European Drag Racing News

FHRA Nitro Nationals preview.
30th June: We are indebted to the Finnish Hot Rod Association's new PR Marko Yli-Pietilä for sending us a preview of this weekend's FHRA Nitro Nationals at Alastaro.

The opening race at Santa Pod was exceptionally fast, especially in the Top Fuel category, and most of the teams will take part in the Alastaro EM Nitro Nationals as well. Finns will certainly be interested in seeing their own favorite Anita Mäkelä racing again. Anita won the European Championship in the year 2000 and was runner-up in 2001. After a year's break she is back on strip and hungry for winning races.

All of the FIA and UEM categories look very good this year. The number of teams is high and the competition fierce. Above all, the Alastaro race will have certain Finnish-Swedish test match flavour, which will make it even more interesting for the spectators. It won't be easy for the Finns to win even if Tomi Pöntinen drove Finland's best-ever Pro Modified time in the season opener at Alastaro at the end of May. Håkan Nilsson and Roger Johansson will do their best to win the race and grab the crown of glory.

A World Champion is racing in Competition Eliminator category this year. Janne Ahonen, who is better known for his achievements in ski jumping, is driving for the Eagle Racing team this year. Janne won the season opener at Alastaro at the end of May.

Anders 'Charley' Karling opens his UEM Supertwin season at Alastaro. Because Charley will be going to the USA to participate in races there, Alastaro could be the only chance to see him racing in Europe this season. Finns Kai Selkämaa and Kari Parikka will give Charley hard competition. Competition Bike has changed its name since last year. The category is now called Top Fuel Bike and there are both nitro and turbo bikes competing in the category. The fastest racers from the Main Event in May are coming to Alastaro so competition in this category will also be fierce.

Vesa Rautio of Finland had some bad luck at Santa Pod and therefore is hungry for success in Pro Stock Bike. Vesa has what it takes to win the race so there will be a lot to see for Finns in this category as well.

You can read more about the FHRA Nitro Nationals on the club's official web site at www.fhra.fi.
©Eurodragster.com
Leanders relieved at bad luck.
30th June: Sweden's Leanders Brothers Top Methanol Funny Car team have had their share of problems in the last few weeks, says Crew Chief Jörgen Leanders. Jörgen and the team are however relieved that the latest spell of bad luck happened when it did.

"As if it wasn't enough when we went out in round one at Santa Pod, we went to Avesta to make two runs at a local race", says Jörgen. "It may sound strange but that was the best thing we could have done. On the final run, an intake valve broke and destroyed the camshaft, lifters, pushrods, pistons, and one combustion chamber. If we hadn't gone to Avesta, this would have happened in the first qualifying run at Alastaro, and that would have been a disaster.
©Eurodragster.com
"All of the parts are now on order from BAE and should be here in time for the race. I'm very confident that the car will run well at Alastaro - that track have always been good for us. It was at Alastaro that Ulf got his licence back in 1999, and the year after that we ran our first five-second run with a 5.916 and made it to the final. In 2001 we won the race and last year we were the number one qualifier with a 5.88 before the race was rained out.

"Our new Ford Mondeo Ironcad Funny Car is really starting to show some of its true potential, and with our crew - the best in the business - and Ulf behind the wheel, I'm absolutely sure that we're going to put on a great show for the fans at Alastaro."

You can find the very professional Leanders Brothers Racing web site at www.leandersbros.com.

Magnus' dream.
30th June: Reigning FIA European Pro Stock Champion Michael Malmgren and his AC Delco Racing team have a pretty clear game plan for this weekend's FIA round at Alastaro, says crew member Magnus Cato.

"Our game plan is to qualify number one with a new European record, keep the momentum through eliminations and win in big style", says Magnus. "Nothing will break, we will learn the car completely, and all the pretty Finnish girls will come to us for autographs...am I awake yet?
©Eurodragster.com
"Seriously, we are looking forward to the race, as we performed quite well at Alastaro last year, running 6.95 and 6.98. The Finnish part of the crew (Crew Chief Heikki Parviainen - Ed) has a lot of experience of that particular track, so we are confident.

"The car is fixed, and Michael has spent some time with a new practice tree which has been integrated with the clutch setup inside the car. Hopefully the weather will stay on our side, so I can bring you an inside report of our victory at the race."

Racers: It's not too late to send your FHRA Nitro Nationals previews. E-Mail us at news@eurodragster.com and we'll publish it here.

Spare seat sought.
30th June: Photographer and race fan Rob Cook is headed for Alastaro this weekend and has written to ask if anyone is passing Helsinki Airport and can offer him a lift to the track. "My plane lands at 4.30 pm this Thursday, 3rd July", says Rob. "I'd be more than happy to contribute beer or petrol money". If you can offer Rob a lift to the track then please drop him an E-Mail at rp.cook@csl.gov.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
SPRC Summernationals results.
29th June: Congratulations to the winners of the SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway:

MSA Top Methanol: Dave Wilson 5.684/248.90 def. Rob Turner 5.687/244.75
Super Modified: Danny Cockerill 7.552/184.62 def. Steve Rawlings 8.075/167.78
Super Pro ET: Mark Flavell (7.82) 7.857/173.25 def. Ian Bishop (7.95) 7.924/163.19 breakout
Pro ET: Lee Huxley (10.92) 10.916/115.62 def. Rick McCann (10.76) 10.736/130.02 lesser breakout
Sportsman ET: Kev Slyfield (12.06) 12.076/116.14 def. Nick South (14.10) 14.119/98.85
Super Comp: Malcolm Francis 8.942/148.54 def. Brian Pateman 8.998/153.52
Super Gas: Tim Adam 9.880/147.61 def. Frank Mason 9.825/141.78 lesser breakout
Super Street: Conrad Stanley 10.859/134.43 def. Dave Cherrett 10.799/101.74 lesser breakout
Junior Dragster: Tom Watts (11.00) 10.992/57.29 def. Nick Mugridge (8.90) 8.877/68.63 lesser breakout
Custom Car Street Eliminator: Steve Pateman 8.688/169.73 def. Jon Webster 8.911/168.42
VW Pro: Russ Fellows (11.50) 11.752/98.42 def. Paul Woodhead (11.19) 13.366/72.91
VW Sportsman: Rob Bowler (13.00) 12.924/90.44 def. Dan Buzzo (19.00) 18.858/69.69 lesser breakout
VW Alternate Engine: Matt Attwood (13.90) 14.219/94.52 def. Gin Marone (14.00) 14.087/95.79
©Eurodragster.com
Pro Stock Bike: Richard Gipp 7.565/174.81 def. Martin Bishop 7.746/171.76
Funny Bike: Neil Midgley 6.831/189.83 def. Mike Chislett 7.430/182.73
Comp Bike: Klaus Sarembe 8.071/162.91 def. Phil Leamon 8.359/159.21
Super Street Bike: Tony Clark 8.819/171.15 def. Steve Venables 9.844/162.94
9.90 Bike: Steve Coombs 9.915/133.81 def. Fred Furlong 9.871/133.16 breakout
10.90 Bike: Andy Burfitt 11.134/100.10 def. Richard Beck 11.144/133.02
Supertwin Fuel: Dave Witts 10.096/137.83 def. Chris Stebbings 13.660/54.33
Supertwin Gas: George Laycock 9.666/136.81 def. Andy Smith 10.362/124.16
Supertwin Modified: Simon Hodgson 9.801/144.87 def. TJ O'Brien 10.825/126.43
Supertwin Street: Mark Earrey 10.080/134.84 def. Dave Jones 13.519/60.35

Congratulations also to Pro ET racer Gino Bernadine who won Eurodragster's Perfect Light Award of £75 with a 0.500 reaction time in the first round of eliminations.

Click here to view our SPRC Summernationals coverage, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Racers: Send your SPRC Summernationals reviews to us at news@eurodragster.com and we'll publish them here.

Aros Nats results.
29th June: The weather spoilt race day at this weekend's Aros Nats at Västerås in Sweden, but our buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with full details of the action which did take place. You can find the Aros Nats results at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
Tribute to Rob Long.
29th June: We have received the following tribute to late Super Gas racer Rob Long from Paul Marston:

This week we have to say goodbye to a very dear friend and fellow Super Gas racer Rob Long. Rob was a great guy. He enjoyed and lived a full life, we all admired and respected his bravery, and it’s hard to believe that he’s gone. Rob was a clever, resourceful, quick-witted man who was dearly loved by his family and friends. Having known Rob for over twenty years and with Rob’s cousin Steve Brennan in the PMR Crew, this is a personal loss to us all. A man who virtually single-handedly built his own Super Gas race car, you will be sorely missed by many my dear friend.

Paul Marston Racing dedicated winning the Brighton Speed Trials in 2002 to Rob Long. He was in our thoughts before and has been in our prayers ever since, taken at such a young age with so much more to do. They say that the candles that burn brightest sometimes burn shorter, Rob touched a great many of us with his kindness and friendship, those of us lucky enough to call him a friend were indeed privileged to have known such a great man. Needless to say most of PMR will be at church on Thursday to say goodbye.

PT Bruiser excluded from Brighton.
29th June: Also from Paul Marston Racing comes the shock news that the ChryslerCard PT Bruiser has been refused entry to this year's Brighton Speed Trials, an event which has long been attended and supported by PMR cars. Paul Marston takes up the story:

The PT Bruiser has not been out in National Championship competition this year. A combination of the success of the Drag Race Driving School, work commitments and our unsuccessful bid to have the ChryslerCard PT Bruiser accepted into Super Modified meant that there would only be a limited schedule this year. But one date which now, for rather sad reasons, took on more significance for PMR was the prospect of returning to the Brighton Speed Trials and defending our titles for Rob. For the record we hold the Club Trophy (FTD), the Sports Libre Class 8 Trophy and the Les Edmunds Fastest Pushrod Trophy.
©Eurodragster.com
It is therefore with great regret and sadness, especially with the news of Rob Long's passing, that I have to inform you that for reasons that still have yet to become clear the ChryslerCard PT Bruiser has been refused entry for the Frosts Brighton Speed Trials 2003. As defending event champions to say we were dumbfounded would be a pretty accurate assessment. It is unfair for Paul Marston Racing to comment until the position and reasons are clarified, but by all accounts it seems most unlikely that the decision will be overturned. For the record, there is no reason known to anyone at Paul Marston Racing, nor was there any indication at any time given by Brighton and Hove Motor Club why we would be prevented from running in 2003, neither have there been any rule changes to make the ChryslerCard PT Bruiser ineligible. So for the moment it must remain a mystery.

We can however report that our second race car Grumpy's Dodge, driven again by Alison Gibbons, has been accepted to run in the Frosts Brighton Speed Trial.

SCR Health and Safety Co-ordinator.
28th June: Glenn Ramsden of UK Event Safety has been appointed Event Health and Safety Co-ordinator for a number of events at Shakespeare County Raceway by track owner Anthony Hodges and event promoters. Glenn wrote to introduce himself and to explain his role.

"There is nothing to fear!", says Glenn. "I will be touring the venue taking note of anything which requires attention with regard to health and safety, and having a word with anyone who can help to put the problem right.

"In the worst-case scenario, I can issue an improvement notice to any offenders which is, for want of a better term, a 'yellow card'. I feel that this will never happen should everyone adopt a sensible approach.
©Eurodragster.com
"We all have a duty of care to others when at the track, and what I am trying to do is to ensure that we all uphold that.

