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	*Veidec Festival results.* 31st July: Congratulations to the winners of the Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park: Top Fuel Dragster: Håkan Nilsson 4.913/483.28 def. Urs Erbacher no time Top Methanol Dragster: Dave Wilson 5.447/416.23 def. Peter Schöfer 8.707/175.38 Top Methanol Funny Car: Jörgen Johnsson 5.822/387.10 def. Leif Andréasson 5.910/392.22 Pro Modified: Micke Gullquist 6.318/367.22 def. Urban Johansson 6.375/358.48 Pro Stock:Jimmy Ålund 6.958/318.78 def. Michael Malmgren 6.991/318.94 Top Fuel Bike: Rickard Gustavsson 6.738/306.81 def. Peter Ström shut off Supertwin: Lorenz Stäuble 6.877/322.14 def. Ronny Aasen 6.885/335.00 Pro Stock Bike: Anders Abrahamsson 7.398/288.58 def. Martin Bishop 7.591/285.14 red light ©Eurodragster.com Competition Eliminator: Janne Ahonen (7.94) 7.119/302.26 def. Jan Egil Kvalvik (7.81) 7.483/298.21 Super Comp: Mikael Nilsson 8.878/253.14 def. Malcolm Francis 14.178/232.27 red Super Gas: Håkan Mattsson 9.896/232.04 def. Morton Tiainen no time Super Street: Jonas Dantanus 10.882/203.63 b/o def. Janne Carlsson 10.835/211.75 b/o Stock/Superstock: Yrjo Wallius (10.80) 10.845/196.19 def. Daniel Persson (10.71) 10.957/196.27 Junior Dragster: Jenny Gustafsson (9.05) 9.087/110.41 def. Niklas Brusen (9.15) 9.075/115.11 b/o Super Gas Bike: Mats Wuolo 9.623/231.31 def. Kjell Breding 9.620/232.21 Street Bike: Torstein Arestol 10.333/219.21 b/o def. Sami Ylhainen 10.333/205.22 b/o Subject to official ratification Micke Gullquist set a new European Pro Modified speed record of 367.22 kmh (228.18 mph), and the following track records were also set: Top Methanol Funny Car ET: 5.772 seconds, Jörgen Johnsson Top Methanol Funny Car speed: 402.29 kmh, Jörgen Johnsson Pro Modified ET: 6.290 seconds, Urban Johansson Pro Modified speed: 367.22 seconds, Micke Gullquist You can view our American Car Imports-sponsored reports, pictures and pit notes by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page and selecting the Veidec Festival. *MB Motorsports TMD for sale.* 31st July: Finnish Top Methanol Dragster racer and team owner Mats Björklund and his team have decided to take a break and Mats has put his complete TMD operation up for sale. Mats says that the cost of operating the TMD to the level he would like and the lack of time put racing TMD out of reach for the time being. ©Eurodragster.com If you are interested then you can contact Mats at info@mbmotorsports.fi or check out what is on offer at www.mbmotorsports.fi. "I would like to thank everybody who made my dream come true, better luck next time...", says Mats. *Nostalgia call for SCR.* 31st July: Shakespeare County Raceway would be interested to hear from anyone who owns or knows the whereabouts of vintage drag racing cars and bikes with the intention of mounting a display at the forthcoming Open Sports Nationals on 26th-28th August. "Anything with some history behind it would be most appealing", says SCR's Jerry Cookson. "It doesn't have to look pretty. We would be particularly interested to hear from anyone who still owns vehicles, race or custom, which actually saw active life down here when the strip used to run under the names Long Marston International Raceway and Avon Park." Jerry also asks that anyone interested in trading items of drag racing memorabilia - photos, programmes, posters, models etc - at the meet to get in touch. If you've got something of interest E-Mail Jerry at enquires@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk quartermilenewsmakers@yahoo.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com *Rental PSB available.* 31st July: The Dave Beck Racing rental Pro Stock Bike is available for the Open Sports Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway in August at a cost of £650 for the three days. ©Eurodragster.com "The bike has been rebuilt end to end, including a lot of carbon fibre body parts, new ignition and a fully rebuilt motor", says Stephen Moon. "This great deal includes crew for the weekend, and riding and setup advice from seven-times ACU champion Dave Beck. "So pay your money, turn up and ride a proven 7.5-second bike. Call Dave on 07771 652139 or Stephen on 07967 564301." *WSR DVDs for sale.* 31st July: In March 2005 four Brits went to the USA to take on the Americans and Canadians for the World Street Race and came back victorious.At last you can now see what happened in that momentous few days. Exclusive to Street Rodding in Motion, the two-DVD set is now available with all the behind the scenes action as well as the testing, qualifying, cruise and eliminations. Included in the DVD set is a bonus American Tin DVD with all the other cars from the WSR weekend. "Hopefully after you have watched the footage you'll have some insight into what it took to acheive the dream", says WSR organiser Andy Frost. ©Eurodragster.com The DVDs retail at £20 plus postage and packing. for your copy E-Mail either wade@soapdodger.fsnet.co.uk or redvictor1@hotmail.com. *Web site updates.* 31st July: In the latest entry in his exclusive Racer Blog, FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Lex Joon tells about eliminations at the Veidec Festival and a potential problem with spares, and confirms that Robert Koper's crew are OK after their crash in Lex's minibus. You can check out Lex's blog by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blog link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com *Swift snippets.* 30th July: A very Happy 50th Birthday to FIM/UEM European Championship Co-ordinator Lars Anderssson. Lars is spending the day officiating at the Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park, have a great day Lars. ©Eurodragster.com *Web site updates.* 30th July: In the latest entry in his exclusive Racer Blog, FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Lex Joon bemoans the loss of two of his four qualifying runs at Mantorp Park to problems with the timing system and assesses his chances in today's eliminations at the Veidec Festival. You can check out Lex's blog by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blog link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com *SCR August Bank Holiday update.* 29th July: Following recent speculation regarding the running of the Open Sports Nationals August Bank Holiday drag races on 26th-28th August, Round 6 of the UK National Championships, Shakespeare County Raceway/APIRA officials have announced that an application for race documentation was recently submitted and has been granted by the MSA and ACU, writes SCR's Jerry Cookson. All race teams considering entering the Open Sports Nationals are reminded that race entries need to be addressed to: The Club and Race Secretary c/o Shakespeare County Raceway Airfield House Long Marston Stratford-Upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 8LL If you have already submitted an entry and wish to confirm then please call 01789 414119/720180 or E-Mail enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com *You knackered TJ's printer!* 29th July: Just as we knew you would, Eurodragster.com and Kingracing.com readers came through for TJ O'Brien's partner Pat Ginn who has been in hospital having a brain tumour investigated. "Pat came through the op no problems and the surgeon was very happy with the outcome", says TJ O'Brien. "We have to wait a week for the results and then decide on futher action. ©Eurodragster.com "I can't belive the response from all the racers and race fans - people I have never heard of, people from Germany, Holland, Sweden, Italy, the USA etc. I got up yesterday morning to go to the hospital and had thirty E-Mails. Pat was so pleased and they really cheered her up befor the op, thank you all so much. Then when I got home last night, there were another eighty E-Mails. My poor printer is knackered! I can't wait to show the E-Mails to Pat today, I can just see her laughting now which is what we both need. You are all heroes in our hour of need and I love you all." Well, we love you too Pat and TJ. If you want to send Pat a message of support then drop her a line at otjobrien@aol.com. *Swift snippets.* 29th July: Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team owner Knut Söderquist has confirmed to Eurodragster.com that Swedish Pro Mod racer Patrik Pers is to be the eighth driver in the Top Fuel Dragster match race at the Bahrain International Circuit in October. ©Eurodragster.com Lynn Cox of Panic Attack 2 has asked us to say a big Thank You to UK Super Mod racer Rob Smallworth and his crew for being great 'neighbours' at the Bug Jam at the weekend. "They made it a cherry weekend", says Lynn. Steve Wood has been in touch to ask if his 1400 cc Hayabusa is the quickest normally-aspirated street bike in the country having run an 8.94 at the recent Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway. If you know the answer then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com. *Web site updates.* 29th July: Featured in this week's edition of Drag, Rod and Classic Review magazine at www.drcreview.com is Part 2 of the amateur photographic competition which includes another batch of photos taken by drag racing enthusiasts at Santa Pod. "If you haven't already entered, please remember the cut-off date is 10th August", says Editor Andrew Kirk. "Keith Baker can perhaps be best described as a non-conformist hot rodder, and his latest Hemi-powered '32 Roadster project is a perfect example of this philosophy. We've been fortunate enough to get a sneak preview of Keith's new car. Read about it in Top Stories. Finally, Cadillac have been busy recreating a former Panamericana racer - a 1954 Cadillac Coupe - read the story in Headlines." ©Eurodragster.com *Pat needs our support.* 28th July: UK Comp Bike racer TJ O'Brien has been in touch to let us know that his partner Pat is in hospital "Pat, who is my life, wasn't feeling well on Wednesday so I took her to hospital", says TJ. "They did a cat scan and found a lump in her brain so she was rushed to a head clinic and we were told that it is a brain tumour. She is going for a biopsy today (Friday). ©Eurodragster.com "As drag racing is the biggest and only famly I have, I would like everyone to send Get Well messages for Pat to otjobrien@aol.com so that I can take them to the hospital for her and let her know that we all love her and are all thinking of her and can't wait to see her back at the track." There's the address folks, you know what to do, and we're sure that everyone will join us in wishing Pat all the very best for a very rapid and complete recovery. *Swift snippets.* 28th July: The Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards lasted all of two and three quarter hours on yesterday's first day of the Veidec Festival. First to go was the Eurodragster.com/LA Racing Parts Perfect ET Award which was won by Super Comp racer Mikael Nilsson with an 8.900 with a zero as the fourth decimal place for good measure, and Super Street racer ET Jörgensen pulled a 0.000 reaction time to take the Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award in the second cycle. Both racers are now 1000 SEK better off courtesy of Eurodragster.com and our sponsors to whom the usual thanks. ©Eurodragster.com Ex-pat UK Fuel racer Smax Smith says that the rain-out of the IHRA event in Toronto meant that he still could not test Spiro Kontas' Fuel FC. "We are going to test next weekend and cross grade to an IHRA licence so we can race a bit in the good old USA!", says Smax. "It's a shame as friend and crew member Ray Gardner came over to help. The car sounds awesome and I'd like to Stuart McDonald (Top Fuel Dragster owner/tuner) and friends for helping to tune the car." We would like to wish a very Happy 50th Birthday to Eurodragster.com pit reporter, Blog editor and news reporter Simon. Simon is spending his birthday at the Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park and we will make sure that he has a great day. *The Doorslammers are back...* 27th July: Craig Gibbs has been in touch with the promised details about the Doorslammer Tour to Hockenheim for the Nitrolympx at the end of August: First of all we would like to say a big thank you to Rico Anthes for allowing us to attend his event again this year, and for the support he is giving us Thanks Rico! We can now confirm that we have no less than ten entries making the trip to Hockenheim this year, and what a collection of cars it is too! Craig Gibbs, '69 Camaro Ian Marshall, '92 Camaro Graham Ellis, Oldsmobile Cutlass Paul Mander ,'76 Plymouth Arrow Steve Rawlings, '89 Toyota Supra Mick Coombs, Granada Scorpio Andy Chilton, '93 Rover 214 Mathew Wright, '74 Chevy Pickup Mark Pointer, '59 Fordson Van Chris Orthodoxou, '98 Dodge Viper We have had such a great response from people wanting to join us, and had as many as fourteen teams wanting to go, but unfortunately we only had enough entries for ten and this was done on a first come first served basis. Sorry we couldn't take everyone, if it was down to us we would! The support we have had from sponsors has been amazing to and the following companies have now pledged their support: Obsession Motorsports Allsports Logistics Specialist In Design - SID Race Paint Webster Race Engineering Aeromotive Oil Control Gleeson Wright Security ICE Automotive Racing Engines Andy Robinson Race Cars Power Race Graphics From all of the racers going, we say a big thank you to all of these sponsors for their help and support, and we would like to say a special thank you to Ian Marshall for all of his efforts over the last few weeks with helping to secure additional sponsorship, and of course we would always be grateful for any further added support, so please get in touch with us on 01483 236262 to find out how you could help. ©Eurodragster.com The plan for this was to keep alive the trips that my father used to organise not only last year, but back in the mid-nineties with the notorious Super Gas trips, I think everyone there will tell you how good the parties were, and everyone will remember the water park and log flumes. The trip obviously has a serious side to it with the racing, and educating the Europeans about Super Modified racing, but it's also about having fun, chilling out, and enjoying yourselves, which I am sure everyone will agree has certainly been achieved in the past. Like the old days, we have had a trip T-Shirt designed to celebrate the event (right, click on picture for large version), and we will be handing these out to everyone who is going. Don't worry, there are three per crew member, so you'll have a clean one for each day of the racing (provided Rob keeps his greasy hands to himself!). I sure everyone will agree that Darren West at Power Race Graphics has done a superb design for us, and they should hopefully be going into print by this time next week. So the stage is set, the racers are ready, and for all those spectators making the trip to Hockenheim the Doorslammers are back! *The first time for everything.* 27th July: Craig Gibbs also says that he can't say how good it feels to have taken his first Super Modified event win at the Bug Jam after running his first 7.8 and 170mph. "We are finally getting somewhere with the car", he says. "The Super Crew of Mum, Darren, Nitrous Bottle wiz - Marie, Louise who's expecting our first child, and Kev Moore who unfortunately couldn't make the weekend, have worked so hard all season, chasing problem after problem trying to get some performance out of the car, and it's finally starting to come round. I'm so happy for all of them. "After a terrible start to the year losing Dad in March, we didn't know if we could even face racing again, but it's a warm feeling knowing that he's there sitting right beside me from the pit lane to the return road, and that win was for him! I've already got a special place lined up for the trophy and winning timing ticket, and those who are closest to me know where that is. ©Eurodragster.com "Of course we couldn't have got where we are now without all of the help from all of the other Super Mod guys. Talk about an extended family, if anyone is seriously thinking about coming into the class you will not find a closer-knit community than the Super Mod pits, and that helps to make it all worth while. Apart from my crew whom i've already mentioned, I would also like to thank the following people for everything they do. In no particular order Kev Perkins, Jeff and Belinda Bull, Chris Mead, Graham 'Mini Moto' Ellis and Rob 'The Grease' Millward, John and Sharon Hogarth at SID, Bob and Cathy Glassup, all of the other guys in Super Mod, Andy and Kate at Robinson Race Cars, Chris Issacs, all the Santa Pod crew especially Darren Prentice and David Lloyd Jones. The list goes on and on, I'm sorry if I haven't mentioned anyone, but we really do appreciate everything, and of course one last person who's right at the top of the list - my Guardian Angel, Dad." *Haslett's best weekend.* 27th July: If you checked out Ian Hook's Real Steel Street Eliminator review on Tuesday then you will have read that Ron Haslett set new Personal Bests at the Bug Jam at Santa Pod Raceway at the weekend. Ron has been in touch to let us know how his weekend went: Firstly I'd like to say what a weekend. Those Vdub boys and girls know how to enjoy themselves. We went up on Thursday lunch time expecting to be one of the only teams there. How wrong can you be! We left a little later than planed as my insurance papers hadn't turned up to tax the motor home, it was the first time we had taken the motorhome anywhere in two years. Friday was a Run What You Brung, mostly for the Vdubs. At about three o'clock we decided to sign on and make a couple of runs. We ran 10.9 off the trailer, bloody good start - the chassis work we did between rounds has worked, but the gas didn't work. We next ran 11.4 but with big wheelspin to about a thousand feet and again no gas. For run three we tried a new approach and dropped the gas down to 150 bhp but after the launch I had a bit of a fire under the bonnet which was down to number one plug lead not being on. That was enough for the day, three runs in a little over an hour. We thought we'd join in the partying for the night, and I decided not to run on Saturday after we all had a bit of a night of it. ©Eurodragster.com Sunday qualifying came thick and fast. We had three runs, all in the tens with the fastest being a new PB of 10.70, not bad as the gas was now well dead. As a result we were paired up with Al Simms who was running in the nines. We got off the line first but Al had the power over us and took the win. We made two more passes just trying to get the gas to work, but no joy. At the end of the weekend we came away with nine passes, seven in the tens and new Personal Bests of 10.70 seconds and 133 mph. I'd like to thank my crew as it was a very hot and long weekend, and Ray Comer a fellow racer who has lent me his nitrous system as he is out for the season. I think I found the problem with the gas as we found a faulty plug under the dash tonight whilst I was fitting Ray's system. *Swift snippets.* 27th July: Swedish Top Fuel Dragster legend Peter Lantz and his Crew Chief Morgan Svensson will be returning to the track this weekend to tune Jöran Persåker's Top Fueller at the Veidec Festival. The famous Mopar Euro Nats is being held at Santa Pod this weekend. Gates open at 9:00 tomorrow (Friday) and weekend tickets are £35 per person, under 16s are of course free. Run What You Brung takes place as usual on Saturday and Sunday and new for 2006 is RWYB on Friday between 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Sign on is £20 per day for unlimited runs. Martin Hill's Fireforce 3 Jet FC will be appearing on Saturday and Sunday. The Muscle Car Cruise takes place on Friday evening and the famous burnout competition will take place on Sunday. For further information check out www.mopareuronats.com. ©Eurodragster.com Santa Pod Raceway are looking for race cars to make demonstration passes at Ultimate Street Car on 4th-6th August. SPR are looking ideally for sub ten-second cars to show the crowd what drag racing is all about. A special fenced-off racer pit area will be provided. If anyone is interested in track time on a prepped track then please E-Mail David Lloyd-Jones at david@santapod.com. For further details about USC check out the event's web site at www.ultimatestreetcar.co.uk. Mike from Dan Cockerill's Pro Mod team has asked us to say a big Good Luck to all the Brits and everyone in Pro Mod at Mantorp Park this weekend. "I cannot make it", says Mike, "although my uncle Dan Cockerill has abanonded me and will be there whilst I'm on the computer watching. Good luck to Gordon and Andy and all the GB crew!" *Seamarks' thanks.* 27th July: UK Junior Dragster racer Matthew Seamarks has been in touch to thank everyone who helped him out after a broken axle locked up his Gingerman Racing JD at the Bug Jam at Santa Pod Raceway. "Thanks to Tim, Nick and Jan Mugurdige for helping to strip down the rear end and for moving people while trolley-jacking it back to the pits", says Matthew, "to Ronnie Picardo for the trolley jack. Also to one of Steve Rawlings' crew for advice - sorry but we don't know your name, you know who you are. ©Eurodragster.com "We believe we broke a piston ring at the same time. The reason for the lock-up was that one of the bolts shook lose and started to hit the brake caliper then the rest followed by ripping the heads of four of six bolts, and then the last two hooked themselves onto the brake caliper which in turn has damaged the carrier for the brake disc and the mounting plates for the rear axle. We hope to be running at USC if funds allow. Also well done to Nick Mugridge for winning the Shootout 2-1 after the damage." *Real street at York.* 27th July: York Raceway's annual Street Racer Championship takes place on Saturday of next week, 5th August. This event has become something of a UK drag racing institution, with many of the good and great making up past winners of the coveted title, says York Raceway PR Howard Holmes: The Street Racer Championship can be a tricky one: you may need a plan to ensure you win. This is for really real street cars, OK the winner will probably need to have ballistic performance, but there are factors to be reckoned with to ensure victory. For a start, it doesn't get re-run later in the (hopefully unlikely) event of wet weather. It damn well runs, whatever the weather! Also, don't expect a two-hour interval for a re-map or rebuild between rounds. Oh no, in the Street Racer Championship, competitors go head to head and the winner of each elimination drives back to the end of the fire up lane for his/her next round -so it can be a bit tough if your car is too far over the edge. Last year, Nigel Parkin took the trophy back from John Sleath, in Nige's Sleath-built 454-equipped XJS. So will there be a grudge this year, a past winner again, a new contender or will there be a newcomer to take the title, because the door is wide open and the form book can go out of the window. And all those who attended York's Northern Sportsman Nationals will know the track is good for running some quick times. York Raceway and the Pennine Drag Racing Club look forward to welcoming friends and racers old and new for this thrilling event. And whilst you're there, don't forget to enter some of York's Northern Drag Racing Championship rounds on the Saturday and Sunday. For further details phone Steve on 07813 440 440, E-Mail york-raceway@thebeyond.co.uk, or check out www.york-raceway.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com *Web site updates.* 27th July: Our good buddy Gwynn Clark has updated his Slimboy Fat photography site with pictures from last weekend's Bug Jam at Santa Pod Raceway. "There is fair bit of track action - RWYB, VWDRC, Street Eliminator and Super Mods - and also a bit of 'off track' action", says Gwynn. Check it out at www.pbase.com/slimboyfat/bug_jam_20. ©Eurodragster.com *Veidec Festival Press Day pictures.* 26th July: Eurodragster.com's advance party attended today's Veidec Festival Press Day at Mantorp Park and pictures are now available on our Event Coverage page in association with American Car Imports. ©Eurodragster.com Because a relatively small number of race vehicles ran we have not compiled a report but all of the salient information including ETs and speeds is included on the gallery captions. Click here to view our Press Day gallery, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page and select the Veidec Festival. *Swift snippets.* 26th July: Jöran Persåker's Top Fuel Dragster arrived from England as scheduled on Monday, and when we visited Persåker's Speed Shop yesterday the team were simultaneously taking an inventory and stickering the car and trailer. "We will run this weekend and then decide whether to attend any more races this year", said Jöran. "It would be nice to go to the European Finals and get together with Peter Knight, but we will take one race at a time". Stay tuned for some special news from Jöran's pit. ©Eurodragster.com Niclas Winberg tells us that FHRA Nitro Nationals FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike winner Rickard Gustavsson has invited his bike's former owner and AMA/Prostar Funny Bike Champion Korry Hogan to help tune the six-second bike at this weekend's Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park. Martin Hill has been in touch to let us know that Coldfire fire suppression bottles and nozzles will be available from Steve Turner at the Turners' Top Methanol Dragster pit over the next two events in Sweden and Norway. The Coldfire system has SFI 17.1 spec and complies with all current regulations. Swedish Pro Mod racer Freddy Fagerström is featured in this month's issue of Wheels magazine, says Patrik Jacobsson. "Freddy is on the cover of the magazine and there is a large feature inside", says Patrik. You can find some more details at the Wheels magazine web site. Mark Bishop of the 1320 Rebels says that all are invited to the Oakley Arms in Rushden next Tuesday, 1st August, for a Drag Racing Night. "After the World Cup the projector has become unused, so we thought we would put it back into action and try to bring back a Drag Racing Night to the area, with the intention of making this happen the first Tuesday of every month", says Mark. "The Oakley Arms is situated on Wellingborough Road, just up the road from Webster Race Engineering". If you have any queries then you can contact Mark through the 1320 Rebels web site. *Web site updates.* 26th July: The Cobalt Motorsport web site at www.cobaltmotorsport.com has been updated with pictures of Finnish Pro Stock racer Richard Sundblom's weekends at Santa Pod Raceway and Alastaro. ©Eurodragster.com Editor's note: Only a brief update today because of the impending Press Day at Mantorp Park but we have plenty lined up for the next update including news of the return to Hockenheim of the Doorslammer Tour, Craig Gibbs' take on his event win at the Bug Jam, and much more. *Legs eleven and PBs.* 25th July: Eleven cars made it to Santa Pod for Round 5 of the Real Steel Street Eliminator UK held at last weekend's Bug Jam, says class PR and event winner Ian Hook: Unfortunately reigning champion Colin Lazenby was out before he even started when parts failed to arrive to repair the 706 which was damaged on a trip to the MoT station. Colin's absence opened the door for Ian 'Fatty' Hook to get one hand on this year's Championship and he did it in style, taking the number one qualifying spot with an 8.28 and posting a new Personal Best 8.17/171 on his way to victory over Alan Simms, the latter making a final after just three meetings in the reborn Cresta. The incredible summer storm of Saturday afternoon which caused wrecked awnings and floods in the pits, combined with the huge crowds, meant that once again the Bug Jam did not host a Street Eliminator cruise. However a superb atmosphere and a massive interest in the cars helped to make up for that and, with a late start to qualifying on Saturday, Friday night was party night in the SE pits. With the number of 'hard' street tyres which are used at the Bug Jam traction is always a problem at this event. Despite this Fatty wasn't the only one to set a new PB. Ron Haslett made the most of the opportunity and made nine passes (seven in the tens) potting a PB on the way. Alex McIntosh also improved on his previous quickest ET and went rounds to move up the Championship table. Returning Ray Tucker and the 'old farts' went home very happy – the Red Racing Vette in one piece and into the eights despite one of the laziest-looking launches seen in Street Eliminator. And don’t forget 'Hairy' John Walden who is now knocking on the door of the nines with a 10.14 and entertaining everyone with wheels-up launches. Revised Championship standings will shortly be posted on the Street Eliminator web site at www.streeteliminatoruk.com. ©Eurodragster.com *First win felicitations.* 25th July: Graham Ellis of reigning UK Super Modified Champions Ellis Racing writes to congratulate Craig Gibbs and team on Craig's first Super Modified event win at the weekend's Bug Jam at Santa Pod Raceway. "The whole team have worked hard for it, and done some super sketches too!", says Graham. "The whole weekend resulted in a fitting tribute to The Main Man Terry Gibbs. He would have loved that, the first win feels so good. There were also some greasy hands and T-Shirts, and some expert mini moto riding - come to think of it Craig won that too. ©Eurodragster.com "Despite a red light Craig's win meant that we didn't lose too many points and still have a safe points lead in the Championship. So from this team to that a great big Well Done and we'll see you all at Hockenheim." *Swift snippets.* 25th July: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to ask us to remind Pro racers that Thursday 10th August is the Pro-class closing date for entry to the FIA European Finals which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 7th-10th September. Entry forms are available on the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. Further to last Thursday's news item, Urban Olars says that Swed Handling have taken a lot of orders for methanol for delivery to Mantorp Park for this week's race. "Ulf Leanders would like to remind racers that tomorrow (Wednesday) is the last day for orders, and that they will be delivered to the track on Friday", says Urban. "Swed Handling has also a lot of other chemicals for sale such as degreasing compounds and so on". For contact details see last Thursday's news item. UK Super Pro ET racer John Everitt's Alien altered is returning to the track with a new methanol injected 555 ci Jeff Bull motor, 4.11 rear end and refurbished wheelie bars after putting holes in the block, sump and a burger van earlier this season. "We have loads of trick parts with bags more horsepower and a shedful of torque", says John. "Initial testing will be at Shakespeare County Raceway in August hopefully making us ready to take on the Super Pro runners at the European Finals. A big thanks has to go to our sponsor (and ours - Ed) stitchncards.com for making all this possible, and also the help of crew Tony De Cross, Chris Coleman and Tony Deluca who have shaped up well in their first year." ©Eurodragster.com UK Event Safety have posted £100 prize money and trophies for the Outlaw Anglia round which takes place at the UK Truck Show at Santa Pod Raceway on 19th-20th August. The Truck Show will also be hosting a round of the Wild Bunch as well as demonstration passes by other racers. For more information check out the event's official web site at www.uktruckshow.co.uk. Jemma Harrison has asked us to say a big Thank You to everyone who attended Gary's Picnic especially racers Jerry Smith, Lee Darby and the Outlaw Anglias. "It was an amazing weekend and the final of the shootout was spectacular", says Jemma. "All the NASC crew ran around like headless chickens preparing for the event, and all deserve a pat on the back for the hard work they put in. A big thanks to all of Santa Pod's crew also. See you next year!" In answer to a number of queries for which he is most grateful, News Editor Tog has confirmed that he will be at Mantorp Park this weekend. "I have been in Sweden since last Friday chilling out with Christer", says Tog. "I went back to work a couple of weeks ago and my strength is slowly coming back, and the great hospitality and clean air of Sweden have also helped. The plan is that I write the live race reports this weekend, and Simon will jump in if I need a break. However it's possible that you might not see too much of me in the pits in the evenings as my little legs tire easily and I am still going to bed quite early." *A Good weekend.