"I feel it is important to get people into drag racing via an easy route, as this is where I started off forty four years ago" says Dave, who used to campaign a 1967 Mustang.
In addition the team have acquired Jon Morton's '69 Camaro and have spent the winter modifying it to suit Andy who will be driving it in Super Gas this year. The Magic Rat is seen
below on its return from Richard Walters' paint shop.
Andy will be making his first outing in the car at Santa Pod Raceway today, Saturday, with licencing planned for the Pro Peak Performance Day before
the Festival of Power (Which will be webcast here on Eurodragster.com - Ed). Jon Morton and crew Neil will be working with Dave and Andy this
season.
In return for the reveal Andy has set a Trivia Challenge for Eurodragster.com readers, namely to identify the inspiration for the Magic Rat's name:
E-Mail us at [email protected] if you think you know.
There will be more to follow about the new ride but in the meantime we wish Dave and Andy good luck and new PBs.
Swift snippets. 30th March: The official entry list for the Festival of Power is now up to Version 8 courtesy of
Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall. You can check out the entry list by
clicking
here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com
page. Ian tells us that there is likely to be one more update to the list.
Toys R Us. 29th March: The UK's John Tebenham has been in touch to tell us that his dream garage contains what will hopefully
a seven-second Ford Pop and five-second Corvette:
I'm starting with the Pop in Super Pro at Easter, then the Corvette at the Doorslammers and the Test Day. Hopefully, if all goes according to plan, we will be running both cars at the Main Event!
I have Luke Robinson in charge of the car, he unbelievable, and Andy Robinson has offered to be on hand if I need him. Marco Maurischat and his Crew Chief are also crewing to make up this
fantastic team.
All I have to do is to learn to drive these monsters. Great respect to everyone who drives a Pro Mod - I hope I can add to this great class!
Please come and see us and and say Hello to us, as we are working hard and doing our best to add to this great race track. And by the way, I would like to say a massive thank you to Keith Bartlett
for keeping drag racing alive in the UK!
Formerly known as JT - now Johnny Bee Good - like Frank said, my way.
Sister fact. 29th March: UK Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Andy Bond made a good start with his Ugly Sister Chevy but what
he describes as a "bump" at the 2017 SPRC Summernationals delayed proceedings. The return was worth the wait, though:
After a few bolts and some minor body repairs for both driver and car we were back on track - ironically returning exactly one year later at the 2018 Summernationals.
The team struggled with bump box issues at first but eventually got consistency into stage. Once there the car left arrow straight allowing us to concentrate on the sixty
foot times. Encouraged by this we started to use some of the potential power resulting in a 7.73/190.
It was fantastic to take the wins at Bug Jam 32, the European Finals and the Tri Chevy Shootout at the Hot Rod Drags. The points taken in the back end of the season resulted in a second place finish;
the team were well pleased to finally be moving in the right direction.
Winning SPRC's Best Appearing Car for 2018 was a real boost and I would like to thank Eurodragster.com for running the vote and everyone who showed their support by voting.
The Ugly Sister has been in Crew Chief Martin's workshop, Tubeworks in Cheltenham, for some modifications and upgrades, and to shave a few more pounds off that waistline!
She's been back on the roads of Wiltshire to the shops, the pub and of course the gas station!
The 2019 season is fast approaching and the team are looking forward to more seat time and a full season to progress the car, to explore her potential and to see just how ugly
this year can get...
Swift snippets. 29th March: Our good buddy Remco Scheelings is continuing his series of Features on the Drag Racing Europe Blog with his latest
victim The Netherlands' David Vegter and the PTTM Pro Mod. You can check out Remco's Feature by
clicking
here.
Now calling at Nitrous Station. 29th March: Further to the recent announcement of a partnership between Serck Motorsport and Santa Pod Raceway, Darren Prentice of Santa Pod has been in touch to
announce that the promised Nitrous Filling Station will be up and running at the track from this weekend:
Launched in conjunction with Serck Motorsport, this new service represents another big step forward in terms of the trackside services which we can offer our racers and
Track Day participants. The onsite Nitrous Filling Station has been installed within Santa Pod's Garage Shop located in the pits, and our trained staff are ready and waiting
to carry out your refills at just £10/lb (including VAT).
The Nitrous filling service will be available at all events from RWYB Track Days to full-blown race events, and we can even offer a mid-week service on request to
[email protected]. Don't forget to check out the new Serck Motorsport product and parts display in the Garage
Shop while your bottles are replenished. New bottles are also available to purchase.
In the last twenty four hours we have posted Version 6 and now V7 of the official Festival of Power entry list courtesy of
Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall. You can check out the entry list by
clicking here
or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Thanks also to Ian Marshall for sending Version 1 of the official entry list for the Springspeed Nationals, which takes
place at Santa Pod Raceway on 4th-5th May and which is also a round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike
and some Club Championships. You can check out the Springspeed Nationals entry list by
clicking here
or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Springspeed Nationals entry closes on Friday 12th April, after which a Late Entry penalty may apply. You can download the official entry forms
via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
If you have any queries about event entry then please get in touch with Ian Marshall at
[email protected] or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933
313625).
The official entry list for the Festival of Power is now up to Version 5 courtesy of Ian Marshall. You
can check out the entry list by
clicking
here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com
page. Entry closes this Friday (28th); you can download the official entry forms from the SPRC web site at
www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
Thanks to Mike Collins for sending us the usual preview of his column in the latest issue of Street
Machine magazine due out tomorrow, Thursday, plus bonus material exclusively for Eurodragster.com readers.
This month the second PDF above will really wet the whistle of Nostalgia fans as it features an extensive
report and pictures of a promotional appearance by various cars and bikes at a circuit race at Silverstone
in the 1970s. Click on the images above for the PDF downloads.
