FIA Main Event results. 31st May: Congratulations to the winners of this weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway: FIA Top Fuel Dragster: Lex Joon 5.410/219.60 def. John Webster 15.065/27.05 FIA Top Methanol Dragster: Dave Wilson 5.422/248.83 def. Rob Turner 5.604/249.85 FIA Top Methanol Funny Car: Urs Erbacher 5.725/252.37 def. Dan Larsen 5.783/244.35 FIA Pro Stock: Jackie Hansen 7.050/195.52 def. Jimmy Ålund 7.071/195.59 red NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified: Roger Johansson 6.598/208.27 def. Patrick Wikström 7.932/135.93 FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike: Ian King 6.383/206.19 def. Steve Woollatt 6.597/212.25 FIM/UEM Supertwin: Svein Olav Rolfstad 6.924/202.86 def. Joachim Riemer broke FIM/UEM Pro Stock Bike: Martin Bishop 7.673/168.57 def. Richard Gipp 7.827/169.86 ©Eurodragster.com Super Pro ET: Steve Johnson (7.30) 7.341/177.08 def. Vince Gibbs (8.84) 8.835/149.06 Pro ET: Lee Huxley (10.50) 10.530/125.69 def. Chris Isaacs (9.63) 9.717/125.75 Sportsman ET: Rick Denny (13.09) 13.173/95.78 def. Jon Turner (12.50) 12.616/106.58 Super Comp: Brian Pateman 8.862/153.03 def. Malcolm Francis 8.817/156.75 Super Gas: Frank Mason 9.901/133.97 def. Tony Morris 9.948/126.72 Super Street: John Grant 10.966/128.23 def. Paul Spiers 10.978/120.95 red Junior Dragster: Peter Walters (8.75) 8.965/72.93 def. Daniel Giles (14.52) 14.732/40.28 9.50 Bike: Steve Knapp 13.086/110.96 def. Paul Hambidge 9.591/143.30 red European records were set by Dave Wilson (Top Methanol Dragster, 5.422 seconds), Urs Erbacher (Top Methanol Funny Car, 252.37 mph) and Patrick Wikström (Pro Modified, 6.255 and 227.17 mph), and countless personal bests were set in the course of the weekend. John Spuffard took the Fuel FC match race 3-1 for the Showtime team over Gordon Smith with a best of 5.769/200.45. You can view our American Car Imports-sponsored FIA Main Event coverage by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Our good buddy Gareth Evans has updated his UK1320 web site at www.uk1320.com with Photo Galleries and end-day summaries. Swift snippets. 31st May: FIA European Championship promoter Keith Bartlett announced during the FIA Main Event prizegiving that this year's Drag Racing Festival in Bahrain in November is to be an invitational, which means that this year's final round of the European Championships will definitely be the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod in September. Keith also announced that the FIA European Finals will remain at Santa Pod in 2006 with Bahrain's round set to be the season opener. More information is expected to be released shortly. ©Eurodragster.com We would be grateful if whoever walked off with Eurodragster.com's weather station sensor at Santa Pod yesterday evening could return it. This is the second sensor which we have had stolen; we are unwilling to continue subsidising thieves with our sponsors' money so unless the sensor is returned then we will no longer be including trackside condition reports in our event coverage. The Oregon Scientific sensor is white plastic, about the size of a cigarette packet, and has Eurodragster.com written on it in various places so should be easily recognisable. Rotorstock day 1 report. 30th May: Keith Cowie, man on a mission at this weekend's Rotorstock event at Shakespeare County Raceway, has sent further shockwaves by dominating today’s Hot Hour, the Mazda Rotary Club’s appetizer to tomorrow’s Street Fighter Shootout sponsored this year by Japanese Performance magazine, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson. Following a five-hour journey from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Keith was experimenting with all kinds of start line launches with his Nissan R32 GTR Skyline following a rebuild of his RB Motorports-prepared 2.7-litre drag spec engine’s blast at the Warwickshire quarter mile three weeks ago when the four wheel drive car ran a European best of 9.63 seconds. But in today’s happy hour the game was stepped up even further as Keith once more banged it up on the rev limiter and blackstriped his way up the track to the tune of 9.386 at 158.73 mph. In a post-race interview for visiting media channel Men and Motors he reckons there’s still more to come and that Europe’s first eight-second pass from a Jap import isn’t far away. Watch this space. Second quickest with the Fensport 2.1-litre Toyota Corolla was last year’s shootout winner Adrian Smith with a bunch of 10.6s followed by an 11.23 from Donalo Tedesro’s 1300cc Mazda RX7, another journeyman from Scotland. First casualty of the weekend going home on a low loader was Glaswegian Dave Scott. After an initial early checkout pass Dave gave his Mazda MX5 a shot of nitrous, but gave it too much and promptly ventilated the 1.6 block of its expensive internals spreading bits of crank and conrod all across the shutdown area. On the jet display front Roger Goring hit new personal best figures again in the mph department of 255.48 and 254.04 in the Pontiac bodied Firestorm Funny Car and a personal best ET of 6.232. Also running new personal best and resetting the track records for jet dragsters both ends was Ian Caseley in the Roadzombie II. Following an earlier 7.249 at 230.69 Ian wound up the wick and recorded a very forceful looking 6.910/229.08. Adding to the powerful display was PrimeTime Racing’s Split Second dragster. Having not test fired the car since replacing the British Land Speed engine with a more powerful Rolls Royce unit, pilot Mark Newby put down two low seven-second fliers; a 7.270/221.27 and a 7.101/223.52. Also in test and display mode with the Jade Racing H2 Kawasaki was Jerry Collier in preparation for the next round of the ACU series in three weeks' time. Following a precautionary 9.85 Jerry unleashed the Kwacker's power and laid down a superb 8.618 at 152.29 mph but at the expense of a melted piston. Jerry was later seen wandering the pits looking for a helicoil and a bottle of sulphuric acid! Jerry was also crewing for his son Scott who was learning the art of performing rolling burnouts with his 50cc Junior Drag Bike. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 30th May: Congratulations to UK Top Methanol FC racers Trev Capewell and Steph Milam became the quickest- and fastest-ever UK Top Methanol FC racers at 6.005 and 238.09 mph respectively during yesterday's FIA Main Event qualifying. Steph's run, which followed a pass of 231.97 mph on Saturday, confirms her as the fastest-ever female UK racer to add to her ET record of 6.308. ©Eurodragster.com Hersland just misses it. 29th May: Danish Top Fuel Dragster racer Rene Hersland has been on touch to explain that his non-appearance at this weekend's FIA Main Event was down to there being too many loose ends. ©Eurodragster.com "We went to Meca Raceay at Malmø a couple of weeks ago trying to get our new team in shape, but we were not allowed to run because of some administrative problems", says Rene. "I am especially sorry because of the massive back-up we have had from the fans of our fantastic sport. We still have the fastest and quickest Top Fuel car in Europe, and a lot of people are looking forward to see the car in action again." Rene and the Autobremsen team are at Santa Pod this weekend. "We have seen the weather forecast and we are bringing our short pants with us", says Rene. "We will be ready for the race at Alastaro, and from there on to compete in the FIA series." Even more Venomous. 29th May: Sweden's Venomous Racing Super Street team have made two major changes to their operation, says Jan Phersson. "First of all our main sponsor SoliferPolar AB have taken their co-operation all the way and asked Venomous Racing to become the official SoliferPolar Racing team", says Jan. "The next major change is that the team is building a new car. Most people have learned to recognise the team for their choice of vehicle, a Dodge Viper. The team will not be disappointing the fans with our next car, also built on a Dodge Viper, but this time a Coupe. ©Eurodragster.com "Right now the new car is in California with the legendary chassis builder Phil Mandella. It is the first Viper ever built for the Super Stock Eliminator class. You can expect long and high wheelstands from SoliferPolar Racing this season!" You can find out more on the team's official web site at www.soliferpolarracing.com. Swift snippets. 29th May: Congratulations to Super Gas and Pro ET racer Ron Bartlett who took the Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award with a 0.000 reaction time in yesterday's second day of qualifying for the FIA Main Event. Ron is £75 better off for his feat. The Perfect Light Award fund will be reset to £50 for the Shakespeare Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway in June. ©Eurodragster.com We were please to hear from Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Matthew Wright that Super Pro ET racer Ashley Bell was discharged from Lister Hospital yesterday after being admitted with second-degree burns to his face and neck from his fire on Friday. "Ashley is coming up to the track today because he is bored at home", said Matthew. The next two of this weekend's birthdays are those of Pat Ginn, partner of UK Comp Bike racer TJ O'Brien, and Santa Pod Raceway track announcer John Price who is spending his birthday at SPR commentating on the FIA Main Event. We're sure that everyone will join Tog and Sharkman in wishing Pat and John the very Happiest of Birthdays. Web site updates. 29th May: James Hands has updated his Racing 05 fan site with a Main Event Q & A with Top Fuel Dragster racer Lex Joon. Check it out at www.racing04.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Gus has updated his Nitro Burners fan site with photographs of Saturday's FIA Main Event action including Lex Joon's huge wheelie. Check it out at www.nitro-burners.com. Wild Bunch weekends. 28th May: Claire Meaddows, race co-ordinator of the UK's Wild Bunch has been in touch with news of the first round of the Wild Bunch Series, held at the recent American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway and to let us know about the second round which takes place at York Raceway this weekend: We had a good field of sixteen cars for our first WB round at Shakey, which was also the second round of the Series of our main sponsor, Real Steel. Many of the cars had three or four runs on the Saturday, and we welcomed three new members: Phil Sweeney in his Antisocial slingshot, Steve ‘Jacko’ Taylor with his Claustrophobic rear-engined dragster, and young Mark Hartnell with his Awesome 4-Some slingshot, who joined his dad ‘Crazy’ Chris (Backdraft slingshot) and brother Lee (Dazed and Confused altered) for the first time. The highlights of the weekend included Helen Smythe running an oh-so-near to perfect Reaction Time of .001 in the Team Twisted Hell’s Belle altered, and a new PB of 12.720, and ‘Smokin’ Joe Stevens running exactly on his dial-in with a 10.050 on a 10.05 in his Back in Black altered One of the stars of the weekend was Sarah Howells in Bernie Nicholas’ Destiny’s Angel altered. Sarah has been running the car for the last three events, and getting quicker all the time, resulting in a new Personal Best of 9.490 at 144.69 mph, which also earnt her Quickest ET of the rounds on Sunday. Crazy Chris had run a good wheels-up 9.206 on the Saturday in testing, but unfortunately had some gasket problems which sidelined the car Sunday, leaving the boys to show the way to go for the family!. Steve Field also performed well on the Sunday, running new PBs of 10.297 and 129.77 in The Black Pig altered. Sarah, never being further than .046 off her dial-in, won the round, and the title of Best Altered for the weekend, and is now leading both the Wild Bunch and Real Steel Series. Tony Smith finished second in the Cunning Plan altered, Joe Stevens was third, and Tom Coe fourth in his Psycho slingshot. Jacko, a former marshal at Shakespeare County Raceway, is realising his dream of driving a dragster, and won Best Radical/Dragster trophy, and Mark won Best Slingshot on his début with his smart blue and gold car. He also performed a one-wheel launch which Sharky captured really well – see www.topendtales.com. All in all a good weekend for the Bunch for their first round. For full details of this and other events, see the Wild Bunch web site www.the-wild-bunch.co.uk. We are now really looking forward to Round 2 this weekend York Raceway. It’s a really busy event with a lot of classes running and should be a lot of fun, so if you’re in the area then drop by. We highly recommend it and are really looking forward to racing there again! Also, best of luck to all the racers at the FIA Main Event at the Pod. ©Eurodragster.com Lee Hartnell, driver of Team Overdraft’s Dazed and Confused altered would like to take this time to thank the following people for all their help: the Hartnell family: Chris and Claire, Mark and Jade, and especially fiancée Sarah "For putting up with me"! And a special thanks to DASH Racing, Darryl and Sarah Howells, who have made it possible for me to race during the last couple of years, towing my car up for me (what with the ‘trailer escapes’ and all!). And last but by no means least, Mr Scottie push-me-pull-you Durrant! Mark Hartnell, newest driver in the Wild Bunch with the Awesome 4-Some slingshot would also like to thank all the Hartnells: Chris, Claire, Jade, Lee and Sarah for all their support and help at his first event. A big thanks to Sharkman for the brilliant pictures he took, also thanks to all the original owners of the car, and especially Gos for helping with the gear selector problems, Ed for doing the graphics, Ray for unloading, Sarah for her support and enthusiasm and kiitos to Darryl for the same; and also to crewman extraordinaire, Scottie, for helping with the throttle cable problems and burnouts! Swift snippets. 28th May: Congratulations to Super Gas racer Frank Mason who took the Eurodragster.com/LA Racing Parts Perfect ET Award with a 9.900 in yesterday's first day of qualifying for the FIA Main Event. Frank is £100 better off for his feat. The Perfect ET Award fund will be reset to £50 for the Shakespeare Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway in June. ©Eurodragster.com Via Alan Currans of the excellent Acceleration Archive web site comes a plea from the legendary TV Tommy Ivo, who would be pleased to hear from anyone who has photographs of his trips to the UK for the 1960s Drag Fests. If you have any pictures then please drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com and we will put you in touch with Tommy. Sunoco Race Fuels are releasing a new high octane leaded racing fuel especially designed for Nitrous applications. The Sunoco Supreme NOS is a 120+RON and 113 MON fast-burning high-quality leaded racing fuel of a specific gravity of 0.724 kg/litre. It also contains 0.64% of oxygen to further boost power. It is designed to stabilise the NOS face and will provide ultimate protection allowing higher boost level of NOS than with other high octane race fuels. Sunoco race fuels are imported by the European and Middle East distributor Anglo American Oil Company Ltd and sold to UK racers via Geof Hauser and Andy Robinson. Andy Robinson can be reached on 01256 880589 and Geof Hauser can be found on 01933 312735. The next of this weekend's birthdays is that of UK Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head. Scary is at Santa Pod Raceway today collecting for the local air ambulance but hopefully she will have a few moments to kick back and enjoy her birthday. Have a very Happy Birthday, Scary! A slightly belated Happy Birthday to Laura Turburville, daughter of Supertwin Fuel racer and photojournalist Ian Turburville, who celebrated her tenth birthday in the week. "Seeing as Laura is such a good kid she took delivery of her new pride and joy, a Schwinn Chopper (right), pretty cool eh?", says Turbo. "Laura would like to wish all the Fuel bike racers a speedy but safe weekend at the Pod and hopes to see you all later in the year!" Web site updates. 28th May: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with information about an extended entry date for the Meca Nats, updated NDRS points, and a naked plug for Eurodragster.com's FIA Main Event coverage (thanks guys!). Check it out at www.dragracing.se. ©Eurodragster.com Charity collections at SPR. 27th May: If you are coming to Santa Pod Raceway this weekend then be sure to bring some money with you as we have two charity collections. The first is in Top Fuel Dragster racer Jöran Persåker's pit where the Nasty Toys team are running a Top Fuel Bump Sport competition with an autographed John Force T-Shirt up for grabs. All the team ask is that to enter the contest you make a contribution to Christie's Hospital Charity in memory of the team's late clutch technician David Elden. Jöran's car is carrying some very nice decals in David's name, which were designed by Richard Karman. ©Eurodragster.com Also collecting this weekend is Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head who is recovering from her terrible top end crash at last year's Easter Thunderball. Scary is collecting for the local Air Ambulance which came to her aid that day. Scary makes a good point that if it were not for the air ambulance then we may well not be enjoying her company so if you are confronted by a Funny Bike racer with "a bucket and a club" then you know what to do. Swift snippets. 27th May: We have a number of birthdays over the next couple of days; the first being that of our good friend Heike Schafer of the Peter Schöfer Racing Top Methanol Dragster team. Heike is at Santa Pod with the team preparing for tomorrow's first day of Pro qualifying but hopefully she will have time to kick back. Have a very Happy Birthday, Heike. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 27th May: Our good buddy, photographer Richard Heeps, has added a section of 2005 drag racing photographs to his web site at www.richardheeps.co.uk. Richard tells us that he will again have photographs for sale in the Pod Shop at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend. ©Eurodragster.com Appleton's gratitude. 26th May: UK Pro Modified racer Gordon Appleton has been in touch to express his appreciation to his crew and others who have helped him. Gordon has switched to a blown-alcohol combination this year and had a successful first outing with a 6.8-second run off the trailer. "Time for a few acknowledgements I think!", says Gordon. "I have been involved in drag racing for almost twenty five years now and someone who has been a big influence, and a great help to my racing career, is Andy Robinson. We've had many a close race although I think he is currently ahead on wins! I firmly believe that his chassis are among the best in the world and anyone using an RRC piece will agree. Thank you Andy. Keep up the good work! "One of the main ingredients needed to race, especially in a Pro class, is a good crew. I feel I have one of the best. There is never a problem getting pushers and polishers but dedicated crew members are few and far between. Take Dave 'Hollywood' Clarkson for instance. Ex-racer himself and my nitrous man for the last two or three years. He travels a long way to help on the car and gets his fair share of abuse from other crew members! Thank you Dave. I do appreciate it. Rob 'Soulman' Smallworth, a good friend, hard worker and all-round nice guy. There is a lot involved in converting a nitrous car to a blower car and every time we needed something like a bracket to mount and switch, Rob would think about it, draw it, design it, fabricate it, fix it, paint it, and make it work. It is easy to understand how it took him six years to build his lovely race car. Well done Rob. You are truly a pleasure to work with and an important member of the crew. ©Eurodragster.com "Another important member of the crew is ex-Pro Mod racer and Camaro lover Simon Payne. Simon works with cars every day so I guess to down tools at six o'clock, jump into his van, drive almost an hour and start again can be a bit of a strain. I did sense you were beginning to wane towards the end Simon, but when we fired it up at 11.30 pm on the Thursday before the test session, you really came to life again. Your knowledge and input are invaluable to the team. Thanks for your help and hard work, mate. It really is appreciated. "I guess that's about it! I'll see you at the weekend. "Well, I suppose there is someone else. Someone who plays such an important role in Wheelgame Racing, and has done for the last eight or nine years. His motivation and determination, his knowledge and his ability to be able to absorb information is second to none. There are, I'm sure, a lot of good mechanics involved in drag racing, but not many able to get a Pro Mod down the track. The data he stores in his head is unbelievable. I don't know how he does it. Ask him what clutch tune we had at the second round of the European Finals in 1998, he'll know. With what did we qualify in Hockenheim in 1999? He'll know that as well! He keeps everybody going - sometimes more than they would like to be kept going! He is without a doubt one of the best Crew Chiefs out there today and I'm glad he is mine. His enthusiasum has kept me racing over the years. I hope that with the new combination this season, I can come through for you, Adrian. Thanks mate." Lacey sponsors UK Championship. 26th May: UK Pro ET racer Mike Lacey is to sponsor the UK National Championship through his company Allyjax. ©Eurodragster.com The winners of Pro Modified, Super Modified, Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Sportsman ET, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street will receive a £50 voucher which can can be redeemed against one of the company's range of aluminium car jacks. Decals must be carried to qualify for the award. I saw birdies at fifty feet. 26th May: Swiss Pro Mod racer Peter Wacker is headed back from Andy Robinson Race Cars (right) to Santa Pod Raceway via ICE Automotive having checked out his Roofer's Toy Chevy after its spectacular near-vertical wheelie on Sunday. Peter told Eurodragster.com that he is looking forward to defending his event title after a successful day at ARRC yesterday, but started by taking us through the wheelie from the cockpit. "It was amazing!", said Peter. "I have a new 735 ci engine from ICE Automotive which is very well-prepared, it is much stronger and has more torque than my 706 engine from last year. I had severe tyre shake on my first run on Sunday. On the second run the car hooked up, there was no shake and then through the side window I could see birds flying past so I got off the throttle. I thought I was going to blow over like Rico Anthes did in his Top Fueller but then it started to go back down. It was a very hard landing, which hurt my back for two days and gave me a bad headache - I don't think I want to have a landing like that again!" ©Eurodragster.com Peter and the team checked out the Roofer's Toy as soon as they returned to the pits, but they were surprised to find that the damage appeared not to be serious. "We took the car to Andy Robinson Race Cars yesterday", said Peter. "We mended the wheelie bar, and the chassis was OK. The motor mid plate and the bellhousing took the blow. We were very lucky". The car is on its way to ICE Automotive today for final checks on the engine. "The pan was bent in the landing", said Peter, "we have straightened the pan out but Rob Loaring and Nick Davies just want to check the bearings." Peter said that the wheelie bar showed signs of having cracked before last weekend but then got stressed to the point of failure on Sunday. "Where the bar failed it looked as if some of the crack was old because the metal was tarnished, but then the rest of the break was shiny where it broke on Sunday", he said. "On the first run we think the wheelie bar grounded several times in the shake." With the car checked over and the engine getting ICE Automotive's expert attention today, Peter's thoughts are turning to the race. "I would like to repeat my event win from last year", he said, "but it will take a lot of luck, all of the teams are very strong. But I would like to thank Andy Robinson, Wayne and Peter at Andy Robinson Race Cars, and Rob Loaring and Nick Davies at ICE Automotive, for their hard work in allowing me to be there to defend my title." Grumpy has new chutes... 26th May: 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave 'Grumpy' Wilson and the American Car Imports Racing team are not expecting an easy ride of their second consecutive title defence. "I think we'll be alright", says Grumpy. "We have rebuilt both engines, I am just finishing the overhaul of a cylinder head. So we are ready to go but of course it's all untried. There are a lot of unknown factors, for example Peter Schöfer and Krister Johansson with all of their new bits. We have new parachutes!" It's one of the two biggest weekends of the year for the ACI Racing team, who are entertaining a large number of sponsors at Santa Pod. "We do a lot of entertaining in our pit which Tony and Jon Cohen organise", says Grumpy. "Providing for two hundred people is a huge logistical exercise and they do a great job of it". The trailer was driven to Santa Pod last weekend and team are due to join it this afternoon, and the plan is to build the awning, put the dragster into the pit, then to apply the graphics. "We'll build the car up and then we should be ready to go", says Grumpy. ©Eurodragster.com The FIA Main Event has a relatively large entry in Top Methanol Dragster, even allowing for the withdrawal of John Parkinson who was prevented from making licencing passes last weekend by the weather. "The class is looking better this year", says Grumpy. "We have the five cars at this event and there will be two more in Finland, and probably two more in Sweden and Norway. "There are plenty of people who don't want us to win the Championship a third time", adds Grumpy. "We just have to stop them being right!", he says. Wright sets a record. 26th May: UK Super Gas racer Matthew Wright was due to install his new 572 ci engine into his Chevy pick-up last night after a very successful dyno test at Knight Racing Services yesterday (Wednesday). "It didn't go too well last week because one of our brand-new heads had a bent valve" said Matt, who sponsors Eurodragster.com's Home and News pages through Gleeson Wright Security. "But this time the figures are awesome. We didn't make too much of a mess of Peter Knight's dyno room and we now hold his dyno record by one horsepower!". UK National Super Modified Champion Andy Hone, whose Granada Scorpio is also sponsored by Gleeson Wright, gave us a run-down on Matt's new engine. "It's a brand-new block which I bought in 2000 to replace a block belonging to Mick Coombes, Matt has borrowed this block", said Fred. "It has new crank, new pistons, new rods, CNC ported heads, and the blower was new at the start of the year. There's a cool charger mounted between the blower and the engine. The dyno test went very well indeed: we made 992 horsepower at 6400 rpm with no gas, and 1149 horsepower at 5000 rpm with 175 nitrous. I'll be helping Matt and Pete Thompson at Santa Pod this weekend." Although Matt is racing in Super Gas this weekend he is planning to move to Street Eliminator. "The truck is street-legal and I've got all this power so I might as well use it!" Matt asked us to thank Peter Knight, Malcolm, Nigel and Jacko at Knight Racing Services for their help. Smax gets well-oiled. 26th May: We were very pleased to hear from UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Smax Smith that as a direct result of yesterday's news item on Eurodragster.com he now has an oil sponsor for this weekend's race, at which he will be driving Stuart and Richard McDonald's dragster. "Michael Van Wilgen of MPM Oil has pledged support of our race team for the Main Event", says Smax. "MPM will provide all the oil we need and we will be chuffed to run their logo on the dragster. MPM are already heavily involved in sponsoring drag racing including Top Fuel friend Lex Joon, so I know full well how good their product is". ©Eurodragster.com Nice one Michael! And now Smax, a word about commission... FIA Main Event snippets. 26th May: Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing tells us that weather conditions permitting the Royal Navy's Parachute Display Team will be making a high-altitude drop at Santa Pod at 13:00 on Sunday. "Eyes to the sky for this fantastic addition to one of Europe's most prestigious drag racing events", says Rick. ©Eurodragster.com 2005 Fantasy League launched. 26th May: With the FIA/FIM Championship season almost upon us, the Fansfueler project team are launching the 2005 European Fantasy Drag Racing League in association with their friends at DragsterWorld.com. "After last year's successful trial of the Fantasy League format on the DWFF, Dave Cumbridge and I will be running the 2005 European Fantasy Drag Racing League across both the DragsterWorld and Fansfueler forums", says Chris. "This will allow us to open up the league to more potential players. It's your chance to be the manager of your own team of professional drivers and riders without ever getting your hands dirty ,and we will be awarding prizes to the winning Team Manager at the end of the 2005 season. The Fantasy League will run throughout the season, and you can join in at any time, although the more events for which you are entered, the higher your chance of earning $s for your fantasy bank balance! "To enter the European Fantasy Drag Racing League you should first read through the rules and information which you can find at www.fansfueler.co.uk, then you will need to let us know who is in your team by posting in the Fansfueler Fans Forum - registering is easy, you just need a valid E-Mail address and it only takes a few clicks. Alternately, if you are a member of the DragsterWorld Forum you will be able to post your team there. We will then add your team to our database and keep track of how your drivers and riders are doing throughout the season. After each event we will credit or debit any winnings or costs from your fantasy bank account and update the league table so that you can see how well you are doing. The winner will be the entry with the highest fantasy bank balance after the FIA European Finals in September. "We already have one prize, donated by Carter Motorsport, and Barry Sheavills Motorsport will also supply a prize for the season winner, but we would love to hear from any other teams who feel they could put up a small prize for the winners of each event or any of the 'spot' questions we will be asking throughout the season. "Get those entries in before the Main Event cut-off which will be midnight this Saturday, 28th May." ©Eurodragster.com Woollatt secures MT backing. 25th May: 2004 ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Steve Woollatt will be running on Mickey Thompson rubber starting at this weekend's FIA Main Event after signing a sponsorship deal with Mickey Thompson Tires. The multiple Championship-winning Dealer will benefit from product support under the new deal. "I have already installed one new tyre on the bike and have a spare in my trailer", says Steve Woollatt. "I am very proud to be associated with Mickey Thompson Tires as one of the prestige names in the tyre market and I am very grateful to the company for their support and to Lee Child for his help in arranging the deal." ©Eurodragster.com Lee Child of LA Racing Parts, an authorised Mickey Thompson dealer, helped to organise the deal in association with Mickey Thompson Tires UK and the US parent company. "I am very pleased to be involved with Steve Woollatt", says Lee. "Steve's Championship record speaks for itself, and he also does a lot to promote the sport by attending many different events and representing his sponsors in an exemplary manner." Steve says that he is making good progress with the new set-up which he has been developing this season. "We've got high hopes for this weekend", he says. "We've made inroads on the new set-up, I think we've got it cracked and there's no reason we shouldn't be up there." O'Sullivan ready for fun! 25th May: UK Pro Mod racer John O'Sullivan has announced a sponsorship deal for his Mr Mopar blown-alcohol Anglia with Wessex Fasteners of Swindon. "Wessex Fasteners (01793 613369) have given me a lot of assistance to finish the Pro Mod Anglia", says John. "They supply all sorts of fixings and fasteners to all trades nationwide and offer the same high standard of service whether you are a large company or someone who walks in off the street. I would like to thank K, Brian and Val for their help. I would also like to thank PJO Engineering of Swindon (tel 01793 641814, fax 01793 480849) for sponsorship. PJO Engineering are precision engineers, CNC machinists, welders and fabricators of all materials." ©Eurodragster.com John says that the Anglia is nearly finished. "We're ready for some fun", he says. "Tuning guru Charlie Draper is coming over to give a hand as well. I would like to thank Pete and Kath for vital parts which needed tweaking, thanks also for help and assistance from Andy Robinson, Clive Bond and Bert Englefield." FIA Main Event snippets. 25th May: Eurodragster.com Home/News sponsor Dynospeed Developments will be fielding two bikes in 9.50 Bike at this weekend's FIA Main Event, Jamie Sneddon on his Suzuki Hayabusa and Paul Watson on Ian Berry's Suzuki Hayabusa, as Ian has work commitments. "Watch out for future events with the BTC/DSD-sponsored Nick Parrish and his record-holding nitrous Hayabusa", says Paul Watson of DSD. "Also look out for news on the Blackbird Super Street Bike, we are ready to go with a three-engine combination which should see us through to the end of the season. We aim to push hard now and hopefully set both ends of the record at each track. Look out also for the return of the DSD Racing Pro Stock Bike." UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Smax Smith has been in touch to ask if any oil company would be interested in sponsoring him with oil for this weekend's race, at which he will be driving Stuart and Richard McDonald's dragster. "This will be a one-off deal", says Smax. "If anyone could sponsor us with 70W oil then we will put their name on the car where it will be seen on TV". If you can help then please get in touch with Smax at smax@smax.co.uk. After being closed for six weeks due to fire damage, the Pod Shop will be reopening at the Main Event, says Dave Jones of Santa Pod Raceway. "The shop will be opening with exciting new drag dacing and Santa Pod merchandise", says Dave. "There is a new children's bedroom range featuring quilts and matching border together with a clock. Limited edition prints of a specially-commissioned oil painting of Santa Pod, as well as many new items of clothing, caps and jet car merchandise, will also be available for the first time this weekend". Dave adds that the pairing lanes have now been marked on the new tarmac (right), and that visitors will notice new flooring outside the Pod Shop and Café amongst other improvements. Further to yesterday's news item, Pat and Steve Johnson of the UK's MotorMouse Super Pro ET team have asked us to say a big Thank You to Janet Smith, who designed the MotorMouse cartoon which is used on the car. "The end result is great fun, we certainly won't be missed!", says Pat Johnson. Eurodragster.com's Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam will be broadcasting from the right-hand side of the track, close to spectator-side VIP (right), at this weekend's FIA Main Event after taking the vote by no less than three to one. The webcam will be on-line from approximately 8:00 on Friday morning and then throughout the each day, and is scheduled to broadcast a picture every two minutes. FIA Main Event Perfect Awards. 