Still Hungry. 30th January: If the IMF are to be believed then we will be peeling the £1 notes off the bodywork come Easter but the UK's Mick 'The Fish' Smith has invested in what he describes as "The final engine upgrade" to propel the historic Money Hungry Pro Stock below its best performance of 10.29/131. "Money Hungry is the only remaining 1970s Pro Stock which has its original paint, wheels and axle", says Mick. "However the power will now come from a Jeff Bull Race Engines 447 ci Small Block Chevy. Hopefully it will be out for this year's fun! Thanks to Jeff B, Ady, Grahams 1 and 2, Mark and cousin Dave. "Do any barns hide any of the other UK Pro Stock Camaros?". If you know the answer to that question then drop us a line at [email protected]. Lucas, Langdon welcome Carter. 30th January: Lucas Oil Racing teammates Morgan Lucas and Shawn Langdon are excited to welcome three-time and reigning FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter to their race team for the upcoming 49th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California. Carter represents Lucas Oil in his native England and banners Lucas Oil products on his dragster on the FIA tour. "Andy's a great guy and does an awesome job for us in Europe," Lucas said. "He's a lot of fun to hang out with and it's going to be cool to have three Lucas Oil dragsters racing in the same event, especially a big race like this one. We're glad to have him." Rather than ship his team's dragster over for the event, Carter is borrowing the Top Fuel rail belonging to IHRA Funny Car champion Terry Haddock. Several of Haddock's crewmen will assist Carter in preparing and racing the car, and Haddock himself plans to lend a hand as well. "I'm under no illusions how tough this will be and as usual I will take it one step at a time", Carter said. "The first goal is to get the car qualified, and then I will go from there. The last two weeks have been hard work for Terry and his team. They have done an outstanding job and I'm really looking forward to working with them. My wife Sarah and I fly in Monday and from then on, I'll be doing all I can to get familiar with the car. Richard Bruton from our UK crew will arrive Wednesday and it will be great to have a familiar face around. Richard always backs me up, straps me in, mixes my fuel, and packs my chutes, so I'm delighted that he can join me for this race." The last Englishman to compete on the NHRA tour was Clive Skilton, who raced Stateside thirty years ago. More recently, Urs Erbacher of Switzerland has been representing the FIA tour in the US, racing to the semi-finals of the NHRA Finals last November. Carter and Erbacher won the last two FIA Top Fuel titles between them. "Urs has been doing a good job at the NHRA events he has attended", Carter said. "I really hope I can enjoy some success too and do a good job for Lucas Oil, Terry Haddock, and all my fans, family, and friends." A rookie to the class, Langdon hopes to pick Carter's brain to gain some more insight into what it takes to win at the top level of the sport. "He's a three-time champ and that's impressive to me," Langdon said. "I'm learning all I can at this point so I'm hoping he's got some pointers for me." "I have a feeling Andy is going to fit right in," Lucas added. "Drag racing is the same no matter where you compete. If you can drive a race car, and obviously Andy can do that, you have a chance to win. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see him do well. "First things first - we need to get all three Lucas Oil dragsters in the field and then go from there on race day. It would be great to have a strong start for our entire race team, and Andy is a big part of that." ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 30th January: Eurodragster.com News sponsor Tireshake.com are offering a special deal in February. From Sunday until the end of the month four different hoods will be available at the bargain price of €24.95 instead of €39.95. For more details and to check out the rest of Benny Edvardsson's unique racing-related merchandise check out www.tireshake.com. ©Eurodragster.com Santa Pod Raceway are holding a Drift What You Brung tomorrow (Saturday). At DWYBs you can learn or improve the art of drifting in a safe and legal environment. Spectators/entrants are welcome with gates opening at 8:00 am. Admission is £5 per person (under 13s free) and sign on is £60 per driver. A valid driving licence is required in order to sign on. Sign ons are limited and are available on a first come first served basis to ensure maximum drifting time. On Sunday it is on to the strip with Santa Pod's third Run What You Brung of the year. Again this is open to all. Gates open at 8:00 am, entry is £10 per person and the fully-prepped track will be open from 9.30 am to 5:00 pm, weather and track conditions permitting. Sign on is £25 for unlimited runs and please be sure to bring a valid DVLC licence if you wish to use the strip. Both the Pod Shop and Cafeteria will be open on both days. More information at www.rwyb.com. We have no less than three birthday messages today. First up is a very Happy Birthday for yesterday (Thursday) to APIRA's Julie Willcox and Jade Racing's Sharron Collier. Hope you had a great day, ladies. Eurodragster.com Swap Meet sponsor Jeff Bull asked us to say a big Happy Birthday for today to Belinda Bull. "Have a very Happy Birthday Belinda and we look forward to seeing you back out on the track this season", says Jeff. We second both emotions, have a lovely day Belinda. More than just Minis! 30th January: UK Supercharged Outlaw racer Lee Gallimore was the centre attraction on Shakespeare County Raceway's stand during the weekend's Mini Fair held at the Stafford Showground, writes SCR's Jerry Cookson. Hosted by the British Mini Club, Sunday's one-day show attracted record numbers through the gates all eager to spend money buying parts old and new! Lee's 350 SBC altered Red Mist attracted loads of interest while event flyers for the BMC's Mini Showdown event in July, as well as Raceway flyers, were being handed out with the emphasis on the Fiftieth Anniversary celebrations for Alec Issigonis' creation which started in 1959. The stand was shared with one of the Showdown's expected many and varied Mini Specials, a Yamaha R1-powered '69 Mini displayed courtesy of the Crewe's Missiles Mini Club. Shakespeare County Raceway would like to extend their thanks to Lee for the bringing the car along and for the time spent on Sunday chatting to all the curious Mini enthusiasts who stopped by the stand to ask the usual barrage of questions which were soon answered by Lee's inevitable description of how real horsepower both feels and sounds. Now, if only Lee hadn't left his starter behind... ©Eurodragster.com Paradise at the Fast Show. 30th January: Santa Pod Raceway may be the home of European Drag Racing, but come 22nd of March it becomes a petrolhead's hedonistic paradise in the form of the Marangoni Fast Show. Once again, the respected tyre manufacturer is presenting an eclectic mix of automotive-related japery in a party atmosphere that promises something for everyone. Whether you prefer modified metal, retro rides, Show, Go'or just like a good old party, this is the place for you. With Run What You Brung sessions running throughout the day, would-be racers can test their mettle against their mates, wheel to wheel on the FIA approved strip, or if you prefer, sit back and watch the pros do it during the demo runs. Round 1 of the Euro Sports Compact race series is also running at the event to showcase some of the UK's fastest pocket rockets. The world-famous Fireforce Jet car will be defying the laws of physics (and sanity) with a few 270 mph passes, whilst those that prefer things a little more serene can enter - or peruse - the Autoglym Show Car paddock where the cream of the country's most finely prepared cars battle for top honours. Once you've had your fill on the quarter mile, why not try your hand at the free handling circuit, or take in one of the breathtaking drift displays. With Club areas to check out too, there's bound to be something that takes your fancy. If you still have something to prove, head on over to the dyno area to see exactly what power your car is putting out. Keeping you entertained are stunt legend Terry Grant and Santa Pod's own Monster Truck Podzilla. Or, if you're feeling really brave, why not book a ride in the incredible seven-second two-seater dragster. Guaranteed, you'll be one of the fastest people down the strip all day! For a smoother, more relaxing experience, take to the skies with a helicopter pleasure flight for the perfect bird's eye view. If you prefer your soundtrack to be of the musical variety The Pod Palais, a fully heated nightclub hosting DJ Richie Don, should keep you amused and rocking through the Saturday night. This too is free for all weekend ticket holders and boasts pole dancers and a banging atmosphere. The Fuellers bar is also open all weekend, so get parked up and get the party started! With the Nuts Girls, Miss Fast Car competition, a funfair and full entertainment and camping making sure you never get bored, what are you waiting for? Click to www.thefastshow.com or call the ticket hotline on 01234 782828 to get yours booked now. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 30th January: In the latest entry in his exclusive Racer Blog, Luke Bennett says goodbye to Bennett Racing team member Robo, explains why he was advertising for Buzzard, and invites applications to crew on the blown-alcohol team. You can check out Luke's Blog by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com Photographer Steve Wexler has launched a new web site at www.eclipsephotos.co.uk. The site already features pictures from Dakota Drag Strip, York Raceway and Shakespeare County Raceway with more to come, and if you are looking for a particular picture then you can drop Steve a line via the web site. Ready to kick some butt... 28th January: Tuner Wayne Dupuy says that Urs Erbacher's new Top Fuel Dragster is ready to go. The Eurodragster.com News sponsor and 2007 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion's dragster will be put into its trailer today (Wednesday) to depart for testing in Las Vegas on Monday before going on to next weekend's Winternationals at Pomona. ©Eurodragster.com "This is a very nice race car - it came out awesome", says Wayne. "I can tell it will be fast, it's first class! We are very proud of the way it turned out. I can't wait for Urs to hop in and hit the loud pedal. "Urs and the crew will be in Vegas on Saturday and the team of Brian, Wini, Blitz, Dario, Chris, Lucien, Beat, Thomas, Johnny Bang, Scott and myself will prepare the car on Sunday and hit the track on Monday. "I would like to thank all involved in this project: Urs, Oyvind Dahl, Fat Inn, Fat Attack Custom Bikes, Sammy and Bob Show, Johnny Bang Bang and Bump Shop, Brad Hadman Race Cars, my wife, and my dad. Without these people it could not have happened. Also thanks to all the fans who support Fat Attack Racing on the track...we won't let you down!" Turners sign with Lucas Oil. 28th January: UK Top Methanol Dragster team Turner Motorsport have signed a sponsorship deal with Lucas Oil. The former FIA European, multiple British and 2008 SPRC Top Methanol Champions will be carrying the Lucas name around Europe in 2009. "The Turners race at all of the European dates so it will get our name around the Continent", said Les Downey of Lucas Oil UK. "The team have used our products before and have got results, and they have seen what Andy Carter has achieved. We are very pleased to have the Turners on board. They are nice guys and everyone to whom you speak respects them." ©Eurodragster.com "We are very proud to be part of the Lucas Oil family", said tuner and occasional driver Steve Turner. "We would like to say a big Thank You to Les Downey and to Lucas Oil for their support. Rob, Carmel, the team and I are looking forward to a tough season in Top Methanol and Lucas Oil's products will give us an edge in what has become a very fierce competition." Turner Motorsport are currently negotiating with a number of companies and expect to make some more sponsor announcements shortly. Swift snippets. 28th January: Bob Hancox tells us that Outlaw Anglia racer Ray Guy was the recipient of the Debbie Hancox Memorial Trophy for the 2008 season. Ray was presented with his trophy at the Outlaw Anglia party this past Saturday. "The trophy is for the Spirit of Outlaw Anglia and this is its third year", says Bob. "The winner is decided by the Outlaw Anglia teams. I would also like to say congratulations to Paul Wright for the number one spot and to Richard Colby and Simon Barlow for runner-up. I would like to thank whoever organised the party (not sure who it was) but it looked like everyone had a good night." ©Eurodragster.com Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to let us know that booking is now closed for next week's joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Presentation Night. If you are on the list to attend and have not yet sent your meal choices then Paula asks that you do so as soon as possible either to [email protected] or by calling 01933 313625. If payment has been received then you should by now have received your tickets; if you have not received yours then again please contact Paula. Carter ready for Winternationals. 