Drachten racers get EDRS option. 31st May: Speedgroup Co-ordinator Åsa Kinnemar writes that an agreement has been reached with the new organiser of events at The Netherlands' Drachten Airfield that this year's three events at Drachten can optionally be counted towards the EDRS European Drag Racing Series. The event dates are 21st-23rd June, 12th-14th July and 16th-18th August and classes involved in the EDRS are Junior Dragster, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Pro ET, Super Pro ET, Junior Drag Bike, Funny Bike and Super Street Bike. Racers who wish to have their events at Drachten counted for the EDRS must select the EDRS option when entering events. More information about Drachten events can be found at www.quartermile.nl or E-Mail [email protected]. Speedgroup's contact for questions connected with racing at Drachten is Åsa herself and you can contact her at [email protected]. Chicken Power! 31st May: FIA Main Event Top Fuel Dragster runner-up Anita Mäkelä says that Santa Pod Raceway's new surface is not at all bad: In the pits there was a lot of talk about the new surface with some worries because of the cold and rainy days. Over the weekend the track got better and better after each round and it will surely hold records in the future. That investment has been worth the money. Our qualifying runs didn't come out as we wanted. There was some lack of power over the whole weekend and the car didn't respond to tuning in the way it should have. It was slow at the launch and it didn't pull as hard as it was supposed to. All the runs were nice and smooth: if runs are nice and smooth, it very often tells you that the top end of the power doesn't exist. But those nice runs gave us the number four spot in the the qualifying list. On Monday morning Micke Kågered was up against us in the first round. My solid car didn't run as usual, but it was good enough to win that round. In semi-finals we met Thomas Nataas who had much stronger runs compared to us, but something happened to him before the finish line because he disappeared from my view. The happy faces of my crew, and the horn noises, immediately told me that we beat the Danish car. In the final round I simply met a faster driver and car so I couldn't prevent Antti Horto from winning. But that is racing. Now we need to work out our problems and get ready to meet Antti and his team again. I had a new iPad tablet and Lumia with me for the purpose of updating my Facebook page over the weekend and I would have done it if there had been an internet connection. There is Wi-Fi in Santa Pod's Café, but I couldn't leave our pit to do it. Hopefully one day Santa Pod can sort out that lack of internet connection. The next race is at Tierp in two weeks. I look forward to racing there, hopefully with all the power in my car. It's called Chicken Power! Pro Mod beckons Hanson. 31st May: Team member Adam Rozga says that the Hanson Racing team had an amazing weekend in Super Pro ET at the FIA Main Event, as the new track and a new sponsor made it possible for Ian Hanson to run a new Personal Best in his blown-alcohol 'Vette: Santa Pod have done an amazing job! We wished we could have got more runs in, but Friday's weather made it impossible to work on the car. The racing fans were fantastic, giving us and new sponsor Mega Gyms a real boost. Things are looking really good for 2014 as we look to be racing in Pro Mod. The car is ready to go, there's just a couple of engine modifications that need to be done. Hopefully by October we will have a few more sponsors and then we are set. We would love to thank the fans who keep backing us on our Facebook page and at race meets. We plan to hit the six second bracket next month at Shakespeare County Raceway. First-footing with Flamholc. 31st May: After working hard on both the race car and the team bus, Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer Adam Flamholc and his team left Malmö late last Wednesday evening, driving through Denmark, Germany, Holland and Belgium before taking the ferry from France to England for the FIA Main Event: When we arrived at the track it was raining heavily. Friday was supposed to be Sportsman but was cancelled because of the weather. When we woke up on Saturday morning we saw blue skies and the sun was shining! The weather stayed like that for the rest of the weekend. Our first run was our first ever in Funny Car competition. We made it down the track on a soft 6.20 run. After that we made four really strong runs! 5.84, 5.67, 5.68, and a 5.80 in the first round of eliminations run against Gareth Ellis. Unfortunately we lost in the semis against Johan Lindberg in a pedalfest, this run was the only one in which we didn't make it down the track. I was a little too motivated so I left with the launch revs a little too high. We found out that most of the other teams have a special gas pedal which allows them to adjust the start rpm. We will have one of those at the next event in Tierp. I'm very satisfied with our weekend, and the guys in the team really rose to the challenge and got everything done in time! After round one we are number three in the points. Now we are looking forward to round four in the ADRL series, and some Pro Mod racing in Richmond next weekend. I saw Elvis at sixty feet. 31st May: UK Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Colin Lazenby had a long journey to make from his home in Scotland before competing at the FIA Main Event, and by the time he got home after a spectacular weekend he had done so many miles that he could have been knocking on the gates of Tierp Arena. I picked up our Bri from Lancaster train station and headed down to Clive Bond's Ultimate Race Cars near Cirencester to refit the fresh motor. We could have been up and running by 1:00 pm had we not had to overcome the nitrous fuel pump leaks, first the O-ring then the shaft seal and having emptied the fuel tank twice, we did it for a third time just for good measure (the fuel filter O-ring was also leaking). Thankfully that was that, until we had to replace two accelerator pump diaphragms – remember boys and girls, you should always drain your fuel before squirting a full can of WD 40 through your pumps to stop the seals drying out, a tip from Tim The Toolman Taylor. Oh, and a couple of repair welds to the headers. We were all done by 5:00 and Luke was due to arrive at 7:00 to set up the rear of the car to take the shorter tyres so me and our kid set about cleaning the underside of the car. Luke always appreciates this so he can remain presentable for his Persil adverts. A sizeable four-link, pre-load, anti-roll bar and spring change later and we were done; ride height was about the same he says... Luke appeared not to be too tired, and he was away by 11:30, honest. On Wednesday morning we loaded up, cleaned up Clive's shop as best we could but didn't bother to re-paint the once-beautiful floor. The fuel leaks had ruined the paint and with that knowledge Clive gave us a cheery wave and we were away, Pod bound. We arrived early afternoon; Wednesday was always intended to be our set-up day. By now Ann-Marie, Bradley and pal Angus had left on the train to meet up with Jax in York, they were due to arrive at 9:00 pm but got waylaid due to shopping, make-up and 'nail' visits on the way. It's good to have family around you. On Thursday, Pro Test Day, the weather looked none too promising, still we readied the car and waited for a break in the light showers. We made one lousy run and blew the tyres off the car. We shouldn't have been too despondent but we were, we had far higher hopes (get it) than that by switching to those pesky Drag Radials. On Friday it pissed down, misery, and having being cooped up in the camper all day we wandered out to take a look at the Andy Robinson Race Cars shop car and new best friend Steve Hall's ARRC-built Pro Mod '55 Chevy. Awesome, both cars. We thought we'd get only one run on Saturday. We voted on the option of doing the Cruise or having the chance of one more qualifier - the second qualifying option won. Both runs were poor – tyres again. We made another four-link change under mapping guidance from Luke and Andy and upped the tyre pressures. I'd sneaked under Mark Todd's Goat to check his, please don't anyone tell him... Spoke to big Tom and the Barnes brothers, they suggested no burnouts, wheelspin only. On Sunday we had two more qualifying runs then we were straight into eliminations; first round against Mats Andersson delivered our best ever short times in the sixty foot and eighth and a 7.666 ET although the car felt flat from just after the eighth, most odd. Back in the pits Clive identified that the second system fuel solenoids had packed in. Back to one system again but thankfully nothing melted. On Monday we had Andy Bond; we'd put in a bigger first system but extended the ramp to soften it. The ET was 7.782 but the speed was well down. Man I miss that second system. Meanwhile Brian Payne and Paul Wright had the Mustang set on kill, running almost identical 7.4s to take the new class ET record. For the semis we changed nothing. Brian took the favoured right lane - so what? No messing, Brian went in, I went in and left. The sound and sight of the behemoth '56 lifting the wheels so far off the ground must have prompted Brian to leave. I knew the front had come up way too high as all I could see was clouds (and Elvis). Believe or not I came off it gently but not gently enough and when it came down it killed the motor, I don't know why. It steered OK so I coasted to the finish line. When I bumped the motor over it still had oil pressure so I fired it to avoid the shame of being towed off the track, needless to say I didn't bother collecting my timing ticket. We checked for initial damage, packed up and left we were home nice and early, 03:00, just in time to get up for work three hours later. I'll have a proper look at the extent of the damage when I roll the car off this weekend. Our attendance at the Main Event is thanks to a number of people. Family obviously, Clive Bond, Luke Robinson and Steve Clark at Nimbus / Torco. Without them and their support and guidance we wouldn't have made it. We hope to keep that interest going so we can attend at least one other event in 2013 maybe then I can give Stan and Paula all the bits and pieces I borrowed. Oh, and a very happy wedding anniversary to Ann-Marie, card and flowers delivered so maybe that carbon front can go ahead after all. Gassers open 2013 account. 31st May: Nervous Nick writes that the opening round of the Gasser Circus Showdown at Shakespeare County Raceway was blessed with glorious sunshine, and some fantastic Gasser racing: Nine teams rolled into the venue during Friday with the number reaching double figures on Saturday morning after a puncture delayed arrival. The teams in attendance were: Reigning Champion Ray Turner and his 1955 Chevy Green Onions Mike Noble and his 1957 Chevy Honky Tonkin' Martyn Hallam and his 1933 Willys Coupe The Solicitor Nick and Patsy Brooke-Langham in their 1948 Austin Devon Nogbad the Bad Ken Brookes and his 1957 Chevy Roarin Rat Brian Gibson and his 1964 Dodge Dart Identity Crisis Sean Milson and his 1947 Morris Van Ain't Mis-behavin' Lou Noble and her 1957 Handyman Lou's Cannon Tim Holmes and his 1966 Dodge Pick Up Power Wagon Lee Pike and Jerry Denning and their 1964 Chevy Nova Honky Tonkin' 2 At 11:00 on Saturday morning the Gasser Circus were in the fire up road but not all was well as only nine Gassers made it round to race. The Willys of Martyn Hallam suffered a starter meltdown at the head of the lanes. On the start line, reigning Champion Ray Turner was also having problems as a misfire cut short his burnout and resulted in the '55 being pushed back. The remaining eight Gassers ran through, but again not without issue as Lou's Cannon suffered during its run. Closer inspection revealed a problem with the newly-acquired heads, which meant that the car would take no further part in competition. This was a disappointment for all the racers but especially for Lou, having hauled the '57 Chevy all the way from Plymouth. During Saturday three more qualifying rounds were completed, with many drivers getting to grips with cars they had not driven in anger for quite a few months. Everyone was soon back in the groove, and by the end of the day the ladder had the following pairings: Power Wagon v Lou's Cannon which effectively gave a bye run to the Power Wagon; Identity Crisis v Honky Tonkin' with Brian Gibson coming out victorious with an 11.82 against his 11.80 dial in; Roarin' Rat v Honky Tonkin 2, Ken Brookes behind the wheel of his '57 Chevy ran faster than his dial-in, but had a reprieve when Honky Tonkin' 2 left a cherry on the tree. With the first or worst rule coming to the fore Ken was through; Nogbad the Bad v Ain't Misbehavin, Sean Milson in his '47 Morris beating Nervous Nick in his Austin by 0.488. The first semi final had Power Wagon up against Identity Crisis, with Tim Holmes winning when Brian left a cherry on the tree, but Tim would still have been the one to beat as he posted an 11.52 on a 11.50 dial-in! The other side of the table and another glowing red bulb decided this race, with the cherry illuminating Sean Milsons lane Ken and his Roarin' Rat were into the final. As the Gassers rolled into the burnout box the tension was palpable and the crowd in the stands waited for the duel to begin. Both cars laid down impressive burnouts and edged towards the beams. Ken had dialled in a 9.96 and Tim an 11.50, the lights came down and the race was on. By mid track the cars were almost side by side, when the win light lit up it was once again in Tim's lane, taking the win with an 11.52. The weekend was an absolute blast, the highlights being: Winner: Tim Holmes, Power Wagon Best Reaction Time: Lee Pike, Honky Tonkin' 2 0.018 Number 1 qualifier: Tim Holmes, Power Wagon Best ET in competition: Honky Tonkin' 2, 9.735/140.43 PBs in competition: Identity Crisis, Power Wagon and Honky Tonkin' The Gasser Circus are all set to do it all again at the Nostalgia Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway on 21st-23rd June. The Gasser Circus wish to thank the National Street Rod Association, Jack Hammer Hot Rod and Kustom Supplies, the Mopar Nationals Committee, Hot Rod Hardware and Mechanix Ltd for their support and sponsorship.We would also like to thank the Shakepeare County Raceway crew, who did a great job all weekend. Weekend thanks. 31st May: NAST Supertwin Comp racer Terry Green asked us to Dave and Julie at Northants V-Twin for their help and support during the re-building of his race bike and for the new paint job, and to Matt at Matt's Machine Shop for work done to the new cylinder heads after damage done during the last race of last season. Terry would also like to wish Nigel Batsford a swift recovery after his big off at Shakespeare County Raceway at the weekend, and finally thanks to the European Top Gas Series racers and crews for putting on a good show with some great riding and performances. Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Richard Merriman writes to thank everyone in Street Eliminator for welcoming him to the club and for encouraging new racers into the class. "It was really nice to finally meet some of the people who have been an inspiration for me and to run alongside some of the nicest and quickest street-legal cars out there", says Richard. "The fact that I knew I was going into the class as the slowest car wasn't a discouragement, the racers were just pleased to see another person joining in and most importantly having fun. Congratulations to those who ran PBs over the weekend and especially to Brian Payne in resetting the class record with a 7.47. I was lucky enough to be paired for one of the runs and can definitely say I had the best view in the house, that thing is seriously quick! I think racing against the quicker cars has definitely helped drive that bit harder as I also managed a PB over the weekend netting a 12.17 and 114.68 mph (Congrats - Ed). Thanks to my crew Matt Attwood and my partner Claire for helping out, we are all still grinning from the weekend. Oh and thanks as always Eurodragster.com for the coverage, I know that many VWDRC racers, friends and family were tuned in (Thanks, you're welcome - Ed). UK Junior Dragster racer Thomas Cook-Abbott and Team Tominator have been in touch to thank their fellow Junior Dragster teams for their help at a very hard FIA Main Event. After the loss of Friday due to wet stuff from the sky all day, then not being able to get of the line on the first outing Saturday Crew Chief and Thomas' mum Rebecca worked hard with help and advice from Andy Fensome of Fenny Racing and Peter Kellet of Drummin' Man. It was thought that it might be the fuel pum, in came Andy Pryzbyl fof the Lucas Oil Junior Dragster with the offer of a fuel pump. Still no improvement as Thomas' motor bogged down on the second run. Back to the pit, more searching. It appeared that the clutch had stuck. Pete Bellenie of Bellenie Racing offered the required tool to remove the clutch. Onto Sunday and our only chance to get a time in. With bated breath Thomas launched and finally a time, qualifying sixteenth with only one run. With nothing changed Thomas got through round one and was then knocked out in round two by Brad Jackson of Lucas Oil / Carter Motorsports who had lent us a floodlight to allow us to work in the dark on Saturday night. Finally the weekend came to an end, but the poor luck didn't end there. The team's motor home would not start - dead battery. In stepped the Giles and Hartley team with a boost starter to get us started. Thank you to everybody who helped us out. This really was a team effort. Fellow Junior Dragster racer Tyler Ashdown writes to thank everyone at Santa Pod Raceway for a great weekend at the FIA Main Event. "Thanks also to Andy Fensome for all his hard work on the car and to Brad Jackson and his dad Wayne for their help and advice last weekend", says Tyler. "Well done Brad for winning the final! I had a great time." Trevor Langfield of Eurodragster.com sponsor Wizards of NOS would like to thank Mats Wicktor for going to the trouble and expense of bringing his car over from Sweden to race at the FIA Main Event and for giving Trevor the opportunity to show European drag racers what WON systems can achieve at the highest levels of the sport: although things didn't go entirely to plan (as Mats had no time to strip and service the motor between race seasons, due to his main assistant retiring from racing), we were all happy that Mats ran a new PB by a substantial margin, that his was the only nitrous car to post a respectable time over the entire weekend, and that his was the only nitrous car not to have suffered a scoop-ejecting explosion. Mats' PB was just 0.001 slower than the quickest UK-based nitrous car ever posted. Mats would easily have beaten Andy Frost in the first round of eliminations had the engine been in the pristine condition it would have been in had he had the time to maintain it correctly. Despite the lack of track time and the already ailing engine condition, we were still able to mix it up with a good number of blower cars and qualify tenth in a field of nineteen cars. The only thing we are disappointed about is that we could have beaten Andy Frost in the first round of eliminations even with two cylinders down, but he was saved that humiliation as we'd already decided not to run the car further to avoid the risk of fowling the track with oil. Finally we'd also like to thank Mats for his outstanding hospitality, as he kept the full team well fed on a range of Swedish delicacies all week. We look forward to joining him in Sweden, as soon as he has the engine back in good order. Allard Chrysler Action Group Chair Brian Taylor has asked us to thank Phil Cottingham, Chris Eyre, Nigel Holland, Darren Bullock, Robin Jackson, Barry Sheavills, Stu Bradbury, Syd McDonald and Nigel Holland for going above and beyond the call of duty acting as Pit Tour Guides on a wet Friday at the FIA Main Event. "I managed two tours and found it very difficult to maintain my enthusiasm once the water started to come through my shoes and socks", says Brian, "but we did manage to get just over 400 very wet students around the pits. Thanks to the many racers who gave up their time, and to Santa Pod Raceway for organising the day with the Institute of the Motor Industry,  the students had a very special day. Stu's lack of mobility meant that he remained in the IMI contact point talking to the students and eating Syd's jelly babies, but most disappointed volunteer was Nigel. The extreme weather meant that he could not wheel his way through the pit lakes without extra buoyancy aids. He's keen to try again at the Thursday of the FIA European Finals when we will be doing it all again. Swift snippets. 