25th May: This weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway is the fourth eligible event in the 2005 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards scheme, with a total of £175 up for grabs. The Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award has been increased to £75 after it went unclaimed at the Big Bang. The Perfect Light Award will be presented to the first racer this weekend to record a perfect Reaction Time of 0.000. The Award is open to all classes and is available during qualifying or eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the weekend. If the Award is not won at the FIA Mein Event then the prize fund will increase to £100 at the Shakespeare Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway in June; if the Award is won then the prize fund will be reset to £50 at the Shakespeare Nationals. The Perfect Light Award is jointly presented by Eurodragster.com and high-performance hose and fitting manufacturer Speedflow, whose web site you can find at www.speedflow.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com The Eurodragster.com/LA Racing Parts Perfect ET Award has been increased to £100 after it went unclaimed at the Big Bang. The Perfect ET Award will be awarded to the first racer to run to the thousandth on their index or dial-in during qualifying or eliminations. The Award is open to all ET classes, all Super classes, Junior Dragster and 9.50 Bike, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect ET of the weekend. If the Award is not won at the FIA Main Event then the prize fund will increase to £125 at the Shakespeare Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway in June; if the Award is won then the prize fund will be reset to £50 at the Shakespeare Nationals. The Perfect ET Award is jointly presented by Eurodragster.com and performance supplier LA Racing Parts, whose web site you can find at www.laracingparts.com. Good luck to all racers competing at the FIA Main Event. Super Freeman. 25th May: The UK's Sam Freeman tells us that he is likely to settle in Super Comp with his new altered. Sam has been carrying Pro ET on the car during licencing, and had Super lettering ready to add to it, but after discussions with race officials he is changing classes. "I was advised that the car would probably fall into Pro ET, or if it was quick enough Super Pro ET", says Sam. "However following a chat with Ian Marshall last Saturday evening - in bright sunshine after it had tipped down all day! - I was informed that delay boxes and C02 throttle stops were not allowed in either class, so it looks like I will be running in Super Comp. That will be after I have fixed the transmission, which decided that it wasn't going to oblige with second gear without slipping badly. Maybe it didn't like full throttle, as it was fine the other week at the Ford RS day with half throttle when it ran 9.7 on a half pass, 5.8/116 in the eighth. ©Eurodragster.com "I have withdrawn from the Main Event, mainly due to my life being a logistical nightmare: car in Rushden, I live in Hemel Hempstead, and I work near Southend which does not leave much time for working on it. However the transmission will be out at the weekend, and parts ordered, so I hope to be out soon." York's double-header. 25th May: This weekend's UK Spring Nationals at York Raceway, which takes place on Sunday and Monday, is the season's first big double-header at York Raceway, offering great racing for participants and for spectators alike writes York Raceway PR Howard Holmes. "The weekend includes the season's first and second rounds of the highly successful American Super Stock Series, the Hot Rod Challenge, and the Northern Drag Racing Championship Pro ET and Sportsman ET round two qualifying and eliminations, Hot Rod Challenge round two qualifying, and York's new race series, the Air-Cooled Eliminators, has its inaugural rounds. And as if that wasn't enough we have the colour, showmanship and spectacle of the Wild Bunch nostalgia series, a welcome return to our friends for their first of two weekends' racing at York this year. Plus we have the Modders v Rodders Shootout and Run What You've Brung sessions. "And it makes a great event for the family too, ­see Europe's biggest monster truck Big Pete strut his stuff and soar through the air, trashing down onto the wrecked cars below. Marvellous stuff!" ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 25th May: Roger Goring and Colin Fallows will be appearing with their Firestorm Jet Funny Car and Split Second Jet Dragster respectively at this weekend's Rotorstock at Shakespeare County Raceway. This will be Colin's first appearance on a drag strip in a jet car in some years. London-based Banjax Motorcycles have announced that they are now able to provide nitrous refills at their Bethnal Green premises. For more details, and full information about the services which Banjax can provide, check out their web site at www.banjaxmotorcycles.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Thanks to our good friend Patrik Jacobsson for letting us know that the initial entry list for the Summer Nats, which takes place at Norway's Gardermoen Raceway on 10th-12th June, is now available on the Norsk Dragracing web site at www.norskdragracing.com/modules.php?name=Startliste. Entry closes on 31st May. A very Happy Birthday to our good friend Jemma Harrison who celebrates her twenty first birthday today. Jemma will be spending this weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod working on the shutdown area track crew, so racers making the first exit know where to drop off cards. A very Happy Birthday also to Rudi Schöfer of Germany's Peter Schöfer Racing Top Methanol Dragster team, currently on the way to Santa Pod Raceway for this weekend's race. We're sure that everyone will join Tog and Sharkman in wishing Jemma and Rudi the Happiest of Birthdays. If Tom Bell of New Zealand should be tuned in then please drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com and we will put you in touch with the Swap Meet advertiser with whom you were corresponding. Is yours the Ultimate Street Bike? 25th May: 200mph.org.uk, the Ultimate Hypersports Bike Club is pleased to announce the launch of the Ultimate Street-Bike Challenge. A true test of man and machine, the Ultimate Street-Bike Challenge will see bikes competing across three days and three events to decide which is the strongest bike out there. But it’s not just about the ultimate winner, it’s your chance to see how you and your bike measure up against everyone else – settle those pub arguments once and for all! Saturday 30th July will see a Dyno Shoot-out at Big CC in Wokingham. Coinciding with the Big CC Horsepower Shootout this leg of the US-BC will be run on the Big CC Dyno and Dynojet’s own truck. A set of targets for each class will see points awarded and a league table published. The Big CC Horsepower Shootout is a fantastic event in its own right, with hundreds of bikes in attendance, trade stands and roadside entertainment. Sunday 31st July sees the US-BC roadshow hit Judgement Day 6 at Woodbridge, Ipswich for some top speed flyer action. The 2 mile runway blast will be a true test of a bike’s endurance and aeros. Again class targets will be produced and points awarded for this discipline. Finally, Monday 1st August sees the action move to Santa Pod Raceway for a quick change of sprockets and some quarters. 200mph.org.uk have booked the Pod with a fully prepared track all of their own. With limited entry, the prepped track and no cars, this is truly an event not to be missed and probably your best chance to set your PB. Competitors will be able to enter any one or more of the events of the Ultimate Street-Bike Challenge and to assist in comparisons the challenge will be split into four classes, 650cc, 1000cc, unlimited and Outlaw. Full class details and rules are available at www.200mph.org.uk. More details of events, timings and pricing are available at www.200mph.org.uk - as a competitor or spectator these events are not to be missed and look set to become a major attraction on the biking calendar. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 25th May: Our good friend Alan Currans tells us that he is dealing with a large backlog of photographs submitted by readers of his excellent Acceleration Archive web site. "I have therefore compiled a larger-than-usual page with no less than thirty pictures", says Alan. "The eleventh Readers' Gallery contains an eclectic mix with everything from Top Fuel Dragsters to a Triumph-powered Go-kart and a dragster which ran on Calor gas (and which has a pub named after it). There are also pictures of a well-known street car from the 1970s undergoing restoration, Mickey Naylor's flip over in his Medicine Man Pro Comp dragster, and the Page brothers' first Competition Altered". Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Many thanks to Shakespeare County Raceway Press Officer Jerry Cookson for letting us know that the American V8 web site has been updated with a number of pictures from the recent American Car World Nationals at SCR. You can find Paul Hastie's excellent pictures at www.americanv8.co.uk/racing.htm. ©Eurodragster.com Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with a number of Windows wallpapers from the weekend's pre-FIA Main Event RWYB at Santa Pod Raceway. "I have included the best picture from the Peter Wacker wheelie sequence", says Sharkman. "It's not the highest one, but it's the sharpest one and I just love the expression on the crew guy visible to the left of the car!". You can find Sharkman's wallpaper files at www.topendtales.com. UK Junior Dragster racer Peter Walters has launched a web site at www.piczo.com/walters-dragracing. Peter's site includes interviews and a great drag racing quiz. VWDRC Chassis Tech statement. 24th May: We have received the following statement on Chassis Tech for UK Volkswagen Drag Racing Club racers from James Lake, on behalf of the VWDRC Committee to whom queries should be addressed: Firstly, apologies for sending out this statement so late in light of recent events. As many of you are aware, the chassis tech inspectors have been out in force this year. This is due to a universal desire to enforce the MSA chassis specifications throughout all classes of drag racing in the UK. It's not just limited to VWs alone; it just happens that our club has been inspected early on in the season. Rest assured that everyone will be inspected. Unfortunately, this has caused a few problems and highlighted some areas that we were perhaps unaware of or had not drawn attention to. In principle, these specifications and inspections are for our benefit and safety. Drag racing has a very good and enviable safety record within UK motorsport. The main areas of interest for the inspection are tube diameter, wall thickness, material property, weld quality and ensuring that construction is in accordance with General Safety Regulations (GSRs) and club-specific rules. It is perhaps important at this point to remind everyone that these rules have been in place for several years now and the fact that they have not been enforced thus far is frustrating for sure. However, as mentioned above I/we feel that, although it may cause short term pain, this is a positive step forward for our sport in the UK. The regulations are derived from the NHRA specifications that have been drawn from specific research into crash protection and material performance. Specific details are available from the SFI for a US$35 fee. So, where do we go from here? Well, if you haven’t already been inspected, then perhaps it is a good idea to consider that you may well be. Therefore we would like to help where we can and allay any fears or concerns that you may have. As outlined above, the inspection will cover some fairly basic elements of your car, in accordance with the Blue Book and MSA Yearbook that everyone should by now have received with their race licence and Club membership - if you haven’t then please contact Spencer Tramm. Having recently experienced a very detailed, lengthy and personal inspection myself, I’d like to take this opportunity to set your minds at rest. The inspectors are only trying to do a job and my inspection was carried out on a very friendly basis. Mark Norton was genuinely understanding and wanted to find a solution to a problem that we have seen coming for a while now. Unfortunately it wasn’t possible in my case, but more on that later. Therefore, if you do have any questions or concerns then contact our Technical Representative on the Committee – Paul Venners on 07760 443923. Hopefully you all know him by now and he has been involved with many of the recent inspections. He has a good understanding of the regulations, their interpretation and has developed good relations with the officials, which I believe to be beneficial to the Club. If you’ve had your inspection but you have a grievance, please get in touch either with your class representative (Rob Bowler for Pro, James Lake for Sportsman, Spencer Tramm for Alternate Engine) or Paul Venners. So, what has happened thus far? Well the breaking news is that sadly a UVA Fugitive chassis is not legal for competition use quicker than 14.99 ET; as per VWDRC rules for a full bodied car. The Fugitive chassis as standard is constructed from 1.5 inch (38 mm) tubing of 0.093 inch (2.3 mm) wall thickness and as such is not up to spec. nor has it been for many years now! Paul Venners, tech inspector Mark Norton and I considered many different options with a view to making it legal, but couldn’t find a satisfactory solution short of rebuilding the entire chassis using the correct materials. Believe me, we tried! For full details on material and chassis design requirements please take a look at your MSA Yearbook; the topics are covered by GSR 4:10 and 4:11 on pages 43 through 53. Perhaps the best way to understand this is to consider a former VWDRC race car from the 1990s. Well, the rules were different then and if you wanted to race that same car now, it would have to be updated in accordance with our current regulations (as Stretch has done with the Betelgeuse car). Harsh but fair we think and, perhaps most importantly, safe. Again, sorry that this is too late for some people – but if there are still concerns then we encourage you to contact us. We want the Club to continue to thrive and recognise that the latest generation of VWDRC racers is taking things to new levels in terms of professionalism, performance and a commitment to raise the profile of VW drag racing in the UK. ©Eurodragster.com Schöfer's changes work out. 24th May: Before making one of their annual trips to the USA in February, German Top Methanol Dragster racer Peter Schöfer and his team thought long and hard about what to change for 2005. The 2004 FIA Championship runner-up ended up making some pretty drastic decisions says our good friend, team member Gittli Koller. "We made a lot of phone calls, exchanged E-Mails, and in the end we came to the decision to change two basic things", says Gittli. "Firstly, to rebuild the entire rear end of our 5.43-second dragster, as the severe tyre shake of recent years had left its marks. Secondly, to make some changes to the engine in order to allow us to adapt more easily to varying track and other conditions." Peter and the team learned a lot in the USA, as usual, and hope that they will be able to put their newly-gained insights into practice. "It's really nice to have friends who support and help us so actively with their knowledge, many thanks to them all", says Gittli. Back from the USA, brothers Wolfi, Pat and Rudi started straight away to re-build the rear end. Tubes were shaped, welded and now our dragster looks like one of the big guys! Having received the remaining parts from the USA and having returned from our exhibition appearances there was still a lot of work to do on our dragster. A new roll cage top half was fitted to the chassis together with the new rear end as Peter had apparently grown a little. It should now be much easier for him to get into and out of his dragster." ©Eurodragster.com The work completed, the PSR team of Peter Schöfer (driver), Wolfgang Schöfer (Crew Chief), Rudi Schöfer, Alfred Sieben, Heike Schäfer, Björn Aldorsson and Gittli Koller headed to Monza where they had been invited to attend a round of the Italian Drag Racing Championship. "The start and finishing straight in Monza is long enough for quarter mile racing, but unfortunately as it is part of the circuit it can't be prepared as well as a pure drag strip", says Gittli. "We were very pleased with the reaction of the dragster to the changes we have made, and Peter made some good runs even though we could not apply full power or run a full pass, and Peter had to leave the start line gently. As well as the drag racing, there were drift championship races, where street cars were really pushed to their limits. This year there were even more visitors than last year, and that with the Formula One race going on in Monaco. The Italians are simply mad about motorsport." To add to a successful test, the team have retained most of their sponsors and added a new backer. "Castrol, Normstahl, Mipa, Norfolkline, Weindel, Schneider, HR Fahrzeugbau, Dirsch, Calwer Grafik and Design and the Friends of PSR have all renewed", says Gittli, "and we are happy to welcome on board the well-known company Uvex which sells a wide range of products for motor and motorcycle sports." Gittli says that the PSR team are looking forward to a good season. "We have a bigger field than last year, with strong and good sportsmen", she says. The super twins. 24th May: If you were tuned in to our Event Coverage from the weekend's pre-FIA Main Event testing at Santa Pod Raceway, you will have read that both of the vehicles of 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Champion Urs Erbacher's Fat Attack team made their first runs of 2005, including the début appearance of Lorenz Stauble on Urs' new Supertwin. Team member Andrea Wucher dropped us a line to tell us how the Fat Attack operation viewed their weekend. "Finally all the freezing and wet weather was worth it", says Andrea, "Lo made his first full pass on the Supertwin (8.760/152.09 - Ed). A great achievement when you consider that it was about Lo's fifth-ever ride on a drag bike. Lo was happy with his first full pass, and this has given him a lot of confidence for the first qualifying sessions next weekend. Now the bike just has to go faster over that quarter mile. ©Eurodragster.com "Urs showed Lo how an experienced driver handles this. One run off the throttle early to get used to the starting procedure again, and a nice sound 5.716 on the second run. Sure, the new engine helped a lot as it seems to produce even more power than the old one. Urs was satisfied with his second run, and starting the new season as you ended the last one gives you some confidence in what you can expect." Andrea described the team's findings on running a two-vehicle operation for the first time. "So long as each team member can do his job either on the bike or the Funny Car, everything runs fine", says Andrea. "Don't try to have some work on the bike and some on the Funny Car since it won't work. So our regular team briefing will be even more detailed this Friday evening than it has been in previous years. We are ready for a great, tough and enjoyable race weekend - see you soon." Surgery, then PBs. 24th May: UK Junior Dragster racer Jayne Kay has been keeping her dad busy since April's Power Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway, but is now looking forward to this weekend's FIA Main Event after repeatedly setting Personal Bests in testing at Shakespeare County Raceway a couple of weekends back. "We had a problem at the Power Nationals", says Gary Kay. "The car was four and a half inches too long, an error on my part. We were also on our second engine, thanks to Dick Talbot for supplying it. We would like to thank all of the Junior racers and their parents for giving us one race's grace, and Geof Hauser for rallying round the pits for us. Jayne broke out big time at the Power Nationals, by 1.2 seconds, but she just keeps going quicker. "Then I had a busy weekend - chop the front off the car and move the rear end forward by four and a half inches, but I got it done and then we went to test at the American Car World Nationals at Shakey. Jayne just kept going quicker and quicker, down to 15.1 seconds without the big wing before we had a belt failure and threw off the chain. Thanks again to Dick Talbot for the loan of a belt so that we could run on Sunday - a new belt is on its way, Dick! "Jayne's first run on Sunday was a 14.45 PB, then a 14.32, then a 14.13, then a 14.12 and Jayne was firmly hooked on the idea of getting into the thirteens - so near and so far with a 14.04. We're now looking forward to the Main Event!" FIA Main Event snippets. 24th May: UK Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head will be spending her birthday, which falls this Saturday (28th), collecting for the local air ambulance at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. "If it wasn't for the air ambulance I probably wouldn't be celebrating this birthday, so please dig deep in your pockets", says Scary. "I am collecting for the air ambulance, not my birthday! Thanks to everyone who donated at the Easter Thunderball, including all the Santa Pod crew who gave generously." Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has asked us to remind racers that the official closing date for the SPRC Summernationals falls next week. "It's very easy to forget in the excitement of the Main Event, but the closing date for the Summernationals is Friday 3rd June", says Paula. You can download the SPRC Summernationals entry form on the Entry Forms page of the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. UK Top Methanol Funny Car racer Steph Milam and the She Devil Racing team have announced two new sponsorship deals going into this weekend's race. The UK's quickest female drag racer, at 6.308, now has backing from Torco (oil and lubricants) and Carbon X (racing underwear). You can find out more on the team's updated web site at www.shedevilracing.com. ©Eurodragster.com Also unveiling a new sponsor, in this case his first sponsor in thirty four years of racing, is UK Super Pro ET racer Steve Johnson who will be carrying the logo of Sierra Training. The MotorMouse will also be sporting a new paint job courtesy of Sharon and Jon Hogarth of Specialist In Design. "This is not the new paintjob according to John Price at the Easter Thunderball", says Steve, "that was the bare metal panels. You will need sunglasses! We also have a new 555 ci motor to run in." Into Pro ET and Chris Hodgkins and the 587racing.com are also sporting a new sponsor at this weekend's event. "We are pleased to announce that we have managed to secure sponsorship from Coventry-based LPG suppliers Direct Gas", says Chris. "With depots in Coventry, Leicester and Evesham, Direct Gas provide a fast, professional service in supplying and fitting both bottles and tanks for home and industry use. Direct Gas also provides Autogas re-filling at their Coventry and Leicester depots. Direct Gas can be contacted on 02476 502413." Many thanks to those readers who have already submitted their votes for the location of the Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam during our coverage of the FIA Main Event. So far one of the two locations is running away with the vote but you still have until midday UK/13:00 European tomorrow (Wednesday) to register your opinion. To see the two locations on offer and to register your vote check out the news item Choose your webcam! on yesterday's update. Swift snippets. 24th May: The latest car to roll out of Hauser Race Cars is this very good-looking 260-inch Super Pro ET dragster (right), built for newcomer Nick Spence of Honiton in Devon. "The car is state-of-the-art with adjustable chassis etc, and is powered by a 540" Big Block Chevy from Kenny Coleman's EDA", says Geof Hauser. "It should easily run in the mid-sevens. The car was finished last Thursday in time for Saturday's Peak Performance Day, but the persistent rain put paid to any sort of action. As Nick has no previous drag racing experience, although an accomplished circuit and powerboat racer, he won't be at the Main Event this weekend but will make his competition début at the Summernationals in June." ©Eurodragster.com Ray Eldred has been in touch to let us know that his Sanity Assassin eight-second Super Pro ET Toyta Celica is for sale. "I'm having to sell due to babies - we have two now - and other family commitments", says Ray. "The car is a consistent crowd pleaser, has a 725 hp Small Block, and runs 8.75/150. We will be at the Main Event so please come to see us if you are interested". For more details check out Ray's classified advertisement under Cars For Sale on Eurodragster.com's Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet. Many congratulations to UK Supertwin Modified racer Chris Mott who set a new Personal Best ET of 10.552 on his beautiful Harley at Sunday's Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. "I think I may finally be getting to grips with the air shifter we fitted this year!", says Chris. Revving up for Rotorstock. 24th May: Rotorstock II, which takes place at Shakespeare County Raceway this Sunday and Monday (29th-30th), is shaping up to be a top class multi-format event for all Japanese Performance car enthusiasts, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson. Sponsored by one of the Far East marque’s leading publications, Japanese Performance, and organised by the Mazda Rotary Club, the event will once again be based around the Stratford-Upon-Avon quarter mile drag strip, but there will be some important changes aimed at making it a top-level event for Jap car petrol-heads. Hosted by the Mazda Rotary Club, the main drag strip will be available for Run What Ya Brung timed runs for the second round of LA Performance Services' Jap Racer series as well as an autotest circuit, drifting demonstrations by Drift Works, a mobile dyno, and scaled-down racing with radio-controlled model cars, all crammed into a two day period! “This looks set to be a really strong event this year,” says Martin Vincent, editor of Japanese Performance. “We know that some of the top names will be there to add that bit of glamour and a competitive edge to a truly exciting way to spend a Bank Holiday weekend.” Part of Rotorstock and a big draw for spectators is the Japanese Street Fighter Shootout with RWYB classes for cars with road tyres and purely drag race tyres - including categories for rear- and front-wheel drive cars - where you can expect to see some of the big names rumble up the strip in their mega-powered Jap performance cars. Last year's winner Adrian Smith is well on the way to another shot at the title by taking his highly-modified 2.0 litre 16v Toyota Corolla to speeds of a speed of 200.4 mph, achieved last month over a measured mile at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Grounds. Scotsman Keith Cowie recently set a new track record for Import Sport Compact cars when his specially-prepared RB Motorsport Project Z Nissan Skyline R34 GTR shot down the quarter mile in 9.632 seconds at 148.14 mph but beware to all whose coming, as these figures could very well be blasted out of existence come the Monday afternoon of the Shootout! This year there will be trophies for rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive and, in addition, the cars will be split into F1 and F2 categories depending on tyres used. The drag competition is for road cars only, and the top forty will go through to the final Shootout on Monday. That sounds like an unmissable experience! In addition to the Show and Shine arena, Mitsubishi Motors UK will be unveiling their all-new EVO 9 together with the company’s Championship off-roader. Toyota are expected to display a selection of special limited-edition models which were pre-launched in April. A Toyota F1 will also be displayed along with models from Nissan, Honda, Daihatsu, and of course Mazda. More good news is that entry has been reduced. It now costs just £10 for Sunday’s action and £12 for Bank Holiday Monday, under-sixteens go free. This provides entry to the venue, club and trade area as well as the grandstands for the drag strip. To participate in the drag strip time trials, or to try the drift track or autotest, costs an additional £15 for the day or £25 for the weekend for unlimited runs. ©Eurodragster.com Carter unveils new merchandise. 23rd May: Two-time FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter will be unleashing a brand new range of quality merchandise at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend (27th-20th May). The B & Q-backed team’s retailing outlet will be open for business on Friday morning, and will be selling the hottest line of products available anywhere in European drag racing. Caps, T-Shirts (right - click on picture for large version), Jackets, Polo Shirts, Mug-Holders, Pens, Posters, Race Parts, Key Rings, and rare signed collectables are just part of what’s on offer. Naturally, there will be a load of stuff just for the kids, and the team’s new Hero Cards and Elimination Ladders will be going for free. If you are looking for a bullet-proof solution to boosting the performance of your own drive, why not check out the full range of Lucas Oil products available at knock-down prices. ©Eurodragster.com Frosty's got your number... 23rd May: UK Street Eliminator racer Andy Frost, who will be racing his eight-second street-legal Vauxhall Victor in Super Pro ET at the FIA Main Event this weekend, has been very busy with his trans business recently, but still found time to become a TV star in the UK. "The World Street Race is now well and truly out of the way (with the right result of course) and the second part of the Red Victor 1 Racing team's world tour is five weeks away", says Andy. "What am I on about you ask? The King of Europe competition of course; a competition to find Europe's fastest street0legal car which is being held at Chimay in Belgiumt. Unfortunately it is on the weekend of the SPRC Summernationals which will mean missing another Real Steel Street Eliminator round. As most fans of RS/SE will know, the Championship was never going to be an issue for us in 2005 as I knew we wouldn't be back in time for at least the first round and, as it turned out, the second round. "As things have turned out in the series in 2005, the lack of cars has been a bit of a disappointment for fans and sponsors alike but I'm sure that later in the year the cars which are already finished will be back out to give the fans what they want to see. Red Victor 1 Racing will be back supporting the class at Shakespeare County Raceway on 18th-19th June because I think Colin Lazenby is having too much of his own way at the moment. We intend to make him have to work for his money. "Next on the agenda is the Main Event. Starved of our big crowd fix for three years, we have entered Super Pro ET not only to carry on the progress made in America, but to try to beat those dragsters with our 'puny' street cars! Also I will have a big range of trans spares available again for anyone with an auto trans. Come and see me at my pit, or call me on 07970 573872, and I will try to help you out as best I can. ©Eurodragster.com "Also from the Main Event onwards I have two new sponsors to unveil. Along with my loyal current sponsors Knight Racing Engines and Scottrans I would like to welcome FSC Investments Services Ltd and Altiss Engineering. 'Big' Frank Cochran is head honcho of FSC and is able to give very sound financial advice and service. Give him a call on 01902 422333 or visit www.fscinvestments.co.uk. Altiss Engineering have been fabricating all of the race car's titanium and aluminium tanks, bottles etc. Their quality is unquestionable - come and check out RV2's parts - in fact I'd go as far as saying that there isn't anyone in the UK who can match their work. Call Nigel on 07890 591618 or visit www.altiss.com. "The latest thing to happen to the RV1 team is the new 118 118 advert. As it is on ten times a day on UK terrestrial TV I guess that most people will get to see it at some stage. It all started with a phone call a week last Tuesday. Apparently an art director for TV ad company Mustard London was looking for a car to stand out in the ad but it had to be a British muscle car. Whilst trawling through some pictures on various sites he spots RV2 and decides he has to have that one - good choice! He then needs to find a rusty example of the same marque. No trouble at all you would think, unfortunately most of the VX4/90 Victors have either been scrapped or restored, so this seemingly easy task was quite difficult. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I got in contact with the FD register's Justin Yardley who said he had a rough model and would paint it in the colour of their choice. Needless to say he did, and it all went smoothly on the Friday. It is interesting to note that when I got there quite a few people wanted to meet and shake the hand of "The guy who built that car". Shame I couldn't fire it up in the little arch garage in Hammersmith where it was filmed, but there was no oil in the trans. I think if I had done then the sweet old lady in the ad would have had a heart attack... "I'm looking forward to seeing and racing with everyone at Santa Pod again, so come over and say hello if you are passing." FIA Main Event snippets. 