UK Test Weekend coverage. 31st March: The UK drag racing season starts next week at the Autotrader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway and racers have plenty of scope to test as both Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways are hosting test sessions. Eurodragster.com will be reporting from both tracks in association with American Car Imports. Roger and Tog are at Santa Pod Raceway to cover today's Peak Performance Day and tomorrow's Run What You Brung. We will be posting frequently-updated reports on the on-track action together with a photo gallery at the end of each day. Some forty racers are lined up for the Peak Performance Day ranging from Pro Mod to Sportsman ET and Top Fuel Bike to Super Street Bike. Peter is at Shakespeare County Raceway to photograph both days of the Test and Tune and our good friend Jerry Cookson will be providing end-day reports as his schedule permits. Pre-entry is not necessary for the Test and Tune and so the cast list will be a surprise although we understand that Carolynne Campbell is planning to test her Laffin' Gas Rocket Dragster at SCR this weekend. ©Eurodragster.com The Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam will be broadcasting from Santa Pod Raceway all weekend and will initially be set to post a picture every two minutes. However we will be testing SPR's new Broadband this weekend and so we may increase the frame rate to a picture every minute: stay tuned to the live report for details of any changes. You can reach our Test Weekend Event Coverage index page by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Feature: Rob Smallworth. 31st March: The latest in our occasional series of features in association with John Woolfe Racing puts UK Super Modified racer Rob Smallworth in the spotlight. Rob's self-built seven-second '55 Chevy is firmly establised amongst the class front runners and is one of the best-looking and most finely-detailed race cars you will ever see. Our interview with Rob covers a wide range of subjects including his racing and crewing career, the beautiful Chevy which he spent six years building, running in Super Modified, and how to balance a home life and drag racing. ©Eurodragster.com Click here to check out the feature, or click on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Rob is due to give Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog a passenger ride at today's Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway. Of course we will bring you news of the outcome in today's Event Coverage and Tog has promised to write a report about his ride-along for the Super Modified web site. We must say a special Thank You to Rob's wife Aby who went above and beyond the call of duty to get Rob's answers to us in double-quick time after our original questionnaire went astray. Thanks also to our Reserve Photographer Peter Donaldson who took time out at Santa Pod Raceway last weekend to take a set of pictures to illustrate the feature. Nataas switches rides. 31st March: Norway's Thomas Nataas will again be contesting the FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship in 2007. Most observers had expected Thomas to roll up to next weekend's Autotrader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway with a Fuel Funny Car, but Thomas told Eurodragster.com that he and team owner and tuner Rune Fjeld are quite happy to take their time over the choice of a car. As it happens, though, Thomas has switched rides. "We want to find the newest Funny Car we can", said Thomas. "You can get lots of good cars which are three or four years old but we are looking at cars which are only a year old because we want something recent with a computer. A Norwegian guy who is also looking to buy a Funny Car said that he will let us use his one whilst we are looking in the USA. But I will be in Top Fuel at Easter and at all of the FIA rounds this season, and if we get a Funny Car then we will run it in Norway and at Hockenheim." Rune Fjeld Motorsport are campaigning three Top Fuel Dragsters on the FIA Tour this year and with the new driver line-up comes a switch-round in rides. Thomas will be driving Rune's newest Top Fueller, which had a couple of outings last year, but with Thomas' trademark red paint and Bat logo; Siw Nystad will continue in the car which Andy Carter drove in the first half of last season; and the team's new driver, who is to be officially unveiled to the public late next week, will be in the car previously driven by Thomas (Are we all keeping up with this? - Ed). There will of course be more about that next week. Easter Thunderball latest. 31st March: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to advise racers that Santa Pod's gates open for the Autotrader Easter Thunderball at 12:00 midday on Thursday (5th April). Please also note that qualifying commences at 9:00 am on Friday, not midday Friday as last year. Pitside electricity at Santa Pod will come from multi generator sets all around the site with a lot of the wiring in underground ducting. On arrival in the pits, racers are asked to set up as normal and then inform ELP that they are ready to receive power. ELP will be based at the side of the Pod Shop and will be easily found. If you do not have the correct electrical hook-up then you will need to get yourself a CE form male plug (three pin blue) for the single phase or a CE form male plug (five pin red) for the three phase (right) and have a normal three-point socket attached at the other end. If you are not electrically-minded then this should be done by a qualified electrician. ©Eurodragster.com SPR's Track Manager David Lloyd-Jones tells us that more major development work is underway at Santa Pod. "We have dug out, installed drainage and ducting and hardcored, and on Monday and Tuesday we will tarmac about 8500 square metres of pit area", says David. "This will be ready for the Autotrader Easter Thunderball. Yesterday we surfaced the new Live Action Arena which will house the two monster trucks and the freestyle motocross team next weekend." Also being developed is the MSA British Drag Racing Championship which will have its first round as a Pro Mod Championship next weekend. A TV crew will be at Santa Pod Raceway and the Championship has its first merchandise in the form of some very smart T-Shirts which are now available from Santa Pod Raceway and which can be seen at www.msadragracing.co.uk/merchandise.htm. "We have several ideas to develop the MSA Championship and the TV and the T-Shirts are just two things we have been working on", says Championship Co-ordinator Kjell Pettersson. Stay tuned for more about the MSA Championship. Swift snippets. 31st March: Christer Håård tells us that entries are now being taken for the third annual Pro Test and Tune at Malmö's Meca Raceway on 5th-6th May. "The track will be open for registered teams and as usua there will be full safety cover and track preparation", says Christer. "The entry fee is €545 which includes lunch and breakfast for five team members, electricity, and twenty free weekend passes for sponsors". You can enter at www.srif.se/anmalan.htm. ©Eurodragster.com Racers in the UK National Super Comp, Super Pro ET, Pro ET and Sportsman ET Championships will again be eligible for awards from Hoosier Tyres at Championship events in 2007. "Vouchers will be given to winners and runners up in these classes", says Bob Roberts. "The scheme will be administered by Andy Robinson Race Cars and the necessary decals will be available Andy Robinson's pit at Santa Pod during the Easter Thunderball". You can find out more at www.robinson-race-cars.co.uk. UK VW Alternate Engine racer Matt Finney would like to hear from a guy named Ted from whom he bought an MSD7. Don't worry Ted, you haven't done anything wrong; please get in touch with us at [email protected] and we'll put you straight in touch with Matt. Racers rev up for Series start. 31st March: South Warwickshire Car Club enthusiasts are revving up their engines for the first in a series of specially adapted Street Car and Street Bike challenges this weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway. "Sunday's Time Trials will be grouped into three divisions: four, six and eight cylinders which will see the winners taking home a trophy as well as some product vouchers on offer from lane sponsor Motorshack for the quickest racer of the day", says SCR's Jerry Cookson. "For the bikes there will be just a single entry group at the moment catering for all makes and models." All road-legal cars and motorcycles are encouraged to enter provided they meet Raceway safety standards as well as carrying a valid MOT and insurance, and provided that the driver or rider has a current DVLA licence. With a week to go before the Easter drag races at Santa Pod, plenty of the Raceway's regular quarter milers will be blowing the winter blues away from their exhaust pipes, especially looking towards the National Challenge events for Street Racers, and the Kawasaki Triples Challenge. Jerry also reports a healthy Club interest including owners from the Ford ST, Subaru, Peugeot and Nissan GTR clubs who all plan to come along. The weekend will also see further test runs for Carolynne Campbell's Laffin Gas Rocket Dragster. Further information is available on 01789 720180 or at www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 31st March: In this week's entry in Lex Joon's exclusive Racer Blog, Lex's wife and Team Manager Gerda has taken over the keyboard and writes in memory of late US Fuel FC racer Eric Medlen. Gerda also takes us through some of the logistical work involved in getting a Top Fuel Dragster operation prepared for a race event. You can check out Lex's Blog by clicking here, or by clicking on the Racer Blog link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com Many thanks to those who sent subjects and questions for Lex's Blog. We found that there were a number of common subjects and we will be passing these on to Lex for his attention in future Blog entries. 29 proud years behind the engine. 30th March: Swedish Fuel Funny Car racer Leif Helander kicks off his twenty ninth year in a Funny Car at next week's Autotrader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway, where he will be taking part in the Pro Fuel Shootout. Leif told us that although the off-season has, as ever, been too short the Starkotter team have not had to do too much to the car after its 5.3-second pass at the 2006 FIA European Finals. "The motor and clutch are in the car, and I am working on installing a computer which I got from Micke Kågered", Leif told Eurodragster.com. "We have lost three years because I have not had a computer. We've made some changes to the chassis, but we have not had to put anything new in the engine because after the 5.3 at Santa Pod we opened it up and it all looked very clean. We haven't changed anything on the body either. We run low compression, a little blower and a small pump. Some of the other guys run more but you don't always need it. You need to be careful and I am a little too careful sometimes but I don't need to see any more fires." ©Eurodragster.com We asked Leif why he thought Fuel FC has become more popular this year. "To run a Top Fueller properly in Europe takes a lot of money", he said. "It doesn't take so much money to run a Funny Car but it will go that way. Knut Söderquist and Kenneth Lorentzon know how to run a Fuel car and it won't take them many runs to work it out. This is my twenty ninth year in a Funny Car but I might have to quit this year because of the money. But if I do quit then I will have to hire a Funny Car next year to make thirty years." Leif once famously described Top Fuel Dragsters as "Girls' cars" and threatened to present Micke Kågered with a brassière when he moved into the class, and even though his old friend is not competing next week he still has four Top Fuel racers to wind up before lining up against them at Santa Pod. "Oh yes, Top Fuellers are still girl's cars", he said. "I like to see what's happening in front of me - I don't want to look in a mirror like Micke!" We were pleased to hear that Leif is to become a grandfather for the second time although the timing has turned out to be a little unfortunate. "My son is also my clutch guy, and the baby is due at Easter so he can't come to Santa Pod", said Leif. "But Mark from Kenneth's team will come across to help. If everything goes OK then we will leave the car at Santa Pod for the FIA Main Event." Swift snippets. 30th March: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to remind racers that it is one week until the official closing date for entry to the Big Bang which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 28th-29th April and which is a Championship round for VW classes, 9.50 Bike Super Modified, Street Eliminator, and Outlaw Anglia. You can find the Big Bang entry forms on the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. ©Eurodragster.com Official FIA Main Event and FIA European Finals entry forms for FIA and FIM/UEM European Championship classes are now available on the Championships' portal at www.powerracing.eu. As mentioned yesterday, places are still available on the gate for tomorrow's (Saturday's) Peak Performance Day. Peak Performance Days offer a track prepared to National event standard as well as full safety and marshal cover. The Top End Café will also be open, and for those staying on for Sunday's Run What You Brung, the bar will be open between 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm. More details at www.rwyb.com. As reported yesterday we will be posting event coverage from this weekend's testing at both Shakespeare County and Santa Pod Raceways. We will post a Home Page link as soon as our coverage commences but in the meantime the UK Test Weekend Event Coverage pages have been posted and you can get to the index page by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. A début weekend for NSCC. 30th March: With one of the fiercest fields of competitors ever lining up to do battle in the National Street Car Challenge, a number of new machines will be out this weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway's Test and Tune weekend, reports series organiser Shaun Wilson: Amongst the new cars will be Dave Sidaway's stunning new Fordson van with an injected 502 ci Chevy motor and Al Williamson's '54 Chevy Stepside, also powered by a 502 ci Bow Tie running a FAST fuel injection system. Dave's Fordson has already made a couple of gentle passes at Santa Pod earlier in the season to ensure that the chassis dynamics are good and that the little rod runs straight under power. Al's truck has had a fresh tune put into the motor by series sponsor, John Sleath Race Cars, and Al will definitely be out looking for the tens this season. Also attending the meet will be Karl Wilkins who is campaigning the ex-Richard Nichols/American Car World Ford Mustang. This will be Karl's first time out with the car and he will be getting some valuable practise in on the strip prior to the first points round, later in April. A number of other competitors are expected to be out shaking off the winter blues and trying out the track for the first time this year, so it promises to be an interesting taster of what is to come. ©Eurodragster.com Drivers can start collecting points at cruises around the country from April, with Riverside's Cruise in the Midlands being the first event on 3rd April. For more news and information about NSCC, including a full list of the drivers signed-up to date, check out www.hotrodgazette.com. 2007 Perfect Light Award. 29th March: We are pleased to announce that the Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award is to continue into 2007. The Award is jointly presented by Eurodragster.com and hose and fitting supplier Speedflow whose web site you can find at www.speedflow.co.uk. As in previous years, the Perfect Light Award will be presented to the first racer at an event to record a 0.000 Reaction Time. The Award will start at £50 and if not claimed will be increased by £25 at each subsequent event until won. If the Award is won then it will start at £50 again at the next event. The Perfect Light Award is available to all racers in all classes but will only be awarded to the first racer at an event to record a 0.000 Reaction Time. ©Eurodragster.com The provisional calendar of events for the 2007 Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award is as follows: Autotrader Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway Big Bang, Santa Pod Raceway (Super Mod, Street Eliminator, VW classes, 9.50 Bike) Spring Speed Festival, Shakespeare County Raceway FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway Bug Jam, Santa Pod Raceway (VW classes, Super Mod, Street Eliminator) Veidec Festival, Mantorp Park Open Sports Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway Extreme Performance Bike Weekend (ACU classes, 9.50 Bike, Straightliners) UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway Eurodragster.com decals are not formally required for the Perfect Light Award but of course we appreciate it: you can get Eurodragster.com decals via any staff member at the track. Please remember that decals are mandatory for the Eurodragster.com/LA Racing Parts Perfect ET Award; these will be available at Signing-On as per the arrangements for other contingency schemes. Many thanks to Fay Fischer of Speedflow for her continued support both of drag racing and of Eurodragster.com. Nystad packs the hairpiece. 29th March: Norwegian Top Fuel Dragster racer Siw Nystad is contesting the whole FIA European Championship tour in 2007 but is starting her first full year in the class in the Pro Fuel Shootout at next week's Autotrader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. When we spoke to Siw she was getting her hands dirty working on the clutch of the dragster, one of three to be fielded by Rune Fjeld Motorsport in 2007. "I've been learning about the dragster", said Siw. "It's really fun to learn about the clutch and other things. I really want to know what's going on behind my head and I would like to be some help when Rune, Leon, Tony and the other guys work on the car." Siw has visited Santa Pod Raceway before but not to race, and her first race there might be a baptism of fire as she could be paired up against a Fuel Funny Car which will get a head start. "I like Santa Pod", said Siw. "It is good to have been there to observe everything before I race there. I am not worried about the handicap start in the Pro Fuel Shootout because I have experience of waiting from racing in Sportsman classes. I have raced in Super Street, although our Mustang went too quick, and hopefully I can remember the routine of blocking out the other car from my racing in Bracket B. I will be doing my best to win for my mum because it is her birthday on Easter Monday and she will be at the track. Dad is excited too because he is going to drive our Mustang this year. It will be my turn to teach him!" Siw's RFM stablemate Thomas Nataas will also be racing in the Pro Fuel Shootout and he has already laid down a challenge. "Thomas says that the first time I beat him I will have the same hairstyle as him after the race", says Siw. "We will be Team Bald and Baldy. But that's OK, I can wear a wig and my hair will grow back by the summer." Team '56 after the upgrades. 29th March: Real Steel Street Eliminator UK racer and 1998 and 2005 Champion Colin Lazenby says that he and his team are up for the challenges of the 2007 Championship now that their off-season upgrades to the Team '56 Chevy are almost complete. "Andy Robinson and the guys at ARRC, and Clive Bond of URC, have been working flat out with the intention to make the Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod this weekend before we go on to the Easter Thunderball", says Colin. "Andy and Luke Robinson wanted to make one or two aerodynamic modifications and completely replace the front suspension before the start of the season. The original front legs came from Art Morrison, although the internals had been ARRC/Koni upgraded in 2005. Even so, we were still restricted by the basic design and stroke of the original units. "Candidly, we're amazed that we managed a 1.33 sixty foot time with these problems. The 1.33 was even more of an achievement given that it was done with a full block treaded tyre and our 185.6 mph run was the fastest speed ever recorded for a block treaded car on pump gas. We fully acknowledge anyone achieving an ET or speed record with these tyres, given their known challenges and the core rules that the class permits. "The Class entry for the Easter Thunderball is at an all-time high and I for one wish to thank everyone who has made the class what it has become today: one of the most sought after proper street-legal classes in the world. It's certainly one of the fastest. ©Eurodragster.com "I would like to thank Team '56 team of Luke Robinson, Garry Coull and our kid, and my sponsors Kelvin Bedroom Systems (also my employer); Dave Swales of Lakeside Plumbers; Steve Clark of Torco Oils and Lubricants; Carl Rossler; Andy Robinson of Robinson Race Cars; and Clive Bond of Ultimate Race Cars. The last two have probably been around drag racing for longer than they care to remember, and to be totally honest I'd be screwed without either of them. "Thanks also to Eurodragster.com as without our electronic media platform, drag racing in Europe would not achieve the status that it does. Thanks to Simon, Roger and Tog (Thank you, you're welcome, Ed). Here's to 2007 and here's to all my fellow competitors (but not Pat*man)." Swift snippets. 29th March: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter tells us that places are still available for his Inside Top Fuel scheme. Inside Top Fuel is a special VIP package allowing you access to the Carter Motorsport pit at to see exactly what goes on whilst being looked after by Andy's hospitality team. Places are £120 plus VAT although Andy tells us that those originally booked in for the 2006 FIA European Finals will pay last year's price. More details at www.andycarter.net. Andy has told us to expect an exciting announcement shortly so stay tuned. UK Pro ET sponsorship scheme co-ordinator Carl Burton tells us that as well as £200 in cash, £135 in vouchers and a trophy for #1 qualifier at the Autotrader Easter Thunderball, scheme members will also get a Toxico Pro ET T-Shirt, Wisbech American Speed and Performance catalogues, and Zippo lighters. "See me in the pits from next Thursday", says Carl. "If you haven't joined the scheme then you can do so then before qualifying kicks off on Friday." ©Eurodragster.com Jo Harris of Santa Pod Raceway tells us that a small number of tickets will be available on the gate for Saturday's (31st March) Peak Performance Day. Peak Performance Days offer a track prepared to National event standard as well as full safety and marshal cover. The Top End Café will also be open. More details at www.rwyb.com. Best wishes to UK Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head who is currently in Leeds General Infirmary being treated for an infection in her ankle. "They're talking about taking some of the metal out of my leg", says Scary. The team at Paul Marston Racing have asked us to say a very Happy Birthday to PMR supremo Paul Marston. No sooner said than done, have a good day Paul. Eurodragster.com will be posting event coverage from both Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways this weekend in association with American Car Imports. Tog and Roger will be at Santa Pod bringing you reports, pictures and Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam from the Peak Performance Day and RWYB whilst Peter will post pictures from the Test and Tune at Shakespeare County Raceway and our good friend Jerry Cookson will send us end-day reports from SCR as his schedule permits. We will post a link to our coverage index tomorrow. Strike a pose! 29th March: If you were tuned in on 19th March you will have seen the Mobil 1 oils sponsorship announcement from UK Super Gas and Junior Dragster team Panther Racing UK and a little further down the page an offer from Stephen Wexler of Eclipse Photos of a free photo shoot at his studios in Tamworth. If the reaction time of Panther Racing Marketing and Media Manager Wayne Corbitt is anything to go by then perhaps he should be racing this season: Wayne was the first to make that all-important call to Stephen and secure the shoot for his team. "Sunday's shoot was to be Stephen's last for the season and what a success!", says Wayne. "The Tamworth studios were host to several cars throughout the day including a DB9 from Aston Martin, Freddy's Revenge and of course the exciting and stylish curves of the Panther Racing UK Super Gas Firebird. Hundreds and hundreds of shots were taken." ©Eurodragster.com "The response was incredible and it was only fair that the first come, first served principle applied", says Stephen Wexler. "I just want to say a big thank you to all those that made contact, their enthusiasm was great! Wayne got there first for his team and we're extremely pleased with the shots taken. It's a great looking car, exciting bright red colour but with a very subtle flame design happening in the background. It was a real technical challenge to capture all this in one frame." "I've had a look at a couple of the initial photos (right, click on picture for large version) and I couldn't be more pleased", adds Wayne. "The addition of these photos to our web site and printed media will be a great help in our continued search for corporate sponsors over the next few seasons. Stephen and the other photographers have done a brilliant job. The day was well organised, very worthwhile and if the quality of these first few photos is anything to go by, plain and simple you just couldn’t ask for anything more. Stephen and Eclipse come highly recommended! Stephen understood exactly our direction and brief whilst offering invaluable advice in how to bring out the best in the car. We're confident you'll be seeing a number of these shots over the coming months in the most popular motorsport and custom car/hot rod magazines. It will really help in the continued campaign to raise Panther Racing UK's profile." Stephen will be attending the Test and Tune events at Shakespeare County Raceway this year and will be offering an on site printing service of high quality 6" x 9" prints. For more information on Panther Racing UK and Eclipse Photos visit the Panther Racing UK web site at www.pantherracinguk.com. An Innovation for Turbo. 