27th January: FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion, Great Britain's Andy Carter, is ready for his first NHRA event, the 49th Annual NHRA Kragen O'Reilly Winternationals at Pomona on 5th-8th Febuary. Following the announcement in early January that Carter would contest this event, the Carter Motorsport and Haddock Racing camp have been hives of activity with everything now coming together in time for the race. Three-time FIA European Top Fuel Champion Carter will be driving for 2008 IHRA Funny Car Champion Terry Haddock in his TFX-powered Baumgartner Top Fuel car, with sponsorship from Lucas Oil. Lucas Oil have backed the Carter Motorsport team in Europe for two seasons including his 2008 FIA Championship year. Lucas Oil will once again be providing full support for the European season in 2009 as well as backing Carter for this season opener in Pomona alongside fellow Lucas Oil drivers Morgan Lucas and Shawn Langdon. Carrying TF 261, the plucky Brit will take his usual no-fear attitude into competition as he looks to make an impression from the off. The last British Top Fuel driver to compete in NHRA competition was Clive Skilton in the mid-1970s , but more recently it has been Switzerland's Urs Erbacher who has been making an impression on behalf of the European racers. "Urs has been doing a good job at the NHRA events he has attended ", says Andy. "I really hope that I can enjoy some success too and do a good job for Lucas Oil, Terry Haddock and all my fans, family and friends. I'm under no illusions how tough this will be and as usual I will take it one step at a time. The first goal is to get the car qualified, and then I will go from there. The last two weeks have been hard work for Terry and his team. They have done an outstanding job and I'm really looking forward to working with them next week. "My wife Sarah and I fly in Monday and from then on, I'll be doing all I can to get familiar with the car. Richard Bruton from the UK crew will arrive on Wednesday so it will be great to have a familiar face around. Richard always backs me up, straps me in, mixes my fuel and packs my chutes, so I'm delighted that he can join me for this race. "Please come by our pit, say hello, and pick up a hero card." In what promises to be a hectic schedule in California, Carter will also meet with longtime sponsor Crane Cams and new sponsor Impact Racing from whom he will take delivery of new safety gear. You can find out more about the most successful driver in FIA European Top Fuel history, and check out a report and pictures of Andy's appearance and book launch at Autosport International, on the Carter Motorsport web site at www.andycarter.net. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 27th January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came only with the words "Can you tell what it is yet?". Well, it's pretty obviously a Funny Car but of what type and belonging to whom were only some of the details our mole omitted to include. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. Motors TV, which broadcasts across Europe on satellite and cable, has pencilled in 8:30 pm UK time on Sundays 8th, 15th and 22nd February and 1st March to show the 2008 MSA British Drag Racing Championship which is of course contested by Pro Modified. The programmes have been produced by our good friends David Coleman and Helen Todd of Powerpoint Communications so we need say no more about their likely quality and professionalism. Programme 1 will be an introduction to the class and a look back at 2007, and programmes 2-4 will show the 2008 action, also including some Fuel Funny Car footage in programme 4. ©Eurodragster.com The 2009 inductees to the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame will be announced here on Eurodragster.com this coming Sunday (1st February). You can read all about the BDRHoF on its official web page by clicking here or by clicking on the British Hall of Fame link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Tog would like to say a big Thank You to Speedgroup AG, particularly CEO Micke Gullquist and members Andy Robinson, Dave Wilson and Gittli Koller, for the invitation to Sunday's meeting in Stockholm and for hospitality, transport and accommodation at the weekend. In the near future we shall bring you some words about the meeting and about what Speedgroup are up to. Editor's note. 27th January: Apologies for the clumsy wording in Friday's Swift Snippets which led some of our readers to worry that something serious had happened. Please cancel the flowers and take off those armbands, we are all OK. ©Eurodragster.com The reason for the pause in updates was that Tog was in Stockholm for Sunday's Speedgroup meeting and Simon was also away, which meant that both of our web authors were unavailable over the weekend. Yesterday's news did not materialise because dealing with a server failure in Tog's day job had to take precedence. We would like to thank everyone who got in touch to express concern or to offer help. We've said it before, and we'll doubtless say it again, but the readers of Eurodragster.com are a very special bunch and it is a privilege to serve you. German Super Pro ET update. 23rd January: Our good friend Markus Münch and Pat Kaiser of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Hubraumbrothers Speedshop have been in touch with a review of the first year of Super Pro ET in Germany and a look ahead to 2009: As organisers we had to handle some ups and downs this season. The aim of the whole effort was to have a big field with good competition for both the drivers and the fans. This whole series was organised by drivers and fans for drivers and fans. First of all we think it was a great idea to bring this class to German drag strips and the drivers approved. The original schedule included races at Vandel (Denmark), Turtman (Swtizerland), and Wittstock, Luckau and Hockenheim in Germany. In the end we raced twice at Drachten (Netherlands) and Luckau. We especially want to thank the Explosion crew very much for the open arms with which they welcomed us. They stepped in for cancelled races at short notice. At Luckau we had a full eight-car field and we were very proud of that. We know that compared to the forty-plus car fields in England it is a joke, but if you are used to seeing maybe three or four cars in Super Comp or Comp Eliminator then this is a really good outcome for the first year. We also want to thank our sponsors for their faith in the whole project: Schöninger Glas, Bavarian Dragracing Club, Hubraumbrothers Speedshop, KW Gewindefahrwerke, Brad Penn Oil, and Reilstyle. They made it possible to have some money up for grabs at the end of the season. For 2009 we have a growing purse which is up to €5000 at the moment, still growing hopefully. This year we have founded an official German Club to bring the whole series forward. If you are interested in competing in 2009 then you are invited to join us. Racers please get in touch with Pat at [email protected]. This year's races will be held at the Test and Tune at Luckau on the last weekend in April and the Grand Nationals at Luckau on first weekend in July, as well as at Drachten - we are in contact with the Explosion crew - and hopefully the NitrolympX at Hockenheim, we are also in contact with the organisers. ©Eurodragster.com Last but not least the top ten in 2008 were: Rene Ehrismann (Switzerland) Ingo Ekert Bert Gorselitz Karl Heinz Kleider Norbert Schneider Frank Richter Andre Müller Armin Schmid Uwe Kulecki Pat Kaiser Our prizegiving ceremony was attended by more than forty people, which was a good turnout for our first time. Our Home Page is at www.suproet.com; an English version will be ready in a few weeks' time. Racers, please get in touch - be one of the list this year. Swift snippets. 23rd January: There may not be another news update until Monday, for reasons which will become apparent then, so we will take the chance today to wish a very Happy Birthday for tomorrow (Saturday) to joint Eurodragster.com webcam sponsor Jon Webster and to Webster Race Engineering employee Graham Rice. "Shelby and I would like to wish Jon a very Happy Birthday and we hope that his new toy arrives soon!", says Jeanette Webster. Have a great day guys. ©Eurodragster.com 2009 UK Riders' and Drivers' meeting. 22nd January: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for confirming that the 2009 UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting will be held on Sunday 22nd February at the Diamonds Centre, otherwise known as Rushden and Diamonds' football stadium, in Nene Way in Irthlingborough (click here for a map). The meeting will commence at 11:00 am and will finish by 1:00 pm. Tea and coffee will be available, for a small fee, on arrival. Items to be discussed include the 2009 UK National Championship (ratification of dates as well as Championship matters), event entry fees and pitside electrical supply, and prize funds, as well as Any Other Business. ©Eurodragster.com "Racers are invited to submit items for the agenda", says Paula, "but please note that your item will only be discussed if you actually attend the meeting." If you have any items for the agenda of the 2009 Riders' and Drivers' Meeting then please send them either to Paula Marshall of SPRC at [email protected] or to Julie Willcox of APIRA at [email protected]. 2009 Czech calendar. 22nd January: We are indebted to Yvona Knebl for forwarding us the 2009 Czech Championship Calendar: 9th May: Drag Day Opening, Airport Hoškovice, Mnichovo Hradiště 13th-14th June: Drag Day, UEM Open, Airport Hoškovice, Mnichovo Hradiště 27th June: Drag Race, Airport Tchořovice, Blatná 18th-19th July: Pažout Motomejdan, UEM Open, Airport Bechyně 29th August: Drag Day Finals, Airport Hoškovice, Mnichovo Hradiště ©Eurodragster.com Classes run at these events will be Public Bikes, Street 10.5, Street Twin 12, Junior Dragster 50 ccm, Teenager Dragster 125 ccm, National Dragster 600ccm, Super Street Bike, Modified Street Twin, Competition Dragster (TFB, PB, STTB, FB), Supertwin Top Gas, and HD V-Rod Destroyer. For more information check out www.dragster.cz or E-Mail Yvona at [email protected]. Swift snippets. 22nd January: Santa Pod Raceway's Run What You Brung this Sunday (25th) offers another chance to blow away the off-season cobwebs. The RWYB is open to anyone with a full valid driving licence and costs £10 admission and £25 for unlimited runs down the strip. Loyalty Cards will be available from the Signing On office: sign on at four RWYBs, make sure your Loyalty Card is stamped, and you will get your fifth sign-on free. 2008 Loyalty Cards can still be used. For more details check out www.rwyb.com. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 22nd January: Finland's Outlaw racers have launched a web site at www.outlaw.fi. Our Finnish is non-existent but even we can work out that the site features a description of the class, team run-down, points, links and more. ©Eurodragster.com 2009 Baltic States calendar. 21st January: Andrius Tiknius has been in touch with the prelimary 2009 calendar for the Baltic States: April 18 - Tune-up and Drag race Lithuanian Championship Open series stage I Kedainiai, Lithuania 18 - Drag race Haapsalu, Estonia 25 - Tartu Autoklubi Drag, Tartu/Raad, Estonia 26 - Drag racing season opening event Riga, Bikernieki, Latvia May 1 or 2 - BHRA tune-up, Haapsalu/Kiltsi, Estonia 10 - Lithuanian Drag racing Championship Open series II stage, Klaipeda, Lithuania 16-17 - EMV Drag racing Series 1st stage, Speedest Racing, Tartu/Raadi, Estonia 30 - AC Drag 2009 Kevad, Haapsalu/Kiltsi, Estonia 30 - Jakobpils Drag race 1/8 mile, Jakobpils, Latvia June 6-7 - Kedainiai Motorshow Fest, Drag racing Lithuanian Championship series stage III, and Baltic Cup Series Stage I, Kedainiai, Lithuania 20 - EMV Drag racing II stage, Speedest Dunlop Nightrace, Haapsalu/Kiltsi, Estonia 27 - Jakobpils Drag race, Jakobpils, Latvia July 4-5 - Lithuanian Drag racing Championship Open series III stage, Siauliai, Lithuania 11-12 - EMV Drag racing stage III, Tartu/Raadi 19 - American Beauty Dragrace, Haapsalu/Kiltsi, Estonia 26 - Getaway Kiirendus (200m), Haapsalu/Kiltsi, Estonia ©Eurodragster.com August 1 or 2 - Drag race event, Riga, Latvia 15 - Lithuanian Drag racing Championship Open series stage IV, Kedainiai, Lithuania 22-23 - August-EMV Drag race stage IV, Haapsalu/Kiltsi, Estonia 29 - Drag Race event, Jakobpils, Latvia September 5 - Season Closing Event, Drag race, Biekrnieki, Riga, Latvia 5 - AC Drag 2009 Sügis, Haapsalu/Kiltsi, Estonia 12 - Tartu Autoklubi Drag, Tartu/Raadi, korraldaja - Tartu Autoklubi MTÜ 19 - Lithuanian Drag racing Championship Open series stage V, Kedainiai, Lithuania 19 - Getaway Kiirendus (200m), Haapsalu/Kiltsi, Estonia October 3 - Lithuanian Drag racing Championship Open series stage V, Kedainiai, Lithuania 10 - Drag race, Haapsalu/Kiltsi, Estonia For more info on Estonian events, contact Andrus Mosovski at www.bhra.ee, for Latvian events contact Ilze Zagere at www.forsaza.eu, and for Lithuanian events contact Andrius Tiknius at www.degantysratai.lt. Swift snippets. 