the crew at Santa Pod, who must have been a wee bit bored from time to time waiting for some one to have a run. It was great for us though - no waiting in a queue for ages, wonderful! Many, many thanks to Joe, my new crewman, for being there and doing what crew should do and much more."
©Eurodragster.com
Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Andy Frost agrees. "I want to tell people what a great idea the WRE Test Days are", says Andy. "I realised that if that test day wasn't available then I would really have been struggling at the first meeting. How many times have all of us been in the situation where just a few hours of testing would make all the difference between being competitive and being first round fodder. Now that we have the facility we should all be using it, as you could end up sorting out something on your car or bike which might take two or three meetings to track down. Thank to Jon for having the foresight to organise these test days, and of course for helping me get Red Victor 2 off the startline quicker..."

Turbo ready to spin.

21st March: UK drag bike photo-journalist and Supertwin racer Ian Turburville says that his S & S Sure-Shot Fuel Harley is is nearing completion. "The ex-Aasen Racing machine has undergone a complete re-make by myself, with lots of help, and will compete in the NAST championship this year as well as various other ACU events as performance dictates", says Ian. "The old learning curve seems to be as steep as ever but I plan to take small steps and stay safe on this journey of discovery. The bike has turned out nicely, I think, and is comparable with Steve Clutterbuck's both budget-wise and in specification. It should be an entertaining year for us both! The S & S Sure-Shot will debut on the Santa Pod Raceway stand at the Doncaster Ripspeed show on 12th-13th April.

"This bike was born with the assistance of some of the finest people on this planet so big thanks go to S & S Cycle, Red Line Oil USA, Jim's Machining, Zodiac, Custom Chrome Europe, Sure Shot Sprayers, Rivera Engineering, Hyperformance, Sprint Dampers, Pro-Stock Engineering, Aasen Racing, Fast Cat Racing, Jim McClure, Rob van Geffen, www.offmyhead.com, Aerotek-Braided Steel, Bentec, Al Smith, www.kingracing.com, Triple 'O' Racing, Brian Johnson, Barry Sheavills, Rune Fjeld, Benrie, Willem, Karl, Krusi, Tony Rugiero, Dale Nungesser and all my peers in the heady world of nitro racing who have been so helpful with this project. If you had told me ten years ago that I would have any kind of Fuel bike right now, I would have just shined you one! Thanks everyone, you've made an old man very nervous (but I like it)!"
©Eurodragster.com
TIL buy ACI.
21st March: Dave Holland of the UK's Team Titanium International Funny Bike has purchased a new 2003 Dodge Ram Crew Cab 4x4 pickup from Eurodragster sponsor American Car Imports. The Ram, with the all-new 345 bhp �Hemi� 5.7 litre V8, will tow the new bike trailer and will be seen at all major events in 2003.

"I am looking forward to the new season with great anticipation", says Dave Holland. "I am delighted with my new purchase from the guys at American Car Imports."
©Eurodragster.com
American Car Imports are the UK�s number one supplier of new American vehicles, and their involvement with drag racing allows any team or racer to purchase a new American vehicle at what MD Jon Cohen describes as "special Drag Race prices". For further information contact American Car Imports on 0208 889 4545 or check out their web site at www.americancarimports.com. Dave Holland and Team Titanium International can be contacted on 0121 789 5764 or by E-Mail at nhoskison@tiltd.co.uk.

CC Racing seek staff.
21st March: UK race car builder CC Racing are seeking a new member of staff as their order book continues to swell. "We have got a lot of work on so we really need someone else", says Andy Oliver. "We are looking for someone with experience, who can work on their own initiative - whose shoulder we won't have to look over all the time - and who is prepared to put in the hours. The work is varied, you could be doing a front axle one day and a chassis the next, on race cars and hot rods. You should also be within driving distance of our North Kent workshop."
©Eurodragster.com
If this sounds like you, then contact Andy at CC Racing on 0208 311 5663 or E-Mail andyoliver@fsmail.net.

Carter merchandise on-line.
21st March: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter is now selling merchandise via his web site at www.andycarter.net. On sale are the usual items such as T-shirts and caps, through mousemats, spark plugs, posters and a lot more. The site is not currently accepting on-line ordering but arrangements for mail order can be found on the Merchandise page.
©Eurodragster.com
Eurodragster will be visiting Andy's workshop tomorrow (Saturday) for a special pre-season feature so stay tuned and we will bring that to you within the next few days.

Proteus pictures sought.
21st March: We've heard from Abby who is hoping that Eurodragster readers will be able to help her out. "I am looking for pictures of my dad's car Proteus", says Abby. "I would like any pictures from 1974 onwards, including pictures of the car as it is today driven by Paul Jackson in VW Pro. Keith and my dad Mick Hathaway owned the car back then, but Keith owns the car which is around today. I help crew on this car which John Price last year nicknamed the Misfire because we had problems with it all year.
©Eurodragster.com
"We hope to have the problems sorted out and we will be out to show that there is life in a flat four yet!"

If you can help Abby with pictures of Proteus then you can drop Abby a line at lisa.cawley@btopenworld.com.

2003 FIM/UEM PSB weights.
20th March: FIM/UEM European Championship Co-ordinator Lars Andersson has kindly supplied details of the new weights agreed for FIM/UEM Pro Stock Bike in 2003, which have been agreed by the UEM's Road Racing and Drag Racing Working Group. The weights are as follow:

Minimum weights of bike and rider equipped with:

2-valve DOHC (OEM cylinder heads) 265 kg max. 1510 cc
4 or 5 valve 265 kg max. 1300 cc
2 (UEM approved heads) 4 or 5 valve 270 kg max. 1510 cc
2, 4 or 5 valve 280 kg max. 1600 cc
2, 4 or 5 valve 285 kg max. 1650 cc
2 cylinder/pushrod 250 kg max. 3000 cc
2 cylinder 220 kg max. 1000 cc
2-stroke 220 kg/Nitrous allowed max. 1000 cc

"We hope that everyone will agree on this because, as we understand it, this was a request from all Pro Stock Bike racers", says Lars.

You can find all of the 2003 FIM/UEM rules on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Want to test at NDRG Springnats?
20th March: Ove Rønning of Norsk Dragracing Gardermoen writes with an invitation to racers to test at the NDRG Springnats at Gardermoen Raceway.

"Any driver planning to compete in the FIA/UEM this year is welcome to test at Gardermoen 9th-11th May", says Ove. "You can go out on the track as much as you like, and the track conditions will be first class. We know that Roger Petterson (Pro Stock Bike) and Fredde Fagerström will be there as well as some Pro Mod racers.

"The only thing we need from you is the entry fee of NoK 1100 whichever class you race in, and a message so that we know who is coming. Either call +47-950 57 500, Fax +47-638 78 763 or E-Mail erijacob@online.no or grete.roenning@online.no.

"You are also very welcome if you are not competing in the FIA or UEM Championships. We know that some racers went out on the track nearly twenty times just on the Saturday in 2002. Spring is nearly three weeks earlier this year, and everyone will remember the good conditions and the weather we had last year."
©Eurodragster.com
Malmgren's twin-engine Pro Stock.
20th March: Magnus Cato of the European Championship- and record-holding AC Delco/Malmgren Racing Pro Stock team was one of what appears to be a very large number of readers glued to the webcam yesterday. It certainly seems to have put Magnus into the mood for racing.

"It will be another month or so before we can haul ass at Santa Pod", says Magnus. "We have been quite busy both with the bus (of course) and the Camaro. The news for this season will be in the engine compartment; we've added some power on another spare so we will have two almost-identical engines. One engine is sold, so watch out for another quick car in Pro Stock this season."
©Eurodragster.com
Magnus has also found time to acquire a Lincoln Continental, which is to be pinstriped by a friend this weekend in lieu of a trip to the north of Sweden to race snowmobiles. "The lack of snow has held us back", says Magnus. We've been to Piteå, we say take 'em to the track...

AAFC for ACI Racing.
20th March: The UK's American Car Imports Racing Top Methanol Dragster team have announced a new sponsorshop deal with Alternative Automotive Fuel Conversions (We like those initials - Ed).

"This coming year we are pleased to announce our continuing research and support into the aftermarket conversion to bi fuel of American vehicles", says Stuart Grey of AAFC. "For this reason we have committed to being a major sponsor of American Car Imports Racing.

"We convert many types of vehicle to bi fuel but have added a special section for American vehicles at to our web site at www.gas4cars.com.

"Using only the latest sequential electronic systems from the world�s best manufacturers, we promise and deliver results for all vehicles, from single vehicles to fleets.

"We wish ACI Racing the best of luck in the coming season, and look forward to seeing faces old and new, both at and away from the strip."

You can find the ACI Racing web site at www.americancarimportsracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Webster pleased with first test.
20th March: Jon Webster expressed himself "extremely pleased" with yesterday's inaugural Webster Race Engineering Test Day at Santa Pod Raceway. Nine racers took advantage of the glorious weather and event-standard track prep, with Super Street Bike particularly well-represented.
©Eurodragster.com
"Today was a dry run for us", said Jon. "We have a lot more coming to the next test day (16th April - Ed) so we were able to work out what to do and how to do it. I have had a lot of positive feedback and requests for booking forms for the next test. Most of the people who were here today are not booked for the next test - but I think a lot of them will be there now!"

Jon explained that profitability was not the primary motive for the test days. "It's more to show what we can do", he said. "For example Carla Pitau and Rick McCann were at our Shop on Tuesday and have come to test today where we can have input, and I think that has paid off."

Jon was kept busy consulting and crewing, starting the day with Custom Car Street Eliminator racer John Hales and then helping out Andy Frost after John Hales split an intake manifold in the pits. "Both Andy and John are running new set-ups this year and we've had a chance to work with them on those. Also Johnny Beech (Sportsman ET racer - Ed) had the chance to make the first passes in his car without hundreds of people watching him, he has gone away with experience under his belt."

Jon was very grateful to Santa Pod Raceway for all of their work both before and on the day. The track was in pristine condition, proven by Matt Nixon's 1.343-second sixty foot time which is the quickest ever UK Super Street Bike sixty-foot. "I must say a big Thank You to Santa Pod", said Jon. "Everyone has been very helpful and they have all done a thoroughly professional job."

If you would like to enter the next WRE Test Day then you can download the entry form by clicking here, or by calling WRE on 01933 315236.

You can view Eurodragster's Event Coverage from yesterday's WRE Test Day by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Harris takes stock.
20th March: 2002 NAST Supertwin Street Champion Les Harris has been in touch with one last update about the attractions at this Sunday's Race Rock event in Norwich. In the last news update on ">13th March Les mentioned "silly games" which would be taking place in addition to the extensive bike and car displays, trade stands, live bands and other entertainment; the latest silly game appeals to the sense of humour of the Eurodragster staff at least.

"We've got a set of stocks", says Les. "It's been suggested that I get in the stocks and that people can throw things at me for free (that distant rattle is Mark Earrey getting his keys and heading for Norwich - Ed)! The Funny Car has also been confirmed and we have another trade stand which will be selling gothic and hippy clothing."

Les asked us to stress that the £30 price for the one-ninth scale V-Rod is a show only price, so if you want to get one then you have to be there!
Every word absolutely ©Eurodragster.com
Race Rock takes place this Sunday, 23rd March, at the King Edward VII pub, which is just north of Norwich city centre at 63 Aylsham Road (the A140, click here for a map). The show is open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Entry is a mere £1 which includes free entry to a contest to guess the weight of Les' Harley.

Web site updates.
20th March: The official web site of Sweden's Venomous Racing street-legal Dodge Viper now has an English section. The highly professional web site features everything you could want to know about Jan Phersson, the team, and the beautiful Viper including news, gallery, team details, technical details, sponsors, links and much more. Check it out at www.venomousracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
West Coast Racing's Ultimate backing.
19th March: LA Performance Services have announced that UK race car builder West Coast Racing are to sponsor Pro ET, Super Gas and Super Street at its Ultimate Power Championship at Shakespeare County Raceway. West Coast Racing's owner Dale Reardon, who races a Citroen Dyane in Custom Car Street Eliminator, is posting £50 vouchers for the winners and £25 for the runners-up of the three Sportsman classes.
©Eurodragster.com
"I am very happy indeed that Dale has got involved", said Lee Child of LA Performance Services. "West Coast Racing is a well-known name amongst Sportsman racers and fans and I am delighted to have that name associated with the Ultimate Power Championship."

You can find out more about the services on offer from West Coast Racing on 01326 564486.

Dale plays with Richard's Willys.
19th March: Also courtesy of Lee Child comes the news that Dale Reardon will be trying out his own handiwork as he is to drive Richard Homewood's CCSE '41 Willys at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. Dale built the car for Richard with parts supplied exclusively by Lee's company LA Racing Parts, our Links pages sponsor, and he will be giving Richard's beautiful car a run-out whilst his own race car is in the workshop.
©Eurodragster.com
"Dale will appear later in the year with twin turbos on his small block Chevy", said Lee. "He will be racing Richard's car at the Easter Thunderball for points so that he can secure his all-round bonus."

Accrue NHRA points on NDRS.
19th March: Christer Abrahamson of Svensk Dragracing has been in touch to remind any racer who wishes to run in an NHRA National Event that they can accrue grading points at Nordic Drag Racing Series events. The rules for getting into NHRA events are quite strict and this great facility makes things easier for European racers. "Perhaps this is also interesting for the UK contenders this year!", says Christer.