29th March: The biggest news of 2007 so far for the UK's Team Turboville Top Fuel Bike team is a new sponsorship deal just secured with California based company Innovate Motorsports. "2006 was a set-up year for the team, to learn the complexities of running the big Overkill machine and it was all done by seat-of-the-pants guesswork", says Ian Turburville. "There is however a limit to your progress with that method so we started to look at all the available datalogging systems. All had points for and against but Crew Chief Brum, being an expert in such matters, suggested the Innovate system that he had fitted to his Triumph. To say that we were impressed was an understatement! ©Eurodragster.com "The Innovate is state-of-the-art but very compact and very user-friendly. It is also extremely affordable with the basic unit retailing at just £299 + VAT racer net. Units can be added in series to form a chain of up to thirty two channels. It is like a rolling dyno for cars and is great at mapping and tuning EFI systems. When we approached Innovate for info on using it with mechanically-injected nitro they were only too happy to help out and have sponsored the team! "You can check out their system and even download all the software for free at www.innovatemotorsports.com. Turboville.com is your drag race dealer for the systems so contact us with any sales enquiries. You are welcome to see our unit in action at the races, so come along to our pit to see this amazing technology in action!" Hide the beer, it's Super Pro ET! 28th March: UK Super Pro ET racer Mark Flavell tells us that last year's Super Pro On Tour experience is to be repeated in 2007, this time at Denmark's Vandel on 22nd-24th June. "Last year we had a great trip to Drachten - so much so that the eXplosion club have decided to adopt Super Pro ET within their Championship structure, as are the Finnish Hot Rod Association this season", says Mark. "Vandel looks like a great party including live bands, beer tents etc. The event has aspirations to become part of the FIA Tour in future so the organisers are pulling out all the stops to put on a great show. There are Top Fuel and Pro Mod match races so we can expect a well prepped and maintained quarter-mile track with ample shutdown area and almost unlimited hard standing pits. ©Eurodragster.com "The best route will be to take the same ferry as we used for Drachten last year, Harwich to Hoek of Holland and then drive up. I've already being in touch with Dave Higgs at All Sport Logistics (01873 859500) and the ferry fare has...wait for it...gone down! Only a few pounds but that sure doesn't happen very often. The Harwich to Esbjerg ferry was stupid money. Its 499 miles according to the route finders. They roads and motorways are excellent all the way and I've spoken to a few that have travelled this way and they say it's really straightforward. It's a long way but a lot closer than Hockenheim. The Dutch eXplosion club are running a round of their Championship series at Vandel and it includes Super Pro ET, to our rule book. "Drop me a line at [email protected] so that we can see who's interested. Whilst I thought Drachten was excellent, to return immediately might not have been the best idea so a trip to an alternative venue that appears so good and central to all the European racing countries sounds to me like good idea. We're going so my guys might cause a beer shortage, but besides that I can't see any problems." CAARter motorsports. 28th March: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter continues to add to his impressive list of international sponsors for 2007 with the announcement that the CAAR group of motor retailers will be supporting the Carter Motorsport/Andersen Racing/Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster team. CAAR is the largest group of independent motor retailers in the UK with over six hundred stores nationwide. Member stores are committed to providing top brands, best value and excellent service. The company is shortly to launch the largest and most comprehensive on-line shop for car parts and accessories ever seen in the UK marketplace. Visit www.caar.co.uk for a list of stores around the country." "The Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster is an awesome billboard for our products and member stores", commented Dave Owen of CAAR. "We are confident that drag racing will represent our brand effectively and look forward to being part of Andy’s third FIA title run." "We're delighted to add CAAR to our already impressive list of sponsors" added Carter Motorsport PR Derek Todd. "We are committed to raising the profile of CAAR retailers throughout the UK." Stay tuned for the next announcement as Carter Motorsport continues to partner with new sponsors. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 28th March: Micke of Patrik Pers Motorsport has sent us this picture of the body of the Speedghost Fuel FC to be driven by Patrik this year on the trailer ready to go to Knut Söderquist's workshop in Åstorp. Patrik will make his licencing passes and all being well participate in the Pro Fuel Shootout at next week's Autotrader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. Real Steel Street Eliminator UK racer Ray Comer would be pleased to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining the Big Mouse Racing crew this season. "I need someone with mechanical knowledge, reliable and keen, preferably experienced and living in or close to Milton Keynes", says Ray. "The normal crew benefits apply. Call me now on 07967 368996 before I start measuring up my mum for a crew shirt!" ©Eurodragster.com Fellow Real Steel Street Eliminator UK team Silver Fox Racing will be returning to the fray at next week's Autotrader Easter Thunderball. You can find out all about Ian and Sue Jackson's return at www.silver-fox-racing.co.uk/newsdesk.htm. Santa Pod Raceway are offering a special deal to anyone who purchases two VIP hospitality tickets for the Autotrader Easter Thunderball. For every two VIP hospitality tickets purchased, a ride can be bought in Santa Pod's Two-Seat Dragster for only £250 plus VAT, half the usual price. "This is your opportunity to have a passenger ride in front of over twenty thousand drag racing fans", says Jo Harris. "It will be an amazing unique experience for yourself, or a gift for someone special! For more information and to book this amazing offer, please contact Darren on 01234 782828." Autotrader Easter Thunderball advance ticket sales close this Friday, 30th March ."We would urge people not to leave it to the last minute to purchase tickets, as the phones get very busy and we wouldn't want anybody to miss out!", says Jo Harris. "Visit www.santapodshop.com or call 01234 782828 and get your tickets now!" Racers: We will shortly start to publish Autotrader Easter Thunderball previews. If you would like to send your own preview then drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll publish it here. A call to Comp. 28th March: For the first time since 2003 Santa Pod Racers Club will be running a championship for Comp Eliminator, writes Spencer Tramm. "We will be contesting four rounds: the Autotrader Easter Thunderball, FIA Main Event, FIA European Finals and UK National Finals", says Spencer. "As well as providing an outlet for racers wanting no-breakout racing, it's an ideal opportunity for Super Pro and Super Modified racers join in with the increasingly popular trend of double-entry. "Inspired by Nev Mottershead's tour around Europe last season, we are hoping that by showing European-based Comp racers that there is a small base of UK cars offering a class and a Championship for Comp, they will hopefully venture over for one or both of the FIA meetings as these count towards the NDRS points series." "I have been a big fan of Comp Eliminator for many years, following it in the States and Europe/Scandinavia, it's just so popular over there", says Nev. "In 2005 we decided to stop talking about it and start planning our 2006 Competition Eliminator European Tour and from that moment on anything that could go wrong did go wrong, culminating in our having to load up the race operation for the first leg of our 3100 mile tour with a race car which still needed parts and repairs. But hey, that's drag racing! Why should it be any different just because we are going to a different track in a different country? ©Eurodragster.com "So off we went and 900 miles later we arrived at the home of our very good friend Torben Stenström, also home the quickest Anglia 105E in the world. With the help of Torben who took us to every speed shop necessary to get the job done, we were in convoy to Mantorp Park within thirty six hours. We arrived at Mantorp Park for our first ever Comp meeting to find ourselves on an entry list of over forty race cars ranging from four cylinder turbo dragsters to Pro Mod style doorslammers, what a class! And friendly...we drag racers like to pride ourselves on how friendly and helpful our drag racing sport is at home, well that certainly goes for the Comp Eliminator class. When you were in the pits, you couldn't tell if you were in Finland, Sweden, Norway or Germany. Your fellow class competitors would just call in, say hello, and offer help and advice if needed (and we needed plenty!). We broke the car on several occasions along the way and if it wasn't for the help of our foreign racers we would have most certainly been coming home early. "I would like to thank everybody at Santa Pod and SPRC involved in giving us the opportunity to run a Comp Eliminator Championship, and especially Spencer Tramm for his UK Comp class initiative. I firmly believe that Spencer has got it right when he says that it will give other classes an opportunity to pull double duty and I think this class could prove to be a big favourite in attracting our fellow European Sportsman drag racers to Santa Pod Raceway. "The bad news is that due to business and financial commitments I am unable to compete with my D/A Valvoline Toyota Supra for at least the first half of the season, but not to worry I will be present at all race meetings so if anybody wants to talk Comp Eliminator racing or European tour travelling or even needs crew assistance, then give us a call." If any UK racer would like information about Comp Eliminator including which class/index their car fits into, or if European racers would like to to find out more about UK Comp Eliminator, E-Mail Spencer at [email protected] or Nev Mottershead at [email protected]. A Rat Down Under. 28th March: The UK's Team Rat Rage Super Gas team will be missing the first part of the 2007 season due to travel commitments. Stuart and Helen are now the proud owners of residential visas to go and live and work in Australia and are headed off on an extended break to have a good look around Brisbane and on to Adelaide. "We got the idea from Mark and Sarah O'Halloran (ex-Super Gas) at Bob Lee's Bristol do last year", says Stuart Peck. "Mark, Sarah and their boys are now selling up and relocating. Another recent departure was Tut'Dave of Mike Bentley crewman fame, who I believe is now in Brisbane. After much beer we talked ourselves into giving it a go. ©Eurodragster.com "It was hard work getting the visas: it took over a year due to the complicated Australian immigration system but once they knew we were racers it seemed to get easier. Working for British Telecom for thirty years does pay off in the end, as telecommunications workers are sought-after out there! We are going out to meet the legal people who helped us get through it all, and hopefully get a foot hold on the property market before taking the plunge if we like it. Of course we will take in as many tracks as we can on the ANDRA drag racing circuit. "The ultimate goal will be to get the Camaro out there (right, picture courtesy and ©Sharkman) and, as we all know, they can't get enough drag racing in Oz. Who knows, one day you may see Rat Rage on one of the premier tracks, Willowbank Raceway near Brisbane in Queensland." SCR goes Retro. 28th March: Over twenty five thousand visitors to last weekend's Race Retro Show at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, filed past the combined stand belonging to Shakespeare County Raceway and the University of Derby Motorsport, writes SCR's Marketing Manager Jerry Cookson. "There was certainly a lot of interest in the Raceway's activities this year, particularly on the two main days, Saturday and Sunday", says Jerry. "This was equalled by the many questions asked about the students' University project Jaguar dragster bought on E-Bay two years ago from a racer in Germany." Project leader Steven Hill is hoping to run the car at SCR this year. "In its present form and with its stock Jaguar engine the dragster would be good for teaching our students what the sport is all about, but once we get our new chassis sorted I'm expecting high elevens", he said. The stand also gave visitors an insight into what grass roots drag racing is all about with various DVD presentations which caught everyone's interest. The NFAA Nitro Warriors DVD was shown together with a retro film of a National Drag Racing Club event shot for television at Snetterton in 1978. Model Monica Harris also took time out of her busy Lucas Oil schedule for to sit in on the stand (right). Shakespeare County would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You to Steve Wood and Sue Wythe from Motorshack and to the University's Steven Hill for making it all happen. ©Eurodragster.com The ultimate Harley DVD? 28th March: Just arrived from the Australian producers and available now from Ian Turburville is the legendary ADBA Top Fuel World Championships coverage, now on DVD and remastered with extra footage and special features. "In the year 2000 the American Drag Bike Association staged the most ambitious race series ever", says Turbo. "They picked the very best Nitro Harley teams from across the world and flew them all to Australia to compete against each other in a series of races at three different tracks. Riders from Europe, America, Australia and Canada vied to become the first true World Champion and the action was hot! The DVD is region free and will play anywhere. The quality is great, the action non-stop and the music stomping! The DVD is dedicated to the late Jim McClure who competed and won the first round there, and features interviews, candid shots and great filming. Thrills, spills, girls and nitro, it's all here. This DVD is a must-see for all drag race fans and is one I guarantee you will watch over and over again! "Turboville is the exclusive UK distributor of this great DVD and it can be ordered from the web site for £14.99 plus £2.50 p+p, or it will be available from the Turboville Top Fuel Bike at all major races this year starting with the Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway this Saturday." ©Eurodragster.com Another sponsor for BDRC. 28th March: Our good friend Fahad Taqi tells us that the owner of Dirab Motorsports Park visited the Bahrain International Circuit last Thursday. He noticed that the Bahrain Drag Racing Club officials worked hard through the dust and rain and was very impressed with their devotion to drag racing, and when he found out that the officials were all unpaid volunteers he immediately contacted the BDRC and presented them with a cheque for their efforts and sponsored the Club. ©Eurodragster.com The picture shows Mr Shaheen of Dirab Motorsports Park presenting Saeed Al-Nooh, BDRC Head of PR, with the sponsorship cheque for the BDRC. "This is the fifth sponsorship for the Club since its new start in September 2006", says Fahad. "The other sponsors are Chevrolet Motorsports, Addax Investment Bank, Hacons and VP Racing. "Dirab Motorsprts Park is a new track which will be built in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The facility will comprise a state of the art facility incorporating an FIA-standard quarter mile drag strip and go-kart facility as well as off-road Dirt Bike circuit. The race track will become a new source of pride for Riyadh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Web site updates. 28th March: Eurodragster.com Reserve Photographer Peter Donaldson has updated his personal photo gallery site with a large number of pictures from the weekend's Run What You Brung and Fast Show at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Peter's shots at peterdonaldson5305.fotopic.net. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 27th March: As promised in yesterday's news update, we have now posted Peter's gallery from the weekend's Fast Show at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Peter's pictures, which are presented in association with American Car Imports, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page and selecting The Fast Show. ©Eurodragster.com Could those of our sponsors who have not yet paid their 2007 fee please get in touch with us at [email protected]. Editor's note: Only a very brief news update today (Tuesday) as we are away attending Bill Robinson's funeral. We will be back as usual tomorrow. Set to strike. 26th March: Tony Betts and the UK's Venom Racing Fuel Altered team have been working hard over the winter modifying, rebuilding and updating the Altered ready for the forthcoming season. "Many new parts have been added along with an updated computer data logging system. Thanks to the continued support of our sponsors we have a new spare engine along with a comprehensive spares package", says team member David. "Our objective this year is to improve on our Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association record of 6.702 seconds by making the car more consistent and reliable. "Members of the team recently visited Group Stirling Ltd to check on the progress of our new trailer. The new trailer is to be fitted with a full-length awning supplied by Weatherweave: Alex can be contacted on 01268 7741141 or visit www.weatherweave.co.uk. "Our new nose cone has been designed and built by fibreglass maestro Pete Malmsjo. These are available to order. For all your fibreglass requirements contact Pete via Venom Racing at [email protected] or visit our web site at www.venomracing.co.uk. "Venom Racing are pleased to confirm the continuing support of the following companies for the 2007 season: ©Eurodragster.com "Superpower Unlimited have supplied us with a new billet Hampton 14-71 supercharger. Give Kenny a call on 07067 728175 or visit Superpower Unlimited's web site all your engine or supercharger requirements. "Daniel King of Teng Tools has confirmed continued support for the second season. Teng Tools have supplied us with a comprehensive toolkit, toolboxes and benches for our workshop and trailer. Call Teng on 01525 711500 or visit their web site. "Our Ford Econoline team support vehicle has been to Custom Art where it has undergone a complete colour change to diamond white. It is currently awaiting a graphics package to complete its makeover. Ian can be contacted on 01708 344441 or visit the Custom Art web site for all your paint, airbrush and graphics requirements." Frost takes the Mickeys. 26th March: The UK's Andy Frost (click on picture for large version), owner of the the world's quickest street-legal car on pump gas, has signed a sponsorship deal with legendary race tyre manufacture Mickey Thompson. The Wolverhampton-based Vauxhall team ran an amazing 7.8 in street-legal trim at the 2006 FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway and sent a shock wave through the street racing world. Andy's awesome performance from the twin-turbo Vauxhall was made possible with the world's fastest street radial, the Mickey Thompson ET Street Radial. The tyres hooked up perfectly for the Red Victor's power and suspension set-up and it was not long before the new combination took Andy to the winners' circle as he won the 2006 Castrol Street Car Challenge at Santa Pod Raceway. ©Eurodragster.com Lee Child of Eurodragster.com Links sponsor LA Racing Parts says that he saw this as a perfect opportunity to promote a great product, combined with a team which has tremendous promotional skills. "Andy has placed himself in front of millions of people via television, specialist magazines, newspapers, FIA events and Youtube.com", says Lee. "The team are really happy with this association with Mickey Thompson tyres", says Andy. "They are without a doubt a forward-thinking company who never stop in their quest for breakthroughs in tyre technology for street and strip. They are a perfect compliment to our team which has never stood still with its development and who never plan on doing so. We feel that 2007 will be a year to remember in drag racing and mainstream motoring for both MT and ourselves." Mickey Thompson in America and the UK have worked together on this great package for Andy Frost and can see the winning potentional of this team. For information on Mickey Thompson tyres contact LA Racing Parts on 01803 554308 or for a free Mickey Thompson mini-catalogue E-Mail your address to [email protected]. Picture by Peter Donaldson Web site updates. 26th March: Roger has again produced a bonus photo gallery from an NHRA National event, this time an additional twenty five pictures from last week's AC Delco NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville. You can check out the Gainesville bonus gallery, which is presented in association with John Woolfe Racing, by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com Our Reserve Photographer Peter Donaldson was at Santa Pod Raceway at the weekend getting shots from Saturday's damp Run What You Brung and yesterday's heaving Fast Show at which a number of racers were scheduled to make demonstration passes. Stay tuned and we will let you know as soon as we have posted Peter's pictures. Swift snippets. 