We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Supercharged Outlaw racer Jim Usher. Have a great day
Jim.
4.1 Flexible trans blankets require recertification after 5 years not 2 years, so the updated list is now as follows:
4.1 Flexible trans blankets: UK rule book reads 2 years, should be 5 years
7.1 Lower engine containment device: UK rule book reads 1 year, should read 5 years
14.2 Methanol supercharger restraints: UK rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
14.21 Screw type supercharger restraints: UK rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
27.1 Window nets: UK rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
61.1 Turbochargers: UK rule book reads 1 year, should read 2 years
The rule book on the SPRC web site will be updated to reflect the above.
If you have any queries then please get in touch with Ian at
[email protected] or call 01933 313625
(outside the UK +44 1933 313625).
Swift snippets. 26th March: The official entry list for the Festival of Power is now up to Version 4
courtesy of Ian Marshall. You can check out the entry list by
clicking here
or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Entry
closes this Friday (28th); you can download the official entry
forms from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Keiran Letts of SPRC's timing crew. Have a great day Keiran.
Mugridge Sr retires from racing. 26th March: UK Comp Eliminator racer has been in touch to let us know that he is retiring
from racing, although Nick and Luke are not, and so his seven-second David Monday Race Cars '68 Camaro is up for sale:
The Camaro is for sale completely turn-key and is ready for someone to race now. If there is no interest in the complete car then it can be sold
as a roller without engine and gearbox or less any other parts that someone might not need. This is a huge opportunity for someone to get into
racing with an awesome race car which they can just step into without having to wait to build or have the expense of building new. The car is
ready to run mid-sevens.
The race transporter trailer and tractor unit is also up for sale and has a compete living quarters on the upper deck with four beds, shower
room and flush toilet, kitchen with LPG cooker, fridge freezer and microwave and hot and cold running water. It has on-board water and
waste tanks. We have stayed in it at Santa Pod for six days. There is a two-tonne tail lift and race platform which will take a doorslammer
or dragster onto the top deck. On the lower deck there is a large neck storage area which also houses an on-board compressor. The
lower deck comprises of two large storage cupboards, workbench with three tool chests below. There are ample power points, lighting
and tie down points. We have carried a Super Pro ET dragster, Junior Dragster and golf cart on the lower deck with the Camaro on the
upper deck.
There is a quality Tectonics awning which attaches to the side, 12m long x 4m wide complete with all sides, front and rear panels.
Rolatrac black pit flooring is also available.
The tractor unit is a MAN 26/430 TGA model with bunk beds. The tractor can go with the trailer or the trailer can go without the tractor.
We have reduced the price; please see advertisements 17289 (race car) and 52529 (rig) on the
Jeff Bull Race Engines Swap Meet.
The team's golf cart is also available. It is a petrol powered EZGO four-seater model with full roof and full rain covering. It has very
low hours on the hour meter and has never seen a golf course. It has a towing frame fitted to the chassis and comfortably tows the
team's Camaro.
When grown men cry... 24th March: UK Fuel Funny Car racer Steve Ashdown says that the Undertaker team are looking forward to the 2019
Funny Car Series:
We went from such a great weekend at the Main Event, taking the win, to the European Finals where nothing we seemed to do went right.
If you ever wanted to see two grown men cry then you should have come to our workshop after that race when Dave Bryant and I were almost
definitely crying. I can honestly say it nearly broke us. Hopefully this year we will be more fortunate.
We have upgraded a few things on car after last year's devastation! New wiring, new plumbing, upgraded heads, new blocks, in fact pretty new everything! We literally had nothing left at all,
which was down to some mechanical failures but also me with the red mist taking over out of pure frustration. I still have so much to learn to allow me to be named a Funny Car driver, the
rookie in me just wants to stamp on the throttle and aim it in a straight line and hope for the best, but trust me there is a whole lot more to it. Hopefully more seat time will resolve this little problem.
I would like this opportunity to welcome some new sponsors on board for 2019 season:
Mitchell and the team at Signstar Graphics who are wrapping the FC and our trailer, these guys are absolutely awesome to work with very highly recommended;
Pat and his team at Atrium Marquees for sorting our new marquee for 2019, brilliant service and once again highly recommended;
The J+S group of companies: J+S Entertainment, J+S Facilities, J+S Secure;
Banks Nightclub and Cocktail bar, Maidstone Kent.
Of course we cannot forget the continued support from our old sponsors Dave Robey of Robey Scaffolding, this is his third year of supporting the Undertaker team.
Thank you Dave for your continued support. Gary Brookes, fast2finish printers, once again their third year of supporting the Undertaker team.
Gary, thank you mate for always pulling the printing out of the bag.
As usual Pete Walters has worked his magic and done this awesome new wrap for us along with new team shirts, T-shirts and hero cards which will be on sale very soon.
Thanks Pete, absolute legend.
Of course I have to thank Dave Bryant and Gordon Smith for the opportunity once again to allow me to live my dream. Then there is the team who work tirelessly both on
and off the track to give me an absolutely amazing hot rod to drive every year without fail. Thank you to each and every one of you for all your support, hard work, blood,
sweat and tears you put into this crazy sport. I can tell you this: we may not be the richest team, or best looking team out there but I wouldn't want to do this with anyone
else but Dave and our team.
Thank you to Rune at RF Motorsport for all his help and to our very good friend from the good old USA Michael Domagala of PMP for the blocks and rods etc.
Thanks to Santa Pod's CEO Keith Bartlett for giving us the Series which gives us something to chase, it's going to make it a very exciting season!