31st May: 21:45 Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 2 of the official entry list for the SPRC Summernationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 22nd-23rd June. You can check out the Summernationals entry list by clicking here. SPRC Summernationals entry is now subject to a Late Entry penalty. You can download the Summernationals entry form from the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC Summernationals entry then please get in touch with Ian at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail [email protected]. The latest brace of spy pictures to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words "The mouse that roared?"... ...if you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. Web site updates. 31st May: Our good buddy, photo-journalist Remco Scheelings has had two FIA Main Event race reports posted on the Autosport.nl. As ever there is a race report which you can check out by clicking here and an off-track report which you can check out by clicking here. Nostalgia Fuel FC crew member Chris Eyre was pleased to get back to the track and smell the nitro once more at the FIA Main Event, and although not as good as working on the cars he once again got out the camera bag and got to work. "I have sorted through my photos and uploaded them to my Eurodragpics website in two albums, one for qualifying and the other for eliminations", says Chris. "You can find the albums at www.eurodragpics.com, just click on the day whose pictures you want to see." Another good buddy, Alan Currans, has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with a gallery of shots of last Saturday's action at Shakespeare County Raceway's Yanks Weekend / Gary's Picnic. As ever you can check out the latest update via the What's New link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Eurodragster.com News Editor and Race Reporter Tog spent last Thursday dodging the hail at Santa Pod Raceway's Pro Racer Test and Tune Day and has updated his personal web site with a gallery of pictures of those runs which took place. You can check out Tog's pictures at www.togsdragracing.com or eurodragster.smugmug.com. Editor's note: Apologies that the rest of yesterday's news update did not materialise; a combination of being tired and shagged out after a long weekend and not enough hours in the day to get everything done. We have a small backlog of news which we will post on tomorrow's update, and please keep the news coming to [email protected]. FIM Europe racer update. 30th May: Geoff Myers has been in touch with an important notice for all FIM European Drag Bike Championship riders wishing to race at the FHRA Nitro Nationals at Alastaro on 4th-7th July: Riders who wish to be eligible for travel, qualifying and round payments must submit Championship registrations for the FIM Europe European Drag Bike Championship to me no later than close of business next Tuesday, 4th June. FIM Europe Championship registration forms can be downloaded at www.tgeurope.eu. The closing date for standard rate entry to the FHRA Nitro Nationals is next Wednesday, 5th June. Entry forms can be downloaded at www.fhra.fi. The registration and/or closing dates for future FIM European Drag Bike Championship rounds are as follow: Tierp Arena, Sweden, 13th–16th June: registration closed 14th May Alastaro Circuit, Finland, 4th–7th July: 4th June Hockenheimring, Germany, 9th–11th August: 10th July Santa Pod Raceway, England: 5th–8th September: 6th August SPRC Summernationals entry. 30th May: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 1 of the official entry list for the SPRC Summernationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 22nd-23rd June. You can check out the SPRC Summernationals entry list by clicking here. Tomorrow (Friday) is the official closing date for entry to the SPRC Summernationals. Entry after tomorrow, if accepted, will be subject to a Late Entry penalty. You can download the SPRC Summernationals entry form from the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC Summernationals entry then please get in touch with Ian at SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail [email protected]. Butch earns his badge. 30th May: UK Pro ET racer Antony Wilkins, aka Butch, has been in touch with an account of his crash at the FIA Main Event, which pretty much destroyed his very pretty Morris Minor Traveller police car: First race Saturday morning, very first pair out and boy what a track... smooth as silk and sticky as jam. Best ever sixty foot time and a breakout. Next run not so good: just going under the finish gantry and I hear the death rumble from the engine. The car turned instantly left, crossed both lanes and went up on two wheels. This is when it hit the wall hard and went over three times. The next thing I knew it was all quiet. Looking up I see clear blue sky, that's odd, door completely missing. Look to the front and I can see the engine really clearly as the windscreen is gone. Then it hits me: I'm still strapped in, I'm on my side down to the tarmac and the fuel pump is still on and the fuel is coming out of the carb like Niagara Falls. Panic? You bet, couldn't undo the seat belt catch for toffee. I can see the rescue truck approaching me and I'm starting to shake. Bang! The catch pops open and I'm gone like a greyhound, up out the top of the car and onto the tarmac. God my nuts hurt! I've been a full-time fireman for nearly twenty fice years and been to more accidents than most people but to be on the other end of the action is scary. The medical staff, fire crews/rescue workers and track staff were the most professional people with whom I've ever had dealings, they reassured me and tended to my injuries with the utmost skill. Massive thanks to all. On an overwhelming note my crew put out a bucket and they raised over £1400, I'm gobsmacked. There are good people out there and they all like drag racing, brilliant. Massive massive thanks to all of the racers, crews, track staff and members of the public; to Dave and Lesley Brown for looking after my wife and biggest fan, daughter Chloe; to Crew Chief Kristy for pulling my straps down hard, probably saved my life. The Minor is no more... RIP. What's next? Watch this space. Oh and Paul Marston welcomed me to the Roll-Over Club. I didn't actually want to join, but hey-ho. Do I get a badge? Event entry update. 29th May: Ian Marshall has been in touch to remind racers that this coming Friday, 31st May, is the official closing date for entry to the SPRC Summernationals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 22nd-23rd June. Entry after Friday, if accepted, will be subject to a Late Entry penalty. You can download the SPRC Summernationals entry form from the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. If you have any queries about SPRC Summernationals entry then please get in touch with SPRC on 01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625) or E-Mail [email protected]. RFM confirm Poutiainen split. 29th May: Rune Fjeld Motorsport PR Polly Magnussen has been in touch to confirm that RFM and reigning FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Risto Poutiainen have ended their association: From RF Motorsport's point of view we would like to offer our apologies to all our fans and fellow racers for this, and we also wish Risto all the best in his future adventures. Our achievements together have been memorable and some will stand forever. We want to stop rumours regarding this matter by saying that team matters and team business stay within the team. All good things come to an end and this time it was our turn. Now we will focus on the next FIA round at Tierp, where Championship leader Antti Horto and Jari Halinen will be racing for another victory in the RFM Top Fuel Dragsters. SCR weekend winners. 29th May: Congratulations to the winners at the weeekend's European Top Gas Series, UK National 8.50 Bike and 9.50 Bike, and National Association Supertwins rounds at the Yanks Weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway: European Top Gas Series: Frank Schack 7.866/166.85 def. Herman Jolink 8.391/152.00 8.50 Bike: Jake Michaell 8.553/161.73 def. Ed Smiley 8.441/167.90 b/o 9.50 Bike: Dave Smart 9.562/148.08 def. Fred Furlong 9.693/143.44 Supertwin Comp: Terry Green 9.514/136.39 def. Chris Mott 10.212/135.92 Supertwin ET: Pete Harrison 11.144/109.46 def. Brett Cordelle 11.527/115.64 Thanks to Jerry Cookson for passing the results to us. Race cars sought for Speedfest. 29th May: UK Super Pro ET racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Peter Walters writes that the organisers of the American Speedfest are seeking race cars for display: The American Speedfest takes place at the Brands Hatch racing circuit in Kent on 9th June. With over six hundred American cars in attendance as well as the European Nascar Series, BBQ competitions, Show and Shines, hot dog eating contest, monster trucks and live music it will be a weekend to remember. For more information visit www.speedfest.co.uk. We are looking for race cars to display at the event - ideally a Funny Car, dragster or altered but everything will be considered. In return you will receive free entry for the family and weekend hospitality. If you are interested, or would like more information, then please get in contact with me at [email protected]. FIA Main Event by the numbers. 29th May: Many thanks to Kjell Pettersson for forwarding us the post-FIA Main Event points standings in the FIA European Drag Racing Championships. You can check out the FIA points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Many thanks also to Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe for forwarding us the FIA Main Event timing data. You can check out the weekend's timing data by clicking here or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Andy Marrs has also kindly sent us updated tables of European and UK bests updated with the several records set at the FIA Main Event. You can check out the new records sheets by clicking here or by clicking on the European Bests link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. An look at the weekend stats shows that our Alamo Rent A Car-sponsored Event Coverage of the FIA Main Event attracted 101,680 visitors who generated 519,312 page views and 4,683,640 hits. Thanks to everyone who tuned in, to the racers, race officials and SPR staff for their assistance, and to Alamo Rent A Car, Webster Race Engineering and Nimbus Motorsport for their support. Thanks also to Team Nutritionist Syd McDonald and to Heaven and Hell Racing for hospitality. Editor's note: Normal service will be resumed with tomorrow's news update; please keep the news and FIA Main Event reviews coming to [email protected] and we'll post them here. FIA Main Event results. 28th May: Congratulations to the winners at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway: FIA Top Fuel Dragster: Antti Horto 4.1523/272.61 def. Anita Mäkelä 4.3348/263.84 FIA Top Methanol Dragster: Tethys 5.5800/257.74 def. Paul Ingar Udtian 5.7694/214.09 FIA Top Methanol Funny Car: Leif Andréasson 5.7123/254.74 def. Johan Lindberg 11.3026/63.08 FIA Pro Modified: Micke Gullqvist 5.9872/241.24 def. David Vegter 6.1062/234.07 FIA Pro Stock: Jimmy Ålund 6.6552/210.12 def. Thomas Lindström 6.6447/206.99 European Funny Car Series: Leif Helander 5.4968/278.10 def. John Spuffard 5.4608/278.90 FIM European Super Street Bike Series: Dave Holland 7.2148/206.05 def. Graham Balchin 7.3918/199.00 FIM Europe Top Fuel Bike Invitational: Ian King 6.3835/179.94 bye, Steve Woollatt no show FIM Europe Supertwin Invitational: Christian Jäger 8.9875/108.97 bye, Job Heezen no show FIM Europe Pro Stock Bike Invitational: Martin Bishop 7.4405/157.38 def. Gert-Jan Laseur 7.4614/173.06 Comp Eliminator: Andy Hone (8.00) 7.4452/171.71 def. Paula Atkin (7.26) 6.8681/199.70 Super Pro ET: Barry Giles (7.62) 7.7201/148.55 def. Simon Gough (8.60) 8.6104/156.84 Pro ET: Tim Stanbury (9.10) 9.1405/146.62 def. Mark Watkins (10.14) 10.2376/125.53 DQ red Super Comp: Paul Brown 8.8885/147.66 bye, Collin Morrice no show Super Gas: Collin Morrice 9.9407/147.19 def. Nick Curtis 9.8915/116.40 b/o Super Street: Bob Lees 10.9341/127.26 def. Leigh Morris 10.9499/119.02 Lucas Oil Junior Dragster: Brad Jackson (8.27) 8.3579/72.41 def. Billy Everitt (8.15) 8.1646/79.65 Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator: Brian Payne 12.3803/110.84 bye Subject to official ratification the following records were set: FIA Pro Modified ET: 5.945 seconds, Micke Gullqvist FIA Pro Stock ET: 6.568 seconds, Jimmy Ålund FIA Pro Stock speed: 211.07 mph, Jimmy Ålund FIM European Super Street Bike Cup ET: 7.199 seconds, Dave Holland FIM European Super Street Bike Cup speed: 206.05 mph, Dave Holland Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator ET: 7.474 seconds, Brian Payne Congratulations to Nigel Green (Pro ET) and Vince Gibbs (Super Pro ET) who won the Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award and Eurodragster.com / Gold RV Perfect ET Award respectively. Both Awards have been reset to £50 for June's SPRC Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out our Alamo Rent A Car-sponsored FIA Main Event coverage by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Pro Racer Test Day coverage. 23rd May: We are in place at Santa Pod Raceway to bring you the news from the Pro Racer Test Day in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car. Our coverage will consist of an end-day report and end-day gallery, and the Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam will broadcast live video and trackside audio plus the usual timing data overlay so long as the track is active. In the event of any significant downtime then the live broadcast will be stopped and replays of earlier events will be shown until the track becomes active again (An idea we have shamelessly ripped off from our buddies at Bangshift.com - Ed). Click here to check out our Pro Racer Test Day coverage or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. EDRS entry update. 23rd May: Speedgroup Co-ordinator Åsa Kinnemar has been in touch to remind racers that entry is currently open for the following EDRS Series events: 30th May-2nd June: 4th Grand National Drag Race, Bechyne, Czech Republic (EDRS Division South). On-line entry at www.msto.org 31st May-2nd June: Nationals 2013, Sundsvall Raceway, Sweden (EDRS Division North). Entry and results at www.dragracing.eu 2nd June: The First Go, Anderstorp Raceway, Sweden (EDRS Division Central - Pro ET only). Entry at www.dragracing.eu 9th-7th June: Summer Nats, Gardermoen Raceway, Norway (EDRS Division Central). Entry at www.dragracing.eu 8th-9th June: Gold Town Spring Nats, Fällfors Raceway, Sweden (EDRS Division North). Entry at www.dragracing.eu Next stop South Africa. 23rd May: Johnny and Dennis Nilsson are all set for their second South African tour, this time with a new Top Fuel Dragster and a Fuel Funny Car: The first race will be on the second weekend in July at Tarlton Raceway in Johannesburg. Our team members this year will be Stig Neergaard and his lovely wife, Björn Mårtesson, Kennet Persson, Johnny Nilsson and of course Dennis Nilsson who will drive the Top Fuel Dragster. Johnny and Dennis have organised a professional film crew who will follow us this year and make a short movie. Johnny's plan for 2014 is to try to bring down four Pro Mods, a second Top Fueller and two Supertwins to make demonstration runs at Tarlton Raceway which is a very good track and facility. And the perfect thing about South Africa is that when we are enduring a cold winter in Europe it's summer in South Africa! If any racer is interested in joining us in South Africa next year then please E-Mail Johnny at [email protected], alternately visit Johnny and Dennis in Stig Neergaard's pit at the FIA Main Event between 13:00 and 15:00 this Sunday. Set for a Good weekend. 