25th March: A passenger ride with UK Real Steel Street Eliminator racer Ron Haslett is on offer in an auction on the BuySellCortina web site at www.buysellcortina.co.uk/auction/item.php?id=2. The auction is again in aid of the Macmillan Trust, a charity very close to Ron's heart and for which he has already raised a substantial amount of money. We can make that even more substantial folks; you know what to do. ©Eurodragster.com Brian Taylor would like to track down Edwin McKnight and Liam Churchill for help with his forthcoming book Crazy Horses. "I'm trying to track the Clive Lanson Enterprises / European Dragways / Superdrag stories", says Brian. "All three companies sponsored NDRC and other events in the 1970s, Superdrag taking over from European Dragways in 1976 according to information in race meeting programmes. I have most of the information, and I'll no doubt get more when I read through the magazines covering that era. But it would be useful to contact Edwin or Liam to qualify a few details". If you are out there guys, or if you know Edwin or Liam, then please drop Brian a line at [email protected]. We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to multiple FIA European Top Methanol Dragster racer Dave Wilson. Hope that you have a great day, Grumpy. Eric Medlen and Robert E Petersen. 24th March: By now you will likely have read or heard that US Fuel FC racer Eric Medlen died yesterday as a result of injuries suffered in a crash in testing earlier this week. Roger and Tog were privileged to meet Eric when he travelled to London as part of John Force's party in December 2005. He came across to us as a genuine and modest young man who had not let his position in one of the world's leading drag racing teams affect his attitude or outlook in any way at all. Probably like a lot of our readers we assumed that Eric's brain injury was down to deceleration and that he would very quickly recover and be back out on the track in very short order. Unfortunately we were very wrong this time. We would like to offer our deepest sympathies to Eric's family and his friends including all of his colleagues at John Force Racing. You won't be forgotten Eric. You can read tributes to Eric on the NHRA web site at www.nhra.com and on the John Force Racing web site at www.johnforce.com. We were also very sorry to learn of the death yesterday of Robert E Petersen. Robert founded Hot Rod magazine in 1948 and organised the first-ever Hot Rodding show in Los Angeles that year. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career not only in the service of hot rodding and motoring publications but also doing public service. He also founded the Petersen Automotive Museum in 1994 which stands as a lasting tribute to his achievements. Robert was one of a small but select group whose position in history is guaranteed, as without them we might not be here doing this. Again to Robert's family and friends, our very deepest sympathies and to Robert our gratitude for everything he achieved for us. Feature: NHRA at Gainesville. 23rd March: The latest in our occasional series of Features in association with John Woolfe Racing is Roger's report and photographs from last weekend's AC Delco NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville. As usual Roger has covered every class, both Pro and Sportsman, and posted pictures of all of the winners plus shots of Jimmy Ålund and Michael Malmgren's new rides. ©Eurodragster.com You can check out Roger's report and pictures by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Swift snippets. 23rd March: Courtesy of Micke of Speedghost Racing comes this shot of work in progress on the body of the Fuel FC, owned by Knut Söderquist, which Patrik Pers will be racing in 2007 (click on picture for large version). As big fans of flame jobs on race cars we were very pleased to see the flames from the wheel arches continuing the theme from the beautifully-decorated Top Fueller which Patrik drove in 2006. UK blown-alcohol altered team Bennett Racing have announced sponsorship from Paul Bland in the form of a new Topolino body for Frank Bennett's altered, which will be fitted mid-season. "Paul has moulds for various altered bodies, seats, scoops, front nose cones, and he also offers a one-off service to the motorsport industry", says Luke Bennett. "You dream it and Paul will make it. He deals in in fibreglass and more exotic materials such as carbon, aramids and pre-preg. Thanks also to Paul as he also sponsored our 23T during 2005 and 2006". More details at www.bennettracing.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com We have two birthdays today. First up is a Happy Birthday to Dutch Top Fuel Dragster racer and Blogger extraordinaire Lex Joon, and next up is a Happy 50th Birthday to UK Super Pro ET racer Mark Flavell, and Crew Chief Craig Owen and all the MFR crew have asked us to send their best wishes. Here's hoping that you both have great days, guys. Web site updates. 23rd March: Alan Currans' excellent Acceleration Archive has been updated with a fourth page from Kelvin Fagan's collection. Alan tells us that this page is the usual eclectic mix of cars and bikes from yesteryear but with a touch of glamour. "Yes folks, stockings and suspenders come to the Acceleration Archive!", says Alan. "Having now got your attention I can tell you that other notable inclusions are Dennis Priddle's Mr Six rear engined fueller, the Pro Comp dragsters of Gerry Andrews and the late Jim Read, Owen Hayward driving the Houndog 9 flopper, Gary Page driving the Kopex Methanol Funny Car, the late Graham Hawes' Black Magic Pro Comp funny car, and plenty more besides". Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com If you like your Hot Rods which is, after all, where this all came from then we can recommend a visit to the new Bristol Hot Rods web site put together by Ian Thomas. The nicely-designed site showcases some splendid examples of the art of Hot Rodding and is well worth a look in at www.bristolhotrods.co.uk. Bill Robinson's funeral. 22nd March: Many thanks to Carole Ismail for passing on the funeral details for ACU Bike Steward Bill Robinson, who died on Tuesday. Bill's funeral will take place at 1:30 pm next Tuesday, 27th March, at the Methodist Chapel in High Street, Wollaston, Northamptonshire (click here for a map). All are welcome to attend. Bill's wife Daphne has asked that flowers are sent only by family but donations in memory of Bill, which will be divided between Marie Curie, Hospice at Home and the Macmillan Nurses, can be sent to the Funeral Director: Abbott and Sons Bedford Road Rushden Northants NN10 0LZ We hear the Whites are at home... 22nd March: UK Pro Mod racer Ray White has fired up the engine of his Lethal Zephyr for the first time this year and tells us that it sounded awesome. Ray has also decided that his neighbours quite liked the noise. ©Eurodragster.com "We just pushed it out of the garage and fired it (right, click on picture for large version)", says Ray. "The sound of a blower motor running in the middle of a residental area, instead of taking the car down to the industrial estate where the lorry is kept, was amazing. The sound echoed off the surrounding houses. Still, no-one complained so they must have enjoyed the sound. "The new fully floating rear end is all installed, well done to Andy Robinson Race Cars who turned it round for me in five days. All of the new Lenco gears have arrived and will be installed next week so we are in pretty good shape. "Neil from Prosign flicked his magic paint brush over the fuel tank and it looks amazing. We will see you all at the test weekend before the Easter Thunderball." Wilson Tools up with Silverline. 22nd March: Four time FIA Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave Wilson has his sights firmly set on a record fifth championship title for 2007. To help Dave achieve this aim, he has signed Silverline Tools as the team's new primary sponsor. Silverline Tools is probably the fastest growing supplier of top quality hand and power tools to wholesalers, merchants and retailers in the UK. The company was established in 1978 and now occupies a new, purpose-built office and warehouse complex in Yeovil. It carries huge stocks enabling it to supply ex-stock and offer next day delivery. The company's product range is constantly being reviewed, tested and extended to meet the needs of today's tool buyers, and their customers. Silverline is ISO 9001 accredited. "Silverline Tools are delighted to continue to sponsor Dave Wilson Racing into a fifth year", said Jill Keen from Silverline's Marketing Division. It is a special privilege to graduate from an associate sponsor to a primary sponsor in 2007. Silverline have been involved with Dave since 2003 and have followed his achievements in drag racing with great pride. We have accompanied and supported him on his journey and will be with him every step of the way in 2007. Silverline are also Official Tool Supplier to Santa Pod Raceway and are dedicated to helping to promote this exciting sport." ©Eurodragster.com In addition the team is supported by associate sponsors Playstation 3, Lucas Oil Products, IronCAD, 1st Line Motorcycles Ltd, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, and Euro American Car Services Ltd. "I am delighted to be going into the 2007 season with the primary sponsorship of Silverline Tools and my associate sponsors", said Dave Wilson. "The team are working hard to get the dragster and transporter ready at our workshop in Hampshire, we already have our new livery designed by Darren West of Power Race Graphics and nearing completion (right, click on picture for large version), our new web site is up on the internet, and we intend to hit the ground running at Easter." Dave Wilson's Silverline Tools Racing Team will be racing at the following events in 2007: 6th-9th April: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway, UK 25th-28th May: FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway, UK 16th-17th June: Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway, UK 5th-8th July: FIA Nitro Nationals, Alastaro, Finland 26th-29th July: FIA Veidec Festival, Mantorp Park, Sweden 2nd-5th August: FIA Exporama Drag Challenge, Gardermoen, Norway 6th-9th September: FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway, UK 29th-30th September: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway, UK For more information about Dave Wilson's Silverline Tools Racing Team and sponsorship, visit the team's brand new web site at www.silverlinedragracing.com. Denmark's biggest drag race. 22nd March: When the gates open at the former military airbase at Vandel for the Danish Midsummer Nationals on Friday 22nd June, they will be opening on the biggest-ever drag racing event in Denmark. "We have managed to get a round of the two biggest drag racing series in Europe: the Nordic Drag Racing Series and the Toyo Scandinavian Dragracing Series", says Holger Dueholm of Streetfire Promotion. "Some of the best drivers in Scandinavia and Europe will present themselves at Vandel on the weekend 22nd-24th June and if this is a success then we will work towards a round of the FIA and UEM European Championships." All three Danish-owned Top Fuel teams will compete in Vandel this year: Stig Neergaard, Rene Hersland and Andersen Racing. Everyone is set to beat Kim Reymond's track record from 2001. Andersen Racing, who have a habit of taking their drivers to the winners' circle, will this year have two-time European champion Andy Carter in the driver's seat. There will also be Top Fuel racing on two wheels as the Danish RCS team with Finn Asserbo as rider will present their two Top Fuel bikes, a newly-acquired four-cylinder bike, and the Honda CBX based six-cylinder bike that the team has been campaigning in the European Championship. ©Eurodragster.com Besides these, there will be lots of other exciting classes for spectators watch, from hot street cars to the Top Doorslammers which reach 350 km/h in about 6.5 seconds over the quarter mile. In addition to the above mentioned series, the Danish Midsummer Nationals will also be a part of the Dutch Explosion series and of course a round of the Danish Championship for both bikes and cars. "I can promise you that this will be the biggest ever drag racing event in Denmark", says Holger. "It will be an action-packed weekend, with racing starting at 14:00 on and I advise spectators to come early. There is free camping by the track, and with expected 200 + teams there will be lots of spectacular cars and bikes to look at. On Saturday evening there will be a big midsummer party with a live band, so there is no excuse to stay at home." More information about the Danish Midsummer Nationals will be available soon at www.streetfire.nu, www.ndcd.dk and www.dragbike.dk, or contact Holger at [email protected] or call + 45-23228018. Swift snippets. 22nd March: Speedgroup AB, the company set up by racers to develop drag racing in Europe together with promoters, track owners and sponsors, has announced a contingency sponsorship scheme for the FIA and FIM/UEM European Championships. Classix Graphix and Brown and Miller Racing Solutions will be paying prize money to the winners and runners-up at all European Championship rounds. The scheme is open to Speedgroup AB members and you can find out more on the company's web site at www.speedgroup.eu. Many thanks to Kjell Pettersson of Santa Pod Raceway for sending us the provisional running order for the Autotrader Easter Thunderball. You can check out the provisional running order by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. We will publish a more detailed schedule showing the order of Sportsman classes nearer to the event. Shakespeare County Raceway have been in touch to advise racers and race fans that advance tickets are available for the May Bank Holiday Springfest National Drag Races, together with other events taking place at the Raceway. Tickets can now be purchased by either calling 01789 414119 during normal office hours or by E-Mailing ticket requirements together with credit/debit card details to [email protected]. Brian Taylor, still working on his book Crazy Horses which will document the history and culture of UK drag racing, sent a picture of what looks uncannily like a drag race in Blackpool in 1904 (click on picture for large version). "Two stripped down cars ready to race with flag start", says Brian. "They might not have been racing to get to the end of the track first, but with the fastest average speed under contention who's to say that they were not racing. Hopefully it shows how serious I am in writing the history of drag racing, as it happened and in the right context, rather than just the bits I remember. I can't remember Blackpool 1904 as my father wasn't even alive then, and Dennis Priddle isn't one of the racers. He's not that old either. He just feels it sometimes." Santa Pod Raceway have been in touch to remind readers that VIP Hospitality places are still available for the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball which takes place on 6th-9th April. "Prices start from just £79 + VAT per person or £650 + VAT for a table of 10 and are designed for you to enjoy a great day's racing in comfort", says Jo Harris of Santa Pod. "This is an ideal opportunity to entertain valued clients, sponsors and guests or simply treat yourself! For further information and to book your tickets please contact Donna on 01234 782828." UK Top Fuel Bike racer Ian King was honoured to be invited to yesterday's second round of the Total SA National Drag Racing Championship at South Africa's Tarlton Raceway by motorsport personality, sponsor and drag race enthusiast Brad Anassis. "Featuring Jet cars, Top Alcohol Dragsters, TAFCs, Altereds, Modifieds, four, six, and eight cylinder Street cars, bikes up to and over 1000cc and last but definitely not least the ProStreet Bikes, the event is one not to be missed by SA's thriving drag racing fans", says Ian. For more information on the event check out www.tarltonrace.com. ©Eurodragster.com Photographer Stephen Wexler tells us that he had a fantastic response to his offer of a free photo shoot in Monday's news. "The offer is now closed", says Stephen. "However, if any racer would like to get in touch for a photo shoot at the end of the season, then please contact me on 01772 336284 or 0781 804 3620, E-Mail [email protected]. Nigel Fitzmaurice of Nitro FM has been in touch to say Thank You for the messages he has received after his recent accident and subsequent "butchering" in hospital. "I am fine and recuperating, after all I have to be ready for Easter", says Nigel. "My weekly show on Castledown Radio will resume next Tuesday, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, in a wheelchair if need be. Some great news is imminent from Nitro FM so stay tuned to Eurodragster.com and santapod.com." Lawrence Dolan tells us that he has started an on-line petition to save the Barn at Santa Pod, which as reported here last Wednesday is scheduled to be removed at the insistence of Bedford Borough Council. You can find the petition at www.ipetitions.com/petition/pod. Magazine update. 22nd March: Jerry Cookson tells us that the latest issue of Gasser Wars magazine, available now from American Auto Mags at £4.95, features Ron Yaroshuk's pair of English Austins. Built for speed, Ron's pair of red and yellow racers runs out of Mission Raceway, British Columbia with the more striking of the two, a 5.2 litre A40 pick-up, capable of running low nine second passes. Also taking centre stage is 'Burnout' Bob Schmidt's '40 Willys pick-up, Paul Hincke's '53 Thames and the East Coast Gasser finals at Atco Raceway. ©Eurodragster.com Nearer to home, the latest issue of the UK's grass roots hot rodding magazine Hot Rod Gazette features a girlie photo shoot with Carl Powles' '33 Ford pick-up, the latest instalment from HRG's Project Thames, and round-ups from the Bakersfield Hot Rod Reunion, Hull Multi-Storey Show and the NSCC series. For single issue and subscription details check out www.hotrodgazette.com. Drag racing also features in the April issue of Classic American with two of Surrey Muscle's featured flyers including Phil Caswell's High Tension Pontiac Pro ET racer, a regular at Shakespeare County Raceway. Web site updates. 22nd March: Our reserve photographer Peter Donaldson has updated his personal web site with a large collection of pictures from the weekend's Straightliners/200mph event at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Peter's pictures at peterdonaldson5305.fotopic.net. ©Eurodragster.com Bill Robinson. 21st March: It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of ACU Bike Steward Bill Robinson after a long illness. Bill officiated as ACU Bike Steward for several years and was a familiar sight at both Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways, usually accompanied by wife Daphne. He was very popular with, and held in high respect by, both racers and track and Club officials and was a great supporter of our sport. In our experience Bill was a real gentleman of the old school, and SPRC official Carole Ismail summed it up very nicely for us when she said "Bill was a lovely man who made a lasting impression on everyone he met for all the right reasons, and he will always be in our hearts and memories." ©Eurodragster.com We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Bill's wife Daphne and to all of his family and friends. If you would like to send a tribute then please address it to [email protected] and it will be posted on the King Racing web site. Bill's funeral is to be held in Wollaston, and we will bring you the details as soon as we receive them. Rest in peace, Bill. Got a Top Fuel question? 20th March: This week we are offering Eurodragster.com readers the chance to submit questions or suggestions for subjects for inclusion in Dutch Top Fuel Dragster racer Lex Joon's exclusive Racer Blog. Lex's Blog, which is currently being updated every fortnight but which will be updated weekly during the race season, is one of the most popular features of Eurodragster.com and has already covered a wide range of subjects both on- and off-track giving thousands of readers around the planet a deep insight into the running of a Top Fuel Dragster team. ©Eurodragster.com If there is something you've always wanted to know about running or driving a Top Fuel Dragster, or indeed about Lex, then now is your chance. Drop us a line at [email protected] specifying Lex Joon Blog as the subject, and in the body of the E-Mail give your question or subject, your name, and your country. We will pass all questions and subjects received to Lex and he will answer a selection, and if your question is chosen then you will of course get a name check in that week's Blog. In this week's Blog entry, Lex describes some of the modifications he and his team have made to the MPM Oil Top Fuel Dragster as a result of this year's rule changes. You can check out Lex's Blog by clicking here, or by clicking on the Racer Blog link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. VWDRC sponsors post big prize fund. 20th March: The Committee of the UK's Volkswagen Drag Racing Club is both pleased and proud to announce its largest sponsorship deal for racers since the mid-1990s. With over twenty companies getting involved, 2007 will see the largest-ever prize fund for the winning driver in each of the three classes. All three classes - VW Pro, VW Sportsman and VW Alternate Engine - will run decals featuring all of the companies' logos and the prize fund payout at the end of the season for each of the three classes will be as follows: Champion £650 Runner-up £400 Third place £200 It is fitting that in this, the VWDRC's twentieth consecutive year of Championship Drag Racing, that the Champions will receive their largest-ever reward alongside the trophy and prestige of being Champion of their class. The companies involved are Aircooled Performance, Bears Motorsport Transmissions, Eastfalia, Graffix Detail, GSF Car Parts, HIC Insurance, Intergalactic Custom Shop, Kingfisher Kustoms, LA Performance, Machine 7, NAS Events, Nefarious Pinstriping, Odd-Ball Import Ltd, Raceshack, Skibbly TV, Slook.co.uk, Stateside Tuning, Street Style and Power, TSR Engine Conversions, Type Three Detectives, Volksworld Magazine, Volkszone.com, and VW Heritage. If you are a fan of VW Drag Racing, when ordering goods, parts or services, please remember those companies who have given something back. ©Eurodragster.com Haslett to race after all. 20th March: We were very pleased to hear from Real Steel Street Eliminator racer Ron Haslett that he will after all be racing this season. Ron has had a lot to cope with recently, both with his health and the loss of a sponsor (although he'd be the last to moan - Ed), but everything has come good at just the right moment and we will be seeing the wild Cortina in action in 2007. "I'd like to start off by saying a big Thank You to Express Gearboxes for their support over the years and to our new sponsors PMCC", says Ron. ©Eurodragster.com "Some of you may remember that we weren't going to race this year due to my health last year and losing a key sponsor in, FG Wilson, without whom we wouldn't have gotten where we are, so thank you. Now thanks to Tony and his team at PMCC we have the backing to run the full season. So we've gone from a team which was going to watch this season to getting ready in just under a month. Almost everything is now done: the new nitrous system is now plumbed and wired, thank you Trev at Wizard of Nos. I've even found time to paint the motorhome. "As for the health side of things, I'm in the clear at the moment but as I have now had it three times in five years I'm always looking for it to come back. But it's a free facelift every couple of years. I'm not sure if my helmet fits any more, as I think my right ear has moved a couple of inches." Swift snippets. 