Lastly thanks have to go to all the Santa Pod staff and crew and the girls in office for working as hard as they do to make sure that we have a safe and fast track to race on.
All of you deserve more recognition than you do.
Keep up the good work and see you all at Easter.
100e Challenge nears first round. 24th March: Nigel Taylor writes that the first round of the 100e Challenge, to be held at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday 6th April,
is filling up as lots of 100es are coming out of the woodwork:
Round 1 should have more than eighteen in attendance with twelve or more making a pass to get some sort of an idea on what times they will run.
Scott Colin and Sean Pop Doyle from the Modified Ford 100e Facebook page have been busy not only on their own cars but also those of their other
halves, as well as putting this series together. It's all shaping up to be a great challenge:
6th-7th April: The Fast Show
10th-12th May: NSRA Nostalgia Nationals
15th-16th June: The Retro Show
12th July: Dragstalgia (Friday)
13th-15th September: NSRA Hot Rod Drags
I'm looking forward to being amongst the 100e crew, as well as to the return of the Detroit Spinner and Paul Dale's
Acute Angle 105e at the NSRA Nostalgia Nationals.
For more information on joining in with your 100e, or if you just want to follow the action, then get in touch with Scott Collin or Sean Pop Doyle via the
Modified Ford 100e Facebook page where you will also find
merchandise available for what is looking to be an exciting group of cars.
Swift snippets. 24th March: The official entry list for the Festival of Power is now up to Version 3 courtesy of Santa
Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall. You can check out the entry list by
clicking here
or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page, and you can download the official entry
forms from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
Congratulations to Albert Carter who gained his Super Comp licence during a two-day course at Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School last week.
After 200-, 660- and 1000-foot passes on day one, Albert put in runs of 8.20/162, 8.21/162 and 8.26/156 to get the paperwork. "I would like to say Thank You to all the staff at Frank Hawley's
Drag Racing School, my sponsors, all the people who are supporting me and wishing me well, Tony Morris, Lex Joon and Terry Haddock for giving me an opportunity and advice at last weekend's
NHRA Gatornationals", says Albert.
Nigel Taylor has asked us to say a big Happy Birthday for today (Sunday) to his wife Sophie Taylor. "Although Sophie doesn't like
drag racing she has never stopped me going and even gave me the go-ahead to get another 100e!", says Nigel. We would also like to say a big Happy Birthday with
hugs to Lucy Moore who as of today is no longer a teenager. Have a lovely day both. No news update yesterday so we were unable to say Happy Birthday to
Tog's good friend Karen Brumby; we do however know that Karen had a good day which included a portion of chips cooked in beef dripping and it really
doesn't get much better than that.
No Prep Series update. 24th March: The ten-event No Prep Drag Race Series which has stops all around the country has some impressive
car counts but there is room for more and everyone has a part to play, writes Paul Marston:
The world-famous Silverstone Classic features No Prep Cash Days. Sixteen of the fastest No Prep doorslammers in the country will fight it out over the-three day event.
There will be a serious pile of cash up for grabs at that event, plus a bonus race as well. We are very grateful to Mark from the Rodfathers for inviting
and hosting us at this great event.
Sywell will feature North Weald Allstars v York Raceway Veterans, fighting it out for team honours. We will publish the entry list for both the events soon on Eurodragster.com.
I must say that team captain for the York Raceway Vets Pel Norman has got together a very, very impressive list of drivers. The North Weald Allstars captained by DRE Boss
Gary Springford sure have their work cut out for them.
The first event in our No Prep Drag Racing Series season kicks off at Lancaster Dragstrip, East Kirkby, Spilsby, Lincolnshire, SP23 4DE on Saturday 13th April, the entry is filling
up nicely but there are still spots available. For entry forms email [email protected], call or text me on
07831 650230, or seek out No Prep Drag Racing on Facebook. We would like to express our gratitude to Trevor Duckworth and the Straightliners team for hosting us at East Kirkby.
If you need any flyers or posters to help spread the word, or a digital image of our flyer or poster, again contact us on the details above. We sure do appreciate the help of people
in the drag racing world, we are all in this together and need your support and help to spread the word.
Enter the Nomads. 24th March: Howard Holmes has been in touch with an introduction to the
Nomad Drag Racing Club, which is an all-new collective
of drag racers, enthusiasts and others involved with the sport:
Working together with promoters and event organisers, the aptly-named Nomad Drag Racing Club is on a mission to ensure the continuation of drag racing,
predominantly at grass-roots and sportsman levels. The Club also aims to help the greater good of drag racing and the wider community involved in the sport and hobby.
Since the closure of two out of three of the UK's permanent drag racing facilities, Shakespeare County and York Raceway, the Nomad Drag Racing Club was born out of necessity,
when the closure of the Pennine Drag Racing Club was announced.
The Nomad Club provides a community for like-minded, right-minded drag racers and enthusiasts, providing a conduit for communication and support. The Club is not a promoter
or a motor sport club, however the Club is eager to offer support to promoters and drag racing event organisers. We aim to be a positive and organised force to help enable these
events to happen. Our ultimate goal is to assist in nurturing the return of another permanent drag racing facility in the UK, that is fit for purpose as a 21st century venue.
The Club is currently Facebook-based, and has gained over 500 supporters within two weeks.
We believe the opportunity is wide open for an outstanding new -or renewed- drag racing venue. We will provide as much help and support for this when an opportunity arises.
The case has been argued before, Nomad DRC believes there is a strong commercial case for the return of a permanent drag strip. There is a viable future for this, particularly
at the sportsman/clubman/ grass-roots level.