21st January: Wayne Dupuy, Crew Chief for Swiss Top Fuel Dragster racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Urs Erbacher, has sent some more pictures of Urs' new car nearing completion at his shop in Texas: "We will be testing in Las Vegas the Monday before Pomona, hopefully make three or four runs, then go to the Winternationals and kick ass!", Wayne told Eurodragster.com. ©Eurodragster.com Eurodragster.com News sponsor Tireshake.com is offering some great new merchandise in the shape of two embroidered hoods, two embroidered sweatshirts and a cool zip sweatshirt with CH3NO2 embroidered on the front. For more information or to order yours, check out the New! link at www.tireshake.com. Grandstand prize draw. 21st January: Eurodragster.com News sponsor Grandstand Motor Sports is pleased to announce that it will again offer a special prize draw to guests of its USA drag racing tours in 2009. Grandstand is presenting tours to NHRA's Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events at Gainesville, Las Vegas and Pomona. Guests will automatically be entered in a separate draw for each event they attend. Each winner, together with up to three travelling companions, will be invited to spend a day at the races with Don Schumacher Racing, enjoying DSR's official hospitality programme in its private pitside enclosure. "We would love to have your group as our hospitality guests again", said Don Schumacher Racing's Director of Hospitality and Sponsor Relations, LuAnn Bishop. "We have lots of new stuff at DSR this year so hopefully your guests will be very happy". Don Schumacher Racing is the largest Pro team in NHRA Drag Racing. This season it will field Top Fuel Dragsters for six-time Champion Tony Schumacher and Cory McClenathan, Funny Cars for Ron Capps, Jack Beckman and Matt Hagan, and a Pro Stock Motorcycle for 2007 Champion Matt Smith. Grandstand's prize draw winners will be invited to sample DSR's sponsor hospitality programme, meeting drivers and Crew Chiefs, watching from close quarters as crews prepare the cars, and enjoying VIP catering and refreshments. For drag racing enthusiasts hankering for nitro after a long, chilly winter, Grandstand's Florida trip to the ACDelco Gatornationals departs in just seven weeks' time. The one-week Gainesville trip runs from 11th-18th March, though Grandstand will happily tailor dates and arrangements for guests seeking a longer stay in the Sunshine State. The package includes flights, car hire, race tickets and the services of a tour manager, with a premium hotel located in Gainesville itself and a budget alternative also available. The prize draw will be made on Sunday 1st March. All guests whose bookings have been received by that date will be included. Grandstand Motor Sports is the UK leader in motorsport travel and the only travel company serving the drag racing community. Later this month Grandstand publishes its second edition 2009 brochure containing full details of its European summer excursions to Mantorp Park and Hockenheim and its season-ending NHRA trips to Las Vegas and Pomona, plus Gainesville in March. For more information and a free copy of the brochure, please telephone 0845 375 0300 (from outside the UK +44 116 231 1222), visit www.grandstandmotorsports.co.uk, or simply click the Grandstand Motor Sports logo at right. ©Eurodragster.com DS offer safety kit discount. 21st January: Eurodragster.com News sponsor and Shakespeare County Raceway sponsors and Safety Partner DS Racewear are offering 25% discount on safety wear until the end of February. "DS Racewear would like to remind everyone that January is the best time to think about that new race suit if yours is out of date or getting on a bit", says Pete Yates. "All the manufacturers get very busy towards the beginning of the season and the best way to make sure you have your suit in time for the season is to order early. "The credit crunch has hit hard, especially in this hobby as the US dollar exchange rate has made imports much more expensive. So, from now until the end of February, when you buy an RJS race suit from us DS Racewear is offering a 25% discount on your boots, gloves, arm restraints and helmet supports purchased at the same time. ©Eurodragster.com "All of our race suits are made to full SFI spec and made to measure for you. At this time of year the lead time for your custom-made suit can be up to eight weeks, so order yours now either via our web site at www.dsracewear.co.uk or by calling us on 01454 857328. "As well as continuing to proudly sponsor Eurodragster.com and Shakespeare County Raceway, DS Racewear continues its support of the Wild Bunch and sponsorship of our own methanol-injected slingshot The Ramraider and its sister car Chemical Reaction which is taking a year out as owners Sarah and Darryl swan off to Australia for a year. We wish them well, the lucky sods, and we wish them all the best for their trip." The Alternate version at SPR. 21st January: Santa Pod Raceway usually echoes to the sound of several thousand horsepower being unleashed down its hallowed quarter mile. However, following the success of its inaugural Alternative Energy (AE) event last year, on Friday 24th April the world-famous venue will once again host the cream of automotive racing pioneers who care as much about the environment as they do about their timing slips. Last year's event included entries from the likes of Lotus, Vectrix, Bike magazine and Green Fuels UK fighting wheel to wheel with a number of small independent and club entrants. This year, they're throwing the doors wide open to include businesses, universities and individuals. The result should be a showdown to please tree-huggers and race fans alike. The variety of entrants and energy sources makes picking a winner tough, but watching biodiesel up against butanol, and electric taking on ethanol should give a glimpse of the future of motorsport as competitors flash past the finish line. Anything which doesn't use fossil fuels for propulsion will be welcomed into the contest. The FIA-approved venue will pit the carbon-neutral combatants head-to-head to discover the future of responsible motorsport whilst having a huge amount of fun in the process! Entry is completely free to any eligible vehicle, with the fastest time of the day taking home the coveted title and trophy (and probably a great deal of inner peace!). Santa Pod's General Manager David Lloyd-Jones said "As a venue, we derive a great deal from motorsport, so it's important that we do something that helps to plot the future of the sport. Somewhere in this eclectic line-up will be the genuine long-term future of drag racing and the direction that we all need to look towards. Trucks, cars, bikes, trikes are all welcome. Zero emissions does not mean zero fun or competitive edge. Come down and see for yourself." Spectators to this free showcase event are most welcome - and no, you don't have to come in a Prius to get in! ©Eurodragster.com PRG cease T-Shirt production. 21st January: Darren West of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Power Race Graphics writes that the T-Shirt designs currently on his drawing board PRG will sadly be the last. Darren says that a business decision had to be made regarding the future of T-Shirt design and racewear supply from PRG. "Due to a long running and unresolved problem finding suppliers who can print our multi-colour designs on coloured garments to the high standard required by PRG and our customers, we have decided to drop the supply of T-Shirt design and racewear from our list of services", he says. "Along with a vast number of companies in the UK, we have contacted printing companies in the USA and Europe with a view to printing our designs, but the shipping cost just makes it prohibitive for our UK-based customers. It's sad really: I've created over fifty T-Shirt designs and it has been a popular service, but I feel I have invested too much precious time attempting to resolve the long running supplier issues. It's time to put a stop to it and focus on the range of other popular graphic design services we offer. ©Eurodragster.com "May I take this opportunity to thank all of the customers who have ordered T-Shirts, team shirts and other clothing from us. "On a positive note, the construction of the brand new PRG web site is coming along nicely. The web site will feature lots of new race machinery renderings, logos, design for print, and photo galleries of work from the PRG studio which has hit the strip since we started almost six years ago. Lookout for news of the relaunch of the web site in early Spring." Web site updates. 21st January: Photographer Ian Blackett has updated his web site at www.blackettphotography.com with pictures from Santa Pod Raceway's first Run What You Brung of 2009 which took place on Sunday. "It was a cold afternoon by the time the track was ready", says Ian. "Although cold at first it warmed up pretty quickly with bikes getting down into the low tens and a couple of cars in the elevens. The guys had plenty of track time especially as the afternoon went on and a good time was had by all." ©Eurodragster.com Richard Stirling has updated his Topnitro fan site with a report and gallery from the recent Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham. You can check it out at www.topnitro.co.uk. Swift snippets. 19th January: Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason says that he is pleased to be Patron of the Allard Chrysler Dragster restoration project being organised by the Allard Chrysler Action Group working with the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. "The National Motor Museum is proud to have such an important car in its collection", says Nick. "Sydney Allard is a legend in British motorsport history and restoring his dragster back to its original condition will be a fitting tribute. Hearing the sound of that methanol burning Chrysler Hemi V8 again will be very special." Andrius Tiknius has been in touch from Lithuania to ask if any Fuel-burning Supertwin racer would be interested in making demonstration runs at the Kedainiai Motorshow Fest in Kedainiai on 6th-7th June. If you are interested then please contact Andrius at [email protected]. Stay tuned and we will bring you the provisional 2009 calendar for the Baltic States on tomorrow's update. ©Eurodragster.com MTC Engineering will be paying contingency money for UK racers in 2009. Dave Beck tells us that $50 is on offer for the win in Super Street Bike, Comp Bike and Funny Bike is using MTC pistons purchased though Dave Beck Racing Ltd . "With the current dollar rate, this is worth winning", says Dave. Congratulations to UK Super Pro ET racer John Everitt and his wife Maxine who were wed beside the Sydney Harbour Bridge on 10th January. "A second ceremony will be held in England on 31st January for those unable to attend in Australia", says Kirstie who as well as being Eurodragster.com Pit Reporter also crews on John's team. "I wasn't up for the heat anyway. Congratulations to John and Maxine from Team Alien: Chris, Keith, Jessie, Billy, Martin and myself, and of course the whole of the Super Pro ET family. We can't wait to welcome the newlyweds at Easter." 2008 HKS Series Pro Champion John Bradshaw says that he and his team have got the bug after taking part in a number of UK National Championship events in 2008. "We have decided to enter far more mainstream events in 2009, and we would also like to run at Hockenheim this year - we waiting on an answer from the organisers about the clases they plan to run", says John. "We also intend to try to keep our crown in the HKS Series Pro Class Championship this year but it's going to be tough, that's for sure". The team's web site at www.projectgtst.com has been updated for 2009. Web site updates. 19th January: In the latest entry in his exclusive Racer Blog, UK Top Methanol Dragster racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Derek Flynn describes a racing weekend spent at Pomona in the company of Larry Miersch and Jim Rizzoli, from whom he acquired his current injected-nitro ride. You can check out Derek's Blog by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com Editor's note: Your News Editor's day job has again got in the way of the important things in life today. Tune back tomorrow for the 2009 calendar for the Baltic States, some more build pictures of Swiss Top Fuel Dragster racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Urs Erbacher's new ride, news from our sponsors Grandstand Motorsports and Power Race Graphics and more, and please keep those news items coming to [email protected]. Attention FIA and FIM/UEM racers. 17th January: Active FIA and FIM/UEM European Championship teams are invited to a meeting of Speedgroup in Stockholm between 9:00 and 16:30 next Sunday (25th). The meeting will discuss topics of interest and the development of drag racing in Europe. Invitations have been mailed out, but there is a possibility that not all teams have received them. Teams wishing to attend the Speedgroup meeting are asked to register before Tuesday (20th), with a maximum of two persons per team. ©Eurodragster.com To register, or if you have any questions, please send Michael Gullquist an E-Mail at [email protected]. Details of the location of the meeting and the agenda will be E-Mailed to all registered teams. Swift snippets. 