20th March: At least €5000 in prize money is on offer for the Super Gas Champ drag racing series which is to be contested on a five-best-of-six basis with five rounds in Germany and one in Denmark. Several racers have already signed up for the Championship but there is plentry of room for more. You can find out all about it on the series' official web site at www.supergaschamp.com which is presented in both German and English. UK Super Pro ET racer Chris Orthodoxou tells us that the Keith Black engine of his Dodge Viper has now been rebuilt after trial runs in 2006 and is now ready to be set to kill. "A message to Fords and Chevy: Mopar = Move Over Power Approaching Rapidly", says Chris. Chris' excellent new web site at www.apocalypsemotorsport.com includes details not just of the swoopy Viper but also the US-built aluminium trailers for which he provides a full consultation, design, construction, import and delivery service. ©Eurodragster.com A Chevrolet Shootout is to be held at the Bahrain International Circuit this Thursday (22nd) including a burnout contest and prizes for Best Reaction Time and Closest to Dial-In. Fahad Taqi of the Bahrain Drag Racing Club tells us that the event will be attended by Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman responsible for Product Development. More information at www.bahraindrag.com. Team Freddy's Revenge and Team Tipsy have asked us to send best wishes to 'Naughty' Nigel Fitzmaurice of Nitro FM who has been in hospital following an accident. "Let's hope that Nigel is well enough to do his stuff at the Easter Thunderball", says Dave Grabham. Here's hoping; get well soon Nigel. Best wishes also to US Fuel Funny Car racer Eric Medlen who was injured in a top end crash in testing at Gainesville yesterday (Monday). The first official word on Eric's condition is due to be posted at midday today Florida time. PMR's new baby. 20th March: Paul Marston Racing are very proud to announce that their new race car, to be unveiled at the Autotrader Easter Thunderball, is the team's first dragster. Paul Marston says that the car is currently unique in the UK: This is the very first four-link dragster to run in the UK National Championships. Four-link Dragsters have competed in the States in National Events since their invention some twelve years ago but this is the first to arrive in England. What makes a four-link dragster so special? Firstly let me explain exactly what a four-link is. It's basically exactly what it says, a four-link suspension system that attaches the axle to the race car as opposed to your traditional dragster which solid mounts the rear axle - you would call it a hardtail - or in some cases they are slip-jointed chassis but not suspended, only a four-link is a true suspended dragster. The addition of the suspension system, which incidentally is exactly the same set-up as what is underneath your typical tube-chassied doorslammer, makes a four-link dragster on average a little longer at around a 243-inch wheelbase and due to the hardware naturally a little heavier compared to a hardtail. So what are the advantages? Well, firstly, driveability. They can handle a lot of horsepower and offer very consistent repeatability. Secondly you do not see four-links affected by changing track conditions - they are a lot more forgiving. Thirdly and most importantly for Paul Marstons Drag Race School, they are considered the safest, smoothest, most manageable, most forgiving, easiest dragsters to drive. Four-link dragsters act in a unique way when braking too, they load the rear tyres the exact opposite to a Hardtail, making them very predictable and stable when in the braking zone, a very important consideration for competitive Bracket Racing. The addition of a four-link dragster means that the Drag Race Driving School is now able to offer Junior Dragster drivers a progressive path from Junior Dragster to the full scale version. This is something which PMR thought important to the future development of our great sport of drag racing. ©Eurodragster.com Easter sees the debut of Ugly, the four-link dragster, sporting my officially-designated NHRA Super Comp race number SC 803 with Tethys competing in both Super Comp and Super Pro ET. Tethys and I both hold current NHRA Super Pro dragster licences, Tethys having earned his last year at Frank Hawley's Drag Race School at Gainesville. Testing and runs will, weather permitting, be completed before the Easter Thunderball. Just about everyone at PMR has had a hand in the concept, design, construction and assembly of Ugly, so a sincere thanks goes out to Gary Springford (My Dad), Gary's Dad, Fireman Sam (Andy), The Crew Chief, Sefton Whitlock, Lizz McCarthy, Tethys, Robin Banks, Ferret, Mick Pusey, Anthony Middleton, Steve Bolton, Mick Howling, Dave Catton and all who sailed in her! As you would expect there is already interest the dragster, which also sports some very cutting edge technology on board. Be prepared for something that looks completely different too, it's totally unique. Sporting another Danny Klein paintjob, its an awesome looking piece. Mark my words, Sportsman drag racing in the UK will never be the same after other competitors see just what this baby can do. If you have any enquiries on construction of your very own four-link dragster, or if you have any enquiries about booking driving courses - full one or two day courses for experience, teaching, licensing or National event competition - then please call me on 07831 650230 or the office on 0208 597 4575, or E-Mail [email protected]. Magazine update. 20th March: The latest Magazine Update sees the rebirth of an old friend Full Throttle News, the latest American title on the shelves of Graham Rennie's American Auto Mags emporium in deepest Cheshire, write Jerry Cookson: The last time I saw a copy of Full Throttle News, the magazine was a mere basic black and white production of locally based Californian race reports, the occasional European report written by Yours Truly, and laced with the occasional So-Cal racer feature. But that was some time ago. Now, having overcome production difficulties, print costs and the usual publication blues, I'm pleased to say Full Throttle News has blossomed into a lavish full colour bi-monthly magazine devoted to every aspect of American grass roots, Nostalgia and Sportsman ET racers. With Richard Heath still at the helm, the latest issue is packed with quality photos taken by some of the sport's key lensmen, and written by reporters whose passion in life is not all NHRA Professional rag racing. Although the odd professional article does appear the basis of the magazine is built up around the Nostalgia scene from celebrations of the last ever VRA Championships, the eighth Fuel and Gas Finals and the ANRA Finals from LA County. There are plenty of behind the scenes features too including a look at Mike Irwin's CIFCA ZR-1 Corvette Funny Car, the Lawson Brothers ET family tree, and Ellen Lee's pick in Nostalgia Race Girl. Full Throttle is very much a quality mag with an exceptional feel, and isn't like other magazines printed on sub-standard paper with poor quality photos. It will certainly give Vintage Fuel, its competitor in the other lane, a run for its money. If you get hold of a copy from American Auto Mags on a regular basis then Graham will keep bringing the issues to these shores. Check it out at www.americanautomags.com. Believe me you won't be disappointed. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 20th March: If you ever wondered what it is like to drive a Fuel Altered then Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association Series Co-ordinator Lawrie Gatehouse has found the answer for you in an excellent article on the Northern Thunder web site at www.northernthunder.com/hell.html. If you enjoy accounts of race car drives then Alan Currans' excellent Acceleration Archive offers a piece from the 1970s about driving Liam Churchill's Euro Sting which you can read by clicking here, and here on Eurodragster.com you can read a piece by your News Editor about driving Nev Mottershead's then-Super Gasser by clicking here. ©Eurodragster.com Our good friend Jon Spoard has updated his excellent UK Drag Racing Nostalgia web site with a video made by Trevor Gardiner as part of his degree at Middlesex Polytechnic in 1978. Filmed at Snetterton, the video features interviews with Dennis Priddle and Liz and Ollie Burn, plus some good racing action including Malcolm Olley's Piink Panther Jet car storming towards the camera whilst losing its main parachute. The UKDRN site also features a forum dedicated to the discussion of nostalgia which has already generated some 2200 threads and 1000 pictures on all manner of historical subjects. Check it out at www.ukdrn.co.uk. 2007 Perfect ET Award. 19th March: We are pleased to announce that the Eurodragster.com/LA Racing Parts Perfect ET Award is to continue into 2007. Lee Child of LA Racing Parts has also introduced a bonus scheme. As in previous years, the Perfect ET Award will be presented to the first racer at an event to run to the thousandth on their index or dial-in. The Award will start at £50 and if not claimed will be increased by £25 at each subsequent event until won. If the Award has been won then it will start at £50 again at the next event. New for 2007 is a £100 cash bonus if the Perfect ET Award winner goes on to win their class at that event. We're sure that racers will join us in thanking Lee for his continued support of drag racing and of Eurodragster.com. Another important change to the Perfect ET Award this year is that racers will be required to carry decals, one on each side of the vehicle, car or bike. The decals (right) will firstly be available at Signing On at Santa Pod Raceway for the Autotrader Easter Thunderball but please note that, as is usual with contingency schemes, racers are responsible for requesting or picking up decals when signing on. A list of required decals per class is always on display in Signing On but the eligible classes for the Perfect ET Award at the Easter Thunderball are Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Sportsman ET, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Junior Dragster (Award applies during eliminations only), 9.50 Bike, the Wild Bunch, VW Pro, VW Sportsman and VW Alternate Engine. Alternately if you would like to get your decals in advance then please send Lee Child an E-Mail at [email protected] giving your name, address and class. ©Eurodragster.com The provisional calendar of events for the 2007 Eurodragster.com/LA Racing Parts Perfect ET Award is as follows: Autotrader Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway Big Bang, Santa Pod Raceway (9.50 Bike only) Spring Speed Festival, Shakespeare County Raceway FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway Veidec Festival, Mantorp Park Open Sports Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway Extreme Performance Bike Weekend (9.50 Bike only) UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway We will bring you news about this year's Perfect Light Award very soon. The HP Fairy visits Gainesville. 19th March: Our good buddy Magnus Cato tells us that both Michael Malmgren and Jimmy Ålund were very happy with their 6.7-second performances at Gainesville at the weekend. ©Eurodragster.com "Michael struggled a bit both with set-up and some mechanical issues, but nothing serious", says Magnus. "He finally made a decent pass in the last qualifying round. Even Greg Anderson said that the weather and the track combined were difficult to read and adapt to, so we must say that the teams did an amazing job. You could see a lot of teams shaking their tires on race day so sometimes the parameters you get to work with are too good. "Some said that it was like the Horsepower Fairy had sprinkled the teams with another 50 hp!" Exxon marks the spot. 19th March: Father and daughter teams are few and far between in any sport, but Super Gas and Junior Modified Dragster racers Conrad and Anna Stanley of Panther Racing UK are one of those few, and are proud to announce the support of the world's largest publicly owned energy company, Exxon, in the guise of Mobil 1 Lubricants for the 2007 season. "We're looking to do the guys at Mobil proud this season", says Conrad. "They've put a lot of faith in us as a team and we're keen not to let them down. One thing you can always bank on with all the team at Panther Racing UK is their commitment to a challenge. With Exxon's company revenues in excess of 370 billion dollars in 2005-6 there's none bigger." Exxon has a presence in some two hundred countries and territories around the world. It is the parent company of the Esso, Mobil and Exxon Mobil companies that operate in the United Kingdom. Exxon Mobil market world-leading motor oils Mobil 1 and Esso Ultron and supply more than five hundred different types of lubricants for industry, is the official oil for NASCAR, and has a major presence in the Indy Racing League, the American Le Mans series and Formula 1. ©Eurodragster.com "Mobil lubricants have been available in the United Kingdom since 1886", says the Brand Manager for Mobil 1 in the UK. "From their introduction to the present day Mobil lubricants have been relied upon across a range of applications and industries from Donald Campbell's record attempts to the flight of Concorde. Drag racing is motorsport in its extreme and we're pleased to be involved with such a promising team." "It's brilliant, we're really pleased", adds twelve-year-old Anna. "Their support this season will make a real difference to our team and we couldn't be happier. All dad and I have to do now is get the results we want. It isn't going to be easy, but we'll both do our best." For more information on Panther Racing UK and Mobil Oil visit the team's web site at www.pantherracinguk.com. Hurry - free photo session on offer. 19th March: Photographer Stephen Wexler of Eclipse Photos has a slot in his photographic studio next Sunday (25th) and is offering it free to the first racer to get in touch. The slot is an hour and a half and there will be three other cars in attendance. Two models will attend but this will not be a glamour shoot. The racer will receive a free CD of the images for use on their web site or in the media and Stephen will help to promote the images to magazines. "The only cost to you is getting to my studio in Tamworth", says Stephen. This is the last such shoot which Stephen plans to undertake in 2007. If you are interested then please get in touch with Stephen on 01772 336284, 0781 804 3620 or by E-Mail at [email protected]. Stephen will also be attending Test and Tune events at Shakespeare County Raceway this year and will be offering an on-site printing service of high-quality 6" x 9" prints. Street Eliminator, the growth class. 19th March: With an unprecedented twenty one entries for the season-opening Easter Thunderball, the Real Steel Street Eliminator teams are keen to show the drag racing fans that they are back in force. The previous best was seventeen entries with a fifteen-car field, can that be beaten too? Regardless, its great to see so many entries into the fastest street-legal class in the world, says Ray Comer: We would like offer a welcome return to some old faces: Jon 'Moose' Hollingworth in the 501 ci 'Beige beast', Jeff Meads with a brand new chassis and, of course, former SE champion Ian Jackson with his twin turbo 'Vette. Also back this season after sustaining damage last year are Pete Smith in the Just Mental Corvette sporting a new chassis courtesy of Street Eliminator sponsor Webster Race Engineering, and of course me. The Big Mouse Camaro is back at last, with a new Knight Racing Services engine to replace the one which was so totally trashed at the last Thunderball, plus a few other shiny bits. We have some new faces too, both in Ford Mustangs. Steve Kellet has entered his beautiful 577 ci 'Stang and Mark Perkins makes his Real Steel Street Eliminator début in Jon Webster's old Mustang with a brand new Knight Racing Services 598 ci BBF powerplant. We're all looking forward to making them welcome in the pits. Will 2007 be the year of the turbo? Steve 'Splinter' Nash is back with the new lightweight Wild Cat Racing Cougar. Anyone who has seen a computer, magazine, newspaper etc. in the last seven months knows what Andy Frost is bringing to the table with the fantastic twin turbo Vauxhall. Who can ignore Jon Webster's tuning skills in the turbo'd, and now lightened, MG SV. Ian Jacksons twin turbo'd Corvette could certainly mix it up if it performs as well as it looks. Or will Nitrous still lead the way? 2006 Champion Ian Hook and 2005 Champion Colin Lazenby won't be laying down for anyone, that's for sure. The street-legal drag racing scene is going to be the one to watch this season, I almost wish I was watching it instead of competing. The new Street Eliminator web site should be unveiled soon, hopefully in time for the Easter Thunderball, more news on that shortly. We'd also like to thank our sponsors for continuing their support of the class: Real Steel have very kindly agreed once again to take the title sponsorship for the class for this season - to Charles we say thank you very much for your support; Powerpour will once again be offering contingency sponsorship for the quickest Reaction Time during eliminations at each event and also the overall reaction time during the season based on an average of a minimum number of runs; Webster Race Engineering have very kindly donated four gold Seven Second rings and very nice they are too. They will be awarded to the first four Street Eliminator racers to run a seven-second pass and back it up in the normal way; Eurodragster.com will once again be repeating their kind offer of support with framed pictures of the three finalists at the end of the season; American Car World will again be covering the class and offering their support; and Dave and Helen at Quartermilehigh.com will again be supporting us and producing the season video. Andy Robinson at Andy Robinson Race Cars is a new sponsor of the class and is offering contingency sponsorship to any racer running Stroud decals as recently reported on Eurodragster.com. Welcome Andy. And finally, but not least, Motorsport Marketing Solutions for their design help and Darren aka Flapper for all of his help in web site design. We have still openings for sponsorship for various awards: Hardest Launching Street Car, Most Improved Driver, Best Team Appearance etc. For details of our sponsorship packages please contact me at [email protected]. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 19th March: Santa Pod Raceway tell us that spaces are still available for the Peak Performance Day which takes place on Saturday 31st March. "This is an ideal opportunity for you to do those last-minute checks on your vehicles before the Autotrader Easter Thunderball the following weekend", says Jo Harris. "Booking is on a first come first served basis, so if you want to be in with a chance to get your vehicle on the track, please contact Natalie at Santa Pod Raceway on: 01234 782828 or book via www.santapodshop.com." This year's MSA British Drag Racing Championship for Pro Mod will be promoted by Trakbak Racing Ltd with all rights to the series owned by Trakbak CEO, Keith Bartlett. The Championship Co-ordinator will be Kjell Pettersson. While all five rounds in 2007 will take place at Santa Pod Raceway beginning with the Autotrader Easter Thunderball, other venues are expected to host rounds as the series grows and prospers in future years. A multi-year development plan is in place and details of the dedicated TV programming package will be announced soon. The Championship's official web site can be found at www.msadragracing.com and all enquiries can be E-Mailed to [email protected]. As promised Peter has supplied us with a set of photographs from the weekend's Straightliners/200mph event at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out the gallery, which is presented in association with American Car Imports, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com A day late (my fault entirely - Ed) but we would like to wish a very Happy Birthday for yesterday to our good buddy Barry Bohannon. Hope that you had a good day Barry and that you are saving the golden tonsils for duty in a few weeks' time. Toodle along the Prom, and more... 19th March: The calendar of events for the National Street Car Challenge has now been published at www.hotrodgazette.com and Shaun Wilson tells us that those competitors who have registered with the series will be receiving their rule books and series guides this week. This year's series not only includes rounds at the three major drag strips but will also include an eighth mile sprint down Southport Promenade as part of the AutoWorld weekend festival in July and a hillclimb at Shelsley Walsh in Septemeber. Now in its tenth year, the series has always put the emphasis firmly on streetability with drivers having to attend cruises and shows around the UK in addition to race meets. Last year Russ Pursley set a new class record with a 9.6-second pass from his Chevy-powered Dutton, although it was Graham Bell who won the challenge with consistent form from his twelve-second 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible. ©Eurodragster.com This year the series will again receive backing from John Sleath Race Cars and also AW Upholstery who will be awarding a prize to the fastest Reaction Time at each round. There are currently over forty cars signed up for the series, ranging from nine-second Pro Streeters through to nineteen-second cruisers. The name of the game is about getting out to as many events as possible, so reliability becomes a key factor in being able to compete in the series. With a number of new cars debuting this season things are looking good for 2007. Each event receives extensive coverage in HotRod Gazette magazine. The first round will take place at Shakespeare County Raceway on 21st-22nd April. Straightliners/200mph Sunday updates. 18th March: Santa Pod Raceway Chief Marshal Steve Horn is sending us updates from this weekend's Straightliners/200mph event at Santa Pod: 15:10 At 15.00 we suffered another mini blizzard and the organisers have called the meeting. At this point we would have been unlikely to go into eliminations due to depleted numbers in most classes so the results below are for top qualifiers over the two days: Competition: Tim Ellis Top Bike: Steve Venables 8.80: Andy Fawlett 9.30: Colin Carter 10.30: Alan Tinnion 11.30: Mark Wraith 12.30: Jamie Harman 13.30: Adam Monan 14.30: Darryl Ward Top Scooter: David Hoy Straightliners are back to SPR in September. Eurodragster.com Reserve Photographer Peter Donaldson will shortly be sending us shots from the weekend at Santa Pod Raceway so stay tuned for those. ©Eurodragster.com 13:20 Day two is probably going to look more like a weather report than a race event update. At 10:00 the usual riders meeting was called and the decision taken to try to continue the event over the eighth mile due to the strong side wind that has developed overnight. Yesterday we had gusts at around 25 mph, today we're recording 40+ mph gusts on the Race Control wind gauge, very fustrating as we are looking at clear blue skies. Qualifying began at 10:30 with the Straightliners organisers working out times from yesterday's quarter mile and today's eighth mile times. Numbers taking to the track are down on yesterday for obvious reasons but the brave are using the track time are making the best of it. Riders are noticably leaning into the wind the further they progress down track, SPR's track crew are continuing with track prep to try and provide the best surface in the difficult conditions. Notable from Race Control is a definite 'groove' the bikes are developing. At 12:15 we were hit by a mini blizzard which halted proceedings, looking out from Race Control there's hope we may continue shortly. Qualifying-wise, nothing notable to report as understandably it's going to be difficult to find improvement in these conditions. Swift snippets. 18th March: Congratulations to FIA European Pro Stock Champion Jimmy Ålund and fellow Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren on personal bests of 6.748/204.76 and 6.749/204.57 respectively in qualifying for the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville. Although neither Jimma nor Michael qualified, both exceeded the existing European records by quite some margin (you can only set European records at an FIA Championship race, no E-Mails thank you - Ed). ©Eurodragster.com Our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson tells us that he can't escape from drag racing even when visiting his new-born daughter in hospital. "Michael Malmgren's main sponsor Lahega supplied the cleaning products on the ward (right)", says Patrik. "This made me think of the Swedes racing in the USA and I realised that drag racing is a major part of my life". Congratulations to Patrik and his partner on their daughter's arrival. Straightliners/200mph Saturday updates. 