Swift snippets. 31st January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (below left) came with the words "New body for a new car!". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. Andy Bennett tells us that custom painter Chris Rushton has been over at the Never Again bomb shelter this weekend after the team finally agreed on a font and position for the Doomsday graphic. "It only took twelve months to decide", says Andy. "Chris applied a smokey flame effect to fill the letters", an effect which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the picture at above right. If you are going to the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation this Saturday (5th) then please remember that presentations start at 6:00 pm, so please be in your seats for that time. It would also be appreciated if the noise could be kept down during the presentations as a courtesy both to the trophy winners and to MCs Barry Bohannon and Darryl Bradford. Please also note that the format of the raffle is to be changed. Tickets will be on sale, one per person, at £2 and will be sold at the entrance to the function room on the way in for the start of the evening at 6:00. On the subject of the APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance, UK Super Pro ET racer Dave Catton has been stood up and now has one spare ticket. Olivia Catton assures us that although this will entail sitting with Dave, it will not entail dancing with him. If you could use the ticket then contact Dave on 07917 422646. Finnish Top Fuel Dragster racer Anita Mäkelä tells us that she will make the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway on 22nd-25th April. "Some of our crew members have commitments for Easter weekend but we should be able to manage without them just for this one race", she says. "And Lucy Pargeter, my favourite actress from Emmerdale, is there - how can I not be there! So I'm prepared to travel to Santa Pod.". Web site updates. 31st January: Our good buddy Jon Spoard now has UK Drag Racing Nostalgia web site decals for sale. "The decals are a great way for people to show support for the web site,  they promote the web site to others, plus they look very cool", says Jon. The decals measure 13 cm x 9 cm and are priced at £3 plus P+P. To purchase your decals, visit the UKDRN web site at www.ukdrn.co.uk. Paul Lister has added some nostalgia pictures to his Drag Car Anon web site at www.dragcaranon.co.uk. You can check out the old pictures by clicking on Galleries then History update 2011. A word to our sponsors. 31st January: We will be sending out sponsorship renewal notices and invoices during this week, as renewals are due on 1st March. If you don't intend to renew for 2011 then please let us know at [email protected] and that will save you from receiving an invoice. If you have any queries about sponsoring Eurodragster.com then don't hesitate to contact us at the same address. Official invitations. 30th January: A UEM Seminar is being held for Clerks of the Course and Sporting and Technical Stewards at the Ibis Hotel at Amsterdam Schipol Airport on Saturday-Sunday 12th-13th February. The Seminar will be run by Palle Lind and will be held in English. It will end with an exam to gain a three-year UEM Official licence. The entry fee is €240 which includes accommodation on the Saturday evening and meals. For full details please click here (PDF document) or contact Palle Lind at [email protected]. The Pennine Drag Racing Club are holding their Annual General Meeting and annual presentation evening the Nite of Champions on Saturday 26th February. Once again the venue is the Campanile Hotel, Euroway Estate, Bradford. Invitations have already been sent to PDRC members but if anyone is interested in attending either AGM or the Nite of Champions then please E-Mail Alan Perkins at [email protected]. Tickets for the evening are £25. "PDRC will be starting its 36th year of drag racing this year and it would be good to hear from any of the original members, especially those still racing", says Alan. "Please use the same E-Mail address. Dates for the forthcoming season will be published soon so watch our web site at www.yorkraceway.org.uk." Swift snippets. 30th January: Congratulations to ex-pat UK Top Alcohol Dragster racer Michael Manners of Eurodragster.com sponsor Cosmo Residences who took the Pro Fuel Day 2 win at Palm Beach yesterday. Mike beat Bill Evans with a 5.332/270.48 blast which made up for the disappointment of a dropped chute on fire-up before the Day 1 final. A very Happy Birthday for yesterday (Saturday) to APIRA official Julie Willcox. Hope you had a lovely day Julie. Wikid Metal. 29th January: Gary Byatt, owner of Stevenage Sheet Metal, is proud to announce that the company will be the principal sponsor of John Paul Spiers' Wikid Racing Super Comp team in 2011. "I met John Paul towards the end of 2009 when he visited my company in Letchworth", said Gary Byatt. "It soon became apparent that we were both very interested in motorsport in all forms. Over the past couple of years we have developed a business relationship which resulted in the purchase of a top-of-the-range Timesavers/Grindingmaster de-burring and graining machine from John Paul to complement my Trumpf Lasers and newly purchased Trumpf punching machine. We offer an expert sheet metal sub-contract service from our 14,500 square feet premises in Letchworth and pride ourselves in providing a quality service at competitive prices which is backed up by quick delivery. We always strive to exceed our customer expectations. Because John Paul is so passionate about his drag racing, I decided to sponsor him for the 2011 season. I also sponsor other motor racing teams from circuit racing to endurance events. I am looking forward to working with John Paul over the next twelve months." John Paul Spiers would like to extend his personal thanks to Gary for his support and sponsorship for the forthcoming season of the Stevenage Sheet Metal-backed Super Comp 69 'Camaro. "Without Gary's financial support, I would have found it very difficult to race my car this year", he said. "Gary has turned out to be a true friend and his help is very much appreciated. We look forward to welcoming Gary, Michelle and Owen at the track. Without the support of people like Gary, drag racing would not progress and develop. "If your business requires a professional sub-contract sheet metal service please visit www.stevenagesheetmetal.com or telephone 01462 674794. Gary would be happy to help." Swift snippets. 29th January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (below left) came with the words "British Top Methanol FC a distinct possibility late 2011". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Bill MacDermid tells us that he has come competition for the seat of his ProChargered '69 Camaro in the person of his eleven-month-old niece Maria who as you can see (above right) looks perfectly comfortable in the driving seat. UK Funny Bike racer Tim Blakemore feels that Funny Bike is not getting the chance it deserves. "We have been given just one season to prove the class in the UEM Cup", he says. "Whilst I know that overall performances were not brilliant (with the exception of a few) it was still fairly well-attended even with the hiccups regarding licencing etc. The general feeling is that the Cup will be a lot bigger and more competitive this year given the chance. I would like to ask how many riders would be racing the Cup if it was given to us? Would those racers please E-Mail me at [email protected] today (Saturday) so that we can prove we have a class!". You can read more about the UEM Funny Bike Cup saga on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com. Valley Gas has its new workshop up and running strong in the heart of Andover, Hampshire.They tell is that many of their cars have been all over the magazines lately, and that with their new premises, they have more facilities than ever before. For custom cars, sleds, gassers, drag cars, rods, Yanks from mild to wild, chassis work, engine rebuilds, hot rod parts, bodywork, axles, modifications, and servicing and repairs, give Jim or Ellie a ring on their new number 01264 353646. Quote Nigel Taylor via Eurodragster.com for the best quote. Thanks to all of those who submitted votes and nominations for the APIRA and SPRC Perpetual Awards, Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year Trophy and SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. Voting and nominations are now closed. The results have been passed to APIRA, SPRC and Obsession Motorsports and the winners will be announced and presented at next Saturday's APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation and then posted here on Eurodragster.com Yesterday's news item about CPC training contained a clearly-worded request not to contact Eurodragster.com with queries but to contact Carole Ismail. You know what we're going to say next: despite this request we received a number of E-Mails yesterday about CPC training. Some of those E-Mails were not particularly polite and your News Editor was not particularly amused. Please see News FAQ 16. Web site updates. 29th January: The UK's Gecko Racing Sportsman ET team have launched a web site at www.geckodragraceteam.com. "The site is packed full of information, photographs and, as the season progresses, regular updates and is ready for the new season", says Sara Unsworth. "Our web site has been made possible by  Allan1010.com, ESQB (book-keeper extraordinaire!) and Herring Plant, who are our newest sponsors for the 2011 season. Big thanks to our main sponsor CLS Self Drive (for all your plant hire requirements) for renewing their sponsorship for the 2011 season. New season new playing field - we would like to wish all the best to all race teams, especially Sportsman ET." Want to tow your race vehicle? 28th January: Carole Ismail has been in touch to remind UK race teams' transporter drivers that if you have categories C, C1, C1E, D1 or D1E on the back of your driving licence and wish to keep them, then you will need to have done thirty five hours' Certificate for Professional Competency training by September 2014. "If you do not undergo CPC training then DVLA will remove these categories from your licence, and this will mean that you cannot drive any vehicle or vehicle and trailer combination exceeding 3.5 tons", says Carole. "So you should do the training if your vehicle or combination exceed 3.5 tons or if you are receiving any kind of remuneration including prize money and sponsorship. "We have had many calls from racers saying that they have spoken to VOSA, and that they don't need to do CPC training. You do need to do it! When speaking to VOSA enforcement officers you need to tell them that you are sponsored and/or that you may win prize money, this means "Hire or Reward". If any of you have watched Police, Camera Action! then you will have seen PC Nairn pulling people over to the side of the road and the first thing asked for is a copy of the driver's tach. "CPC training is classroom-based and does not involve passing or failing - you have to be able to prove that you have done the training. After you have completed thirty five hours' CPC training you receive a card from the DVLA confirming that you have done it, and an official record is made on the DVLA computer." A CPC course is taking place at Santa Pod Raceway tomorrow (Saturday), and the next is scheduled for late summer. If you would like to get in on tomorrow's course, or if you have any queries at all then please call Carole or Emma at Phoenix Personnel on 01604 881664 (please note, it does not say to contact Eurodragster.com, see News FAQ 16 - Ed). The jewel in Gulf's crown. 28th January: Gulf has announced its title sponsorship of Ian King's extreme power challenger for the 2011 UEM European Top Fuel Bike Championship. Normally associated with the world’s leading sports cars, Gulf’s distinctive powder blue and orange racing colours will now adorn a drag bike which - from a standing start - can outpace any Formula One car and even an F15 Jet fighter plane. The 1500 horsepower Gulf Racing Top Fuel Motorcycle, capable of accelerating from 0 - 250 mph in under six seconds, will be ridden by Ian King, five-time European Top Fuel Bike Champion and the most successful rider in European Top Fuel Bike competition. The bike will compete on Gulf's premium range of lubricants and gear oils as it aims to become the fastest-accelerating motorcycle in the world. "We are excited to be involved with the most sophisticated motorcycle of its type in the world" explains Keith Jewers, Director Gulf Retail. "It is a fine example of engineering excellence and an ideal platform to demonstrate the performance and quality of Gulf’s lubricants." "We are delighted that Gulf has chosen King Racing to become part of their illustrious motorsport history" said Ian King, Team Principal of King Racing. "The iconic Gulf brand and the quality of their products are a perfect fit with our team and other blue chip associates." The eight-round Championship starts in Kunmadaras, Hungary on 28th April with two events in the UK at Santa Pod, including the season finale. The bike will be built and race prepared by Puma Engineering, a world-renowned manufacturer of drag racing motorcycles. Team West-Tec diary filling. 28th January: The Lucas Oil/Team West-Tec Top Fuel Dragster team's 2011 schedule is starting to take shape, with show and race dates in England, Finland, Sweden, Germany which should get Lucas Oil products in front of a varied and different audience at each event. So far  this includes race fans, modified car enthusiasts, Vauxhall enthusiasts, truck enthusiasts and Japanese Car enthusiasts with more dates to follow soon.   ''We all had a great and successful Autosport Show", said driver Andy Carter. "It was great to spend time with Tom and Chrissy Bogner over from the USA, spend time with Les Downey and catch up with many of my associate sponsors, fans and supporters. Sorry if you came by and I didn't get to say hello, hopefully I can catch up with you at a race or one of the shows during 2011. I'm now looking forward to the team's race début at the Pro Fuel Shootout. It's a race which I have won twice and been runner-up once, so although we're a new team in a new car I will be looking to take the Lucas Oil/Team West Tec to a win first time out'.' You can see the Lucas Oil/Team West Tec schedule so far at www.andycarter.net/schedule.php and don't forget that you can also keep up to speed with Andy Carter on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarterMotorsport. Hit the Like button!. Swift snippets. 28th January: If you'd like to have your say over who wins this year's APIRA and SPRC Perpetual Awards, Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year Trophy and SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy then get a wiggle on, as voting will be closing at 23:59 UK tonight (Friday). To place your vote, check out the official SPRC/APIRA Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the 2010 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Steal a march on your mates. 28th January: At the time of writing, the weather forecast is looking bright and dry for this Sunday's (30th) Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. This is your last opportunity to get your car on the famous quarter-mile strip before a couple of weeks' break. The break would provide at least three weeks of uninterrupted bragging rights if you were able to get yourself ahead of your mates (or anyone else!) on the Street Challenge table on the RWYB web site. It’s absolutely free to enter and a great way to see how your times compare to others. Please visit www.rwyb.co.uk/cc_introduction.php for more details and to see the current tables. If you end up in top spot of the car or bike tables at the end of the year, you will win a £500 cash prize and two VIP tickets to the Flame and Thunder Show. Don’t forget that passenger rides are now permitted at the Pod, up to 130 mph, for just £10 per passenger. All the passenger needs to do is to bring their full valid driving licence along. This would be a great treat for family and crew members alike and it would keep them out of the cold! Santa Pod Raceway's next Run What You Brung after this weekend is Sunday 20th February. Welcome WG4. 