17th January: Nik Kerswill has asked us to say a big Happy Birthday for today (Saturday) to UK Super Street racer and "The Peter Pan of Super Street" Mark Watkins. "I'm sure if you asked Mark he would say he's 37 again!", says Nik who goes on to tell us the real number which we'll keep to ourselves. Have a great birthday Mark. ©Eurodragster.com Bill Crites. 16th January: Bill Crites, the former NHRA National Dragster Photo Editor died suddenly on 30th December 2008. Crites, as he was better known, was one of America's drag racing characters and provided many a laughable tale told by his friends and colleagues. Crites did not attend every NHRA event in the last few years, he worked for K&N Filters and could not always obtain a trackside pass but when he did he was unmissable; he had slowed up considerably in the last few years but was still a good laugh. Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Roger Gorringe and honorary Eurodragster.com Staff Member Andy Willsheer ate a meal with Crites after the Auto Club NHRA Finals last year and listened to some of his wild tales as he slowly and deliberately strung them out over dinner. "My final recollections of him are how he added both Andy and I to his vast photo library of people 'flipping him off' - or giving him the finger", says Roger. "A great character who will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him." Outlaws set for 2009. 16th January: Dave McKenzie says that, after the ups and downs of 2008, this year is shaping up to be another good year for the UK's Supercharged Outlaws: With some new events pencilled in, a return to some of the old favourite events, and also some new members can we better last year? We will have to wait and see. 2008 went well for the Outlaws; we managed to run at every event we attended despite the weather trying its utmost to thwart us. With events being run at all three UK tracks a lot of travelling was done by all teams. Alec Coe and his team were away from home for nearly two weeks in August with back to back meetings at York then the Bulldog Bash at Shakespeare County Raceway on the following Thursday. This included a gearbox rebuild at SCR and a new torque convertor. They deserve a medal for that effort. Our best event was the UK Truck Show at Santa Pod with ten teams through the gates and the pit début of Jon Best's nitro slingshot. The track action was hot with all four rounds completed plus a practice session Sat morning. Personal bests were run by a number of teams, the most notable being Lee Gallimore with the Red Mist altered carding a 7.4-second run. Other highlights of 2008 were the Cacklefest at the NSRA Hot Rod Drags, that was awesome, and the impromptu cacklefest at the Bulldog Bash. Roy Wilding finished the season with the number one plate, running consistently all year and never finishing below second place. Onto 2009 and we start with our Annual General Meeting at Ettington Village Hall on Saturday 7th February, starting at 11:00 am prompt. We will be accepting registrations for 2009 at this meeting and everyone is welcome. If you are interested in the Outlaws then pop down, listen to what is going on have a cup of coffee and a chat with other teams. We normally open our season with a Test and Tune at Shakespeare County Raceway in April, this year will be no exception with April 18th-19th the weekend to get rid of the winter blues and get some track time. First event should be the new event at Santa Pod Raceway, Wheels USA, on the first Bank Holiday 2nd-4th May with the next event the Yanks Weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway on 30th-31st May. We have yet to finalise these events with the respective tracks but hopefully we will have our calendar sorted for the AGM. Keep an eye on our web site www.supercharged-outlaws.co.uk. I mentioned earlier some new teams for 2009. I will not be publishing who they are until after the AGM (Boo - Ed) but I am optimistic that we may see our first sixteen-car field some time in 2009 so stay tuned - regular updates will be on the web site after the AGM. A final note to all teams: remember that in 2009 blower restraints are mandatory for petrol and methanol, blower bags are mandatory for nitro, and all teams are to run engine diapers. This was voted in at last year's AGM. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 16th January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came labelled "A billet crankshaft destined for a Top Fuel engine" and came with no other information nor any clues to the identity of our mole. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. You can blast away those winter blues at Santa Pod Raceway's first Run What You Brung of the year this Sunday (18th). The RWYB is open to anyone with a full valid driving licence and costs just £10 admission and £25 for unlimited runs down the strip. Sunday's will also be the first eligible day for the Street Challenge 2009, Santa Pod's RWYB speed table, and hence an easy chance to claim a top spot. To celebrate the release of the film Death Race on Blu-ray and DVD, Santa Pod will have a Death Race Mustang on show which is available to win as a competition prize. For full details of RWYBs at Santa Pod Raceway, visit www.rwyb.com. ©Eurodragster.com Ian Turburville tells us that he met a nice chap with a very trick Buell a while ago and it turned out that he was a top-notch commercial photographer named Garth Dale. "When he saw my bike he was so impressed he decided it had to be the subject of one of his fantastic bike 'Paintographs'!", says Turbo. "We spent a great day in his well-equipped studio and he then went away and spent endless hours on his computer to generate this finished artwork. He has decided to join our merry band of sponsors (we are in Sherwood Forest after all) and supply superb images for us. Should you wish to be immortalised just get in touch with Gareth through his web site www.paintography.co.uk; his charges for bikers are well below his commercial rates as it is his passion! If you want more commercial photographs of any other subject then go to www.garth.co.uk." Note to racers: It's your call what you do with your money, but if you have recently received an E-Mail from a UK paper-based publication offering you coverage if you give them a large amount of money, please bear in mind that Eurodragster.com, Kingracing.com and other sites always have and always will publish your news for nothing. BDRHoF Board changes. 16th January: The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame in association with USAutomotive are sad to announce that photo-journalist Roger Gorringe has stepped down from the Board of Selectors. Roger had been a member of the Board since the BDRHoF's inception and had done a lot of valuable work including formulating the Articles of the BDRHoF. Chairman Stu Bradbury and the rest of the Board of Selectors would like to thank Roger for his hard work which has given the BDRHoF a solid procedural basis. Following Roger's resignation two new Selectors have joined the Board. Nick Pettitt is well-known for his sterling work collecting old film, photographs, magazines and programmes and transferring them to DVD, enabling us all to enjoy those nostalgic early years of drag racing via Time Travel DVDs. Nick is already the Historical Consultant to the BDRHoF, so his addition to the Board of Selectors will be very advantageous when the Board meets on its once a yearly marathon to select the next year's inductees. ©Eurodragster.com Brian Taylor is at this moment putting the finishing touches to his long-awaited book Crazy Horses charting the history of British drag racing. The amount of marketing and media experience Brian has is immense. Not only was he the voice of Santa Pod Raceway right through the 1970s, but also BDR&HRA Chairman for a while, putting together a contingency scheme of something around £40,000 a year at today's values. He also forged a relationship between the sport and Radio One's Dave Lee Travis which was undoubtedly a crucial element in building the huge spectator attendances in the 1970s. Brian left the sport in the mid 1980s, building a career in automotive marketing, speaking at conferences all over Europe, and giving seminars at the massive SEMA show in Las Vegas. Brian has also put together a team of people, with Nick Mason of Pink Floyd fame as patron, to restore to cacklefest condition the famous Allard Dragster now residing in the Beaulieu Motor Museum. Brian will be a very important element in the continued success of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. The 2009 inductees to the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame will be announced here on Eurodragster.com on 1st February and presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance on Saturday 7th February. Web site updates. 16th January: Our good friend Sue Whyte of Motorshack has updated her Fotopic gallery with pictures from last weekend's Autosport International at the NEC. Sue has posted pictures both of the exhibits and of the promotional girls most of whom appeared to your News Editor to need a bloody good meal. Check out Sue's excellent pictures at www.photoparazzi.com. ©Eurodragster.com Team ALF unveil new TFB. 15th January: Antonio Ferretti of Italy's Team ALF Racing Top Fuel Bike team writes that his and brother Luigi's new Top Fuel Bike is ready after three years' work. "The bike is named Furia Romagnola", says Antonio. "Romagola comes from Romagnia, the name of my region is Emilia Romagna and my location is Romagna. ©Eurodragster.com "The bike is blown nitro, four cylinders, 1700 cc, eight valves and eight spark plugs. There is no gearbox, we have built a special clutch and we think that this design of engine doesn't need gears. The fuel system is the typical mechanical with a little electronic help. We plan to test the bike in the coming months, if it works well and if it is possible financially then Luigi and I will run the European Championship. "Our collaborators and sponsors are Team ALF Racing (Antonio Luigi Ferretti Racing); Engine: Franzoi Metalmeccanica of Scorze', Venice; Electronics: Autec Engineering of Fusignano, Ravenna; Food and drink: Ristorante Pizzeria Senza Nome from Lugo, Ravenna." 2009 Croatian calendar. 15th January: After some hard work by organisers 402StreetRace.com organisers, a seven-race series of two-day events has been confirmed in Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina in 2009. Six different venues around Croatia will be augmented by a welcome event in Banja-Luka, writes Paul Fischer: Street racing is the name of the game with a fixed index-style ranging from the high teens down to...we'll have wait to see who enters and how fast they want to go! We're looking for some nines! Plenty of entertainment and side-shows (some scantily-clad) are part of the show, the whole event has the aim of having good fun under the warm southern European sunshine and into the balmy evenings. If you are up for a few sunny days at the beginning of May, get yourself down to Zadar - Ryanair go there - and enjoy the beautiful Croatian coast, crystal-clear Adriatic and a dose of Dalmation hospitality - and a nose full of rubber smoke into the bargain. E-Mail me for more info at [email protected]. ©Eurodragster.com 2nd-3rd May: Aerodrom Ăepurine, Zadar 30th-31st May: ZTZ Velika Gorica, Zagreb 13th-14th June: Aerodrom Mahovljani, Banja Luka 27th-28th June: Aerodrom Čepin, Osijek 11th-12th July: Aerodrom Diamond aircraft, Varaždin 29th-30th August: Aerodrom Grobnik, Rijeka 12th-13th September: ZTZ Velika Gorica, Zagreb Swift snippets. 15th January: Rick Cuthbert of Santa Pod Raceway writes that the 2008 HKS Drag Series Champions were presented with their trophies at Autosport International on Sunday. "Guy Chamberlain, Johnny McKeon and John Bradshaw collected the coveted trophies", says Rick. "Congratulations to all three for working so hard throughout the season. All three intend to return in 2009 to defend their titles." ©Eurodragster.com We have two birthdays today. First up is a Happy 50th Birthday to UK Street Eliminator racer Ian Hook. Ann-Marie and Colin Lazenby and all of the SE racers asked us to add their best wishes. No sooner said than done, have a great day Fatty. A very Happy Birthday also to Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren, have a great day too Michael. A satisfied customer writes... 15th January: Following Exhaust-coating.de's sponsorship or Eurodragster.com News, Jon Webster of joint Eurodragster.com webcam sponsor Webster Race Engineering contacted Marco Maurischat with a view to having his MG SVR turbo housing and exhaust manifolds coated with their high temperature coating: ©Eurodragster.com As can be seen from the photos the engine bay is very tight and under-bonnet temperatures needed to be addressed. The relevant parts were duly despatched to Germany and in a very short space of time returned complete with the thermal coating. The finish chosen is the flat grey (extreme temperature). The quality of the finish is first class. The car is yet to run in anger, however we have every faith in the product and based upon the standard of service we would recommend Exhaust-Coating.de's product to racers and fans alike. Do some Business on the '37. 