European Drag Racing News

Marston on a mission.
31st December: Paul Marston Racing have commenced their preparations for the 2002 season with a trip to the USA. High on the shopping list were parts for the PT Bruiser and the Grumpy's Dodge Super Gasser, but Paul Marston and Steve Brennan managed to add some pleasure to the business.

"We weren't discouraged by the terrible events of 11th September - in fact it was all the more reason to go", (Hear, hear - Ed), says Paul Marston. "We joined a large number of Brits who make the pilgrimage to the Orlando World Street Finals, and then Steve and I went on to the NHRA O'Reilly Nationals in Texas. We visited many different companies and met lots of people, conducting some quite thorough research. It was good to see a familiar face in Jari Konola at Texas Motorplex; he was Crew Chief on Bo Nickens' factory-backed Pro Stock Dodge R/T, running the new Hemi. But it really was a busy schedule: up at 7:00 every morning and back to the hotel at 10.00 pm at the earliest - it was tough."

There were a number of reasons for the trip. Paul and Steve wanted to take advantage of the proliferation of companies in the USA compared to the UK, and by attending the two very different types of event they were able to meet a larger cross-section of suppliers and racers. New parts were purchased to bring home to the UK and others were taken from the UK to the USA to be refettled.

"All in all it was a very worthwhile trip which should assist us in developing the Bruiser's true potential, update and service Grumpys Dodge, and enable us to become more competitive in 2002.", says Paul. "We learned a great deal and have a lot of new equipment to test and try out. If only half of it works we will still be a deal ahead of where we would be if we had not gone. And if more than half works then we will be very competitive and back to the USA for more next year!"

Web site updates.
31st December: The European Top Methanol Racers Association's dot-com web site address is temporarily out of action due to a problem with their ISP. You can however still get to the ETMRA web site via the alternative URL home.rednet.co.uk/homepages/dave_ale/dave_ale.html.

Photographer Bill Sly has updated his Bad Boys Imagin' web site with over 120 drag bike photographs from the FIA European Finals and Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway, and the Bonfire Burn-up Test and Tune at Shakespeare County Raceway. Check it out at www.badboysimagin.com.

Happy New Year!
31st December: On the eve of 2002, Tog and Sharkman would like to wish all of you the very Happiest of New Years. Thanks for making Eurodragster.com such a success in 2001; here's to an even better year in 2002. We couldn't do it without you.

New British Top Fuel team.
30th December: A new all-British team are assembling a new Top Fuel car during 2002, to be campaigned in the 2003 season. The car may even be finished in time for the 2002 FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway.

The car will be driven by Andy Frost of Custom Car Street Eliminator and Top Methanol Dragster fame. The crew is headed by Crew Chief Peter Knight, and will consist of largely the same crew which campaigned the Canto Racing TMD for Andy in 2000.

Crew Chief Peter Knight says "I haven't made any announcement up to now, although we have had a possession of the car for around six months. I do not want to fall into the category of 'fantasy teams' who announce big plans before a deal comes together. The car exists and is in my workshop now. We have nearly all the parts to finish the car already, but we have a lot of work to do to put the car and trailer together. Another reason we have kept the job under wraps is that we have no deadline to finish the car by. It will be out when it is 100% ready then we will then hit the ground running, as we did with Martin Canto's car.

"This is a big challenge which I don't intend to underestimate. It will be a fast learning curve, as was the Top Methanol car, only I can imagine that it will be a lot more temperamental and a lot less forgiving. We will be taking tuning advice from Alan Jackson, and much of the car spec is along the lines suggested by him...so it has as many of his and Knut's products as possible, and all the whistles and bells."

The whole idea came together after the disbandment of the year 2000 Canto racing team. "We put a lot of work into that car, which went surprisingly well out of the box", says Pete. "The reason that we got to grips with the car so early was due to the high quality of the advice that we were given, the quality of the team, and the overall view that the car had to be right before it was worth turning up at the track. When Martin bought the car it was a pile of scrap. That was a lesson worth learning on its own. After two years of hard work, and with everybody on the team putting so much effort in, I couldn't see all of that hard work going to waste when the Canto deal ended, with Martin signing Darryl Bradford to replace Andy in 2001."

Having looked for a top running methanol car to put Andy into, it seemed that there was nothing really appropriate on the market at the time, and nitro 'guru' Alan Jackson suggested going Top Fuel. Peter has never had the opportunity to publicly thank and acknowledge the people that helped him run the Canto TMD car to strong performances for such an old car (with no damage) in the year 2000. "Firstly Martin and Hillary Canto, Andy and all the crew, Alan Jackson, Dave Wilson, the Turners, and Les Davenport for the advice, Barry Sheavills for selling us the good parts to get it going properly and putting us in touch with those in 'the Know'. Credit for the Top Fuel effort to date has to go to Alan Jackson and Knut Soderquist with special thanks to Don Read in the USA for travelling far and wide to get us the best parts, and even more so for rejecting so many parts that were 'used up'."

A web site will be set up in due course. In the meantime, you can keep up to date with progress, and get a look at the basic car spec, on Andy Frost's web site at www.redvictor1racing.co.uk.

Kågered confirms 2002 TF plans.
29th December: Sweden's Micke Kågered has confirmed that he is to contest the FIA European Top Fuel Championship in 2002 after signing a repeat deal with car owner Knut Söderquist. Micke, who won the 2001 Swedish Top Fuel Tour in the Bahco Tools/Quaker State-sponsored machine, will again have the UK's Alan Jackson as his Crew Chief.

Micke's plans for his European record-holding Top Methanol FC are not yet set, although the team have already decided that the Top Fueller is to be the focus of their efforts in 2002.

You can get the full story on the Kågered Racing web site at www.kagered-racing.com.

Gustavsson rejoins AC Delco Racing.
29th December: Christer Gustavsson is to rejoin Sweden's AC Delco Racing Pro Stock team in 2002. Christer was Michael Malmgren's Crew Chief up to and including 2000, but took the year out this season apart from a stint with the team at the FIA European Finals in September. Crew member Magnus Cato tells us that Christer will be team supervisor next year. "As predicted, Crew Chief Heikki Parviainen and Christer really got our car flying at the Finals, so we are very confident about our future", says Magnus.

Magnus also tells us that the six-second Camaro and its engine, named Obej, are all set for the team's appearance on the AC Delco stand at Autosport International in Birmingham in a couple of weeks' time, before returning to Sweden for the Automekanik fair in Jönköping the following week.

Check out the AC Delco Racing web site at www.acdracing.net for all the latest information from the team.

Team Furlong Tyres season review.
29th December: Our latest 2001 season review is from UK's Team Furlong Tyres 10.90 Bike outfit. Rider Fred Furlong takes us through the season race-by-race in an informative and entertaining article. Click here to read the Team Furlong Tyres season review.

King launches Forum.
29th December: FIM/UEM European and ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Ian King has launched a discussion forum on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com. There are separate sections for general discussion, advice, multi-cylinder machines, supertwins, two-strokes and Streetfighters Straightliners. Registration is necessary if you want to post to the Forum, but you do not have to register to read it.

"We believe that those from the world of motorcycle dragracing can provide an excellent example to others in how such a tool can be used to further our sport", says Ian. "There are specific sections for motorcycles and related topics, but we welcome any of our four-wheeled friends to take part or start threads as they see fit. We're all in this sport together!"

Red Victor 2 progressing.
29th December: Andy Frost's Red Victor 2 project is progressing well, he says. "The car is now back from the painters having had the base coat red done", says Andy. "I'm on the home stretch. Mind you, I'm sure there will be a spanner in the works as usually nothing goes to plan!"

You can see pictures of Red Victor 2 in its new base coat (it looks great - Ed), and read the very latest news on the project including the choice of powerplant, on Andy's web site at www.redvictor1racing.co.uk.

Race a racer with ETMRA.
29th December: From Dave Alexander of the European Top Methanol Racers Association comes news of a special offer and a great contest, both available from the Association web site.

"You can order a copy of the NHRA Drag Racing 2 game through our web site, for a cheaper price than you get it elsewhere - even Amazon", says Dave. "This game allows you to race a Top Fuel Dragster or Funny Car on the US Championship tour, either against the computer or on-line against your friends.

"As a special deal we are offering a prize for three lucky winners to race on-line against an actual Top Methanol racer - could be Rob Turner, could be Lex Joon, could be...who knows?

"Fancy your chances? Come to www.etmra.com and get your copy now!"

See in 2002 with FAST and APIRA.
29th December: If you happen to be in Warwickshire (UK) on Monday evening then why not see in the New Year at the FAST/APIRA party, says Press Officer Jerry Cookson.

The party takes place at the Aviation Club at Long Marston Airfield, site of Shakespeare County Raceway. "The Aviation Club is next to the Microlight hangers", says Jerry. "Judging by last years photos the party involves loads of festivities, food and beer. A joyous occasion for one and all. Want to know more? Well, just turn up with a bottle or a can or two and you're in...7:00 pm 'til whenever. Remember - Aviation Club, Monday. See ya there!"

You can find a map of Shakespeare County Raceway's location on the APIRA web site at www.eurodragster.com/apira or the Shakespeare County Raceway web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com.

Web site updates.
29th December: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with more news from Micke Kågered together with news of Jan Danielsson's move to Competition Eliminator. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.

The official web site of the UK's Fireforce Jet FC team has been updated with the latest winter developments, a provisional calendar for 2002, and another tranche of entries in the contest to design a new paintjob for Fireforce 2. You can find the Fireforce web site at www.fireforce.co.uk.

Santa kind to Schöfer.
27th December: Santa Claus was very kind indeed to German Top Methanol Dragster racer Peter Schöfer. "We had the biggest present a week before Christmas when our new engine arrived", says team member Gittli Koller. Gittli didn't say whether or not the engine was gift-wrapped but it is destined for the newly-extended chassis of the PSR dragster.

You can see some photographs of the new motor on the Peter Schöfer Racing web site at www.p-s-r.com. "Go to News, then zu neuesten Bildern (from 26th December)", says Gittli. "Sorry, but the text is only in German". Not a problem, Gittli: there are some things which transcend language and a nice shiny engine is one of them.

Editor's note: On the subject of Santa Claus, a very warm welcome from Eurodragster to those readers who have joined us after receiving a computer for Christmas, some of whom have already E-Mailed to say hello! Also a big Thank You to everyone who sent us Christmas cards and personal messages, and to everyone who contributed to our Christmas Messages page.

First 2002 European calendar.
27th December: Our good friend Tommy Nilsson, webmaster of the European Drag Racing Database, has drawn together all of next season's provisional and confirmed European race dates and compiled the first Europe-wide calendar for 2002.

You can find the 2002 calendar on the European Drag Racing Database at www.eurodrag.com. If you've not visited the Database before then we can highly recommend it as the definitive source for European Drag Racing statistics, containing European records, personal bests, historical and current Championship placings, event results going back several years, and much more.

Web site updates.
27th December: UK Junior Modified racer Adam Gleadow has launched a web site dedicated to Junior Drag Racing in the UK. "The site is designed to cover all aspects of the sport, to provide information on teams, and to be a help to anyone who is interested", says Adam. You can find the Junior Drag Racing site at ukjdr.freeservers.com, and if you have any comments or suggestions, then Adam would be very pleased to hear from you be E-Mail at timemachine8@lifeinthefastlane.co.uk.

Have a Ball on two wheels.
23rd December: Two-wheel racers and fans will have an event catering exclusively to their tastes at Santa Pod Raceway on 10th-12th May 2002, says Fireforce Jet FC pilot Martin Hill.

"The Speedfreaks Ball is the first dedicated Bike event at the Pod for some years, and hopefully we will establish it as an annual event", says Martin. "The weekend will be primarily a Run What You Brung for all bikes, either pre-booked or entered on the day, with the chance to pick up trophies and prize money for the fastest in class.

"There will also be exhibition vehicles on and off the track, which at present include both Fireforce Jet Funny Cars, Pyromania the jet quad from Holland, Paul Bailey's Colossus Jet Trike, the Jet Go-Ped from Lee McBee, Top Fuel Bike, and the fastest eight Super Street Bikes. We hope to have more vehicles confirmed."

Martin tells us that there will also be attractions off the track. "Hopefully we will have a local trials club with an outdoor area open to the public, along with club stands and traders, and a marquee with live bands and disco."

For more details contact Martin Hill by E-Mail at martin@fireforceracing.freeserve.co.uk.

Feature on Team Rat Rage.
23rd December: The first in our new occasional series of Team Features stars the UK's Championship-winning Rat Rage Super Street team. In a very interesting article, Anne and Stuart Peck tell us what makes them, and their ten-second Camaro, tick. Click here to read the Team Rat Rage feature, or click on the Features link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Racers who would like to appear in a future Eurodragster Team Feature are invited to E-Mail us at features@eurodragster.com.

Drag Racing Unplugged III.
23rd December: At this time of year it has become traditional for us to post our collection of the season's best quotes from Eurodragster's event coverage. We are pleased to announce that Drag Racing Unplugged III, our 2001 collection, is now available.

Click here to view Drag Racing Unplugged III. Enjoy!

Christmas gifts for our readers...
23rd December: As if that wasn't enough, in the spirit of the season Eurodragster staffers Tog and Sharkman are very pleased to present our readers with special Christmas web site updates to help keep you going through our Christmas break (see below).

Tog has posted on his personal web site Tog's Drag Racing Page the 2001 Off-Track Collection, a series of photographs taken in the pits and other off-strip locations throughout the season. There are fifty or so photographs - some humorous, some arty, and some downright weird. Check them out at www.togsdragracing.com/2001off-track, and if you don't have time to look at them all then Tog recommends that you go straight for the picture entitled Trash!

Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with video clips of this year's Cannonball final between John Spuffard and Lex Joon, Kim Reymond throwing a blower belt, and Leif Andréasson on a storming and far-from-straight 5.88 pass in his TMFC. There is also some new Windows wallpaper including shots of Pro Mod star Patrik Wikstrom and Andy Carter and Kim Reymond leaving the start line in their Top Fuellers. You can find Sharkman's site at www.eurodragster.com/sharkman.

...as we take a break.
23rd December: We will now be taking our traditional Christmas break. We will only be gone for three days; we will be back on Thursday (27th December). Keep those news items coming in to news@eurodragster.com and we will post them on Thursday.

If you just have to get your daily fix over Christmas then our good friend Ian King tells us that he will be updating the Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site on a daily basis, "assuming that anything comes in!".

Tog and Sharkman would like to wish all of our readers the very Happiest of Christmases.

Wacker's progress, FC guess.

22nd December: Swiss Pro Mod racer Peter Wacker has written with the latest news about his new race car, which is currently under construction at Andy Robinson's shop in Basingstoke, UK.

"The '57 Bel Air is finally under construction and is progressing", says Peter. "January will be the date for new car's first seat check. The shakedown runs are scheduled to take place in April 2002. The car already looks very cool and I hope to be the first Swiss Pro Mod to break the six-second barrier". You can see some pictures of the car under construction at Robinson Race Cars at www.roofers-toy.ch/spypic.htm.

Peter also has an alternative theory about Martin Boye's 'mystery' Funny Car, which we have been featuring this week. "Here (right) is a picture of a '70 Cuda shot at Ensisheim in 1987. As I remember, Daniel Singi, the Swiss owner bought this FC in British Columbia and imported it to Switzerland. He told me that it was a former US blown-nitro FC. He raced this car for one year with a 440 Six Pack motor, and sold it then to a German. Is this the Mystery FC?"

Koper sets record straight.
22nd December: Still on the subject of Pro Mod, Dutch Pro Mod racer Robert Koper has been in touch to set the record straight about the claimed performance of the Team ProStreet Racing Monte Carlo.

"At the 'Speed & Design' car show in Utrecht, Netherlands (29th November-2nd December) and at the Explosion web site, my spec sheet stated a 6.80/320 km/h", says Robert. "There seems to be some confusion about this. The figures stated represent the predicted performance based on engine, chassis and set-up: up to now we have run 7.27/298 km/h.

"We want to apologise to Henri Joosten and his crew. His Quaker State/Autoparts/Garage Rijsenhout '55 Chevrolet Bel Air is the quickest and fastest Pro Modified car in the Netherlands. See www.joostenracing.nl."

Wordweaver set 2002 plans.
22nd December: UK 9.90 and 10.90 Bike team Wordweaver Racing have announced their plans for the 2002 season. This includes a new rider who joins Dave Stanley.

"We know exactly where we're going next year, and that's 9.90 Bike", says Crew Chief Harry. "We've had the Bandit dyno'd to see what we were playing with compared to our times this year.116 bhp at the rear wheel which equalled a best run of 10.50 a best 60 foot of 1.60. That's fast for the bhp so we're doing something right! I 'm going to squeeze some more power out of it for next year and Dave's going to ride the arse off it again, so we hope to be competitive right from the start of the season. I'm still searching for a few bits, so if anyone could help at all, I'll be forever grateful. We need a GSXR 1100 complete clutch, K cams, and rear shock. The bike is also going to get a lick of paint and some new graphics, plus we have some new team clothing, so we'll be well worth a few piccies next year!

"Another big step for us is that Wordweaver Racing and Promotions is taking another rider under our wing for next year. He is T J O'Brien, the Irish guy on the yellow 10.90 TL1000. We will be taking care of his bike and team clothing all season. We have high hopes for him. He's an exuberant guy on and off the track so one to watch! We're throwing ourselves in deep again this year and plan to take some good points in both 10.90 and 9.90.

"We couldn't do as much as we do without help from a few special people, so thanks to Grumpy Watson - top guy - Dynospeed developments, Darren at DG Graphics, Pat Seager Engineering, Tony at C3 Design, and Eurodragster."

APIRA dates and thanks.
22nd December: Avon Park International Racers Association Press Officer Jerry Cookson has been in touch with the first 2002 calendar for Shakespeare County Raceway. Dates currently pencilled in at the Warwickshire venue are as follows:

April 20th-21st: Season Opener Test & Tune
May 4th-6th: Obsession Motorsports (Provisional)
May 18th-19th: American Car Nationals
June 1st-4th: TBA
June 15th-16th: Obsession Motorsports (Provisional)
June 29th-30th: NSRA Nostalgia Nationals
July 13th-14th: British Mini Showdown
August 9th-11th: Bulldog Bash
August 24th-26th: Obsession Motorsports (Provisional)
September 7th-8th: NSRA Hot Rod Drags
September 21st-22nd: TBA
October 5th-6th: TBA
October 26th-27th: Bonfire Burn-Up Test & Tune

Jerry also has a pretty extensive list of Thank Yous. "It's the end of the year and it's time to show our appreciation for the hard grafting team of men and women who have worked so hard during the year at Shakespeare County Raceway", he says. "So here we go...

"Wendy and her crew in the Pit Office, Bruno and the FAST Team who keep the track in prime condition, the APIRA crew for Time Keeping, Marshaling and Pit Running, the Paramedics, the MSA and ACU Stewards and Scrutineers, Obsession Motorsports, NSRA and the BMC, Janet and John for the spotless toilets and showers, the Bar Staff, the guys on the Gate, Eurodragster, the Media, the band Straight-Up, all our sponsors and advertisers, the Commentators, track owner Anthony Hodges, and everyone else who made it happen in 2001...THANK YOU! See ya next year?"

You can keep up-to-date on the latest APIRA news, including an invaluable weekly TV log, on the official web site at www.eurodragster.com/apira.

Last call for SPRC nominations.
22nd December: Nominations will shortly be closing for Santa Pod Racers Club's perpetual awards, which are to be presented at the SPRC Dinner Dance in early February. The only criterion for nomination is that those involved must have competed at Santa Pod Raceway at least once in the 2001 season, with the exception of the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy which is also open to non-competitors.

