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What's New
31st October: Top Fuel Dragster racers Andy Carter and Barry Sheavills are eagerly looking forward to their match race at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday. Andy and Barry have met six times, with Andy leading by four races to two.
"I want to go out there and win", says Andy, who won the 2001 FIA European Championship in September. "I'm taking it very seriously - I'm still watching what I eat and I am still training. Eddie (Corr, Crew Chief - Ed) has three or four tune-ups ready depending upon the weather."
"It goes without saying that I'm aiming for the win, and I want to to put on a good show for the crowd", says Barry. "It's our last chance to get a whiff of nitro before the winter!".
Andy confirmed that Gary Page will be putting in a pass in Rune Fjeld's number two car, which Andy drove to this year's Championship. Gary's pass will be in the early afternoon and Andy considers that this run, with the crucial track data it will provide, will give him the advantage when the time comes to match up with Barry.
Both Andy and Barry are looking forward to meeting their fans in the pits on Saturday. "Come and say hello", says Barry. "We're going to race and then we're gonna party!". "Come by and look at the number on my rear wing!", says Andy.
Barry has confirmed that he will be racing in 2002, and he credits his fans for his motivation. "What keeps me going is the friendship and support I've had all around Europe this season", he said. "Thank you all very much!"
You can find full details about the Flame and Thunder Show, including ticket prices, on Santa Pod's web site at www.santapod.com.
2002 Drachten calendar.
31st October: Many thanks to Holland's Explosion Drag Racing Club racing secretary Gerda Dijkstra for passing on next year's dates at Drachten Airfield. Races will take place on:
8-9 June: Season Opener
13-14 July: Drachten Internationals
31 August-1 September: Drachten Finals
Entry forms for these events are already available on the Explosion web site at www.explosion.nl.
Ripley's great year.
31st October: UK Top Methanol FC racer Doug Ripley has had a great year, says his clutch crewman Cliff Gould.
"What a rookie year in TMFC!", says Cliff. "Our first time out was a Run What You Brung at the end of March. Our first burnout with the new car and we destroyed a crank, block, clutch and Lenco.That hit Doug's pocket hard! Plus his right leg where the Lenco ended up, badly bruising him. We managed too get another clutch and a two-speed Lenco ready for Super Series 3, where we put down a good enough burnout, sixty-foot and eighth towards Doug's licence. We were all expecting the car to explode every run, because of what had happened our first time out.
"We were all set for the Cannonball, just one good full pass and we were in the race. The Cannonball came and it chucked everything at us: broken valve springs, rear tyres out of shape and two punctures on the M1. The car wouldn't launch straight, we had tyre problems, but thanks to Steve and Rob Turner who had some tyres we managed a 7.70 with the chutes out on our last session. Not good enough for the Cannonball, but after all the problems we had, we gave ourselves a pat on the back, although we were a bit dejected.
"Next up was Super Series 4. It came a bit too soon, as we were two crew down. Again we had many problems, but Doug managed to get his licence on a sideways 8.20 run. At last we were going to race someone! That someone was Lyndsay Deuchar who we had earlier watched run a 5.90. We had to step the motor up a bit. That night the Shockwave crew kindly re-striped our tired blower for us. When race day came, we were knocked out first round - Lyndsay's 5.90 was too much for our barrier-clipping 7.80.
"Looking back over the year we have learned so much. We are looking forward to the new season armed with our new-found knowlege and an AFT pedal clutch, three-speed Lenco and some other top secret modifications! Thanks to the Shockwave and Showtime crews, and to Rob and Steve turner for there support and input. It would have been a much harder year without you guys. Thanks!"
APIRA Test and Tune report.
31st October: Many thanks to Avon Park International Racers Association Press Officer Jerry Cookson for sending a report from the weekend's Test and Tune at Shakespeare County Raceway.
"High flying Outlaw driver Paul Henshaw capped a very short season with a couple of stunning eight second passes at Shakespeare County Raceway's Bonfire Burn-Up on Sunday. Despite the cold track conditions, Henshaw powered his 1948 Anglia 'Gas Attack' to three arrow straight laps; the best being an 8.793s at 155.71 mph from the 498 mega cubbed Chrylser classic.
"From the many bikes in attendance, Jerry Collier's Jade Racing crew chief Sefton Whittlock rode the world's quickest and fastest RD Yamaha to a top time of 9.839s at 130.81 mph. Also on top form was Paul Watson, the newly crowned National 9.90 Bike champion. Watson ran several mid-nine second laps with the 1500cc Suzuki Bandit, the best being a 9.147s at 152.54 mph. Team Pants rider Rachel Pattison took her 9.90 Suzuki Bandit to a near perfect 9.902 and an under the index 9.898.
"Wild Buncher, or should that read number cruncher, Paul Croston won the final series event in the' B'Sting' Chevy powered Fiat Topolino Altered with three indexed times of 12.5 seconds.Daz Selwyn brought along his '65 Dodge Coronet AFX replica. Powered by a 440 Chrysler Daz ran several low 11 second exhibition passes for the assembled crowd.
"Coming on the back of the recently announced Junior Drag Bike class, 10 year old Dan Baldwin rode his 80cc 2 stroke Yamaha to a weekends best quarter mile time of 22.73 seconds at 49.94 mph. The bike, built to no specific specification, was put together by long time Pro ET racer Dave Baldwin.
"The event also played host to the 21 Turbo Owners Club from Swansea who not only made every available use of the track when ever possible but also made their presence known in the SCR club house on Saturday evening!"
Web site updates.
31st October: Dutch TMFC racer Lex Joon's official web site has been updated with preliminary news of the new Lex Joon Racing Fan Club. Check it out at www.lexjoonracing.nl.
Nostalgia fans need wait no longer as Eurodragster staffer Tog has finally updated his personal web site Tog's Drag Racing Page with 178 pictures from the Goodguys Fall Classic, which took place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in September. You can find Tog's Nostalgia pictures at www.togsdragracing.com/2001goodguysfallclassic.
Malmgren's busy winter.
29th October: Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren and the AC Delco team are having a busy winter, with a number of Show appearances, a planned US tour in 2002, and a new workshop to kit out.
"Last week we attended the Equip Auto show in Paris, a huge show which included every aspect of cars and car parts", says Magnus Cato of Malmgren Racing. "All of the AC Delco personnel were there, and we had the best time with our good friends in the GM family. We would like to say Thank You to AC Delco's Brent Snelson for the delicious dinner at the Abayon castle last Friday."
The team's next Show appearance is at Autosport International in Birmingham in January. "Watch out Birmingham!", says Magnus. "If we impressed the visitors last time, wait until January. We'll have a great stand there together with AC Delco and a secret partner. It will be a true interactive stand, so don't miss it! All the AC Delco girls will join in too!"
The team's 2002 US tour is also in the advanced stages of planning. "Michael is making the plans", says Magnus. "We'll try to go to Gainesville, Las Vegas (of course) and Houston. Our friends at the shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen have kindly offered their help with transportation, AC Delco have given their go-ahead, with all this support it's almost a closed deal. It's a real moral booster with these companies helping us out. We just want to see the final FIA European Tour schedule for 2002 before we decide."
Last but not least, the AC Delco team are moving to a new purpose-built workshop. "It will be a state-of-the-art facility, with separate garages for the bus and the hot rod", says Magnus. "There is also a nice big office and a garage for our daily drives. And it's got a sauna! Hekki Parviainen, our Finnish Crew Chief has had his demands taken care of. You know the Finns and their saunas!"
You can stay in touch with developments in the Malmgren Racing pit on their official web site at www.acdracing.net.
Cannon changes 2002 plan.
29th October: UK Funny Bike racer Chris Hannam, aka Cannon, has changed his plans for the 2002 season. Persistent pitside rumours had Cannon on Brian Johnson's Top Fuel Bike next year, especially after he sold his ex-MRE Funny Bike to Neil Midgley, and although Cannon has confirmed that there was an element of truth in the TFB story his ride for 2002 is a little tamer - but only a little!