* 25th July: Also in grateful mood are UK Pro ET racer Nick Good and team who have a few words of thanks after running their first eight-second pass in the Total Seal Super Pro ET Shootout at the Drachten Internationals. "Firstly thanks to the other racers for agreeing to move the cut-off time from 8.99 to 9.20 seconds to allow us to race", says Nick. "Before leaving it was thought we would be running over the eighth mile where we could run under the 5.9 cut-off. This later proved to be less relevant as the superb track (well done Jaap!) knocked two tenths of a second off what we would normally expect to run at the Pod. The eXplosion Club and fans were delighted that the class could be run over the quarter. With the short run-off we realised that a parachute packing lesson was needed, with tuition from Craig and Steve of Mark Flavell Racing we managed to keep off the grass. "An unusual number of red lights decided many races during eliminations. In the first round we were up against Paul Davies who unfortunately pulled a red and we went out to a three thousands red against Sam Freeman. But the highlight of the weekend for the team was our first ever eight second timing ticket during qualifying. "Well done to Martin, Peter and Leigh on their wins and to Derek for the record times and speeds. Thanks to Mark Flavel for organising the trip and Dave Powell for backing the Shootout. We were made to feel most welcome by the other Super Pro teams, and are already looking forward to next year's event." *Web site updates.* 25th July: The ninth page of The Long Lost John Woolfe Racing Archives has now been published on Alan Currans' excellent Acceleration Archive. "The update features an eclectic mix of motorcycles and cars and includes interesting portraits of the 'Fast Lady' Roz Prior, NDRC Chairman Alan Wigmore and JWR supremo Dave Riswick", says Alan. Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Our good buddy and honorary Eurodragster.com staff member Christer Abrahamson told us about an interesting albeit likely copyright-breaching video clip which has been posted on the Sportbilen web site, showing ultra slow-motion footage of NHRA Top Fuel Dragsters and Fuel FCs leaving the line. The frame rate of the camera was such that individual cylinders can be seen firing. Get there before the cease and desist order arrives at www.sportbilen.se/index.php?page=blandat.php?id=155. ©Eurodragster.com This week's edition of DRCReview.com takes a look at last weekend's Rally of the Giants American car extravaganza at Knebworth Park, where over 300 classics were on display. Additionally, there's a report from the on-going British International Motor Show in London from an American car interest point of view. Next week's edition of DRCReview.com will feature the latest batch of drag racing photographs entered in the amateur photographic competition announced in June. If you'd like to enter there's still time, as the shut off date is 10th August. For full details of the competition - and the great combined prize worth around £200 - check out the article in Top Stories dated 15.6.06. *Stars come out at midday.* 24th July: PR L-O Jonsson tells us that a fine representative assortment of Pro and Sportsman racers will be on hand for Wednesday's Veidec Festival Press Day at Mantorp Park. All media are invited to the press conference at midday to be followed by demonstration passes. Micke Kågered, Tommy Möller and FIA European Championship points leader Håkan Fällström representing Top Fuel Dragster, current Top Methanol FC #2 Leif Andréasson, reigning Pro Stock Champion and current points leader Jimmy Ålund, Pro Mod racers Mats Eriksson and Freddy Fagerström, NDRS Comp Eliminator Champion, Top Fuel Dragster racer and professional ski-jumper Janne Ahonen, Supertwin legend Anders Karling, Pro Stock Bike rookie and current #2 Anders Jacobsson, and Junior Dragster racer Ludvig Perés will be running exhibition passes whilst Susanne Callin will be giving the media rides in the Two Seat Dragster. "The number of entries has now increased to a total of 297 race teams from twelve different nations", says L-O. "The work here at the facility is going on at full speed." ©Eurodragster.com Tog and Christer Abrahamson of Eurodragster.com's advance party will be at the Press Day and a report and pictures will be posted at the end of the day in association with American Car Imports. In addition the Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam will be broadcasting from the Press Day and will be scheduled to broadcast a picture every two minutes. We will post a Home Page link to our Press Day coverage as soon as it commences but in the meantime you can view our Veidec Festival coverage index, which includes a link to the official entry list, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. *Swift snippets.* 24th July: Swedish Top Fuel Dragster racer Jöran Persåker is eagerly awaiting the arrival of his Top Fueller which he has acquired from Peter Knight and which arrives in Gothenburg this evening (Monday), just in time for the weekend's Veidec Festival. "I am really happy and looking forward to opening the trailer to see what we've got", Jöran told Eurodragster.com. "I know that Peter wanted to get it race ready but he was very busy and was also going on holiday. But I know the motor is in the car. We need to sticker the car and trailer before we go to Mantorp Park." ©Eurodragster.com UK Wild Bunch racer Alec Coe will not be racing his Shy Talker slingshot again this season as the engine has expired. "We were expecting this, as it was only built to run 8.9 not the times we were running", says Alec. "If you know any kind people who would like to donate a seven-second engine in exchange for advertising space (sorry I am dreaming). We have had a great year and thank everyone for their support, and we hope to be out early next season." Helen Todd of Power Point Communications has been in touch to remind UK readers that World Motorsports on Sky Sports 3 at 19:30 this evening includes Fuel Altereds and all the finals from the Shakespeare Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. "I was speaking to a racer yesterday and he said he had acquired a new sponsor on the back of the TV coverage, so that was pleasing", says Helen. "Hopefully some others will follow." *Ready to make history.* 24th July: After many months waiting and waiting for parts for their special Alloy Cleveland, things are now progressing for the UK's PSP Solutions Super Pro ET team, says Paul Harvey of Eurodragster.com News sponsor PSP Solutions: After the highs and lows of 2004, the high of finding the rare Alloy motor and the lows of the Engine Masters Challenge, waiting six months to get the motor back from the USA, and the damage caused when an unnamed shipping company dropped the engine pallet when it arrived in the UK damaging the custom front engine motor plate, which incorporates the front timing cover, five months later getting the insurance paid by the shipping company, and then another five months waiting for a custom cam and other parts to arrive from the USA, it seems like an eternity. We are all suffering from DRWS - Drag Racing Withdrawal Symptoms. We almost have everything to complete the motor build. While waiting for the engine parts, we have had the Chrysler 83/4 fully floating axle rebuilt, with a newly fabricated/modified casing to repair the damage found at the 2004 Finals, with extra bracings to stop axle twisting. The aforementioned front and rear motor mounts are just about finished, and we think you will love the custom alloy CNC prepared front motor plate/timing casing. We have a newly acquired custom tunnel ram, found on eBay in Australia, and of course methanol will be the engine's staple diet. We have also finally received the Custom Roller cam specially ground to match the 410 ci motor which will hopefully produce some serious horsepower at lower RPM. It is quite probable that we will be running a new cooling system on the motor, something we have not done for many years, so there is a bit to do yet. ©Eurodragster.com The motor specification is now 410 ci with a custom steel crank, rods and custom Ross racing pistons, added to which is a custom Competition Cams Roller Cam, topped with the excellent CHI 3V alloy heads from Australia. When tested on the dyno in the USA in with a similar combination, the engine produced 675 bhp at under 6000 rpm on pump gas. We are obviously hoping that the modified combination suited to our methanol fuel injection will reap a better figure. The motor will be going over to Ken Coleman of EDA later this year for some final examination prior to our first testing sessions. For Cleveland enthusiasts, we have really done some research into this rare Alloy Cleveland Motor. It has been a struggle to get any detail until recently, and we would like to thank David Lee of Advantage Chemicals Ltd in Malvern, a supporter of our team, for his assistance. Advantage Chemicals Ltd are a major provider of the UK and Europe Motor Industry Paint and Chemicals etc, and through their contacts with Ford UK we managed to get into communication with Ford/Jaguar in the UK and where else but the current Cleveland Engine Plant in the USA. We have almost got to the bottom of the history of the motor, and this is what we know: In and around the late 1960s Ford’s SVO development team made a number of Alloy blocks for use either in the Nascar or the Trans-Am series. Ford only produced the Alloy block, there was never a complete Ford Cleveland Alloy engine. These were exactly the same specification of the standard Cast Iron engine, except for a few differences such as stud sizes etc.. Our particular casting is dated 1968, and we can trace it back to a Ford warehouse clearance, when the approximate total of around fifty Alloys blocks which Ford had casted were sold off, as far as we know only twenty or thirty blocks survived as the rest were melted down for scrap aluminium (what?!). The motor arrived in the UK via Roush Racing (Nascar) USA, Oval Track racer Tom Laffey of Ireland, and the Detomaso Pantera Club of the UK. We have no idea how many of these Rare Ford Alloy Cleveland blocks are in circulation, but based on the fact that only twenty to thirty survived in the earlier 70s then the can only be a handful around. We made the difficult decision to use such a rare motor in the dragster because it ties in with the history of the race car, going back to the days of the Turbo Saxon, with the unusual and innovative design and alcohol-burning turbo charged 350 Chevy, right through to our successful struggle with the standard Cast Iron Ford Cleveland, an engine with only four years' production life. We believe that the race car's history is well suited to add the unusual and rarity of this special alloy motor, and with the added benefits of the substantial weight loss, almost seventy five kilogrammes lighter than the current engine combination, what else could we do? Our priorities now are to get the engine tested and in the race car, with everything ready to go, and to set a new record for the Saxon/ PSP Dragster. The fastest time set by this car in the 1970s was 8.56, and this is our target. We think we will get it, especially as our personal best stands at 8.696 set in 2004, with a very heavy Cast Iron Cleveland. Watch this space! *Top Fuel Blog Update.* 23rd July: In the latest entry in his exclusive Racer Blog, FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Lex Joon examines in detail the supply of spares necessary for a Top Fuel team that will be running back-to-back weekends at the Veidec Nitro Festival at Mantorp Park and the eXporama Drag Challenge at Amcar International Raceway, Norway. Lex also asks if there is a Europe-wide institution dealing with young and sick people that is interested in an involvement for its patients with the MPM Top Fuel programme. You can check out Lex's blog by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blog link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. *Simpson at Veidec Festival.* 23rd July: Jan Phersson has announced that Simpson Track Side Service will be at Mantorp Park during the Veidec Festival. Jan said “Belts, helmets, drag chutes, gloves, shoes, protective clothing and a lot more for sportsman or pro racers is available on site. The Simpson team will be found in the Stock Superstock pit area. Next stop for Simpson Track Side Service will be Gardermoen the weekend after Veidec Festival. Our online shop can be seen at: www.simpsonshop.se. *King at Gainesville?* 23rd July: Ian King mentions there are plans for a possible transatlantic trip in the Autumn. The double FIM Top Fuel Bike Champion says “After hearing certain rumours circulating about our plans for the end of the year, we can confirm that enquiries are being made into costing for taking our TVR Power Top Fuel Bike to race at the Prostar Finals in Gainesville, Florida in November. If the necessary finance can be raised, we hope to be there, representing Europe.” *Gold RV Junior triumph at Drachten.* 23rd July: Peter Walters of the J&W and Gold RV Racing junior dragster has had an awesome year and has Derek Flynn and Eurodragster Home and News sponsors Gold RV to thank for that! “After winning the first meeting with the new engine, we went on to the next events with enthusiasm. We are currently in the 4th spot of the National championship and no.1 in the APIRA championship. We had a good result at the Summer Nationals, taking the B&B motors closest to dial-in trophy, running 0.003 off our 8.38 index. We also received a £100 cheque from Big V8 in the post for having the best package from the summer nationals, 0.003 off index and a 0.014 reaction time. “The next event for us would have been the Mini Showdown and Juniors Dash for Cash. But we received a phone call from Derek asking us if we would like to come to Drachten in Holland. So how could we pass that up! Holland was one of the best weekends I have ever had in my years of junior drag racing. On our first run, we went out and put a 8.03@82.5mph on the boards to take the Dutch record; later runs resulted in a 8.01 a 8.11 and a 8.08. Also I had a 0.010 reaction time to take number one qualifier. On the Saturday, we went out and ran a 7.911 NPB. The runs that followed were 7.944 and 7.961, all at 83mph. The last run on the Saturday was extraordinary. We were up against Jessica Selles. We both launched and 0.091 came up on the boards for both of us. When returning to the pits, we were told the reaction times were identical to the millionth of a second!. We kept the number one qualifying spot for the Sunday. Our first round and semi final opponent was Danique Stevens. There was a two and a half second wait on the tree, and I pulled a 0.081 to her 0.381, running an off the throttle 8.047 (7.97) to Danique's 10.605 (10.55). The cut-off time for the track was 6.00pm on Sunday and it got to 5.20 and things were looking negative as there was no finals ran yet. We were sat in the Gold RV pit when Jaap (race director) walked over and said "If we can run one final, we get a licence to run past 6.00." So the other finalist, Carlo Heym from Gerd Haberman Racing, and I ran our final at 5.30 and saved the day! Carlo had a 4-second handicap over me. I played it safe and pulled a 0.221 to Carlo's slower 0.264. I got in front, let off, got on the brakes and ran 8.086 (7.97) to Carlos losing 12.902 (12.00). Well done Carlo! When we returned to the pits we got congratulations from all the Super Pro et racers, especially Pat Johnson! We checked the timing ticket and it showed 121.8kmph (75mph) nearly 10miles slower than the 7.911! and still ran 8.086, we were certain this would have been a 7.89 or faster! Congratulations to Martyn "Syd" Jones and Mark Flavell on their winner and runner up in Super Pro ET and also to Derek Flynn for also getting the Track and Dutch record, with a 6.572@333kmph. I would like to give a big thanks to... Gold RV: For getting us to where we are now and all there hard work and help. My Dad (Richard Walters): For all the support he puts into the racing for me. Explosion Drag Racing: For accommodating us so well and having the track so good. Craws Racing: For such an amazing engine. Last but not least. When we were at the trophy presentation, we spotted the "Great British Tourist", So beer in hand, here’s to you Steve Johnson! *Junior Dash for Cash Thanks.* 23rd July: Peter Kellett thanks all the junior dragster racers who competed in the Dash for Cash at Shakespeare County Raceway last weekend. “The weather was great which helped for a good weekend all round. Well done to Jayne Kaye for closest to dial in and Joe Kellett for best reaction. He held his JW automotive trophy all the way home. Thanks to Richard Walters for the trophy and prize money. Also a big thanks to Allison Kaye who was race co-ordinator and Zak Johnson who was busy getting everybody’s timing slips to Allison. Thanks also goes to Jerry Cookson, Gary Kay all all the staff at Shakey. We are hoping to do another Dash for Cash in October with a larger prize money on offer. The more juniors that turn up, the bigger the money. Watch out for dates. “On another note I would like to wish Nev Mottershead and his team good luck on their European Tour, which I know has been really tough getting for them getting the car and gear sorted. Keep on rockin’, Nev!” *Web site updates.* 23rd July: Richard Stirling has updated his fan site www.topnitro.co.uk with a report and large picture gallery following his visit last Sunday to the Fast and Modified Show at Ingliston, near Edinburgh. Richard says “It was a superb day and the extremely impressive static indoor show was complimented very nicely with a club and marquee show outside. Drag racing exhibitions included Colin Lazenby's sizzling burnout and launch demonstrations which were well received by the 10,000+ crowds”. *Swift Snippets.* 23rd July: Real Steel Street Eliminator secretary Anne-Marie Lazenby has been in touch to wish Splinter's 'Elona' many happy returns for her Birthday today. She added: “Steve's not entered the Cougar for the Bug Jam this weekend but given his most recent performances at the last event, his Cougar is one twin turbo car that will be sorely missed for the weekend’s show.” Ann-Marie say's that Elona is one of the most genuine people you could hope to meet and has enthusiasm only matched by ‘hairy’ John Walden. Happy Birthday for today Elona, have a great day. Meanwhile at the Bug Jam on Saturday, Super Twin Top Fuel rider and Santa Pod marshal John Hackney reports that festivities were going fine until the weather intervened. “Jon Webster ran a 8.0 in the two seater and Martin Curbishley dusted off the roadster and ran a great mid 8 sec pass. Then it rained and boy did it rain. The trade area was under about two feet of water, and for the first time I have seen it, the water was getting under the roof of the timing booth, so a very quick switch off of power and rescue of screen, keyboard and computer was needed!” Normal service will be resumed today… *DSD off to Sweden.* 22nd July: Pro Stock Bike racer and Home and News sponsor Paul “Grumpy” Watson is visiting Mantorp Park for the first time next weekend. He says, “My crew, Jason Macan of JM Motorcycles and Raggin’ Ray White, are really looking forward to it after our success at the UK Summernationals. Unfortunately, Pixie, my crew chief, can’t go, but we will try hard to do well for her; we have our orders. “This is our last season, as I said before, and the bike is still currently up for sale, the price being dependent on the motor combination. The 1640 has had a best of 7.4s @ 177mph, but the new motor is a 1500 2V Vance and Hines unit run by Craig Treble and has gone 7.0s. All parts are good to go, so be quick, as I already have interested parties. Feel free to come and look at the track or contact me at Dynospeed Developments”. *They’ve got designs on Betts.* 22nd July: Driving a Nostalgia Fuel Altered has definitely made its mark on Tony Betts, who has acquired a Venom tattoo (see picture). Tony and the Nostalgia Fuel Altereds will be making their next appearance at Shakespeare County Raceway on 26th to 28th August. *Bug Jam This Weekend.* 22nd July: In case you haven’t caught up with the news in the last week or have been generally in hiding recently, Bug Jam, Europe's No.1 Summer VW Festival is taking place at Santa Pod this weekend. The event features VW Drag Racing, RWYB track action, Super Mod, VW Traders, 4 music arenas, Top DJs, Comedy shows, Funfair, Mr & Miss Bug Jam, Show & Shine plus weekend camping. Full details are at www.bugjam.co.uk and the entry list is here. Championship rounds will be held in several classes with the entry number in brackets: Super Modified (10), Real Steel Street Eliminator (15), VW Pro (19), VW Sportsman (33) and VW Alternate Engine (8). In addition, Martin Hill, Ray White, Spencer Tramm and Lee Darby will be making demonstration runs. Ticket prices on the gate for the weekend are £40 (VW owners) and £55 (non-VW owners) and £15 for Sunday only. The track fee is £20 per day, for unlimited runs. *Swift Snippets.* 22nd July: This weekend, the Borlänge Street Open, organised by the Borlänge DRC at Dala Airport. Classes being competed in for the Swedish Dragracing League are: Super Street. Super Gas Bike and Junior Dragster, as well as bracket classes. The entry list for next week's FIA European Championship round at Gardermoen on 4-6 August is now at www.ndrg.no. *The quickest Escort.* 21st July: Elias Vathias, Editor of the Greek Dragster web site, has been in touch to tell us about the fastest Ford Escort on Cyprus and in Greece. "The owners are Stavros and Antonis of Antonis and Stavros Autoservice in Cyprus", says Elias. "The Escort has a Nissan V6 motor. Last year in a drag race in Athens it run 8.8 seconds. Since then they tried to improve the car, and some days ago they visited a dyno and the results are impressive: No nitrous: 1180 Wheel horsepower 250 HP nitrous: 1344 Wheel hp and 138 kgr torque at 9500 rpm and 3.0 bar boost pressure ©Eurodragster.com "The motor (right) is designed and built by Antonis and Stavros. JMC Charalambous is responsible for the selection of the Electromotive Tec 3, the two Turbonetics turbos, the Spearco charge coolers and of course the fine tuning of the motor!" You can see more pictures on the Greek Dragster web site by clicking here, and you can view a dyno video here. *A trailer from Orthodoxou.* 21st July: UK Super Pro ET racer Chris Orthodoxou tells us that his next outing with his (currently) eight-second Dodge Viper at the Mopar Euronationals at Santa Pod next Friday to Sunday, 28th-30th July. "I shall be taking back ownership of the Fastest Mopar award and returning it to its rightful home in Surrey", says Chris. "It's been away in the wilderness for far too long. Secret testing has netted 7.8s at 170-ish mph, and I'll possibly try out the nitrous system if the track is good. The track is open from 1:00 pm through to 7:00 pm on Friday - I urge all racers present on the Friday to make good use of this extra track time, which if shown popular will become a regular feature of the event for future years. "On the Saturday evening I'll be rocking it up with Executive Relief in the marquee, as we have done every year since the event's inception in 1994. We'll be on stage by 10:00 pm and play through 'til midnight. The band line-up is Mick Hamilton (Drums), Ben Smith (Guitar), Rowan Newman (Guitar, new boy and Mopar Nats virgin!), Phil McKenzie (Bass) and my goodself (Shouting and Screaming). ©Eurodragster.com "On another note, my new all-aluminium trailer (right) drew a lot of interest in the pits at the recent European Doorslammers. The factory have nominated me the UK/European distributor for these beautiful units, which are all hand built in Pennsylvania, USA, and I can now offer a complete one-stop design/construction/import and delivery service. Each unit is custom-built to order to individual customer requirements. And all UK DOT compliant i.e. brakes, lights etc. Tag/Gooseneck, all lengths, lining, insulation, full electrical hook-up and charging systems, hydraulic loading jacks, winches, generators, car lifts, engine changers, lighting, work benches, tool units, cabinets, kitchenettes, shower/toilet units etc. Configurations and options are limitless. From conception to delivery in the UK is currently about four months. "Bear in mind that these are high-end professional-quality lightweight units. Compatible heavy duty tow bars, receivers, gooseneck/fifth wheels, ball hitches and all associated towing equipment sourced, supplied and fitted. I'll be more than happy to show anyone interested around my trailer, to demonstrate the level of quality, options and fit-out achievable, and to discuss an all-in package price ready for delivery or to tow away. Come and say hello in the pits or call me on 07710 609080. So order soon to be ready for next season." *Sportsman/Pro: the difference.* 21st July: Finnish Funny Bike racer and regular Eurodragster.com News contributor Asko Määttä has been in touch with a story which he says indicates the difference between Sportsman and Pro racers: My sister's son (I'm his godfather) had his confirmation day in mid-June. Petja is now fifteen years old so he got a moped as a gift from his father and me. We see each other a few times a year and he is a very sharp and clever young man. There we sat drinking coffee, eating cake and chatting about various things. For a while he went silent and was obviously thinking something. "Asko, 'cause you're a drag racer, perhaps you know Janne Ahonen, he's racing too", he said. "Yes, of course, we have met several times at various tracks", I replied. "Could you ask for an autograph from Janne?" ©Eurodragster.com I immediately answered with that authority which a godfather has. "Listen son, there are Sportsman racers and Pro racers! And Janne is a Sportsman and I'm a Pro. So the way things are, Janne should ask for an autograph from me!". At that point Janne had not yet driven a Top Fueller and when I told him this story at last weekend's Finnish Championship race at Kalajoki he started laughing at this point. Petja was quiet a moment and thought about it again. Then he asked "But could you ask for an autograph for me?". "For sure I'll do that, you will get one", I answered. So Petja got an autograph from Janne but because Ahonen is now a Pro he didn't ask for an autograph from me. Asko adds that last weekend he ousted the gremlins which have been pestering his bike for a year. "Now I'm very happy and eagerly awaiting the next Finnish Championship race at Motopark in mid-August", he says. *Swift snippets.* 21st July: UK Super Pro ET and Comp Eliminator racer Nev Mottershead will be selling T-Shirts on his European Tour, which starts at Mantorp Park next week. The T-Shirts, designed by Darren West of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Power Race Graphics, come in medium, large and extra large and depict Nev's Valvoline-sponsored Toyota Supra (right, click on picture for large version). ©Eurodragster.com UK Top Fuel Dragster driver Tanya Partridge has been in touch to ask if any Eurodragster.com reader has pictures of her licencing passes at the Midnight Sun Internationals at Pite Dragway. If you have any pictures of Tanya in Piteå then you can contact her at tanya.partridge@yahoo.co.uk. Eurodragster.com reader James Whalen has been in touch to ask if anyone can provide him with a recording of the NHRA drag racing which was broadcast on Channel 5 yesterday morning (Thursday). If you can help then please drop James a line at jwhalen@blueyonder.co.uk. *The ultimate Nostalgia package.* 21st July: An upcoming documentary movie about the last sixty five years of California hot rodding and early auto racing from the Dreams of Legends, titled The way it really was, is due for release in the USA on 31st August. A collection of hours and hours of authentic, vintage footage, thousands of unique images and modern interviews with the legends themselves makes for a one-of-a-kind movie event that encapsulates our hot rod roots right down to the unmistakable sounds of Al Teague's 432 mph V8 streamliner screaming across the Bonneville Salt Flats in land speed record breaking runs, and the nitro cackle from iron Hemi powered front engine diggers at the early drags. With in-depth coverage of the personalities that were there to help make it all happen, photos that more often than not have never been seen until now, and newly-remastered footage from as far back as 1947, this promises to give hot rodders what they want. This folks is genuine, the real McCoy, no Hollywood inflated claims, just how it was with some of the legends behind our modern day hot rodding pastime. The movie is also backed by a four-disc DVD set, a soundtrack CD, and a book that delves even deeper into California's hot rod history. It's a new, refreshing view on an old subject, and an absolute must-see movie with all of the supporting merchandise items being highly collectible. Keep watching for movie release dates and availability. For a taste of what's coming in the meantime, visit www.dreamsoflegends.com (Don't miss the video clips - Ed), and be sure you have the sound turned up real loud! ©Eurodragster.com *Turning the other cheek?* 21st July: If you were tuned in yesterday then you will have read UK Pro ET racer Mike Lacey's even Newer English Version of the Lord's Prayer. We did make it clear that E-Mails of complaint should go to Mike and not to Eurodragster.com, but a member of the clergy signing himself simply "Outraged Vicar" got in touch direct to let us know exactly what he thought. As regular readers know, Eurodragster.com will always try to give both sides of a story so here are the cleric's views in full: "Dear Editor of this on line drag racing news, I was browsing through your pages when, shock, horror, disbelief, I spotted the blasphemous prayer composed by unrepentant sinner Lacey. ©Eurodragster.com The flames of hell will no doubt descend on his sinful machine unless he repents immediately. A pilgrimage to Detroit - on his knees, the penitent path enriched with broken glass - may yet redeem him. I am hereby cursing his Big Block and his slicks unless a full apology is read on-line, together with his promise that he will insult our creed no longer." *Mantorp Park to Italy by tractor.