Many thanks to our great comperes Paul Wright and Barry Bohannon, who did their usual excellent job, announcing the winners, reading the citations and adding their own inimitable style to the proceedings. All the various Series winners were presented with their awards, with the 2023 Wild Bunch Series win going to Dan Wilson with the “Antique Toy” slingshot, his first win of this series in only his second season! Many congratulations to him and the whole team and to all those who finished in the Top 4, and Top 10 in Wild Bunch.
Phil James won the Spirit of Nostalgia Challenge Series in his beautiful “Rampage” funny car. He also won the Springbridge MSUK Challenge Series Cup held over the three MSUK events that the Wild Bunch competed in, as well as the SPRC Championship in the Wild Bunch, with that trophy to be presented in February! Well done to him!! Dan Wilson also won the 25th Annual Roy Wilding Nostalgia Race Cars Series with his historic slingshot, for the second year in a row. The whole Wild Bunch would like to congratulate Roy again on his recent well-deserved Induction into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. We are all really thrilled for him to receive this honour.
There were various presentations made on the night, including gifts and flowers to secretary Hayley Fyfe, and Race Co-ordinator, Treasurer & General Manager Claire Meadows for all their hard work. Gifts were given to all the lovely ladies attending. These were kindly assembled and sponsored by Hayley Fyfe of The Burnout Boutique and Team Wrathchild & Rebel Racing.
In addition, the winners of all the Wild Bunch Special Merit trophies were announced, with most of the winners present to receive their well-deserved awards:
Merit Awards
Big Bang Trophy - Alan Loten & Steve Williams “Paranoia”
Fastest time by a British-engined dragster (Sponsored by Martin Holgate) - Alan Loten “Paranoia” 9.883
Quickest E.T. - Bob Hawkins “Time Traveller II” - 6.717
Roy Wilding Best Newcomer - Andy Roy “Shawcrank Redemption”
Best Radical/Dragster - Phil James“Rampage”
Best Slingshot - Steve Field “Black Pig Too”
Best Altered - Paul Tarry “Trigger’s Broom”
Roy Wilding Best Turned Out - Team Little Fauss “Little Fauss”
Perseverance Award - Wayne Colliver “Misfit”
Best Achiever - Dan Wilson “Antique Toy”
Derek & Brenda Annable trophy - Team Econorail “Hammerman II”
‘Crazy Chris’ Showmanship - Keith Crampton “Soul Town Shaker”
Crew of the Year - Matt Lisley “Rampage”
Driver Dave Memorial Bell (Kept Calm and Carried on) – Bob Hawkins
Scottie Durrant (Above & Beyond Award) - Alan Loten & Steve Williams “Paranoia”
Personal Achievement (Daddy Cool Sag) - Ford Skipp “Chasin’ Time”
Chris & Claire Sportsperson - Wayne Colliver “Misfit”
The greatest Wild Bunch accolade of the evening was as always, the Don Garlits ‘Spirit of Drag Racing’ Shield, the most prestigious award in the Wild Bunch, which represents sportsmanship, achievement, perseverance, commitment, presentation and a host of other attributes. Our 2022 Winner, Bob Hawkins, made the presentation of the Don Garlits Shield to our 2023 Winner, James Auld of Team “Little Fauss”.
James has been a Wild Bunch member for several years and has made great progress improving the appearance and performance of his car and team over the last few years, and done so in a competitive yet sportsmanlike manner, whilst demonstrating great commitment and support to the Wild Bunch. Huge Congratulations to James and his whole team on this achievement. Very well done and very well deserved.
We also held a raffle to raise funds for the club, so many thanks to all who donated some fantastic prizes. There were so many that the vast majority of those who bought tickets, won prizes. The night was rounded out with more celebrations, dancing to the fantastic disco provided by Stuart of SOS, much chatting and bench racing and laughs and fun all round.
The Wild Bunch would like to thank Bob Hawkins of Springbridge Direct Ltd for his continued support, via his Springbridge MSUK Challenge Series, now in its 11th year. Also, thanks to our host of other event trophy and prize money sponsors this season, including Ian Hart of Team Bravehart, Chris & Claire of the Backdraft team, Hayley of the Burnout Boutique and SPRC for providing trophies and prize money at the MSUK events.
Many congratulations to all of our winners! We can’t wait until 2024 to be back out at the drags for the 28th Anniversary season of the Wild Bunch.
Full info can be found on the news section of the Wild Bunch website www.the-wild-bunch.co.uk click here
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy, dry, safe and quick New Year to all racers and teams, marshals and officials, track and safety crews, photographers, media, promoters, managers and of course Eurodragster.com staff, who work so hard. Thanks to everyone for all they do for this sport of Drag Racing we all love so much. Looking forward to seeing you all at the drags next season for another excellent year.
Thanks to Graham Watkinson for his help in coding this article.
Drag Seen #4 - more pages, feature cars, and Vintage Drags! 30th November:
Drag Seen photographer, editor and publisher Paul Martin has announced the launch of the fourth edition of the publication, featuring more pages, a spine and feature cars.
Paul says "We have two full features from the pen of the talented Niamh Smith on Bryan Whitfield and Ian Tubb's award winning 'High Spirits' '32 Bantam, and Chris Goodale's '69 Chevelle 'Russo Rat'
.
There is a photo story on the most excellent inaugural MPH 1/8th Mile Vintage Drags with organisers Chris, Mark and Sid's thoughts on the day.
"Plus the usual carefully curated selection of images of the thrills, spills and downpours documenting this years season from the cameras of Julian Hunt and Paul Martin, with Nïamh Smith.
"Printed at A5 it's the perfect stocking filler for the drag racing fan in your life. Drag Seen #4 has 72 pages printed on A5 high quality paper and perfect bound with a 250 gsm cover priced at £8.49 inc UK P&P.
"You can order your copy from Ebay by
clicking here. Any profits from the sale of the magazine are donated to Cancer Research UK. Please check out our other Ebay listings to purchase stickers or a Cover Art prints.
Swift snippets. 30th November:
Happy Birthday for today (Wednesday) to Pro Stock and Super Street Bike patriarch Chris Hope, Oklahoma Willy Jet VW racer Perry Watkins, Cotsweld Race Cars director and VW racer Jim Smith and Top Fuel crewman Rob Inglis.
We hope you have had a great day.
Get well soon to expat Brit Top Fuel Bike racer Jay Upton who suffered a pit explosion on Sunday at the Perth Motorplex, Australia. Jay and a crew member are in hospital recovering.
Another get well soon to pit reporter and photographer Mike Kraaij who is poorly in hospital.
2024 SFI Specification list. 29th November:
The SFI Specification list for FIA Drag Racing was updated with a number of changes for the 2024 Season following a decision of the FIA World Motor Sport Council (“WMSC”) – for details, click here (PDF format).
All those changes have been thoroughly discussed and reviewed by the FIA Drag Racing Technical Work Group and subsequently approved by the FIA Drag Racing Commission, which consist of different representatives from various Organisations involved in Drag Racing Worldwide.
We note from a comparison with the 2023 Specification list that the Recertification Period for a wide range of parts has been lengthened, which can only be good for teams that are on tight budgets.
The 2024 EDRC Calendar and further updates to the FIA Drag Racing Regulations are expected to be approved by the WMSC in its next meeting in Baku, on December 6, 2023, so that all sporting and technical regulations will be in place ahead of a promising 2024 FIA European Drag Racing Championship. The FIA Drag Racing Regulations can be found on the FIA web site at this link.
Tina Høst Nedregård's remarkable 2023 Top Methanol debut. 29th November:
Thanks to photojournalist Remco Scheelings for sending a link to his latest article on FIA racers.
To say that Tina Høst Nedregård impressed at her championship debut is an understatement. The 34-year old Norwegian finalized her licensing procedure at Gardermoen Raceway to claim the number one qualifying position less than a week later at the Summit Racing Equipment Internationals at Tierp Arena.
Maybe even more impressive than the number one qualifying position was the way she controlled the car and the elapsed time. The 5.265 seconds on what was her second official qualifying run, was the third quickest pass in European Top Methanol history! And with a 5.30-second run in the first round of eliminations, she proved that it was no coincidence at all.
You can read Remco's full article on www.dragracingeurope.eu at this link.
Jerry Lackey's funeral. 29th November:
The funeral service of Honorary President of Hanau Auto Racing Association and German drag racing legend Jerry W. Lackey took place on November 24th, 2023 in Zellhausen.
A number of photos and some video from Jerry's funeral have been posted at the HARA website at this link together with the eulogy written by DMSB Drag Racing co-ordinator Andrea Kloss which you can also read on our 6th November update.
Dan Melrose going Down Under. 29th November:
Best wishes and good luck to Santa Pod Raceway Track & Events Coordinator Dan Melrose who is moving back to his native Australia to become Manager of The Dragway at The Bend, the new track near Adelaide which has had rave reviews on its opening.
Dan joined the Santa Pod team in June 2021 and worked on events from the outset, covering a wide range of duties from programme editing to operating The Pod's t-shirt cannon. During 2023 he became an Assistant Race Director. Previously Dan worked at Sydney Dragway.
Dan said “I’m extremely excited to join The Bend and play a key role in developing Australia’s newest Drag Racing facility. I look forward to leading the charge in delivering a world-class service for spectators and competitors as Drag Racing continues to grow in South Australia.”
You can read the full story about Dan's new appointment on dragnews.com.au by clicking here.
NHRA Finals gallery Part 2. 29th November:
Following his Thursday and Friday gallery posted on 18th November, Photojournalist Andy Willsheer's gallery from Saturday and Sunday and the Awards Ceremony from the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, at this link or via news, then features from the main menu, supported by Lucas Oil Products.
Andy has kindly supplied captions to identify the people or cars depicted in the photos which include some European visitors.
We can only repeat our thanks to Andy for sending us his photos. Next stop: March Meet at Bakersfield followed by the Gatornationals.
Swift snippets. 29th November:
A belated Happy Birthday for yesterday to Pro Stock Bike racer Kalle Lyrén, EDRS timekeeper Lotta Ahlgren, Drag Kart exponent Scott Cooper and crewman Dusty Laugher, we hope you all had a fantastic day.
Ben Chiarella of sponsor Straight To The Point Racing says the Nottingham-based business stocks all performance parts, including Precision Turbochargers, Haltech ECU, Holley Products and much more. Straight To The Point Racing are your American V8 & Chevy experts and can supply workshop and paint services to order. The website at sttpr.com has a wide range of products that can be ordered online for that Christmas stocking.
For musclecar , drag race & restoration parts for all American vehicles, contact Wisbech-based Goodale American Speedshop. Owner and Eurodragster sponsor Chris Goodale has nearly 30 years of experience importing parts and accessories from the USA and can source parts for GM, Mopar and Ford. Goodale American Speedshop has wholesale accounts held in the USA with suppliers to obtain the best parts at the best prices.