17th March: Santa Pod Raceway Chief Marshal Steve Horn is sending us updates from this weekend's Straightliners/200mph event at Santa Pod: 18:00 Day one of Straightliners qualifying completed and the standings are as follows: Competition: 714 Stuart Crane, Suzuki GSX, 9.07/149 Top Bike: 611 Steve Venables, Suzuki Hayabusa, 7.76/185 8.80: 839 Colin Broome, Suzuki Hayabusa, 9.03/153 9.30: 530 Martin O'Flaherty, Suzuki GSXR13, 9.36/151 10.30: 474 Alan Tinnion, Yamaha R6, 10.30/130 11.30: 312 Mark Wraith, Suzuki GSXR, 11.38/106 12.30: 900 Kristie Dennis, Suzuki Bandit, 13.65/97 13.30: 1307 Michael Bellinger, Italijet, 13.90/87 14.30: 1401 Lee Munday, Piaggio Typhoon, 16.21/73 Top Scooter: 1202 David Hoy, Piaggio, 13.35/92 Neil Midgley's Funny Bike sounded much better than the last time so I assume all the bits are in the right place, strong burnout, 1.1610 sixty foot, then an eighth-mile burnout as the tyre slowly lost traction. Jamie Sneddon 8.966/145.15, careful off the line and shut off early as the bike drifted slowly left in the crosswind. Kev Charman 7.927/161.22, great launch again from Kev, nice and straight all the way. With more than 130 signed on and everyone having up plenty of track time it's been an interesting day, it's the first time I've seen a V-Rod qualify next to a Scooter and a classic Kawasaki Z1 against a current ZX9R so who knows what tomorrow will bring. Quailfying continues tomorrow until early afternoon, then we go into eliminations. 16:00 All the Staightliners qualifiying at some pace, each rider putting in an average of six or seven laps so far. Martin from Straightliners will supply a full list of class leaders at the end of the day. Neil Midgley: strong burnout but then it sounded like a crankcase of parts from within Race Control and hence towed back to the pits. Jamie Sneddon, Super Street Bike: 9.1247/177.28. Easy controlled launch but then drifted slightly to the left, speed good in the crosswind. Steve Venables: 7.7671/185.85. Looked effortless and straight all the way, has more in there. STG9: Three strong runs with a best 9.885/133.07. 14:15 We're well into the first day of the Straightliners event and luckily the weather is very much with us; clear sunny skies with a moderate breeze from the north. Qualifing for Straightliners classes has been underway from 10:30 with a very diverse collection of bikes. The SPR track crew are still working on the track following the recent resurfacing to 330 feet and the riders are soon dialing into the new startline after very few runs. Our only down side today has been three oil downs in left lane but fortunately these didn't hold the event up too much. Several faces from the world of drag racing are on hand to use the valuable track time available. ©Eurodragster.com Notable times so far are: Kev Charman, Comp Bike: 7.9959/161.80, hooked up well off the line, nice and straight considering the cross wind. Steve Venables, Super Street Bike: 8.2438/183.72. I believe the first run for Steve's new Busa, 1.6127 sixty foot and straight all the way, but left oil from 1000 feet, crew reported a loose sump plug. Graham Balchin, Super Street Bike: 8.6159/180.02. Steve Venables' old bike, good run and kept it in all the way dispite drifting towards the left hand wall. Phil Wood (Woody), Super Street Bike: 8.1950/180.05. Looked so easy and straight as they come. Neil Midgley, Funny Bike: Just a launch but recorded a 1.1479 sixty foot time before coming off the throttle. Chris Hannam looking on. Several of the Straightliners are running well down into the low nines on what are outwardly looking Street Bikes. Easter Thunderball entry closed. 17th March: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to as us to inform racers that entry is now closed for the Autotrader Easter Thunderball. The entry list is now approaching three hundred. "Only those few racers who have spoken to me will now be entered", says Paula. ©Eurodragster.com You can check out Version 8 of the Easter Thunderball entry list by clicking here, or on Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.co.uk/e_entrylist.php. Swift snippets. 17th March: FIA European Pro Stock Champion Jimmy Ålund and Michael Malmgren are today continuing qualifying attempts at the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville. Good luck guys! You can stay in touch with Jimmy and Michael's progress on the excellent Drag Race Central web site at www.dragracecentral.com (picture of Jimmy and Michael in qualifying session 1 kindly sent by Jan Phersson). ©Eurodragster.com No Shocks at Easter. 16th March: UK Fuel Funny Car racer Gordon Smith has been in touch to let us know that the Shockwave Fuel Funny Car will not be appearing at next month's Autotrader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. "It is with some disappointment that we make this announcement", says Gordon. "It is mainly due to lack of funds for this year. We did think that Salon Interactive would be supporting us again in 2007 but due to unforeseen circumstances they have pulled out at the last minute. Rest assured that we will be working very hard to be at the FIA Main Event but it is dependent upon finance. We are sorry to disappoint all of our supporters and hope to see you all again soon." ©Eurodragster.com Crew Chief Dave Bryant will not be idle during the team's enforced break as he will be spending the next five weeks gaining more experience working as Team Manager for US Fuel FC racer Terry Haddock together with the team's clutch technician Neil. "Hopefully Dave will come back with some goodies for the car", says Gordon. Meanwhile the team have also launched a great new web site at www.shockwavedragracing.com. "This is one of the best sites you will see and is well worth a look", says Gordon. "There are a few bits left to add but most of it is there to browse through." Super Pro ET comes to Finland. 16th March: A Super Pro ET Championship is to be contested for the first time in Finland this season, says Mikko Niemi. ©Eurodragster.com "The rules are a bit different from the UK because we have NHRA index limits so it's a 7.00-11.99 bracket, but everything else is the same", says Mikko. "We have mostly eight- to eleven-second doorslammers, and maybe a dragster. The class has really drawn many teams' attention this winter and I believe we are going to race at least a sixteen-car ladder. "Super Pro ET is also scheduled to run at the FHRA Nitro Nationals at Alastaro on 5th-8th July and we hope to see some international racers there to show us how fast bracket racing is done properly." Picture courtesy and ©Mopoilija Making Headway with Laffin Gas. 16th March: UK Rocket Dragster pilot Carolynne Campbell and the Laffin Gas team will be be supporting Headway, the brain injuries trust, this year. "My husband David suffered quite a bit of damage as a result of his many brain ops to remove a tumour", says Carolynne. "He attends the local Headway in Irthlingborough twice a week and it has been a fantastic help to us both. Recently featured in the BBC drama about head injury, Headway is a fantastic organisation that does wonders for people with life-changing injuries. The folks who attend are members, not clients, and they are treated with great respect. As a carer myself, the respite and knowledge I have gained from Headway has been vital. ©Eurodragster.com "So we'll we displaying the Headweay logo on the car, and making the car available for Headway fund raising events during the year. I'm sure everyone involved in our sport will be happy to help us to help Headway". Carolynne's first outing this season will be at the season opening Test and Tune at Shakespeare County Raceway on the weekend of 31st March-1st April: you know what to do folks. Swift snippets. 16th March: If you need confirmation of just how healthy Sportsman racing is in the UK at this moment then check out Version 7 of the official Autotrader Easter Thunderball entry list, kindly supplied to us by Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall, which shows a large entry in almost every class and a huge entry in some: if things carry on this way then Pro ET could well have some competition for largest class this year. You can check out the entry list by clicking here, or on Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.co.uk/e_entrylist.php. ©Eurodragster.com If you can't make this weekend's Straightliners event at Santa Pod Raceway then stay tuned as SPR's Chief Marshal and honorary Eurodragster.com staff member Steve Horn will be sending us reports from the track. We are also pleased to announce that Eurodragster.com Reserve Photographer Peter Donaldson will be at Santa Pod all weekend and we will post a gallery of his shots shortly after the event in association with American Car Imports. We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to UK Wild Bunch racer Tony Smith. Have a great day, Tony. World Street Race II announced. 16th March: The CFSC has officially announced World Street Race II which is to be contested on 1st-3rd August 2008 at the Extreme Drag Race Shootout at Miramichi Dragway Park, New Brunswick, Canada: As a major force in the organization of the first-ever World Street Race held at Belle Rose, Louisiana's No Problem Raceway in 2005, the CFSC has done it again and announced World Street Race II. "This will once and for all stop the talk and truly decide who has the world's quickest real street-legal machine", says CFSC's Raymond Knight. "The invitation is there. If you choose to participate then you can say you backed up your claim, if you don't, you can't, it is that simple." The challenge has been put to over ten countries, now it is up to them to decide. We have confirmed entries from United States, United Kingdom and Canada to date, and invite all countries in the world who think they have what it takes to come join us for the real deal. Street-legal Drag Racing was created to bring cars off the streets and promote racing where it should be, on a drag strip... a safe and controlled environment to race in. The concept grew in popularity over a number of years among cars that are legally operated on city streets being extensively modified and hitting the drag strip as weekend warriors, simply to see who had the fastest and quickest machine. In fact, this type of racing was the reason for an entirely new area of the motorsports industry, Street-Legal and Outlaw Drag Racing. These street-legal drag racers, as they are often called, have become role models for a younger generation to learn respect for the power they have at their disposal, and to take their racing to the track. Many of these new classes however evolved quickly and now include mostly cars that are overly modified for street use, and would hardly make a two-block drive let alone a twenty-mile cruise. Among the tried and true of this group, those that have stuck to the original concept of racing a real street-legal car at the track, the constant, and often heated debate regarding who has the world's quickest real street-legal car continues on. Anywhere there are cars there is competition, and the 2008 CFSC Extreme Drag Race Shootout will host the biggest, baddest and most real street-legal drag race class of all time! Bringing this style of racing back to the roots of how it all began. The rules for the WSR class are simple. Basically you have to come armed with a legally, current registered and insured street machine. This class includes a twenty-mile cruise, hot start and three back-to-back qualifying passes. There is no spec fuel, spec muffler, tyre etc, as much like on the streets, the guy beside you can come to battle as he sees fit. The main emphasis is on all entries being real street-legal cars. The top four qualifiers from each country are then entered into the World Street Race heads-up shootout on Sunday. There will be huge media exposure for all entries along with a cash and prize package for the world's quickest real Street Cars that make the cut. At CFSC there are no losers. Those entries that do not qualify for the World Street Race portion of the event will continue to race in a class called Real Street Outlaw (with the same rules as the World Street Race) where they will compete heads-up for cash and prizes which includes prizes for the fastest nine-, ten-, eleven- and twelve-second cars entered as well as the class winners etc. These prizes were designed to promote entry of many cars at all levels simply to experience the cruise, qualifying and adrenaline rush of racing heads-up. Not to mention proving that they have an honest-to-goodness real street car! The internet message boards, race shops and corner hang-outs around the world run rampant with the talk of having the fastest street-legal car, but who really does? We're not talking a class that is watered down with limits on fuels, tires or mufflers. But rather a real race of real street cars where you gotta prove you can handle the streets, and then come to the drag strip and prove you are the baddest of the bad. Street-legal, no limits, heads-up! So then, all that remains is asking yourself as a racer: Do you have what it takes? If you think you do, then just bring it! The 2008 CFSC Extreme Drag Race Shootout will be contested on 1st-3rd August 2008 at Miramichi Dragway Park, New Brunswick, Canada. There are ten planned Classes of competition including Pro Modified, Wild Street, Top Sportsman, Cool Street Index, Pro, Super Pro, Real Street Outlaw/World Street Race and more. Complete rules can be viewed at www.cfscshootout.com or at the official event message board which can be accessed through the web site. For information Email the CFSC directly at [email protected]. To contact Miramichi Dragway Park visit their web site at www.miramichidragway.com. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 16th March: Nick Pettit has added a new DVD, Time Travel 51, to his collection. The new DVD features action from Long Marston, Blackbushe and Santa Pod from 1978-1980 including Sammy Miller's first 300 mph run on British soil. Nick has also updated the Time Travel web site's photo gallery which now covers British drag racing and Hot Rodding from 1974-1983. You can check out a veritable Aladdin's cave of very keenly-priced nostalgia DVDs and pictures at www.timetraveldvds.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Andersson: We're working on it. 15th March: FIM/UEM European Drag Bike Championship Co-ordinator Lars Andersson has expressed himself very sad about Mantorp Park's decision to drop the FIM/UEM Championship until it can again be contested over the quarter mile. However Lars added that there are several ways to work things out. ©Eurodragster.com "Finding a date at another track is one of the possibilities", says Lars. "Just running Pro Stock Bike is another option. The situation right now is that there will be just four Championship rounds but of course we have more work to do on this. The Swedish drag racing section has a meeting this afternoon." Indeed a rapid response. 15th March: UK Pro ET racer Antony Wilkins got in touch to let us know how he got on at the first outing of his new Fire Truck Ground Zero, which he unveiled here on Eurodragster.com last Tuesday. Butch took his new race car to Sunday's Run What You Brung and tells us that everything went just fine. ©Eurodragster.com "I spent the first hour just cruising the pits to get used to sitting in something that resembles a garden shed from the inside, making sure it started, stopped and went round corners and so on", says Antony. "Then on to the track where I put down a sixty foot launch and it was only slightly off the best times of my '55 Chevy on its first outing. I then put in a three-quarter pass, I didn't launch hard on the transbrake but ran deep into the elevens. One more run and it dropped another two tenths so I decided to call it a day, as nothing was broken and I'm waiting for a new halfshaft to bring the rear up to spec. "I was pleased as anything to know that it was capable of running within Pro ET times, as that was a thought which had crossed my mind. I went straight home and entered the Easter Thunderball and can't wait for the good times to roll." Chaos and The Mob get Nasty. 15th March: UK Fuel Altered teams Chaos and The Mob will enjoy the services of longtime AA/FA racer Dave 'Nasty' Benjamin at the Peak Performance Day at Santa Pod Raceway on 31st March. "Dave is flying over from Seattle to set-up and tune the fuel systems of the two cars, to enable more frequent and reliable passes to be made", says Chaos owner and NFAA Co-ordinator Lawrie Gatehouse. "Dave has extensively re-worked the fuel systems, injectors and manifolds on both cars, including the manufacture of billet barrel valves with separate, adjustable idle circuits. Also fitted will be his own design nitro fuel pumps. All these components have been flow-bench tested by Dave, in order that we have a base-line to work from. It is expected that this expertise will enable the loadings on the engines, particularly the #1 and #2 cylinders, to be more even, leading to less damages and better performances on the strip." ©Eurodragster.com Dave is a keen supporter of the NFAA and Lawrie says that he is extensively experienced. "In 1975, Dave was the #1 qualifier at the Tuscon Fuel Altered Nationals and regularly runs his '27 T in the six-teens at over 230 mph", he says. "His Personal Best is 6.14/232.4, set at Mission Raceway, over the border in Canada. In the early 1970s, he worked alongside Gerry Verheul, Crew Chief on the flopper campaigned by '240' Gordie Bonin. "As well as manufacturing Dave's own fuel pumps, DB Industries makes barrel valves, Top Fuel Harley clutches, billet flywheels and many other custom parts for fuel racers. His site www.dbindustries.com has more details." The team are currently waiting on two new 392 ci billet blocks, one for Chaos and the other as a spare for both cars, but Lawrie says that there has been a hitch. "There have been manufacturing delays and at this point in time it appears unlikely that we will receive these in time for Easter", he says. "We will just have to see how it goes, but it won't be for any lack of effort on the part of the two teams." Swift snippets. 15th March: Swiss Top Fuel Dragster racer Urs Erbacher flew the flag for sponsor Midland Oil at the International Motor Show in Geneva. "The dragster was definitely the fastest car of the show and a good eye catcher", says team member Andrea Wucher. Andrea adds that the Erbacher team will be there wherever you look at Santa Pod Raceway at Easter with Urs' dragster, Lorenz Stäuble on the Supertwin, European Harley Destroyer Champion Sascha Brodbeck in Comp Bike, and Noah Stutz in his new Junior Dragster. ©Eurodragster.com Jim Broome has been in touch to ask us to wish a very Happy Birthday to Chris Parker. No sooner said than done, have a good day Chris. Web site updates. 15th March: Santa Pod Raceway's web site has been updated with the official entry list for the Autotrader Easter Thunderball including the full eight-car Pro Fuel Shootout field (if you hadn't already read that on our entry list updates - Ed). The entry list, which you an find at www.santapod.co.uk/e_entrylist.php, is driven by a new Racer Database which displays racer portrait, a picture of the vehicle, and the racer's country of origin. "We hope to fill in the missing photos over the Easter weekend ready for the rest of the season", says webmaster DJ. "However if any racers would like their mug shot or new car added to the database before Easter then please send your pictures to [email protected]". ©Eurodragster.com Santa Pod ordered to close Barn. 14th March: Santa Pod Raceway has reluctantly announced that the legendary Barn is to close after the FIA Main Event. The popular spectator area behind the start line is to be removed and replaced with a wall at the insistence of Bedford Borough Council Health and Safety officials. "Bedford Borough Council Health and Safety told us that no-one can stand behind a car which is ready to launch", SPR's Track Manager David Lloyd-Jones told Eurodragster.com. "As a trade-off, however, we have been granted permission for a permanent three thousand-seat grandstand to replace the existing stand which only seats one thousand. Until then we will add another fifteen hundred temporary seats as we did last season to see us up to the FIA Main Event. The Barn will be replaced by a wall in accordance with the Health and Safety instructions and spectators and vehicles will still be able to pass behind the area as at present." ©Eurodragster.com David added that he realised that the Barn's demise would also deprive spectators of somewhere to shelter should it rain. "We are looking to put some cover over the catering area", he said. Mantorp drops FIM/UEM Championship. 14th March: If you were tuned in to Eurodragster.com News on Tuesday you will have read that Mantorp Park's track licence had been changed and that FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike and FIM/UEM Supertwin were only able to run over the eighth mile. In a statement released this afternoon, Veidec Festival Event Director Fredrik Ström has announced that the FIM/UEM European Championship will not be contested at Mantorp Park until it can again be run over the quarter mile. The full statement reads as follows: "Over last few weeks there has been an intense debate on the race distance for motorcycles at Mantorp Park in 2007. "As a result of this discussion, the Swedish Motorcycle Federation (SVEMO) issued, on Friday 9th March, a change of the licence for the track. The new licence states that Mantorp Park can only run Top Fuel Bike and Super Twin over 201 metres, but can still run Pro Stock Bike over 402 metres. "Due to the new licence, we have decided not to run the UEM European Drag Bike Championship at Mantorp Park until further notice. We will of course invite all affected teams back to Mantorp Park as soon as we can run 402 metres again. "We apologise for the late notice of this decision, but as the new licence was not issued until last week we could not inform you any quicker. "Please note that this new track licence does not affect the race distance for any National motorcycle classes except Super Twin Top Fuel and Top Fuel Bike. Therefore will we invite the NDRS Bike classes (Super Gas and Super Comp Bike) as usual, and maybe some other national Bike classes which are allowed to run the full 402 metres under the new licence, to race at Mantorp Park and Veidec Festival this summer." Stay tuned for developments. When the string breaks... 14th March: We were sorry to hear from UK Top Methanol Dragster racer John Parkinson that he will not be able to race at the Autotrader Easter Thunderball as he has used his racing fund to bring his Every Penny dragster up to spec. ©Eurodragster.com "The shoestring that I've been running the car on for the last couple of seasons has snapped", says John, "and there is little sign of my being able to afford another. Recent changes in the regulations have proven to be the snapping point...I now have a car that is ready to run and compliant to the regulations, but it cost me everything I had in reserve to do it so I have nothing left to race with. "It's a shame because after a couple of dodgy seasons I at last have a good combination of parts and experience to really improve my times this year. Good luck to all the other competitors." A Legend on the track. 