23rd May: We are indebted to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall and Santa Pod's Race Director Darren Prentice for forwarding us the provisional detailed running orders for all four days of this weekend's race. You can view the running orders on our FIA Main Event coverage index, which you can access by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please remember that running orders are subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials. Swiss Pro Mod racer Peter Wacker pulled one of the biggest wheelies in the history of European drag racing at yesterday's pre-FIA Main Event Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. The Roofer's Toy stood up on its tail and started to pirouette before thumping back down to terra firma. We understand that builder Andy Robinson inspected the car at the track and found damage to be minimal; it is now headed to Andy Robinson Race Cars to be fixed up for this weekend's FIA Main Event. You can see the entire photo sequence of Peter's wheelie in yesterday's photo gallery, which you can view by clicking here. ©Eurodragster.com UK Super Pro ET racer Derek Flynn is urgently seeking a Titan drive shaft for a Big Block Chevy and is hoping that Eurodragster.com readers will be able to help. "We dropped the sump after the Big Bang to check that all was OK with the main and big end bearings", says Derek. "All was fine; we were just waiting for a new gasket and were putting it back together at the weekend when one of our eagle-eyed mechanics spotted that the Titan oil pump drive shaft was cracked at the distributor end". Derek is seeking a 8 7/8th-inch (225 mm) shaft which has the normal slotted end at the distributor. If you can help then please call Derek on 01420 544482 or E-Mail derek@goldrv.co.uk. Dutch Top Fuel Dragster racer Lex Joon and his team finished the MPM Oil trailer at the weekend (right). "It took us five hours to apply the design to the trailer", says Lex. "We are very happy with the result. Thanks to Jorgen Al who designed the trailer together with MPM, and to Remco Scheelings who supplied the photographs". You can see more pictures of the MPM Top Fuel team's trailer on Lex's web site at www.lexjoonracing.nl. UK Super Pro ET racer Ashley Bell has "uncorked" the exhaust of his Cobra and is looking forward to seeing how it performs having already clocked 8.7s. Ashley bought the car from Sweden where Sportsman cars have to run with mufflers. "The car has run well considering it only has a small block", says Ashley. "Unfortunately I managed to get the top wing of the car wedged in someone's trailer and have scratched the car (big oops). The paintwork has not been completed as yet so I will be running car with the scar." Choose your webcam! 23rd May: As promised, we are giving Eurodragster.com readers the chance to choose the location of the Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam during our American Car Imports-sponsored Event Coverage of this weekend's FIA Main Event. ©Eurodragster.com If you were tuned in to our Test Weekend coverage then you will have seen the two angles on offer; directly over the centre line looking up the track, or close to the spectator-side VIP looking up the track: If you would like to vote for this weekend's webcam location then please send an E-Mail to webcam@eurodragster.com specifying Centre line or VIP as the subject. The vote will be open until midday UK (13:00 European) this Wednesday, 25th May. Swift snippets. 23rd May: Vic Smith has been in touch with a reminder that the first UK Northern Drag Racing Night takes place at 8:00 pm tonight (Monday) at the Red Lion Inn in Jackson Bridge, West Yorkshire. "Food and hospitality are laid on", says Vic. You can find the Red Lion Inn web site, which contains a map, at www.the-red-lion-inn.com or call 01484 643499. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 23rd May: Our good buddy James Hands has updated his Racing 05 fan site with a Q & A with UK Pro Mod racer Danny Cockerill. You can find James' web site at www.racing04.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Richard Stirling has updated his Top Nitro fan site at www.topnitro.co.uk with a report, pitside photographs and sound clips from Saturday's Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway. Pre-FIA Main Event RWYB coverage. 22nd May: We are now in our usual place in Race Control at Santa Pod Raceway to bring you all the news from this weekend's pre-FIA Main Event testing in association with American Car Imports. The Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam is on-line and is broadcasting a picture every two minutes. ©Eurodragster.com The whole of this week's FIA Main Event coverage is dedicated to the memory of David Elden, who died in February after bearing a long illness with bravery and good humour. David was a clutch technician on the Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team and we are very pleased to mark his contribution to the sport by putting his name to the coverage of the FIA Main Event, at which his team is so well-represented. Don't forget that we are giving Eurodragster.com readers the chance to choose next weekend's webcam location. We had the webcam over the centre line looking up the track yesterday, and today it will be looking over the staging area, and we will run a vote on Eurodragster.com starting tomorrow to choose the location for the race. Click here to view our Run What You Brung coverage, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Sonax Spring Nationals coverage. 22nd May: This weekend's Sonax Spring Nationals at Alastaro is the first race in the Finnish Hot Rod Asociation's 2005 V8 Series, and our good buddie Hannele Höydén is posting live updates on the FHRA web site so that you can stay in touch with all the action. ©Eurodragster.com You can read the latest updates from the Sonax Spring Nationals at www.fhra.fi/fin/index.php?page_id=94. Smax ready to fly. 22nd May: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Smax Smith is spending his last days in Canada collecting spares and chasing sponsorship before flying to the UK to drive the McDonald brothers' Top Fueller at the FIA Main Event. "The Smax camp is on full revs but we still need an oil sponsor - help!", says Smax. "Stu and Rich McDonald and the team are working twenty five hours a day to give me the best the best car they can, and never have morale and entusiasm been this high!", he says. "I want to dedicate this enthusiasm to the memory of Dave Elden who worked with us right to the end. I also want to thank the McDonald brothers for still having faith in my ability - or should I say they like my style! As theres no money in this sport it is important to have fun, and all of our team are so motivated, don't underestimate us on the track though as we are deadly serious!" ©Eurodragster.com Smax says that he never expected to be racing back in the UK so soon after emigrating last year. "I can't wait to connect with so many friends, both fans and racers, who will be sharing in my return to Top Fuel!", he says. "We are now ready with full crew and basic spares, and thankful of the Bulldog Bash organisers' faith in us as a team. We hope to be in the fours again and hopefully secure funding for the Finals." Smax would like to thank 1st Stop Body Shop and Ben, who now runs Fastco-UK, for their help. He also thanks Ribble Tech and NW Screen Print and Design for continued sponsorship. If you can help Smax with sponsorship then you can contact him via his web site at www.smax.co.uk. FIA Main Event snippets. 22nd May: We are as ever indebted to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for sending us the final version of the official FIA Main Event entry list. You can check out the entry list by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page and choosing the FIA Main Event. Paula also tells us that the Santa Pod's gates will open at 14:00 on Thursday (26th), and that the pit gate will be open until midnight that night. Racers please note that there is no Main Event Press Day this week. Showtime Fuel FC Crew Chief Bob Jarrett tells us that all the pieces have finally come together on the Mustang. "Without doubt this is now the best race car we have ever had", says Bob. "We have had a longer than usual off-season, which has enabled us to concentrate on the finer details and all of us at Showtime Racing will be trying our best to put on a good performance at the Main Event. We would like to thank again ATI and Balzers for their support, as without them this would not have been possible." ©Eurodragster.com German Top Methanol Dragster racer Peter Schöfer is testing this weekend at Monza in Italy. Team member Gittli Koller tells us that testing is going very well in glorious weather, even given that the traction is not perfect for Top Methanol. Antonio Ferretti is also running at Monza with his Top Fuel Bike. Carter flies sponsor flag. 22nd May: FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter made the first of this year's promotional appearances for his main sponsor B & Q at their Northampton branch on Friday (right). Our good friend Jemma Harrison kindly went along to see how Andy's visit was received; click on any link for a picture. "It was typical drag racing weather, rain, but the layout was fantastic!", says Jemma. "The dragster was pulling in young and old, with team member Roger on hand with his excellent knowledge of the car answering the public's and my technical questions. All of the guys who were there looked very professional." Andy told Jemma that the B & Q race dragster (Andy's show dragster was on display) had been at Hauser Race Cars for a new front half and other upgrades, and that it was now back at Santa Pod Raceway where owner Rune Fjeld and Crew Chief were putting it back together for the FIA Main Event. "The preparation for any event is tough both physically and mentally", he said. "I am looking forward to the Main Event not least because there are ten Top Fuellers. I hold the European records but I am really looking to run consistent times and my main expectation for this season is to win the FIA Championship although I view Micke Kågered as my main opponent." Andy has fifteen promotional appearances booked at branches of B & Q this season; stay tuned and we will bring you news of his next appearances. Swift snippets. 22nd May: Showtime Fuel Funny Car Crew Chief Bob Jarrett has been in touch to remind racers that he is the official UK distributor for Racing Communications two-way driver/crew radio systems. "I have many satisfied NHRA and European customers", says Bob. For full details of the RCE system check out Bob's web page at members.cox.net/nitro1471/rce.htm. ©Eurodragster.com Joint Eurodragster.com webcam sponsor Jon Webster was due to drive German Comp Eliminator racer Ronald Jutting's Volkswagen Beetle Funny Car at yesterday's rained-out Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway. Ronald called in Webster Race Engineering to check out the set-up of the Beetle after experiencing handling problems. Jon didn't get to drive the car as the event was rained out, and the team have had to return to Germany today (Sunday). UK Super Street Bike racer Graham Dance was at yesterday's Peak Performance Day with his new mount (right), a Suzuki TL1000 equipped with a nitrous-assisted engine. The very tidy-looking bike was built by Jon Hogarth to Graham's specifications, and was also painted by Specialist in Design. UK Super Pro ET racer Nigel Turner will have to miss next week's FIA Main Event, says Dave Taylor. "After the disaster at the Thunderball, we decided to start from scratch with the rebuild using just the original block and heads", says David. "Everything else is new and top-line. Due to delays with the block work, it looks like the engine will not be ready for the Main Event. Nigel and I are worried about running the car untested anyway. We would like to thank Smax Smith for all of his help getting the parts from the States. Nigel and the crew will be at the Main Event of course and we will try to meet up with everybody. Good luck to everyone in Super Pro, and just remember that without Nigel competing you've got more of a chance. We will be kicking butt at the Summernationals!" UK Outlaw Anglia racer Bob Hancox tells us that an advertisement on Eurodragster.com's Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet has been successful in securing him a new body shell for his Prefect after last weekend's crash at Shakespeare County Raceway. "We have had a busy week", says Bob. "The car is already stripped, and as yet I have found no problems with the chassis but we are going to put in a new cage. Hopefully we will be back out by the end of the year." A very Happy fortieth Birthday to UK Funny Bike racer Tim Blakemore. "Unfortunately Tim will be spending this milestone in the workshop preparing his ZX12R Funny Bike for the Main Event, which will be a late season opener for us and still very much in the testing stage especially after the delay with the gearbox", says Wendy Clutterbuck. "We have also been busy with the expansion and revamp of the workshops and new dyno room as well my own projects (my Fuel Harley and my son Tyler's Junior Drag Bike). We will be having an It's all downhill from now on beer with Tim on Saturday night at our pit - all welcome". We're sure that everyone will join Sharkman and Tog in wishing Tim the very happiest of birthdays. Corr: I'm there to win. 20th May: Eddie Corr, Crew Chief for Holland's Lex Joon and the MPM Top Fuel Team, says that he is hungry for success. "I only go out to win, I am only interested in Top Fuel, and I'm only interested in winning in Top Fuel", he says. Eddie could not be at Santa Pod Raceway for Lex's first outing in the new dragster, the Easter Thunderball, but he stayed in touch with Lex and the team throughout the weekend. "Easter was a test, but it was a good start for an all-new car and a crew with new members", he says. "It's been a long time since last year's European Finals, it seems a lifetime away, but I've had time to familiarise myself with the database which came with the car from Baca Family Racing. But you learn from every race: even the lessons from the European Finals are still forming themselves into new strategies. This will be the first time in years I have worked with a datalogger, and I hope that I can capitalise on it to find more performance. Certainly that that is the intention. ©Eurodragster.com Eddie, who tuned Andy Carter to two FIA Championships, is widely regarded as a master strategist, and he says that his thoughts can be summed up pretty simply. "As always I concentrate on my own car and not the others", he says, "but to be good in this sport you must account for the other cars even when you're running a single-minded program of maximising your own car. It's doing both that makes for a strong strategy, and I hope we have the right strategy and can implement it. Lex, the crew and I are ready for the test!" Malmgren's parts catalogue. 20th May: Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren was pleased with the results of his testing at Meca Raceway a couple of weekends ago. "We hope that this set-up is good for the quarter mile as Meca is an eighth-mile", says Michael. "It will be exciting to see what happens when I pull high gear." Michael tested with an engine newly-purchased from the USA, which the team have dubbed 'Elvis'. "The engine performed very well", he says. "Christer was still waiting for the last parts from USA for out two race engines, which have updates from Bob Ingles. We think it will take better than a 6.89 to be the quickest car this year. The competition will be harder than ever with all the teams having top power engines from America, and we also know that Jari Konola has built a good new engine for Ulf Jonsson and the Samantha Racing team. "Magnus Hansson will be driving an ex-Greg Anderson car which we all know is a fast car, so I think his engines will be able to show what they can do more than in the old car whichwas very inconsistent. A new Finnish team with Nixon (Rickard Sundblöm - Ed) driving have a home-built Grand Am powered with a Jenkins GM engine, so they be a player for sure". For Michael's part the six-second Grand Am has some set-up changes, re-valved front shocks to make them stiffer, and changes to the chassis. "We have done all of this with great help from Jerry Bickel who is a great supporter of Malmgren Racing", says Michael. With no major sponsor for 2005, Malmgren Racing has a sponsor pool of about twenty US performance parts manufacturers, who have supported the team for many years with the best parts on the market. "During the PRI show I also signed some new deals", says Michael. "Manton Pushrods are now doing special pushrods for the J & B Performance bullets, Braswell Carburettors will supply new design carbs, PSI Valve Springs will supply the latest in valve spring design, and GRP is now supplying the new lightweight rods for the engines", says Michael. "I am also happy to announce that Richmond Gears are now supplying all of the rear end gears for the Strange third members." Other sponsors are Wiseco Pistons, who are making special-design pistons for the team, XCeldyne Valves, Fel Pro Gaskets and Speed Pro Rings from Federal Mogul, and also bearings which the team have coated by new sponsor Polydyne who also supply oil additives TX7 for better life on Liberty gears, and coating on all pistons. "After one season with TX7 oil additive, the Liberty and rear end gears look like new", says Michael. ATI Dampers, Aeroquip hoses and fittings are now on both engines together with Auto Verdi dry sump systems. MSD are supplying the latest in digital timing systems, and Dynotech Motorsport are supplying a new design of drive shaft. "Dynotech frequently use our car in advertisements in National Dragster", says Michael. "We have new third members from Strange Engineering, which together with Strange's new two-piece axles makes for a bulletproof combination. Hays clutches, Weld wheels and Goodyear Tyres are also product sponsors who help with the best parts and service possible. Barry Grant is supplying the new BG 400 fuel pump system, and CSR are supplying engines with starters and new high-flow water pumps. ©Eurodragster.com "Also many thanks to Rob Celendano at CV Products, a longtime friend of the team who we got to know during all of our racing in US in the past. Rob has helped with new contacts and sponsors such as PSI and Aeroquip. CV are also working on some hot new stuff which they will supply to Malmgren Racing, and which will be announced later on. Many thanks also to Bob Ingles and Eric at J & B Performance and CFE Racing Heads for great support, both key factors for maximum power. "Without help from all of those named above I don't think we would be on the grid this season. Their support has been a key factor as we only have one very clear target and that is to take the title back. If I felt for one second that I haven't done the best I can to get the best engines and parts possible then I wouldn't race this year. "All of the guys in my team have worked very hard to get everything done and we are all looking forward to a very exciting season. I also would like to thank Oakley for supplying products to my team, pretty cool stuff! Finally, and very importantly, for the fifth year the team is getting financial backing from Myresjöhus, one of Sweden's biggest and most popular prefab house companies, for whom I work as salesman. New this year is financial backing from Nordea, a major banking chain in Scandinavia. A couple of major sponsors are under negotiation but if something happens I think it will be for 2006. See you all at Santa Pod!" Gold goes for Turners. 20th May: RV sales, service and spares supplier Gold RV are pleased to announce that after a very successful outing at the Big Bang with the crew of UK Top Methanol team Turner Motorsport, Gold RV have agreed to help sponsor the Turner Motorsport team for the 2005 season. "The Turner team certainly know their stuff and when the opportunity arose for us to be involved with one of the best Top Methanol teams we just could not refuse", says Derek Flynn of Gold RV. "We hope that the Gold RV logos are just as lucky for the Turners as they have been for Andy Carter and for that matter Gold RV Racing. We hope that this new-found partnership agreement will pay dividends for both our teams. If your company is looking for some excellent brand awareness with a professional team who are at the top of their game (and who get excellent TV coverage), then look no further than the Turner Motorsport team - not only are they good at what they do, but are really nice people to boot." ©Eurodragster.com Derek says that the Gold RV Super Pro ET team can't wait for next Friday's opening day of the FIA Main Event. "With the Turners and Andy Carter in our corner for qualifying, we are hoping for some personal bests for our own team and then on Saturday we are really looking forward to watching some of the largest ever fields in European Top Methanol and Top Fuel", he says. "Good luck to Andy and team and Rob and team. The Gold RV stable now includes over 11540 horses what with Andy's 6000 plus, Rob's 3000 plus, our 1500 plus and the forty in Arlo Reddick's Junior Dragster. When you're backing this many horses surely some of them should win a few races!" FIA Main Event snippets. 20th May: 2004 UK National 10.50 Bike Champion John Hackney will be testing at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend with larger nitrous jets to bring the bike up to 9.50 standard. "I'm hoping to run a nine, or I'll blow it to bits", says John. We understand that Super Pro ET, Super Comp and Outlaw Anglia racer Mark Pointer will now not be testing at Saturday's Peak Performance Day as he is perfectly happy with the form of his wild 8.3-second bread van. ©Eurodragster.com Drag racing on Viasat. 20th May: Many thanks to FIA European Championship Co-ordinator Kjell Pettersson for letting us know that the 2004 FIA, FIM/UEM and NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified Championships are to be shown on European satellite channel Viasat. ©Eurodragster.com The broadcasts commence on Wednesday 8th June between 18:00 and 20:00 CET, and continue every subsequent Wednesday. The coverage will be broadcast on Channel 1 in Sweden and Norway, and on Channel 3 in Denmark. You can stay in touch with Viasat schedules at www.viasat.se (Sweden), www.viasat.no (Norway) and www.viasat.dk (Denmark). Lake's magic ingredients. 20th May: UK VW Sportsman racer James Lake maintained consistent and reliable running in competition after fitting a home-brewed fuel injection and turbo conversion to his VW Fugitive last July. Just recently, James says, he turned his thoughts to servicing requirements for the precision of the fuel injection system. "During off-season trips to RaceShack, I met Keith Ridley who races a Big Block-powered Escort in Pro ET, and also crews with the Fireforce team", says James. "As proprietor of KR Motors incorporating The Diagnostic Centre in North London, Keith proposed that I try one of his new products known simply as a FISC, or Fuel Injection System Cleaner. This product contains three separate additives: one for the fuel tank, one for the crankcase and another which is vacuum-fed via the inlet manifold to clean the cold-side components. "The engine oil additive acts in two ways, firstly to clean deposits from the combustion chambers and valvetrain whilst also cleaning oil galleries for improved lubrication. The fuel system additives act to clean all the injectors, metering units, fuel lines and manifolds further ensuring effective operation. Immediately after running the products through the engine at a fast idle for about ten minutes the engine was running at a higher idle rpm, just as Keith predicted. After resetting the idle speed, a far more even and smooth idle rpm coupled with easier starting was achieved, but the real gains were to be found in the smoother running and improved transition through the rev range. This simple operation immediately resulted in a welcome 0.2 second improvement in ET. ©Eurodragster.com "I would really like to say a massive Thank You to Keith and to my teammates from RaceShack for their support and advice as I made my way through eliminations to my first final at the Big Bang. I’m sorry I didn’t win guys, but it was a great final - I lost by a scant 0.018 breakout - and my most successful and enjoyable event in just over two years of racing. I now have my first trophy to show for it! Sadly, the gearbox again succumbed to the new-found power whilst competing in the ET Challenge on Monday, but not before the car ran a new best in the hands of Kevo Metcalfe after a tweak to the wastegate. "With a new, custom-built gearbox on the way I am hoping to nudge the car into the twelves - not too shabby for an 1800 cc engine built with bits from the scrapyard..." Wright into the sevens. 20th May: UK Outlaw Anglia racer Paul Wright has been in touch to say Thank You to everyone who has congratulated him on his seven-second form in his blown-alcohol Pop at Shakespeare County Raceway at the weekend. "The reception at the track was awesome", says Paul. "I have also had numerous phone calls, texts and E-Mails. It wouldn't have been possible without the help of my superb crew: John 'BJ' Waller, Peter Haines, Christian Swinchatt and Andy Pryzbl. Thanks also to class sponsors Real Steel, Brian Payne, Andy Carter (for tuning advice by text on Sunday) Andy Robinson, and numerous others who make it all happen. "Wade Pilkington of Steet Rodding in Motion was with us at the weekend, and will be for the rest of the year, capturing the action for an Outlaw Anglia DVD. I was treated to a sneak peek of my in-car footage which was superb. Wayne is also the new sponsor of the Best Reaction Time prize. ©Eurodragster.com "Commiserations to Debbie and Bob Hancox, the Runaway team have been stalwarts of the Outlaw Anglia class for many years, and hopefully many more. At the weekend Debbie made history by being the first and only female racer in the class, adding some much-needed glamour to boot. Congratulations to Mark Pointer on his victory, he is now streaking ahead in the Championship. The points table can be found by clicking on the Championship button at www.outlaw-anglia.co.uk. "The next Outlaw Anglia round is at the Shakespeare Nationals at SCR on 18th-19th June, but that Mark Pointer and I will be attending the FIA Main Event, running in Super Comp...I hope we don't break-out!" Koedam Racing season preview. 20th May: Although Dutch Top Fuel Bike racer Roel Koedam won his fourth FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike Championship in 2004, it wasn't without cost, writes Crew Chief Marius van der Zijden. 2004 was a long and difficult season plagued with unusual track problems and a lot of unscheduled maintenance work. In particular the sprag (one way clutch in the transmission) caused a lot of aggravation. It failed on a number of occasions. Thanks to hard work and a fair share of luck it didn’t affect the race results too much. Although the transmission gear itself, made in co-operation with Goedhals Machinefabriek had never caused any problems over the years, the question remained whether we should consider redeveloping the sprag or opting for a totally new transmission. Our main sponsor Zodiac made the decision a lot easier when they stepped in with an entire new Scott Owens transmission. This transmission is originally designed for a Top Fuel Drag Boat and is the only one that works without a sprag. Our chassis was initially designed around the very compact B & J transmission and to squeeze in the beefier Scott Owens trans was a real challenge. It proved to be a very tight fit. It will be another first for our team as no other four-cylinder Top Fuel Bike in the world is equipped with this kind of transmission. Not only does it work a little differently compared to other transmissions, but at the same time we have also stepped up with a taller low gear ratio. We expect very few to no problems with this new transmission, but again time will tell. Another thing we are still working on, at this very moment, is the cylinder head. The combustion chambers have been welded a couple of times and we decided to equip it with bronze inserts. Quite a job. It will also eliminate the press-fit valve seats and hopefully improve the reliability of exhaust valve sealing here as well, resulting in less work in between races. The last thing on which we hope to improve the reliability is the redesigned Gates Polychain drive belt. Although the drive belts proved very reliable, we occasionally snap a primary drive belt, mostly due to tyre shake or something. The already super strong Polychain® type belt has been redesigned and gained some extra 25% in strength. As well as the abovementioned technical changes we had to carry out the usual off-season maintenance and overhaul work. Unfortunately progress has been slower than planned and therefore it has been a longer off-season than usual. At this moment we are still working around the clock to get the bike ready for our first race, and this is the reason why we had to skip our usual season opener, the Speedfreaks Ball. The upcoming Main Event will be a real test as it is not only our first event of the year, but at the same time the first round of the European Championship. All of last year's sponsors and supporting companies have once again stayed with us, for which we are extremely grateful. Dakota Industry will again be backing us during this year’s Nitrolympx at Hockenheim in Germany. Team Koedam Racing has been in the news lately on a few occasions. Firstly there was a short interview on a television program called Motorlife. Recently we were also featured in two magazines: scientific magazine Kijk took a look at motorcycle drag racing and we also had an excellent three-page story in Motor Emotion magazine. Finally our team sponsor Dakota has an interesting special feature about our team on their web site at www.dakota.de/html/racingteam/1000ps.html. For the coming season we plan to run all FIM/UEM European Championship rounds to defend our #1 plate. Under the right circumstances we will probably attend one of the National races at Drachten, the MPM Internationals on 9th-11th July, to treat the Dutch drag race fans to some demo runs. Hopefully the upcoming season will be blessed with sunny weather and good races. Please come and pay us a visit at the races! ©Eurodragster.com PMR field a foursome. 20th May: Paul Marston Racing have proudly announced that that they will be fielding their strongest- and largest-ever team at the FIA Main Event. Included in the powerful line-up of drivers is non other than ex-pat Brit Tony Morris who is coming all the way from Florida, fresh from the Atlanta NHRA Summit Southern Nationals where he competed in Super Comp alongside Tim Hutcherson with their BLP-backed Big Block Chevy dragsters. "Due to work and Racing commitments Tony will only be making a whistle stop visit", says Paul Marston. "Just enough time to take in the race after being collected from the airport on Thursday and going straight to the track, then flying back to Florida on Tuesday. Tony is a part-time racer in the NHRA Sportsman category and works full-time at BLP Products Inc where he assembles precision performance carburettors for NASCAR, Busch Cup and many other restrictor plate American formulas and one-make-carb classes, along with a very extensive and comprehensive range of gas and alcohol carbs, both double pumpers and Dominators, built solely for world-class drag racing applications. BLP's products really are second to none and, because of the good exchange rate we currently enjoy in England, very competitively priced. PMR's Grumpy's Dodge currently runs a BLP alcohol Dominator fuel system, and Tony will be bringing with him the newly-built complete alcohol Dominator system for our newly-acquired Monza along with a BLP Dominator gas carburettor for evaluation. Once the alcohol system is fitted to the Monza the gas carb will be available to other English teams as a try-before-you-buy demo model. "Whilst at Santa Pod Tony will be available to answer any questions fellow racers may have regarding any of the BLP range, which includes complete fuel systems gas or alcohol, belt drive fuel pumps, fuel logs, drive mandrels, merge spacers and the exciting newly-developed BBC and SBC spray bar-equipped rocker covers, whihc Tony has fitted to his BLP Super Comp dragster. Tony can recommend which carburettor or full package would best suit specific applications. Tony will also be happy to talk to any racers regarding throttle stop set-ups, tuning tips, jetting, air correctors and all other aspects of Sportsman racing in America. "Tony will contest Super Gas and Pro ET in PMR's recently-acquired Chevy Monza and is very excited about competing once again on home turf. Completing the line-up at the FIA Main Event is the return of John Everitt to the hot seat of the Alien altered. John is fresh from the success at Shakespeare County Raceway where he ran a PB of 8.0 and will be looking to break into the sevens in Super Pro ET. John has also picked up a new sponsor and will be announcing the details at the Main Event. ©Eurodragster.com "The Main Event also sees the familiar sight of Drag Race Engineering proprietor Gary Springford in Pro ET. Gary is looking forward to a good event and to gathering some more points to add to the rounds he went at the Easter Thunderball. Gary will also be looking to break into the nines with Grumpy's Dodge, having run 10.06 at the National Finals last year. I will be running double duty by running Grumpy's Dodge in Super Street, I was looking at entering fray with the Insanity Vega but unfortunately there is just not enough time to make this happen. Drag Race Engineering is extremely busy at the moment, Brendan Clancy’s Super Gas Nova was in last week for some work, Steve Bolton’s Pro ET Yenko Chevelle was also in the house; with one of the main guys out with 'flu the Vega just had to wait, customers come first. "That said, with the current workload Drag Race Engineering are currently looking for another skilled technician so if you fancy working with race cars and custom cars, have the skills for the job, and can work in the East London/Essex Area then call me on 07831 650230. "We have a race against time with Grumpy's Dodge at the moment as the rear gears developed a whine whilst teaching at the Redline Rumble at Santa Pod. The rear gear ratio was due a change anyway but this just brings it forward; Tony Morris will be bring the replacement set with him and we will fit them then travel up to Santa Pod.Nothing like a tight schedule is there! "All of the drivers we taught last weekend at the Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School did very well, one has already gone a step further and will be competing at the Summernationals at Santa Pod at the end of June. The whole team is very much looking forward to the FIA Main Event - in particular the new driver initiation, especially as Tony Morris will be joining us, he will have to sit down on the plane for a long time on his trip back. No one has ever managed that before! Not for at least a week, after all it does leave a bit of a mark! "In closing, everyone at Paul Marston Racing would like to wish our PMR competitor and very good friend Tog of Eurodragster.com a speedy and comfortable recovery, we look forward to seeing you very soon bud (Thanks - Ed)". Two-shot Kuno. 18th May: German Pro Mod racer Norbert Kuno has two options going into the 2005 NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified season. Norbert feels that his beautiful Dodge Avenger is capable of 6.4s on last year's set-up, but he has the kit to go even quicker. "Our car ran so well in 2004 that we did not need to make too many changes", says Norbert. "We have added a little more electronic equipment from Racepak. The digital dash, together with the V-300 system, can control a lot more information for the driver. We have modified the chassis with a new rear axle and a complete carbon brake system." ©Eurodragster.com Norbert and the Lucas-backed team are putting together a new BAE engine with Veney heads and a new SSI blower, but will be starting 2005 on last year's combination. "We think the old combination is good for 6.40 or quicker", says Norbert. "If not then we have the new combination in the background, and this should be good for 6.2s but you never know. "The most important thing for my team and I is to have a good, safe season and to stay in the top ten in 2005. Thanks to my sponsors for their support, especially Lucas Oil for increased back-up." You can find the Kuno Racing web site at www.kuno-racing.de. FIA Main Event snippets. 