"I had great intentions of buying BJ's fuel bike, but after sitting down and discussing it with Brian I came to the conclusion that this was a step too far for next year - financially, time-wise and also due to a lack of immediate crew", says Cannon. "I have however started a new project with Holeshot Racing's owner and ex-Super Street Champion Jack Frost to build a turbo Hayabusa to American Street Bike regulations - or Comp Bike to us. We are hoping to get between 400 and 500 bhp so that I can have a go for the World wheelie record which I last held in 1997, and also to attend the meetings next year and have some fun. Hopefully I will get down into the low eights or even the sevens. Who knows, it may even be quick enough for Funny Bike! This will also allow me to further assist Neil Midgley with my old Funny Bike, and hopefully have trouble-free motoring."
Flame and Thunder Show entry.
29th October: The official entry list for this weekend's Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway is now available, courtesy of Paula Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club. You can view the entry list by clicking here.
Paula and Ian's thanks.
29th October: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall and her husband Ian, Chief Starter at Santa Pod Raceway, have asked us to pass on their thanks for all of the cards, presents, and messages which they received on the birth of their daughter Holley. "We were really touched by the amount of people who have wished us all well", says Paula. "Thanks a lot."
Web site updates.
29th October: The Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se has been updated with a report and photographs from the weekend's Nordic Drag Racing Series Prizegiving Banquet in Stockholm. We were particularly taken with the pictures taken later in the evening! The site also contains a report on FIA European Pro Stock Champion Niclas Andersson's recent trip to the USA, where he ran in Comp Eliminator.
Also in Sweden, Patrik Jacobsson has updated his SMK Trollhättan web site with over one thousand pictures from the 2001 race season. You can find Patrik's site at www.smktrollhattan.com, and his Drag Racing pictures can be viewed by clicking on Dragracing and then on Racebilder.
UK race fan Stuart Dempsey has launched a web site dedicated to the Custom Car Street Eliminator. Stuart's site features run-downs on all of the CCSE competitors, photographs, votes and more. You can find the site at ccse.homestead.com.
Eurodragster staffer Tog has posted 208 photographs from September's FIA European Finals on his personal web site Tog's Drag Racing Page. The photographs cover all FIA, FIM and Sportsman classes, and can be found at www.togsdragracing.com. Tog's pictures from the Goodguys nostalgia race in Las Vegas have been scanned and will be available shortly; Tog is just checking the identities of some of the racers pictured.
Moström's 'Vette races again.
27th October: Many thanks to Lonnie Houde for bringing us the latest news of Swedish Pro Mod racer Kjell-Håkan Moström's US tour.
"Mike Faucher of Quest racing qualified ninth at Shreveport last week in Kjell-Hakan's '63 Corvette", says Lonnie. "Faucher went 6.32/223 in the last round of qualifying. In eliminations on Sunday, Faucher first defeated Chip King in his hemi-powered Avenger, then was defeated in a close race by Pro Mod world champion Mike Janis in the second round. Mike would like to thank his Swedish and American crew, but especially Kjell-Håkan who built the entire car and drove at most of the events."
One last prize fund for 2001.
27th October: We are pleased to announce that Eurodragster will be posting prize money at next week's Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway. Although our season-long Perfect Light scheme finished at the UK National Finals, we have decided to mark the end of the season by putting up £20 each for the winners of the traditional all-in car and bike brackets, VW Pro, and VW Sportsman: next Saturday's race is the final round of the 2001 Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Championships.
As well as VW classes, Junior Dragsters, and all-in brackets, the Flame and Thunder Show features a Top Fuel match race between 2001 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter and current official European Top Fuel record holder Barry Sheavills. We also understand that UK Fuel racing legend Gary Page plans to make a pass in a Top Fuel Dragster on Saturday afternoon. Martin Hill's Fireforce Jet FCs will be in attendance together with Steve Murty's Jet and Wheelie trucks.
The Flame and Thunder Show's other attractions are of course highlighted by the traditional firework display and bonfire, together with stunt riders and drivers, a fun fair and more. The action continues on Sunday with a Run What You Brung, at which the usual conditions apply although we understand that racers' entries for Saturday are good for Sunday's RWYB. You can find full details including ticket prices on Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com.
Pricey comperes charity gig.
27th October: Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceway track announcer John Price is to compere a 70s Revival Night at the Brentwood International Centre - also the site of the annual Racing Car Show - next Friday evening (2nd November). The concert is for charity and features favourites from the 1970s including the New Seekers, Boney M, the Rubettes, Alvin Stardust and Middle of the Road (is this a revival of 70s acts or 70-year-olds? - Ed).
"I know that a lot of racers live in Essex and the surrounding areas", says Pricey. "Everyone is welcome to come along if they fancy a good night out or a good laugh."
As well as the concert there will be an auction of memorabilia. The concert starts at 8:00 pm; ticket prices range from £13.50 to £16.50 and are available from the Brentwood Centre box office on 01277 262616. You can view Eurodragster's legendary hand-drawn map of the Brentwood Centre's location by clicking here.
Money Hungry 2 moves on.
25th October: UK Super Gas racer Martin Curbishley has announced the sale of his Money Hungry 2 Camaro. The Super Gasser, originally built and campaigned by Jon Hogarth, is now in the hands of Pro ET racer Paul Hudson whose former race car was also purchased from Martin.
"Paul will continue to campaign the car in Super Gas in 2002, using his alcohol-powered 427 Jeff Bull motor", says Martin. "I would like to wish Paul and Julie all the best with the car, and to thank them for allowing me to finish the season in the car as Paul actually purchased it in June! I hope they have as much safe fun in the car as I have over the last three seasons. The car has always behaved, which is a testament to Jon Hogarth's construction skills and Jon Websters chassis-tuning expertise. I would like to thank everybody who helped with Money Hungry 2: my family, friends, fellow racers, Jeff Bull, and most of all my wife Ruth."
Martin himself has purchased Jon Webster's highly successful Brogie Roadster. "Jon is currently fitting a proper motor in the car, and we hope to be testing at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod in a couple of weeks' time", says Martin. "Look out for a new paint scheme next season courtesy of the Great Gredzo (Mark Gredzinski - Ed)!"
Drag Star airs Friday.
25th October: Regular readers will remember that a TV crew has been at UK Super Series events following the fortunes of a number of West Country-based racers. Martin Wells of the programme producers has been in touch to let us know that the programme is due to be broadcast tomorrow (Friday 26th).
"Drag Star features Chris Hartnell, Sarah Howells, Tim Blakemore, and Doug and Jonathan Bond", says Martin. "The documentary takes a look at why and how these people got involved in racing. With great racing and great music the programme is a must for all fans."
Drag Star gets its first airing at 11:30 pm tomorrow on HTV and cable. Be sure to check your TV listings on Teletext in case of last-minute schedule changes.
Bonfire Bash ends SCR season.
25th October: This weekend sees the season-ending Bonfire Bash at Shakespeare County Raceway. The event is a combination of APIRA Test and Tune and final Championship rounds for the Wild Bunch, Supercharged Outlaws and Outlaw Anglias.
"Expect to see the blown-alcohol altereds of Mickey Moore, Jim Seward, Frank Bennett and Neil Townson, together with the stars of Wild Bunch, Roy Wilding's Donovan-powered Nostalgia slingshot dragster and Ian Hanson's blown altered", says APIRA Press Officer Jerry Cookson. "The Test and Tune is open to everyone whether street-legal or full-blown race machinery. There will be a bonfire and small firework display on Saturday night, but it's more of a party for marshals and officials before Christmas."
The track is open from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm on Saturday, and from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday, weather permitting. Entry to the track is £10.00 and a further £10 gets you as many passes as you can fit in on the Warwickshire strip.
For more details on Shakespeare County Raceway including a map, check out the official web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk, and for more details about the APIRA Test and Tune contact APIRA Secretary Wendy Talbot at wendy@shakespearecountyraceway.fsnet.co.uk.
Win a die-cast FC.