27th January: We are very pleased to welcome WG4 Facilities Management and Business Services as a sponsor of Eurodragster.com, taking over Matthew Wright's existing slot on the right hand side of the Home and News pages. "I have always supported Eurodragster.com, and I am pleased to announce that WG4 now sponsor Eurodragster.com" says Matthew, one of the Directors of WG4. "WG4 Facilities Management and Business Services is a complete solution for your business or organisation. We offer fully bespoke services in areas such as retail, commercial and Government. Our services include security, cleaning, maintenance, fire protection, parking enforcement and much more. We primarily cover London and the South East of England but we do operate nationally. With over thirty years' experience in all areas, we offer a professional service based on honesty, integrity and always putting the client first. You can find our web site at www.wg4.co.uk." WG4 jointly operate and provide some of the sponsorship for the WG Racing Team, Matt's twin-turbo Rolls Royce which was unveiled at Autosport International. "As the Rolls Royce is such an unusual race car, the opportunities for media coverage are greatly increased and we think that investing some of our advertising budget in the race team generates a worthwhile return", says Matthew. "The new updated WG Racing web site will be released next Tuesday, 1st February, with some important sponsorship announcements." We would like to say a big Thank You to Matthew for his continued support of Eurodragster.com. We are sure that a number of our readers either own or work for companies which could benefit from WG4's services so be sure to take a look at the company's web site to see how they can help you. Swift snippets. 27th January: Karsten Andersen tells us that the Andersen Racing Top Fuel Dragster is still in its workshop in Denmark and will not be going to the USA for the start of the NHRA season as originally planned. "We are staying in Europe for now", says Karsten. "We are working on a deal with an interesting driver for 2011". Karsten promises that, as ever with the Landmeco-sponsored team, Eurodragster.com readers will be the first to know their plans as soon as they are settled. We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Eurodragster.com supporter Donna Giles of the UK's Roar Willys Super Gas team. Have a lovely day Donna. If you'd like to have your say over who wins this year's APIRA and SPRC Perpetual Awards, Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year Trophy and SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy then get a wiggle on, as voting will be closing at 23:59 UK time tomorrow (Friday). To place your vote, check out the official SPRC/APIRA Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the 2010 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Back to the subject of Eurodragster.com sponsors and we will be revealing our new Main Sponsor, who will be replacing American Car Imports on the Home and News pages, next Tuesday (1st February). It's going to be quite a day for announcements as, on top of the WG Racing team announcement promised above, 1st February is our traditional date for revealing the year's inductees to the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance update. 26th January: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to let us know that four hotel rooms have become available at the St John's Hotel in Solihull, the venue for the APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation on Saturday week, 5th February. "I have two double rooms and one twin room available", says Paula. "If you would like to take over any of these rooms then please E-Mail me (only, no phone calls) at [email protected]. Julie Willcox of APIRA has one single room available, if you would like to take over this room then please E-Mail Julie (again E-Mail only, no phone calls) at [email protected]. These rooms are first-come first-served and must be taken by next Monday (31st)." Paula adds that the format of the Dinner Dance raffle is to be changed. Tickets will be on sale, one per person, at £2 and will be sold at the entrance to the function room on the way in for the start of the evening. APIRA Perpetual Awards vote 5. 26th January: Avon Park International Racing Association, Santa Pod Racers Club, Obsession Motorsports and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC and APIRA Perpetual Awards and Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 5th February 2011. For several of the 2010 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted for the SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC and APIRA Committees and Obsession Motorsports decide upon their winners. The latest category is the APIRA Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy. The founder of the National Drag Racing Club, Alan Wigmore was dedicated to every aspect of the sport at home as well as in America. As Chairman of the NDRC Alan got to do just about every job there was to organise as well as run race events. This Award is presented in Alan's memory to the chosen individual who has shown the same dedication, spirit and enthusiasm for the sport which Alan showed in his years in drag racing. The APIRA Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows: Sharron and Jerry Collier, Junior Drag Bike Vote for Sharron and Jerry Collier Jon Cross, Shakespeare County Raceway Vote for Jon Cross Paul Satchell, APIRA Vote for Paul Satchell Wayne Schreier, APIRA Vote for Wayne Schreier Roy Wilding, Supercharged Outlaws Vote for Roy Wilding Andrew Willcox, APIRA Vote for Andrew Willcox To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official SPRC/APIRA Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the 2010 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com The SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which nominations are also now being taken, 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 Santa Pod Racers Club official Carole Ismail. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to [email protected] specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail. 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: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends 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. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. Voting and nominations close at 23:59 UK time this coming Friday (28th). A brace of new Pro Mods. 26th January: Many thanks to our good buddy, photo-journalist Stefan Boman, who writes from Sweden with news of two additions to the Pro Modified ranks in 2011: Martin and Tom Lundkvist of Åhus, Sweden, will be the first new team in Pro Mod for 2011 (below left). The car is a '68 Camaro from Vanishing Point Race Cars which was originally driven by John Russo. However, the interesting part is not the car's history but what she's got under the hood for the upcoming season: a twin-turbocharged Brad Anderson Stage VII which has been pounding out some 2,000 horsepower at only 15 psi boost. This is all the dyno could handle, but during racing they will use some 30-35 psi boost. Martin and Tom have a good history of making turbo cars go fast. Martin drove a Chevy C10 pick-up in Competition Eliminator up until 2010. They won several events, ended up third in the Swedish Championship, and clocked a 6.8-second ET with a single-turbo Small Block of only 301 ci (video). The picture shows the car with the front bodywork altered to fit the new engine concept, and still in its old paint. The car is now getting a new paint job. As things stand Martin and Tom are not scheduled to be present at the FIA Main Event as they wish to do their early testing on tracks a little closer to home. Per Svedberg of Harmånger, Sweden, is stepping up from the local Nordic Top Doorslammer series to FIA Pro Modified for 2011. He is replacing the 1970 Dodge Challenger which he previously drove with a completely new car which is being built in Denmark by All In Race Cars (above right). The carbon fibre body is a 1970 Dodge Demon and the engine is a supercharged Brad Anderson Stage VI Hemi. Besides the FIA series Per plans to be contest events at his home track, Sundsvall Raceway, in Top Doorslammer as they are not running Pro Mod at this event. Facebook users can see many pictures of the ongoing work on the car at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Per-Svedberg-Racing/111388805576955. Racers: It's not too early to send us your 2011 racing plans. Whether new vehicle or the same, new motor or the same, whatever your class, if you plan on racing at all then then your fans want to know about it. Drop us a line at [email protected] or if you don't have time to E-Mail then send your phone number to the same address and we'll call you. Lucas team up with MB Motorsport. 26th January: Martin Bishop of the UK's MB Motorsport Pro Stock Bike team is pleased to announce a sponsorship deal with that Lucas Oils. "We will be teaming up with Lucas in the coming seasons and we look forward to using their new racing oils and other fine products", says Martin. After a positive meeting with Lucas Oils MD Les Downey at Autosport International, Martin is feeling very enthusiastic about the year ahead. "After a very tough season last year we will be building our own engines and testing many new parts", he says."With my excellent crew Baz Rathbone and Timon Marshall I look forward to the coming season." For partnership opportunities you can contact Martin at [email protected]. "Thanks to the guys at Eurodragster.com for all their hard work", adds Martin (Thanks! - Ed). Web site updates. 26th January: Our good buddy Anders Envall has updated his Blackout Full Size Racing web site with a very entertaining account of a 1985 racing visit to Santa Pod Raceway with his Whiplash Camaro. You can check out the report by clicking on News and the scrolling down to Follow us to Santa Pod! at www.blackout.nu. Also posting a very entertaining diary is Allard Chrysler Action Group Chair Brian Taylor who has written his account of a long weekend spent at Autosport International with the Allard Chrysler Dragster and its rebuilt motor. You can read Brian's report by following the Latest News link at www.allardchrysler.org. Marangoni Fast Show beckons. 26th January: The Marangoni Fast Show is not far off now…the first show on the Modified car calendar, at Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday 27th March, is always the most eagerly-anticipated after a long and miserable winter completely devoid of outdoor car shows and racing action. This firm fixture on the Modified car fans' calendar has been getting a little bit bigger and a little bit better every year since 2004, when the first ever Fast Show was introduced as an opportunity for car clubs to get together and open the spring season in style. The first event was a huge success, and ever since then, more and more has been crammed into the day and it’s become an essential part of the Modified car scene. 2011 will bring no surprises with the headline entertainment. The track will be open for Run What You Brung where you can get your own car on the strip, and the Euro Sports Compact cars will be out on track racing - this is the best place in the UK to see some of the country’s top Modified cars going at it full-pelt and doing what they do best. The Show Car Paddock will be open for anyone into their show cars, and this is often a good place to spot new rides out in public for the first time that go on to become show car legends. The Marangoni Fast Show also hosts drifting and a free handling track where fans of lateral g-forces will be kept happy all day. Clubs have always been a huge part of what the Fast Show is all about, and 2011 will see even more car club facilities and hundreds of cars from around the UK. Because everyone is welcome at the Marangoni Fast Show, everything from cute minis through to fire-breathing Jap cars will be present. After last year’s hilarious but wonderful showdown, the Miss Fast Show competition returns with crazy games and beautiful women, and if that doesn’t put a smile on your face and get the blood pumping, then there are plenty of other hot ladies at the Marangoni Fast Show to keep you happy, including the stunning Gemma Massey, and Nuts cover girl Kelly Andrews. The inimitable Fuel Girls will also be doing their thing throughout the day, and if you like your girls a little bit dirty, a little bit flirty and a whole load of sexy, this is a part of the show you shouldn’t miss out on. There are so many sexy girls at the show you won’t get to see them all. Not bad eh? Phew! Ministry of Sound's Clubbers Guide are taking over the Pod Palais for Fast Show 2011! This momentous announcement can mean only one thing: an incredible night of top DJs and dance music that will take you to another dimension. Throw into this potent mix the sexy Fuel Girls, and you've got a night you can't afford to miss. The "Pod Palais" is a heated nightclub with DJs, dancers, bar, seating and entry is free for all weekend ticket holders. Add to this stunt shows, jet car, traders, full catering and bar facilities, fun fair, mobile dyno, pole dance shows, cars for sale area, helicopter rides and even more besides...what have you got? The whole Modified car scene in the UK crammed into one action-packed day at the Pod! See www.thefastshow.com or call 01234 782 828 for full information and tickets. Renewals for the She Devil. 25th January: UK Top Methanol Funny Car racer Steph Milam is pleased to announce that two of the She Devil Racing team's sponsors have renewed for 2011. "After meeting with Steve Clark of Nimbus Motorsport at the Autosport Show in Birmingham we are pleased to announce continued support from Nimbus Motorsport and Torco Oils", says Steph. "We also had a chance to catch up with Tim Howes of NGK Spark Plus who also confirmed their commitment for the coming season. "We will be racing at four events this season: the FIA Main Event and the FIA European Finals, and the two British rounds at the Easter Thunderball  and the UK National Finals. We are looking forward to continuing the battle the be the first to that elusive number and try to stay the fastest British Top Methanol Funny Car. "If anyone is interested in offering sponsorship or help please E-Mail us at [email protected]." Name that car... 25th January: UK Pro ET racer Roy Walker is asking for the help of Eurodragster.com readers to find a name for his new race car. Readers will know that Roy previously campaigned a very good-looking Cortina but he told Eurodragster.com that the time had come to put that car back on the street. "It had reached its limit and I didn't want to push it any further", he said. "I am going to put that back on the road so that I have a street car and a race car - we will use the Cortina as a tow car for the new race car." The new car is a steel-bodied Vauxhall Ventura currently nearing completion at the workshops of Eurodragster.com sponsor Hauser Race Cars (workshop pictures here). The chassis is tagged to 7.50 although Roy plans to run the car in Pro ET and Super Gas to begin with. "We'll see where the new car goes - hopefully straight!", he said. "It will have the same green colour as the Cortina but I want to put flames on it." Roy, wife Michelle and the team can't think of an appropriate and/or witty name for the Ventura so would be pleased to receive ideas from Eurodragster.com readers. If you have any ideas then please drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll pass them on. Swift snippets. 25th January: From a Ventura to a Ventora and the UK's Nev Mottershead will be doing double duty at some events in 2011 with his Stockport Doorslammer Ventora. Having run the car in Super Street in 2010 and made a few attempts at breaking out, Nev and the team concluded that the gearing is not right to move to Super Gas and so decided to run in Super Street and Pro ET this year. "We can run the car flat out in Pro ET, and we have a lot of buddies in the class, so we can have a lot of fun", Nev told Eurodragster.com. Nev's Toyota Supra, which ran in Super Gas and Comp Eliminator, will be returning to the track after an extensive rebuild is completed. The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (below left) came with the words "New body". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. Our good buddy, photo-journalist Stefan Boman tells us that fans of 2010 FIA European Pro Modified Champions the Lindberg Brothers can find a six-page illustrated feature (above right) in this week's issue, 2011/3, of Bilsport, out today (Tuesday) on news stands in Sweden. You can also purchase your copy at www.bilsport.se. Greek database opens. 