23rd May: UK Super Pro ET racer Nick Good has been in touch with team news leading up to this weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway: During the off season NGMotorsport have only made minor changes to the two Beovax-Lucas Oil dragsters with most of the man hours available being spent on the team's new truck and trailer. Work has also started on a new carbon-bodied Worthy four-link dragster which may be ready for the tail end of this season but will be ready to compete at Easter 2014. We are always looking to help the companies who help us and the team were delighted to be asked by the BBC Top Gear team to display the cars for four days in the VIP enclosure at the Top Gear Live show, great exposure for team sponsors! The season kicked off at the Springspeed Nationals and Dave Catton had a mixed weekend after a new torque converter, custom made for the car, failed on the first pass, after a trip back to Norfolk to fetch the old converter the car was its old self. Unfortunately the lack of track time at the event meant a first round exit to Paul Marston. Both cars are entered for the FIA Main Event and we'll be looking forward to trying the new track surface! As a team we would like to say a big thank you to our sponsors from 2012 who have all committed their support for the 2013 season: Beovax Computer Services: Now in its sixth season backing NGMotorsport. For over twenty years Beovax has been a trusted IT adviser and provider of services and solutions to customers in the private and public sector. Offices in Newmarket, Erskine, Guernsey and Gibraltar demonstrate ability to provide sales, service and support to customers and data centres located within in the EU. Visit their web site or call 01638 720080. Lucas Oil Products: Lucas Oil produce their products by combining the highest quality base oils with their exclusive additive package. Using the philosophy of producing only the best line of lubricants and additives Lucas Oil have become a marketplace leader in the automotive after market industry. Visit their web site or call 01284 723666. Chris Brown Body Repairs: Chris Brown is a family business with an established reputation as an insurance approved specialist bodywork repairer and restorer. They are happy to quote for any repair of restoration without any obligation on your behalf. Chris Brown are also a supplier for Mattig, Schmidt and Dietrich body styling components. Visit their web site or call 01366 386608. SellYourProblemCar.com: SellYourProblemCarCar.com buy any damaged car and offer a free valuation – no admin fees involved. Sell your problem, non runner, damaged or broken car or van for cash today. With twenty collection points throughout the UK they will guarantee to pay for and collect your car whatever your location within forty eight hours. Visit their web site or call 0808 1787650. Glasweld Systems: The UK's leading windscreen repair company. Fleet maintenance and contract specialist. Also approved repairer by all major UK Insurance companies. Visit their web site or call the local office 01366 387500. BGC Motorsport Components: Specialists in automotive plumbing solutions and associated areas. Suppliers include Goodridge, Earls, Aeroquip, Mocal, Setrab, Facet, Tilton, Aurora, Jaz, CNC braking products, Wilwood, Purolator, Filterking, Automec, Girling, Thermotec, Rally Design. Visit their web site or call 01945 466690. East Coast Signs offer a complete professional signage service for large or small signs, on buildings or vehicles. While keeping up to date with all the latest technology and techniques, they offer excellent sign services at an affordable price to valued customers far and wide. Visit their web site or call 01553 886426. Focal Point Digital have been providing clients with a professional and complete photographic, design, marketing and advertising solutions for over thirty years. If you are in need of a commercial studio photographer in Norfolk or location photography they are conveniently situated north of the centre of Norwich city, near Norwich International Airport. Visit their web site or call 01603 401191. Samco Sport has been the world leader in Performance Silicone hose for over ten years supplying Formula One, World Rally Championship and World Super Bike teams and their range of replacement hose kits, race parts and accessories is second to none. Visit their web site or call 01443 238464. D & R Engineering's Sales Centre displays a full range of Honda four-stroke outboards in their riverside showroom at Walton Marina in Surrey, from portable 2.3 hp engines up to high performance 225 hp fuel injected models. Based at Walton Marina in Surrey, they are ideally situated to offer a full range of facilities to suit all your boating needs. Visit their web site or call 01932 254180. Morris Armitage Estate Agents: Morris Armitage are seriously good at selling and renting houses and have built an excellent reputation for service and enthusiasm over the years. Since opening their first branch in 2002 they have sold and rented thousands of houses. Offices include Cambridge, Newmarket, Burwell, Haverhill, Downham Market and Kings Lynn. Visit their web site or call 01366 383777 / 01553 782958. Peter Carter Haulage operate an extensive and diverse fleet of low-loaders and semi-low-loaders throughout the UK and Europe, whether standard or abnormal loads. Based on a fifteen-acre site with a huge variety of storage options, there are a variety of long or short-term rental and leasing options available. Visit their web site or call 01366 347626. The Live and Let Live Public House offers a friendly welcome, the finest real ales, live bands, beer garden and B&B. Call 01366 383933. Web site updates. 23rd May: The official promotional video for UK Top Sportsman is now available on the class' official Facebook page. UK Top Sportsman will be taking place at the Mopar Euronationals at Santa Pod Raceway on 26th-28th July. Fresh Orange. 22nd May: Orange Pop Outlaw Anglia team member Jay Yates writes that Simon Barlow and the team had a very enjoyable day at Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday with the first outing of Simon's new Fordson fresh out of Webster Race Engineering: After a two-year build and lots of hard work and money the van was ready for action. We picked it up from Webster Race Engineering on Saturday and headed straight over to Santa Pod for Sunday's Peak Performance Day. We set up on Saturday afternoon and made a few final tweaks to the car, and then Simon had a drive around the pits to get a feel for it. This was his first time driving it and boy did he have a big grin on his face when he got out. This is a new learning curve for all of us. It is completely different to the old car, with a chromoly chassis and completely rebuilt engine now running methanol, and will take us a while to get used to things. On Sunday we were all up early, eager and ready to get the first test pass in. After going through the final checks and warming the motor we headed down to the lanes. The nerves were kicking in. After a soft burnout, Simon came to the lights and did a soft launch and cruised up the track. What a feeling it was to see the van finally on the track. During the day we did a couple more runs mainly concentrating launching it and getting a general feel for the car. On the final run we decided we would do a half pass. After a strong burnout Simon launched the car and it left the line quite well. He came off the power at the eighth and cruised to the top end, this resulted in a 11.7/73 and we were all delighted with that. All in all it was a fantastic weekend and all of us were over the moon with the outcome. A massive thanks must go to Jon Webster for giving up his day on Sunday to be at the track to assist us. Thanks also goes to Jon and all the guys at Webster Race Engineering for building us an outstanding race car, to Andy Frost for the transmission, to Eddie Brailsford for the long nights in the garage preparing the body for paint, to Steve at AKA Race Transporters for applying the paint, and to Big Ron's Race Engines for the engine rebuild. Also thanks for all the calls, E-Mails and Facebook comments which we keep receiving - it really does mean a lot. Our next meeting will be the Shakey Super Pull to put in a few more test passes. See you all soon . Super Pro Award Scheme begins. 22nd May: Peter Walters of Eurodragster.com sponsor Peter Walters Race Design tells us that the Super Pro ET Award Scheme is ready for lift-off at this weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway: The Award Scheme consists of a random achievement picked by a random member of public before qualifying at each event. The winner will receive the prize money kitty at the end of the event, as well as one of our fantastic trophies courtesy of Giles & Hartley Racing. The prize fund for the FIA Main Event currently stands at just over £400 not including the normal event prize monies. To be in contention for the prizes racers need to be a member of the Scheme. £15 will sign you up for the year as well as getting you a free Super Pro ET T-Shirt. One of the Achievement Awards will be available at each event as well as a prize fund and commemorative prize for the number one qualifier. The Achievement Award at each event will be one of the following: Random qualifier: Number between two and ten picked out of a hat. If number six comes out of the hat then at the end of qualifying the number six qualifier wins, etc. Best package (eliminations and qualifying): Reaction Time + Dial-In difference on same run. 0.020 RT, 8.210 on 8.200 dial in = 0.030 package. Best Reaction Time (eliminations and qualifying): Best Reaction Time of the weekend. Closest to Dial-In (eliminations only): Closest to dial-in, in elimination rounds only. Event winner: Winner of the event will receive the Achievement Award bonus. Best average Reaction Time (qualifying only): Best average Reaction Time from three best runs. Best average Dial-In difference (qualifying only): Best average Dial-In time difference from three best runs. After each round of qualifying or racing, the racer in top spot will be displayed on the notice board in the Canon Reloaded pit (Peter Walters) so you can see what is needed to win! None of this would have been possible without the support from our twenty seven sponsors, and we would like to thank each and every one of them: Alders Automotive, Another Small Fortune Racing, Complete Auto Care, Cygnet Business Solutions, DS Racewear, Everitt's Jewellers, Flavell Welding Specialists, Gary Malin Mobile Mechanic, Gas Appliance Services, Giles & Hartley Racing, Hauser Race Cars, Highway Plant, Hydrahose, Lohrspeed Vehicle Transport, Mike Janis Superchargers, Penn Autos / Andy Frost Transmissions, Peter Walters Race Design, RT Signs, RW Services / Custom Paint, Spence Excavation Ltd, Step-a-side.nl, Team Time Is Money, Ultra Plastics Ltd, Wilding Race Cars, Windscreen Wizards, Xtreme Wheels Ltd and ZaNNetec. If you are interested in sponsoring us then there are still opportunities available, please contact [email protected]. Finally, keep a look out around the pits for our new Super Pro T-Shirts as there may be some left during the weekend and available for £10 each. Good luck to everyone this weekend as we go to battle in the quickest, fastest and biggest Sportsman class in Europe! Upcoming event coverage. 22nd May: Eurodragster.com will be at Santa Pod Raceway tomorrow (Thursday) to bring you the news from the Pro Racer Test Day in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car. We plan to post an end-day report and end-day gallery and the Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam will be on-line and broadcasting live video and trackside audio so long as the track is active. We will post a direct Home Page link to our coverage as soon as it commences but in the meantime you can check out our FIA Main Event week event index, which includes the official entry list and first two days' provisional running orders, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Our friends at the UKDrag.net Blog will be bringing you live coverage of Sunday's and Monday's UK Summer Nationals at York Raceway. Coverage will consist of up to the minute qualifying lists for each class after each round and round-by-round elimination details. George Kinghorn tells us that there will also be a pre-race round up from racers on Friday evening. "This weekend we will also switch on the mobile version of the site so all of you out and about can keep up with events", says George. To everyone racing at York and elsewhere, go fast and stay safe!". You will be able to find the UK Summer Nationals coverage at www.ukdrag.net. If you can't wait for your next webcast fix then Maikel and our good buddies at Doyousee.me are running a time lapse video of the MPM Oil Fuel Funny Car crew working at last year's FIA European Finals which you can check out right now at www.doyousee.me/mpm. Web site updates. 22nd May: The latest update on our good buddy Alan Currans' excellent Acceleration Archive is a gallery of Benoit Pigeon's shots taken at New London Airport and Drag Strip in Virginia. If you like your Gassers then this is one to check out; as ever the quickest route is via the What's New link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Please note that due to pressure of work covering the FIA Main Event we will be suspending postings to our Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet between tomorrow (Thursday) and Monday. Please continue to send in your classified ads and we will post them as soon as we can upon resumption. Prepare for wracked nerves! 21st May: As announced here on Eurodragster.com, Andersen Racing will join the FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship with the one and only Thomas Nataas at the wheel of the dragster. Karsten and Per Andersen write: The crew is the same as the last couple of years, as is the car. So the whole set up is well-known and well-tested and has proven itself to be a dangerous combination several times. So you can all look forward to a lot of nerve-wracking races. We can guarantee you that we will do our best. Andersen Racing would like to thank our long time loyal sponsors Veidec, Biltema, Landmeco, Else-Marie, Sunoco, Teslak Transport, ABC-Skilte and Nybo Rod Shop. Without them it wouldn't be possible to do what we love. RACE. But please note that there are still plenty of space available on the car for additional sponsors. The whole Nataas/Andersen Racing Team looks forward to seeing you at FIA Main Event. It will be a very special day for driver Thomas Nataas as he will not be the only Nataas driving at Santa Pod. His daughter Julie Nataas will also have her car in the Andersen Racing pit, and will be competing in Super Comp. For team news, please follow us on Facebook. Speedgroup Contingency reminder. 21st May: Speedgroup Contingency Programme Co-ordinator Gittli Koller has been in touch to remind FIA and FIM European Championship and EDRS Drag Racing Series racers to sign up for the 2013 Speedgroup Contingency Programme. "If you not have signed in before the first round of qualifying then you are not able to claim the money", says Gittli. "You must sign-up on-line as you will not be able to sign up on paper at the track. You can find all the necessary details at www.speedgroup.eu or you can go directly to the signing-up page at www.speedgroup.eu/2013_contingency_program_sign_in.html. Decals will be provided at the track. "If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]." Cars for sale. 21st May: Multiple FIA Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave Wilson tells us that his injected-nitro car is still up for sale. The car is reserved by Tethys for the FIA Main Event this weekend but Grumpy asked us to remind interested parties that the car is available. Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Mats Andersson has put his street-legal eight-second Opel up for sale. The car has a history going back to the 1980s when it was known as Hot Tomato and is available turn-key or as a roller. When a racer puts their vehicle up for sale the fear is that they are quitting but Mats tells Eurodragster.com that he is putting together a new car. "I'm building a Volvo PV 544 for Street Eliminator", says Mats. "I have made a good start on it, but racing the Opel whilst building a new car messes with your time and money. It will be all steel, chrome and glass as I am trying to maintain a retro look and feel. The chromoly chassis has been started. The Toyota 2JZ engine, GM Pg trans, Syvecs ECU fuel and electronics will come from the Opel unless someone insists on buying the car complete. The goal is to build a Volvo engine in the future but Street Eliminator rules don't allow for a suitable trans behind a four-cylinder engine. Selling the Opel is a tough choice but I'm looking forward to completing the Volvo." For more details on Dave's and Mats' cars, check out the Cars For Sale section of our Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet. Gassers are go! 21st May: Finally it seems the bleak winter months are behind us and the Gasser racing season can get underway, and get underway it does this coming Bank Holiday weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway as the Yanks Weekend / Gary's Picnic plays host to Round 1 of the Gasser Circus Showdown. Nervous Nick writes: With ten Gassers already confirming their attendance it looks like being a good start to the year. Many of the cars have new combinations and fresh parts as yet untested, but that will soon be corrected. Some of the Gassers have made good use of dyno time and rolling roads, to get their cars prepped for the racing ahead, but the real numbers are seen on the 1320. Last year was a great season and this year we plan on repeating that, so if you enjoy Gasser Racing you know where to spend your Bank Holiday weekend! This year we are pleased and proud to continue our sponsorship with the National Street Rod Association who have been joined by Jack Hammer Hot Rod and Kustom Supplies, the Mopar Euro Nationals Committee, Jerry Denning's Hot Rod Parts, and Merv and Nick Barnett Mechanix Ltd. FIA Main Event racer update. 20th May: Many thanks to Ian Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club for forwarding us details of the arrangements for this week's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway: Santa Pod Raceway's gates open at 08:00 on Thursday for Pro Racer Test Day participants only. Gates open for all other race teams at 10:00 on Thursday. The Signing On office will be open between 10:00 and 19:00 on Thursday, and will then reopen on Friday morning. Car scrutineering will commence at 14:30 on Thursday until a time at scrutineer Amos Meekins' discretion, and will then recommence at 07:00 on Friday. Pro racers have been sent their specific scrutinnering times, including pit visits where applicable. Bike scrutineering will commence at 08:00 on Friday (NB bikes will not be running until Saturday). The provisional running orders for Friday and Saturday are now available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Sunday's and Monday's running orders will follow. Please note that these running orders are provisional and subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials. A good Starta to the season. 20th May: Sören Svensson writes that the Team Starta Racing Top Fuel Bike team had a very successful weekend's testing at Tierp Arena last week: We had a blast! We lowered our best sixty foot time to 0.97 seconds, which was more or less the goal we had in mind when we got there with our new tune up and the new HPS 2.1 blower on the bike. It was way to windy to go for a full run and Peter actually hit the concrete wall on the second run on Saturday. We really have high hopes for the Sweden Internationals at Tierp Arena in the middle of June after being able to produce these times in testing: Run 1 sixty foot: 1.01 Run 2: 1.00 Run 3: 0.98 new PB! Run 4: 0.97 new PB again! Other new PBs: Test 3 eighth mile: 3.74, 0.0003 sec quicker than our previous PB with an early shutdown at about 500 feet! Test 4 330 feet: 2.51/157.4 mph Not only are both results new PBs but they might also be new records! Swift snippets. 