25th October: The UK's Dragster World web site at www.dragsterworld.com is currently running its first-ever competition. To win the prize of a die-cast model of a Fuel FC, all you have to do is to answer a number of questions about Drag Racing in the UK. The questions vary from the simple to the fiendish, and we don't think that we're giving too much away by revealing that the answer to two of the eight (plus tie-break) can be found somewhere on Eurodragster - but we're not saying where!
You can get to the competition from the News page of the Dragster World web site at www.dragsterworld.com. The contest closes on November 1st.
Best Site Poll moves URLs.
25th October: On 5th October we announced that Eurodragster had been nominated in a poll of Best Web Sites on the US Competition Plus site. We're very grateful to everyone who has voted for us so far; we are currently in third place.
The vote has recently moved URLs, so if you have not already voted for Eurodragster and would like to, you can now find the poll at www.competitionplus.com/dot_com_awards.html. You will find Eurodragster listed under Q5.
French and Cooper go to the wire.
23rd October: Popular UK Funny Bike racer Steve French went to the UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway in a very tight race for second place in the ACU UK Funny Bike Championship. Tim Blakemore had already wrapped up the Championship, but the runner-up spot went down to the wire, as Steve relates:
"Ken Cooper and I were racing for second place", says Steve. "Ken's team had already taken first place in Super Street Bike and Comp Bike, and he felt he was letting the side down if all he could manage was third!
"As the points stood entering the race, I was one hundred points ahead of Ken which meant he had to go two rounds further than me. He got off to a much better start with number one qualifier, low ET & high speed. My best qualifier, as you know, involved making grooves in the concrete guardrail on the way up the track. At the end of qualifying, Ken had gained ninety points from qualifying position and ET/Speed, which meant he was now ten points behind and only needed one round more than me to get second place. If it rained, he would only come third.
Sunday saw Ken get his round win, and me lose by 0.047 against Barry Eastman with troubled runs for us both. Basically, I tried to make my tyre last this final meeting, which was the cause of the erratic handling of the bike. The run against Barry was 'turn right with the power on, and go straight with the power off' so the whole run was done feathering the throttle and hanging off the side - I'd kissed the wall once and I wasn't doing it again!
Congratulations to Ken Cooper for making it fun to the last."
Let's party!
23rd October: Am 27.10.01 findet in Berlin eine Season End Party und Hallen Opening Party beim Kath Bros. Drag Racing Team statt. Alle Drag Racer und Drag Racing Fans sind hierzu recht herzlich eingeladen. Mehr Infos gibt es unter www.kathbros.de. Also bis dann, Torsten (webmaster@dragracing.de).
Web site updates.
23rd October: "DTE Racing: Who are they? Which car are they racing? You'll have that figured out when you're finished reading this. If you use a V8 at about 7 litres (equivalent to 3 Volvo engines) and mount two truck turbos - not small ones, but those really big ones - you might end up with an engine capable of producing 1900 horsepower. That is if Dr Ernie is behind it!". Written by Hasse of the Swedish Pro Street News, and translated and reworked by Lennart Mäkinen, the feature on DTE Racing can be found at http://www.swedishprostreetnews.com/estart.htm. The SPN site also features pictures of Kjell-Håkan Moström's Pro Mod 'Vette together with gossip and more from the Scandinavian scene.
Going to the chapel and we're...
21st October: Once one of European Drag Racing's most eligible bachelors, Swiss Top Methanol FC racer Dezsoe Krivan, has announced that he is to marry his fiancée Iris next weekend. Anyone who has seen Dezsoe race will know that he likes to do everything at full throttle and so it will come as no surprise that he's not getting married just anywhere.
"Iris and I are to be married at the NHRA AC Delco Nationals at Las Vegas next weekend", says Dezsoe. "The ceremony is at 10:30 am next Saturday, 27th October. NHRA are putting up a tent for us in the pits."
Dezsoe explains the happy couple's choice of venue quite simply. "We love each other, we're hard-core drag racers, and we love Las Vegas", he says. "This was the only way I would agree to get married, and it's been our dream to do it this way since Iris asked me back in the last century!"
Deszoe tells us that he will have some very special guests at the ceremony, and is being very coy about the identity of his best man. "I'm not going to tell you everything, I've given you enough reasons to get on a flight!", he says. Dezsoe has promised us a report and pictures when he and Iris return from the USA; in the meantime we're sure that everyone will join us in wishing them the very best of days and a long and happy life together.
Race game online.
21st October: Many thanks to Supertwin racer and photo-journalist Ian Turburville for alerting to us an excellent Drag Racing game on the Internet. "The game is at the Gates company web site, and it's great!", says Turbo. We've checked it out for ourselves, and we loved it despite your News Editor's unfortunate tendency to redlight (proves I'm trying - Ed).
You will need Flash installed on your computer to run the game, which can be found at www.gates.com/automotive/racing/race_game/index.cfm?go=raceright.
Turbo himself has recently been busy with the release of his final Photo Library CD-ROM. If you are already thinking about Christmas presents for the Drag Bike fan in your life then you could do a lot worse than to check out Turbo's web site at www.turboville.com.
Web site updates.
21st October: German Top Methanol Dragster racer Peter Schöfer's web site has been updated with new photographs of the work to extend the dragster's wheelbase. "You can get to the new pictures from the News page", says Gittli Koller of Peter Schöfer Racing. "Click on 'zu allern Bildern' to see everything from the first cut in the chassis to its current state. The text is only in German - sorry!". No problem, Gittli. Check it out at www.p-s-r.com.
The official web site of the UK's National Association of Supertwins has had a make-over. "Most necessary information about the club is now available on-line", says Mik Porter. "Rules, regulations, construction classes in the 'twins, results, racer profiles and much, much more including a member's area for supertwinners and associates of the 'twins. If the natural aversion to updating pages can be overcome by our club members, the number of current racer profiles will continue to increase. Alternatively, I'll start making things up about them all - Dave Bartz and Shaggy beware!". You can find the NAST web site at www.supertwins.com.
Another two-wheeled web site to undergo a complete facelift is the official web site of the Jade Racing Supertwin Gas team. "With Jade Racing expanding to a two bike team (Rick Davis STG2) and dominating the National Association of Supertwins Top Gas Series, it was decided that the original and excellent Jade Racing web site, designed and maintained by Sharron Collier, needed to be freshened up to reflect Jade Racing's supremacy when it comes to Two Stroke Drag Racing", says webmaster and team member Ozzy Ewing. "After a few setbacks and a complete re-design from the original concept the Jade Racing web site is now complete and ready for your viewing. The site has as much information about Jade Racing as you could possibly want, including an excellent history page and the team members' profiles. The content on this site will be regularly updated from the Jade Racing team to ensure that this web site keeps you in touch with the news about the current World Record Holding, Two Stroke Twin Drag Bike Team". Check it out at www.jaderacing.com and www.jaderacing.co.uk.
Eurodragster staffer Tog has completed the upload of the remainder of his pictures from Super Series 4 to his personal web site Tog's Drag Racing Page, with all Sportsman and ACU classes represented as well as the Super Modified demonstration and the Wild Bunch. You can find TDRP at www.togsdragracing.com.
Averstedt cancels NHRA dates.
19th October: The world's fastest Viking, Sweden's Viveca Averstedt, has had to withdraw from Federal Mogul Dragster at NHRA National events at Dallas, Las Vegas and Pomona. The former FIA European Top Fuel Dragster racer had sponsorship deals lined up to allow her to compete in her A/Fuel Dragster at these events, but her sponsors have withdrawn due to relief efforts in the aftermath of the events of September 11th.
The Florida-based team are currently in negotiation with several potential sponsors for upcoming events, and Averstedt Racing's Tori Eurton tells us that they are optimistic about obtaining sponsorship for the 2002 season. You can stay in touch with all the news from the Averstedt Racing pit on Viveca's official web site at www.averstedtracing.com.
Stanley's best year.