"The management team at the venue have done a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes recently with regard to health and safety, making it one of the safest venues around. This can only be achieved if you uphold your responsibilities.

"So, nothing heavy, don't worry. We at Shakespeare County are merely trying to comply with the law. This is something that other venues may not have yet got around to doing, but nevertheless it is the law.

"Tips for racers: Fire extinguishers in a prominent place in your pit area, this is not the one that you have in your car! Barbecues not near the race vehicle, fuel or gazebo please! Race fuel stored away from everything else and not under your camper. This is the same as putting it under your bed at home. Engine tests - fire suits on, respirators in use if applicable, and the vehicle on suitable stands.

"I will be submitting a report at the end of each meeting some of which will require immediate action.

"Let's keep racing as safe as possible...but still have a good time."

Summernationals Super Mod preview.
28th June: UK Super Modified Championship Co-ordinator Sharon Hogarth kindly sent us a preview of this weekend's Super Mod action at the SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway.

Newcomer to the Super Mod ranks Paul Brooks and his hired crew worked their socks off at the team's recent debut in Super Modified with their 'Out a Time' Sierra at Shakespeare County Raceway. Paul was lucky to have the full backing of Graham Ellis, Graham's Crew Chief Rob as well as both of Graham's sons. Fellow Super Modders and fans alike took their hats off to the team for sheer effort at their first event and not least a superbly turned out race car. Paul will again be borrowing crew from Graham Ellis for the Summernationals which will without a doubt be hard going for the Ellis crew and a lot of pressure too. With observed runs now out of the way and a fully fledged Super Mod licence under his belt Paul will no doubt be keen to get in some real track time and begin to put the 500 ci big block through its paces adding the gas this time out. Watch out for the 'Out a Time' team on the start line and give them a warm welcome to the class and Santa Pod Raceway.

Danny Cockerill and the Steelcraft Racing Team are hanging on to the points lead in the 2003 National Championship despite fellow SM racers not giving the awesome 509ci NOS Rover Coupe an awful lot of wiggle room. Danny will be hungry to secure a win at the Summernationals having fallen foul of returning Super Mod racer Graham Ellis at the Power Nationals when Graham and his team took out the big hitter in the semi-finals. There will certainly be plenty of banter going on in the SM pits over the next couple of days and if these two experienced teams should draw each other in eliminations get yourselves a ringside seat cos this will be edge of ya seat match racing with a shovel load of grudge thrown in.

It's great to see Graham Ellis back in the hot seat of his Olds Cutlass and doesn't it look great too. Graham and the team have been working real hard over the off season and indeed right up to the recent Power Nationals preparing their ride for action. Work has included a change of team colours with a new pearl white paint scheme and a change from a deck to an aerofoil wing, however, the biggest change of direction for the team has been the decision to forego big cubic inches of normally aspirated power for smaller cubes and as much sniff as can be mustered from a five lb bottle. The team's all-new power plant is a 475ci Big Block Chevy which it would be fair to say has really stamped its authority hauling the Oldsmobile up the track in record time, laying down a huge 7.71/182 at its very first meeting and with the team still running it in! Graham and team will be keen to make up for lost time and to continue their winning streak.

The Gleeson Wright-backed Granada Scorpio of Andy Hone and team has got Danny Cockerill frantically watching his rear view mirror. The team have been scorching the track this season with their NOS powered 461ci BBC and are now only a few points away from the Championship leaders Steelcraft Racing despite recently kissing the guardrail at Shakespeare County Raceway. Thanks to the determination of the team and the expert assistance of Super Mod contingency sponsor Andy Robinson, 'Fred' did not miss a single meeting and the team are set to turn up the heat at the Summernationals with second place in the Championship just not cutting it for the fast and furious.

The Supra Mod of Steve Rawlings and team benefited big time from the expert assistance and support of Rob Loaring and Nick Davies at the Power Nationals and by all accounts the super crew ironed out a few technicalities with the 461ci NOS powered Toyota. Steve with a smile as wide as the track is long made it right through to the finals before a bitch of a hitch put the brakes on his finals debut. Steve is back however for more at the Summernationals and will be looking to build on his recent success as well as his ETs as he heads closer and closer to the 8.0's.
©Eurodragster.com
Rob Long's funeral.
27th June: We are indebted to Dave Hall and Paula Marshall for sending us details of the funeral of UK Super Gas racer Rob Long, who died last week.
©Eurodragster.com
Rob's funeral, to which all are welcome, takes place next Thursday, 3rd July. A service will be held at 10:45 at All Saints Church, Castle Avenue, Highams Park, Chingford, London E4. The funeral takes place at 12:00 midday at Chingford Mount Cemetery, Chingford Mount Road, Chingford, London E4 6ST.

Flowers can be sent to Rob's home:

13 Castle Avenue
Highams Park
Chingford
London
E4 9PY

Flowers should arrive by 10:15 or can be sent on Wednesday afternoon (2nd July).

Anyone wishing to attend Rob's funeral and needing directions can call Dave Hall on 07956 961114.

Ripley biding his time.
27th June: UK Top Methanol Funny Car racer Doug Ripley will not be contesting this weekend's round of the MSA British Championship in his CC Racing FC as he is awaiting the arrival of a major new part.
©Eurodragster.com
"We are waiting for our new blower to arrive", says Crew Chief Cliff Gould. "After the Main Event, we felt that the only way that we will be able too compete in an FIA round would be to buy a Whipple. so that is what we have done."

Cliff says that the new blower is still in the USA at present but is expected to arrive at the CC Racing shop by the end of next week. Doug and the team will then make their first whipple-assisted appearance at August's Allstar Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. "CC Racing's aim has always been to give British fans a competitive British TMFC, and that's what we're hoping to do", says Cliff.

British Top Methanol preview.
27th June: Doug Ripley's news leads us very nicely into a preview of this weekend's Oil Control-sponsored Championship round, by MSA Championship Co-ordinator Dave Alexander.

After two rounds of five, the Championship points standings are as follows:

Dave Wilson	216
Rob Turner	171
Doug Ripley	151
Steph Milam	131
Doug Bond	97

For the first time in a very long time, Dave Wilson leads the points in the American Car Imports dragster. Dave and the team are determined to end the six-year consecutive run of championship wins enjoyed by Rob Turner. Eurodragster news reported on 22nd June that the ACI team will be campaigning last year's car this weekend as the number one car is on the way to Alastaro.

Rob, Steve and Carmel Turner will be trying some changes to the ratios in their Lenco gearbox on the Netcall Telecom dragster. "We've never done this before" said Rob. "We have changed it so that it should accelerate off the line quicker, giving us lower sixty foot times. It all depends on the track as to how well it works".
©Eurodragster.com
Steph and Dave Milam continue their quest for low sixes this weekend in the She Devil Racing Funny Car, with consistency being their objective. "Andy Robinson is looking at the computer data for us this weekend to try to help to sort out our start line problems", said Dave. " It might go wrong or it might fly - we know we have adjustments to make and this is the time". It's also the opportunity for them to overtake Doug Ripley in the Championship.

Oil Control supplies a vast range of high quality hydraulic valves to many of the world's most famous manufacturers of heavy machinery and earth moving equipment. They can be contacted on 024 7663 5711, Fax 024 7663 5041 or via their web site at www.oilcontrol.co.uk.

Spliced Starter.
27th June: Another significant event taking place this weekend is the marriage of Avon Park International Racers Association Chief Starter Scott Talbot and his fiancée Michelle, which takes place tomorrow (we really must do event coverage from a wedding some time - Ed). Scott and Michelle plan to honeymoon in the USA - what odds would Eurodragster's readers give for that trip including the occasional piece of race action.
©Eurodragster.com
We are sure that everyone will want to join Sharkman and Tog in wishing Scott and Michelle every happiness for the future, and in congratulating Mother Of The Groom and APIRA Club and Race Secretary Wendy Talbot who is doubtless her usual unflappable self right now.

Veidec Nitro Festival entry.
27th June: Kjell Pettersson has asked us to remind racers that this Monday, 30th June, is the closing date for standard entry to the Veidec Nitro Festival, which takes place at Mantorp Park on 24th-27th July. From Tuesday onwards entry, if accepted, will be deemed late and subject to an additional fee.
©Eurodragster.com
You can find the very latest versions of all of the Veidec Nitro Festival forms, including an order form for pit electricity, hospitality packages and tickets, as well as forms for all other NDRS events on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se/nerladdning.html. Alternately you can contact Mantorp Park direct at:

2003 VEIDEC NITRO FESTIVAL
Mantorp Park
590 17 Mantorp
Sweden

Telephone: +46 (0)142 298850
Fax: +46 (0)142 298869
E-Mail: info@mantorppark.com

Teboul wows Tököl.
26th June: France's Eric Teboul set a new Hungarian record when he ran his Rocket Bike at Tököl at the weekend. Eric, who rode the bike into the fives at the Speedfreaks Ball in May, almost repeated the feat in Hungary.

"The spectators were very surprised when they saw the rocket bike", says Eric. "The quickest bike in Hungary had been 8.2 seconds, and I ran an easy 6.03/348 kmh (216 mph) with the bike under power for about 250 metres."
©Eurodragster.com
If you have been tuned in to Eurodragster's Event Coverage when Eric has been running you will recall that he sometimes has concerns about stopping the bike. This wasn't an issue at Tököl where racing takes place on an ex-military runway. "The runway is three kilomteres long and twenty metres wide", says Eric. "You don't need to brake!"

Eric was very impressed with his trip to Hungary. "It's a very nice country", he says. "The people are very kind. And Budapest is a nice city. The organisation at the track was very good, with a professional timing system with display. It is only a small club which doesn't have much money but they promise to host an international race when they can get more spectators. Hopefully the TV crew who were at the track can help with the promotion of an international race in two years."

You can find Eric's web site at www.teboulracing.com, and you can see more about drag racing in Hungary on the club's very professional web site at www.dragrace.hu.

Summernats gates, running order.
26th June: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to let us know about access to Santa Pod tomorrow (Friday) for the SPRC Summernationals. "The track gates will open at 5:00 pm tomorrow", says Paula. "The gate to the pits will be closed promptly at midnight."
©Eurodragster.com
Santa Pod's International Race Director Darren Prentice has kindly forwarded us the provisional running order for Saturday's qualifying at Santa Pod. As ever the running order is subject to change due to weather, track conditions, or at the Race Director's discretion. Click here to view Saturday's running order; you can also access it via the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Web site updates.
26th June: The UK Pro ET web site has been updated with the latest points standings in the UK National, SPRC and Ultimate Power Championships. You can find the very tidy UK Pro ET web site at www.pro-et.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Gareth Evans has updated his UK1320 web site with some seventy photographs from the Power Nationals. Gareth tells us that he is about to embark on a re-scan of some of his photographs from earlier this season. You can find the UK1320 web site at www.uk1320.com.

Joon's work of art.
25th June: One of two 'rookies' to move up to Fuel Funny Car from Top Methanol FC in 2003, Holland's Lex Joon, is very pleased indeed with the ex-Skuza Fuel FC which he acquired from the Showtime team. Since getting the MPM Oil-sponsored Avenger back to his workshop after the FIA Main Event, Lex and the team have found more and more to be impressed with.