15th January: Edwin van den Heuvel writes that the K&H Racing '37 Chevy Business Coupe Pro Mod campaigned by Marc Meihuizen is looking for a new owner to fulfil its 6.0-second potential: The 2008 Season brought a lot of ups and downs to the K&H Racing Team. The old '37 Business Coupe learned to fly this year, but was put to rest before the final goal was achieved. The long awaited 6.0 run couldn't be made due to the weather during the European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. Since a new car had already been ordered from Andy Robinson Race Cars, and the team had decided to use the complete driveline completely from the Chevy, it was necessary to take the Chevy apart before next season starts. Of course if the Chevy is sold to another Pro Mod racer, he might put the Chevy in the 6.0 zone! “It would be nice to see the Chevy fly down the track from the outside", said Marc Meihuizen. "I've never seen the car run, not even before I bought it from Thomas Nataas! However the car is in perfect condition and the person who buys it can be sure to have a lot of fun with a car very well-known in Europe. ©Eurodragster.com "We now have to focus on the new car which is currently being built at Andy's shop to compete in the 2009 FIA European Championship. We know that Andy will make a beautiful car which will be ready in the end of April, so that we can test before the season starts. We'll do everything we can to make Andy's new creation a winning combination.” If you are interested in the '37 Chevrolet Business Coupe, contact the K&H Racing Team via their web site at www.kandhracing.com. KoE West comes further west. 13th January: The King of Europe title is one of the most prestigious titles in European street racing and street racers have travelled many miles for the title over the last four years. Rounds have been hosted in Belgium, Poland and Hungary but in 2009 the King Of Europe West will be in the UK, at the quickest track in Europe, Santa Pod Raceway, as part of The PTM Show on 9th-10 May. This addition to Santa Pod Raceway's event will see all of the top European street racers going for the crown. But if that wasn't enough the weekend also hosts rounds of the HKS Japanese Drag Series and the ever-growing European Sports Compact series plus Run What You Brung action. "I attended my first King of Europe event back in 2008 at Brustem Air Base in Belguim when I was hired for track prep by Mike Procureur who runs the King of Europe brand", says organiser Lee Child. "The King of Europe event series covers drag racing, drifting and the Superlap series. Mike and I started talking about the King of Europe drag series at different venues with the possibility of taking the King of Europe to the UK. Taking everything into consideration Santa Pod Raceway is the only venue in the UK to hold an international event like the King of Europe. "I feel very honoured to be working with David Lloyd-Jones, Rick Cuthbert and Darren Prentice of Santa Pod Raceway. These guys have always been great supporters of the events I have organised in the past." ©Eurodragster.com The King of Europe event may be new to these shores but the British are familiar with bringing King of Europe trophies back to the UK. Ian Hook took the title in 2005 in the FB Racing '34 Coupe. In 2006 Nigel Parkin scored another one for the Brits in the John Sleath-prepped Jaguar. The rest of the European countries have some very quick cars so this is going to be the toughest street-legal drags ever seen in this country. If you would like to advertise or sponsor the King of Europe west then please contact Lee at 07818 418997 or E-Mail [email protected]. "My thanks go to Keith Barlett and the team at Santa Pod Raceway for providing the venue and to Mike Procureur for the King of Europe brand", says Lee. More details will follow shortly at www.kingofeurope.net, www.kingofeurope.ru, www.ptmshow.co.uk and www.santapod.com. Swift snippets. 13th January: A date for UK racers' diaries: the UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting is provisionally scheduled for Sunday 22nd February at the usual Diamond Centre in Irthlingborough. We will confirm this date within the next week or so, but if you have any items which you wish to be placed upon the agenda then please E-Mail either Paula Marshall of SPRC at [email protected] or Julie Willcox of APIRA at [email protected]. ©Eurodragster.com Photo-journalist and graphic designer Mark Gredzinski has been in touch to give us a look at his latest work and it is one which makes us wish we had more disposable income. "It depicts Don 'The Snake' Prudhomme's Army-sponsored Vega Funny Car which only appeared at the first two major meetings of 1974", says Mark. "The story goes that it was too heavy so he reverted to his old Barracuda and sold this car to Tom Hoover. The painting is rendered in oils on canvas in the time honoured way. Using the techniques of the 1700s I like to think, but depicting a subject which would have been unthinkable back then! Prudhommes 1976 Army Monza is progressing nicely and will appear soon, together with the first of my Pro Stock subjects." We would like to say a very Happy Birthday to our good friend Helen Todd of Powerpoint Communications. Ann-Marie and Colin Lazenby and all of the Street Eliminator racers asked us to add their own best wishes. Have a great day Helen. See Good for some restraint. 13th January: It wasn't just Tog and Kirstie who were busy at Autosport International, but UK Super Pro ET racer Nick Good who on Friday finalised a deal for NGMotorsport to become UK distributor for the MSA and SFI-approved Leatt-Brace Moto R prophylactic neck restraint system. "This is the newest and most adaptable neck restraint system on the market", says Nick. "It was designed by Dr Chris Leatt (MB ChB) to help reduce the devastating neck injuries in helmet clad sport. The Moto R has passed the stringent SFI testing procedure and has gained the SFI 38.1 certification for use up to and including Top Fuel Dragster." "The Leatt-Brace Moto R has many advantages over other neck restraint systems. Importantly, helmets do not need to be drilled or modified to accept the system so do not need to be sent back to the manufacturers to be modified or replaced. Each Moto R is fully adjustable for a perfect fit whatever the seat angle, fire suit thickness or driver size. The design of the Moto R also improves comfort with positive location of the seat harness, does not restrict drivers mobility to the same degree that other helmet tether devices do and is also suitable for use with open face helmets. ©Eurodragster.com "As from the 1st January the use of an SFI approved head neck restraint device is mandatory in any drag race vehicle exceeding 200 mph, although it is sensible racewear for any racer." "The Leatt-Brace Moto R is in stock, competitively priced at £499 including VAT but plus p+p." As the deal was only finalised last Friday the update to the NGMotorsport web site at www.ngmotorsport.co.uk is still being finalised, but if you would like more information then please see the advertisment in the Adverts from Business section of the Jeff Bull Swap Meet here on Eurodragster.com, contact Nick on 07774 127244, or check out the Leatt-Brace web site at www.leatt-brace.com. Web site updates. 13th January: If you've already checked out our Autosport International coverage then you will already have seen a lot of these shots, but Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog has now posted his entire set of photographs from the Show on his Fotopic site which you can reach at www.togsdragracing.com, togsdragracing.fotopic.net or eurodragster.fotopic.net. As there was more than one 'take' of several shots to give a good selection for the coverage there is some repetition in the Fotopic gallery, but it still beats the pants off posting every frame of a motordrive sequence. ©Eurodragster.com 2009 French ATD calendar. 12th January: Gilbert Rozet of France's Association Trophée Dragster has been in touch with the confirmed dates for the 2009 ATD Championship. Gilbert has also helpfully included links to maps of the location of each track: ©Eurodragster.com 1st-3rd May: Drag Power Show at Mirecourt (dept 88) map 5th-7th June: The Drag Familly Race at Aubenas Lanas (dept 07) map 4th-5th July: Dulamon Drag Race at Lurcy Levus (dept 03) map 1st-2nd August: Pacific Drag Race at Mende (dept 48) map 11th-13th September: Malbouhans Speed Final at Vesoul (dept 70) map More information at www.francedrag.com or E-Mail [email protected]. Two legs intact. 12th January: It's been a very cold winter in Switzerland so Top Fuel Dragster racer and Eurodragster.com News sponsor Urs Erbacher has taken advantage of the weather and gone skiing: I took the entire team with me this year on Christmas holiday and we went to the Bernese Oberland in the Alps, just outside of Bern, Switzerland. We had a lot of fun during the day and in the evening we'd go to my Schwiegermutter, my mother-in-law, for dinner with my wife and her mom. The good news is I didn't break my legs! And all of the exercise is helping me towards my goal of losing twenty pounds before the Pomona race. My crew chief Wayne Dupuy is always telling me I'm big so I'm trying to get a little smaller. The biggest problem was Christmas dinner as there was a lot to eat. Wayne has stayed busy in Baytown, Texas, working on putting our new car together. We are all very excited about this new chassis as it's lighter and built specifically for me, which will be very nice. I want to thank Johnny Bang and his Bang and Bump Body Shop there in Tomball, Texas, for the great new paint job. Also, Sammy and Bob from ESPN radio in Houston for letting us use their shop. These three guys are my great American friends and a big part of our team. My motorcycle business Fat Attack is going well and we have the Padua Bike Expo coming up January 15-17 in Italy. My reality TV show, Kings of Nitro, is a big hit on the Discovery Italy channel so we're anticipating a big turnout of fans at the show. I can't wait to get there and meet everyone. We are special guests along with USA custom bike builder Russell Mitchell and Japanese builder Chica of Chica Custom Cycles. Last year more than 45,000 people attended the Expo. We'll be displaying many of our custom bikes and the European Champion HD Destroyer Bike. Check out the show's Web site at www.bike-exposhow.com/ratshole-uk.html. We're going to try and shake down the new car before Pomona. The plan is to go to Vegas and make a few passes alongside the Pro Stock guys. Pomona is coming very soon. We'll see you there! ©Eurodragster.com Thanks to Rob Geiger for passing on this story Impact sign with Carter. 12th January: Carter Motorsport are pleased to announce a new marketing partnership with Impact Racing for 2009. Following a meeting at the Orlando PRI Show, Impact Racing will be providing Andy Carter with all his safety needs for the coming FIA series and will join an ever-growing list of companies keen to be associated with the three-time FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion. Formed by the legendary Bill Simpson, Impact Racing offer a superb range of safety products from helmets to restraint systems. Bill Simpson personally oversees product design and development and the quote from him on the Impact Racing web site says it all: "This is something that I'll always need to do. This is my job. This is my Life." You can find out more about the company and download the new 2009 safety product catalogue at www.impactraceproducts.com, or visit the Carter Motorsport pit at the track. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 12th January: Swedish Pro Mod racer Mats Eriksson and family visited PRI Show in December and did a good job with the Speedgroup contingency programme, but Lena Perés says that another spectacular meeting took place at Universal Studios when the Green Goblin impressed Spiderman! "The two enemies met for a minute, and guess what?", says Lena. "Spiderman was genuinely jealous when he saw the Green Goblin shirt. "I want one of those! It's so cool!" was his comment." ©Eurodragster.com The UK's Team Turboville Supertwin team is pleased to announce that it has joined forces with Bellenie Racing, which means that Pete Bellenie and Crew Chief Joe Lann will be helping Ian Turburville to run Mr Spokehead as well as Rhiannon Bellenie's Junior Dragster. Pete has parked his seven-second Hayabusa Super Street Bike for 2009 but may go to the NitroympX at Hockenheim. Ingrid and Martin will again be supervising the increasingly busy pit. Turbo's web site has been updated with the best pictures from 2008 at www.turboville.co.uk/turbo-7/2008web/index.htm and the Race parts has been updated with the latest offers on Simpson safety gear including some awesome custom-painted helmets. MOre details at www.turboville.co.uk/turbo-7/classifieds.htm. Thanks to all of those Eurodragster.com readers who submitted votes and nominations for the Santa Pod Racers Club Perpetual Awards for the 2008 season. The totals have been passed to the SPRC Committee and will be taken into account when deciding the winners. Åby Motorklubbs Dragracing Marknad. 