* 20th July: L-O Jonsson tells us that the Mantorp Park staff have already been working full time for a week to get the facility ready for next week's Veidec Festival. "The photo shows the staff who have been working for the week", says L-O (click on picture for large version). "Missing from the picture are Anders Marklund, Janne Skullman and Fredrik Ström. ©Eurodragster.com Our tractor guys Holger Dueholm and John Svensson have been driving up and down the track from early morning until late evening since Monday morning of this week. We calculated that Holger will have driven four thousand kilometres up and down the track in a week and a half - he could have driven to Italy! "On raceday we have a total of four hundred and fifty people working at the event. "Today we have an entry list including 294 teams from twelve different nations, including a new European record of thirteen Top Fuel Dragsters. All of the FIA and UEM classes show very good numbers. You can check the list at www.veidecfestival.com. "The action starts on Wednesday 26th July with a press conference at 12:00. At 13.00 there will be demonstration runs on the track with invited race teams from different classes." Eurodragster.com will be reporting live from next week's Veidec Festival in association with American Car Imports. Our coverage will commence with an end-day report and pictures and Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam broadcast from Wednesday's Press Day, and then the usual full service of live reports, pit notes, end-day photo galleries and webcam on each day of the race. *Two grand Awards.* 20th July: Next week's Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park is the next eligible event in the 2006 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards scheme. A total of two thousand Swedish Kroner is on offer for perfect performances. The Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award has been increased to £75 after it went unclaimed at the Drachten Internationals. However, as £75 works out at approximately 980 SEK at time of writing we have rounded it up to 1000 SEK. The money will be awarded to the first racer to record a perfect Reaction Time of 0.000 at the Veidec Festival. The Award is open to all classes and is available during qualifying or eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the weekend. The Perfect Light Award is jointly presented by Eurodragster.com and high-performance hose and fitting manufacturer Speedflow whose web site you can find at www.speedflow.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com The Eurodragster.com/LA Racing Parts Perfect ET Award has also been increased to £75 and then rounded up to 1000 SEK after it went unclaimed at the Drachten Internationals. The money will be awarded to the first racer to run to the thousandth on their index or dial-in during qualifying or eliminations at the Veidec Festival. The Award is open to Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Junior Dragster, Stock/Super Stock (eliminations only), Super Gas Bike and Street Bike, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect ET of the weekend. The Perfect ET Award is jointly presented by Eurodragster.com and performance supplier LA Racing Parts whose web site you can find at www.laracingparts.com. *Call Swed Handling for methanol.* 20th July: Urban Olars has been in touch to let us know that racers requiring methanol for next week's Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park can order it from Velocity Performance Group sponsor Swed Handling. Orders will be delivered to the track. You can contact Swed Handling at: ©Eurodragster.com Swed Handling AB Spårgatan 9 601 02 Norrköping Sweden Telephone: +46 11 248484 Fax: +46 11 248499 E-Mail: info@swedhandling.com Web site: www.swedhandling.com *Racers love Drachten, Total Seal.* 20th July: UK Super Pro ET racer Martyn Jones walked away $2000 richer from the Total Seal Shootout final at Drachten at the weekend, but immediately announced that in his opinion everybody who attended was a winner and told Mark Flavell to "divvy it up" to all who came. Syd defeated a red-lighting Mark Flavell in the final after getting through a double red-lighting duel with Sam Freeman, shortly after dispatching Ian Tubb by thousandths and a bulbed Mitche Baltjes in the first round. Organiser Mark Flavell writes that it was a hard weekend’s work with temperatures well into the thirties. "The event started on Friday with a walk to measure the course", says Mark. "The shutdown area is short but well long enough to stop 200 mph cars as Derek Flynn proved setting records straight off the trailer and eventually running 6.570/331.769 kmh or 206.19 mph. In the second qualifying session my chute failed to open on a 189.99 mph charge and I tried out the green tarmac. I quickly realised something had gone wrong and at these speeds you quickly run out of stopping area. Hard on the brakes and two bounces later I collected myself together, realising I wasn’t going to make it and resigned myself to the field. The car shot off the end of the track and besides having the quickest lawnmower on tour this summer, simply slowed down turned around and drove back onto the track. A piece of cake really. The chute had deployed but for whatever reason got caught up in my wheelie bars. "The rest of the event went from strength to strength. The track was all singing all dancing, a real credit to the eXplosion club who manage to transform an airfield into an excellent race track. They glued and sledded into the small hours to produce a racing surface to rival any in Europe. The great track was matched by the great hospitality and warm welcome. We were made to feel right at home by racers and fans alike. "Highlights of the weekend were many as Sam Freeman, Nick Good and Ashley Bell all ran personal bests. At one point after the second qualifier it looked as if like Steve Neimantas had run his race when the Aston's transmission gave up in the tortuous heat, but with a small army of experts on hand the Aston rolled into stage one hour and twenty minutes later and eventually ended up qualified third. Steve was very pleased and bought everybody on the tour a beer or two or three. Dave Powell flew into town for the event and spread the Total Seal and Performance Unlimited word around. The poor man was so overcome with the heat he was seldom seen with out some cool refreshment in his hand, be it one kind of Pilsner or another (strictly medicinal). A big Thank You toast to Total Seal and Performance Unlimited was proposed and cheered after the finals were runn. We then all joined in Dave’s example and sought refreshment until the small hours. "Was it good, you bet. Would we go back, to the man. A brilliant experience and hopefully the birth of Super Pro on the continental European drag racing scene." ©Eurodragster.com Derek Flynn of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Gold RV says that he had an awesome weekend. "On behalf of the team and myself I would thank all the eXplosion team for an absolutely great event", says Derek. "We were all made to feel so very welcome and the organisation was excellent too. It was hard to believe this was a temporary track and was an airfield only a day or so before, just incredible. Again well done to Theo Willemse (Club Chairman), Jaap Selles (Race Director and track prep) and all the eXplosion team, we can't wait to do it again. "For once we were not only fast but consistent too, seven runs all in excess of 330 kmh and within a hundredth of our dial-in every time, well done team! It was decided the first run of the day would be a familiarisation pass for all the Super Pro teams, and straight off the trailer we set a new track record for the quarter, which we then backed up and subsequently bettered every day! Martyn Jones seemed to think this was a Dutch National record for the quarter too. We took best speed of the weekend at 333 kmh which was a personal best and in our final run we equalled our best ET of 6.57. The track was so sticky all weekend that we struggled to pull long burnouts! Looking at the data for the other teams I think we quickest and fastest to the eighth mile too. "We had one minor excursion off the end of the track and onto the grass with the usual ribbing from some of my fellow competitors, like "Have you emptied the box yet?". What box, I asked. "The one with the grass cuttings". Very funny, but I was not the first one off and I just followed the class organiser who went further due to his chute getting tangled, and I believe Syd went the furthest after his chute failed to deploy. Whilst it was a little hairy getting stopped in time, the grass run-off was fine, but I am really glad they moved the portable toilet or it could have been worse! "To top it all off rather nicely Peter Walters, who was driving the J&W/Gold RV-sponsored Junior Dragster, was also competing in his first race overseas and clocked several PBs, the best being 7.91/133 kmh which I believe is also a track record for a Junior. He then went on to win the Junior Dragster competition, well done Peter! Those Gold RV logos really flew all weekend. I would like to thank Dave Powell of Performance Unlimited for his support, and Mark Flavell for helping to organise this Super Pro Tour - the first of many I hope! Also thanks again to Turner Motorsports, J&W Automotive, Andy Robinson, Dave Wilson, Jeff Bull and anyone else I have forgotten who have helped us to build and tune one of the fastest cars in Super Pro ET. Thanks also to our sponsors Gold RV, Buff and Data Print - without your support none of this would be possible. "Now all the team have got to do is to widen the roll cage for my big head!" After all the dramas getting his new cylinder heads in time to go to Drachten, Sam Freeman finally got to fire up his Altered on Wednesday and then he put the car straight on the ferry. "My only concern was that I didn't have a crew", says Sam, "it was just Lindsey and myself, but John Everitt and his crew were going and not taking their car so they volunteered to help out as and when they could. The help was invaluable: John, Chris and Tony (Captain Valet) cleaned, towed, advised and pushed the car everywhere and basically left me just to concentrate on my driving. I'd like to say a massive thanks to all three of them and of course Lindsey who catered admirably for all of us in between doing all the other things that she does at the track which is mainly keeping me organised" "We struggled to get a decent dial-in all weekend, running a personal best of 8.202/160 didn't help us on a 8.5 dial in but was very nice to knock off 0.25 in one chunk - that one run saw me set personal bests at every incremental. We got to the semis thanks to Derek Flynn who gracefully conceded after we were asked to re-run as the tree had no delay built in. It meant turning the car round in just a few minutes, and then again for further rounds which is not so easy with a mid six second dragster. I thought Nick Good had beat me fair and square but he had redlit, although he did run his first ever eight so well done to him. "I redlit in the semi but as Steve Neimantas had to leave to catch his flight before he could run the other pair I was awarded third place and prize money. "All in all, an absolutely brilliant weekend with some really good people for company and to race against. A big thanks to them all with a special thanks to Mark Flavell for sorting it all out in the first place." *Koedam Racing Drachten report.* 20th July: Dutch Top Fuel Bike racer Roel Koedam also appeared at the Drachten Internationals and Crew Chief Marius Van Der Zijden sent us a report on Roel's weekend: A lot of effort was put in by the organizing drag race association eXplosion. The weather conditions over the weekend were extremely hot and dry with temperatures exceeding 30 C. We were invited to perform some demo runs on Saturday and on Sunday. Track preparation was tricky this time. The start line was OK but at three hundred feet it was, at least for us, questionable and we had a lot of problems setting the bike up. Maybe it was caused by the heat, anyway we got the idea that the track went away as the weekend progressed. On top of that the organisation had a lot of electrical problems, in particular on Saturday, with the PA system and the timing equipment. The latter resulted in a number of red lights on the Christmas Tree caused by the computer system. Despite this, it was a super weekend. Because the braking area is a bit short, we always run the eighth mile here. Our first appearance was on Saturday early in the afternoon. When staging after our burnout, the timing system went bananas and gave is a red light for no reason. Resetting the system was possible but took too much time, as you can't just shut down a fuel motor and simply crank it up again. The starter apologised and advised us to just complete the run. Though no time was recorded it did display a top end speed of 294 kmh indicating that it was a good one. Based on our experience we figured it was close to or maybe even quicker than our 4.18 run in 2003. Initially we were a bit anxious whether the track could take it or not, so we were little careful with the nitro percentage. The result was that the engine was barely running properly under these hot conditions with relatively low nitro. Normally we would step up the percentage to compensate for the lack of oxygen. For our second show of that day we felt that the track could take a bit more so we boosted up the performance a bit. Once again it left well with a reasonable sixty foot time of 1.07. However at some 100 metres into the run it lost traction and smoked the rear tyre big time! Great for the spectators, bad for a good ET. A 4.6 at only 227 kmh showed up on the timing boards. We obviously overestimated the track conditions and produced too much power. Sunday was even hotter and we again had two scheduled demo runs, one in the early afternoon and one at the closing of the event. The first run looked like a copy of our last pass from the day before. Despite taking power out again and detuning the clutch it was again 1.07 at sixty feet and went up in smoke at the very same point as the day before. Our time was 4.34/269. We noticed that some Pro Mod cars lost traction at the exact same point on the track, so we didn't have too much faith that we could detune the bike enough for our last run. At least we would give it a try and we adjusted the clutch to make it even milder. As mentioned before our last run was the final pass of the day, to close the event. This was a real spectacular one for the spectators as the bike was loose all the way and Roel was fighting the track in a way he seldom has to (right). Our time was only just a little quicker with a 4.32/281 while our sixty foot time went down to a 1.09. Though it was the quickest ET of the whole weekend of all classes which ran over the eighth mile, we felt that our first pass was the best. It was certainly a spectacular end to a nice weekend for the spectators. The next FIM/ UEM Championship round is at Mantorp Park in Sweden. We have a kind of a "love and hate" relationship with this track as the event has a great atmosphere, but it is a very tricky track with too short a braking area to run it out the back door. So for our own safety we always have to click it off at 300-350 metres. That's not something we like, so Sweden has always been a "sitting out" weekend before the race at Norway's Gardermoen, which is one of our favorites. Unfortunately Gardermoen doesn't have a Championship status this year so we won't make the expensive trip to Scandinavia this time. Sorry to out Swedish and Norwegian fans. However we will have a very busy schedule in August. Our next appearance will be on 10th-13th August at the Bulldog Bash at Shakespeare County Raceway. Together with a number of other invited fuel bikes and cars we will be headlining the Twentieth anniversary of the immensely popular biker party. It will be the first time we have returned to the track since our bike made its maiden run in June '94. The weekend after that we will be at Drachten again for the Dutch Finals where Goodridge has sponsored a Top Fuel Bike match race. We will have Ian King and Steve Woollatt from England and negotiations are going on to contract a fourth rider if possible. It will be an unique opportunity to see Top Fuel Bikes in action again in Holland. On the next weekend we will be present at the German FIM/UEM Championship round at the Nitrolympx at Hockenheim. ©Eurodragster.com *Lacey does have a prayer.* 20th July: UK Pro ET racer Mike Lacey broke into the nines at last Friday's Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway, but says that it was hard work. "There were lots of adjustments and changes which nearly resulted in a meeting with the wall", says Mike. "My perseverance paid off and I got my first nine. A big Thank You to everyone for all the help, especially Jon Webster. "I've written a little ditty which might be a bit politically-incorrect, but each sentence is relevant to me (E-Mails from outraged Christians to Mike please, not to us - Ed): ©Eurodragster.com Our father who art in drag racing Hallowed be thy nine Thy kingdom Santa Pod Thy will be fast On Earth as it is in NHRA Give us this day our daily qualifiers And forgive us our red lights As we forgive those who sandbag against us And lead us not into crash barriers But deliver us from wheelspin For Chevy is the kingdom, the power and the glory For ever and ever - horsepower." *Mini Showdown results.* 20th July: The British Mini Club has released a comprehensive Excel spreadsheet of results and timing from last weekend's Miniman British Mini Showdown at Shakespeare County Raceway, writes SCR's Jerry Cookson. A total of 1754 runs was logged during the two-day show with the Quickest of trophies being awarded to John Haston for his race-prepared Mini A-Series (12.658s) and to Stuart Meads in his nitrous injected Zectec-powered Mini (right) which ran several mid-ten second flyers resulting in a weekend best of 10.720. You can view over a hundred photos of the weekend at www.britishminiclub.co.uk/mambo/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=95 or by clicking on the BMC Gallery button on the left-hand side of any BMC web site page. ©Eurodragster.com *Hills offers services.* 20th July: With their Nitro Funny Car built and ready to run, and with the trailer and other team infrastructure issues completed, Nobby Hills Racing is pleased to now be able to offer its services to other drag racers. "Be it fine tuning and consultancy through to building a complete car, a trailer or anything associated with drag racing, Nobby Hills has unequalled experience in UK drag racing and would be pleased to help other racers who may not have the skills, time or facilities to undertake drag racing-related projects", says Chris Blows. "Please look at our web site at www.nhracing.com for more information. "Whilst the car is now complete, the team is still urgently seeking sponsorship to allow us to race, so please do get in touch if you are interested or know someone or a company which would be interested in helping the team achieve its objectives. "We are also pleased to announce that the Funny Car will be on show at the third Multi Storey Car Show in Hull over the weekend 23rd-24th September." ©Eurodragster.com *Web site updates.* 20th July: The Hasse Photo web site at www.hassebilder.se has been updated with pictures of the last two weekends' action at Malmö's Meca Raceway. ©Eurodragster.com *Ladies dominate at Skellefteå.* 19th July: The fourth round of the Swedish Junior Dragster Championship took place at the Gold Town Summer Nats in Skellefteå last weekend, say Mari and Janne of Junior DragRacing Föreningen (translation courtesy Tomas Pettersson): Qualifying started on Saturday morning after a stormy and cold Friday with a night temperature of 4.5 degrees C. Due to a few rain showers it was only possible to hold four qualifying rounds. Sunday gave us better weather and three qualifying rounds were completed before lunch. It became a thirty two car ladder with twenty nine Juniors qualified, and the top ten were: Viktoria Paulsson 0.000 Malin Nyling 0.002 Jessica Andersson 0.003 Marina Andersson 0.004 Niklas Andersson 0.005 Lina Wallberg 0.006 Marcus Hallén 0.009 Jennifer Gustavsson 0.015 Grete Ingdahl 0.017 Maria Thunell 0.018 Viktoria Paulsson from Umeå recorded a "triple zero” and secured a solo run in the first round of eliminations. It was a very exciting elimination which in qualifying showed that the girls would dominate. It was a girls-only final after Grete Ingdahl eliminated Frida Jonsson in the first semi-final and Niklas Brusén was eliminated by Marina Andersson in the second. In the final Marina Andersson of SHRA Malmö beat Grete Ingdahl of Norway, who left slightly early and turned on the red light. Looking at the points we can see that Grete has increased her lead in the Nordic Drag Racign Series ahead of Jennifer Gustavsson. Gold Town was also the fourth round of the Swedish Championship and Daniel Nyling increased his points lead in front of #2 Julia Stolt and #3 Niklas Andersson. The fifth round of the Swedish Championship for Junior Dragsters will be in Borlänge this weekend. The latest NDRS and Swedish Dragracing League points standings can be found on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se. ©Eurodragster.com *The new Jungle Jim.* 19th July: The Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association points chase is incredibly close and there is inevitably intense but good humoured rivalry between the Nitro and Alky teams with only three events to go, says promoter Lawrie Gatehouse. "The Mob are currently third in the points race and looking for that elusive advantage to give them the edge to top the table", says Lawrie. "Accordingly, they have restructured the team and the picture shows Jim Usher surrounded by his new crew (right, click on picture for large version, courtesy and ©Shaun Healey). I believe that the thinking is that if they can marginally distract their opponents such that reaction times are affected then that could give them the advantage they seek. Ollie Burn does, however, intend to keep control of wenching...sorry, wrenching duties. ©Eurodragster.com "The Mob and Chaos teams took part in a photoshoot at a new studio just opened in Tamworth last weekend and it got a little hot for all concerned. Ariane Photographic Studio is superbly constructed and purpose-built and is available for all assignments an a rental basis at very reasonable rates. Ariane can be contacted at www.arianestudios.co.uk or on 01827 62022 - anyone looking for that elusive sponsorship deal and needing studio shots may care to contact Paul or Dave at Ariane and/or Mark Woodhouse of Twenty 20 Contemporary Photography at www.twenty20photography.moonfruit.com who will be pleased to assist any race car teams (Parental Advisory on both these web sites - Ed)." *I said brake, not break.* 19th July: As none of us ever tire of saying, every race car in Real Steel Street Eliminator UK is street-legal, and as if proof were needed reigning Champion Colin Lazenby told us about the trip to get his Chevy MOT'd earlier this week. "On Saturday and Sunday we attended the Fast and Modified show, which was just great", says Colin. "We had over ten thousand visitors through the gates. This year for the first time we had agreed to do some rolling burnouts, dummy launch without nitrous purge, etc. It was a real no-pressure event for us. Steve Murty's monster trucks, the drift cars and Terry Grant completed the demo line-up. We had just a great, laid back, weekend. "Monday was MOT day and for the first time in three years it didn't take place at Pinnacle Autocentre. Man was I nervous. But given that the garage was less than ten miles up the road we opted to drive the car there. Out at 7:30 am to fit a front number plate - it's the outlaw in me - change the front wheels to road-use wheels, warm and prime the oil, followed by a short leisurely drive to the garage. ©Eurodragster.com "We arrived at our pre-booked time of 10:00. Up on the ramps and, following a few nervously-answered questions, we were instructed to undertake the road brake test. Out of the village, after a couple of miles turn the car around and head back. At over 30 mph I was instructed to stamp on the brakes. The front wheels locked (evidenced by two flat spots) and needless to say the test was good. I squeezed the gas and it coughed - no hood scoop meant I could see the fuel splutter out of both the carbs and the vent tubes - most strange. It died and we coasted back to the MOT station. "We'd passed, but I was a little embarrassed to say the least. Garry Coull and I made use of the few tools available to us just so we could do some of the basic checks and after an hour, much frustration, and a couple more tries we threw in the towel. This meant a ride back for the camper and trailer and a return to pick up the old girl. We finally hauled the whole lot back home by 16:00!" Do bet on it... 19th July: Do you think you know who will win Top Fuel or any other European Championship class at Mantorp Park next week? If so then you now have the chance to make your opinion public and to compete with others. Team Kågered web designer Marcus Sjödin of Sjodin Network has designed and launched a new web site at www.dragbet.com where you can place your predictions. The idea is purely to have fun and to compete with fellow drag racing fans and friends mainly for the glory of it. ©Eurodragster.com It costs nothing to place your bets and the site is presented in English. You can make the Top 10 list or place your ideas and opinions on the Forum. Dragbet has already been updated with the entry list for Mantorp, so that you can register and then place your bets on who wins the event. Only a few days left... *Swift snippets.* 19th July: The broadcast of TV coverage of the FIA Main Event, which was due to commence on Sky Sports tomorrow (Thursday), has had to be postponed although we understand from Santa Pod Raceway that the aim is to start broadcasting the European Championships within the next few weeks. UK Real Steel Street Eliminator racer Andy Frost would like to hear from any Eurodragster.com reader with video footage of his runs at Santa Pod Raceway last Saturday. "I ran 8.6/175 on the first full pass, just tickling it", says Andy. "It'll be quite fast when we get the power in. A big thanks to Steve Szcepanski of Mechanical Power Systems in Canada, Nigel at Altiss Engineering, Nimbus Motorsports,Webster Race Engineering, Knight Racing Rervices, Paul Webster and Simon Barlow". If you have any video footage then you can contact Andy at redvictor1@hotmail.com. ©Eurodragster.com The official entry list for next week's Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park has been updated again and can be found at www.veidecfestival.com. Pro racers are reminded that 10th August is the deadline for entry to the FIA European Finals at the normal fee. You can download FIA European Finals entry forms from the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc or the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se. If you have any queries then please call SPRC Secretary Paula Marshall on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625). Don't forget that our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson is again organising a Pro Mod bump spot competition for the Veidec Festival, with a T-shirt up for grabs for the winner. All you have to do is to send your prediction of the ET of the #16 qualifier, to three decimal places, together with your name, address, E-Mail and shirt size to Patrik at webmaster@promod.nu by 23:00 CET on Tuesday 25th July. *A day of bests for NSCC.* 19th July: The fourth round of the National Street Car Challenge took place at Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday. Hor Tod Gazette Editor Sean Wilson says that there were a number of new personal bests, and that a new class record was set by Russ Pursley in his 350ci Chevy-powered Dutton (right): During the qualifying session, whilst the air temperature was still relatively cool, Russ' street-legal nitrous-assisted machine picked the nearside front off the deck and blasted up the quarter in 9.682 seconds at 136.40 mph. This shattered the class record, previously held by John Sleath in his 502ci Saab, by over two-tenths. Other NPBs set were: Steve Stringfellow, Triumph Herald 400ci: 10.985/122.25 John Osborne, Ford 100E 427ci : 11.227/119.98 Al Williamson, 54 Chevy PickUp 502ci: 11.681/111.38 Gary Leece, 84 Ford Capri 302ci: 12.017/112.51 Graham Bell, 67 Ford Mustang 427ci: 12.455/111.66 Neil Martin, 86 Ford Mustang 302ci: 13.009/105.20 John Parker, 05 Ford Mustang 4.6: 13.974/101.58 Neil Martin is currently leading the challenge from John Osborne, although Neil's car suffered engine damage on Sunday and with only three weeks until the next round at York Raceway this may open the door for somebody else to steal the lead. ©Eurodragster.com *Cashed-up Juniors.* 19th July: Some of the UK's Junior Dragster racers had an excellent weekend at the weekend's British Mini Showdown at Shakespeare County Raceway, which included the third B & B Motors Dash For Cash. "In round one Scott Hauser ran to within 0.01 of his dial in and set a new European best of 7.211", says Gary Kay. "Well done Scott. In round three Jayne Kay took the lead with a perfect 8.00 on a dial-in of 8.00, and Joe Kellett took the lead with the best Reaction Time of the day with a 0.012. These results stood through the final round, so the winners were Jayne Kay for Closest to Dial in and Joe Kellett best Reaction Time (the daughter and son of the organiser and sponsor, a fact we present without comment - Ed). ©Eurodragster.com "We would like to thank all of the Junior racers for turning up making this hard fought competition a success and we hope to do more in the future. Thanks go out to our sponsors Peter Kellett of B & B Motors, for all your caravan and motorhome servicing; Richard Walters of J & W Automotive, for quality paint and design; and Roy Wilding Nostalgia Race Cars, chassis builder. A big thanks to all the crew and marshals for an excellent weekend." *Dragon racing.* 19th July: The weekend's Mini Showdown at Shakespeare County Raceway proved to be a good day for Ross Juniper and the Dragon Performance/Opie Oils Mazda RX7 (right), writes SCR's Jerry Cookson. After returning from Rotorstock III with an armful of trophies for Fastest Rotary and RWD Mazda, Ross returned to the Warwickshire strip for another full-on attack at the European record for pure race RX-7s which, until now, stood at 9.83/143 mph set a couple of seasons ago by the Re:Worx Ltd Type RRX7 at Santa Pod. Although the day was hot and humid, the Dragon boys tuned the car to suit the soaring track temperatures; one resulted in a lane swap at three quarter track, the other being the record run of 9.627/144.28. Looking at the timing system's incrementals, the sixty foot was down to 1.55, and by mid track Ross had already covered the eighth in 6.25/113. Well done Ross. ©Eurodragster.com *Bug Jam 20 beckons.