"It’s amazing to see how detailed this car is", says Lex. "When Dean Skuza ordered the car from Murf McKinney he knew what he wanted. There are kinds of small details in the car which make life a lot easier. For example, there are complete lines and brackets to mount the fire bottles in the back of the car, and all-steel lines to connect to the datalogger. The tinwork in the body is a work of art."

The Avenger put in an appearance at last week's Drachten Nationals, which was the first of three races this season to be promoted by Lex and Team Manager Gerda Dijkstra. The car was fired up to whet the appetites of fans who will be flocking back to the MPM Internationals on 11th-13th July to see the car run. "As it looks right now, Lex will do a couple of his famous burnouts although he would like to make an eighth-mile pass after seeing Roel Koedam take the track record at the last event", says Gerda. MPM Oil and Lex Joon Racing are putting in a lot of effort to get a guardrail at Drachten. This is one of the main safety requirements if the MPM Dodge Avenger is to run over 200 miles per hour over the eighth. John, Lee, Paul and Bill of the Showtime team will be giving a hand to our Dutch crew, so we are sure to give the public a good show!"
©Eurodragster.com
Gerda tells us that the MPM Internationals will be the biggest event ever organised at Drachten. "Yorin, one of the biggest broadcasters on TV and radio in Holland, will host the event with live music and DJs", says Gerda. "There will be a couple of grandstands with capacity for more than 4000 people. For the racers the track will be prepared with our new track dryer and spray car, and with the new timing equipment everything is in place for a great weekend for the 160 racers who are currently entered."

Lex's 5.7-second Camaro Top Methanol Funny Car is still for sale. "We are prepared to make a good deal to a potential buyer", says Lex. "We would also be interested in trading-in for another race car or an American truck". The TMFC comes ready to race with various engine combinations and everything is specced for 2003. For more details check out the advertisement in the Cars For Sale section of Eurodragster's Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet, E-Mail Lex Joon Racing at info@lexjoonracing.nl, or check out Lex's web site at www.lexjoonracing.nl.

Junerud #1 on return.

25th June: Swedish Supertwin Bike racer Stefan Junerud started his 2003 season well with a number one qualifying spot at the Bike Weekend at Västerås.

"As you may remember, not much happened to us last year", says Stefan. "With a major redesign to the transmission and drivetrain, and with a clutch cannon, lock-up and high gear we thought it should be possible to make some passes to figure out how to set the clutch. The outcome was nothing except the engine explosions which took us out of competition at Mantorp Park and Gardermoen.
©Eurodragster.com
"This season we didnt know what to do, but we decided to give it one more chance. We made five passes at Västerås which proved to us that it is well worth a try. The track wasn't perfect, but it wasn't bad either. We were a bit rusty but we got the number one spot at 4.702, which we were really happy with. In Sunday's elimination we lost to Anders Karling in the final, where we both went up in smoke.

"So we're going to give it another chance. First we are going to the Göteborg Motor Festival this weekend, and then if it is still OK we will try Alastaro."

Nitro Nationals entry list.
25th June: Our good friends at the Finnish Hot Rod Association have published the official entry list for next week's FHRA Nitro Nationals at Alastaro, the next round of the FIA and FIM/UEM European Championships and the Nordic Drag Racing Series including NDRS Bilsport Pro Mod.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view the Nitro Nationals entry list.

Perfect Light fund increases.
11th June: This weekend's SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway is the next qualifying event for the Eurodragster Perfect Light Award. No-one recorded a perfect Reaction Time at the Power Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway, so the Perfect Light prize fund has been increased to £75.

All racers in all classes are eligible for the Perfect Light Award: it will be awarded to the first racer at this weekend's event to record a perfect Reaction Time, 0.400 or 0.500 as appropriate. The money can be won in either qualifying or eliminations, but not open practice.
©Eurodragster.com
If no-one records a perfect RT this weekend then the prize fund will be increased to £100 (about SEK 1260) for the Veidec Nitro Festival at Mantorp Park. If the money is won then the prize fund will be recharged to £50 (about SEK 630) for the Veidec Drag Festival.

Good luck everyone!

FIA European Finals entry forms.
25th June: FIA Championship Co-ordinator Kjell Pettersson has forwarded us the official invitation and entry forms for the FIA European Finals, which take place at Santa Pod Raceway on 5th-7th September. The forms are in Adobe Acrobat format and also include an application for tickets for the post-race Banquet.

Click here for the FIA entry form
Click here for the FIM/UEM entry form
Click here for the Fuel FC and NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified entry form
©Eurodragster.com
You can find the very latest versions of all of the FIA, UEM and NDRS entry forms on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se/nerladdning.html.

Ultimate Power points updated.
25th June: We are indebted to APIRA's Points Co-ordinator Simon Groves for forwarding us the post-Power Nationals standings in the Ultimate Power Drag Racing Championships. All car classes, 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike are now available; ACU bike classes are to follow shortly as they are still being ratified.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view the Ultimate Power points, or click on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

European Bests updated.
25th June: We are also indebted to Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe for forwarding us a new version of his European Bests factsheet, updated to take account of the records set at the FIA Main Event.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view the European Bests, or click on the European Bests link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Rocket Ronnie footage sought.
25th June: We've had a call for help from Jo Sargeant, who is a researcher on the TV series Scrapheap Challenge which is no stranger to racers and fans (and Sharkman will certainly never forget it - Ed).
©Eurodragster.com
"Ronnie Picardo featured on one of our shows this series, and I am trying to find some video footage of his wheelie car", says Jo. "Ronnie doesn't have any footage himself and I have asked around but found nothing. If anyone can help it would be much appreciated. I will need it on either DV or Beta tape as the quality of VHS is too poor to broadcast."

If you can help with footage of the Stingray on its tail then please contact Jo either by E-Mail at Jo.Sargeant@RDFMedia.com, or phone 0207 013 4378.

Web site updates.
25th June: The UK's Spellbound Pro ET team recently launched a web site and have now acquired their own URL at www.spellbounddragraceteam.co.uk. The site tells you everything you cold want to know about Santa Pod Racers Club's 2002 Most Professional Appearing Team and their very rapid Morris Minor.
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Freddy's annual drama.

24th June: Sweden's Pro Mod and Top Methanol FC racer Fast Freddy Fagerström has had his annual Pro Mod wild ride very early this season, says Björn Anderberg. Regular readers will remember that Freddy's wild pick-up had a brief discussion with the guardrail on the finish line at the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod last season but almost literally bounced back to take the event win. Freddy has started 2003 in a similar manner, writes Björn.
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"Freddy was racing at Avesta last week", says Björn. "He had some problems after the finish line and slid off the track. He damaged the new front and the headers, and also dropped the door. We hope that we wil have the car fixed to fight at the Veidec Nitro Festival at Mantorp Park, where we will be running with both the Pro Mod and the TMFC. It's better to have two cars, if you break one then you can drive the other..."

Björn tells us that Freddy will be driving the TMFC at the FHRA Nitro Nationals in Finland next week, although the team are waiting on engine parts from the USA after suffering damage at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod. "We will also be changing the TMFC's blower to a Whipple", he says. "If everything goes well at Mantorp Park and Freddy has the money, he's going to bring the pick-up to the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod in September."

Fire extinguishers in Finland.
24th June: Mention of next week's FHRA Nitro Nationals at Alastaro leads us very neatly into the following notice from FHRA sent to us by Kjell Pettersson:

The Finnish authorities are demanding that every team must have a six-kilogramme fire extinguisher in their pit, so the FHRA has included this in the rules too. Every team must have at least one six kg fire extinguisher in their pit with easy access, and they must also have also a fire blanket with easy access.

FHRA has found out while using several extinguishers that the Softex 6E water extinguisher is very good in the racing environment. It will put out the fire very effectively and allows the engine can be started immediately after the use of extinguisher, with no extra cleaning needed. FHRA has negotiated a good deal for the racers with the manufacturer for the sale of these extinguishers:

Softex 6E extinguisher €50
Softex 6E service €20
Annual inspection €5

The above prices are without tax: a local tax of 22% will be added.

You can order the extinguisher directly from the manufacturer, Softonex Oy. Their contact is Jari Nykänen, telephone +358 50 370 4314 or E-Mail jari.nykanen@softonex.fi. Please remember to mention that you are referring to the FHRA deal. Softonex can deliver the extinguishers to Alastaro Circuit when FHRA has an event there.
©Eurodragster.com
VWDRC Summernationals preview.
24th June: This weekend's SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway includes the latest rounds of the Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Championships. Championship Co-ordinator Spencer Tramm previews this weekend's action.

In Jon Rathbone Race Cars Pro VW there is a nine car field entered for this weekend. Russ Fellows leads the way in the points with 1100, Russ is trying to add Pro to his championship wins in Street and Super Street VW. Sheffield’s Paul Woodhead is second on 990 points, Paul is only in his second year of competition and won his first meeting ever at the Big Bang event at the beginning of May. Third is perennial heavy hitter Scott Evison in the Slush Puppie car on 690 points. Scott has had a poor start to the year by his standards and will hope to grab his first win of the year here. Next is Neil Davies in Headstraight, Neil has moved up from Sportsman to Pro this year and is still ironing out the bugs with the new race motor but still holds down fouth with 530 points.
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Beetlemania Sportsman VW sees twenty two cars ready to do battle. Stuart Hinds is leading the championship with 1740 points after winning the first two meetings, combine this with wins at Bug Jam and the National Finals last year, Stuart is now unbeaten in almost a year, his last loss coming in round one at the 2002 Summer Nationals to Cath Bishop. Graham Fairhead is in second spot with 1160 points in his rookie year, Graham may be a rookie to driving but has crewed for some of the VWDRC’s foremost drivers including most lately for Steven Lee. Brian Burrows is in third on 970 points and will be having a relatively easy weekend after last week promoting the VW Action Summer Beach Party at the Herts Showground and looking after thousands of VW enthusiasts. In fourth is Sarah Rollin on 850 points, the former Miss Bug Jam runner-up is proving more than a match for her counterparts in her rookie year thanks to the guidance of former Pro VW champion Scott Evison.

This is also the second round for the AMR Motors Alternate Engine VW class and there are four cars due. The Subaru’s of Andy Raw, Gin Marrone and Ian Sewell will take on the Rover V8 powered Fastback of Matt Attwood in round two of their championship.

You can stay in touch with all the news and views on Volkswagen drag racing on the VWDRC's web site at www.vwdrc.com.

UK National, SPRC points updated.
24th June: We are indebted to UK National points co-ordinators Yvonne Tramm (SPRC) and Simon Groves (APIRA) for passing on the post-Power Nationals points standings in the UK National Championships. We are additionally indebted to Yvonne Tramm for sending us the latest standings in the Santa Pod Racers Club Championships.
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Click here to view the latest points standings, or click on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Wild Bunch Power Nationals report.
24th June: Last weekend's Power Nationals was round five of the Wild Bunch's Real Steel Series, and was attended by a field of fourteen, writes Championship co-ordinator Claire Meaddows.

Tony Smith unveiled a brand new paint job and smart new graphics on the Cunning Plan Minivan altered. He took #1 qualifier with a 12.002 on an 11.95 dial-in. In the quarter-finals, Tony put in a new Personal Best ET of 11.982 on his 11.95, which he lowered yet again when facing Chris Hartnell in the Semi-Finals. Tony ended up fourth for the event and the Cunning Plan team took the Best Appearing Team spot prize for their smart new pink and green crew uniforms and the brand new paint job on the altered, as well as its strong performance.