19th October: Last weekend we invited racers to submit end-season reviews, and the first racer to respond was UK 9.90 Bike racer Dave Stanley, who by the sound of it has thoroughly enjoyed his first season on the Wordweaver-sponsored machine.
"How do you sum up one of the best years of your life?", says Dave. "And I've had 39 to choose from! For us it began at the Pod at Easter on a stripped down 1200 Bandit, entered in 10.90 bike with me, a novice grabbing hold of the bars, and Harry doing bike prep and everything else. We came away with a best of 11.994. The season ended at the Pod and we were rolling out in 9.90 Bike, we weren't last qualifier, we gave a good account of ourselves, and got our marker for next year. Are we hooked or what?
"In between has been a steep learning curve for both me as a rider and Harry as crew. We won a round of the Super Series, winning the final with a 10.91, and got knocked out in the first round at other times, and everything in between. We've been so high we could fly and so low we could crawl, and been through every emotion known to man (and drag racer), but we wouldn't have missed it for anything.
"So many good things have happened this year and so many people have helped us on the way with advice and practical help that it's impossible to mention everyone, but the following deserve special mention: Fast Harry, for giving me a bike that's spot on time after time and going way beyond the call of duty anytime its needed, and for believing in me as a rider; Paul (Grumpy) Watson, for having way too much knowledge and sharing it with us - cheers mate, you saved us 20 years! - and for his support and help. Everybody at Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways for putting the events on in the first place; and finally all the riders and crews in 10.90 and 9.90 bike. All I can say is that you are the best bunch of people I've met in a field for ages and we look forward to racing and beating you next year!
"See you all at the Pod for Flame and Thunder, and don't forget that it's "House of Dave" on Saturday night. You either know what that means or you don't!"
We understand that Dave will be launching a web site soon; stay tuned for details.
Racers: don't hesitate to send your own season reviews and/or news to us at news@eurodragster.com.
Web site updates.
19th October: Our good friend Michael Buhagiar has updated his web site, which covers the Maltese Drag Racing scene, with a report and photographs from the recent End of Summer Explosion at Hal Far Raceway. You may remember that Michael very kindly sent us end-day reports from Hal Far, and his account on the web site expands upon those reports. "I would like to thank Johan Delicata for allowing me to use his pictures in my report", says Michael. Check out Michael's web site at www.geocities.com/mike_buhagiar/dragster/dragster.html.
2002 ACU rule changes.
18th October: ACU UK Drag Bike Championship co-ordinator Ian King has updated the King Racing web site with the rule changes for the 2002 season, which were agreed yesterday. Amongst the rule changes is the introduction to the rule book of a Junior Drag Bike class, which gives organising clubs the option to run this new class next season.
You can find all of the rule changes on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.
Carter launches Supporters Club...
18th October: 2001 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter is looking towards the 2002 season with the establishment of a Supporters Club.
"The strength of the Carter Motorsport team has been evident all season in many different ways", says Dan Welberry, who handles marketing and PR. "There is a tremendous sense of unity and pride in all achieved. The title simply emphasises this point.
"Looking ahead to 2002, we feel it's time for the family to grow, hence the creation of the Carter Supporters Network. This is your chance to come onboard as a recognised supporter of Carter Motorsport. We shall be offering two types of membership, the first for inviduals and the other a corporate package for businesses.
"The individual membership will include the following benefits: a signed photograph, Carter Motorsport baseball cap, four quarterly newsletter updates (to include exclusive news) and discount on other Carter Motorsport merchandise. Corporate members will receive: baseball caps, signed photographs, four quarterly newsletter updates, VIP entry tickets to an FIA event in 2002, a paragraph about the business and a hyperlink from our website, a sticker on the car, and the chance to display company literature and various events.
"We are keen to get an idea of the numbers who would be interested in our packages. If you would like to find out more, please E-Mail me for further information at danwelberry@hotmail.com."
You can stay in touch with the latest news from the Carter Motorsports pit on Andy's official web site at www.andycarter.net.
...and awards prize to Sophie.
18th October: Carter Motorsports have also announced the winner of their colouring competition, which was launched at the FIA European Finals. Sophie Cooper of Kettering is the lucky winner; she will be awarded with her £25 prize by Andy Carter at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway in November, and her winning design will shortly be appearing on the Carter Motorsports web site.
Kågered seeks crash pictures.
17th October: Micke Kågered's Team Manager Åsa Kinnemar has written to ask if Eurodragster readers have any more photographs of Micke's unfortunate accident in the Bahco Tools/Quaker State Top Fueller at the FIA European Finals in September. Micke and the team have of course seen the pictures which were sent to Eurodragster at the time, but would be grateful for any additional shots.
Photographs can be e-mailed to Åsa at asa@kagered-racing.com.
Web site updates.
17th October: The Bristol Doorslammers web site at www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk has been updated with an excellent report from last week's UK National Finals. "I've changed the site a bit so that the reports can be viewed for longer", says webmaster and Super Comp racer Zane Llewellyn. "I used to delete the reports forever, as it is well known that I am not into nostalgia racing! But I was criticised as some people missed the reports when they were only up for two weeks! I will however, delete them at the end of the year.". The Bristol boys' fellow Super Street racers will be pleased to hear that Zane has banned pop quizzes for the forseeable future (there's a relief - Ed).
Eurodragster staffer Tog has updated his personal web site Tog's Drag Racing Page with Fuel FC, Top Methanol and Jet FC photographs from Super Series 4. Tog is gradually working his way through a huge backlog of scanning and promises the rest of the SS4 pictures as soon as possible, with the FIA European Finals and Goodguys Fall Classic pictures to follow. Check out the first batch of SS4 shots at www.togsdragracing.com.
Last call for last race.
15th October: There are only a few days left for racers to submit entries for the last race of the UK (and European) season, the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday 3rd November. The classes to be run at the Flame and Thunder Show are the traditional all-in car and bike brackets, VW Pro and VW Sportsman - this event is the final round of the Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Championship - and Junior Dragster. Entry closes this Friday, October 19th; for more details contact Santa Pod Racers Club on 01933 313625.
Although the racing only takes place on Saturday 3rd, Santa Pod Raceway will also be open on Sunday 4th November for a Run What You Brung. More details on RWYBs on Santa Pod's web site at www.santapod.com.
Web site updates.
15th October: Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with photographs from last weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. There are also some new Windows wallpaper files available. Check it out at www.eurodragster.com/sharkman.
Cool numerology.
13th October: Chris Emms of the UK's Cool Green Racing Junior Modified Dragster team has sent us some interesting numerical facts about driver Ricky's achievements this year.
"Ricky's race number is 17", says Chris. "He raced in five meetings where he qualified number 1 or number 7. He finished the UK Championship in 7th place with 1320 points - which just happens to be the number of feet in a quarter of a mile!"
"We are very pleased to be placed so high in the Championship after only five rounds", adds Chris. "We would like to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support."
Chris also tells us that he has on offer three reserved-seating tickets for the NHRA AC Delco Nationals at Las Vegas in a couple of weekends' time; anyone interested in purchasing the tickets should contact him at chris@cemms.freeserve.co.uk.
Racers: Now that the European season is almost finished, and all Championships decided, we would be very pleased to publish your season reviews. Send your reviews to news@eurodragster.com and we'll post them here.
Fred's top end scare.
13th October: Prompted by 9.90 Bike racer Paul Watson's spill at Santa Pod Raceway last weekend, UK 10.90 Bike rider Fred Furlong has written with an experience which will be of interest to his fellow competitors.
"Having had a recent scare at the top end whilst using my front brake, I concluded it was due to a lump of rubber on the centre line of my front tyre", said Fred. "It was possibly picked up during the burnout or whilst on the strip. Since then I always check the front tyre after each run, removing the rubber."
Design a Jet FC, win stuff.
13th October: The latest update to the official web site of the UK's Fireforce Jet Funny Car team includes a competition to design a new paintscheme for the Chevy Lumina body of Fireforce 2. The contest is open to children and the prize is a family ticket (two adults and two children) to major events at Santa Pod Raceway in 2002, as well as new Fireforce apparel. For more details check out the News page of the Fireforce web site at www.fireforce.co.uk.