* 19th July: We're now in the thick of summer and it's that time of year when the laid back vdubbers head to Santa Pod for this weekend's BugJam 20 a real celebration of all things VW, from Bugs to Campers and all in between. "We may be getting the Main Stage and Big Top Marquees into place, but we're also still ensuring that the site continues to be upgraded all the time with better facilities including access to areas for the general public being a priority", says DJ of Santa Pod. "Take a look at the image (right) showing the new path which leads all the way along the front of the Bank, with the BugJam 20 preparations going on in the background. ©Eurodragster.com "Tickets for Bug Jam 20 can still be bought on the gate, though be sure to arrive early to avoid disappointment. You won't want to miss out on all the action taking place on and off track. For more details visit www.santapod.com or call 01234 782828." *Magazine update.* 19th July: The August issue of American Car World carries photo reports from the ACW Nationals, UK Street Racers 2, Muscle Car Mania and Round 3 of Real Steel Street Eliminator UK all from Shakespeare County Raceway, writes Jerry Cookson. This months SE profile concentrates on Jerry Charles while this month's featured race car is the awesome '57 Chevy Bel Air Pro Mod belonging to Sweden's Michael Gullquist. The FIA Main Event at Santa Pod also receives the ACW star treatment. In addition you'll find features on Mopars at Brooklands, a trendy Dodge Challenger R/T belonging to Gene Billadeau, and Matt Langbant's 1945 Chevy Pick-Uptruck which has so much attitude that it has nitro etched into the doors! The August issue is out now priced at £3.50. ©Eurodragster.com *Two legends return.* 18th July: If you were tuned in to Eurodragster.com News last Wednesday you will have read that Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team owner Knut Söderquist promised to reveal the identities of the racers contesting the Top Fuel match race in Bahrain at the end of October. Knut has been good to his word and got in touch with Eurodragster.com last night to let us know who will be driving. Representing Europe will be Siw Nystad, Andy Carter, Thomas Nataas and Micke Kågered, whilst hugely-popular local Pro racer Ali Aryan will be representing the Middle East. Two of the remaining three places are to be taken by returning US legends, Fuel FC racer Tom Hoover and European favourite Harlan Thompson. "Knut talked to Bill Sherratt, who is a close friend of mine", Tom Hoover (right) told Eurodragster.com. "Bill mentioned it to me and then Knut called me a little while later. I've known him for years and he is one of my many friends in Europe. I am in for the experience. I am an adventurous person, and I am crazy enough to do it. I look like a Saudi anyway so I'll fit right in! I am looking forward to pulling on the helmet again. Our last Top Fuel race was in Australia in 1995 and we won. There'll be a couple of us old Americans just having fun!" "I called up Bill 'Boom Boom' Sherratt and asked him what he thought about Tom driving in Bahrain", said Knut Söderquist. "Then I called Tom and I think I made him twenty years younger in one phone call!" Tom will be attending the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway in September to spend the weekend with the Showtime Fuel FC team, but whilst there he will try out his Top Fueller for size and arrange the cockpit just how he likes it. Harlan Thompson told Eurodragster.com that he was not going to go to Bahrain to start with. "Knut calls me every year or two with some new scheme, and I always say I am not interested", he said. "He called and asked me if Al Segrini would go to Bahrain. Al wasn't keen but the more I thought about it the more I liked it and I have always wanted to see Bahrain. It sounds like a lot of fun. I still love the sport, and I am as fit as I ever was. I exercise every day. I could easily get the bug again, I think I'd come back full-time if there were more tracks and I have always been lucky getting sponsors." VERY ©Eurodragster.com Harlan kept the Budweiser Funny Car and still does promotional work with his sponsors Budweiser, Chrysler and Coca Cola. "I go to military bases to visit troops, and I visit injured troops and take them pictures and T-shirts", he said. "I get to do the things people did when I was young." Harlan has not experienced drag racing in the Middle East but he knows that it is already popular and that it could become even bigger. "It's going to become big down there", he said. "I always look at racing like a snowball rolling downhill: as it grows, more sponsors come in, there is more money for racers, they get better parts and run better, more fans come in, then the TV grows, and it takes off again." Although Harlan is driving a Top Fuel Dragster in Bahrain, it is plain where his first love lies. "I don't think drag racing would be so big without Funny Cars", he said. "They really need about six of those in the Middle East. Of course there's more sponsor space on them. But they are more popular. You never know what the hell an FC would do, but they're not so much fun when they catch fire!" "Harlan was unbeatable at Santa Pod, legendary and very popular", said Knut. "When he stopped racing there was no Cannonball and no crowd. I didn't think that Harlan would be interested. But he is, and who knows what will happen in the future?" Knut is very pleased with the coup he has pulled off. "You know, I almost stunned myself", he said. "Only King Knut himself could get two Americans to Bahrain! We are certainly giving them the best drivers." The driver of the eighth Top Fuel Dragster in Bahrain will be confirmed shortly. *Kirk launches on tiptoe.* 18th July: Lee Kirk, Crew Chief for the UK's Rat Fink Super Modified team, says that the team will be trying their best to pull their socks up at this weekend's Bug Jam at Santa Pod Raceway, although it sounds to us as if pulling up socks is the last thing driver Andy Kirk wants to do right now. "After dipping into the 7.60s and running as quick as a 7.653 earlier in the year, we slipped up at the Summernationals and have allowed ourselves to slip back!", says Lee. "With a much-welcomed return to form for Rob Smallworth and team, the ever present threat of the Ellis machine, and the rapidly closing drivers who make up the rest of the pack, we need to try and pull something out of the bag to try and claw back some points! Looks like we'll have to try and dust off the jet box too Mr. Perkins! ©Eurodragster.com "At present it's fingers crossed as Dad (Andy) is nursing a slipped disc in his spine (Ouch! Get well soon Andy - Ed). He's unable to drive a road car at the minute so wheels-up launches aren't really in the picture, however he's getting a lot better as each day passes." On behalf of the whole class, Lee welcomes Andy and Rob Chilton into Super Modified (Explains all those eight-second breakouts - Ed). "The AC Racing team will make their Super Modified début at the Bug Jam", says Lee. "The Super Modified class as a whole has never been in better shape than it is right now and has become the close fought, anybody's-race category we always knew it could be." The Super Modified web site at www.supermodified.co.uk has had a number of updates recently including numerous racers' thoughts on the season so far and the class as a whole. *On the numbers at Drachten.* 18th July: The Total Seal Piston Rings Super Pro ET Shootout was a tremendous suucess at a blistering Drachten Internationals, says eXplosion Club Secretary Henriette Selles. "As mentioned on Eurodragster.com, Derek Flynn took the ET and speed honours, and he also set a track record for the quarter mile of 333 kmh!", says Henriette. "Our congratulations to Martyn Jones, who won the Total Seal Piston Rings Super Pro ET Award. "Leigh Morris took the win in Super Street Cars and Peter Walters in Junior Dragster, congratulations guys! Jessica Selles and Peter Walters did the impossible during a qualifying run: there was a 0.091 on both scoreboards, and later the computer revealed that their Reaction Times were exactly the same upto the millionth of a second! ©Eurodragster.com "The Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award and the Eurodragster.com/ LA Racing Parts Perfect ET Award were not won at the Drachten Internationals. Thanks to Eurodragster.com, Speedflow and LA Racing Parts for the initiative! "The eXplosion Club was very pleased to have welcomed so many English teams to the Internationals, and we hope to welcome them all back next year!" You can find full qualifying and elimination details on the eXplosion web site at www.explosiondragracing.com/flowcharts_06.htm, and more excellent photographs at www.explosiondragracing.com/pictures.htm. *Doignie gauges success.* 18th July: UK Super Gas racer Stuart Doignie had a good start to the year as the winner of a year's sponsorship from Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Gleeson Wright Security, but engine damage right at the start of the season put a damper on things. However Stuart bounced back with runner-up spot in Sportsman at the European Doorslammers, and he has been in touch to let us know the latest from the Doignie pit. "We now seem to have overcome the problems with the new engine and the car is performing really well", says Stuart. "After repairing the engine damage sustained in the early part of the year we have just had a couple of gremlins to overcome. To start with the motor was intermittently hesitating and stumbling when we were coming up on the torque converter. With a bit of carb tuning we have now got over this problem. After we sorted the launch we then had problems with the sixty foot time as were consistently 0.06 from our usual times. In the end I accepted that perhaps the tyres were going off a little. "Then by pure fluke at the Doorslammers, my crewman Tim got to the startline and forgot the tyre gauge. We borrowed a gauge from another racer and it read 8.5 psi! We usually run 6.5 and this was what we preset the pressures to in the pits. We then lowered the pressures to 6.5 psi on the borrowed gauge and hey presto, the sixty foot times times returned to normal. Back in the pits I realised that the sixty foot times had dropped off at the same time as I had replaced my old broken tyre gauge. I was so glad to have solved the problem before spending more money on tires, torque converter checks etc. "We are now really looking forward to the reminder of the season and will be competing in all the remaining rounds. We will also be trying out both Super Gas and Super Comp at the European Finals. ©Eurodragster.com "I would like to say thanks one more to Matt Wright and Gary Gleeson at Gleeson Wright Security for their support this year. Without their help we would struggle to race. I would also like to say thanks to Tina Gibbs and everyone involved in the European Doorslammers. It was a great meeting and it was a real shame that more cars did not turn out. I hope that we can generate enough interest and support to run the event once more in 2007. I'm not sure what put people off entering the meeting, but I'm sure that those involved will spread the word fast and make 2007 a huge success. "Now onto my dad Bob. He should be back out soon in The Sleeper Toyota Celica. He sustained some transmission damage at the Easter Thunderball and has not been out in the car since. The transmission is currently being rebuilt to a higher spec by Jon at Webster Race Engineering and a nitrous kit has just been installed. His best time so far is a non-nitrous 10.8/125 on eight-inch BFG Drag Radials with a slipping transmission. With the new transmission mods, nitrous and new eight-inch MT Drag radials we are hoping to get the car into the very low tens or even the nines!" Driving Force review. 18th July: During his interview with Eurodragster.com back in December, John Force revealed that he and his family were to be the subject of a reality TV series in the USA. The eagerly-awaited show, named Driving Force, finally had its début in the USA last night with the first two episodes airing back-to-back, and our US correspondent Ed O'Connell kindly sat up late to send us a review: The series appears mainly to be a family drama set to a background of drag racing activities. The first episode started with Ashley's attempts to come back from a disappointing previous season marred by a top end accident where her opponent crossed over into her lane behind her car and hit the wall head-on. Coverage of the accident from several angles set up the episode's dramatic tension of John's concern for his daughters' safety. Footage of John's famous Memphis fiery crash, Eddie Hill's blower-over at Pomona, and Cory Mac's recent frame splitting crash were shown to emphasise the dangers of the sport. In scenes with John talking to the camera while commuting in his Jaguar, meeting with wife Laurie, and finally in a meeting with Ashley, he was clearly concerned about exposing his daughters to the dangers of the sport and worried he may have not given them the tools to prepare for on-track disasters. Ashley put fears aside and ended the episode with at win at Gainesville. VERY ©Eurodragster.com The second episode was very light on racing action and very heavy on family tension. John, in attempting to have the daughters show an interest in Force Racing as a business that will one day be theirs, was quite shocked to find that middle daughter Brittany would really rather be a school teacher. Ashley was assigned the task of designing her own trailer, but John couldn't exactly adopt a totally hands-off approach much to Ashley's frustration. Courtney, who functioned as the detached voice of reason in episode one, clashed with John over the use of the limo for a "Sadie Hawkins" school dance. John's attempts at family involvement usually seemed to end in frustration with him storming out saying "I don't belong in a family". The series depicts a very unusual family life unique in the television family spectrum, somewhere between the unrealistically ideal family of TV dramas and the totally dysfunctional celebrity reality show family. With each family member involved in drag racing in varying degrees and commitments, it does make for interesting viewing. In scenes depicting racing involvement, family tension seems minimal. Individually and as a family, they all seem at their best when at the track. *You've read the review, now...* 18th July: Still on the Force theme, guests of Drag Racing USA - The Trip To America may experience a moment in history with the much-heralded entry of Ashley Force into the nitro Funny Car ranks, says Robin Jackson of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Blueprints For Travel. "Ashley Force currently drives an A/Fueller in NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster but is testing constantly in preparation for a Fuel flopper campaign in 2007", says Robin. "Now John Force expects his daughter to make her Pro début later this year, at Dallas or Las Vegas. NHRA's ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals is the first event on The Trip's schedule. ©Eurodragster.com "What's more, guests attending the Trip's Pomona leg will enjoy a private tour of John Force Racing's headquarters on the eve of the Auto Club NHRA Finals. "Enthusiasts throughout Europe are invited to join The Trip To America, presented by Trailfinders, the UK's leading independent travel company. Information about the itinerary and its special attractions, and full contact detail,s can be found at www.trip2america.co.uk or click on the Trip to America logo at left." *Swift snippets.* 18th July: Wayne and Pam Hiscock and Al, Leigh and Bradley Didwell have asked us to say a big Happy 15th Birthday to Sam Jackson (right). "Sam had an early birthday treat on Sunday when she had a day at the track in a Junior Dragster, arranged through Santa Pod Racers Club", says Pam Hiscock. "After her tuition from Ian Marshall, Sam couldn't keep off the track managing a best ET of 16.56 and RT of 0.021. A great day and smiles all round!". Nice one, Sam, and have a very Happy Birthday. ©Eurodragster.com As neither of the Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards were won at the Drachten Internationals, they will roll over and increase in the usual manner for next week's Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park. Stay tuned for more details. *Web site updates.* 18th July: Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with a page of photographs from last Friday's Peak Performance Day and Saturday's Gary's Picnic, both at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Sharkman's pictures at www.topendtales.com. ©Eurodragster.com *Heavenly testing.* 17th July: It was a great day for the UK's Heaven and Hell Pro ET team at Friday's Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway. It all went right for Carla Pittau and Rick McCann with new Personal Bests for the Camaro in glorious weather. Carla takes up the story: In the words of the inimitable Tracy Doyle "Isn't it great to be at the track and know it's not going to rain"! We tried a few different settings with the suspension, played with the timing and generally blasted down the track with a smile. The first baseline run off the trailer was a 9.75, pleasing and our best time at that point. This was probably mainly the effect of the new 'magic oil' advised by good old Kenny Coleman, which seems to be working well for us, as well as good air density. Next we played with the timing but some serious wheelspin off the line and further up the track (the wind was probably blowing dust on the track) gave us an inconclusive 9.94, so we made another run after it was nicely swept and scraped by the crew. The forty one degree advance resulted in a nice 9.72, our best time to date, although Tog, in charge of timing for the day, put a dial-in of 9.74 into the computer making us break out (I did it for encouragement - Ed). We next played with the suspension. The Caltracs preferred the setting they were already on, so changing it slowed us down to a 9.92. Going the other way with the Caltracs didn't seem to improve matters either, giving us a final 9.75 which backed up the first run nicely but proved that the Heaven and Hell Camaro is probably set up using the best compromise. ©Eurodragster.com At this point I have to apologise to Tog as he was going to be driver for the day and therefore I stole “his” 9.72. However he decided to be cautious and take it easy for a little while longer and let me take the wheel instead. Of course I think “Taking it easy” means laying on a hammock sipping margaritas and watching drag racing videos or Bullit for the fifteenth time while for Tog it obviously means working as usual but not wearing a firesuit (Running the timing computer is officially non-strenuous activity and is thus permitted - Ed). Also very pleasing was seeing Mike Lacey finally getting his nine-second run. It was a shame that partner Anna Metcalfe was not there to witness it, unfortunately she couldn't get the day off. Mike followed Jon Webster's priceless advice on radial tyre set-up. Jon was on hand giving valuable advice to all as usual and proving once more - as if he needed to! - that he knows a thing or two about doorslammers like ours. Happy Nines Mike! I would also like to congratulate Ian and Angela Turnbull for the birth of their son Thomas William, who arrived last Monday weighing 7lbs 3oz, which we believe is legal for the class he currently races in. Best wishes to the Plough Garage Racing Team. Ian is an accomplished Sportsman ET racer as well as a sponsor of Sportsman classes through his company BigV8.com, a site dedicated to buying and selling American cars. *Beep! Beep! It's a PB.* 17th July: Also running a PB over the weekend was UK Pro ET racer Jerry Smith in his beautiful Grim Beeper Roadrunner, this time at Gary's Picnic at Santa Pod. ©Eurodragster.com "We had a great weekend at Gary's Picnic", says Jerry. "We were trying out new Toyo slicks on the car this weekend. On the first pass we ran without gas and ran 9.83, our previous PB without gas was 9.96. The sixty foot time was good so the tyres worked! We put the gas on next run and blew the tyres away off the line. We ran two 9.5s back to back then upped the jets in the nitrous system and went 9.4, but the car wouldn't rev above 6500 rpm in third with the gas on. On Sunday we ran 9.5 on our first run and then another 9.4 on the second run. "All in all a great weekend, and we'd like to thank everyone who helped out especially Jon Webster and the Luton Mopar boys!" *Swift snippets.* 17th July: Congratulations to Martyn Jones who won the Total Seal Super Pro ET Shootout at Drachten at the weekend. Eurodragster.com News sponsor Derek Flynn took the ET and speed honours but we are told that all of the UK racers starred with a special tip of the hat to Mark Flavell who organised the Shootout. A repeat visit is already being planned for 2007. ©Eurodragster.com *SCR TV reminder.* 17th July: Helen Todd of Power Point Communications has been in touch to remind us that World Motorsports on Sky Sports today and tomorrow includes Super Modified and Outlaw Anglia action from Shakespeare County Raceway. The broadcast schedule is: ©Eurodragster.com Today at 19:30, Sky Sports 3 Today at 23:00, Sky Sports 2 Tomorrow at 09:30, Sky Sports 2 Tomorrow at 14:30 Sky Sports 2 *Web site updates.* 17th July: A fifth page of pictures and documents from the personal collection of UK drag racing legend Dennis Priddle has now been added to our good buddy Alan Currans' Acceleration Archive. "This page concentrates mainly on pictures of Dennis himself and the other members of that all-conquering John Woolfe Racing-sponsored Top Fuel team of the early 1970s", says Alan. "There are also some interesting press releases and promotional literature of the period. To cap it all off is a great shot of The Master collecting his well-deserved Drag Racing Hall of Fame 'Bootsie' at Santa Pod". Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Patrik Jacobsson has updated the Racebilder web site with photographs from the weekend's Gothenburg Drag Racing festival including pictures of Roger Goring's Firestorm Jet FC on its first overseas visit. Check it out at www.racebilder.nu. ©Eurodragster.com Peter Donaldson has updated his Photo Library web site with pictures from Friday's Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway. "Congratulations to Carla Pittau and Mike Lacey on their Personal Bests", says Peter. You can find Peter's pictures at peterdonaldson5305.fotopic.net. Nigel Holland has also posted an update from Santa Pod Raceway, in this case the weekend's Gary's Picnic. Check out Nigel's great shots at www.nigelholland.co.uk. *Banzai!* 16th July: Swiss Top Methanol Funny Car racer Dezsoe Krivan is ready to race again after he and his team rebuilt their racing operation from the ground up. Dezsoe will return to the track at Turtmann next weekend in his new Toyota-bodied TMFC. "The last bit of the jigsaw was to overhaul and repaint the truck, which is now completed", says Dezsoe. "This means that we are able to load up the race car and hit the road. The first event for the appearance of our new car will be Turtmann where we are hoping to shake down the car - and the new team members - and then look to Hockenheim to prepare the team for next year when we will be contesting the FIA European Championship." The carbon fibre body is based on a Toyota Celica GT-S. It was designed and developed in the wind tunnel of Swift Engineering Inc of San Clemente, California and fabricated by Swift in conjunction with Toyota Racing Developments. The paint job (right, click on picture for larger versoin) was applied by Dieter Löffler. "A splendid job it is too", says Dezsoe. ©Eurodragster.com "Although some people might baulk at the idea of a Japanese Funny Car body instead of the usual American model, among the many reasons we went for this body were to try and interest new blood in the sport by attracting the 'max pants' crowd", says Dezsoe. "The paintscheme reflects our ideas by contrasting the traditional hot rod flame job with some Fast and Furious-style graphics." Dezsoe says that there is no truth in the rumour that to prepare him for the full Japanese effect the crew will be bolting the escape hatch in true kamikaze style. "If you are at Turtmann or Hockenheim then please drop by and say hello to the team, and have a look at Europe's first Toyota Funny Car", says Dezsoe. You can see more pictures of the new car on Dezsoe's web site at www.dragracing.ch. *Swedish Junior update.* 16th July: The third round of the Swedish Junior Dragster Championship took place during a warm weekend at Pite Dragway last weekend, say Mari and Janne of Junior DragRacing Föreningen (translation courtesy Tomas Pettersson): The Junior Dragsters had to qualify for a thirty two car field with a thirty three car entry, but in the end only thirty two cars showed up. A total of eight qualifying sessions were run during Friday and Saturday. This resulted in a close fight for qualifying spots, and even though no other class has Reaction Times like the Juniors this event really stood out – the sixteenth spot was a reaction time of 0.019 seconds. The top ten qualifiers were: Jennifer Gustavsson 0.001 Daniel Nyling 0.001 Beatrice Holländare 0.001 Ida Söderman 0.002 Niklas Brusén 0.002 Julia Stolt 0.003 Linus Eriksson 0.005 Albin Frank 0.005 Kevin Danielsson 0.005 Niclas Andersson 0.006 The semi-finals on Sunday were Lina Wallberg v Daniel Nyling (w) and Jennifer Gustavsson v Sandra Sjöberg (w). This led to the final between Daniel Nyling, SHRA Lindesberg, and Sandra Sjöberg, SMF Västerås. In the final Daniel showed that he wasn't concerned with "ladies first", winning the final by a few thousandths of a second. You can find complete qualifying and elimination results at www.shralulea.se, and for more information about Junior Drag Racing check out the Junior DragRacing Föreningen web site at www.jdrf.se. The latest NDRS and Swedish Dragracing League points standings can be found on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se. The fourth round of the Swedish Junior Dragster Championship is taking place at this weekend's Gold Town Summer Nats arranged by SHRA Skellefteå at Fällfors Raceway outside Skellefteå. ©Eurodragster.com *City Racing break the barrier.* 16th July: Malta's City Racing Team are very proud to announce that that a new personal best during the last Malta Drag Racing Association event at Hal-Far Raceway, says Holger Camilleri: Driving the new-look dragster Paul Grech competed in two classes, Bracket racing and in Open 5 class. Making it through to the Bracket final, Paul pushed the dragster to the finish line with a 9.633 pass and won the final. Although we were eliminated in the Open 5 semi-final against hard opponent Chris 'Kalang' Polidano, Paul clocked a personal best of 9.574. Great run Chris! ©Eurodragster.com The run was performed under high humidity levels which touched 90%, so taking this into consideration it's a very good ET. Breaking the 9.6 barrier has motivated the City Racing Team and we are now looking forward to running consistent Elapsed Times in the 9.5-9.7 range, hopefully! Although registering a 9.5 run, we were not satisfied with the engine's performance, as we expected better ETs. Hopefully we will do better at the next event. "This rewarding event wouldn't have been a success without the help of my team: Christos, Andre and Holger who did a great job", said Paul Grech. "Also thanks to Keith and Ettiene for their support". Thanks also to dragexpo.com for the picture. *Swift snippets.* 16th July: Congratulations to Heidi and Mark Bracking on the birth of their son Jake, who arrived at 16:45 yesterday (Saturday) and weighed in at 8lbs 9oz. Mark tells us that Heidi Jake are doing well. "Just as soon as Jake can hold a spanner, we will be back racing", says Mark. "Thanks to everyone for their support over the last few months." ©Eurodragster.com *Web site updates.* 16th July: Our good friend Pete Roberts has updated his web site The Pod - A Look Around with new panoramas and Windows wallpaper from the SPRC Summernationals and European Doorslammers at Santa Pod Raceway. "I thought the Doorslammers was a great day, laid back and easy-going, I hope it's repeated next year", says Pete. You can check out Pete's unique panoramas as well as wallpapers, a look at Santa Pod's history, a tribute to Sammy Miller and more at myweb.tiscali.co.uk/lithopa/menu.html. ©Eurodragster.com *Swift snippets.* 15th July: FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike Champion Ian King took Low ET and High Speed at yesterday's Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod with a storming 6.320/218.38 on his Top Fuel Bike. On four wheels Andy Forrest's Subaru took FTD at 9.303/159.63. Carla Pittau at 9.721/138.01, Mike Lacey at 9.896/132.78, Steve Wood at 8.944/153.02 and Steve Mead at 8.776/177.24 were among the racers recording new Personal Bests. UK Jet FC pilot Roger Goring and the Firestorm team have been an instant hit at this weekend's Gothenburg Drag Racing Festival, says Anders Envall. "The crowd are excited and Roger is signing lots of autographs!", says Bostic. Roger appeared on Swedish TV on Thursday and you can check that out by clicking here: Roger's appearance is about seven minutes in. You can see a number of pictures of Roger's promotional appearance in Gothenburg and his first runs at Save on the News page of Anders' web site at www.blackout.nu. ©Eurodragster.com Marc Fossey stepped up to see us in Race Control at Santa Pod yesterday to ask us to say a big Happy 16th Birthday to Jamie Willis today. No sooner said that done, have a great day Jamie and we look forward to seeing you at the track very soon. UK photographer Richard Heeps is holding an Open Studio this weekend and next, as part of the Cambridge Open Studio project in which three hundred artists open up their studios to the public. "My house is open to the public and people can view my drag racing images plus all my other photographic work", says Richard. "The location is 2 Springfield Road, Cambridge CB4 1AD and we are open between 11:00 and 18:00 today and tomorrow, and again next Saturday and Sunday (22nd-23rd). For directions call 07050 051374." Thanks to everyone who has been in touch to let us know that the next instalment of NHRA Drag Racing on the UK's Channel 5 is broadcast between 04:30 and 06:00 on Monday (17th). Our good friend Alan Currans informs us that the Videoplus code is 2238291. *Bug Jam racer update.* 14th July: Santa Pod Racers Club secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch with a couple of important notices for racers regarding the Bug Jam, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway next Friday-Sunday, 21st-23rd July. "Santa Pod's gates are open from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm Thursday, 20th July", says Paula. "After closing at 9:00 pm on Thursday gates re-open at 9:00 am on Friday. ©Eurodragster.com "If racers are intending to run in the RWYB sessions you also need to bring your DVLC licence along with their Competition licence." If you have any queries then you can contact Paula at SPRC on 01933 313625. *Make Micke's a double.