Chris Hartnell had a very lucky weekend, after only qualifying tenth on the Saturday with two off-paced ten-second passes in the Backdraft slingshot. Chris hoped to diagnose the fault for Sunday’s eliminations and overnight crewman Lee made some changes to the wiring in the car. Chris advanced to the final, which should have been against Ray Ford in the Ram Raider, but as Backdraft had not run well in the semi-final, and as Chris had noticed a slight drop in oil pressure, he decided to park the car rather than risk any damage.

Mark Coulsell qualified second, and went out in the first round against Nick Connor but took Closest Runner-up award, just .094 behind Nick. Tom Coe was running-in his Psycho slingshot, hoping to break into the tens for the first time. He posted a 10.99 dial-in for the first round of qualifying, but unfortunately broke his half-shaft on the burnout. Tom raced round the pits to find someone to grind and weld his half-shaft. The Fireforce 2 team helped him out with a temporary fix, and he cajoled the slingshot down the track gently, posting a 36.557 time and qualifying for Sunday! He later took the shaft to Roy Wilding’s workshop, and Roy kindly re-welded it on Saturday night. Tom later discovered a crack in the other half-shaft on Sunday morning but went back to the Fireforce 2 team for some emergency repair work, and made the first round. Tom took Closest Breakout in the quarter finals, only .017 under his dial-in. He also won the Best Slingshot Spot Prize for the team’s hard work to qualify the car and race in eliminations, and the strong performance after the breakages.
©Eurodragster.com
Tom's dad Alec Coe went to the pairing lanes with the Shy Torque slingshot for his first qualifying pass and dialled a 10.45, but the car suffered a cracked starter motor casing and couldn't make a pass. Alec and Crew Chief Kev ran around trying to find another starter, eventually bought a new one from promoter Lee Child, and then frantically tried to get it mounted in time for the second qualifier. They succeeded in fixing the car, and Alec ran a 10.349 Personal Best ET. He took third place the tot-back system, by virtue of being closest to dial-in (without breaking out) of the semi-final runners-up. He also took the Wildest Ride trophy for a good driving job after running close to the guardrail in the semis!

Ray Ford ran a solid 10.369 on a 10.20 dial-in to qualify in fifth spot, and made it to the final round. The final was an unusual race which should have seen Ray taking on Chris Hartnell for a classic Chevy-powered slingshot matchup, but Chris had sidelined Backdraft suspecting a problem. The Ram Raider’s engine was still too hot to make a full pass, so the crew pushed her round to the other side of the bleach box, and Ray fired up and staged to take the win light, not wanting to risk any damage to their car either. Many congratulations to Ray!

Dick Sharp was back again in the Dorset Horn, after the team suffered crank damage at the Excitement Nationals. He dialled-in at 9.65 and ran a 9.792 to , qualify fourth - not bad for starters! Dick was again on good form in the first round of eliminations, when he broke out with a strong 9.575/140.62 mph (top speed of the weekend) whilst paired against Tony Wynne-Jones. Dick took the win in that first round matchup with the lesser breakout, and advanced to the Quarter-finals, where he faced Alec Coe. Dick handed the win to Alec when he broke out with a Personal Best ET of 9.549 on a 9.60 Dial, so he was very pleased with that run! Dick and Bunt and the team took Best Altered Spot Prize, as well as Best Engineered for their well-turned out car and its good performance throughout the weekend. Tony Wynne-Jones posted a massive Personal Best ET of 12.097 on his 12.20 dial-in, at his best ever speed of 115.09 mph. Tony won Best Dragster/Radical for all his efforts and his lovely looking car.

Again some close and exciting racing once more, as we have come to expect at these MSA events, and no less than five drivers ran personal bests during the weekend. The track crew and marshals worked really hard again to get the track in a running condition and keep the event flowing - many thanks to them for all their hard work and for maintaining a good safe track! Thanks also to APIRA, track owner Anthony Hodges and promoter LA Performance Services for making the event possible in the first place. And of course thanks as always to our major contingency sponsor Real Steel for their continued support.

Paranoia comes back for an eight.
24th June: Also on the subject of the Wild Bunch, Martin Holgate tells us that this weekend's NSRA Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway will see the return of the historic Paranoia altered to the track. Martin and the team will be resuming their quest for an eight-second pass.
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"We are all looking forward to the action this weekend", says Martin. "We have not raced since last September when our eight-second assault was curtailed by a sick fuel pump. We have new parts on the car having just holidayed in Florida, and although we are still awaiting a new flowbench-developed head and injection system, we will be giving it our all."

Safely Mental.
23rd June: This weekend's NSRA Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway is the third round of the 2003 Supercharged Outlaws Championship, and slingshot racer Johnny 'Mental' Hall says that the event is the March Meet of UK drag racing.

"This race is a real sight to behold if you enjoy vintage racing", says Johnny. "As in the States, Nostalgia is steadily gaining ground, and within that spectrum the Supercharged Outlaws see themselves as the Head Honchos on the track. OK, we are not running five-second slingshot fuelers, but a few of the guys are striving in that direction.
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"Heading the pack at the moment is Roy 'Little Daddy' Wilding, or should that be Money Bags, after spending money to ensure that he doesn't go home with bruises on his butt from getting it kicked into the bleachers (Do we surmise a rivalry here? - Ed). Mark Purslow will be bringing his gorgeous Donovan-engined chromoly digger, and I for one will look forward to his running the numbers this weekend, and hopefully he will have a decent pair of boots on so that he can kick ass too.

"The blown Altereds of Pete and Fay Radcliffe and Neil Townsend are looking to attend, along with many others. Pete and Fay's Burning Desire sounded incredibly strong when last out and has lots of potential. Our wild, wheelying Windridge Hell McKenzie Happening slingshot is going to be playing it safe with a mild tune-up. As we have said before, we don't expect to set the world on fire, after having lots of problems this season. We will still try to put on a show, though...watch this space."

Oil Control backing TM round.
23rd June: The weekend's MSA British Drag Racing Championship round for Top Methanol, which takes place at the SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway, is to be sponsored by longtime drag racing backer Oil Control, writes SPRC Press Officer John Crawford.
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Phil Evans of Oil Control Limited was pleased to confirm the company's continued support of the sport and the Club. "Oil Control Ltd, as long time sponsors of drag racing, are delighted to be able to support the Top Methanol racers at the Summer Nationals", said Phil. Santa Pod Racers Club are of course very appreciative of the extra support from Oil Control Ltd for this event, which has enabled the club to host the latest round of this prestigious Championship. "We are immensely grateful to Oil Control Limited for their support", says Jon Crawford. "Oil Control have been sponsors of the sport and the Club for many seasons now, and we hope to continue a long and successful association."

Oil Control supplies a vast range of high quality hydraulic valves to many of the world's most famous manufacturers of heavy machinery and earth moving equipment. They can be contacted on 024 7663 5711, Fax 024 7663 5041 or via their web site at www.oilcontrol.co.uk.

"We would also like to thank all of our other sponsors for 2003", says Jon. "They are Andy Robinson Race Cars, Dave Eady American Parts Centre, Engine Data Analysis, Hauser Race Cars, Knight Racing Services, Webster Race Engineering and Eurodragster.com."

SPRC Newsletter published.
23rd June: Jon Crawford also tells us that the all-new Santa Pod Racers Club newsletter should be dropping through members’ mailboxes any day now. The all-new publication features club news, reports and news from the track, as well as photographs and race reports on all the Sportsman and Pro rounds. Future plans include a Sales and Wants section for members as well as more features and interviews, including a very big name in the sport who has just agreed to write exclusively for the Club.
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Jon, who edits the newsletter, tells us that all contributions are welcome. As readers will see, there are already some big names in UK Drag Racing who have agreed to contribute. If anyone has any contributions to make, or wishes to ensure that their class gets the exposure they deserve, then get in touch with Jon at sprcpress@eurodragster.com, or via the Club at PO Box 12, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0ZU.

Limited numbers of the newsletter will be available to non-members at the SPRC shop at this weekend's Summernationals, but the best way to make sure of a copy is to join the Santa Pod Racers Club. Membership details are available either at the address above, at the track, or via the Club's web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. The SPRC shop will also be open this weekend selling the full range of SPRC merchandise including many items at bargain prices in order to clear space for the new range which is coming soon.

NAST points updated.
23rd June: We are indebted to National Association of Supertwins Championship Co-ordinator Sue Beneke for sending us the points standings in the NAST Championships after last weekend's Power Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view the NAST points, or click on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Nitrolympics entry.
22nd June: Rico Anthes, promoter of the Nitrolympics which take place at Hockenheim on 22nd-24th August, has written to advise racers about entry to the event.

"Entry information for drivers and riders who want to participate at the 18th annual Nitrolympics is now available on Drivers Info at www.nitrolympics.de", says Rico. "Teams who were not on our mailing list for entry documents last year need to contact us by E-Mail via the Drivers Info page and leave their full postal address. Entry can only be made on an original entry form, which will be mailed to participants."
©Eurodragster.com
Comp Eliminator Explosion.
22th June: Holland's Explosion drag racing club are to introduce Competition Eliminator at the MPM Drachten Internationals which take place at Drachten on 12th-13th July.

"We will be running the class with the international indexes published by Svensk Dragracing, which they have permitted us to use", says Explosion board member Theo Willemse. "However the indexes will not be changed after events at Drachten.

"I am very happy to introduce this class in Holland. I saw the class in Scandinavia and I thought what is this class? After the first time I had to find out about it, and when I knew what was happening, I was crazy about it. The technical performance and the idea of indexes without Bracket rules is strong and professional.
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"Now it is going to happen in Holland. We have had a lot of interest from racers in Germany and Switzerland to take part in this event. Pro Mod has its own competition in Holland with Henri Joosten and Robert Koper, and drivers from Germany will be competing in the class.

"We had out first meeting at Drachten on 14th-15th June. The performance of Roel Koedam on his Top Fuel Bike showed what a good track it was, many competitors ran their personal bests."

Racers interested in competing at the MPM Drachten Internationals can find an international entry form on the Explosion web site www.explosion.nl.

Two-car ACI Racing.
22nd June: What do you do if your rig is leaving the UK for Finland on the Friday, but you have a crucial British Championship round on the Saturday? FIA Top Methanol Dragster Championship leaders American Car Imports Racing have the answer: use last year's chassis for the UK round. Whilst the team's 5.4-second European record-holding dragster heads for Alastaro for the FIA round on 4th-6th July, Dave Wilson and the team will be racing at next weekend's SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway with the car which last year ran into the 5.5s and recorded the highest-ever TMD terminal speed outside the USA.

"We were going to do both events all along", says Team Owner Tony Cohen, who sponsors Eurodragster's Home and News pages and Event Coverage through his company American Car Imports. "There just was not enough time to do the trip with our number one car. At least now you'll believe we got a new car this year and didn't just change the body panel to show a Dodge Ram!"

"I'm not sure that we've worked out how we're going to do this, but we're going to do it!", says Dave Wilson. "It's the way it has to be, though. The way the points are structured, if you want any chance at all of the British Championship then you must attend the round at Santa Pod next week."

Dave says that several options were considered before settling on the two-car approach. "We considered using the new car and rig and then driving across Europe", he says. "But it's a new rig and a bit of an unknown quantity. We asked ourselves 'Do we want to risk doing this at next to no notice?'. If we'd had to do it, then we would have done, but there was another solution. It's a bit over the top really but you have to do what you can with what you have got."