As well as news of the contest, the update to the Fifeforce site includes the latest news about both Jet FCs and a few words about Martin Hill's next jet project.
Pictures from Hal Far.
13th October: We are very grateful to Johan Delicata and our old friend Paul Galea for sending us a large number of excellent photographs from last weekend's End of Summer Explosion at Hal Far Raceway on Malta. We have appended the photographs to Michael Buhagiar's reports from Hal Far; the page takes a short while to load but is well worth the wait. You can view Johan and Paul's photographs by clicking here, or via the 2001 Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
Web site updates.
13th October: The UK1320 web site at www.uk1320.com has been updated with a report from last weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. As ever, webmaster Gareth Evans' report is informative and interesting, and is well worth a read.
UK Sportsman chassis reminder.
12th October: UK Tech Inspector Geoff Martin has been in touch with a reminder to Sportsman racers to check their chassis certifications.
"Checking my Chassis Database, I note that many of the Sportsman Chassis Certifications which were issued in 1997/98 have now expired", says Geoff. "We can recertify no problem, the specs haven't changed. Just a reminder to Sportsman racers to check the expiry date of their chassis stickers."
If you have any queries, or for more details, contact Drag Race Tech UK on 01792 386307 or 01865 400812.
News from Sweden.
12th October: Our good friends at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with details of 2001 FIA Pro Stock Champion Niclas Andersson's forthcoming trip to the USA, together with some notes from Micke Kågered about his trip to Malta, and the fiendish answer to the picture quiz (I got it wrong - Ed). Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
Web site updates.
12th October: Dutch TMFC racer Lex Joon has updated his official web site with news of his forthcoming appearance at the All American Show in Holland. Check it out at www.lexjoonracing.nl.
Grumpy spills beans on spill.
11th October: 2001 UK National 9.90 Bike Champion Paul 'Grumpy' Watson bounced back from a first-round spill at the UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway at the weekend, appearing in the very next round of eliminations and taking the Championship. Paul wrote to us about his weekend.
"The pressure was on after I lost the Super Series Championship to Jamie Sneddon by 10 points", says Paul. "It was all to do at the Finals, leave nothing to chance. I had checked the bike thoroughly since the Super Series Finals and found nothing wrong, so I concluded that it was bad air combined with clutch settings as I hadn't run a 9 all weekend. I knew I had to qualify well at Santa Pod especialy when Jamie qualified with a 9.904, a 9.96 got me fourth place.
"It was in the first round against Andy Haley that things went wrong. As I got to the finish line I put a little brake on, the front end went away and I was sliding. My first worry was Andy who done a great job of avoiding me as I slid into his lane - thanks mate - then my only thought was not to hit the barrier. As I came to a stop I was greeted by my 'dear friend' Jamie who had jumped the barrier when he saw what happened. I'm sure those bruises didn't come from the fall, ha ha!
"My thanks to the medics who checked me out and to everyone for their concern, and to everyone in the bike pits who helped piece my bike together so that I could make it to the quarters against Jamie. I only had to get to the end to take the Championship but despite my injuries I couldn't just give Jamie the win, and he wouldn't have wanted it that way. I gave it my best with a 1.48 sixty foot, but a bad reaction let me down, 9.97 to a 9.99. The meeting was rained off and Jamie and I celebrated with a bottle of bubbly. What a great way to end my first full season in bikes!
"My thanks to my crew Kev, Martin and Sparky; to Kim, Andy, Lee and Jan for their help; to Dave and Harry from Wordweaver Racing; To Lewis Honey and Ian Jack for the oil; and to my sponsors Highpower Nitrous Systems, Dynospeed Developments and Kathy's Café, without whose help I couldn't have done it!"
Web site updates.
11th October: Photographer Bill Sly has updated his Bad Boys Imagin' web site with photographs from Super Series 5 and some of his photographs from the UK National Finals, with the rest to be added shortly. "Having gremlins in the computer isn't helping", says Bill. Check out Bill's photos at www.badboysimagin.com.
Victorious AJ enjoys Malta.
10th October: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Alan Jackson has returned victorious from the End of Summer Explosion at Hal Far Raceway on Malta, having come out on top in the match races against Swedish Top Fuel Tour Champion Micke Kågered. AJ won the final match-up on Sunday in a close race, 5.42 to Micke's tyre-spinning 5.52.
"The conditions were very difficult", said AJ. "It was very hot and the humidity was eighty seven per cent! But the track was much better than we expected, and with a bit more work on the last half of the track I see no reason why we couldn't run some respectable Top Fuel ETs at Hal Far"
One of the extra benefits of the match race was that Micke Kågered and the team were able to confirm that the repairs made to the Bahco Tools/Quaker State Top Fuel Dragster after Micke's accident at the European Finals had been effective. "Micke's car was fine", said AJ. "It went straight and other than some tyre smoke, he had no problems at all."
AJ and Micke paid tribute to their crew, which was shared for this race. "We want to thank the team for doing such a great job of turning the cars around in such difficult conditions. They were just brilliant. The heat and humidity were more than we are accustomed to", they said.
The fans were not slow to show their appreciation and AJ is very grateful for the reception. "We got a standing ovation every time we came back down the return road!" said AJ. "I must thank the Maltese people for their hospitality and enthusiasm. I'm looking forward to the next time!"
Nilsson reveals 2002 ride.
10th October: Swedish Pro Mod racer Håkan Nilsson has unveiled plans for his new race car for the 2002 season, after a crash at Pite Dragway in July wrecked his 'Vette.
In an article on the Nordic Pro Mod Association web site, Håkan says that his new race car is to be a Mauney-built chassis with a McAmis Camaro body, naturally powered by a Nitrous engine. For more details and to see a picture of Håkan's new car, check out the NPMA web site at www.promod.nu.
Håkan's own web site can be found at www.nilssonmotorsports.com.
Web site updates.
10th October: Popular UK web site Trakbyte's UK Drag Race History has been updated with more of the history of UK Drag Racing, the updates covering various years starting as early as 1969 and as late as 1994. Trakbyte's is a must-see for nostalgia buffs featuring a thorough history of UK Drag Racing with facts and figures, dates, anecdotes, webmaster Chris Dossett's 'ramblings' and much more. Check it out at members.aol.com/trakbyte.
The UK Drag Racing Nostalgia web site at www.ukdrn.co.uk was also updated recently with photographs from the 1980s and new entries in the Racers' Gallery. UKDRN is another site well worth a visit with a huge number of photographs from the very earliest days of the sport in the UK up to the end of the 1980s, together with features on Allan Herridge and the Stardust Funny Car, video clips and a lot more.
Regular readers will know that Eurodragster staffer Tog recently returned from Las Vegas where he attended a Goodguys nostalgia race. Tog has updated his personal web site Tog's Drag Racing Page with thirty samples (plus contact sheet) from the 180 or so pictures which he took at LVMS, with the others to be scanned and posted as soon as time allows together with a huge backlog of photographs from Super Series 4 and the FIA European Finals. Check out Tog's Las Vegas samples at www.togsdragracing.com.
Krivan flies Old Glory.
9th October: Swiss Top Methanol Funny Car racer
Dezsoe Krivan decorated his FC in solidarity
with the United States of America when he ran in demonstration at the race at Marzaglia, Italy last week.
"We are still shocked about the tragedy of the 11th September and took the opportunity at this race to carry the Stars and Stripes
on our Funny Car", says Dezsoe. "This was as a tribute and to show our unity and support to the USA. God Bless America."
Dezsoe has sent us a number of photographs of the TMFC at Marzaglia: you can view them by clicking here.
To stay in touch with Dezsoe and his team check out the official web site at www.dragracing.ch.
VWDRC points.
9th October: The latest standings in the UK's Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Championships are now available, courtesy of VWDRC and with thanks to Spencer Tramm for passing them on. The UK National Finals was the penultimate round of the VWDRC Championships; they end at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway in November.