12th January: Lördagen den 14 Februari är det dags för den årliga och mycket populära drag och streetracing marknaden i Norrköping. På marknaden finns allt som en racer kan tänkas behöva, allt ifrån hela motorer, bälten, mätare, turbos, bromsar, tändsystem, lustgassystem, bakaxlar, växellådor mm. Nytt och begagnat, från både privatpersoner och handlare. Givetvis så är detta höjdpunkten på året om man vill köpa eller sälja raceprylar eller bara träffa likasinnade. Alla är där! Läs mer på www.abymotorklubb.se. Vart Norrköpings mässhallar. Besökare Marknaden öppnar 09.00 och stänger ca 16.00. Entré vuxen 100SEK (under 15år gratis). Säljare Säljplats måste bokas i förväg. Det är begränsat antal platser så det är först till kvarn som gäller. För säljare öppnar marknaden 07.00. För bokning och mer information besök hemsidan www.abymotorklubb.se eller ring 011-69833. ©Eurodragster.com Bennett web site relaunched. 12th January: UK blown-alcohol altered team and Eurodragster.com Bloggers Bennett Racing have presented a newly-designed web site for 2009. The site can still be found at www.bennettracing.co.uk but for this season the team felt that a new cleaner, sleeker design was needed. Luke Bennett of Escape Design got the task of redesigning the 125+ pages of the site. "Hopefully the whole site should be easier to navigate and find your way around", says Luke. "The extensive home page now has many added features that should keep people's attention and also more importantly give exposure to our many sponsors. As always to get your company name on a very eye-catching race car and with a successful family-run race team, contact us at [email protected] or call 07843 619724. ©Eurodragster.com "Whilst I am talking sponsors and sponsorship I would like to announce the companies who will continue to support us for the 2009 season: AIM Racing Data Power; Abbey Hose; Autoglym; Avondale Composites; Beez Neez Café, Orion Court, Basildon, Essex SS14 3DB; BHP; Chronos Engineering; Cocaine Energy Drink; CP Pistons; Darton Sleeves; Escape Design; Forge Motorsport; Goodridge Hoses and Fittings; Klotz Lubricants, Konica Minolta; K&N Air Filters; Lucas Oil; Phoenix Generators, SiliconeHoses.com; Slick Attire; The Plastic Shop; The Plough and Tractor Pub, 186 Great Knightleys, Lee Chapel, Basildon, Essex, SS15 5HG; Vinyledge - Vinyledge. Financial advice still on offer. 12th January: TV presenter and semi retired top fuel pilot Darryl Bradford has been in touch with an update on the news item we ran towards the end of last year offering a free and exclusive financial advice service to racers and spectators. "First of all, thank you to all those people in the racing community who got in touch through my Facebook page or by E-Mail", says Darryl. "The response was very encouraging and it is always great to help anyone in the racing community, especially as you have a better idea who exactly you are dealing with. "For January, a lot of life insurance rates have been reduced substantially, so I am now able to offer anyone with mortgage/life or critical illness insurance a virtually guaranteed saving on what they currently pay. A number of racers who contacted me prevously were pleasantly surprised just how much they could now save. ©Eurodragster.com "This free specialist service is for any racer or spectator who comes to me via my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=688381427 or by E-Mail at [email protected]. "Also, if you need help with remortgaging or buying, life insurance, investment or any other financial matter then stop by and contact me, and all the best for a safe and fast 2009!" Swift snippets. 11th January: UK Top Methanol Dragster racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor and Blogger Derek Flynn is seeking crew for 2009, specifically a top end mechanic and an assistant mechanic to help with the bottom end and clutch. "You must be willing to attend all races here in the UK and Europe as well as a few between-race days at our workshop", says Derek. "Expenses are paid and we can guarantee you will have fun and learn loads. For the top end mechanic BAE head experience is preferred although we understand that you may not have worked with nitro before. Please only apply if you are serious about your racing and can give up the time required to help an up and coming team achieve its objectives of winning!". If you are interested then E-Mail [email protected]. Santa Pod Raceway's Medical Centre is being rebuilt and will be ready for use in time for April's Easter Thunderball. SPR's General Manager David Lloyd-Jones also confirmed that a new scrutineering bay is being built and that part of the top end is to be resurfaced to remove a post-finish line bump in the right lane particularly noticed by bike racers. You can read more both about SPR developments and Keith Bartlett's views on 2009 and beyond in our report of yesterday's first Public Day of Autosport International, presented in association with American Car Imports, which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Alders Automotive are this year celebrating ten years in business and to celebrate are offering 15% discount on transmission rebuilds and racing transmissions to all Santa Pod Racers Club and APIRA members. "We would like to say a big thank you to everybody that has supported us", says Richard Alder. "The offer will be valid untill the end of July 2009 and we hope that it helps a bit in this current economic climate. We have a range of other products and services available including roll cage kits, engine parts, nitrous oxide kits and refills, and much more. Len Wright is now in charge of parts sales and will be more than happy to help. You can contact us on 01323 848448 or see our web site at www.aldersautomotive.co.uk." Leo Barnaby, a 10.5 racer from the US, died in a non racing related car accident two weeks after The Shakedown at E-Town and Bernard Goldbach tells us that Leo's twin-turbo 10.5 Outlaw 'Vette is to be raffled to support his wife and child. So long as one thousand $100 tickets are sold then the raffle will go ahead and the 'Vette could be yours. You can check out all the details in the Trash Or Be Trashed section at www.yellowbullet.com. ©Eurodragster.com Our good friend Erik Arneson has been in touch to let us know that his book John Force - The Straight Story Of Drag Racing's 300 mph Superstar has been updated with a section on John's 2008 season and daughter Ashley's career. The updated book will be released in March. We have a couple of birthdays today, and one which took place whilst we were on detached duty. First up is a very Happy 21st Birthday for Friday to Stefani Robinson, hope you had a great day Stefani. Today's first Happy Birthday is to Sam (she's lovely) Stretton of Santa Pod Raceway's timing crew; today is also the birthday of UK Pro ET racer Tig Napier and as if that was not enough it is also Cath and Tig Napier's wedding anniversary. Have a Happy Birthday Tig and a Happy Anniversary Cath and Tig. Don't forget that voting and nominations for the 2008 Santa Pod Racers Club Perpetual Awards close at 23:59 UK tonight (Sunday). To place your vote or to submit your Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination, go to the official SPRC Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Autosport International coverage. 10th January: In association with American Car Imports we have now posted our report of Thursday's and yesterday's Trade and Press Days at Autosport International. We caught up with a number of racers including Andy Carter, who told us the story behind his forthcoming NHRA début at Pomona, Leif Andréasson who told us how much money it could conceivably take to run in the NHRA and FIA Championhips, John Bradshaw who is enjoying mainstream drag racing, and Andy Robinson who brought us up to date with jobs in his workshop and confirmed that the cause of last season's engine problems has been found. We also spoke to a number of companies all of whom were upbeat despite the prevailing ecomonic conditions. In addition we have updated the Trade/Press Days gallery with an additional twelve pictures. You can check out the Trade/Press Days report and pictures by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com The coverage plan for today's first Public Day, which includes the launch of Andy Carter's book King of Europe, is for a report and gallery to be posted late this afternoon. King of Europe launches tomorrow. 9th January: Without doubt, FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter's career in Top Fuel has been an exciting story from the very beginning. Having cut his teeth in the Sportsman ranks, Andy switched to supercharged racing with his outrageous seven-second Outlaw Anglia Ford Pop. In the mid 1990s Andy made the switch from the ridiculously short 101" wheelbase Pop to the Kings of the Sport, Top Fuel Dragster. Although the early years in Top Fuel were not as successful as Andy's previous efforts in other classes, the signs were there that this fierce quarter mile competitor would fight to earn the right to play on the big boys' playground. Andy's eagerly-awaited book Andy Carter - King of Europe launches at Autosport International tomorrow. The book, produced by Andy's sponsor Pioneer Print, tells the story from the very beginning and includes extremely personal insights on various aspects of Top Fuel racing. This fantastic 180+ page, full colour hardback book includes: Many previously unpublished images from the Carter Motorsport archive and motorsport journalists An insight into what Top Fuel Drag Racing is all about Andy's early years in European Top Fuel His ill-fated trip to race in the NHRA series in America, resulting in his decision to walk away from the sport His dramatic return in 2000 for a one-off race which resulted in his decision to race in Europe once more The incredible 2001 FIA European Top Fuel title for the first time of asking The 280 mph crash in 2003 from which Andy walked away completely unhurt Andy's second FIA European Top Fuel title in 2004 The third FIA European Top Fuel title in 2008 His full record of achievement in the sport's pinnacle class Andy Carter - King of Europe is a must for the dedicated race fan or for anyone who simply enjoys a great story! The book will launch and go on sale at 2:00 pm tomorrow (Saturday) on Santa Pod Raceway's display (stand 9310) at Autosport International. Andy and co-author Dan Welberry will be on hand to autograph copies. ©Eurodragster.com Editor's note: Andy kindly gave us a review copy of King of Europe and although you will have to wait for the review, a quick glance through the book confirms that it was well worth waiting for and is a must-read for any race fan. Pioneer Print have done a great job, too. Talk about last-minute... 8th January: What do you do when a long-term supplier and sponsor rings you on a Monday evening and asks if you can supply a car for his stand at Autosport International on Wednesday? Well obviously you say "Yes" then try to figure out how you're going to do it. For Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Andy Robinson Race Cars it was John from Aurora Bearing Company who called on Monday, and the obvious answer was to use Andy Robinson's Studebaker Pro Mod. However Bob Roberts of ARRC tells us that it was not as straightforward as that: We'd already promised the engine to Brown and Miller Racing Solutions for their stand. So had we got enough bits to put together some kind of engine in the Stude? Fortunately the answer was yes and so Tuesday featured a fair amount of panic in the workshop as both engines were prepared, the Stude taken out of winter hibernation, and a certain amount of dummying up was done to provide two show items. Sure enough by two o'clock yesterday afternoon we were at the NEC ready to move our kit in. Now there is rare chaos on set-up day at Autosport: cars, trailers, rigs, more cars and parking anywhere and everywhere, plus you have to pay a £50 deposit when you take your truck in to encourage you to leave within three hours. Andy just managed to squeeze the truck into a space near the access door closest to the Aurora stand and we were able to unload and get the car in position relatively quickly. The only problem was that the BMRS stand was right at the far end of the exhibition hall so Andy and Wayne had to push the motor there. The good news was that we were all installed within the three hours so able to escape in good time. The Aurora Bearing Company stand is 2954 in Hall 20, close to the F1 display and the D****n T****s stand if you'd like a close up look. Oh and their bearings are pretty damn good too. Autosport International update. 