Last year's ACI dragster is to be fitted with the team's number three engine, but parts from the new car will also be used which will then have to be transported to Alastaro. "It'll be good to see how last year's car does with this year's set-up!", says Dave. "We'll have no computer on the car, so we will just be doing plug-and-bearing tuning like we did all those years ago. Who needs telemetry!"
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The ACI dragster will be taken back to the team's Farnborough base next Sunday evening and torn down to collect the parts needed in Finland. Crew Chief Andy Bissett will then drive "Hell for leather" to Newcastle, where he will pick up the ferry to Sweden before driving on to Alastaro. "I'll meet Andy at the track on the Wednesday - that's the plan, anyway!", says Dave.

The #1 car and new rig spent last weekend at the American Auto Club event at Billing where it proved a strong draw for those attending. "The show was fantastic", says Tony Cohen. "The place was full to bursting - seven and a half thousand US vehicles and thirty thousand visitors. Our display was on a concrete podium so you could see it from hundreds of yards away. There was a lot of interest, we sat visitors in the car and handed out thousands of hero cards and leaflets for the tracks. We are keen to promote the link between drag racing and American cars and I think we did just that with the petrol heads. I think that we have persuaded a lot of them to come to the races."

Yet another first for the ACI Racing team is their own sports psychologist in the person of Tony's wife Rhonda, who has just embarked on a five-year PhD project on the Psychology of Drag Racing. "No-one has done this before", says Tony. "Rhonda will be researching the drivers, the competition, and the whole sub-culture of drag racing. She will be accompanying us to every event this year". Tony tells us that Rhonda may want to interview the Eurodragster staff as part of her studies, although we and doubtless our readers could tell her without an interview what she is likely to conclude.

You can stay in touch with all the latest from the American Car Imports Racing team on their official web site at www.americancarimportsracing.com.

Racers: Send your SPRC Summernationals previews to us at news@eurodragster.com and we'll publish them right here.

SPRC Summernationals entry list.
22nd June: We are as ever indebted to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding us the official entry list for next weekend's SPRC Summernationals. "Numbers are good - over two hundred and forty!", says Paula.

Click here to view the SPRC Summernationals entry list.
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Next weekend's SPRC Summernationals is a round of the MSA British Drag Racing Championship (for Top Methanol), UK National and ACU UK Drag Bike Championships, Volkswagen Drag Racing Association Championships, Custom Car Street Eliminator Championships, and National Association of Supertwins Championships. As part of this year's trial, the SPRC Summernationals is also a round of the Nordic Drag Racing Series. Tony Baker in the Fireforce 1 Jet FC and Chris Hannam on his and Jon Morton's Top Fuel Bike will be providing the exhibition action. Advance tickets are £10 Saturday, £10 Sunday and £16 for the weekend if booked by this Tuesday, 24th June. Gate prices are £14 Saturday, £14 Sunday and £22 for the weekend. Under-16s go free.

To book tickets call Santa Pod Raceway on 01234 782828, and for more details check out Santa Pod's web site at www.santapod.com.

NDRG Drag Challenge entry forms.
22nd June: FIA Championship Co-ordinator Kjell Pettersson has forwarded us the official FIA and FIM/UEM entry forms for Norsk Dragracing Gardermoen's Drag Challenge which takes place at Gardermoen Raceway on 1st-3rd August. The forms are in Adobe Acrobat format.

Click here for the FIA entry form
Click here for the FIM/UEM entry form
©Eurodragster.com
You can find the very latest versions of all of the FIA, UEM and NDRS entry forms on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se/nerladdning.html.

On the subject of FIA and FIM/UEM, Santa Pod Raceway's PR Caroline Day has sent us a promotional brochure with details of this year's TV broadcasts. You can view the brocuhure by clicking here (Adode Acrobat format).

Power Nationals Pro ET report.
22nd June: We are indebted to UK Pro ET racer Carla Pittau for sending us a report of last weekend's Pro ET action at the Power Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway.

The end of the first qualifying session saw Bob Doyle taking the number one spot, which was then nicked by Kev Taylor at the end of session two with four thousandths off his dial-in. Tokyo Toy, Steve Dunn at the wheel, took number two honours, only to redlight once again in the first round and confirming their strong claim to the Cherry Trophy Award at season's end. Worse than redlighting in the first round is, of course, not even getting there, which is the fate that befell Jerry Charles who decided to up the nitrous in his 502 motivated street Capri and go for a nine-second run in the second session. The torque generated by a more generous whiff than usual broke his UJ and pushed his propshaft up to hit the ali tunnel first and the prop loop second. Fortunately no other damage was done, Jerry has already arranged for repairs and will hopefully be back racing at the next meeting at the Pod.

Next to that misfortune we had a first round breakage, which was Andy Chilton's fate. Unfortunately we have no information on the extent or the nature of the damage. I realise that I failed to mention another first round breakage at the Main Event, Jack Brewster's - and as he was racing his Just Mustard Camaro against us I can only put it down to major brain fade on my part. Apologies to Jack who experienced a head gasket failure and we look forward to seeing him at the Pod for the Summer Nationals.

Other notable red lights in the first round were pulled by Steve Wells in the orange Pop pick up, who didn't realise he'd redlit until he overtook Carla Pittau who was racing with transmission number one after discarding transmission number four in the pits and missing the second qualifying session in the process (don't ask). He was deliberating where to brake when he noticed the win light in the other lane. He decided to keep pressing the loud pedal ending up with a tenth of a second break out; Ron Bartlett, who fought a valiant battle with Aiden Kenny, both racers oh sooo close to their dial-ins, respectively six thousandths and four thousandths; Bob Doyle, whose Zed is now reacting too quickly to foot pressure on the loud pedal; and Steve Good who is also trying to compete with Bob Doyle and Tokyo Toy for the red light award.

After the first round, not having a single evil bone in his body, Rick McCann was only trying to be kind by offering Bob Doyle a bowl of fruit. The reaction from Bob and Tracy Doyle was not pretty, although it took Rick a while to realise that a bowl of cherries might not be just the right offering at the time. However Bob had no problems in dangling a cherry in Carla's face after the second round, when she pulled her very own for brain fade reasons. Carla's opponent Lee Huxley at the wheel of the Top Banana '32 also redlit, but second as well as not as badly. Malcolm Motler met his demise in another very close race with mate Kev Taylor, there was only fifteen thousandths difference on the tree (a 0.563 to a 0.548) but it was enough to push Malk to a breakout of 0.028. In the meantime, Ian Brown was busy putting Tig Napier out of action with nine thousandths off his dial-in and one tenth on the tree, rendering Tig's excellent five thousandths off no use at all.

Aiden Kenny kept the pressure on in the third round, putting Kev Taylor on the trailer with a nine thousandths off run and earning a bye run into the final in the process, while Ian Brown disposed of Dave Baldwin who broke out by 0.104 and Lee Huxley cruised to a 11.025 in his bye into the semis. The fourth round saw Ian Brown and Lee Huxley meet in one of two elimination runs in two different classes, and they obviously took turns to win and lose: in this instance Lee redlit by such a small margin, pulling a painful 0.499 that awarded victory to Ian, who then lost to Lee in the final of Super Street, our hats off to both racers.

We can only imagine the top end battle between Aiden Kenny and Ian Brown in the fifth and final round, they pulled 0.571 and 0.520 lights respectively and must have been seriously pedalling and surely fender to fender at the finish line, as they both slowed down from their ETs and the resulting win margin was of only eight thousandths. Once again Pro ET provided close racing and excitement. Our congratulations to Aiden (who was also racing in Outlaw Anglia) for his achievements and to Ian for his well deserved win (and his runner up place in Super Street!).

You can find the UK Pro ET web site at www.pro-et.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Nuptials, now and future.
22nd June: We would like to congratulate UK Super Comp and Super Gas racer Malcolm Francis and his wife Emily on their marriage which took place yesterday (Saturday). Malcolm started the celebrations early with a win in Super Comp at Shakespeare County Raceway last weekend.
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Congratulations also to American Car Imports Racing Crew Chief Andy Bissett and his fiancée Jennifer who formalised their engagement with a party, also yesterday.

Sharkman and Tog would like to wish Malcolm and Emily and Andy and Jennifer the very best for the future.

Web site updates.
22nd June: The official web site of Finland's Mad Bomber Racing Top Methanol Dragster team has been updated with the latest news as Team Owner Simo Patoharju, driver Jari Halinen and the guys prepare for their first race of the year at their home track of Alastaro. The very professional-looking site is presented in both Finnish and English. Check it out at www.madbomberracing.fi.
©Eurodragster.com
UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Andy Frost has updated his Red Victor web site with an entertaining race report from last week's Power Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can find it on the Race Reports link at www.redvictor1racing.co.uk.

Rob Long.

20th June: We are very sorry indeed to have to report that UK Super Gas racer Rob Long has died after a long illness which he bore with extraordinary fortitude.

Rob's racing career, in a self-built Camaro, got off to a great start when he ran a perfect 9.900 on his fourth-ever pass. Rob's illness arose as he started to race but he fought against it to appear on the track, and he was always a force to be reckoned with when he was on the strip.

"Rob was a very friendly and pleasant chap, who was the kingpin of the Saturday morning Café Racers", says Paul Fischer. "We are going to miss him very badly."

To Rob's wife Mags, and to his family and friends, we offer our deepest sympathy.

Erbacher retires block.
20th June: After taking runner-up spot in the 2002 FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Championship, Switzerland's Urs Erbacher has started the season as he means to go on with a new European ET record of 5.694 and the event win at the FIA Main Event. The team are going to do everything possible to win the 2003 Championship and that includes a major hit to Urs' wallet, says team member Lorenzo Tschumi.
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"After an amazing Main Event, we have retired our Keith Black engine", says Lorenzo. "After all, the block was built in 1993 and Keith is now out of business. We now have a new 511 ci Brad Anderson engine and we will try to set the car to run a bit harder at Alastaro. We think that we have the best possible equipment in the car for some great drag racing this season and, who knows, maybe go even quicker!"

The Fat Attack web site at www.fatattack.ch has been updated with a report and pictures from the FIA Main Event, and will be updated after each event this season.

Luoma to race TMD.
20th June: Also from the Top Methanol pit comes news of a new contender in Top Methanol Dragster. If you were tuned in on 1st June you will remember that Finland's Lassi Luoma was urgently seeking a TMFC after an unfortunate guardrail/car interaction at Alastaro. Esko Raisvuo tells us that Lassi and his team had a change of heart, and that he was at least partly responsible.
©Eurodragster.com
"I consulted with Lassi and the guys about the rules and they found that TMFC was too expensive a choice right now", says Esko. "And it wasn't possible to run a Comp FC in BAFC, AA/A or AB/A. So I told the guys that a dragster with a 526 and hi-helix would be more than OK to race. They thought about it overnight, and we knew where there was stuff for sale (ex-Kari Eskelinen dragster - Ed), so their co-crew chief Arto Höylä dug deep into his pockets to buy the car.

"If everything goes right then Lassi will be in Alastaro at the start of July. If not then later, but he will be racing this summer."

Aasen into the sixes.
20th June: Many thanks to Ian Turburville for passing on news from Norwegian Supertwin racer Ronny Aasen of the first six-second pass by a Supertwin in Norway. Ronny ran the six on his beautiful new bike and it was a PB as well as a Norwegian first.