20th May: Dutch Pro Modified racer Robert Joosten says that the Pro Dutch team are ready for the FIA Main Event. "After successful testing at Valdosta in the USA the race car and rig were shipped back to our headquarters in the Netherlands", says Robert. "Bring it on, let's see what the car can do in the FIA European Championship! In addition we would like to dedicate this year's racing to the brave airmen who served from USAF Podington so the car will carry this decal (right). Looking forward to see you all, and let's have a good fight for the Championship!" Proud sponsor of Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator and Eurodragster.com Topspeed Automotive have seriously increased their stock at their branches in Wellingborough and Surrey. "We now stock everything from VHT paint to a full chassis and a whole lot in between", says Bill Macdermid. "For more information call 07720 678147 or check out our EBay shop at stores.ebay.co.uk/Topspeed-Automotive-Ltd." FIA Main Event Perfect Awards. 20th May: This weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway is the fourth event in the 2013 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme. £175 is on offer for perfect performance. This weekend's Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award has been increased to £75 after it went unclaimed at the Springspeed Nationals. The money will be awarded to the first racer this weekend to record a Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds. The Perfect Light Award is available to racers in all classes during qualifying and eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to £100 for the SPRC Summernationals; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the SPRC Summernationals. The Perfect Light Award is presented in association with UK Pro ET team Bad Habit Racing (Tig and Cath Napier). Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried; these are available in the Signing On office or from the Eurodragster.com staff. This weekend's Eurodragster.com / Gold RV Perfect ET Award has been increased to £100 after it went unclaimed at the Springspeed Nationals. The Perfect ET Award is available this weekend during qualifying or eliminations in Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, and Lucas Oil Junior Dragster (eliminations only), but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Run of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to £125 for the SPRC Summernationals; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the SPRC Summernationals. The Perfect ET Award is presented in association with RV sales and service specialists Gold RV. For more details about the services which Gold RV can provide see Derek Flynn or visit www.goldrv.co.uk. To be eligible to collect the Perfect ET Award, racers are required to carry decals, one on each side of the vehicle. If you pull this weekend's first Perfect ET but are not carrying decals then there will be no discussion; we will not pay out and the next person to pull a Perfect ET will get the money assuming that they are carrying decals. Eurodragster.com / Gold RV Perfect ET Award decals will be available in the Signing On office. Off to see the Wizard. 20th May: Trevor Langfield of Eurodragster.com sponsor The Wizard of NOS was blown away by the turnout at the party to celebrate his sixtieth birthday and thirty five years in the nitrous business: I was especially blown away by those who had travelled from outside the UK specifically to be there. Two surprise guests were Matts Wicktor, WON's quickest European customer, who flew in from Sweden and Manfred Raucher, a long standing WON motorbike customer, who drove all the way from Austria. Both went to great trouble to be part of the celebrations. It was also lovely to see so many locals who turned out in such bad weather and it was greatly appreciated that so many braved the severe weather conditions to get to the party from locations right across the country. To celebrate thirty five years of nitrous involvement Trevor had three hand crafted unique trophies created by his team from Wizards of NOS components and presented them to three very special long-term customers, who have contributed the most to the current success of the business: Brett Ainsley was awarded a trophy for Overall Most Supportive Customer Dave Bailey was awarded a trophy for Most Supportive Race Customer Leigh Morris was awarded a trophy for Longest-Standing and Most Successful WON Customer The best surprise of all was the announcement that Mats Wicktor, WON's only European Pro Mod car customer, will be bringing his awesome 900 ci Pro Mod car to race at the FIA Main Event, giving the WON team the opportunity to show UK racers what a state-of-the art WON nitrous system looks like. With a bit of luck from the gods, Mats will be able to improved upon his existing PB of 6.7 seconds.   All the family, friends and customers who attended the party agreed that it was a very special event and wished Trevor all the best for the future. Web site updates. 20th May: Finnish Top Fuel Dragster racer Anita Mäkelä is planning to update her Facebook page from this weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. Anita has updated her web site at www.anitamaleka.com with some shots of off-season work. The Mad Welshman has updated his Flickr site with pictures from last weekend's Street Nationals at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Mad's shots at www.flickr.com/photos/the_madwelshman. Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog has updated his personal web site with pictures from Saturday's Run What You Brung and yesterday's Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Tog's shots at www.togsdragracing.com or at eurodragster.smugmug.com. SPR Test Weekend coverage. 18th May: We are at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend to bring you the action from today's Run What You Brung and tomorrow's Peak Performance Day in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car. Our coverage will consist of an end-day report and an end-day gallery each day. The Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam will be on-line and broadcasting live video and trackside audio so long as the track is open each day. You can check out our FIA Main Event week coverage index, which includes the official entry list, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Swift snippets. 18th May: European fans have two racers to cheer on in the USA this weekend as ex-pat UK Top Alcohol Dragster racer Mike Manners of Eurodragster.com sponsor Cosmo Residences and ADRL Pro Modified points leader Adam Flamholc are contesting the NHRA Kansas Nationals and ADRL Spring Drags IV respectively. You can stay up to date with the progress of both of our heroes courtesy of our Drag Race Central colleagues at www.dragracecentral.com and a webcast of the ADRL Spring Drags IV is available courtesy of our friends at Bangshift.com. Good luck to Mike and Adam, safe guys. The Oscars are calling... 17th May: What did your race car do this winter? Mark 'Chalky' White's FX Racing Super Gas Chevy Vega spent a month on the film set of the upcoming Marvell Comics summer film Kick Ass 2 starring Jim Carrey.  The car is the bad guy's favourite car and is in pride of place in his top secret underground lair! It had to have a bit of a little facelift for the role and also a name change to something we couldn't possibly mention on a family web site (Think Oedipus - Ed). Most of the graphics have now been removed from the car but there are a couple of decals left inside and maybe one hidden underneath which could make for an interesting wheelie shot. You can check out a trailer at www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UuQfuxq_sA. Swift snippets. 17th May: Thanks to Eurodragster.com readers who inundated UK Top Methanol Dragster racer Tethys with offers after his plea for the loan of a firesuit on Wednesday. "I now have a suit for the weekend, many thanks to all those who contacted me", says Tet. "It just goes to show what a great community we have, and what a great resource we have in Eurodragster.com which enables that community to keep in touch at times when we're not at the track (Thanks - Ed)." European fans have two racers to cheer on in the USA this weekend as ex-pat UK Top Alcohol Dragster racer Mike Manners of Eurodragster.com sponsor Cosmo Residences and ADRL Pro Modified points leader Adam Flamholc are contesting the NHRA Kansas Nationals and ADRL Spring Drags IV respectively. Mike is first up with Top Alcohol qualifying today and Adam's race weekend starts tomorrow. You can stay up to date with the progress of both of our heroes courtesy of our Drag Race Central colleagues at www.dragracecentral.com. Good luck guys and stay safe. Richard Alder writes that Alders Automotive is pleased to be a sponsor of Super Pro ET in the UK this season. "We would like to wish everyone the best of luck for this season and also to remind you that Alders Automotive are offering a 10% discount on transmission work to all racers in Super Pro ET, the Wild Bunch, and members of Santa Pod Racers Club and Avon Park International Racing Association", says Richard. You can contact Alders Automotive via their web site at www.aldersautomotive.co.uk or call 01323 848448. 17:00 UK time today is the deadline for ordering advance tickets for next week's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. To order your tickets visit www.santapod.com or call 01234 782828 (outside the UK +44 1234 782828). We would like to wish a big Happy Birthday to our good buddy Anders Envall. Have a great day Bostic and we hope you liked the umbrella. We ♥ Scott Hauser! 17th May: The Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway started with a disaster for UK Super Pro ET racer Vince Gibbs and the Nosferatu team, but it wasn't all bad news: Igor and I attempted to erect our marquee in high winds and just as we had the roof tarpaulin in place and the legs inserted, the wind got underneath and flipped the eight meter by four meter tent upside down onto a fellow racer's lorry. The bent and twisted mess managed to wedge itself between the cab and trailer but with the help of fellow racers and crew we managed to dislodge it without causing further damage. Luckily the truck was okay but the marquee was toast leaving us open to the elements for the weekend. Bummer! The next bit of news is far more positive in that we have two new team members (see picture). We advertised for crew at the Festival of Power, Stuart Bradley and Susie Purser stepped up to the mark and we agreed to try them out at the Shakey meeting. I am very happy to report that they both did a cracking job and in the words of Igor (Crew Chief) they both "Exceeded expectations". All we need to do is find their new names to join The Fearless Count, Igor the Silent One, Mina, Pugsley, Wednesday and Vlad. Stuart and Susie will be part of the core team attending each meeting, with Fearless and Igor, the others will come and go as and when available. Please join me in welcoming Stuart and Susie to the team.   At the start of the 2012 season we attempted to take some power out of Nosferatu to improve consistency and reliability. At the same time we added new parts and unfortunately lost our way with the tune resulting in a loss of power at the top end. We managed to recover this at the end of the season by returning to our high power tune but ran the risk of breakages. At the Festival of Power we were back in the sixes, due to the good air and fantastic track, but with each pass we had fingers crossed for no damage. For the Springspeed Nationals Igor came up with a tune for 6% blower overdrive, instead of 18%, that worked and we ran a respectable 7.5 on a green track. Now, this is where our love of Scott Hauser begins. In qualifying it's a coin toss who you are paired with and in this round we were paired with Scott. Next qualifying round we improved to a 7.42, improved on our qualifying position and we were paired with Scott Hauser. Final qualifying we joined the pairing lanes and, blow me down, guess who we were paired with? Our buddy Scott. We ran another 7.40 but we dropped down the qualifying list a few places as the rest of the class got a handle on the track and conditions. Pairings were published for the first round of eliminations and guess who we had in the first round? Our stalker mate Scott. Now we know that Scott is a great racer so we needed to have a good dial-in and I needed a good light. Burnouts completed we both nudged into stage and the lights started to come down. I had a wait of about 0.3 seconds on the tree and managed a 0.02 light against Scott's 0.04. As I chased him down Nosferatu developed a misfire at the top revs of first gear so I had to manually shift into second. The result was a 7.50 on a 7.42 dial in and Scott crossed the finish line 0.04 seconds ahead of us to take the win. Back in the pits we downloaded the data from the logger and could see that the motor had run too rich for the higher altitude air for that time of the day compared to previous qualifying runs, resulting in the misfire. Scott went on to win the meeting for his first victory on Super Pro ET. I have the new parts for the marquee, Nosferatu is ready for the Main Event, the team is great so all we need to do is stay away from our nemesis Mr Hauser Jr. Springspeed JDB review. 17th May: Many thanks to Lizz McCarthy for forwarding us the Junior Drag Bike racers' reviews of their weekend at the Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway: Scott Collier: In the first qualifying run I dialled in a 7.90 and ran a 7.92 handing me the number one qualifier slot. Unfortunately in the final round of qualifying I went a little under the class index so I got an official warning. I ended up second after qualifying. In the first round I was against Jake Charman, the bike launched hard and I just got past him in time to brake and slow down to avoid breaking out but I still ran a 7.9! In the second round I was against Jordan Kenway and I got past him but didn't slow down enough and ran a 7.85, disqualifying me from the meeting. Well done to Jordan on his first of many finals and see you all soon! Jake Charman: When Dad and I arrived at the track, most of the setting up work was already done thanks to Lizz, Gipp and Nige. Thanks also to Don Kennedy, Bois Reed and Ray Debben for helping to find some spark plugs at short notice. First run out in the morning we started out with a 9.89 dial but it soon became clear that the bike was having real trouble leaving the line without bogging. I ran a 10.34/65h. I came back to the pits feeling sure I had let go of the clutch too slowly and it spun the clutch instead of the tyre. Saturday morning, and another attempt at leaving the line. This time I made a point of reminding myself to ping the clutch and there was still a bog. Back to the pits and we put even higher pressure into the tyre and lowered the front in order to get the wieght away from the back wheel. We decided to lean out the fuel mix but still had the same problems as before. It was the last run before eliminations and lean didn't work so we decided to try rich. Thanks to Binz for finding us some jet drills to use as we proceeded to make a richer jet. Even now, we still had the same problem. We went into eliminations thoroughly baffled. We could only hope for Scott to break out. He ran a 7.97 on his 7.90 dial to my 11 on a 10.91 dial. Oh well. As always thanks to my sponsors Doug at Ensys and 'Uncle' Steve Wood. Thanks also to Dad, Lizz, Gipp and Nige for helping me throughout the weekend. Please visit www.youtube.com/nitrousjunkieracing for videos of this weekend. Liam Holgate: The weather was great, real hot. I was tired and it showed I could not get the same time once. I thought my bike was not right but could not say what was wrong with it. After my last race, as we were putting my bike away, my Dad realised that the back brake was stuck on my wheel. I think this is why I was not near my time. I was sad, but still had a good weekend and can't wait for the next race. Well done Lizz for getting back on, I would be scared to. Jordan Kenway: We got up on Saturday morning to rain, when the rain stopped mid-morning Dad and I went up to the top end to try out the bike after some modifications, but it didn't go so well. We couldn't get the bike to run properly so when Q1 arrived we decided to dial in a 13.00 just so that we could get a time on the board. I ended up running a new PB of 12.52, after that we went back to the pits and fitted a new coil which sorted everything out. The bike ran better and better for the rest of the qualifying sessions. In Round 1 of eliminations I had Siobhan Moor and I managed to get my first ever round win. In Round 2 I had Scott Collier and I won because Scott broke out. It was my first ever final in racing and I had Louis Davies unfortunately I lost because I broke out but I did run another PB of 12.003. A great weekend, thanks for all the help, well done to everyone who raced, and well done Louis for winning. Louis Davies: When we arrived at Shakey it was much warmer than the last meeting. We had had to rebuild my electrics before the meeting and the battery eliminator had destroyed itself so I was not sure how the bike would go. In Q1 I dialled in a 9.50 but ran a 10.02 and found it very windy. In Q2 I raised the dial in to 9.60 and ran a 9.86 so was slightly better. In Q3 I raised the dial in again to 9.80 and ran a 9.85 which was much better but only good enough for fourth as things were very close. In Q4 I raised the dial in to 9.83 and ran 9.88 this left me 4th after qualifying. Congratulations to Jasmine Cordelle for qualifying first with an almost perfect run. The first round of eliminations was against Alfie Udall who was dialled in quicker than me so I would leave first, I dialled in 9.77 and ran 9.87 which was good enough to get through. The semi was against Jasmine so I was going to have to run close to my dial in. I dialled in 9.80 and ran 9.82, Jasmin ran 10.23 on a 10.19 so it was very close but I had won and had made the final. The final was against Jordan Kenway who was in his first final at only his second meeting. I dialled in a 9.78 and Jordan a 12.20 so I had quite a long wait then set off to chase him down. I only caught him right on the line and was not sure if I got there first or not, we had both broken out but I broke out by less so won. Big thanks to everyone at Shakey and all the people who came and helped us at the weekend, now looking forward to the Summernationals. Sioban Moor: As it was my first time in competition on the bike, I was rather nervous but excited and ready to get out there. With lessons from my dad I managed to master the art of burnout! I felt qualifying went well but then got knocked out in the first round against Jordan Kenway. Overall I was very pleased with how the weekend went. Web site updates. 