8th January: The 2009 Autosport International Show will host a second stand from Santa Pod Raceway in the Pistonheads Show and, much like the ethos of Pistonheads themselves, SPR's display will represent Performance and Modified car fans, many of whom call Santa Pod home for its industry-leading enthusiast events: Cars due to appear on the stand include John Bradshaw's HKS Drag Series Pro class-winning Nissan Skyline (pictured). This genuine modified car (as opposed to a scratch-built race car) can hit 170 mph in 7.7 seconds, and is almost as awesome close-up and at a standstill as it is at full throttle. John will be at the Show along with Mark Gilliam also of Abbey Motorsport and will be delighted to chat to fellow petrolheads. Very few people have seen Marangoni's brand-new Alfa Romeo Mito Show Car in the metal, and even fewer have seen a modified one, but anyone who saw Marangoni's rear-engined Yaris last year knows that they do not hold any punches when they produce a show car. This is the premiere appearance of the car and although details are scare it will definitely be worth checking out. ©Eurodragster.com The big-budget action film Death Race carries on where Mad Max left off, and if post-apocalyptic styling and a big V8 don't do it for you, then you are probably at the wrong show. The cars were the star of this film, and we have invited the Death Race Mustang to our stand because we are certain that it will draw a crowd and raise a few eyebrows. Taking place at the show at 2:30 pm on Sunday is the presentation for the HKS Drag Series. This takes place on the Oval Racing stage. Visitors also have the chance to collect the 2009 Santa Pod Raceway calendar, wallplanner, early event fliers and a large range of merchandise will also be available to purchase. Tog and Kirstie will be attending Autosport International to bring you all the news in association with American Car Imports. Coverage plans are not quite finalised but there will be at least a photo gallery, if not a report, covering the Trade and Press Days which take place today and tomorrow, and there will definitely be a report and photo gallery on Saturday. SPR lane sponsors renew. 8th January: Santa Pod Raceway are also delighted to announce the continuation of its sponsorship agreements with both Autoglym and Toyo Tires. The move sees the two hugely respected names remaining as lane sponsors at the FIA-approved track for the 2009 season. In addition to prominent branding around the Santa Pod site, Toyo and Autoglym will also benefit from being on much on the Raceway's point-of-sale material, media and web output. Announcing the continued accord, Santa Pod Raceway's General Manager David Lloyd-Jones commented "We are delighted to have these two household names with us again for the forthcoming season. Autoglym and Toyo Tires are both market leaders in the modified, classic and competition markets, so they're a perfect fit for us as a venue. In raw footfall alone, we'll see over 300,000 guests next season, in addition to the numerous multimedia opportunities that we create. It's a fantastic partnership." With over fifty events each year, and the two race lanes being the main focus of the venue, both brands look to get some serious exposure throughout the season. Additional sponsorship packages are still available for the 2009 season for any businesses or organisations looking to take advantage of one of Europe's fastest growing and most exciting Motorsports venues. More detailed information on all of Santa Pod Raceway's events, attractions and facilities can be found at www.santapod.com. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 8th January: Brian and Lee Huxley have been in touch to let us know that their Championship-winning Top Banana roadster has been sold and is headed back to the street. "We are looking for a new race car right now, whatever is is we will race in Pro ET", they say. The Huxleys are also looking to get in contact with Paul Martinek. We know you are a Eurodragster.com reader Paul so please get in touch with us at [email protected] and we'll pass you on. ©Eurodragster.com Marcus Andersson tells us that Nordic Funny Bike is set to be exciting in 2009 with several new bikes. You can stay in touch with the latest from the Nordic Funny Bike scene at www.funnybike.se. Former and, we hear, returning Santa Pod Raceway safety crew member Nigel Anniwell was sorry to read of Paul Watson's retirement. "I'm sure that people will agree with me that Paul has been an inspiration to the sport, in both bikes and cars, and that he will be missed as a racer", says Nigel. "Thankfully he is still going to be there (apart from racing). I would like to wish Paul all the the best." Don't forget that voting and nominations for the 2008 Santa Pod Racers Club Perpetual Awards close at 23:59 UK this Sunday (11th). To place your vote or to submit your Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination, go to the official SPRC Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Carter to race at Pomona. 7th January: Three-time and reigning FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter will make his NHRA event début at the Winternationals at Pomona in February with backing from Lucas Oil. Andy will be driving the 2007 Baumgartner Race Cars Top Fuel Dragster owned by 2008 IHRA Fuel Funny Car World Champion Terry Haddock. Following a hugely successful two-year partnership between Lucas Oil and Carter Motorsport in Europe, the presence of the massive oil brand will be felt even more with the attendance of the massively successful Brit, as Lucas Oil will be giving the team its full backing for this event. Having extended an original two-year contract into a third year for 2009, news of the additional backing for this NHRA season opener was very welcome and can be seen as a measure of faith that the company has in Andy. ©Eurodragster.com Despite being the most successful driver in FIA European Top Fuel history, this will be the first time that Andy has turned a wheel in anger on US soil. With his family now spending the off-season in Florida, it was only a matter of time before he secured a ride for at least one event. With fellow European racer Urs Erbacher causing a major stir in NHRA circles, Andy is hoping to make a similar impact at this event. "I am delighted to be representing Lucas Oil at the NHRA season opener in Pomona", said Andy. "I would like to thank Forrest Lucas and all at Lucas Oil America and Lucas Oil UK for their continued backing. I'll be doing my best to repay the faith shown in me with a big performance. I would also like to thank Terry Haddock for giving me the opportunity to drive his fantastic race car. It's going to be a challenge for us both, as we look to make a major impression without any previous experience together, but it's a challenge I'm really looking forward to." "The race takes on 5th-8th February will be the perfect platform for Andy to sharpen his skills ahead of the 2009 FIA season", commented Tom Bogner of Lucas Oil. The announcement comes days ahead of the publication of Andy's new book King of Europe, which is to be launched on Santa Pod Raceway's stand this Saturday. Andy and co-author and PR Dan Welberry will be on hand on Saturday to autograph copies of the book, about which we will have more on the next Eurodragster.com News update. Grumpy: It's over. 6th January: Pro Stock Bike and 8.50 Bike racer Paul Watson of DynoSpeed Developments has announced that the DSD Pro Stock Bike has been sold to Mark Smith. Grumpy has also sold his event-winning 8.50 Bike and will be taking an extended break from racing. "Mark has taken delivery of the bike with its new 1640 V&H two-valve motor", says Paul. "I will be helping him for a couple of meets whilst he gets on his feet, I'm sure he will be up there with the best as the bike was running 7.4s with the 1500 motor and there was more to come. "The other DSD bike, the turbo Hayabusa, has also just been sold to a racer in Germany. He also will get any help required for the bike which won the new 8.50 Bike class on its début in 2008. It ran only 6 psi, with 30 psi this bike makes 500 bhp so should easily run in the sevens so we wish him well in Super Street Bike. ©Eurodragster.com "I have been racing off and on over the last thirty years both in the car and bikes had a bit of success in both, but with constant back problems I feel it's time to take a break and concentrate on the business. I would like to say a few thank yous to those who have helped through my race career. Firstly my friends at both tracks who tirelessly work to provide a place for us to race, Santa Pod has been my home track for the last thirty years and I have some special friends there who have helped and looked after me - you all know who you are. To all the racers both cars and bikes, it's been fantastic well most of the time ha ha. To my crew over the years Kim, Kev, Mark, Jason, Harry, Bob, Rich - thank you, without you it would not have been possible as every racer knows it's all about the people who are with you, that's what makes it so great. Thank you to Eurodragster for all their support throughout the years and the excellent work you all do, absolutely world class (Oh I say, thank you - Ed). "I have won Championships in both cars and bikes, I have won Most Professional Appearing Crew, been nominated for Best Appearing Bike, won the James Edgar trophy for Crew Chief of the Year and now nominated for Sportsman of the Year, wow. I've had a wonderful life in drag racing and it will be sorely missed. I wish you all the best for the season ahead." We're sure that everyone will join us in wishing Paul a very happy retirement (from racing at least). Hopefully we will still see him at the track even if not racing. Mills the double Outlaw. 6th January: Sean Mills of Big CC Racing will be competing in Comp Bike in 2009 having modified his Super Street Bike into an Outlaw Bike at the end of last season, writes photo-journalist Steve Moxley: Modifications include a McIntosh swingarm, seven-inch slick, removing the pull back yoke and fitting standard off site yoke, and fitting a slider clutch which Sean has never used before. The four inches' extra wheelbase will allow parts to be moved around for better central weight and balance. The longer tailpiece will also help locate the dry sump system and radiator. Motec management will also be fitted. ©Eurodragster.com Sean ran at a test session at last year's NSA 50th Anniversary Spring at Santa Pod and plans to attend a a few Test and Tunes to learn about setting a slider clutch. The hope is to run in the mid sevens before the first round of the 2009 ACU UK Championship at the Easter Thunderball. With Comp Bike Champion Ivan Birch, Dave Peters, Stuart Crane and Stephen Moon's Outlaw bike running low to mid sevens in competition last season, it will be a competitive class in 2009. Sean has another Outlaw Bike which will be slightly different and will serve at test days as an R&D testbed for turbos and nitrous systems. Picture courtesy and ©Steve Moxley Autosport International update. 6th January: The Showtime Fuel Funny Car will once again be on display at all four days of the Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham, writes Nigel Hoskison of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Allegheny Technologies Ltd. On Thursday and Friday (Trade and Press Days) the car will be in the Autosport Engineering section of the show courtesy of organiser Tony Tobias of Racecar Engineering. The car will be supporting many of our sponsors who exhibit in this dedicated trade area and are involved with Showtime Racing. Please take time to visit their stands: Allegheny Technologies Ltd (Stand E434), ARP (Stand E1129), Arrow Precision (Stand E528), Ferrea Valves (Stand E932), Nimbus Motorsports (Stand 8250),œrlikon Balzers (Stand E824), and Willans Harness (Stand 8720). For the public days the car will move to the Santa Pod stand (thanks to David Lloyd-Jones) as part of the display representing a cross section of drag racing vehicles. Either driver John Spuffard or members of the Showtime crew will be on hand to answer any questions visitors may have both about the car and about drag racing in general. Stop by, we will be pleased to see you. James Forster of Santa Pod Raceway has been in touch with word of SPR's display at the Show: Come and meet the 2008 European Top Fuel Champion, Andy Carter, with his 300 mph dragster on stand 9310. Also available to answer your questions will be our very own Martin Hill, driver and creator of the Fireforce Jet Funny Car. The Showtime Funny Car driven by John Spuffard is sure to impress as it has done many times on the track, and until very recently held the title of the quickest Funny Car outside the USA. The Podzilla monster truck is the reigning European Monster Truck Champion and this will be a rare opportunity to see this beast up close. ©Eurodragster.com Andy Carter and his team had a work weekend to prepare the Lucas Oils display dragster for this weekend's Show, and you can read all about that on Andy's web site at www.andycarter.net. Stop Press: Just as we went to post this update we got word that the drag racing presence at Autosport International has gone up by one race car, possibly a Pro Mod. Stay tuned and we should have news about this on the next Eurodragster.com News update which is tentatively scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday). Tog and Kirstie will be attending Autosport International to bring you all the news in association with American Car Imports. Coverage plans are not quite finalised but there will be at least a photo gallery, if not a report, covering the Trade and Press Days which take place on Thursday and Friday, and there will definitely be a report and photo gallery on Saturday. ARRC ups the body count. 