18th May: Norwegian Supertwin racer Svein Gottenberg tells us that his pre-season testing at Gardermoen was very promising. "Anne, Gunnar and I are looking forward to seeing all of our good friends again, and to welcoming all the new names which we are pleased to see on the entry list", says Svein. This year Svein has a new fuel management system as well as new leather to break in. "Thanks again to our #1 sponsor Ton Pels and Zodiac!", he says. Svein hopes to attend all FIM/UEM rounds as well as races at Gardermoen to defend his Norwegian Championship. "A lot of Norwegians are going to be fast this year, no doubt about that!", says Svein. "We're hoping for sixes for everybody!" ©Eurodragster.com Denmark's Jackie Hansen will be running a slightly limited FIA Pro Stock schedule this season, running at both Santa Pod dates, Mantorp Park and Gardermoen. "We are continuing with the same car/engine combination, the same sponsors, and the same crew as last year", says team member Henrik Lund. "We have overhauled the engine - rings, bearings, heads etc - and we have also consulted Skinne Brothers Racing of Norway and will do so during and between races. We got some good data from the Pro Test Weekend at Meca, the engine seems much stronger now. With one season behind us we think we have it figured out to make six-second and 200 mph passes this season, and we hope to finish in the top three." US tuner Bill Schultz, who will be working with the Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team this season, says that he is looking forward to returning to Europe. "It will be great fun working with Alan Jackson again, and seeing some of the things he has developed since I was last there", says Bill. "Of course it will be great seeing everyone again." Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing tells us that this Saturday’s Peak Performance Day has proved so popular that places have almost sold out. "The last few sign-ons are still available from Santa Pod on 01234 782828 (+44 1234 782828); we cannot guarantee that there will be any spaces available on the day", says Rick. The event is also open to spectators at £10. Sunday's Run What You Brung is of course open to all. For more details check out www.rwyb.com or again call 01234 782828. The line-up of racers testing at Saturday's Peak Performance Day includes Tommy Möller (Top Fuel Dragster); Dave Wilson (Top Methanol Dragster); Urs Erbacher (Top Methanol Funny Car); Michael Malmgren (Pro Stock); Rolf Ammann, Peter Wacker, Gordon Appleton, Danny Cockerill, Andy Robinson, Mats Eriksson, Urban Johansson (Pro Mod); Luigi Chinarello (Pro Stock Bike); Sandra Chaplain (FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike); Paul Knight, Mark Pointer (Super Comp); Pete Creswell, Stuart Peck (Super Gas); Gary Malin, Mark Flavell Racing (Super Pro ET); Bob Doignie, Carla Pittau, Mike Lacey (Pro ET); Colin Lazenby (Street Eliminator); Bob Glassup, Dave Grabham, Jim Seward (Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association); Steve Venables, Dave Smith, Graham Dance (Super Street Bike); Andy Burfitt (9.50 Bike); Nick Mugridge, James Hands (Junior Dragster). FIA Main Event coverage. 18th May: Eurodragster.com's coverage of the FIA Main Event, in association with American Car Imports, commences this weekend with live reports, Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam, and photo galleries from Saturday's Peak Performance Day and Sunday's Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. The whole of our FIA Main Event coverage, including this week's testing, will be dedicated to the memory of David Elden, who died in February after bearing a long illness with bravery and good humour. David was a clutch technician on the Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team and we are very pleased to mark his contribution to the sport by putting his name to the coverage of the FIA Main Event, at which his team is so well-represented. ©Eurodragster.com We are pleased to announce that Eurodragster.com readers will have the chance to select their preferred webcam angle for next week's race. The webcam will be broadcasting from one location at this Saturday's Peak Performance Day and from another location at Sunday's RWYB, and we will then hold a vote at the start of next week to choose the webcam location for the FIA Main Event. We are also very pleased to announce that Simon Groves will be providing his very popular daytime pit notes for all four days of next week's race. The FIA Main Event pit notes will have their own page each day and these will be updated throughout the day in parallel to the daily race reports. You can view our FIA Main Event coverage index, which includes the official entry list and preliminary running order, by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. We are expecting a more detailed running order shortly. America, you're invited! 18th May: We know from Eurodragster.com's access statistics that there is a lot of interest in European drag racing in the USA, so we are very pleased to report that our friends in the USA can now come and check out our racing scene for themselves. The UK's Blueprints for Travel and the US' Passport To Travel have arranged a package for US race fans to attend September's FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway in England. ©Eurodragster.com The package, leaving the USA on 7th September and returning on 14th, includes flights and accommodation; VIP admission to days two, three and four of the FIA European Finals; and side trips to the Williams F1 Grand Prix Collection and the Brooklands Motorsport and Aviation Museum. To come and find out why you should have been at Santa Pod and not Epping on the equivalent weekend last year, to discover that Super-class cars can all be different, and to see just why European technology leads the way in Top Fuel Bike, as well as a lot more, check out www.trip2england.com for full details and itinerary. We look forward to welcoming you all in September! Drawing in the public. 18th May: Drag racing was well-represented at last weekend's CSMA Classic Festival at Brands Hatch, with a number of racers showing their vehicles and talking to the public. FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter and Street Eliminator racer Ian Hook (right) got in touch to let us know how it went. "I drove up to Brands Hatch on Friday morning and met up with organisers Bob Glassup and Terry Gibbs to get the car in the marquee", says Andy Carter. "The show went really well, with massive interest in the B & Q Top Fuel Dragster - I've never had this much interest before. Hopefully everyone who showed interest will come to see us at Santa Pod next week! Saturday was cold and windy but Sunday was really good. Roger, Kim, Alec and Orla were kept busy answering questions and giving out posters all day! Thanks to them for their hard work. We loaded up at 6:00 pm on Sunday and I headed round to Tectonics in Arlesford in Hampshire to have the new awning frame fitted to the trailer. I stayed in a hotel and was there bright and early for Monday. When I got home to catch up on the news I was a bit shocked to read about Tog's heart problem, get well soon Tog (Thanks! - Ed). But it was great to read about Guv Wright running the seven over the weekend and winning the Carter Motorsport/Lucas Oil product for lowest ET of the weekend in Outlaw Anglia." ©Eurodragster.com Ian Hook was also amazed by the interest shown in his eight-second '34 Ford. "With just the side panels off so many people were bending down to try to see the engine we took the bonnet off as well", says Fatty. "When not watching the on-track action (Terry secured us a place in VIP!) I was in the marquee answering loads of questions - "How fast? How quick? How much are the tyres? How can you drive it on the road?". Best of all was when I fired it up at the end of the day to drive it to the camp site. Despite the fact that many had left there was suddenly a huge crowd around the car. I actually had to take the bonnet off again as so many people wanted photos! Perhaps it's because it's my car but I'm still taken aback by how much interest the '34 generates at shows and displays." Web site updates. 18th May: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their Download page with new and amended invitations, entry and contingency forms, as well as an updated Swedish Dragracing League calendar. Check it out at www.dragracing.se. ©Eurodragster.com Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with photographs from last weekend's American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can find Sharkman's pictures at www.topendtales.com. Our good buddy James Hands has updated his Racing 05 fan site with an interview with Top Fuel Dragster racer Gary Page. Check it out at www.racing04.co.uk. Big Brother is watching... 17th May: Dutch Top Fuel Dragster racer Lex Joon had a very exciting off-season, says Team Manager Gerda Dijkstra, and after running at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod can't wait to see what the new MPM Oil-backed dragster will do at the FIA Main Event. And it won't only be Lex who sees how it goes as the MPM team will be followed by a TV crew at next week's race. "Buying a complete TF car with a lot of spare parts is a great thing to do", says Gerda. "Shipping it to Europe, hoping the car gets out of the container OK, and then preparing it for the FIA European Championship, but the car was not the only thing to do: we had to think of a complete new race programme and find the crew for it as well. "This was a lot of work, and with the enormous help of MPM International Company everything is falling into place. The car is finished, the trailer will be ready next week, and I can tell you that Lex is as ready as he can be. He has learnt a lot this winter during our trips to the USA and cannot wait to see what the car will do at the Main Event. ©Eurodragster.com "At the Easter Thunderball the car felt really good and it reacted to everything we did. We got some nice pieces from the States as well, which we have not seen being used by any other TF team. Even Ian Marshall had to get used to it during the Easter Thunderball." As the first-ever Dutch Top Fuel Dragster operation, the MPM Oil team have attracted a lot of media attention. "This is one of the reasons that there will be a TV crew with us during the Main Event", says Gerda. "They were at our shop as well when the car arrived, and when we fired it up for the first time. They will be filming everything next weekend including our trip to the track, what we do in the pits, and what Lex looks like at the end of the track when he has won his first round or made his first four-second run. With ten cars in the field it is great being a part of the biggest TF field ever: even the guys of the TV crew can't wait to go to Santa Pod and see some live Top Fuel action. With all the stories we have told them, they think they have an idea what to expect, but I can tell they will be stunned at the Pod!" Gerda says that the team are working on their strategies for the Main Event, but that things always turn out differently than you'd expect. "The good thing is that we have Eddie Corr on our team to think with us", says Gerda. You can stay in touch with all the news from the MPM Oil Top Fuel Dragster team on their official web site at www.lexjoonracing.nl. Again with the tiger. 17th May: Swedish Pro Stock racer Magnus Hansson says that he and the Anders Johansson Racing team are looking forward to trying out their ex-Greg Anderson Pontiac Grand Am at the FIA Main Event. "We think it's the most successful single-season Pro Stock ever", says Magnus. The team tested at Meca Raceway last week. "The weather conditions were not so good, but we did run some good numbers and I really enjoyed the car", says Magnus. "It feels very stable. I think we have as good a chance as any other team. We have the same engine as last year, so we dont have as much power as Jimmy Ålund and Michael Malmgren, but I still think that we will be very competitive if we can get some consistency." ©Eurodragster.com The team have a new trailer acquired from Leanders Brothers Racing. "We have done a lot of work on the trailer, so that we have much more space to work on in the pit, so things will be easier", says Magnus. The car has also had one addition to its otherwise as-acquired paintwork. "We have patched up the paint", says Magnus, "but we will have a beautiful blue tiger on the front because I noticed last year that it was really popular with the spectators." Finally Magnus says that team member Thord Sjöström is taking a little time off and will not be working at every race this season. You can find out more, and check out pictures of the car in the workshop, on the team's web site at www.mhansson-racing.com. Crew 22 plus one? 17th May: UK Pro Stock Bike racer Martin Newbury and the Crew 22 team are looking forward to their first outing of the year at the FIA Main Event, says Cindy Newbury. "During the off-season, we have received a lot of help from the States with clutch settings", says Cindy. "We have also had a load of carbon/kevlar work done, had a little extra added on the paint, and as you would expect fitted billet CNC parts all over the bike. We now have support from ASC Metals Ltd (01733 370626, based in Northampton, Peterborough and Wolverhampton), suppliers of aluminium, stainless and other exotic metals, who will be attending the meeting. Bike and rider are now spot-on the weight limit - mostly off Martin. ©Eurodragster.com "As well as ASC Metals Ltd, Crew 22 would like to thank Psycle Workz (01733 755917) for CNC parts, and Wacky Shack Paint (01480 435541)." Cindy says that the team are still after another member for next week's race. If you would like to work on a Pro Stock Bike team then E-Mail psycleworkz@ntlworld.com or apply via the Crew 22 web site at www.crew22.com. Getting hectic for Grødem. 17th May: Norwegian Top Methanol Funny Car racer Arvid Grødem's off-season has gone from a very quiet period after last year's FIA European Finals to very hectic activity in the last few months, he says. "We have got a new PSI supercharger to replace the old Whipple which we destroyed at Mantorp Park last year, and of course we have done all the normal required maintenance on the bits and pieces", says Arvid. "We have also run the engine on a dyno, which proved to be a very useful tool when it comes to making adjustments. The time spent on the dyno will hopefully save us the track time which would have been needed to adjust the new PSI set-up." ©Eurodragster.com Arvid has unfortunately lost his DHL sponsorship, which leaves support from "excellent" ferry company Fjordline and "the superb" Quaker State Norway. On the crew front, Sten Erik Tverraaen has left the team and will this year be working with Ronny Aasen on his Supertwin Harley. "We also welcome Sturla Forseth as a new team member, assisting Bjørn Arild Sjøblom on the clutch and gearbox", says Arvid. Arvid plans to contest the entire FIA Tour. "We were sixth last year and hope to improve, but it will be a hard battle out there this year", he says. For more information about Westside Racing, check out the team's web site at www.westsideracing.no. FIA Main Event snippets. 17th May: UK Super Comp racer Paul Knight tells us that he is attending Saturday's pre-FIA Main Event Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway, and that he would be pleased to bring any VP Racing Fuels or Klotz fuel which his fellow racers might need. "It would be better to pre-order to avoid disappointment", says Paul. "I can be contacted at work on 020 8992 2655, or E-Mail pknight@tiscali.co.uk." At the age of twenty one, German Top Methanol Dragster racer Timo Habermann is in his fifteenth year of racing. The Habermann family's TMD is this year toting new parts on the Arias/Fontana engine, including a Whipple Supercharger to bring it up to TMD spec after running as an AA/D in Comp Eliminator in 2003-2004, setting a new AA/D record of 6.78/326 kmh. Timo is hoping that his crew of Werner Habermann, Drago Jovanovic, Dennis Habermann, Boris Nickel, Stefan Nickel, Markus Bausewein, Heidi Habermann and Alexandra Ubrich, and sponsors Uni-Fit Katalysatoren, Autokrandienst Habermann and Exide Batteries will help to see him into the fives. ©Eurodragster.com Jöran Persåker of Sweden's Nasty Toys Top Fuel Dragster team says that he thinks he will win the FIA European Championship this season, but adds that every other team also thinks it will win. "The car is better than it was last year and we will be running in the fours", says Jöran. The dragster is this year sponsored by ARP, Autometer and Fräna Fiket, the café at Persåker's Speed Shop, and Jöran is supported by Crew Chief Bill Shultz, Mark Turner, Gary Page, Terry Giles, and Carina Persåker. UK Pro Mod racer Danny Cockerill says that he has the right equipment to do the job in NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified this year, including a good relationship with Atchison Racing Engines of Canada. "I also have one of the best and most dedicated crews out there", says Danny. Sponsorship comes from Jonell Steel Erectors, Ellis Traction Services and DFDS Ferries although Danny has room on the car for more. UK Pro ET racer Moose Hollingworth will have to miss contesting the FIA Main Event with his Cortina as, he says, "We broke the car going shopping again." UK Junior Dragster racer Peter Walters has been in touch to ask us to say Good Luck to his fellow JD racers. Peter specifically named Colin Morrice and Jay Hauser, Bob Glassup (NFAA) and Derek Flynn (Super Pro ET), but added "and anyone else I know!". Stay tuned as tomorrow we will be making two important announcements about Eurodragster.com's FIA Main Event coverage. Doignie fights off the bugs. 17th May: UK Super Gas racer Stuart Doignie is on a planned year out this season to upgrade his BMW's engine and to help dad Bob break in his new Toyota Celica race car, which is due to début at the FIA Main Event. However, Stuart's plans for 2006 have changed and changed again, as he explains. "Over the winter I spent far too much time reading drag racing magazines from across the Pond and caught the Roadster bug good and proper!", says Stuart. "I advertised the BMW for sale on Eurodragster but in the end could not bring myself to sell it. However, I was contacted by Pro ET racer Wayne Hiscock who was interested in buying the engine and trans. A deal was done and the motor now resides between the rails of the Chevelle, it was great to see it performing so well for Wayne at the Thunderball with a 9.70 pretty much off the trailer. Well done Wayne and crew, and I wish you all the best with your new combination." ©Eurodragster.com Since selling his engine Stuart has been researching a replacement for 2006 and has placed the order this week. "The new motor should punch the BMW into the eights which will mean that I can double-class, running Super Gas and Super Comp", says Stuart. "This has been my long-term goal and I am really looking forward to next year. I can assure you that there will be no more moments of madness or adverts on the Swap Meet over the winter months!" Bob Doignie's 1979 Toyota Celica has been at Webster Race Engineering receiving the finishing touches to the cage, and Stuart says that it is now ready for action in Pro ET. "The new motor is a Ford 347 stroker and puts out 520 bhp", says Stuart. "The car will be raced in street trim - it is a street car and is taxed, MOTd and will be driven to the track - with eight inch wide rubber, it should make traction very interesting. We are all running bets on how long it will take us to see tubs and slicks! Dad is really looking forward to getting back on the track and has booked in to this weekend's Peak Performance Day to test. The eventual goal is to get the car into the tens in street trim without nitrous." Swift snippets. 17th May: FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter is making the first of several promotional appearances at branches of B & Q this Friday (20th). Andy, the dragster and trailer will be appearing at the Northampton branch of B & Q between 10:00 and 15:00. If you can't make it then stay tuned as our good friend Jemma Harrison will be sending us a report. ©Eurodragster.com UK Jet Funny Car pilot Roger Goring has asked us to explain to his fans that he was asked to tone down his pre-run flame and thunder show at the American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway at the weekend. Regular readers will know that the local community and authorities have issues with SCR and so it is is not uncommon for such requests to be made of some racers. "I am sorry if anyone was disappointed, but it was beyond the team's control", Roger told Eurodragster.com. UK National points updated. 17th May: We are indebted to UK National Championship Points Co-ordinators Simon Groves and Yvonne Tramm for forwarding us the latest standings in the UK National Drag Racing Championships. ©Eurodragster.com Click here to view the UK National points, or click on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Web site updates. 17th May: Thanks to our buddy Patrik Jacobsson for letting us know that the Racebilder web site has been updated with a large number of pictures from the weekend's ET race at Arvika in Sweden. You can find Jonas Torstensson's pictures at www.racebilder.nu. ©Eurodragster.com Our good friend Gareth Evans has updated his UK1320 site with photographs from the weekend's American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can check out Gareth's excellent shots at www.uk1320.com. Richard Stirling has also updated his Top Nitro fan site with a report and pictures from the American Car World Nationals, as well as sound clips of Frank Griffin's crazy burnout and Johnny Hall's Nostalgia Top Fuel Dragster. Check it out at www.topnitro.co.uk. Debbie OK after Outlaw crash. 16th May: Racers and spectators at the American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway were shocked to see Outlaw Anglia racer Debbie Hancox suffer a top end crash in dad Bob's Runaway Ford Prefect on Saturday. However we were very relieved to hear from Bob that Debbie is OK. "On Saturday Debbie was all set to run Outlaw Anglia", says Bob. "Her first run of the day with the Outlaws was her first time running against someone. She had a successful run 12.6 seconds at 108 mph. Although it was windy at the track, Debbie's next run was in Run What You Brung and was 12.2/112. It was a good straight run with no problems. "So on to Debbie's third run of the day, which was back with the Outlaws. She did a nice burnout, and left the line OK. It looked a nice straight run until she got almost to the end of the quarter, and the car started to move around. We think the wind picked the front of the car up, this made Debbie a passenger in the car, losing all control and hitting the concrete armco with the roof. Debbie got out alright, with bruising from the seatbelts. Unfortunately the car is not in good shape. ©Eurodragster.com "We have looked all round the car at the obvious things, and everything looks as it should, so we can only put the accident down to weather conditions. As yet we have not had a proper look at everything to see what we need to repair, we are all still a bit shell shocked from it all. We will hopefully have it all repaired in the near future. "We would like to thank everyone for their help and support. I would like to name names but there were so many people who helped - they know who they are. A big Thank You to everyone who put money in our begging bucket." Bob has promised to keep us posted on progress. FIA Main Event snippets. 16th May: Swedish Top Methanol Dragster racer Krister Johansson will be contesting his first season with a Racepak fitted to his injected-nitro dragster. "That will be a new experience for us", says Krister. "The biggest change for this year is a brand new BAE-5 motor, billet block, Hogan manifold - all the good parts. We have not been a threat to anyone so far, but we have high hopes to run well this year". Krister adds that his sponsors are friends and family, and that his crew as usual consists of Tim, Thomas, Linkan, Daniel and Lisa. Swedish NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified racer Patrick Wikström and the Ofab Motorsport team will spend this week putting together a new Keith Black engine with Veney heads and refreshing their record-holding engine 'Old Betsy'. Krister Peterson tells us that Patrick will not be testing before the FIA Main Event but that he is of course aiming to win the championship and hold the ET and speed records when the season is over. "Our crew and sponsors remain as they were last season", says Krister. "It's nice to see the size of the Pro Mod entry, especially all the new names. This is going to be a fun event!" ©Eurodragster.com Fellow Pro Mod racer and Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor, the UK's Andy Robinson, is a short way ahead of Patrick after firing up his new blown-alcohol engine for the first time at the weekend under the watchful eye of 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave Wilson. "This couldn't have happened without the support of another of Andy's sponsors, BMRS or Brown and Miller Racing Solutions (click on logo at right) who supplied their lightweight hoses in custom lengths to plumb the car, in fact most of Thursday was spent doing this", says Bob. "Now the thrash is on to finish all the little details in time for the Peak Performance Day on Saturday and hopefully get a starting point for the Main Event. It's going to be a busy couple of weeks." UK Pro ET racer Carl Burton tells us that the Pro ET sponsorship fund at the FIA Main Event will consist of £50, a trophy, a Hauser Race Cars voucher, WASP voucher, and an Alley Jax voucher for number one qualifier. Carl also says that Total Tatoo magazine will be at the SPRC Summernationals in June to do a feature on his Whole Lotta Rosie Sierra which is sponsored by Carl's own tattoo company English Rose. "I am already collecting parts for the winter refresh", he adds. Swift snippets. 16th May: The UK's Morrice Family have taken delivery of their 1969 Super Comp/Super Gas Camaro (right), which they have purchased from Jimmy Geiger in the USA. The car is to be driven by Stuart Morrice in Super Gas in 2006. "We would like to thank Malcolm Francis at Air Sea Logistics for shipping the car, Jeff Bull for bringing it home, and finally a special Thank You to Jimmy Geiger for all the help, for getting the car over here and for doing a bit of shopping for us in Virginia", says Junior Dragster racer Collin Morrice. Many thanks to our good friend Elias Vathias for letting us know that the first drag race on Cyprus will be held at Lakatamia Airport this weekend (21st-22nd May). Clubs CYDRA, OFA, LAC, PAA, FMSC and LAA under KOAA are co-organising this first race of the year", says Elias. "Filippos Papafilippou with his Nova, and Mr Paschos with his Ford Sierra, both members of the Drag Warriors team ,will attend the race". You can find rules and entry forms on the Greek Dragster web site at www.greekdragster.com. Swedish NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified racer Lars-Inge Johansson is missing the FIA Main Event but says that he wants to start off where he ended 2004. "We are doing a general overhaul of the engine as usual", says Lars-Inge. "We will make minor updates to the car, and we are planning to buy a computer". Lars-Inge says that he will not be able to contest the whole season, as he had surgery on his foot in April and will be on crutches until 31st May. "Our first race will be in late June at the earliest, or when I feel capable to race", he says. Lars-Inge adds that he has lost a few sponsors since last season but that the team are working hard to replace them. Anders Magnusson of Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car team Andréasson Motorsports tells us that the Kamasa Tools Mechanics' Challenge for Top Methanol FC teams will again be taking place in the middle of Stockholm on Saturday 23rd July, after last year's massive success. For full details, including how to take part, check out the event's newly-launched web site at www.mechanicchallenge.com. UK Outlaw Anglia racer Simon Barlow and his Orange Pop team had a fantastic weekend at the American Car World Natinals at Shakespeare County Raceway, says crew member Jay Yates. "We ran a mid-eleven, our quickest time with the Pop", says Jay. "We tried all weekend and the magical run came on our last pass of the weekend. The whole crew are happy and now we can look to getting the numbers down even more. Thank You very much to Andy Frost for all of his help and support." Many congratulations to UK Super Gas racer and new bride Rob and Sharon Elsom on their marriage which took place at the weekend in Edwinstowe in Derbyshire (right). Our good friends Stephen and Pat Talbot asked us to thank Rob and Sharon for the invitation, and to wish them every happiness for the future, which we are very pleased to do. We're sure that all of Eurodragster.com's readers will join Stephen, Pat, Sharkman and Tog in adding their own best wishes for a long and happy marriage. "Rob's racing career is 'on hold' at present - although I don't know if Sharon knows that", says Stephen. ©Eurodragster.com Leon Green took one step closer to being yet another driver to get into the nines in his Toyota Supra at the weekend's Redline Rumble at Santa Pod Raceway, says Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing. "Leon qualified first in a twelve-car God of the Pod competition, then battled his way through an all-star elimination field to clock an amazing 10.023 second pass at over 144 mph in the final", says Rick. "Leon was disappointed not get the magic nine, but still got a Personal Best in a car driven to and from the event on road-legal tyres, with the stereo and air-conditioning still in place! Other drivers clocking personal bests at the Redline Rumble included Adrian Smith (Toyota Corolla) and Mick Begley (Nissan Skyline), who both stormed up the track in 10.6 seconds, making for a very close and enjoyable competition. A full report and pictures will be available shortly on the event's official web site at www.redlinerumble.co.uk. Many thanks to UK Volkswagen Drag Racing Championship Co-ordinator Spencer Tramm for passing us the latest standings in the 2005 VWDRC Championships. You can see the latest VWDRC standings by clicking here, or by clicking on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. UK Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association and Wild Bunch team Bennett Racing have signed a sponsorship deal with Autoglym. "Thanks to David Rogers for all his help with sorting out the deal", says Luke Bennett. "I have updated the Bennett Racing web site at www.bennettracing.moonfruit.com with a page for Autoglym, as with all out sponsors we aim to give them as much exposure as we can." Prospective Junior Dragster racer James Hands, who will be making his licencing passes at Saturday's Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway, says that he will only be racing at this year's FIA European Finals but that he plans a full season in 2006. "I need sponsors to help buy a car but I will rent the Santa Pod Raceway car this year", says James. "Next year is a Yes from the start to the end of the season. If anyone would like to sponsor me then please E-Mail me at jameshands@racing05.com and I will send you the information. ACW Nationals day 1. 