* 14th July: Careful readers of the Veidec Festival entry list will have noticed Micke Kågered's name on the entry list twice: in Top Fuel Dragster, where you would expect to see Micke's name these days, and in Top Methanol Funny Car. We asked Micke about his return to the cockpit of the Kågered Racing TMFC. "We have had the Funny Car loaded in its trailer for more than a month", said Micke. "Initially it was prepared to be delivered to a new home in mid-June, but the deal with the potential buyer has taken longer than expected to sort out, so the car is still mine. "One day I passed the Funny Car trailer and I was struck by the idea that I could actually run it if I wanted. It would not be too much of a job to begin with as it is pretty much set up to race anyway. So I called around and asked my mechanics how they would feel about taking two cars to Mantorp. ©Eurodragster.com "As a result, I have entered the event at Mantop Park in both Methanol Funny Car and Top Fuel Dragster. Top Fuel is my main priority this season and for the time being I have no intention of making any other appearance with the Funny Car than at Mantorp. It has been three years since I last piloted a Methanol Funny Car and I actually feel rather excited about it, maybe to some extent because it was not planned that I would still have the car in my possession. "So it has not really been on my mind before to make an appearance in Funny Car again, but now that I have made up my mind I feel good about it! The plan is to race both cars at Mantorp, to take one run at a time and to make decisions as we go depending on how it turns out." *MDRA round 3 report.* 14th July: The Malta Drag Racing Association organised its third 2006 Championship event, the first of two night races, at Hal-Far Raceway on 6th-8th July and there was fantastic racing and as predicted lots of personal bests, says MDRA President Anthony Borda: Everyone who came to watch this three day event was more than satisfied with the great races they watched and I saw lots of happy faces from racers and owners. On behalf of all the executive Committee, I would personally like to say thanks to everyone who helped us to organise the event and another thanks and well done goes to all drivers and owners for their effort they put in to make this event another successful one. The weather held beautifully over all three days and the excitement of racing never stopped for those who were watching. I must start by mentioning Chris Polidano, who drives his dad's modified Ford Escort Cosworth. Chris ran consistent high sevens during this event, but in the final run Chris and everyone in his team went over the moon when they clocked an impressive elapsed time of 7.450 seconds. This is the world's best elapsed time for a four cylinder engine running on pump fuel. As I said, there were plenty of personal best times and I should mention a few of them. Everyone is happy for what Chris and his team achieved, well done Powerhouse. The Modified Cosworth Escort is tuned by Amante Bugeja of Powerhouse Racing Team and managed to win all three classes contested. ©Eurodragster.com Another competitor who did very well was Gary Curmi, who in a Toyota Dragster managed to clock 7.9 seconds and that still with some problems in the clutch system. This is a personal Best for Gary and I would like to say well done to the Sieheb Racing Team. When all problems are solved we will definitely see Gary clocking very low seven-second runs. Joe Tabone of Sieheb Racing Team tunes this dragster and is doing his utmost to see it running with the others, he is taking care of this problem already. Another competitor from the Sieheb Racing Team managed to break the best Elapsed Time of Pro Stock Class 2 for aspirated four-cylinder engines. This was Rennie Zammit in his made-over two-litre Escort, who recorded a dead 10.9 second run. Other competitors who did very well in this event were Tommy Agius in his Volvo Truck, who clocked a personal best of 11.0 seconds. Paul Grech of the City Racing Team, clocked a 9.6-second run in his V8 Power Dragster and Stephen Caruana on his nitrous-assisted Kawasaki bike clocked an 8.8-second run. I could keep going but if you want to read more about this event then you can view all the results at www.maltadragracing.com. Finally thanks once again to everyone involved in organising another great drag racing event. *Tina's Doorslammers thanks.* 14th July: Tina Gibbs of Obsession Motorsports has been in touch to thank everyone who made last Saturday's European Doorslammers event at Santa Pod such a success. "A Doorslammer event was something which Terry had wanted to do for a couple of years, and it had been very successful when we had such an event in our last year promoting at Shakespeare County Raceway", says Tina. "I remember the chat between David Lloyd-Jones and Terry at the NEC back in January and consequent meetings in Santa Pod's offices during January and February. With others I felt it only right that we kept Terry's dream alive as he had a vision of an event which equalled those held at Santa Pod back in the 1980s/1990s and it also meant there was an event during July which is a quiet month for most racers. ©Eurodragster.com "I would like to personally thank all those racers who had faith in the event. It was a great day with some great close racing - where could you go and get up to ten qualifiers in one day and on a very well-prepped track - to Santa Pod Raceway, especially David Lloyd Jones and Darren Prentice, to commentators John Price and our own Eurodragster News Editor Tog, great work guys (Thanks, and you're welcome - Ed). Thanks to our special friends Jeff and Belinda Bull who worked so hard on Top Sportsman, to all the sponsors in all the classes, and of course to Santa Pod Racers Club." *Swift snippets.* 14th July: Sweden's Lahega Racing Pro Stock team had amazing evening at Meca Raceway with their primary sponsor, says team member Magnus Cato. "Michael Malmgren gave passenger rides on a lovely Swedish summer evening", says Magnus. "Four lucky Lahegians made us work for the money, and the bragging rights for the quickest ride went to a girl. Sorry boys, it's all about weight. The crew want to say thank you to Tobbe and the rest of the staff at Lahega. There are some great pictures on the Hasse Bilder site at www.hassebilder.se." Brian and Lee Huxley of the UK's Top Banana Pro ET and Sportsman ET team can be seen on Saturday not only trying to navigate around corners but also up a hill named Shelsey Walsh. "No, its not the Roadster nor the Mustang but a 1980s Ford Fiesta XR2 track day car which usually makes an appearance around this time of year", says Lee who describes himself as very scared. "The opportunity arose so we thought why not? Please wish us luck, or come and have a laugh yourself." ©Eurodragster.com Real Steel Street Eliminator UK Champion Colin Lazenby will be exhibiting his eight-second Chevy at Sunday's Fast and Modified show at Ingliston, Edinburgh. "It's an outside display, doubtless with demo burnouts etc" says Colin. The official entry list for the Veidec Festival, which takes place at Sweden's Mantorp Park on 27th-30th July, has been updated and can be seen at www.veidecfestival.com. This is promising to be one of the biggest-ever drag races in Europe as both the Pro and Sportsman entries have gone plain crazy! Chris Orthodoxou has been in touch to apologise for using the words "gorgeous" and "Chevy" in the same sentence in yesterday's news item. "I was absolutely horrified and inconsolable when I realised what I'd said", says Chris. "It was a pure slip of the tongue and I can assure you that it will never, ever happen again." *Web site updates.* 14th July: Ulf Stadig has been in touch to let us know that the Nilsson Motorsports web site at www.nilssonmotorsports.com has been updated with an report and pictures of Håkan Nilsson's weekend at Alastaro in the Veidec/Landmeco Top Fuel Dragster. ©Eurodragster.com The Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se has been updated with the latest points Nordic Drag Racing Series points standings, race results, and updated Comp Eliminator indices. *FIM/UEM rule change reminder.* 13th July: FIM/UEM European Championship Co-ordinator Lars Andersson has asked us to draw FIM/UEM bike racers' attention to one of this year's rule changes which he says most of the teams appear not to have seen. "The big thing is that you must have two valves", says Lars, "one to the lanyard and one as fuel shut off." ©Eurodragster.com RR09.1.15 Kill Switch The motorcycle must be equipped with an electrical contact which disconnects all electricity to the engine (and nitrous oxide system, if used) if the rider should lose control of the motorcycle. All vehicles using nitromethane as a fuel must be equipped with a safety lanyard operated fuel shut off independent of the fast acting main fuel shut off, i.e. the same valve cannot be used for the two mechanisms. You can find the FIM/UEM Championship rules on the UEM web site at www.uem-online.org or on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com. *If you can't win, then lose big.* 13th July: Chris Orthodoxou says that he had a great time at last Saturday's European Doorslammers event and that his day was made even better by the successful début of his new Dodge Viper GTS race car. Chris made it into the final of Top Doorslammer and was pleased to break out spectacularly. "The day started out very badly when I found that my brand new Arai helmet was illegal - thanks Amos!", says Chris. After a trip to the Grand Prix racewear store at Silverstone I had on my bonce a brand new Bell (Stig-type) helmet and a much lighter wallet in my pocket. "I finally went out for my first observed run at about 11.30. The car left straight and hard, so success. Everything went well again on the second run, half-track click-off, all good. On the third observed run it ran very well under power for the whole run, the parachute deployed and the car stopped very comfortably, dead straight and stable with no hint of drama. I was well pleased when I found out I'd gone 8.72/155, and was doubly pleased when Darren Prentice signed my licence and told me that that last observed run had qualified me for the Top Sportsman field! "In the first round I was up against Steve Rawlings of all people. He unfortunately broke mid track putting me into the next round, where I came up against Belinda Bull in that gorgeous yellow Chevy truck (Chrissy O uses the words "gorgeous" and "Chevy" in the same sentence? - Ed). I couldn't believe it when Belinda red-lit putting me into the semi final, where even more amazingly I had a bye run into the final! I dialled in 8.40 against Chris Johnson, and I cleverly handed him the win by rattling off an incredible 8.13/164, breaking out by nearly three tenths. Hey, if you're gonna lose, you may as well lose big time eh? ©Eurodragster.com "All in all a very good day, considering I only entered the meeting to test the car and make sure it actually worked and went straight. 8.13 after only three proper runs, and on our preliminary baseline set-up was far more than I expected to achieve on our first outing. There's loads more to come out of her yet as we've not started playing with anything. I reckon my original 7.70s goal is within reach - watch this space. "I came home with a cracking trophy and even some prize money. Getting towed to the fire-up lanes by Tony Tomline's Viper RT/10 added a bit of class to the proceedings as well. Many thanks to Tina Gibbs and Jeff Bull for organising things, all the track crew for making life easy for me on the observed runs, my wife Angella, Sharon Hogarth, John Ball, Tony Tomline and Mark (Nipper) Stevens for all their help in the pits, and especially Jon Hogarth for building one hell of a race car. It's turned out even better than I originally imagined, goes straight and hard and is a dream to drive. A far cry from my old Dodge Dart which was a nine-second wrestling match every time I ran her!" *Liquid prize money!* 13th July: UK Super Pro ET racer Martyn Jones says that H&C (Him and Crunch) Racing team can't wait to get to Drachten for this weekend's Drachten Internationals which includes the Total Seal Super Pro ET Shootout. "We are looking forward to meeting up with the good friends we made whilst I worked in Amsterdam", says Syd. "Hopefully there will be enough time to share a beer or two, as well meeting the excellent people from eXplosion whom we met on our previous visit. We are very grateful to Dave Powell both for arranging the great deal from Total Seal (whose excellent rings we use), as well as building us the superb motor at his Performance Unlimited shop. ©Eurodragster.com "We'd also like to welcome Nick Good, Robert Koper, Jan Scheppers, Michel Baltjes and Piet van der Meer who are joining in the fun in Super Pro ET. We'd like to assure Nick that the racing is always serious in Super Pro ET, and that whoever wins the Total Seal prize fund we'll all enjoy trying to drink the best part of it on Sunday night." *Swift snippets.* 13th July: Malta Drag Racing Association President Anthony Borda tells us that Tommy Agius clocked two 11.0-second ETs in the Maksar Racing Team fourteen-litre nitrous-assisted Volvo truck. Tommy and the team will be appearing at the UK Truck Show at Santa Pod Raceway on 19th-20th August. "Congratulations to the Maksar Racing Team", says Anthony. "I wish them luck at Santa Pod, and to all the other truck competitors: watch the nice-looking rear end of the Maksar truck pulling away from you!" ©Eurodragster.com Racer information for the Nitrolympx, which takes place at Hockenheim on 25th-27th August, is now available by clicking on Race info at www.nitrolympx-racer.de. Ian King tells us that racers who did not participate in the event last year should send their postal address to receive an entry form. Ian Turburville will be at tomorrow's (Friday's) Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway for a short time. "Should anyone want any Simpson sweats, T's, jackets or helmet bags let me know and I will bring them down but I will be leaving the track at 13.30 sharp", says Turbo. "I can also supply 50w Race Oil from Red Line Oil at a very special price, contact me at topfuelturbo@ntlworld.comfor details. Thanks to everyone who offered to tape the Men and Motors show for me, nice one!" *Car or bike sought for Fete.* 13th July: Jerry Cookson of Shakespeare County Raceway has been in touch with an urgent request for a car or bike to display at the annual Long Marston Village Fete and Dog Show this Saturday (15th). "I'm looking for something which will catch a villager's eye!" says Jerry. "A car or bike, or even both, would be most welcome to display for about four hours or so from 2.00 pm. You would be promoting drag racing to the villagers, and to the local tourists who flock to fetes like this, as well as doing some local PR for the Raceway. There's something on the table for helping out as well." ©Eurodragster.com If you can assist, then please E-Mail Jerry at enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.com or quartermilenewsmakers@yahoo.co.uk. *Magazine update.* 13th July: Further coverage from Shakespeare County Raceway's Rotorstock 3 can be read in the August issue of Japanese Performance magazine, says Jerry Cookson. The four page feature, written by Andy Butler and photographed by Zoe Harrison and Stephen Wexler, carries spot lights on featured flyers Adrian Smith and his ten-second Fensport Celica GT4X and John Goodwin's '91 Mazda RX-7 Turbo, a results panel, and the usual entertaining write-up. ©Eurodragster.com The magazine also has a five-page feature, again photographed at SCR, concentrating on drag racer Craig Whittaker's Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Ali Belton's Nissan Skyline R33 GTS-1. Why? Because they both race rice rockets prepared for under five grand! The August issue of Japanese Performance is available now priced at £3.99. *Web site updates.* 13th July: The Nuthin' Fancy web site at www.nuthinfancy.150m.com has been updated with a video clip of blown-alcohol altered racer Joe Bond's first race in NFAA competition, against Jim Usher in The Mob. ©Eurodragster.com *Black and blue, but happy.* 12th July: If you were tuned in to Eurodragster.com last Tuesday you will have read that UK Sportsman ET racer Tanya Partridge was due to commence her Top Fuel Dragster licencing passes at the weekend's Midnight Sun Internationals at Pite Dragway. Eurodragster.com spoke to Tanya and to car owner Knut Söderquist to find out how she fared. "Tanya did well given her previous experience - she has not driven a car like this before", said Knut. "She passed all the safety tests and was black and blue from jumping out of the car. She made five runs in all, the best run was the third pass which was a very good launch. The clutch was quite aggressive but Tanya did good burnouts, she backed up well and was in full control of the car." "I was very pleased with the third run", said Tanya. "The pipes were lit and the front wheels were up. I wanted to stay on it because I knew it was on one! I got a 1.1 sixty foot time but I deep staged so the guys said that the time was probably a 0.9. And even though I was only on the throttle for one second as instructed I ran 11.872!" The jump from a street car to a Top Fueller is as big as they come. Tanya is looking at the best way to continue her learning process and Knut had some suggestions. "Tanya has a lot of balls, and she believes in herself which is good, and she has done the difficult part", said Knut. "I suggested that she borrow a Super Comp dragster for training - make fifteen or twenty runs to get a feel because it is so different from what she has driven before. Or I said that Frank Hawley's School would be perfect. They have the time to teach you and Top Fuel is too expensive to experiment. It takes everyone some time." ©Eurodragster.com "The Super Comp idea was not a bad suggestion", said Tanya. "I value Knut's opinion very much. I have already spoken to Frank Hawley's School. I've been given a lot of good advice and right now we're taking all of that advice on board, and making our plans to keep it going." Tanya has a number of people to thank for her progress so far. "Everyone as great", she said. "I would like to say a big Thank You to Knut Söderquist for getting me going; Animal; Dave Bryant and his crew; Gary Page and his crew; Alan Jackson; Susanne and Gordon Callin; Monica Öberg and her crew who were very welcoming and encouraging; and to the SHRA officials who were fabulous especially the Race Director. I love Piteå, it's a beautiful track with great facilities. "I must also thank my sponsors Anna Metcalfe and her company Metamorphosis Finance, Simpson Helmets, GPR Direct racewear and Nitrofreaks. "I am very lucky because I have had a chance which a lot of others have not had, and I am very grateful. I didn't realise what a big difference it would be, but Top Fuel kicks arse without a doubt. It's everything you'd expect it to be and more." Garlits comes to the Archive. 12th July: Just when you thought that Alan Currans' excellent Acceleration Archive web site couldn't possibly get any better, he has pulled off quite a coup. Not only does his latest update feature pictures by photographer Roger Phillips, formerly of Custom Car magazine, but as if that wasn't enough the captions for this update are provided by the legendary 'Big Daddy' Don Garlits. Alan explains: The name Roger Phillips will be familiar to many readers as the widely respected in-house photographer for Custom Car magazine in the early 1970s. Therefore long-time Acceleration Archive supporter Andy Barrack must have been feeling pretty pleased with himself when he not only tracked Roger down, but also persuaded him to allow publication of his extensive photo collection. As Andy was patiently scanning these images he discovered that, whilst on a trip to the USA in 1971, Roger's party visited the machine shop of none other than the legendary Don Garlits. This was a pivotal moment in the history of the sport because Big Daddy was busy turning the world of Top Fuel Dragster on its head by pioneering the rear-engined dragster configuration with stunning success. ©Eurodragster.com At this point Andy's mind must have gone into warp drive because he thought to himself - who better to provide information about these images than the King of the Dragsters himself? Well, I am very pleased to report that he pulled off this feat as well. So to launch the Roger Phillips Collection we have a double-header consisting of an illustrated and very entertaining Introduction page, and a guided tour of the Garlits' facility with captions provided by the greatest drag racer of all time. You can check out the results of Alan and Andy's hard work at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Note also the long preview list of features which are lined up for the site. *Swift snippets.* 12th July: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has kindly sent us the official entry list for the Bug Jam, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway next Friday to Sunday, 21st-23rd July. You can view the Bug Jam entry list by clicking here. Congratulations to Swedish Supertwin Top Gas racer Ulf Ögge who ran a new European Best of 7.832 at the Midnight Sun Internationals at Pite Dragway at the weekend. ©Eurodragster.com Knut Söderquist says that will shortly be revealing the identities of the eight Top Fuel Dragster racers who will be taking part in the Top Fuel match race in Bahrain at the end of October. The names should be with us within a week or so. UK Supertwin Fuel racer Ian Turburville has been in touch to ask if any Eurodragster.com reader can help him by recording an episode of On The Edge about the AHDRA. The programme lasts for thirty minutes and is aired on UK satellite and cable channel Men and Motors at 18:00 today (Wednesday) and 11:00 tomorrow. If you can help with a DVD or video recording then please drop Turbo a line at topfuelturbo@ntlworld.com. A few places are still available for this Friday's (14th) Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway. "If you are a racer who needs loads of track time, or if you simply want to take advantage of a rare weekday chance to test, get on the phone to Santa Pod Raceway on 01234 782828 as soon as possible and snap up one of those last remaining places", says Rick Cuthbert of Trakback Racing. The legendary Gary's Picnic takes place at Santa Pod this Saturday and Sunday. "The Picnic is not on our printed calendars but you can find out about the event on its web site at www.rodandcustom.co.uk/ad_garyspicnic.html", says Rick Cuthbert. "The weather looks like it's going to play ball, and loads of clubs are booked in, so we are looking forward to a cracking weekend. Hot Rods and muscle cars of all makes are welcome, and the track is open for RWYB, although if you'd rather look around the show cars there are certain to be plenty of those too." *SCR TV update.* 12th July: David Coleman of Power Point Communications has as promised been in touch with the schedule for third and fourth instalments of drag racing coverage from Shakespeare County Raceway. The coverage is included in World Motorsports on Sky Sports as follows: Episode 3 Super Modified and Outlaw Anglia Monday 17th July at 19:30, Sky Sports 3 Monday 17th July at 23:00, Sky Sports 2 Tuesday 18th July at 09:30, Sky Sports 2 Tuesday 18th July 14:30 Sky Sports 2 ©Eurodragster.com Episode 4 Fuel Altereds and all Shakespeare Nationals finals Monday 24th July, 19:30, Sky Sports Extra Tuesday 25th July, 03:00, Sky Sports 3 Tuesday 25th July, 09:30, Sky Sports 2 Tuesday 25th July, 13:30, Sky Sports Extra "Our section will be the middle section in the programmes, probably thirty minutes to an hour in", says David. *Half a century of Time Travel.* 12th July: It may be the Santa Pod Raceway's fortieth anniversary this year but Nick Pettitt of Time Travel DVDs tells us that he's celebrating fifty. ©Eurodragster.com "Not fifty years", says Nick, "I've just produced Time Travel 50 which features action at Santa Pod, Blackbushe and Long Marston from 1983-1987. It's a combination of some of my own cine film and Andrew Bamford's video footage. There's even a shot of the Santa Pod streaker as he interrupts racing by jumping the fence on to the strip before being chased off by a policeman. I've also updated the photo gallery with a few more pics from the late 1970s. For more information on this range of excellent historical DVDs, check out Nick's web site at www.timetraveldvds.co.uk. *The LSR perfectionists.* 12th July: Only a team with the desire, skills and perfectionist outlook exhibited by Colin Fallows and Mark Newby would consider a new British land speed record over 500 metres for thrust powered vehicles (subject to MSA ratification) and a new outright or absolute speed for the UK as something just above the level of failure, says Prime Time Team Manager Malcolm Pittwood. "The average speed attained by Colin and being put forward to the MSA for Vampire was 301.67 mph for the flying start 500 m", says Malcolm. "As there is no stated precedent for which timed distance should be used for the UK outright best, the 1.37 mph improvement over Colin's previous best will hopefully go into the record books as a new British fastest speed. ©Eurodragster.com "If Eurodragster.com readers get to the Royal International Air Tatto 2006 show, do remember to congratulate the team principals at the team's vehicle display on the Tri@Riat area. "Perhaps the new owners of either Vampire or Split Second will wish to raise the figure even higher in the near future. A calm day could see ten miles per hour on to the average. With Split Second attaining over 338 mph, why not a ten per cent improvement next time?" *Web site updates.* 12th July: In the latest entry in his exclusive Racer Blog, FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Lex Joon discusses a question put to him by your News Editor during the FHRA Nitro Nationals: "Is it time to consider introducing NHRA-style oildown penalties in the European Championships?". You can check out Lex's response by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blog link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If any other racer would like to answer this question then please send your opinion to us at news@eurodragster.com. Nostalgia fans have plenty to check out today as Jon Spoard has updated his superb UK Drag Racing Nostalgia web site with new photographs and a video clip of Clive Skilton from 1973. Check it out at www.ukdrn.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com The Hasse Photo web site at www.hassebilder.se has been updated with pictures of last weekend's action at Malmö's Meca Raceway. *I'm the Stig, and I'm back.* 11th July: Danish Top Fuel Dragster racer Stig Neergard is returning to competition at the Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park on 27th-30th July. It has been some years since Stig last ran Top Fuel but he has been quite busy in the meantime. "For ten years I have worked with the organisers of drag races at Vandel and other places, the National Dragracing Club Denmark and Dansk Dragracing", says Stig. "I work on between eight and twelve drag racing events every year renting out my Portatree timing system to Germany, Sweden, and Norway. I build and rent grandstands to sport events in Demark, Norway, Sweden and Germany. Also I have worked on my friend Donnie Holbrook's Top Fuel car." ©Eurodragster.com Stig has acquired parts from Donnie Holbrook and has updated his own 1997 chassis to 2006 spec. "The combination is TFX block, Alan Johnson heads, SSI blower, 88-gallon fuel pump, Carbon By Design injector, AFT hydraulic cannon, Rob More reverse, five-disc 10.5 inch AFT clutch, Strange 12.5-inch rear end and two 44 MSDs", he says. Stig regained his licence at Amcar International Raceway over the weekend of 9th-11th June. "Thanks to all of the officials at Gardemoen", he says. They dressed me up like this! 11th July: Swedish Top Fuel Dragster racer Susanne Callin took the win at the weekend's Top Fuel Tour match race at the Midnight Sun Internationals at Pite Dragway, but she was not presented with the traditional Lapp hat for her victory. Susanne's dad Gordon says that Susanne was given something equally traditional and special. "Gary and Susanne had a good final race, with Susanne's 5.35 to Gary's 5.37", says Gordon. "But it wasn't an easy race for Susanne: she left slightly before Gary, but had tyre shake and had to pedal the car once, and on top of that the motor let go in a big fireball just before the finish line. "Unfortunately Susanne didn't get a Lapp hat for her win because there is no one who makes then any more, so she got a witch drum instead." ©Eurodragster.com The Witch Drum (right) is part of Lapp folklore and was used by the local shaman to predict the future. All of the markings on the Witch Drum and their combinations have definite meanings. A Witch Drum is usually only given to a very good friend or to a very distinguished person. "Since Gary has won the Lapp hat for the past three years, Susanne will do her best to beat Gary's hat trick and fill her trophy cabinet with a lot of Witch Drums", says Gordon. "We would like to take the opportunity to thank our crew, Alan Jackson, King Knut, Gary Page, Tanya Partridge and their crews, and everyone in Knut Söderquist's Top Fuel operation because without Knut and the rest of the guys this wouldn't and couldn't happen. We also wish Tanya good luck with her licencing." Mats Hansson of SHRA Luleå has kindly provided us with the official timing data and ladders from the Midnight Sun Internationals, which you can view by clicking here, or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. *Koedam to sell TFB.* 11th July: Marius Van Der Zijden, Crew Chief for Dutch Top Fuel Bike racer Roel Koedam, has been in touch with more details of Roel's plans which were announced at the FIA Main Event back in May: Some of you might have heard the news already, that Team Koedam Racing Holland will cease to exist at the conclusion of the 2006 season. After more than twenty years, and over a decade of racing with our present Top Fuel Bike, Roel and Monique decided that we have gained most of our goals and that now is a good time to end our current racing activities. Apart from the great support that we have received over the years from our very loyal sponsors, the costs of operating a Top Fuel Bike team in the way we do are simply outrageous. This goes in particular for the expenses before the season even starts and also for the money it takes to travel all over Europe. As a result of this decision one of the world's quickest and fastest Top Fuel Bikes will be for sale after we finish the 2006 season. The bike has an extremely high winning record and unusually good reliability. Details will be unveiled later but be aware serious enquiries only, no tyre kickers! A more comprehensive history about the trend setting bike will be issued later this season. Roel has been asked to fill in the hot seat of Ton Pels' Zodiac Racing Supertwin, and he has accepted. More news will follow. Our next event is this weekend's Drachten Internationals where we will performing some demo runs for our Dutch fans. ©Eurodragster.com *Kiss this!