The VWDRC points are available via our 2001 Points Standings page.
Rachelle wowed by TF duo...
9th October: Maltese Drag Racing fan Rachelle Calleja dropped us a line to say how impressed she was with the weekend's End of Summer Explosion at Hal Far Raceway on Malta.
"It was a spectacular show, very breathtaking", says Rachelle. "Well done to all the drivers, they've got guts! Thanks to the two international drivers taking part, they made the races more interesting to the Maltese public. Alan Jackson is one of the good ones. I also enjoyed meeting Micke Kågered, a nice character and also very good driver. I couldn't make Sunday, but my family and friends went and they totally enjoyed themselves."
"Thank you for the good web site, it keeps us up-to-date on what's happening", adds Rachelle. Thank you, Rachelle!
...and Nigel wowed by Drag Racing.
9th October: Nigel Hoskinson of Titanium International Limited, who sponsor UK Funny Bike racer Dave Holland, is obviously hooked on the sport after his first full season. "We weren't at the Pod at the weekend due to several holes in Mr.Holland's crankcases and wallet!", says Nigel. "So can I through yourselves thank everyone in the Drag Racing family for making us feel so welcome this past year, and for contributing to the great time we have had. I can't wait for next year."
We're sure that everyone joins us in thanking Nigel for his company's involvement in Drag Racing.
Web site updates.
9th October: The BA Racing web site, which features UK Pro Mod racer Bert Englefield's team, has moved addresses to www.baracing.8m.com. Webmaster Andrew Wright, son of Bert's Crew Chief, tells us that the site will be updated regularly with news of Bert's new Pro Mod, a 1937 Ford Coupe.
Another Marshall for SPRC.
8th October: Congratulations to Santa Pod Raceway Chief Starter Ian Marshall and his wife, Santa Pod Racers' Club secretary Paula, on the birth of their daughter Holley. Holley arrived at 3:13 this morning (Monday) and weighed in at six pounds and eight ounces. Both Paula and Holley are fine.
"Thanks to everyone who asked after Paula over the weekend and asked to be kept informed", said Ian. "We'll see you all soon."
Provisional SPRC Champions.
8th October: Following on from yesterday's provisional UK National Champions, Santa Pod Racers Club points co-ordinator Yvonne Tramm has worked into the night to bring us the provisional SPRC Champions and runners-up. Congratulations to:
- Super Pro ET: 1. Steve Green (1980 points), 2. Martyn Jones (1850)
- Pro ET: 1. Alan Didwell (2730), 2. Dave Potter (2610)
- Sportsman ET: 1. Gareth Mogford (2190), 2. Simon Chalkly (2120)
- Super Comp: 1. Brian Pateman (2300), 2. Tim Adam (1870)
- Super Gas: 1. Tim Adam (2240), 2. Dave Townsend (2090)
- Super Street: 1. Team Flying Doctor (2210), 2. Leigh Morris (2080)
- Comp Eliminator: 1. Bruno Bader (500), 2. John Tebenham (430)
- Junior Dragster: 1. Phill Cook (2460), 2. Adam Gleadow (2090)
- Top Fuel Bike: 1. Ian King (940), 2. Brian Johnson (640)
- Funny Bike: 1. Tim Blakemore (1250), 2. Shaun Branch (1240)
- Comp Bike: 1. Philip Leamon (830), 2. Tim Whetton (500)
- Pro Stock Bike: 1. Dave Beck (1670), 2. Chris Hope (960)
- Super Street Bike: 1. Tony Clark (1580), 2. Graham Dance (1300)
- 9.90 Bike: 1. Paul Watson (3070), 2. Jamie Sneddon (2740)
- 10.90 Bike: 1. Steve Templeman (2350), 2. Lewis Honey (2350)
Thanks to Spencer Tramm for passing these provisional standings on to us.
Final Report from Hal Far Raceway.
8th October: Michael Buhagiar has sent us his final report from the End of Summer Explosion at Hal Far Raceway on Malta. We hope to have some pictures from the event later in the week. Click here to see Michael's reports.
Smax and the sweaty Ka.
8th October: UK Fuel Funny Car racer Smax Smith has added another string to his bow with the announcement that he is to become a TV presenter.
"It's now confirmed that I will be a new presenter on Top Gear GTI", says Smax. "My first show - test-driving a sweaty Ford Ka - will be aired at 7:00 pm on 19th October, on satellite channel UK Horizons. There are bits from Santa Pod thown in!"
Smax has also been busy in the workshop, having just finished restoring the Helzapoppin blown small-block Chevy altered, and he also tells us that he has sold his Astral Projection Top Methanol Dragster to 'Dicko' from the Hells Angels. "I hope to be sorting out a motor to get him started", says Smax.
You can stay in touch with all the latest from Smax and the Ant Hill Mob on his official web site at www.smax.co.uk.
Chassis seminar postponed.
8th October: The Doorslammer Chassis Seminar organised by Hauser Race Cars, which was to be given by Dave Morgan this month, has had to be postponed until the spring because of the travel situation in the USA. Hauser Race Cars will be giving full refunds to all attendees. Geof Hauser tells us that he has twenty five copies of the Doorslammer Chassis manual, copies of which he will be pleased to sell at a discount to any interested parties.
For more details, or to arrange your refund, please contact Hauser Race Cars on 01933 312735.
Zane takes last Perfect Light.
8th October: Super Comp racer Zane Llewellyn was the last winner for 2001 of the Eurodragster Perfect Light Award, after he pulled a 0.400 Reaction Time in qualifying at the UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday. Zane won £50 for the feat.
We plan to run the Perfect Light scheme again in the 2002 season. Congratulations to all of this year's winners!
2001 Raceday Updates end.
8th October: This weekend's raceday update from Santa Pod Raceway was Eurodragster's last live update of the 2001 season. We will be having our traditional day off at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod in November.
As with the updates from Shakespeare County Raceway this year, we have a lot of people to thank for their help with our live updates from Santa Pod this season. Many thanks to: Race Director Darren Prentice; Chief Marshal Steve Horn; Andy Marrs, Lisa Smart, John Hackney and Martin Wallis of Santa Pod's timing crew; Chief Starter Ian Marshall and his crew; Chief Fire Marshal Bob Day and his crew; track announcers Graham Beckwith, John Price and Paul Venners; SPR track manager Kjell Petterson; Sue Morris; Paula Marshall; Kathy Taylor; Carol Ismail; Spencer Tramm; Lars Petterson; Bjorn Sundkvist; Erik Zettervall; Dave Alexander; Ivan Sansom; Pat and Stephen Talbot; Martyn Jones; Caroline Day; Keith Bartlett; all of the racers for giving us quotes and action to write about and photograph; and all of our readers for tuning in - we hope that you have enjoyed the updates.
Last but by no means least we would like to thank Tommy Nilsson for the European Drag Racing Database and Ian King for the King Racing web site, both of which have proved invaluable as referents during the season, especially at FIA and UEM events when records have needed to be checked quickly.
We plan to post live updates again next season; obviously we will bring you more details closer to the time.
Provisional UK National Champions.
7th October: With the UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway curtailed by rain, the 2001 UK National Drag Racing Championships were also completed. The provisional UK National Champions for 2001 are:
- Super Comp: Tim Adam
- Super Gas: Tim Adam
- Super Street: Team Rat Rage (Stuart and Anne Peck)
- Super Pro ET: Steve Green
- Pro ET: Team Tokyo Toy (Steve Dunn and Jon Evans)
- Sportsman ET: Al Platt
- Junior Dragster: Phill Cook
- 9.90 Bike: Paul Watson
- 10.90 Bike: Steve Templeman
- Top Fuel Bike: Ian King
- Pro Stock Bike: Dave Beck
- Funny Bike: Tim Blakemore
- Competition Bike: Helen Curran
- Super Street Bike (provisional): Tony Clark
UK National Finals coverage.
7th October: Our reports and photographs from the UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway are available by clicking here.
Reports from Hal Far Raceway.