You can find full details on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
Rat saves her money.
19th March: Dave Bailey's RWYB report on yesterday's news update has prompted a response from fellow UK Super Street Bike racer Rachel 'Rat; Pattison, who was also at Santa Pod on Sunday although without her Bandit SSB.

"Well done Dave and Jamie Sneddon - I was watching closely!", says Rat. "Looks like I've got some serious catching up to do. The last one into the sevens is a girl (or at least probably will be - I think I'll try for a couple of eights before I steam into the sevens!).
©Eurodragster.com
"I went to Santa Pod to see Bean running his new Comp Bike. I didn't bother running the 'Busa up there, it seems like a bit of a waste of £13 plus £150 worth of tyre when we all know the best you can get from a bog-standard 'Busa would be about 10.2/135 - it just doesn't compare to the Bandit I'm afraid! Yeah Yeah, I know I need the practice, but I could do without having the road bike in the garage alongside the Bandit!

The Bandit should be back on the track for the two-day Test and Tune at Shakespeare County Raceway (12th-13th April - Ed). Big thanks in advance to Richard and Squirby, who have spent pretty much all their spare time this winter working on the old girl. Longer, lower, tidier, new body kit, electrics etc. I can't wait for the season to start now - seriously itchy feet! Good luck to everyone."

Grateful Croston emigrates.
19th March: UK Wild Bunch racer Paul Croston has said farewell to UK drag racing and UK weather to make a new life on the island of Kos. The driver of the popular B'Sting Topolino altered, who raced for twenty five years, left a farewell message for his colleagues, writes crew member Barry Bohannon.

"Paul would like to thank all the people in the Wild Bunch and the folks at Shakespeare County Raceway, APIRA, track workers, officials and, of course, FAST whose services he thankfully didn't have to call upon!", says Barry. "Paul would also like to thank the people up the road at Santa Pod for making possible his last run of his racing career, at the UK National Finals last October - almost twenty five years to day day after making his first-ever pass in his Alpha-powered Rip Off Junior Comp Altered.
©Eurodragster.com - we said ©
"Paul especially wishes to thank the fine folks at Eurodragster (too kind - Ed), Feel The Noise, Bad Boys Imagin', Trakbyte's site etc. for all the shots and mentions of his car the Croston Racing/J and A Murphy/Bowker and Holt Utilities/'B' Sting Topolino altered.

"Paul asked me to tell everyone that he has had the best of times this past three seasons at the track, and that he will treasure the friends he made and the memories he has (both on and off the track!). The list of names is too long to type but if you know Paul Croston then you're on the list. He will be back to visit at some point and will try and coincide his visit with a race, so he can come back to the track and get under everyone's feet!"

Web site updates.
19th March: Swedish Comp Eliminator racer and C/TA record holder Sören Andersson's web site is just about complete, says Nina Eriksson of Hunchback Racing. The web site is just as good-looking as the rapid early-model Volvo featuring news, calendar, car details, photographs and a lot more. With the Swedsh-language site up and running, an English version is now under construction and will be ready soon. Check it out at www.hunchbackracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Bailey reaches for the sky.
18th March: UK Super Street Bike racer Dave Bailey's pre-season testing is going well, he says. Dave has a new set-up to try out and as part of his preparation for 2003 attended Sunday's Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. Dave very kindly wrote not just with his own progress, which included a new personal altitude record, but that of some of his fellow racers:

Santa Pod was just above the fog. I thought it would be crap on the drive up from sunny Kent, but it turned out to be perfect! I haven't calculated it yet, but there was loads of air - all the 10.90/9.90 boys (no girls) were doing their best times ever.

Jamie Sneddon was there again. He must have made fifteen runs! He ran loads of eights, including a few 8.5s and 8.6s, and a best sixty foot of 1.48). Stormin'! Rat (Rachel Pattison- Ed) turned up for a play on her new street 'Busa, and Grumps (Paul Watson, now Pro Stock Bike - Ed) was there in a spectator capacity, he is waiting for his engine to be finished. That was about it for Super Street-related news - all saving for the Test Day I guess - should be good weather.
©Eurodragster.com
So onto my favourite subject - me (sad git!). I had four running-in passes. The first was with no gas, zzzz...10.0. I've lowered the compression for more gas, less melt and it really notices. On the second run I thought I would see if my new gearing could handle gas off the line in first gear. What with the slick and the glue, the result was reminiscent of that photo of yours. I don't think I've been higher. So moving swiftly on to the third run. Back to the original plan, first stage of gas only, 180 bhp total power. Launch in second gear, 135 bhp off the line. Much better! 1.49 sixty foot, nice and easy to 9.0/150 mph.

There was just enough time for a last run, same settings as before (running in - remember). I actually got to race against Jamie. Beat him off the line with a .60, he spun on the cold evening surface (needs a slick!). I pulled a 1.50 60ft and pootled along to a 9.3 ET. Jamie passed me at a rate of knots just after the finish line and managed a 9.4.

It was an excellent day, very useful, and I didn't blow anything up for a change! I do have a small nitrous leak to find though. I do hope the next RWYB has good weather - or I won't be there! If it's good I'll be trying my new clutch plates for the first two or three runs, then I'll get the big stick out and see if the slick tyre (and the engine!) can handle 330 bhp.

0-60 Challenge photographs.
18th March: Further to yesterday's news item about the 0-60 Challenge, Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has now posted his photographs from the event.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view Sharkman's photographs, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Colourmailer offer still open.
18th March: There are another thirteen days to take advantage of the special deal arranged by Swedish Pro Stock Bike racer Anders Larsson for every Eurodragster reader to receive fifteen free 6" x 4" prints from their digital cameras from Colourmailer, an on-line printing service.

Readers in Scandinavia click here
©Eurodragster.com
Readers in all other European countries click here

When you go to the web site to register, you will be sent a promotional code and an online ordering/picture upload program will be downloaded to your PC. Your prints will arrive within a couple of days of ordering: we have had a sneak preview and the quality of both prints and service is very good indeed.

For more details on the services provided by Colourmailer, check out their web site at www.colormailer.com.

Darrell Gwynn photos sought.
18th March: We have had a final call from Erik Arneson in the USA asking if any Eurodragster readers have photographs of Darrell Gwynn racing at Santa Pod Raceway. Erik is writing Darrell's official biography which is due to be launched at this year's US Nationals at Indy.
©Eurodragster.com
If you have any pictures of Darrell in action at Santa Pod then please drop Erik an E-Mail at EArneson@speedtv.com. This is pretty urgent as Erik tells us that his deadline is 24th March.

Web site updates.
18th March: If you have been around drag racing as long as your News Editor (who commences lying about his age later this year), then you cannot fail to recognise the name of the UK's Sun racing team, which at one time had a large stable of cars owned and driven by Tony Froome. We were very pleased to hear from webmaster Garry Pilkington that the Sun team have hit the Web with a new site featuring the team's Wild Bunch Monza Funny Car, which is to be driven by Tony's son Trace Froome. The Sun Drag Race Team web site at www.sun-drag-racing.co.uk features news, car details, team run-down, sponsors, links and more.

UK Top Methanol Dragster racer Lyndsay Deuchar is already bored with his "gap year" and so has put together a very tidy new web site for two of his team who run the Rebel Racing Supercharged Outlaw team. Chris and Clayton Round run one of Lyndsay's old chassis with the name Rebellious. The site features news, photographs, car specifications, team run-down, links, calendar and more. Check it out at homepage.ntlworld.com/c.round1.
©Eurodragster.com
Schöfer readies title defence.
17th March: Germany's FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Peter Schöfer is getting ready to defend his title after a fact-finding trip to the USA.

"We spent three weeks in America", says team member Gittli Koller. "Part of the PSR crew went to Las Vegas for a testing weekend, and to Pomona for a race (as specators, of course). We have learned a lot from our friends in the States and now we have to translate this knowledge and try to make our car faster."
©Eurodragster.com
The team are proud to announce that Castrol and Normstahl have renewed their backing for the 2003 season.

"We are looking forward to the coming season", says Gittli. "We will be glad to see all of the TMD teams back again and some new teams. Last season the cars were so fast and the times were so close - just hundredths of a second between us - that this year promises to be very exciting again."

The team's official web site at www.p-s-r.com is currently being updated, so tune in to the site in a couple of days to see the latest.

Dyno Des fights 0-60 track.
17th March: If you've been tuned in over the last few weeks you will have read about the 0-60 Challenge which was to take place at Elvington on Saturday (15th March). A number of Custom Car Street Eliminator, National Street Car Challenge, UK Streetracers and other street-legal drag racers took up the challenge, only to find themselves running on a private road in Derbyshire after the organisers were reportedly hit with a huge increase in rental for Elvington Airfield.

Des Taylor attended the Challenge in his '34 Ford and told us all about his day. "We had a good day out", said Des. "It was a good opportunity to give the '34 a pre-season shakedown. The alternate venue was a great place to hire for your birthday disco and we were warmly received by the proprietor and given generous hospitality.

"On the down side, the track left a little to be desired. I looked at the track and it was a bit narrow, had a surface like glass covered with dust and was undulating having a hump to unload the tyres just where second gear should hook up. The worst thing was that should you go off on the left you would be launched over a pile of rubble in to a wood and then over a railway track; if you went off on the right you had the option of hitting three lamposts. I gave it some serious consideration and decided that I would wear my helmet!
©Eurodragster.com
"When it came to my turn to run, my fears regarding the surface were entirely justified as I just lit up the tyres and spun the wheels the length of the track. Great fun and a bit exciting just trying to keep it on the track. What was a bit surprising was that as I went over the brow of the hill I was confronted by a left hand hairpin which I managed to negotiate, only to find a Transit van parked sideways under a railway tunnel to tell you where to stop. Then you had to do a three-point turn on a single track road on mud and gravel banks. Sue Jackson experienced particular difficulty there, not wanting to get such a superb machine in the ditch. The whole day was a bit of a laugh but it wouldn't have been so funny if somebody had been hurt, I think the organisers should have stumped up the extra money and run the event at Elvington and then the likes of Sleathy and Frosty could have really shown them how it's done.

"Thanks to Tina and Terry Gibbs for kindly providing me with a transmission, without which I would not be running this year."

You can find out more about Des' beautiful '34 Ford, the Super Pro ET dragster which Des runs with Mark Flavell, and Des' business on his web site at www.huddersfieldexhaustcentre.co.uk.

Jade's birthday surprise.
17th March: Championship- and record-holding UK Supertwin Gas team Jade Racing had a special birthday present for owner Jerry Collier's uncle Sean McDade when he was officially made a team member on his fortieth birthday on Saturday.

"Sean came to the track with us last year and just chilled out", says Sharron Collier. "He spent time with our son Scott (who loves him to bits), but this year we have asked him if he will become full time crew and he has accepted. Sean will be learning start line procedure and learning to start the H2 Comp Bike (as Steve French is racing himself this year). He is thrilled to bits and can't wait, he's always watched drag racing and sprint racing, since way back.
©Eurodragster.com...don't forget the credit
"It was Sean's birthday on Saturday and he has been spending the weekend with us. We had a Jade team meeting on Saturday evening with all the team at our house to talk about this coming season etc. - but what Sean didn't know was that the last item on the agenda was Happy Birthday Sean and all get drunk! He didn't want any fuss - no fuss, just party! I had been hiding pizza and chicken drumsticks in the bedroom because I didn't want him to get a whiff of what was coming!

"So the crew for the Kawasaki H2 this year is Jerry Collier - rider, Sharron Collier - Crew Chief, Sean McDade - crew, Scott Collier - crew (cleaning tyres and checking wheelie bar wheels!), Nicola Lane - looking after Scott."

You can read more about Jade Racing on the team's official web site at www.jaderacing.co.uk.

Fagerström unveils TMFC.

16th March: Swedish Pro Modified racer Fast Freddy Fagerström has put his second ride this season, a Top Methanol Funny Car, on display for the first time at the Sollentuna Car Show in Stockholm (right).
©Eurodragster.com
"The car is now ready to race", says Björn Anderberg. "In May we will be going to Norway to licence, and then we will come to England for the Main Event."

Björn tells us that Freddy's blown-alcohol pickup is ready to be painted. Stay tuned for more news from Fast Freddy's pit.

Speedfreaks Ball latest.
16th March: From event organiser Martin Hill comes the latest news about the Speedfreaks Ball, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 9th-11th May.

"Jon Webster is putting up a trophy and prize money for the winner of the Top Fuel bike shootout", says Martin. "It has also been confirmed that as well as the Kamikaze rocket-powered mountain bike, the rocket go-kart will be attending, making this event the largest-ever gathering of thrust-powered vehicles in Europe."

The Speedfreaks Ball features Top Fuel, Supertwin and Super Street Bike shootouts, rocket and jet-powered exhibition vehicles, a huge bike-only RWYB, Junior Dragster shootout, custom show, stunt riders, live bands, trade stands and much more. Pit bookings are already being taken by Martin Hill at martin@fireforceracing.freeserve.co.uk or by phone on 07810 020890, whilst event tickets are already on sale from Santa Pod Raceway's office on 01234 782828.
©Eurodragster.com
Canary gone to seed.
16th March: The UK's Keith Ridley has announced that his return to the track in what was previously the Hairy Canary Escort is to be delayed for a short while.
©Eurodragster.com
"We took the car to Jon Webster's to have some work done", says Keith in an E-Mail remarkably free of his catchphrase. "We decided that I will have to have a new chassis because of the power of the engine. I will be out later on in the year."