17th May: Our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson has posted a large gallery of EDRS Nationals shots to his personal web site at www.racebilder.nu and to the EDRS Facebook page. SPR Test Weekend coverage. 17th May: In association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, Eurodragster.com will be at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend to bring you the action from tomorrow's Run What You Brung and Sunday's Peak Performance Day. Our coverage will consist of an end-day report and an end-day gallery each day. The Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam will be on-line and broadcasting live video and trackside audio so long as the track is open each day. We will post a direct Home Page link to our coverage as soon as it commences, but in the meantime you can check out our FIA Main Event week coverage index, which includes the official entry list, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Slyfield looks to Main Event. 15th May: UK Pro Modified racer Kev Slyfield has been in touch with the great news that after a massive effort by everyone concerned it looks like his Coupe will make next week's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. Kev's first outing of the year at Easter was marred by a second-eighth crash into the guardrail although all who saw it agreed that but for some good driving by Kev the impact could have been a lot worse. "At times it has felt like an episode of DIY SOS", Kev told Eurodragster.com. "With the help of my trusty Crew Chief James we rebuilt the rear quarter so that a mould could be made by Keith at KNG Developments (01202 581856). Special thanks go to Kate Robinson for sourcing and organising parts delivered in super quick time, and to Andy Robinson for a speedy turn-round with the chassis work. "The car is now back at my workshop where it will be prepared to attach the new rear quarter and re-assemble. Loads of time!" Race suit urgently sought. 15th May: UK Top Methanol Dragster racer Tethys is urgently seeking a race suit to use for his planned testing at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend. "Although I had a race suit lined up for my TMD début at the Main Event, I've run into a problem with it", says Tethys. "I've managed to source another for the race itself, but it will only arrive just in time for the event, and I'm left without a suit for this weekend's RWYB. "I'm 6'0" (1.83m) tall and around 14 stone (90 kg). If anyone has a suitable suit (SFI 3.2A/15 or /20) which I could borrow for this weekend, I'd be very grateful. Because it's a RWYB, the suit doesn't need to have up to date tags. I can be contacted by email at [email protected], or by phone on 07855 385616." MT slick urgently sought. 15th May: FIM European and ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Ian King also has an urgent need, in this case for a Mickey Thompson slick due to a delayed shipment from the USA. "Do any of your readers have one or two Mickey Thompson 3073M 31.0/14.0-15M Top Fuel Bike tyres which they can either loan me until my shipment arrives, at which I will replace with new, or sell to me for use at the Main Event?", says Ian. If you can help then please drop Ian a line at [email protected] or call 07785 341099 (outside the UK +44 7785 341099). Swift snippets. 15th May: Further to yesterday's piece about Vic Hammond's funeral, Sam Freeman tells us that if anyone would like to make a donation to the Shooting Star Chase children's hospice in Vic's memory then you can donate on-line at www.justgiving.com/victor-hammond or send it to Shooting Star Chase c/o T A Ellement and Son Ltd, 51 High Street, Ruislip HA4 7BD. Race fans have no less than three webcasts from which to choose this weekend. Available on-line will be the Cramo Nationals at Malmö Raceway which starts on Friday, the FHRA Spring Nationals at Alastaro which takes place on Saturday and Sunday and whose webcast costs €10, and Eurodragster.com's own Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcast of the pre-FIA Main Event Run What You Brung and Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway. We will of course post direct Home Page links to these webcasts when they commence. Many thanks to our own Simon and to Yvonne Tramm for forwarding us the post-Springspeed Nationals standings in the UK National Drag Racing Championships and APIRA Ultimate Power Championships. You can check out the UK and APIRA points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Bloodlines at the Springspeeds. 15th May: The Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway turned out to be quite a weekend for UK Super Pro ET racer Laura Turburville and the Bloodlines race team: The weather started out a bit grim but steadily improved over the weekend culminating in glorious sunshine and a great track. The gremlins got into the Christmas Tree and ate the green and red lights but a good solution was found and racing went on unhindered whilst Ian, Laura, Martin and Ingrid got to grips with the new car. There were a couple of small problems, like the starter motor deciding to break in the pairing lanes and Ian taking a nasty tumble when he tripped over the wheelie bars, luckily the inimitable Captain Crunch was on hand to help out! Laura had her hands full learning to drive the slingshot which can be difficult with its hand braking system, but by the end of the weekend she had mastered it and ran PB after PB (Looked like a natural to me - Ed). The good news was that the handling problems of Easter were cured and the car was launching hard and straight. The first round was a bye run as Laura was due to face good friend Jack Brewster who unfortunately blew the motor in his super-fast Firebird. This gave Laura a chance to settle her raceday nerves as Super Pro is a big, fast, daunting class to race in! The second round was against Laura's old nemesis Steve Saunders in his immaculate Ford Zephyr. Steve was bigger, faster and quicker than Laura but a lot heavier. Laura's Young Blood car is lighter but has the smallest motor in the whole class at just 355ci, so it was going to be tough. The dial-in was all important but as this was only her second meeting, and her times had dropped every run, so it was a bit of a lottery. The quickest Sarah, the previous driver, had ever gone in the car was 8.9-something and Laura had already run close to that so the team guessed that that was the car's limit with that tune so dialled in an 8.95. Laura and Steve lined up and staged perfectly, you could feel the concentration as the pair of them stared down the tree. The lights went down, the revs went up, Laura exploded from the line on the last amber (We're not talking literally, you understand - Ed), was it a red? No, it was a fantastic 0.003 reaction, Laura's years in Junior Dragster showing and Steve blasted off in hot pursuit. At the stripe it was Laura by a nose but she had broken out big time running a new PB of 8.83, a fantastic race. Laura and Steve were all smiles at the top end when the dust settled, and both agreed it was one of the best races either had enjoyed... ever! The day was filmed by the BBC for a segment of The One Show which will broadcast later in the year after some more filming at Santa Pod, so we look forward to seeing that. Commiserations to Jack Brewster and Jayne Kay who both broke their motors, we hope to see them back soon. Well done to the track crews and staff at Shakespeare County Raceway for a great Bank Holiday meeting and to Crunch for jumping in to help on the Monday. Congratulations to Scott Hauser on a great win. The next round for Laura in Super Pro ET, the most exciting class in Sportsman racing, is the Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway on 24th-27th, which also happens to be Laura's eighteenth birthday! Bloodlines Racing is partnered by Turboville Racing, Nottingham Platers, Topspeed, Ingrid and Martin, Tim Fountain, EGT, Gates, Kenny Youngblood, DJ Safety, Superpower Unlimited and Nefarious Pinstriping. Farewell to Vic. 14th May: Sam Freeman tells us that Vic Hammond's funeral was even better attended than anyone expected: An estimated six hundred people turned up, overflowing the chapel before the queue seemed to move. The overspill was directed to another chapel to watch on closed-circuit TV screens, then that chapel overflowed too with a great many people left to stand where they could to see the screens.  A fair contingent of drag racers past and present turned up including former Pro Fuel driver Trevor Young and a great many former workmates from the the film industry were in attendance along with his family and friends. Vic's choice of music Great Balls Of Fire and That'll Be The Day finished up the service. I'm sure that I speak on behalf of the family by thanking those who came to say goodbye and to send Vic off in the style he deserved. The world will be a sadder place without him (Hear, hear - Ed). Swift snippets. 14th May: There is still time to get in last-minute testing before the FIA Main Event as Santa Pod Raceway is hosting a Run What You Brung this Saturday (18th), Peak Performance Day this Sunday, and a Pro Racer Test and Tune next Thursday (23rd). For more information check out www.rwyb.com. Steve Dudley writes that the final slot drags of the 2012-13 season at MrD Raceway will take place at 8:00 pm on Friday of next week (24th) at The Cathedral Primary School, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1PA. "There is a small car park in the school grounds which should be able to accommodate us all", says Steve. "Entry and racing are free, all we ask is that you make a donation of a couple of pounds to help toward the hire of the hall, although it's not obligatory. I have loan cars for anybody wishing to try out this exciting form of slot car racing. We try to run a couple of elimination races during the evening to add some element of competition / tension to the meeting. Come and have a go, it's great fun!" Old Skool Ford Round 2. 14th May: Jo Peters writes that numbers for the Old Skool Ford Championship continue to be strong with no less than fifteen cars turning out for Round 2 at the weekend's Street Nationals at Santa Pod Raceway: The weather was not kind and we started late on Sunday as an ambulance had to go off-site. The Old Skool Ford racers were running in sessions between the Outlaw Street, FWD and Jap Drag Series cars and due to a number of oil-downs and breakages the day was very slow. Our entrants managed one or two runs each but many of those ran PBs including Paul Mags in his Cossie-powered Classic Ford mag-featured MK1 Escort (left) which ran a superb 10.9. This car has much more to come but it was a pretty impressive time for a damp day. Veteran drag racer Kev Jenkins' XE turbo'd MK1 Escort spat its prop three quarters of the way down the track causing damage to a ladder bar and panhard rod – thankfully the prop loops which were fitted to the car in 2008 so that it could race at Hal-Far Raceway in Malta did their job and prevented far worse damage, and he still managed an 11.1! With only three weeks until the next round Kev has some work to do! Results 1. Glenn Jefferson (MK1 Escort) 2. Iain Hogg (MK1 Escort) 3. Lee Jessup (MK1 Cortina) Round 3 is at the Classic Ford Show at Santa Pod on Sunday 1st June. A full report for Round 2 can be found at www.oldskoolford.co.uk and in Classic Ford magazine. PMR take a win. 14th May: Paul Marston Racing re-entered heads up competition at North Weald Airport this past weekend, in the Quick Eight eliminator at a drag race organised by Tony Huck's Maitland Racing. Paul Marston writes: The lion's share of the day was blessed with beautiful sunshine. Driving the Whoopass Monza I entered the fray, qualified on pole, and ultimately won the final against a '33 Plymouth Super Gas / Comp race car. This was the first event of 2013 at North Weald and it was very well-attended, with a good crowd of spectators. North Weald is our local track and it was great to see so many friends who stopped by to say Hi. It was particularly nice to see Colin from C&P Hot Rod Ts who had a small stall and who, considering he only had triple-bypass surgery eight weeks ago, looked fantastic. Expert commentary and hosting were courtesy of the velvet tones of the legendary Mr John Price. Our sincere thanks to Tony Huck and Maitland Racing for organising such a great and friendly event. I would also like to thank Gary Springford, Mad Mick Howling, the Crewchief, and Funsize for their expert crewing: it's a tough race in which to compete and needed some quick thinking. PMR look forward to returning for the next event in June to defend our title. Two-car Erbacher limits schedule. 13th May: Swiss Top Fuel Dragster racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Urs Erbacher has confirmed that he will not be contesting the entire FIA European Championship in 2013. Urs says that despite working very hard on sponsorship and despite selling his Championship-winning Supertwin the funds are not there to run the whole Tour. As previously revealed here on Eurodragster.com Urs does however plan to run a two-car team later this season: We are currently working to build a second Top Fuel Dragster. The pilot of the second car will be Noah Stutz who is eighteen years old and who is ready for his Top Fuel licencing. The plan is that Noah will compete in his Super Comp dragster at the FIA Main Event but at full throttle so that the car will run in the sevens which will give him a feeling for the Top Fuel car. In June we will go to the SPRC Summernationals with Noah's car which is my Hadman dragster with a new front and back half from ME Racing in Sweden. I ran this car in Abu Dhabi and it's a state-of-the art car like the guys in the States run. After licensing Noah and I will both attend the NitrOlympX at Hockenheim. If everything works out fine and we are winner and runner up there then we will maybe go to Sweden or to the European Finals at Santa Pod. It's has been a lot of work to upgrade the cars and to buy the tools, and to train Noah and his new crew whom we are training in my shop every Tuesday evening. The Crew Chief for both cars will be Robin Grice. My own crew is the same as last year. I am sorry for all of my fans and friends all over Europe that we are not doing the full Championship but we will be back soon. We are still planning to go to Las Vegas and Pomona for the NHRA races at the end of this year - I still have an NHRA race win on my list. Urs is also starting a new Supporters' Club named the Erbacher 111 Club, so called because basic membership is 111 Swiss Francs or about €90. An upgraded membership is also available for 889 SFr. You can find out more (PDF format) by clicking here. Pit tour guides sought. 13th May: Allard Chrysler Action Group Chair Brian Taylor has been in touch seeking volunteers to host tours of the pits at the FIA Main Event. "It looks like there will be approaching 1000 Institute of the Motor Industry guests on the Friday of the Main Event", says Brian. "These are apprentices and youngsters looking to make a career in the motor industry and on the 1st Gear or Accelerate programmes. These are the next generation of drag racing fans and maybe racers. "We are trying to find suitable volunteers to take groups of twenty five guests on pit tours. Each tour will take about forty five minutes with introductions to racers and crews in their pits. The format worked well last year. We have some volunteers but we need more, even if you can only give us a couple of hours. If you are interested then please E-Mail [email protected] or [email protected]. Race report from Ms Bump. 13th May: UK Comp Bike racer Lizz McCarthy took runner-up spot at the Springspeed Nationals in a somewhat painful fairy-tale having hit the guardrail during qualifying. Lizz says that thinking about the weekend, and the catalogue of events, made her realise how incredibly lucky she was, and how blessed with the most amazing crew and friends: Set up was as usual on the Friday – Kev went to fetch Jake, and I got the bikes organised and scruinteered. By the time they were back, the whole ensemble had arrived and we were ready to race! On Saturday we awoke to the sound of rain and thought "Here we go again!". The wind was quite blustery so it soon dried up. We were called down and it rained again, and back to the pits we went. A few hours later we were back in the fire-up road. I paired up with Allan Davies and I was in the left hand lane. I was advised to do a bigger burnout than normal, as I had had a new tyre fitted for this meeting. Big burnout I did! Up to pre stage, launched, and immediately turned left, and although I tried to keep it away I hit the armco like a bouncing bomb. I can't tell you why I kept it pinned, but the paramedics and fire crew were chasing me down the track and eventually I came to a stop not long after the first exit as I was unable to stop due to only having one brake lever which had been been snapped off together with a footpeg on the armco. My leathers were also scraped. Thankfully I sacrificed my leg and elbow to save the bike from worse damage! Adrenaline is an amazing thing. Once stopped I was very shaken, and in quite a bit of pain, so I was taken to the Med Centre in the ambulance. I am so sorry for holding up everyone elses racing. Eventually I was allowed to go back to the pits where I found that the bike had been pretty much turned round, a new lever found - thanks so much to Nigel Barker - and the footpeg was about to be welded back on by Rick Cooke. Thanks so much to him, and for the secondary offers from Jim Usher and Richard Walters. All I had to do now was convince big cheese medical type chap Ian Connop that I was OK to race, and to get the bike and leathers re-scrutineered, and I would be ready for the last qualifier of the day. Happily they all gave me the go ahead, just in time to hear a couple of Comp Bikes burn out. I was given permission to do a refamiliarisation pass after the last session, but nerves got the better of me and I burnt the clutch out in the burnout so I would have to get my head sorted and race the following day. I must thank my Junior Drag Bike buddies Jake Charman and Louis Davies for being total superstars and cleaning my clutch, and all the plates and steels, and putting them all back together again which is a rotten job – thank you so much. I got out at about 2:30 on Sunday, very sore and quite stiff. I was so nervous, I really thought I wasn't going to be able to do it. Kev had taken a load of timing out, so it was going to be gentle and I was allowed to