25th January: After many years of systematic work our good friend Elias Vathias is pleased to announce that he can now offer complete statistics and other information from drag races in Greece. "Many people have helped us with valuable information and suggestions", says Elias. "One of them is Tog whom we thank a lot (You're welcome - Ed). "We currently feature all drag races since 2001. At these 63 drag races, 979 drivers have made 6045 runs in various classes. The summary of statistics can be found at www.greekdragster.com/database/db_stats.php and detailed information and personal pages for the 979 drivers at www.greekdragster.com/database/db_drivers.php. "The step was to compute the best times per class. We wanted to compute, for each class, a list of the best times in at the quarter mile, 1000 feet etc. But we had to face another problem. During the development of the sport some classes have been changed in such a way that, although the name remained the same, the specifications were completely different. So we firstly named the various classes adding the year that each class started, secondly when a class changed its specifications we gave them a new name, and finally we grouped these classes in such a way that each group contains classes with similar specifications. So today we are able to present a table of Fastest Drivers per Class Group with the times for 18 metres (60 feet), 101 metres (330 feet), time and speed at the eighth mile, time at 303 metres (1000 feet) and time and speed at the quarter mile etc. You can find this information at www.greekdragster.com/database/db_TopDriversTOC.php. "For example, you can find the fastest drivers over the quarter mile, in classes with 4WD turbo, lightweight cars (Auto T3 [1999], Auto AT2 [2006], Auto AT2 [2008], Auto T4 [2002], Auto T3 [2002]) here. "All of this information will be updated after each race, and we will continue our work and bring you more statistics in the near future." Web site updates. 25th January: From the Greek database to the European Drag Racing Database and Pelle Stanikowski writes that there is a week left to place your vote in the site's photo contest. You can check out the seven great photographs and cast your vote at www.drdb.eu. APIRA Perpetual Awards vote 4. 24th January: Avon Park International Racing Association, Santa Pod Racers Club, Obsession Motorsports and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC and APIRA Perpetual Awards and Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 5th February 2011. For several of the 2010 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted for the SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC and APIRA Committees and Obsession Motorsports decide upon their winners. The latest category is the APIRA Endeavour Award. The APIRA Endeavour Award is presented to a racer, team, supporter or member of the media in recognition for services rendered over the last twelve months, as well as their overall support of Avon Park International Racing Association and Shakespeare County Raceway. The APIRA Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows: Daren and Julie Brett, SCR Junior Dragster League Vote for Daren and Julie Brett Ingrid and Martin Chesworth, Media Vote for Ingrid and Martin Chesworth Sue and Alan Davies, APIRA Vote for Sue and Alan Davies Angus Pulley, APIRA Vote for Angus Pulley Dawn Watson, Media Vote for Dawn Watson To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official SPRC/APIRA Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the 2010 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com The SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which nominations are also now being taken, 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 Santa Pod Racers Club official Carole Ismail. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to [email protected] specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail. 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: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends 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. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. Voting and nominations close at 23:59 UK time this coming Friday (28th). The final shortlist, for the APIRA Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy, will be posted here on Eurodragster.com on Wednesday's update. Swift snippets. 24th January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words "Our new Super Gas car". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. Jeanette and Shelby Webster have asked us to say a big Happy Birthday to Eurodragster.com sponsor and Webster Race Engineering head honcho Jon Webster, and also to WRE employee Graham Rice whose birthday it also is today. "Hope they both have a great day and a good year, and that Jon gets time to make use of his presents!", say Jeanette and Shelby. Obsession Sportsman of the Year vote. 22nd January: Obsession Motorsports, Avon Park International Racing Association, Santa Pod Racers Club and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC and APIRA Perpetual Awards and Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 5th February 2011. For several of the 2010 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted for the SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC and APIRA Committees and Obsession Motorsports decide upon their winners. The latest category is the Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year Trophy. 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, in alphabetical order, is as follows: Ian Hook, Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator Vote for Ian Hook Brian and Lee Huxley, Team Top Banana Vote for Brian and Lee Huxley Ian Marshall, Santa Pod Racers Club Chief Starter Vote for Ian Marshall Paul Marston, Paul Marston Racing Vote for Paul Marston Graham McDonald, Crew Chief for Gabby McDonald, Junior Dragster Vote for Graham McDonald To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official SPRC/APIRA Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the 2010 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com The SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which nominations are also now being taken, 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 Santa Pod Racers Club official Carole Ismail. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to [email protected] specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail. 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: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends 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. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. Editor's note: With a deadline fast approaching we are going to get a wiggle on with the Perpetual Award votes. The final shortlists will be the APIRA Endeavour Award (Monday) and the APIRA Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy (Wednesday), with polling closing at midnight UK on Friday. 2011 Greek Championship. 22nd January: Many thanks to our good friend Elias Vathias for passing on the 2011 Greek Championship calendar the first details of which have now been officially announced by OME: 16th-17th April: venue TBA 14th-15th May: venue TBA 11th-12th June: venue TBA 9th-10th July: Tympaki 10th-11th September: venue TBA 8th-9th October: venue TBA 29th-30th October: Tympaki "The five outstanding venues above will probably be Serres Circuit and Polykastro", says Elias. "In addition five non-Championship drag races have been announced by the Rhodes Dragster Club. The first will take place on the island of Rhodes on 19th-20th February". You can find out more about this year's Greek calendar at www.greekdragster.com/events.php. 2011 WRE Test Day calendar. 22nd January: Ian Marshall of Eurodragster.com sponsor Webster Race Engineering has been in touch with this year's calendar of WRE Test Days at Santa Pod Raceway. Webster Race Engineering Test Days offer maximum track time with a strip prepared to National Championship standards and WRE staff on hand to offer technical back-up and advice. They will be held this year on: Friday 18th March Friday 17th June Friday 15th July Friday 23rd September The entry fee has been held at the 2010 price of £180. For more information, or to download a booking form, visit the Webster Race Engineering web site at www.webster-race-engineering.co.uk. Pro Mod Challenge returns. 22nd January: Eurodragster.com sponsor Exhaust Coating in co-operation with Speedgroup are pleased to announce the return of Exhaust Coating.de Pro Mod Challenge 2011.  Exhaust Coating company owner Marco Maurischat states "The decision to sit out in 2010 was made marketing-wise for some other directions we had to follow last year" says Exhaust Coating owner Marco Maurischat. "Last season many racers came by and asked about the challenge so we decided to do it again in 2011. With all the great media work Speedgroup is doing, it's better than ever to run the Challenge  again and thereby promote our Ceramic Coating business." Pro Mod has the largest entry in any FIA class, so the the task of qualifying for eliminations is the first big step at each event. It is hoped that the Pro Mod Challenge, in which the top sixteen qualifiers at each event earn points, will include some extra excitement for the Pro Mod racers and teams as well as for spectators.  While points are earned during five events, the actual 2011 Exhaust Coating.de Pro Mod Challenge Shoot-out will take place during qualifying at the 2011 FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. The winner of the Exhaust Coating.de Pro Mod Challenge will be awarded €2000 and the runner-up €500.  The Challenge calendar is as follows: 27th-30th May: FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway, England (Challenge qualifying) 30th June-3rd July: FHRA Nitro Nationals, Alastaro, Finland (Challenge qualifying) 28th-31st July: Veidec Festival, Mantorp Park, Sweden (Challenge qualifying) 12th-14th August: NitrOlympX, Hockenheim, Germany (Challenge qualifying) 8th-11th September: FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway, England (Shoot-out) The Shoot-out at the European Finals will be open to the top eight drivers as determined by total qualifying points earned at previous FIA European Championship rounds. The first alternate will be the number nine in the Challenge and so on. In the event of a tie then the racer with the best qualifying time in a Challenge round will take precedence. If the Shoot-out cannot be completed at the FIA European Finals then the driver with the best ET in the last Shootout round will be the winner and the next best the runner-up. If qualifying does not take place at all at the FIA European Finals then the winner and runner up will be the racers with the most points.  To be eligible to earn points and prize money the race car must carry two Exhaust Coating.de Pro Mod Challenge decals, one on each side of the car and clearly visible. Decals will be delivered by Speedgroup at the Main Event at Santa Pod in May. Points standings will be published on the Speedgroup web site. Swift snippets. 22nd January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com is the second in a row to resemble Wall-E, but in fact came with no words. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. Conrad Stanley and the UK's Panther Racing Pro Stock team would like to thank Lucas Oil for their continued support on the 2011 FIA Championship Tour. "At the Autosport Show the team were pleased to meet up with Tom Bogner, Motorsports Manager for for Lucas Oil, who explained the latest Pro Stock Oil which Lucas have produced in conjunction with the Larry Morgan Racing Pro Stock Ford Mustang", says Conrad. "Lucas Oil now produce a transmission fluid for liberty style gearbox, which Panther Racing UK will be running this season. Check out our web site at www.pantherracinguk.com." Further to his notice of 14th December, ACU UK Pro Stock Bike Champion and Eurodragster.com Blogger Dave Beck says that he will be sending Racepak V500s and V300s to the USA for update on 31st January. "Anyone planning on taking advantage of the free upgrade needs to have their V300 or V500 to me by next Friday (28th)" says Dave, whom you can contact through his web site at www.davebeckracing.com. The UK's Supercharged Outlaws are pleased to welcome new sponsor Escape Design who have kindly offered the 2011 Champion their own four-page web site designed and hosted for twelve months. "See  www.escapedesign.net and have a browse", says Alec Coe. "Thank you, really appreciated. Thanks also to Jim Mayer of Good Vibes Racing, Steve at Motorshack, LA Commercial, BG Mechanical Services, Bill Felstead of Fester Race Cars, Roy Wilding Race Cars, and Mad 'R's Drag Racing. Please see all latest updates including rules and contact details at www.supercharged-outlaws.co.uk." Congratulations to UK Wild Bunch racer Adz Price and his partner Lorraine on the birth of their daughter Hollie, the latest member of Team Gridlock. Proud grandparents Dex and Val Price tell us that Hollie was born at Harlow Hospital at 3:01 this afternoon, weighing in at 5 lb 1 oz, and that mother and baby are fine. "We can't wait to show her off at races this year", they say. Block hospital. 22nd January: If your BAE or TFX engine block needs repair then Andreas Sjödin tells us that Swedish company Birka Motorrenoveringar can help. "We offer welding, mounting saddles and changing main caps when you have spun bearings, line hone, decking, milling the oil pan surface on the block and we can also help repair your cylinder head", says Andreas. "Racers we have helped include the Lindberg Brothers, Fast Freddy, Micke Gullqvist, Leif Andréasson, the Mongoose Funny Car, Björn Mårtensson (Nitro Bear), Lenn Lindell, Johan Westberg and Per Granquist. "There are a lot of racers around and racers help each other so I think the freight could be pretty cheap if someone who is going to Sweden can take your block so that we can repair it and then take it to the next event - you will have a repaired engine block without really big freight costs." For more information contact Andreas Sjödin at Birka Motorrenoveringar at [email protected] or call +46 884 4080 or +46 884 5767. VP Racing Fuels press release. 22nd January: Q16, the newest blend from Eurodragster.com sponsor VP Racing Fuels, could be the best race fuel for drag racing ever made according to Steve Burns, VP's President and Director of R&D. "I realize that's quite a statement, given all the drag race fuels we’ve made over the years with most still being used quite successfully", said Steve. "But testing for Q16 has exceeded all expectations. With more power, octane and consistency, the performance gains available with Q16 are truly eye-popping. And Q16 will work well not only in drag racing, but circle track and off road, spanning the application range better than any fuel ever made—from naturally aspirated to nitrous to blowers." Those who have used Q16 with success include three-time World Champion Mike Ferderer, who said "Q16 is the most consistent fuel I've ever run – it covers up the fuel delivery problems that every motor has. And with the horsepower gain it offers, it's truly the biggest bang you'll ever get for the dollars spent on performance". Pro Line Racing's Steve Petty said, "We were already making 3100 Hp on VP's C16, so when I saw a gain of 150 Hp with Q16, I was blown away! We also picked up .05 on our eighth-mile ET." Q16 offers benefits in three key areas: Power – Q16 has 10% oxygen content by weight, requiring a 4%-6% increase in fuel flow, which contributes to making 4%-6% more power than competitors' 116 octane fuels. With its rapid vaporisation rate, Q16 has superior burning speed and makes more pressure in the cylinders, both of which also make more power. Q16 still has relatively low vapor pressure, unusual in a fuel with an oxygen content and vaporisation rate this high. Octane – Q16 has a motor octane of 116, virtually the same as VP's C16, but its resistance to detonation is even better — six to eight numbers higher than its standard ASTM rating—due to the increased fuel flow. Notably, Q16 also will contribute to lower engine operating temperatures due to more efficient combustion which yields lower exhaust gas temperatures. Q16 is recommended for engines with compression ratios up to 17:1. Consistency – due to its oxygenated compounds and better vaporization, Q16 offers a wider air-fuel ratio and improves fuel distribution cylinder to cylinder. As a result, Q16's consistency from run to run is unsurpassed, a critical factor for bracket racers. In bracket cars that vary .02-.04 in ET during the day, Q16 has routinely demonstrated it will cut the variation in half, to .01-.02. The performance of a Q16-powered vehicle also won't vary as dramatically with altitude or density changes. "Q16 provides cheap horsepower—30-50 Hp increases on a 1000-1400 horsepower engine", Steve Burns continued. "In a 1200 hp dragster in the eighth mile, we changed three or four jets and saw gains of .02-.03 in ET and a 1-2 mph increase. Even if racers spend $4 per gallon more for Q16 and use three quarters of a gallon per pass, they'll spend only $3 more per pass to substantially improve their ET. In the grand scheme of things, that's meaningless. There aren't many performance parts that offer a .02-.03 improvement in eighth mile ET for $3. Q16 is the best gas you can use in drag racing if you're not bound by any fuel rules." Technical questions on application and tuning of Q16 can be directed to the VP Racing Fuels' Technical Department at +1 812-878-2025 or to [email protected]. Questions regarding purchase and delivery of Q16 can be directed to the appropriate VP regional distribution centre, each of which is listed with contact information on VP's web site at www.vpracingfuels.com. Q16 is in stock and ready for order in the UK; E-Mail [email protected]. Web site updates. 