6th January: Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Andy Robinson Race Cars has been ARRC have been appointed European Agents for the Cynergy Composites range of bodies and aerodynamic components just in time for the launch of the CC's latest '70½ Camaro body. "These brave folks took a pristine, matching numbers, stock body shell and set about adapting it for use in the Pro Mod wars", says Bob Roberts. "The result is one of the swoopiest new bodies to hit the strips for quite a while. Since the basic buck for this body is made from OEM steel it is very stable and provides an ideal foundation for making moulds for the separate body panels. ©Eurodragster.com "ARRC have already built a Pro Mod based on a CC '68 Camaro body and have a CC '68 Firebird body ready to build up into a Pro Mod. They have also supplied body shells from a number of other US shops including their own '53 Studebaker from Advanced Fiber-glas, Danny Cockerill's '57 from Tim McAmis and Bill Weston's Mustang from VFN. "Visit the ARRC web site at www.robinson-race-cars.co.uk and select the What's New section to find more about the new Camaro and the many body types and styles that available from ARRC." Race car sought for Essex Expo. 6th January: Paul Marston tells us that he is still seeking a race car to pull burnouts at the 2009 Oval Expo at Arena Essex on Sunday week, 18th January. "PMR are once again honoured to have been asked to organise the drag race display at the Oval Expo which incorporates the first Rolling Thunder Show Round of the 2009 season", says Paul. "It all happens on Saturday-Sunday 17th-18th January at Arena Essex just next to Lakeside Shopping Centre, and right by Junction 30/31 of the M25. ©Eurodragster.com "The Rolling Thunder Race is Saturday afternoon to late evening, with the Drag Race Exhibition along with the other features and exhibits in the Main Marquee. Sunday is when we still need a race car for a couple of demo burnouts at noon and mid-afternoon. If there are any racers who could accommodate then please let me know at [email protected]." SPRC Perpetual Awards week 7. 5th January: Once again Santa Pod Racers Club and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC Perpetual Awards, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 7th February 2009. For seven of the eight 2008 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. There are eight awards in all: this week's category, the last, is the Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year Trophy. Nominations are also being accepted for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC Committee decides upon the winners. The Sportsman of the Year trophy is presented by Obsession Motorsports in memory of the late Terry Gibbs, a fervent supporter of Sportsman racing who himself raced before becoming a race and show promoter. The trophy is awarded to an individual who typifies the spirit of Sportsman drag racing either as a racer themselves or as someone who works to support Sportsman racing. The shortlist for Sportsman of the Year is as follows: Paul Baynton Go to vote Nigel Holland Go to vote Chris Isaacs Go to vote Spencer Tramm Go to vote Paul Watson Go to vote To place your vote, go to the official SPRC Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page. ©Eurodragster.com The Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which nominations are also being accepted, was first awarded to Santa Pod Raceway's late Chief Marshal, Alex Brachtvogel, in 2001 to mark his outstanding contribution to Santa Pod Raceway and the sport as a whole. After Alex's death the trophy was named in his memory and continues to be awarded for contribution to drag racing. There is no shortlist for the Alex Brachtvogel award. Nominations are invited from Eurodragster.com readers for racers, race officials, track and safety crews, club officials, media, or anyone else who has contributed to the sport. Last year the trophy was awarded to SPRC Chief Starter Ian Marshall. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to [email protected] specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail. Voting and nominations close at 23:59 UK next Sunday (11th January). For each of the Awards, one vote per E-Mail address per nominee will be accepted: multiple votes for the same nominee from the same E-Mail address will all be disqualified. And every year we say this, but every year someone tries it on and it has already been attempted this year: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates or forum members to vote en masse - are easily identified and all such votes will be disallowed as they have been in previous years. Concerted attempts at vote-rigging will result in the nominee being removed from the shortlist. Sweden does PRI. 5th January: The 21st Annual PRI Trade Show at Orlando's Convention Center featured no less than 1450 different exhibitors in motorsports technology. Lena Perés writes that there were some Swedish companies in the huge exhibition area: Auto Verdi from Dalecarlia have been at PRI for several years now. They have lots of customers in NASCAR racing. Whilst Stefan Verdi was back in Sweden working, Sten Skodgård and Jarmo Pulkinen were showing Auto Verdi's dry sump oil pumps. Charley Karling gave them a helping hand with the visitors who at some points were queuing to have a chat with the guys. Another interesting stand which was very busy was the Leanders Bros showing the clutch which they developed themselves. They now want to show the Americans the good quality of Swedish engine parts. Many good contacts were made and there was a lot of interest in their products, so the brothers were very satisfied with the exhibition. "Now we just have to wait for the results", says Ulf. "We need someone here in US to test it. We have good references in Europe with Mats Erikssons Green Goblin and others, but as the Americans are a bit suspicious about products not produced in US they need some time to discover new inventions. But we're very confident and we are looking forward to doing business here". Dennis Zeckser of DZE is helping the Leanders with service and sales in the USA. Dennis also sells clutch lathes. ©Eurodragster.com Jörgen and Ulf had a success with their self-developed spring tool. Manton made an order for ten tools there and then at the exhibition. So the Leanders Bros have the USA at their feet and we wish them good luck. Mats Eriksson and son Lars-Göran did a good job working their way around to twenty three companies promoting Speedgroup's contingency program. Hopefully it's going to make the US companies take note of the European racing market, which is much bigger than they believe. It would also be a good opportunity for them to expand into the European market. ME Racing Service also got another good experience out of the show as they now have the rights to repair and inspect Browell bellhousings, and maybe more companies are coming up. The PRI Show will remain in Orlando until 2016 as the Show's producer Steve Lewis is very happy with the one million square foot exhibition hall. But next year it seems that there will be competition from another racing show in Indianapolis, where most of the racing teams have their headquarters. We'll see what happens in 2009. Swift snippets. 5th January The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com claims to show the early stages of build at an Essex chassis shop. "Maybe the shop dobies have been at the cooking sherry!", says our mole. You sure it's just the shop dobies, mole? If you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. ©Eurodragster.com Andréasson doubles up. 3rd January: Fulfilling a dream which he and wife Åsa have held for several years, Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer Leif Andréasson has announced that he is to race on both sides of the Atlantic in 2009. As well as contesting the FIA European Championship Leif has adopted NHRA Division 2 in the USA and will be racing at a number of NHRA events at either end of the season. Leif and the team will start 2009 with test runs at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to sort out a new injector and some other new parts before going to the Winternationals at Pomona. Andréasson Motorsports plan to run eight NHRA races during the spring season, then to ship the car to Europe for the FIA Championship, and then return to the USA in September for the four remaining NHRA races. ©Eurodragster.com The team have been preparing during the off-season by setting up a race shop in Gras Valley, California, a complete engine workshop together with Bitetto Motorsport in Anaheim, California, and an East Coast race shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "The team is going to travel at least 40,000 kilometres before the season is over", says team member Anders Magnusson. "We're talking about a full time operation". Stay tuned for more details. If you are headed to Pomona for the Winternationals then Andréasson Motorsports' new sponsor Marriot Residence Inn are offering European racers and fans a special hotel deal for the race which takes place on 5th-8th February. The hotel, whose web site you can find at www.residenceinnontario.com, is located fifteen minutes from the race track. It offers a Penthouse with two bedrooms with two king-size beds, living room, and kitchen for only 129 USD including breakfast and light dinner included. Marriot will hold a special reception with barbecue for European guests between 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm on Thursday 5th February. To book, call Reservations on +1 909 937 6799 and mention NHRA Special Deal. Web site updates. 3rd January: In the latest instalment in his Racer Blog, FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter describes his family's Christmas in Florida and his son Albert's first kart race at Daytona. You can read Andy's Blog by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com Autosport International updates. 2nd January: Bob Roberts of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Andy Robinson Race Cars tells us that the blown-alcohol motor of Andy Robinson's Pro Mod will be on display on the Brown and Miller Racing Solutions stand (E336) at Autosport Engineering, which takes place on Thursday and Friday within next week's Autosport International. Eurodragster.com News sponsor Nimbus Motorsport will be exhibiting on all four days of the Show. "On our stand in Hall 8 (stand 8250) we will be exhibiting the full range of Ringers Gloves (the official gloves of NHRA) which as usual will include some stunning offers only available at the show", says Steve Clark. "We will also be exhibiting our extensive range of heat management products, including semi-rigid and rigid heat shielding. "Nimbus will be launching the new range of Digital Infrared Thermometers from Micro Temp. These high quality yet affordable digital thermometers are a must have for racers at all levels, providing invaluable information. A launch offer is being made at the show. "The Nimbus sales team look forward to meeting all drag racers and will be available to answer any questions relating to the Nimbus product range, a range that will enhance not only the vehicle's performance but also the driver's performance. "I will also be available during the show to discuss the Torco range of lubricants and how they continue to benefit many winning drag racing teams." All Nimbus Motorsport products can be viewed at www.nimbusmotorsport.com. ©Eurodragster.com Drag racing enthusiasts visiting Autosport International this week will be warmly welcomed at stand 2216 in Hall 20, where Eurodragster.com News sponsor Grandstand Motor Sports is presenting its new drag racing programme. Grandstand has already taken bookings for its March trip to NHRA's Gatornationals in Florida, the first of five major events in the drag racing programme. Assisted by drag race specialist Blueprints For Travel, Grandstand is also offering European excursions to Sweden in July for the Veidec Festival at Mantorp Park and to Germany in August for Hockenheim's NitrolympX, plus season-ending USA tours to NHRA's Las Vegas and Pomona races in October and November. Britain's leader in motorsport travel has added drag racing to its extensive tour and holiday catalogue which includes Formula One, Le Mans, Historic Car Racing and Classic Motoring Events, and MotoGP and World Superbikes. Grandstand is the only UK provider of drag racing travel and followers of the sport are invited to visit the stand and talk with the staff or simply pick up a free brochure. Those from home or abroad not attending the show can find more information by clicking on the Grandstand Motor Sports, logo at right, visiting www.grandstandmotorsports.co.uk, or telephoning 0845 375 0300 (outside the UK +44 116 231 1222). Web site updates. 2nd January: In the latest instalment in his exclusive Racer Blog, UK Top Methanol Dragster and Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Derek Flynn tells the second part of the story of his recent racing trip to the USA. You can check out Derek's travelogue by clicking here or by clicking on the Racer Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com Paul Lister has updated his Drag Car Anon web site with a large number of pictures from the late 1970s and early 1980s as well as a few shots from more recent years. To enjoy Paul's photographs, click on the Gallery link at www.dragcaranon.co.uk. Earlier news