* 11th July: After far too long away from the drag strips of the UK, the Kitney family's Kiss My RS Escort is just about set for a big comeback, says Trevor Kitney. "It's taken about eighteen months to build up the new engine, and in this time I've moved jobs and houses twice - it's a good job I've got a very understanding wife!", says Trevor. "The new spec should be quite useful. It's still a big Ford, now 512 cubes (around 8.5 litres), and sports a nice shiny Mert Littlefield 14-71 teflon tipped hi-helix blower. The Enderle injection has had in for a total revamp also with new 520 gph pump and header tank to keep it fed. The heads are still iron, but now have the largest valves that will fit with the standard spacing. There was a 'taster' photo in Custom Car magazine earlier this year, but the finished item is so much nicer! ©Eurodragster.com "We're going to be running the blower a bit under-driven to start with, and coupled to that the cam will bleed off a bit of boost, which should make for some good pyrotechnics from the new exhaust system. It will run on pump gas, but it's plumbed for both nitrous and additional methanol injection. Aside from that we just want to have some fun!" The plan is to spend the remainder of 2006 shaking the car down, with a fully street-legal assault on 2007 maybe in Super Gas. Trevor expects to début the car at Ultimate Street Car at Santa Pod in August "Because it's still a street car!". "I would like to thank my family - wife Jan, daughters Marie and Eleanor, and son-in-law Brian - for constantly bitching at me to get it done!", says Trevor. *Good for Super Pro ET.* 11th July: UK Pro ET racer Nick Good and crew are looking forward to this weekend's excursion to the Drachten Internationals. Nick is stepping up from Pro ET to compete in the Total Seal Super Pro ET shootout because his eighth-mile times are very close to the 5.90 cut-off. ©Eurodragster.com "We only need to find a few hundreths from the 434 ci Chevy", says Nick. "This shouldn't be a problem as we had slowed it down in search of consistency and this seems to have paid off. The performance of the dragster has exceeded our expectations in our first season, and we certainly didn't expect to be lying third in the SPRC Championship with two rounds to go. "We are hoping to catch up with some old ex-pat friends at Drachten and also to make some new friends. The Total Seal and Performance Unlimited prize fund will ensure some serious racing in Drachten, which we're sure the Dutch fans will enjoy." *Stealing a win.* 11th July: If you were tuned in to our updates from Saturday's inaugural European Doorslammers at Santa Pod Raceway then you will have read that UK Super Comp racer Chris Johnson won the first running of Top Doorslammer with his MG ZS. Chris' day wasn't without incident and Crew Chief Paul Somerville has been in touch to tell us all about it: Firstly many thanks to Tina and Craig Gibbs of Obsession Motorsports for putting on the meeting. All the racers we spoke to enjoyed themselves with unlimited qualifying and some excellent racing, and we are looking forward to next year's event. As we were guaranteed to qualify for Top Sportsman we decided to concentrate on our reaction and sixty foot times. We tried some different settings and all was well. Our first round was against Paul Marston running the PT Bruiser, Paul cut a poor light (for once) and Chris found himself having to get on the brakes for the win. The next round was an all-Super Comp battle with Shaun Lathan, who forgot to turn his gas on and then remembered just as the Tree ran, so again the brakes were required. In the semis we were up against Steve Green. When the call came we went to start the car only to hear a very slow cranking motor. We quickly got battery charger back on the car allowing us to get it going after much cranking, but we knew that we could not turn it off. So down to the start line as fast as possible, pushing in at the head of the queue. Steve Green was ready to run but Chris Orthodoxou was set to run his bye first. The car was already at 180 degrees and climbing so we explained the situation to Chris and he allowed us to go first. At this time it was more like a Top Fuel run - I had the eye on the temperature and rushed Chris into stage, Steve followed in good sportsman fashion. By this time the temperature had reached 220 degrees and I was very worried it may spit a hose off or boil, but thankfully it held and we pinched the win. ©Eurodragster.com We rushed back to the pits to find the car still in one piece but now very hot. The charger was back on the car and we looked for the problem. The starter motor had overheated so after pouring cold water over it we arranged to tow the car to the start line and take my small generator and the battery charger. As with all good plans something had to go wrong and when we got to the staging lanes there was no output from the generator. I sent the crew back for the large generator, I forgot that it was chained to the trailer and the keys were in the locked camper! Anyway as thecrew tried to drag the generator and four-wheel trailer into the boot of a VW Golf, along came Belinda Bull to stop this bloke stealing Chris' generator. After explaining the situation Belinda stole Mick Smith's power pack. Back to the start line, power pack plugged on car, now how do you turn it on? It's amazing what the power of the spoken word can do as we all shouted at the car to start. Round to race Chris Othodoxou in the fantastic new Viper (see Sharkman's Top End Tales for pictures), we cut our worst light all weekend but Chris O still gave us 0.3 on the Tree. I could see him chasing us down with a massive breakout and new PB 8.10. As he came alongside in the lights our Chris was on the brakes, letting them go and then looking for the win light. At this point excitement overcame the driver and he forgot about the brakes - yes, they do look good blue. The first event win for the MG ZS and it's taken two years. We won the Super Comp Championship last year on consistency, but always fell at that last hurdle. Hopefully we can progress this into the national points chase. We are very proud to have won the first Top Sportsman event in our twentieth year of racing and would like to thank all of our sponsors for their continued help, Belinda for the theft, Mike for the unknowing loan, Steve Green for being a true Sportsman and Chris Orthodoxou for allowing us to push in, and congratulations on a fantastic début for the new car By the way, is anyone doing deals on Chevy starter motors? *We enjoyed it too...* 11th July: Fellow Super Comp racer Belinda Bull also had a good time at the European Doorslammers and has been in touch to show her appreciation: "Thanks to Darren Prentice and everyone at Santa Pod Raceway, and also Tina and Craig Gibbs for a really enjoyable day's racing", says Belinda. "There really was a great atmosphere in the pits and I'm sure that everyone will agree what a fun and well organised event it was. I thoroughly enjoyed myself competing in Top Sportsman, the qualifying was really exciting for me especially having the opportunity to pair up with racers I wouldn't normally be up against. Even though I went out second round to Chris Orthodoxou I went home a very happy bunny having run another Personal Best of 8.02/171 and even with some prize money in my pocket! "All thanks to my hubby Jeff for all his hard work looking after the truck and a great Jeff Bull Race Engines motor! Well done to everyone who supported the event and took part, especially to Chris O for getting into the final on his first outing in his stunning Viper, to Mick Smithy on his PB in Money Hungry and congratulations and very well done to my fellow Super Comp racer Chris Johnson for taking home the Top Sportsman winner's trophy. Thanks to all the sponsors and everyone involved who made the Doorslammers possible. Can we come back and do it again some time?" ©Eurodragster.com Wayne and Pam Hiscock also dropped us a line to give a big Thumbs Up to the European Doorslammers. "It was a great day", they say. "Thanks to everyone who organised the event and made it possible. We really enjoyed the day's racing and it was a well-organised event with a very relaxed atmosphere, and was great fun. Please do some more - we will most definitely come back!" Santa Pod Raceway's web site has been updated with Roger Gorringe's report and pictures from the European Doorslammers, which you can find at www.santapod.co.uk/e_doorslammer.php. *Swift snippets.* 11th July: Extra pocket money is available for Junior Dragster racers at this weekend's Mini Showdown at Shakespeare County Raceway, with the B&B Motors Trophy for closest to dial-in and the J&W Automotive Trophy and £25 for best Reaction Time. "If you have a Junior Dragster then get down to Shakey this weekend", says Gary Kay. "Thanks to the Mini Showdown for accommodating us". As well as the eponymous Minis, the Showdown also includes action from the Wild Bunch and the National Association of Supertwins. Wayne and Pam Hiscock have asked us to say a big Congratulations to Tim and Paula Garlick on the birth of their baby boy Thomas David, who decided to arrive a little earlier than planned on Saturday. "Mum and baby are doing well and will no doubt be at the track supporting dad very soon", say Wayne and Pam together with Al and Leigh Didwell. Congratulations also to ex-pat UK racer Chris Bennett who clocked a personal best 7.18/186 in his Cheeky Monkey blown-alcohol FC at Woodburn drag strip in Oregon last month. ©Eurodragster.com We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to our good friend Kirstie Tramm. Kirstie pulled a red light having celebrated her birthday at Alton Towers over the weekend but hopefully she has caught up on her sleep and/or sobered up ready to have a great day today. Have a good one Kirstie. *Why skulk at home?* 11th July: "What are you doing this Sunday?", asks Howard Holmes. "Cowering in the corner of your garage or do you want to go racing? Because a nice big Northern welcome awaits all Sportsmen racers, doorslammers etc at this Sunday's (16th) Northern Sportsman Nationals at York Raceway. "The event includes the Northern Drag Racing Championship Pro ET and Sportsman ET bracket series, Hot Rod Challenge, Air-Cooled Eliminators, Run What You've Brung sessions and American Super Stock, which now has prize money in excess of £2000 across the season. ©Eurodragster.com "An efficiently-run track, an opportunity to use your car, enjoy your sport and be a hero. So if you fancy or race or as a spectator, get to York Raceway and enjoy yourself with some competition! "Camping is available from 6:00 pm on Saturday, gates open 8:00 am Sunday, scrutineering from 9:00 am on Sunday and the track opens at 10am. For more information check out www.york-raceway.co.uk." *Magazine update.* 11th July: Jerry Cookson has been in touch with the latest news of magazines which may be of interest to Eurodragster.com readers. Japanese car culture magazine J-Tuner carries a three-page report and results from the Mazda Rotary Club's two-day Rotorstock performance show at Shakespeare County Raceway. Priced at £3.99, the August issue also features reports from some of this summer's UK Jap shows, old school Damsons, D1 Drift Battle and some Far Eastern concept cars. If you like retro and modified classics from days gone by then why not slip the cover of the August issue of Retro Car magazine for a four-page look at Super Vogue,one of British drag racing's legendary racers. Raced extensively in the L/Production class, and still under the ownership of MSA Drag Racing Committee Chair and UK Hall of Fame inductee Phil Evans, Super Vogue won many class and Championship trophies at Santa Pod, York and Long Marston in the seventies. Just for this feature the car returned to Santa Pod. Priced at £3.95 the August issue is out now at all leading newsagents. ©Eurodragster.com Andy Bissett took a few moments away from preparing clutch packs for Ashley Force to let us know that the latest issue of Vintage Fuel magazine, just released in the USA, includes Paul Stubbings and Wendy Baker's Time Warp Fuel Altered as well as coverage of NSRA Nostalgia action at Shakespeare County Raceway. Firestorm goes international. 10th July: UK Jet Funny Car pilot Roger Goring and the Firestorm team are on their way to Sweden for this weekend's Gothenburg Drag Racing Festival (right, click on picture for large version), the team's first international appearance. Roger says that he and the team are very excited to be going to a new track. "Anders Envall and the rest of the guys from Gothenburg have kept in touch, and done exactly what they said they would do", Roger told Eurodragster.com. "You can't ask for more than that. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful and the Club have organised everything for us. We will be running at the Press Day and then the plan is for two runs a day at the race. We've loaded up the trailer with T-Shirts, hats, anything else we can fit in! We have had a look at pictures of the track and it looks great. We're looking forward to running in Gothenburg and to making lots of new friends. To all of the Swedish fans I would like to say that if you are going to the race then please come along to our pit and say Hello." ©Eurodragster.com Roger, Crew Chief and partner Helen Rusling and crew Juggy took Firestorm to last weekend's NSRA Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway and had to contend with stifling temperatures. "We turned everything down as we had had a hiccup at York Raceway", said Roger. "We went 256 mph on our only run on Saturday. If anything Sunday was warmer still and we stalled off the line on the same settings. So we pushed the car back behind the line, checked the fuel, turned the burner down a little and then ran 256 again! We were all set for another run on Sunday afternoon when it started to rain. But everyone was fighting the weather all weekend." *World best for Power House.* 10th July: Malta Drag Racing Association President Anthony Borda has been in touch to let us know about a world best which was set at Hal Far Raceway at the weekend. "Chris Polidano and the Power House Racing Team achieved the best ever elapsed time for a four-cylinder engine running on pump fuel, when Chris clocked 7.45 seconds in the final round of Classified Altered Cars Class 6", says Anthony. "You can say that Malta is a real small country, but we are very proud of what our local mechanics and drivers can do with these incredible four cylinder cars of ours. ©Eurodragster.com "Thanks to Manty Bugeja, the tuner of Chris' car, and all of Chris' crew, the car was running perfectly and consistently recording 7.7-second runs during each race. In the last race they pushed the engine a bit more and achieved what you might call an unpleasant surprise for all those competitors around the world who race a four-cylinder engine. "These are the timings of the run: Reaction time: 0.452 Sixty feet: 1.120 Elapsed Time: 7.450 Terminal Speed: 178.98 mph" *Swift snippets.* 10th July: Bob Jarrett tells us that John Spuffard will be making an exhibition run in the Showtime Fuel FC at the traditional Nitrolympx promotion before the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim on 30th July. The Showtime team run at the Nitrolympx on 25th-27th August before testing at the pre-FIA European Finals Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway and then racing at the FIA European Finals. US legend Tom Hoover will be joining the team for the FIA European Finals. ©Eurodragster.com We would question the wisdom of selling your camper just before your next event but UK Super Pro ET racer Ashley Bell did just that, but fortunately found a replacement on E-Bay in time for this weekend's Total Seal Super Pro ET Shootout at Drachten. "Thanks to John Everitt for the offer of his tow vehicle", says Ashley. "I hope that John Morris gets on alright with my old camper. Thanks to Total Seal and Performance Unlimited for putting up the prize money". Mariee Parsons tells us that Ashley is aiming for the event win as with a third baby due in October the prize money would pay for a ton of nappies. We were sorry to hear from Jerry Cookson of the death of prolific UK hot rodder Mickey Bray. Mickey built the 400 ci Chrysler-equipped Pinball Wizard Ford Pop, which was one of the fastest street cars in the country right through to the 1980s when it was campaigned by Simon Banfield. The Pop lives on - along with Mickey's spirit - and is currently owned by Pete Leggrice. Our deepest sympathies to Mickey's family and friends. *Perfect Awards go to Drachten.* 10th July: This weekend's Drachten Internationals is the latest eligible event in the 2006 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards scheme. A total prize fund of £100 is available. The Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award has been reset to £50 after it was won by Super Street racer Mark Watkins at the SPRC Summernationals. The money will be awarded to the first racer this weekend to record a perfect Reaction Time of 0.000. The Award is open to all classes and is available during qualifying or eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the weekend. The Perfect Light Award is jointly presented by Eurodragster.com and high-performance hose and fitting manufacturer Speedflow whose web site you can find at www.speedflow.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com The Eurodragster.com/LA Racing Parts Perfect ET Award has also been reset to £50 after it was won by Super Gas racer Mark White at the SPRC Summernationals. The money will be awarded to the first racer to run to the thousandth on their index or dial-in during qualifying or eliminations. The Award is open to all index and dial-in classes and is available during qualifying or eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect ET of the weekend. The Perfect ET Award is jointly presented by Eurodragster.com and performance supplier LA Racing Parts whose web site you can find at www.laracingparts.com. The next Perfect Awards-eligible event after the Drachten Internationals be the Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park. *LSR frustration for Fallows, Newby.* 10th July: Mark Newby, publisher of Eurodragster.com News sponsor 440 Magazine, has been in touch to let us know how he and Colin Fallows fared in the Prime Time team's Land Speed Record attempts last Friday: e=motion is clearly not cured of the ills which we thought we had completely eradicated: at 75 mph she blew further batteries. At the moment we have some ideas on the root cause of the problem, but not any evidence to prove it one way or another. Colin's first (downwind) pass in Vampire was an excellent average of 310 mph, enough to set a new outright UK Record if backed up on the return run, but the car suffered some body panel damage in the process. This was quickly repaired but the return (upwind) run was terminated early at an average of 297 mph due to the changed aerodynamics. Mark's first pass in Split Second saw an (upwind) average speed of 338.73 mph over the flying kilometre, enough to raise the outright record even further: but both front tyres were almost completely destroyed in the process. They were brand new, having made just two passes at Bruntingthorpe on 30th May. This officially makes Split Second the fastest jet car in the UK and it wasn't a momentary peak speed either. Vampire did in fact set a new half-kilometre record, which is not bad given the 20 mph headwind which was blowing straight down the runway, but regrettably we can claim nothing from the day other than that. The media coverage was excellent though, and we expect more this week from the Royal International Air Tattoo national media day, as well as RIAT itself this coming weekend. ©Eurodragster.com *Web site updates.* 10th July: Today we have a number of web site updates from the weekend's European Doorslammers which took place at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday. First up is Nigel Holland whose event update can be found at www.nigelholland.co.uk. Peter Donaldson is next with a European Doorslammers photo update; Peter's web site is at peterdonaldson5305.fotopic.net. Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with pictures of Saturday's action and you can find those at www.topendtales.com. Finally on the European Doorslammers front, Richard Stirling's Topnitro web site at www.topnitro.co.uk now features a large number of pictures of the event. *Määttä: keep the Funny Bikes!* 9th July: Finnish Funny Bike racer Asko Määttä says that we should forget about the exclusion of Funny Bikes from FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike after last weekend's FHRA Nitro Nationals at Alastaro, where Rikard Gustafsson (right) took the win on his Funny Bike. "Last weekend was excellent proof about the right bikes in the right places", says Asko. "Even though we didn't have Koedam, Dahl, King and others at the race there were at least two low six-second Fuellers belonging to Peter Andersson-Ström and Eric Teboul. The third TFB was Luigi Ferretti, still on the learning curve and getting better all the time. "But from the first qualifying round, one Funny Bike was very consistent. One which hadn't gone better than 7.4 previously! And in eliminations no-one was even close. In a solo run in the semis Rikard did what he had promised me: a straight and smooth run with his Suzuki FB and directly to 6.8s. In the final he even bettered it, 6.732 at 200 mph. By the way that was the quickest run of any bike at the Alastaro FIM/UEM race. ©Eurodragster.com "So now Rikard Gustafsson has the second quickest Funny Bike in Europe after Neil Midgley, and he's still on the learning curve, which in my opinion seems very good and rapid. Congratulations to Rikard, will this be the year when the European Top Fuel Bike Championship (ex-Competition Bike) is again won by a Funny Bike? And look at the picture: Rikard seems to be steady even on ice (smile). That's a picture of his first ever six-second pass in the semis." Asko also has a word or two to add about a couple of other racers. "Ronny Aasen knew the tricky track on Friday, but he said that he lost the track on Saturday. But all weekend Ronny was still the one to watch in Supertwin. When he wasn't smoking the rear tyre he did it with the front one at the finish line. Ismo Maenpaa, as far as I know, ran the first eight-second pass on his Harley Drags turbo bike - could somebody correct me if I'm wrong? He did it on a street tire without wheelie bars and limited wheelbase - i.e. a just-about street legal bike." Asko says that an NX system for his own Funny Bike is due to arrive tomorrow in time to be fitted for next weekend's Finnish Championship race at Kalajoki. *Swift snippets.* 9th July: Gary Page will face Susanne Callin in the final of the Top Fuel Tour match race at the Midnight Sun Internationals at Pite Dragway. "I am going for that fourth hat!", Gary told Eurodragster.com this morning. You can stay in touch with live coverage on the SHRA Lulea web site at www.shralulea.se. 18:00 Further to the above, Susanne Callin won the final round at Piteå with a 5.35 to Gary's 5.37. "The tyres went up in smoke, I pedalled it, then it went sideways but I stayed on it, but Susanne beat me", Gary told us. Teaching us never again to believe what we read on Track and Association web sites, ex-pat UK Fuel racer Smax Smith has been in touch to let us know that he is not in IHRA Nitro FC competition this weekend. "We decided not to go to Milan", says Smax. "We need to try out some new stuff and test next weekend ready for our big IHRA race in Toronto." ©Eurodragster.com Our correspondent omitted to tell us which day it was (It's amazing how often that happens - Ed), but a very Happy Fiftieth Birthday for either yesterday or today to UK race official Dave May. "Heat from the candles on the cake set off fire and smoke alarms, and hundreds are suffering heat stroke", we were told. Hope that you had or are having a great day Dave. *When will it ever end...* 9th July: Elliott Jones says that the UK's Northern Quarter Racing Wild Bunch team had a manic week leading up to last weekend's NSRA Nostalgia Nationals, but that they hoped that things would be a bit easier at the track. Wrong... "Dad returned from the states on the preciding Wednesday morning with a new set of mains and big ends to replace the ones we knackered a couple of weeks back trying to set the motor up!", says Elliott. "These were hastily replaced on the Wednesday and Thursday along with a list of other jobs that needed doing. The car was finally ready by ten o'clock Thursday night when we fired it up to check things were OK. I don't think the local police station appreciated it as much as we did! "On Saturday morning at the track, we continued where we left off setting the motor up until we noticed neat methanol spurting out of the head gasket. D'oh! We removed the heads to discover no major damage but decided that the heads needed torquing down further. This solved the issue and once again we continued. By the end of Saturday we had suffered a burnt out starter motor and a broken fuel fitting! "After a tour of the entire pits on Saturday night trying to find replacements for these two items Paul Stubbings finally came to the rescue with a fuel fitting and The Liverpool Hot Rod Brigade managed to sort us out with a starter motor: after a swift phone call by Damien Bacon to Carl the Brickie who was still at home in Liverpool, Carl was willing to remove the starter motor from his Mustang, however he eventually came across a spare in his garage. ©Eurodragster.com "On Sunday morning we fitted the new starter motor and continued setting up the motor, finally making it down to the track at about two o'clock. With the brakes seized on I managed to drag the car to a fantastic thirty-second quarter at 50 mph! After backing the brakes off a bit we made our second visit to the track at about 4:00 for Daniel to have a go but unfortunately the Manchester weather caught up to us. "All in all the weekend was well worthwhile albeit extremely hard work in the weather. We are at Newark County Showground this weekend, appearing for our sponsor Americana International. "We must say huge thanks to the Liverpool Hot Rodders, particularly Damien and Carl; Neil Townson for undertaking tuning duties for the weekend, and the rest of the drag racing community who lended a hand with advice, tools, etc. We must also thank our sponsors Americana International, Inspraytion, Jon Rathbone Racing, and Cheaptones.com." *Web site updates.* 9th July: There's not a great deal of news for drag racers in this week's edition of DRCReview.com says Editor Andrew Kirk, but as hot rodding is inexorably linked to the sport then readers may be interested to read the feature story on Kev Smith's stunning deuce coupe in Top Stories. Additionally, Jeep has just announced a mighty Hemi version of the Grand Cherokee, details of which are in included in the Headlines section. Finally, nostalgia drag racing enthusiasts might like to check out the parts for sale section of the site. ©Eurodragster.com *European Doorslammers updates.* 8th July: 17:30: Congratulations to the winners of the European Doorslammers: Top Sportsman: Chris Johnson (8.82) 8.910/146.59 def. Chris Orthodoxou (8.40) 8.136/164.28 Outlaw: Paul Wright 8.140 154.08 def. Steve Pateman 11.128/79.36 Top Gun: Brian Pateman 9.025/151.56 def. Pete Creswell 8.998/147.07 Sportsman: Frank Mason 10.051/128.25 def. Stuart Doignie 10.041/143.28 Street: Kevin Slyfield 11.905/100.66 def. Paul Webster 12.802/102.05 Full photo coverage will shortly be available on Sharkman's personal web site at www.topendtales.com. 14:30: Qualifying has just been called and here are the top five in each class: Top Sportsman Graham Ellis 7.731/177.29 Steve Rawlings 7.900/171.19 Craig Gibbs 7.984/168.57 Belinda Bull 8.022/171.18 Paul Marston 8.429/156.75 Outlaw Paul Wright 8.104/169.85 David Hughes 8.211/164.35 Paul Letchford 8.396/157.36 John Atkinson 8.401/162.39 Steve Pateman 8.563/160.79 Dave Hughes, running the ex-Pete Wacker '57 Chevy Pro Mod with a 706ci motor, also bought from Peter Wacker, is running in shakedown mode and is headed to Super Pro with the rapid car. Top Gun Pete Creswell 9.008/150.49 Brian Pateman 9.042/152.11 Stuart Morrice 9.132/144.20 Jon Webster 9.531/148.48 Bob Doyle 9.646/129.78 Sportsman Vic Amato 10.008/134.39 Wayne Hiscock 10.019/110.28 Tethys 10.021/143.21 Frank Mason 10.027/137.68 Stuart Doignie 10.045/143.40 Street Kevin Slyfield +0.010 11.830/113.09 Simon Cooper +0.013 11.013/114.77 Brian Burrows +0.021 12.521/105.16 Michael Smith +0.076 11.076/119.06 Phil Toppin +0.088 11.488/110.83 12:00: We're well into qualifying now and have had a walk around the pits. First of all, Happy Birthday wishes go to event organiser Craig Gibbs of Obsession Motorsport. Have a great day, Craig. Tina Gibbs mentioned that there are now ten confirmed entries for the Hockenheim demo race, including Chris Orthodoxou's beautiful new Dodge Viper, which has just successfully made its second observed run. Whilst on the subject of Super Modified, Steve Rawlings was effecting repairs to a damaged Lenco after his first burnout, a couple of sprags needing replacement. Steve and his team are grateful for all the help received in making repairs, as he was able to return to qualify later. Steve mentioned that a couple of well-known Super Mod drivers will be returning to the class later in the year having completed repairs. Stay tuned to Eurodragster.com for further details. Dan Page made his return to racing in the 'Panic' Firebird following repairs to his motor by Jeff Bull. The result was Dan's first-ever eleven-second timeslip. Heide, Dan's sister, is having a great time running her Renault Clio daily driver, also bearing the traditional 'Panic' moniker. 10:00: We're in Race Control at Santa Pod for today's European Doorslammers and will be providing pit notes and qualifying and elimination results during the day. Qualifying will be until 14:15 BST and Eliminations will commence at 15:00. Stay tuned for the latest bulletin. *Veidec Festival entry list.* 7th July: Many thanks to Fredrik Ström of Motor Events Sweden AB for letting us know that the official entry list is now available for the Veidec Festival, which takes place at Mantorp Park on 27th-30th July. As ever the Veidec Festival boasts one of the largest entries of any European event and both Pro and NDRS classes are very well subscribed, with the biggest Pro entry of any event so far this season and a huge NDRS entry. ©Eurodragster.com You can go directly to the official Veidec Festival entry list at www.veidecfestival.com/2006/entrylist.htm or for information about tickets, location etc. visit www.veidecfestival.com. Eurodragster.com will be providing the Event Coverage including webcam from the Veidec Festival in co-operation with our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing and in association with American Car Imports. As things stand this event should mark News Editor Tog's return to normal Eurodragster.com duty. *City Racing look for eights.* 7th July: After missing the first two MDRA events of this year, Malta's City Racing Team are back in the staging lanes with a new name and new paint and looking for the eights, says Holger Camilleri. "We have changed the team's name from Belti Racing Team", says Holger. "This make-over (right, click on picture for another angle) wouldn't have been possible without the help of Chas Limited, Yellow Garage Custom Airbrush Paintings and ramtech2000.com for the signs, these guys have done all the work for us. Another thank you goes to Drag Expo for the support and help provided. ©Eurodragster.com "Although we haven't made any changes to the 283 Chevy V8 engine, we're hoping to see owner-driver Paul Grech back on the podium once again as in our previous appearances, although we know this season will provide much more difficult competition. Our target for this season is to break our best elapsed time of 9.7, with a small usage of nitrous oxide. "Obviously having a good sponsor will enable us to install much more powerful components that will surely help us to touch eight seconds at least. Should anyone be interested in sponsoring our dragster please send us an E-Mail at cityracingteam@gmail.com - we are open to discussion!" *Betts: Watch this space.