22nd January: Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog has updated his Fotopic gallery with pictures from last weekend's Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham, as well as a small set of shots which will look familiar to keen followers of the spy pictures here on Eurodragster.com News. You can check out Tog's pictures at eurodragster.fotopic.net or at www.togsdragracing.com. APIRA Perpetual Awards vote 3. 20th January: Avon Park International Racing Association, Santa Pod Racers Club, Obsession Motorsports and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC and APIRA Perpetual Awards and Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 5th February 2011. For several of the 2010 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted for the SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC and APIRA Committees and Obsession Motorsports decide upon their winners. The latest category is the APIRA Shakespeare County Raceway Sportswoman of the Year Trophy. The Shakespeare County Raceway Sportswoman of the Year trophy recognises the efforts of women in 2010 as racers, crew members or track officials. The APIRA Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows: Holly Baldwin, VW Sportsman Vote for Holly Baldwin Sharron Collier, Junior Drag Bike Vote for Sharron Collier Jayne Kay, Super Pro ET Vote for Jayne Kay Gabrielle McDonald, Junior Dragster Vote for Gabrielle McDonald Beth Satchell, APIRA/For Ladies That Launch Vote for Beth Satchell Terri-Anne White, Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association Vote for Terri-Anne White Julie Willcox, APIRA Vote for Julie Willcox Angie Woods, Shakespeare County Raceway staff Vote for Angie Woods To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official SPRC/APIRA Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the 2010 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com The SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which nominations are also now being taken, 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 Santa Pod Racers Club official Carole Ismail. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to [email protected] specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail. 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: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends 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. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. Editor's note: With a deadline fast approaching we are going to get a wiggle on with the Perpetual Award votes. The final three shortlists will be the Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year Trophy (this Saturday), APIRA Endeavour Award (next Monday) and the APIRA Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy (next Wednesday), with polling closing at midnight UK next Friday. Frost chooses VP. 20th January: One of the leading names in street-legal drag racing, Eurodragster.com Blogger Andy Frost, has confirmed that VP Racing Fuels will be used on and off the track in his new street-legal Pro Mod. Lee Child, UK distributor for VP Racing Fuels, said "Andy has made a very good choice using the 99.95% pure VP Racing Fuels M1 methanol and VP Racing Fuels VP100 unleaded fuel." "We used VP Q16 with great success in Red Victor 2, gaining 0.25 seconds and seven miles per hour in the quarter mile - that was just from pouring fuel in the tank!", said Andy Frost. "It was a no-brainer when it came to the fuel on the new car.We need to use methanol for racing and the only one we would consider is VP M1.We require a consistent fuel that not only makes power, but which is easy on the injectors and fuel system. With VP not only is the fuel good but so is the technical expertise. This is critical when using a fuel as volatile as methanol. "For the street driving we've chosen to use VP100 unleaded. It's a very consistent fuel which is perfect for our engine which, after all, is very expensive piece of machinery. We require a stable fuel which has the same octane from drum to drum and VP100 fits the bill perfectly." "Running pump petrol from the petrol station is inconsistent for a race car and for a team squeezing every bit to try and get more performance", added Lee Child. "Even placing octane booster is inconsistent as you are never going to have the same fuel mixture. VP Racing Fuels have a number of unleaded and leaded fuels. E-Mail me at [email protected] for pricing , stock levels and any tech questions." Swift snippets. 20th January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (below left) came with the words "Is that cool or what?". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. The UK's Team Gridlock Wild Bunch and Pro ET team are pleased to announce Volts Energy Shot drinks as a sponsor for 2011. "With no sugars or carbs and at only three calories it is an ideal energy boost", says Dexter Price. "Voltz Energy Shot will be providing the team with their additional energy for what they hope to be another jam packed and successful season of races and events and will probably be consuming it by the crate after our new crew member arrives shortly. The team will be displaying the Voltz logo on the Go Hard or Go Home altered dragster at Race Retro at Stoneleigh Park and throughout 2011. Check out Voltz Energy Shot at their web site www.voltzenergyshot.co.uk. On behalf of Eurodragster.com sponsor Motorshack and the Midland Tractor Pullers Club, Shakespeare County Raceway would like to say thank you everyone who stopped by their stand at Autosport International. Stand staff including British Champions Cliff Griffin (Outlaw Anglia) and Dave Jones (BTPA Super Stock Champion), and members of the North West Tractor Pulling Club, handed out over four thousand Shakey Super Pull and RWYB Public Track Day fliers during the four day-show and are already reaping the benefits as E-Mails and enquiries are already coming in about the Raceway's events. Shakespeare County Raceway would like to take this opportunity to thank Dave Jones for organising the stand. Outlaw Anglias do the honours. 20th January: The UK's Outlaw Anglia held their annual Awards Night at the Warwick Rugby Club at the weekend, writes Jerry Cookson: Overall series Champion Cliff Griffin and runner up Simon Barlow received their series and APIRA Club Championship trophies from APIRA's Julie Willcox. Cliff's sponsor, and 2010 British Super Stock Tractor Pulling Champion, Dave Jones was also on hand to say a few words about how impressed he and fellow tractor pullers were with the series as well as making an announcement about the construction of his own Outlaw Anglia which, if all goes according to plan, will hopefully be making its début some time this year. The Debbie Hancox Memorial Trophy was presented by Bob Hancox to this year's winner Martyn Payne (right), in recognition for his dedication and enthusiasm for the Outlaw Anglias and drag racing in general. Martyn is both a racer and crew hand and is also one of the principal organisers of the NSRA Nostalgia Nationals and Hot Rod Drags held annually at Shakespeare County Raceway. The Hancox family commissioned Chris Clark to make a scale model of the team's Runaway Ford Prefect which Debbie used to race, and the model is awarded annually to a race team or individual who best captures the spirit of the Outlaw Anglia class as voted by the racers of that year. Previous winners include Simon Barlow, Paul Wright, Ray Guy and Colin Millar. In 2011 the Outlaw Anglias will be visiting both Shakespeare County Raceway and Santa Pod Raceway in an eight-round series: 7th-8th May: Big Bang, Santa Pod Raceway 14th-15th May: Springspeed Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway 11th-12th June: Shakey Super Pull, Shakespeare County Raceway 25th-26th June: NSRA Nostalgia Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway 16th-17th July: Dragstalgia, Santa Pod Raceway 23rd-24th July: Bug Jam, Santa Pod Raceway 12th-14th August: Bulldog Bash, Shakespeare County Raceway (non-points) 27th-29th August: Open Sport Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway 17th-18th September: NSRA Hot Rod Drags, Shakespeare County Raceway For further information E-Mail series organiser Paul Wright at [email protected] or check out the series web site at www.outlaw-anglia.co.uk. Eliminator goes Stateside. 20th January: Ian Hart tells us that the Eliminator card game, which is currently on sale in the UK through the Pod Shop, may be on sale at NHRA venues this season. "We had some success with the game from the European Finals onwards, raising £450 for the game fund which went to needy racers", says Ian. "Over the off season, we investigated some routes to market in the US, finally settling on Maingate (NHRA's chief retailer). The charitable portion of the game still remains in the US; due to many levels of complexity - not least of which is that I am England and NHRA just isn't! - we have partnered with the Drag Race Association of Women for the US charity side. DRAW was founded just after Shirley Muldowney's huge crash in Montreal in 1984 and have been providing 'Fast Help for Fast Friends' ever since. "We are delighted to announce our partnership with DRAW and while there is still a little way to go, we have interest from racers such as Jack Beckman, Rodger Brogdon, John Force, Larry Dixon and Frank Manzo. I have accepted an invitation to Pomona to meet all the drivers for the card game, which I guess is just a cross I will have to bear! If the deals can be put together to everyone's satisfaction, then Eliminator will go NHRA perhaps as early as April." You can get your UK edition of Eliminator for £5.50 in the Pod Shop at Santa Pod Raceway, or E-Mail [email protected]. Autoglym renew with Santa Pod. 20th January: Santa Pod Raceway is delighted to announce its continued association with leading car care brand, Autoglym. Not only will the British manufacturer retain its lane sponsorship throughout this season, but are Autoglym is set to remain at the venue until 2014. Autoglym - which holds two Royal Warrants of Appointment - has been a part of 'Pod culture for over six years as a lane sponsor of the venue's hallowed quarter mile. Its comprehensive range of products is also a firm favourite amongst the hundreds of thousands of visitors and Concours d'Elegance entrants at Santa Pod's shows and events each year. The new deal sees the two names inextricably linked for the next four years, cementing one of the most enduring partnerships in the sport's history. Commenting on the renewed association, Autoglym's Director of Marketing and Sales, Nick Gaskin said "Autoglym has enjoyed a close association with Santa Pod for a number of years and we have renewed our commitment because it gives the brand valuable and direct exposure to huge numbers of automotive and motorsport enthusiasts. We rely on recognition of our brand and products among the most avid enthusiasts to filter through to the wider market, and sponsorship at Santa Pod is one of a number of successful initiatives that build and retain Autoglym's position as the UK's leading car care brand." Santa Pod's 2011 season has already started with Run What You Brung and Drift What You Brung events and the event calendar begins with Stunt Fest on 19th February. A very early booking. 20th January: UK Top Methanol Funny Car team and Eurodragster.com Bloggers Bennett Racing have been invited to attend the World Of Wheels show at Rockingham Circuit on 25th-27th May 2012. "It's very early to book but we are delighted to have been thought of", says Luke Bennett. "We're not yet sure how many of our cars we will display but we're really happy to be involved. It looks to be a huge show with between 40,000 and 50,000 people expected!" "The World of Wheels is a brand new show for anyone who has the passion for motoring", say the organisers. "Our event will be held at Rockingham Circuit on 25th-27th May 2012. Not only have we got a vast array of cars including super cars, classic cars, prestige cars, Formula One cars, concept cars, modern cars, street cars, Jap cars, American classic and muscle cars, eco cars, rally cars, modified cars, monster trucks, motorbikes and motor cross bikes, individual car clubs with a spectacular array of all makes and models to name but a few, but we also have full track use for the three days. "We also have live rallies, eighth mile straight demos, cross country/off-road experiences, auto jumble, motorbike stunts, car stunts, drifting, monster truck show, ride alongside some famous names at high speed, drive your dream car experiences, fun fair, outdoor market, ladies' pamper room, food from around the world, beer tents and coffee houses." Speedgroup UK meeting date. 18th January: Speedgroup is delighted to host an information meeting on Saturday 5th February at the St. John's Hotel, Solihull, Birmingham (APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance venue that same day - Ed). The meeting will start at 12:30 pm and will finish at approximately 4:30 pm. "The meeting is open to team members, car drivers, bike riders and officials with an interest in and a connection with European Championship drag racing", says Speedgroup Co-ordinator Åsa Kinnemar. "Many interesting topics are on the agenda including a review of the European Drag Racing Championships in 2010 and a look forward to 2011 and beyond. Don't miss this opportunity to find out what is going on and to play your part in shaping the future of drag racing in Europe." If you wish to attend the meeting, then please register by E-Mailing Åsa at [email protected] or by calling +46 705 31 53 32. An agenda will be E-Mailed to those who register. Another meeting with the same agenda is planned to be held in Sweden on 26th February, location and schedule to be advised. An invitation for that meeting will be posted in the near future. Nostalgia on DVD. 18th January: Released straight to DVD last month was a new drag racing history documentary entitled Don Garlits Presents Drag Racing Dreams (Vol 1), writes automotive journalist Keith Harman: Join Big Daddy himself as he reminisces and recounts the early days of drag racing from his own experiences from his famous drag racing museum in Florida. He's also joined by other celebrated Top Fuel racers such as Shirley Muldowney, Don Prudhomme and Chris Karamesines, who all add their personal memories and thoughts of the evolution of the fastest motorsport on Earth. These drivers from the glory days of quarter mile racing tell the story over some exciting vintage footage of track action, including many scenes not shown before, from their personal collections, both in colour and in black and white. That these racers were pioneers in their field is already well-documented, but to hear it from them personally is a fascinating privilege and a real treat for nostalgia and drag race fans in general. Drag Racing Dreams is a very slick and well-produced documentary from MG-Films who also produced the nostalgia drag racing production Fast Lane Summer a few years ago. The forty-minute DVD retails at £15 including P&P and is available exclusively in the UK on-line from www.keithharman.com where a trailer for the movie can be viewed. For further details, please contact Keith Harman via the E-Mail address on his web site, or call 01344 441580 or 07770 371475. Swift snippets. 18th January: Anne Llewellyn has been in touch to announce the birth of grandson Isky Llewellyn and to congratulate proud parents Chevy Llewellyn and Gemma Price (Zane's son and Anne's niece). "He's gorgeous!", says Anne and you can check for yourself at family.webshots.com. Slick new site for Lucas Oils. 18th January: Eurodragster.com sponsor 3t Creative are delighted to announce that their latest creation, the new web site for fellow Eurodragster.com sponsor Lucas Oil Products, is now live at www.lucasoil.co.uk. Having worked with Lucas Oil for a number of years through the partnership with FIA Top Fuel pilot Andy Carter and the sponsorship of the Xtreme Wheels Show, Dan Welberry of 3t was delighted to take on the creation of this new site. "I've worked with Les Downey and Lucas Oil for a number of years now and I'd like to think I know the brand pretty well!", says Dan. "My guys have done a fantastic job with the look and feel of the site, as well as the technology behind it. Lucas Oil have full control over content and will be able to add updates whenever they're required. The product range is huge and all can be purchased through the site." 3t are building an impressive collection of sites for racers, suppliers and organisations including, as well as Lucas Oil Products, Brad Jackson, the Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association, Turbo Dynamics, Paige Wheeler, and the UK's Junior Dragster racers. The next project on the list for the 3t team will be for four-time FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter. Don't forget that 3t also design for print; they are currently producing new hero card designs for Alamo-backed Junior Dragster racer Paige Wheeler and Andy Carter and the Team West-Tec Top Fuel Dragster team. You can see the full web and print portfolio at www.3tcreative.com. SPRC marshals' training. 