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Gainesville pit notes III. 14th March: Many thanks to Eurodragster.com US Correspondent Ed O'Connell for sending pit notes from day three of the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville: I finally found Eurodragster.com sponsor Michael Manners' Top Alcohol Dragster pit, and I don't feel bad about my failure to locate it earlier any longer. Mike arrived at soggy Gainesville early Thursday morning, just as a Pro Stock rig was hopelessly stuck in the mud. NHRA decided not to attempt to park any more rigs and directed Mike to a location outside the fence, a considerable distance from the usual pit area. Despite having directions from another TAD team, I might still never have found him except for the fact that, due to yesterday's crowds and still-soggy and unusable parking areas, I had been directed to an overflow parking area somewhere between Santa Pod and Gainesville and passed Mike's pit on my epic journey to parking. Michael told me he has been running the new IHRA Pro Fuel class on 100% nitro and can feel the difference in power. He plans to run the full IHRA schedule, with the exception of the race in Canada, in addition to his usual NHRA schedule. Finding a set-up for the 100% class has been tricky as a conservative approach has led to tyre shake and moving it up in power blows the tires off on the tricky tracks. Other racers have tried staying with known 94% nitro tune-ups but have had similar problems. For his qualifying runs so far at Gainesville Mike has hit tyre shake almost immadetely, and was hoping to find a tune up for a low 5.30 high 5.20 but the problems continued and Mike ultimately made a first round exit in eliminations. After qualifying for a very tough Pro Mod field with a 6.11 on Saturday morning, Adam Flamholc and crew had a very intense thrash due to piston damage on the run. They answered the call for round one of eliminations on Saturday afternoon, only to go down to the number one qualifier and take out a timing block in the process. Adam said he left well with a .019 light and was on a pretty good pass when the car made a strange move at 1000 feet. It may have been due to the incredibly high gusts of wind which came up at twilight. He shut it off as soon as it hit the cone. Despite the round loss, Adam was pleased to have qualified considering some of the impressive names on the DNQ list. He plans to ship the car back to Europe on Monday and will contest the entire FIA Tour this year. Fellow Pro Mod racer Mike Gullqvist said that they got greedy during the second and last qualifying session, not wanting to just run another 5.9, and overpowered the track early in the run. I was allowed access to shadow Micke and his team during the preparations and successful completion of round one of eliminations. I will have a report and photo gallery of that great experience later. After his first round win at 5.852, Micke commented that the car shook at the top of first gear going into second and he was quite surprised it was such a good run, his career best in ET and MPH at 248.84. He will face his car owner Roger Burgess in round two. Eurodragster.com sponsor Ulf Leanders commented after his second and final Top Alcohol FC qualifying pass that the car was fine and ready for eliminations, but that they could really have used one more qualifying pass to set up the car for optimum performance. Ulf put down a 5.8-second pass in the first round of eliminations but it wasn't enough to get past Todd Veney. ©Eurodragster.com In association with Lucas Oil Products and Carter Motorsport we have posted a gallery of Ed's shots from Gainesville. You can check out Ed's pictures by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Eliminations take place today and you will be able to stay bang up to date with Micke Gullqvist's progress courtesy of our colleagues at Drag Race Central at www.dragracecentral.com. Drags and more at Race Retro. 14th March: This weekend's Race Retro Show at Stoneleigh had much to interest those who follow historic motorsports, writes Bob Roberts: The Allard Chrysler Action Group had stand space to show the Allard dragster and seek further support for the restoration project. There was a lot of interest in the car and several people arrived clutching black and white pictures of the car in action. It's becoming clear that it was present at quite a number of events prior to the Dragfests and was better known than we had thought. The Wild Bunch, who had space right next to the Allard, were represented by Dexter and Adam Price with their Topolino and Keith Crampton with his slingshot. They also attracted a lot of attention, particularly on Saturday when a couple of models joined Team Gridlock. Elsewhere in the halls Santa Pod had a stand promoting their own retro event with the incomplete Motor Psycho Fuel Altered as an eye-catcher. For fans of two wheeled machinery there was the Keith Parnell Rouge et Noir bike under the watchful eye of Phil Steele. ©Eurodragster.com As usual the main halls were dominated by circuit racers but I do have a soft spot for the Super Saloons from the 1970s: what's not to like in a Beetle body on a Formula 5000 chassis with Chevy engine in it or a Daf with a Pontiac V8 (How long have you got - Ed)? Web site updates. 14th March: The official web site of Tricky Thörnäs Racing at www.corvette63.com has been updated with pictures from the dyno room of Nilséns Performance where our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson tells us the team 2000+ bhp from their twin turbo methanol burning Small Block Chevy. "We want to say a big Thank You to Emil Nilsén and Joakim Mellberg for their amazing job tuning the engine", says Patrik. ©Eurodragster.com In the latest entry in his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent A Car, Luke Bennett of the Bennett Racing blown-alcohol altered team gives us a run-down of the team's sponsors for the 2010 season. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Gainesville pit notes II. 13th March: Many thanks to Eurodragster.com US Correspondent Ed O'Connell for sending pit notes from day two of the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville: I spoke to Micke Gullqvist after his 5.933 run in Pro Mod qualifying. He felt it was a good first pass, clean and straight down the middle of the lane. He waited to see if there would be shake or any drama when he shifted out of first gear, but since it went smoothly he kept his foot in it. The announcer had just made a big deal about what unpredictable beasts Pro Mod cars were and after Michael's run he said he had just made a liar out of him as the run was straight as an arrow. Michael thinks the sixty foot time of 0.996 can be improved upon and is looking for a quicker pass down in the 5.8 range tomorrow. Fellow Pro Mod racer Adam Flamholc was disappointed with his run as he hit shake and got out of it 1.5 seconds into the run. He feels the data from this run should give them a baseline and hopes to run 5.92-5.98 tomorrow. Eurodragster.com sponsor Ulf Leanders felt his 5.781 in Top Alcohol FC qualifying was a good opening pass as the run felt good and nothing was hurt on the car. He noted that the shift light seemed really bright due to the fact that Gainesville's night lighting is not all that bright. This gave him a sense of urgency in shifting to put the light out quickly. Ulf thinks they should be able to step up to a 5.6 tomorrow. I started the day looking for Eurodragster.com sponsor Mike Manners in the Top Alcohol Dragster pits. When I couldn't find him I asked several other TAD drivers and crew if they knew where he was pitted. They all replied they had not seen him and didn't think he was there. I was therefore shocked to see him make a run in the darkness last night (Gainesville had the worst lighting of all NHRA tracks, they never intentionally schedule night racing). I will find Mike first thing in the morning, although I can't imagine where he is. I have walked the entire Sportsman pits and a TAD car is difficult to hide. This mystery has me puzzled and I can't wait to solve it! ©Eurodragster.com In association with Lucas Oil Products and Carter Motorsport we have posted a gallery of Ed's shots from Gainesville. You can check out Ed's pictures by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. There are plenty of racers for European fans to cheer on at Gainesville this weekend as Eurodragster.com sponsors the Leanders Brothers (Top Alcohol FC), Micke Gullqvist and Adam Flamholc (Pro Modified), and Michael Manners of Eurodragster.com sponsor Cosmo Residences (Top Alcohol Dragster) are all contesting the race. Qualifying continues today and as ever you will be able to stay bang up to date with our guys' progress courtesy of our colleagues at Drag Race Central at www.dragracecentral.com. Introducing the Stig Neergaard Trio. 13th March: Denmark's Stig Neergaard plans to field a three-car Top Fuel Dragster team on the FIA European Championship Tour in 2010. As already revealed here on Eurodragster.com, Stig and Sweden's Jöran Persåker planned to run as a two-car team, but they are now to be joined by Sweden's Rosie Millberg who longtime fans will remember raced in Pro Comp in the 1970s and who has been working on a return since 2008. ©Eurodragster.com Stig told Eurodragster.com US Correspondent Ed O'Connell at Gainesville yesterday that he will drive the same dragster as last year whilst Jöran will be running his Murf McKinney dragster. Rosie will be driving a third car and will be starting her licencing runs in Denmark on the weekend of 17th-18th April. The US' John Smith will return to tune for the entire season including testing. Tommy Rostgaard will not drive this year but will be Crew Chief on one of the dragsters. After the FIA season, three cars and a trailer will be shipped to the USA for the NHRA National event in Las Vegas. Stig and Jöran will race and the third dragster will be a spare. 2010 European Top Gas calendar. 13th March: Many thanks to Herman Jolink for sending us the calendar for the 2010 European Top Gas Series: ©Eurodragster.com 8th-9th May: Drag Day, Hoskovice, CZ 18th-20th June: Drachten Nationals, Drachten, NL 9th-11th July: Drachten Internationals, Drachten, NL 28th July-1st August: Veidec Festival, Mantorp Park, S 13th-15th August: NitrOlympX, Hockenheim, D 20th-22nd August: Dutch Finals, Drachthen, NL 2nd-5th September: Mosten Race Days, Mosten, DK (eighth-mile sprint) "The best six of seven rounds will be counted", says Herman. Swift snippets. 13th March: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding Version 7 of the official entry lists for the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball (2nd-5th April) and the Fast Show (21st March) at Santa Pod Raceway. Click here for the Easter Thunderball entry list and click here for the Fast Show entry list. Entry to both events, if accepted, is now subject to a penalty fee. Official entry forms can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. ©Eurodragster.com The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com shows, we are told, Filippa at the wheel of an ex-Comp Eliminator dragster destined for Super Comp in 2010. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com. Dart product update. 