Considering some of the hard commercial facts, there is a viable case. Estimates vary, but there are possibly 3,000 vehicles in the UK built for drag racing, and possibly 10,000 street/strip
cars and bikes. Currently, there is just one drag strip in the UK, Santa Pod of course, which is crammed to capacity with drag racing and lifestyle events. Clearly there is the need for another
drag strip, there is simply not enough capacity to fulfil the desire to participate in drag racing. We believe this also benefits Santa Pod, as it provides a feeder from grass root to Pro classes.
The reopening of an improved York Raceway is absolutely ideal: it is close to the M62 corridor, good for access and it serves a large population within travelling distance. Indeed, it's only a
hop, skip and a ferry away from mainland Europe.
Furthermore, York has been an established venue, without noise issues. We understand that the landowner has categorically stated that provision for the drag strip has been stipluated
to those using the facility. The supporters of York Raceway have previously demonstrated their huge commitment to making this work and proving this can happen. Clearly, we understand
there are complexities to achieving this. and Nomad Drag Racing Club shall play its part in providing as much support and enthusiasm as we can to the interested parties in achieving this
outcome, and assuring our loyalty to the cause.
The current UK rule book, as distributed on SPRC member lanyards, contains an inaccuracy on several SFI recertification periods. The correct periods are as follow:
7.1 Lower engine containment device: rule book reads 1 year, should read 5 years
14.2 Methanol supercharger restraints: rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
14.21 Screw type supercharger restraints: rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
27.1 Window nets: rule book reads 2 years, should read 4 years
61.1 Turbochargers: rule book reads 1 year, should read 2 years
Details as posted on the Eurodragster.com News update of 27th March 2018 are correct, and the UK rule
book on the SPRC web site will be corrected very shortly.
Festival of Power entry update. 22nd March: Many thanks also to Ian Marshall for
forwarding us Version 2 of the official entry list for the Festival of Power, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 19th-21st April
and which is the first round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and some Club Championships. You can check out the entry list by
clicking here
or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Entry closes on Friday of next week (29th March) after which entry, if accepted, may be subject to a Late Entry penalty.
You can download the official entry forms via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at
www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
If you have any queries about Festival of Power entry then please get in touch with Ian at
[email protected] or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK
+44 1933 313625).
As well as returning sponsors Lucas Oil Products, Modurstang, Hutchinson & Dibley and Topspeed Automotive, welcome to new class sponsors
Secret Worx, Phoenix Personnel, Jon Morton, Bloodwise/Another Small f, Taylor's Trophy and Accelerate for a Cause and a Cure. We will have
more about the class sponsors shortly. This entry list update also heralds the return of Susanne Callin to Top Fuel Dragster, as
announced by Susanne's partner and Santa Pod Raceway CEO Keith Bartlett at the SPRC Dinner Dance. With Maja Udtian also scheduled to
run in the class at Easter, Liam Jones finds himself outnumbered two to one.
Swift snippets. 22nd March: Although the birthday of Derek Flynn of Eurodragster.com sponsor Gold
RV is a couple of weeks off, he has taken advantage of Facebook's Birthday Fundraiser feature to start to raise funds for Bloodwise.
Two targets have already come and gone and so Derek has stretched the envelope with a target of £500. If you would like to donate to
Bloodwise then you can do so at www.facebook.com/donate/1133215770194384.
Michael Dowdy, going into his forty-fifth year at Santa Pod, asked us to say a big Happy Birthday for today (Friday) to his son, Lucas Oil
Junior Dragster racer Matthew Dowdy. Our pleasure, have a great day Matthew. Michael also asked us to thank Mark Exley of sponsor
Gravitas HR who has renewed his support for this year. "Full details of what Gravitas HR offer can be found at
www.gravitashr.co.uk", says Michael. "Alternatively just have a chat to Mark at any race meeting. Finally a belated
Thank You to the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame for the invitation to their Gala last year. If you are thinking of going this year, just go, you won't regret it!"
Festival of Power entry update. 21st March: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall for
forwarding us Version 1 of the official entry list for the Festival of Power, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 19th-21st April
and which is the first round of the UK National Drag Racing, ACU UK Drag Bike and some Club Championships. You can check out the entry list by
clicking here
or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Entry closes on Friday of next week (29th March) after which entry, if accepted, may be subject to a Late Entry penalty.
You can download the official entry forms via the Information link on the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at
www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
If you have any queries about Festival of Power entry then please get in touch with Ian at
[email protected] or call 01933 313625 (outside the UK
+44 1933 313625).
Swift snippets. 21st March: Our first Webster Race
Engineering/Nimbus Motorsportwebcasts of the
year will be from the VHRA Vintage Nationals (Saturday 13th April) and GTi Spring Festival (Sunday 14th April) at Santa Pod Raceway.
These will be followed by the pre-Festival of Power Pro Peak Performance Day on Thursday 18th April. Stay tuned for more dates.
Caitlin and Emmy Wilson asked us to say a big Happy Birthday with love to their dad Duncan Wilson(below left). "Without Dad no racing would be possible for either
Em or I", says Caitlin. "We are so grateful for everything he does for us". Have a great day Duncan.
To prove that you can't keep a good idea down, our good friend Bob Roberts got in touch with video of a No Prep race(above right) at Thruxton in 1980.
The race took place over 100 yards and featured one of the widest drag strips we have seen. "The Race Director and Chief Starter became a well-known chassis
builder (and flight specialist)", says Bob.
If you fancy working on a blown-alcohol altered then the Thunder God team are seeking a crew member. You can find out whether you've got what it takes via the
Drivers/Crew Required link on our Jeff Bull Race
Engines-sponsored Swap Meet.