17th January: Santa Pod Racers Club marshals are advised that training sessions are arranged for the next couple of weekends as follows: This Saturday, 22nd January: First Aid training in the Medical Centre 9:00 am - 2:00 pm followed by marshals' meeting in the Media Centre at 3:00 pm. Next Saturday, 29th January: Major Incident at Media Centre 9.00 am - 4:00 pm. If you have any queries then please contact Darren Prentice on 01234 782828. SPRC Perpetual Awards vote 6. 17th January: Santa Pod Racers Club, Avon Park International Racing Association, Obsession Motorsports and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC and APIRA Perpetual Awards and Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 5th February 2011. For several of the 2010 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted for the SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC and APIRA Committees and Obsession Motorsports decide upon their winners. The latest category is the SPRC Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy. The Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy is a bike fraternity-only award named for late racer Paul Giddings, and is presented for overcoming adversity. Nominees have typically had to endure personal problems, severe or prolonged mechanical trouble, an accident or other such woes, but have faced those problems head-on and come out on top. The SPRC Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows: Tim Blakemore, Funny Bike Vote for Tim Blakemore Chris Hannam, Supertwin Vote for Chris Hannam Roel Koedam, Supertwin Vote for Roel Koedam Dave Peters, Comp Bike Vote for Dave Peters To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official SPRC/APIRA Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the 2010 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com The SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, 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 Santa Pod Racers Club official Carole Ismail. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to [email protected] specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail. 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: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends 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. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. The Lady with Attitude. 15th January: Tony Stamp writes to introduce a new UK Sportsman ET team: Early in 2010 my fiancée Sarah "Jane" Styles and I purchased the ex-Inzane Racing Camaro. I raced many years ago, but Sarah is a complete rookie although she is learning fast. We ran the car at Rotorstock in 2010 just to see what we could achieve without touching the car. Sarah, who will be driving throughout the year, achieved a best of 13.33/94.41. We have applied for Sarah's licence, purchased all the necessary clothing etc. The car itself is now Midnight Blue and will eventually have pink graphics. Our race team is called the Unicorn Drag Racing Team and the race car and Sarah will be known as The Lady with Attitude. Not sure which one has the attitude yet though! We have a sponsor, Econ Engineering Ltd, for whom I work and we will be sponsoring a charity called ChancePixies, which is a dog rescue home near Dover in Kent. We are hoping to make a mark in Sportsman ET, although we are not expecting to win in the first year. But each race is different! Ellis' crew matters. 17th January: UK Pro Modified racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Graham Ellis says that the crew assignments for his two-car team have been allocated by Ellis Motorsports and ICE Automotive. "The crew for the twin-turbo Superbird project is Rob Loaring Project Manager and engineering, Nick Davies co-Project Manager, driver and data; Gareth Ellis engineering and data; Rob Millward electrical systems and engineering; Tom Barnes engineering and mechanical systems; and Kev Perkins clutch and engineering. "The Cuda crew is Graham Ellis driver; Andy and Lee Kirk engine and general engineering; Dave Read engine (top end) and general duties; Adrian Spencer clutch and engineering; and Graeme Waite rear end and general duties. Final duties on the Cuda are to be confirmed but as all the guys are familiar with the engine and mechanical systems this isn't such a regimented deal as the Superbird has to be to deal with the new technology. "There is no Crew Chief position on either car. Rob Loaring will deal with the day-to-day running of the Superbird crew and I will do the same with the Cuda crew. "The hardware has now turned up and the Superbird has had some modifications which were necessary to package its new induction system. There are some jobs still to be done but the project as a whole is going according to plan, and we are on schedule to test before Easter." Spiers' thanks. 17th January: UK Super Comp racer Paul Spiers has been in touch to thank Jim Kelly and Lee Child of Eurodragster.com sponsor VP Racing Fuels for their support for the 2011 racing season. "It was really good to meet with Jim and the rest of the guys from VP Racing Fuels at the Autosport Show on Thursday", says Paul. "I will be available at the track to offer assistance in selecting and discussing the benefits of using VP Racing Fuels. If you can't find me just keep a look out for the VP Racing Fuels flags in my pit area, otherwise contact Lee Child of LA Racing Parts on 01803 554308. "I would also like to thank Pro Mod racer-in-waiting and Eurodragster.com Blogger Andy Frost of Penn Autos for his continued support in 2011. Andy decided last year to support a Sportsman racing team, and I was fortunate to be offered assistance of Andy and Penn Autos. Andy built me a bulletproof two-speed Dedenbear powerglide and supplied a matched Neil Chance bolt-together torque convertor which performed fantastically which gave me the reliability that I required. Andy is a true gent, always willing to give advice and help out. You can call him at Penn Autos on 01902 344044. I wish Andy well on the forthcoming début of his street-legal Pro Mod. "If any racer or racer-to-be would like further information on VP Racing Fuel, LA Racing Parts or Penn Autos then please contact me through my web site at www.wikid-racing.co.uk." Swift snippets. 17th January: This year's UK SFI Day is to be held at Santa Pod Raceway on Monday 28th March. More details to follow including the full SFI Tour dates. 11:20 Thanks to Helen Todd of Zeon TV for letting us know that Motors TV will be showing Round 1 of the 2010 UEM Drag Bike Championship and FIA Exhibition round from Kunmadaras, Hungary starting tomorrow (Tuesday) and repeating a number of times this week. The HKS Drag Series is also showing on Motors TV at the moment, with part one being repeated most of this week and part two premiering this Friday evening. To get exact times either visit www.motorstv.com and click on TV Guide UK or check EPG listings for channel 413 on Sky or channel 545 on Virgin Media. This beauty is Mr Spokehead II, Ian Turburville's 161 inch-wheelbase slingshot. It was originally built by Bill Felstead and Johnny 'Mental' Hall, has been painted by Martin Curbishley and finished by Turbo himself. It is designed to run an injected-alcohol Big Block Chevy and two-speed Powerglide. "I'm looking for race partners and a motor now!", says Turbo, whom you can contact at [email protected]. Further to our news item of 7th January, FIA European Pro Stock Champion Michael Malmgren has announced that Diamond Pistons' sister company and wrist pin manufacturer Trend Performance will also sponsor him in 2011. "We've decided to follow Diamond and we're very happy that Michael has chosen Diamond Pistons as his first choice" says Trend Performance and Diamond Pistons President Robert Fox. "As sponsors we appreciate the way Malmgren Racing respects our sponsorship programme." APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance closing. 17th January: This Saturday, 22nd January, is the closing date for booking for the sixth joint Avon Park International Racers Association/Santa Pod Racers Club Dinner Dance and Trophy Evening, which takes place at the St John's Hotel, Solihull, Birmingham at 6:00 pm on Saturday 5th February. "I need all booking forms, meal choices and payment with me by Saturday as we need to give confirmed numbers and deposit to the hotel", says Paula. "If you have any queries then please call me on 01933 313625." Although the St John's has no rooms left, the Holiday Inn a few minutes' walk away still has rooms; telephone 0871 226 1953 and quote Santa Pod Racers Club 5th February 2011. For more details about the APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance check out our news update of 27th September, or you can download the booking form from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com or the Shakespeare County Raceway web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. Web site updates. 17th January: In the latest instalment in his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, Pro Stock Bike racer Kalle Lyrén of the Team Veidec Pro Stock Bike team is preparing to return to Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Autosport International coverage. 15th January: We are spending a couple of days at Birmingham's NEC to bring you all the news from Autosport International in association with Alamo Rent A Car. Both day's report have been formatted in the same style as Simon's popular pit notes, incorporating pictures. There are also galleries with additional pictures not covered by the report. Yesterday's highlights included the announcement of new sponsors for the Turner Motorsport Top Methanol team and the Rampage Super Pro ET team, our first look at Eurodragster.com Blogger Andy Frost's street-legal Pro Mod, the chance to meet Tom Bogner from Lucas Oil in the USA, the latest news about the construction of Tierp Arena, and the announcement of a return to the track for Steve Green's ever-popular Cortina. Today's highlights included the unveiling of Eurodragster.com sponsor Matthew Wright's 588 ci Rolls Royce (see below), a catch-up with representatives of the UK's two new Top Fuel Dragster teams, a new car for Junior Dragster racer Paige Wheeler, and news of the latest developments at Santa Pod Raceway. There is plenty more to read too. Click here to check out our Autosport International coverage, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Editor's note: We have had a lot of positive feedback about the Pit Note style of our Autosport International reports, for which many thanks. It was Simon's idea, and he did most of the work, so a big Thank You to him. Wright Rolls up to Autosport. 15th January: The subject of the majority of our recent spy pictures was unveiled at Autosport International this morning (Saturday). This street-legal Rolls Royce Shadow belongs to Eurodragster.com sponsor Matthew Wright and was built with Bill Felstead of Fester Race Cars. It packs a twin-turbo 588 ci motor. The same motor combination has run into the 6.7s in the USA and Matt fully expects the 2800 lb car to run in the 6.9s. Matt describes the Shadow as an Outlaw Pro Mod and as well as drag strip dates he plans to run it at Bonneville. Stay tuned and we will bring you a more detailed piece on the car in the next few days. Autosport revelations. 14th January: We are indebted to Jerry Cookson for forwarding us three pictures of the two unveilings which took place at Autosport International yesterday (Thursday). Left and right below is the unveiling of the rebuilt motor of the Allard Chrysler Dragster which is on the Aurora Bearings stand all weekend. The motor, not long returned from Booth Arons in the USA, was unveiled by Alan Allard, son of the legendary Sydney Allard. Allard Chrysler Action Group Chair Brian Taylor and British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Chair Stu Bradbury also took part in the unveiling. Brams Racing's Project Zed Nissan, above left, was unveiled by HKS Pro, Super Pro ET and Comp Eliminator racer John Bradshaw on the Motul stand. The car looks just great in its 2011 livery reflecting the colours of sponsors Motul and Nissan. Finally, the latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (above right) came with the words "Available for weddings, funerals, Bar Mitzvahs, proms, oh and it's our race car!". If you want to know more then make sure that you visit Santa Pod Raceway's display in Hall 9 on Saturday... In association with Alamo Rent A Car we will post our first report and pictures from Autosport International late this afternoon to early this evening. We will post a direct Home Page link to our coverage as soon as the report and pictures are posted. UK Top Sportsman update. 14th January: Paul Marston writes that the number of teams expressing interest in the Top Sportsman class, to be run at Dragstalgia at Santa Pod Raceway in July, has now reached fifty two including teams who plan to début new race cars at the event: UK Top Sportsman is the brainchild of Jeff Bull and Paul Marston who have long wanted a heads-up, no rules doorslammer event in which everyone can participate. "Other than safety there are no rules: bring the lightest, fastest, largest engined most powerful race car you have got, with as many power adders as you can think of - Nitrous, blowers, turbos and Prochargers", says Paul Marston. "At last it's the class you have been waiting for. First day: one-shot qualifier, sixteen-spot qualified field, heads-up Pro Tree eliminator. Second day: Pro Tree bracket racing, everybody runs, with first round buy-backs. If you like your doorslammers fast then this is horsepower heaven!" Eurodragster.com sponsors Jeff Bull and Paul Marston have been overwhelmed with the response from race teams. "It just gets bigger and bigger", says Paul. "We now know that we have to get a web site constructed so that teams have somewhere to look at the rules and regs, download an entry form, and get their entry in and paid for. At the moment Jeff and I are putting the last touches to the rules and regs, having the logo designed, and starting to sign up event sponsors. "If anyone is interested in becoming a part of UK Top Sportsman at the ground level, then this is your opportunity to get in first. UK Top Sportsman can only have one title sponsor, once they are signed up that's it, we cannot have two! For example Jeff Bull Racing Engines has been the title sponsor of Eurodragster.com's Swap Meet forever - why? Because it generates good leads and pays for itself over and over again for Jeff's business. UK Top Sportsman offers that same surefire opportunity for all its sponsors and associates. This is your chance to get in at ground zero and put your name down, currently we are looking for main headline event sponsor, Top Sportsman Heads Up sponsor, number one qualifier, Quickest ET, Fastest Speed, Top Sportsman Bracket Eliminator sponsor, Best Package (ET and RT), Best Appearing Team, Best Appearing Car, Best Engineered Car. We also have openings for contingency sponsors. "All sponsors will enjoy high-profile exposure with the media and can expect a great return which will keep on paying them back, offering great value for money. For further details please either contact Jeff Bull via the Eurodragster.com Swap Meet sponsor logo, call me on 07831 650230, or E-Mail me at [email protected]." Alamo extend coverage. 13th January: We are very pleased to announce that Alamo Rent A Car are to sponsor Eurodragster.com's Event Coverage in 2011. Alamo, who already sponsor our Racer Blogs and of course sponsor UK Junior Dragster racer Paige Wheeler, take over from departing and long-standing Eurodragster.com sponsor American Car Imports. Regular readers will know that Alamo last year offered cut-price car hire deals to racers, officials, race fans and indeed any Eurodragster.com reader. After a successful year offering 10% discount, Alamo have increased that discount to no less than 15% for 2011. To book your hire car for your racing trip to Europe, the USA, Australia or elsewhere check out www.alamo.co.uk/dragster. We would like to say a huge Thank You to Alamo for their extended support in 2011 with a special Thank You to Andy Wheeler for his help. Our Alamo-sponsored Event Coverage commences with this weekend's Autosport International, and you can see our complete provisional Event Coverage schedule for 2011 by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hnd side of any Eurodragster.com page. We must also say a big Thank You to Anthony Cohen, formerly of American Car Imports, for several years of generous support. We're sure that all of our readers will join us in wishing Anthony the very best of luck in his new venture. We will reveal our new Home and News page sponsor shortly. APIRA Perpetual Awards vote 2. 