16th May: Although a bracing wind prevented the flying of the Star Spangled Banner, over 150 American muscle cars of all ages and models descended on Shakespeare County Raceway for Saturday's opening day of the American Car World Nationals, held in association with the National Association of Street Clubs, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson. With most of the early and late model yanks competing for trophies put up by Gary Healey of Gary's Shack fame for the quickest street legal muscle car of the weekend, the stage belonged to the posse known only in drag racing circles as the Outlaw Anglias. Following three brutal sessions of time trials topping the pile was the Alco Pop shovel-nose '48 Anglia of the ‘Guv' Paul Wright. Packing over 555 cubic horses of Chevy power Paul put down a track busting 8.011 at 172.30 against Paul Hensher's Gas Attack of similar vintage. With Hensher's 8.367 coupled to a speed of 161.37 mph make the pass the fastest side-by-side in Outlaw history. Also making waves was the ‘Big Chief Hooligan' himself, Mark Pointer. Running another big inch motor of some 565 cubic inches, Mark pushed the winged Fordson van to an 8.363 for the normally aspirated Big Block. Quickest Reaction Time so far belongs with Shorty's Hot Rod driven by former national series racer Ray Guy at .014. Of the many Street Racers present from the ACW series, Andy Bond once again upstaged his rivals with an out of reach 9.459 pass at 144.39 from the ICE-prepared 427ci powered ‘69 Camaro. Second quickest was the Austin Devon pick-up of Ray Irish at 9.955 followed by Ian Mather's 383ci blown Opel Manta at 10.223. The National Street Car Challenge honours stay overnight with Russ Pursley's 350 ci Chevy power Dutton at 10.481 but I'm sure that's going to change by the close of play Sunday. However, the edge was taken off the day with two on-track incidents involving Phil Caswell's High Tension Pontiac and the Runaway Prefect driven this weekend by Debbie Hancox (see above - Ed). In the case of Phil's contact with the Armco it would appear that a radiator hose let go just passed the sixty foot beams spewing fluid under the rear tyres and backing the already smoking Pontiac into the barrier. Unfortunately for Debbie when exiting the traps at over 100 mph the car was pushed to one side by a gust of wind sending the Prefect over and rolling four times. With the emergency crews responding in seconds and precautionary checks over at the med centre both Debbie and Phil are okay and are now enjoying the evening's entertainment. ©Eurodragster.com ACW Nationals day 2. 16th May: Held under a perfect summer sky day two of the American Car World Nationals was truly another eventful day at Shakespeare County Raceway, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson. Upholding Outlaw Anglia honours, and the reason why we call him the Guv, Paul Wright squeezed every inch of horsepower available from his 555 mega cubed '48 Anglia to become the category's third driver into the sevens after Andy Carter and Danny Cockerill. Following an aborted attempt earlier in the day Paul mashed the loud pedal hard as it would go and not wanting to lift if it strayed out of line but produced a monster 7.814/175.97 capping a perfect day for the Essex based team. Second quickest, and still causing Hooliganism where ever he goes was Mark Pointer's Fordson van at 8.288/161.20 while the quickest reaction time for the category, backed by Street Rod in Motion, remained with Ray Guy at .014. The Gasser Circus fielded four cars and as you would expect the quickest on the day was Lee Pike and Jerry Denning's Honky Tonkin '57 Chevy with a brace of 9.9s and 9.8s. Making its début was Pat The Rat Healey with his ‘37 Chevy five-window coupe imported from, of all places, South Africa. Converted from a right to a left hooker, and with a mild V8 set-up, Pat ran a string of 14s with more promised from the two-tone brown-coloured gasser. ACW Street Racer Andy Bond blasted the 427ci Camaro into more uncharted territory with a 9.39 while Russ Pursley, with the 350 Chevy powered Dutton, continued to dominate the National Street Car Challenge series with another series of 10.3s. Second quickest was Mick Wilkes at 11.18 from the 16v turbo Vauxhall Viva. The burnout contest was a straight shootout between last years title holder Russell Hill in a '93 Pontiac and Shaun O'Riley's '69 Dodge Super Bee. Judged on audience reaction the Super Bee took this years title merely because he not only managed to fill the start area, the car and the engine bay with smoke, but the truck as well! Also making some horsepower were the Supercharged Outlaw altereds of Ian Hanson and Frank Griffin. Following nearly and day and a half of assembly in the pits, Ian brought round the chromed red altered and laid down a strong sounding 8.633 at 143.85. For Frank Griffin's Anglia, serious horsepower in the burnout nearly spelt instant disaster as the revs shot through the roof pushing the wayward racer into the other lane sideways and on two wheels. Those lucky enough to be viewing the burnout from the tower side viewed the underside of the car on the point of no return for a long time before coming back down to rest just inches from his original lanes Armco. Frank was okay but a little shaken! Also using the track time was Steve Pateman's World Street Race-winning GM Calibra running an 8.740/172 and Tim Blakemore on board his Kawasaki Funny Bike proving to the crowd just how fast two-wheel machines really are as a 7.99 at 166 mph clearly proved. Adding extra spice and girl power was APIRA call-up girl Fay Radcliffe driving dad's 500 cubed Fuel Altered. With Pete fitting a monster throttle stop on the altered Fay not only stood the tyres high on the burnout but also looked as ease with the wild sounding car she normally wrenches on as crew chief. Good on ya Fay. Closing the show was the nitro slingshot dragster of Johnny Hall of B & J Nostalgia fame. In true nostalgia fashion, Johnny and the crew were determined to get the nitro warrior to run a full quarter mile pass. After standing the tyres loud and proud in the burnout Johnny launched the car hard as he worked the wheel for the first eighth of the track. Not wanting to give it up the car veered quickly to the centre line collecting in the process the remainder of the track's sponge blocks. From the data collected the dragster's 60 foot time was 1.090 and by the 990 foot marker it stood at 5.890. Just think what the run data might have read if the car had kept to its own lane, a low seven or even a high six. We'll never know! ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 16th May: The official web site of the UK's Showtime Fuel Funny Car team has been updated with all the latest from the team's workshops including news of this year's sponsors. Check it out at www.showtimeracing.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Our good friend Patrik Jacobsson would be pleased to hear from European Pro Mod Racers Association members existing and new with details of their 2005 set-ups so that he can update the team pages of the Association's official web site. Please E-Mail your details to webmaster@promod.nu. The EPMA web site at www.promod.nu has been updated with the Pro Mod invitation and entry form for the Meca Nats which take place on 10th-12th June. Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with photographs from last week's Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway, together with photographs of the third annual Eurodragster.com v Super Street Bike Dodgems Shootout. You can find Sharkman's pictures at www.topendtales.com. A personal message from Tog... 16th May: I would like to thank everyone who has been in touch with best wishes after my heart episode at the weekend. My mailbox was full almost to bursting when I logged in this morning, with messages ranging from Andy Marrs' inspired "It's not as though your heart has to pump blood very far, and most of what it does pump only has to go horizontally!", to another correspondent's "Is there a news update today?" (probably best not to name-check that one). Thanks also for the phone messages even though I have not made it to the phone to answer them all. ©Eurodragster.com Under the circumstances I feel OK and I am in good spirits, although tired. I have been given drugs to regulate my heartbeat and this thoroughly civilised green and orange hippo sitting beside me says he'll help me with the news update... Again thanks to everyone for their concern and good wishes. I hope to feel fit enough to come to the Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday, so I will see you there! Editor's note: We are getting through the weekend backlog of news items, but there will be plenty more to read on tomorrow's update including pieces from Lex Joon, Jöran Persåker, Magnus Hansson, Jackie Hansen, Arvid Grødem, Timo Habermann, Martin Newbury, Stuart Doignie and more. Please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com and we will add them to the next update. Where did the news go? 15th May: Apologies for the lack of news updates since Friday. News Editor Tog has been in hospital being treated for an irregular heartbeat. Tog is now at home. Assuming that all continues well we will start to post the outstanding news as soon as possible; the first update will be posted tomorrow (Monday). ©Eurodragster.com In the meantime please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com and it will be posted in due course. Hydrometers, who needs 'em. 13th May: The B + J Nostalgia Nostalgia Top Fueller is all set for its appearance at this weekend's American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. Driver Johnny Hall says that after months of seven-day weeks working on customer cars, he and Bill Felstead are taking a couple of days out to run their own dragster. ©Eurodragster.com "We have to thank Alec Coe and Kev Mortimer, owners of the Kent car and our guests this weekend, for allowing us to stop working on their car for a couple of days to get our digger ready", says Johnny. "Because we are running an unusual combination on a limited budget, we have had a few teething problems", says Johnny. "It's only track time which will sort the problems out. When the car made its début we found that the trick fuel tank was too trick and didn't work. That was resolved by building a new one. Then earlier this year in testing at Santa Pod we found other problems, namely with the valve train and intake gaskets. They have also been resolved. We have also added a new burn down breather system, a VRA Top Fuel style rear-mounted burp tank after finding out at Santa Pod that a front-mounted tank means fire and oil in your face. "It would be nice to predict some times and speeds for this weekend, but in reality it will be good just to get in a full-bore pass. We are only going to be able to do one run on Saturday and one run on Sunday, as we only have twenty gallons of 85% left in the nitro kitty, and we use about seven gallons a run including a short warm-up. "If you want to see Europe's only Top Fuel slingshot, come along to Shakey this weekend and see real nostalgia: single mag, single pump, 6-71 on 85% pop...we don't need no stinking hydrometers." Smith's style crimped. 13th May: 2004 British Nitro Funny Car Champion Gordon Smith and the Shockwave team went to the Easter Thunderball with high hopes after a storming performance at last year's FIA European Finals, but things didn't go to plan as the team suffered the loss of one engine and damage to another. Gordon tells us that Crew Chief and co-owner Dave Bryant and the team have tracked down the cause of the problems and that they are all set to get back on-track at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway, where they will be match racing against the Showtime Fuel FC. "A lot of work was done and money spent over the winter", says Gordon. "At Easter we had a brand new short motor installed in the car, but on the first pass we drove by the clutch and dropped cylinders and had to abort the run. Dave made some minor changes to the clutch tune-up and we went out for the second pass, only to drive by the clutch again. This causes the motor to unload and drop cylinders, but this time the motor let go in a big way destroying the complete engine including the manifold and blower, not to mention almost destroying the body. ©Eurodragster.com "We worked through the night to install the spare motor and effect some temporary repairs to the body, only for the same thing to happen on the third pass taking out the rear main on another motor. To say that we were down would be an understatement!" The Shockwave team set about tracking down the cause of the problem, and soon found it. "We discovered that the small nylon hydraulic pipe which feeds the clutch cannon had been crimped, thus slowing the fluid to the cannon, slowing down the cannon movement and stopping the clutch from locking up correctly", says Gordon. "This has now been rectified, and the body repaired by David Haggas of Carbon Craft - many thanks Dave. "With another new motor installed and our second motor repaired we are ready to do battle again. Dave Bryant and most of the crew have spent many late nights working on the car so that we can be in the best shape to run hard at the Main Event and you can be sure that we are not interested in second place. The who team knows what we have to do, and are prepared to go to the limit to achieve it, so don't be suprised to see records set either by us or by the Showtime team, who will be doing their utmost to ensure that we don't win again." Gordon asked us to thank the team's sponsors Fram, Autolite Spark Plugs, Abac Air Tools and Compressors, Lex Joon Racing, and Prolong. "We would also like to thank Keith Bartlett and his team for their continued support for Fuel Funny Car, and I can assure them that we will be doing our best to justify their faith in the class", says Gordon. "We are all looking forward to the Main Event and we hope that the fans will come along and support us." FIA Main Event snippets. 13th May: French Top Fuel Bike racer Eric Teboul is hoping to contest the whole European Championship Tour this season, starting with the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. "If I can get a good deal on a ferry for Alastaro then I will make every race", says Eric. Eric's bike has a new Pete Davies crank case, a repaired cylinder head with billet bronze chamber, and new pistons. "The bike is ready to go now, and I hope that I will be able to run very fast this year", he says. ©Eurodragster.com Norway's Hans Olav Olstad says that his goal for this year is to stay in the top four of FIM/UEM Supertwin. "I think that's going to be real hard", says Hans Olav. "My big goal is to run my first six. I tested the bike at Gardermoen on 29th April and I set a new Norwegian speed record of 333 kmh on my first run, but the ET was only 7.08. The bike is the same as last year, with only normal servicing during the winter. My crew Flemming Lunden will be coming with me to England as usual, and I would like to thank Arvid Grødem of Westside Racing for taking my bike to England and making it possible for me to compete." Bob Roberts tells us Eurodragster.com Home/News sponsor Andy Robinson has secured sponsorship from Torco Oils between twenty six-hour days (sic) preparing his blown-alcohol '53 Studebaker Pro Mod for the FIA Main Event. "Andy Robinson Race Cars are already dealers for the Torco range of high-performance oils", says Bob, "and to show that they use what they sell, all the lubricants on the Studebaker will be provided by Torco". For more details check out the ARRC web site at www.robinson-race-cars.co.uk. Racers: Send your FIA Main Event previews or snippets to us at news@eurodragster.com and we'll publish them here. Swift snippets. 13th May: A very Happy Birthday to Gerda Dijkstra, Team Manager of the MPM Oil Top Fuel Team and Lex Joon's partner. Have a big hug from Tog and Sharkman, Gerda, and we're sure that everyone will join us in wishing everyone's favourite Top Fuel burnout back-up crew the happiest of days. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 13th May: Our good buddy James Hands has updated his Racing 05 fan site with a Q & A with Santa Pod Raceway's Race Director Darren Prentice. Check it out at www.racing04.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Andrews secures Prolong backing. 12th May: Forbes and Andrews Top Fuel Racing Team, of the Knut Söderquist stable, are pleased to announce that they have now agreed a multi-year deal with Prolong Super Lubricants. The aim is to work closely together to assist in the marketing and promotion of the exciting new developments soon to be announced by Prolong Super Lubricants, whilst assisting in the R & D of new solutions to the exteme environment of 300 mph Top Fuel Dragsters. Chris Andrews will be the driver of the Prolong Super Lubricants Top Fuel Dragster and will be campaigning the full FIA European Top Fuel Championship this season and beyond. Chris explained that Forbes and Andrews Racing and the Prolong Super Lubricants team have been talking for a long time to get the right set-up and the ethos is to work together for the long term. The idea is to ensure a two-way street where everyone benefits from the development of a long-term exchange of technical information and marketing opportunities, and not just at the race track. The whole team at Forbes and Andrews Racing would like to thank Prolong Super Lubricants for the time and effort put into arranging this sponsorship package and the faith shown in the team and driver who we believe will be an exciting addition to the élite rank of Top Fuel racers on the European Championship tour. Full details of the crew and first pictures of the car will be released through Eurodragster.com as soon as the graphics are completed, and we look forward to meeting the fans at the opening round of the FIA European Top Fuel Championship at the Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway on 27th-30th May. For further information on the extensive range of Prolong Super Lubricants products, visit www.prolong-uk.com. ©Eurodragster.com It's a bit of an animal... 12th May: Paul Marston Racing returns to Santa Pod this weekend for another Drag Race Driving School session. Saturday, which is the Run What You Brung Test Day for the massively popular Redline Rumble Event on Sunday, sees the lucky Xtreme Wheels competition winner behind the wheel of Grumpy's Dodge for the full-on treatment, along with two more new drivers with courses in the latest addition to the Paul Marston Racing fleet, the Chevy Monza which did so well first time out at the ET Challenge at Santa Pod with Gary Springford behind the wheel. Sunday sees PMR back in action but at a different venue, this time at North Weald with Gary Springford of Drag Race Engineering at the wheel of the Insanity Vega, testing new settings and bedding-in the new Big Block Chevy cylinder heads. The Vega sustained cylinder head damage at the ET Challenge when in the capable hands of Dave Catton. “It pepperamied itself!", says Paul Marston. "Nothing to do with Dave, the two of them just seem to have a love-hate relationship, Dave loves the Vega and the Vega hates everyone! It's the second time the Vega has destroyed its motor with Dave behind the wheel.” ©Eurodragster.com After careful selection from the stores department, Paul has spent all week building up a specially-matched set of cylinder heads which should perfectly suit the needs of the Vega. Everyone at PMR and DRE is looking forward to seeing what numbers the Vega will run this coming weekend, especially Paul who has spent three days on his own working the heads to the specification he believes will work best. The following weekend sees PMR back at Santa Pod with yet more drivers to teach, plus some more of those white-knuckle passenger rides. "Talking of which there are still some spaces left for passenger rides during the 2005 season", says Paul. "If you want to give a drag race fan the ultimate birthday present or just treat yourself, give the office a call on 0208 597 4575 or Mobile 07831 650230." Web site updates. 12th May: Ian Blackett, photographer-in-residence at Run What You Brung events at Santa Pod Raceway, has updated his web site with photographs from the weekend's Speedfreaks Ball. You can check out Ian's pictures at www.blackettphotography.com. ©Eurodragster.com John Hutchinson has updated his Nitromaniac fan site with a small number of pictures from April's Power Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. John's site can be found at community.webshots.com/user/nitromaniac. Showing the circuit guys (again). 11th May: This weekend's CSMA Classic Festival at Brands Hatch will include a sizeable drag racing display organised by Obsession Motorsports. "The CSMA backed us at Xtreme Wheels, so we are returning the compliment", says Terry Gibbs of Obsession. On hand to show the CSMA crowd what real motor racing is all about are Andy Carter's B & Q-backed Top Fuel Dragster, Santa Pod Raceway's exhibition Fuel Funny Car, the Obsession Super Mod, Ian Hook's FB Racing Street Eliminator '34 Ford, and Arlo Reddick's Gold RV Racing Junior Dragster. Holley Glassup's very tidy Golf will also be on display along with a couple of Hot Rods. "We are very glad to be able to represent drag racing again and to help to promote the FIA Main Event", says Terry. "We could have had more cars - Andy Robinson was bringing his Studebaker Pro Mod but he is working hard to get the car ready for the Main Event so in the end we told him to keep it in the workshop and get it finished. We are grateful to Andy for offering to appear, though." ©Eurodragster.com For more details about the CSMA Classic Festival, check out the event's web site at www.classicfestival.co.uk. Terry tells us that the Gibbs family's Obsession Camaro could be on the receiving end of a pretty serious transplant if the team cannot track down the electrical problems which have plagued Craig Gibbs this season. "Thanks to everyone who has put in time and hard work to solve our problems so far", says Terry. "Andy Robinson is going to go through the car and baseline it, but if it doesn't behave then we will sort it with a BAE or an Alan Johnson!" Smax seeks more backers. 11th May: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Smax Smith tells us that with a ten-car entry at the FIA Main Event making things even tougher than usual, he is looking for extra backing to ensure that he makes the field. The McDonald brothers' dragster already has sponsorship from the Bulldog Bash, but Smax says that there is plenty of room the car for more names. "We are always underfunded, but with ten car strying to qualify for eight positions it has never been so vital that to try to make all the qualifying sessions", says Smax. "To do this we need parts, so maybe someone out there knows someone or a company who can pledge their support in exchange for TV advertising on one of the fastest billboards on the planet! Your decal or name on the car starts at only £500. I will be selling two-sided T-shirts at the race for the usual tenner but you get one free if you pledge! This may be only a one race opportunity! ©Eurodragster.com "In the meantime I have advertised loads of stuff on the For Sale section of my web site at www.smax.co.uk, and Ben of Fastco-UK has tons of stuff in stock - should you need anything then call him on 01603 665000. "See you at the Main Event!" To find SCR, follow the smoke. 11th May: The Star Spangled Banner is expected to fly high over Shakespeare County Raceway this weekend (14th-15th May) when the second annual American Car World Nationals rumbles into life at the Warwickshire quarter mile, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson. Everything from period fifties stockers to late-model contemporary American doorslammers will be burning up the rubber and pounding the asphalt in two full days of head-to-head Run What Ya Brung action, US style. Supported by American Car World magazine and the National Association of Street Clubs (NASC), the event incorporates the twenty seventh annual running of Gary's Picnic. Gary Healey, proprietor of long-established and well-respected speed outlet Gary's Shack has once again put up a cash award of £500 for the quickest street-legal car of the weekend. To qualify, entrants will have to produce valid timing tickets for verification before the end of time trials on Sunday at the NASC stand. Trophies will also be on offer for the quickest four, six and eight cylinder cars as well as fastest Reaction Time. To complement the weekend there will be a traditional Show'n'Shine event together with a food court, trade stands, swap meet, disco, live band and a burnout competition where some lucky gearhead will walk away with a £500 voucher from sponsor North Hants Tyres for the best whiteout! On-track action will include competitive timed runs for the ACW Saturday Street Racer series as well as the National Street Car Challenge, Gasser Circus, Outlaw Anglias and the Wild Bunch. Exhibition entertainment includes Roger Goring's Jet-powered Funny Car Firestorm, in which Roger will be expecting to beat his own personal best speed set at the Raceway earlier this month, and the high-riding High Risk Corvette Stingray wheelie car of showman Ronnie Picardo. The track will also be open to all UK national racers – dragster, doorslammer or otherwise - wishing to take advantage of a fully-prepped track as well as the usual raceway facilities. Club participation at any show has always been a major feature and the ACW Nationals is no exception. In addition to the NASC, Mopar Muscle Association, Shakespeare County Racers and the American Car Club International, the ever-expanding Surrey Muscle Club will be active celebrating their tenth anniversary year. Most of the membership run ten-second doorslammers, and the ACW Nationals will be the perfect event to show off the Club's new anniversary t-shirt together with some thumping hot Yankee iron. Admission to the track is £15 each day, or £25 will buy you a weekend pass. Advance weekend admission tickets at £20 are available until 22:00 tonight (Wednesday) on LA Performance Services' Credit Card Hotline at 01803 550306. Entry for the RWYB time trials is £15 each day or £25 for unlimited runs on the famous Shakespeare quarter mile. For more information, hotel accommodation, and directions to the raceway visit www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. If you can't make it to the track then Eurodragster.com and uk1320.com will be carrying end-day reports and photo highlights respectively. ©Eurodragster.com Hartnell Eliminator! 11th May: UK Wild Bunch racer Chris Hartnell and his partner, Wild Bunch Co-ordinator Claire Meaddows, are particularly excited about this weekend's American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway, as no less than three members of the Hartnell family will be fielding cars. ©Eurodragster.com "Chris will be driving Backdraft, Lee will be driving his Dazed and Confused altered, and Mark will make his dédebut in his slingshot", says Claire. "Mark's car is the ex-Nutcracker but you may not recognise it straight away, as it looks very different now! I will be towing all three cars with help from Scottie, we'll be real busy but it'll be loads of fun. It's a good thing they don't do three-lane drag racing, I don't think I could cope! "Chris has booked the first race with Mark after he makes a solo checkout pass, and Lee has booked the second. I think Sarah Howells has booked the third. I believe at least two of the rest of the Dog's Bollocks team are bringing their street cars, so there could be a real round-robin thing going on – I don't think there'll be enough track time for all the combinations! Anyway, let's hope the weather's good to us, we're really looking forward to it." Swift snippets. 11th May: Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association organiser Lawrie Gatehouse tells us that no less than six members of the NFAA will be testing at the Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod on Raceway on Saturday week (21st). "I anticipate three Fuel Altereds and three alcohol altereds", says Lawrie. "The track time is needed to enable the teams to dial in the clutches, fuel systems, etc, in order to put on a better show at the SPRC Summernationals. All cars are being frantically worked upon, most fitting new parts that were late arriving from the USA, as often seems to be the case at this time of year." ©Eurodragster.com The entry list for the Meca Nats, which takes place at the eighth-mile facility in Malmö on 10th-12th June, is now on-line at www.srif.se/Anmalan.htm. Welcome Home to former UK drag racers and UK Land Speed Record holders Colin Fallows and Mark Newby after their unsuccessful attempt to break the World Electric Land Speed Record in Utah last weekend. We're proud of you, guys, and we know you'll do it next time. The mini Fuel Altered. 11th May: Adam Charnley of UK Wild Bunch and Pro ET team Cougar Racing tells us that his Topolino altered (right) is coming on well. "We've now got the new tyres and wheels on the car and they look awesome", says Adam. "The fuel tank, radiator and battery are now in place and the plumbing is done, we've also put the rear wing on the car...it's looking like a mini Fuel Altered now, wicked! "If you think it looks awesome now, wait 'til you see the paintjob we have in mind! Next up is setting the axle in place properly, putting the transmission in and then putting the engine in the right place which should be done within the next 3 weeks, then it's 'Gentlemen start your engines'! I can't wait! ©Eurodragster.com "We have also been working closely with James Hands, who we are sponsoring in Junior Dragster this year. We thought that it was time to give something back to the drag racing world so when I found James we were delighted to sponsor him. I know how hard it is to get sponsorship these days, we haven't even got enough ourselves, but a small amount of money for us will put a smile on one person's face and make his life better, after all that's what it's about! We've benn working hard with James to build up his team identity with logos, borders, newsletters and a sponsoship pack to try and help him realise his dream. "If there is anyone out there who can sponsor ourselves or James then please contact me on chara003@sgfl.org.uk. You can see more pictures of the car by visiting www.racing04.co.uk and clicking on the Cougar Racing link at the top of the page." Web site updates. 11th May: Alan Currans has added a tenth Readers' Gallery to his excellent Acceleration Archive web site. "The new gallery features some of the all-time greats of drag racing such as Freddie Whittle, Ed Shaver, Colin Mullan, Dennis Norman, George Brown, TV Tommy Ivo and Don Garlits", says Alan. "Also included are some pictures of the famous Alleycat Fordson panel van Competition Altered, including details of its sad demise, together with commentary from Malcolm Beakhust who co-built and owned the car". You can find the latest update at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com James Hands has updated his Racing 05 fan site with an interview with Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe. Check it out at www.racing04.co.uk. Fast, and furious about NOS. 10th May: UK Street Eliminator racer and current Championship leader Colin Lazenby again flew the flag for drag racing at the weekend when he took his eight-second, 180 mph Chevy to the Scottish Motorfair at Knockhill. Colin says that it was a very busy weekend and that he sent the public away suitably impressed with the Pinnacle-backed machine. "Sasha Brunton, Knockhill's promotional head honcho, had invited us over to the Scottish Sun-backed Motorfair weekend for the second year in succession", says Colin. "This year it was much bigger and most definitely benefitted from a more focused publicity drive. "We were only on static display, but we still set up a look-alike pit area complete with our usual pit flooring. We added a worn-out tyre - we knew they wouldn't believe they were fitted under our car - and we had Pinnacle/Chevy T shirts, fleeces and key fobs for sale. For this event only we managed to add a roll-up display banner which was delivered to us on Friday thanks to Martin Wright Associates of Aycliffe. This arrived just in the nick of time. "We also borrowed - OK, blagged - a twenty two-inch flat screen TV. I convinced the proprietor of our local Panasonic shop, Burgis and Gibson of Dunblane and Stirling, that they may well benefit from a number of audio/hi-fi enquiries. We ourselves would benefit from bringing drag racing to the hordes of visitors who attended the show, and it's fair to say that the were mesmerised by the Hardcore 2004 DVD footage - I'd better just add that this footage is from the Street Eliminator series, and not our own private collection. Anyhow we ran this DVD in repeat mode all weekend, I'm only surprised we didn't wear it out. ©Eurodragster.com "We shared the number two marquee with an importer of muscle cars from Australia. He had four cars on display - two Mustangs, a gorgeous Chevy pick-up truck and a Holden pick-up. He had another two vehicles, but not enough space to display them. All were seemingly concours and of course all were right-hand drive. Next to us was display of an early Corvette, an equally early T-Bird (both convertibles) and a '94 Dodge Viper, all from the Motormania 60-70 private car collection and usually on display over at Sterling Mills at Tillicoultry. In fact we've been asked to attend their Independence Day celebration event on July 3rd, if we can we will. Two separate areas in the same marquee held a combination of new Astons, Ferraris and Maseratis. We were busier, and I mean much busier, all weekend. "There was a Four Wheel Drive off-road track, demo rides in a wide range of cars round the circuit, and Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghinis battled it out on the main track. Knockhill's own Ferrari drag raced against the new, almost 500hp Dodge Ram pick-up, and of the three races I saw it was only 2-1 to the Ferrari - truly remarkable. In the paddock area, two lunatics on KTMs did various stunt leaps of faith between two ramps, with seemingly cavernous gaps in between. Naturally they were supported by a scantily-clad model who had dared to stand in between and man, she must have been cold (There's an easy way of telling - Ed). In fact, come to mention it, most of the main manufacturers had promotional girls, including our pals over on the-newly branded Chevrolet stand, all were dressed with equally interesting attire or so Garry Coull tells me. "Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say Hi, and to the new contacts we hope to develop further. Just for the record: we don't use nitro, it's nitrous, and NOS is a brand name for Nitrous Oxide Systems. Fast and Furious 1 and 2 have a lot to answer for. "Here's to next year's Scottish Motorfair." Gremlins ousted by new carb. 10th May: UK Outlaw Anglia racer Simon Barlow and his Orange Pop crew had a very successful day at Knight Racing Services, says team member Jason Yates. "Thankfully we have sorted the engine out, and the gremlins have gone", says Jay. "We went to Knight Racing Services with a few problems. The lads there put the engine on the dyno, then threw away the carb and put on a 750 carb which made things much better. They have set the engine up for us and now we have to put the engine back in the Pop and fire it up. ©Eurodragster.com "We are ready for this weekend's American Car World Nationals, where we will be looking for a low eleven or even more. The whole crew and everyone who has helped are relieved that the problems have been sorted. "Most of all we would like to say Thanks to Andy Frost, or the Dyno Donkey as they call him at Knight Racing, for his help and support over the last couple of months - we could not have done it without him. Thanks also to all the lads at Knight Racing for the help and advice they gave us on Thursday." Swift snippets. 