7th October: Michael Buhagiar is very kindly sending us end-day reports from the End of Summer Explosion at Hal Far Raceway on Malta. Click here to see Michael's reports.
PT Bruiser stars in print...
5th October: Paul Marston Racing's PT Bruiser, already the subject of several column inches, is starring in print in two more publications this week.
The first is Autocar magazine. Journalist Alistair Weaver had a ride-along in the Bruiser at the Mopar Euronationals and he tells of his experiences in this week's issue. "It was really a pleasure working with Alistair", says Paul Marston. "He competes regularly in a variety of motorsport so knew the basics. He took great interest in what was explained to him by the crew and myself, and this is reflected in his article. It is always a compliment to our great sport when you can take someone from mainstream UK motorsport and assault their senses with such force that they are rendered speechless, with a memory that - of all of their racing experiences - will always remain. Also, looking at the big picture, it is gratifying to see Drag Racing getting some more exposure in mainstream publications. We need it, deserve it and earned it. With such a healthy spectator attendance at the European Finals it sure would help our sport by seeing more new cars with which people can more easily identify, like the PT Bruiser and Danny Cockerill's awesome Super Modified Rover."
Readers who live in London will also be able to see the PT Bruiser featured in the Motoring supplement to today's (Friday's) Standard, London's only evening newspaper, which has a circulation of hundreds of thousands.
...and Grumpy's back.
5th October: Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed that the PT Bruiser is absent from the entry list for this weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway, but that Paul Marston's name can be found in the Super Gas entry with his Grumpy's Dodge Dart.
"It was always our intention to bring Grumpy back out, but we have had such a brilliant and reliable season with the PT Bruiser that the opportunity has just not arisen before now", says Paul Marston. It was originally planned to find another driver for Grumpy to allow Paul to concentrate on driving the PT Bruiser, but the plan never came to fruition so Paul is back in the seat this weekend. "Grumpy is a whole lot different to drive than the Bruiser, although the motors in both race cars are about 500ci that is where the similarities end", says Paul. "They sound and respond completely differently. Grumpy is your archetypal traditional Super Gas doorslammer: no electrics, no throttle stops, just the way it should be lots and lots of fun - and you get to keep your clothes on!"
Paul and the team's weekend has been made all the easier by the way in which Grumpy responded after her layoff. "Crewchief Dave Kalisz and I have spent a busy last two days preparing, servicing and cleaning Grumpy after such a long break", says Paul. "Once everything was ready Grumpy fired up immediately. Everything has checked out one hundred per cent, no problems whatsoever - almost as though Grumpy was out at the Super Series Finals the other week, instead of it being a year since she last saw the light of day! The whole crew and I are really looking forward to racing in Super Gas again. This is going to be a weekend of enjoying our Drag Racing against adversaries old and new. Super Gas is always fast and furious, it's good to be back!"
Paul is very grateful to fellow Super Gas racer Brendan Clancy for the loan of a trailer to get Grumpy to Santa Pod. "Thanks mate, the Guinness is on me!", he says.
Super Series Champions confirmed.
5th October: Many thanks to Super Series and UK National points co-ordinator Simon Groves for confirming the 2001 Super Series Champions after final ratification. Congratulations to:
Super Comp: Phil Bennett
Super Gas: Tim Adam
Super Street: Anne and Stuart Peck (Team Rat Rage)
Super Pro ET: Steve Green
Pro ET: Steve Dunn and Jon Evans (Team Tokyo Toy)
Sportsman ET: Al Platt
Junior Dragster: Jonathan Bond
Wild Bunch: Chris Hartnell
Super Street Rover: Steve Law
Outlaw Anglia: Cliff Griffin
Custom Car Street Eliminator: John Sleath
Top Fuel Bike: Steve Woollatt
Funny Bike: Tim Blakemore
Pro Stock Bike: Dave Beck
Competition Bike: Helen Curran
Super Street Bike: Tony Clark
9.90 Bike: Jamie Sneddon
10.90 Bike: Darren Winnard
You can find the final Super Series points standings for all classes on the Results page of the Super Series web site at www.eurodragster.com/superseries.
Eurodragster nominated in poll.
5th October: Popular and influential US Drag Racing web site Competition Plus has listed Eurodragster as a candidate for Internet Site of the Year in its annual Dot.Com awards. We are not a little shocked that one of the best Drag Racing web sites anywhere (we would have said this anyway, honest - Ed) has included us for this honour alongside sites such as NHRA and IHRA Online, Nitronic Research and Drag Racing Online.
If you would like to vote for Eurodragster then please go to www.competitionplus.com/dot_com_ballot.html; you will find Eurodragster listed under Q5.
Web site updates.
5th October: UK Super Comp racer Zane Llewellyn has updated his Bristol Doorslammers web site with what he describes as a "Bristol-biased write-up of Super Series 5". Check it out at www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk.
The team at Feel-the-noise.com have now completed their latest web site update. New photos this time include coverage of the Super Series Round 5 at Shakespeare County Raceway. Also many of the Fuel Altereds and Super-class teams now have their own sections.
Hepworth on Hal Far.
4th October: Further to yesterday's news item about the Top Fuel match race at Hal Far Raceway on Malta, Top Methanol tuner Bernie Hepworth has written with news about the Top Methanol action at the End Of Summer Explosion.
"There is alky racing with Manty Bugeja in the ' Whippy' car, John Elull in the Elbros car and Mario Borg in the Borg Bros Racing five-second small block", says Bernie. "There should be close racing: both Elbros and Whippy have run very quickly, in the fives in Europe, have both won a lot of rounds, have good equipment, and a lot of experience. Borg Bros (to whom Bernie provides tuning advice - Ed) have the equipment but lack the track time, but are the only ones so far to have run a five at Hal Far. I suspect this will change at the weekend.
"The only problem could be the weather, as it is somewhat changeable at this time of year. It is currently around twenty seven degrees centigrade, but it has rained in the last week. Boy can it rain in Malta! Hal Far does not dry well naturally and the track do not have a drier. Fingers crossed for the weekend."
We'll second that, and thanks to Bernie for writing.
Spot what's wrong, win a cap.
4th October: Our good friends at Svensk Dragracing are running a contest to win a Nordic Drag Racing Series cap. All you have to do is to take a look at a picture posted on the site, and tell them what is wrong with the picture. We've given it a look, and we think it's fiendish - see how you get on!
Check it out at www.dragracing.se. Whilst there, also check out the preview of Micke Kågered's appearance at Hal Far Raceway.
Maltese web site.
4th October: Michael Buhagiar, who yesterday sent us some information about this weekend's race at Hal Far, has a great web site featuring pictures and information about Drag Racing on Malta, including special features on the three Top Methanol Dragster contestants. You can find Michael's web site at www.geocities.com/dragraceway.
Hal Far and away for AJ.
3rd October: UK Top Fuel Dragster pilot and tuner Alan Jackson is headed for the island of Malta this weekend where he is to participate in a Top Fuel match race against Swedish Top Fuel Tour Champion Micke Kågered at Hal Far Raceway. The TF match race, which takes place at the 'End of Summer Explosion', has been organised by Knut Soderquist of Carbon By Design who owns both the Bahco Tools/Quaker State dragster driven by Micke and the CBD dragster driven by AJ.
Alan tuned Micke to the TFT title with a string of 5.1s at over 290 mph, and then into the fours at the FIA European Finals, but is looking forward to the chance to race against him. "The plan is for two races on Saturday and two races on Sunday", says Alan. "We hope to put on a good show!". Although the five-second barrier has now been broken on Malta, by Top Methanol racer Mario Borg, Alan is looking forward to the challenge. "I've got to work out a tune-up to get the cars down the track", he says.
A lot of work has been necessary on the Bahco Tools/Quaker State Top Fueller since Micke Kågered's accident in the first round of Eliminations at the FIA European Finals. "The fuel pump casing split", says Alan. "I've never seen anything like that before. The engine leaned out and put a rod out, there was a fuel fire and an oil fire. We dropped in another engine, and we put another fuel pump on it! We haven't looked to see if anything is salvageable from the blown engine. The back half of the chassis was repaired by Geof Hauser, and the front half by Andy Robinson. There are lots of little things left to do on both cars, but we will be ready to race."