13th January: Avon Park International Racing Association, Santa Pod Racers Club, Obsession Motorsports and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC and APIRA Perpetual Awards and Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 5th February 2011. For several of the 2010 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted for the SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC and APIRA Committees and Obsession Motorsports decide upon their winners. The latest category is the APIRA Shakespeare County Raceway Award for Outstanding Achievement. The Shakespeare County Raceway Award for Outstanding Achievement will be awarded to a racer who has achieved outstanding performance at Shakespeare County Raceway during the 2010 season. The APIRA Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows: John Atkinson, Super Pro ET Vote for John Atkinson Dave Beck, Pro Stock Bike Vote for Dave Beck Scott Collier, Junior Drag Bike Vote for Scott Collier Louis Davies, Junior Drag Bike Vote for Louis Davies Lee Gallimore, Supercharged Outlaws Vote for Lee Gallimore Brian Gandy, Supercharged Outlaws Vote for Brian Gandy Ian Hanson, Supercharged Outlaws Vote for Ian Hanson Lee Huxley, Pro ET/Super Street Vote for Lee Huxley Adz Price, Wild Bunch Vote for Adz Price Jemma Venables, 9.50 Bike Vote for Jemma Venables Dave Williams, Wild Bunch Vote for Dave Williams To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official SPRC/APIRA Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the 2010 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com The SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, 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 Santa Pod Racers Club official Carole Ismail. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to [email protected] specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail. 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: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends 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. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. Web site updates. 13th January: In the latest instalment in his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, Pro Modified racer Andy Frost is all set to display his Red Victor 3 street-legal Pro Mod at Autosport International. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Swift snippets. 12th January: British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Chair Stu Bradbury got in touch with ex-pat UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Steve Read and wife Heather in Australia to find out how they are faring in the floods: At the moment 75% of Queensland is under water. The stats say the river will peak at 4.00 am tomorrow. They are in a two storey house thankfully they should be safe upstairs. The measurements at the moment are 3.6 metres over expecting to rise to approximately 5 metres. All around them is water but at least they are alive. Their mobiles have been temporarily shut down due to overload. They say "If anyone asks please let them know that we are OK. We checked on the race car in Ipswich yesterday while the road was still open and it was OK then. It should be OK as it is on high ground." Shakespeare County Raceway, along with lane and Eurodragster.com sponsors Motorshack and the Midland and the North West Tractor Pullers' Clubs will be sharing a stand at Autosport International from tomorrow to Sunday. Motorshack will be displaying its popular range of fuel additives and boosters along with some other goodies while event calendars will be available for both drag racing and tractor pulling. You will be able to find SCR, Motorshack and the Pullers on stand 7233 in Hall 7. The well-established Valley Gas Speed Shop have now completed their move to Andover in Hampshire. The quality of their customs, sleds, hot rods, race cars, rods and more has been seen all over the hot rod scene over the last few years, and the new workshop will enable the Speed Shop to take on more work. Jim and Ellie and the Valley Gas team will have their new phones up and running soon but in the meantime they can still be reached on 01635 582581. Give Valley Gas a call for any quotes required and quote "Nigel Taylor via Eurodragster.com" and Jim and Ellie will give you the best quote possible. If submitting votes for the SPRC, APIRA and Obsession Motorsports Perpetual Awards then please note the rule which forbids attempts at mass voting by asking office colleagues or indeed your entire company to submit votes. Workplace votes are easily identified and will all be deleted. 8.50 Bike is go. 11th January: Santa Pod Racers Club and Avon Park International Racing Association are pleased to announce that 8.50 Bike will be part of the UK National Championships in 2011. The Championship calendar will be the same as that for 9.50 Bike, with rounds on the following dates: 22nd-25th April: Auto Trader Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway 7th-8th May: Big Bang, Santa Pod Raceway 14th-15th May: Springspeed Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway 25th-26th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway 27th-29th August: Open Sport Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway 24th-25th September: VP Racing Fuels National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway 8th-9th October: Extreme Performance Bike Weekend, Santa Pod Raceway An additional round is being considered for both 8.50 Bike and 9.50 Bike at Shakespeare County Raceway on 23rd-24th July, and this is expected to be confirmed by APIRA in due course; stay tuned for more about that. APIRA and SPRC will be monitoring the number of entries in the class throughout the season and, as with every class, it will be reviewed at the end of 2011. Down but not out! 11th January: Eurodragster.com sponsor Lee Child of LA Performance Services is proud to announce that, after tremendous hard work from Lloyd Stevens and the group of land owners of Smeatharpe Airfield, drag racing will return to the Devon venue. "Dakota Drag Strip will hold three events in 2011", says Lee. "The dates are 26th March, 13th August and 19th November, and are all one-day Saturday events. Dakota Drag Strip is open to competition, full race, or street-legal cars and bikes. "There is plenty going on the eighth-mile drag strip, but the action doesn't stop there. Dakota Drag Strip has a 600 x 47 metre drift area plus a concrete area for show'n'shine. The March event will feature test and action, Quick 8 car shootout, Quick 8 bike shootout, and the Engine Tuner Japanese car series. On the drift area Dakota Drag Strip will host the first round of the Regional ODC Drift Championship. As always at Dakota Drag Strip will have a show'n'shine and club stands with trophies up for grabs. "The web site is under construction at the moment but do join our Facebook page for regular updates." Autosport attractions. 11th January: There will be plenty for drag racing fans to see at this weekend's Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham. Thursday and Friday are Trade and Press Days whilst the Show is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. We have heard from a number of racers and sponsors about their appearances this weekend; for the sake of fairness they are presented in the order in which they were received. Eurodragster.com Blogger Andy Frost's under-construction street-legal Pro Mod will be on display on the stand of Eurodragster.com sponsor Webster Race Engineering, near the entrance to the Pistonheads Show. HKS Pro Class, Super Pro ET and Comp Eliminator racer John Bradshaw is delighted to confirm that the Brams Racing car Project Zed will be on the Motul stand for the event. "The car will be in Hall 7, Stand 7400", says John. "It will be a very exciting event for us as it will be the first time the car will be seen in its new race livery for the 2011 season. We are delighted and very very proud to welcome both Motul and Nissan Europe on board for 2011 as well as Kelford Cams, Darton and Bosch. I would also like to thank our existing sponsors Sanyo UK, AET Turbos and Gizzmo for the ongoing support and hope we can really repay some of that faith with some stunning results in 2011. The car will be officially unveiled on Thursday at 10:00 am - hope you like it!" UK Super Modified racer Nigel Payne's 'Vette will be in Autosport Engineering, near the Dart Engineering stand, on Thursday and Friday and on the Santa Pod Raceway stand on Saturday and Sunday. "We will be representing our sponsors Nimbus Motorsport, Torco Advanced Lubricants, Cam Auto, Goodridge Fluid Transfer Systems, Race Flow Development, Dart Engineering, VP Racing Fuels, Performance Unlimited, Total Seal Piston Rings, Diamond Pistons, MSD Ignition, Edelbrock Data Acquisition and Duplex CSA Ltd", says Nigel. "If anyone would like to come and have a chat about the car, or about getting into Super Modified racing, they will be able to find me with Nimbus Motorsport on stand number 8250." Jim Kelly and Lee Child will be representing Eurodragster.com sponsor VP Racing Fuels on stand E553 in Autosport Engineering on Thursday and Friday. Eurodragster.com sponsor Allegheny Technologies Ltd will be exhibiting at Autosport Engineering on stand E549 on Thursday and Friday. This will be the eleventh consecutive year as an exhibitor and as ever Nigel Hoskison will be on hand to offer advice and answer any questions from visitors on the use, suitability and availabilty of titanium and its alloys. The Showtime Fuel FC will be on display in Autosport Engineering on Thursday and Friday, courtesy of show organiser Tony Tobias. As well as Allegheny Technologies, other Showtime sponsors exhibiting at the show will be ARP (Stand E746), Arrow Precision (E741), Ferrea Valves (E646), Nimbus Motorsport (8250) and Willans Harness (Hell 8). "Have a look at their products on the stands and also on the car", says Nigel. "When the Engineering section closes on Friday evening, Showtime will be moved to the Santa Pod stand for the public days. We look forward to seeing you at the show." The unveiling of the 1961 Allard Chrysler Dragster's re-created 354 Hemi engine is scheduled for 11:45 am on Thursday at the Aurora Bearing Company stand, 8330 in Hall 8. Sydney's son Alan will perform the ceremony assisted by Stuart Bradbury with the original 1964 Drag Fest jacket and starter flags plus glamour provided by the Performance Direct girls. Paul Webster's Mini, which has run in Sportsman ET and Super Street, will be on the Go Motorsport stand, 7450 in Hall 7, promoting cheap motorsport. "We will be representing Santa Pod and the Euro Sport Compact series", says Paul. "We didn't do any major events last year as a lot of our customers had a go at Time Attack, drag racing with bends. We even entered the last round in the Pro class as you're allowed to use nitrous. Unfortunatley it melted a piston in fifth at 7500 on the  pit straight at Snetterton." Santa Pod Raceway have now confirmed an even larger display area at Autosport International and the list of vehicles is growing. "We are delighted to announce that as part of their headline sponsorship of Santa Pod's Fast Show and the Ultimate Street Car Festival, Marangoni will be showcasing their new 2011 demo car – the Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni", says Caroline Day. "The concept that inspired this year's design is mobility in the modern world: move around in style whilst caring for the environment, with the special M-Power iGreen tyres. Move around busy cities or pedestrian areas with the ecological Segway i2 self-balancing electric vehicle which fits into the car’s boot. The Marangoni promo girls will also be in attendance demonstrating their own skills on the Segway! Nigel Payne has confirmed that his Nimbus Motorsport-sponsored Super Mod will also be on display together with Wayne Allman's 1700hp VW Bus Dragster. Wayne told us "I've always loved installing powerful engines in the wrong car!". The complete line up also includes Andy Carter's Team West-Tec Top Fuel Dragster, John Spuffard and the Showtime Fuel Funny Car, Junior star Paige Wheeler and her Alamo Junior Dragster, Martin Hill and the Fireforce Jet Car, a Top Fuel Bike, a Jet Bike and Dexter Price's Altered. Pod fans can also pick up a copy of the new 2011 events calendar and collect a signed poster from the Santa Pod lovelies. With a large selection of merchandise on sale, including the 2010 FIA Drag Racing Season Review DVD, it's bound to be one of the talking points of Autosport International. So don’t miss it! Please come and visit the team on stand 9370 in the Oval Racing and Extreme Motorsport display in Hall 9." Eurodragster.com sponsor TPM Trailer invite readers to visit their stand E320 in Hall 9 on Thursday and Friday. "We are now building trailers up to 9.5 metres (31 feet) in length, complete with living area and to a high standard", says Jörgen Kalmerfjord. "The image is a 9.5-metre trailer made for a Swedish motocross team. The trailer has 3.5 metres cargo space and 6 metres living area, luxuriously equipped with a toilet and shower, air conditioning and heating, stove, leather sofas, floor heating etc". You can find out more at www.tpmtrailer.eu or take up their invitation to visit at Autosport International. Swift snippets. 11th January: Sidste år kom vi slet ikke med nogle nye kataloger og lign, men i år starter vi ud med en lille folder med fælge. Den er A5 størrelse og på 4 sider. Det er meningen at der kommer en ny igen senere på året når der kommer nye fælge igen. Det katalog vi lavede de andre år var blevet for stort og dyrt så nu går vi lige back to basics og videre derfra. Der skete som regel også det at når der var sagt ja til trykkeren til at trykke kom der ugen efter flere nye fede fælge. Med de små foldere kan vi lave nye hele året igennem. www.daekimporten.dk. UK Pro ET racer Vic Amato asked us to say a big Thank You to Paul Marston for the use of his PT Cruiser transporter in 2010. No sooner said than done, nice one Paul. Congratulations to Heaven and Hell Pro ET team member and Honorary Eurodragster.com Staff Member Grace Roaf whose involvement in the UK Schools Build A Plane project has made it into the corporate pages of Boeing's web site. You can check out what Boeing had to say about Yateley School's contribution to the Build A Plane project and read a quote from Grace at www.boeing.com. SPRC Perpetual Awards vote 5. 9th January: Avon Park International Racing Association, Santa Pod Racers Club, Obsession Motorsports and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC and APIRA Perpetual Awards and Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 5th February 2011. For several of the 2010 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted for the SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC and APIRA Committees and Obsession Motorsports decide upon their winners. The latest category is the SPRC James Edgar Memorial Trophy. The James Edgar Memorial Trophy is awarded for outstanding performance by a Crew Chief, tuner or crew member. The SPRC Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows: Richard Cawthorne, for Ivan Birch (Comp Bike) Vote for Richard Cawthorne Robin Grice, for Urs Erbacher (Top Fuel Dragster) Vote for Robin Grice Phil Hartley, for Giles and Hartley Racing (Super Pro ET) Vote for Phil Hartley Graham McDonald, for Gabrielle McDonald (Junior Dragster) Vote for Graham McDonald Adrian Spencer, for Ray White (Pro Modified) Vote for Adrian Spencer Steve Venables, for himself (Super Street Bike) Vote for Steve Venables Paul Wright, for Brian Payne (Topspeed Automotive Street ELiminator) Vote for Paul Wright To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official SPRC/APIRA Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the 2010 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com The SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, 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 Santa Pod Racers Club official Carole Ismail. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to [email protected] specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail. 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: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends 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. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance closing. 9th January: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch with a reminder that Saturday 22nd January is the closing date for booking for the sixth joint Avon Park International Racers Association/Santa Pod Racers Club Dinner Dance and Trophy Evening, which takes place at the St John's Hotel, Solihull, Birmingham at 6:00 pm on Saturday 5th February 2011. "I need all booking forms, meal choices and payment with me by 22nd as we need to give confirmed numbers and deposit to the hotel", says Paula. Although the St John's has no rooms left, the Holiday Inn a few minutes' walk away still has rooms; telephone 0871 226 1953 and quote Santa Pod Racers Club 5th February 2011. For more details about the APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance check out our news update of 27th September, or you can download the booking form from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com or the Shakespeare County Raceway web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. Frost gets help stopping. 