10th May: Many thanks to Andrea Wucher of FIA European Top Methanol FC Champions Fat Attack Racing for giving us a first look at the paint on Urs Erbacher's new Supertwin (right), which is to be ridden by Lorenz Stauble. "The bike is ready, and the Funny Car will be fired up on Saturday", says Andrea. "The final interior touches will be made to the trailer and then off we go to England." ©Eurodragster.com Dutch Top Gas racer Job Heezen has been in touch to thank the Speedfreaks Ball and Santa Pod Raceway crews for their work at the weekend. "We were able to race on a nice track which helped us to set a new Personal Best, and this time a special one", says Job. "Our first seven-second quarter mile, and our first four-second eighth-mile. As far as I know our 7.913 is the quickest-ever run by a Gas Harley in Europe." Congratulations to UK Jet Dragster pilot Ian Caseley and his partner, Eurodragster.com Perfect Light Award sponsor Fay Fischer, on the birth of their daughter Grace. Grace, 0, of Bristol arrived at 06:17 and weighed in at 7 lb 5.5 oz. Ian tells us that both Grace and Fay are fine. We're sure that all of our readers will join Tog and Sharkman in welcoming Grace and congratulating Ian and Fay on their new arrival. Congratulations also to UK 9.50 Bike racer Fred Furlong who set an absolute track record at the NSA Sprint at Westonzoyland at the weekend. Unable to attend the Speedfreaks Ball, Fred went to the NSA event and clocked a 9.31/138 quarter mile into a string headwind, the only alteration to his Crescent Suzuki GSXR1000 being a slick on the back. Subject to ratification Fred's performance is a new record in the Up To 1000cc Racing class, and he also took the Class win and Low ET of the event. CBD ready for shipping. 9th May: The Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team are set to ship the first of their four cars from Sweden to the UK for the FIA Main Event, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway at the end of the month. Team owner Knut Söderquist tells us that the dragsters to be driven by Chris Andrews and Gary Page are complete save for minor detailing which will be handled at the track. "Chris Andrews has secured sponsorship from an oil company", Knut told Eurodragster.com yesterday. "We will be making a further announcement about that later in the month. Chris' trailer is the first to go to the UK, it will be leaving on the nineteenth and will arrive on the twentieth, after which it will have its decals applied. Gary Page's car should hopefully be leaving on the same weekend." Knut explained the deal with Gary Page. "Gary has the money to do what I call a Smax deal", he said. "One qualifier, which I hope stands. He has a lot of retired drag racers to work on his car, and as long as he does as I say then he may run at every event - if he doesn't then he will only work as a crew member! This deal cannot interfere with Gary's duties on Jöran Persåker's car, which Gary will be working on together with Sparky who is also in charge of my information department." ©Eurodragster.com CBD tuning supremo Alan Jackson recently spent time at the CBD workshops in Sweden where he worked on two of the team's four cars, whilst US tuner Bill Shultz, who will be overseeing Jöran Persåker's operation, is headed over to Sweden on Thursday. Micke Kågered's Bahco Tools Express, also owned by CBD, is awaiting the arrival of parts. "You know how it is at this time of year, things always come at the last minute", said Knut. After a long off-season, Knut said that he is ready for the CBD team to do their talking on the track. "We've all done our garage racing, now it's down to the real thing when you roll the car out", he said. "We're not going to say how quick we will run, but we will go quick enough." Malmgren's test successful. 9th May: Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren had a successful test at Meca Raceway this weekend, says team member Magnus Cato. "We ran strong 60- and 330-foot numbers with our new test engine Elvis", says Magnus. "The numbers indicated a mid-6.9 which is more than we expected. We addressed some malfunctions in the car and followed up what we thought was wrong last season, and we feel we can be a strong contender this year." Magnus says that Meca provided the usual excellent service to the teams testing at the weekend. "I want to express our gratitude to the staff of Meca Raceway for giving all of the teams this excellent track to test upon", he says. "From our standpoint it's as good as the best in Europe, or even better." ©Eurodragster.com Supervisor Christer, Crew Chief Heikki and Roger are working around the clock on Malmgren Racing's two race engines O'bej and Survivor. "They are working to put both engines on Jari Konola's dyno next weekend", says Magnus. "Then they will load up the bus and head for the test at Santa Pod before the Main Event. Roger, Mats and new crew member Anders will stay in Britain between the test and the race - my guess is they will go to Scotland and have a whisky test as well, and I can't blame them. Unfortunately I have to stay home because of work, but the computer will be tuned in to Eurodragster for the latest news." We'll certainly do our best to keep you informed, Magnus. Stay tuned as we will shortly be making a special announcement about our FIA Main Event coverage. More sponsorship for Englefield. 9th May: UK Pro Mod racer Bert Englefield has proudly announced a product sponsorship deal for the BA Racing team. The blown-alcohol Pro Mod is to be sponsored by Xceldyne Technologies, a world-class manufacturer of titanium valves and valvetrain components, specialising in titanium alloys. "With decades of experience in valve train development, Xceldyne's professional engineering and sales/tech support teams have worked with clients in all aspects of motorsports such as Formula One, Nextel Cup, Busch and truck, Indy Car, NHRA and IHRA drag racing", says Bert Englefield. "Their products are used by the leading NHRA Pro Stock teams including Warren Johnson. They can custom-make valves to your specification using cutting-edge technology including 3D solid modelling, rapid prototyping in resin, and in-house spintron testing. For more information visit the Xceldyne web sote at www.xceldyne.com or phone 001 336 472 8281, contact BA Racing on 07956 343980, or visit us at the Main Event where we will have catalogues available. ©Eurodragster.com "BA Racing would like to thank Scott Highland of CV Products for arranging the deal. CV products are world-renowned for delivering professional race engine components of the highest quality and reliability. Widely regarded in high-rpm valvetrain technology, CV Products also offer a complete and diverse line of racing components for all key engine and engine-related product categories including short block and internal components, oil systems, fuel systems, cooling systems, fasteners, external drive systems and much more. For more information visit CV Products' web site at www.cvproducts.com or call 001 336 472 2242." Swift snippets. 9th May: UK Pro Mod racer Gordon Appleton and his team have installed the new blown-alcohol BAE engine into the Wheelgame Racing Camaro. "We have had another hard weekend working on the car", says Crew Chief Adrian Spencer. "Big thanks to the crew for their hard work and to Dave Wilson for the loan of a block and a head to get the headers and motor plates mocked up". You can see what a great job the team have done on the bonnet and headers by clicking on the picture at right. ©Eurodragster.com A very Happy Birthday for yesterday to Trevor Hands father of our good buddy of James Hands of Racing 05 fan site fame. Hope you had a good day, Trevor. James, who will be licencing for Junior Dragster next week, tells us that his JD team is to be called No Limits Racing. Adam Charnley has designed a team logo which you can find on James' web site, together with a Q & A with Top Fuel Dragster racer Gary Page, at www.racing04.co.uk. Job openings at WRE. 9th May: Race car builder, performance parts supplier and joint Eurodragster.com webcam sponsor Webster Race Engineering are seeking new members of staff to join the busy business. "Applicants need to be versatile with good tig welding skills for both aluminium and steel", says Jon Webster. "They should be capable of fine-limit tube work and sheet metal fabrication, and have a good all-round knowledge of race car construction. Some trackside experience would be a bonus, along with some knowledge of electrical and fuel system installation. ©Eurodragster.com "Potential candidates should be willing to be flexible with regard to hours, but essentially will be expected to work 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday." If you would be interested in working for WRE then give Jon Webster or Ian Marshall a call on on 01933 315236. Hoosier attending Main Event. 9th May: Hoosier Tire UK are pleased to announce that they will in attendance at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. The tyre manufacturer will be offering a sales service for all slicks, radials and pro-street tyres over the four-day weekend. Hoosier will be carrying a varied stock but if you want to be sure that they are carrying your size and compound then please call Martin Lamb 01282 864721 at least two weeks before the event, to avoid disappointment on race day. Martin Lamb has given us a run-down on the latest product news from Hoosier Tyres: New D06 Compound: Due to the increased horsepower of today's dragsters, Hoosier has decided to discontinue the D05 compound and add the new D06 compound to the popular 33.0/16.5S-15 tire size. The D06 compound is designed to deliver the same traction level as the popular D05 compound, but have the same toughness level of our track-tested C07 compound. Hoosier add DOT Drag Radial Line: Hoosier Racing Tire is proud to announce the addition of the DOT Drag Radial to its already-extensive tire lineup. This new product will include six different sizes in 15", 16" and 17" wheel diameters. With the use of race-proven technology and compounds, this new product line is sure to be in demand. 34.5/17.0-16 C2050 Drag Slick: Hoosier continues to make improvements to its already-successful 34.5/17.0-16 Drag Slick. Introducing the new 34.5/17.0-16 C2050 specifically designed for Pro Modified and Alcohol Funny Car classes. Hoosier enters larger Drag Radial market: After months of R & D and intense testing, Hoosier is proud to announce the release of the 32.0/13.5R-15 C06 and the 33.0/14.5R-15 C06 drag radials. They are designed to deliver quicker ETs than today's conventional bias ply. These two new additions will be the tire of choice when it comes to delivering performance. Hoosier add new drag slick size 32.0/17.0-15: Due to numerous requests, Hoosier has added the size of 32.0/17.0-15 to its already-extensive list of drag racing slicks. Designed with a 102” circumference, this tire was developed to give the option of a wide tire with short rollout. In combination with the new size, it will also be introduced with a new compound designation, D06. The D06 compound is designed to deliver the same traction level as the popular D05 compound, but have the toughness of our C07 compound. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 9th May: The Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se has been updated by our good buddy Erik Zettervall with a story about Super Street sponsor Rod and Race, a plea for extra 'traveller' help at the races, a sheaf of new event entry forms, Pro Mod/Swedish Dragracing League information, and information about the new Swedish Championship for Junior Dragster. ©Eurodragster.com Lee Kirk has updated the official UK Super Modified web site with a Big Bang race report, points update (once again thanks to Kev Perkins), a few behind-the-scenes pictures by Barbara Kirk, and an update from Andy Kirk. "It's turning into a bit of a Kirk family affair!", says Lee. Check it out at www.supermodified.co.uk. Speedfreaks Ball beats the rain. 8th May: Although the weather repeatedly tried its best to mess things up, the Speedfreaks Ball was an enjoyable weekend of bike and thrust-powered action. A stiff crosswind prevented any side-by-side runs in the Fuel v Supertwin and Super Street Bike Shootouts, a decision borne out by a number of right-to-left lane changes during the weekend, although it was generally agreed that Top Fuel Bike racer Steve Carey should take the Fuel v Supertwin title by dint of appearing and recording a time in each round of the Shootout. Brad O'Connor and Steve Venables shared Low ET and High Speed honours in the Super Street Bike Shootout whilst Ian King took Low ET of the weekend with an early shut off 6.470 on his Top Fuel Bike. Job Heezen's trip from Holland was worthwhile with a tremendous 7.913 on his Top Gas Bike. The Super Street Bike racers won the Third Annual Eurodragster.com v Super Street Bike Dodgems Challenge, making the tally 2-1 to Eurodragster.com. ©Eurodragster.com You can view our American Car Imports-sponsored reports and pictures from the Speedfreaks Ball by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Editor's note: Thanks to everyone at the Speedfreaks Ball who congratulated me on my licencing and other feats in Grumpy's Dodge last week. Time for another Show. 7th May: If you have checked out the entry list for the FIA Main Event you will have noticed that 2004 British Nitro Funny Car Champion Gordon Smith and runner-up John Spuffard will be renewing their rivalry in the Shockwave and Showtime Fuel Funny Cars. Showtime Crew Chief Bob Jarrett has been in touch to bring us right up to date with events in his pit. "It has been a very hard uphill battle so far in 2005", says Bob. "But as Eurodragster's readers will have noticed we are racing at the Main Event. It will be a best of three with the Shockwave guys, which will also repeated at the European Finals. The plan is to run one round each day starting on Saturday afternoon." Bob says that after missing the Easter Thunderball for the first time in thirty two years he and the Showtime team thought that they would have to sit this year out and work on 2006. However sponsorship has been forthcoming after a lot of hard work, and this has enabled the team to race in 2005. "For the last year, John Spuffard has been working closely with ATI Titanium International and formed Titanium Racing Products, which specialises in Top Fuel racing components", says Bob. "Many of these products have been tested by John Force Racing with the result that there will be TRP products on John's car for the next NHRA race in Atlanta. "Last week, Balzers, a very specialised and precision exotic metal coating company, provided the last piece of the financial target that we required. Balzers produce a very secret coating which reduces friction in moving parts and therefore prolongs life, which is so important in today's world of competitive motor racing. Needless to say that Formula 1 is one of their many customers. Showtime is proud to be associated with such high-profile worldwide companies. At the Main Event we will have some guests in our pit area from some of the top Formula 1 teams, who are interested in the way we do things and to exchange information." ©Eurodragster.com Bob says that the team made a few mistakes in 2004. "Correction - make that a lot of mistakes", he says. "This was not only a disappointment to the team but, more importantly, to our fans. Our credibility suffered immensely, but 2005 will see a change, of that I am sure. Our focus has never been more intense and I suppose my recent fourteen-race NHRA experience won't hurt either. I have picked up a few tune-up tips along the way, but I have mainly learnt what not to do and that information is worth more than any 'Hot Tip' in the world of Nitro racing. Robert Hight at JFR has helped immensely; there is no information he would not share with me, it really is a pleasure to deal with such a top class group of people." There have been some changes to the FC for 2005. "The four-disc clutch has gone, we left most of it on the track last September", says Bob. "The five-disc clutch has arrived. This will make the car smoother, less aggressive and is a definite step towards consistency. There have also been some changes in the fuel and ignition systems, which will enable easier and more precise changes to be made. I have come to the conclusion that there is a mathematical equation to running well and this will be my focus from now on. "It looks like we are in for a fantastic weekend of racing in just three weeks and I am looking forward to seeing everyone there." Swift snippets. 7th May: MSA British Drag Racing Champion Doug Ripley has announced with sadness that Crew Chief Cliff Gould has left the CC Racing Top Methanol FC team after five years. "With Cliff tuning our new combination we set new personal bests of 6.444 and 200.90 at the Easter Thunderball, and we hope to continue on from where he has signed off", says Doug. "Jane and I, and the rest of the crew at CC Racing, would like to take this opportunity to thank Cliff for the hard work and dedication he has put into the car and team as a whole, and we wish him the best for the future." ©Eurodragster.com Sweden's Meca Raceway is holding its Pro Test and Tune this weekend. Although we understand that times and speeds are being kept under wraps, you will still be able to tune in and watch the Meca Raceway webcam at www.srif.se. PMR's successful weekend. 7th May: Paul Marston Racing had a good day in the office at the inaugural ET Challenge at Santa Pod Raceway on Monday. Paul Marston says that the team enjoyed a fair measure of success. "Firstly 'Da Togmeister' (aka Mister Half Hour Breakout - Ed), who was driving Grumpy's Dodge, made it through to the third round at his first competitive event", says Paul. "Quite an achievement for a rookie, displaying the usual nerves and being nothing but a gentleman, Tog earned his rounds and should be rightly proud of his achievement. If and when Tog does return to competition, he can expect to be able to build on this truly solid progress. Everyone at Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School would like to congratulate Tog and thank him for giving us the opportunity to look so good! "Gary Springford, proprietor of Drag Race Engineering, had made way for Tog and was piloting our newly-acquired ex-Dave Mingay Hellraiser Chevy Monza. What a great début for the latest addition to the Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School. As predicted last week, with very little work and a good driver, the Monza progressed all the way to the semi-finals. Not bad for a race car which was only taken out of storage to be worked on and assembled the Tuesday prior to the event. Gary Springford and the PMR crew did us proud, and a special thanks to Drag Race Engineering for pulling out all the stops to get the Monza prepared in time. Not only was it finished, but the baseline setting put into the chassis, new gearbox and brand new JW Performance converter all worked faultlessly. ©Eurodragster.com "The Insanity Chevy Vega had Dave Catton in the hot seat and performed well, behaving itself reasonably, but still a challenging drive to say the least. Dave is becoming a real veteran and is able to relay good information to the crew as to what the Vega is doing on a pass. Having run well on Saturday, come Monday unfortunately we discovered a terminal problem with one of the cylinder heads. But not to be outdone, I suggested that Dave use his 'Airport Taxi' and after some basic safety checks and a few modifications we went to see the MSA Scrutineer Amos Meekins. We must thank Amos for being so helpful and getting the replacement mount passed so quickly. Dave actually progressed to the third round, where he dialled in his birthday and lost, obviously he should have lied about his age! Dave had a brilliant time despite the Vega breaking and will be back to do it all again at the National Finals, which is the next time his busy diary allows. "The ET Challenge was a great and exciting race to watch, and to compete in according to the drivers and everyone involved. Congratulations to Santa Pod and all the staff. Let's hope that this becomes a regular feature of the Big Bang. Fielding four race cars was quite a challenge - as joint Crew Chief it was a busy couple of days, but we got the job done. All the drivers did well: Tog ran a personal best and got licenced and his Reaction Times were amazing, Gary Springford ran a personal best and also licenced in the Chevy Monza. I think it is fair to say that the crew did thir job and our drivers were able to focus on the job of racing and winning. Gary came the closest, as I said before the weekend we came to win, nearly did and came home with some prize money. Not bad at all! "Special thanks to all the PMR drivers, to the PMR crew who kept them serviced, to Santa Pod staff, all the VW drivers, Drag Race Engineering and to all our sponsors and Supporters. See you at the Main Event." Main Event entry closed. 6th May: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch this evening to let us know that entry to the FIA Main Event has now had to be closed. "The total entry is more than two hundred and seventy", says Paula. "We cannot take any more entries apart from those racers who have already spoken to me and are sending their forms." You can see the ninth version of the FIA Main Event entry list by clicking here. David Lloyd-Jones of Santa Pod Raceway has also been in touch to advise racers that if they wish to test at the pre-Main Event Peak Performance Day, which takes place on Saturday 21st May, then they should book soon to avoid disappointment as there is a limited number of places left. You can find out more by clicking on the Performance Days link at www.rwyb.com, or you can download an entry form from the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. "Amongst racers already booked for the Peak Performance Day are Tommy Möller, Michael Malmgren, Urban Johansson, Urs Erbacher, Danny Cockerill, Gordon Appleton and Rolf Ammann", says David. "Spectators are welcome on the day, entry to the track is £12. Page to contest Main Event. 6th May: Legendary UK Fuel racer Gary Page has announced that he is to contest Top Fuel Dragster at the FIA Main Event in one of Knut Söderquist's Carbon By Design Top Fuellers. Gary will have his hands full at the Main Event as he also crews on CBD stablemate Jöran Persåker's Team Nasty Toys Top Fueller, one of four now to be fielded by the CBD team. Gary's entry brings the Main Event Top Fuel field back up to ten. ©Eurodragster.com "This was a last-minute deal", Gary told Eurodragster.com. "Knut's car is sitting there doing nothing and we thought we might just as well race. It is going to be a very busy weekend because I will be working with Jöran again, but I am looking forward to it very much and I'd like to thank Knut for the chance to drive again. The car has a lot of development parts on it including the one-piece body." Gary last drove a Top Fueller in anger at the Midnight Sun Internationals at Piteå last year, where he won the event for the second year in a row. He also took part in a demonstration at the German Grand Prix to promote the Nitrolympx before putting in a gentle pass at the race in August. "We've had an offer to do the German Grand Prix promotion again this year", said Gary. "I hope to drive Knut's dragster on the whole Tour this year, and hopefully we can take a hat-trick of wins at Piteå." Saapolas covered by Tarpaulin. 6th May: Finland's Saapola Motorsports is proud to announce that Tarpaulin Oy is the team's new main sponsor. In a three-year deal the tarpaulin company will sponsor the team's new Pro Mod (right, click on picture for large version) as well as their Super Comp dragster and Junior Funny Car. ©Eurodragster.com "The new sponsorship deal helped the team to close the deal for the brand new race car as well as to contest all FIA and Nordic Drag Racing Series events", says Turun Kuljetinasennus. "Saapola Motorsports will continue to race in Super Comp and Junior Funny Car." The Pro Mod is headed to Estonia this weekend for a car show and to test before their first competitive outing at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. Outgunned but out for fun. 6th May: UK Outlaw Anglia racer John O'Sullivan is hoping to return to the track in Pro Mod form for the FIA Main Event. The Anglia is destined for Outlaw Anglia and is designed to top Andy Carter's long standing best of 7.56/181 but John and his team couldn't resist mixing it with the huge Main Event Pro Mod field. "I have some parts on their way from the USA but I am optimistic about making the race", says John. "Although we are outgunned in all respects we plan on running the car and enjoying the meeting, and with 101-inch wheelbase and a blown hemi it should be fun!" ©Eurodragster.com The car has a Jon Webster chassis but tuning advisor Charlie Draper tells us that Andy Robinson has helped to make the car conform to the latest specs. "The running gear is 526 JP1 with old-style BAE heads 14-71 blower, titanium can and three-speed Lenco", says Charlie. "John has already given the new car a shake down at Shakespeare County Raceway and he liked the feel of the new chassis. Outlaw Anglias watch this space!" Swift snippets. 6th May: Another welcome addition to the FIA Main Event entry list is Holland's Henri Joosten who will be racing his Chevy Pro Mod (right). When we last heard from Henri he had put his car up for sale and would not be racing in 2005 unless he found more sponsorship. "We still have no big sponsor so no big numbers", says Henri. "Over the winter we missed racing, but it's difficult to find a sponsor. So we are racing with last year's stuff, we have decided to go racing for fun and to try to make the car run quicker than 6.6, but firstly we must get into the sixteen-car field. We have changed the colours on the front of the car - it looks faster!" ©Eurodragster.com Carolynne: We're getting there. 6th May: UK Rocket Dragster pilot Carolynne Campbell will have her Laffin Gas dragster on show at this weekend's Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway. Carolynne tells us that she has spent the off-season testing the motors and that the results are looking promising. "We've been testing over winter, both rockets in the car and the car firmly anchored to the ground, and with single rockets in a test rig", says Carolynne. "So far, we haven't blown anything up. We've been experimenting with different fuel-liners (plastic and cellulose) and with input nozzles. We've learnt a lot and we're confident that the car will perform predictably." ©Eurodragster.com Laffin Gas has four rockets which are each half the size again of the motors in Charles Berg's Twisted Sanity dragster, about which we reported yesterday. "We're dealing with much higher energies, especially when we're using the cellulose fuel which packs about a forty per cent bigger punch than the high-density polyethylene which Charles has been using", says Carolynne. "That means we that have to proceed with great care as our safety issues are a bit more serious. There is still quite a bit of work to do to be truly happy that we're ready to go really fast, but we're getting there." Simonski on that launch. 6th May: UK Volkswagen Sportsman racer Simon Longman says that he has a confession to make about his huge wheelie during qualifying for the ET Challenge at Santa Pod Raceway on Monday. "Lots of people said it was their highlight of the day but I have to confess that it wasn't planned...well, not that high anyway!", says Simonski "Conor at Raceshack has built me a strong new 2332cc engine which I spent most of Sunday's VWDRC round getting used to after a year out with a broken wrist. I have always lifted the clutch in the Raceshack Hustler buggy so have never lifted the front, but Conor and Kev Metcalfe persuaded me to side-step and keep my foot in as I have also recently up-rated the gearbox. ©Eurodragster.com "I nearly flipped the buggy and I have to apologise to the Santa Pod start line crew for scraping the track with the back of my engine case. I can't look at Julian Robinson's photos without laughing nervously, but you won't see intentional air like that again. My MSD ignition with two-step has now arrived so I will have a bit more control over future launches! I now also have a fuel pump which can deliver the flow which the engine demands, so expect to see me in VW Pro next time out!" Flynn's amusing affair. 6th May: UK Super Pro ET racer Derek Flynn has been in touch to thank the Turner Racing team, who helped him out with his Gold RV dragster at the Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway. "The Turners were absolutely top class", says Derek. "They taught us loads about our new car, the effects of the weather on our tune up etc. and are really nice people to boot. They also came to the rescue after we destroyed our rear tyres on our second pass with excessive amounts of tyre shake which broke one of the rear end stays. Stil, that at least meant that we had definitely got our power back after the disappointing outing at Shakespeare County Raceway, and Sharkman said he had not seen too many sevens with a rail sideways for half of it, first one way then the other! "The Turners lent us a set of brand new tyres which they had bought for the Main Event and that fixed our wandering problem! I also have to thank John Spuffard for balancing our new tyres and thanks to Richard of J&W Automotive for all his help too. All this help really paid off with some excellent runs and new Personal Bests for ET and speed." ©Eurodragster.com Derek says that the ET Challenge was an amusing affair for the Gold RV team. "We put in a good practice run in the morning after fitting the new tyres, but broke the transmission breather pipe", he says ."The Turners to the rescue again, back to their workshop and a new pipe made, but no more time left to get another run in before lunch. We were one of the first down to the pairing lanes and got paired against a young lady in a sixteen-second Golf on street tyres. "This is going to be interesting" I thought, we decided that we had better have a chat and let her know what to expect. I think we scared her off, sorry about that, anyway the twelve-second mid-engined Golf behind agreed to run with us (thanks for that). We performed our usual burnout and just before staging we got shut down and pushed back, due to rain. The last time this happened to us was at Easter and was followed by our first-ever seven-second run, a good omen I thought. "Once the rain subsided, the excellent Santa Pod crew got it dried and ready to run in what seemed no time considering the downpours. We were called in again, we had put 7.35 seconds on the car which was quite a bit below our previous best of 7.48. Burnout done, into stage, off he went and I was counting down the five-second wait and then up on the transbrake and I was off after him. Everything just hooked up perfectly, a small steering job as we hit second and I knew we were on one, I passed him well before the line and in normal circumstances I would have lifted but I knew it was going to be a PB. I thought "What the hell it's only a tenner, I will buy back in and keep the PB". "A slight faux-pas on the buyback and it was demo runs for us. These were most enjoyable and seemed to keep the crowd amused - and saved us scaring any other unsuspecting racers, thanks Ian!" Entry form updates. 6th May: Entry forms for all classes for the 2005 FHRA Nitro Nationals, which takes place at Alastaro on 1st-3rd July, are now available on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se/nerladdning.html and on Finnish Hot Rod Association web site at www.fhra.fi/fin/index.php?page_id=44. ©Eurodragster.com The official web site of the European Pro Mod Association at www.promod.nu has been updated with the entry form for the Meca Nats in Malmö on 10th-12th June. Web site updates. 6th May: Alan Currans has posted the hundred and tenth page of pictures on his excellent Acceleration Archive web site. "The latets update is the third page of Steve Woollatt's collection" ,says Alan. "This features some really great names from the past: Jim Read's Le Patron dragster, Russ Carpenter's amazing Daimler-powered 'mini-fueller', the famous Stripteaser Minivan, Sue Coles' Helzapoppin' altered, and many more". Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Richard Stirling has updated his Top Nitro fan site at www.topnitro.co.uk with a report and pictures from the Ford Weekender at Shakespeare County Raceway, including a photo sequence of the Wright Racing Top Fueller engine explosion, and a number of photographs of Monday's ET Challenge at Santa Pod Raceway. Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with pictures from the weekend's Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway, and a special feature describing what happened when the Superheroes took on the Fireforce 1 Jet Funny Car. Check it out at www.topendtales.com. Hersland to test, then Tour. 5th May: Danish Top Fuel Dragster racer Rene Hersland tells us that he is planning to contest the 2005 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship. Rene will be testing his Top Fueller, which he purchased from Kim Reymind, at Meca Raceway in Malmö this weekend after recovering from the motorcycle spill which curtailed his plans last year. "I always loved the Top Fuel cars throughout my many years in drag racing, and it has been my dream to have one of these cars since doing the clutch on Jens Nybo's car", says Rene. "To me, a Top Fueller is the most exciting and outstanding race car, and the noise and the smell are fantastic. ©Eurodragster.com "We plan to run the FIA series, but right now we are preparing for the test session in Malmö. Today the team will be together in Copenhagen preparing the car for the weekend. I am completely recovered from the motorcycle incident which sidelined me last year, and I am exercising every morning to get into good shape." Rene says that he finds it fantastic how popular drag racing is. "Every day in my shop people are asking about our program, and how to plan their holiday to be able to follow the races. The support we are getting from our fans is just fantastic." Appleton's engine arrives. 