go solo. It was a normally aspirated run just to get me back in the saddle and I ran an 8.71 – the quickest the bike has gone with no nitrous, so was pretty pleased with that – and the team were just thankful I made it up there with no dramas! The second run was awesome. I found my mojo! Still solo, but ran a 7.71/173, my highest speed to date. It got me up the ladder to number one qualifier... sorry guys, seems a bit rude really ! What a day Monday was! All sorted, and was up against Harold Woldenden in the first round of eliminations. I love racing Harold as we always have a giggle, and he is a good mate. The poor bloke redlit whist I ran a 7.89/162 and took the win. Tony Clark came up next and we were all so chuffed for him to find that he had run his first seven on the Outlaw, brilliant! Phil Crossley had run another 7.8, another PB, and we were very pleased for him too. I had a bye into the Final so just staged and waited to race Tony. I was very much looking forward to this too. Ken Cooper looks after both of our engines - it's been a while since a Cooperized final! Needless to say, Tony put me in the left hand lane which completely messed with my head. So with a reaction of about two weeks and an "After you Tone" I chased him up the track, but he had me. He beat me on the Tree with another seven, 7.9 to my 7.8. I am going to have to watch him! Huge thanks as always to my fantastic crew. Kevin, thanks for being so patient with me. Jake, Minx, Julie, Nigel, and Chris who had heard about my accident and texted to see if I was OK even though he was on the other side of the world. Richard Gipp, Allan and Clair Davies and Kerryanne Frazier. Paramedics, Race Control, track crew and pit runners, Mark Cousell and Linda Williams, you rock! Lastly to Eurodragster.com (Thanks, you're welcome - Ed) and some incredible sponsors - Doug at Ensys, Tony Gillam at Abbey Motorsports, thank you so much for coming to see us at the weekend. Uncle Steve Wood, Vizman Kustom Art, Jeni at Yawning Cat Photography, Simon at Claron Graphics - thank you all so much for all your support. Double up, double red. 13th May: Paul Marston Racing enjoyed a dominant performance in their Trashman cartoon character-liveried Whoopass Chevy Monza at last weekend's Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. Paul himself was at the wheel, competing in both Pro ET and Super Pro ET, and scored pole and runner-up in Super Pro ET and made ths semi-finals in Pro ET. Paul says that it was a very positive weekend: The Whoopass Monza has developed very well after we put a lot of work into her over the winter. At last year's Open Sport Nationals at SCR, we felt like it was the car to beat, then unfortunately we had a ring and pinion failure which ended the event for us. We bounced back at the 2012 FIA European Finals, qualifying very strong and winning Pro ET. Unfortunatley the cold weather at the 2012 UK National Finals cost us the SPRC title and National runner-up as the Monza struggled for traction with a track temperature in the fifties on eliminations day. We put up a strong showing at the Festival of Power at Easter in some of the most challenging conditions we have ever faced, qualifying strongly and going three rounds in Super Pro ET, so it's safe to say that the traction issues which cost us dear at the UK National Finals are resolved. There are still areas to work on, the double reds in Pro ET and Super Pro ET which ended both efforts are ultimately my fault. I have learnt from that, and ou won't see it happen again. There is more work to be done on the Monza, we have some plans and the FIA Main Event will tell us if we are on the right track. The Springspeed Nationals was great. The track was tricky to read and constantly evolved, culminating in an awesome race surface on Monday afternoon. Personally I think that everyone at SCR did a great job - they had plenty thrown at them and got through it, well done to all. Congratulations to Scott Hauser for taking the title in Super Pro ET, it was his day and he deserved it. That also goes to dad Geof Hauser, your son must have made you a very proud father. Congratulations also go to Nic Williams who won what I believe was his first event title in Pro ET, Nick was pure badass all day and deserved the victory in his beautiful Camaro. I must also recognise the peerless crew who make Paul Marston Racing what it is. They are just the best bunch of friends to go racing with, everyone worked their tails off, none of us had time for breakfast or lunch on eliminations day as there simply was not enough time - we were double classing and ran eight rounds of competition in four hours which included rescuing the Monza when a faulty valve left her needing to be recovered from the top end, repairing the damage, and still making the next round. My thanks also to the PMR crew for not beating the driver to death for going double red! You come racing to play hard and race hard, after all that is why we are there. Win or lose all you can do is your best. After a day at North Weald this past weekend we will spend next weekend running the PMR Drag Race Driving School, teaching and giving a passenger ride. Then it's back to Santa Pod for the FIA Main Event, with good weather and that simply awe-inspiring new track, it will be a record breaking-event for sure. Last but by no means least, check out the FIA Main Event entry list for a second entry from Paul Marston Racing in Pro ET... oh yes, he is back! On that note stand by for another announcement regarding a returnee. Our sincere thanks to our racing partners and associates Gary Springford at DRE, London Road Tyres, Geddex, JW Performance Transmissions, Black Box London, our many fans, and of course Eurodragster.com who provide such great coverage (Thanks! - Ed). EDRS Nationals webcast. 12th May: Our good buddies at Smart TV are broadcasting this weekend's EDRS Nationals in High def. at www.smarttv.se. Broadcast commences at approximately 08:00 UK / 09:00 European. Registration is necessary to pick up the webcast but registration is free as is the webcast itself (despite the PPV wording). For the number crunchers out there results will be available at www.dragracing.eu and www.nitroz.se. There have certainly been some spectacular numbers led by Simon Andersson's 0.000 in Junior Dragster qualifying and a 5.897/397.64 kmh by Micke Gullqvist to take top spot in Pro Modified, whilst a recovered Elvira Karlsson has kicked her Personal Best into next week with a 7.124 in Pro Stock Bike testing and Jimmy Ålund similarly impressive with a spectacular 6.595 in Pro Stock testing. EDRS Nationals update. 10th May: Speedgroup Co-ordinator Åsa Kinnemar writes that the EDRS Nationals, a round of the EDRS and Swedish Championship, takes place at Tierp Arena tomorrow and Sunday: 164 teams are entered for this full-scale EDRS European Drag Racing Series event. A number of FIA and FIM Europe Championship teams are also on site for Test and Tune. The event is also included in the Swedish Championship for Pro Modified, Stock Superstock, Comp Eliminator and Junior Dragster. You can see a preliminary running order (PDF format) by clicking here but please note that changes may occur. If you cannot follow the action live at Tierp Arena then you can join us via Web TV at www.smarttv.se starting at 09:00 tomorrow. Results will be posted at www.dragracing.eu and at www.nitroz.se. Swift snippets. 10th May: Thanks to Ian King for letting us know that the latest standings in the ACU UK Drag Bike Championships are now available at www.kingracing.com. Ian thanks PiPPi and Eurodragster.com's Simon for their assistance. Can UK Super Pro ET racer Ian Powell please get in touch with us at [email protected], thank you. Springspeed Street Eliminator review. 10th May: Many thanks to Matt Atkinson for sending us a review of Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator at the Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway: With good weather forecast over the first May Bank Holiday we were hoping for a strong turn out of competitors and some close racing. Street Eliminator had a six-strong field for our first outing of the year at Shakespeare County Raceway although that nearly ended up as five before a wheel was even turned at the track. Stu Williams and the Carmasupra Team had set out on their trip from South Devon on Friday afternoon sporting a very professional appearing new rig. Unfortunately a few hours into the journey Stu suffered a severe blowout on the back wheel of the truck leaving him stranded at a service station waiting for help! Stu eventually made it to the track and then had the small task of assembling the race car as it was only 75% complete. Saturday came round and despite a promising-looking morning showers started to descend on the track leaving us stuck in the pits eagerly awaiting our first runs. We finally got the first run in mid afternoon with defending champion Brian Payne in his Mustang topping the pile with an 8.559/182 off of the trailer. Martin Smith in the Team Extreme Nissan GTR r25 followed in second with a 9.400/138.53, great show for his first full pass down the track. It was also good to see Mats Anderson back on song with a 9.462/156.24 following electrical problems at Easter. Following Q2 Brian still sat on top of the pile, Andy Bond made his first appearance with a 9.303/159.30 missing the first round with a gearbox problem. Onto Sunday and Q3 and with the weather improving Stu Williams and the team were seriously thrashing to get the car ready to try and get at least one run in. We had our first run at 2:00 pm and some big changes in the leader board with race car builder Jon Webster jumping up from number five to the number one spot in his Comet running an 8.469/164.79, a big improvement also for Mats Andersson running through with an 8.579/163.09. With the last round of qualifying quickly approaching and despite the best efforts of Stuart and the Carmasupra team time just ran out, a great effort from the team to make it to the track and even better effort to try and put on a show. Stu will however be ready for the Main Event at the end of May and we look forward to seeing the car out once again. The last round of qualifying ended up with Jon Webster staying on top with a slightly improved 8.764, whilst Martin Smith had seemingly overhauled the transbrake issues on the line and ran through with an 8.798/170.89 with which the team were most happy! Final standings were: Jon Webster 8.464/167.41 Brian Payne 8.558/183.43 Mats Andersson 8.579/163.09 Martin Smith 8.798/170.89 Andy Bond 9.303/159.30 With the sun blazing we set off on the cruise at 5:00 pm. As this was my first time on the Shakespeare County Raceway Cruise as Chair and I didn't really know the route I was joined by Alan Williamson - soon to be back out in his lovely looking Chevy 3100 pick-up fresh out of Chris Isaacs' workshop following some substantial developments - who kindly volunteered to show the way. OK, he didn't have a choice really! Thanks also to Paul Payne for driving and navigating. All cars made it successfully around the Cruise with no major incidents, despite Martin Smith's best efforts to race back to the track and nearly missing the hot start. He ended up having to reverse up the lay-by to reconvene with the others! Moving into eliminations with some interesting match-ups and points at stake. Courtesy of his number one qualifier Jon Webster benefited from a bye run and it was just as well as problems with the fuel pump hampered his chances of improving on the qualifying time running through with an 11.124/109.47. Next up was Mats Andersson against Team Extreme's Martin Smith and with just two tenths between them in qualifying it was sure to be close. As the lights came down Martin was still raising boost on the turbos of the GTR whilst Mats wasted no time and was off to take the win with an 8.566/162.53. The last pair was a re-run of the final at Easter which Brian took, however Brian had struggled on Sunday to find a set-up which suited the track and Andy Bond had been consistently running 9.3s. Andy was hoping for a good light and for Brian to spin off the line, but Brian and the team had gone back to Saturdays tune-up and came through with an 8.480/177.24 setting himself up nicely for a bye run to the final. Onto E2 and Mats Anderson in the yellow Opel was looking to overcome number one qualifier Jon Webster and with less than a tenth separating the two it was going to be won or lost on the start line. Jon was into stage first followed closely by Mats, the lights came down and Jon was away first but unfortunately with a -0.003 red handing the race to Mats who duly accepted with a bracket-like ET of 8.569. Brian followed with his bye run and again seemed to be back on track with an 8.468/181.52 to reach his second final of the year. In the final and a happy looking Mats Andersson and Brian Payne made their way down to the start line, another close race in store since despite Brian's top end speed advantage there was nothing to choose between the ETs. Into stage and Brian got the drop off the Tree and ran through with an 8.472/182.88 closely followed by a charging Mats Andersson with another 8.5/162.95 (Mats would be giving the Super Pro guys a run for their money at this rate!). Back to back victories for Brain Payne and great start to the season building up an early points lead. Well done and congratulations again to Brain, Paul Wright, Paul Payne, Joe and Liam. A big thank you to our class sponsors to whom we are very grateful: Topspeed Automotive, Custom Car magazine, RPM magazine, Webster Race Engineering, Doctor Flock, Quartermile High / Zeon TV, Matt Woods Photography and Eurodragster.com, all of whom can be found on our web site at www.streeteliminator.com. Thanks also to the track crew and staff at Shakespeare County Raceway for a good weekend and providing some outstanding weather! Three weeks and counting to the FIA Main Event and with ten cars entered we look forward to posting some really quick competitive numbers. Web site updates. 10th May: Continuing on the Springspeed Nationals theme, our good friend Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with a gallery of superb shots from last weekend's race. As ever you can check out the latest update via the What's New link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Also posting some excellent photographs is York Raceway ever-present Richard Smith whose shots of last weekend's Super Street Shootout and UK Open Nationals you can check out at rdsmith.zenfolio.com. Running for Paula. 9th May: UK Pro ET and Wild Bunch racer Sarah Howells will be taking part in the Great North Run on 15th September to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research in memory of the late Paula Marshall. The Great North Run is the biggest half-marathon on the planet and its runners have raised millions of pounds for charity during its lifetime. Sarah is aiming to get around the thirteen miles in two hours and twenty minutes. "The dedication, commitment and determination I will need to do this doesn't compare to that shown and given by Paula in the recent years but I'll hopefully do her memory justice and would appreciate support to raise as much money as possible", she says. If you would like to sponsor Sarah in Paula's memory to raise funds for this very deserving cause then please visit her Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/dashracinguk. Sarah's sponsorship target is £2000 but let's see if we can't beat that. You know what to do, folks. Doignie and Lane's new ride. 9th May: UK Super Gas racer Stuart Doignie has been in touch to admit ownership of the car in one of the two spy pictures published here on Eurodragster.com on 31st January: The car is owned by myself and long term crewman Tim Lane. The intention is to race the car in Super Gas and Super Comp and to share the driving duties, although Tim will probably use this year to get used to the car and then enter competition next year. We have entered the car for Super Gas and Super Comp at the FIA Main Event and we are looking forward to testing at the Peak Performance Day before the Main Event. Special thanks to my dad Bob and to Gary for all the hard work assembling the car, and to Nic Williams at OCS Paint for painting the car, and to Darren West at Power Race Graphics for the paint design. Swift snippets. 9th May: 8.50 Bike, 9.50 Bike, National Association of Supertwins and European Top Gas Series racers are reminded that the Yanks Weekend, which takes place at Shakespeare County Raceway on 25th-27th May, is a round of their respective Championships. You can download the entry form from the Downloads page at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. Our good buddy Anders Envall tells us that Robert Karström and the Smart TV team are headed for Tierp Arena to broadcast this weekend's NDRS Nationals live on the internet in 1080 High Definition. The race takes place this Saturday and Sunday and the webcast will commence at approximately 08:00 UK / 09:00 European on Saturday. You can find out more at www.smarttv.se. For the number crunchers out there results will be available at www.nitroz.se. Hot on the heels of the announcement that the awesome Monster Energy have joined UK blown-alcohol team Bennett Racing, the team are very pleased to announce their latest sponsor Design Engineering, Inc. Design Engineering, Inc. are one of the foremost suppliers of thermal tuning product featuring products for racers, street performance enthusiasts, and hobbyists alike. In addition to supplying the performance aftermarket with thermal tuning products, Design Engineering serves the needs of the powersports, marine, industrial and commercial industry markets the world over. For a full range of products, check out their web site at www.designengineering.com and don't forget their Twitter and Facebook pages. ET Bike arrives. 9th May: The weekend's Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway hosted the first running of the new Pro Bike ET and Sportsman Bike ET classes. Although there was only a small entry which resulted in the classes being combined, all of the runners had a cracking weekend: Phil Steele riding the Parny Express qualified number one after the first round, but it turned around most rounds with Gary Hester riding the ex-Chris Richards Katana taking over top spot for the next two rounds, with Paul Furlong (Furlong Tyres Suzuki) getting closer in the third. NSA Southern Champion Jasper Joy was out on the ex-Mike Taylor Mickey Taker blown Triumph. At the end of qualifiying, Paul was on top with Gary dropping to second and Jasper and Phil down to third and fourth. In the elimination between Paul and Jasper, Jasper pulled a red and Paul took the win just 0.05 off dial-in. Phil took Gary out. In the final, Phil was slow off the line due to his clutch blowing through and Paul took the win with a backed off 9.30/119 on an 8.90 after a re-run final, due to a timing glitch. The next outing for the ET classes will be the Open Sport Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway in August where hopefully a full ladder of riders will turn out. The riders would like to thank the crew at the track and all who made this great idea possible. Don't forget to check out the ET Bike Facebook page or for more information contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Euro Top Gas Round 1 review. 