14th March: Adam Charnley of Cougar Racing has gone for the unconventional with his new race vehicle. Adam's altered was damaged in a road accident and so having sold that on he has acquired a 1937 Ford Coupe Legends car (right, picture courtesy and ©Blackett Photography). "The car, named Talon, is powered by a 125 hp Yamaha FJ1200 motorbike engine and has a full space frame chassis which is MSA-legal for circuit and oval racing but, bizarrely, not for drag racing even though Legends reach 140 mph on circuits", says Adam. "It made its début at Sunday's RWYB at Santa Pod. The aim was to get me accustomed to the car and try and get under sixteen seconds. "As this is the only Legends car to hit the drag strip in the UK I had no idea what it would do. Well, now I know. We not only made it under sixteen-second bracket but set a pretty respectable 14.3/94 with a 2.3-second sixty foot time, proving that Legends don't just do donuts like Terry Grant's car. To say I was pleased would be an understatement. The cars so much fun to drive, its extremely lively off the line but drives pretty straight and being in such a small car you feel like you're doing a million miles an hour at the top end. "The car raised a lot of interest from other racers, especially the bikers who had some great comments such as "They can go in a straight line" and "Ooh, that sounds fruity at the top end!". ©Eurodragster.com "The main problem with the car is traction. I realise that the track wasn't up to its usual standards after being resurfaced but I think a large part of the problem is the tyres we run. In the Legends Championship you have to run spec BF Goodrich Comp tyres which offer absolutely no grip for drag racing, I was still spinning the tyres in third gear! The plan is to get some grip softener for the next test to see if we can improve the car's performance. Ultimately I'd love to get some slicks on the back but I don't have the funds at the moment. If there is a tyre manufacturer/supplier out there who would like to donate a pair of rear slicks for the car in return for sponsorship then please get in touch with me at [email protected]. I'm sure that with slicks on the car we can get into the mid thirteens, get our sixty foot below two seconds, and reach the 100 mph barrier. "We are planning to do the Peak Performance Day on 31st March and then more RWYBs throughout the year." Another trophy for Schöfer. 14th March: Dragracing Verein Deutschland held their annual dinner and prize ceremony in Blankenbach last weekend, writes our good friend Gittli Koller of Top Methanol Dragster team Peter Schöfer Racing. "During the afternoon the Club held its annual meeting which was attended by several German racers and promoters", says Gittli. "In the evening there was a very delicious dinner organised by Andrea and Rene Kloss followed by the prize ceremony. The first three places received a trophy and the winner was presented with a Challenge Cup. The Cup has been presented for many years and included names such as Tony Morris and Rico Anthes (nine times). "In third spot was Patricia Kästner who raced her first year in Super Comp in 2006 after several years in Junior Dragster. Second was Pro Mod racer Norbert Kuno (it was nice to see him in a suit which wasn't a racing suit), and first again was Peter Schöfer. Peter now has his name on the Cup ten times. "Thanks to the DvD for a wonderful evening." At right are Peter Schöfer, Norbert Kuno, the Challenge Cup, Patricia Kästner, and Ingo Rolla - click on the picture for a large version. Swift snippets. 14th March: Motorshack has become the latest company to sign up to the UK Pro ET sponsorship scheme, joining Hauser Race Cars, WASP, Blackbear Harley Davidson, Alleyjax, Inkwell Printing, Toxico Clothing, A1 Motor Stores, Penn Autos, Real Steel, Sandy Scooters and Metamorphosis Finance. "As well as their support Motorshack will offer Scheme members a discount on fuel and other sundry items stocked on their trailer", says Scheme Co-ordinator Carl Burton. More details at www.pro-et.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com With only a few weeks to go to the start of the 2007 UK National Championship season you have to ask yourself why, now of all times, Super Modified racer Rob Smallworth is bolting a passenger seat into his very pretty 1955 Chevy Bel Air. You can find out just what Rob is up to on the News page of the official Super Modified web site at www.supermodified.co.uk. Lydia Meekins has been in touch to thank everyone at Santa Pod Racers Club for their support, cards, and flowers which have been a tonic over the past months. "Amos and I feel proud to play our small part in the Club meetings", says Lydia. "I could go on and on, however thanks and love to you one and all". Lydia adds that her husband, Scrutineer Amos Meekins, was over the moon after the Major Incident practice at Santa Pod Raceway last weekend. "All racers are in good hands with the medical and fire crews, their performance was A1 and they just keep getting better and better", she says. "Keep those revs up and those wheels rolling." Going Straight for the weekend. 14th March: This weekend's Straightliners event at Santa Pod Raceway promises to be an action-packed two days of top bikes making their mark on the quarter mile, says Jo Harris of Santa Pod. "Gates open at 5:00 on Friday, with the Run What You Brung kicking off on Saturday morning", says Jo. "It costs only £25 to take your bike up the strip for unlimited runs, you'd be a fool not to put it through its paces. Also this year any bike taking part in the RWYB will be eligible to enter the Straightliners competition. But please remember to bring your DVLC licence or you won't be able to take part in either the RWYB or the Straightliners competition. ©Eurodragster.com "Although the Jet Car won't be in action on the track, Martin Hill is bringing his new Jet Bike, which will be on display in the pits. We'll also have a great local band called Crawler playing in Fueler's Bar on Saturday night to keep you entertained the bar closes!" Tickets will be available on the gate. For further information check out www.santapod.com or call 01234 782828. Race Retro racer sought. 14th March: Shakespeare County Raceway would be pleased to hear from any Nostalgia drag racing team who would be interested in putting their car on display at the forthcoming Race Retro International Historic Motorsport Show which is to be held at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry on 23rd-25th March, writes Jerry Cookson. ©Eurodragster.com "The stand is a joint effort with the University of Derby Motorsport, so we only have room for one car", says Jerry. "The exhibit could be a dragster, altered or doorslammer so long as it looks race retro and is in keeping with the show's main theme. We would like the car to be made available for set-up day which is Thursday 22nd, and the usual courtesies will be observed in return for the loan of the vehicle." Interested parties can get in touch with Jerry at the SCR track office on 01789 720180 or E-Mail [email protected]. MSA Championship brings new era. 14th March: UK drag racing enters a new era in 2007 with the news that spectacular Pro Modifieds will now contest the MSA British Drag Racing Championship. These ferociously fast doorslammers are already firm crowd favourites and their emergence into the Championship spotlight is predicted to attract more entries into a class already well-supported by teams and drivers. In 2007, the MSA Championship will expand from three to five rounds, including the two FIA European Championship events at Santa Pod Raceway: 6th-9th April: Autotrader Easter Thunderball 25th-28th May: FIA Main Event 16th-17th June: SPRC Summernationals 6th-9th September: FIA European Finals 29th-30th September: National Finals The series' burgeoning profile will encourage greater media coverage, including specialist TV programming of the full season. In turn, this will enhance sponsorship prospects for the Championship itself and for the teams. The MSA and Santa Pod will unveil more plans as the marketing and support arrangements for the series are finalised. Keith Bartlett, promoter of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship and CEO of Santa Pod, stated "There are about thirty eight Pro Mod teams in Europe and I would expect at least twenty at Santa Pod for the European rounds. British drivers can cut their teeth here before moving into the full European Championship. It also means this new format will increase television coverage of the events." Along with their appearances at the Easter Thunderball and FIA European events, the MSA Championship Pro Mods will be the highlight attraction at Santa Pod's two National events in June and late September. A dedicated TV package is under negotiation. The Championship's official web site is now on-line at www.msadragracing.com and all enquiries can be E-Mailed to [email protected]. The Press Officer for the series is Robin Jackson (already familiar to readers through our Home and News Page sponsor The Trip to America - Ed). ©Eurodragster.com USAutomotive press release. 14th March: USAutomotive Ltd, one of the premier aftermarket suppliers of American car components, is proud to announce its association with Performance Distributors of Memphis, Tennessee, as UK agent for its DUI Distributor range. Original equipment and aftermarket manufacturers make distributors on a mass production basis, so at best, a vehicle has a middle-ground, compromise ignition advance curve. Performance Distributors take all of an engine's specifications into consideration in order to provide the optimum advance curve. A super smooth curve will eliminate engine damaging detonation and give the most efficient combustion possible. Light throttle ping is eliminated by the use of special vacuum advances, factory calibrated and thus an adjustable vacuum advance is not needed. The Street/Strip range of DUI Distributors are custom-calibrated to a particular engine application. They are superior to the more common points type units because they are virtually maintenance free, can handle more voltage and last much longer. They are also better and more practical than magnetos. DUI distributors send twice as much fire into the combustion chambers than a magneto, because they allow twice as big a plug gap to be run. Additionally, spark plugs stay cleaner for longer. The DUI unit is more compact than a conventional distributor system because it has its coil built into the cap and can thus be fitted into custom applications where space may be at a premium. Distributor caps are offered in blue, red, yellow, clear or black and have solid brass terminals and contain the DUI coil. The Dyna-Module, which has more electronic dwell in it over a stock ignition module, is also fitted. Prices start out at £229 plus VAT for a small/big-block Chevy unit and of course, because this unit comes fitted with its integral coil, there's no need for further outlay. For more information and prices of the DUI Distributor range, contact USAutomotive on 01234 273155 or E-Mail [email protected]. ©Eurodragster.com Toyo Tires press release. 14th March: Tyre giant Toyo have announced the launch of the new Toyo 350 tyre. With environmental concerns at the top of everyone's agenda along with spiralling oil prices, the stage was set for the launch of this silica-enhanced Eco-warrior. Toyo 350 gives low fuel consumption and long life. Toyo's cutting edge computer simulation technology has endowed the 350 with extremely low rolling resistance, reducing a car's fuel consumption. This reduced rolling resistance also has beneficial effects on tyre life, meaning double savings for drivers as well as reducing their car's carbon footprint. Despite being designed from the outset as a mid-range tyre, Toyo 350 enjoys many design features that have trickled down from its high performance siblings. The high modulus polyester casing combined with a hardened bead filler mean that handling is well and truly sorted, whilst wide straight cut grooves in the tyre's centre literally channel gallons of water away to help improve wet weather adhesion. So after the saving the planet and enjoying prodigious level of grip, one might expect to pay a fortune for this cutting-edge rubber. But, with the range starting at around £20, you don't need bottomless pockets to enjoy greener, cleaner and longer lasting tyres. ©Eurodragster.com Ålund blasts new best. 13th March: Kent Trenneman has been in touch from Valdosta with news of 2006 FIA European Pro Stock Champion Jimmy Ålund's first test run of the day. Jimmy has joined Michael Malmgren in the 6.7s and clocked the quickest ever pass by a European Pro Stock racer: 60 feet: 0.997 330 feet: 2.825 Eighth ET: 4.354 Eighth speed: 161.34 1000 feet: 5.670 ET: 6.778 Speed: 203.28 ©Eurodragster.com "We had a lot of help from Jerry Haas and his friends", says Kent. "We are very satisfied and Jimmy has a big smile. We are running in the Pro Stock Shootout here this evening." For more information and pictures check out Kent Trenneman's web site at www.trenne.com. Mantorp returns to eighth for TFB, STF. 13th March: After a lot of thought the Swedish Drag Racing Committee, together with UEM representative and National and UEM Track Inspector Lars Andersson, have decided to change the National licence for Mantorp Park to an eighth of a mile for Top Fuel Bike and Supertwin. Pro Stock Bike will still be contested over the full quarter mile. The decision took effect last Friday (9th March) and reinstates a ruling last in force in the early 2000s before the start line was moved back. ©Eurodragster.com "The reason for this change in the track licence is only due to safety of the riders", says Lars Andersson. "We do hope that this will make a safer race and let all of the riders use the full performance of their bikes." Shattering the silence! 13th March: Whilst some aspiring 2007 Champions were testing at Santa Pod's Run What You Brung at the weekend, the Murty family were grafting away getting York Raceway licked into shape for the busy 2007 northern schedule. In amongst all the activity, UK Super Pro ET team Mark Flavell Racing went along to perform a driveline test and, Mark tells us, to scare all the crows out of the trees for miles around. ©Eurodragster.com "The NGK sparks lit up the freshened blown alcohol BBC", says Mark. "We warmed all the components through a few times to settle everything in and to ensure that all the new ideas and systems were working as they should. There's nothing like the thunder of a good drag race engine to get everybody excited about the start of the season. "We must thank the York Raceway crew for letting us disturb the peace and quiet of a Yorkshire Sunday afternoon, and we look forward to returning there for the Super Pro Shootout in August." Swift snippets. 13th March: Our good buddy Magnus Cato tells us that Michael Malmgren clocked a 0.997 sixty-foot time on his way to a 6.794/203.00 in testing at Valdosta yesterday (Monday). This is the first-ever 6.7 Pro Stock pass by a European racer. Testing concludes today with a Pro Stock Shootout and we understand that Michael will be installing a new Bob Ingles motor into the Lahega-sponsored Grand Am in time for this weekend's Gatornationals at Gainesville. ©Eurodragster.com Although it had absolutely nothing to do with us we must apologise for Eurodragster.com being offline for several hours yesterday. Our ISP (and P45 candidate - Ed) Selfnet made a simple change to their servers which put them out of service and which took five hours on the phone to Microsoft to resolve. "It was a very frustrating experience", said Mitch Gwin of Selfnet. You're telling us, Mitch. Thanks to everyone for their patience and particularly to those who got in touch to offer help. Ålund in touch. 12th March: 2006 FIA European Pro Stock Champion Jimmy Ålund writes from Valdosta to let us know that he is satisfied with the progress of his new ride. ©Eurodragster.com "We have three days of experience of the new car and we are very satisified", says Jimma. "We have made eight passes so far. With a lot of help from Jerry Haas and his frends we managed to improve our ET to a best of 6.829 at 202.79 mph. We are taking a day off today and we will try to be prepared for the Pro Stock Shootout tomorrow evening." For more information and pictures check out Kent Trenneman's web site at www.trenne.com. Returning Townson heads for NFAA. 12th March: UK blown-alcohol altered racer Neil Townson is planning to return to the track this year. The Northern Spirit will be racing in the Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association after a two-year break. "We planned a one-year break but it turned into two, and that's too long", Neil told Eurodragster.com. "The chassis and body are the same, but we have a new motor: KB 500 ci block, new heads, new crank, new pistons and new rods, and we have a new clutch and bellhousing. We haven't touched the blower. ©Eurodragster.com "We will be running with the NFAA. I don't know what sort of times we will run, but we just want to have fun. "I'd like to thank John Wright for getting parts for us, and he has given us a lot of helpful advice. Thanks also to Lawrie Gatehouse who has also been very helpful and who has put the show together. Without him we wouldn't have anywhere to run." Swift snippets. 12th March: The UK's She Devil Racing Top Methanol FC team are preparing to return to the track, hopefully at the Autotrader Easter Thunderball. "The car is in the trailer, the engine is in the shop, they just haven't met yet!", says driver Steph Milam. "We've got a new Crower clutch which we will have to learn to use, but nothing else has changed. It'll be nice not to be the only Funny Car there at Easter if Freddy Fagerström comes along!". In this year's FIA rules the use of an FIA-homolgated neck restraint such as a HANS device is recommended, and Ian Turburville tells us that he can supply the life-saving devices to order. "I can supply these to order but please allow plenty of time for delivery and fitting. The fitting of the HANS posts to your FIA-approved helmet must be done by a qualified dealer; if you buy a HANS and a new Simpson helmet at the same time we will fit the clips for free. I can also supply storage bags at reasonable price. Contact me via www.turboville.com for my 2007 discount price list including HANS devices and the new Raider helmet." ©Eurodragster.com Richard Alder tells us that Alders Automotive are proud to be sponsoring Bob Glassup's Xtreme blown-acohol altered again this season. "We have looked after the transmission on Bob's car for the last year and a half and will be sponsoring Bob for transmission work for this season", says Richard. "We also would like to wish Bob and all other racers the best of luck for this season's racing." Spotted at yesterday's Run What You Brung at Santa Pod were the new owners of the Super Pro ET dragster formerly owned by Martin Curbishley, the car now toting a blown-alcohol engine; returning Street Eliminator racer Ian Jackson; and Antony Wilkins with his new Pro ET Fire Truck recently presented here on Eurodragster.com News. Our man at SPR tells us that the RWYBs are already getting very busy and that a number of bike and Junior Dragster racers were also in attendance yesterday. If you were there then don't hesitate to drop us a line at [email protected] to let us know how you got on. Happy Birthday for yesterday to Wolfgang Schöfer of German Top Methanol Dragster team Peter Schöfer Racing, and also to UK Super Street Bike racer Graham Dance. Hope that you had a great day guys. Come on hear the noise...not. 12th March: The sponsorship bus is rolling on for UK Super Gas and Junior Modified Dragster team Panther Racing UK. The Cat has announced some excellent partners for the 2007 season and week five is no exception. Season after season, sound levels and noise in the environment become more of an issue for racers. Panther Racing UK have decided to get ahead of the game and fit The World's Most Winning Exhaust System for of all their scheduled events. In an exclusive release to Eurodragster.com from Wayne Corbitt - Panther Racing's Marketing and Media Manager - Panther Racing UK are pleased to announce a commitment for 2007 from Borla Performance Industries. "Borla is the leader in the design and manufacture of stainless steel performance exhaust systems, and with almost thirty years as a manufacturer of exhaust systems for such classics as Rolls-Royce and Ferrari cars they have evolved into the premier manufacturer of today's performance vehicles for the street, off-road, and racing", says Wayne. ©Eurodragster.com "The performance advantages of a Borla are widely recognised", says Panther Racing UK's USA contact at Borla. "The top engine builders in the racing world rely on Borla exhaust for maximum performance. We're confident that Panther Racing in the UK will do us proud in 2007, and we're looking forward to some great results." "When you're involved with a partner like Borla, you know you're onto a winner", says Super Gas driver Conrad Stanley. "They support several NHRA teams including Top Fuel driver Brandon Bernstein and the Bud King team!" Wayne and the team promise yet another name next week and we're told it's a good one...the question is who? ©Eurodragster.com 2007 ATD calendar confirmed. 11th March: Gilbert Rozet of France's Association Trophée Dragster has been in touch to confirm this year's ATD race calendar: 12th-13th May: DCR No Limit, Aubenas-Lanas 2nd-3rd June: Dulamon Drag Race, Lurcy-Lévis 20th-22nd July: Swiss Drag Race Challenge, Turtmann (Switzerland) 4th-5th August: 1st Velay Drag Race, Loudes-Le Puy 15th-16th September: DCR Speed Final, Millau ©Eurodragster.com You can find out more at www.francedrag.com. Gilbert also sent a copy of this year's flyer: click here for the front and click here for the back. Swift snippets. 11th March: UK Pro ET sponsor Toxico Clothing have produced a 2007 Championship T-Shirt (right). Sponsorship Co-ordinator Carl Burton tells us that Pro ET racers in the class Sponsorship Scheme will each receive one of the T-Shirts, which feature the class sponsors on the back, and that crew can buy one for £5. "There is £200 and vouchers for number one qualifier at Easter - you have to be in it to win it", says Carl. You can find out more at www.pro-et.co.uk. Thanks to Peter Ström for letting us know that there is a Swedish-language diary of Jimmy Ålund's trip to the USA at www.freewebs.com/trenne/jimmaontour07.htm. ©Eurodragster.com Sarah Howells has been in touch on behalf of the Wild Bunch to ask us to wish a very Happy Birthday to WB Race Co-ordinator Claire Meaddows. "As a special birthday treat, Claire suggested that she and Chris Hartnell head off to Santa Pod today to test their beautiful Backdraft slingshot following its winter alterations", says Sarah. "Here's hoping that all Claire's birthday dreams come true and Backdraft runs straight with wheels aloft!". Have a great day Claire. See? I have run at Bonneville... 11th March: MPEC Design have been in touch to offer a retouching service giving owners the chance to put a picture of a cherished car into a dream setting for £200: A photo of a car standing on a drive or car park can be transported into idealistic surroundings, for example the Bonneville Salt Flats, a mountain road or a professional studio shot with dramatic black background, sharp shadowing and highlights to enhance the image. All images will be cleaned up, taking out imperfections in the paint work and unwanted reflections and shadows. The image will be sharpened and colour corrected, door and bonnet shut lines will be tightened up and chrome work made to shine. Images can also be made to look as if moving and/or have a sepia finish. The first step is to forward MPEC an image as a digital file. Include, where possible, any additional shots for reference purposes. A colour laser or E-Mail proof would be provided to allow for any requested amends before completion. Finally, the image will be output onto a digital photographic print up to 24" x 16" inches size which will be posted in a poster-size postal tube. We also offer other output options, for example canvas wrap around or acrylic base, for an additional £120 depending on size required. Delivery will take approximately ten working days, but we will keep you informed of our progress. Please note the quality of the finished poster will depend upon the quality of the original image you supply. If you would like to see our brochure, then please contact us at: MPEC Design Ltd 10 Woodlands Rise Draycott-in-the-Clay Ashbourne Derbyshire DE6 5LE Telephone: 01283 821101 Malmgren and Ålund on test. 10th March: Our good friend Bill Baird has been in touch from the USA with news of the progress of Michael Malmgren and Jimmy Ålund who are testing their respective new Pro Stocks at the Eastern Spring Test Nationals presented by Torco's Competitionplus.com at South Georgia Motorsports Park. "Michael and the guys finished the car early and were able to drop the trailer at Valdosta and then drive to Orlando for a little R&R as well as shopping", says Bill. "Jimmy was supposed to be there Wednesday night but got delayed. I think they are tired of sleeping in the trailer and ended up at a hotel at Valdosta. "Michael really likes the new car. They did the first 'full pull' yesterday and it was a 6.84. This is a test motor; they have a new engine at Ingles shop with another fifty horsepower on tap. They had made arrangements to have the new engine delivered but something went wrong and they may have to drive to New York to pick it up. ©Eurodragster.com "Jimmy made two runs yesterday with a best of 6.87. Tom Hammonds was low ET (for an NHRA-spec Pro Stock - Ed) with a 6.76." Our good buddy PiPPi adds that Michael had clutch problems yesterday. You can stay in touch with Michael and Jimmy's progress on the excellent Drag Race Central web site at www.dragracecentral.com, and there are some great pictures on the Competition Plus web site at www.competitionplus.com. Swift snippets. 