"The race is organised by the Malta Drag Racing Association", adds Michael Buhagiar writing from Malta. "We have testing on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and eliminations on Sunday morning."
If you are going to Hal Far this weekend and would be willing to send us a race report, please let us know at webmaster@eurodragster.com - Ed.
UK Finals entry list.
3rd October: The entry list for this weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway is now available, courtesy of Paula Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club. The list shows a healthy entry in the UK National and ACU Championship classes, plus the two Volkswagen Drag Racing Club classes in their penultimate Championship round, and the ever-popular Fireforce 2 Jet FC. Click here to view the entry list.
Racers please note that SPR's gates will open at 6:00 pm this Friday. Paula tells us that there will be no scrutineering on Friday night; scrutineering will start at 7:00 am Saturday.
Whilst we're on the subject of races at Santa Pod Raceway, Paula also tells us that the closing date for entries to the Flame and Thunder Show is Friday 19th October. Classes to be run at the Flame and Thunder event, which takes place at SPR on Saturday 3rd November, are the traditional all-in car and bike brackets, VW Pro, and VW Sportsman; Junior Dragsters are also invited although it is not a points event.
Last Perfect Light of 2001.
3rd October: This weekend's UK National Finals is also the last event for the 2001 Eurodragster Perfect Light Award. After Pro ET racer Dave Potter won the £75 prize at Super Series 5, the fund was reset to £50 which will be awarded to the first racer to record a perfect Reaction Time (0.400 or 0.500 as appropriate) at this weekend's event.
In its two years, the winners of the Perfect Light Award have come from only two classes: Super Street and Pro ET. Can someone break the stranglehold? Good luck everyone!
UK Championship outcomes.
2nd October: The 2001 UK National Drag Racing Championships come to a close at this weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway, together with the Santa Pod Racers Club Championships. Simon Groves, who together with Yvonne Tramm co-ordinates the UK National Championship points, has very kindly sent us an analysis of the possible outcomes in the National hunt.
Super Comp Phil Bennett is 40 points ahead of Tim Adam, equivalent to less than one round of racing or five qualifying positions. Tim is an unassailable 1490 points ahead of the next highest racer, Brian Pateman.
Super Gas Tim Adam, who is 820 points ahead of Frank Mason, is provisional champion in this class for the second straight year. Frank needs to qualify well and at least stage in round one to secure second place from Martin Curbishley, who is 490 points further back.
Super Street Stuart and Anne Peck, Team Rat Rage, are also provisional champions for the second year in a row, being 1,180 points ahead of Leigh Morris. Leigh needs to qualify well and at least stage in round one to secure second place from Team Flying Doctor who are 550 points further back.
Super Pro ET National Champion from 2000 Steve Green is provisional champion this year, 680 points ahead of Martyn Jones who has all but secured second place from Pat Talbot who is a further 580 points back.
Pro ET As last year this is a closely fought championship. Team Tokyo Toy are 300 points ahead of Team Heaven & Hell (Carla and Rick McCann) who need to go at least three rounds further and qualify better to win the championship. A further 230 points back is Dave Potter, last year's National Champion, who has risen in the standings following his win at the Super Series Finals. Dave now needs to go at least two rounds further than Team Heaven & Hell and qualify several places ahead of them to gain runner-up honours.
Sportsman ET Al Platt is 640 points ahead of Chevy Llewellyn and has almost secured the championship. Chevy is 330 points ahead of Gary Mogford, who needs to go at least three rounds further and qualify several places ahead to be runner-up.
Junior Dragster Phill Cook is provisional champion, being 790 points ahead of Jonathan Bond. In turn, Jonathan has all but secured second place from Nicholas Mugridge who is 470 points further back.
9.90 Bike Paul Watson is 450 points ahead of Jamie Sneddon, last year's champion who needs to win the event and have Paul qualify worse and go out early to have any hope of the championship. Jamie is a secure 1,570 points ahead of third place.
10.90 bike Steve Templeman is provisional champion, being 1090 points ahead of Darren Winnard. However the fight for the runner-up position is the most competitive of all, with five racers being separated by a spread of 260 points, the others being Lewis Honey, Fred Furlong, Ady Reade and Dave Stanley.
All but one, namely Super Street Bike, of the 2002 ACU UK Drag Bike Championships are already decided. You can find more details of the ACU standings on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.
For more details on this weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway, including ticket prices, check out the Santa Pod web site at www.santapod.com.
We hope to be able to publish this weekend's entry list very shortly. Eurodragster will be posting its last live update of the season from Santa Pod this weekend, as we will be taking our traditional day off at the Flame and Thunder Show at SPR in November.
Web site updates.
2nd October: Finnish Top Fuel Dragster racer Anita Mäkelä has updated her web site with a brief end-of-season review, which includes a clear hint that she intends to race next season. The review is available in both Finnish and English, with Swedish to be added shortly. The For Sale and FIA Points pages have also been updated. Check it out at www.anitamakela.com.
FIA SFI spec change.
1st October: Thanks to UK SFI Chassis Inspector Geoff Martin for letting us know that the FIA requirement for Pro Dragster chassis will be SFI Spec 2.3J in 2002. "As most people are aware, this requires extra helmet containment tubes to be installed in the roll cage", says Geoff.
Any enquiries can be addressed to Geoff on 01792 386307.
Slingshot crew sought.
1st October: Colin Stevens of C & P Hot Rod Ts fame has been in touch seeking help with his latest venture.
"I've bought a nostalgia-style slingshot", says Colin. "Boy do I need help! I would like to find someone who can help or wants to crew. My knowledge of Drag Racing history is fine - I've been going since 1972 - but my technical knowledge would fit on the back of a postage stamp. I need someone who knows their way around a V8. It's not that high performance, it's a Buick Wildcat 425. I live in Hertfordshire, so if anyone lives in the area that would be perfect."
Anyone who would like to help Colin out with his race car can contact him at colinhotrodts@btinternet.com.
UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting.
1st October: Thanks to Paula Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club for letting us know that the annual SPRC/APIRA Riders' and Drivers' Meeting has been arranged for Sunday 25th November at the Diamond Centre (Rushden and Diamonds stadium) in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire. The meeting runs from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm, with a tea break at 3:15 pm.
Anyone with items which they would like placed on the agenda should contact either Paula Marshall at SPRC or Wendy Talbot at APIRA.
SPRC Dinner Dance.
1st October: Thanks also to Paula Marshall for letting us know that the Santa Pod Racers Club Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation has been arranged for Saturday 9th February 2002. It is again to be held at the Bedford Moat House Hotel. Drinks are at 7:00 pm and the meal starts prompt at 7:30, to be followed by the trophy presentation, raffle and disco.
The trophy presentation will this year include the UK National Champions and runners-up as well as the SPRC Champions and runners-up. Paula tells us that Champions and runners-up in the UK National classes (Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Sportsman ET, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Junior Dragster, 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike) will have their Dinner Dance ticket paid for, although the rest of their parties will of course have to purchase tickets.
Tickets for the Dinner Dance are £25. SPRC will shortly be sending out details and an application form. SPRC have also arranged a special rate at the Bedford Moat House of £30 per person; those wishing to stay at the Moat House must book their own rooms and should contact the hotel on 01234 799988 quoting "Santa Pod" for the special rate.
Web site updates.
1st October: Dutch Top Methanol FC racer Lex Joon has updated his web site with a brief report and a large number of excellent pictures from his appearance at the recent Mega Truck Festival at Six Flags, Holland. Check it out at www.lexjoonracing.nl.
Dan Bennett has updated the Super Comp 323 web site with a report on dad Phil's weekend at Super Series 5 and a new For Sale page. You can find the SC323 web site at www.supercomp323.co.uk.
Earlier news
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