5th May: UK Pro Mod racer Gordon Appleton has taken delivery of the new BAE motor which marks his switch to blown-alcohol for the 2005 season. Wheelgame Racing Crew Chief Adrian Spencer got in touch to let us know that Gordon will make the FIA Main Event. "We have taken delivery of our new motor (right) and spares, which we will hopefully not need", says Adrian. "Everything seems to be coming together at the right time. The new clutch has arrived, as well as all the other goodies we were waiting for. We still have a long way to go but we be at the Main Event. ©Eurodragster.com "I would like to say a big Thank You to Andy Robinson for all his help, Malcolm Francis at Air Sea Logistics for the swift delivery, Gordon for having the balls to come back after the season we had last year, but most of all the other guys on the team: Simon Payne, Dave Clarkson, and Rob Smallworth. Without their hard work and determinatin this would not be happening." Gullquist hails PM levels. 5th May: Swedish Pro Mod racer and European Pro Mod Association Chair Micke Gullquist has hailed the NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified entry at the FIA Main Event, which currently stands at twenty three. "The number of entries for the first event of the season is higher than ever before", says Gullan. "Last year a total of thirty one teams competed in NDRS Bilsport Pro Mod. This is a great turnout for the first event of the European Pro Mod season, we've never had such a large field at the first event and never with this many nationalities: this will be a great European event with teams from seven nations. The thing which most impresses me is that the number of British teams seems to have doubled over the winter. I also know that there are probably about fifteen more cars in Europe which will come out and play during the season. The Veidec race at Mantorp, at the end of July, has always had the largest fields and will most likely host a record field of qualifiers this year again. ©Eurodragster.com "If the growth rate of European Pro Mod continues, then I think that in the next couple of years we will see more teams at an event than anywhere else in the world.” Swift snippets. 5th May: Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer Leif Andréasson's FC will be cloaked in a new Dodge Stratus body from the FHRA Nitro Nationals in July. The new body has been specifically developed for TMFC by Therry DeKonick, lead aerodynamics engineer of Dodge Motorsports, Mopar Performance Parts and Chrysler Daimler, and built by Dave Zajac and the Roush Composites team. You can read more and see a picture on the Andréasson Motorsports web site at www.andreassonmotorsports.com. We are again indebted to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding us an updated version of the FIA Main Event entry list. Not unexpectedly Darryl Bradford's name is gone from the Top Fuel entry after the Wright Racing dragster suffered a bad engine explosion at the weekend, although as mentioned above Rene Hersland is expecting to contest the FIA Tour. In addition, the question we have most been asked recently has finally been answered as Freddy Fagerström's name has now popped up on the Pro Mod entry. The never-ending struggle between Pro ET and 9.50 Bike for largest class is continuing apace with both standing at twenty nine. You can view version seven of the FIA Main Event entry list by clicking here. ©Eurodragster.com The UK's Team Hector Wild Bunch team learned a tough lesson on their way to York Dragway at the weekend when a green, military-style pack containing two race suits parted company with the trailer it had been travelling on. "We won't name the guilty packer", say the team, "but just in case anyone found such a pack in the vicinity of, or even at, York Raceway can they please get in touch via E-Mail at hector@sew-cool.co.uk. A small reward is being offered which can go to the finder or a charity of their choice. On a brighter note, the Test and Tune went well with Linda White-Jones, Team Hector Crew Chief, taking her first run in the Pinto-powered "Trespasser" slingshot and pulling a creditable thirteen-second pass. Linda can also claim the third-fastest reactoin time by a car at the weekend." Entry form updates. 5th May: Entry forms for all classes for the 2005 Veidec Nitro Festival, which takes place at Mantorp Park on 28th-31st July, are now available on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se/nerladdning.html and on the event's own web site at www.veidecfestival.com/2005/forms.htm. ©Eurodragster.com The entry form for the second Greek Championship round, which takes place at Serres on 14th-15th May, is available on the Greek Dragster web site at www.greekdragster.com/news/news050503-1.htm. A shut and open case. 5th May: UK Pro Stock Bike racer Dave Beck and Jay Regan's MRE team contested Pro Mod Bike at last weekend's Lucas Oil Spring Nationals in Richmond, Virginia, seeking to build on recent strong performances, writes Stephen Moon. "The team made modifications to the chassis prior to qualifying in order to improve handling problems which appear to stem from the level of power the bike is currently making", says Stephen. "Round one of qualifying on Saturday resulted in Dave clearing out the finish line timing equipment on a wild run, he was lucky to suffer only minor swelling and bruising on his foot. Inspection of the bike showed that the wheelie bars had shifted under load, causing the bike to veer. On the second and final qualifying run the team got it together to record 6.995/186, good enough for the #7 qualifying spot. ©Eurodragster.com "Going into eliminations, team owner Jay Regan, Crew Chief Royal Fears and Dave were confident that the bike was making more than enough power to compete strongly. Against first round opponent Ashley Owens, Dave left the line hard, but smoked the tyre giving Owens the early advantage. The MRE bike then started to reel Owens in impressively, but a plume of smoke at the thousand foot mark signalled a narrow defeat, Owens taking the win with a 7.097 over Dave's 7.151. "An oil-soaked Dave returned to the pits to survey the damage to the motor. A suspected ignition failure resulted in a serious engine explosion which split the crankcases and lifted the block and head clear of the motor (right). The MRE team were more disappointed by the defeat than by the engine damage, given that the Pro Mod is clearly producing enough power to compete at the highest level in the Prostar series. A new engine was installed by the end of the meeting, and the team now travel to St Louis for the PR Factory Store Nationals on 4th-5th June, looking for the elusive win. "If anyone can help with a set of cases to get the number one motor back in action, please E-Mail Dave Beck at beck.racing@virgin.net." Rethink for Twisted Sanity. 5th May: UK Rocket Dragster pilot Charles Berg and the Twisted Sanity team have decided to absent themselves from the track for the rest of this season to do some more R & D after the dragster spat a nozzle at the Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway at the weekend. "The power the motors created on Saturday was greater than ever before", says team member Paul Cann. "The pressure inside the motor casings was just too much, it destroyed the left-hand rocket and propelled the nozzle into the barn which had fortunately been emptied by the Santa Pod safety staff before we ran. It ripped the studs and nuts which hold the casings together through an area of box section, the right hand rocket also started to give and had begun to pull its way through the metal supports. ©Eurodragster.com "We now have the means to produce more power than we thought possible; the new challenge is containing it. We now estimate five-second quarter miles at about 280 mph, these are only estimates as there is so little data available about these particular motors, it could even go faster! "Over the rest of the season we will re-design the back half of the dragster to incorporate a full titanium motor housing in order to ensure that there is no way we could have a repeat of last weekend's events. We will return, but in the meantime you can see pictures and video at www.twistedsanity.com/rocketcar. Web site updates. 5th May: The official web site of the Big Bang, which took place at Santa Pod Raceway last weekend, has been updated with a report and photographs from the event. You can check out the Big Bang report and pictures at www.big-bang.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com James Hands has updated his Racing 05 fan site with a brief Q&A with FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter. You can find the Q&A at pages.123-reg.co.uk/jimmy43-800350/racing05/id44.html. Excited Carter keeps busy. 4th May: FIA European Top Fuel Champion Andy Carter says that has been running around his house screaming and shouting like an excited five-year-old. The reason? The entry list of ten Top Fuellers at the Main Event. "Ten drivers - well, some licence holders and some drivers - are now booked in to the Main Event", says Andy. "Now qualifying really means something, great! I wouldn't like to pick the two non-qualifiers, but I have got a couple of spare crew standing by to give the two teams a hand loading up Sunday night if they need it. I have been in this situation twice before, first time, the 1997 Main Event when there were five cars for a four-car field and Barry (arch rival) Sheavills didn't make it, what a great day! Next, the Finland race in 2003 when we had six cars for a four-car field and Kim Reymond and Big Tommy Möller never made it. I don't think anyone would have picked Kim not to make it at that stage of his career. You could actually feel the tension on the start line as Kim and Tommy made their last qualifying runs in a desperate tyre-smoking bid to make the field. So Top Fuel fans, don't miss one day of the ‘Main', you are in for even more of a treat Saturday and Sunday when Top Fuel comes round to qualify. If you can't make Saturday, don't dare miss that last Sunday session as there are going to be some desperate drivers strapped in!" As previously reported, Andy has recently signed associate sponsors Norfolkline, Crane Cams and Mike Shorer Fine Jewellery, others have renewed for 2005, and the team is now in the colours of primary sponsor B & Q from top to bottom. "Both B&Q's truck and trailer and my own are now painted and stickered", says Andy, "both race cars are painted and stickered, support car is stickered, and uniforms are made. We have competed in the Pro Fuel Shootout and we were runner-up, we have the new web site up and running, and Ben has been to Las Vegas on a training weekend with an American Top Fuel team. ©Eurodragster.com "Although not sponsors, we will be running with the stickers of Webster Race Engineering, Eurodragster.com and Dragsterworld.com as a way of saying Thank You for the support they give Carter Motorsport. "The Shootout feels like it was months ago, and although we didn't get the result we were looking for I came away strangely happy. We did 99% of the stuff right in the build up to and during the meeting, the car ran well, I drove OK and we just lost out in the final. It was our first meeting with new Crew Chief Ben Allum, there were some changes in the structure of the crew, it was the first race for B& Q and they were impressed, so I have to be pleased really. I can still blow my own trumpet (as I love to!) and say I'm the King of the Pro Fuel Shootout, with two wins and two runners-up in the last five years!" Andy has a budy schedule before the FIA Main Event. "The dragster is going to Hauser Race Cars on 9th May for a new front half and some other small updates, we are also changing over to the latest Brad Anderson billet blocks so there is plenty to be getting on with on the race car. Then we are off to Brands Hatch for a big Motorsport festival on 14th-15th May. I'm looking forward to that one, it should be a relaxing weekend. Then on 16th May the trailer is going over to Tectonics to have the new awning poles made and fitted. Unfortunately, they are so busy that they can't supply us the cover till July, so we will be under a temporary awning again at the Main Event, but no worries, you don't race the awning! "Then it's up to the B&Q store in Northampton on Thursday 19th May, then (not confirmed yet) we should be in Wellingborough town centre between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm on the evening of Friday 20th May to help promote the race, then it's over to Santa Pod to set up for the Main Event! "At the FIA Main Event we will have a new T-Shirt, new free hero card, new poster and new free elimination ladder card so fans can keep track of us on the way to the final. Please come over, have a look, and say hello. I look forward to seeing you at the Main Event!" Action-packed Speedfreaks Ball. 4th May: This weekend's Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway is again a must-see for fans of bikes and of thrust-powered vehicles. We had a word with organiser Martin Hill and started by asking him about his Fireforce 2 Jet FC, which will be one of the headliners at the fourth running of the festival. The world's fastest Jet car was slightly damaged in a spin in Northern Ireland a short while ago and we asked if it would be at Santa Pod for the weekend. "Fireforce 2 should be ready for the weekend", Martin told Eurodragster.com. "We have had some issues to sort out but it's ready to put back together now. Put it this way - we're planning for both Fireforce 1 and Fireforce 2 to be there. Eric Teboul is bringing his Rocket Bike, Carolynne Campbell has approached me about bringing her Rocket Dragster, we have the Jet Go-kart, Ronnie Picardo's Jet Beetle and Paul Bailey's Colossus trike. Michel Kooy is also bringing his Pyromania Jet Quad, and we've also got Paul Gower with his stunt bike." The two-wheeled action is led by the annual Fuel v Supertwin bike shoot-out, organised by Top Fuel Bike racer Ian King, which is run on Cannonball format with the quickest Fuel bike and the quickest Supertwin over three passes squaring up in the final. Ian King, ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Steve Woollatt and Steve Carey represent the Fuel bikes whilst FIM/UEM European Supertwin Champion Ton Pels, Norway's Ronny Aasen, and the UK's Chris Stebbings are in the Supertwin corner. Holland's Job Heezen will also be bringing his beautiful European Top Gas Bike and Martin said that FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike Champion Roel Koedam will compete if he can finish his bike and get to the UK in time for the weekend. Funny Bike is represented by ACU UK Champion Neil Midgley and a returning Shaun Branch (see below - Ed). Another two-wheeled highlight is the Super Street Bike Shootout which will be contested by ten bikes including all five of the UK's seven-second runners together in one place. Steve Venables, Jamie Sneddon, Brad O' Connor, Richard Stubbins, Mark Fisher, Dave Smith, Matt Nixon, Chris Reed, Pete Bellenie and David Warren will be competing for the event honours (as well as trying to win the Eurodragster.com v SSB Dodgems Challenge for the first time - Ed). The track is open for bike-only Run What You Brung between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm on Saturday and between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm on Sunday. £10 per day buys unlimited runs on-track, and the Hell's Angels of Northampton are sponsoring trophies for Quickest US, Quickest European, Quickest British, Quickest Japanese 750cc - 1000cc and Quickest Japanese 1000cc and above. ©Eurodragster.com Off-track, Backstreet Heroes are sponsoring the Custom Show and the usual panoply of trade stalls and catering will also be on hand as well as a Lap Dancing tent (I think I've thought of another Challenge - Ed). Entertainment on Friday night is provided by the bands Crowfoot, Raw Gallagher and Ironheart, whilst on Saturday night Saxon headline, supported by Fellacious Crumb and Barefoot Revelation. Steve of "One Bloke One Mandolin" renown and an acoustic rock band will be appearing in the Fuellers bar at the start line, which is offering a special price on beer. There will also be a small funfair. Entry to the Speedfreaks Ball is £17 on Saturday and £17 on Sunday, or £27 on the gate. Under 16s go free. Gates open at midday on Friday and are then open right through to Sunday afternoon. For more details check out the Speedfreaks Ball web site at www.speedfreaksball.co.uk. Branch seeks cable. 4th May: UK Funny Bike racer Shaun Branch tells us that he is just about ready for this weekend's Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway, but that he would be even more ready if he had access to a cable for his datalogger. "The bike will be fired on Thursday night to check it all out", says Shaun. "We have made a few changes over the winter, the transmission has a couple of different ratios and also a new piston/combustion chamber combination in the top end. ©Eurodragster.com "The biggest expense is the new Racepak datalogger which should give reliable and accurate information. That is if we can get hold of a black extention lead for the RPM channels, if anyone has a V300 Racepak lead, about six to seven feet long, and would be prepared to lend it to us then I would be very grateful to hear from you!" If you can help Shaun with the Racepak cable then you can call him on 07802 874360. Craig takes the seat. 4th May: If you were tuned in at the weekend you will remember that UK Super Pro ET racer Mark Flavell is absenting himself from the FIA Main Event as it is his twenty fifth wedding anniversary and that consequently his Crew Chief Craig will be driving the car at that race. The Mark Flavell Racing team went to York Raceway over the weekend to ensure that damage suffered at the Power Nationals had been fixed, and to give Craig his first run out. Mark got in touch to let us know how it all went at York. "The track, which by all accounts had been a bit slick on Saturday, really came together on Sunday as it basked in the May sunshine, helped along with good preparation and a liberal splash of glue. We'd taken a lot of power out of the car and put in more wing. Then after a cautious, steady burnout - bearing in mind that on the last burnout at the Park I'd over-revved the thing and spat an exhaust valve out with all the consequential damage which goes with that sort of event - we staged and ran 8.347/173.63, not a bad start. Second time around, after checking the new motor and confirming everything was OK we went for a bit more aggression in the burnout. The traction, and the fact that this car has a lot more tyre and static rear axle weight, caught me out and the car shot forward more than burnt out, but we staged and found better traction than on previous run. We ran an arrow straight 7.748/177.37. "Now we were happy that the track and the car were great, Craig suited up for his first ever run in a dragster. If he was nervous he didn't show it - excited, yes! We talked through the burnout and what I thought had gone wrong on my previous runs. So without drama and with instructions that we would simulate the observed runs which will be required when Craig pulls in to stage at Santa Pod at the end of the month, he burned out like a Pro, staged, launched and got off just through the sixty foot cloks. AOK. ©Eurodragster.com "Dave Powell from Performance Unlimited dropped in to cast his eye over the finished project and to add a few words of encouragement. Dave has been connected to our racing operations for many years and it is always good to see the people who are involved with the business end of our sport getting involved at the track, seeing how the equipment they provide is being abused to the max! "Craig squared up for his second run of the day, more relaxed and confident to have an all out-assault on the eighth. A change of lane for this one then a strong if brief burnout, crept into pre-stage, rolled it precisely into stage and gone. Hooked up hard, shook, off it and on again. It looked strong and moved around a little but kept on it through the eighth to a 6.41/131.65. Had Craig kept going, that would have put him in the mid eights at around 165. Not a bad début I think you'll agree! "At this point the hot weather had created some savage thunderstorms, and York Raceway got a beauty, but I believe that all the eliminations had been run. So the only purpose of the storm was to keep the dust down as the crowds and racers left for home. "A big thanks to Steve Murty and all the Pennine Drag Racing Club for letting us come to test. We're looking forward to the August Super Pro event at York Raceway." Serres Round 1 report. 4th May: The first race of the year at Serres in Greece was a success, says Elias Vathias. "This was the first time that a Pro tree was used, and the racers adjusted easily", says Elias. "The weather was great and the spectators enjoyed several new records. "Makis Nefraim with his Pontiac Firebird won the final in the Auto Open class, setting a great new record with an 8.170/279.76 kmh pass. It was the same story for Stavros Svrahnos and his Suzuki Pro Stock TL1000, Stavros won the Moto Open Class setting a new class record with his 8.097/282.32 kmh pass. So Stavros also won the unofficial bet for the fastest auto and moto vehicle. Christos Agapidis set a new record in the Moto 5 class with his 8.707/251.14, although he had a mechanical problem and withdrew from the race." You can find results, records and pictures on the Greek Dragster web site as follows: ©Eurodragster.com Final classifications: www.greekdragster.com/events/events050424_Serres_Classification-Entries.htm Records: www.greekdragster.com/records/records.htm Complete race results: www.greekdragster.com/rawdata/20050424-Serres/Resultsof1stDragRace2005-Serres.zip Photos: www.greekdragster.com/images/Shows_Races/050424Serres/index.htm The second drag race of the year will be held at Serres on 14th-15th May. Swift snippets. 4th May: UK Pro Modified racer Ragin' Ray White has been in touch with the sad news that his Lethal Z 2 Pro Mod is not going to make the FIA Main Event. "Business commitments and all that boring stuff have stopped me getting the car ready for the Main Event - close but not close enough", says Ray. "I am only going to bring it out when it is totally finished so I have had to make that call". Click on the picture at right for a larger version, and click here for a front view. ©Eurodragster.com We are again indebted to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding us the latest version of the FIA Main Event entry list. You can view Version 6 of the entry list by clicking here. UK Junior Dragster racer-in-waiting James Hands has announced that his 2005 licencing and racing campaign will be sponsored by UK Pro ET and Wild Bunch team Cougar Racing. Cougar Racing now have their own web site, put together by James, which you can reach from the Home Page at www.racing04.co.uk. This leads very nicely into Adam Charnley of Cougar Racing getting in touch to let us know that thanks to input from the Houndog Fuel Funny Car team and the guys at Dragsterworld, the history of his Chevy Beretta FC body has been tracked down. The body was originally used by Li'l John Lombardo before being brought to the UK by John Woolfe Racing in 1988. It was run by Nobby Hills and then Norm Wilding, rebadged as an Opel Senator and then a VW Passat. Getting the Bug back? 4th May: One of the stories of the weekend's Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway was the return to the track of 1992 and 1993 VW Modified Champion Keith Seume after a long absence. Keith took a turn in Natasha Garcia's VW Pro Beetle and we wouldn't be surprised if it sparked a more permanent return. "It takes a brave car owner to give the 'keys' to her race car to a fifty-year-old who hasn't raced a turbo car for nine years, but Tasha Garcia kept to her promise of a drive and made my weekend!", says Keith. "On Saturday, after a thrash to get the car ready for its first run, Tash turned to me and said "Do you want to take it down the track?". After – ooh, let me see – a nanosecond's thought I said OK and donned my race suit for the first time in many years. Good job I haven't put any weight on… "It felt like old times trundling down the fire-up road, listening to the turbo motor rumbling away behind me and the stones being chucked up against the aluminium floor. Pulling the car into the water for a rolling burnout (I'd always done static burnouts in No Mercy), it all felt good. Pulling into stage and it was as if I'd never been away. "My plan had been to do a half-pass as I had no idea what the car would be like. Well, it came off the line like gang-busters, kept reasonably straight, as I approached the eighth-mile clocks I lifted slightly and then thought 'Sod it – it's going straight so get back on it.' Result? The car's first-ever 'ten'! Was I happy? Yes – but mostly for Tash who has mortgaged her life away to fulfil a dream. "Of course, that was it – Spencer Tramm was all over me like a rash saying that I had to join the club again and why not race in the ET Challenge on Monday? 'But, I don't have a race licence' I protested. 'No fear – I've got the forms here' said Spencer. Damn! No way out. Tash was up for it and said that she had no plans to race the car. After seeing Tash run her first ten on Sunday, I knew I had to get out there! "Monday morning, first pass and the car went all over track due to previous oildowns etc. A slow 11.28 pass, but at least it qualified me. Next pass, dialled in 10.95 and ran 10.83! Into eliminations, met VWPRO 100 in first round: he ran 12.55 on a 12.49 dial-in – I managed a slow 10.97 on a 10.85 index (hence well off my dial-in) but cut a better light to take the win. Yee-hah! "Then the rain came – and went. Next round, Lee Huxley in his '32 Ford Roadster. End of story! No way can I compete against a trans-braked automatic other than to try and drill the lights. Guess what? I redlit by .04sec. Bummer. But the car broke its exhaust manifold on that pass anyway, losing turbo boost. "What a great weekend for me – all thanks to Tash's generosity. I can't thank Tash and the crew enough and I can't thank enough all the people who came up to me over the weekend to wish me luck and say such kind words. Thanks one and all! Will I be back? Who knows? I'd have to run quicker than the 9.87/139 I ran ten years ago. If I do return – be afraid. Be very afraid..." ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 4th May: Sweden's Erik Bengtsson, who produces Hydrogen Peroxide and also designs and builds rocket engines, has launched a web site at www.peroxidepropulsion.com. Erik's web site describes the chemistry and applications of hydrogen peroxide, which was most famously used to power the legendary Sammy Miller's stable of rocket cars. Our good buddy Gwynn has updated his Slimboyfat web site with a large number of pictures from the weekend's Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Gwynn's excellent shots at www.pbase.com/slimboyfat/big_bang_05. ©Eurodragster.com The official web site of the European Pro Mod Association has been updated with the entry form for July's Veidec Nitro Festival at Mantorp Park. Check it out at www.promod.nu. Our buddy Patrik Jacobsson has also updated the Racebilder web site with photographs from the weekend's Spring Nats at Gardermoen Raceway. You can find the pictures at www.racebilder.nu. Geraghty takes ET Challenge. 3rd May: Congratulations to Volkswagen Sportsman racer Mick Geraghty who won yesterday's inaugural ET Challenge at Santa Pod Raceway. Mick worked his way through a field of more than thirty cars to square off against Super Gas racer Jon Morton in the final, taking the title and the sizeable prize pot with a 19.904/50.85 on a 19.35 dial-in to Mort's 9.164/143.83 breakout on a 9.20 dial-in. The ET Challenge proved very popular with those racers who took part, and was very tightly run by the SPR race officials. The comments of Brian Huxley of Team Top Banana are typical: "We thoroughly enjoyed the day, even though we went out to the eventual winner in the third round. Congratulations to Mick Geraghty, he kept his cool and did the business. Up with Beetle power! We wish that the tracks would do more ET Bracket racing, we think it's the best thing since sliced bread." Mention of Team Top Banana leads very nicely into news of Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog's progress in his first-ever competitive event. Having gained his race licence in Paul Marston Racing's Grumpy's Dodge on Saturday (right, picture courtesy and ©Roger Gorringe), Tog found himself up against Lee Huxley in the first round of the ET Challenge. Here is Tog's take on his race day: Round 1 Lee Huxley (10.64) 10.763/121.66 def. Tog (10.70) 10.691/119.31 breakout: If you're going to get a practical on-track lesson in bracket racing then you can't do much better than to go up against Team Top Banana whose Championship record speaks for itself. Lee pulled a 0.008 reaction to my 0.161, towards the top end I judged that we were side-by-side and I pedalled a few times to stay alongside him but I saw the Roadster edge forward at the finish line. It was a privilege to go up against Lee for my first-ever race and he gave me a lesson I won't forget in a hurry! ©Eurodragster.com Round 2 (after buyback) Tog (10.60) 10.641/114.53 def. Leigh Morris (10.90) 10.978/120.94 red light: For my second race I drew another racer to whom I have long looked up as an example of how to run bang-on to index. Leigh waited patiently whilst I made a mess of the burnout, thanks to him for his sportsmanship. I actually saw Leigh's red light, what I didn't know until afterwards is that I left early myself by -0.007. I backed off at around 1100 feet and went pretty close to my dial-in although that was luck, not skill. Afterwards, as Paul also pointed out, I realised that seeing as I knew I had won I could have stayed on the throttle to see what the car would run flat-out to help us set the dial-in. Round 3 Greg Walcott (17.15) 17.172/78.82 def. Tog (10.60) 10.479/106.96 breakout: One of the experiences I was hoping to get over the weekend was to wait a few seconds whilst my competitor got a head start and then to chase them down. And oh boy, did I get it this time, 6.55 seconds! I pulled a 0.001 reaction time and chased after Greg. After a short while his VW Golf suddenly became very large, I got off the throttle gently as I drew up to Greg but he disappeared very quickly backwards past my left shoulder. I had no idea who had won, Greg gave me a thumbs-up as I passed him on the return road so I thought it was me, but when the crew didn't run back to the pits to turn the car around I realised what must have happened. That was confirmed when Sefton fetched the timing ticket and I saw just how big a break-out I had managed! "I would again like to thank Paul Marston for the drive", says Tog, "and for his endless patience and encouragement even when I made mistakes; thanks to Paul's wife Sam, Dave Catton and Gary Springford for encouragement and advice; to Mick Pusey, Sefton Whitlock, Lizz McCarthy and Dean for crewing - a special Thank You to Mick for taking me in hand during the race and easing my nerves. Thanks also to Ian Marshall and all of the SPR race officials and safety and track crews who were delighted for me; to Andy Carter for the loan of firesuit and safety equipment; to all of - I can now say this! - my fellow racers for support, encouragement and sportsmanship; to Mrs Tog and to my friends for texting and E-Mailing congratulations throughout and since the weekend; and to Sharkman and Roger Gorringe for some great photographs." Dyno-my-Fueller. 3rd May: Karsten Anderson of Sweden's Lorentzon and Möller Top Fuel Dragster team has unveiled his latest invention, a dyno for Fuel engines. Crew Chief Kenneth Lorentzon has been in touch to tell us all about it. "For those who don't know Karsten, I just have to tell you that this guy goes from an brilliant idea to action in less than a second", says Kenneth. "He has now created one fantastic piece of machinery: the ultimate fuel dyno, none of your US-made Mickey Mouse stuff. "You can now sort out your fuel problems on the dyno instead of the track. In the dyno you can flow pump, BDK, slide valve, nozzle bodies, barrel valve, pump leakage, pump pressure, nozzle pressure, and with the Racepak simulate a previous run and find the problem. Another great thing is that you can pressurise the whole fuel system to the 750 psi required in Top Fuel, so Karsten can put ont he tags for you. "If you don't believe that a 90gpm fuel pump robs you of more than thorty horsepower, you better believe it - it does. When you have your fuel system sorted out then you can concentrate on all the other parameters you need to get right to make a good run. Nitro or alcohol, Funny Car or Pro Mod, Karsten can sort it out for you. You can E-Mail him at karsten@landmeco.dk. ©Eurodragster.com "When you have Karsten on the line, don't hesitate to ask him about the work cabinets he makes: clutch cabinet, blower cabinet, engine cabinet and cylinder head cabinet. Come by our pit and feel the top-notch quality." Meanwhile, on the race car front, Kenneth, Tommy Möller and the Swedanes have a race on their hands to get their ex-Doug Herbert dragster to the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. The main problem being that the dragster has not yet arrived from the USA. "The new car arrives on 12th May and and all ten of us are ready to make it happen", says Kenneth. "We have six days to get the car together and fired up. On 19th May the ferry is leaving Gothenburg for Immingham courtesy of our new associate sponsor Cobelfret. They can do a lot, but they will not hold the ship." The team's new trailer is almost finished. "Two Swedish companies, Fininordic and Kvanumjarn, have put in a helping hand to make it go from a trailer to a workshop with all of the necessary machinery", says Kenneth. "Thanks and I will cut you a piece of the trophy guys." Kenneth says that he is very pleased to see the size of the Top Fuel Dragster field at the FIA Main Event. "It's got to be the biggest-ever Top Fuel field in Europe, not bad for the start of the season", says Kenneth. "Stuart, you finally made it: good work, but see that Smax doesn't scratch it. And there is Chris Andrews who has put together a nice piece of machinery from Knut Söderkvist's stable. It can easily lead the pack." Swift snippets. 