13th March: Eurodragster.com sponsor Dart's Special High Performance (SHP) small-block is designed for high-performance and heavy-duty applications producing up to six hundred horsepower. The SHP block is the ideal starting point for hot rodders, drag racers, circle track competitors, off-roaders, and high-performance marine enthusiasts. Made in the USA on all-new tooling, the SHP block delivers exceptional value. Priced hundreds of dollars less than a full-race block, the SHP block eliminates the time and expense of rebuilding a junkyard core. The SHP block is tailored to the most popular performance and racing applications, with 350 main bearings and a choice of 4.00" and 4.125" cylinder bores. New features include the option for a one-piece rear main seal, enabling use of a broader array of crankshafts and components. SHP blocks are manufactured on Dart's in-house CNC machining centers to precision tolerances. The SHP block's siamesed cylinders have a.230" minimum wall thickness at 4.165" bore diameter. Other features include a true priority-main oiling system that ensures reliable lubrication at high rpm, ductile iron main bearing caps (with splayed four-bolt caps on the center mains), .625" thick decks with blind head bolt holes, and clearance for long-stroke crankshafts. The SHP block retains the first-generation small-block's original dimensions and is compatible with stock components, including OEM-style hydraulic roller lifters and camshafts, steel and plastic timing chain covers, side and front motor mounts, clutch linkage pivots, and mechanical fuel pumps. More information at www.dartheads.com. ©Eurodragster.com Obsession misses Show date. 13th March: UK Super Modified racer Craig Gibbs writes with a heave heart to announce that, for personal reasons, the Gibbs family's Obsession Camaro will not be attending June's Xtreme Wheels Motor Show. "This is a very difficult decision for us as a family" says Craig. "I wanted nothing more than to take Obsession to the Show which my father first of all dreamed of, put the wheels in motion, and promoted for the first three years of its young life before he passed away, and the show at which Obsession in Super Modified guise made her début in 2004. ©Eurodragster.com "We were all really looking forward to going this year. I am sure it would have brought back lots of fond memories, and it would have been great to have honoured my father by being able to take his pride and joy to the event he loved to promote the most. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, it is not to be. As many people know my father was involved in many custom- and drag-related events over the years either as an exhibitor, racer, or promoter, but this was the event in which he took the most pride. "I would like to thank Bob Glassup and the team for naming the top award in the show after my father, which is a really great gesture, and we wish Bob and the team all the very best for the Show, for this year and the future." Gainesville pit notes I. 12th March: Many thanks to Eurodragster.com US Correspondent Ed O'Connell for sending pit notes from day one of the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville: I spoke to Ulf Leanders before I read today's news update on Eurodragster.com. Ulf basically told me what was already posted...damn, scooped by my own News Editor! Ulf was very busy chasing parts and getting ready to have the Top Alcohol Funny Car tecched by NHRA. Michael Gullqvist is very anxious to get out on the track and feels the pressure not only to qualify for what will be a tough field, but to qualify in the top half, as his three teammates have some of the fastest Pro Mod cars on the property and he wants to avoid the possibility of facing a teammate in the first round. Michael was getting ready to attend a mandatory NHRA class on the proper disposal of hazardous waste materials. I visited Adam Flamholc's rather soggy Pro Mod pit - it has been raining here the past few days - and he was working on assembling some connecting rod assemblies. He hadn't taken the Camaro out of the box yet as they are waiting for the pit area to dry out a bit. ©Eurodragster.com I don't believe that Michael Manners has set up his pit area yet. The drive down from Washington DC (2:00 am-2:00 pm) featured many periods of heavy downpours, but hopefully all the precipitation is out of the way for racing tomorrow. In association with Lucas Oil Products and Carter Motorsport we have started a gallery of Ed's shots from Gainesville. You can check out Ed's pictures by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. There are plenty of racers for European fans to cheer on at Gainesville this weekend as Eurodragster.com sponsors the Leanders Brothers (Top Alcohol FC), Micke Gullqvist and Adam Flamholc (Pro Modified), and Michael Manners of Eurodragster.com sponsor Cosmo Residences (Top Alcohol Dragster) are all contesting the race. Qualifying starts today and as ever you will be able to stay bang up to date with our guys' progress courtesy of our colleagues at Drag Race Central at www.dragracecentral.com. A rare oildown for Carter. 12th March: Roger writes from Florida that FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter joined Don Garlits at his Museum in Ocala on Wednesday evening to help with the pre-Gatornationals Garlits Cacklefest: There were around a half dozen cars including several of Don's, and all were fired up and run for the keen group of fans who attended. Not all had a successful fire-up including the car in which Andy Carter was sitting, the old Swamp Rat 2 car which ran in England way back in 1964, spat out an oil filter seal just after it had been fired up leaving Andy to shut off very frustrated. "I was really looking forward to that although I was very nervous", said Andy. "The cars are not fired up often so the seals aren't at their best, and of course it was mine which failed and oiled the car park!" The Birdy and a Flying Dutchman. 12th March: The Netherlands' Wilco Sijm and Mathijs Kraetzer plan to race their Birdy and Flying Dutchman altereds in Super Pro ET at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway in May. "We are really busy on the altered's exterior", says Mathijs of the Birdy altered. "The body is still in the paint shop waiting to be finished and it's going to be a real Ol'skool hotrod. I don't think you'll recognise it! When it's finished you will be get a picture. ©Eurodragster.com "The motor is basically the same. Wilco however has really been working on the go-faster stuff! On his first weekend last year with the new blown 598 he went 7.7/175 feathering the throttle. But chassis problems caused him to go home early. "We've already booked the ferry for the Main Event. Wilco and I have been planning to come to Santa Pod for a long time but it just didn't fit in our budget last year. Now we are just hoping for a rain-free weekend. We will have fun anyway and 2010 is going to be a great year." Swift snippets. 12th March: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding Version 6 of the official entry lists for the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball (2nd-5th April) and the Fast Show (21st March) at Santa Pod Raceway. Click here for the Easter Thunderball entry list and click here for the Fast Show entry list. Entry closes today (12th); late entry after today, if accepted, will be subject to a penalty fee. Official entry forms can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. ©Eurodragster.com The organisers of the Xtreme Wheels Motor Show at the Haynes Museum on 12th-13th June would be pleased to hear from any company which would be interested in sponsoring a cut glass trophy for £50. The Best of Show award is also available for sponsorship for £100. "All trophy sponsors will have their company name listed on our site with a link to their and their contact details", says Dan Welberry. "A specific press release will be issued, obviously each award will be announced at the event using the company name ,and the name will be on the award. Sponsors have the option to present the trophy too". If you are interested then please drop Dan a line at dan@xtremewheelsshow.co.uk. Web site updates. 12th March: Our good buddy Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with a second page of photographs taken by Alan Holland-Avery at the 1972 Easter meeting at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Alan's pictures on Alan's site by following the What's New? link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Leanders invade Gainesville. 11th March: Sweden's three-time FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Champions and Eurodragster.com sponsors Ulf and Jörgen Leanders have their sights set on running Top Alcohol Funny Car at this weekend's NHRA Gatornationals. The Leanders Brothers manufacture their own clutch which provides the performance that they need to get the power to the ground in their Top Methanol Funny Car. Many other top competitors run the Leanders Brothers clutches including 2009 ADRL Pro Extreme World Champion Todd Tutterow. The Leanders sent their Top Methanol Funny Car from Sweden to the Yadkinville, NC, home of WYO Motorsports / Todd Tutterow back in November. The Leanders and crew arrived in the first week in March and have been thrashing to get the Funny Car ready for testing. Their sights are now set on the NHRA Gatornationals. When asked why they wanted to run at the Gatornationals, Jörgen Leanders replied "Our dream has always been to race in the USA, the home of professional drag racing, and now we are here!". The Leanders Brothers would also like to thank Tony and Tisha Wilson Motorsports for hauling the race car to the track, Hank Thomas Performance and CAM 2 Motor Oil for their sponsorship and help. A special thank you to Todd and Denise Tutterow for letting the team use their 'shop and for all they have done for them. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 11th March: There are plenty of racers for European fans to cheer on at Gainesville this weekend as in addition to the Leanders Brothers (above), Micke Gullqvist and Adam Flamholc are running in Pro Modified and Michael Manners of Eurodragster.com sponsor Cosmo Residences is contesting Top Alcohol Dragster. In all cases qualifying starts tomorrow (Friday) and as ever you will be able to stay bang up to date with our guys' progress courtesy of our colleagues at Drag Race Central at www.dragracecentral.com. Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Roger is on the facility as is US Correspondent Ed O'Connell who plans to send pit notes and pictures starting tomorrow. 12:45 Jörgen Leanders has just been in in touch to tell us that two days of testing in Bradenton went really well for the FIA European Top Methanol FC Champions. "We had made some big changes to our fuel system so we started with some 330-foot passes", he said. "Everything looked nice so on the last run yesterday Ulf made a full pass and that resulted in a 'low power' 5.73, so we feel very confident for this race." If you would like to get in some testing before the season starts then don't forget that Eurodragster.com sponsor Webster Race Engineering are holding a Test Day at Santa Pod Raceway next Friday (19th). WRE Test Days feature a track prepped to National Event standard, full safety cover, and WRE staff on hand for help and advice. Entry is limited to guarantee maximum track time. For more details or to book your place, download the entry form (Word format) from www.webster-race-engineering.co.uk or download the form directly at www.webster-race-engineering.co.uk/test_day.doc. Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding Version 5 of the official entry lists for the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball (2nd-5th April) and the Fast Show (21st March) at Santa Pod Raceway. Click here for the Easter Thunderball entry list and click here for the Fast Show entry list. Entry closes this Friday (12th); official entry forms can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. ©Eurodragster.com Eurodragster.com sponsor VP Racing Fuels are preparing to announce a new UK distributor who will have all the popular VP blends available. A formal announcement is expected within the next few days, but in the meantime interested racers should write to uksales@vpracingfuels.com. The organisers of the Xtreme Wheels Motor Show at the Haynes Museum on 12th-13th June would be pleased to hear from any Eurodragster.com reader who could help with the supply of a set of pedestrian traffic lights to assist in crossing the public from the car park to the event venue. "By law, we have to have this in place" says Dan Welberry. "Hire fees are huge so we were wondering if any reader may be in the game, or know somebody who may have some, and have a set we can borrow or hire at a realistic rate". If you can help then please drop Dan a line at dan@xtremewheelsshow.co.uk. Further to his Swift Snippet of 4th March, Mike Chadwick of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Custom Cruisers UK says that his next shipping container leaves Daytona Beach on 15th March. For more information check out the original Snippet of 4th. Chris and Mark Hartnell and asked us to send their love and best wishes for a very Happy Birthday to tireless Wild Bunch Race Co-ordinator Claire Meaddows. We are very pleased to do so; have a lovely day Claire. We also have a birthday amongst the Super Street Bike fraternity, namely the King of Naughtiness himself, Graham Dance. Have a great day G. Lee's bike book update. 11th March: Keith Lee has been in touch with news of progress on his book on drag bike racing covering the first twenty years of the sport in Britain: Alan Currans is kindly hosting a blog on the excellent Acceleration Archive, which I hope to keep updated with information and pictures over the coming weeks prior to publication in September. You can find the blog at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk/keith/lee_blog.html. I have been busy contacting many of the racers of the period, which has been a very enjoyable part of the process. Thankfully most remembered me - apart from one, but I will not hold it against him! There are a couple of riders I have not been able to trace, so I am hoping that one of Eurodragster.com's many readers out there is in contact with either Jeff Byne or Alan Thompson. If so, can they please let me know at info@keithleeimages.co.uk as I would like to clarify a few things with them. The book is being published by Veloce Publishing, and is listed on their web site, as well as worldwide on Amazon, ahead of the September UK publication date. ©Eurodragster.com Procharger advice on video. 11th March: Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator racer Jason Weir has been in touch to recommend the new Procharger videos available from Steve Morris of New Era Racecraft: These technical videos are for anyone considering changing to or running a Procharger, having problems with their existing Procharger system, or who is interested in how a street or full race Procharged system works. These videos will save you time and money. The videos cover everything associated with a Procharged engine from system design, carb and fuel systems, water/methanol injection and air and water intercoolers, engine dyno and tuning, and Procharged race car videos. ©Eurodragster.com Even though we have been running a Procharged motor for a few years now, we have found these videos invaluable to extend our knowledge to get more horsepower from our motor and to keep it running safely. You can find out more at www.prochargervideos.com. Dart product update. 11th March: Eurodragster.com News sponsor Dart has introduced a new cast aluminum valve cover design for Big Block and Small Block Chevrolet engines. The new design features an inverted mounting flange which allows the side walls to be moved outward, increasing clearance for long-ratio rocker arms and racing valve train components. Dart's cast aluminum construction provides extremely rigid rails for improved sealing and durability. The all new foundry tooling has been enhanced to produce cleaner, more attractive castings. A contrasting raised Dart logo with a machined finish stands out and dresses up your engine. These new inverted flange valve covers offer show car looks with race engine performance design offering the best of both worlds. More information at www.dartheads.com. ©Eurodragster.com Going Fast at Santa Pod. 10th March: The first few days of sun have arrived, and the start of spring can mean only one thing… no, not Easter eggs, the Fast Show is here! Santa Pod Raceway's season-opener takes place on Sunday 21st March, and the show is packed to the seams with quality entertainment. The show has its largest-ever club contingent booked in, so before a wheel has turned we can guarantee that there will be loads of quality club displays to check out, we have huge entries in the Euro Sports Compact series, and the fastest modified cars in Europe are back for Round 1 of the HKS Drag Series. New additions for the 2010 event include the mile run on the fabled quarter-mile in support of Sport Relief, a packed schedule of events in the all-weather Live Action Arena including the world's best stunt driver, Terry Grant, drift displays, passenger rides and monster truck shows. We haven't forgotten the essential Santa Pod ingredient of speed, and the Run What You Brung competition, dyno and a handling track will give you a chance to press the pedal to the metal and stock up on pub ammo to fire at your mates. All sorts of activities will be taking place off track, including the hilarious Miss Fast Show, popular Show and Shine competition, traders, catering and bar. Weekend ticket holders can enjoy an extra day of Run What You Brung, and all weekend tickets include free camping and entry to the new and improved Pod Palais - a heated nightclub with top DJs, plush furnishings and even exotic dancers on Saturday night. Tickets start at just £15 for a Sunday ticket, and £25 for a weekend ticket. See the official web site at www.TheFastShow.com for full information, or call 01234 782828. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 10th March: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding Version 4 of the official entry lists for the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball (2nd-5th April) and the Fast Show (21st March) at Santa Pod Raceway. Click here for the Easter Thunderball entry list and click here for the Fast Show entry list. Entry closes this Friday (12th); official entry forms can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. Wayne Jackson tells us that he and his son, Junior Dragster racer Brad Jackson had a good day testing and setting up their car at Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday. "Laura Turburville was there and we ran side-by-side all day", says Wayne. "Brad's very first side-by-side run was a very close and exciting race! He improved all day with a best time of 8.1/83.17 so I think he's getting there". Sounds that way to us, well done Brad. ©Eurodragster.com Congratulations to Graham Beckwith who was the first to get in touch having spotted the reference casually dropped in to yesterday's news update, in this case a line from Monty Python's Flying Circus. By way of recognition a Photo DVD will be winging its way to Yorkshire very shortly. We have added a couple of events to Eurodragster.com's Event Coverage schedule for 2010. The first is next Friday's (19th) Webster Race Engineering Test Day at Santa Pod Raceway, and the other is July's FHRA Nitro Nationals at Alastaro. As ever, our coverage will be presented in association with American Car Imports and the webcam in association with Webster Race Engineering and a new sponsor whose identity will be revealed here shortly. You can check out our 2010 coverage schedule by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. A gentle reminder to those Eurodragster.com sponsors who have not yet sent their 2010 payments that, with the exception of late additions and those who have been in touch about arrangements, payment was due on Monday of last week (1st). If you need another copy of your invoice, or if you need our bank account details, or if you have any queries then please drop us a line at tog@eurodragster.com. Alternative Energy Racing III. 10th March: Santa Pod Raceway, the home of European drag racing, is once again throwing open its doors to motorsport's greenest event, the Alternative Energy Racing day on Friday 23rd April. Motorsport doesn't at first seem like the obvious place to showcase vehicles for a more sustainable lifestyle, but there is only one future for all of us, and that's cleaner and greener... motorsport included. Alternative Energy Racing is entering its third year in 2010, and it has been developed as an event exclusively for vehicles which do not burn fossil fuels. That means for one afternoon a year, petrol and diesel is banned from the petrol-head Mecca of Santa Pod Raceway, and alternative fuel and electric vehicles will hit the dragstrip on Friday 23rd April. You don't have to believe in global climate change to realise that burning fossil fuels is a bad thing. There are all sorts of good reasons to look to the future for personal transport and racing right now and prove that performance doesn't have to mean pollution. Alternative Energy Racing is here to bring together people working in the field of alternative fuels, racing and future transportation, and put the technology through its paces on the proving ground of the Santa Pod's hallowed quarter mile. The event is open to companies, individuals, universities, colleges and clubs, and all types of vehicles are welcome, provided they are powered by energy which can be produced in a sustainable manner. That could include cars, bikes and trucks using biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, electric, hydrogen, compressed gas, and even synthesised fuels. Entry and tracktime at the event are free for all suitable entries registered through the official web site. Taking part is fun, free, and can be an important way to test vehicle performance. Registration forms and full event info are available on-line at www.AERacing.org or by contacting Santa Pod Raceway. For more information, please visit www.santapod.com or contact Rick Cuthbert by phone on 0208 852 5005 or by E-Mail at rick@santapod.com. ©Eurodragster.com Roger goes to Ocala. 