Chris has a special offer of gift vouchers in multiples of £25 for
those wishing to contribute towards a racer's purchase of new parts for the 2024 season. Contact him on 07951 121389, by email to [email protected]. For latest updates go to the Facebook page.
Spanner Bottle Openers
Santa Pod Raceway Thrill Ride driver Paul Brown has Spanner Bottle Openers for sale. They are available in blue, orange, black and purple.
They are £6 each or 2 for £10 including free shipping to UK Mainland only.
Payment via paypal: [email protected] and please let Paul know the colour you require.
Paintings and prints
Drag Racing artist Paul Whitehouse has a selection of original paintings and prints for Xmas delivery. Paul's work has been widely featured in the media and he has received commissions from many drag racing legends.
You can buy prints online at www.paulwhitehouseart.com or if there is something specific that you would like depicted, Paul is happy to discuss commissions. Contact Paul at [email protected] or on +44 7432 564110 for full details and availability.
Calendars
Chris Eyre of DBF Photography says "I have produced 4 calendars this year; Nitro Army, 2 Wheeled Warriors, Pro Modified and Sportsman options. All these can be seen at this link. There is currently a Black Friday sale on wall calendars 25% off, the price was £20, now only £15!. Currently our order to arrival time is approximately 2 weeks, need it quicker then drop us a message at this link.
See below for photos of Chris's calendars.
Apparel
Sponsor, designer and Super Pro racer Peter Walters says his apparel branch of Peter Walters Race Design POWERED Co. ⚡️ is SO happy to announce they have relaunched and there's a whole host of T-shirt designs and more!
"We have t-shirts, hoodies, decals and more from the High Spirits Fuel altered, our new Girl Powered range, the Street Eliminator class and our own branded items!
And back by popular demand, the Shakespeare County Raceway 'Never Forgotten' and 'Kenny's Bar' range of items!
Event coverage sponsors John Woolfe Racing are offering a Christmas
Book Sale to JWR web readers of 10% on all books listed which cover many
Drag Racing specialties, automotive and biographies and how-to-guides.
From today IT Director Mike Duggan is adding an additional 10% discount
code : “EURODRAGSTER” to the site which will allow Eurodragster readers
to enjoy a total of 20% discount by adding this code when purchasing at checkout.
By using this link on JWR’s website www.woolfe.uk, you can log on and save
until 31st of December 2023.
Darren West of Power Race Graphics writes: Door Slammers are back at RAD Design Lines with our brand new Christmas stocking filler!
Our Door Slammers colouring sheet set of 6 loose A3 size design sheets featuring - Outlaw Pro Mod, Grudge / No Prep, Comp Eliminator, FWD, Pro Mod and Factory Stock - 6 wild door cars and transporters to design the graphics and create the colour schemes for! Printed on high quality heavyweight colouring paper.
A creative gift to excite door car fans of all ages, produced in limited number - grab yours before they are gone!
At a price of only £5.99 + P&P (Shipped rolled and tubed with logo sticker), you can buy the RAD Design Lines Door Slammers colouring sheets at www.raddesignlines.com.
The perfect gift to give to any drag racing and sprint enthusiast is the book John Hobbs and the Age of the Twins. Author and photographer Keith Lee was well
placed to produce this comprehensive hardback book, which brings back to life the development of sprinting
under the National Sprint Association, and the crossover into drag bike racing, as the new sport was
introduced into the UK.
Set around the racing career of bike racing’s leading rider of the era, John Hobbs, Keith’s book covers the
major events and changes over two decades of progress, as race machinery radically altered. Featuring so
many famous bikes and riders among the 360 images, the book also includes numerous multi-engined bikes,
which were a popular sight in those golden years, when seemingly anything was possible.
The final part of this well reviewed book covers the rise of Dragstalgia, which the author has also been
involved in, to attract a number of these classic drag bikes back out to Santa Pod once more for this amazing
event.
John Hobbs and the Age of the Twins is a limited edition run, and only available via secure mail order link,
from keithleeimages.co.uk while stocks last.
DVDs
Our good friends Helen Todd and Dave Coleman at Zeon video are still selling archive DVDs of racing over 20 years at Santa Pod Raceway and Shakespeare County Raceway, with great quality pictures and commentary, via Amazon and Ebay.
The titles comprise Street Eliminator, Outlaw Anglia, Pro Modified, NFAA Fuel Altereds, Hot Rods at Shakey and Mopar Euronationals. The complete collection of archive DVDs are now available only in limited numbers at this link on Amazon.co.uk.
Santa Pod shop
Santa Pod Raceway has a wide range of gift cards, gifts and branded championship apparel which you can buy online from the Santa Pod shop.
Swift snippets. 27th November:
Happy Birthday for today to VW Sportsman mum Rachel Wilson and VW Pro racer Tom Herbert, we wish you a great day.
Belated Happy Birthdays for Saturday to Outlaw Street racers Sally Woolner and Derren Brown, and for yesterday (Sunday) to expat Brit Top Fuel racer Steve Read, former Super Street crew member Wendy E Llewellyn, Top Doorslammer racer Rimbert Vahlström, and 9.50 Bike racer Jonathan Kasziba. We hope you all had a fantastic day.
Director and former Top Fuel crewman Steve Clark says "We will be offering a discount on all Thermo-Tec and Design Engineering Inc heat management products. It will be an ideal opportunity for racers who are currently either building or updating their race cars and require heat protection products."
Thermotec products include Hi-Heat Coating, Graphite Exhaust wrap, heat shields, thermo sleeves with a wide range of applications to engine bays and exhausts, together with heat resistent gloves. Design Engineering Inc products include heat wrap for headers or exhaust systems, heat shields, sleeve products, and more.
You can contact Steve or his colleagues at Nimbus Motorsport via their website nimbusmotorsport.com with online ordering facilities, e-mail [email protected] or call on 01759 322100.
Malta Finals update. 24th November:Kieran and Diana, along with in excess of 100 Brits, will be at the MDRA Enemed Finals from Thursday to Sunday 23rd-26th November at Hal Far Raceway. We have updated our Event Coverage index with thanks to Diana for off-track photos from today and links to information on the event and video with the support of John Woolfe Racing. See our coverage at this link
On our Event Coverage page we have posted the official entry list from organisers Malta Drag Racing Association, 'versus list' for pairings in class racing, our unofficial Spotters Guide and a provisional running order.
A look at the points posted by MDRA show that several classes have very close championships. In the four cylinder dragster classes D4 and DTA4, Nathan Bartolo (Haltech Mitsubishi dragster) and Tyson Debono (XII Opel Dragster) are within a round of one another. In the quickest non-dragster class, CA6, Anthony Vella (Chevy Vega Wagon) and Justin Muscat (Terminator rotary Ford Escort Mk1) are vying for the title.
In the Escort Class 3 class, Christian Pace is less than one round of racing ahead of Martin Scerri. And whilst Clayton Johnson (Toyota Starlet) has a substantial lead, there will be plenty of competitors from around Europe, including a transport full from Portugal.
From the UK we have Nathan Freke (Toyota MR2), Rui Carvalho (VW Polo), Terry Newton (Escort van) and Stuart Crane (on Franklyn Borg's Funny Bike) to cheer on. There is also a large bike entry from the Netherlands and quick cars from Germany (Markus Welte's Golf) and Denmark (Soren Hansen's Starlet).
A live stream will be available until Sunday on the Motors MT Facebook page, and you can also read about individual performances from the Facebook pages of Malta Drag Racing, Mk1Kieran, and European FWD.
For those watching at home, today's action was halted by rain early on, however the track is being dried for a late afternoon restart, thanks to Diana for the update.
Swift snippets. 24th November:
A very Happy Thanksgiving to our readers in the United States.
Happy 75th birthday to BDRHoF Adviser & Selector Philip Evans, have a great day Phil! Also a Happy Birthday to Mad Welshman contributing photographer Paul Evans and to our Swedish friends
former Svensk Dragracing webmaster Erik Zettervall and former Pro Modified racer Lars-Inge Johansson, we hope you all have a great day!.
A belated Happy Birthday for yesterday to Gasser Circus racer, working on a new Austin Dorset build, Tom Margesson and Pro ET and NSS racer and class supporter James Oliver, we hope you had a fab day.
Santa Pod Raceway CEO Keith Bartlett spoke at the reception prior to the dinner and induction ceremony: "Santa Pod has managed to make a small profit in 2023 which was very welcome given we had projected a loss for 2023. The economy and huge increase in costs to run events has made the whole business quite challenging to say the least.
"Turning to Nostalgia events in 2024 which totals three events, the Nostalgia Nats, the Hot Rod Drags and the big on one – Dragstalgia. For Dragstagia we wanted to bring back ‘Havoc’ with Nick Davis and Rob Loaring – but who could we get them to race? Well Ladies and Gentlemen I am pleased to announce that we have found a solution – we are bringing over Randy Bradford with his famed Topolino altered. We are also hoping to have all the nitro funny cars from the Janne Johansson collection at Dragstalgia next year.
"Speaking of cars, with our future museum in mind, we have been on the acquisition trail. We have purchased ‘Rat Trap’ from my good friend Ron Hope and I am hopeful of concluding a deal with Don Garlits to have Swamp Rat 21 at Santa Pod for a long period. But tonight, we have a more interesting car to present and unveil to you and one which will have great appeal to Leslie Wright – that being the Alan Herridge dragster “Motovation’ almost as in the same condition as Alan stepped out of it for the last time."
BDRHoF Chair Lesley Wright commenced the ceremony by saying "We are honoured to have guests from three continents this evening and thank them for travelling so far to make this a special evening for us. We have Ron Hope in the audience fulfilling his promise to return – welcome back Ron – so good to see you.
"Sadly since last year’s Gala we have lost many friends from the Drag Racing world and their loss is hard to bear. Our Hall of Fame members - John Bennett, Harold Bull, Nobby Hills, Dennis Norman and Brian Sparrow contributed greatly to the sport and we mourn their passing.
"Tonight however is about celebrating our new Inductees and our Junior Drag Racers. We shall also honour the 60th anniversary of Mooneyes which lit the fire in the belly of those pioneers bringing us to this great sport we have today."
Photojournalist Andy Willsheer spoke before presenting his colleague Roger Gorringe, the first inductee of the evening, with his Bootsie Award. He said: "I first bumped in Roger quite a few years ago as we have both been stalwarts at Santa Pod for over half a century. I think he should have grown up by now, but one of the things that's so good about this sport is that you never have to grow up. He started coming with me to the States just after the turn of the Millennium and accompanied me for many years. We have very many entertaining tales to tell but we won't go into those here! It's very unfortunate that Roger is no longer at Santa Pod and I miss him down on the line, but for the many years that we roamed Europe and America together we had some good times, and I'm very pleased that he has been inducted into the Hall of Fame. It's well deserved and long may he continue. Well done mate!"
Roger said "Many thanks. That was a bit of a surprise. I was told the awards were to be presented by a well-known, attractive young lady. What do I get? - Andy Willsheer. Cheers Andy, a true and great friend.