"We have been racing in Norway for two weeks now", Ronny told Turbo. "In the first round of the Norwegian Supertwin Series we were number one qualifier with 4.69 eighth-mile and the only team ready for the finals - three others had broken engines!

"In the second race of the series we had a lot of small problems, but we fixed them and ran 7.17 in the semi-final. I was up against Svein Gottenberg in the final, he ran 7.28 in his semi. The commentator said it was the rookie against the veteran, but the rookie was the quickest. I beat Gotten with a 6.94!"
©Eurodragster.com
Ellis all smiles.
20th June: UK Super Modified racer Graham Ellis' first outing of the season couldn't have turned out any better. He ran the quickest Super Mod ET under this year's rule changes, the fastest SM speed under either the old or new set of rules, he was the first persaon to drive around Super Mod Champion and longtime rival Danny Cockerill, and he won the event. A very happy Graham gave us the low-down on his weekend.

"Firstly I have a lot of Thank Yous", says Graham. "Phill, for the free paint and tyres, Rob Smallworth for the loan of some parts, Jon and John at Webster Race Engineering, Rob and Nick at ICE Automotive, Jeff Bull, Andy Robinson...the list goes on. Then of course thanks to my crew: Crew Chief Rob Millward, Gareth, Anthony, Graeme, and Paul Brooks for the help on Saturday (get your bloody car out).

"The weekend started with problems, as usual. Without being long-winded these involved the carbs and intake, as we had to start the weekend with these items off the engine for tech purposes, and it caused us to miss the first qualifier. As usual my guys came through for me and eventuly we got there. We ran a normaly aspirated 9.6 and planned to step up in the practise session, this turned into a nightmare as the car shook violently and sent me into the other lane.

"So we went into race day with no set-up at all. I had decieded that the extra weight of the engine was the most likely cause of the car being upset, so we started to set the whole thing up again. At this point Andy Robinson wandered over, and he left about an hour later having spent some time on his back on the matting. Thanks Andy! When he left we were more confident of the car and hopefully learnt something.

"After an unintentionally long lay-in on Sunday (my eyes didn't open till 9:00) We knew we had problems as we had drawn Andy Hone in the first round. I had previously decided that I was going home with a trophy and told everyone so, so was I about to eat my words. We we knew that if the car went down the track it would make a good lap, and it did. I got past Andy and lifted, which reset the second stage nitrous timer, so I had no no second stage but still went 7.86/175.
©Eurodragster.com
"The next round was 'The Governor'. Danny Cockerill has dominated Super Mod since its inception, but I knew that he had been chasing problems of late, and when you are dealing with problems you can't concentrate on going fast. Danny got a slight holeshot but we somehow drove round him, something which has never been done before. We went 7.71/182 which is not only the quickest Super Mod pass under the new rules, but the fastest speed ever recorded by a legal Super Mod - this takes in the bigger engines, less weight and unlimited camshafts of the previous rules (we now have a .600 lift limit).

"We went on to the final round, and unfortunatelt Smiling Steve Rawlings had a silly problem and couldn't make a race of it, but a runner up position is not a bad achievement.

"We have about 1050 bhp out of our little 475 ci motor, but we were really pushing hard and it's not a tune-up I'd like to use all the time as it was marginal. I was just making a point...Seriously, we have no chance of a points place this year, that will be between Danny and Fred, and I just know that Danny will want his record back, 'Come and get it' I say. The class seems to be suffering a bit so far this year with a lack of participation, get your cars out guys.

"I have to mention Ian Marshall, who is steadfastly plugging away with his normally-aspirated combination in a sea of nitrous cars. Keep at it Ian, your power-to-weight ratio is better than I had last year, and I got into the 7.s. Normally-aspirated cars have to be just right, with no nitrous to disguise the problems. You'll get there..."

York offers free entry.
20th June: York Raceway is offering 8.99-second or quicker cars and their crews the opportunity to run for free at the Motor Mayhem event this Sunday (22nd), writes York's PR Howard Holmes. "Absolutely free - that's you, the crew, the car, the lot", says Howard. "Northern hospitality don't really come any more hospitable than that, does it?

"But you must pre-register as the number of places will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Typically, you can get anything up to ten runs in a day at York Raceway. Don't forget, when you are running the numbers at York, it's all TSI-timed with a printout of reaction times, 60 ft times, eighth-mile time and speed as well as quarter-mile time and speed. What happens if you lose your time slip or your bench racing fraternity does not believe you? Well, now cutting edge technology has captured all this detail and it can be accessed via York's web site at www.york-raceway.co.uk, where you can view all the details of your racing.

"The Met Office is currently forecasting a good dry day on Sunday, to the delight of York's topless burnout water babes who are present for this event."

To pre-register for free entry on Sunday, call Steve on 07977 532436.
©Eurodragster.com
More weekend ideas.
20th June: UK Super Comp racer Rob Faulkner will be taking his Crossfire Camaro to Wessex Rod and Custom Club's show at Bovington in Dorset this weekend, and he hopes that race fans will come along to say hello. "We are tinkering with the fuel set up", says Rob, "The car is near enough ready to race now , so hopefully after a test and tune we will back at the track playing in Super Comp again. The show runs over the complete weekend, so if you live down south and have a free weekend then drop in and chill out, or take a look around the fantastic Tank Museum which is all on the same site."
©Eurodragster.com
Scottie Durant writes to remind readers that his In The Dog House Again altered will be on show on Sunday at the Blue Ball Beer Festival held in Asheridge, Chesham. "We will be on display and we will be firing up!", says Scottie. For more details about the Festival, check out Monday's news item Racers needed for Beer Festival.

Coes feature in the Press.
20th June: UK Wild Bunch racers Alec and Tom Coe are featured in this week's edition of the Thanet Extra newspaper which was published in the area yesterday (Thursday). "It's a great feature, a half-page spread with a colour photograph supplied by Feel The Noise", says Tom Coe. "There is a brief description of drag racing in basic terms, and a big piece about the team from when we started up to the present day, and they are going to make it an on-going feature with the latest news".
©Eurodragster.com
Tom was kind enough to arrange a plug for Eurodragster in the article, so a big Hello to anyone who has visited Eurodragster as a result.

TJ seeks travel partner.
20th June: UK 9.90 Bike racer and Supertwin Modified record holder TJ O'Brien is planning a trip to the MPM Internationals at Holland's Drachten Airfield next month and is looking for a fellow bike racer to help to share the cost.
©Eurodragster.com
"I have booked the ferry for Wednesday 9th July, and a return on Monday 14th", says TJ. "There is space in my van for a bike if you want to race - I'm having a go - and space in my caravan for you - I'm with my Ball and Chain."

If you would like to join TJ, then call him on 0208 881 0130 days, on his mobile on 07950 337542, or E-Mail otjobrien@aol.com.

Web site updates.
20th June: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with the latest points standings in the Nordic Drag Racing Series and the Swedish Dragracing League. You can find the NDRS points at www.dragracing.se/nscpoints.html, and the SDL points at www.dragracing.se/sdl/poang.html.

Editor's note: Whilst we're on the subject of Scandinavia, we would like to wish all of our friends a very Happy Midsummer tomorrow. You are under our express order to eat and drink far too much. And remember girls - dream about Tog or Sharkman, and we'll see you at Mantorp Park.

UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Ian Hook's web site has, as promised, been updated with crew member Trev's report of the Power Nationals. Check it out at www.fbracing.co.uk.

Alan Currans has updated his Acceleration Archive site with the first Readers' Gallery. "Have you ever wondered what happened to the all-conquering Brooklyn Heavy Pro Stock, or the the Volkswagen-powered motorcycle Lucifer?", writes Alan. "Who rides the fastest Buell motorcycle outside the USA? Have a look and you will find the answers to these questions, as well as several more interesting pictures into the bargain". You can find Alan's excellent site at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Page's first Piteå trip.
19th June: UK Fuel legend Gary Page is following up his Top Fuel Dragster final round appearance at the FIA Main Event by making his first trip to Sweden's Pite Dragway and driving the car which was in the other lane at Santa Pod. Knut Söderquist's Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team are taking the Purple Loans Top Fuel Dragster, in which Smax Smith won Top Fuel at the Main Event, and the red CBD dragster to the famous Midnight Sun Internationals at Piteå.
©Eurodragster.com
"I will be driving the Purple Loans car at Piteå, and I understand that Susanne Callin may be driving the red car", says Gary. "We will be at Alastaro the weekend before, then after Piteå we are going to Mantorp Park - I think we get one free weekend in July!".

Gary is very confident that he will do well at Piteå. "I have never been to Pite Dragway but I have heard that the track is very good", says Gary. "Everyone says that there are no bumps, that the traction is excellent, and that the shutdown area is very long! I am looking forward to racing there. We saw at the Main Event that the Purple Loans car is capable of fours and three hundred, so I'm looking forward to breaking Micke Kågered's track record (4.93/305 - Ed)."

Gary tells us that the red CBD dragster came through last weekend's Power Nationals match race more or less unscathed. If you were tuned in to Eurodragster's Event Coverage at the weekend, you will recall that there was a ball of flame from the dragster just after Susanne Callin crossed the finish line on Sunday's first run. "That was down to an exhaust valve", says Gary. "A piston was damaged and that combustion chamber was a bit beaten up, but it's nothing terminal."

Regular readers will know that Gary also drives Mark and Jackie Hawkins' Fuel Funny Car, and the good news is that the team are to start work on the FC this weekend with a view to attending the next round of the British Nitro FC Championship, the Allstar Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. "The body has gone away to be fixed up and to have the paintwork done", says Gary. "Everything has been freshened up. We will be running the car exactly as it was last season, with the two-speed, but Mark has plans to upgrade substantially next year."

GTA on the Rampage.
19th June: David Ward Motorsports and the UK's Rampage Pro ET Funny Car team have proudly announced that G T Autochemilube Limited have become their main oil sponsor for the 2003 season.

"GTA supply a vast range of products from engine and gear oils to antifreeze, and as from the 1st June have been appointed as Texaco classic lubricants distributor", says Crew Chief Ian Gibbs. "On behalf of the team, David Ward would like to thank Nigel Holman and GTA for their support."
©Eurodragster.com
You can find out more about G T Autochemilube on their web site at www.gta-oil.co.uk, by E-Mail at sales@gta-oil.co.uk, by phone on 01295 712255, or by Fax on 01295 712333.

No more stage fright.

19th June: UK Supertwin Fuel racer Ian Turburville got his beautiful new S & S Sure-Shot bike down the track at the Power Nationals after breaking pistons and valve assemblies at the Speedfreaks Ball. "The bike earned the name Stage Fright!", says Ian (right, with Power Nationals STF winner Chris Stebbings). "What a début. Talk about demoralising, I nearly gave up there and then. Thanks to the encouragement and engineering skills of Ian 'Rush' Carruthers I persevered and got the bike repaired just in time for the Power Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway last weekend so I entered the second round of the NAST Championship.