9th March: The Crazy Horses book signing at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing was not such a hectic affair as a few weeks earlier at the NHRA Wally Parks Museum. Gathered below left on Sunday were from left to right Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Roger Gorringe, FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter, Don Garlits, Swedish Pro Mod racer Micke Gullqvist, and Sarah and Albert Carter alongside Crazy Horses author Brian Taylor. ©Eurodragster.com "This was my first time at this museum site", said Roger. "I went to Don's previous museum way back in 1982 and met a very uptight D.G. who grudgingly allowed me to view the place even though it was not officially open then. Today though, it was great to meet a very relaxed and friendly Don who took time with me to recall his move from one museum site to the present, a feat he did himself, each car individually. "I was hoping to see the car which Don raced at Santa Pod Raceway in the mid-seventies and I supplied him some photos of his visit, but unfortunately that car was on loan to another venue". The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is a must for any visiting race fan and can be found just off Exit 341 on the I-75 at Country Road 484, Ocala, Florida. Swift snippets. 9th March: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding Version 3 of the official entry lists for the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball (2nd-5th April) and the Fast Show (21st March) at Santa Pod Raceway. Click here for the Easter Thunderball entry list and click here for the Fast Show entry list. Entry closes this Friday (12th); official entry forms can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. This year's European SFI Tour concluded at Santa Pod Raceway yesterday (Monday). SFI Foundation President Arnie Kuhns told us that the number of parts inspected (below left) by Tim Hyatt, Murf McKinney and Eurodragster.com sponsor Andy Robinson was up eleven per cent on 2009. ©Eurodragster.com Not exactly a spy picture but we'll be showing more of the above right picture of an appropriately-red car unless we hear from KC. The Mongoose Performance Exhausts / Pennzoil Fuel FC team have had to postpone the début of their new Funny Car as it will not be ready in time for the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway in April. The Fuel FC count at Easter has not changed, however, as the Showtime Fuel FC team entered the event today. Web site updates. 9th March: Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog has updated his Fotopic gallery with pictures from Saturday's Workshop Visit to Eurodragster.com sponsor Chris Isaacs Race Cars as well as pictures from yesterday's UK SFI Day at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Tog's pictures at eurodragster.fotopic.net or www.togsdragracing.com. ©Eurodragster.com Feature: Chris Isaacs workshop visit. 8th March: We are very pleased to announce that Lucas Oil Products and Carter Motorsport are the new sponsors of Features and Interviews on Eurodragster.com. "'I am happy with the brand awareness which Lucas Oil gain from the banner on the News page", says FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter. "This seems an ideal opportunity to add to that by taking advantage of the hits which the Features pages get. I've worked with Eurodragster.com since day one and I hope to carry on the relationship for a long time into the future. Tog, Simon, Roger, Kirstie and Ed do a fantastic job promoting European drag racing". We would like to say a huge Thank You to Les Downey of Lucas Oil UK and to Andy Carter for their increased support of Eurodragster.com. ©Eurodragster.com Our first Feature to be presented in association with Lucas Oil Products and Carter Motorsport is a visit to the Wickford workshop of race car builder, UK Tech Committee and Santa Pod Racers Club Committee member, racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Chris Isaacs. Tog and Kirstie found a good representative cross-section of race vehicles in the Chris Isaacs Race Cars shop and also had a word with Chris about his racing career, his customers, and the return of his immaculate and much-missed Standard Vanguard. You can check out the Chris Isaacs Race Cars workshop visit by clicking here, or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Swift snippets. 8th March: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words "Almost ready except for some small jobs and hoping for a début at Easter". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com. ©Eurodragster.com A gentle reminder to those Eurodragster.com sponsors who have not yet sent their 2010 payments that, with the exception of late additions and those who have been in touch about arrangements, payment was due last Monday (1st). If you need another copy of your invoice or if you need our bank account details, or if you have any queries then please drop us a line at tog@eurodragster.com. Of uniforms and race reports. 8th March: Vicci, the USA's premier motorsport uniform company, is working with Speedgroup and the European Drag Racing Championship Contingency Sponsorship programme. Teams which wear Vicci's custom uniforms will have an opportunity to earn cash when on the podium. Also, Vicci is offering all teams a special price on their initial order and an opportunity to enter into a three-year agreement for an additional discount on uniforms. Use these professional looking uniforms to help you get more sponsorship by giving your sponsors the visibility they deserve at the track. For more details click on the picture at left. Vicci manufactures custom caps, shirts, jackets, pants, merchandise products and everything else your team will need to be outfitted in a professional manner. For more information contact Dave at dave@vicci.com or call +1 707 971 0352 (mobile) or +1 707 782 0139 (office), or via www.vicci.com. Meanwhile the Speedgroup web site at www.speedgroup.eu continues to expand. For the historically-minded, qualifying and elimination details from 2009 European Drag Racing Championship events have now been posted, together with eye-witness reports from Hockenheim's NitrOlympX and Santa Pod's FIA European Finals. Real stats fiends will even find a PDF version to save or print at the bottom of each page. With the web site now functioning properly, race results are expected to appear somewhat sooner in 2010. Junior Bikers backed in 2010. 7th March: Sharron and Jerry Collier write with great news for the UK's Junior Drag Bike racers: We have managed to secure a sponsor for the class for the whole of the 2010 season. A big Thank You and and Welcome to Ian and Dorothy Connop of CC Medical Services who will be supporting us this year: take a look at their web site www.ccmedicalservices.co.uk. We are very pleased to be in partnership with such a prestigious and respected company and we are sure that our little guys and girls will do them proud. A big thank you also to Anthony, Julie, Jerry and everyone at Shakespeare County Raceway for continuing to support Junior Drag Bike. We always had faith in the class and so did they. We have around ten riders this year, the biggest field ever in JDB, and more in the pipeline. This is going to be a good season! Junior Drag Bike is for children aged between eight and sixteen years of age, and is run on a dial-in system to keep things as safe as Take a look at our web site at www.juniordragbike.co.uk and also on Facebook for all construction regulations, class rules, rider information, 2010 calendar and lots of other information. If anyone wants to know anything at all please give us a call on 01246 570304. ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 7th March: UK Topspeed Autmotive Street Eliminator racer Ron Haslett has identified his wild Cortina as the subject of one of Thursday's spy pictures. The paint is now finished and Ron wheeled the car out of the workshop to get some snaps. Click on a picture to see another angle. We have two spy pictures for you today. The picture below left came with the words "14.71 into 28 = 6.80"... ©Eurodragster.com ...whilst the picture above right shows a car "In its new home". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com. The UK's largest class, Pro ET, probably also has the UK's best class sponsorship scheme offering cash and a trophy to the number one qualifier at each UK National Championship round. This year's sponsors have been announced and you can read more about the Pro ET Sponsorship Scheme at web site at www.pro-et.co.uk/sponsor.php and read a run-down of this year's sponsors at www.pro-et.co.uk/classsponsor.php. We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to UK Sportsman ET racer and honorary Eurodragster.com staff member Spencer Tramm. Have a great day Spencer and you'll be pleased to hear that the top plate stayed in place. Dart product update. 7th March: Eurodragster.com News sponsor Dart's new nine-degree cylinder head delivers the airflow normally associated with exotic canted valve designs, but in an easy to use in-line valve package which is also much lighter in weight than canted valve heads. Developed in conjunction with renowned NASCAR cylinder head expert Don Losito, this new casting was designed to maximise the advantages of an extremely reduced valve angle. Increasing the overall height of the cylinder head allowed the ports to be raised for more direct line of sight entry to the valves. The valve cover rail has been widened to accommodate long ratio rockers and simplify valve train adjustments. Dart produces both a standard 4.400" bore space version and a 4.500" spread bore version of the new nine-degree cylinder head. Provisions for extra head bolts are added to each end for improved clamping and gasket sealing. The new Dart nine-degree small block head is ideal for late models, sprint cars, dragsters and off road trucks, where massive horsepower and solid reliability are needed. More information at www.dartheads.com. ©Eurodragster.com Play with your Pal in your Pocket. 7th March: With this year's drag racing season just around the corner it's time to brush up on those start line hand to eye coordination and reflexes, and what better way than to use a Pocket Pal Practice Tree available now from Portatree Timing Systems Inc. Just when you thought that a drag racing practice tree couldn't get any better Shakespeare County Raceway, in association with Portatree Timing Systems, have a limited number of this very versatile and robust of pocket pals as used by all the leading Professional and Sportsman drag racers competing in today's NHRA and IHRA races. It's so small that it even fits in your workday shirt pocket! Packed with all manor of functions the Pocket Pal runs off two AA batteries or the same AC or DC adaptors used for the Eliminator Super 2000 Practice Trees. Tree sequences can be preset to run full Sportsman or Pro with .400 or .500 speeds with .000 Perfect Lights, adjustable delay box settings, rollouts and auto starts, and all from a single hand control button. Pocket Pal will even work as an alarm clock for those early morning starts at the track or can be set up as a stop watch and lap timer. Ideal for practicing in your race car as we all know nothing else compares to being in your race car when you are seriously practicing. Al Smyth, founder of Portatree, not only races but he also builds timing systems for many race tracks. He has a complete understanding of rollouts, how drag racing starting lines are setup, and the timing between tree and track. That's knowledge that other companies can't give you. Priced at just £65 (includes postage) there is a limited number of Pocket Pals available to UK racers so you had better get in there quick to reserve yours in time for Easter. For further information E-Mail