"Thank you to the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame for this prestigious award and congratulations to the other inductees. Also, thanks to all who sent congrats to Face Book. I don’t do FB but was shown a short copy.
"It’s been 50 years – more than half a lifetime of involvement in the sport I love and dedicated my life to. What a privilege it has been to photograph and write about racers, teams, sponsors and race tracks, often published pretty much around the world. I have been lucky to have travelled to a lot of tracks around Europe, Scandinavia and America over the years, many with Andy Willsheer, involving many adventures, scenic visits and too many eye-watering laughs to mention.
"For 10 years I was Publisher and Editor of Drag Racing News here in Britain, then for over 20 years, Editor of SPR’s FIA/FIM event programmes, each of which I could not have operated without a dedicated team of writers and photojournalists. I’d like to thank those people again, most of which worked for free.
"I also started as the Media Marshal, writing the rules and regulations based on the industry standard NHRA regulations together with common sense and a duty of care. These rules I’m pleased to say were adopted by most tracks across Europe and Scandinavia.
"A number of people have asked why I retired back in early 2022. Unfortunately, I had no alternative and it was the end of an era. Finally, I’d like to dedicate this award to the memory of a very good, loyal and much missed friend – Steve Moxley. To Moxy."
Drag racing historian Jerry Cookson presented the Bootsie award to the next inductee Roy Wilding and said:
"It’s been both a privilege and a pleasure to know our next inductee ‘Little Daddy’ Roy Wilding. I can’t think of anyone who has a true, infectious and enthusiastic spirit for drag racing that Roy has. From a very early age in building his own cars through to the many customer cars which have adored the Wild Bunch and Supercharged Outlaw classes, his attention to detail, styling and paint is simply outstanding.
"Roy has a very special determination to excel in everything he does, and believe me that 6 second pass will come with the team you have round you.
"Even on non race weekend’s he’s building trailers, fabricating parts for customers, restoring old race cars - the list goes on. Dedication is second to none. I’ve lost count now as to how many cars Roy has been involved with! But he does relax, when he’s told, with a spot of fishing. I suspect that’s the time when all the creative spirit comes to a head!
"But to me his love and passion for his local drag strip over the years, Long Marston, Avon Park or Shakespeare County Raceway, call it what you will. But whenever you speak to Roy about the good old days in Warwickshire the place will always be referred to as ‘Marston’ or the ‘Park’, never its real names.
"Now that the Chariot is tucked up for the winter all the hours that god sends will be spent on either customer builds or his own special project; a Rover V8 powered Citroen 2CV, and I bet you this will also be painted in his trade mark green and purple, and I for one can’t wait to see it. But tonight Roy it’s your night along with Elaine and your team. Enjoy it mate…"
Roy said in his acceptance speech: "Firstly when I got the call from Lesley Wright, this award was totally unexpected. My reasons for this were that I was fortunate and proud to receive the award on behalf of the Wild Bunch Nostalgia Race cars, as I was one of the Wild Bunch founders. I believe this was the only association to be inducted up to that point. I truly thought that was the highest accolade I could ever receive in drag racing, and blow me – here I am! Again, totally unexpected.
"I now have a few minutes to sum up over 55 years of involvement with cars during my lifetime. It all started as a kid building a soap box with my dad. It had big wheels at the back, little ones at the front. It had a state of the art pram handle to steer it, instead of the expected piece of string. Plus it was articulated with another set of wheels and a plank (times 2).
"Things moved on. My best school mate was Steven Braidley, who’s dad owned a scrap yard right next door to open fields and country lanes. You can guess what a group of young lads go up to. My backside still bears the scars from the Headmaster’s cane, but that’s how things were then.
"As I grew up I got into street racing and Mini Cooper S’s. I admit that on my first driving licence I got a speeding ticket for 62mph in Smethick High Street, with a trailer on the back, racing my mate. I then got involved with a Hot Rod club. I started building my first Hot Rod at the age of 19, finishing it when I was 21. That same car is still on the road to this day.
"From Hot Rodding I began to attend Drag Racing, and that got into my blood. Behind the scenes I got involved with helping out at Avon Park, particularly building the club house, wheelchair ramp and jet drier. Over the years I built and raced various vehicles for various classes. My most memorable times have been with the Wild Bunch, but Super Pro and Supercharged Outlaws are a close second.
"It’s true to say that running a vehicle like the one I now race does take more than one person to make it happen. To this end I would like to pay tribute to my team. So in no particular order:
"I have Andy Burgess who has recently joined the team, and is learning the ropes. Harry Beazer, whom I originally worked with at Futura Design. He joined the team about three years ago. Kevin Tearell whom I have known for 17 or 18 years, initially helping on the S&K Super Pro car, and then happily for me, migrating over to my team. Tony Brace whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for over 35 years; Tony has crewed on virtually all the cars I have driven.
"Elaine Southworth with whom I got together more recently, over the past five years. Elaine supports me and my team 100%, however I am most grateful to her for kicking me out of the house to play with my toys. Last but not least, my Crew Chief Mark Luton. I have known Mark since he was 14, with a full head of hair – and now look at the effect years of drag racing has had on him! But with all seriousness, without Mark I wouldn’t be as competitive as I am. He’s been at my side throughout my best times, and my worst times. For that I am extremely grateful to him.
"All my team members are my true friends. They give of their time freely and I couldn’t be more proud of them all. Thank you for my accolade and recognition of my involvement in British drag racing."
Keith Lee introduced Rod and Anne Pallant, Rod sadly not being able to attend. Keith said "It gives me great pleasure to be asked to present this award. It was a wonderful time when Rod and Anne were involved in the sport. The double engined bikes added something to it. They were a big draw for the crowds, you could try almost anything. Rod was one of those mad guys who had three double engined bikes. Who in their right mind...?
"There was really something about those machines. Drag racing has moved on, Rod really helped bring in the fans, always putting on massive burnouts and a great show, because drag racing is show and go. I was talking earlier on to Nick Davies, Havoc is one of those machines you've got to see. It's not that ultimate time, it's providing the spectacle. Some of those bikes really had it back then and it was really great to see. So it is a privilege to be up here, nice to see Anne here after so many years and a shame Rod can't make it, he is a great character."
Rod's response was via video: "Sorry I can't be with you all tonight but old age and health issues mean I can't travel. Number one son Carl is here on my behalf along with my wife Anne to accept the award. Thanks to the BDRHoF committee for inducting Anne and I. It's good to be remembered and recognised by your peers for our contribution to our sport. I've said it before, Anne and I are a team, 50 years wed says it all. Well done wifey for putting up with me.
"Drag racing is a team family sport, you can't do it without the support of your team members and mates. So thanks to all those who rose to the challenge, mainly Barry Townsend, Jon Morton, Tony Edwards, Chris Tea, Trevor Gardiner, Nobby Clark and Allan Herridge. Many other mates were helpers along the way, too many to remember but you know who you are, and congratulations to fellow inductees Eric, Roger and Roy. I have great memories of travel all over our country, Europe and Scandinavia with our drag racing family and made friends for life. So thanks everyone for your memories and enjoy the evening. Cheers, Rod."
Keith Bartlett presented Eric Teboul with his Bootside award. He said: "We all know of Eric Teobul’s Top Fuel records and wins but let me say that i had many problems over the years with the FIM Championship and the rules that we were bringing in. In discussions with Eric we had to get over the language issues and i quoted my dad and uncles who said to me that during WW2 they found that if you could get a French Chap to understand you – and if you could understand him, that was never easy – and they got what you were saying and finally understood you, then if they thought your view was right then they had a loyal commitment to honour what was agreed. I can say once Eric got what I was saying he became loyal to Santa Pod and stayed committed to us for the next 12 years….. and became a major attraction at Santa Pod.
"Its no wonder that Eric retired after the 4sec pass at the European Finals this year – i saw him go over the finish line with his legs our vertically off the back of the bike – now that is scary shit no matter how good a rider you are!
"We are going to miss Eric very much as Santa Pod in the coming seasons, but at least the track crews and VIP guests on the balconies will not have to be concerned about hydrogen peroxide fumes in their faces whern the wind blows the wrong way – because we now have Graham Sykes with his Steam Rocket bike performing at Santa Pod. Also, I might add all that happens after Graham has run is the track is covered in boiling hot water to which all the track crews can make a nice hot cup of tea! Every cloud has a silver lining!"
In his acceptance speech, Eric said "Thank you all for this award after 37 years of passion in drag racing, including 26 years in Top Fuel Bike in Europe and 20 years showing off with the quickest motorcycle in the world since 2002, the Rocket Bike.
"In its first year in 2003 the Rocket Bike was the first motorcycle under 6 seconds at Santa Pod. Then later in 2003 I set the first of my world records at Hockenheim with a 5.654. In every year we set new world records, until my world record set in the USA of 5.12. And finally, after some modifications on the bike, on the last run of my career, I was the first to complete a run in the fours with a 4.97 at 290mph.
"For that, I would like to thank a few people. First of all the person who gave me this passion for drag racing, helped me in the construction of my rocket bike, who himself was a great rider in Top Fuel Motorcycle, and then moved to Top Alcohol where he was at the top level with drivers like Anita Makela, Barry Sheavills, Rico Anthes, Urs Erbacher etc. Then he was Sammy Miller's successor by driving the Rocket Car Vanishing Point before selling that car to David Pertue. That person is my brother Bob Feeler, aka Philippe Teboul.
"I would also like to thank those who allowed me and trusted me to ride with a peroxide machine, Keith Bartlett, Darren Prentice, Jerry Lackey and all the staff at Santa Pod.
"With this 4.97 and 290mph run, I am putting an end to my career and my biggest loss will be leaving all my family of drivers and all the public who have been following and sharing my story over 37 years. Now I'm a part of the history of this great sport and I thank you all for that.
"Finally a lot of people have asked me where this bike is! I think this run at 290mph is the limit on 2 wheels and I almost got thrown off the bike at that speed on this last run. So I don't want to learn about an accident with this bike and I hope that Santa Pod will open a museum on day and this bike will have its place in it."
Ian Marshall said (in French) "Eric from the FIM Europe we thank you for your accomplishment on a motorcycle as they are known worldwide and for your outstanding 4.976 at 467.53 kph which is totally outstanding on a motorcycle. Personally and the FIM Europe salute your accomplishments and we wish you the very best in your retirement, but who knows, you may come back with something else completely ludicrous!"
In introducing Mooneyes' Shige Suganuma and Chico Kodama, Colin Theobald said "In 1963, the fledgling British drag racing scene received a seminal boost to its fortunes when a Las Vegas speedshop owner, Dante Duce, read about Sydney Allard’s exploits driving his Allard Chrysler dragster and challenged Allard to a drag race here in Britain. Dean Moon, owner of the Moon Equipment Company, offered Dante Duce the use of his car. And so the dragster, known as ‘Mooneyes’, was shipped to England and, with Dante Duce at the wheel, took on the Allard Chrysler.
"A series of races began at Silverstone, where ‘Mooneyes’ clocked the first sub-10-second run on UK soil, and went on to Church Lawford and Debden airfields and to the Brighton Speed Trials, drawing spectators in their thousands. Leading motorsport journalist Denis Jenkinson called it “the most earth-shattering and exciting thing I have seen… the noise and smoke from the tyres being more than a whole Grand Prix field can put together at a start”.
"Drag racing’s smoke and thunder had arrived and the Mooneyes team had created a sound signature that would resonate through the decades to this day.
"Dean Moon died in 1987 and the company languished until it was bought in 1992 by Shige Sugunama and Chico Kodama who restored its fortunes under the brand name ‘Mooneyes’.
"To mark this 60th anniversary of Mooneyes’ ground-breaking arrival in Britain, the Hall of Fame’s directors have chosen to present the Global Achievement Award to Shige and Chico to recognise their company’s special place in the history of British drag racing. We are delighted that VP Racing Fuels has elected to sponsor this most prestigious award.
"Welcome VP Racing’s representative, Nic Williams of Williams Brothers Racing to present the award. And we are truly delighted that Shige and Chico have flown in specially from Japan and California to join us for this occasion."
In accepting the award Chico said "It's a honour to receive such a great award. Mooneyes was all started by Dean Moon and we have just taken over his legacy and have tried to run Mooneyes in the same location with the same phone number. I will inform everybody when we get home, I didn't even imagine we would be getting the award, thank you very much and I would like to say thank you to British Drag Racing Hall of Fame and everyone for having us here. We're over the Moon!"
BDRHoF Chair Lesley Wright said in concluding the Gala "Our thanks go to those who make this evening possible, in particular our sponsors and those who continue to support our fund-raising each year.
"This evening has triggered some special memories for me and I hope for you too. Thank you to those who have worked behind the scenes to make this evening possible – our Directors, Selectors & Advisers. In particular I would like to thank Julian Parsons and his team from AMP Audio for putting together such a brilliant presentation for us.
"A special thanks also goes to Bev Bradbury who once again has done her usual, excellent job collating all our dining arrangements, alongside the hotel.
"Drag Racing at every level and in every way, whether to get a car or bike down that quarter mile, or to stage and organise an event, is all about team work. We all do our bit individually and we hope it all comes together for that perfect run, that unforgettable event or, for us tonight – a great evening."
Swift snippets. 22nd November:
Happy Birthday for today to Pro ET crew Karen Stevens, Top Fuel and Top Methanol Dragster crew member Konrad Ree, Belgian Super Twin racer Chris Van Nimmen and Maltese Escort racer Rodney Farrugia. We hope you all have a great day. Also, in the absence of an update yesterday, a belated Happy Birthday to Pro ET racer and sponsorship co-ordinator Brett Featherstone.
Mooneyes honoured at BDRHoF Gala. 20th November:
The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala took place on Saturday night at the Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge, Surrey, and was attended by over 200 people to celebrate the Stuart Bradbury Junior Drag Racing Awards, the induction of four new members into the BDRHoF, and to present the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Global Achievement Award to Shige Suganuma and Chico Kodama of Mooneyes Speed Equipment and Custom Accessories.
The evening commenced with a drinks reception presented by Santa Pod Raceway. The Junior Drag Racing champions of 2023, Liam MacDonald and runner-up Luke Mugridge (Junior Dragster - Liam not present as he was in Germany at an awards ceremony), Leah Morrison and runner-up Grace Pollen (Junior Drag Bike) were presented with Lucas Oils awards.
Santa Pod CEO Keith Bartlett spoke of his plans for a British Drag Racing Museum, including some cars he had secured for its opening. He announced a Fuel Altered match race at Dragstalgia next July: Nick Davies in Havoc will be racing Randy Bradford in the Bradford's Topolino. The historic Dos Palmas dragster will also be on show at Dragstalgia. There was then a reveal of Santa Pod's latest historic aquisition, Motovation, the third dragster to be built by Allan Herridge, superbly preserved in near-original condition by former owner Malcolm Chilton and Keith Pilling.
The presentations were presided over by Master of Ceremonies Paul Wright and compered by Colin Theobald and Tony Thacker. Trophies were supported by the Santa Pod Racers Club.
After the three course dinner, Honorary BDRHoF Chair Lesley Wright introduced proceedings and was followed by the presentation of the Stuart Bradbury Junior Drag Racing Awards, supported by Lucas Oil, to the Junior Drag Racing champions.
There then came the main presentations of the evening, the new BDRHoF inductees. Photojournalist Roger Gorringe was presented by Andy Willsheer, British nostalgia racing pioneer Roy Wilding by Jerry Cookson, Top Fuel Bike Champion Rod Pallant & British Drag Racing Association administrator Anne Pallant by Keith Lee and Rocket Bike legend Eric Teboul by Keith Bartlett.
The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Global Achievement Award was presented to Shige Suganuma and Chico Kodama of Mooneyes Speed Equipment and Custom Accessories in recognition of their company's role in starting drag racing in the UK sixty years ago. The award was presented by Nic Williams on behalf of VP Racing before the closing address by Lesley Wright, and a photo session.
You can read the full stories on the honorees at the Gala by clicking on the above links. Thanks to Andy Willsheer for a gallery of photos from the event which you can see at this link or via our Features list. We will publish Julian's gallery and speeches from the event in a couple of days' time.
Spitfire Raceway Season Finale. 20th November:
The final drag and drift event for 2023 at Spitfire Raceway will be taking place on Saturday 25th November at which you can spectate or take part. The event will be Santa-themed. Admission for racers and spectators is £10 per person (under 16s go free), no need to pre book pay on the day, and you can drag race from £10 after admission. For racing, a crash helmet and full driving licence are required. There is also a show & shine with no charge after admission.
Promoter Lee Child says there is now an Eight Second Club trophy for racers who traverse the Spitfire no-prep quarter mile in under 9 seconds. Lee writes: "If the conditions are good, we are pretty sure Luke Jasse’s Audi TT will be the next Spitfire Raceway 8 second club member or will a wildcard come into play, you never know." Other trophies are for Commentator's Choice, Top Ten Quickest, and Best Festive Looking Car. For those that have three pedals and have to change gear manually, there will be a quickest stick shift car time trophy up for grabs.
All vehicles are welcome, gates are open at 8am and track action takes place from 11am to 3pm. Camping is available onsite if you book at this link. You can see more information by going to www.spitfireraceway.com.
Note that all vehicles have a safety check for drag racing and drifting; there is also a drag strip riders and drivers meeting at race control at 10.45am.
As with all events drivers and riders are requested to respect the surrounding areas and speed limits when travelling to and from this event.
In addition for spectators there will be a festive fancy dress competition trophy up for grabs for the winner. Spectators can nominate a festive character on the Spitfire Raceway Facebook page.
Lee has also announced Saturday dates for 2024 as follows:
10th February
20th April
29th June
7th September
16th November
Spitfire Raceway is located at Perranporth Airfield, Cornwall TR5 0XS.
Top Doorslammer Exhibition at Dala-Järna Raceway. 20th November:
Thanks to Swedish correspondent Pro Mod and Top Doorslammer racer Andreas Sjödin for an account of his final race of the year at Dala-Järna Raceway, near Borlänge, Sweden.
The last event in 2023 at Dala Street Open was also the first and only of this year with my '65 Chevelle. Directly after the Tierp race in August with Jörgen Berg's Corvette 79 in Pro Modified, Krille and I arrived in Täby at the ÅBM shop on Sunday to start preparing for the weekend to follow at Dala-Järna Raceway for the Top Doorslammer event. The following Monday Krille and I loaded up the Chevelle into the trailer at the ÅBM shop and this was also the first time in almost a year that the car was outside the shop, when we were ready we started the trip to my home town Vansbro, but on the way to get there we went by Jörgen in Ludvika to take out all the parts that I borrowed from the Chevelle to be able to drive the Vette in Pro Mod, converter, bellhousing, transmission, drive shaft, plus some Racepak stuff. Then we continued the trip to Vansbro for a couple of vacation days and a rest.
Thursday, it was time to start the weekend prep and we took the long 10-minute trip from our friend Dan where we parked the rig during the week to the race track in Dala-Järna. For the first time in about three weeks the weather was awesome, blue sky, warm and sunny and I really felt it’s going to be fun to make some exhibition rounds in the Chevelle to end the 2023 season. When we arrived at Dala-Järna Raceway Henrik Brink from Hudik Raceway was there and helped out with the track preparation! We got the trailer in position and started to build our pit area, I went out for a sunny and warm track walk and we got the Chevelle unloaded at a race track for the first time in a year.
Friday, it was time to start put the Chevelle together and make it ready for the exhibition rounds that started on Saturday, I decided that it was a great time to put in a brake pedal in the Chevelle at the track that I should have done for many years now, kind of typical me, but we did have time for it. Then we cleaned up and inspected the chassis, got the shocks and Racepak stuff back in the car, and before it was time for the converter, converter drive and transmission to go back in the car I got a chance just before some rain on Friday evening to go out and check the track after they been working on it all day, I could see that it will be pretty tricky but it did look good, I did not have any expectations at all on the track but when we went out for the track walk I realized that this track that they haven’t made a pass on for one year is good enough if I just power down the Chevelle.
I was there just for fun to do some burnouts at my home track so we did some converter and transmission changes that I thought will make the Chevelle go down the track at least, no record times at all, and I looked forward to having some fun on Saturday. Time to warm up the Chevelle and let the Big Block Chevy make some noise again after almost one whole year sitting in the shop. As test session 1 was about to happen, I managed to power down the car enough with the converter and transmission changes and a safe timing curve to make a pretty decent first pass for what I planned should be a 4.50-4.60 pass. The Chevelle left the starting line really good even that it felt slow and I was pretty surprised when Max told me it ended up with a 4.34 @ 272 km/h on the radio! Even the track crew told us that they were surprised that I started with those numbers in the first test hit, but I kind of know my Chevelle.
Of course, it was some driving and fishtailing (and Jörgen told me after the round that he could see that I was back to my normal driving style and like I said, this is my car and that makes a big difference if I hurt it in some way compared to when I was driving his Corvette) but I’m really happy how the pass turned out, because I was looking for a mid 4 second pass, so well done by all the track prep guys for the Dala Street Open race!
Second round went even better with a 4.30 @ 276km/h when I added some power, but I could also see that I’m starting to reach the limit on the track, from halftrack (330 feet) I could see that the drive shaft speed starting to move around a bit too much. Test pass 3. Let’s see if we can improve! The weather was better and the track was getting even better than before. The result, more power only added more steering, ended up with a 4.30 @ 277km/h in round 3! Kind of found the track limit after 330 feet.
Ok, let’s do one last round for 2023 and only add a tiny bit of power, but first we needed an oil change to cool the motor down a bit. We managed to make a 4.28 in test round 4. We got to Dala Järna to do some burnouts and now we are 0.02 seconds away from the track record! It was only when we went back from the shutdown area, I realized that we are the only car making passes right now and there was a lot of people there right now just to see us so I started to think that we must see if we can do one more last round but I never got the chance to ask. The track crew asked me when I was passing by “do you want to make one more pass and take the track record?” Haha, I of course said YES!
In the fifth round I found the limit on the 60ft and went into a shake and spun the tires instead pretty much directly due to a little bit too much added power and colder weather. I was more than satisfied with the weekend and really happy after 5 rounds in only 6-7 hours! We managed with 4.34, 4.30, 4.30, 4.28 then spun the tires, with a speed between 271km/h to 277km/h and 60ft of 1.05 to 1.06.
Rain was forecast the next day so the right decision was made to cancel after the days passed. Rain and the cold were never going to work so we made the decision to pack up and head home. Jörgen, Benkt, Katrin and Ludde did join us also this weekend and Jörgen brought the Vette and had it on display beside our pit area and Katrin made some passes in the Corvette C5 and got the chance to see how it is to make some passes down a drag strip for the first time.
Thanks to all involved this weekend at Dala Järna Raceway! Åke (Dad), Sofi, Max, Krille, Jörgen, Benkt, Katrin, Ludde, Crille, Fredrik, and the three motor clubs that made this possible, SHRA Vansbro-Äppelbo, Borlänge Dragracing Klubb and Big Wheels Malung!
Also, a huge thanks to all the supporters at the tracks for the 2023 season and now to look forward to the 2024 season, plans are occurring.
Swift snippets. 20th November:
Happy Birthday for today to Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer Ulf Leanders, Nostalgia Funny Car and Comp Bike crew member Dennis Bulford and UK Nostalgia Superstock committee member Andrew Bishop, we hope you all have a great day.
A belated Happy Birthday for yesterday to Santa Pod Raceway startline marshal Bob Day, to Pro ET racers Geoff Cowley and Tim Stanbury, to Gasser Circus racer and Junior Dragster grandad Tony Pearson, and to FWD racers Simon Crowley and Haider Jalal. We hope you had a fantastic day.
NHRA Finals gallery. 18th November:
Photojournalist Andy Willsheer's final stop in his western U.S. trip was the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals from the renamed In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip from which he has kindly supplied a gallery of 50 images from Thursday and Friday of the event. We will publish a gallery from Saturday, Sunday and the Awards Ceremony which Andy also attended.
You can see Andy's photos, supported by Lucas Oil Products, at this link or via news, then features from the main menu.
Included are photos of racers, race cars, show cars, European visitors and some additional pictures added for humour (family content). We have added captions to identify the people or cars depicted.
A big Thank You to Andy for sending us images of what he said was a highly enjoyable trip.
Look back at Scandinavian Cal-look and Classic. 18th November:
Back in August, videographer Simon Letkey of VeedubRacing went to SCC (Scandinavian Cal-look & Classic) event at Gardermoen Raceway in Norway. Described as The Biggest Air-cooled Festival of Scandinavia, the publicity proudly promised "Three Days of Fun in the Sun and Balls to the Walls Racing".
The features included Quarter mile drag racing with an impressive line-up, Show and Shine, a Vintage rally, Slalom Racing, Vendor area, Swap-meet, barbeques & parties and a live concert. Simon attended the event for there was a Cash Days Race, which had a 32 vehicle entry for classic flat four VWs with a prize fund of 5000 Euros for the Winner and 1000 Euros for second place. What was there not to like?
Racing, open to road cars and licensed drag cars, is organised with rules from Norwegian Motorsport ASA. There are classes for forced induction (turbo or supercharger) cars on slicks, naturally aspirated cars on slicks, forced induction cars on street tyres, naturally aspirated cars on street tyres, stock (unmodified) cars, buses, forced induction Porsches and naturally aspirated Porsches. Quite a line-up was to be had. Simon's videos posted to Facebook highlighted a few. Click on the images or the links, for videos!
Rasmus Eriksson's VW Beach Buggy (below left) - best 11.32 @ 126mph, raced against Fredrik Jansson’s ‘Peek A Boo' Beetle at SCC, which won with an 11.93 to a 12.04.
Facebook video:click here.
Olli Aalto's VW Type 2 Bus (above right) 2387cc motor. Built and crewed by dad Jukka Aalto, the bus got down into the 12's, with a run of 12.60 @ 105mph. Facebook video:click here.
Mårten Lindquist's Wasserboxer-based (converted to air cooled) Beetle (below left). Facebook video:click here.
Jens Petter Branstorp's Skinne Racing 2800cc VW Beetle (above right). Built by Tor Oyvind Skinne, powered by a rebuilt Wasserboxer engine (VW's flat four water cooled engine) from a T3, or T25 with a one off built Precision 81mm turbo, produces up to 1300bhp. Time: 8.34 @ 156mph
Youtube video:click here.
Johannes Persson's Motorsport AB 1584cc N/A VW Beetle (below left). Titled as worlds quickest of this type, the 192bhp car takes part in the 1600 Challenge, described here.
Youtube video:click here.
Johan Fahlgren's Air-cooled VW Type 3 Notchback (above right). 3078cc engine, lots of custom work and a turbo, output 720hp at 2.1bar going via a 4-speed sequential box. ET: 8.46 @ 165mph
Youtube video:click here.
Andreas Jonsson in his 1964 VW Beetle (below left), running a built 2.6l waterboxer engine, running in the Cash Days competition. He had a small scare in one of the runs, when his car wheeled off the line and pulled left (towards Simon). Andreas kept his foot in, and gathered it back up for the win and made it through to the 1/4 finals, where he got knocked out by the Mexxspeed Racing K-Ghia, when he unfortunately red lit.
Youtube video:click here.
Johan Dryselius (Sweden) fibreglass Porsche 356 replica (above right). This car won the quickest time for a car with the original type 1 1584cc magnesium engine case, and a prize from CSP - 'The Magnesium Flash Award', with a time of 9.98 @ 140mph. BorgWarner S200SXE 252 turbo, water-cooled intercooler, 50mm single throttle body, Fueltech FT 550 motor control. Youtube video: click here.
Simon has published footage of the cash days race on the Veedub Racing Youtube channel at this link.
Also, a compilation video of some of the quickest VW Beetles filmed at SCC can be seen on the Veedub Racing Youtube channel at this link.
Swift snippets. 18th November:
Happy Birthday for to Pro Modified racer Annie Wallace, and Maltese Escort Mk1 racer Paul Fenech. Have a great day Annie and Paul.
A belated Happy Birthday for yesterday to Old School Stockers racer Tyne Blight, Pro ET racer Dan Fulton and VW Sportsman racer Ben Mace. We hope you had a fab day.
Good luck and stay safe to UK bike racers Dale Leeks and Jasmine Cordelle who are competing at the Man Cup Fueltech World Finals at South Georgia Motorsports Park this weekend. In Q1, Dale in Pro Open came 3rd of five qualifiers running an early shut off 5.155/94.73, and Jasmine in also shut off early to go 29th of 38 qualifiers in Pro 4.60.
You can see live action from the Panhellnic Drag Racing championship at Serres by clicking here on Sportal's Youtube channel.
Top Fuel: Ida Zetterström (1st), Susanne Callin (2nd), Jndia Erbacher (3rd) Top Methanol: Linn Fløysvik (1st), Sandro Bellio (2nd), Johnny Oksa (3rd) Pro Modified: Jan Ericsson (1st), David Vegter (2nd), Andres Arnover (3rd) Pro Stock: Michael Malmgren (1st), Stefan Ernryd (2nd), Simon Ekengren (3rd)
FIM Europe Drag Bike championship
Top Fuel Bike: Rikard Gustafsson (1st), Eric Richard (2nd), Neil Midgley (3rd) Super Twin Motorcycle: Marcus Christiansen (1st), Martijn De Haas (2nd), Marko Lantto (3rd) Pro Stock Motorcycle: Bertrand Maurice (1st), Joerg Lymant (2nd), Martin Newbury (3rd) Super Street Bike: Alan Morrison Jnr (1st), Daniel Donat Lencses 2nd), Mathias Bohlin (3rd)
Summit Racing Equipment EDRS car championships
Top Methanol: Silvio Strauch (1st), Linn Fløysvik (2nd), Tony Bryntesson (3rd) Bilsport Pro Modified: Jan Ericsson (1st), Jimmy Alund (2nd), Stian Rusanes (3rd) Pro Stock: Jimmy Alund (1st), Robin Noren (2nd), Lasse Britsmar (3rd) Competition Eliminator: Gideon Liljegren (1st), Stefan Winter (2nd), Max Hoffbrandt (3rd) Stock Super Stock: Iiro Mikkola (1st), Theodor Brandt (2nd), Rick McCann (3rd)
Top Doorslammer: Jan Brannvall (1st), Stefan Jansson (2nd), Anders Edh (3rd) Pro Street: Angelica Larsson (1st), Ossi Oikararinen (2nd), Lars Berglund (3rd) Street: Magnus Johansson (1st), Lars Erik Persson (2nd), Patrik Wickman (3rd) Super Pro ET: Mikael Nilsson (1st), Kim Dofnas (2nd), Mats Arntzen Wanvik (3rd) Pro ET: John Thidé (1st), Iikka Junnila (2nd), Marko Oranen (3rd) Super Comp: Mikael Nilsson (1st), Anders Brändström (2nd), Leif Andersson (3rd) Super Gas: Annica Larsson (1st), Christer Uhlin (2nd), Hakan Mattsson (3rd) Super Street: Åke Törnqvist (1st), Kent Forschner-Hell (2nd), Ulf Axelsson (3rd) Bilsport Junior Dragster: Lina Andersson (1st), Eetu Laine (2nd), Linus Leander Grauphaugen (3rd)
Summit Super Series championships
Super Pro ET: Isak Lagg (1st), Tindra Christensen (2nd), Pontus Garefelt (3rd) Pro ET: Anders Larsson (1st), Iikka Junnila (2nd), John Thidé (3rd)
Summit Racing Equipment EDRS Pro Motorcycle championship
Top Fuel Bike: Jan Sturla Hegre (1st), Mikko Rajaniemi (2nd), Rikard Gustafsson (3rd) Super Twin Motorcycle: Samu Kemppainen (1st), greger Johansson (2nd), John Rolfstad (3rd) Pro Stock Motorcycle: Bertrand Maurice (1st), Tim Christensen (2nd), Joerg Lymant (3rd) Super Street Bike: Peter Ostlund (1st), Daniel Donat Lencses 2nd), Mathias Bohlin (3rd)
Summit Racing Equipment EDRS Motorcycle championships
Super Comp Bike: Kimmo Rantala (1st), Samual Runstrom (2nd), Kimmo Hamari (3rd) Super Gas Bike: Sarah Nevra (1st), Teodor Norling (2nd), Mikkel Jensen (3rd) Street Bike: Minttu-Maria Gratschew (1st), Jone Kiljala (2nd), Arto Mustonen (3rd) Junior Drag Bike: Jone Holm (1st), Veeti Kortelainen (2nd), Milo Ahonen (3rd)
SVEMO Motorcycle championships
Pro Twin Bike RM: Stefan Gärdskog (1st), Anders Östby (2nd), Dennis Adsell (3rd) Super Comp Bike SM: Tomas Jonsson (1st), Samuel Rundström (2nd), Emil Östlund (3rd) Super Gas Bike RM: Tobias Wiklund (1st), Jari Pehkola (2nd), Rasmus Östlund (3rd) Junior Drag Bike USM: Figge Lundin (1st), Harry Bruhn (2nd), Tyra Norling (3rd)
The awards celebration was preceded by a meeting to discuss plans for 2024, which will be published in due course.
Thanks to Graham Watkinson for his help in compiling and coding this article.
Swift snippets. 16th November:
Happy Birthday for today to BDRHoF General Secretary & Treasurer Bev Bradbury and James Charman, driver of the Wheeldon and Charman Gotavit dragster and member of the Two Much dragster crew. Have a great day both from all of us at Eurodragster.com.
Photojournalists Ivan Sansom and Rose Hughes have published a review of FIM-E Top Fuel Bike champions Rikard Gustafsson's 2023 racing year which you can read on www.dragbike.com by clicking here.
Lightning Leeks racing at Man Cup Finals. 14th November:
Funny Bike racer Dale Leeks has announced he will be racing in the FuelTech Man Cup World Finals at South Georgia Motorsports Park this coming weekend 17th-19th November.
Dale said "I’m heading out to Georgia this week for one last race in 2023. I will be running in Pro Open - after finishing 3rd in the XDA championship this year, I’m looking to lean on it a bit harder. As we blew the motor at the final of the XDA series, I’m heading out there and Dan the man Wagner has a fresh motor ready to go in."
Pro Open is open to any combination, including nitro. Readers with long memories may remember that Dale was part of the team that won the Pro Open class at the Man Cup Finals in 2021 with Terry Schweigert riding, Dan Wagner tuning, Stuart Crane supplying a billet Warpspeed Engineering engine with Dale and Andy Lock supplying a Hurricane head made in Britain.
For live streaming of the event, go to www.tv.hollywooddragacing.com, and results will be posted on Facebook at Man Cup Drag Racing.
NHRA take on Top Fuel Bike. 14th November:
NHRA have announced that they will be running a Top Fuel Bike series of four events in 2024, the first time this class has had a series in the largest drag racing sanction since 1984.
The four events comprise:
16th-20th May - Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals Chicago
21st-23rd June - Virginia NHRA Nationals, Virginia Motorsports Park
15th-18th August - Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Brainerd International Raceway; and
20th-22nd September - Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals, zMAX Dragway, Charlotte
With TFB being absent from most races in the US this year, bar a couple of demos, the news will be welcomed by fans in North America - but the dates are unlikely to be attractive to European teams who will be focused on the FIM-E Championship.
Swift snippets. 14th November:
Happy Birthday for today to Barney Campbell, head of Box Lane Video Productions who produces streaming video for Santa Pod Raceway, also to former Pro Modified racer Johan Samuelsson. We hope you have a great day.
Belated birthday greetings for yesterday to Wild Bunch racer and Junior Dragster dad Mark Coulsell, Street Eliminator racer Elliot Day Top Methanol Funny Car racer Sandro Bellio and former Top Fuel Dragster tuner Per Andersen. We hope you all had a great day.
"Although Dave will be helping John and me learn the ropes before and at our first FCC event, planned for Bug Jam, I will be running the car completely independently and therefore am looking for experienced hands to help run the car, or eager people wanting to learn. Interested parties should contact me by e-mail. We will also be aided by John's old crewchief Guy Tipton and possibly some of his old team so there will be plenty of experienced crew to learn from. We are planning two rounds in 2024, Bug Jam and Euro Finals as we will need to update the car for the FCC regulations and to fit a new computer to it.
"The car was originally built a number of years ago for Don Schumacher Racing as a Ron Capps spare car, it has a McKinney chassis and a Toyota Camry body similar to Gladiator, we will also have a spare Dodge Charger body. The Camry body will be in John Hale's colours whereas the Dodge will be in Dirty Deeds colours.
"My Dirty Deeds NFC Camaro has been sold to Mark Luton, who expressed an interest early and after talking about what I’d like to do we worked out a deal that sees us both where we want to be. Mark will continue in the short term to run it in the “Dirty Deeds” paint scheme and I’ll be helping out running the car in outlaw rules trim, and hopefully see some success there too. This might however not be in the immediate future, as Mark has expressed that he is committed to a venture with fellow racer Mickey Moore which I think is great. I’m happy the car has gone to a good place."
Good friends for over 11 years, Rob and John first teamed up to race at Dragstalgia in 2022 when John ran the Dirty Deeds Camaro to mid 6 passes at 220+mph in his first event in it. Known best for his 1969 Camaro, ‘One Bad Texan’, John has taken Nostalgia Funny Car event wins, multiple nostalgia track records and raced with Jim Dunn Racing full time for two years.
John licensed as a NHRA Nitro Funny Car racer in 2013 and then got a full time drive for the legendary Jim Dunn in 2015 and 2016. As well as occasional drives in Paul Gordon’s Red Baron Avenger in the Funny Car Chaos series, John also enjoys flying as relaxation from his day job running his company Best of Texas Barbecue Sauce. John is supported by wife Karen.
Swift snippets. 12th November:
We wish a Happy Birthday for today to Santa Pod Raceway timekeeper and etslips.co.uk webmaster Adam Bentley, Top Doorslammer racer Stefan Jansson and Renault 5 FWD racer Peter Cole. We hope you all have a great day.
Thanks to Sharon Muravez for updating us that Land Speed Racer and sponsor Geoff Stilwell got two runs in yesterday at Lake El Mirage. Sharon said "The car overpowered the track and couldn’t get grip but every run is important in the learning curve for getting this beautiful car to the 300 mph mark. A great day with an awesome crew. Good luck tomorrow! You can see Geoff's second run in the live stream on the Gearhead Hobbies Youtube channel at this link, and watch today's action at this link.
Good luck and stay safe to Swap Meet sponsor and 7.60 Heads Up racer Belinda Bull who will be competing in 8.50 Index eliminations at the 2023 30th World Street Nationals at Orlando Speedworld Dragway today.
Junior Drag Racing FUNN project co-ordinator Yasmine Bengtson said "You could roar like a lion and laugh like a fox. You helped F.U.N.N. many times and invested in it. Good-hearted, happy and helpful are probably the three words that, in my opinion, describe Halmhatt best. Things would not have been as smooth for us in Speedgroup / EDRS if you hadn't helped on shipping so many times.
Our deepest condolences go to his team-mates Ralp Ströberg who was with him from almost the start of his racing career and Bosse Hall, a longtime Super Gas racer himself, also to Håkan's family and friends.
Drag racers at the Classic Motor Show, NEC. 11th November:
We attended the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC yesterday and found drag racing representation on four of the stands.
The largest representation was Williams Bros Speed Shop who somehow had got their entire trailer into Hall 2 with the Camaro of Dan Williams and Nova driven by Keith Williams on display.
Nic Williams said "We decided in July to exhibit here and to focus on VP Racing Lubricants. VP Technical Manager Freddie Turza is attending and we are in contact with VP Racing Fuels who are here with Tom Bacon and Old Hall Performance.
"We are having VP Racing Lubricants brought in by 40ft container regularly and have a pricing structure for the UK market with discounts for our largest retail dealers, which can mean that they are selling effectively at trade price.
"With VP Racing Lubricants, we are seeking brand loyalty to a premium product and supplying at the track for every championship round lines that aren't already carried in Santa Pod's shop; we increased from thirty lines to a hundred during 2023.
"Advertising-wise, we are sponsoring the lifetime achievement award at the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala and will be taking out space in Custom Car. We are also supporting Jon Webster in Pro Modified with oils.
"Our workshop is stacked, we have 18 months worth of full build slots in our diary which means we have hired new personnel in engine building and the paint shop. We are looking for suitable individuals with mechanical and fabrication skills and an engine shop apprentice. As a result of all the work coming in our parts stock has been increasing.
"In racing, we have a new build Chevelle for Guy King and a new engine for James Oliver. We plan to race at the June Tierp with Guy and Ollie, and will also be going to Indy for the A/S Shootout."
Drag racing was also represented by longtime Daimler-engined dragster racer Robin Read with his 'Little Car', Outlaw Anglia with the cars of Rob Stone (pictured), Wayne Power and Garry Hill, on the Allard Owners Club stand, a restored Allard Dragon Mk2 dragster from the 1960s (pictured - restored by ex-Allard employee Roger Hayes), and the National Street Rod Association with a Willys Wars gasser.
Jasmine Cordelle to compete at Man Cup. 11th November:
Good luck and stay safe to Jasmine Cordelle who will be racing next weekend at the Man Cup World Finals at South Georgia Motorsports Park. Jas, who finished 3rd in the SPRC Club Championship and 4th in the ACU Championship for Competition Bike, writes:
"I will be racing in the United States at the Man Cup World Finals on 17th-19th November. I am racing with Weeks Performance, who made my dream to race in the US come true in 2021. Unfortunately after running my personal best off the trailer, following a couple more qualifying passes the gearbox decided to blend up and ended the fun a little sooner than I had hoped!
"This year Weeks Performance have kindly asked me to come back after supporting me through out my season in the UK this year. This year I will be racing in the Pro Ultra 4.60 index class, which is one of the toughest classes in drag racing in the US and also quicker that what I run in the UK.
"I will be riding one of Weeks Performance's newer bikes, an 80 inch wheelbase C&W chassis with 1500cc Kawasaki engine, running a Vortech head, nitrous and with a 4 speed billet transmission typical 60ft running 1.07 and running 4.6 at the 1/8 mile.
"A big thank you to Weeks Performance for making this happen again, and to my dad, mum and boyfriend for coming out to support me in the US the same as you do in the UK."
Steve Read to return to TF at Sydney Dragway. 11th November:
Updating our news piece on 27th October, Top Fuel racer and British Drag Racing Hall of Fame member Steve Read will now be making his new team debut with RPM Top Fuel Racing a little later than expected, reports Jerry Cookson. RPM had originally targeted the opening round of the series at last month’s Springnationals held at the new South Australian Shell V-Power motorsports complex ‘Dragway at the Bend’.
Steve is now set for his return at the second race of the season - Sydney Dragway’s Xmas Showdown, a one day epic on December 2nd and also a venue change from Queensland’s Willowbank Raceway which is undergoing a change of race surface from tarmac to a full quarter mile of concrete to make it even more world class!
Steve said "A lot has changed since I last competed (in 2016). Top Fuel is racing to 1000ft, and the Burson Top Fuel Championship has been a huge success. Adding to that, the announcement of the National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) series is very encouraging for drag racing’s future in Australia."
RPM Top Fuel Racing comprises Steve, Fuel Funny Car driver, Tim McCarthy and long-time friend, Nick Packer who have created a team that will be competing at the remaining six rounds of the 2023-24 championship. The team is supported by Dan Bennett on the social media side who has done a great job of putting together a new website including several videos showing fans the detail behind the incredible Top Fuel Dragsters.
The team plan on returning to Sydney on January 26th/27th 2024, Perth Motorplex, WA on March 2nd/3rd, The Bend Dragway, SA on April 6th/7th, Sydney again on 3rd/4th May and the series finals at Willowbank Raceway QLD on June 6th/9th.
Australian Drag Racing has come out of a period of uncertainty with the unification of sanctioning bodies into the National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) with live streaming on 7PLUS (available in Australia only).
Another major boost to the sport has been a new track, The Bend Raceway in South Australia near Adelaide which had a fantastic opening meeting with 35,000 race fans across the 2 days. Top Fuel had 13 three second passes and five side-by-side ‘threes’, with six of those three second passes run at more than 310mph and low ET of 3.77 at 321.54mph.
When asked about the August departure of 2022/23 series sponsor Burson Auto Parts Steve said, “The two people running the championship are the best in the business and they have a good solid team behind them. I think they have a better sponsor in the wings as Burson was supposed to run for another year. They had great television and record crowds and to be honest this 3 round format is great for the spectators and the sponsors as it was a difficult enough job explaining to your sponsors if they turned up late that you were already out and they wouldn’t see you on track.
“With this form all cars run 3 times with points awarded to determine the finalists in A,B,C,D rounds. It’s the first time I’ve seen spectators stay to the very last run as they get to see 8 fuel cars run again,” Steve added.
"We're not in it to come second, I've still got that drive. We'll race smart and go for consistency in the 3.8s rather than outright performance. We will start at a great track where we can impress prospective partners." News about the series can be seen at this link on www.topfuelchampionship.com.au.
Steve has won a combined 23 championships in Top Alcohol and Top Fuel across Europe and Australia in his racing career, spanning back to the 1980s. The team is sponsored by CRC Industries, HANS Devices and Strange Engineering with plenty of other partnership opportunities available.
We’ll have a further update from Steve after next month’s race at Sydney Dragway.
Swift snippets. 11th November:
Happy Birthday for today to Santa Pod Raceway marshal Nigel Anniwell, Old Skool Ford racer Steve Dowling and drag bike racer and 2XS Drag Racing Team member Tanya Hardy, we hope you all have a great day.
Belated Happy Birthday greetings to former Pro Modified and Top Fuel racer Linda Thun Tønseth, Pro ET crew member and longtime fan Dave Buckland, Pro Doorslammer Cortina Mk3 racer Darren Peart and Maltese Bike racer Leslie Said. We hope you all had a fantastic day.
A triple Wedding Anniversary today. Happy Anniversary to Ian and Nikki Marshall, also to Kev Charman and Lizz McCarthy-Charman and to Carla Pittau and Rick McCann. Have a great day!
Eurodragster.com is again running its traditional Christmas Gift Mart. If you have any products you would like to sell to Eurodragster.com readers, please forward details to [email protected]. Previous gift marts have included t-shirts, calendars, mugs, prints, DVDs and even parts for race cars. The publication date for the Christmas Gift Mart will be Monday 27th November.
The entry list for one of the biggest races left this year, the Malta Finals on 23rd-26th November can be seen at this link. We plan to post photos and a spotters' guide to the cars and bikes competing.
"Qualifying starts Thursday at 6pm with eliminations running throughout Sunday. My dream has become a reality with the help from everyone on the Florida Rat team. Big thanks to Fred Brunson, Jimmy Purcell, Donnie Hoevenaar and not forgetting my Crew Chief Jeff. Thanks also to track owner Ozzy Moya for making it possible and to racers and friends for their support."
Good luck to Belinda and thanks to the support of Jeff Bull Race Engines for our Swap Meet.
Swift snippets. 9th November:
No update yesterday so a belated birthday to Top Alcohol Funny car crew chief Jörgen Leanders, we hope you had a fantastic day between races Jörgen!
We send best wishes to US Funny Car and Rocket Car legend Paula Murphy who suffered a broken femur in a fall recently and is recovering in Arizona with the support of her family. Get well soon Paula!
For those interested in the detailed results, including winners' circle photos, of the Haltech World Cup Finals Import vs Domestic race you can see the final official results at importvsdomestic.com.
Nitro Revival galleries. 7th November:
Photojournalist Andy Willsheer's latest stop in his western U.S. trip was Nitro Revival 6 at Irwindale Dragstrip from which he has kindly supplied a gallery of 128 images from the event organised by the legendary Steve Gibbs and daughter Cindy, with webmaster Don Ewald.
You can see Andy's photos, supported by Lucas Oil Products, at this link or via news, then features from the main menu.
Included are photos of legends at the Friday night gathering, all manner of historic drag cars, including push starts in front of the packed crowd, photos of some of the historic cars around facility, and the legendary cacklefest which comprised a huge number of nitro fuelled dragsters, funny cars and altereds lined up on the strip.
As a bonus we have a second gallery courtesy of Nitro Revival sponsor Geoff Stilwell who kindly sent photos and links throughout the event which was held in 30 degree heat. You can see Geoff's gallery at this link.
More media still is available on the private Nitro Revival Facebook group which you can see at this link.
Geoff said "There is no doubt that Nitro Revival is THE nostalgia event to attend for a Brit. The autograph session had just about every racer you could think of, including John Force, Mike Salinas and many many other legends. The queue was literally over 100 yards long...ask Andy Willsheer who I met in the queue!
"The hot rod hang out was huge … just incredible. This is an event you must put on your bucket list, this is the event to attend. 86 fuel cars running at the same time. Unreal."
Historians visit Allard Sports Cars. 7th November:
On Saturday, the British Drag Racing Historians group, organised by John Hunt, visited the premises of Allard Sports Cars at Gloucestershire Technology & Science Park Berkeley. The premises include a large workshop in which road and racing cars are built and refurbished. The historians' focus was on the massive archive of memorabilia, all connected to the 94 year history of the company and its founder Sydney Allard, a posthumous member of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame and widely acknowledged father of Drag Racing in Britain.
Many thanks go to directors, Sydney's son Alan Allard (pictured below left), still sprightly at 83 years old, who drove the Allard Dragon, Allardette Anglia, and Allard Chrysler Mk2 in the 1960s and his sons Lloyd Allard, who is director, designer, engineer, and racer of VW Cup circuit cars, and Gavin Allard who curates the collection of memorabilia, and has written the book Allard Motor Company - Beyond the Records published in February 2023 by Dalton Watson.
The group included Simon Belton (son of BDRHoF member the late Gerry Belton) Jerry Cookson, Dave Dick, Chris Dossett, Mick Gleadow, Keith Lee, Chris Pattison (whose story is at this link) , Nick Pettitt, Phil Waters and Eurodragster.com editor Simon.
Alan Allard is one of the subjects of the Pioneer Stories covering early British Drag Racing pioneers, which will be published on Eurodragster.com between January and March 2024. During research for Alan Allard's story, Tony Madgwick took video footage of the collection which can be seen on Youtube at this link.
Dan Söderberg's funeral arrangements. 7th November:
Thanks to Pelle Lindelöw for letting us know that the funeral ceremony of Dan Söderberg will take place tomorrow, Nov 8th at 1.pm in the church of Burträsk (outside Skellefteå, way north of Sweden) before his burial.
Pelle adds "I found this picture of a bunch of legends and very good friends visiting Tierp Arena in 2018. Sadly two of these happy guys are not with us any more.
(Pictured left to right, Brian Savidge, Phil Pead, Paul Harris, Dennis Priddle and Dan Söderberg).
Swift snippets. 7th November:
Happy Birthday for today to former Eurodragster.com Editor Tog, have a great day on your annual birthday trip from Simon, Julian, Kieran, Diana and Kirstie. Many Happy Returns also to Ain't No Saint builder and racer Lee Johnstone, Super Pro ET racer Robert Doyle and VW Pro Racer Dave Crowhurst. We hope you all have an enjoyable day.
Above: 1970s - Jerry advocating for drag racing; Jerry's Afri Cola Dragster; 1980s - Jerry with Sammy Miller at Hockenheim .
In 1969 Jerry became the chairman of the Hanau Auto Racing Association (HARA), he was a track speaker, race director and competitor at the same time. The Lackey family was completely involved in the sport, as were Jerry’s children Tatjana and Christian, who accompanied their father to the drag strip since childhood and as adults supported their father in maintaining drag racing in Germany. After the legendary races at Fliegerhorst Airbase in Erlensee near Frankfurt were no longer allowed to take place, Jerry relocated the HARA drag races to the former U.S. airbase in Giebelstadt near Würzburg and so it continued over the years, from track to track.
After the 1. Deutscher Drag Racing Verein (1.DVD club) together with the Hanau Auto Racing Association (HARA) organized the first international drag race at Hockenheim in 1986, Jerry was there alongside Rico Anthes, Hans Kloss, Mathias Seidler and Hans-Jürgen Richter as co-founder of a limited company, which was founded specifically for drag racing in Hockenheim. This paved the way for the later NitrOlympics (later NitrOlympX). After Rico Anthes left in 2008, the Hockenheimring’s choice was Jerry Lackey when it came to finding a competent advisor and race director for further NOX events.
1980s - Jerry Lackey, Race Director; 1990 NitrOlympX; 2004 - the last event at Jerry Lackey Raceway.
A further milestone was the MSTO e.V., which Jerry founded with some very loyal companions, such as Ralf Wahnsiedler, Rolf Henney, Karl-Heinz Zeiger, Frans Steilberg just to name a few. For many years, the MSTO held the Grand Nationals at Sammy Tosuners drag strip MZA-Luckau, which was later re-named to “Jerry Lackey Raceway”. Jerry also organized races abroad including events at the A1-Ring in Austria and in Bechyne (CZ).
I met Jerry as a little girl when my family moved from England to Germany in the late 70s. We were warmly welcomed by HARA and especially by its first chairman, Jerry. Jerry signed off on my big brothers Tony “Chunky” Morris, first racing licence when his was 18 years old. Later Tony and Jerry became competitors in the Competition Eliminator class.
2008 - HARA award ceremony; 2011 Jerry licensing Rene Kloss; 2021 - HARA award for Jerry. Below: Jerry Lackey race driver; receiving a lifetime achievement award at the 2023 NitrOlympX.
From Jerry I learned that you don’t have to drive a dragster yourself to take part and above all enjoy drag racing. You can also achieve a lot in a supporting role. When I lost my parents, Jerry over the years would always remind me of the memories he had of my parents and how fond he was of them. I also would like to let his children and grandchildren know that their father and grandfather has a very special place in our hearts; he has given many people many good memories for which we are forever thankful.
We are left with the consolation that Jerry is now reunited with good old friends, such as Jack and Rosi Davis, Roy and Sue Morris, Willi and Hedi Hestermann, Peter Schöfer, Jerry Sadler, Harald Thom, Vernon Blair and many more good old friends.
We are grateful to you, Jerry W. Lackey, for the time we were able to spend with you and the legacy you leave us. Godspeed Jerry!
Tribute from former editor Tog.
If there was another person on this side of the Pond who should be in the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame then Jerry Lackey is that person. A man who dedicated his life to our sport and whose efforts made a huge difference; with his work on the NitrOlympX he was one of those who should be credited with opening the eyes of the rest of the world to what was going on in Europe and thus gaining us all credibility.
My first impression upon meeting Jerry many years ago was of a very kindly man and he never said or did anything to change my mind on that. Sure he could be tough and talk tough when he had to, but it always seemed to me that kind and gentle was Jerry’s default setting. It used to make me smile hearing the clearly-discernible American accent when he spoke German, even after all the years spent in the country.
Thank you for everything and Rest In Peace Jerry, you have surely earned it.
Feature: SEMA Show gallery. 5th November:
Thanks to photojournalist Andy Willsheer for providing a gallery of photos from the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center which you can see by clicking here or by clicking on News, then Features in the main menu. We thank Lucas Oil Products for their sponsorship of our features.
Included in Andy's gallery are photos of several drag racing vehicles including Nostalgia and Big Show Funny Cars. The NHRA breakfast comprised compere Brian Lohnes with nitro legends Don Prudhomme, Ed McCulloch, Del Worsham (who has announced a return to driving in 2024) and Dave Grubnic, under the title “Flyin’ Wrenches – NHRA Crew Chiefs Who Drove.”.
NHRA also streamed to Youtube their video interviews from their booth on all four days of the show, which you can see by clicking here. The NHRA breakfast video is expected to be premiered at the start of December.
Strengberger into the sixes. 5th November:
Well done to Audi TT racer Hubert Strengberger who has run a 6.883/205.04 in the Haltech World Cup Finals Import vs Domestic at Maryland International Raceway. The run was a new PB and qualifying him #7 out of 15 in the X275 vs Hot Rod Class. His earlier run, his first in the sixes, was 6.953/201.94.
Hubert said "We prepared an upgraded turbo and second engine for the event. Unfortunately we had major difficulties starting because the fuel pump broke, so we were only able to do our first test run in the evening. Our first qualifying run was a new PB of 7.02, however as the grip has been increasing day by day we couldn't find the right clutch setup and launch control. Unfortunately, both starts were messed up as a result." However it all came together on Saturday and his run confirmed him as the quickest AWD Audi TT in drag racing.
Also of note from the event, which is being attended by several from the UK including SPR announcer Luke Stevenson, is the quickest ever four cylinder pass ever, a 5.828/242.71 by Carl Brunet from Canada in a 2011 Pontiac GXP powered by an Ecotec engine. Rafael Famania of Natty Racing ran his 2JZ powered Toyota in the Outlaw vs Extreme class to a new record of 5.546/263.98.
You can see action from the international event on Youtube at the channels of 1320 video and TheRacingVids, plus follow live streaming on Flo Racing (subscription required).
Photo courtesy Floracing.
Swift snippets. 5th November:
Happy Birthday for today to Santa Pod Raceway founder and British Drag Racing Hall of Fame member Roy Phelps, Top Fuel Bike racer and current FIM-E ET record holder Filippos Papafilippou, Street Eliminator racer Tony Higgs, Super Street Bike racer Ross Morrison, Wild Bunch racer Danny Jones, FWD racer Connor Edwards and photographer Alice Fairhead. We hope you all have a great day.
We will be posting Andy Willsheer's photos from Nitro Revival at Irwindale Dragstrip later in the week, but as a taster of what went on in the most successful event to date, sponsor Geoff Stilwell has sent a number of photos which you can see in our Nitro Revival gallery supported by Lucas Oil Products. Click here to see Geoff's photos and for Facebook video of the Cacklefest which took place yesterday click here.
Joel goes drag & drive. 4th November:
Well done to Supercharged Outlaws racer Joel Kerr who, with wife Claire, competed in the Death Week Drag and Drive event in the US in October. Joel completed all rounds and came 27th overall out of 75 competitors and first using street tyres at the track. Joel raced a 2022 Ford Mustang that was less powerful than his Stiff Shifter Pontiac Starchief that he has run to 6s passes with the Supercharged Outlaws.
Competition, on eighth mile tracks, took place over four days, starting at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, Chandler Arizona when Joel's best time was 8.534/86.26. They then drove 355 miles to Barona Drag Strip, Lakeside, CA where Joel ran a 8.551/86.34. After a 285 mile drive, the third track in as many days was Famoso Dragstrip, Bakersfield, CA, Joel stepping up to 8.133/90.25. The final drive was much longer, 748 miles from Famoso back to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. The route ran via Death Valley, the Las Vegas NHRA Nevada Nationals, the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. Joel ran his best of the event, 8.120/90.82 for an average over the four days of 8.3345/88.417.
Joel said "Death Week was a blast, what an adventure this was to do with Claire and we made some new friends along the way. It was just over 2000 miles driven from the start to the finish of the week. We got to see some of the most incredible places on the West Coast and got to race at the same time. Not bad for my first Drag and Drive event in the USA - until next time!" Full results can be seen at this link.
The next event in the Sick The Magazine Drag and Drive series, organised by Tom Bailey, is Sick Week 2024 from 28th January to 2nd February, taking in Orlando Speed World, Bradenton Motorsports Park, Gainesville Raceway, South Georgia Motorsports Park and finishing at Orlando Speed World. There is already a waiting list for entries but spectator tickets can be purchased at this link.
Andy Willsheer's Nevada Saturday and Sunday gallery. 4th November:
Thanks to photojournalist Andy Willsheer for sending a gallery of Saturday and Sunday's action from the NHRA Nevada Nationals held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
You can see Andy's pictures, supported by Lucas Oil Products, at this link or via the Features link under News in the main menu.
Included are Top Fuel Dragsters, Funny Cars, Pro Modifieds, Julie Nataas's championship winning Top Alcohol dragster (pictured), jets - and back-up girls.
Andy's next stop in his US trip is the SEMA show followed by Nitro Revival this weekend. We look forward to posting photos from both in the next few days.
Swift snippets. 4th November:
Happy Birthday for Saturday to British drag racing pioneer Bob Gleadow, former Super Twin Gas and Wild Bunch racer Martin Holgate, Comp Bike racer Chris Neary and Fuel Altered racer Adam Clayton. Have a great day guys.
Belated Happy Birthday greetings for Friday to Super Gas wife and former SCR clerk of the course Tina Moore, Pro ET and Super Gas racer Bob Molden, Junior Dragster racer Kai Cooper and National Street Car Challenge and Outlaw Street racer Ian Walley. We hope that you all have had a wonderful day.
All the best to Nitro Revival sponsor Geoff Stilwell who has arrived in Los Angeles for Nitro Revival this weekend 3rd-5th November and the El Mirage SCTA meeting the following weekend 11th-12th November. You are recommended to attend both events if you are in the Los Angeles area. The impressive entry list for Nitro Revival, together with car owners and drivers, can be seen at this link. You can get advance tickets for the event at this link. And once there, don't forget your event t-shirt (pictured)!
British Drag Racing Hall of Fame director Jerry Cookson has been in touch to say that the HoFTalk section of the BDRHoF web site has been updated with several original stories behind some of the iconic trophies recently on display at Dragstalgia including the refurbishment of the SEMA Challenge Trophy since 1963 and the 1980 HR&C UK sponsored Funny Car Eliminator trophy won by BDRHoF member Harlan Thompson. Jerry has also got some exclusive interviews lined up from the forthcoming BDRHoF Gala as well as some of the behind-the-scenes stories about BDRHoF sponsors and supporters. To view the current list of stories click on to the HoFTalk button of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame web site.
Crail Raceway announces 2024 calendar. 2nd November:
During 2024, Crail Raceway based near Anstruther, less than an hour from Dundee, 1 1/2 hours from Edinburgh and 2 hours from Glasgow, plans to hold 17 Sunday events, five of which are circuit, the other 14 drag and drift. A successful 2023 has been highlighted by a new timing system from Portatree. As well as quarter mile drag racing and non-stop drifting action, the facility includes club stand displays, trade stands with over trophies for track and show, on-site catering and even a car wash.
Entries for drag racing have been impressive, with 260 in the March Willie Robertson Memorial, and many others over 200. The Crail website includes a database of times scored during the year for each event. Records set before the new timing system can still be seen at this link. The fastest speed of the year was set on 17th September when Dave Henderson ran a 163.73, following a best ET 8.97 for him in August (the overall track ET record is Andy Forrest's Westfield V8 which ran 8.770/148.50 in July 2022).
You can see updates about Crail's events at the track's Facebook page. Events planned for 2024 are in the calendar (click on the image to get a full size version) which shows events from February through to November, including the Scottish No-Prep race with the headline No Guts, No Glory on 26th May.
BDRHoF HOFtalk articles. 2nd November:
The HoFTalk section of the new BDRHoF web site has been updated by director Jerry Cookson with the first of an occasional series of articles called 'Collectors Corner'. Jerry says:
"Since the days when drag racing first burst on to the British scene in the early sixties there had been a lot of very collectible items produced with some landmark items associated with BDRHoF members with those wild looking machines they used to race.
"In our first look back at the past we examine Corgi's customised Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 'Lazy Bones' with the question of was it released as a stock car or a drag racer, and was probably Corgi's first entry into the drag racing market of children's toys, an area that has become a collectors dream.
"You can view this together with a last look at some of our treasured items of interest from season 1973 displayed in the Historic Marquee at this years Dragstalgia, and BDRHoF member Carl Olson's new book 'Racing Through Time'."
You can view these and many other stories from this link on the new BDRHoF website.
Photo from the Jerry Cookson Collection.
Andy Willsheer's Nevada Friday gallery.. 2nd November:
Thanks to photojournalist Andy Willsheer for sending a gallery of Friday's action from the NHRA Nevada Nationals held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
You can see Andy's pictures, supported by Lucas Oil Products, at this link or via the Features link under News in the main menu.
Included are Top Fuel Dragsters, Funny Cars, Nostalgia Funny Cars and Pro Modified including Dmitry Samurokov who made a great comeback from his accident at the NHRA Midwest Nationals (see 28th October update).
Swift snippets. 2nd November:
A belated Happy Birthday for yesterday for former Top Fuel Dragster racer Liz Rowland, we hope you had a great day Liz!
Also Dave Mace has written in saying "Could you please wish Dan Collis, crew chief for Mace Racing's 7 second Vauxhall Cresta 'Nuthin But Trouble' a Happy 30th Birthday." A belated Happy Birthday Dan!