9th January: UK Pro Modified racer and Eurodragster.com Blogger Andy Frost is pleased to announce that Hi-Spec Motorsport are to become technical partners to the official VXR drag race team in 2011. "We are really pleased that Hi-Spec have joined the team for the 2011 season", says Andy Frost. "We used Hi-Spec brake discs and calipers on Red Victor 2 with great success, particularly as we were  able to stop a 1550 kg car from 200+ mph without a parachute! We're really happy to be using their new R126 6 pot caliper and new modular handbrake caliper on Red Victor 3. Having confidence in the braking system is paramount and we're more than happy to be using Hi-Spec for our braking needs once again." Geoff at Hispec Motorsport says "We are very happy to be involved once again with the highly-professional Red Victor 1 racing team. Following on from Red Victor 2's success over the last few years, we are glad to be given the opportunity to prove and develop our braking systems on such a high-performance vehicle. Red Victor 3 will show just what Hispec brakes are capable of." "We thank Hi-Spec for their foresight in choosing our team to display their products and look forward to working with them in regards to the braking system", says Andy. You can visit Hi-Spec Motorsport's web site at www.hispecmotorsport.co.uk or to discuss your requirements call Roy on 01322 286850. Web site updates. 9th January: Our good buddy and occasional stand-in photographer Julian Hunt has updated his web site with pictures from the VP Racing Fuels National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Julian's pictures at www.julianhunt.net. Another good buddy, Jon Spoard, has updated his excellent UK Drag Racing Nostalgia web site with a list, compiled by Clive Rooms, of all of the drag races which have taken place in the UK. You can check out the list by clicking on the Meetings link at www.ukdrn.co.uk and whilst there don't miss the site's other features such as historic entry lists and results from UK races, pictures, video, and one of the most interesting and well-managed discussion forums out there. The official web site of the UK's Supercharged Outlaws has been updated with the latest from the class. You can find out all about the Outlaws at www.supercharged-outlaws.co.uk. Team West-Tec update. 7th January: With the New Year upon us, everyone at the UK's Team West-Tec Top Fuel Dragter team is looking forward to the coming season, says Ben Allum: We have achieved a great deal in the months since the announcement of our new Top Fuel operation, but we are very aware that a successful season is built on a foundation of preparation, preparation and preparation! The whole team is looking forward to the Autosport Show where our show car will be on display. "I have been doing this show for ten years now", says driver Andy Carter, "and I still really look forward to it every time. It is such a great opportunity to meet the fans, promote drag racing and support Santa Pod Raceway in the great work they do to promote our sport". Team West-Tec will be in attendance throughout the weekend so please come and get to know us. Team Principal Gavin Wills explained "The team have been working hard at our office and workshop headquarters in Corby. We have been going through our recently-acquired dragster checking, testing, measuring and servicing everything imaginable. The Top Fuel department is in the latter stages of development and once completed we will hold a media day to showcase the facility, the team and the car. We will be running a competition so that a few lucky fans can join the assembled press and sponsors for what promises to be an exciting day." As always we would like to thank Lucas Oil and all of our associate sponsors for their support. Sponsors' details can be found at Andy Carter's personal web site at www.andycarter.net where there is also a link to Andy's Facebook page. If you want to know more about Team West-Tec then please visit our web site at www.teamwest-tec.com. It just remains for everyone at Team West-Tec to wish you all a Happy New Year! The King's new clothes. 7th January: Andy Carter will be kitted out this season by Stand21 after trying out their firesuits, boots and other safety equipment in 2010. Andy Boakes and Keith Wood of Stand21 told Eurodragster.com that Stand21's revolutionary lightweight firesuit exceeds SFI's 3.2A/20 standard. "We are the only manufacturer whose suit has ever outlasted the fire test", said Andy Boakes. "We design our clothing and helmets to be as safe as possible, not just to pass standards, so it exceeds standards by a long way. Drag racing teams in the USA are looking to move to Stand21 both for the additional safety and as part of the never-ending quest to shave off weight." Stand21's suits are made of a material named ST3000, which is exclusive to the company, and which is extremely lightweight compared to other materials. The suits are stitched in squares which trap air and help to insulate the driver, but the material also breathes, which Andy B demonstrated by asking your reporter to put his hand inside a firesuit (which Andy was not wearing - Ed) and blowing through it. "Breathability is a big thing for circuit racers", he explained. The suit also features an air outlet. "The suit is very lightweight and much more comfortable", said Andy Carter. "It feels like you've bought it from an expensive shop! I can put this suit on early and stand around in it,  I can bend down and do my own shoes up, and I have been strapped in to the car for thirty minutes without any problem. I could feel a breeze through the suit." "A lot of our product was developed through Formula One, and we are official suppliers to Porsche, Mercedes AMG and Nissan GTR", explained Andy B. "We have a long history of drivers - our gloves have the input of three World Champions". "That strengthens it for me - a background like that", said Andy C. "We met Andy at Autosport last year", said Andy B. "We had just produced a racing suit for a customer in the USA. We showed it to Andy but he was tied to Impact. Of course they mucked that up!". "It's nice to be looked after", said Andy C. "You spend a couple of hours with them and they don't just look at you and stick you in a Medium". "Ninety per cent of our suits are made to measure and all of our kit is hand-made", said Andy B. "A race suit takes twelve business days and we can handle bespoke firesuit designs in-house." As well as suits Stand21 manufacture gloves, boots, underwear which features flat seams for comfort, and crash helmets, and they are the world's biggest manufacturer of HANS devices. The carbon fibre crash helmets come in FIA 8860 and Snell versions but again exceed standards. Similarly to the suits, the lining of the helmet is made to measure. "We start with the shell and the padding goes in, we put it on the driver and we keep changing the lining until it fits perfectly", said Andy B. "The lining has a memory and goes back into place but doesn't recoil." You can find out more at www.stand21.fr and Stand21's latest drag racing safety kit kit will be on display on stand E662 at Autosport Engineering next Thursday and Friday. The new arrival. 7th January: UK Top Fuel Dragster team Forbes & Andrews Racing are very proud to announce the details of the Top Fuel Dragster purchased in the USA last year, writes Team PR Neil Williams: After looking at various cars from various teams it was decided that the very best quality car we could find was from Lucas Oils Racing. Morgan Lucas and the Lucas Oil Products Company have been extremely helpful and patient with our many questions and have been willing to help at every corner. This has been the deciding factor when purchasing the car that we wanted. The car is in wonderful condition which boasts the very best in parts and equipment as one would expect from such a very professional race team. We aim to carry that torch forward and race and show the car with only the very best in parts to give us a winning combination on and off the track. This dragster was the car which gave Morgan his first three NHRA wins at Atlanta, Brainerd and Memphis and is a proven winner. The car will probably be shown initially in the vibrant winning colours of the Geico Lucas Oils dragster. At some future point the livery will be changed to reflect the future sponsors on the dragster. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Forrest and Charlotte Lucas from Lucas Oil Products, Morgan Lucas and Don Corsette from Morgan Lucas Racing, Don from Lucas Oil Products and Lucas Oils Racing as well as Brandon, and Greg from Nitro Link without whose help all this would never have happened. We look forward to seeing everyone at the track subject to winning the right sponsorship for the full 2011 season. Anyone interested in getting involved in any way with the team, be it sponsoring or working on the crew, please do get in touch through our web sites at www.faracing.com or www.millionpixelracing.com. Malmgren sponsor's a Diamond. 7th January: The US' Diamond Pistons has announced that it will be supporting 2010 FIA European Pro Stock Champion Michael Malmgren. "Last year we were delighted when Michael won the European Pro Stock Championship with our pushrods" said Bob Fox, proprietor of Diamond and also Trend Pushrods. "His successes have encouraged us to introduce the Diamond brand of racing pistons to European racing. For years Diamond pistons have dominated the Pro Stock ranks in the USA: virtually all of the top ten competitors use them, and we're confident that through Michael's efforts in 2011 a new market will develop for Diamond in Europe." You can find Diamond Pistons' web site at www.diamondracing.net. 2011 Super Modified dates. 7th January: Many thanks to UK Super Modified racer Nigel Payne for forwarding us this year's Championship calendar for Super Modified: 22nd-25th April: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway 7th-8th May: Big Bang, Santa Pod Raceway 14th-15th May: Springspeed Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway 25th-26th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway 23rd-24th July: Bug Jam, Santa Pod Raceway 27th-29th August: Open Sport Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway 24th-25th September: VP Racing Fuels National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway Swift snippets. 7th January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words "Changing the frame and doing some powder coating". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. Thanks to those racers and sponsors who have already been in touch about their presence at next week's Autosport International. It's still not too late to drop us a line at [email protected] to let us know that you will be there, and we will be sure to come and visit you on the Friday or Saturday. Please include your stand number if you know it. Alamo continue involvement. 7th January: Following the enormous success of Alamo Rent A Car's sponsorship of upcoming star of UK drag racing, Paige Wheeler, in 2010, the leading car rental specialist will be continuing its support in 2011. Twelve year old Paige finished the 2010 season by winning Junior Dragster at the 2010 FIA European Finals - an extraordinary achievement for someone so young. As a result she attracted the attention of drag racing aficionados across the globe. She was also the guest of American drag racer Melanie Troxel at the 10th Annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In the second year of Alamo's sponsorship Paige will drive a custom-made dragster in the full programme of UK events, as well as competing in a race in the USA. Once again her car and safety gear will all be emblazoned with the Alamo brand, and there will be trackside branding at the Santa Pod Raceway as well as on the Eurodragster.com web site. Carmen Gomariz, Marketing Manager, Alamo Rent A Car, EMEA confirmed the company's delight that Paige did so well in her first racing season. "We're thrilled to be supporting Paige again in 2011. We were particularly proud of her achievements in 2010, especially winning the European Finals. "This is the start of a long partnership with someone who is bound to be a leading light in the dragster sport for many years to come - and therefore provides the Alamo brand with enormous exposure to a regularly travelling audience." To further reinforce its support of drag racing, Alamo Rent A Car is offering an increased 15% discount on online rentals for all drag racing fans this year at www.alamo.co.uk/dragster, helping even more people to experience the thrill and exhilaration of drag racing. With a global network providing access to over 2,500 rental locations in over one hundred countries worldwide, and over 1,680 European locations, including at every major airport, Alamo offers a wide range of vehicles and optional extras for leisure travellers, making it the ideal partner for drag racing fans. Let the RWYBs commence! 7th January: Santa Pod Raceway have been in touch to wish a Happy New Year to all Run What You Brungers: Did you treat your car or bike to some sweet new shiny bits this Christmas? Perhaps you had enough time over the holidays to finish off that engine build that has been sat in pieces on the kitchen table since you nuked it last summer? Whatever your reason, there’s no need for any post-Christmas blues in the coming weekends in January, with no less than three Run What You Brung events scheduled. The first is on January 16th, the second on January 23rd, and the third is on the 30th January. Take a look at the web site at www.santapod.com for a full list of calendar dates into February and beyond. So check the weather forecasts and fire up your ride for a fast 2011. Despite the VAT rise, all prices remain frozen for yet another year of great value track time at Santa Pod. See you at the track! Also don’t forget that the ever-growing Street Challenge will be returning for 2011 with a fantastic prize for the quickest Street Legal Car and Bike of the year. In 2010 we had times ranging from nine seconds right up to twenty one seconds to it really is open to anyone so why not sign up and see how you compare with everyone else. It’s free to enter! Please visit www.rwyb.com for more details. Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway is in association with Sumo Power for 2011. Sumo have built some of the most successful modified Japanese cars of recent years, including drag and circuit cars, and certainly know what it takes to make cars go quick on the strip. Take a look at the official web site at www.sumopower.com for more info on what Sumo Power can do for you. Pipercross love bikers who love drag racing, and have put up a Run What You Brung voucher for anyone who buys a motorcycle air filter. See the news at the Pipercross blog at blog.pipercross.net. Web site updates. 7th January: A historic match race took place at Germany's Groß Döln in 1993 when Supertwin racer Acka Riemer took on a Russian MIG jet and kicked its butt over the quarter mile. Matze tells us that footage of the race is now available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=RllVXUZCls8. APIRA at 20. 5th January: 2011 will be a very special year for Shakespeare County Raceway's organising club, the Avon Park International Racing Association, as this will be their twentieth year of organising race meets at the Warwickshire track, writes Jerry Cookson: APIRA came into existence in March 1991 and must be the second oldest active drag racing club in the UK! In this anniversary year the APIRA Committee are keen to know what you would like to see happen to celebrate this important milestone in the Club's history. The Committee would like to hear your ideas, so please send them to [email protected]. Don't forget you can still keep in touch with APIRA on their Facebook page. The Facebook site is constantly updated with news, events, and photos from past APIRA events - the latest albums feature photos from 1990 with the construction of Avon Park. Already, in a very short space of time, the page has gained the support of more than five hundred friends. Please remember, to race at a National Championship round at Shakespeare County or Santa Pod Raceways you have to be a member of one of the organising clubs - becoming a friend of APIRA on Facebook won't be sufficient. Membership details can be found on the Downloads page of the SCR web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. APIRA Perpetual Awards vote 1. 