enquiries@shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk or wayne.schreier@virgin.net. ©Eurodragster.com The Kings are back in town... 6th March: Swiss Top Fuel Dragster racer and Eurodragster.com News sponsor Urs Erbacher has announced that he and his team will rejoin the FIA European Top Fuel Championship in 2010 and that Lorenz Stäuble will participate in every race of the 2010 UEM European Drag Bike Championship. Their goal? There can only be one goal when these two racers line up with their Pro Crews: win the Championship! Kings of Nitro Urs and Lorenz have both won the European Championship in their class and they want to continue the story which ended in 2007 when Urs, Lorenz and Sascha became Champions. Then Urs decided to race in the USA. After successful races - Urs is the most successful European Top Fuel Racer in the NHRA - and with all the experience from the NHRA operation, Urs will line up again at Santa Pod for the first FIA race of the season. He is looking forward to a thrilling season, to racing his old buddies in the old world and to meeting all his friends and fans again in the pits and on the track. Everybody knows that Urs is racing for one reason: to be the best on the track, to deliver the best performance for the fans and his sponsors. His crew, who have been with him now for nearly a decade, is one of the most experienced at the track. They are looking forward to hitting European racing ground again and challenging the other teams with fast turn-rounds, consistency and excellent pit work. Lorenz Stäuble missed the Championship title last year due to a technical failure in the last race. You bet that he will do everything to make it work this year. After a year of hard work, the performance and the speed are back and the Supertwin bike is ready to win races again. With an early start for the Championship at the end of April and seven races the bike competition will be tight and challenging. Just what Lo and his crew like: a tough fight on the track and a good time off the track. The experienced bike crew, working hand in hand over many years is the guarantee for consistency and will make the difference. The Fat Attack team will be appearing at the following events: 27th March: Top Fuel Welcome Back Party, Fat Inn, Arlesheim, Switzerland 24th-25th April: Fat Attack Spring Exhibition, Fat Inn, Arlesheim, Switzerland 30th April-2nd May: UEM Championship 1, Kunmadaras, Hungary (TF show, STTF) 13th-16th May: Tuningworld, Friedrichshafen, Germany 28th-31st May: FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway, UK (TF,STTF) 1st-4th July: FHRA Nitro Nationals, Alastaro, Finland (TF,STTF) 29th July-1st August: Veidec Festival, Mantorp Park, Sweden (TF, STTF) 6th-8th August: Sunoco Drag Challenge, Gardermoen, Norway (STTF) 13th-15th August: NitrOlympX, Hockenheim, Germany (TF, STTF show) 9th-12th September: FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway (TF, STTF), UK ©Eurodragster.com Swift snippets. 6th March: Many thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding Version 2 of the official entry lists for the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball (2nd-5th April) and the Fast Show (21st March) at Santa Pod Raceway. Click here for the Easter Thunderball entry list and click here for the Fast Show entry list. Entry closes next Friday (12th); official entry forms can be downloaded from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. Ex-pat UK Top Alcohol Dragster racer Michael Manners of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Cosmo Residences is back on 100% nitro this weekend as he contests Pro Fuel at the IHRA Mardi Gras Nitro Jam at State Capitol Raceway in Louisiana today and tomorrow. You will be able to stay in touch with Mike's progress courtesy of our colleagues at Drag Race Central at www.dragracecentral.com. ©Eurodragster.com The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with no words. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com. The UK's Top Banana team are seeking the use of a race car for for Pro ET competition at the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball as they have sold one of their race cars and the other car will not be ready in time. If you can help with the rental or loan of a race car for Easter then please call Lee Huxley on 01905 640892 or 07967 157899. Easter Thunderball, Fast Show entry. 5th March: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to remind racers that next Friday, 12th March, is the official closing date for both the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway on 2nd-5th April and the Fast Show at Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday 21st March. Entry after Friday 12th, if accepted, will be subject to a late entry penalty. ©Eurodragster.com You can download the official Auto Trader Easter Thunderball and Fast Show entry forms from the Entry Forms page of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. You can check out Version 1 of the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball entry list by clicking here and Version 1 of the Fast Show entry list by clicking here. Swift snippets. 5th March: UK Outlaw Flat Four racers Adele and Steve Woodbridge are pleased to announce that Opie Oils has signed up as a sponsor for the 2010 season. Opie Oils is the home of the oilman and the UK's number one performance oils specialists, supplying an unmatched range of engine oil, gear oil, brake fluid and lubricants from Silkolene, Castrol, Fuchs, Millers, Motul, Mobil, Amsoil and Redline along with a full range of car care products from companies such as Meguiars and Muc-Off. You can find the Opie Oils web site at www.opieoils.co.uk. Opie Oils joins the Woodbridges' other sponsors NGK Spark Plugs and Direct Plastics. ©Eurodragster.com Ex-pat UK Top Alcohol Dragster racer Michael Manners of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Cosmo Residences is back on 100% nitro this weekend as he contests Pro Fuel at the IHRA Mardi Gras Nitro Jam at State Capitol Raceway in Louisiana tomorrow and Sunday. You will be able to stay in touch with Mike's progress courtesy of our colleagues at Drag Race Central at www.dragracecentral.com. Congratulations to Alex Hope and his partner on the birth of their daughter Phoebe last weekend. Phoebe weighed in at 8lb 7oz. Congratulations also to Chris and Lynn Hope on becoming grandparents. Herbert to visit Santa Pod. 5th March: As Easter approaches, US Top Fuel Drag Racer Doug Herbert is looking forward to his first visit to a European drag race. Herbert, a ten-time NHRA National Event winner and four-time IHRA Champion is excited about the Santa Pod races. "I remember seeing pictures of Garlits and Ivo racing at Santa Pod back in the 60s so I know there is certainly a lot of drag racing history in England, not to mention it is the F-1 capital of the world", said Herbert. "Maybe we can figure out a way to bring my Top Fuel team over some time, but for now I guess I will just have to be satisfied to watch all the competitors at the Easter weekend." Over the years Herbert has made several trips to the UK and visited many of the famous race shops including Cosworth Engines, Pi Computers, Renault F1 and others. Several of his Herbert Performance customers are also located in England, and Herbert enjoys the time to visit with these friends and customers including Jeff Bull, Ken Coleman and Clive Bond. "Over the years I have made a lot of friends in the UK so I am really excited to actually be able to watch some of them race at Santa Pod. Actually I think that some of my former Top Fuel cars have done pretty well at some of these races too". said Herbert. "My wife Ginger has never been to England so I am looking forward to being able to introduce her to some of my friends and maybe treat her to some good, old-fashioned English fish and chips." Herbert, who lost his two sons Jon and James in a tragic 2008 car accident, will also spend his time in England promoting the non-profit foundation he started in their memory, B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe). The organisation provides hands-on, behind-the-wheel training for teens to make them safer and more responsible drivers. "Over the past two years I have really dedicated a lot of my time to forming and growing B.R.A.K.E.S.", added Herbert. "The B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving School, which teaches defensive driving techniques free of charge, has already taught hundreds of teenagers and will teach over one thousand more this year! I also visit high schools to speak with teenagers and I hope that while we're in England I will be able to share my story and talk with some young drivers about how important it is to be safe and responsible behind the wheel." ©Eurodragster.com Introducing ProStreet Busa UK. 4th March: The UK's Dave Holland has announced the launch of ProStreet Busa UK, a new Super Street Bike team. Dave, Wayne Saunders, and SSB newcomer Bernard Dorgan have been working through the off-season to prepare the three-bike operation. "Wayne's new bike is of course state-of-the-art and will be a force to be reckoned with straight out of the crate", says Dave Holland. "Wayne's racing experience and history of success are undoubted. My own bike has undergone a complete rebuild over the winter and with the arrival of full Catalyst Pro Street bodywork has been brought up to date for the 2010 season. After the recent acquisition of Brad O'Connor's very successful turbo Busa our third rider Bernard Dorgan will be taking a relaxed start while he makes the transition to the new class. "We are very proud to welcome Brad O'Connor of BTC Motronics as our technical adviser aided by Brian Jolley, my long-standing technician from my Super Street and Funny Bike racing. Ken Cooper will again be looking after mechanics and will be aided by my other long-suffering crew member Stuart Youldon. ©Eurodragster.com "Crescent Suzuki have confirmed their support for all genuine Suzuki products. We are actively seeking sponsors in preparation for the production of team livery, with logos and graphics due for completion in time for the first round. "Our goals are very clear: to push the bikes to the limit and race hard, constantly learning and improving from the data which we collect, pushing the envelope for both ET and speed, and capitalising upon the vast technical abilty of BTC Motronics, Cooperized Racing and Sebastian Domingo of NLR, taking the class further towards the pro status which we believe it deserves, and providing our sponsors with the coverage they expect, whilst enjoying the camaraderie off-track. "The team looks forward to what promises to be a season to remember!" Linda Thun sits out 2010. 