Nominations are being accepted for the awards listed below. Please note that some awards are only open to car racers, and some only to bike racers, but we have made it clear where appropriate.

Most Promising Newcomer: Nominations are open to both car and bike racers. 2000 season winner: Phil Pratt (10.90 Bike).

Best Appearing Car: 2000 season winner: Paula Marshall (Highlander Super Gasser).

Best Appearing Bike: 2000 season winner: Steve Ashby (9.90 Bike.

Most Professional Appearing Team: Nominations are open to both car and bike racers. This award is not just for a professional appearance on-track, but also for appearance off-track such as pit areas and support vehicles. 2000 season winner: Turner Racing (Top Methanol Dragster).

Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy: This bike-only trophy is awarded for carrying on through adversity. 2000 season winner: Ian King (Top Fuel Bike).

James Edgar Memorial Trophy: This trophy is awarded to the most outstanding crew member of the season, and is open to both car and bike crews. 2000 season winner: Mark Fossey (Crew Chief, Paul Willis' Pro Stock Bike).

Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy: This trophy, first presented to the late Alex Brachtvogel at this year's ceremony and now named for him, is awarded for outstanding service to the sport of Drag Racing. Nominations are open to racers, race officials, track and safety crews, club officials, media, or anyone else who has contributed to the sport.

Nominations should be E-Mailed to nominations@eurodragster.com. Please ensure that:

Where appropriate your nominations have competed at Santa Pod Raceway in 2001
You have made it clear which nominations are for which awards
You have not already submitted nominations

All nominations will be acknowledged and will receive the consideration of SPRC.

Web site updates.
22nd December: The Swedish Pro Street News magazine has been updated with some pictures of Kjell-Håkan Möstrom in action in the USA in his blown-alcohol Corvette Pro Mod. You can get directly to the pictures at www.spn-photo.com/mos.

FB Racing season review.
21st December: We are pleased to be able to offer another 2001 season review, this time from Ian Hook of UK Custom Car Street Eliminator team FB Racing. Ian had a year of mixed fortunes with his first eight-second pass countered by a 140 mph top end crash. Click here to read the FB Racing season review. A more detailed version will be posted on the FB Racing web site shortly.

Ian has also announced that FB Racing will be running their highly-successful FB Racing Associates scheme again in 2002. For £25 you get your name on the car, regular detailed news updates, and a free gift which this time around will be an exclusive FB Racing mug. "By 'mug' I don't mean me!", says Ian. "I have a very small quantity of caps and commemorative '8-second' T-shirts remaining if you'd prefer. The shirts are available in small, medium or large."

For full details on the FB Racing Associates scheme, check out the FB Racing web site at www.fbracing.co.uk.

Carter confirms Autosport date...
21st December: FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter has confirmed that he will be appearing at Autosport International in early January, although he had a little surprise for us.

"Our baby (the car with which we won the Championship) is sadly still in Norway", says Andy. "We can't do the show without a car so where do you go when you need a war machine at short notice? King Knut! Knut Söderquist has kindly agreed to loan the red car which Alan Jackson drove at the European Finals. It will become 'our car' for three days on the Motorsport News stand. Please stop by and say hello, we will be happy to talk about the car, or anything else to do with the sport, with absolutely anyone. We'll have the time to chat now we're not at the track! Andy, Sarah, John, Dan and myself will be on hand. I wonder if we can get the dragster fired up in the NEC?!"

Andy is also the subject of an excellent feature in this week's Motorsport News (UK), which you should be able to get in any good newsagent.

You can stay in touch with the Carter Motorsport pit on Andy's official web site at www.andycarter.net, and you can get all the news on Autosport International including times and ticket prices at www.autosportinternational.co.uk.

...and Malmgren PAs confirmed.
21st December: Thanks to Nigel Cole of AC Delco for letting us know that Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren is to be interviewed on the Autosport stage at Autosport International, where the six-second Camaro will be on display. Michael will be interviewed on the Autosport stage at 4:00 pm on Friday 11th January, and at 3:45 pm on Sunday 13th January.

Tee Rat body needs attention.
21st December: Nick Davies and Rob Loaring's project to build a replica of the legendary 1970s Fuel Altered Tee Rat is going well, but the ICE Automotive team need readers' help.

"Thank you to everyone for their continuing enquiries about the progress of the Tee Rat build", says Nick Davies. "We have good news and bad to report.

"Wishing to stick as closely as possible to the original concept, we are extremely grateful to all those who have helped to locate original or equivalent period pieces for the Tee Rat project. This included, to our surprise, the location of the original, albeit fire-damaged, fibreglass body in its original paint during July of this year. Although inappropriate to use due to its age and construction, it would have proven extremely valuable as a reference piece for dimensions, colour and decals. Since then we have been trying to negotiate with its current owner, but we have not been allowed to access the body even to photograph or to measure it, let alone rent it to build a faithful replica.

"Because of this, we are somewhat behind schedule in the build. We require an original Jago T body or replica, even if it is only to borrow or rent in order that we can stay as close to the original dimensions as possible. Any help would be appreciated. Please contact Nick or Rob on 01268 727317, or E-Mail rooster.ice@btinternet.com.

"Apart from the body saga, the project is progressing on the parts collation side and we still aim to be there and fully legal next year."

Sam a hit at physics show.
21st December: Last Saturday we reported that UK 10.90 Bike racer Sandra Chaplain was to appear at a physics show at Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge. To hear Sam's husband and Crew Chief Roland Chaplain tell it, Sam and Think Pink Racing were a big hit.

"Thanks for the mention on Eurodragster, and to those fans and racers who turned up", says Roland. "We took a number of videos of drag racing with us which, along with the display, attracted quite a lot of interest from people who were not aware that drag racing took place in England - a number of whom said they would make the trip to Shakespeare County and Santa Pod Raceways in the New Year. There were a number of free competitions with prizes such as Scalextric sets and radio controlled race cars nice Christmas presents if you were lucky - I don't know if any of our drag race friends got any - but I did see one or two tucking in to the free food and drinks."

Roland also tells us that Think Pink Racing are currently organising a contest to be run on their official web site after Christmas. "We are currently arranging prizes", he says. "The contest will be free to enter and will be open to both racers and fans- we will let you know when it starts."

In the meantime check out the Christmas look on the Think Pink Racing web site at www.thinkpinkracing.co.uk.

Web site updates.
21st December: The contest for children to design a new paintscheme for the Fireforce 2 Jet Funny Car has been extended into January. For more details, and to see some of the entries submitted so far, check out the Fireforce web site at www.fireforce.co.uk.