10th March: We are indebted to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding us a third version of the official Autotrader Easter Thunderball entry list. You can check out the latest entry list updates by clicking here. As the entry list updates are coming in so frequently we will include a version number and date on the list rather than repeat the same news item here on a daily basis. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 10th March: UK Pro Modified racer Bert Englefield now has his own Myspace page at www.myspace.com/thehotrodfromhell. "This page will contain latest info on the team's progress, and there is also some video footage" says Andrew Wright ."Hopefully more teams will we join us on Myspace and create a drag racing community. Feel free to add us as a Friend and leave comments. We also have a new web site under construction which will be launched shortly." ©Eurodragster.com Attention TF and TMD racers. 9th March: UK Tech Inspector Geoff Martin has been in touch to recommend that Top Fuel Dragster and Top Methanol Dragster racers take a close look at the new requirements in this year's FIA rules for the fixing of roll cage shrouds and wing strut supports: The fixing spec for roll cage shrouds is 5/16" Grade 8 bolts with captive nuts or bosses. The bolts must have a ½" A/F hex head. This will enable the safety crew to remove the shroud in an emergency using only one spanner or socket. ©Eurodragster.com Methanol Dragster racers are also asked to note that there is a wing support spec for all wing sizes, not only for 1000 square inches and over. There is also a requirement for a cross tube at the bolted end of the main wing struts. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]. The Bird is the word. 9th March: Duncan 'Cannonball' Watts tells us that he is now the proud owner of the original Texas Big Bird 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird. The Bird, which ran into the 6.4s as a Pro Mod in the USA (right), is now headed for Super Pro ET. "The Bird was originallly built in 2000 by Cowboy Matt Tolbert", says Duncan. "It has a full carbon fibre body and is painted in Richard Petty blue with the Texas Big Bird mural on the hood and ran a quickest of 6.4/220 mph. ©Eurodragster.com "The car was purchased last year without the engine and trans which were a 526 alky Hemi and air-shifted Lenco. The plan is to run the car in Super Pro ET with a naturally-aspirated 604 ci Hemi with twin Dominators on a sheet metal tunnel ram, and run with a manually-shifted four-speed Lenco. I am hopeful that it should run high sevens. "Time permitting I hope to have it out mid-year, at the very latest for the Mopar Euronationals." Swift snippets. 9th March: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has asked us to remind racers that next Friday, 16th March, is the official closing date for the Autotrader Easter Thunderball. Entries after this date, if accepted, incur a 100% late entry penalty. You can find the official Easter Thunderball entry forms on the Entry Forms page of the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. ©Eurodragster.com From an indeterminable source comes this picture of Michael Malmgren's new Pro Stock in testing at the Eastern Spring Test Nationals presented by Torco's Competitionplus.com at South Georgia Motorsports Park. At time of writing there was no word of performances but as this was the car's first outing we're guessing that short passes were the order of the day. Michael and 2006 FIA European Champion Jimmy Ålund will be competing at next week's NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville. Web site updates. 9th March: Last December we featured a picture of Trip to America guests in their Phoenix Custom Apparel finery, taken at Pomona by NHRA Senior Photographer Richard Brady. Now the veteran US photographer has a selection of NHRA racing images taken over the years on display at www.groundpoundin.com, together with some magnificent "Nature and critter stuff" which he photographs around his Wyoming home when he's not catching dragsters on the run. Meanwhile Trailfinders, the UK's leading independent travel company, is busy handling enquiries from home and abroad as Trip to America 2007 gathers pace. You can find full details about the Trip at www.trip2america.co.uk or click on the logo at left. ©Eurodragster.com A great year for Pro Mod. 8th March: European Pro Mod Association Chairman Micke Gullquist says that it is going to be another great season for Pro Mod with more and faster cars than ever before. "In the record season of 2006 we reached a fantastic average number of 20.6 cars per event, qualifying for the sixteen spots in the field on Sunday", says Micke. "Pro Mod qualifying is a race in itself and, looking back, we had some amazing events where we had eight cars qualifying in the 6.3s like at Gardermoen in Norway. "Thirty four Pro Mod racers won points in the FIA Championship and to be in the top ten at the end of the season is a great achievement. To highlight this, there will be a special award and a special decal in 2007 for the top ten Pro Mod competitors in the FIA Championship. Winning the FIA Pro Mod Championship is one of the hardest tasks you can take on in European drag racing. You have to have a fighting spirit, fast car, great team, drive well and on top of that some luck, or at least you need to keep your bad luck at a minimum level. "In 2007, there will be more Pro Mod Championships to race for including the Bilsport NDRS Pro Mod Series, MSA British Drag Racing Championship, and the one-race Swedish Championship. The European Pro Mod season will start at Santa Pod on 6th-9th April with a round of the Bilsport NDRS Pro Mod Series and MSA British Drag Racing Championship, which is a great opportunity to get a head start in these Championships. If you plan to participate in the Easter event you should send in your entry form as soon as possible. "We would also like to thank Bilsport magazine for supporting Pro Mod over the years, making it a huge success. They've published great coverage from the races over the years, and for Scandinavian-reading people you can check out their motorsports portal at www.bilsport.se." ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 8th March: Further to Monday's news item, a Sterling price has now been set for Bob McClurg's book Fire, Nitro, Rubber and Smoke. The book is £21.95 and stocks have now arrived at Brooklands Books Ltd at www.brooklands-books.com or call 01932 865051. It will also be available in the Pod Shop at Santa Pod Raceway during the season. If you were tuned in to Eurodragster.com News yesterday you will have seen from the Autotrader Easter Thunderball entry list that Urs Erbacher, Lex Joon and Leif Helander have already signed up for the Pro Fuel Shootout. Santa Pod Raceway tell us that John Spuffard is also enrolled, with four other Fuel cars to be announced next week. Update 17:25 The new version of the Autotrader Easter Thunderball entry list supplied by SPRC Club Secretary Paula Marshall now additionally lists Thomas Nataas in Top Fuel Dragster and HåKan Fällström in Fuel Funny Car. Håkan will be licencing in the Pennzoil-sponsored FC owned by Kenneth Lorentzon. ©Eurodragster.com UK Sportsman ET racer Nick Gay is not alone in presenting a radio programme as Nitro FM's very own Nigel Fitzmaurice now has his own show between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Tuesdays on Castledown Radio in Wiltshire. Nigel's show features music from the 1950s to the present day as well as interviews and Nigel is more than willing to give race teams a mention if they drop him a line at [email protected] or text 07966 024244. You can find Castledown on 104.7 FM in the Tidworth area or streaming live at www.castledownradio.info. Easter Thunderball entry. 7th March: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch with a reminder for racers entering the Autotrader Easter Thunderball which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 6th-9th April: "The official closing date for entry is Friday of next week, 16th March", says Paula. "Entries after 16th, if accepted, will incur the late entry penalty which doubles the entry fee. "Please remember to include the electricity fee of £25 or £55 with your entry. The electricity fee is per race vehicle entered, so if you are double-entered with one vehicle then you need only pay a single electricity fee, but if you have entered two vehicles then you need to pay two electricity fees. SPRC Champions who are eligible for free event entry still need to pay the electricity fee. ©Eurodragster.com "Finally, if you are paying by credit card then please ensure that when you write out the card number you include the three-digit security code on the back of the card. If this is not given then your entry won't appear on the list!". You can see the current entry list for the Autotrader Easter Thunderball by clicking here. Rapid response unit. 7th March: UK Pro ET racer Antony Wilkins has just finished building his unique new race car (right, click on picture for large version). Butch says that he thought it was time for a change from his Rat Poison '55 Chevy. ©Eurodragster.com "The car is a 1928 Model A pick-up, which I believe to be a first for drag racing", says Butch. "I've called it Ground Zero and done it in the style of a fire truck - as I am a firefighter in Bedford it is quite appropriate. It runs the Big Block Chevy combination from the '55 but in about half the length and half the weight of the old bus. It is about ready for a Run What You Brung and then I will enter the Easter Thunderball as long as I've got the balls to keep my foot on the loud pedal. "I would like to thank Dave Eady, Andy Frost, Geof and Ray at Hauser Race Cars, and not forgetting my lovely wife Lynne who is still waiting for a new kitchen to be fitted. I started to build the car in the middle of last October so Lynne has been a diamond. Lastly can I wish good luck to Mark 'Billy' Bishop with his new Pro ET altered Vegas Hustler, which I can't wait to beat in 2007 together with the rest of the Pro ETers." Swift snippets. 7th March: We would like to wish a very Happy 30th Birthday to our good friend, Comp Eliminator racer and honorary Eurodragster.com staff member Spencer Tramm. Spencer's mum and dad Yvonne and Steve, sister Kirstie, and crew George, Rachel, Ady, Adele and Steve have all been in touch to add their best wishes. Have a great day Spencer and just think, there is no chance that anyone will ever call you Y***g G*n again as long as you live. ©Eurodragster.com The UK's Volkswagen Drag Racing Club are celebrating their twentieth anniversary this year and would be pleased to hear from anyone with VW racing photographs from the 1980s and 1990s to help them to build up a historical gallery. "Pictures will of course be credited to their owners, but we would love the readers of Eurodragster.com to help us make this year special", says Danny Allen. If you have any VW photographs then please drop Danny a line at [email protected]. Autotrader continues SPR partnership. 7th March: Autotrader magazine is pleased to be working with Santa Pod Raceway as a key sponsor of their racing calendar. Autotrader, the UK's number one Buying and Selling motoring magazine will once again be lead sponsor at the Easter Thunderball. Building on the successful relationship in 2006, Autotrader will continue to provide major print advertising coverage for Santa Pod Raceway promoting fourteen events throughout 2007. As part of the package Autotrader will be running competitions to win weekend admission tickets throughout the year, complimentary T-Shirts and other merchandising. Santa Pod events will carry prominent Autotrader branding and plus on event days, the Autotrader promotion team will distribute hundreds of copies of the magazine on-site including North London, Thames Valley, South London Midland and Anglia editions. “Working with Santa Pod Raceway in 2006 was an incredibly effective way for us to reach our customers" said Tim Thurston, Commercial Director at Thames Valley Autotrader. "Santa Pod offer excellent events which, with our strong magazine circulation, we can help promote and publicise.” You can make sure that you keep up to date with all the latest news and take your chance to win tickets to Santa Pod by getting your copy of Auto Trader each week. ©Eurodragster.com Web site updates. 7th March: The fourth page in the Lawrie Gatehouse Collection is the latest update on Alan Currans' excellent Acceleration Archive at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. "This update concentrates on US Top Fuel Dragsters of the early/mid 1970s and includes pictures of 'Big Daddy' Don Garlits, Shirley 'Cha Cha' Muldowney, 'TV Tommy' Ivo, 'King of the North West' Jerry Ruth and a host of other stars from the period", says Alan. "Andy Barrack has been hard at work researching the captions which are well up to his normal high standards. In addition there is an illustrated article written by Lawrie entitled 'Ladies in Drag' and his 'Hi-Riser' commendation from Car Craft magazine. ©Eurodragster.com FIA, FIM/UEM registration deadlines. 6th March: Geoff Myers of Power Racing Promotions has been in touch to remind racers of the deadlines for registration for the FIA and FIM/UEM European Championships. Registrations cannot be accepted after the deadline. Date Venue Recommended registration date Deadline for completion of registration 25th-28th May Santa Pod Raceway, UK 10th April 25th April 5th-8th July Alastaro, Finland 21st May 5th June 26th-29th July Mantorp Park, Sweden 11th June 26th June 5th-8th August Amcar International Raceway, Norway 18th June 3rd July 6th-9th September Santa Pod Raceway, UK 23rd July 7th August You can find FIA and FIM/UEM European Championship registration forms on the Entry Forms page of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. SPR prepares for prep. 6th March: The resurfacing of the first 330 feet of Santa Pod Raceway has now been completed and SPR's track crew are about to embark upon the job of preparing the racing surface for the Easter Thunderball. Kjell Pettersson and Darren Prentice of Santa Pod Raceway explained to Eurodragster.com how they would go about transforming the virgin asphalt into a drag strip capable of holding on to several thousand horsepower in the space of a few weeks. "First we let the surface settle", said Darren Prentice. "The next step will be to wash the track with a very strong detergent and rinse it off to leave an absolutely clean surface with no grease or grit. Then we will spray with neat VHT and that will soak in and seal the track. We will apply gold dust and white spot and then sled and sled. Then we start again with the glue, and powders, and sled, and so on. This will go on between now and each Run What You Brung, and then again in the weeks in between RWYBs, up to Easter. We will also work on prepping the rest of the track after it has been scrubbed ©Eurodragster.com "The new surface looks very good and it will come round before Easter using VHT, sledding and other techniques", said Kjell Pettersson. "We had two test patches in the shutdown area and this new surface is a modified version of one of those." As mentioned by Darren, the remaining 990 feet of the track have not been forgotten as Foster Contracting have again brought in their amazing runway washer (right) which uses very high-pressure water jets to remove excess rubber from the track surface. "This is normal maintenance to guarantee consistent track performance", said Kjell. We understand that the complete length of the track is still due to be resurfaced during the off-season between 2007 and 2008. Swift snippets. 6th March: This year's SFI Tour came to an end at Santa Pod Raceway yesterday (Monday). SFP President Arnie Kuhns told us towards the end of the day that the team were heading for two hundred inspections and that he had noticed a particularly large number of Pro Mod items this time around. As promised we have updated our John Woolfe Racing-sponsored Photo Feature with pictures from yesterday's inspection. You can check out the pictures by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com Santa Pod Raceway have acquired a second Junior Dragster, a Junior Stock which was formerly raced by Zak Johnson. "Now that we've got two, brothers and sisters can race each other!", says David Lloyd Jones of Santa Pod. For more information on Junior Dragster hire including fees for everything from a day's driving experience through licencing and on up to competing in an event, check out Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.co.uk/dr_junior.php. NFAA change racing format. 6th March: The UK's Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association have changed their racing format. Series promoter Lawrie Gatehouse tells us that the change is to make the final results clearer to spectators, track announcers and media now that more cars are competing on a regular basis. "Qualifying runs will be made by all teams and the pairings will be based on matching ETs to ensure close, side-by-side passes", says Lawrie. "After the penultimate qualifying round, the two cars with the lowest aggregate ETs will be held back in the final round. All of the other cars will run their last round as normal and accumulate points for the season-long Series. "The two cars in the final will square up so that there is a clear event winner and runner-up. They will also accrue Series points and win trophies at events. We hope that this revised format will enhance the growth of the class and enable the public to further enjoy the spectacle of the wild, wild, Fuel Altereds." You can find out more on the NFAA web site at www.nfaa.info. ©Eurodragster.com Mr Six coming home. 5th March: A search lasting almost a year came to an end last Monday when British Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductee Dennis Priddle and Simon visited the workshop of Wast-Tuning near Stuttgart. On behalf of Eurodragster.com News and Features sponsor John Woolfe Racing, Dennis bought Mr Six, the front-engined Fueller run by the team of Priddle, Riswick, Gane and Stanford to great success with in 1972, back into the hands of its former owners. The search started after an enquiry by JWR head Dave Riswick. Simon contacted various teams and the first lead was to a Swiss racer who had owned the car and put it on show in Switzerland and Italy. The car had subsequently been sold and the paperwork destroyed and so the trail went cold. After a few weeks and the posting of an appeal on the German Drag Racing message board, a lead to Wast-Tuning was followed up by Simon. The team of Wast-Tuning includes driver Walter Strobel and brother Dieter. Walter campaigned a rear-engined Top Methanol Dragster between 1995 and 2003, which had formerly been raced by Urs and Rolf Vogel and had been sold in 2006 to a Greek racer via Eurodragster.com's Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet. Like the Swiss owner, Walter Strobel used Mr Six as a promotional vehicle for show with a dummy engine and so the car has not been run for over twenty five years. It was painted in Don Prudhomme livery but Dennis was easily able to verify its authenticity as he is still in possession of his original plans for the car. ©Eurodragster.com As most readers know Mr Six was the first car in Europe to traverse the quarter mile in under seven seconds, running 6.995/185 on 28th May 1972. By the end of the season it had run as quick as 6.59, had achieved a FIA quarter mile world record of 6.7, and had a near 100% win ratio in competition against arch-nemesis Clive Skilton. After that landmark year and 1973, the car was raced for a number of years by fellow Hall of Fame inductee Roz Prior. "I am delighted that we have returned Mr Six to its original owners", said Dennis Priddle. "The original chassis is intact and in very good condition and the original rear wheels, axles, steering components and body panels are also present. The roll cage was replaced but the original was kept which will shorten the restoration process. I have discussed the restoration with Dave Riswick and it is Dave's intention that the car be returned to full racing capability before the 40th Anniversary of John Woolfe Racing in September 2008." Dennis also mentioned that since ihs return to the UK last Monday he has contacted Tony Gane, who did the majority of the chassis work, and Tony is delighted that the car is returning to the UK. Sadly, Pete Stanford passed away in 2006. Simon took several pictures of the historic sale and you can check these out by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. It's a shine thing... 5th March: In the dark recesses of various workshops and garages around the country, crews are working away on the major task of preparing their vehicles for the start of the 2007 season: priming, painting and polishing the cars and bikes ready for the start line. One of the best-looking teams this season is likely to be UK Super Gas and Junior Modified Dragster Team Panther Racing UK who have secured sponsorship for 2007 from Mer Products, the ultimate in car care products. "Probably the most well known of Mer's products is the car polish, which you will have seen on television and demonstrated at various shows and exhibitions around the UK", said Panther Racing Marketing and Media Manager Wayne Corbitt. "Now it's at the race track, and on our cars. We're over the moon with the deal. The cars will look even better than before. ©Eurodragster.com "After winning the Santa Pod Racers Club award for Most Professional Appearing Team in 2004, we're keen to move this forward in 2007 with Mer Products being instrumental in our efforts." "We love the look of the gorgeous red Firebird and the classic colour of the Junior Dragster – the team clearly take a great deal of pride in how they are presented", commented a spokesman for Mer Products. "That is extremely important for us and for our company. It's an excellent partnership. We wish the team well in 2007 and look forward to working with them on other projects." Swift snippets. 5th March: UK Tech Inspector Geoff Martin tells us that he has received enquiries about the use of E85 (85% ethanol) as a racing fuel. "As far as I can see we have no rules about fuel in Sportsman classes apart from no nitro and filling up with unleaded fuel on the Street Eliminator Cruise", says Geoff. For more information about E85 check out en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E85. ©Eurodragster.com Aladdin's cave on paper. 5th March: If you checked out the pictures from the SFI Tour yesterday then you will have seen the shot of Murf McKinney checking out the latest racing parts catalogue from the USA. Lee Child of Eurodragster.com Links sponsor LA Racing Parts tells us that he can supply copies of the catalogue in question (right). "This awesome 479-page colour catalogue lists more parts than you can imagine", says Lee. "Every moving part on a race car is catered for. We have already sent out some catalogues and had really good comments about it. One page is dedicated purely to safety and SFI information. The page contains an ET requirements quick reference chart and SFI requirements listed by the NHRA and IHRA. An extra bonus with this catalogue is three pages of information on bore sizes, strokes, rod lengths, compression heights and spark plug heat range cross reference. ©Eurodragster.com "Every part in the catalogue can be purchased from LA Racing Parts at great prices, saving you money on your racing budget. Purchase price including postage in the UK mainland is £9.99 and this is refundable with orders over £50.00. To get your copy call 01803 554308 or E-Mail [email protected]." More required reading. 