* 7th July: The last two Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association events have not quite gone to plan for Tony Betts and the Venom Racing Fuel Altered team, says team member Dave Ainsworth. "We all knew that we could achieve better results if things had gone a bit different for us, but that's racing", says Dave. "The team had high expectations for the Summernationals at Santa Pod in June. On firing up Venom at the Pod the crew all looked at each other and noticed the change in engine note which made us smile. With the data from the two previous meets we had changed the set-up of engine and car and it looked like it was going to pay off. After an observed run Venom's engine was checked again and we needed to change the set up very slightly, however we were called to race again before we could make the changes. On the start line Tony said that Venom wanted to go and when it went, it went recording a new Personal and NFAA best at 6.702 seconds at 205 mph. However this came at a cost with some engine damage. ©Eurodragster.com "Tony said that the one of the safety crew said to him “If this is your first full run I can't wait to see another”. Tony replied “Watch this space”. "This record would not have been possible without the backing of our sponsors Teng Tools, Venolia, Racesuit.com, Custom Art, Superpower Unlimited and PM Jackson Accountants." You can stay in touch with all the latest from the Venom Racing pit on the team's official web site at www.venomracing.co.uk. *Swift snippets.* 7th July: Michael Malmgren and Sweden's Lahega Racing Pro Stock team will be representing banking sponsor Nordea this weekend at the grand opening of Båstad tennis week. "This is Sweden's most prestigious summer event with a big crowd invading summer town Båstad for a whole week", says team mamber Magnus Cato. "We will be in Nordea's spot next to the harbour showing the tennis fans what drag racing is all about." ©Eurodragster.com Mathias of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Dragracer magazine has been in touch to ask if any Eurodragster.com reader can help with a lift from Stockholm Skavsta Airport to Mantorp Park for the Veidec Festival. Mathias will be arriving on Wednesday evening (26th) and will be returning on Sunday evening or Monday morning, and is willing to share petrol costs. If you can help then please get in touch with Mathias at 550263040323-0001@t-online.de. *Gary's Picnic update.* 7th July: Jemma Harrison has been in touch with a reminder about the legendary Gary's Picnic, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway next weekend (15th-16th). "It's a Run What You Brung so please remember to bring your DVLC licence", says Jemma. "On Saturday evening there will be a sixteen-car shoot-out for the two quickest cars in each class. The classes are: Ford: Any running gear change e.g. engine, chassis, axle etc. Sponsored by Paragon MOT Centre Ltd Chevy: As above, trophy sponsored by AACI Mopar: As above, sponsored by Paragon MOT Centre Ltd Pontiac/Buick: As above, trophy sponsored by Pontiac Owners Club Hot Rod: Sponsored by Custom Car magazine ©Eurodragster.com EFI Street Car: Open to any late model EFI car e.g. Camaro, Mustang, Corvette etc, sponsored by American Car World magazine Super Stock: Any car of streetable appearance, with original running gear, or change of running gear but only if it was a Factory option so no tubs/narrowed axles etc, but power add-ons are allowed such as headers, carbs, superchargers and Nitrous. Trophy sponsored by Classic American Magazine British Muscle: Any British cars e.g. Vauxhall, Ford, Rover etc with any running gear change). Sponsored by Complete Auto Care "Away from the track there will be a burnout competition, fun fair, and live music. NASC and AACI members receice a discount on entry. For more information about Gary's Picnic please visit www.rodandcustom.co.uk. *Page heads for fourth hat.* 6th July: UK Fuel legend Gary Page will be returning to the track in one of Knut Söderquist's Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragsters at this weekend's Midnight Sun Internationals at Pite Dragway. Gary says that he is aiming to make it four wins in a row in the Top Fuel Tour match race. "I will be driving the 'black' car", Gary told Eurodragster.com. "It's always nice to go back to Piteå and to win another hat. The crowd is appreciative and knowledgeable and I like everything about the track apart from the huge mosquitoes!" ©Eurodragster.com Gary is not going to have it all his own way as the fair sex is ganging up on him in the persons of Monica Öberg, Susanne Callin and, licencing permitting, Tanya Partridge. "Monica can always pull one out and Susanne's up for it", said Gary. "I am not sure that she shouldn't have licenced at Santa Pod but I wish Tanya luck - but not that much, I won't be letting her beat me!" Gary spent last weekend at the FHRA Nitro Nationals working on the Lorentzon and Möller Top Fuel team and had an opinion on the 'Wing protest' which involved one of the team's cars. "If Lex doesn't think that everyone else is as serious as he is then he is kidding himself", said Gary. "The reaction of the other teams in the semi-finals spoke for itself, what goes around comes around. But I would like to thank Kenneth and Tommy for inviting me to help them last weekend and also to thank all the crew." *If it wasn't for bad luck...* 6th July: UK Super Pro ET racer Nev Mottershead and team are up against it as they prepare to undertake their Valvoline-sponsored Toyota Supra on a seven-week European tour, starting with next week's Total Seal Super Pro ET Shootout at the Drachten Internationals. "We are booked and due to leave on 13th July, but due to inconvenient business pressures and a fatal error made by Comp Cams our deadline is fast escaping us", says Nev. "It feels like we've had a new problem to deal with every day for the last fortnight. We only got the cylinder heads back yesterday and then on build-up we found that the camshaft had been ground for Chevy head valve configuration instead of Buick heads! ©Eurodragster.com "I got straight back on to Comp Cams, and on recognising the mistake their response has been remarkable: they say that they will grind a new cam and and deliver it to my door within a week. Just what we need! So we are still keeping our options wide open and Crew Chief Andy has said "I will fit the camshaft on the ferry if necessary". "Hopefully, all of our bad luck is behind us now and we are trying our hardest to stick to the schedule with the limited time available. We are very much looking forward to Drachten with our fellow racers and spectators alike and to making new friends out there. "Thank you very much to Total Seal and to Performance Unlimited for the prize money awaiting a worthy recipient at the Drachten Internationals." *Classic FCs on target.* 6th July: The announcement at the start of the year of a proposed new class for Classic Funny Cars in 2008 may appear to have been followed by a period of inactivity, but Nick Davies of Eurodragster.com Main Sponsor ICE Automotive says that it is not so. Nick is also asking readers' help to track down some parts for ICE Automotive's own Classic FC. "An informal meeting at the end of May confirmed firm interest from four teams, each of which is planning to have a car ready for the start of the 2008 season", says Nick. "Support from the Tech guys running a broadly equivalent class in the US has been extremely beneficial and the governing bodies in the UK have been receptive to the idea. What else can we ask for? "Well, Team Havoc Racing would like to hear from anyone who has a sensibly priced 6-71 blower or a pair of spindle-mount CentreLine or Cragar Super Trick front wheels. Some of the period pieces are proving a little more difficult to come by in the time available than they were for a previous nostalgia-inspired project. The chassis is well underway for the Vega-bodied, Chevy (on nitro?)-powered Funny Car (right) and anyone who can help is asked to call Rob or Nick on 01327-858992." *European Doorslammers update.* 6th July: David Lloyd-Jones of Santa Pod Raceway has been in touch to let us know about arrangements for Saturday's European Doorslammers. Gates open at 5:00 tomorrow (Friday) for both racers and public. If you are staying over on Saturday night then you must buy a ticket for Sunday's GTI Festival when entering the track. If you are not staying on Saturday night then you must vacate the premises by 7:00 pm. ©Eurodragster.com For more details about the European Doorslammers, check out Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.co.uk/e_doorslammer.php. Click here for the current entry list. Eurodragster.com's Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam will be on-line from Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday and will be scheduled to broadcast one picture every two minutes. We will post an end-day report here on the News page with qualifying and elimination results as well as pit notes. *Swift snippets.* 6th July: Sweden's Lahega Racing Pro Stock team have announced a sponsorship deal with Oakley Europe, who are now official suppliers of clothing and eyewear to Michael Malmgren and the team. You can find Oakley's web site at www.oakley.com. The excellent new Malmgren Racing web site, built by Luke Bennett, has been updated with Michael's report of his runner-up spot at last weekend's FHRA Nitro Nationals. You can find the Malmgren Racing web site at www.malmgrenracing.com. If you have ever wondered what it is like to drive a Pro Mod then Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Andy Robinson Race Cars may have the answer. "I have taken a section which Andy provided for Roger Gorringe's excellent Santa Pod Fan Guide and added pictures and video to illustrate what it's like on the inside of Andy's Studebaker Pro Mod during a race", says Bob Roberts. "You can find it in the Racing Current section of the ARRC web site at www.robinson-race-cars.co.uk." ©Eurodragster.com Not one which most of us would have cared to have been on-board for, but Johnny Hall of Eurodragster.com News sponsor B + J Race Cars suffered a top end fire in his Nostalgia Fuel slingshot at Shakespeare County Raceway at the weekend. Johnny Mental is quite OK and has posted a video of the incident on the B+J Race Cars web site at www.bjracecars.com. UK Pro ET racer Charlie Chivers tells us that today's Witney Motor Show has had to be postponed due to flooding and has been rearranged for Thursday 20th July. Charlie's Pro ET Capri will be on display on the new date with support from Shakespeare County Raceway, if you fancy exhibiting your own race vehicle at the Oxfordshire show then drop Charlie a line at rosiechivers@aol.com. *No free weekends.* 6th July: Janice McGuirke says that it has been a steep learning curve for the UK's Paranoia Wild Bunch team on their return to racing. "We have made so many changes but we have run faster at every outing so far", says Janice. "In three consecutive weekends we ran at Santa Pod Raceway, York Raceway, then Shakespeare County Raceway! Martin Holgate would like to thank Herb Andrews and family, Roy and Angie Wilding, Trevor the Wizard, Sid and Sheena, Andy Mapes at ALR in Huddersfield, and Janice and Rhianne for all being involved getting the car back into the mid-nines. ©Eurodragster.com "The car is on display at Americana this weekend and will then receive some engine work to enable a crack at Brian Thomas' long-standing record. Inspiration has been coming from Ralph Hope in Canada who has just put his Ford inline six-powered altered into the sevens - 7.92/166 on petrol!" *Flint Insurance backs Eurodragster.com.* 6th July: We are very pleased to announce that David Taylor, Director of the UK's Flint Group Insurance, has again kindly provided travel insurance for the Eurodragster.com staff on their trip to Mantorp Park for the Veidec Festival on 27th-30th July. Flint Insurance can provide for all the usual personal and commercial lines such as building, motor, breakdown, and travel insurance, as well as insurance for race vehicles. "Flint Insurance has a special transit and storage scheme to insure race vehicles - cars or bikes - whilst in the workshop, in transit from the workshop to the track, or whilst sitting untouched in the pits at the track", Dave Taylor told Eurodragster.com. "For more details please call us on 0870 011 5252". ©Eurodragster.com Flint Group Insurance, a longtime supporter of drag racing, provides insurance for a number of racers, both for their race vehicles and for their trailers. For more information about the services which Flint Group Insurance can provide, check out their web site at www.flintinsurance.co.uk. We would like to thank David Taylor and Flint Group Insurance for their continued support of Eurodragster.com. *Ladies' Days at Piteå.* 5th July: Following on from yesterday's news item which included the news that Tanya Partridge will be licencing for Top Fuel Dragster at this weekend's Midnight Sun Internationals, Gordon Callin has been in touch to let us know that Susanne Callin will be making her first Top Fuel outing of the season in the Top Fuel Tour match race at Piteå. "We are scheduled to race one of Knut Söderquist's cars at Piteå", says Gordon. "As usual it will be the white car which Susanne drove in the FIA Championship and then in Bahrain last year, so she is quite familiar with the car and is looking forward to piloting a Top Fueller again. ©Eurodragster.com "Susanne is eager to bring an end to Gary Page's wins in Piteå and bring the Lapp hat to Stockholm this year instead of the UK. But there are two more contenders as well as Gary who want to win, so it will not be easy. But we will do our best and I know that our crew chief Mark 'The Animal' Bodimeade will see to it that we will have the best car possible to win. We are looking forward to meeting and racing Tanya Partridge and we wish her all good luck." Gordon says that negotiations are underway with a potential sponsor to run Top Fuel in 2007, and the team also hope to race at Tullinge on 11th-13th August. Susanne will also drive the Callin Racing/Rod and Race two seat dragster at the Gothenburg Dragracing Festival on 14th-16th July, at the Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park on 28th-30th July, and at Tullinge Raceway on 11th-13th August. *Orange Pops back.* 5th July: Simon Barlow and the UK's Orange Pop team made their return at the weekend's NSRA Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway, and had a fantastic weekend as Simon recorded personal bests in the Outlaw Anglia Pop, says team member Jason Yates. "We didn't quite make a nine-second pass but Simon ran a PB of 10.1/134", says Jay. "The car ran pefectly in the sweltering conditions and went straight on every pass. ©Eurodragster.com "The first pass off the trailer was a non-nitrous pass of 11.5. We were happy with the car so we put on the nitrous and went for it. We ended up losing to Paul Wright's Alco Pop in the second round of eliminations on Saturday, but we ran the 10.1 which was the PB. We also won an NSRA Quick Six trophy. "We would like to thank the NSRA and all the track crew for a fantastic weekend, it was brilliant. A big, big Thanks goes to Andy Frost who again came to the track to help us." *Drachten Internationals update.* 5th July: Henriette Selles of Holland's eXplosion Drag Racing Club has been in touch to let us know that entry has reached the magic sixteen for the Total Seal Super Pro ET Shootout at next week's Drachten Internationals. "The entry list is on-line at www.explosiondragracing.com/D2-2006.htm", says Henriette. "The provisional schedule, scrutineering schedule, domestic regulations and the paddock lay out map for the Drachten Internationals are all also on-line at www.explosiondragracing.com/Drachtenupdates06.htm, in both Dutch and English. ©Eurodragster.com "Our official address is at the top of the Home Page, so that racers don't get lost and find themselves in Amsterdam all weekend! Finally the official flyer for the event can be found at www.explosiondragracing.com/bannerimages/D_2%20(Custom).jpg." *Head found in a box.* 5th July: Further to Monday's news item, UK Super Pro ET racer Sam Freeman is headed to Yorkshire after his missing cylinder head was located, which means that his Double Density altered should be able to participate in the Total Seal Super Pro ET Shootout at next week's Drachten Internationals. "The parcel, one of three, arrived from the States with no labels on it at all", says Sam. "I won't go into full details here and now but the carrying company has a lot of questions to answer about the way they conducted themselves during this routine shipment. The parcel was redirected to a department where they try to identify the recipient. There were no details inside the parcel but one of the bright sparks saw the name Brodix and looked it up on the internet. They found that Brodix have a UK agent, Performance Unlimited, so they sent it there. Dave Powell, the owner of Performance Unlimited E-Mailed Brodix to see if they knew anything about it about the same time as my contact at the carriers got on to the missing parcel department. Somehow something clicked and as I could describe the contents of the box they decided it must be mine. ©Eurodragster.com "Due to a communications error within the carriers company they missed the pick-up cut off time. I decided that I could not risk it getting lost again and also I am tight for time so I will be fetching it myself. "Performance Unlimited are not only the UK agents for Brodix but also for Total Seal piston rings, and I'm rushing round trying to get my car ready for the Total Seal Super Pro round at Drachten and my missing cylinder head turns up at the sponsor's door...could it be an omen? It's about time my luck changed a bit. I'll be happy when it's on the ferry and as usual win, lose or whatever I'll be having fun in the car." *Fallows, Newby aim for more LSRs.* 5th July: PrimeTime's Colin Fallows and Mark Newby are making an attempt to increase their existing 300.3 mph outright British Land Speed Record at a closed event on Friday of this week. The attempt takes place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and is scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky News with the first runs due to take place at around 1030 although Sky are expected to begin transmissions from Fairford some time beforehand. First up in a busy day will be an attempt on the UK Land Speed Record for electric cars, currently (no pun intended) 137mph. Their Hauser-built battery-powered streamliner has already posted 146 mph in the UK on more than a dozen occasions, so hopes are high. The team have had their ups and downs with the car: firstly journeying overland to Tunisia in 2004 for a world record attempt on the Saharan salt flats - only to arrive immediately after the heaviest rains for decades had ruined the running surface, and then taking it to Nevada where Colin's tune-up saw Mark average 189.9 mph at half power during testing before the electronics went bang. After running the electric car, next up will be Colin in Vampire, with a fresh tune-up in the venerable but still very capable car, followed by Mark in Split Second, also built by Hauser Race Cars and fresh from a 334.59 mph average speed in testing a few weeks ago. Following the record attempts on Friday, the team are appearing at the national media day for this year's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, where all three cars are on show over the weekend of 15th-16th July. Vampire and Split Second are also performing at RIAT, the biggest military air show anywhere in the world with more than 270,000 spectators expected to attend. ©Eurodragster.com "We are indebted to our many sponsors as well as the Ministry of Defence, Defence Estates, the Royal Air Force, the United States Air Force and the movers and shakers at RIAT for their outstanding contributions in making this attempt happen" said Colin Fallows. "It should be a great day on Friday, followed by a fantastic airshow too" said Mark Newby, publisher of Eurodragster.com News sponsor 440 Magazine. "Colin and I have close bonds with flying machines - he used to fix them and I used to fly them - so it is unique opportunity to blend our two passions at RIAT." Following Friday's record attempts, all three cars are to be put up for sale to fund the import of a new pair of cars from the USA. If Vampire doesn't sell as a complete, turn-key car then she will be broken up for parts, many of which are in great demand for the Orpheus jet engine. *Swift snippets.* 5th July: Testing took place at Santa Pod Raceway last week for the UK Truck Show, which takes place at Santa Pod on 19th-20th August. "Now that the teams have had this track time (right) they can re-configure everything from a circuit set-up to the strip set-up, and they are certain they can get low twelves", says Russ Harman. "That may sound slow to the average drag racing fan but believe me, to see something of that size doing those times was awesome". For full details about the UK Truck Show check out www.uktruckshow.co.uk. Congratulations to UK blown-alcohol altered racer Joe Bond who gained his full race licence and clocked a best of 8.68/151 at the NSRA Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway at the weekend. "For the final run we were paired with Jim Usher in The Mob and although I narrowly lost it was a fantastic race", says Joe. You can read all about it on Joe's web site at www.nuthinfancy.150m.com. ©Eurodragster.com Eurodragster.com Contest winner Sophie Jones went for her ride in Santa Pod's Two Seat Dragster last Saturday, enjoying an 8.3 at 158 mph behind driver Jon Webster. Although Sophie (right) was a little nervous when told she had won the ride, your News Editor's attempt at reassurance at the time seems to have done the trick. "You were right, I did want to go again afterwards, I am addicted!", said Sophie. "It was awesome, thanks again for such a wonderful prize, it made my Summer!". You are very welcome, Sophie. Our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson is again organising a Pro Mod bump spot competition for the Veidec Festival, with a T-shirt up for grabs for the winner. All you have to do is to send your prediction of the ET of the #16 qualifier, to three decimal places, together with your name, address, E-Mail and shirt size to Patrik at webmaster@promod.nu by 23:00 CET on Tuesday 25th July. *Nitro Nationals FIM/UEM review.* 5th July: FIM/UEM European Championship Co-ordinator Lars Andersson has been in touch with his regular post-event review, this time from the weekend's FHRA Nitro Nationals: It was a weekend of nice weather and very good racing in the end. The track looked very good. It is smooth and in good condition but it is a tricky track for clutches. Many people had problems to find the right set-up. We started on Friday and the bikes did alright but then we came to Top Fuel Dragster and it was hard. There were a lot of oildowns so the track had to be cleaned. The next round on Friday was OK for the bikes but once again problems in Top Fuel Dragster. So qualifying had to continue on Saturday morning. But after this everything started to go very well. The organiser managed to run three qualifying rounds on Saturday. This was due to no major clean ups, only smaller problems. In Pro Stock Bike there were eight riders, of those six were Swedish, one English and one Italian. After qualifying we had three Swedish Anders first then a mix of English and Swedes. It was also very nice to see Martin Bishop and Luigi Chinarello from Italy in Finland. Also we had one Buell and one Harley Davidson qualified. Tom Tindahn on the G2Buell ran a 7.54 and Ulf ögge ran a 7.98. In the first round on Sunday Anders Abrahamsson took out Chinarello with a very good 7.29 run. In the next pair Tom Tindahn got a red light but he ran a 7.37 which is very good, but Örjan Gustavsson took the win. In the next pair was it Anders Jacobsson against Ulf Ögge, Anders ran 7.56 and broke his gearbox but took the win. Unfortunately did he not manage to change gearbox before the next round, missing it by about five minutes. So in that part of the ladder Anders Larsson had a solo run to the final after winning over Martin Bishop. Anders Abrahmansson did the same since Örjan Gustavsson had some electrical problems on the start line. In the final Abrahamsson got a red light and Anders Larsson took the win. Both bikes ran 7.4 so it would have been a very close one. In Supertwin Lorenz Stauble was the number one qualifier. He should have been racing against Rolfstad but since he was broken and also Greger Johansson was broken, the number one alternate was Carina Sjutti in her first Championship race, to race Lorenz. And then the starter pointed to Lorenz to stop, due to fuel leakage, and she also got her first round win. In the next all German pair Gunther Sohn won over Joachim Reimar who just left the stating line and left the chain after him. Without a chain it is not easy to win. Ronny Aasen beat Olstad and Anders Charley Karling had an easy win over Svein Gottenberg who found a crack in the intake manifold just before starting. In the semi was it Gunther against Carina and with Gunter's first six-second run it was over for Carina. In the next pair was it Charley against Ronny. But then Charley had some kind of ignition problem could Ronny beat him easily. In the final Ronny showed who is the 2005 Champion and beat Gunther with a 6.83 against 6.88 in a very close race. Top Fuel Bike is always something special in Finland. Not so many riders came and that is always a problem. This time we had six riders entered but Sverre Dahl had to withdraw late and that left us with five. After 2004 when we also had five in Finland had the rules been changed, so now we ran a ladder of five. Some of the riders hade not seen this change and maybe the qualifying would have been different if they had known this. The ladder of five is a little bit strange. In the first pair Peter Anderson Ström had a solo run. In the next it was Eric Teboul against Luigi Ferretti and with belt problem for Eric it was Luigi Ferretti who took the win. In next pair it was Rickard Gustavsson against Koskinen, Rickard won and got a solo run in the semi. Rickard tried a little bit harder and managed to run a 6.89. In the top half did Ferretti beat Andersson-Ström who had some blower problems. So it was a final between Feretti and Rickard. But with a 6.73 run Rickard was the winner. This was Rickard's second Championship race and he has not done so many full passes before so the 6.73 is very good. I wonder how fast he can go. Maybe we should think a little about how a ladder of five or six should be made up. That was the race in Finland. Nice weather this year and a lot of spectators. We're hoping to come back to Finland again next year. The only small problem in Finland is the scoreboard which sometimes gives out totally wrong times. And it's impossible to understand the speaker's Finnish is impossible but with the help of PiPPi to talk some Swedish and English it was possible to understand times for the bikers. I am now looking forward to the race at Mantorp at the end of July. I am hoping that several Pro Stock Bike riders will go down to 7.2 seconds. Maybe some more Harleys in Pro Stock, and I am also waiting for the return of Ulf "Skutt" Nylen to the racetrack. Hopefully we will also see a big Top Fuel Bike field. This would be a very nice gift. ©Eurodragster.com You can read the post-FHRA Nitro Nationals FIM/UEM Championship standings (Excel format) by clicking here or by clicking on the Points Standings link on the left hand side of any Eurodragster.com page, or you can also find the points on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com. *NFAA Nostalgia Nationals review.* 5th July: We in the Drag Racing Fraternity commonly complain about the weather, but at the NSRA Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway this past weekend, the complaints were somewhat different – too hot and poor air quality, says Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association Co-ordinator Lawrie Gatehouse: The first round saw some stellar performances from the Rebel T, Bennett Racing and Xtreme teams with consistently improving runs from Freddy's Revenge. The Mob was the only Nitro burner on hand as Chaos was doing duty at the NEC for the Max Power Show on sponsor Lucas Oil UK's stand, the idea being to try to interest some of the high-disposable-income Hot Hatch brigade in drag racing and the NFAA in particular whilst supporting Lucas Oil, in order to enhance their profile in this market sector. Tony Betts in Venom was also unable to attend as, when the team went to build the new engine after damage incurred at the Summernationals they discovered that the new KB block had the wrong dimensions in a few critical areas. Frantic calls to Gary Burgin got the correct mill on the shipping route, but the earliest it could arrive was Monday of this week. Kind of like rubbing salt in the wound, and Tony and all the team were bitterly disappointed as they wanted to run another, possibly lower, six. Wendy Baker and Paul Stubbings of Time Warp fame were mourning the comprehensive damage to their KB, Lenco and clutch and need some time (and funds) to source replacements, so they could not pound the strip. Jim Usher, rapidly getting used to the violent launches in The Mob, laid down some spectacular burnouts and will be a force to be reckoned with at future meets. Frank Bennett showed yet again how good he is at anticipating the Tree, with a reaction time of .097 and personal bests of 7.116 and 190.53. Clayton Round had a number of minor glitches and snags, but overcame them to record 7.36/181.45, making sure that Frank stayed honest. Bob Glassup's Xtreme Racing Topolino demonstrated great launches but at the cost of another damaged converter, sidelining the Topo for the rest of the meet. Dave Grabham improved steadily, whilst getting used to a Lenco and clutch combination and now has the experience of Norm Wheeldon to assist in the tune-up and settings and will soon be able to run the numbers if these improvements continue. Joe Bond continued his licencing progress, getting his licence on his second pass enabling him to pair against The Mob for the third and final round, which was an excellent side-by-side pass to the stripe, Joe running a best to date of 8.68. The second round on Saturday was due at 5.00 pm but the track officials were worried about the state of the track specifically its suitability to handle the amount of power put down by the NFAA cars. An inspection was held and, wisely, it was jointly decided to forgo the run so as not to cause any more track damage. At this point, the track temperature was 159 F with a corrected altitude approaching 2,700 feet - poor air quality not helping the situation. The Shakespeare County Raceway track crews had worked long and hard overnight to relay the track with extensive sledding, so that it was perfect for Sunday – thanks guys, very much appreciated. By the second run on Sunday, the humidity was twenty four per cent, track temperature 145 F and the corrected altitude was 3,500 feet. The rivalry between points leaders, Bennett Racing and the Round brothers in Rebel T continued with super reaction times of .089 and .097 respectively. Great to-the-wire passes which the crowd really appreciated. All in all, a good meeting with improving performances and tremendous enthusiasm by all concerned. ©Eurodragster.com *Web Site updates.