9th May: Many thanks to Herman Jolink for sending a report of the first round of the 2013 European Top Gas Series which took place last weekend over the quarter mile at Hoskovice in the Czech Republic: Yvonne Kneblova and her team organised the Drag Days for the 23rd time on the very good concrete track north-east of Praha near Mlada Boleslav. We were able to make four qualifying runs on Saturday and two on Sunday morning. Qualifying was as follows: Herman Jolink NL on Ducati 1198 RS (1266) 8.457/246 kmh having some problems after the burnout as the motor stopped. After the team made the revs more consistent the Ducati was still running after the burnout. Jolink made four runs of 8.4 seconds and one of 8.6. The the track was very cold, so Jolink rode the Ducati very smoothly. Frank Heitmann D on 2622 V-Twin 8.601/245. It is good to see Heitmann back again in Top Gas after some years out of racing. Son Nico was supporting his dad servicing the bike after each run. Frederik Schack from Kopenhagen Denmark on 2622 V-Twin 10.829/123. This is Ulf Ögge's bike before the Buell G12. Schack had gear problems and also problems holding the bike straight. Thus was his first quarter mile after they tested at Malmö at the end of April and ran 5.0. Peter Niklas did not make a run with his Turbo Honda 1000 SP. A leaking radiator was reparid, but the new Czech Ignetec ignition did not have the correct set-up because Crew Chief Christian Bruhn was busy riding a Ducati 996 in the Street Twin Class. Harry van Schie was at Hoskovice but without his 1966 Blower V-Twin as his Crew Chief Jaap Duin was on holiday in Spain. van Schie was riding his HD street bike and supported his son Gijs in Junior Drag Bike. Simon Lewis' engine was still in pieces at Cord Albers' shop. Cord is also a Top Gas rider and is buying another bike in the USA. Milan Kolacny was also not at Hoskovice with his Blower Honda 1000 SP, which was a pity because Hoskovice is near his home town. Sunday was a little cloudy, luckily no rain but the concrete was still cold, when there is some sun on the concrete the times will be better. Semi final: Jolink 8.468/248 nice straight run with the Ducati. Schack 9.376/189 beat Heitmann 9.577/245 red light, Heitmann going 0.344 seconds too early. Final: Herman Jolink NL on Ducati 1198 RS 8.518/249 def. Frederik Schack DK on 2622 V-Twin 11.952/98 kmh with shifting problems. RTs Jolink 0.236 and Schack 0.308. Euro Serie Super Twin Top Gas Championship after the first round: Herman Jolink NL 565 Frank Heitmann D 330 Peter Niklas D 300 Frederik Schack DK 220 Top Gas dates: 25th-27th May: Shakespeare County Raceway, GB 30th May-2nd June: Bechyne, CZ 3rd-4th August: Vandel, DK 9th-11th August: NitrOlympX, Hockenheim D 16th-18th August: Drachten, NL 30th August-1st September: Mosten Race Days, Randers DK MPM UK appoint OE distributor. 9th May: Eurodragster.com sponsor MPM UK is pleased to announce the appointment of a new OE distributor in the UK. Universal Automotive currently supply numerous auto factors and buying groups across the UK and are committed to getting the MPM, Arexons and Svitol product ranges into all. Feel free to contact them directly for further information or ordering, and check out their web site at www.universalautomotive.com for the MPM Product Recommendation Tool. Universal Automotive only deal with OE products, and currently stock and supply Denso, Monroe, Brembo, Trico, Veco, SKF, Dayco, Fister and now have added the MPM, Arexons and Svitol products to their itinerary through MPM Oil UK Ltd. Richard Stevens of MPM Oil UK Ltd says that MPM are very happy not only to be supplying but also supporting Universal Automotive here in the UK, and see that the partnership will ensure that the end user gets the correct OEM oil products to meet their specific vehicle manufacturer requirements.   Nick Davies, Managing Director of Universal Automotive, says "We fully understand that oils and lubes are no longer a commodity product, but a specific part number to the vehicle, and we believe we have found the best solution to meeting the demanding requirements of modern fleet engines by embracing the MPM UK Ltd OEM ranges. With the MPM range, we can cover any vehicle in the automotive, commercial, truck and bus, motorcycle and marine overnight with OEM product, and are happy to be associated and supplying and distributing the MPM brand in the UK. I'm really looking to attending the Main Event later this month with a group of Universal Automotive employees, and to meeting some of the MPM teams." Contact Universal Automotive if you have an enquiry, or if you want to place an order then please get in touch with their friendly Sales Team on 01562 512 512 or E-Mail [email protected]. Springspeed Nationals follow-up. 8th May: Shakespeare County Raceway and APIRA have been in touch to thank all the racers, teams and spectators for supporting last weekend's Springspeed Nationals. Although it was at times a difficult event with Saturday's rain as well as a malfunctioning Christmas Tree, everyone finally made it through the weekend and for some the spoils of victory were trophies and prize money.  "We all know the weekend wasn't easy so we welcome any kind of feedback to [email protected]", says SCR's Jerry Cookson. "We will continue to address the issues of concern and Shakespeare County Raceway will endeavour to make your racing experience the best. We look forward to seeing you all again at our August Bank Holiday Open Sport Nationals." The next event at the Raceway will be the USAutomotive Yanks Weekend on 25th-27th May. The event will be a Public Track Day weekend as well as the NASC's Gary's Picnic, 20th Anniversary of the National Association of Supertwins, and rounds for 8.50 Bike, 9.50 Bike, European Top Gas, NAST and more. Full event details can be found at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. Jerry Cookson adds that as part of Shakespeare County Raceway's Fortieth Anniversary celebrations of drag racing at Long Marston Airfield the drag strip will affectionately be known as Wigmore Way in honour of National Drag Racing Club co-founder and British Drag Racing Hall of Fame member Alan Wigmore: In his time Alan was known as the voice of the NDRC as both the Club's Chairman and commentator at Long Marston drag racing events in the 1980s. Like many of the world's drag strips, such as Pomona's Parker Avenue and Gainesville Raceway's 301 Bernstein Way, we thought that it would be a fitting tribute by honouring all of Alan's efforts towards establishing drag racing at Long Marston, as well as laying the foundations towards the sport's second permanent home with the Airfield's landowners, by naming both lanes with two American-style street signs bearing the Wigmore Way name. The signs were put in place in the start area at the Springspeed Nationals. Alan was taken from us in November 1998, five months short of his sixtieth birthday, having devoted his life to the sport he loved so much; a true gentleman gone but not forgotten. Invitations to race. 8th May: Rob of Quartermile Dragracing tells us that Drachten's first event of the season is fast approaching and that all racers are welcome. The Quarter Mile Nationals on 21st-23rd June will include a Pro Mod battle. Many Pro Mods and even faster cars will compete for the prize money. We are still busy talking to a major national TV channel to bring our sport to the attention of a larger crowd. Registration is €250 per entry except for Juniors which are €125. A double entry, with the same vehicle in another class, is also €125. New racers in Sportsman ET and Street ET Bike can register for €150. Teams which registered and paid for last year's cancelled event can double-enter the Quarter Mile Nationals with the second entry free, or they can receive five weekend tickets free. You can register for the Quarter Mile Nationals at www.quartermile.nl. Jo Peters writes that Round 2 of the Old Skool Ford Drag Challenge takes place at this Sunday's (12th) Street Nationals at Santa Pod Raceway. The competition will include the return of 2012 OSF Champion Iain Sutton in a newly-built Mk1 Escort along with ex-Rover Challenge racer and fellow OSFDC organiser Kev Jenkins who is aiming for the eights following a 9.19 at Round 1 in his Mk1 Escort. New entrants are welcome. See www.oldskoolford.co.uk for more information and Classic Ford magazine for full coverage. The UK's National Association of Supertwins is twenty years old this year and in celebration of this momentous occasion Bev Batsford writes that Supertwin racers and supporters old and new are welcome to join NAST at Shakespeare County Raceway on 25th-27th May. "Anyone who wishes to bring their bike to race or just display is more than welcome", says Bev. "So that we can add you to the guest list please an RSVP as soon as possible either to [email protected], to [email protected], to NAST, or to my Facebook page. We are very proud that we can celebrate the last twenty years with the people who have made it so special and we look forward to many happy years of racing to come." Black Seven fired up. 8th May: Germany's Black Seven Nitro Racing Team held their traditional pre-season Warm Up last Saturday and our good buddy Markus M¨nch of the der Beschleuniger web site got in touch to tell us all about it: The team started the bike for the first time this year, first on Methanol, then on twice on Nitro, and it sounded strong and mean. The team plans to run the complete FIM European Championship and are keen to improve on the ST2 plate which they won last year with a runner-up finnish in the FIM Supertwin Championship. I asked rider Christian Jäger what is new on the bike. "First of all we have a new front on the bike, which we designed and produced ourselves", he said. "We hope that I will have a better position on the bike to avoid the violent airflow pulling on my hands while on a run. It's hard to hold the handlebars with all the vibrations and wind on the run. We will see how it works out at the FIA Main Event, our first race of the year. "Beside the normal maintenance routine over the winter months we got our fuel pump refreshed at Waterman in the US. We saw during the warm-up that there is more pressure from the pump than at the end of last season". Other updates are pressure regulation on the fuel injection and clutch, which will now be regulated electronically. "We can now regulate the pressures more precisely and hope to learn fast how it works", said Christian. There is also a new fuel tank on the bike which is insulated from the motor to avoid engine heat from warming the fuel. The bike will also be fitted with a chute for the first time to help to slow down.   The Team tried to organise a private Test Day at Santa Pod Raceway on the Wednesday prior to the Main Event but did not go through with it as there was not much of a response from other racers. They will therefore test at the Pro Racer Test and Tune Day on the Thursday and prepare themselves for the first race of the 2013 season, the FIA Main Event. You can read this article in German at www.derbeschleuniger.de. Allard Chrysler hot news. 8th May: Allard Chrysler Action Group Chair Brian Taylor writes with news of Sunday's fire-up of Europe's first dragster: We are now running on 66% nitro with ignition advanced to 42 degrees. We may advance this further. Next Sunday additional team roles will be rehearsed with Martin, Gareth and Nick taking turns in the driving seat and then carrying out Crew Chief duties when not behind the wheel. This training will be based on short run times with methanol / nitro / methanol switch. This is because, at four hours, cool-down time is causing concern as it will limit display possibilities. But we are working on reducing this. You can watch Gareth Kent's video of the fire-up at youtu.be/akS9hChkIfo. The picture at right shows the 5th May team in the new Allard-Lucas T-shirts which are available for just £15 plus postage by contacting [email protected]. Only 100 have been produced, each one with its unique number. Web site updates. 8th May: UK Junior Dragster racers Paige and Belle Wheeler were filmed for a feature on the Red Bull web site towards the end of last season, and dad Andy Wheeler of Eurodragster.com sponsor Alamo Rent-A-Car tells us that the feature is now on-line for viewing at www.redbull.com. Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog spent a rare weekend photographing trackside at the Springspeed Nationals and you can now check out his full gallery of shots, including the ever-popular parachute pictures, at eurodragster.smugmug.com or www.togsdragracing.com. Springspeed Nationals results. 7th May: Congratulations to the winners of the weekend's Springspeed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway: Super Pro ET: Scott Hauser (7.64) 8.532/115.41 def. Paul Marston (8.85) 28.668/29.90 red Pro ET: Nic Williams (10.13) 10.107/130.28 def. Liz Malcolm (11.05) 11.048/120.23 red Sportsman ET: Craig Wright (16.43) 16.514/83.13 def. Nicky Hale (17.60) 17.533/76.19 Super Comp: Paul Brown 9.010/147.42 def. Andy Williams 9.059/147.39 Super Gas: Jon Evans 10.000/128.42 def. Mark White 10.343/113.30 Super Street: Harrison Brown 11.047/103.06 def. Dave Cherrett 10.894/91.33 b/0 Lucas Oil Junior Dragster: Joe Kellett (8.07) 8.128/78.53 def. Jacob Kopasz (8.01) 8.044/81.08 Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator: Brian Payne 8.472/182.88 def. Mats Andersson 8.594/162.95 Outlaw Anglia: Cliff Griffin 7.840/175.63 def. Colin Millar 14.538/138.35 Wild Bunch: Bob Hawkins (8.06) 8.182/165.66 def. Adam Price (9.25) 9.249/145.74 b/o VW Sportsman: Jason Anslow (15.80) 15.874/84.38 def. Luke Stevenson (13.65) 13.680/95.58 VW Pro: Matt Attwood (11.22) 11.339/112.52 def. James Hodson (11.20) 12.471/94.63 Pro Stock Bike: Len Paget 7.646/171.75 def. Mark Smith 8.916/108.03 red Funny Bike: Maarten Zijlstra 7.966/163.83 def. Stuart Crane 11.122/74.35 Super Street Bike: Graham Balchin 7.478/190.03 def. Chris Reed 7.651/184.82 Comp Bike: Tony Clark 7.939/169.19 def. Lizz McCarthy 7.822/159.70 8.50 Bike: Phil Bloomfield 8.887/134.39 def. Dave Thomas 9.509/167.47 9.50 Bike: Alex Hope 9.523/144.37 def. Fred Furlong 9.457/134.79 b/o Supertwin Comp: Joe Elliott 9.363/145.53 def. Nigel Batsford 9.494/140.13 Supertwin ET: Carey Wadey (11.39) 11.325/119.75 def. Peter Harrison (11.10) 11.268/114.48 red ET Bike: Paul Furlong (8.90) 9.308/119.17 def. Phil Steele (9.48) 10.638/141.11 Junior Drag Bike: Louis Davis (9.78) 9.725/65.79 def. Jordan Kenway (12.20) 12.003/49.07 b/o Neither the Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award nor the Eurodragster.com / Gold RV Perfect ET Award were won at the Springspeed Nationals so they have been increased to £75 and £100 respectively for the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out our Springspeed Nationals coverage, which is presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the lef-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. A step back to take two forwards... 7th May: No one has ever said that running a Top Fuel Dragster team was going to be easy, but the off-season has been very challenging for the UK's Chris Andrews and the F&A racing team: After the FIA European Finals the team started planning and ordering the parts for the 2013 campaign - piston, rods, heads and new superchargers, and not forgetting the hundreds of small parts which a team needs to go racing. During the winter, when servicing the car, we discovered that a new ring gear and pinion was going to be needed as ours was showing signs of wear and small fractures were found. The parts were ordered but sadly have yet to arrive. The same goes for the pistons and rods. Without these parts we will not be able to race at the Main Event and we are going to have to delay our start of the season, but we will be out as soon as we can. We have the truck and trailer nearly finished and we hope that they will be back at the workshop by next week so all the parts that we do have can be organised and stored properly. The standard of work that has gone into the truck and trailer from the guys at GB Motorsport has been out of this world. We have also had some changes in the crew and the new guys are going to fit in really well and help to move the team forward with new found energy. A few more weeks of training and we will be ready. I would like to thank everyone who has been messaging me on Facebook and texting me asking about what we are planning for this season. I am sorry that our start to the season is going to be delayed but we will be back out and will be testing at Santa Pod before you know. In the meantime we want to wish everyone taking part in the 2013 season all the very best, and we look forward to getting back to the track soon and hopefully going faster than ever. Swift snippets. 7th May: 17:05 Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us the final version of the official entry list for the FIA Main Event, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 24th-27th May. You can check out the FIA Main Event entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Monster Energy back Bennett Racing. 7th May: UK blown-alcohol altered team and Eurodragster.com Blogger Bennett Racing are proud to announce their latest team sponsor: none other than Monster Energy, one of biggest energy drink companies on the planet: Bennett Racing is the first drag racing team in Europe to be supported by the energy drink brand and we look forward to working with them to promote the sport using the epic Topolino, which pulls 0-100mph in just over one second: a true Monster! To keep up to date with our progress this season check out our brand new web site at www.bennettracing.co.uk and our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BennettRacingUK . We're looking forward to a long a very successful relationship with Monster Energy! Roll on 2013! Web site updates. 