NPMA becomes EPMA.
19th December: From Micke Gullquist and Benny Holm comes the news that the Nordic Pro Mod Association has become the European Pro Mod Association. The Association now includes members from the UK, Germany, Switzerland and Holland as well as the Scandinavian countries, and is currently negotiating race dates for next season with promoters.

The EPMA web site at www.promod.nu has been updated with this news as well as the newly-agreed 2002 rule changes for Pro Mod which mainly affect supercharged cars, and which bring them into line with the IHRA.

Cheaper than a weather station...
19th December: UK Super Street Bike racer Dave Bailey had written a routine to calculate 'density altitude' from temperature, pressure and humidity readings, and is asking for help in checking its accuracy.

"Comparing the results with 'standard atmosphere' tables, I think it's probably working right, but would like someone with a weather station to check it", says Dave. "If it does work right then it would be a very useful program for the budgeteer - free as opposed to buying a weather station!"

The routine runs in an Excel spreadsheet which is available for opening or download by clicking here. Please contact Dave via E-Mail at brutefarce@hotmail.com with comments and suggestions.

That mystery FC.
19th December: Hans Kadi from Sweden is the first reader to respond to Martin Boye's request (see Monday's news) for information on an old FC which he owns.

"It could be Simon Menzie's old car, which he ran in BB/FC in the mid 70s", says Hans. "That car was brought to Norway by Åge Kristiansen around 1977. If it is that car, the body is supposed to be a 1974 Challenger, and it was run with a Donovan engine in the States. The only other FC in Europe which I know with the same type of body was the old Stardust, which Santa Pod brought here from Don Schumacher but I think that at least the body from that car is resting somewhere in UK."

Thanks very much, Hans.

Koedam Racing season review.
17th December: Our latest 2001 season review comes from Marius van der Zijden of Koedam Racing. Holland's Roel Koedam finished a very narrow runner-up to Ian King in the FIM/UEM Competition Bike Championship, and Marius' review takes us through the highs and lows of life in the Top Fuel Bike pits, together with some comments on next year's plans.

Click here to read the Koedam Racing season review.

Boye seeks FC info.

17th December: Denmark's Martin Boye, once Jens Nybo's Crew Chief, has appealed to Eurodragster's readers for help with information about a Funny Car which he owns (pictured, right). "I bought this old Funny Car some years ago", he says. "I didn't know its history, but I would like to know it now."

Martin is doutbless aware that our readers don't usually let us down, so if you know anything about this Funny Car then please drop him a line at daekimp@post10.tele.dk. Be sure to let us know, too.

Bruiser gets two Crew Chiefs...
17th December: From Paul Marston Racing comes the news that the PT Bruiser will have two Crew Chiefs in 2002, as a result of previous Crew Chief Dave Kalisz' change of role.

"Due to the successful expansion of our other business interests, Dave will be unable to attend every event on the National Championship trail for 2002", says team owner and driver Paul Marston. "This was fully expected, and we planned for it from the beginning of the 2001 campaign, so it will in no way adversely affect our plans for 2002. Dave has been a pivotal member of the team, and will still remain a major player in our organisation, so much so that apart from at the track, Dave still runs the show. I'd like to thank him for being my Crew Chief for the last three seasons."

Dave Kalisz is moving into an expanded operational management role, with overall responsibility for running and managing Paul Marston Racing workshops, fleet maintenance, and servicing the Bruiser between events. "Dave will now be able to focus more intently on these areas", says Paul. "Paul Marston Racing has always been a team effort. Dave's organisational skills are his greatest asset and will improve our efficiency in many key areas, this is also a more 9-5 weekday kind of job which will not clash with our other fast-growing business interests."

The plan is for Dave to attend selected events in a consultancy/joint Crew Chief role as his schedule allows. "Put simply, Dave would be near impossible to replace", says Paul. "He has been an inspiration to us all. I can recount many occasions over the years I’ve known Dave when things have been tough, and his no-nonsense approach simplifies the problem. To Dave, the word quit just does not exist - if we can’t find a way, he makes one."

Steve Brennan and Michael Pusey, PMR's principal crew, have signed up again for 202 and Paul says that they will, in all probability, share the Crew Chief role. "Two heads are better than one", he says. "Over the past season we have had a rich pool of talent in our team. With the expansion plans for 2002, having operations and Crew Chief roles split between two people is a logical progression. During 2002 we would in all likelihood reach a point when it was forced upon us anyway, so anticipating this is good for all of us."

A lot of PMR's other 2002 plans have yet to be finalised. "I can tell you there will be some surprises which people won't expect - or maybe, going by our past history, they will!", says Paul. "With the rest of the crew and with some rather special guests taking their turn during 2002 it will be great fun, as usual."

...and now showing in CCC.
17th December: The PT Bruiser is also back in the media with an appearance in the current (January 2002) issue of Cars and Car Conversions magazine, available in the shops now.

The article is written by Alistair Weaver who was given a ride-along in the Bruiser at the Mopar Euronationals earlier this year. "To our knowledge this is the third article which Alistair has had published about his day with us", says Paul Marston. "The first was in Autocar, the second in the Evening Standard motoring supplement, which carried the Bruiser on its front cover - this tells a story in itself. That so many non-Racing magazines and National newspapers are showing interest in our beloved sport stands as an example of how newsworthy Drag Racing is to the general public. Perhaps there is a lesson to be learnt, in particular for race teams who are looking for sponsors for the coming season. Approaching businesses who are actively spending money advertising, but not currently connected with Drag Racing, could be a shrewd move."

Bootsoop's thanks.
17th December: Zane Llewellyn of UK Super Comp and Sportsman ET team Bootsoop Racing has been in touch with some seasonal thanks.

"BootSoop Racing would like to thank John 'Hoch' Grant for his very generous offer to tow Chevy's Skoda to all the meetings during the latter part of the 2001 season", says Zane. "Hoch even had a towbar especially fitted to his van just so that he could tow the trailer! We would like him to know how much we appreciate his generosity, and hope we can pay him back by supplying him with a killer consistent Super Street car for the 2002 season."

The Bootsoop web site is updated as news comes in, so you can stay in touch with all the news from Bristol throughout the winter at www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk.

Christmas Greetings page.
17th December: We have now, as promised, posted a special page for Christmas messages. Click here to view the Christmas Messages page, or click on the 2001 Christmas Messages link in the left-hand column of any Eurodragster page.

We will update the page as messages arrive, so if you would like to pass on compliments of the season to your fellow racers, fans, or indeed anyone else (connected with Drag Racing, that is - Ed) then E-Mail us at christmas@eurodragster.com and we'll do the rest for you.