5th March: Bob McClurg is one of America's most famous drag racing photo-journalists, and if you enjoyed his last best-selling book Diggers, Funnies, Gassers and Altereds you will love the follow up Fire, Nitro, Rubber and Smoke - Bob McClurg's Drag Racing Memories. This time it is a softbound volume containing some 160 pages and containing hundreds of stunning photographs, most of them in full colour and covering everything from front- and rear-engined Top Fuellers, Funny Cars, Pro Stockers, Gassers and Altereds and Exhibition Vehicles all shot through the sixties to the late eighties. The book will be available through the Pod Shop at Santa Pod Raceway during the racing season but is currently available from: ©Eurodragster.com Brookland Books PO Box 146 Cobham Surrey KT11 1LG England Phone: 01932 865051 Web site: www.brooklands-books.com Initial price at time of going to press is $29.95, but a price in sterling is expected soon. Web site updates. 5th March: Judging by the page view counts Roger's special reports from the NHRA races which he attends are always very popular with our readers, so we are pleased to announce that Roger has produced a couple of extra photo galleries, one each from February's NHRA Winternationals at Pomona and last week's NHRA Nationals in Phoenix. The bonus photo galleries feature the top five qualifiers in each Pro class and are presented in association with John Woolfe Racing. You can check out the Pomona gallery by clicking here and the Phoenix gallery by clicking here, or click on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com Feature: The SFI Tour so far. 4th March: We are indebted to Remco Scheelings, Jöran Persåker and Lex Joon for forwarding us pictures of the SFI inspection team's visits to Holland and Sweden during this weekend. We have put these pictures together as a feature in association with John Woolfe Racing and you can check them out by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com On Monday evening we will update the feature with pictures from that day's SFI inspections at Santa Pod Raceway. Spreading the word by any means... 3rd March: UK Sportsman ET racer Nick Gay seems to have plenty going on. As well as preparing his race car for the 2007 season Nick tells us that he has been helping to fly the flag for drag racing as well as presenting a radio show and one or two other jobs. "My car has now been fitted with a new composite bonnet (right), which still needs a lot of work, and I am building a 1600 cc engine for Sportsman ET action", says Nick. "However I plan to have a Pro ET engine/gearbox combination ready to test later in the year, time and money permitting. "In Wednesday's edition of the Southern Evening Echo there was a full page spread featuring myself, Chris Johnson (Super Comp), Martyn (Syd) Jones, Steve Johnson, Barry Giles (all Super Pro) and Len Paget (Pro Stock Bike). The article focused on the Southampton area-based racers' achievements in last years Championships and was a great advert for the sport. So well done to all the racers and thanks to Chris Johnson for organising the information. ©Eurodragster.com "On the subject of information I am preparing my report on Sportsman ET for the Easter Thunderball programme so if any racers have any news please mail me at [email protected] as soon as possible as the deadline is this weekend! "I have also been busy with my radio show on Skyline Community Radio at 2:00-5:00 pm on Saturdays, which you can hear live on the web at www.skylinecommunityradio.co.uk. The first hour is dedicated to motorsport news. I am hoping to cover the 2007 season with podcasts or even video diaries, so stay tuned (I'm tuned in right now - Ed)! Maybe Eurodragster.com readers would like to E-Mail me requests etc...just follow the links!" Swift snippets. 3rd March: Also flying the flag for drag racing right now is Sweden's Walmracing Super Gas team whose beautiful Pop is on show at the Rod and Kustom Show in Fryshuset, Stockholm (right). You can find live updates from the show and check out the latest team news including their 2007 sponsors on the Walmracing web site at www.walmracing.se. ©Eurodragster.com Derek Flynn of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Gold RV has been in touch to ask us to wish a big Happy Birthday to Gold RV Racing team member Sarah Foster. No sooner said than done, have a good day Sarah. See Datron for Vericom. 3rd March: Dave Burditt has been in touch to let us know that Datron Technology has recently become the UK agent for Vericom performance meters. "Vericom's on-board Acceleration Meter and Dynamometer has been used by drag racers in the USA for over twenty years, particularly in doorslammers and Sportsman classes", says Dave. "It's easy to install and operate, a self-contained unit pre-programmed for quarter-mile competition. By pressing just two buttons before the run the Vericom is ready to roll. At the end of the run comprehensive detailed data is calculated and displayed on the unit within seconds. "The display shows a list of speed and time at key distances (15, 30, 60, 330, 660, 1000 and 1320 feet) plus distance and time to 30 mph and 60 mph. Acceleration details are shown every tenth of a second and, most importantly, time and distance to Gmax (maximum acceleration = tyre hook-up point). By entering the race car's all-up weight into the Vericom, peak horsepower at the wheels is calculated and displayed. To help the driver the Vericom has a roll-out function which can be set to indicate shallow or deep staging. A Countdown function to simulate the Tree is another standard function as is the ability to measure reaction time. By connecting a compatible printer the Vericom can produce a comprehensive print-out of all run information. The Vericom has an eight-hour battery life and will store over fifty runs in its memory. All of these functions and more are available in the basic Vericom unit which is now on sale in the UK for just £645 plus VAT. ©Eurodragster.com "Also available is the Vericom VC3000PC version. In addition to the functions of the basic Vericom the PC version comes with data download and comprehensive analysis software. The software really enhances the Vericom system enabling even more information about the run to be examined in detail: typically acceleration, speed, distance, HP, corrected HP, RPM etc can be graphed and analysed with up to eight runs being overlayed on the graph. Another feature of the VC3000PC is the ability to add one or two RPM sensors to the system. Engine RPM is recorded from which torque and gearing are calculated. The second RPM sensor can be used to record driveshaft RPM for even more useful gearing information. The Vericom Profile software enables information about atmospheric conditions, strip altitude, drag factor, transmission loss etc to be entered into the calculation of HP, speed and torque to enhance the accuracy of the graphed data. Top of the range is the VERICOM VC3000DAQ which has all the above features and can be connected to up to twenty two additional sensors to fully instrument a race car and record data from engine, transmision and suspension.The VERICOM makes a sensible investment for every driver and team serious about winning. "The VC300 is not really suitable for Fuel cars although we still offer the Isaac Data Logging system as used by Shockwave last year. In fact we can now supply data recording systems from our wide range for any class of racing". For more details, prices and a Vericom DVD contact Datron Technology on 01908 261655 (outside the UK +44 1908 261655), E-Mail [email protected], or visit our web site at www.datrontechnology.co.uk." Web site updates. 3rd March: Dutch Top Fuel Dragster racer and Blogger extraordinaire Lex Joon has added a For Sale page to his web site at www.lexjoonracing.nl. Both parts and souvenirs are for offer via the new page. ©Eurodragster.com The UK's Volkswagen Drag Racing Club have updated their web site for the 2007 season with new galleries of current members and various cars from their twenty years at the forefront of VW racing. Danny Allen tells us that VW fans should keep an eye out for forthcoming articles from the pioneers of VW drag racing, driver and car features, and the latest news from the quickest VW drivers in the Europe. Check it out at www.vwdrc.com. SFI Tour kicks off. 2nd March: The Netherlands' eXplosion Club took good care of the SFI inspection team as they started their European Tour yesterday, says Henriette Selles. "We picked up the American delegation at Schiphol Airport when they arrived on Wednesday", says Henriette. "After a good night in a hotel we took them to Kart Centre Silverstone where they started off the SFI tour together with Andy Robinson. Many clutches and bellhousings were offered for close inspection by racers including Jan Scheppers, Lex Joon, Henri Joosten, Jurgen Nagel and Klaus Romahn. ©Eurodragster.com "It was a good day's work yesterday and in good Dutch tradition a lot of coffee and sandwiches were involved, while chatting away about all kinds off-track talk. The Dutch tech inspectors finished their exams with flying colours, so they are good for another two years of SFI chassis and safety cage inspections. "All in all a great day; and eXplosion would like to thank Kart Centre Silverstone for their hospitality, and a big thank you to Andy Robinson, Murf McKinney, Tim Hyatt and Arnie Kuhns." SPR seek demo racers. 2nd March: Darren Prentice of Santa Pod Raceway would be pleased to hear from any racer who would like to make demonstration passes at forthcoming events. Demonstration slots are available at: The Fast Show, Sunday 25th March The Performance Vauxhall Show, Sunday 3rd June The Classic Ford Show, Sunday 10th June Mini In The Park, Sunday 19th August "We are looking for the right manufacture of car to match each event", says Darren. "The idea is to try and educate some of our RWYB crowd to come along to mainstream drag racing". If you would be interested in running at these events then please contact Darren at [email protected] or call him on 01234 782828. ©Eurodragster.com SCR lane coverage continues. 2nd March: Shakespeare County Raceway's Marketing Manager Jerry Cookson is pleased to announce that Gold RV and Motorshack will be retaining their respective lane sponsorship names above the Warwickshire track's scoreboards this year. "As we all know Derek Flynn is a great ambassador for the sport here in the UK, and to have the Gold RV name flying proud above the left hand lane is fantastic news", says Jerry. "Gold RV also offer some great deals to racers from all walks of life with Canadian and American Motorhomes backed up with an extensive knowledge of RV parts. We would like to wish Derek and the Gold RV team all the best with their latest venture, and we might even get to see the Gold RV Top Methanol Dragster at the track this year! ©Eurodragster.com "Motorshack's involvement with drag racing has increased over the years, and the company name is at the forefront of many other motorsports which Motorshack has been involved with. Proprietor Steve Wood is a very professional and knowledgeable guy when it comes to accessing parts, accessories and fuels, and in the short time the track has known him he's built up quite a reputation with both National Championship racers and Test and Tuners alike including sponsorship of Shakespeare County's two Street Car and Street Bike Challenge events." Jerry adds that if anyone is considering taking out trackside advertising at Shakespeare County Raceway then very attractive rates are on offer for the season. You can contact the track office on 01789 720180 or E-Mail [email protected]. Feature: NHRA in Phoenix. 2nd March: The latest in our occasional series of Features, and the first new Feature to be presented in association with our new Features and Tributes sponsor John Woolfe Racing, is Roger's report and photographs from last weekend's Checker Shuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix. As usual Roger has covered every class, both Pro and Sportsman, and posted pictures of all of the winners plus a few bonus shots of new race vehicles. ©Eurodragster.com You can check out Roger's report and pictures by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. IronCAD back Grumpy. 2nd March: IronCAD has announced it will sponsor Europe's fastest Top Methanol Drag Racing team. The Dave Wilson Racing dragster holds the FIA Top Methanol European record of 5.422 seconds and the track records at four of the five FIA tracks, and is still the only car in the class outside of the USA to achieve a 270 mph terminal speed. Dave Wilson Racing will use IronCAD to design custom parts for their Top Methanol Dragster. Drag racing is highly regulated and custom-built parts give drivers an edge by allowing their team engineers to maximize a dragster's performance. "As winners of the FIA championship for the past four years we are anxious to explore any possibilities available to increase our chances of a record-breaking fifth championship win in 2007", said Dave Wilson. "We saw the kind of success Leanders Brothers Racing were having using the IronCAD system, which is becoming a staple of the European racing circuit with many teams throughout the FIA using it." With the addition of Dave Wilson Racing, IronCAD will have first-place Top Methanol Dragster and Funny Car teams going into 2007. Beyond their achievements at home, on their visit to the USA in 2004, Dave Wilson became the first European winner of an NHRA Lucas Oil Divisional event in Tucson Arizona. Wilson and his team now prepare for FIA's 2007 season at the Dave Wilson Racing workshop in Farnborough, Hampshire. Based in Atlanta, GA, IronCAD is a leading provider of 3D Design Productivity Solutions that deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction and productivity. Solutions that can be used either standalone or as complimentary collaboration solutions of a broader PLM initiative. Its flagship product IronCAD has won many industry awards for its innovative technology and leads the industry in its ease of use and design productivity. IronCAD products are being used successfully by thousands of customers worldwide. For more information on IronCAD, call 1-800-339-7304 or visit www.ironcad.com. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 2nd March: Monday's SFI Inspection at Santa Pod Raceway will take take place in the Media Centre, which is behind the grandstand. Congratulations to our good friends Lynda Hearn and Stuart Taylor on the birth of their son Jack who arrived yesterday. Stuart tells us that Jack tipped the scales at 7 lb 12 oz and that both Jack and Lynda are just fine. ©Eurodragster.com A big Get Well Soon to our good friend, Eurodragster.com Honorary Staff Member Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe who is spending a couple of days in hospital. Andy appears to have web access, so we can only assume that he has taken his laptop with him to continue on his current Anorak Stats project. Web site updates. 2nd March: Our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson has updated the Racebilder web site with pictures from the Göteborg Motorshow, at which he found a few familiar-looking race cars. You can find Patrik's pictures at www.racebilder.nu. ©Eurodragster.com This week's edition of Drag, Rod and Classic Review magazine at www.drcreview.com contains a preview of the forthcoming March Meet at Fomoso Raceway in Bakersfield plus, a little closer to home, details of the resurrection of a Willys Gasser which is making its comeback under the ownership of UK Rodder Tony Osborne. Previous stories you may not have read include interviews with Chip Foose (the star of Overhaulin) and top US rodder Roy Brizio. Sponsorship update. 1st March: 1st March marks the start of the new sponsorship year on Eurodragster.com and we are very pleased to welcome some new sponsors on board. Joining as sponsor of Eurodragster.com News and of our Features and Interviews is John Woolfe Racing, one of the UK's leading wholesale suppliers of American automotive parts. JWR's headquarters in Bedford supplies retailers with parts to fit American vehicles of all makes and ages with second-to-none stock levels and on-site exhaust manufacture. JWR also provide the latest parts and service information on new models using the latest software and exclusive industry link with American vehicle manufacturers. The company was started by Dave Riswick and John Woolfe and then continued by Dave and Arnold Burton after John was killed racing at Le Mans. You can contact John Woolfe Racing via their web site at www.woolfe.com. Nimbus Motorsport are pleased to announce their support of Eurodragster.com News in partnership with TORCO International Corp. Nimbus Motorsport are the European distributors for the winning range of TORCO racing oils and this sponsorship continues to build on the success that TORCO has provided European drag racers for many years. Nimbus will also be continuing their support in 2007 of racers in many different classes including John Spuffard, Andy Robinson, Steph Milam, Nigel Payne, Colin Lazenby, Andy Frost, Chris Hope and Dave Beck. During the season, Steve Clark of Nimbus Motorsport, will usually be found in Nigel Payne's Super Mod pit and he will be happy to discuss the performance benefits of TORCO racing lubricants as well as the other products distributed by Nimbus Motorsport. All products can be viewed at www.nimbusmotorsport.com. New Eurodragster.com News sponsor 3t creative specialise in innovative ideas and solutions for both printed media and the web. "In recent years, we have developed into a major creative resource for a range of clients, both locally and nationally, says Dan Welberry of 3t creative. "From our offices based near Bournemouth we have developed a substantial client base, providing creative and marketing solutions for conventional graphic design and the printed media, advertising, new media and ecommerce. We offer a comprehensive creative service, from initial brief to seeing ideas develop into the completed project, delivered on time and on budget. ©Eurodragster.com "With experience in the marketing of both product and service, covering clients in the Travel, Commercial Property, IT, Engineering, Publishing, Motor Sport and Retail sectors, 3t have the knowledge to work on all, or part of a project as required. Some of our work with which you may be familiar includes Andy Carter's new Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster design and the Xtreme Wheels Show logo which went on to appear on Bob Glassup's NFAA altered". For more information check out 3t creative's web site at www.3tcreative.com. We would like to thank Dave Riswick, Steve Clark and Dan Welberry and all of our sponsors for their support and we know that our readers will as ever show their appreciation for their backing of Eurodragster.com and for European drag racing by using their services. We are particularly proud that our extensive range of sponsors continues to provide our readers with every product or service they could possibly need, saving time and trouble looking around the web. Other changes in our sponsorship are that performance supplier LA Racing Parts has taken over as sole sponsor of our Links pages, and we are also very pleased to announce that LA Racing Parts will be continuing their backing of the Eurodragster.com/LA Racing Parts Perfect ET Award in 2007. We will post more news about this year's Perfect Awards scheme shortly. Also on the sponsorship front we have said goodbye and Thank You to Adrenaline Race and Performance and B+J Race Cars: we appreciate your support guys. You will also have noticed that we have now placed our News sponsors on both both the left and right side of the News page to increase their exposure still further. Stay tuned for more sponsorship updates, or if you are interested in having your logo on Eurodragster.com News then please drop us a line at [email protected]. Grumpy seeks diver. 1st March: Multiple FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave Wilson is seeking a crew member to join his 2007 campaign. "I need a new team member to do the bottom end", Grumpy told Eurodragster.com. "It's a very serious and important job. In an ideal world we would get someone with mechanical or engineering expertise who would like to get involved. Mechanics or engineers are much better at this sort of job. We will show you how to do what we would like done, and the way we would like it done. You will be taken on the European tour and will be fed, watered and accommodated at the track." ©Eurodragster.com If you like the sound of this and are not afraid of hard work then drop Grumpy a line at [email protected]. Meanwhile Grumpy said that his call on Eurodragster.com for a team PR has borne fruit. "Russ Shane has taken on the job", he said. "He's been down to meet us and he even got his hands dirty whilst he was here." More backing for Bon... 1st March: Dutch Top Fuel Bike team Joey Bon Racing is proud to announce a sponsorship agreement with AST Suspension. The deal has been signed for the next three years during which AST will back the JBR team's quest for the European Top Fuel Bike title. Advanced Suspension Technology is a leading manufacturer of performance suspension equipment for cars and motorcycles. Their products are proven worldwide in race, rally, cross and street applications. The picture shows Joey Bon and Peter Smits of AST shaking hands on the three-year deal. Joey Bon Racing Team is also very pleased to continue their sponsorship agreement with Schijf Groep, specialists in demolition work and concrete drilling. Schijf Groep has sponsored the JBR team for a number of years and will continue to do so in the 2007 season. ©Eurodragster.com At the moment the JBR team is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new three-valve cylinder head which is currently under production. The cylinder head is engineered by the JBR team and incorporates the latest technology and knowledge on flow management. A new cylinder block and manifold are also on the way. All of these items are designed as a perfect fit for a Puma bottom end and will be available for sale to other teams later this year. Joey Bon has started producing and selling drag racing parts through JBR Parts, his online web shop which you can find at www.jbrservices.com/jbr_parts.php. JBR Parts provides solutions to problems by improving on existing designs or co-developing with builders and racers. ...and for Super Modified. 1st March: The British Super Modified Racers Association is delighted to announce increased support for the 2007 Super Modified Championship. Following an excellent 2006 many companies, some old friends as well as new, have stepped up to the plate to offer sponsorship and support packages which will allow racers to reap the rewards of stellar performances whilst allowing some of the best names in their respective fields to showcase their products and services. "2007 looks like being our finest year yet, with new racers signing up and the return of a few old favourites", says SMRA Chair Andy Kirk. "We couldn't be more exited about the coming season, which kicks off at Santa Pod during the Easter weekend. The support offered by our commercial partners proves that the class is moving forward and that major players in industry have the faith in us to add their name to the banner. We must now repay that faith by showcasing these companies during the coming season. Our fanbase has grown over the last couple of years and I feel confident that we can do a great job for our fans and our sponsors. "I would like to say a huge Thank You to the following companies on behalf of all the racers: Center Line Wheel Corp Heliarc Technology Obsession Motorsports Andy Robinson Race Cars ICE Automotive Racing Engines Stroud Safety Equipment Motorshack Webster Race Engineering Power Race Graphics Oak Industries Turboville "Thanks guys, we appreciate your support. Gentlemen, start your engines." Earlier news