Racers: Send your workshop tales and 2003 previews to us at news@eurodragster.com and we'll publish them here.

Web site updates.
16th March: Swedish Top Methanol FC team Andréasson Motorsports have announced that the winner of their Guess The Body contest is Mike Reynolds of Exeter, UK. Mike is currently the subject of a mini-feature on the team's web site at www.andreassonmotorsports.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Have you won a Give-Away prize?
15th March: Eurodragster's Fifth Birthday Give-Away was hugely popular, with entries outweighing prizes by more than a factor of twelve. We have now made the draw and you can read the list of prize winners by clicking here, or by clicking on the Birthday Give-Away Winners link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
©Eurodragster.com
Congratulations to all of our winners; prizes will be sent out over the next couple of weeks or so, or winners will receive an E-Mail regarding arrangements to collect their prizes. Sharkman and Tog would like to say a big Thank You to everyone who donated a Give-Away prize, and of course to all of you for entering.

SPR open new signing-on office.
15th March: From Santa Pod Raceway track manager Kjell Pettersson comes news that a new racer and crew signing-on office has now been completed. The new office will be used for the first time at tomorrow's (Sunday 16th) Run What You Brung.
©Eurodragster.com
"The office is downstairs in the Race Control building", says Kjell. "Kathy and Carol will be moving in for the first time at the Easter Thunderball although it will be in use at Sunday's RWYB. The office has a one-way system so that you come in through one door and exit through another. It also means that racers will no longer have to stand outside in the wind to do their paperwork."

You can find out more about tomorrow's Run What You Brung on the RWYB page of Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com.

Web site updates.
15th March: Alan Currans is still hard at work on his excellent Acceleration Archive site, adding a new Dragster page featuring Pat Cuss, John Whitmore, Rick Fielding and Steve Johnson amongst others. "There are also some mystery cars so if anyone can provide missing information I would be very grateful", says Alan. Alan has also added a page of Rob Cook's photographs of Top Methanol Dragsters and Funny Cars. Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.

Bob and Anni Valder have also been busy, adding new features to their Feel The Noise web site at www.feel-the-noise.com. The Video section has been updated with a collection of short videos in Windows Media Video format (WMV). Bob tells us that WMV provides good quality results with smaller file sizes, and is best viewed in Windows Media Player Version 9. Bob would be interested to hear how readers get on with this new format before he uploads more video. There is also a collection of ready-made logos with html code for the use of webmasters linking to their site. Finally, racers with their own page on the site can now upload a link to their own web sites via the Submit Your Times form.
©Eurodragster.com
Want to race? Then register!
14th March: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to let us know that she is in the process of sending out Easter Thunderball entry forms to racers who have registered for 2003, and to encourage those who have not yet registered to do so if they wish to compete at the race.
©Eurodragster.com
"If racers do not receive their entry forms within the next few days, then they obviously have not registered yet", says Paula. "It is imperative that you contact me to get yourself registered in order to receive your Thunderball entry form, or alternately download both forms from the SPRC web site and post them to me."

You can find registration and entry forms on the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. Paula also tells is that she is now back on-line and you can E-Mail her at paula.marshall@btconnect.com if you have any queries or if you want to request forms.

Santa Pod welcome back Prolong.
14th March: It is nearly four years since the name of Prolong has been heard in European Drag Racing; in 1999 Canada's Gordie Bonin took the FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship in a Prolong-backed car. Prolong USA have been involved in the American drag racing scene for some time and are now back at Santa Pod with Prolong UK.

Prolong Super Lubricants produce a leading patented metal treatment which to date has no equal in the world at reducing friction, temperature, wear and metal corrosion with any mix of exotic fuels. It will also increase fuel economy, reliability, longevity and performance of any unit it is put into, diesel or petrol.

UK Managing Director, Andrew Purchase, was proud to state "We are pleased to be using drag racing and Santa Pod Raceway as a platform to promote our lubricants. These products will save you thousands of pounds and are now available in the UK. You won't find a better lubricant!"

As part of the marketing programme, Prolong will be attending the major race meetings, so look out for their promotional/trade sites this season for your chance to see demonstrations and buy the products. For more information visit Prolong UK's web site at www.prolong-uk.com.
©Eurodragster.com
French Trophy launched.
13th March: Eric Angéloni and Gilbert Rozet of the Association Trophy Dragster have announced the French Dragster Trophy, which starts over the quarter mile at Lanas/Aubenas on 10th-11th May. The six categories to be contested are Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Street Run A (11.99), Street Run B (12.99) and Street Run C (13.99).

Street Run is a new class for street cars. Nitrous, blowers and turbos are all legal. "For Street A you must have crash helmet, harness, mufflers, and driveshaft safety loops", says Gilbert Rozet. "For Street Run B and C a crash helmet, three-point seat belt, and driveshaft safety loops are mandatory with slick tyres."
©Eurodragster.com
You can see the rules at 60gp.ovh.net/~francedr/forum/viewtopic.php?p=258#258 or E-Mail atd2003@free.fr.

Entry to the race is €15, and entry closes on 30th April. More information can be obtained from the above E-Mail address ("We speak English", says Gilbert), or fax +33 4 72 36 09 06, or check out www.dragsters-lanas.fr.fm and www.francedrag.fr.st.

Zodiac engine in pre-stage.
13th March: A sneak preview in the workshop of Dutch Supertwin Bike team Zodiac Racing in Mijdrecht shows that their new engine and transmission unit are in pre-stage, writes our mole Monique Pels. Rider Ton Pels and his son and Crew Chief Vincent have been putting in plenty of overtime.

"We have been buying a lot of aluminium, and we have been making a lot of offcuts lately", says Ton. "We started with nearly one hundred kilogrammes of aluminium for the plates, pulleys and the pulley fronts, and we managed to throw away nearly ninety kilogrammes of offcuts! The 'new second-hand' Bridgeport miller works fine for us and, although we are beginners in CNC programming (too slow), we got it to do what we wanted and the nice thing is that everything fits and seems to work!"

You can read more and see pictures of the work in progress at www.zodiacracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Andréasson spills the beans.

13th March: Winners of the prize for most unsubtle clues in a contest, Sweden's Andréasson Motorsports Top Methanol FC team, have put us all out of our misery about the identity of the new body which will be cloaking their 5.7-second race car in 2003.

Crew member Anders Magnusson reveals that the new body is to be an Alfa Romeo GT Coupe (right), a new model which was recently launched at the Geneva Motor Show. The FC body has been moulded, prepped and painted but will not be unveiled until the Stockholm Motor Show which starts on 5th April.

Anders tells us that the winner of the contest to guess the body style is from England, and that their name will be revealed shortly. You can read more and see pictures on the team's web site at www.andreassonmotorsports.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Nilsson heads Stateside again.
13th March: NDRS Pro Modified Champion, Sweden's Håkan Nilsson is headed back to the USA to compete in the Competition Plus Spring Open in Petersburg, Virginia on 20th-23rd March. The Nilsson Motorsports team competed at an IHRA event in Rockingham at the end of last season, but team member Ulf Stadig says that they weren't happy with their performance and want to put matters right at the four-day event which gives them a lot more scope for testing. Testing starts on Thursday with the Infinet Ultimate Doorslammer Challenge on Saturday and a Chicago-style shootout on Sunday.

The team will also be taking their 2003 season T-Shirts to Virginia and Ulf invites any fans at the Spring Open to visit the Nilsson Motorsports pit to say Hello and to buy a T-Shirt.

After the Spring Open, the Camaro will be taken back to Sweden for stripping down and the application of a spectacular new paintjob.

You can read more on the team's web site at www.nilssonmotorsports.com.
©Eurodragster.com
WRE keeping busy.
13th March: Race car builder Jon Webster has been very busy indeed since he launched his own business, Webster Race Engineering, back in January. His workshop floor and order books have been full and he has also instituted a series of private Test Days at Santa Pod Raceway this season, with the first taking place next Wednesday (19th March). You have to wonder how Jon has the time to do anything else but he has also been working on a new octane booster for unleaded fuel and is putting up a very special award for Super Street Bikers. Jon brought us right up to date with the latest from WRE:

Our first Test Day is fast approaching and we have had a good response so far. A couple of racers have phoned asking whether the booking deadline is strict, as they are still waiting for parts to arrive. We are obviously are sympathetic to people in this position so we are going to allow people to reserve a space at the first Test Day and pay on the day, although please note that this is for the first Test Day only; the rest of the days must be booked and paid for in advance. If you want to reserve a place, please complete the Entry Form and send it to WRE at:

Webster Race Engineering
Unit 3
Sanders Lodge Industrial Estate
Off Wellingborough Road
Rushden
Northamptonshire
NN10 6BQ

Phone: 01933 315236 (outside the UK +44 1933 315236)
Fax: 01933 315274 (outside the UK +44 1933 315274)

At the shop itself we have had an extremely busy two months since we actually picked up the tools for the first time. We have completed work on several cars in that time. We were proud to be involved in bringing Andy Carter's new Top Fuel ride up to spec during the recent SFI Day so that Mark Norton could give the chassis a clean bill of health. We are currently finishing work on two new Custom Car Street Eliminator cars and Keith Ridley's recently acquired Escort, and the ground-up build of Gary Malin's new 260-inch Super Pro ET-bound dragster are fresh onto the jigs.

In addition to the car build, we have just completed the installation of our Nitous Oxide pumping station. We will be filling bottles on request during normal working hours (8.00 am-6.00 pm Monday to Friday, and 8.00 am-4.00 pm on non-racing Saturdays). During race weekends we can fill bottles overnight Friday and Saturday evenings and return them to the track first thing in the next morning. We will not be able to fill bottles during the day at race meetings due to crew commitments.

The Top Fuel Bike project is progressing, but unfortunately Frank Brachtvogel, who is the lynchpin of the project, is indisposed at present recovering from surgery and we would like to take this opportunity to wish Frank a speedy recovery.
©Eurodragster.com
Talking of bikes, we have watched the efforts of Super Street Bikers over the past couple of seasons to try to run the first seven-second pass. In recognition of this, we have had four gold rings made and engraved to commemorate the occasion when it comes. Each of the the first four riders to run a seven-second pass at an ACU Super Street Bike Round will receive one of the rings. In addition, although we are not offering the rings at our Test Days as we have no control over whether the guys are running in SSB trim or not, we will give the first Super Street Bike rider to run a seven-second pass at one of our Test Days free entry to the next test.

During the 2002 season we commissioned the design and manufacture of an octane booster, Powerpour, specifically formulated for high cylinder pressure applications (Nitrous Oxide, turbo and supercharging) where unleaded fuel is being used. We ran it in trials at the track and were very impressed with the results, but we were unable to quantify the perceived gains in terms that everyone knows and loves, horsepower!

To this end we commissioned Peter Knight of Knight Racing Services to carry out dyno tests on a controlled Formula 5000 engine. On unleaded fuel only, the engine began to show signs of detonation at 34 degrees of ignition advance, and detonated further at 35 degrees. The fuel system was then flushed through and refilled, this time with the same unleaded fuel, but with 2% of our Powerpour octane booster. The same warm-up procedure was followed before the second test was undertaken. This time there was no sign of any detonation with the same ignition settings as before. This resulted in a quantifiable gain of over 20 bhp at 6000 rpm and a significant increase in torque. Due to the design of the combustion chambers in the F5000 engine it was not possible to try any further ignition advance; however testing will continue on other engine configurations in order to further prove the benefits Powerpour can give.

We will be a contingency sponsor both for the Custom Car Street Eliminator and the Street Machine Street Racer series through the Powerpour brand this season.

Almost time to Race and Rock.
13th March: Back on 1st February and again on 20th February we brought you news of Race Rock, a bike and car show to be held in Norwich on Sunday 23rd March with live bands, trade stalls and more. Last night we heard from an "Absolutely exhausted" Les Harris, 2002 NAST Supertwin Street Champion, who is organising the show.

"All of the vehicle exhibits are arranged", said Les. "We have a large contingent of my Supertwin colleagues bringing their bikes along, and Chris Stebbings has just arranged to bring his ex-Steve Clutterbuck Fuel Supertwin. We have also in the last couple of days confirmed a Funny Car, an old vehicle which has been looked after". As Les has mentioned in previous news items there are also two- and four-wheeled representatives from other disciplines of motor racing including historic sprint bikes and a single-seater race car.
©Eurodragster.com
Les also brought us up-to-date with the trade stalls and other attractions. "We will be having some silly games hosted by the Highway Hunters club. They go to rallies and organise the fun and do a lot of work for charity", he said. "There will be a tug of war with free beer for the winners, and a game called 'Dizzy Sticks' in which you deliberately make yourself very giddy and then do an obstacle course. There will be two bands playing, Tongue Two in the afternoon and the Barry Holman Band in the evening.

"English Custom Polish will have a stall to display their amazing vehicle polish. They came into my shop one day and said 'We have this great polish' and I said 'Everyone says that'. But they showed me and it really is amazing - we now use it on all of the bikes in the shop. My bike Black Racer will be on the stall all day so you can see for yourself how well their polish finishes a bike. Our local Snap-On Tools agent John Kilby is loading his van up with tools and will have a stall, he has also contributed to the raffle. Black Bear are bringing a custom V Rod. Talking of V Rods, we will be selling the one-ninth scale NHRA V-Rod drag bike models for £30 - numbers are limited though so get there early! There will also be a limited-edition Race Rock/King Edward VII event T-Shirts on sale.