Web site updates.
17th December: Bill Sly of the Bad Boys Imagin' web site tells us that the site has now recovered from various server problems, and that his 2001 Wild Bunch Presentation photographs are now available for viewing. The site has also had a facelift. You can find Bill's web site at www.badboysimagin.com.

Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has given a facelift to his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales, which you can find at www.eurodragster.com/sharkman. Sharkman would also like to advise everyone that his personal E-Mail address has changed to sharkman@eurodragster.com, so if he is in your address book then please be sure to change it from the previous BT Internet version.

Sam features at physics show.
15th December: UK 10.90 Bike racer Sandra Chaplain will have her two bikes on display tomorrow (Sunday 16th), in what would seem an unusual location for a drag racer.

Think Pink Racing will be one of the exhibits at the Institute of Physics Christmas Event which takes place at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge. "In addition to the bikes will be Formula 1 cars past and present (including a Benetton car), a jet powered scooter, interactive computer activities and a huge Scalextric track", says Sandra's husband and Crew Chief Roland Chaplain. "The presentations are by some of the world's leading authorities on the application of physics to speed, but the intention is not to baffle people as it is targeted at the general public."

Entry is free. For more detals check out the news page of the Think Pink Racing web site at www.thinkpinkracing.co.uk.

US racers wowed by Titanium.
15th December: Back in October we told you that Titanium International Limited, who sponsor UK Funny Bike racer Dave Holland, were to appear at the Performance Racing Show in Indianapolis. The Show took place a few weeks ago and Titanium International's Nigel Hoskison very kindly sent us a report.

"First off was the size - the dome where they play football was part of the exhibition area, it was less than a quarter of the total area!

"The interest in our stand was incredible from all forms of racing. We saw four NASCAR teams, as well as the people and teams from drag racing whom you would know. Del Worsham Racing, Doug Kallitta racing (they are running titanium headers next year), Warren and Kurt Johnson. In addition I spoke to Larry Dixon who was doing promo work for one of his sponsors on their stand. Geof Hauser also called in.

"Two of our exhibits were a Carbon by Design injector with titanium parts and a Trick Titanium bellhousing from Tony Schumacher's car. If they had been ours we could have sold them several times over! What surprised me was the number of people who knew that the injector was made by Knut, or who actually had one, though not with the titanium.

"On a commercial note, there are a lot of racer teams over there who are aware of the potential of titanium as well as those who are regular users. This can only go towards supporting our involvement in drag racing for the future as the word spreads about titanium spreads and usage increases."

Titanium International's next appearance is at Autosport International in January, where Dave Holland's current Funny Bike and his old Super Street Bike will be in display.

Web site updates.
15th December: The AC Delco Racing web site at www.acdracing.net has been updated with specs on Michael Malmgren's Camaro Pro Stock, Christmas greetings, some new pictures, and more. Team member Magnus Cato tells us that Friday is sauna day in the AC Delco pit, and that ladies are particularly invited. "We're thinking of putting a webcam in the sauna!", he adds.

Dutch Top Methanol FC racer Lex Joon's web site has been updated with some comments on this season's performance and next year's plans, and the latest on the LJR Fan Club. Check it out at www.lexjoonracing.nl

Fangmeister Carl tells us that The Fang web site at www.thefang.co.uk has been totally revised just in time for Christmas with a new server, new look, faster pages and lots of new content. "The drag bike pit shots archive is now categorised by engine configuration (contributions welcome), plus there are new sections on superchargers for bikes. Over the holiday period there will be some photos of our new supercharged engine, which we hope to debut in 2002. Honda CB500T fans have not been forgotten, with a new section on the engine's unique torsion bar valve gear."

Eurodragster interviews Brian Johnson.
13th December: The latest in Eurodragster's occasional series of interviews is with legendary UK Top Fuel Bike racer Brian Johnson, who has just retired from riding having competed in his last event at Gainesville in November.

BJ describes his last race, tells us his thoughts on retirement, gives another fascinating insight into the sensations of riding a Top Fuel Bike, and confirms that his bike is still for sale. Click here to read our interview with Brian Johnson.

If you are interested in purchasing BJ's record-holding Top Fuel Bike then check out his official web site at www.brianjohnson.co.uk.

Record Breaker Mäkelä on UK TV.
13th December: Finnish Top Fuel Dragster racer Anita Mäkelä is to appear on UK television tomorrow (Friday 14th). Anita features on the Record Breakers show, in a piece about the Finnish record which she re-set at the FIA European Finals. Filming took place at Santa Pod Raceway and at Alastaro.

Record Breakers is on BBC1 from 16:35 to 17:00 tomorrow.

Web site updates.
13th December: Chris Ware of Trakbak Racing tells us that Santa Pod Raceway's web site, which you can find at www.santapod.com, is now to be maintained in-house. "It currently looks exactly the same as it did, but it will go through a big face-lift after Christmas", says Chris. "The key to the site is keeping it updated and accurate, which I will do". On the subject of Santa Pod, Rick Cuthbert adds to yesterday's announcement wih the news that SPR will be running two contests on their stand at Autosport International; one to win VIP access to a race at Santa Pod, and one to win a ride-along. There will of course be more details closer to the time.

UK Custom Car Street Eliminator team No Manners Racing have revamped their web site at www.nomannersracing.co.uk. The web site gives you all the information you could need about Allen and Amanda Curtis' street-legal ten-second Thames 300E van including a history, achievements, photo gallery, links and more.

The official web site of the UK's Fireforce Jet Funny Car team has been updated with some more entries in the contest to design a new paintscheme for the Fireforce 2 Jet FC. Kids please note that time is running out to get those entries in, so check out the Fireforce web site at www.fireforce.co.uk for the rules, templates, and the current entries.

Santa Pod at Autosport International.
11th December: Courtesy of Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing comes the news that Santa Pod Raceway will have its own stand at Autosport International at the NEC, Birmingham, on 12th-13th January 2002. Santa Pod's display is in addition to the already-announced AC Delco stand which is to feature Michael Malmgren's six-second Pro Stock and a drag racing simulator.

Rick tells us that the North Herts Engineering Fuel FC and Martin Bishop's Pro Stock Bike are already signed up to appear on Santa Pod's stand, with a Top Methanol Dragster and a Junior Dragster to be confirmed. We also understand that a Top Fuel Dragster could be on display elsewhere at the Show although this too has yet to be confirmed.

"Whichever way you look at it, drag racing will be well-represented at the Show!", says Rick.

For more details on Autosport International, including ticket prices, check out the Show's official web site at www.autosportinternational.co.uk.

Eurodragster will be reporting from one of the Trade Days at the Show; we will of course bring you more details nearer the date.