7th May: Coverage of this weekend's events at York Raceway is available on the UKDrag.net Blog at www.ukdrag.net. Fencing with Santa Pod. 3rd May: Santa Pod Raceway's Operations Manager Neale Saunders writes with news of more development work at the facility: As well as the new track surface, new debris fencing has been installed to protect the pit side of the track from an area just beyond the end of the grandstand all the way to the scrutineering building. The main portion of the debris fence is 350 metres long, five metres high, and is strengthened by 1750 metres of tensioned steel wire rope used to suspend 700 metres of heavy duty chain link from thirty three steel girders. This new addition replaces the tired and scruffy fencing which people would have been used to seeing for over ten years and shows that Santa Pod are not only committed to providing the safest environment possible for racers and fans but that we also care about the appearance of the facility. Racers and spectators are politely asked to refrain from securing tents and awnings to the fence or from climbing it. Though it has been said that the new fence has something of a Jurassic Park feel to it we won't be putting high voltage through it. Swift snippets. 3rd May: A brace of spy pictures (below) has arrived with the words "383 heading for the mixing bowl". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. Eurodragster.com sponsor Topspeed Automotive can offer secure gated hard standing at their Wellingborough distribution centre just three miles from Santa Pod Raceway. If you would like to use this secure facility then please Topspeed Automotive on on 07720 678147. Please note that as we will be away on duty at Shakespeare County Raceway until Monday there is a chance that postings to our Jeff Bull Race Engines Swap Meet will be delayed. However, please send your classified ads as normal and we will post them when we can. Web site updates. 3rd May: Marcus Sjödin writes that the new Top Doorslammer web site has been launched featuring the latest team news, driver biographies, race calenday and more. Marcus adds that live reports will also be posted on the site during the season. Check it out at www.topdoorslammer.com. Springspeed Nationals update. 2nd May: Thanks to Shakespeare County Raceway for passing on more information about the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which takes place this Saturday-Monday (4th-6th): Version 3 of the official entry list can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com. An amended provisional running order for Saturday is now available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com. Please note that this running order is provisional and is subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials. If you have any queries about the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, then please contact the Raceway office at [email protected] or call 01789 720180/414119 (outside the UK +44 1789 720180/414119). Webcam as pain relief. 2nd May: Big Bang Outlaw Anglia winner Colin Millar and the Flyin' Fifer team of Scott and Gus have asked us to say a big Get Well Soon to Crew Chief - and owner of one of the prettiest Model Ys you'll ever see - Andy Park, who was taken ill at the event. "Andy came down with us on Thursday night and felt quite ill", says Colin. "By Friday night was in serious agony and eventually he had to seek help with the local medical team at Santa Pod whom he cannot praise highly enough. The medical team tended to him and drove him straight to Kettering A&E where he had various tests and was diagnosed with gallstones. Andy has been down there on his own in the hospital ever since, he had his operation yesterday and they managed to remove the stone. "I gave Andy a call to see if he needed help with travel arrangements to get him home but was told that he now has two days' recuperation, so I have to remember his suitcase and pick him up on Friday night on my way down to the Springspeed Nationals at Shakey. "Andy was gutted not to be there on Sunday for the fantastic final between Cliff and myself but he managed to suck on the gas and air whilst watching the webcam in between the waves of pain. The nurses thought he was in serious trouble but he had to explain that all the roaring was just a Scottish thing on winning the final, but they didn't really understand! "Finally a big thanks from me personally to Andy for his help and continued support, see you soon Andy." Swift snippets. 2nd May: Thanks to George Kinghorn for letting us know that Pennine Drag Racing Club Championship points are now available on the UKDrag.net blog at www.ukdrag.net/pdrc/pdrc-championship-points. A link to the PDRC points is also available on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Steve Dudley has been in touch with a reminder that the next slot drags at MrD Raceway will take place at 8:00 pm tomorrow (Friday) at The Cathedral Primary School, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1PA. "There is a small car park in the school grounds which should be able to accommodate us all", says Steve. "Entry and racing are free, all we ask is that you make a donation of a couple of pounds to help toward the hire of the hall, although it's not obligatory. I have loan cars for anybody wishing to try out this exciting form of slot car racing. We try to run a couple of elimination races during the evening to add some element of competition / tension to the meeting. Come and have a go, it's great fun!" Springspeed Nationals coverage. 2nd May: Eurodragster.com will be at Shakespeare County Raceway this weekend to bring you the news from the Springspeed Nationals in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car. Our coverage will consist of frequently-updated reports on the on-track action each day together with a photo gallery at the end of each day. There will be no pit notes this weekend as usual Pit Reporter Simon will be writing the race reports. The Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam will be on-line and will broadcast live video and commentary / Shakeysounds feed so long as the track is open. Thanks to Maikel and the guys at Doyousee.me for the provision of streaming services. We will post a direct Home Page link to our coverage as soon as it commences but in the meantime you can check out our Springspeed Nationals event index page, which includes the official entry list and Saturday's provisional running order, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the lef-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Web site updates. 2nd May: 2013 Edition 3 of the Speedgroup newsletter looks forward to the European Championships with previews of FIA classes and updates from the venues on the Championship tour as well as racer features, the latest on the EDRS Series, and Eurodragster.com Editor's Diary recounting an icy Festival of Power. You can check it all out at club.speedgroup.eu. Springspeed Nationals racer update. 1st May: Thanks to Shakespeare County Raceway for passing on more details of the arrangements for the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, which takes place this Saturday-Monday (4th-6th May): Version 2 of the official entry list can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com. The provisional running order for Saturday is now available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com. Please note that this running order is provisional and is subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials. If you have any queries about entry to the APIRA Springspeed Nationals, then please contact the Raceway office at [email protected] or call 01789 720180/414119 (outside the UK +44 1789 720180/414119). Back from the brink. 1st May: The start to Team Griffin's defence of their Outlaw Anglia Championship didn't go exactly as planned at Santa Pod Raceway at the weekend. Callum Pudge writes: After an engine warm up in the workshop, and then another in the pits, all was looking well. But during a strong burnout in the first qualifying session, one of the new valves decided it didn't like hard work and decided to make a hasty exit. It was an expensive burnout! After assessing the damage in the pits, it was decided that it was far too early to give up and a mammoth thrash was started to get it sorted. Cliff stripped the engine while Frank and Lynne drove back to the workshop to collect more pistons, the old heads, rocker gear and everything else needed to get it back to the old set-up which we had last year. Work eventually finished at around 3:00 in the morning. When we arrived at 8:00 in the morning we were surprised to find it all back together and Frank itching for everybody to wake up so that we could run and check it! After a brief run to check the timing, it was tweaked and then run again sounding pretty strong! Much to everybody's surprise we were first in the queue for Q2. All fingers were crossed and after another strong burnout Cliff clicked off a fairly easy 8.2 pass. We decided to sit out the remaining qualifying rounds to give the engine a brief check-over. In round one we were up against Mark Bracking and took a 7.89 win. The second round was a bye but Cliff wasn't going to take it easy, giving us another consistent 7.89 which gave us lane choice for the final. In the final we were matched against Colin Millar who was also running sevens. This turned out to be really thrilling, close race - just like the final last year. This time Colin took the well-deserved win with a holeshot but Team Griffin were thrilled to be runner up after what was a very hard weekend. Team Griffin would like to congratulate Colin on his win, and I personally would like to congratulate Team Griffin on getting the car back into the 7.8s after a very late night and lots of hard work! Big Bang for Bloodlines. 1st May: Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway was the first test session for Bloodlines Racing's newly-supercharged True Blood slingshot: The injected motor was sold on to Ed Yates and the DB team while Ian Turburville installed a magnesium Ed Pink 8/71 blower, originally from Raymond Beadle's Blue Max FC, and a vintage Hilborn four-hole hat on the 555ci BBC. Running all this cool vintage equipment meant that the base set-up was a pure guess so this weekend was to tweak it and find out what it needed. The car seemed to attract a lot of welcome attention and the blower has transformed the looks of the car, it is now just how it should look - as if it was born in 1965 instead of 2008. People kept asking about the history of the car and looked confused when told it was almost new! Ian and Laura unloaded the car and Crunch and Gregory Robins were on hand to crew. The first few fire-ups were a bit hit and miss while the fuel system was adjusted and measured several times. It was also a time for a whole new maintenance routine. The weather on Saturday was not very helpful and included hailstorms and an ever changing wind direction with a nasty wind chill factor. The track was only open after 4:00 pm and the car was ready at the head of the lanes then but weather and several broken cars delayed proceedings for four long, weary, hours. The call to fire it up came at the very last minute before the track closed in the dark at 9:00 pm. The car barked into life but with huge header flames which surprised everyone! Ian tried a burnout but it was a bit lacklustre for some reason. He staged and launched into the darkness blowing huge header flames all the way down the track but it was a slow test run. No matter, it looked absolutely stunning in the dark, like a Saturday night at Long Beach in 1965, perfect! Next day the car was looked over and the team found that the magneto had crept just a couple of millimetres, not easy to spot. When the timing was checked the advance had slipped from 38 degrees to 18, hence the big header flames. Once re-set and tightened the car was sounding doubly strong and making proper power. Time for some more runs! The blower was presenting a whole new world of situations which had to be attended like frozen butterflies, burnout clip lengths, increased fuel wash down, etc. All new to Ian but familiar to Crunch. On the last run on Sunday the car was at last responding nicely and leapt from the line as it should but then, as if to keep it really nostalgic, a gasket blew and gave Ian a good old oil bath so he had to shut it down at half track as he couldn't see a darn thing! All part of the slingshot experience and lots of fun. All in all a very successful weekend and début for the car thanks to all the hard work from Crunch, Greg and Laura. True Blood's next appearance will be Dragstalgia but Laura will be racing the Young Blood car at Shakespeare County Raceway this coming weekend and then at the FIA Main Event. Bloodlines Racing is partnered by Turboville Racing, Gates, Nottingham Platers, Topspeed, Kenny Youngblood, DJ Safety, Superpower Unlimited, Ingrid and Martin, Tim Fountain, and Pete and Duncan. Swift snippets. 1st May: Many thanks to Yvonne Tramm and our own Simon for forwarding us the post-Big Bang standings in the UK National Drag Racing Championships. You can check out the UK points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (below left) came with the words "Out with the old electrical disaster area, watch this space". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. UK Super Comp / Gas racer Jon Giles asked us to say a huge thank you to Dave Southcombe, Rick Johnson, Chris Round and Tim Adam for all their help and hard work trying to get his Willys (above right) back to some form of race car. "We have made some steps towards this", says Jon, "fingers crossed we will get it finished and ready for the Main Event." Many thanks to Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe for forwarding us the official Big Bang timing data. You can check out the data by clicking here or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. UK Super Pro ET racer Billy Gane is organising another summer party on 3rd August at Ladygrove, Ongar Road West, Writtle, Essex CM1 3NT (map). £10 buys you a hog roast, subsidised bar, live band, disco, show and shine, bouncy castle, Chelmsford Hot Rod Club Show and Shine and more. Motorhomes, caravans and tents are welcome. For more information get in touch with Billy via his Facebook page. Springspeed Nationals Perfect Awards. 1st May: This weekend's Springspeed Nationals is the third event in the 2013 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme. £150 is on offer for perfect performance. This weekend's Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award has been reset to £50 after it was won by Junior Dragster racer Belle Wheeler at Big Bang. The money will be awarded to the first racer this weekend to record a Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds. The Perfect Light Award is available to racers in all classes during qualifying and eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to £75 for the FIA Main Event; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the FIA Main Event. The Perfect Light Award is presented in association with UK Pro ET team Bad Habit Racing (Tig and Cath Napier). Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried. This weekend's Eurodragster.com / Gold RV Perfect ET Award has been increased to £75 after it went unclaimed at Big Bang. The Perfect ET Award is available this weekend during qualifying or eliminations in Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Sportsman ET, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Lucas Oil Junior Dragster (eliminations only), 9.50 Bike, 8.50 Bike, the Wild Bunch, VW Pro, VW Sportsman, Junior Drag Bike, Supertwin ET, ET Pro Bike and ET Sportsman Bike, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Run of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to £100 for the FIA Main Event; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the FIA Main Event. The Perfect ET Award is presented in association with RV sales and service specialists Gold RV. For more details about the services which Gold RV can provide see Derek Flynn or visit www.goldrv.co.uk. To be eligible to collect the Perfect ET Award, racers are required to carry decals, one on each side of the vehicle. If you pull this weekend's first Perfect ET but are not carrying decals then there will be no discussion; we will not pay out and the next person to pull a Perfect ET will get the money assuming that they are carrying decals. Eurodragster.com / Gold RV Perfect ET Award decals will be available in the Signing On office. Web site updates. 1st May: Our good buddy Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with a gallery of shots from the Public Test Day at Shakespeare County Raceway on 20th July. As ever you can check out the latest update via the What's New link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. See MPM Oil for specifics. 1st May: Word is out that oils are no longer a consumable, but a specific part number, and the public are being educated to the fact that they need the correct products for their modern vehicles. The market is changing, and end users are self educating themselves to the fact that they need a specific product for their applications. Eurodragster.com sponsor MPM Oil UK can help dealers to meet their needs to provide the correct oil and lubes. Following an extensive marketing study with end users in the UK, MPM found that what came up time and time again was the phrase "Refer to manufacturer or main dealer" for oils and lubes. This shouldn't be the case, and MPM can assist dealers in reclaiming all this lost business, by providing coverage for all applications. MPM are ahead of the game for existing clients, and are in the process of putting together in excess of twenty commercial proposals to numerous organisations in the UK who have realised that they have some big omissions in their current ranges and are losing out on opportunities, as they don't have the products to meet their clients' needs. Don't fall into the trap of referring them to main dealers for specialist fluids; just remember that MPM have 1.9 million part numbers covered in OEM approved product, and all the latest mandatory, and latest generation oils that you need, with the added benefit of only dealing with one supplier who is committed to supporting dealers and their customer base. And all of this is available from small packaging to pump in quantities if required. Dealers can give outlets the USP's which they need by having the complete ranges available to them to meet the specific requirements of modern engines and gearboxes. With this in mind, and to deliver for existing clients, MPM have many new products which are included in the latest price list. Click here for the April 2013 new product launch including mandatory Mercedes Benz fluids, new Ford EcoBoost oils, new latest generation Volvo oils, new latest generation Honda oils, new latest generation Toyota oils, new Latest generation Mitsubishi oils, new latest VAG High Torque ATF, new Aisin Warner 6 speed ATF, new Industrial Gearoil Polyglycole ISO VG 150, new Harley Davidson oils, new motorcycle oils, new motorcycle telescopic fork oils, new snowmobile oils, new Industrial Pneumatic oils and new HD greases. For further information, price list or ordering please contact Richard Stevens at MPM Oil UK at [email protected] or call 01525 384500. Earlier news