A word for our sponsors. 19th March: Eurodragster.com sponsors please note that this year's sponsorship renewals have been sent out and are now due.
A big Thank You to those who have already paid. If your renewal has not arrived and it is not in your Spam folder then please get in touch with Tog at
[email protected].
If you are interested in sponsoring Eurodragster.com then please get in touch with Tog at the same address.
The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (above right) came with no words. If you know more, or if you would like to send your
own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected].
Many thanks to our good buddy Kai Plathan for alerting us to a couple of great videos from Räyskälä in Finland back in 1985.
Similarly to Kai's last submission this is a runway race featuring some well-known vehicles and names and if you liked your Pro Comp then
the first of the two videos is definitely for you.
No news update yesterday so we were unable to say a big Happy Birthday to our good friend John Hackney. Hope you had a great day
Hackers.
Support your local drag strip. 17th March: Paul Marston says that with drag racing under attack and threatened in the same way as has happened to
Grasstrack, Short Oval, Sprinting and other disciplines of motorsport you can play your part to fight back by supporting the No Prep Series at its various venues this
season:
These are strong words indeed, words that up until 2017 I never thought I would be saying, but nevertheless that is my opinion and is exactly what we are facing.
It is the grassroots drag racer who is being driven out. Why threatened? Because if you kill the roots the tree falls down, it's not rocket science. With drag racing the
loss of York Raceway, Shakespeare County Raceway and North Weald Airfield all happened at once.
The problem is replacing these venues. Believe you me it has not been easy for all of us at No Prep Outlaw Drag Racing. All the venues at which we are appearing
are temporary facilities: it's good to cover the country with events just about everywhere. We sincerely thank the promoters who have given us a chance to race
with them, namely Mark at the Rodfathers and the legend that is Trevor Duckworth and his Straightliners organisation.
For 2019 we need something from all the grass-roots racers out there, each and every one of you. We need your support. We need competitors to race with us.
I am not overstating the importance of this. If the grass-roots drag racer does not support the 2019 series in significant numbers there will be less of a chance
of there being a 2020 series. This, like Rockingham Dragstrip, is a series run by racers for racers for the love of the sport, nothing more nothing less. Why?
Because if we don't all play our part in supporting the sport then drag racing dies off. The simple truth is that all your race cars will be worthless, just think
about that for a while and let it sink in.
Pel Norman said to me earlier this week why so many of the northern lads raced in No Prep at Rockingham Dragstrip, and some mighty tough competition
they are too, because they know what it's like: they lost their track two years ago. Without a track to race on your car has no value. Unless you want to put
it back on the road, which means a lot of expense and with all the speed cameras and 70 mph speed limit, what use is that when your car is built to do 170
mph?
So my message here is clear: support your grass-roots drag race series if you want drag racing in this country to survive. Don't sit on the fence and wait and
see who turns up for the first season, if you do that there might not be a second season! What we have here is a unique opportunity to put drag racing back
on the map. To show that we will not go quietly, that this is our sport and this is what we enjoy to do and that we are going to carry on doing it as long as
there are drag strips to run on.
Everyone can help out! If you would like some flyers and posters to distribute and spread the word, please contact us via the Facebook page, E-Mail me
at [email protected] or call me on 07831 650230. All we need is your name
and address. If you are a member of a race team, call up the car owner and ask him if he will come and race with us. We need supporting, this series is
for you guys.
The season kicks off on Saturday 13th April at East Kirkby Dragstrip with True Street and Pro Street. There are some spots left so stand up and be part of
the future which starts this year, and enter. The second event is on Saturday 27th April at Dakota Dragstrip in Somerset, with True Street and Pro Street.
The series has ten dates throughout the year. This is your sport if you want it to survive it needs your support, over to you people. Entry forms are available
at tinyurl.com/2019noprep or contact us as above.
Fast Fil joins Puma. 17th March:Puma Engineering Ltd, manufacturer of the world's most powerful motorcycle engines,
has announced that Athens, Greece based businessman Filippos Papafilippou has joined Ian King as co-owner and Director of the drag race motorcycle engine specialists.
Papafilippou's business interests include Drag Store in Athens, a specialist in carbon fibre composite design and manufacture alongside its tuning and race preparation services.
Papafilippou recently joined the multiple FIM European Championship winning and world record-holding team King Racing after acquiring the Gulf Oil machine campaigned by
King and built in his Puma Engineering workshops, winning his own and first European title in his inaugural year riding a supercharged nitromethane Top Fuel motorcycle.
Ian King said "I'm very happy to welcome Fil to join me in our small but world-renowned business. He brings a wealth of racing experience on both two- and four-wheel drag racing, and the complementary
expertise within Drag Store will help develop our product portfolio for the future. Fil has become a good friend over the last few years and since he joined my race team has proved to be a competent and
able development rider, well equipped to feedback improvement proposals in our race efforts. As a one man band I welcomed the opportunity to share some of the burden I have carried alone since
Gerard Willemse left almost seven years ago, and am excited at what Fil can bring to Puma Engineering."
Puma Engineering was founded in 1972 by Pete Davies. Pete, an apprenticed engineer and jig borer, had developed an interest in motorcycles from his father who bought, restored and sold motorcycles
at Rugby market. Whilst racing as a passenger on a Triumph twin powered grass track sidecar outfit Pete started to improve and remanufacture parts for the fragile engines, and after being made redundant
in 1972 started up the company making parts for other sidecar racing teams. After a chance encounter with drag racer Ray Feltell at a show in 1974 Pete commenced the manufacture of parts for drag racing
applications. The first nitro engine was built for John Clift, with later commissions from John for use in his famous Chain Reaction Top Fuel Triumph parallel twin.