Shell Racing season review.
10th December: UK Top Methanol and Junior Dragster team Shell Racing were very happy with their season, with both Doug and Joe Bond improving on their Championship positions in every series including a win for Joe in the Super Series Junior Dragster Championship. Crew Chief Martyn Hannis was kind enough to send us a season review and a few words about 2002.

"We had a positive result in the Top Methanol Dragster", says Martyn. "One place higher in each of the Championships (FIA European and MSA British - Ed) than last year. The car stayed reliable and ran consistent low six-second passes all season, over forty runs with no major engine damage. Shell Oil continued to supply us with Shell Helix 10/60, and an excellent product it has proven to be! Some of the engine parts come out looking better than when they went in.

"Joe has now got to grips with all the aspects of driving a Junior Dragster. This season he has won many events, he now has a great reaction to the lights which his many number one qualifying positions show. Doug feels that the time is right for Joe to make the move up from Junior Stock to the Junior Modified. Joe has already driven Adam Gleadow’s modified car on a nine-second test pass at Santa Pod's Flame and Thunder weekend. We have now paid a deposit on a Methanol-powered dragster for Joe's move into Modified in 2002, and we will be taking delivery in early February."

For his part, Martyn is busy replacing the TMD's Retro supercharger which has shown great service over the last couple of seasons. The new item is a Whipple complete with the latest injection hat and fuel timer system. "This costly piece of equipment is needed to enable us to run into the fives and keep us competitive", he says.

For more information from the Shell Racing pit, check out their official web site at www.eurodragster.com/shellracing.

Racers: It's not too late to send us your 2001 season reviews, nor too early for your 2002 previews. E-Mail us at news@eurodragster.com and we'll do the business.

Web site updates.
10th December: The official web site of the UK's Shockwave Fuel Funny Car team has been updated with some thoughts on the 2001 season, in which they finished runner-up in the British Fuel FC Championship. Check it out at www.funnycar.uk.com.

The Dragster World team have updated their web site with a review of the 2001 season at Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways. You can find Dragster World at www.dragsterworld.com.

Andréasson inks Texaco deal.
8th December: FIA European Top Methanol FC Champion Leif Andréasson will be using Texaco lubricants next season after signing a deal with Preem, who distribute Texaco products in Sweden.

"It is extra fun for us to promote the classic Texaco brand, and Leif Andréasson and his car is probably the best combination of marketing we can get", said Preem's Lennart Ullerfors.

You can find full details of the deal on Leif's official web site at www.andreassonmotorsports.com.

Russian International set for 2004.
8th December: The Russian Drag Racing Club is seeking assistance to secure a foothold for the sport in that country. An international race is planned for 2004 but racers are invited to visit in 2002 and 2003.

"Unofficially, drag racing events started in Moscow in 1998", says Mikhael Lapygin of the Russian Drag Racing Club. "After legalisation we have decided to arrange an international drag race in Moscow. We've got approval from the Moscow government, and have founded an organization committee for the First International Dragracing Competition in Russia in 2004.

"We'd appreciate it very much if you would accept our invitation to come to Russia for a meeting and to participate in competition. We are to run several test and tune events in 2002 and 2003 and would be glad to see you there."

The Club is also looking for help in organising everything to do with drag races from the requirements for a strip to class rules, and would also like to talk to European race vehicle constructors. You can contact Mikhael by E-Mail at darkman@biker.ru or by phone/Fax at +7 095 786 3732.

You can find the web site of the Russian Drag Racing Club at www.dragracing.ru.

See MotoSpeed for Vance and Hines.
8th December: Sweden's MotoSpeed has become an official distributor of Vance and Hines five- and six-speed gearboxes for Pro Stock Bikes and Pro Mod Bikes.

"We have the gearboxes in stock now", says MotoSpeed's Roger Lyrén, who supports six-time European Pro Stock Bike Champion Roger Petterson with engines. "For a quote please contact me by E-Mail at roger@motospeed.se or call +46 21 351925. I will also be attending all FIM/UEM Championship events in 2002 and will have spares in the trailer."

SPRC Dinner Dance reminder.
6th December: Paula Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club has asked racers if they could send in their Dinner Dance booking forms as soon as possible. "Although the Dinner Dance isn't until February 9th, I have to keep the hotel informed about numbers and meal choices", said Paula. "I understand that Christmas is coming up and that it's an expensive time of year, so please feel free to send a post-dated cheque if that helps. Similarly if you put your credit card details on the form but don't want the money taken until after Christmas, then please put a note to that effect in with the form. It's the numbers which are important right now."

You can download a Dinner Dance booking form from the Entry Forms page of the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

Pocket rockets seek backers.
6th December: If you are old enough to have to lie about your age, then you may remember that Eurodragster's News Editor used to be involved in model drag racing, and was personally responsible for a legendary model Rocket Funny Car. So when we received this news item via APIRA Press Officer Jerry Cookson, we were only too pleased to try to help out.

Adam Charnley is Team Manager for a group of students involved in the F1 for Schools project, which is backed by Jaguar Cars, Denford and a number of other large corporations. In this scheme, students have to build two identical dragsters using CAD/CAM technology and then race them against other schools in the country. The winners from each region then go on to the national finals at the BETT technology show at London Olympia in January.

Adam tells us that his students became regional champions this year with their two carbon dioxide-powered dragsters, which achieved an elapsed time of 1.124 seconds over a twenty-metre course at scale speeds of over 198 mph, the fastest speed ever achieved in the competition. Not bad for a £20 initial outlay! The team's cars were put in a wind tunnel and achieved a drag co-efficient of 0.14 which compares very well to a Porsche's 0.40.

Adam and his team are after the 1.00 second and 200 mph barriers in 2002 and would be very pleased to hear from anyone who would like to sponsor them. "Even small contributions will be gratefully received", he says. "In return, your company logo will be displayed on the day, and photos will be in technology magazines and even on the news as they were this year."

Any companies or individuals out there who would be interested in helping Adam and his team of students can E-Mail adamcharnley@yahoo.co.uk for more details; for more information on the F1 in Schools project, check out the official web site at www.f1inschools.com.

Web site updates.
6th December: Andy Frost has updated his Red Victor 2 web site with the latest news of the construction of his new Vauxhall Victor race car. "I've done so much work on it, but looking at the pictures it doesn't seem so!", says Andy. "It should look ten times better with the paint on, though". Check it out at www.redvictor1racing.co.uk.

French Super Street racer Thierry Perret's web site is now available at two URLs: racingboss.free.fr and www.lapistededrag.com. Thierry's site has been updated with news about his new '75 Chevy Nova race car, and news of a project to build a drag strip in France.

Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with three new Windows wallpaper files (of Kenneth Feldthusen, Per Begntsson and Kev Moore). Sharkman promises more wallpaper over the next few weeks, together with some video clips which will form part of the Eurodragster staff's sack of Christmas presents for our readers: stay tuned for more details. You can find Sharkman's web site at www.eurodragster.com/sharkman.

2002 ACU dates.
4th December: The provisional dates for the 2002 UK ACU Drag Bike Championships (for Top Fuel Bike, Funny Bike, Pro Stock Bike, Competition Bike and Super Street Bike) are now available on the Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.

Eurodragster third in poll.
4th December: Thanks to everyone who voted for Eurodragster.com in the Best News Site category of the Dot Com Awards on US web site Competition Plus. We came third (or as our American friends put it so nicely "Second runner-up") finishing ahead of, amongst others, NHRA and IHRA's official web sites. Congratulations to US web sites Dragcom.com and Dragraceresults.com who finished above us in the poll, and felicitations also to our good friend Dawn Mazi-Hovsepian who won Contributor of the Year for her excellent Nostalgia race coverage.

You can find the final poll results, plus a whole lot more, on Competition Plus at www.competitionplus.com.

Web site updates.
4th December: Our good buddy Michael Buhagiar has updated his Maltese Drag Racing web site with a report from the recent finals at Hal Far Raceway. "I am trying to put more information on the site", says Michael, "so I would very much appreciate it if anyone could send me photographs, comments, literature and anything else to do with Maltese Drag Racing. I would also like to set up a page tracing the history of drag racing on Malta, so if anyone has any photographs of old race cars or other historic pictures then pleased send them". You can contact Michael by E-Mail at hawliman@hotmail.com, and you can find his Maltese Drag Racing web site at www.geocities.com/dragraceway.

Sweden's Markus Ek has moved his Markus Racingbilder web site to markus.homeip.net. Markus' excellent web site features a large number of photographs from the Scandinavian scene and shouldn't be missed.

Chris Dossett has updated his Trakbyte's UK Drag Racing History with a number of race results and other historical information. Chris updates the web site on a regular basis and it is becoming an ever more detailed authority on the history of the sport in the UK. Check it out at members.aol.com/trakbyte.

Pattison Pants for SSB.
2nd December: UK 9.90 Bike racer Rachel Pattison has announced that she is to move up to Super Street Bike in 2002. Rachel's Turbo-equipped Suzuki Bandit, part of Team Pants, has run a best of 9.40 and is off to Ken Cooper to have progressive gas fitted.

"Although I don't think I will be competitive in Super Street Bike initially, I got really frustrated this year when I got to three-quarter track and had to shut the throttle to avoid breaking out", says Rachel. "I found it very difficult. Unfortunately my natural throttle position is open, not closed! Still, even if I am not competitive next year it will be good practice for winning Super Street Bike in 2003!"

Rachel told us a little more about Team Pants. "The other team members are Andy Stephens who rides a GSXR with gas, and Paul Newman who rides a GSX with EFE bodywork and gas", she says. "Steve and Flo are our crew members, although Flo had a go on the strip at this year's Bulldog Bash. She ran a 19.125/80mph on a twenty-year-old GSX 250, having only passed her test the week before - bless! Also at the Bulldog Bash I won the Fastest Lady trophy with an 11.2 on the Bandit I race now, but needless to say that was before the turbo! Steve had a go on my standard road Bandit at Shakey. I think he prefers the roundy roundy type of racing - personally I don't do corners!"

All of the Team Pants members have been riding bikes for several years, have been attending Run What You Brungs for a few years, and got serious about drag racing this season. "Andy and I went to all the races this year, and Paul only missed a couple at Shakey", says Rachel. "By the end of the season, we finished fourth, fifth and seventh respectivley. Not bad for a bunch of novices! I should have finished better really but I kept breaking out! I am now completely addicted and have spent every penny I earned in my business (Abbey Rider Training) this year on my Bandit! Although my business sponsors our team, we are always on the look out for sponsors, as I am sure everyone else is."

You can find out more about Team Pants on their official web site at www.teampants.com.

.50 rejection prompts 8.90 idea.
2nd December: The rejection of a proposal to change class indexes in the UK's 9.90 and 10.90 Bike to 9.50 and 10.50 has prompted reaction from bike racers, together with a suggestion from one of those involved. The proposal was made at last weekend's UK Riders and Drivers Meeting but was not carried.

"I thought that we discussed things at the meeting, then decisions were made there", says UK National 9.90 Bike Champion Paul 'Grumpy' Watson. "There seems no point in having these meetings if this is not the case". Rachel Pattison of Team Pants agrees. "The answer to the question about whether the classes should change was a foregone conclusion before we even got there", she says.

Paul Watson suggests an 8.90 Bike class. "It was a great success in the car classes", he says. "The gap between 9.90 and Super Street Bike is far too big now. There is no progression once you get to 9.90. If you want to be competitive in Super Street you have to change your bike. I think that there is big interest in the 8.90 class, and I feel both SPRC and APIRA should consider this for 2003."

Both Paul and Rachel would be interested to hear views from their fellow bike racers. You can E-Mail Paul at pwatson440@hotmail.com, and Rachel at abbeyrider@nascr.net.

Child to run CCSE...
2nd December: Lee Child of LA Racing Parts, one of Eurodragster's sponsors through UKracer.com, is to take over as Championship co-ordinator for the UK's Custom Car Street Eliminator in 2002. Lee takes over from Custom Car magazine's Ian Jackson who has done a sterling job running the popular street-legal series for many years; Ian will remain involved as his wife Sue will continue to compete in CCSE in their nine-second 'Vette.

Tog and Sharkman would like to thank Ian for all of his help whilst running the CCSE, and we look forward to reporting on Sue's first eight next year!

...as Fantasy contest opens.
2nd December: Still on the subject of CCSE, Stuart Dempsey has set up a Fantasy Drag Racing contest for the CCSE class in 2002, and is now inviting entries. You can find more details on Stuart's CCSE fan site at ccse.homestead.com.

Web site updates.
2nd December: The Walkin' the Dog web site, which is a tribute to Nobby Hills' legendary Houndog drag racing team, has moved URLs to www.houndogdragracing.co.uk. If you're a fan of the Houndog team and you've not visited Walkin' the Dog then be sure to check it out. The site features a history of the team, press articles, photographs, an insider's view of the construction of one of the Houndog FCs, and much more.

The official web site of the UK's Fireforce Jet FC team has been updated with the first batch of entries received in the children's competition to design a new paintjob for the Fireforce 2 five-second Chevy Lumina. Kids, it's not too late to enter the contest and win a bunch of Fireforce merchandise so get on over to www.fireforce.co.uk and see how you can get involved.

Earlier news

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