3rd May: Ian Huggan tells us that all of the buses and the pickup which ran in VW Alternate Engine at Santa Pod at the weekend set PBs. "Mark (Beanie) Skeen in his 2.2 litre Subaru-engined bay window panel van went from 15.04 to 14.67/91 and there's still a little more with the right conditions, Matt (Bubba) Finney in his 3.0 litre Porsche fully-loaded bay window camper went from sixteens to a 15.5 in open practice on Monday. My 2.2 litre Subaru-engined T25 pick-up went from 17.2 to 16.8/80. I'm really chuffed to get my everyday builder's truck into the sixteens! There's a bit more to go yet but now I have most of the bits for my 2.2 Subaru Beetle Doppelganger. I really want to get her back racing." The latest version of the FIA Main Event entry list is now available as a much quicker-downloading web page - thanks for your patience over the weekend. You can see version 5 of the Main Event entry by clicking here. ©Eurodragster.com Norway will have another Top Fuel Dragster next season when Siw 'Sunshine' Gøril Nystad takes to the wheel of one of Rune Fjeld's stable of Top Fuel Dragsters. In the meantime you can check out the Big Daddy Drag Race Team web site at www.bigdaddydrag.com. 2004 FIM/UEM Supertwin Champion Ton Pels and his son and Crew Chief Vincent finished preparing their six-second Zodiac-sponsored bike a couple of days ago and have fired it up, says Monique Pels. "The engine sounded strong and the new paint job looks smashing (A product of Eurodragster.com sponsor Power Race Graphics - Ed), so they're ready to race", says Monique. "In a few days they'll leave for Santa Pod for this weekend's Speedfreaks Ball where they will try to find a good set-up for the new clutch they have made." Sweden's Malmgren Racing Pro Stock team had their first whiff of race fuel at the weekend when they fired up engine Elvis for the first time. "Elvis rocked the Shop", says team member Magnus Cato. "We're ready for testing at Meca this weekend." Simon Barlow and the Orange Pop crew are all ready to take the engine of their Outlaw Anglia Pop to Knight Racing to be dynoed. "Thanks to Crew Chief Phill for taking the engine out yesterday afternoon", says team member Jason Yates. "We have a very early start on Thursday - we need to be at Daventry for 8:00 so we will be leaving Derby at 6.30. We would like to say thanks to Andy Frost once again for booking us in, and coming along with us to help us. Hopefully we can find the problem with the engine then give it some abuse at the American Car World Nationals." Carl Wadkin-Snaith of the UK's The Fang Supertwin Fuel bike tells us that his new bike is almost ready for its début. "With new supercharger, more capacity, more compression, methanol and what in MotoGP terminology might be a 'Small Bang' crank, there is lots to get used to", says Carl. You can find out all about it on the Fan web site at www.thefang.co.uk/news2005.htm. We have had a plea for help from Dennis Stamp, who raced at Santa Pod in the 1970s with a Plymouth Duster named The Bounty Hunter. "All of the pictures of my race car, and the folks I raced, were destroyed in a house fire", says Dennis. "I am looking for any pictures of my Bounty Hunter". If you can help Dennis with pictures from the 1970s then please drop him a line at dsstamp@ev1.net. Vauxhall Speed and Show Day report. 3rd May: As the GM and Vauxhall followers filed into Shakespeare County Raceway yesterday morning for the first ever running of the marque's Speed and Show Day, so too did ‘Mr Sun' as the event's category time trials began in earnest under warm cloudless skies, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson. Running on the same format as the previous day's Ford event, and with most of the entrants taking a precautionary first lap of the Warwickshire quarter mile, the class for FWD No Nitrous Street Legal was another over subscribed affair with many of the categories drivers producing ETs in the low fourteens to high thirteens. Early leader Oliver Hewitt took his two litre 16v Nova to an untouchable 14.11, or so he thought until Adam Phillips came along in his Nova and blasted everybody into the weeds with a 13.52/110 mph to take the trophy, while FWD With Nitrous became the instant property of Tony Hurdle's Nova at 14.7. Not content with taking the fastest time in the National Street Car Challenge, but in the Four Cylinder class as well, the all-matt black GM Firenza of Mick Wilkes once again beat the modern machinery as his consistent 11.8s to his competition's fourteens clearly showed. Taking the Six Cylinder trophy was RJ Laight's Astra GTE while the Eight Cylinder class became the very proud property of Raceway regular Bob Ackerman Moyles (aka Wobbly Bob) and his blown mid-mounted Chrysler powered Bedford CF van at 11.991s. In the show categories Best Club Stand went to the boys and girls from Astra Sport, Best Paint and Best Retro went to Lee Whaley, Mr Priddle (!) from the Droop Snoop Group took Best Classic and Best In Show was awarded to Colin Whitfield's modified Calibra. Mentioning Calibras, Steve Pateman's World Street Race-winning strip and street example put in two quick jaw-dropping passes resulting in an 8.807/173.33 and an even quicker 8.694/174.38. Also grabbing the crowd's attention in preparation for the track's Rotorstock event at the end of the month was Keith Cowie's ‘Project Z' Nissan Skyline. Following a couple of low flying 10.1s in the morning, Keith finally wound up the import racer's potential power to post a track busting banzai run of 9.632 at 148.14; quicker than last years 9.68 set by Andy Barnes! Also setting new personal bests in both eighth and quarter mile was Jet Funny Car driver Roger Goring. Following a 6.33 in the morning Roger scorched the Shakespeare track in 6.291 seconds at 254.22 mph. Roger's eighth mile blast resulted in a 4.307 at 190.52 mph. Although heavy rain curtailed the remaining few hours after Firestorm's run, everyone went away happy and pleased that the first running of the Vauxhall Speed and Show Day was a success, and are now looking forward to the next edition in 2006. ©Eurodragster.com MG wows the Ford fans. 3rd May: UK Super Comp racer took the chance to test his MGZS at the Ford Weekender at Shakespeare County Raceway on Sunday, says Paul Somerville. Although primarily testing the first sixty feet, Chris still put on a good show. "We have always struggled to get down Run What You Brung tracks, or when the dampness gets to tracks late in the year, so we took the decision to take advantage of the track at Shakespeare County Raceway over entering the ET Bracket at Santa Pod where it was obvious that less track time would be available due to the numbers of VW runners", says Paul. "The whole purpose was to work on the first sixty feet and we must apologise to the Ford fans if it looked like we were not trying, but after a succession of wheels-up 1.2 sixty foot times Chris made a demo pass of 9.1/156 which the Ford fans enjoyed! ©Eurodragster.com "The whole team are deeply saddened by the demise of MG Rover and wish to send their thoughts and thanks to all the people at MG sport and racing. We were finally getting to talk to the right people and they were showing an increased interest in our sport as displayed by their commitment to the wheels show earlier this year. It does mean that the team will be looking for a new headline sponsor but thanks Scorpion Racing and Alresford Motor Services the budget for this year will allow us to run all National rounds, however the trip to Europe will have to wait. "Colin and Roz at Scorpion Racing have been very good and supplied Sunoco Race fuel at a good price. Colin is keen to get his slingshot back out, but living in London he is having a major problem storing the race car and trailer. If anyone can help please give him a ring or contact him via www.scorpion-racing.co.uk, or speak to us at any of the meetings and we will put you in touch with him." Victoria's wild ride. 3rd May: Victoria Bishop, daughter of UK Sportsman ET racer Cath Bishop and husband Rob, took her first turn out in a Junior Dragster at Shakespeare County Raceway at the weekend. Cath tells us that although the outing didn't go exactly as planned, Victoria is already asking about another go. "We hired The Matrix from Dick and Wendy Talbot, initially for one day but it ended up two days", says Cath. "After the initial nerves, Victoria did an absolutely amazing job. Her first run on Saturday had a 0.7776 reaction, 20.67/23.36 - very respectable for the first time. She improved as the day went on with her best of 0.696 reaction, 15.62 ET at 39.93 mph. She was doing so well that she was allowed to run alongside Matthew Seamarks in the Gingerman Dragster. ©Eurodragster.com "On Sunday Victoria was raring to go and her first run of the day was 0.729 reaction, 15.19/42.21 - about the limit for The Matrix. What ended up as her final run of the day was a 15.86/38.63. Unfortunately, as Victoria turned off the track she caught a pothole and The Matrix ended up on its side! "Rob's and my thanks go to the fire crew, the medics and all the marshals, they were absolutely fantastic. We can't thank them enough. Victoria was shaken but unhurt, The Matrix had a damaged wing and slightly off-line steering which was fixed and checked by Glen who was also brilliant. Thanks to the Race Director who let us bring Victoria back down after racing finished to get her to drive up and down the fire-up lane to get her confidence back. Victoria was still very shaken understandably but this morning has asked when she can go again! "Thanks also to Darryl Bradford's crew who encouraged Victoria and cheered her on during the weekend. Sorry you left minus an engine. Everyone asked how she was, Matthew Seamarks and his dad were fab and I can't thank you all enough. Wendy and family: Victoria says sorry she hurt The Matrix, but would you let her drive it again? "Again thanks to everyone at SCR. The incident was dealt with the utmost professionalism and calm as usual, but most of all you didn't let me panic, which made it easier for me to deal with." Big Bang results. 2nd May: Congratulations to the winners of yesterday's VWDRC and Super Modified Championship rounds at the Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway: VW Pro: Joe Gallagher (12.61) 14.148/78.13 def. Ian Dale (12.80) 12.830/103.72 red VW Sportsman: Paul Herbert (15.27) 15.335/83.64 def. James Lake (14.40) 14.382/91.82 b/o VW Alternate Engine: Matt Attwood (13.59) 13.606/98.01 def. Wayne Allman (11.90) 11.914/111.44 red Super Modified: Andy Kirk 8.058/169.70 def. Andy Hone 7.977/169.23 You can view our American Car Imports-sponsored report and pictures by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. The Bank Holiday festivities at Santa Pod Raceway continue today with the ET Challenge, whose result we shall bring you at the end of today. News Editor Tog would like to thank everyone who has been in touch to congratulate him on gaining his race licence and to wish him luck in the ET Challenge. ©Eurodragster.com No time to sunbathe. 2nd May: Switzerland's FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Champion Urs Erbacher and the Fat Attack team have not been laying in the snow or the sun doing nothing since we last heard from them, says team member Andrea Wucher. The team have been very busy preparing for the 2005 season including working on their new Supertwin, which is the mount of Lorenz Stauble. "The Supertwin division of our drag racing team is at the moment on the way back from Luckau in Germany", says Andrea. "Over the weekend Lo got some experience on the track and is getting used to the brute force of nitromethane. Without the help of our good friend Werner Sohm - better known as Kruse - Lo is getting more comfortable with every run. Kruse has helped us a lot in the past few months: under his instruction Lo did the first burnouts in the back yard of our workshop (don't worry, our back yard is very big) and Kruse helped him to get familiar with the start procedures and the handling of the bike at Luckau. The two-time European Champion, and the first Supertwin rider in the sixes in Europe, is a great coach and we are all proud and happy to have him on board." Urs Erbacher has had to sit and watch the others have fun but his turn is approaching. "Urs and Lo will be back on the track at the Peak Performance Day the week before the FIA Main Event", says Andrea. "We will then be running the Funny Car and the Supertwin at the Main Event. It's great to see other Swiss racers on the entry list such as Peter Wacker and Rolf Ammann. We are all looking forward to seeing Rolf runs in the new Golden Nugget: it is a beautiful, strong and fast car with an excellent driver." ©Eurodragster.com Andrea says that the Fat Attack team's goals for 2005 are simple. "With the Funny Car we will go for the Championship - three in a row sounds good - try to set some new records and run consistently. Looking at the field, it will be even tougher than last year. You have to run on the edge and be consistent and quick on each run. When it comes to eliminations there will be no easy runs - whoever is in the other lane, you risk going out if you don't put in a 100% run. We will take it easy with the Supertwin: learning and improving and learning and improving. With every run we will try to go quicker, faster and become more consistent." A number of new team members have joined the Fat Attack operation. "Monika Irsigler will be our new diver for the Funny Car (she was diver for Peter Beck), and Cinzia Vivarelli will be on the bike crew - she is a speed addict on skis and on two wheels", says Andrea. "Robin Grice is our new clutch technician, he was with Barry Sheavills. Daniel Pfister has joined the bike team and will be inducted into drag racing by Wini (Andreas Winiger, known in the team as Mr Exxon Valdez) who was in the FC team last year. Blitz, our long-time clutch man, is taking his holidays with his beautiful girlfriend Karin. We still don't know why Blitz doesn't want to spend all of his holidays with some dirty drag racing mechanics!" Andrea says that the team can't wait to get back to the track. "We still have some challenges", she adds. "For example, how to get a Top Methanol FC and Supertwin operation into one trailer. How to make room for a team of twelve rather than eight or nine, optimise the storage space in the trailer, install the new awning for the FC, and not forgetting a tow vehicle for the bike. So as you can see, we won't be relaxing and sunbathing at all in the next few weeks." Ford Weekender Day 2. 2nd May: After a fun-filled night culminating in a massive thunder storm hitting the Midlands area at 3.00am yesterday morning, the track looked in excellent condition ready to receive the many Ford fans who turned out for yesterday's second day of Shakespeare County's Ford Weekender, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson. First off congratulations must go to the Northants RS Owners Club who not only picked up the Best Club Stand award but also several of their club members were judged for Best Paint and Best in Show for their efforts. Best Classic went to Fordsport member Paul Robson for his Escort Mexico whilst Best Modified went to Andrew Murray for his V8 powered Escort. The class wars continued well into the late afternoon with many setting unbeatable top times. In the oversubscribed FWD street legal class, Andy Bright set the pace with a 14.31 from his Fiesta, whilst the FWD with nitrous and FWD Unlimited categories eventually came down to times of 13.13 and 15.76 courtesy of Paul Leyland and Dave Fisher. As was the case on Saturday Street Racer and Wolverhampton terror Mick Rogers kept up his eleven second pace which eventually came away to an 11.05 with the street-legal four cylinder turbocharged Cossie Cortina. In the Pure Race category Dave Cook's 302 Mustang was bagging consistent mid-thirteens like a bracket racing Mustang should and Dave Bell in his Classic Ford Anglia, complete with its spare wheel mounted on the boot lid, picked up the V8 category win with low twelve-second times. In the National Street Car Challenge, the Black Country's answer to the Boulder Bros from the Wacky Racers, Mick Wilkes, saved the best till last as he short shifted his turbo Vauxhall Firenza to an 11.5 at 119 mph. Second quickest while running in a new 427ci motor was Graham Bell's '67 Mustang Convertible at 13.11 which was quickly chased down by James Murray's MkII Cortina Estate wagon at 13.75. Keith Cowie continued to make improvements to his RB Motorsport Nissan Skyline R32. Running under the ‘Project Z' banner together with using different starting techniques to ease the quick Nissan away from the startline, Keith eventually finished the day with a 10.17 at 147 mph. With just one day left in a very busy Bank Holiday weekend, Shakespeare County Raceway will be turned over to the GM boys today for the first-ever Vauxhall Speed and Show Day. ©Eurodragster.com Exit one engine. 2nd May: Jerry Cookson has also sent us an account of what sounds like a fearsome engine explosion suffered by the Wright Racing Top Fuel Dragster at Shakespeare County Raceway yesterday: After a warm-up in the pits and a precautionary 330 foot launch earlier in the day, the team pushed the Ford Aquarius Blue-painted Top Fuel Dragster into the staging lanes. All around the start area there was an air of anticipation as tuner John Wright observed how good the track looked after a day of RWYB. The signal was given to fire and Darryl Bradford pulled almost a half track burnout. Back on the start line the car's 7000 bhp engine sounded just perfect but on the blink of the green and the hit of the throttle a single cylinder on the left bank went down, causing a rocker arm to hang whilst mixing the engine's internals into a huge block-splitting fireball. Darryl was okay but totally unaware of what had gone on behind him, other than saying afterwards that all he heard was "A large pop rather than a bang", which reverberated all around the startline. Once back in the pits the already dismantled engine was taken apart and analysed to find the cause, but it's now safe to say that the block is a throwaway item and that the spare purchased just four days ago will now see service sooner than the team thought. ©Eurodragster.com Time to test the handiwork. 2nd May: After sixteen days of non-stop action at Electromec Services facility in Hampshire, the UK's Mark Ramplee and the Electromec Racing Super Comp/Super Gas team are ready to run their Sierra. The team are about as confident as they ever have been in solving some of the problems which the new version of the car has thrown at them whilst fighting them all the way. "Lots of modifications have taken place in the hope to run that elusive eight-second pass", say the team. "The 'winter' rebuild went somthing like this: the engine has been completely rebuilt with new conrods, Mark fabricated a custom crank scraper and changed the way oil is collected and distributed within the engine. The inlet manifold has never been a perfect fit and we took time to port match it exactly, we've indexed the plugs in a different way to last year and made some minor changes to the carb. All in all mostly maintenance with maybe a few extra horses. ©Eurodragster.com "The big change we hope will come from the new Neal Chance converter, custom-made for our application it should reduce the slip and transfer a lot more power on the launch. The final addition to the car is in the aerodynamics department. Mark commented on the car feeling light at the top end and the datalogger backed his concerns. After much research, and guidance from Andy Robinson, we made and installed a gurney strip on the rear diffuser and made a splitter for the front end." With all the work done it is time to get to the track and see how the changes have worked. "Having already missed two rounds of the National Championship, and itching to get out there, we decided to enter the ET Challenge at Santa Pod Raceway today", say the team. "It would be nice to think we can come off the trailer and compete, but realistically we would be happy just to get down the track in one piece and solve last year's problems. In any case I'm sure that Eurodragster supremo Tog, in his first outing in anger, will be the man to beat...Good luck Tog (Thanks! - Ed)!" Swift snippets. 2nd May: Neil Marks of Nitro Junkie Leisure tells us that he still has some of his Nitrojunkie T-Shirts left for sale. The T-shirt features the pictured design on the front, and on the back features a list of nitro's attributes. The shirts are £12 plus £2.95 postage and packing, or £20 for two plus P+P, or Neil will deliver shirts at the Main Event to save postage. "All shirts are in top quality 100% pre-shrunk cotton, only medium size left", says Neil. For more information or to order a shirt drop Neil a line at neil.marks@tiscali.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 2nd May: Our good buddy James Hands has updated his Racing 05 fan site with a brief Q and A with UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Smax Smith. Check it out at www.racing04.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Smax is back! 1st May: The ever-grinning and irrepressible 'Suicide' Smax Smith is the latest addition to the Top Fuel Dragster entry at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway later this month. As Smax says, you can't keep an old hippie down and as usual he has suprised us all by returning from Canada to contest the Main Event courtesy of the organisers of the Bulldog Bash, the annual bike festival with drag racing at its core. Smax will be driving the Top Fuel Dragster owned by Stuart and Richard McDonald. Smax says that as usual he has left everything to the last minute, but explains "I have been so touched with all the true race fans E-Mailing me asking if there was a chance for me to come back racing in 2005 that I buckled and asked Paul Townsend and my management team to make a few calls to see if we could raise some sponsorship to start racing. They came up with the goods at the eleventh hour, so let's go racing!" Smax and his team are as ever running on limited funds. "We need to raise more money to be competitive and run all qualifiers and more races!", he says. "Interested can E-Mail me at smax@smax.co.uk and have their logo on a Top Fuel Dragster at a televised event." ©Eurodragster.com Smax has teamed up with his good friends and car owners Stuart and Richard McDonald, who were on his team last year when he came close to breaking the European record. The ex-Peter Lantz machine has been totally rebuilt by the McDonalds who took every spare hour in the closed season to get the machine ready to go "Stuart and Richard are happy to have a UK-based team finally at the start line to play!", says Smax. Smax hopes to race the car at August's Bulldog Bash at Shakespeare County Raceway, and says that the FIA Main Event will be a great opportunity to see the newly-finished car before the Bulldog Bash. "Stu, Rich, the crew and I will be around in the pits all weekend should fans wish to come over and see the car", says Smax. "Remember last years Main Event, when the Smax crew thrashed all weekend and ran the car's first four-second pass straight out of the box and made history with the fastest side-by-side Top Fuel race in Europe? We are ready to suprise again!" A racer on the staff... 1st May: Eurodragster.com now has an in-house qualified racer as News Editor Tog gained his race licence at yesterday's first day of the Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway. Under the watchful eye of Chief Starter Ian Marshall, Tog clocked an 11.354/80.06 Maltese Half Pass and then a 10.342/128.65 in Paul Marston Racing's Grumpy's Dodge, taking 0.3 seconds off his Personal Best ET and adding more than two miles per hour to his Personal Best speed. Tog's initial half-pass was actually nearer a three-quarter pass. "I was wearing a full-face helmet with a neck brace and I was pretty solid as I should have been", explained Tog. "The only problem was that I couldn't fully look down, so I couldn't see the shifter properly and I couldn't check that my feet were nicely placed over the pedals. I was nervous anyway but got a bit flustered about that and made a mess of the first burnout, so had to do it again; I was annoyed with myself about that and lost focus a little. When the shift light came on during the run it was like a huge surprise. By the time I had reached down, found the shifter and changed gear, I was way past half track." With the switch to an open-face helmet for the second run and some excellent guidance from Paul Marston, a less-nervous Tog put in his second pass, recording Personal Bests and gaining his race licence. "Paul went light on what I thought were my shortcomings on the first run, and was very encouraging before the second pass as were my team-mates Dave Catton and Gary Springford", said Tog. "Just before I started the engine for the second pass, Paul told me to hang on tight because this was going to be a new Personal Best. The burnout went fine, then I never saw the green light, I hit it when the ambers lit. The car left the line very strongly, went arrow-straight, hardly needed steering, felt much like I imagine a Cadillac feels, and just kept on going. I have only made eight passes in race cars so my experience is very limited, but I would say that this must be one of those passes racers talk about when everything feels perfect from the moment you fire the engine to the moment you turn off the track. ©Eurodragster.com "When I got back to the pits Paul's wife Sam said "Do you know what you ran?" and when she told me I had a quiet smile to myself. Sam also said that the spectators clapped and cheered when the time and speed came up on the scoreboard, which is all down to Paul Venners and his excellent commentary - thanks Botch, thanks to the spectators, and thanks all of the VWDRC and Super Modified racers for their support and goodwill. Walking tall the length of the pits was an entirely new experience! I must thank Andy Carter, again, for the loan of his firesuit and safety kit - the firesuit being multiple-layer gave me a little more padding to get me closer to the pedals! Finally a big Thank You to Ian Marshall for his supervision, to Paula Marshall for her advice, and to Sharkman and Roger Gorringe for their support and photographs." Tog's appearance in Grumpy's Dodge reportedly sparked a debate amongst the top end crew at the first turnoff, the general consensus being "That's not Tog, he's not low enough down". We understand that the crew eventually decided that Tog was using a child booster seat. Tog is now officially competing in the ET Challenge tomorrow (Monday); stay tuned for news of his progress or check out James Hands' Racing 05 fan site at www.racing04.co.uk during the day on Monday, as he will be posting the latest on his News page to add to yesterday's updates. ...but the competition lines up. 1st May: Tog is going to face some very stiff competition in tomorrow's ET Challenge, including a contingent from the Bristol Doorslammers, writes Zane Llewellyn. Meanwhile another denizen of the Planet Bristol is appearing at the Ford Weekender at Shakespeare County Raceway. "John Grant and Bob Lees will be challenging Tog in Monday's ET Challenge at the Pod", says Zane. "Rich Gilbertson will be properly debuting his beautiful Suncoast 2002 Corvette at the Ford Weekender at Shakey - what the Ford boys will think about a Corvette with a Chevy engine turning up will be interesting!" ©Eurodragster.com Zane has updated the Bootsoop Racing web site at www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk with pictures of Rich's car and Justin's new Pop, which he says is well on the way to being finished now. There are also pictures from Funny Bike racer Tim Blakemore's shop. As for his own dragster, Zane says that he will be the FIA Main Event as usual. "We're looking forward to some big fields and even bigger areas of tarmac!", says Zane. "Thanks go to Santa Pod Raceway for the continuing improvements to the facility." Postcard to St Lucia. 1st May: After a disastrous Power Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway when Mark Flavell's Super Pro ET dragster lost an exhaust valve on the first qualifier, the engine is rebuilt ready to rumble at York Raceway tomorrow (Monday). However Mark tells us that it won't be him in the seat of the dragster, and that is not the only surprise he has for us this month. "We are based in Cleveland which is well north of a lot of people reading this, but drag racing is alive and well here in the North of England and York Dragway has a packed programme this Bank Holiday weekend", says Mark. "On Monday our dragster will be there with fire in those pipes to check things out and hopefully put on a good show for our Northern fans. ©Eurodragster.com "May also featurs another event in which I am directly involved. twenty five years ago, Ann Laws became Ann ‘Flav' and after twenty four previous wedding anniversaries, all at Santa Pod, I'm taking her away to a place where the only drag is dragging yourself on to the beach to lie in the sun away from the all-inclusive bar! But it still clashes with the Pod. We at MFR are all agreed that the Main Event is our ‘Monaco', and to miss it would take the heart out of our season. May Bank Holiday weekends are for racing and we struggled with the thought of not competing at the FIA Main Event so I decided that even though we fly out on Sunday we can still enjoy European drag racing at its best on Thursday and Friday. The final missing link was the driver. "I think just about everybody will know Craig my Crew Chief. We've raced together for twenty one years, me on the inside and him on the outside of the car. Well, for this event things are going to be the other way round. Craig is familiar with every aspect of the car having being involved with ever last nut and bolt of its design, preparation and construction. He's sat through countless warm-ups but never turned a wheel. if things go to plan then Craig will do his first burnout, stage and sixty-foot the car. By the Main Event we'll have carried out further tests so that we'll come out of the box fighting. The team of ‘Big Stevie' Metcalfe, ‘Mally' and ‘Buggy Man Sam' will all be there, and I've already confirmed with the hotel in St Lucia that they have internet access, so that I can watch the event from afar on Eurodragster. All in all, a pretty good May I'd say." Ford Weekender day 1. 1st May: After a damp start to the morning, the opening day of Shakespeare County Raceway's Ford Weekender was blessed with some fine drag racing weather together with a healthy turn out of Ford enthusiasts all eager to see how fast their Ford's really are on the grippy Warwickshire quarter mile, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson. With some rapid 11 second Cosworth's and Fiestas on the property, the quickest so far happens to be drag racing regular Mick Rogers and his Cossie powered ‘tina at 11.2 seconds. Laying down some excellent demo passes was John Atkinson's Big Block Chevy powered Mark 1 Cortina. Matched on one occasion with Ron Bartlett's '64 Ford Anglia, John put down a 9.311 at 146 mph despite Ron running the quicker reaction of .11 at the start. If you were reading Shaun Wilson's preview to the opening of the National Street Car Challenge you will know that he's finally made it to the track with his daily driven '68 Camaro only to break the distributor cap on the car's first ever launch, having driven it from home base in Blackpool Friday afternoon. With another cap quickly sourced, the Hot Rod Gazette editor ran several times, with the best ET so far being a 14.87. Also showing off for the first time is Dave Vickers ‘Bun In The Oven Bakery' 1985 Ford Escort van. Powered by a Rover V8 it's the menu of items the Bakery has to offer painted on the back door which grabs your attention because whatever you order it will take nine months to deliver! ©Eurodragster.com Congratulations are in order for Jet Dragster driver Ian Caseley. On his first of two passes, Ian slammed the afterburner into full thrust on Roadzombie 2 to record a personal best ET of 7.094 at 214 mph. Jet Funny Car pilot Roger Goring was also on hand with the Firestorm Pontiac running 253.25 mph in 6.320s. Also running a new PB figure was Rich Gilbertson's slippery Super Comp Corvette Roadster. Now sporting two tone pearl paint, on the car's second pass Rich put down a very straight and true 9.607/140.24. Also here is a very rapid 2 litre Zytec powered VW Corrado and the RB Motorsport Nissan Skyline of Keith Cowie. More suited to the fast circuits of Brands Hatch racing in the Silhouette class, in the hands of Mark Fennell the ex National Hot Rod short circuit racer put down a quick 13.13 at 111 mph with more to come once the gearing has been set up for straightline speed. For the Nissan, straightline speed was never a problem as an 11.1 at 139 mph proved on its second pass for the still developing Jap racer. With another day to go before the Vauxhall lads move in, the track will be up and running and open to all forms of race and road racers at 11.00 am for some more full-on Ford assault. Further details can be found at www.fordweekender.co.uk. Swift snippets. 1st May: We are indebted to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for sending us the latest update to the FIA Main Event entry list. With the addition of Chris Andrews, the Top Fuel Dragster field of ten is the biggest TF field in the history of the FIA European Championship and possibly ever in the history of the sport in Europe. As we are on detached duty at Santa Pod at the moment we don't have our usual facility to convert the entry list to web code, so to prevent you having to wait we have posted the original Word-format document. You can view Version 5 of the FIA Main Event entry list by clicking here. UK 9.50 Bike racer and proprietor of Yeovil-based Furlong Tyres Fred Furlong is pleased to announce that he is now able to supply direct from the USA the long-awaited Shinko Stealth R003RR motorcycle tyres suitable for both Street and Strip. For more details see Fred's advertisement in our Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet, call 01935 425888, E-Mail Fred at furlongtyres@fsbdial.co.uk or check out his web site at www.furlongtyres.com. ©Eurodragster.com May's UK Drag Racing Night will be taking place this Tuesday (3rd May) at The Swan pub in Newton Bromswold (near Santa Pod), starting at 8:00 pm. "I look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday", says organiser Nigel Anniwell. The Swan is in Newton Bromswold, near Rushden, not far off the A6: click here for a map of the area. You can call The Swan on 01933 413506. UK Pro ET racer Tig Napier has been in touch to ask us to wish a very Happy Birthday to Cath Napier. No sooner said than done, Tig - have the very Happiest of Birthdays Cath, and you can have your hugs next time we descend upon you at the track and eat all of your food. We're sure that everyone will join Sharkman and Tog in sending Cath their very best wishes. Earlier news

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