"The weather was scorching hot all weekend and there was a massive entry, but just five bikes in Supertwin Top Fuel. I was a bag of nerves and had no crew at all so was pretty pessimistic about the whole deal but with the help of Paul Rose Racing I set up my pit, thanks Paul and Tim. On the Saturday George Chiarella lent me his brother Carlo as crew and he did a great job, which eased the pressure a lot. I had to do my observed runs and to be honest that's all we planned for all weekend, shakedowns. You have to understand the concept of this bike and not confuse it with the likes of Ton Pels and Charley Karling. The S & S Sure-Shot is a beginner's fuel bike. It has a heavy mild steel chassis with heavy front and back wheels, a ten inch slick and a cast big-twin (single-cam) motor with street heads from Custom Chrome! This set-up will never run quicker than eight seconds reliably so that is all I am aiming for. Rob van Geffen and I had some long talks about the project and we decided to work out a fuel system that would work on just sixty per cent nitro and not over-stress the S&S cast cases. I have had a lot of support for parts but cannot afford to cope with any serious breakages so have to play it safe.

"The observed runs went great and I did just as I was told. The bike stuttered a bit as I didn't give it enough throttle to open the fuel circuits but it cleaned up when I did, changed gear OK, steered nicely when I hung off it, went straight and stopped easily. That gave me great confidence: remember that the last bike I raced, four years ago, was just a gas bike on a seven inch tyre. I then got into the routine of turning it around and our pit started to come together nicely. The next run I was told to give it a bit more and it felt even better, knocking two seconds off and going dead straight. I suddenly found out that there were only two of us left for the eliminations as John Williamson and Dave Witts had broken, and Jamie Millership never showed! We were asked to do side by side bye runs in the morning and leave the final to the afternoon, we jumped at the chance. Another improvement followed on my time, speed and reaction but on checking the bike over found I had lifted the rear cylinder, horror!

"There were two hours to our final and my crew had disappeared so I spannered furiously. Suddenly Rush, Leo and Dave Witts appeared and joined in the thrash. The organisers ran all the finals bar the two Top Fuel Dragsters which were waiting patiently in the baking sun - sorry Susanne and Darryl, I owe you both. We got done just in time and I got towed to the start at an alarming speed, that was scarier that racing the bike! Chris and I lined up and staged immediately, we left together but Chris was soon ten foot in front of me as he was running 96% nitro (donated by me, d'oh!) and I could not catch him but made a personal best and pulled a great 140 top end. We finally stopped with massive grins on our faces, an overwhelming desire for a cold beer and agreed it was the most fun we had ever had. So, when people ask if it is worth spending these extrotionate amounts of time and money for thirty seconds of racing and a little plastic trophy, we just smile and say You Bet!

"Big thanks to all the people who helped me this weekend, to Lee Child of LA Racing Parts, and APIRA and FAST for a well-run event. Lots of thanks also to Rob, Ton, Al Smith, Rune, Ronny, Barry, Mike, Darryl, Mickey Moore, Jim McClure, Brian Johnson,Tony, Tog and Sharkman, the complete strangers I kept asking for lifts onto the stands and the two window cleaners who helped me load my trailer on Friday!

"The S & S Sure-Shot is sponsored (thank god) by S & S, Red Line Oil, Rivera/Primo, Custom Chrome Europe, Zodiac, JIMS, OffMyHead.com, Sure-Shot sprayers, King Racing and Sprint Dampers. Thanks also to my fellow paparrazzi for the great pix and a special thought to Anni Vader from the Feel The Noise web site who couldn't attend, get well soon Anni!"
©Eurodragster.com
Blazing PBs.
19th June: If you were tuned in last Thursday you will recall that it was going to be a close thing for the UK's Czechmate Sportsman ET team to get the Skoda's gearbox back together in time for the Power Nationals. It turned out to be too close a thing, but it was still a successful weekend for the Czechmate and the Nova Blaze team, as Jeff Rainbird writes.

"The Skoda did not get to the track as the box has no neutral", says Jeff. "Throwing tools and foul language at it on Friday still didn't cure the problem. Steve Partis' Sierra, my old road car, was again nominated to stand in for the Skoda. Steve took up the challenge of getting the Sierra to cut the magic 0.5 reaction which he did very quickly - Martin and Razor would not try it when they were behind the wheel - and the rest of the weekend is history for Axeman but it was valuable practice and trackcraft in his back pocket.
©Eurodragster.com
"Martin Lewis' face after the first qualifying run was well down, to go with the ET. After the shattered piston at the Excitement Nationals the Nova's engine was cut back by a thousand RPM which showed that the motor was making power at high RPM only. Some changes were made which did not yield the desired result as the next qualifier 0.3 slower. With qualifying finished we were ready to go back to the original setting and to hell with the RPM limit.

"Then open practice was announced, so another combination was tried for this run. We ran 15.6 which put big grins on everyone's faces. Eliminations went well with a personal best time (15.56) and speed. The Nova has got going with a thousand to play with to get that fourteen when the last meeting of the year is run. Martin is sitting very handy in the Ultimate Power Championship at the moment with only one meeting really in the Nova, but a fourteen is the aim, or John Price gets it! We're not saying what he gets, but we need everybody willing the Nova into the fourteens because no-one wants to see JP get it."

TV series seeks teams.
19th June: The producers of the Discovery Channel's Thunder Races programme are looking for teams to compete in the next series, which is about to start filming, and Andy Clarke of Leopard Films would be very pleased to hear from racers who would be interested in taking part.

"Do you have what it takes to transform a twenty five year old banger into an awesome twenty five foot long stretched car and then race it round a five mile track?", says Andy. "If the answer is yes then we need you! Thunder Races is a high-adrenaline engineering challenge television series for Discovery and Channel 4 and we are looking for teams of three to apply now.

"Series one was shown on Discovery last year and was a storming success worldwide. We are about to start filming series two, so if you want to apply then please do so immediately. Please send head and shoulders shots as well as a short VHS of you and your team to:
©Eurodragster.com
Thunder Races
Leopard Films
Suite 70
3rd Floor
London House
271-273 King Street
London
W6 9LZ

"You can visit our website at www.thunderraces.co.uk. If you have any queries then don't hesitate to contact me by phone on 020 8233 2924, or by E-Mail at andyclarke@leopardfilms.com.

Child delighted with weekend.
18th June: Power Nationals promoter Lee Child of LA Performance Services is very happy indeed after the highly-successful event at Shakespeare County Raceway.

"It was a fantastic weekend", says Lee, who sponsors Eurodragster's Links pages through his company LA Racing Parts. "I've had a huge number of appreciative E-Mails and phone calls from racers (as have we - Ed). And I was delighted to see so many fans at the track - we had even more spectators at this race than we had at the Excitement Nationals in May!"
©Eurodragster.com
Lee says that the success of the Power Nationals was due to a huge team effort. "I want to thank everyone for their hard work", he says. "The APIRA marshals, the FAST team, Bruno Sanderson-Brown, Darren Prentice and Sharkman on track prep, you all did a fantastic job. I would also like to thank all of the racers for their support, Gleeson Wright Security Services for the bang-up job on security all weekend, Keith Bartlett, David Lloyd-Jones and Kjell Pettersson of Santa Pod for the use of their equipment and their support, Ronnie Picardo for last-minute logistics, and everyone at LA Performance Services - Emma, Chris and Lawson. And thanks to Eurodragster for the great coverage (thank you for inviting us - Ed). Teamwork was the key to the weekend and I had the best team anyone could ask for."

LA Performance Services' next event at Shakespeare County Raceway is the Allstar Nationals on 23rd-25th August which features the third round of the British Nitro FC Championship, the fourth round of the MSA British Drag Racing Championship (Top Methanol), the return of the Fuel Altereds, and Roger Goring in the Firestorm Jet FC as well as all of the UK National and ACU UK Championship classes, Custom Car Street Eliminator, NAST Championship, Wild Bunch, Outlaw Anglias and more. "Every race gives us ideas for improvements, and we're already working hard on that race", says Lee.

Super Professional ET.
18th June: Power Nationals Super Pro ET winner Mark Flavell is quick to credit his team for his victory on Sunday.

"For Super Pro, read Super Professionals", says Mark. "A tremendous win at the Power Nationals was just reward for the hard work and dedication of the entire team. Crew chief Craig Owen called the shots dead right at the weekend with a practically non-existent database, as we were dialling in a stepped-up combination. We discussed the car's potential on every pass, keeping an eye on the barometer etc. and it has to be said that Craig was nearer the mark than I was.

"A few dramas like a failed starter motor and a pulled head stud spiced up the pit action, so Saturday night saw us all in bed early knackered. All except our official Senior Corporate Entertainments Officer Des Taylor who had to be out offering beverages and fine food to potential excecutives.
©Eurodragster.com
"Sunday, what can I say? Everything worked like clockwork. Craig, Des and Steve kept the Performance Unlimited dragster in peak condition checking and re-checking everything. The track was at its best and the APIRA crew ran a slick meeting.

"So a special thanks to Performance Unlimited for the motive power and drive line components, EDA for their advice and input getting it together on the dyno, and of course to our contingency sponsors ARRCs, all of which we use to get us there in the first place. By the way, did anybody else notice Brian Huxley's trousers?"

Nervous Hook pleased.
18th June: Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Ian Hook was very pleased with the performance of his '34 Ford's 'bitza' engine at the Power Nationals.

"As a lot of people were aware, both myself and the crew were very nervous about the result of feeding more gas to the motor", says Ian. "However, it seemed to respond very well. A 9.002 on Sunday made the '34 the second quickest car on the day and I drove it into my garage that evening with not a trace of oil smoke and very good oil pressure. On the flip side we were unfortunately on the wrong side of the ladder to make much progress but reaching the second round has improved our provisional championship position to fifth.

"We have now got two weeks to try hatch a plan to get us back into the eights. I'm sure it will involve copious amounts of nitrous!"

The FB Racing web site at www.fbracing.co.uk has been updated with the latest provisional points standings in CCSE, and Ian promises his own race report very soon.
©Eurodragster.com
Racers invited to pre-Finals Test.
18th June: Santa Pod Raceway have announced that they will again be holding a Test Day prior to the FIA European Finals. The Test Day takes place on Saturday 30th August, and the track will be open between 10:00 and 17:00. Racers in the following classes are invited:

FIA Top Fuel Dragster
FIA Top Methanol Dragster
FIA Top Methanol Funny Car
FIA Pro Stock
Fuel Funny Car
Pro Modified
Comp Eliminator
Super Modified
Super Pro ET
Pro ET
Sportsman ET
Super Comp
Super Gas
Super Street
Custom Car Street Eliminator
UEM Top Fuel Bike (aka Comp Bike)
UEM Super Twin Bike
UEM Pro Stock Bike

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

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

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

Bookings should be made by 16th August, after which entry will be accepted at Santa Pod's discretion.

Full details, conditions, and an entry form can be found by clicking here (PDF file for Acrobat Reader). If you have any enquiries then call Santa Pod Raceway on 01234 782828 (outside the UK +44 1234 782828) or E-Mail test@santapod.fsnet.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Racers invited to Drachten.
18th June: Also inviting racers to an event are Holland's Explosion Drag Racing Club who are accepting entries for the MPM Internationals at Drachten on 12th-13th July.
©Eurodragster.com
"Entry is open to foreign racers until one week before the race", says Jaap Selles of Explosion. "The gates will open at 10:00 am on Friday 11th when tech inspection takes place. The Competition Cars class has been changed to Competition Eliminator."

You can find the official entry form on the Explosion web site at www.explosion.nl, and spectator tickets are on sale on the Lex Joon Racing web site at www.lexjoonracing.nl.

TV agreement reached.
18th June: Caroline Day of Santa Pod Raceway tells us that agreement has now been reached with a large number of TV channels to broadcast this year's FIA, FIM/UEM, and NDRS Bilsport Pro Mod Championships.