Puma are now manufacturers of the most powerful motorcycle engines in the world, and power the quickest and fastest accelerating motorcycles across the globe. They offer the complete range of parts to
construct all combinations of nitromethane fuelled drag bikes; supercharged and normally aspirated, single cylinder through parallel and V-twin combinations to inline four cylinder.
Commissions from customers across the globe already include state of the art Puma CrMo chassis, billet V-twin engines and a number of four-cylinder engine combinations through to complete turn-key
machines. Recent developments have included Mark 2 billet Puma 3V cylinder heads, gear driven camshaft engines, innovative barrel valves developed specifically for Top Fuel Bike applications, and
state-of-the-art Carbon Fibre injector hat and precision screw supercharger combinations.
As well as offering its heavy duty Pro1 cases as replacements for the Suzuki GS/GSX engines, Puma has been developing engines and turnkey concepts for the so called New Age Funny Bikes to overcome
the engine and gearbox problems associated with running a mid six-second Funny Bike using OEM design engine cases. Powered by inline four engines utilising normally-aspirated nitromethane injected,
supercharged/turbocharged petrol or alcohol and nitrous oxide-injected combinations on a pseudo Top Fuel Bike transmission layout, these combinations permit engine setups in excess of 1000 HP to be
utilised if desired that could not be reliably achieved with the traditional Funny Bike combinations. Available for all OEM motorcycle cylinder head stud spacings, crankshafts up to 95 mm stroke are offered
resulting in capacities of up to 2500cc.
To date, well over one hundred Puma engines have been built for Top Fuel and Funny Bike applications. Puma-powered motorcycles have broken numerous US, European, Australian and world records
over the years, and have propelled many riders to Championship titles, many more than any other engine in Top Fuel Bike history. With power outputs exceeding 1500 HP/PS and under 1600 cc,
Puma-powered motorcycles are used in the current US, European and British Championship-winning bikes, and hold the accolade of propelling multi US Champion Larry McBride to the fastest
(258.27 mph/415.64 kmh) and quickest (5.611 secondss) runs in history on a mechanically-driven motorcycle on a quarter mile from a standing start.
A fund for Jean. 15th March: Further to his request for MS Trust donations rather than flowers at Jean Lane's funeral, Peter Lane tells us that
a Justgiving page has been set up in Jean's memory to benefit the MS Trust.
Webster renews Doorslammers backing. 15th March: Santa Pod Raceway are pleased to announce that Webster Race Engineering,
situated next to the track, have renewed their class sponsorship for the eagerly-anticipated Doorslammers event on 17th-19th May.
Jon Webster is a name well known at Santa Pod having built and/or driven just about every conceiable type of race car and his reputation precedes him. Webster Race Engineering are renewing their
association with the 4 Cylinder class to put their engineering services in front of competitors and spectators alike.
Jon said "It's a particular discipline in which we are interested with several customers who could make an impact in the class. I was involved with the design and build of Wayne Saunders' world record-setting
Ford Focus back in 1999 and the enthusiasm for the potential of the possible combinations out there has stayed with me. The Doorslammers is an excellent platform for these cars. Heads-up competition is the r
eal place for them to battle it out. We are currently involved with vehicles that may appear at the event and we offer extensive workshop services and support with respect to race car construction and associated
services and support."
Gainesful employment. 14th March: Santa Pod Raceway Track Announcer Colin Theobald has been in touch with the story behind yesterday's spy picture of
a Gatornationals staff pass. Announcer Colin is pleased to announce that he is announcing:
Those of you who will be following the NHRA 50th Gatornationals either as part of the very sizeable British contingent at the event, along with many more following via the internet, will probably
recognise the voice of one of the announcers in the Tower as I am joining Alan Reinhart and Joe Castello for the duration of the event and will be helping out when required.
I honestly cannot believe I'm here as part of the show. I was fortunate enough to do some colour commentary during the Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex back in 2017 and to be able to join
the team from day one is a massive honour. I'll be making sure everyone here knows about Santa Pod and European drag racing. Later on I'll be catching up with Brian Lohnes, who has become a
great friend. So you never know what might happen there!
Williams' last US date. 14th March: Eurodragster.com sponsor Nic Williams and the rest of the OCS Group team
will be flying the flag for the UK and Santa Pod Raceway as the only competitor from England at this weekend's NHRA 50th anniversary Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.
This is the last US event for the WBR AA/SA Camaro as it will be shipped back to Northamptonshire after the race. "We know that there are so many visitors from Europe", says Nic. "Please come and
say hi to us as well as to Tony Morris who is pitted next door, and of course to the Swedish Stock racers who are right opposite."
You will be able to stay in touch with our heroes' progress on the Drag Race Central web site at www.dragracecentral.com.
It's a name with which many Santa Pod followers will be familiar as Eibach have partnered with Santa Pod on a number projects over the years. Commercial Manager Caroline Holden said "We're
delighted to have Eibach partner with us again and the Doorslammers event is a perfect fit for their world class products. The FWD class for this event already boasts eleven entries so the competition
will be fierce!"
Eibach's Head of Marketing told us "We're excited to be part of the community and help educate drivers about the importance of their suspension systems. You could have all the power in the world,
but if you can't get it to the ground, it's worthless! With a large range of ERS Coilover springs, Drag-Launch Kits and Alignment products, Eibach can help turn that tyre spin to traction."
Visit www.eibach.com to find out more about the full Eibach range.
Swift snippets. 13th March: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (right) came with no words.
If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line
at [email protected].
Fuelin' Around signings at the Gators. 13th March: Our good friend Jim Kelly will be signing copies of his latest
book Fuelin' Around at the Drag Racing Association of Women booth on the Midway at the this weekend's NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.