4th March: Norwegian Top Fuel Dragster racer Linda Thun Tønseth has announced that she will not be racing in 2010. Linda told Eurodragster.com that there are a number of reasons. "Last year we only went halfway with just three races in the FIA European Championship", said Linda. "We had very little money, and I passed on several qualifying runs to save parts. So now I have decided that if I am to drive again I want to do it right. By that I mean do the whole season with enough money and with a proper crew. "Although I haven't got all the money I need, that is not the biggest problem. The problem is getting a crew that can work together for the whole season. There are many good guys out there who want to work with me, but no-one is able to attend every race, which is a big problem. Another issue is that it's hard to give anything back to those sponsors I already have when I can't race the whole season, so I'd rather pass on this year and get everything sorted for next season. ©Eurodragster.com "The good thing about taking a season off is that I can actually go to a race meeting with my son Patrick and not have take a babysitter, so we can have some fun together. I will also have more time to concentrate on my studies before I go in to my last year at the BI Norwegian School of Management. "I promise that I will be present at several races during the summer, but not at the Easter Thunderball or FIA Main Event due to my exams. "I want to thank my sponsors Shell, Sande G&arin;rd, Snickarn AB, Thures Plåt, Wellco, Energisvets, Thunbergs Bil Gävle and Dekor Cut who have been supporting me so far. I hope that we can continue our co-operation. See you all soon race friends, I'll be back!" Swift snippets. 4th March: Top Fuel Dragster team owner Rune Fjeld has confirmed that Top Fuel Dragster racers Risto Poutiainen, Jari Halinen and Janne Ahonen will be taking part in the Top Fuel v Fuel FC Pro Fuel Shootout at the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway next month, and that Risto, Jari and Janne will be contesting the entire 2010 FIA European Championship. "Risto will have a new Hadman chassis for the FIA tour", added Rune. "It will arrive after Easter". Risto is also seeking two crew members for his Top Fueller; if you are interested then please contact Rune Fjeld Motorsport at rune@rfmotorsport.com. On the Fuel Funny Car side of the Pro Fuel Shootout, Santa Pod Raceway have confirmed that the Shockwave Fuel FC will be taking part at Easter, whilst Gary Page said here on Eurodragster.com News on 20th February that the new Mongoose Performance Exhausts/Penzoil Fuel FC team aim to make the event. Thomas Nataas has told Eurodragster.com that the Batmobil Fuel FC will not be participating. You can read more about the Auto Trader Easter Thunderball on Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com. We have two more spy pictures for you today. The picture below left came with the words "Last of the paintwork finished, now for lots of polishing"... ...whilst the picture above right came with the words "A small pork pie to the person who can work out who this belongs to". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com. ©Eurodragster.com Carla Pittau has asked us to say a big Happy "er...30th" Birthday to her husband, UK Pro ET racer Rick McCann. "Time flies when you are enjoying yourself!", says Carla. Have a very Happy Birthday Rick. Dutch Top Gas racer Herman Jolink tells us that this will be his thirty fourth year in drag racing. Herman, who kindly supplies Top Gas race reports to Eurodragster.com News, has run a best of 8.479 seconds and 257 kmh on his Ducati 999 RS. You can find out more on Herman's Dutch-language Blog at jolinkdragracing.web-log.nl. UK Junior Dragster racer Laura Turboville is the subject of an excellent article on the This is Nottingham local news web site, which you can check out by clicking here. Laura's own web site can be found at www.turboville.com. Ove Kröger of Germany's Hotrodove Dragrace Team has put his 1932 Ford Roadster up for sale. The roadster has a full tube chassis certified for 7.50 seconds and has run in both Super Comp and Super Pro ET with a best so far of 8.40 seconds and 249 kmh. For more details check out www.hotrodove.de/racecar.html. Mike Chadwick of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Custom Cruisers UK says that he has room in containers shipping parts from Daytona Beach. "I can do cheap deals for shipping crated motors, big body panels you can't afford to get damaged, stainless truck and car exhausts etc if anyone is interested, motorcycles, anything we can get in", he says. "I also have friends in Phoenix and Daytona can source new and used parts. We also have some half-priced MSD ignitions coming in for Top Fuel and saloons plus Superchips tuners all at great prices". If you are interested then you can contact Mike through his web site at www.simpson-helmets.eu. A garden ornament revealed. 4th March: Claire Meaddows of the UK's Backdraft Wild Bunch team has revealed the identity of the "garden ornament" depicted in a spy picture here on Eurodragster.com News last Sunday. ©Eurodragster.com "It's the old front half of our dragster - the original 1969 Malibu Express - which Chris Hartnell bent at the 2008 Yanks Weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway", says Claire. "After the event Chris stripped the dragster and took the old chassis to Roy Wilding, and together they front-ended the car. Roy fabricated the tubes and Chris welded. Chris reassembled the dragster and we appeared at the Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway just two weeks later! He ran quickest ET for the Wild Bunch that weekend, with a 9.132. "We definitely didn't want to throw the old front half away, as it is very special to us. So Chris made a garden feature out of it, adding a defunct block, distributor, coil, damper, timing cover, rocker covers, sump, heads, etc. He fabricated headers, bug catcher and a fuel tank to look more realistic. "We might add that the back half of the car is still original, with added extra tubing for the SFI spec where necessary." Web site updates. 4th March: In the latest entry in his exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent A Car, Pro Stock Bike racer Karl Lyrén explains why he doesn't want to touch his PSB frame and brings us up to date with the latest work to prepare Team VEIDEC for the new season. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. ©Eurodragster.com The official web site of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Peter Walters Race Design has been completely revamped ready for the 2010 season. "There are a few new bits of work, although some of the 2010 stuff can't be shown", says Peter. "We are now producing completely vectored T-Shirt artwork ready for printing, and we are also producing a sponsorship proposal package - contact us for more information". You can find the Peter Walters Race Design web site at www.pwrd.co.uk. ©Eurodragster.com Carter confirms Gators withdrawal. 3rd March: Further to our Swift Snippet last week, FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter has confirmed that he will not be contesting the 41st Annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville. The Gatornationals would have been the third of Andy's planned three-race NHRA Tour before he headed back to Europe to start the heavy show tour and to defend his European Championship backed by Lucas Oil: The Gators was the one we were all really looking forward to. After a disappointing Winternationals, the team worked tirelessly in very difficult circumstances to put the dragster in the field in Arizona, where a 3.94 against Tony Schumacher was not enough to get Andy into round two. Andy will still be making his planned appearance at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing this weekend where he will take part in Brian Taylor's Crazy Horses book signing. ©Eurodragster.com "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the crew Eddie Corr, Ben Allum, Richard Bruton, Steve Porter and Neil Collins who worked so hard in the USA, often working fourteen-hour days", said Andy Carter. "I would also like to thank my sponsors and at the same time apologise to them for the terrible performance at Pomona. It was a little better at Phoenix." The two races would not have been possible without Don Garlits, Roger Burgess of ProCare Rx, Steve Wheatman of Hol Taj, Lucas Oil, K&N Filters, BMRS, Prothings, Hurleypalmerflatt and Gatorwrap. Swift snippets. 3rd March: We have two spy pictures for you today. The picture below left came with the words "No idea where it's from"... ...whilst the picture above right came with the words "Another new face for Junior Modified Advanced or an old face with a new look?". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com. Stay tuned as we have another spy picture for you tomorrow as well as the story on Sunday's "garden ornament". ©Eurodragster.com It came too late for yesterday's news but a very Happy Birthday for yesterday (Tuesday) to Swedish Fuel FC racer Leif Helander. Hope you had a great day Leffe. Leif tells us that he hopes to take delivery of his new Funny Car chassis from ME Racing Services next week and that if he has any money left he hopes to run at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway in May. Leif tells us that "I don't know yet" about the body on the new car. Brian Taylor tells us that the Allard Chrysler Dragster will be on stand N144 in Hall 3 at the Race Retro Show at Stoneleigh on 12th-14th March. "Bob Roberts and Phil Brown will be manning the stand on the Friday and Saturday and I will be there on the Sunday", says Brian. "Tony Beadle, Jerry Cookson and Dex and Adz Price and the Wild Bunch gang will be helping out when they can". The ACAG web site at www.allardchrysler.org has been updated with a Roll of Honour of those who have contributed to the project. Dave Cox has been in touch with a reminder that the National Street Rod Association are holding their 21st Swap Meet at the Arena Essex Raceway this Sunday, 7th March. If you are buying then gates open at 10:00. You can find out more on the NSRA web site at www.nsra.org.uk. 2010 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards. 2nd March: We are pleased to announce that the Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme will again run in 2010. Speedflow remain as sponsor of the Perfect Light Award, and Gold RV remain the sponsor of the Perfect ET Award. Both Awards will continue to work to the third decimal place. The Perfect Light Award is presented in association with performance hose and fitting manufacturer Speedflow, whose web site you can find at www.speedflow.co.uk. The Award will be presented to the first racer at an event to record a 0.000 Reaction Time. The Award will start at £50 and if not claimed will be increased by £25 at each subsequent event until won. If the Award is won then it will be reset to £50 at the next event. The Perfect Light Award is available to all racers in all classes but will only be awarded to the first racer at an event to record a 0.000 Reaction Time. Decals are not formally required for the Perfect Light Award but of course we appreciate it: you can get Eurodragster.com decals at the track from any Eurodragster.com staff member. ©Eurodragster.com The Perfect ET Award is presented in association with RV sales and service specialists Gold RV, whose web site you can find at www.goldrv.co.uk. The Award will be presented to the first racer at an event to run to the thousandth on their index or dial-in. The Award will start at £50 and if not claimed will be increased by £25 at each subsequent event until won. If the Award is won then it will be reset to £50 at the next event. The Perfect ET Award is available to racers in all index and dial-in classes, but will only be awarded to the first racer at an event to run to dial-in or Index. To be eligible to collect the Perfect ET Award, racers will be required to carry decals, one on each side of the vehicle whether car or bike. The decals (left) will firstly be available at signing-on at Santa Pod Raceway for the Autotrader Easter Thunderball and Big Bang and then at the Springspeed Festival at Shakespeare County Raceway, and at subsequent events at both tracks. Please note that, as is usual with contingency schemes, racers are responsible for requesting or picking up decals when signing on. A list of required decals per class is always on display in signing-on. The provisional calendar of events for the 2010 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards is as follows: 2nd-5th April: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway 23rd-25th April: Big Bang, Santa Pod Raceway 1st-3rd May: Springspeed Festival, Shakespeare County Raceway 28th-31st May: FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway 19th-20th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway 26th-27th June: UK Truck Show, Santa Pod Raceway 1st-4th July: FHRA Nitro Nationals, Alastaro 23rd-25th July: Bug Jam, Santa Pod Raceway 29th July-1st August: Veidec Festival, Mantorp Park 13th-15th August: NitrOlympX, The Hockenheimring 28th-30th August: Open Sport Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway 9th-12th September: FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway 25th-26th September: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway 9th-10th October: Extreme Performance Bike Weekend, Santa Pod Raceway* *Straightliners classes included in the Awards scheme Many thanks to Fay Fischer of Speedflow and Derek Flynn of Gold RV for their continued support both of drag racing and of Eurodragster.com. Swift snippets. 