The whole event is going to be MC'd by 'Harry', who is one of the funniest guys you will ever see. He does a tribute to Tommy Cooper and you'd think it was him. Harry will draw the raffle, then we have the bonfire and then I might have a drink!"

Les is also putting together information packs which will be handed out at the event. Companies can have flyers included in the pack for £10 - if you are interested then give Les a bell on 01603 412798.

Race Rock takes place on Sunday 23rd March at the King Edward VII pub, which is just north of Norwich city centre at 63 Aylsham Road (the A140, click here for a map). The show is open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Entry is a mere £1 which includes free entry to a contest to guess the weight of Les' Harley.

Give-Away closes tonight.
12th March: Entry closes tonight in Eurodragster's Fifth Birthday Give-Away. We have had a massive response but we just about have room in our mailbox for more!

Discount vouchers, an event entry fee for one lucky racer, a day crewing on a Top Fuel Bike team, VIP tickets, a day driving a Junior Dragster, die-cast models, event tickets, a socket set, magazine subscription, T-Shirts, signed photographs, videos and a lot more can be won just by dropping Eurodragster an E-Mail telling us where to send your prize should you win. The Give-Away has three sections - Prizes for Racers, Prizes for Kids (up to seventeen) and a Grand Draw - and is open to everyone. Racers and Kids can enter the draw for specific prizes in their sections, but the Grand Draw will be drawn at random from all E-Mails received.
©Eurodragster.com
Entry closes at 23:59 UK tonight, Wednesday (00:59 Thursday CET).

ACI Racing seek crew.
12th March: The UK's American Car Imports Racing Top Methanol Dragster team are urgently seeking an additional crew member to support Dave Wilson as he prepares to embark on his FIA European and MSA British Championship challenge.

"We are looking for a reliable person who will be able to attend all European and British races, as well as to commit one day a week to the workshop between races", says Crew Chief Andy Bissett. "We would prefer an experienced crew member but this is not essential. Good team spirit and a sense of humour are also desirable."
©Eurodragster.com
The ACI Racing team are offering free travel, food, bed and board at races in Europe and the UK as well as an experience second to none (I've spent a race weekend with these guys and boring it ain't - Ed).

If you fancy working on the team then check out the Drivers/Crew Required section of Eurodragster's Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet or contact Andy Bissett by E-Mail at andybissett@hotmail.com.

Sprayed track and more at SPR.
12th March: It's been a busy news week for Santa Pod Raceway with new sponsors to announce and now a host of information about coming events together with a special offer on 2002 season videos.

First up from SPR is the news that this Sunday's (16th March) Run What You Brung is to be attended by the Peugeot Owners Club. "All Peugeot owners are welcome to come along to talk with fellow owners or to join in on the track!", says track manager David Lloyd-Jones. "There will also be a bar open on the day but this is not, of course, for those who are signed on".

Kjell Pettersson of Santa Pod Raceway adds that the strip is to be sprayed with VHT on Sunday, if the weather is favourable.

The RWYB is of course also open to non-Peugeot owners. Gates open at 8:00 am and the strip opens at approximately 10:00, weather permitting. Entry to the track is £9 per person, under-sixteens go free. If you want to race your vehicle there is an additional charge of £13 for unlimited runs. A valid DVLC driving licence must be presented, seat belts are required in cars and crash helmets must be worn by bike riders and the drivers of soft-topped cars. Bike riders must also wear appropriate bike-riding clothing. Drivers of open top cars must also wear arm restraints.

Tickets are now on sale for the Central RS Owners Club Open Day at Santa Pod on Sunday 13th April. "Central RS Owners Club is a regional group of the national Ford RS Owners Club", says spokesman Mike Birch. "Many Regional Groups hold Regional Days throughout the year at various locations around the country, of which our day at Santa Pod is just one - and ours is the only one held at a drag strip. Most follow the same sort of theme: RS groups in attendance, concours, traders, some have other car groups and maybe some entertainment. We feel ours is the only regional day to offer something for everyone, racers, spectators and families alike. Concours is very popular with the RS people. It's a bit like show and shine, but at a much higher level. These people are a breed unto themselves and will spend all winter stripping their cars and polishing everything and anything. A lot of what is polished you can't even see, such as the underside of the battery, or the back of the gearbox. There will be a lot of the other RS groups there, both running the strip and having their cars on group stands. Also we have invited a lot of other car groups, not just Ford. The more there is to see the more the interest, well that's how I see it". There are also trade stands, autojumble and entertainment.
©Eurodragster.com
Tickets for the RS event are now available from Santa Pod Raceway for £8 plus £1 booking fee, up to a maximum of £5 per booking. Entry on the day will be £10. Two under-16s per adult go free. If you wish to run your car on the strip then £15 and the production of a valid DVLC licence will give you four runs. Gates open at 8:00 am, and the strip will be open between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Normal RWYB safety rules apply. For tickets call the hotline on 01234 782828, or for information or to book club space call 07850 017570, or check out the Central RS Owners Club web site at www.centralrsoc.co.uk.

Finally, Santa Pod are offering a special deal on the 2002 FIA and FIM/UEM European Championship videos. "The FIA 2002 video is priced at £16.99, and the FIM/UEM video priced at £12.99", says David. "Postage and packing is £2 per tape. Or you can buy both videos for £25 plus £4 postage and packing. You can order by Visa/Switch on 01234 782828, or post your order with a cheque made payable to Santa Pod Raceway."

You can find more details about all of the above on Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com.

Custom Car support LA Heavy Street.
12th March: It has only been two days since we announced the trial of LA Heavy Street, a heads-up, no-breakout class for street-legal cars over 3000 lbs, which is to be run at LA Performance Service's Allstar Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway on 23rd-25th August. Moving very quickly to support the new class is Custom Car Magazine, who will be helping to promote LA Heavy Street in advance of the race and giving the class its own page in the popular monthly publication.
©Eurodragster.com
"LA Heavy Street has caught the imagination of Custom Car's editor Kev Elliott", says Lee Child of LA Performance Services. "Custom Car Magazine have always been very keen to promote heads-up racing, putting their name to the Street Eliminator and the Flathead Meltdown, and we are very pleased to be in that sort of company."

For more details about LA Heavy Street including how to get involved, check out Monday's news item.

Interview with Øyvor Jacobsen.
11th March: Back on 4th February our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing broke the news that Norway's Øyvor Jacobsen is to return to the seat of a Top Fuel Dragster in 2003, after a ten-year break.
©Eurodragster.com
For the latest of Eurodragster's occasional series of interviews we have spoken to Øyvor and asked about her history in racing, what she got up to during her break, how her return came about, her schedule between now and competing at the Easter Thunderball, and with which number she will be satisfied on her rear wing come the end of the 2003 season.

You can read our interview with Øyvor Jacobsen by clicking here, or by clicking on the Interviews link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Robinson backs Ultimate Power.
11th March: LA Performance Services have announced that Andy Robinson Race Cars are to post contingency sponsorship at their three UK National Championship/Ultimate Power Series rounds at Shakespeare County Raceway.

Winners and Runners-Up in Super Modified, Super Pro ET and Super Comp at the Excitement Nationals (3rd-5th May), Power Nationals (14th-15th June) and Allstar Nationals (23rd-25th August) will receive vouchers redeemable against parts or labour at the Hampshire-based race car builder and parts supplier.

To qualify, vehicles should carry RRC decals which are available from Robinson Race Cars or which will be available at the track.
©Eurodragster.com
"It's great to have Andy Robinson's support at the track", says Lee Child of LA Performance Services. "As always, Andy is showing his commitment to the Sportsman racers and we are very grateful to him for his backing."

You can contact Andy Robinson Race Cars on the phone at 01256 880589 or by E-Mail at robinson_racecar@yahoo.co.uk.

All A1 at Santa Pod.
11th March: Following their involvement at last year's FIA European Championship Finals, A1 Motor Stores have confirmed their commitment to extend their marketing programme to cover the whole season at Santa Pod Raceway.

A1 Motor Stores was formed in 1982 and currently consists of two hundred and forty independently-owned automotive aftermarket retailers.

"Many well-known brands exist under this successful 'umbrella' operation, providing our customers with a truly one-stop shop for all their motoring needs", says Derrick Lawton, Chief Executive of A1 Motor Stores. "We feel that Santa Pod Raceway will be able to help us significantly raise store and brand awareness through its comprehensive and varied calendar of events.

"By combining our purchasing power and marketing resources, the members of A1 Motor Stores can provide you, the customer, with an extensive range of product which includes accessories, spare parts, in-car entertainment, styling, performance parts, travel accessories and chemicals, all at competitive prices."

For more information, and for details of your nearest A1 Motor Store, visit the company's web site at www.a1motorstores.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Sheavills to sit out 2003.
10th March: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Barry Sheavills has announced that he will not be racing in 2003. The 1998 FIA European Champion, first European to 300 mph and first UK Fuel racer to run a four-second pass has not been able to raise the funds for the 2003 Championship campaign and so has elected to use this year to find finance for the 2004 season.
©Eurodragster.com
"It's a decision which has pulled my heart strings close to breaking point", says Barry. "I am not ready to stop racing, and I don't want to, but it feels as though I have been living hand-to-mouth for the last two years. It's around thirty years since I faced the prospect of not competing in drag racing - and it was easier 30 years ago because I had never done it!

"It's a massive decision for me personally, but all of my and the team's attention this year is going to be fixed on trying to get the right partners for 2004, to ensure that we are financially fit and ready to win again."

"Barry is absolutely gutted", says his PR Bill Williams. "It is the sensible decision to take, though, since if you are struggling for funds for the Championship then you should not try to compete - it's asking for trouble. I must stress that Barry will not be retiring. He will be keeping his licence current and he will be at the track all year and looks forward to meeting all of his fans."

You can read more on the Press Release page of Barry's web site at www.topfuel.co.uk.

Heavies invited to LA.
10th March: LA Performance Services have announced a new class to be trialled at Ultimate Power Series' Allstar Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway on 23rd-25th August. LA Heavy Street is a heads-up, no-breakout, 0.500 Pro Tree class for street-legal cars over 3000 lbs in weight. Cars must run in street-legal trim including mufflers, the only concession being slicks up to 10.5 inches although treads of up to an eleven-inch footprint may also be used.

"LA Heavy Street is intended to bring in the heavy cars which run at Test and Tunes and Street Racer Sundays", says Lee Child of LA Performance Services, who sponsors Eurodragster's Links pages through his company LA Racing Parts. "At the moment there are two options - Custom Car Street Eliminator or Sportsman ET. LA Heavy Street is designed to save the time and expense of cutting weight off the car or spending money on expensive modifications before going racing. It'll be spectacular!"
©Eurodragster.com
The class is designed to be easy to police and the rules have been kept as simple as possible. Cars must be taxed, insured and MOT'd to prove that they are street-legal. The rules specify weight breaks based on combination; there are no limits to engine size. Wheelie bars are not allowed. Safety equipment must be appropriate to the ET which the car runs - see the MSA Rule Book for details.

Lee tells us that US and UK manufacturers and other companies are already showing interest in backing LA Heavy Street, which is planned to run as a Championship in 2004 if trials prove successful.

Registration is £15. Racers may double-enter at the Allstar Nationals although this does of course mean that two entry fees will be payable. Rules and more details about LA Heavy Street can be obtained from LA Performance Services at:

LA Performance Services
60 Berry Road
Paignton
Devon
TQ3 3QJ

Carter's Global appeal!
10th March: The UK's Carter Motorsport Top Fuel Dragster team has been refreshed with a 1997 Daf 330 Tractor Unit, sponsored by used commercial vehicle specialist Global Commercials. Global Commercials are one of the UK's leading specialists in trade and retail sales of used commercial vehicles. The Windsor-based company offers a huge range and comprehensive stocklist which includes Daf, Mercedes, Iveco and Scania trucks.

"When Andy Carter called and said that the team were looking for a better tractor unit, I said 'How much do you want to spend?'" says Jim Bennett, MD of Global Commercials. "When Andy replied 'I'd want it free!', I had to admire his front! After learning a bit more about the team and a going through a crash course in drag racing I decided to step in and help. Being involved with Carter Motorsport seems a great way to get my company name in front of a whole new audience, and we'd like to wish Andy and the team every success for the coming season."

As well as dealing in used vehicles, the company also benefits from its own on-site workshop facilities where trained technicians can undertake all aspects of mechanical service and repair work. Specialist options for clients can also be provided with regard to tailor made specifications of vehicles. These can include: building and bodywork alterations, all paintwork requirements and chassis modifications. Global Commercials pride themselves on the quality of workmanship provided by the workshop team and will endeavour to provide the level of expertise required by their customers wherever possible. To contact Global Commercial call 01753 831647 or visit their web site at www.global-commercials.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Official: Joon's TMFC For Sale.

10th March: When we reported on Dutch Top Methanol FC racer Lex Joon's sponsorship woes on Friday, we promised more details of the sale of the European record-holding Camaro (right). The car is now up for sale both on Lex's web site at www.lexjoonracing.nl and on Eurodragster's Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet.

"Selling the record-holding car is something we do with mixed feelings", says Team Manager Gerda Dijkstra. "We know that the car can do even better, and Lex knows for sure that it will even run 5.6s. The TMFC class is really competitive and this is what makes this class so interesting. We know how difficult it is to set up and tune a TMFC so we are offering to help the new owner.
©Eurodragster.com
"We will miss this car, because in 2002 it went quicker and quicker at every race - it has a special place in our hearts."

For more details, contact Lex in the office on +31 75 61 23 164, on his mobile on +31 65 31 34 541, or by E-Mail at lex@lexjoonracing.nl.

As we mentioned on Friday, Lex is now considering a move to Fuel Funny Car in 2003. Gerda tells us that the team have already had some interesting proposals and that a decision will be made in the next few weeks.

Web site updates.
10th March: Our good friends at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with important news about the extension of the Danish Nats to a third day, the return of the Bike Weekend at Västerås, and an exhibition by artist John Eyre. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.

The King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com has been updated with a detailed 2003 racing calendar for European and major US Drag Bike Championships.
©Eurodragster.com
Busy Wildside in the Purple.
9th March: The UK's Wildside Inc Top Fuel Dragster team have announced that they are to use Royal Purple oil throughout the 2003 season.

"I'm extremely pleased to make this announcement", says car owner Lesley Wright. "As a result of our appearance on the Goodyear stand at the Autosport show, we've been talking with Royal Purple UK and they will be our official oil supplier this year. We'll be able to give them immediate exposure as we will be firing up the engine at a very special venue on March 18th."

The Wildside Top Fueller appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last summer, and the team have been invited back to give a grand finale to the Festival Press Day. "Seeing all the cars on the hill last year, we really wanted to be amongst them and kept in touch with the organisers to see how we could", says Lesley. "All the cars which were there last year were pretty special, and we are delighted to be representing drag racing on Press Day. We will also be talking further about appearing at the Festival which is over the weekend of 11th-13th July."

The dragster will also be appearing at Thinktank, the Birmingham Museum of Science and Discovery. After a tip from Ozzy Ewing of APIRA, the Thinktank people got in touch because the museum's theme over the Easter holidays is speed. "John and I went up there a couple of weeks ago to look at the logistics of getting the car inside the building and it's a fantastic place", says Lesley. "We spent ages in the Thinkback exhibition showing the science of transport and manufacturing from Birmingham's past, and there are Thinknow and Thinkahead exhibitions exploring the cutting edge of technology". The car will be on display from 13th-27th April, right across the Easter school holiday. "I thoroughly recommend it for families looking for places to go", says Lesley. "There are interactive exhibitions for all ages and an IMAX theatre, check out the web site at www.thinktank.ac nearer the time for more information."

The team have also confirmed that they contend the first round of the FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway on 24th-26th May. "We hope that all the fans will be there to back the Brits", says driver Darryl Bradford. "With ourselves and the other Brits against a strong contingent from Scandinavia it will be great start to the Championship. I called Smax as soon as I heard that he was going Top Fuel - he very kindly let me drive his car to get my Top Methanol licence and started this whole roller coaster of a ride. I wouldn't have imagined back then we'd be competing in the same class!"
©Eurodragster.com
Bang up-to-date with PMR.
9th March: With the first two months of the year now gone, business has been progressing at Paul Marston Racing at a pace not seen in previous seasons.

The recently-launched Drag Race Passenger Rides and Drag Race Driving Experiences have been particularly busy. "The success of this programme is great to see", says Paul Marston. "We originally thought that after the initial rush demand would tail off, but that simply has not been the case. The phone has not stopped with enquiries and a sustained stream of bookings. There are a lot more ideas in the pipeline yet with regard to the Passenger Rides and Driving Tuition, so stay tuned for announcements. All of the dates are now available on our web site at www.paulmarstonracing.com, and I suggest that the lucky people who already have vouchers book their date in. We have also had a rush of really great girlfriends and wives booking Valentine's day gifts of driving courses and passenger rides for their partners, and we made sure that all the vouchers got to their destinations in time. For any further details please visit the web site or call the office on 0208 597 4575."

The PMR team have also been hard at work on their workshop expansion. "Following on from our in-house engine building and development program, successfully launched last year with veteran drag racer Dave Gibbons managing the team, the program has been taken to its next logical stage with the addition of our own fabrication and restoration tooling, consisting of all the usual", says Paul. "Lathes, drilling machinery, full welding facilities in all metals, sand blasting, industrial compressor, polishing machines, band saws, benches, we now have it all. With its much-needed addition Paul Marston Racing now have a comprehensively equipped workshop. This inventory complements the already comprehensive facilities we already had courtesy of Mac Tools. It raises our capabilities and scale of jobs we can tackle. With the Insanity Chevy Vega project being an entirely in-house production, these facilities make the finished product a lot easier to achieve. Always looking forward, we have been approached by one of our sponsors regarding an exciting new venture. We are at the moment entering into preliminary negotiations to explore the possibilities presented by this proposition. We will of course let you know as things develop.
©Eurodragster.com
"We have spent considerably more time on the restoration of the Insanity Vega than originally allowed, but the results have been so good that it is worth it. With the whole race car disassembled, there were so many opportunities to make good small bits of detailing which usually you would not do, as it would involve so much work for only a small gain. The most amazing part of it was the quality of the parts already on the Vega; the detailing really has brought the race car back to life. It is a credit to its previous owners that so much time and care was taken when building it. This week and next will see the installation of all the tech and safety equipment required for the car to pass tech and legally race once again under today's high standards. Well aware that the clock is ticking, we have set ourselves a deadline and will be attempting to have the Vega back together for the Webster Race Engineering test day at Santa Pod Raceway on 19th March. The extended work schedule on the Vega has put everything else back, but with the restructuring of our 2003 commitments this should cause no problems."

Anyone who saw the Paul Marston Racing crew at the NSRA Swap Meet at Arena Essex last weekend will have seen them on a serious buying mission. "As luck would have it, we sold off most of our Big Block and Small Block spares over the past couple of years, at Swap Meets and of course through Eurodragster", says Paul. "Now we needed them back, so it was time for fat wallet to go on a diet! The quality of parts for sale was excellent, we got just about everything on the shopping list - even a wet sump for our Pro Mod 632ci Motor! Added to this is a lovely spare Small Block for the Vega from our friends at Odyssey Performance in Toulouse a couple of weeks ago. It was great to see Thierry, Bertrand and everyone else again, hopefully we will see them back in the UK again soon. The spares department at Paul Marston Racing is now looking quite respectable, ready for the rigours of the new season ahead. I must thank Gary Springford and Greg from Jeep Club for all their help at Arena Essex, and of course PMR Crew Chief Mick Pusey."

Paul and the team are taking the Chryslercard PT Bruiser to Belgium next weekend for the Stars On Wheels Show. "If you are planning to visit the show, stop by and say hello", says Paul.

Web site updates.
9th March: Eurodragster staffer Tog has updated his personal web site Tog's Drag Racing Page with a small number of portraits and pitside grab shots from the 2002 season, discovered a short while back on a nearly-forgotten roll of film in his compact camera. You can find the pictures at www.togsdragracing.com/2002portraitsandpitside.
©Eurodragster.com
Paging Geoff Owen.
9th March: Trevor Graves has been in touch to ask Eurodragster readers' help in tracking someone down. "I'm trying to track down Geoff Owen, who owned a grey and yellow Ford Pop with Owen Engineering on the side", says Trevor.
©Eurodragster.com
If you're reading this Geoff, or if any of your readers can help with phone numbers or an E-Mail address, then please contact Trevor Graves at trevgraves@aol.com.

Krivan nails the doors on.
8th March: Swiss Top Methanol Funny Car racer Dezsoe Krivan's five-second Funny Car is dismantled down to the last nut and bolt as the team prepare to contest every round of the 2003 FIA European Championship, says 'top end slave' Steve Wilson.

"The clutch and bellhousing went to Hockenheim on Tuesday for tagging", says Steve. "The engines are being overhauled in our maintenance facility - OK, garage - we collected a shed-load of parts over the winter, and these are all being checked out. The blower has gone off on its holidays to Sweden, and will hopefully return refreshed ready to be refitted to the car."
©Eurodragster.com
The team are also working on their trailer, work which Steve tells us involves "Nailing the doors back on", with a view to having everything ready to test before the season starts. "Hopefully we should have a new cab unit in time to attend the pre-FIA Main Event Test Day at Santa Pod in May", he says, "If not, then we will be pushing the bleeding thing all the way from Team HQ in Basel."

Steve tells us that as well as being top end slave he is fulfilling a valuable cultural function on the Swiss team. "We are developing a new language in the team called Swinglish", he says. "This is a mixture of Swiss-German and English. I am teaching the team all the English swear words, and they are teaching me all the very bad Swiss rude words!"

You can find the Krivan Racing web site at www.dragracing.ch.

Stuck-up Platt shares driving.
8th March: UK National Sportsman ET Champion Al Platt has announced the retention of a long-standing sponsor as he prepares his Camaro for the 2003 season.

"Smart Print and Labels Ltd have renewed their sponsorship with Team Rainy City Lightning for the third year", says Al. "Smart Print and Labels supply labelling systems and consumables to industry. We would like to thank them for their continued support, which will help towards the modifications currently underway on the Camaro."
©Eurodragster.com
Al has also confirmed that driving duties are to be shared this season. "The rumours are true", he says. "Linda will be driving at Shakespeare County Raceway, and I will be doing the honours at Santa Pod. If she lets me!"

For more details about Smart Print and Labels' services, check out their web site at www.smartprint.co.uk or call 01925 851818.

Join the Party at York.
8th March: What do you do when you get tired of bench racing (don't know, it's never happened yet - Ed)? Every year, a dedicated group made up of racers, the Pennine Drag Racing Club and promoters Pennine Raceway form the York Raceway Work Parties. Miracles are performed to bring the track back from the ravages of winter, return it to being a drag strip and make the facility good for the year's events.

The two forthcoming dates for the Work Parties are Sunday 23rd March and Sunday 6th April. "We always welcome any help", says PDRC Chairman Alan Perkins. "If you've seen what a few of us can do, imagine what we can do with more help!"

If you want to be a hero call 01422 843651, fax 01422 844171 or E-Mail yorkdragway@btinternet.com for more details.
©Eurodragster.com
Joon down but not out.
7th March: European Top Methanol Funny Car record holder Lex Joon is rapidly reformulating his plans for 2003 after a major sponsorship deal fell through at the start of this week. Lex and the team had spent five months on the deal but the US-based sponsor pulled out, citing uncertainty over conflict in Iraq, literally on the eve of a trip to America to put a pen to the paperwork.

"We feel like we have been in a boxing match and have been knocked out", says Team Manager Gerda Dijkstra. "At the moment we are broken up after all of the energy which we have put into the project in the last five months."

The team had been looking at a move to Fuel Funny Car in 2003, but the US sponsor wanted Lex to be seen competing across Europe and so he elected to remain in Top Methanol FC. The deal was sufficiently large for the team to put all of their eggs in one basket sponsorship-wise. "We realised that we were betting on one horse, but the company is a major player in the US", says Gerda. "Because of that, and because they showed so much interest, we thought it was the deal to chase. Lex knew that the number one plate could be his in Top Methanol Funny Car this year, and this deal would have given us the budget to do it."

Lex and the team are now busy interesting other parties in their race programme. "We have lost five important months on our racing and the promotion of events in Drachten, because the company would have been a partner in those as well", says Gerda.

Lex's move to Fuel Funny Car is now back under consideration, maybe in one of Bob Jarrett's Showtime cars. "Lex was thinking of stepping up before this deal came up", says Gerda. "If we can work out a deal to run Fuel Funny Car then we won't have to spend so much travel money. We can start the season with a lower budget on that side and in the meantime continue working on interesting sponsors in the world of Top Fuel FC. We know that Funny Cars in Europe will be as popular as they are in the States."
©Eurodragster.com
Lex and the team think that they have something to contribute to the Fuel FC class. "We don't think we know it all and we don't want to seem arrogant but we got the idea that a lot of people would be happy if we moved to a Fuel car", says Gerda. "For Lex it will be a new challenge, to learn everything there is about the nitro class, and to be the first to get into the Fours in a Funny Car.

"We are down but not out, and maybe we will be stronger out there than we were before!"

Lex is looking to sell his 5.7-second Camaro TMFC. If you are interested then you can contact Lex in the office on +31 75 61 23 164, on his mobile on +31 65 31 34 541, or by E-Mail at lex@lexjoonracing.nl. Lex's web site at www.lexjoonracing.nl will shortly be updated with details.

Larsson/Colormailer free print offer.
7th March: Eurodragster.com, Swedish ProStock Bike Racer Anders Larsson and his sponsor Colormailer.com, an online digital photo service, are offering Eurodragster readers fifteen free 4" x 6" photo prints to help jump-start the 2003 season.

"Colormailer are one of my co-sponsors this season", says Anders Larsson. "It feels real great to have an excellent service like this on board during the 2003 season. Colormailer are happy to partner with Eurodragster.com to offer all of you guys with digital cameras a free test order."

Follow the links below to the Colormailer web site to find out how to redeem your fifteen free prints. The offer is valid until the 31st March. Be sure to select the correct country link.

Readers in Scandinavia click here
©Eurodragster.com
Readers in all other European countries click here

When you go to the web site to register, you will be sent a promotional code and an online ordering/picture upload program will be downloaded to your PC. Your prints will arrive within a couple of days of ordering: we have had a sneak preview and the quality of both prints and service is very good indeed.

For more details on the services provided by Colormailer, check out their web site at www.colormailer.com.

Whilst we're on the subject of free stuff, don't forget that Eurodragster's Fifth Birthday Give-Away is open to entries until next Wednesday (12th March). For more details click here or click on the Fifth Birthday Give-Away link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

2003 FIM/UEM race numbers.
7th March: We are indebted to FIM/UEM European Championship Co-ordinator Lars Andersson for passing on this season's race numbers for Supertwin (formerly Supertwin Top Fuel Bike), Top Fuel Bike (formerly Comp Bike) and Pro Stock Bike, which are as follows:

Supertwin
ST1	Anders Karling	Sweden	SVEMO	Harley-Davidson
ST2	Per Bengtsson	Sweden	SVEMO	Bentec
ST3	Ton Pels	Holland	KNMV	Harley-Davidson
ST4	Svein Gottenberg	Norway	NMF	Harley-Davidson
ST5	Kai Selk�maa	Finland	SML	Harley-Davidson
ST6	Ronny Aasen	Norway	NMF	Harley-Davidson
ST7	Lars Wahlberg	Sweden	SVEMO	Harley-Davidson
ST8	Stefan Juneryd	Sweden	SVEMO	Servex
ST9	Rob van Geffen	Holland	KNMV
ST10	Per Jern	Sweden	SVEMO	Harley-Davidson
ST14	Vidar Ravensborg	Norway	NMF	Harley-Davidson
ST16	H�kon Myhr	Norway	NMF	Harley-Davidson
ST20	Torbj�rn Svensson	Sweden	SVEMO	Harley-Davidson
ST22	Bernard Hepworth	England	ACU	Harley-Davidson
ST24	Erik Nielsen	Denmark	DMU	Harley-Davidson
ST25	Carsten Andersson	Sweden	SVEMO	Harley-Davidson
ST25	Jamie Millership	England	ACU	Harley-Davidson
ST30	H�kan Tallberg	Sweden	SVEMO	Servex

Top Fuel Bike
TF1	Sverrre Dahl	Norway	NMF	Yamaha
TF2	Nls Ole Lund	Norway	NMF	Yamaha
TF3	Jon Leret	Norway	NMF	Puma
TF4	Pasi Alakunas	Finland	SML	Suzuki
TF5	Roel Koedam	Holland	KNMV	Yamaha
TF6	Neil Midgley	England	ACU	Suzuki
TF7	Shaun Branch	England	ACU	Suzuki
TF8	Tim Blakemore	England	ACU	Kawasaki
TF9	Martijn de Haas	Holland	KNMV	Kawasaki
TF10	Eric Teboul	France	FFM	Kawasaki
TF11	Ian King	England	ACU	Puma
TF12	Ken Cooper	England	ACU	Suzuki
TF14	Steve Woollatt	England	ACU	Puma
TF17	Antonio Ferretti	Italy	FMI	Suzuki
TF18	Jean Claude Drapnier	France	FFM	Triumph
TF19	Lugi Feretti	Italy	FMI	Suzuki
TF23	Gary Jones	England	ACU	Suzuki
TF25	Joey Bon	Holland	KNMV	Kawasaki
TF28	Sarah Jane Head	England	ACU	Suzuki
TF29	Paul Knapp	England	ACU	Suzuki
TF33	Neil Diggens	England	ACU	Kawasaki
TF34	Dave Holland	England	ACU	Suzuki
TF36	Mike Chilety	England	ACU	Suzuki
TF37	Peter Andersson Str�m	Sweden	SVEMO	Yamaha
TF38	Peter Westin	Sweden	SVEMO	Suzuki
TF41	Kjell Svorkmo	Norway	NMF	Yamaha
TF45	Asko M��t�	Finland	SML	Harley Davidson
TF47	Tapio Virtanen	Finland	SML	Suzuki
TF50	Magnus Larsson	Sweden	SVEMO	Kawasaki
TF57	Finn Alsterbo	Denmark	DMU	Primoto
TF60	Matti Kivilahti	Finland	SML	Yamaha
TF66	Mikael Andersson	Sweden	SVEMO	Kawasaki
TF73	Tommy Johansson	Sweden	SVEMO	Suzuki

Pro Stock Bike
P1	�ivind von Essen	Norway	NMF	Suzuki
P2	Roger Pettersson	Sweden	SVEMO	Suzuki
P3	Anders Larsson	Sweden	SVEMO	Suzuki
P4	Chris Tombleson	England	ACU	Suzuki
P5	Vesa Rautio	Finland	SML	Suzuki
P6	Richard Gipp	England	ACU	Suzuki
P7	Janne Ahtiainen	Finland	SML	Suzuki
P8	Chris Hope	England	ACU	Suzuki
P9	Martin Bishop	England	ACU	Suzuki
P10	Michal Poncha	Czech	ACCR	Yamaha
P12	Terje Lindberg	Sweden	SVEMO	Suzuki
P11	Bo Thorselius	Sweden	SVEMO	Kawasaki
P13	Luigi Chinarello	Italy	FMI	Suzuki
P17	Leonard Padget	England	ACU	Suzuki
P18	Ray Debben	England	ACU	Kawasaki
P20	Samuel Spiga	Italy	FMI	Suzuki
P22	Martin Newbury	England	ACU	Kawasaki
P23	Nick Pepper	England	ACU	Suzuki
P26	Helen Curran	England	ACU	Suzuki
P30	Helle Hansen	Denmark	DMU	Suzuki
P33	Anders Abrahamsson	Sweden	SVEMO	Suzuki

If you need an FIM/UEM race number for 2003 then you can contact Lars by E-Mail at lars.gb.andersson@volvo.com.

If you like your drag racing on two wheels then you could do a lot worse than to check out the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com which is updated daily with drag bike news by Top Fuel Bike racer, ACU UK Championship Co-ordinator and UEM Road and Drag Racing Working Group member Ian King. The site has just been updated with the 2003 FIM/UEM rules.
©Eurodragster.com
Easter Thunderball entry forms.
7th March: The Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc has been updated with invitation, entry forms and supplementary regulations for the Easter Thunderball, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 19th-21st April. The closing date for entries is 4th April.

The Entry Forms page of the SPRC site has also been updated with vehicle registration and declaration forms.
©Eurodragster.com
"My knackered computer has now been rebuilt and so I am having to start again", says SPRC Club Secretary Paula Marshall. "It is taking time to catch up so please bear with me. I will endeavour to send the forms out but if you can download them from the web site and send them to me then that will speed things up a little."

If you have not yet registered your vehicle then Paula asks that you send your registration with your Thunderball entry. Paula also asks that racers make a note of the revised entry fees on the forms so that the correct fee is sent.

Paula's E-Mail will be back online for enquiries within the next few days.

Web site updates.
7th March: UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Andy Frost has updated his web site with the latest off-season news including his preparations for the 0-60 Challenge which is no longer taking place at Elvington but on a private road near Derby. Check it out at www.redvictor1racing.co.uk.

The Avon Park International Racers Association web site at www.apira.org.uk has been updated with more downloadable Windows wallpaper files, this time by ace lensman Dick Parnham. The wallpaper files come in 800x600 and 1024x768 sizes and feature Super Street Bike racer Tony Clark and Top Methanol Dragster racer Dave Wilson.

Alan Currans' Acceleration Archive has been updated with another page of photographs by Rob Cook, this time twenty one images of Top Methanol Dragsters and Funny Cars. Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Paging Paul Jenkins.
7th March: Hugh Potter has been in touch asking for the help of Eurodragster readers, and hopefully one specific reader. "I'm trying to track down Paul Jenkins, who apparently owned and raced Mopar Menace (a '70 Aussie Valiant) as a street and later a strip car", says Hugh. "I am hoping that Paul will have some information I am seeking about the car."
©Eurodragster.com
If you're reading this, Paul, or if any of our readers can help, then please contact Hugh by E-Mail at moparmanuk@btinternet.com or call 01435 810152 any evening.

Oil Control at Santa Pod.
6th March: Caroline Day of Santa Pod Raceway has been in touch to announce that Oil Control Ltd have renewed their sponsorship support of the track. Oil Control Ltd, whose web site you can find at www.oilcontrol.com, supply a vast range of high-quality hydraulic valves to many of the world's most famous manufacturers.
©Eurodragster.com
"This will be the fourth year that Oil Control have been actively involved in Santa Pod Raceway, and they have on more than one occasion been seen entertaining their clients here", says Caroline. "We very much look forward to working with them again this season."

Andréasson's Guessing Game.
6th March: Back on 26th February we brought you the news about Leif Andréasson's plans to unveil the Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car team's new body at the Stockholm Motorshow on 5th-13th April. Whilst the team are keeping the details of the new body style secret for now, they are giving fans the chance to win a Kamasa Tools tool set by guessing the new body style in a competition now running on the team's web site.
©Eurodragster.com
There are some clues on the web site to help you along, including a new clue added yesterday (which even I think I can work out - Sharkman). For more details, check out the Andréasson Motorsports web site at www.andreassonmotorsports.com.

Johnsson aims for full Tour.
5th March: Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer Jörgen Johnsson is aiming to contest all six rounds of the FIA European Championship in 2003, says right-hand head technician Martin Olsson. The team learned a lot in 2002, running their first five-second passes, and will be looking to improve still further on their #9 position in the Championship.

"Right now the car is stripped down", says Martin. "The chassis has been fitted with a helmet guard by Competition Cars, and has been checked and polished for that winning shine. The clutch and bellhousing are at the SFI for tagging and will soon be fitted to the car. The engine is being overhauled and tuned to match the other cars in the strong class."

Martin tells is that nothing major has been done to the car, and that the modifications are centred on the drivetrain and chassis. "We are just checking and tuning the parts more", he says. "We are planning a possible new look for the body, nothing is being done now but we think that performance and looks should go hand in hand."

The team have also worked on the trailer, adding sides to their awning so that it doesn't blow away in the wind (sounds like experience talking there - Ed).
©Eurodragster.com
"The class looks really strong this year with lots of new blood, possible new winners and tight fields", says Martin. "The big event for us is the Veidec Drag Festival at Mantorp Park, but every event counts for points so we hope to do well at all of the races."

The team will be hoping to steal a march on their competitors by attending the pre-FIA Main Event Test Day at Santa Pod Raceway in May. "We hope to make the fans, our sponsors and ourselves happy with a good year", says Martin.

You can find out all about the Over The Hill team on their very impressive web site at www.overthehill.se.

Samantha Pro Stock.
5th March: We are indebted to Peter Axeldal for passing on the news that Michael Sjöqvist's Team Samantha Racing are making the move to Pro Stock in 2003. The famous Samantha Racing Dodge Daytona, which runs in Comp Eliminator, has been sold to Ulf Enkvist of Skellefteå.

Michael has purchased Jari Konola's Dodge Avenger, and will be updating the bodywork to the 2000 model by changing the front end. There will also be a minor change in the paint scheme.
©Eurodragster.com
Leif 'Gotland' Ahlin is to drive the car, which will initially be powered by the team's Comp Eliminator engines. "Although the engines lack competitiveness for Pro Stock, the team see their first season as a 'be there and learn' year", says Peter.

Samantha Racing's plans for 2003 include trips to Finland, Norway and Germany as well as racing in Sweden.

Look out for Lethal duo.
5th March: John Ellis and Ray White have big 2002 plans for their Lethal Pro Modified Calibra and Pro ET (not any more, we suspect, read on - Ed) Zephyr respectively. John was last seen assaying scrap metal after the 'big stick' he brought to last year's Doorslammer Internationals turned out to have trouble fitting in the engine, whilst Ray has spent time working with John and Doug Ripley whilst plotting his own return.

"After the good results we had running the Calibra last season, we decided that we weren't going to squeeze much more out of the 572 without loads of damage", says Ray. "So we have taken delivery of a 698ci Sonny Leonard, Big Block Chevy, fully-loaded Pro Mod engine which is being installed ready for the start of the season. Look forward to bigger and better rolling burnouts and, who knows, maybe even some six-second passes!
©Eurodragster.com
"The Zephyr on the other hand is totally new. The only parts from the old Zephyr are the roof and the back wings. The new moly chassis is almost finished - the car is lower and longer than the old one."

That's one race car we can't wait to see! Ray has promised us more news very soon.

2002 Super Series Trophies.
4th March: We have received the following press release from Terry and Tina Gibbs of Obsession Motorsports regarding the presentation of trophies to 2002 Super Series Champions and Runners-Up:

As some of you may be aware, the annual Super Series Dinner Dance had to be cancelled due to reasons beyond Obsession's control.

Santa Pod Raceway have very kindly offered the use of their Press Reception Area and Press Balcony for Obsession Motorsports exclusive use on the Saturday of the Easter Thunderball, 19th April, to allow winners and runners-up of the 2002 Super Series Championship to collect their trophies.

Tea, coffee, sandwiches etc. will be available. Trophies can be collected at your leisure between 12:00 midday and 8:00 pm. There will be no formal presentation but Terry, Tina, and invited members of APIRA and FAST will be available for you to collect your trophy, and whilst you are there you can watch the racing up close.

This will be restricted to trophy winners and runners-up only, except Junior Dragster who can bring Mum and Dad along with them.
©Eurodragster.com
A letter is in the post to all trophy recipients. Alternative arrangements can be made if you are not attending the Easter Thunderball, if so then please contact Obsession Motorsports on 01483 236262.

Obsession Motorsports would like to say a massive Thank You to Keith Bartlett, Kelly Ingall and Caroline Day for this kind gesture; as they have said, it is better than just sticking the trophies in the post.

Whilst writing Terry and Tina would like to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported them during Terry's recent heart surgery. With regard to racers and others who sent sponsorship proposals, funds have now been allocated to several racers. If you were unsuccessful your CV has been kept on file. Thanks for writing in and Obsession wishes everyone a safe and successful 2003.

More sponsors for Carter, Smax.
5th March: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter has announced yet more sponsors as he prepares for the 2003 season.

"Carter Motorsport are proud to announce Yuasa Automotive Batteries (Europe) Ltd as an official sponsor for the 2003 season", says team PR Dan Welberry. "We are delighted to welcome Yuasa on board for 2003. It's always exciting to introduce a new company to our sport and we hope that our relationship with Yuasa will be long and enjoyable."

Yuasa's web site will be launched shortly at www.yuasa.co.uk. The site currently displays a holding page with contact details and an E-Mail link, and you can call Yuasa on 0121 777 3292.

"We are also proud to announce sponsorship from Earls Performance Products who will be supplying new hoses for the First National Telecoms dragster", adds Dan. "We have been in contact with Earls for some time and we are delighted to have them on board now. We really hope that this new partnership can develop in the future and we look forward to introducing them to the team and to Top Fuel at the track during 2003.

"With new rules regarding hose testing for the coming season, Earls are pleased to offer a full test facility at their Silverstone Circuit base, which is obviously in close proximity to Santa Pod. To discuss your hose or test requirements, call Earls Performance Products on 01327 858221 or E-Mail sales@earls.co.uk. The company's web site can be found at www.earls.co.uk."

Meanwhile Smax Smith, no stranger to these pages in recent days, has announced that Champion Spark Plugs are to sponsor him as he moves to Top Fuel Dragster in 2003. "This is Champion's fifteenth year supplying me with record-breaking spark plugs!", says Smax. Smax has also let on that this is his thirtieth year in drag racing - congratulations, Smax.
©Eurodragster.com
Bull locked up and converted.
5th March: In 2002, our Swap Meet sponsor Jeff Bull Race Engines announced that they had become the European dealer for all Transmission Specialties products. Jeff Bull dropped us a line to let us know how the products are shaping up and to announce a new line.

"Up to date we are very pleased with the sales on the TS transmissions and converters" says Jeff. "We have supplied Super Gas/Comp racer Dave Townsend with a John Winters case and a Pro gear set from TS. Many of the TS-made products are widely-used by many well-known transmission builders throughout the USA.

"We have taken delivery of TS' top-of-the-line Pro-Line 6000 Power Glide transmission and lock-up converter systems which we will be fitting into our own race car. This system gives the user all the benefits of a torque converter for launching the car off the start line, and the same direct drive benefits you get from a clutch set-up (no converter slip). We will be out testing with the Pro-Line 6000 early this year so we can give prospective customers hands-on information on the product's performance. TS have sold quite a few Pro-Line 6000 units to NMCA racers in the USA, and are getting very good feedback."
©Eurodragster.com
For UK pricing and more information on all Transmission Specialties products call Jeff Bull on 01787 227789 or 0774 8760813 or E-Mail jeffbull.raceengines@virgin.net.

Web site updates.
5th March: Our good friends at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with an interview with NDRS Comp Eliminator Champion Peter Eliasson. As usual the interview is presented in both Swedish and English and is very interesting indeed. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
Kågered appears at Thunderball.
4th March: Micke Kågered Racing have confirmed that Micke is to appear in the new Bahco Tools Top Fuel Dragster at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. This will be Micke's first outing since his horrifying top end crash at the FIA European Finals in 2002, and brings the number of Top Fuel Dragsters at the Thunderball to four.

"I am really looking forward to the race season starting again", says Micke Kågered. "I will be driving a new car which Knut S�derqvist bought from the USA a couple of months ago. It is currently being prepared for me in England by Knut and Alan Jackson. I saw the dragster whilst it was still in the USA and it is a very fine car.
©Eurodragster.com
"As for the Easter Thunderball, my main focus is to get used to the car and to feel comfortable driving it. We are also taking the opportunity to sort out the engine and fuel system. If we manage to run quick then that is of course a bonus!"

Knut's crew will be tending to the dragster at the Thunderball and so only three of Micke's crew will attend. "On the FIA Tour we will have our own crew working on the car as usual, with Alan Jackson in charge of tuning", says Team Manager Åsa Kinnemar.

The Top Fueller is to be painted in England in time for the Thunderball, with a paintscheme similar to that of last year's car. The other car in the Kågered Racing stable, the European Championship-holding Top Methanol FC to be driven this year by Niclas Andersson, has now been repainted in its 2003 colours and will be unveiled at the Stockholm Auto Show on 5th-13th April. "We have our own booth at the show and we will be there on behalf of our sponsors Speedglas, Bahco Tools, Milwaukee, CRC, Belma-Lefa and Billackeringen Mj�lby.", says Åsa.

You can stay in touch with the latest from the Kågered Racing pit on the team's official web site at www.kagered-racing.com.

Athens hosts three races.
4th March: From Elias Vathias of the Hellenic Dragster club comes the good news that three of their six races this season are to be held on an old airfield right in the middle of Athens, Greece.
©Eurodragster.com
"This is great news, since a lot of fans will have the chance to watch these races, the media will cover the races extensively, and new sponsors will come!", says Elias. "There is already a great deal of interest from foreign teams who would like to come and contribute to the whole show!"

You can read more about Greek drag racing on the very slick dual-language Hellenic Dragster web site at www.dragster.gr.

Joon renews sponsors.
4th March: European Top Methanol FC record holder, Holland's Lex Joon, has announced the renewal of two sponsorship deals in his 2003 Championship quest. Valvoline Europe and Stena Line will be keeping Lex lubricated and transported as he chases the #1 plate across Europe.

"When you don't use a quality oil like Valvoline, you can't run a new European record as we did last year", said Lex, adding "Stena Line's beautiful ferries have everything you could want".

You can read the full story on the News page of the Lex Joon Racing web site at www.lexjoonracing.nl.
©Eurodragster.com
2003 FIA race numbers.
4th March: We are indebted to FIA European Championship Co-ordinator Kjell Pettersson for passing on this season's official race numbers in the four FIA classes:

TOP FUEL DRAGSTER
Name:	Country	Race Number
Kim Reymond	DENMARK	TF 1
Barry Sheavills	ENGLAND	TF 2
Susanne Callin	SWEDEN	TF 3
Andy Carter	ENGLAND	TF 4
Tommy M�ller	SWEDEN	TF 5
Mikael K�gered	SWEDEN	TF 6
Gary Page	ENGLAND	TF 7
Darryl Bradford	ENGLAND	TF 8
Peter Lantz	SWEDEN	TF 9
Robin Read	ENGLAND	TF 10

PRO STOCK
Name:	Country	Race Number
Michael Malmgren	SWEDEN	PRO 1
Jan Muren	SWEDEN	PRO 2
Jacob Ferrer	SWEDEN	PRO 3
Jari Konola	SWEDEN	PRO 4
Magnus Hansson	SWEDEN	PRO 5
Christer Andersson	SWEDEN	PRO 6
Rune Berg	NORWAY	PRO 7
Kenneth S�derstr�m	SWEDEN	PRO 8
Eero Knihtila	FINLAND	PRO 9
Peter Eliasson	SWEDEN	PRO 10

TOP METHANOL FUNNY CAR
Name:	Country	Race Number
Mikael K�gered	SWEDEN	TMFC 1
Urs Erbacher	SWITZERLAND	TMFC 2
Alex Joon	HOLLAND	TMFC 3
Leif Andreasson	SWEDEN	TMFC 4
Ulf Leander	SWEDEN	TMFC 5
Leif Helander	SWEDEN	TMFC 6
Arvid Gr�dem	NORWAY	TMFC 7
Dan Larsen	DENMARK	TMFC 8
J�rgen Johnsson	SWEDEN	TMFC 9
Magnus Larsson	SWEDEN	TMFC 10

TOP METHANOL DRAGSTER
Name:	Country	Race Number
Peter Schöfer	GERMANY	TMD 1
David Wilson	ENGLAND	TMD 2
Rob Turner	ENGLAND	TMD 3
Doug Bond	ENGLAND	TMD 4
Jari Halinen	FINLAND	TMD 5
Lindsay Deuchar	ENGLAND	TMD 6
Krister Johansson	SWEDEN	TMD 7

©Eurodragster.com
Stockholm SFI pictures.
4th March: Our good friends at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with a number of pictures from the weekend's SFI Days in Stockholm. The pictures are very interesting, and in some cases entertaining, and are well worth a look; our favourite is captioned "Almost quiet in the room..." although Tim Hyatt as a yeti also caught our eye. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
Smax and Leif's ultimate car swap.
3rd March: Things have moved very fast for Smax Smith in the last few days. On Friday we announced that he is to race a Top Fuel Dragster at Santa Pod's Easter Thunderball; on Saturday we revealed that Smax is to contest the full FIA Tour with backing from the charity Purple Dreams; and now Smax and Swedish Top Methanol FC racer Leif Helander have announced a straight swap of their Fuel and Top Methanol FCs. As revealed by our good friends on the Svensk Dragracing web site, Leif let slip the news on Saturday's SFI Day in Stockholm, and we heard from a very happy Smax yesterday.

"I have had to quit Nitro FC racing for now", said Smax. "Funding my Nitro Funny Car properly is difficult, and dangerous, without major sponsorship. Leif was looking to move up, so it seemed an obvious choice to step down from Fuel Funny Car for now and still have a Funny Car to appear at the many events to which I am invited. The thing is that very few people can afford to pay for demo passes in a Fuel car, and if it blows up first run you've more than burnt your appearance fee, if you get paid. There is a lot less chance of blowing it all to bits with a Methanol car."

"I hope it's good news!", laughed Leif when we spoke to him yesterday. "This was the easiest way to go. We looked at all of the parts of the the other car (about which we wrote on 13th February - Ed) and we realised that we wouldn't be able to race it this year."

Leif, who has been very popular with UK fans since the 1970s, will be contesting the British Nitro FC Championship starting with the Excitement Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway on 3rd-5th May. "I will be licencing in Sweden before the first race in England", said Leif. "Some of my crew have worked on nitro before so we will be OK. We're all very excited about it."
©Eurodragster.com
"I didn't want to let the other Nitro Funny Car teams down, so I made sure that Leif would be at the first event!", said Smax. "We did the deal entirely by E-Mail - I saw on Eurodragster that Leif wanted to sell his Methanol Funny Car to go Fuel FC, and I still want a Funny Car to race, so it seemed like an logical deal. I will be appearing in the Methanol Funny Car at the Bulldog Bash, and I also want to support Fuel and the Madd Music campaign. It will also give me time to spend on my kids' Junior Dragster, and if I fancy racing at a Top Methanol round then I can just turn up and do it!"

"Smax wrote to me last week, and we were E-Mailing back and forth all week until the deal was done", said Leif. "At first I thought my car was better! But it is a good deal. Smax's car is a good one, and we can paint it like a Saab because it is the same body as my Methanol car, so they will look the same. Leif Andréasson is still assisting me to find sponsors."
©Eurodragster.com
"The appearance of the Mainline Menace Nitro Funny Car was only possible with the help of the Andrews family, Fuel Records, Teng Tools, Champion, Yank Wheels, all of my associate sponsors, and of course with the hard work and dedication of the crew", said Smax. "Thanks to all concerned. I am there for the fans so I look forward to seeing you all at my pit to share the experience!"

Every Penny nearly back together.
3rd March: UK Super Pro ET racer John Parkinson is hoping that Eurodragster readers can help him to complete the rebuild of his Every Penny dragster, which was severely damaged in a top end crash at Shakespeare County Raceway last season. The car is well underway but one crucial piece remains to be found.

"The chassis is now at Paul Stubbings' workshop", John told us at the SFI Day at Santa Pod on Friday. "It went to Robinson Race Cars for tubing and bending. The car is to be stretched to 240 inches, the damaged front and back ends have been replaced with new tubing, and the roll cage has also been replaced with a larger piece. We bought the back end from the Krypton car: wheels, tyres, nine and a half inch Strange rear end, three-speed B and J, and clutch and flywheel. The back end of the chassis looks like the Forth Bridge! At the front the facility is there for a front wing. The next step is to mount the engine, motor plate and gearbox - but we need a clutch can for a Big Block Chevy."

John said that the engine escaped any more than superficial damage in the August crash. "The headers and bug catcher were damaged", he said, "but we got a pristine new bug catcher from Robin Read. The car will be out of Paul's shop in the next month and then we will work on the body panels. I have someone lined up to do the painting, the car will still be red but the guy who is to paint it wants to make it pearlescent."
©Eurodragster.com
The car will run "Some time this year", John said. "We will be out only when it's ready. We will do shakedown passes, then I will be looking for two hundred miles per hour, then I want to run a six. On paper the car will run a 6.9. And then my Crew Chief is trying to persuade me to go Top Methanol!"

If you can help John with a clutch can for a BBC then please drop him an E-Mail at ephartland@aol.com.

Crew for a new look Shockwave?
3rd March: The UK's Shockwave Fuel Funny Car is close to being back in one piece, says Crew Chief and co-owner Dave Bryant. "The new body will be ready at the end of next week", Dave told us at Friday's SFI Day at Santa Pod. "Doug Ripley is painting the new body. You're going to love the paint, it's a little bit special!"

The FC's engine is also to be treated to the latest BAE heads as used by John Force, and driver and co-owner Gordon Smith will be able to keep in touch with Dave and the team courtesy of a radio system arranged by Bob Jarrett and John Spuffard.
©Eurodragster.com
Dave, Gordon and the team are also very grateful to Knut Söderquist of Carbon By Design for his assistance. "Knut has been very helpful indeed and we would like to say a big Thank You to him", said Dave. "We're hoping that the car will be finished early enough to test in March or April, depending upon the weather and funding", said Dave. "But now that it's close to being back in one piece it's beginning to look like a real race car now!".

The final missing piece in the puzzle could be you. The Shockwave team are looking for new crew members for the 2003 season. Anyone wishing to apply should be very dedicated and be able to work on the car throughout the whole year, not just at race meetings. No experience is required but a real passion for the sport is a must. For further details please contact Gordon Smith at nitrofc7@aol.com.

You can find the Shockwave web site at www.funnycar.uk.com.

Web site updates.
3rd March: Thanks to Ulf Stadig for letting us know that Micke Gullquist has updated the European Pro Mod Association (EPMA) site with the second of a series of interviews. First off was Håkan Fällström, and this time it's the man who sent a packed Santa Pod absolutely wild when he recovered from hitting the wall at 200mph to win the event at last year's European Finals, Freddy Fagerström. We understand that there are more interviews to come so keep checking the site regularly.
©Eurodragster.com
Adam Gleadow has updated his UK Supercharged Altereds site with a news page. "If any one has any news on work they're doing on their blown altered or on new cars, let me know and I'll post it" says Adam. If there is sufficent interest and news coming in Adam will be updating the site on a weekly basis

Knight prepares for battle.
2nd March: UK engine builder Peter Knight's Top Fuel Dragster is coming together a lot quicker than he expected, he says. Peter has been putting together a Top Fueller for some months, dividing his time between his business and the car, but thinks that the Fueller may appear on the track by the end of the 2003 season.

"It's not the smartest thing I have ever done!", Peter told us at Friday's SFI Day at Santa Pod. "I keep upgrading the car to death but I'll never get it finished that way. I'm running out of time to finish it off so it is going to Webster Race Engineering in the next few weeks. I've got to get a trailer next - I don't know whether I will be building one or whether I will be able to buy one from someone else with everything I need".
©Eurodragster.com
Peter brought a clutch can and clutch to the SFI Day. "I'm getting them tagged with a view to running the car this year", he said.

This just leaves the question of who is to drive the car. "There are several interested, it is a case of their getting a good package together because I can't pay to run the thing on my own", he said.

Stay tuned for more news from Peter's workshop.

Robinson packs a spare.
2nd March: UK Pro Modified racer Andy Robinson is going into battle in Europe with two engines in 2003. The 6.6-second engine which currently powers his '53 Studebaker is to be joined by a spread-bore engine formerly owned by Alan Cook.

"I will be doing most of the UK Championship and as much of the European rounds as I can", said Andy at the SFI day at Santa Pod on Friday. "I plan to go to Mantorp Park, Gardermoen and then either Hockenheim or Shakespeare County Raceway - they fall on the same weekend. There's no point in going all the way up to Scandinavia with only one engine. I have just got the heads back from Eagle for the spread-bore engine so that will be coming with us, and I might fit it later in the season."
©Eurodragster.com
Andy débuted his Stude last year and very quickly had it running the numbers. "I can't complain about 2002", he said. "We ran a couple of 6.6s and got very close to my own track record at the Doorslammer race at Shakespeare County Raceway. That race was very useful for testing clutch and suspension mods. I wasn't sure how I would feel about running there after my crash (at over 200 mph at the top end in 1999 - Ed) but it was alright. Running 6.68s, getting off it early, was quite something."

Andy also repeated his gratitude to Eurodragster readers for voting his Pro Mod Best Appearing Car in Santa Pod Racers Club's 2002 Perpetual Awards. "It was great to win the award", he said. "It's the sort of thing which makes all the work worthwhile."

Andy also told us that Gordon Appleton's return to the strip is not far off. "We're just finishing the chassis", he said. "It's the same body, but we've mounted it differently this time."

Three cars, two drivers and a news item.
2nd March: Back on the 1st Feb We brought you the news that Super Pro ET racer Gary Malin was planning his return to the track after not one but two top end crashes last year and promised you details of the new car just as soon as we had them. Well Gary has now been back in touch with details of the car and also some interesting news on who will be in the driving seat.

"e; We have just ordered a new Race Car from Jon Webster." says Gary. " Our third car in just over 12 months will be a 260" Dragster (A 27ft Pop would have been my First Choice, but hey, you cant always have it your own way!) which Jon will commence work on it at the beginning of March and we are hoping it will be ready mid April. The car will be powered by a Jeff Bull big block alky motor and both the car and engine will have all the best equipment."
©Eurodragster.com
The team are hoping to debut the new car mid season or there abouts, but it will not be just Gary getting suited up this time round. "After two unfortunate top end wrecks, I thought that it would be only right that we had two drivers to balance things out." reveals Gary. Joining Gary in the driving duties will be none other than his wife Lin, who has already garnered the nickname "Shirley"!

Gary says "Lin is so enthusiastic about sitting in the "Hot Seat" that I have already had to remind Her that a red light is not a good light! Shirley and myself look forward to returning with a new car and a smile on our faces as usual." Gary closes by saying "Any way, its all Denis Boyle's fault for getting me into this! (Thanks Den!)"

ICE Automotive, Jeff Bull renew.
1st March: We are very pleased to announce that ICE Automotive Racing Engines and Jeff Bull Race Engines have renewed their sponsorship of Eurodragster's Home/News pages and Swap Meet respectively. This is the third year of backing from both sponsors.

"ICE Automotive Racing Engines are delighted to continue our ongoing support of Europe's premier drag racing news site, Eurodragster.com", said Nick Davies and Rob Loaring of ICE. "During the past year, Eurodragster has helped the business to expand both its engine-building and extensive performance parts businesses to the extent that a move in workshops is now imminent to the new Silverstone Technology centre. There, it is hoped that an extension of in-house facilities will further improve customer service."

You can contact ICE Automotive via E-Mail at rooster.ice@btinternet.com or by phone on 01268 727317.
©Eurodragster.com
"I said last year that I'd had a good year thanks to Eurodragster.com, and the same is true this year", said Jeff Bull. "I am sure that I will be saying the same this time next year! I am very pleased to continue my association with Eurodragster."

You can contact Jeff Bull Race Engines by E-Mail at jeffbull.raceengines@virgin.net or by telephone at 01787 227789.

"We are very grateful indeed to Nick Davies, Rob Loaring and Jeff Bull for continuing their support", said Tog of Eurodragster. "You only have to look at the standings in the UK National, Super Modified, and Custom Car Street Eliminator Championships to see how much of a lock the UK's two premier engine builders have on the UK scene. We look forward to another successful year's partnership."

ICE Automotove Racing Engines and Jeff Bull Race Engines join American Car Imports (Home/News pages and Event Coverage) and LA Racing Parts (Links pages) who had already signed up to the end of February 2004.

Please be sure to continue to support all of Eurodragster's sponsors to thank them for backing your favourite web site.

Smax's Purple days.
1st March: When we broke the news of UK Fuel FC racer Smax Smith's cross-licence to Top Fuel Dragster yesterday, there was an additional part of the story which we had to hold back until arrangements had been firmed up.

Today we are very pleased to be able to reveal that Smax will be contesting all six rounds of the FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship in 2003, as well as the Easter Thunderball, with backing from UK Charity Purple Dreams. "It's fantastic news", says Smax. "I've never raced in Europe before and I'm really looking forward to it! Knut's happy, I'm happy, and Purple are happy! I'm pumped - it's going to be wicked!"
This is extremely ©Eurodragster.com too!
The Purple Dreams charity raises money for seriously- and terminally-ill children to provide treatment help and support for the children and their families. Smax already has a history of helping children, having been a counsellor for Childline for some years, and is looking forward to assisting Purple Dreams in gaining exposure and raising funds.

As we revealed yesterday, Smax will be driving one of Knut Söderquist's Top Fuellers in 2003. The car is to be tuned by Alan Jackson, and Knut's Carbon by Design team will be crewing. "I've got a great car and a 305 mph crew - the fastest team in Europe. I don't think it will take too long to beat my personal bests of 5.74 and 265 miles an hour!"

Smax also plans to run his Mainline Menace Fuel Funny Car in the British Nitro FC Championship. "I had the clutch and bellhousing inspected today", he says (we were there - Ed), "and all of the necessary chassis mods have been done and are ready to be inspected. We've addressed all of last year's gremlins. It's the second-fastest Funny Car out there and I'll be turning up for double duty!"

Smax's sons Aidan and Ronan have stepped up to Junior Modified this year with the purchase of Adam Gleadow's eight-second JD. They will be sharing driving duties as they contest the full UK National Championship.

Stay tuned for more news of Smax's assault on the FIA European Championship.

SFI team fly in.
1st March: Santa Pod Raceway welcomed the travelling inspection team yesterday as the annual SFI Day took place in the Pod shop. SFI President Arnie Kuhns (below, left) and inspectors Tim Hyatt (below, centre) and Murf McKinney (below, right) inspected twenty one clutches and seven bellhousings, an increase on 2002's figures. The UK's Tech Team of Geoff Martin and Mark Norton were also in attendance to advise racers.

Arnie, Tim and Murf are in Sweden over the weekend and then travel to Finland and Germany before travelling home to the USA. Tim was being closely followed by his luggage which didn't make the trip from the USA with him (join the club - Ed) although luckily this did not include his testing kit! The team have a busy weekend awaiting them in Stockholm, according to Arnie. "We have thirty five clutches and thirty five bellhousings - and that's just that we know about", he said.
©Eurodragster.com
Over the next few days we have a number of news items to publish from our conversations with racers yesterday, but we also collected a few snippets.

Steve Turner told us that the engine set-up on the Netcall Telecoms-sponsored Top Methanol Dragster will be more or less the same as in 2002. "We learnt a lot last year", he said. "Then we stripped it down after the European Finals and it was perfect, nothing was damaged. We'll be working on the clutch this season, and we have advance/retard on the mags. We want to be first into the 5.4s!". Steve added that driver Rob Turner has just had his medical and stress ECG ready for 2003.

Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter's ex-Pelle Lindelöw Top Fueller is currently at Webster Race Engineering having the 2003 chassis mods applied. "We're working every evening now, it's really busy", said the First National Telecom-sponsored racer.

John Wright, joint owner of the Wildside Inc Top Fuel Dragster showed us #1 of the Racing Champions 1/24 scale collectibles of the car, which is to be donated to Eurodragster's fifth birthday give-away. The model is very nice indeed, with ignition wires and restraint straps on the engine included in the fine detail.

Mickey Moore will be back in the driving seat of The Mob Fuel Altered in 2003, said Ollie Burns. "The car is in bits at the moment", he said. "It's all in a box in the USA! But nothing was damaged at the end of the season". Ollie said that Phil Cornish's new Topolino-bodied Fuel Altered should appear soon. "It's long, so low you can lean on the roof, and it's pretty!", he said.

German NEAFPs added.
1st March: We are indebted to Manfred Kometz for sending us two more NEAFP dates for 2003. The NEAFPs, at which foreign competitors are authorised to participate, are over the eighth mile and take place at the Motopark Oschersleben on the following dates:

23rd-25th May: 2. Dragster Festival Sachsen-Anhalt
5th-7th September: Dragsterfinale Magdeburg
©Eurodragster.com
The events will also count towards Germany's Drag Racing Masters 2003. Car classes are PR, ET, SST, SG, SC, JD and Competition Eliminator (/D and /A), and bike classes are PRB, SH, MH, SSB and STW/TG. For more details contact Manfred at manfred.kometz@comparex.de, call +49 (0) 6051 2706 or +49 (0) 171-55 46 410, or Fax +49 (0) 6051 884256.

You can find the full calendar of NEAFPs about which we have been sent details by clicking here, or by clicking on the 2003 NEAFPs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page. If you have any NEAFPs to add to the list, please send details to news@eurodragster.com.

Web site updates.
1st March: Alan Currans' Acceleration Archive has had another major update with no less than ninety three historical Competition Altered pictures included in this week's upload. "I wanted to record the incredible diversity of this class during the 1970s and 1980s", says Alan. "Space only permits the inclusion of the name of the car and the driver, and unfortunately some of these are missing. I am therefore appealing for help from readers so that I can complete this information". The update also includes ten Fuel Funny Car photographs by Rob Cook. Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.

Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with his last 2002 video, this time of a Fuel FC race between Gary Page and John Spuffard, and featuring Gary's wild wheelie off the start line. You can view the video at www.topendtales.com.
©Eurodragster.com

Earlier news

All news, photographic and other material submitted to Eurodragster.com is accepted and published in good faith. Although we make every effort to ascertain the accuracy of published material, Eurodragster.com and its staff are not responsible for any errors in submitted news and photographs. Inaccuracies or other issues in published news items or photographs should be taken up with the named contributors, or with the Eurodragster.com staff only if the item is not credited to any individual. This page ©Eurodragster.com. News articles may not be copied or published elsewhere without the written permission of Eurodragster.com.

Eurodragster.com aims to bring you links to all the best European Drag Racing web sites. To add your site to Eurodragster's listings, simply email links@eurodragster.com with your URL and a little information about your site and we'll do the rest. When you update your site, drop us a line at news@eurodragster.com and we'll feature your site in our "What's New" section.
Eurodragster.com is a non-profit-making organisation run by a small group of Drag Racing enthusiasts for the sole purpose of promoting European Drag Racing. If you can help us to meet the modest cost of hosting this web site by advertising here, please email webmaster@eurodragster.com. We're sure you'll find our rates extremely competitive.