"Gainesville was always the first big drag race on the east coast and everyone I know would pile into their cars and drive south to escape the cold", says Jim. "It was our
spring break but we didn't head for the beaches, we headed for the Gators!
"Fuelin' Around is a behind the scenes look at not just my adventures in the motorsports industry, the highs and the lows, but also tells the story of how a group of
us helped a David named VP Racing Fuels to take on the Goliaths of the industry."
NHRA Funny Car World Champion Bruce Larson wrote "This book is great!". NASCAR Modified Driver Mike Christopher's wife jokingly gave Jim a hard time, saying
"He stayed up all night reading it!". Other reviews include "A page-turner you're going to attempt to read in one shot" from John DiBartolomeo of Drag Racing
Edge magazine, and "Fascinating and enjoyable stories, I laughed out loud more than once" from Eurodragster.com's very own News Editor.
"Jim very graciously offered to give DRAW the profits off each book they sell on the midway throughout the season as a donation" said Steve Lesuer, DRAW Board Member
and one of Jim's business competitors mentioned in the book. "I'll be there with JK on the midway and we're looking forward to sharing some of our war stories."
DRAW is a non-profit organisation which provides financial and emotional support to qualified individuals involved in drag racing accidents at a track. From 1985 through 2017,
DRAW provided a total of $4,943,250 in financial assistance to 930 racing families. In 2018, DRAW aided twenty three racers and their families with $130,789.66.
The clue was dropped back in mid-February when these pair of rebels turned thirty!
I know that we are all looking forward to the season to begin. However, I'm particularly excited for this year as Rob and Pete will be
running Rebel for their first time in MSA. I know they wouldn't mind me saying that this year it's going be a learning curve as
it's a step up from running Wrathchild at the RWYB events.
We would like to thank our amazing family and friends for their help and ongoing support (cheers Marras!) Roll on Easter!
PS Wrathchild hasn't been forgotten!
Swift snippets. 11th March: Carrying on the Wild Bunch theme, we would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Wild Bunch Race Co-ordinator
Claire Meaddows. Have a lovely day Claire.
The SFI Specifications 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 for bellhousings state a maximum recertification period, and not an absolute inspection schedule. It says they shall be inspected by the manufacturer for
recertification at least every five years for 6.1 or at least two years for 6.2 and 6.3.
However, it can be determined by the certifying manufacturer to inspect more frequently than the maximum period stated in the SFI specifications. For example, a Trick Titanium SFI 6.2 bellhousing
must be inspected each year. Inspections are important for the ongoing safety provided by the bellhousings, to check for wear and tear, unapproved modifications that could inhibit the protective
capabilities of the parts, etc. Therefore, it is imperative for racers and race teams to check the expiration date directly on the sticker on their bellhousings. That is the overriding control date for recertifications.
The FIA Drag Racing Technical Regulations have also been updated to reflect this.
WBR go large on Gators. 8th March: The UK's Williams Brothers Racing have announced that the team will be contesting Stock Eliminator not only at this weekend's
"Baby Gators" NHRA Divisional event at Gainesville but also at next week's 50th Annual Gatornationals:
We are incredibly proud and honoured to be racing at this prestigious event, especially as we are the only team from the UK to be taking part.
The Camaro is performing superbly and Dan, Nic and Lorne have learnt so much over the course of the adventure. Let's hope that we can bring another Wally back home to the UK to go
with the Edelbrock Performer of the Race award with which we were presented at the US Nationals last year.
It has been an incredible nine months of logistics, endless road and air miles travelled, and to finish the tour at the Gators was beyond what we thought was possible. What makes this
event so special however is that it's not just the three of them this time. Nic's wife Alix is already there , and on Monday the team will almost be complete as Keith Williams, Guy King
and Colin Theobald are flying out to join them for the Gatornationals.
We will of course be spreading the word about Santa Pod and racing in the UK and we know that there is a European invasion of spectators and fellow racers coming to the event so
please come and say hi, we'd love to see you there.
If you are one of the eighteen or so fans left on this side of the Pond not attending this weekend's Good Vibrations March Meet at Bakersfield then a webcast is available
for the princely sum of $24.59 for the weekend. Coverage starts today (Thursday) and with a time difference of -8 hours UK and -9 hours European you still have plenty
of time to get your order in by clicking
here.
We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to our good friend, Honorary Eurodragster.com Staff Member and Anyone's Crew Spencer Tramm. Have a great day
Spencer.
I will have my mobile phone with me and should anyone require ACU codes I can still sort those out, but only by text to 07436 802907 or
to the usual E-Mail address, but not by voice message please as I can't sort that out.
If you have an urgent enquiry then please call, but please take into account that in my location there is a -5 hour difference on UK time.
Belt meter sought for Fuel bike. 6th March: Phil Baimbridge is seeking the help of Eurodragster.com readers with the loan of
a meter to set up the belt tension on his unique three-cylinder Top Fuel Bike:
I have spent a lot of time upgrading the primary drive on the Triple. I've calculated the required belt tension but I have been unable
to locate a belt tension meter to set the tensioner/idler diameter. Because of the installation I need a system which can measure the belt
vibration frequency from the outside of the belt (there is no access to the side of the belt).
Ideally I would like an optical sensor, but I could use an acoustic sensor if that is all that is available. At £650 for a single use I really
don't want to have to buy a meter.
If you can help Phil with a belt tension meter then please drop us a line at
[email protected] and we will put you in touch.