2nd March: We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Santa Pod Racers Club official and occasional cake supplier to Eurodragster.com Yvonne Tramm. Have a great day Yvonne. ©Eurodragster.com PDRC do the honours. 2nd March: Pennine Drag Racing Club Chair Alan Perkins writes that the Club held its AGM and Nite of Champions presentation last Saturday. "We had a good turn out for the AGM", says Alan. "Following the meal we held our thirty fifth presentation to class winners etc". Congratulations to: ©Eurodragster.com Ronnie Picardo Trophy (Marshall of the Year): Andy Leigh and Andy Outhwaite Jack Fletcher Trophy (Most Consistent American Car): Martin Hough Competion Secretaries Award (Services to PDRC): Ian Kerr Yorkshire Post Trophy (Best Performance by a British Engined Car): Sag Steve Murty Award (Enthusiasm for PDRC): George and Pete Chiles PDRC Endeavour Award (Sustained Efforts for PDRC): Dave Rushforth B&H Autokraft Award: (Best Engineered): Pel Norman (Shogun Capri) Dave Grady Memorial Award (Fastest Doorslammer at York): Andy Hadfield Roy Wilding Quickest Comp. Car: Chris Hartnell Pennine Raceway Trophy (Most Outstanding Performance): John Sleath Blue Bar Trophy (Entertainer of the Year): Nigel Hull Duggie White Memorial Trophy (Crew Chief of the Year): Team Shogun Chairman's Award (Most Promising Newcomer): Derek Beck Rescue Unit Trophy (Services to Motorsport): Steve Murty/IOPD TEST Trophy (Most Consistent Reaction Times): Dan Houlston Tony Murray Award (Services to UK Drag Racing): Darren Chandler Brian Lewis Memorial (N/A Powered car): Pete Youhill Racers' Choice (Voted by Racers): Andy 'Bozzy' Bosomworth Danger Zone Trophy (Hard Luck Award): Stuart Hodgson Street Shootout (Sportsman ET): Lee Chiles, runner-up Des Taylor Hot Rod Challenge: Derek Beck, runner-up Adam Cuthbert American Super Stock: 1. Ashley Rawson, 2. Scott Billadeau, 3. 3rd: Dan Houlston Pro ET Shootout: Pel Norman, runner-up Darren Chandler Air Cooled Eliminator: 1. Richard Johnson, 2. Adam Proctor, 3. Craig Perry Glen Jarvis (Car Points Champion): Lee Chiles You can find out more about York Raceway and PDRC including this year's calendar at www.yorkraceway.org.uk. Web site updates. 2nd March: Alan Currans has added a ninth page of pictures to the Lawrie Gatehouse Collection on his excellent Acceleration Archive. "This page contains thirty two images almost equally split between shots taken on one of Lawrie's many visits to the USA and a little-known sortie to South Africa", says Alan. "There are plenty of interesting pictures but I think the best is of an alcohol-burning dragster which was urged on by a supercharger and two turbochargers!". Check it out via the What's New link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Thanks to Paul Fischer for passing on news of an amazing YouTube find, a Ford Motor Company documentary which includes footage of one of the Dragfests which took place in the UK in the early 1960s as well as racing at Pomona and elsewhere. The documentary comes in several parts but you can find part one at www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDRe77Zy9WI or all seven parts embedded on Jon Spoard's excellent UK Drag Racing Nostalgia Forum at www.ukdrn.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1964. ©Eurodragster.com UK Event Safety are pleased to announce the launch of their new web site. The site has been carefully engineered by David Bushnell and the guys over at The One Point IT, Media and Communications experts. Promoting the Safety with a commonsense approach ethos, the new web site has been designed to be pleasing on the eye and easy to use, giving an overview of some of the services which UK Event Safety cab provide to any promoter or organiser whether their event is a garden fête or a huge international festival. Check it out at www.uk-event-safety.co.uk. Eurodragster.com sponsors 2010. 1st March: As we did in 2009, we approached the 2010 sponsorship round with some trepidation but Eurodragster.com's sponsors have stepped up to the plate with most staying with us for another year. We are also very pleased to welcome the following new sponsors (in the order in which they signed up): Sponsoring our Racer Blogs this year are Alamo Rent A Car. With a global network providing access to over 8,800 rental locations in ninety countries worldwide and over 1,680 European locations, including at every major airport, Alamo offers a wide range of vehicles and optional extras for leisure travellers, making it the ideal partner for drag racing fans. Alamo are sponsoring UK Junior Dragster racer Paige Wheeler this year with funding to attend the year's UK Championship events and branding and supporting her dragster, safety gear and team. To celebrate their sponsorship Alamo are offering racers, officials, fans and anyone else with an interest in drag racing an amazing 10% off car hire. By using a special web link, cars can be hired at a preferential rate from any one of 8,800 worldwide locations. So whether you are a racer needing a hire car for the FIA Main Event, an official headed for Mantorp Park, or a fan going racing in the USA then this deal is for you. For more details, check out the Eurodragster.com News update of Monday 22nd February, or to book your discounted hire car check out www.alamo.co.uk/dragster. Although the page is in English the deal applies from any country so whether you are in the UK, Finland, the USA or Outer Mongolia then so long as you can access the special web page you can book a discount hire car. Early booking is recommended to ensure availability. Thanks very much to Paige's dad Andy for his help in putting this deal together. Joining us on the Eurodragster.com News page is the latest business venture of UK Pro Modified racer Graham Ellis, the Rak Chang restaurant in Leigh on Sea, Essex. Rak Chang, which Graham tells us translates to "Love elephants", offers the best Thai Cuisine and the most varied menu in Essex. The newly-decorated and comfortable restaurant offers facilities for the disabled and can be found at 93 The Broadway, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 1PG. For reservations call 01702 711180 and for an idea of the menu check out the web site of Graham's previous restaurant at www.bargu.net - the Rak Chang web site will be on-line soon. Many of America's most successful companies can trace their roots to basements, tool sheds and spare bedrooms. Like Hewlett-Packard, Boeing, and Apple Computer, new Eurodragster.com News sponsor Dart Machinery began in humble surroundings. Richard Maskin founded Dart in 1981 in a two-car garage in Oak Park, Mich. In the years since Maskin started his business with desk and a telephone, Dart has become the leader in aftermarket cylinder heads, intake manifolds and engine blocks. The company's first products were aluminum Hemi cylinder heads that dominated the Top Fuel and Funny car categories. These purpose-built heads provided the power that ultimately broke drag racing's 300 mph barrier and produced the first four-second Funny Car elapsed time. Today Dart is a recognized leader in the performance automotive industry. Why are Dart components the best in the business? Because we are committed to excellence at every step of the manufacturing process. Knowledge and Experience: Dart has been an avid member of the racing community since the company was founded in 1981. Dart power has won three NHRA Pro Stock championships, sat in pole position at the Indianapolis 500, achieved sixteen combined Top Fuel and Funny Car Championships, captured NASCAR victories, off-road and short track Championships and countless Sportsman racing wins in a multitude of classes and sanctions. At Dart, we are racers, and we design Dart products with the experience and expertise that only serious performance enthusiasts can bring to the table. Research and Development: True innovation is born of a refined research and development process. We make extensive use of some of the most advanced equipment and some of the best minds in the industry to ensure that our new products are truly cutting edge and will remain relevant for years to come. Our wet-flow bench allows us to go beyond the dynamics of simple airflow and to measure and observe the flow and behaviour of air/fuel mixture, more closely emulating the way that a cylinder head operates under real conditions. Our spintron machine, computer controlled dyno cell and extensive at the track testing allow us to tweak our designs and configurations through countless hours of analysis. And of course, Dart employees are racers, performance enthusiasts and engine builders at all levels, it's in our blood to create components that are the industry standard, not just for awesome power, but for ease of use as well. With powerful innovations like priority main oiling for blocks, spread bore pattern heads, improved chamber design for superior combustion properties, wet-flow cylinder head analysis and many more on the horizon, Dart heads, blocks and manifolds are designed to set the bar for racing and street performance engines alike. Manufacturing: Manufacturing is our business at Dart, and as an aftermarket leader we take it very seriously. We use high quality, durable iron alloys and virgin aerospace aluminum to ensure that Dart components are able to maintain structural integrity and optimal thermal properties even in the demanding applications that professional racers require. Our primary machining centers are a far cry from the smaller maching centers typical of the aftermarket industry. Instead we employ the heavy duty Makino machining centers used by the aerospace and automotive industries to ensure consistent, high quality machining and exacting tolerances. The true five-axis CNC machining centers used in our