The following TV channels have agreed to broadcast the whole Championship: Channel 5 - UK (Terrestrial); Viasat - Sweden/Norway/Finland/Denmark (Satellite); AB Motors - France (Satellite); Sky Sports - UK/Europe (Satellite); Dubai Sports Channel - Middle East (Satellite); Motors TV - France (Satellite); Granada Men & Motors - UK/Europe (Satellite); TV4 - Sweden (Terrestrial)

Worldwide satellite broadcaster Extreme Channel have agreed to broadcast selected shows from the whole Championship schedule.

The following have agreed to broadcast a highlights package within their Motorsport Magazine shows: Fastrax - globally-syndicated; Gillette Sports Special - globally-syndicated to over two hundred channels; Sports Unlimited - globally-syndicated
©Eurodragster.com
Post-Event news packages will be taken by RTL Sports News - Germany (Terrestrial); RTL - Germany (Terrestrial); TV1 - Sweden (Terrestrial); MTV3 - Finland (Terrestrial)

Post-event news packages will be issued via Reuters and EBU - two of the world's largest news agencies.

"We are now awaiting actual broadcast schedules from these broadcasters, and they will be announced as soon as we receive them", says Caroline. You can find more information about TV coverage on Santa Pod's web site at www.santapod.com.

Weekend of Mayhem.
18th June: The UK's York Raceway hosts the Motor Mayhem this Sunday (22nd June), writes PR Howard Holmes. "Billed as the 'over-the-top' event, it includes the excellent track time which you get at York, as well as that Northern hospitality, demonstrated by the ever-popular topless 'burn-out' water babes (not for those of a politically-sensitive disposition)", says Howard.

"More importantly, George Childs will be defending his current number one position in his 528 ci Roadrunner in the second round of the American Superstock Series. This factory and modified muscle car series is starting to show a little bit of Mopar supremacy with Steve Dixon's '69 Coronet snapping at George's heals. So c'mon you Ford and GM guys, let's see what you've got.

"Meanwhile in the Pro ET bracket, Clayton Round's beautiful Buick-powered nostalgia dragster currently rules after round two, if Peter Snowball's Blackout Escort doesn't leave the blower belt on the line this time things might be different. With mild to wild entries, the Sportsman ET bracket has Adam Cuthbert's Jago Jeep (yup, and it burns and runs like an altered!) holding off Stephen Gilmore's rapid 100E.

"In the Hot Rod Challenge series Russ Pursley's power-to-weight missile (nitrous Chevy in diminutive Dutton roadster) will be looking to close in on the lead of Des Taylor in his crowd-pleasing traditional '34 hot rod. There are also open RWYB sessions which attract everything from methanol rails to eleven-second Golfs, plus exhibition vehicle displays. Camping is available from 6:00 pm Saturday.

"The last event at York averaged a remarkable seventy six runs per hour, so if you are tempted to get involved with a bit of participation, there's no better time or place than York Raceway this Sunday!"

For more details either call Steve on 01422 843651 or E-Mail Howard at howardholmes@btinternet.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
18th June: David Wepinksi has launched a German-language Junior Dragster fan page at www.junior-dragster.de. The very nice-looking site features news, reports, Photo Gallery and much more. David tells us that he is working on an English-language version (on the subject of Junior Dragster, congratulations to Glenn Axeldal of our good friends Little Big Racing on his victory at Sundsvall at the weekend - Ed).

UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter's web site has been updated as promised with a 2003 Photo Gallery. Check it out at www.andycarter.net.

Also posting pictures is Eurodragster staffer Tog, who has updated his personal web site Tog's Drag Racing Page with proofs of his Power Nationals shots. If you want to know what Tog was getting up to behind the Jet FCs at the weekend then check out his pictures at www.togsdragracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Koedam blasts Dutch record.
17th June: Dutch Top Fuel Bike racer and FIM/UEM Championship leader Roel Koedam attended the Drachten Nationals at the weekend to make some demonstration passes over the eighth mile for his home town fans. The demonstrations turned out better than Roel and the team could possibly have wanted, writes Crew Chief Mariius van der Zijden.

"The weather was absolutely excellent all weekend, with temperatures ranging around 27 degrees C and not a cloud in the sky", says Marius. "It seemed that a lot people noticed this too and the spectator turn-out was very good both on Saturday and on Sunday.

"We had planned only to make two runs on Sunday, but we made one on Saturday afternoon and another three on Sunday. We didn't expect really good traction so we fitted our spare tyre and a spare set of clutch plates. We played it safe with the nitro percentage on Saturday for the same reason. How wrong could we be, we were simply too cautious! The engine ran too rich, started misfiring and then snapped a primary drive belt about a hundred metres into the run.
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"On Sunday we went back to a more familiar nitro percentage and she sounded real happy again. The opener of that day was a decent 4.42/269 kmh. However, the clutch release bearing still didn’t work a hundred per cent during the run. It looked like a malfunction of the clutch solenoid, which is not easily accessible on our bike. As we had plenty of time before the second round we were able to dig in deeper and could try something out for the next run. We made a modification to this solenoid valve and on the next run the clutch management system worked just like the old days. The resulting 4.25/284 broke the national and track record which we held anyway. We also learned that the traction was surprisingly good and the clutch seemed to react exactly to the changes that we made.

"It was therefore time to step the clutch up a but and to attack our new track record on our last run. We were scheduled to perform the very last run of the weekend to close the event. Free of any mental pressure at all we were ready to render the new track record short-lived. Oh boy, what a run it was! The scoreboard stopped at an amazing 4.18/295 kmh (183 mph). The crowd went crazy, and so did we. Who would ever think this could be possible at Drachten? Except for the legendary late Sammy Miller in his rocket car, no one - car or bike - has ever been quicker or faster in Holland!

"Well-oiled organisation, perfect track preparation and good weather conditions which made this all possible. With just some demo passes in mind originally, the overall outcome turned out to be a little different. In the end both our team and the spectators got a lot more than we expected. The event itself ran well, as did the organisation's brand-new timing system.

"It looks like the track is capable of running a big event like an eighth-mile FIM/UEM Championship round again."

Mantorp electricity, hospitality.
17th June: Mantorp Park have released the application form for pit electricity, hospitality packages and tickets for the Veidec Nitro Festival at Mantorp Park on 24th-27th July. The form is in PDF format and can be downloaded by clicking here.

You can find the very latest versions of all of the Veidec Nitro Festival forms as well as all other NDRS events on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se/nerladdning.html.
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Rawlings has more to smile about.
17th June: UK Super Modified racer Steve Rawlings ran personal bests and made it into the final round of the Power Nationals before a simple problem put him out of contention against Graham Ellis. Steve, who famously saw the funny side of blowing an engine to bits last season, naturally came out smiling.

"I had a slightly later than planned start to the season, due to a family bearevement just prior to Easter and a few problems at the Excitement Nationals", says Steve. "We needed to try to get on the pace as soon as we could, so we came up with a plan of attack: Supercrew! Rob Loaring and Nick Davies (of our sponsors ICE Automotive - Ed), who built the engine, came along to help Mick and myself to establish a routine and get the car set up properly.

"Saturday was mostly spent chasing down a problem on the nitrous system, which proved to be a combination of low battery voltage and chattering relays affecting the nitrous solinoids. This was for the most part dealt with by the first round on Sunday resulting in a new personal best of 8.241/165.44, and a second round of 8.255/164.84.
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"And so to the final. Disaster! With my confidence growing I went for a strong rolling burnout. To my horror as I went to engage reverse the shifter cable mounting tab came loose. I had no gears and I couldn't quite reach the damn thing, and unfortunately I was out of reach of any instant assistance. This left Blakey (Graham Ellis - Ed) to make a blisteringly quick pass, and for once the old boy had a bigger smile on his face than me!

"So well done Graham, Rob and the lads, also well done to Fred, Mick and the gang on the massive effort to get the Gleeson Wright car back out after the mishap at the last meeting - like the shark! Finally a big Thank You to Rob and Nick for all the help and advice over the weekend, and to Mick for his regular support each meeting. See you all at the Summernationals."

Wildside Inc's achievement.
17th June: Lesley Wright, owner of the Wildside Inc Top Fuel Dragster team, who won the Top Fuel match race at the weekend's Power Nationals, tells us that she and John Wright feel that they achieved something at Shakespeare County Raceway. "We enjoyed our drag racing!", she says.

"Thanks so much to all our crew for helping us make our first win: Sean Milsom, Pit Team Leader; Ian Stephenson, Engine Team Leader; Simon Prest, Clutch 'tinkerer' and Rear End Team Leader; Lee Giles; Ricky Gowan (borrowed from Turner Racing for the weekend!); Tom Digby; and Kat. Still not beaten off the line, Darryl Bradford: you really came up with the goods in the final with your .501 light - it was brilliant!
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"We also had a very special extra crew man this weekend, Jack Sheer (aged 4) without whose valuable assistance it would not have been possible. Cheers Josh and Amanda, thanks for your support! The sale of the Racing Champions models went well, we didn't hurt a thing in the engine thanks to Royal Purple oil; Sara Cridland and Derek Todd and families from Thinktank - thanks for your support; special thanks to John Price and Flint Insurance for all that you do. Thanks to Webb Hire for supplying the power to keep us cool, and to Datron Technology who with their 2-D system demonstrated the fascinating facts of every heartbeat of the engine, not only to John but to the spectators during the warm up in the pits. It's a brilliant system guys, look forward to capturing more data soon. Big thanks to Newport Imports (01634 267676) for allowing us to showcase a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado SS - superb tow vehicle!

"Also big thanks to everyone from the APIRA crew - working out there in those temperatures, we don't know how you do it! Lee Child, Bruno and Darren - you're a great team!

"It was pretty special this weekend for John as his old buddy Baz Young came over from Australia and together with Mickey Moore and Ollie Burns and all the people from the 'not quite yet over the hill mob' being around it was a bit of an MDRA reunion. The last time that Mickey and John both had a race car in the pits at the same race was so long ago neither of them could remember the year! Guess we'll always remember this race!"

A Coe never gives up.
17th June: UK Wild Bunch racers Tom and Alec Coe didn't have the easiest of weekends in their slingshots at the Power Nationals, but a never-give-up attitude paid off, says Tom.

"The first round of qualifying didn't quite go to plan. We fitted a new shifter as planned and I was geared up to run a ten. I started the burnout and bang. It turned out that I had snapped a halfshaft. My dad Alec Coe was next to run but couldn't start the car, the brand new mini starter motor had cracked in half.

"Back in the pits, Alec and crew chief Kevin were running around trying to find another starter motor. We had a few offers but none would fit - thanks to everyone, you know who you are. We then heard that Lee Child of LA Racing Parts might have a starter motor. We found him and he sold us one so thanks very much to Lee. In the meantime, I was trying to fix the halfshaft and after a lot of running around, Martin Hill of the Fireforce Jet Funny Car team offered to weld it temporarily so that I could qualify.

"I managed to put a pass in of a 36.55 at 24 mph so that no pressure was put on the halfshaft. Alec qualified but broke out with a PB of 10.34. After Saturday's racing, I went back with Roy Wilding to his workshop where he made me a new halfshaft and we made it back to the track at 11:00 pm for some dinner.
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"The new halfshaft was fitted on Sunday morning and the other one taken out an