* 5th July: In the latest entry in his exclusive Racer Blog, FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Lex Joon recounts his weekend at the FHRA Nitro Nationals including how to persuade a Top Fuel Dragster gently into stage when it doesn't really want to go, and more about the "Wing protest". You can check out Lex's Blog by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blog link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Also on the subkect of the FHRA Nitro Nationals, full qualifying and eliminations results from the race are now available on the Finnish Hot Rod Association web site at www.fhra.fi. Our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson has updated the Racebilder web site with a large number of pictures from the weekend's Aros Nats, which included the welcome return of the Lindahl brothers' Pro Mod/Top Sportsman Chevy after its collision with a guardrail earlier this season. You can find Patrik's pictures at www.racebilder.nu. ©Eurodragster.com The Shakespeare County Racers web site at www.shakespearecountyracers.com has been updated with a number of pictures from the weekend's NSRA Nostalgia Nationals including photos of Dave Molyneux's fiftieth birthday bash, with a full report and SCR team update to follow shortly. The Topnitro fan site at www.topnitro.co.uk has been updated with a report from the NSRA Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. In addition to the report, there is a picture gallery of the goings-on and general fun which transpired under the unbearable (Speak for yourself - Ed) heat of Sunday. "It was unbelievable that such a hot day would later result in the event being rained off", says Richard Stirling. Also posting an NSRA Nostalgia Nationals report is Jon Best, whose perspective can be found on the Best Intentions web site at www.bestintentions.co.uk. *Tanya announces Top Fuel plans.* 4th July: It has to rank as one of the worst kept secrets in drag racing, but UK Sportsman ET racer Tanya Partridge has announced her intention to step up to Top Fuel Dragster in 2007. "It has taken months of sweat to get us this far and this is only a toe in the water, but I'm delighted to be making my first runs in a Knut Söderquist Carbon By Design Top Fuel car", says Tanya. "I'm especially proud to be doing it with the help of another Sportsman racer, Anna Metcalfe and her company Metamorphosis Finance". Tanya is also proud to announce the support of Simpson Helmets and GPR Direct racewear. Tanya has a limited programme planned for 2006, commencing with licencing passes at this weekend's Midnight Sun Internationals at Piteå, but is hoping to finalise deals for 2007 which will allow her to contest the whole of the FIA European Championship. "Clearly I have an enormous amount to learn", says Tanya. "Everyone says there is nothing to prepare you for the performance of a Top Fuel car, so we decided just to go and do it! I am grateful to everyone who has been so supportive and who believe that a Sportsman driver can make the jump to the top of the sport, especially Knut and the team who are trying to make this possible." ©Eurodragster.com *Ron's Macmillan Rides.* 4th July: Ron Haslett, who gave some passenger rides at the recent Classic Ford Day at Santa Pod after auctioning them for his charity the Macmillan Cancer Support has written to us with an account of his day and some thanks to those that responded to his call on Eurodragster.com for help with Nitrous. "What a good turn out after our plea for help. We were very fortunate to have had some fellow racers step up and be counted, so not only did we have enough to pay for our fuel, they also helped improve our donation so much. The morning started with prepping the car and doing a checkout run. Then we put our newest recruit in the passenger seat (speaking to him afterwards he was chuffed to bits) to make sure the car was ok with the passenger. That done, we set off to put the car on the club stand, and I believe the won best stand award. 2pm saw our first run, which was auctioned through the BuySellCortina website, Phil. The winner elected to put his girlfriend in the car. She was very nervous and we all thought she would pull out. But at the end of the run she wanted to go again. Next up was Amanda, our rep from Macmillan. The 3rd run was Alex. I've known Alex a few years now and he has a thing for Cortinas but then disaster struck, as the diff blew in the burnout. However, up stepped fellow Street Eliminator racer and good friend Hairy John to take over. Last but not least was Paul, who won the auction being run by Classic Ford on the day. All that is left for me to say is a big thank you to the following people for their kind donations to help towards the cost of the weekend: Hairy John Matt Wright of Gleeson Wright Security Chris Johnson Ricky Hamm Martin from the HAMC Craig and Tina Gibbs and the lads from the BuySellCortina web site At the time of writing, we have raised £700 for the day and a running total of £1,312, and we still have the collection pots to be emptied. - not bad for our first 6 months of supporting Macmillan Cancer Relief. *Bennetts hot and high at Nostalgias.* 4th July: Luke Bennett says that the Nostalgia Nationals was not only very hot, but also the altitude readings were high, however, these factors did not prevent Frank Bennett in the Bennett RacingTopolino running his best times so far in the NFAA. "What a weekend, it was the hottest event I think we have ever attended; temperature in the gazebo at one point was 42 Celsius. Not nice to work on the car…. "For the first run on the Saturday, we wanted to get a good solid baseline and before going for the run the corrected altitude was about 2700 feet, so we were very happy when the car run a 7.25 at 187mph, both personal bests for the motor. We also won the best burnout award for this round. "It is worth noting that the track preparation was excellent, although the track temperature, which topped 159 F, could not be helped. "The air had gone away in a big way before Sunday's first run and when we went for the run, the corrected altitude was 3200 feet. The car still ran another best ET, which was a 7.16, again at 187mph. When we got back to the pits, we turned the fans on the motor as it was another hot day. "On the last run of the day, the altitude worked out to the highest I have ever seen running the car, 3500 feet, and the car run 7.20 at 190mph, a best mph. "Again we were very happy with the weekend, as we came away with no damage, we ran consistently and are still top of the NFAA points. We also came away with points for best appearing car and a new best ET and best speed with our new motor, a 7.16/190.63mph". *Aros Nationals Results.* 4th July: Pictures and results from the Aros Nationals held at the weekend can be found here. In Top Doorslammer action Patrik Pers was no. 1 qualifier with a 4.173/174.76mph best, ahead of the repaired Mikael Lindahl on 4.183/173.85. In eliminations, however, Patrik did not advance past the first round and Mikael Lindahl went out in the second round. The eventual winner was Johann Gustavsson in a Mercury Cougar after opponent Lenn Lindell failed to start. *TV Times.* 4th July: In what is proving to be a bumper year for our sport on TV, Men & Motors in their strand On the Edge will be featuring the Good Guys vintage drag racing event from Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield at the following times: Wednesday 5th July at 20:00 Thursday 6th July at 01:05 Thursday 6th July at 11:00 Friday 7th July at 14:00 Saturday 8th July at 14:00. Next week's broadcast features The All Harley Drag Racing Association at the following times: Wednesday 12th July at 18:00. Thursday 13th July at 01:00. Regular viewers of the Channel 5 NHRA coverage are reminded that the next episode of the NHRA/Powerade series is at a different time slot to usual, Friday 7th July at 03:15. Action will be from the O'Reilly Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kansas. As always, please check your electronic programme guide to ensure that the programmes are at the advertised times. *Swift snippets.* 4th July: We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary of the Meeting and Eurodragster.com News sponsor Kathy Taylor. Kathy is spending the first half of her day behind the griddle tending to hungry mouths at the Bakers Court Café in Basildon but hopefully she will find some time during the rest of the day to enjoy her birthday. Have a great day, Kathy. We would like to wish a very Happy 4th July to all of our readers in the United States of America. Happy Birthday to John Parkinson on 4th of July (how cool is that born on the 4th of July and a drag racer) from all his friends in and out of racing *Web site updates.* 4th July: Photos from the Grand Nationals 2005 held at the Jerry Lackey Raceway, MZA-Luckau last weekend can be seen here. *Orthodoxou returns, and how.* 3rd July: After a long lay-off from competitive drag racing, the UK's Chris Orthodoxou is returning with a 604 ci Hemi-powered Dodge Viper GTS. The stunning car is built to the latest Pro Mod spec but will initially be raced in Super Pro ET or Top Sportsman. Chris kindly invited Eurodragster.com to his Surrey base to attend the unveiling of his new ride and in the latest of Eurodragster.com's occasional series of features we took the chance to ask him about his absence, his racing career, his new car, his future plans, and his legendary attachment to Mopars as well as to take a large number of pictures of the Viper. ©Eurodragster.com Click here to view our feature, or click on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. *Joon, Lorentzon speak on wing protest.* 3rd July: If you were tuned into yesterday's results from the FHRA Nitro Nationals at Alastaro you will have read that Håkan Fällström was disqualified and Lex Joon reinstated on a protest after the first round of Top Fuel Dragster. We spoke to Lex and to Håkan's Crew Chief Kenneth Lorentzon for their take on the events after that race and both gladly gave their permission for us to post their views. "We raced Håkan and he won by a small margin", said Lex Joon. "After the race the Tech Crew were checking fuel and I had noticed a lot of cars appearing to run too much rear wing so I asked them to check the wing angles. The Tech Crew found Håkan's wing angle to be four degrees but the maximum amount allowed by the rules is two degrees. Our losing margin was enough for the amount of wing Håkan had. I could have run more rear wing then my tyres would not have gone up in smoke. "The Tech Crew let Håkan go and I was there for twenty minutes asking what was going on and if they were going to do anything about it because he should have been disqualified. The Tech Crew said that they were not going to do anything so I put in a protest - I had no option but to protest. They can blame me but you should run to the rules, if you don't then you are out. But it should not have been for me to put in the protest, the Tech Crew should have disqualified Håkan there and then." ©Eurodragster.com "We got to the scales and the Tech Crew were measuring the wing angle on all the cars", said Kenneth Lorentzon. "They measured the angle on Håkan's car at four degrees, but the car was not on the level. When we got back to the pit I borrowed an angle gauge from Micke Kågered and measured both of our cars' wings myself. Tommy's wing angle was 1.2 degrees and Håkan's was 0.8 degrees. "Lex protested us, we protested back. The Tech Crew said they would come to the pit and measure the wing angles there but they never showed up. I said that they should bring both Lex's car and Håkan's car to Tech and measure the wing angles there but by that time they had already signed the paperwork so we were out. "We have been told that the wing angles will be measured in Tech at Mantorp Park but the question is how they will measure it. There was no flat ground. I think it should be measured from the frame to the wing." *Attack on two fronts II.* 3rd July: Andrea Wucher has been in touch again with a report on the final results of Urs Erbacher's Fat Attack team at their two events this weekend: The weekend was a mixture of bad and quite OK. Lo was shut off at the starting line in round one of Supertwin because of a fuel leak. He felt so bad about it and was really disappointed. But his time will come. The bike is running well now and he drives to low numbers we want to see. Urs sent Tommy Möller and the fireworks started right on the finish line. Too bad, the engine had to stay in the trailer for round two, so the Erbacher Drag Racing Team changed the engine between round one and two. This was their first engine change between rounds of eliminations and they did a great job. Urs was leading by more than a tenth of a second at 1000 feet, then his tyres smoked and he had to lift. He pedalled again but Håkan Nilsson passed him right on the finish and took the win. But at least this time there were no fireworks from the engine and everything is OK. It seems that we have made a step forward. How big? We will see at Mantorp. ©Eurodragster.com Sascha Brodbeck took home a trophy with the Destroyer. He would not be that happy with a runner-up but under the circumstances before the final - oildown from the preceding racer in his lane - it is OK. He was all over the place on his run but stayed on it. In three weeks we are in Turtmann in Switzerland. Sascha will have an official Cup race with the Destroyer and Urs and Lo will entertain the crowd with some nice nitro runs. All of our friends, sponsors and fans will be there and it is a great race to attend with the big family of Swiss drag racers, the hospitality of the Wallis people, and the spectacular surroundings of the Swiss Alps. *Total Seal Shootout update.* 3rd July: Steve Neimantas of Goldfinger Racing will be racing with the rest of the UK Super Pro ET contestants at the Total Seal Super Pro ET Shootout at next week's Drachten Internationals. Steve will be showing off his new double deck race car rig (right) built by fellow Super Pro racer Ian Tubb. The rig will be transporting both Steve's Aston Martin and Ian Tubb's EDA dragster to the race in Holland and will hopefully be bringing home the prize money of $2000 which has been put up by the sponsors of the eXplosion Club. "On behalf of Steve Neimantas and Goldfinger Racing and also all of the EDA Team we would like to thank Dave Powell of Performance Unlimited and Total Seal for the very welcome interest in and sponsorship of drag racing", says Ian Tubb. "To all our fellow racers at Drachten let's put on a good show and impress the Dutch crowd!" Meanwhile fellow Super Pro ET racer Sam Freeman fears that he may have to withdraw from the event as he is running out of time to repair the engine of his Double Density altered. ©Eurodragster.com "I only made one qualifying pass at the Summernationals", says Sam. "On that run a valve head decided to part company and exit out of the exhaust port and water jacket. Having spent a couple of days ringing round to see what I could find to replace the heads, without much that was promising, I decided to ship in a pair of heads from the States. I have a near-complete new engine out there in storage, which I had intended to get it in over the winter for 2007. "Having rushed round I managed to get a new piston,but I couldn't get rings for it as they were out of stock so I'll re-use the Total Seal rings from the old piston. The Brodix heads, T & D shaft rocker system, head bolts etc were shipped a week and a half ago with delivery guaranteed by last Thursday, 29th, by one of the big three worldwide parcel delivery companies (The same company which lost my new camera? - Ed). This would have allowed me time to rebuild the engine and be set for Drachten. Foolishly I relied on the carrier to deliver on time, they managed to get the gaskets, piston and other bits here by 28th, then after some phoning about the missing heads they got one to me by 29th. The whereabouts of the second head is unknown - yes, they have managed to lose it (It is the same company, then - Ed)! "I have managed to get a set of iron heads just to get me running again, but on inspection they will need a fair amount of machine work to enable me to use them, I have now put them aside to attend to later. The bottom line is that if they find the other head and get it to me by the end of this week then I'll pull out all the stops to get to Drachten. It does not look very promising at the moment. We might go over and watch to avoid wasting the cost of the entry fee and ferry crossing, but I'm not much good at spectating. "Although the car looks no different to last year I have spent quite a while on putting right a few things with which I was not happy. The car was re-certified to full SFI 10.2 spec at the Summernationals - it nearly broke Geoff Martin's heart when he had to open another envelope of SFI stickers! SFI 10.2 is for rear-suspended Altered chassis and is good down to 6.0 seconds." *Swift snippets.* 3rd July: Many thanks to FIA European Championship co-ordinator Kjell Pettersson for sending us the post-FHRA Nitro Nationals points standings. You can view the latest FIA European Championship points (PDF format) by clicking here or by clicking on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Finnish Funny Bike racer Asko Määttä says that reigning FIM/UEM Supertwin Champion Ronny Aasen himself thinks that his 238 mph terminal speed yesterday might be true but that it is more likely that he put the front wheel down in between the finish line speed beams. "Still in that case the speed would have been some 222-225 mph which is also impressive", says Asko. Asko's Pro bike reports and pictures from Alastaro can be found at www.dragrace.fi with more to come later today. Drag racing and Mopar muscle enthusiast Jason Gilmore presented two of his highly-commendable Challenge Trophies at the weekend's NSRA Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. The Awards recognise Services to the hobby and were presented to Graham Rennie of American Auto Mags, who over ten years has been one of the leading importers of American drag racing and hot rodding publications as well as organising the monthly Cheshire Cruise, and to SCR's Press and PR officer Jerry Cookson for his service, enthusiasm and dedication to the sport. Jerry Cookson has also let us know that the latest improvement at Shakespeare County Raceway is 1 Meg broadband for the use of the media. Amongst other applications this will give Eurodragster.com scope to increase the frequency of the updates on our Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam. ©Eurodragster.com If you live in or around Goodmayes to the east of London then tune in to local station Red FM on 87.7 between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm tonight (Monday) when the guest on Paul Marston's show will be Eurodragster.com's resting News Editor Tog. "I am guessing that tonight's show will be about drag racing", says Tog. "I certainly hope so since I can't hold forth on other subjects apart from why the USA did go to the Moon." Eurodragster.com reader Hazal Heston had a thought whilst watching England's World Cup match on Saturday. "Wouldn't it be nice if the spectators at Santa Pod showed half as much enthusiasm", says Hazal. "After all, the racers put their lives on the line for very little - the players only have to kick a ball and thousands of people go mad. The commentators at the Pod fight hard for a reaction. I would like to hear the crowd roar in appreciation just once in my lifetime - they sure as hell can make a noise when it rains." *Web site updates.* 3rd July: Peter Donaldson has updated his excellent photo site with 160 pictures of Saturday's action at the NSRA Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can check out Peter's pictures at peterdonaldson5305.fotopic.net. Peter also tells us that he has moved his non-drag racing pictures to another site. ©Eurodragster.com *Alastaro Update.* 2nd July: 17:00: Congratulations to the winners of the FHRA Nitro Nationals at Alastaro Circuit: FIA Top Fuel Dragster: Thomas Nataas FIA Top Methanol Dragster: Dave Wilson FIA Top Methanol Funny Car: Dan Larsen FIA Pro Stock: Jimmy Ålund FIA Pro Modified: Urban Johansson FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike: Rikard Gustafsson FIM/UEM Supertwin: Ronny Aasen FIM/UEM Pro Stock Bike: Anders Larsson ©Eurodragster.com Winning times and speeds will follow on the FHRA website at at www.fhra.fi/fin/index.php?page_id=203. Be sure to tune into Eurodragster tomorrow when we will have views from Kenneth Lorentzon and Lex Joon on the controversy over Håkan Fällström's rear wing and subsequent protest. 15:00: The internet connection in the whole of the Alastaro area has been down since 7am this morning so we have only just heard the news from the track. It is hoped that the connection can be restored later today, but in the meantime we are extremely grateful to Christer Abrahamson for supplying details by mobile phone. The finals will be run at approximately 3:30pm BST. Top Fuel First Round: Lex Joon def. Håkan Fällström (following protest by Lex Joon over Håkan Fällström's wing), Thomas Nataas def Mikael Kågered, Håkan Nilsson def. Andy Carter, Urs Erbacher def. Tommy Möller. Semi-Final: Thomas Nataas def. Lex Joon, Håkan Nilsson def. Urs Erbacher. Top Methanol Dragster Semi-Final: Peter Schöfer def. Krister Johansson, David Wilson def. Arto Höylä. Top Methanol Funny Car Semi-Final: Martin Lundqvist def. Leif Andreasson, Dan Larsen def. Ulf Leanders. Pro Stock Semi-Final: Jimmy Ålund (6.99) def. Kenneth Söderström, Michael Malmgren (6.95) def. Magnus Hansson. Pro Modified Semi-Final: Urban Johansson def. Marc Meihuizen, Seppo Saapola def. Jan Arve Nygård. Top Fuel Bike Semi-Final: Luigi Ferretti def. Peter Ström, Rikard Gustafsson def. Olli Koskinen (no-show). Congratulations to Rikard Gustafsson for running his first six, a 6.89. Super Twin Top Fuel Semi-Final: Günther Sohn def. Carina Sjutti and Ronny Aasen def. Anders "Charley" Karling. Pro Stock Bike Semi-Final: Anders Abrahamsson def. Örjan Gustavsson, Anders Larsson def. Anders Jakobsson. *FHRA Nitro Nationals coverage.* 2nd July: It's race day at the FHRA Nitro Nationals and as usual the Finnish Hot Rod Association web site will feature live reports from Alastaro. ©Eurodragster.com Our good friend Hannele Höydén is posting live reports, pit notes and pictures on the FHRA web site at www.fhra.fi/fin/index.php?page_id=203. The Alastaro Circuit webcam can be found at www.alastaro.fi/Default.aspx?id=347189. *Attack on two fronts.* 2nd July: Andrea Wucher has been in touch with a report on the progress of Urs Erbacher's Fat Attack team at their two events this weekend: Urs Erbacher and Lorenz Stäuble are at the FHRA Nitro Nationals in Alastaro in Finland. Urs qualified third with a 5.43. The time is far from what we want to drive but the most important thing is that you are qualified as there were ten Top Fuellers at the start and Janne Ahonen and Tommi Haapanen had to go home. Let's see what happens in the eliminations. Glen Mikres from the US is helping us with the set-up and to overcome the various technical problems we had at the Main Event. Here and there they found problems they could fix. On Friday an oil line came off and the engine didn't like that. But that is the time when your stock of brake cleaner decreases very fast. In the first round Urs will race against Tommy Möller. Everything is possible. We will see (Urs won - Ed)... ©Eurodragster.com Lo Stäuble was our team star yesterday. He qualified number one for the first time ahead of ten other Supertwins. Wow! He was so happy with his 6.711 and didn't stop smiling for the rest of the evening. It is great to see Lo's progress. He had a difficult time in qualifying. First he left in the wrong gear, then he went up in smoke and finally everything was set and he drove it home. Today he races Svein Olav Rolfstad in the first round. No problem on the numbers no problem but that doesn't mean everything. Nothing is taken for granted in drag racing but we are crossing our fingers for Lo. We want to see him in the water barrel... Sascha Brodbeck is racing at Luckau in Germany in the Destroyer cup with the V-Rod Destroyer. At his first-ever race in the Czech Republic two weeks ago he was top qualifier, runner up and set a new European record with 9.51 seconds. His master and teacher "Kruse" was pleased with his performance and proud about his novice on the bike. The European record is history again: Sascha set a new record of 9.46 seconds and is again top qualifier. What a great race team and a great rider. Sascha has never ridden a drag bike before nor done any racing, he is a freestyle motocross guy. He drives you mad with his stunts on two wheels and entertains the crowd. So Sascha, get the trophy this time and bring it home. *NSRA Nostalgia Nationals day 1.* 2nd July: Under sweltering hot conditions the NFAA altereds completed just one cycle of time trials at yesterday's NSRA Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway, writes Jerry Cookson. Topping the timing sheets with a 7.254/187.84 was Frank Bennett's Car Care Clinic methanol Topolino. Matched against Jim Usher in The Mob, Frank also picked up the best burnout for an absolute stormer. Defending series title holder Clayton Round also dipped in to the sevens with a 7.907/168.54. The Outlaw Anglias completed three cycles with Paul Wright's Alco Pop running a 7.99 followed by a 7.975/173.26. Just a shade away from the sevens was Paul Hensher but severe engine damage has unfortunately sidelined the Gas Attack Pop. Also running the numbers after taking six months out was Cliff Griffin who laid down a rapid 9.925 and also picked up the Moving Parts Burnout Bonanza vouchers from sponsor Steve Borland. B + J Race Cars' Mr Mental Johnny Hall torched a head gasket at three quarter track in his slingshot on a 9.04 match up against Alec Coe who ran an 8.763/162.73 in the Shy Talker small block slingshot dragster. On the Jet front Roger Goring rattled the rafters with a 6.287/256.54 in the Firestorm Funny Car. Action resumes at Shakey at 10:30 this morning with an all day Run What Ya Brung with the headliners, the NFAA and the Outlaws hitting the strip at 11.00. ©Eurodragster.com *Swift snippets.* 2nd July: Lisa Cawley has been in touch to ask us to say a big Well Done to UK Pro ET racer Lee Darby and crew for breaking into the eights in his DKM Construction pick-up at Shakespeare County Raceway yesterday. "Lee's 8.77 was the first run with the NOS", says Lisa. "Let's hope we see some more quick times from this great-looking pick-up. Congratulations come from the Jackson family of VW Pro 76 fame and all the other people who know Lee and the crew." ©Eurodragster.com *Splinter goes Prom Mod.* 1st July: You're sixteen years old, it's your End of School Prom, and you want to make an entrance rather than turn up in a stretch Limo like everyone else. What to do? For sixteen-year-old Matthew Atkinson a solution presented itself: one of the UK's quickest Real Steel Street Eliminator racers just happens to be a close friend of the family, and Steve 'Splinter' Nash was only too happy to take Matthew to the ball in his 8.0-second street-legal Wild Cat Mercury Cougar. "Matthew has been around racing since he was nine months old", Matthew's dad, Super Pro ET racer John Atkinson, told Eurodragster.com. "He is always around the pits and he will help anyone. We were talking about the Prom and I said "What if Splinter took you?". But it was Matthew who asked." "When Matthew asked me if I would take him, I said "You know you've got to do some serious sucking up, don't you?", said Splinter. "He said "How much?" and I said "Loads!". But he's been down here this week polishing the car, hoovering inside, I took the wheels off and he polished those and he also cleaned all the brake calipers and discs!" ©Eurodragster.com Matthew has not been in the Wild Cat since the engine combination was changed to a 598 ci twin turbo and he said that last night's trip to the Prom was a little different to his previous journey. "It was phenomenal, really good", he said. "We went round the Tescos roundabout and then Steve blipped the throttle and I fell back in the seat!" Matthew and Splinter timed their arrival perfectly last night as just about everyone else had already arrived and was milling about on the pavement. The Limos and stretch Humvees had left, leaving the way clear for the Cougar to burble around the corner. The car drew up and Splinter, in black firesuit, black helmet and shades, held the door open for Matthew to get out, shook his hand, then climbed back into the car and departed, pausing only to put on the line lock and then smoke the tyres into Chalkwell High Street, leaving two strips of rubber on the road. "I felt so pleased when we turned up", said Matthew. "Everyone thought it was the best thing they'd seen and we got a round of applause when I got out the car. Everyone wanted to know who the driver was and when Steve pulled away they all clapped again and said that we had the best car. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience - no-one else has ever done anything like that. It was phenomenal, Thank You Steve." Matthew is now headed to Sixth Form College and we look forward to seeing what he comes up with for his Prom in 2008 (Splinter's new car - Ed). *Swift snippets.* 1st July: Shakespeare County Raceway would be pleased to hear from any racer with used slicks which they could donate for use on the track sled which has just been refettled by its builder Andy Robinson Race Cars and which is laying down rubber at a prodigious rate. Any make and compound of slick is acceptable, indeed welcome, and can be taken along to the track this weekend or contact the track at enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.com. ©Eurodragster.com Johnny Hall of Eurodragster.com News sponsor B + J Race Cars says that their Nostalgia Fuel Slingshot has been completely rebuilt for this weekend's match races against Alec Coe at Shakespeare County Raceway, and that the team will be selling two different designs of T-shirt, the sales of which will go towards funding this weekend's nitro. Best wishes for a rapid recovery to UK Pro Modified racer Danny Cockerill who has broken his foot. In the meantime Graham Ellis is listed to drive Danny's blown-alcohol Chevy at the European Doorslammers at Santa Pod Raceway next Saturday. Eurodragster.com reader Steve Wilson has asked if anyone can help him with advice about attending August's Nitrolympx at Hockenheim. Steve is particularly interested in learning about hire car deals and accommodation. If you can help then please contact Steve by E-Mail at sspeedy@aol.com or call him on 07711 384584. *WRE distribute B & M.* 1st July: Joint Eurodragster.com webcam sponsor Webster Race Engineering have announced that as of today (Saturday) they are the UK distributors for B & M Racing products. ©Eurodragster.com "We will be showcasing B & M's new Composite X shifter range in carbon fibre", says Ian Marshall of WRE. "The range of products will also include transmissions, converters, trans coolers and a whole host of transmission-related accessories and parts." To check out B & M's extensive range of products check out their web site at www.bmracing.com or click on the logo at right. Further details of Webster Race Engineering's new product range will follow soon. Earlier news