porting operations produce complex ports and chambers with accuracy that is simply not possible by hand or by a fixtured five-axis machine. At Dart, we support our committment to excellence with more than just words, we support it with the best equipment and people in the business. Dart Quality and Service: Every Dart component is held to strict quality standards. We use an extensive inspection process to ensure that when you order a Dart cylinder head or engine block, you're getting one of the best components money can buy. And when it comes time to stand behind our product, we're there 100%. We appreciate all our customers and are proud to offer support and answers whenever they might be needed. All of us here at Dart invite you to experience world class power, quality and service. Experience Dart at www.dartheads.com. ©Eurodragster.com New Eurodragster.com News sponsor Jacksons MOT and Service Centre is owned and run by Sportsman ET racer Ian Jackson and fiancée Carol Topper: we are based in Bracknell, Berkshire which is easily reached from the M3 and M4 motorways. We are a small MoT testing station and workshop for Class 4 cars and light commercial vehicles, and we service all makes and models.We have three mechanics and two MoT testers We are members of the Good Garage Scheme and local Trading Standards approved. Don't forget to mention Eurodragster.com for some great discounts. You can find us at Unit 31, Great Hollands Square, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 8UX or call us on 01344 427060. A web site will follow but in the meantime you can check out the Jacksons MoT and Service Centre entry on the Good Garage Scheme site at www.goodgaragescheme.co.uk/search_detail.php?recordID=4331. New Eurodragster.com News sponsor Furlong Tyres was established in 1976 by Fred Furlong, dealing solely in motorcycle tyres and one of the first companies in the UK to specialise in two wheels. All makes of tyre are supplied including Avon, Bridgestone, Conti, Dunlop, Metzeler, Michelin, Pirelli, Shinko and Mickey Thompson to both trade and retail customers. On the drag racing side Fred is the authorised Mickey Thompson Motorcycle dealer trackside, Shinko Importer and Michelin Business Partner for the Power One Drag tyre. Fred races in 9.50 Bike with some success twice having won the UK National Championship using the MT brand. Tyres can be collected from the shop in Yeovil, fitted free to loose wheels including valves and balancing or delivered to the track at no extra cost. To mark his sponsorship of Eurodragster.com Fred is offering the 190/50R17 MT MCR2 post free on all tyres currently held in stock. You can find the Furlong Motorcycle Tyres web site at www.furlongtyres.com. Following a successful 2009, with several customers again winning Championships, Eurodragster.com News sponsor MotorShack are constantly being adding new produts to their range. Timo Habermann used the MotorShack Racing Methanol to good effect, winning Top Methanol Dragster last year, and this year new customers will include reigning ACU UK Funny Bike Champion Kev Charman, and Wayne Allman of the Intergalactic Custom Shop who should be taking to the track in his wild Keith Black-powered creation Mental Breakdown. In addition MotorShack has also signed up to the Speedgroup Contingency Sponsorship Scheme for both Top Methanol Dragster and Top Methanol Funny Car. Outside drag racing, UK Tractor Puller David Jones has also had major success with the MotorShack methanol in competitions throughout Europe. New MotorShack products for 2010 will include a new Race Fuel Concentrate tested over the four rounds of the UK supercross this year, and even a power product for diesels. There are also many additions to the usual array of parts and consumables, and improvements to the nitrous filling service and some new services that represent the famous Motorshack trackside service. In addition to the trackside service MotorShack continues to support drag racing wherever possible, by track sponsorship at Shakespeare County Raceway, support of classes such as Pro ET, and by support of individual racers. Please support Motorshack at the track or call in to the trade counter. Visit www.motorshack.com, call 01926 633379, or E-Mail support@motorshack.com. We would like to welcome all of Eurodragster.com's new sponsors and we thank them very much for their support and for the discounts on offer to our readers. A huge Thank You also to those sponsors who have stayed with us. We are very proud that Eurodragster.com's roster of sponsors can provide anything a racer or race fan could need whether a complete race car or bike, a tail light bulb, anything in between, a hire car to go to the races, fuels and oils to keep everything going, and a good meal! We are sure that all of our readers will help to repay that support by considering Eurodragster.com's sponsors when shopping for products or services. This year we have had to say goodbye and Thank You to Goodridge UK, Grandstand Motorsports and Hubraum Brothers from the News page, to Andy Robinson Race Cars and Stroud Safety from Features and Interviews (although ARRC are of course continuing to sponsor the Home and News pages), and Lex Joon Racing from the webcam. We are very grateful indeed to these companies and indiciduals for their support of Eurodragster.com, over a number of years in the case of Lex Joon Racing; the backing and loyalty of all of our sponsors is very much appreciated and helped in the success of Eurodragster.com. We have already signed up new Webcam and Features sponsors whose identity will be revealed shortly, but we always have room for advertising on Eurodragster.com News. If you are interested then please drop us a line at tog@eurodragster.com. If representatives of ALF Racing, Fat Attack Custom Bikes, and Leanders Brothers Performance Products are reading this then please get in touch with us at tog@eurodragster.com to let us know whether you would like to continue with your sponsorships - we have tried contacting you but have not yet received a reply about your intentions. 2010 Wild Bunch calendar. 1st March: The UK's Wild Bunch Nostalgia Drag Racing Club held their AGM in Swindon last weekend and race co-ordinator Claire Meaddows has been in touch with details of the Wild Bunch Series Dates for 2010. The Wild Bunch will be running a ten-round Series for their main contingency sponsor Real Steel Performance Automotive Products (RS), with the results decided on the best nine of ten rounds. This is the tenth year that the Real Steel Series has been run, so the Club are celebrating that milestone. Six rounds are run as the Wild Bunch Series (WB), which decides the Top 4 placings, with results decided on the best five of six rounds. 2010 is the fifteenth anniversary of the Wild Bunch Series, so another proud landmark for the Club. They also run the three-event Roy Wilding Nostalgia Race Cars Series (RW), for all rounds count. The 2010 Wild Bunch calendar is as follows: ©Eurodragster.com 2nd-5th April: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway (RS1) 1st-3rd May: Springspeed Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway (RS2) 15th-16th May: Public Track Days, Shakespeare County Raceway (WB1, RS3) 29th-31st May: Yanks Weekend, Shakespeare County Raceway (WB2, RS 4) 19th-20th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway (RS6, RW1) 26th-27th June: Nostalgia Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway (WB 3, RS 6, RW 2) 10th-11th July: Mini Showdown, Shakespeare County Raceway (WB 4, RS 7) 7th-8th August: UK Northern Nationals, York Raceway (WB 5, RS 8) 28th-30th August: Open Sport Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway (RS 9, RW 3) 25th-26th September: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway (WB 6, RS 10) The Wild Bunch are very grateful to Real Steel who have, for the tenth year, provided contingency sponsorship available at all ten rounds. There is £350 in vouchers to be won for the Top 4 in the Series. In 2010, the Wild Bunch are again running an MSA Event Challenge over the five MSA permit rounds in which they are competing; the prize for the winner is one free event entry in 2011. Further details can be found at www.the-wild-bunch.co.uk. The Wild Bunch are really looking forward to the coming racing season, and will be welcoming some new members as well as some returning members with their rebuilt cars. They would like to thank in advance APIRA, SPRC and PDRC, all marshals, officials, track and safety crews, track managers, promoters, Eurodragster.com staff for all they do (Thanks - Ed), photographers, media, and event organisers for all their hard work, time and effort. We wish every racer all the best for a quick, safe and sunny 2010. Have a great season at the drags everyone! HARA eV honour 2009 Champions. 1st March: Germany's oldest Drag Racing Club the HARA eV honoured its 2009 Club Champions on Saturday evening, writes Andrea Kloss: The highlight of the evening was when Hockenheim Race Director Jerry Lackey and FIA representative Rico Anthes presented 2009 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Timo Habermann with his FIA Championship trophy. Timo was not able to attend the Bilsportgalan in Sweden to receive his FIA Championship Trophy. Congratulations to the 2009 HARA eV Club Champions: 2009 Club Points Champion Timo Habermann Top Sportsman (Competition and above) 1. Timo Habermann (TMD) 2. Dennis Habermann (TMD) 3. Patricia Kästner (Comp Eliminator) ©Eurodragster.com Super Comp 1. Gerd Habermann 2. Bert Gorselitz 3. Marc Henney Super Gas 1. Jan Hardekopf 2. Guido Uhlir 3. Gerd Habermann ET Bracket 1. Norbert Schneider (Super Pro ET) 2. Bert Gorselitz (Super Pro ET) 3. Danny Burger (Super Pro ET) Frost fits another sponsor. 1st March: Andy Frost and the Red Victor 3 Pro Mod team are proud to announce a partnership with U-fit. U-fit specialise in DIY conservatories and have been in business since 1994, but they are also avid car enthusiasts. "At U-fit we've always tried to sponsor individuals who are prepared to go up against it - local Boxer Baz Carey's amazing 12 rounds with Amir Khan for example", says Managing Director John Armstrong. "So when we saw on the internet that Andy was building a new car to wrestle the world's fastest street car title back to England we just knew we wanted to be involved. ©Eurodragster.com "We could see straight away the kind of guy Andy is, and call us patriotic but when someone actually does what we all dream and can only talk about, we have to support them! It must take an amazing amount of self-belief and commitment to go build another world-beating car and we feel pretty privileged to be able share in that vision, and of course to see our smiley pink logo on the world's fastest street-legal car! All the best from everyone at U-fit." Andy and the team are honoured that U-fit are supporting the team in its quest. "We look forward to partnering U-fit and to giving them plenty of media exposure for the long term", says Andy. Web site updates. 1st March: Jon Spoard has been hard at work on media files again, committing you YouTube the full version of Ian Turburville's 16mm film documentary made at Santa Pod Raceway in 1972. This little gem is most quickly available via the excellent UK Drag Racing Nostalgia forum at www.ukdrn.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1955 ©Eurodragster.com Earlier news