2nd January: Avon Park International Racing Association, Santa Pod Racers Club, Obsession Motorsports and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC and APIRA Perpetual Awards and Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 5th February 2011. For several of the 2010 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted for the SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC and APIRA Committees and Obsession Motorsports decide upon their winners. The latest category, and the first APIRA category is the Iris Page Memorial Trophy. The Iris Page Memorial Trophy is presented to a racer, team, official, marshal or other individual who has either contributed to the sport over the last twelve months, or has achieved their own personal goals against all the odds thrown at them. The APIRA Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows: Vic Hammond, Supercharged Outlaws Vote for Vic Hammond Andy Murphy and Team B'Sting, Wild Bunch Vote for Andy Murphy and Team B'Sting Dick Sharp, Wild Bunch Vote for Dick Sharp Joe Stevens, Super Pro ET Vote for Joe Stevens Neil Townson, Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association/Supercharged Outlaws Vote for Neil Townson Team Wicked Lady, Wild Bunch Vote for Team Wicked Lady To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official SPRC/APIRA Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the 2010 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com The SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, 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 Santa Pod Racers Club official Carole Ismail. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to [email protected] specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail. 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: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends 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. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. Swift snippets. 5th January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (below left) came with the words "Available for weddings, funerals, Bar Mitzvahs, proms, oh and it's our tow car!". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at [email protected]. Club President Paul Dodd says that Surrey Muscle had a great 2010. "Craig Mcmanus was the first Surrey Muscler into the eights in his '67 Nova and Mad Dog Dave Nugent was crowned King of Street at the MoparEuroNationals in his '69 Charger", says Paul. "We also beat Taz Racing in our annual showdown there and to cap it all our Bryn Thomas (above right) came second in  the Eurodragster.com-backed Outlaw Street Series in his black and blown '68 GTO. Here's wishing that you and we have as successful a New Year as the last. V8s forever!" A note to racers, sponsors and other drag racing-related companies exhibiting at next week's Autosport International: please drop us a line at [email protected] to let us know that you will be there, and we will be sure to come and visit you on the Friday or Saturday. Please include your stand number if you know it. Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog would like to thank those readers who have been in touch with Get Well wishes either by E-Mail or on Facebook. It is very much appreciated. Haslett's 2010. 5th January: UK Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Ron Haslett says that his 2010 season was somewhat of an up and down affair: It all started at Easter when I destroyed two gearboxes, the diff, and the main bearings. This was down to having the car baselined after the winter rebuild and the rear axle being moved forward and the entire end float in the engine and trans being taken out. Then again at Round 3 I had major gearbox failures. So I invested in a JW Promod Glide, problem solved. Round 4 and after talking at length with Trev at Wizards of NOS I changed a couple of things on the nitrous. Bingo! Eight seconds backed up with an even quicker 8.8/154 with a 1.46 sixty foot. But it was short-lived joy as we had melted a piston. Due to a rebuild we couldn't make Round 5. With this in mind I decided to go bigger and the Spider was sent back to Trev for a few more mods. New engine built and ready to go. For Round 6 we were all a little nervous but shouldn't have been - we had far too much for the track so had to back everything off to get down in one piece. The track came round and we had a great race against Mats Andersson in his Opel and beat him. We had the car set up perfectly for the track. Next up was Brian Payne in his Twin Turbo Mustang. The car felt lazy in the burnout and by quarter track it became clear why - this time eight melted pistons and an unhappy team. Back at the workshop we pulled the car apart to find this time I had taken out the block as well. We sat down and went through everything. The fuel was drained through the nitrous fuel pump through an extra fine filter from the paint shop next door. The nitrous system was stripped to every individual component, nothing. I've been building a '57 Chevy for my sponsor, so I put my MSD unit on that and did some test runs. What I found was amazing: after five test runs the MSD put all the timing back in. This happened four times so it was no fluke. 500 bhp nitrous and no timing retard. So what now? After talking at length with Dave Powell at Performance Unlimited an order was placed for a Ford Motorsport block and after further talks with Dave and Jonny Barb I had some pistons made for my block and head combination. The new engine is almost finished and I'm hoping to have it done by the weekend. The plan is to have it dyno'd by the end of the month and back in to do some testing for the new season in February. I'd like to thank my hard-working crew and my backers VRC Body Shop, Trev Langfield (Wizard of Nos), Southern Batteries and Tyres and Express Gearboxes. Next year we're hoping to be pushing for a higher finish in the Championship; we already have conformation from Graham and Max at Southern Tyres and Batteries and Trev that they will both be carrying on their support. One change for this year is that we are hopefully going to be supporting Help For Heroes via our local base at Thorney Island. But I will bring you more on that as it happens. Web site updates. 5th January: In the latest instalment in his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, Pro Stock Bike racer Kalle Lyrén lets slip some pre-season plans. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. SPRC Perpetual Awards vote 4. 2nd January: Santa Pod Racers Club, Avon Park International Racing Association, Obsession Motorsports and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC and APIRA Perpetual Awards and Obsession Motorsports Sportsman of the Year, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 5th February 2011. For several of the 2010 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. Nominations are now also being accepted for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC and APIRA Committees and Obsession Motorsports decide upon their winners. The latest category is SPRC Most Professional Appearing Team. The SPRC Most Professional-Appearing Team trophy recognises not just the presentation of a race vehicle but the team's overall approach to racing. As well as a well-turned-out car or bike, the Committee have considered such aspects as the appearance and attitude of team personnel, the organisation and appearance of their pit area and support equipment, and their readiness when their class is called. The SPRC Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order of team name, is as follows: Karl Harrison and the Blown Budget team, Super Pro ET Vote for Blown Budget Rene van den Berg and the Bull team, Top Fuel Bike Vote for Bull Brad Jackson and the Carter Motorsport/Lucas Oil team, Junior Dragster Vote for Carter Motorsport/Lucas Oil Junior Mike Lacey and the Metamorphosis team, Pro ET Vote for Metamorphosis Rod Harrison and the Stardust team, Super Pro ET Vote for Stardust Shawn Rodman and the AFB Drag Racing team, Supertwin Fuel Vote for AFB Drag Racing To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official SPRC Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the 2010 Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com The Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, 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 Santa Pod Racers Club official Carole Ismail. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to [email protected] specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail. 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: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or Facebook friends 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. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. Swift snippets. 2nd January: Ex-pat UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Steve Read is contesting Top Fuel Dragster at this weekend's New Year Series at Willowbank Raceway in Australia. Dan of Readspeed Racing tells us that you will be able to get updates from the track on Steve's new Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001486947866&sk=wall. Congratulations to Matthew Bennett-Sime of Poole, Donna Earnshaw of London, Tom Larman of Wantage, Margaret Marshall of Harvington and Chris Pearce of Rossendale who were the winners in our Autosport International ticket give-away. The five pairs of tickets for Autosport International will be in the mail very shortly. Thanks to everyone who entered; if you were not successful then you can buy tickets at www.autosportinternational.com. The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame in association with US Automotive would like to thank everyone for their support and interest in the BDRHoF. "Our plans are nearly complete regarding our five 2011 inductees", says BDRHoF Chair Stu Bradbury. "Watch out for the official announcement on Eurodragster.com on 1st February. We look forward to seeing you all at the celebration on 5th February. The BDRHoF honours and preserves for all time the achievements of not only some of the greatest legends of British drag racing, but also the great contribution of others who are very rarely in the spotlight but who nevertheless have made a lasting impact and a significant difference to the development of the sport. Wishing you all the best in 2011." Allard Chrysler Dragster update. 2nd January: New UK Top Fuel Dragster team F&A Racing has announced that it is to sponsor the restoration of Europe's first dragster, Sydney Allard's 1961 Allard Chrysler. Using a unique approach, F&A has given a four figure sum that will be boosted by a percentage of all sponsorship monies received by the team during 2011. The initials F&A represent the names Forbes and Andrews. The team was originally set up by Vince Andrews back in 1998 to realise his son Chris' dream of becoming a Top Fuel driver. This resulted in Chris racing in Europe and the USA working with people like Frank Hawley, Bob Gilbertson, Bobby Baldwin, Smax Smith, Jöran Persåker and Lex Joon. The recently reborn team with Mac Forbes at the helm consists of driver Chris Andrews and Marketing Manager Neil Williams with administration covered by Finola Adams. Team Principal Mac Forbes first discovered drag racing at Santa Pod in the 1970s. He said "We at F&A have been following the progress of the Allard Chrysler dragster restoration for some time and wanted to help in some way because we think it is a really important job the Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG) is doing. So we made contact with Brian Taylor and arranged to transfer £1000 to the restoration fund. "But we wanted to do more and we thought aligning Europe's first dragster with Europe's newest had a synergy that could work for both parties. So we have decided that five per cent of all sponsorship monies for our new car received during 2011 will go to the fund. Our sponsors will know that they are supporting this restoration as well as the F&A dragster. Sometimes the Allard Chrysler will appear alongside our car at sponsors' functions or race meetings. I'm sure the arrangements will work well for everyone involved." The new car is the ex-Morgan Lucas Geico dragster and definitely state of the art. It won three NHRA events during 2009 and was then parked up when a new car was debuted. It has since been re-wired, re-plumbed and fitted with the latest safety gear and is ready to roll. Chris Andrews, the driver of the new F&A Top Fuel Dragster, said "To be associated with a part of drag racing history is something of which I am very proud. It is also a great opportunity for race fans to see how these cars have evolved over the last fifty years. I never got to see these cars run in their heyday but it will be good to see our dragster and the Allard Chrysler car together at the race track and other events. We hope this is the beginning of a substantial relationship where F&A Racing can assist the ACAG long into the future." ACAG Chairman Brian Taylor said "When F&A Racing first contacted me with his idea I thought what a radical the approach! It should be a win-win situation all round giving both parties additional exposure, credibility and funds. F&A sponsors will have that unique added value and will receive regular ACAG newsletters about the restoration's progress. Their logos will be included with those of direct supporters of the project." Neil Williams said "As we are a British-based team we felt it necessary to get involved with the guys at the ACAG as they are preserving a major part of British and European drag racing history. The dragster is looking absolutely stunning and it is nearly back to its full glory. It will be fantastic to work alongside Brian and his team and be able to display both cars at events and shows. With both the 'new kid on the block' and the 'Grand Old Daddy' of European drag racing, it really will be something to behold – the original and the newest together. Not just for us, but for motor sport and drag racing fans everywhere. It is too easy to concentrate on the present but we must never forget our roots. If it wasn't for the early days and those pioneers, we probably wouldn't be where we are now." RBS Insurance Group has announced its support for the restoration of Europe's first dragster via its UK Assistance Accident Repair Centre chain. As well as a network of approved independent bodyshops that can carry out repairs, RBS Insurance owns sixteen accident repair sites throughout the country. One of them is at Bristol and it is this centre that will completely refurbish the 1961 Allard Chrysler dragster body panels during late January. Announcing this new sponsorship, Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG) Chairman Brian Taylor said "Although the paintwork on the body panels looks to be in fairly good condition there is some damage caused by the steering mechanism and the inside of the cockpit panels have also lost their finish. Alan Allard remembers them as being polished aluminium on the inside with a paint finished outside. And although attractive, the existing paint on the car is not historically correct. It is a two-pack finish where as the original paint applied in 1961 would have been flat. Mark Old, a Business Project Manager at RBS Insurance, has been following the restoration for some time and he passed information on to his colleagues at UK Assistance ARC with the recommendation that they should become involved. This resulted in Tony Rider and Tony Davis of the Bristol centre visiting the museum on 14th December to meet up with myself and to view the car." After inspecting the car (left), Tony Rider said "We were very impressed with the car and look forward to our involvement with the restoration of such a historically important vehicle. It's very different to our normal repair work and an honour to be working on it. The existing paint will be completely stripped off, filler used on the damage and smoothed down, primer applied followed by a flat white and blue paint finish. This will be varnished and all the work will be carried out at Bristol." When the panels have been completed they will be returned to the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, new Dzus fasteners fitted and another long-time ACAG supporter Ed Wimble will spend a day at the museum on the signwriting. The wheels will be painted red later after they have been crack tested. ACAG Chairman Brian Taylor said "It's good to have another well-known company joining our family of supporters. Now we have the engine, it really feels as if we are getting somewhere." Web site updates. 2nd January: Pete Roberts has updated his web site The Pod - A Look Around with a gallery of Podshots from the 2010 season which you can check out at www.podlook.co.uk/album/index.html. If you've never checked out Pete's web site as a whole then it is well worth a look, featuring unique panoramas of Santa Pod Raceway, daily 'Podshot' good for downloading as wallpaper, a tribute to Sammy Miller, a history of USAF Podington and much more. Earlier news