Maja goes for full Top Fuel season. 6th March: Our good friend Remco Scheelings writes that Maja Udtian will
contest her first full season in FIA Top Fuel Dragster with Rune Fjeld Motorsport:
The 21-year-old Norwegian made her Top Fuel competition début at the 2017 FIA/FIM European Finals at Santa
Pod Raceway and will now join forces with famous team owner Rune Fjeld to make a full assault on the 2019 FIA European
Top Fuel Dragster crown. "I'm so excited to work with Rune and his team", says Maja. "I know I still have to learn a lot, but I'm
sure I have the best people around me for the next step in my career."
As one daughter of a drag racing family from Frøya, one of the many islands west of Norway, Maja Udtian almost grew up
at the drag strip. After a very successful career in Junior Dragster and Super Comp, she didn't hesitate for a second when she
got the opportunity to go for her Top Fuel licence in 2017. At her home track in Gardermoen, Maja immediately impressed with
her way of driving and her professional approach. A few weeks later she completed her licencing procedure at Tierp Arena with a
stunning 4.11-second pass, at 19 years of age the youngest Norwegian driver to obtain a Top Fuel licence.
Two weeks later she made her Top Fuel competition début at the FIA European Finals a Santa Pod Raceway.
With the full support of some major Norwegian companies Maja wanted to contest the FIA European Top Fuel
Dragster Championship for a full season and so 2018 was used to find the right seat and to get all the necessary
details in place for 2019. With modern social media it was one of the worst-kept secrets, but now it's official that
Maja will join forces with Rune Fjeld Motorsport to compete in the 2019 FIA European Top Fuel Championship. "I'm
really looking forward to this season, and I'm super excited to work with Rune Fjeld", says Maja. "Right now, as I'm
getting partners on board that make it financial possible, it all feels too good to be true. Ever since I was a little girl,
driving full season in Top Fuel has been my biggest dream. To be able to do it together with my family and partners
who believe in me feels really good. It for sure requires a lot of work on different areas, but I'm so focused on this
that nothing else really matters."
The Top Fuel rookie will drive the latest addition to the
Rune Fjeld stable, the McKinney chassis, in 2018 campaigned by Antti Horto.
Maja will have her first outing in the RFM car at April's Festival of Power at Santa Pod Raceway, a non-Championship
race and the perfect opportunity to get familiar with the car and the team. She will also make some runs at Gardermoen
Raceway during the traditional Drag Challenge in early August.
Maja's main partners during the 2019 season are Salmar, Lerøy, Marine Construction and Frøy. Also making
this season possible are Skarsvaag Boats, Nutrimar, Erviks Laks & Ørrett, Frøya Transportsenter, Vindfang,
Eidsvaag, Seashell and Åkerblå. "I'm really proud to have so many local companies supporting me, and I'm happy
to co-operate with them", says Maja. At every race another main sponsor will be highlighted on the car, thus the RFM Top Fueller
will have a different design at almost every race. "Instead of having all the decals the same size for the whole season, we think
a partner will get more attention in this way", says Maja. "One name will be in large print and the other companies smaller. By
changing the name every race, they will all be in the spotlight during the season."
Jamie Willis will, together with Rune, be the Crew Chief for Maja's RFM Top Fueller. Jamie has worked with Rune Fjeld before,
has a lot of experience in the nitro categories, and was also one of the crew when Maja made her licencing runs. The
other crew members will be Eirik Skjervø, Tom Pawski, Luke Shakeshaft, Ruaridh Hart, Rob Elsom and Thor Larsen.
Almost all of them have experience Top Fuel.
"First of all we are here to have fun and enjoy, but it is no secret that you don't do a full season just for fun", says Maja. "Antti
and his team proved last year that the dragster can put down some really fast numbers and be at the top in Europe. Knowing
that the car is competitive, I'm doing everything I can to be well prepared. I have a training programme, I'm working out
five or six times a week, and I bought myself a Portatree to step up my Reaction Times. With that, and my team focusing on
making a fast car, I believe we can fight at the top. I'm also looking forward to teaming up with Liam Jones and his team, and
I'm sure we will have a great season in the RFM pit. We're ready to give our all!
"Last but not least I would like to thank my family for supporting me, my uncle Arnt for the job he has done, my partners, Jamie,
Rune, Lindsey and the rest of the team."
Maja will be accompanied by her family at the races. The well-known Islanders coach which has travelled so many miles all over
Europe in the last few years will travel to the tracks and will also carry the Super Comp dragster of Maja's sister Mari to the races.
17-year old Mari, runner-up in the 2018 Summit Racing EDRS Super Comp Championship, will get the opportunity to compete in
Super Comp at the races at which Maja will be racing for the Top Fuel trophy.
Swift snippets. 4th March: We would like to say a big Happy Birthday and Grattis to our good friend, Stock/Super Stock racer
Rick McCann. Have a great day Rick.
Thanks to Mike Collins for sending us the usual preview of his column in the latest issue of Street
Machine magazine, plus bonus material exclusively for Eurodragster.com readers. Click on the images above for the
PDF downloads.
The Camaro is for sale completely turn-key and is ready for someone to race now. If there is no interest in the complete car then it can be sold
as a roller without engine and gearbox or less any other parts that someone might not need. This is a huge opportunity for someone to get into
racing with an awesome race car which they can just step into without having to wait to build or have the expense of building new. The car is
ready to run mid-sevens.
13th March: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (right) came with no words.
If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line
at 
8th March: The UK's Williams Brothers Racing have announced that the team will be contesting Stock Eliminator not only at this weekend's
"Baby Gators" NHRA Divisional event at Gainesville but also at next week's 50th Annual Gatornationals:
6th March: Phil Baimbridge is seeking the help of Eurodragster.com readers with the loan of
a meter to set up the belt tension on his unique three-cylinder Top Fuel Bike:
