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ACI Racing open US account.
31st January: 2003 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave Wilson and the
American Car Imports Racing team recorded a steady
5.78 in their first pass at this weekend's Blast Off test weekend in Las Vegas.
©Eurodragster.com
"Dave and the guys wanted to get one 'safe run' under their belt before stepping things up" says Anthony Cohen of
American Car Imports, who sponsors Eurodragster's Home/News pages and
Event Coverage. "Crew Chief Andy Bissett was very excited that we ran right in between the Fuel Funny Cars and Top Fuel Dragsters,
and he said that it was great to be in the staging lanes with all the biggest names at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway."
You will be able to stay in touch with Dave's progress on the Drag Race Central
web site at www.dragracecentral.com, and on the NHRA's web site
at www.nhra.com.
Heeps far from Ruined.
31st January: If you were tuned in on 12th January
you will have seen that UK photographer Richard Heeps
is holding another exhibition, at the Light House Media Centre
in Wolverhampton. Richard has been in touch to let us know what happened on the day we announced the news.
"Eurodragster's publicity on 12th January for my show in Wolverhampton had the following effect", says Richard.
"Average web site hits per day in January 2004 was 4,262 and 70 visits per day. On 12th January, it was 15,562 hits
(January's maximum) and 145 visits - the second highest of the month. What can I say - the power of Eurodragster is awesome!
Vroom, vroom!"
©Eurodragster.com
Thanks very much, Richard, and thanks to all of Eurodragster's readers for proving that it works!
Richard's exhibition Man's Ruin, which mainly features fifites Hot Rod and lifestyle shots but also
includes nostalgia drag racing pictures, is open daily until 28th February from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and then
7:15 pm - 8:30 pm at:
Light House Media Centre
Chubb Building
Fryer Street
Wolverhampton
WV1 1HT
Entry to the exhibition is free. You can find the Light House web site at
www.light-house.co.uk, and you can find Richard Heeps'
own web site, including pictures of drag racing and from Bonneville amongst a lot of other
excellent work, at www.richardheeps.co.uk.
Cannon shoots off to USA.
30th January: UK Top Fuel Bike racer Chris 'Cannon' Hannam is off to Florida this weekend,
accompanied by Neil Midgley and Al Cook, to work on the Puma-powered bike at Jay Regan's MRE race shop in
preparation for Chris' first outing of the season at the AMA/Prostar season opener at Gainesville.
As usual when our friends at MRE are involved, though, it's not all hard work - there is a significant
element of play.
"We should have waiting for us the new nine-stage MTC clutch and the new datalogger from Racepak all of
which have been confirmed by Andy and the big stinker J himself", says Cannon. "The weekend is mainly to work on the clutch,
strip and rebuild the motor, check the compression ratio, and to measure everything from the block up. Tony Lang
is also doing us a new block and cylinder head which was brought back by Pro Stock tuning guru Roger Upperton for
some much needed port work and chambers machining, all of which will be matched up to the present head to provide
a direct replacement top end. Cannon Engineering has also been very busy making new pick up sensor brackets for the
new Racepak and two new supercharger snout drives, as the last design has been a cause for concern for some time.
Hopefully the new drive will will keep us on the track and not in the pits, so we have our work cut out with all this to fit
and design some kind of fuel timer system to work with the clutch, but with Frank Brachtvogel sourcing the parts I am sure
we will be fine.
"There is however a good point to this coming weekend as we will be attending the Palm Harbour Ale House
on Sunday evening to watch the final of the Super Bowl, and our host, Lord and Master of Ceremonies Mr Jimmy Hayes himself has
seen fit to book us the two prime tables and got $50 tickets for the all-you-can-eat (oh no - Ed) and drink all evening, which
is sure to turn into a drunken mess. All I can say is ohhh, the shrimp.
"I will post further developments as they happen, and would like to take this opportunity to thank the people
who are helping me to make this happen, and I just hope it helps us to get ready for the season opener at Gainesville:
Neil Midgley, Al Cook, J, Cheeky, Tony and Gina Lang (MTC), Roger Upperton, Frank Brachtvogel, Ian King, Terry Gibbs,
Malcolm Francis, Larry and Steve McBride, and Marius, all of whose help and advice has been invaluble as in my opinion the
world of Top Fuel would be a very lonely place without them, so thanks a million."
You can find the Cannon Engineering web site at www.cannon-engineering.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Team Kågered against the clock.
30th January: Swedish Top Fuel Dragster and Top Methanol Funny Car team
Kågered Racing are appearing at the Autoteknik
Show in Jönköping until tomorrow (Saturday). The team are displaying the Sandflex-sponsored
TMFC which is driven by Niclas Andersson on the Bahco Tools stand at the trade show for the automotive aftermarket, which is
expected to attract twenty thousand visitors.
"Twice daily, Team Kågered mechanics are perform 'pit crew challenge shows' where the engine is taken apart and
put back together against the clock", says Team Manager Åsa Kinnemar. "The best time yesterday was twelve
minutes and forty six seconds. Our shows gathered crowds of between one and two hundred at the Bahco stand each time,
and fine Bahco hand tools were handed out to the best guesses on how long each show would take."
©Eurodragster.com
The picture at right shows Micke Kågered together with 'diver' Jonas Aldén and TMFC driver Niclas Andersson.
Note the FC's body on the roof of the display. Click on the picture at right to see another shot showing Thursday's team of mechanics:
Peter Gultheimer, Thomas Ankarås, Jonas Aldén and Niclas Andersson.
You can stay in touch with all the latest from the Kågered Racing pit on the team's official web site at
www.kagered-racing.com.
E-Card for Schöfer.
30th January: 2003 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Championship runner-up, Germany's
Peter Schöfer, celebrates his fiftieth birthday tomorrow (Saturday),
and an E-Card has been set up to allow his fellow racers and fans to leave birthday greetings.
Peter and his team, who were FIA Champions in 2002, are hard at work in Bavaria preparing the dragster for
their attempt to regain the title in 2004, although a minimum amount of damage during last season means that
they have not had to spend too much time or money on new parts. The dragster was recently on display at
Padua in Italy and the team have been invited back to make demonstration passes.
©Eurodragster.com
If you would like to leave a birthday greeting for Peter, then check out the PSR web site at
www.p-s-r.com and click on the appropriate language link, and
you will find details on that language's Home Page.
We are sure that all of Eurodragster's readers will join Tog and Sharkman in wishing Peter the
very Happiest of Birthdays, and many more of them.
Web site updates.
30th January: Alan Currans has posted another update to his excellent Acceleration Archive photo site, this time a third
page from Geof Hauser's Collection. "This update features Funny Car action from Ontario Motor Speedway and Mantorp Park in
1972 and 1976 respectively", says Alan. "Amongst other goodies are pictures of Dave Stone's Tee Rat, Rick Fielding's
Imagination Topolino-bodied altered, and a rare colour picture of Alan Wigmore's wild Itzaviva". You can find the Acceleration
Archive at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
M & H, EDA join Ultimate sponsors.
29th January: Lee Child of LA Performance Services has announced two more sponsors for this year's Ultimate
Power Drag Racing Championship at Shakespeare County Raceway.
M and H Race Tyres have signed up for a contingency programme at the Warwickshire track and will be posting cash awards in Super Modified,
Pro ET, Sportsman ET, Supercharged Outlaws and Outlaw Anglia. To win the contingency award racers must use M and H tyres and also carry
M and H decals.
"I have been working with M and H in the USA on this deal", says Lee Child, who sponsors Eurodragster's Links pages through his
company LA Racing Parts. "I am very happy to have brought another American company into UK drag racing."
You can purchase M and H tyres from LA Racing Parts at www.laracingparts.com or phone
01803 554308.
©Eurodragster.com
Engine builder and tuner Engine Data Analysis (EDA) have also come on board as a sponsor of the Ultimate Power Championship. Kenny Coleman's
Castleford-based business builds and dynos engines for both drag racing and circuit use. "I am really pleased to add Kenny Coleman to our list
of sponsors", says Lee Child. "Kenny has been a solid supporter of the Ultimate Power Championship fielding EDA's own dragster driven
by Ian Tubb, and I am very grateful that he has added to that support by sponsoring the race series"."
You can find the Engine Data Analysis web site at www.engine-data.co.uk
SPRC full of Dinner.
29th January: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to let us know that she can no longer take
bookings for the SPRC Dinner Dance as the function room is now full, with over three hundred attending. "I cannot take any more
ticket orders", says Paula. "I have spoken to a few people recently and they are OK, but no new applications will be accepted."
©Eurodragster.com
Paula also asked us to advise SPRC members that reminders of membership renewals for December, January and February may have been
caught up in the pre-Christmas postal strike. "I have had a few racers ringing up who did not receive their reminders", says Paula.
"If your membership is overdue and you have not had a reminder then please download the form from the SPRC web site at
www.eurodragster.com/sprc. There may also be some people who did not receive their membership cards etc. which I also posted. If racers feel they have
not got their information from last year, then please let me know. I will also be bringing with some membership forms to Sunday's Riders' and
Drivers' meeting."
Trading to the Xtreme.
29th January: Further to yesterday's news item about the drag racing attendance at
February's Xtreme Wheels Show at London's Alexandra Palace,
PR Dan Welberry has given us details about some of the highlights amongst the traders at the event.
"The trade have been superb in helping to bring something extra to the event", says Dan.
The list includes:
Show Exclusive: Mynheer Unveiling.
"The Mynheer brothers are well known within the modified industry for two
things, innovation and quality. Mynheer will be using the show to debut
their stunning new Rolls Royce! A full press release will be issued to
feature this car and the plans for unveiling on Press Day, Friday 13th February."
Show Competition: Win a Nissan Skyline with Unique Products.
"Unique Products again are well known in the modified market. Their stand
will have the latest Nissan Skyline proudly taking centre stage and you can
win this stunning car! Full details of how to win this awesome machine will
be available from the Unique stand at the show."
Show Specials and Competition: Spax Performance Ltd.
"Spax have always been a stand-out name in the suspension market and we are
delighted to welcome them to the show.
They will be offering show visitors 600 off a car set for their double
adjustable TRAKSPAX Motorsport dampers and 400 off the single adjustable!
Other exclusive show offers will also be available at the SPAX stand as well
as a competition to win Spax products."
Show Exclusive collection: Canibuy1.com/Ware Garages
Mitsubishi/Maxessories. "Mitsubishi will be
proudly represented through this collaboration with
Canibuy1.com and Maxessories. Their display will include the very latest
Evolution 8, the Mitsubishi Rally car as well as their stunning Warrior
Pick-up. The stand will feature a live stage with girls and give-aways!"
Show entertainment: Kream Developments. "Kream Developments will be responsible for bringing the West Hall to life.
The live stage will feature top DJs, top girls and a stunning collection of
Kream machines. Some of these will not have been seen before Xtreme Wheels."
Show Give-aways: Armor All products. "Visitors to the show will receive Free Product samples from Armor All
products, market leaders in car care."
Show Give-aways: Cadburys. "Cadburys will be attending the show with their Creme Egg Car and a huge
stock of Cadburys Creme Eggs for the Eggstravaganza Game as well as
mystery prizes. Cadburys are also an official Trophy Sponsor."
Show Display: Dantec/Meguiars. "Danny from Dantec has been an enormous support to the show and with support
from car care giants Meguiars, their display in the Great Hall will feature
some of the finest Modified cars in the UK."
Show Guests: Page 3 Stunners with Spot-on-Photography. "Spot-on-Photography are delighted to welcome Page
3 stunner, Petra Morgan to
Xtreme Wheels. Petra was a firm favourite at Max Power London and will be on
the Spot-on-Photography stand all weekend, where you can have your photo
taken with her and get her autograph. Petra is probably best known for her
entry in the Guinnsess Book of Records where she is included for the worlds
most expensive body parts...no prizes for guessing what they are then! Also
appearing will be page 3 star of the future, Sarah Carter (No relation to
the organisers!)."
"Xtreme Wheels hope to include details of other celebrity guests before the
show. A full list of sponsors and traders has now been posted on the Show's official
web site at www.xtremewheels2004.com.
©Eurodragster.com
What's all this, then?
28th January: The UK's Wendy Baker and Paul Stubbings will be returning to the track
in 2004 with their much-loved Mustang 'police car'. Wendy has in recent years been seen in a Stars and
Stripes-themed slingshot, Dave Wilson's Krypton Top Methanol Dragster and The Mob Fuel Altered,
but she and Paul have decided to bring the police car back out because "We are sick of everyone asking
where it is!"
©Eurodragster.com
"The Funny Car will be much lower down this time", Paul Stubbings told Eurodragster at the Wild Bunch/Supercharged Outlaws
Dinner Dance last weekend. "In fact it will be so low that I think that I'll be able to put the starter motor on the engine with the body down! We will
have the lights on the roof, of course. Did you know that this year is the thirtieth anniversary of the body - it's a 1974 Mustang."
Wendy and Paul have not yet decided upon a class for the car, but a blown-alcohol Keith Black engine gives them a lot of options and a possible
body transplant gives them even more. "The chassis only has the roll cage left to do then it will be ready for the engine - which we had
to get back off Dave Wilson because he took it to Monaco!", said Paul. "We have the body ready to go on but we are also looking for a
Bantam altered body, which will increase the number of events we can do."
Hill has biggest Ball.
28th January: The Speedfreaks Ball, which takes at Santa Pod Raceway on 7th-9th May,
is establishing itself as one of the major motorcycle events in the coming year, says
promoter Martin Hill.
"We will have the largest collection of thrust-driven vehicles at any event in
Europe, hopefully with the début of some new vehicles", says Martin. "There
will be live entertainment on Friday and Saturday night, as well as a good selection of
trade stall selling all manner of goods.
©Eurodragster.com
"As always there is a Run What You Brung open to all motorcycles and motorcycle
engine-driven vehicles. We will be posting more details over the next several weeks.
Hardstanding pit space will be available to teams who pre-book tickets: all you need
to do is to book your tickets in advance through Santa Pod's office on 01234 782828
(outside the UK +44 1234 782828) and then either drop me an E-Mail at
martin@fireforceracing.freeserve.co.uk
or contact Paul on 07810 020890 and leave your details of number of vehicles and
race number or registration number."
Stay tuned for more news about the Speedfreaks Ball including a revamp of the event's
official web site.
WRE ring in Seven-Second Award.
28th January: UK race vehicle builder Webster Race Engineering, who jointly sponsor Eurodragster's webcam, will
once again be sponsoring Super Street Bike in 2004. Special rings were commissioned in 2003 to be awarded first four SSB riders to break the
seven-second barrier, and these rings will again be available in 2004.
©Eurodragster.com
To qualify for a ring, the seven-second SSB pass must be achieved in qualifying or eliminations at an ACU Championship round at either Santa Pod or
Shakespeare County Raceways. The run must also be backed-up within one per cent in accordance with National record procedures.
For further details, contact Webster Race Engineering on 01933 315236.
Swift snippets.
28th January: Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer Leif Andréasson has
added a number of parts to the For Sale list which we published recently. Now also available are a KB short block,
a Mark Williams rear end, a 2002 Camaro body (never used), and an FC starter motor. You can find full details
by following the Business/Parts For Sale links on Leif's web site at
www.andreassonmotorsports.com
French Top Fuel Bike racer and Rocket Bike pilot Eric Teboul
tells us that he plans to contest the entire FIM/UEM European Top Fuel Bike Championship if his bike
is ready for the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway in May. He adds that he is planning more five-second
passes with his Rocket Bike, which is the quickest drag bike on the planet. "If any promoter would
like my Rocket Bike for an event or show then please E-Mail me", says Eric, who you can contact
via his official web site at www.teboulracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
9.90 Bike racer Paul Hollway and Corinne answered Pro Mod and Super Street Bike racer Dave Bailey's recent
request for help over the coming season and will be crewing at all events, joined at Shakespeare County Raceway and the UK National Finals by Malcolm Fenn.
At ACU events Dave will be campaigning the 'Scalded Cat' Pro Mod Bike in Funny Bike. At non-ACU meetings Dave will be returning to his roots and will race
the 'Brutefarce' 7.90 9.90 Bike.
Helen and Dean Smythe will be joining the ranks of Wild Bunch in the UK in 2004. "We will be racing an altered named Hell's Belle
in the Wild Bunch and possibly Pro ET", says Helen and Dean. "We are novices, the plan is for Helen to drive and Dean to crew - we'll let
you know how we get on!". In the meantime you can find out more on the Team Twisted web site at
www.teamtwisted.co.uk.
Santa Pod Raceway are now stocking 76 Oil's Cool Blue street-legal high-octane racing fuel.
"If youre running a high output four-cylinder, six-cylinder or big block V8, or
an engine equipped with a turbocharger, supercharger or nitrous oxide system (NOS), Cool Blue can help you put down the competition", says Rick
Cuthbert of Santa Pod. "Cool Blue is on sale in the Pod Shop and in the
start line merchandise trailer at £39 for ten litres and £79 for twenty five litres". You can find full details on
Santa Pod Raceway's Run What You Brung site at www.rwyb.com, which has also been updated
with a very informative and well-written factsheet describing every RWYB procedure from signing-on to blasting down the track and
a lot in between.
Eurodragster News Editor Tog will be back in the seat of Paul Marston Racing's Grumpy's Dodge Super
Gasser at Shakespeare County Raceway's season-ending Halloween Showdown in October. Tog will be hoping to beat his
personal best as a driver of 10.669/126.06 recorded under Paul's tutelage during driver training at the Webster Race Engineering
Test Day at Santa Pod last August.
Xtreme Wheels attendance update.
28th January: We are indebted to Xtreme Wheels Show PR Dan Welberry for giving us the very
latest list of drag race vehicles attending the Show at London's Alexandra Palace on 14th-15th February:
Andy Carter, GoTalk Top Fuel Dragster: "Andy was the FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion in 2001. He has held a huge
number of records over his career and is the current e.t. record holder having covered the quarter mile in a stunning 4.88 seconds! He also took part in Europe's
first ever side-by-side 300 mph pass where he recorded an awesome 303mph! Andy will be exchanging contracts at Xtreme Wheels on a new associate
sponsorship deal with Gold RV Sales and Service Ltd. His GoTalk-sponsored machine will be the fastest machine in the show!".
Nobby Hills, Houndog Fuel Funny Car: "2004 sees a return to the drag strips for Fuel Funny Car legend Nobby Hills.
The new 6000hp Chevrolet Camaro-bodied Nitro funny car is the latest in a
long line of British-built funny cars and dragsters going back to Nobby's
first competition car in 1963. The new car was the centre of much speculation and media interest,
and promises to add some real sparkle to the British Nitro Funny Car
Championship and the many shows and displays the team have planned for the
coming season. It is hoped that the Houndog team will be unveiling a new sponsor at Xtreme
Wheels."
Ian King, Top Fuel Bike: "This bike has to be seen to be believed. It is an absolute monster and
capable of 0 - 60 mph in 0.7 seconds , 0 - 100 mph in 1.1
seconds and 0 - 230 mph in under 6.5 seconds! Ian was 2001 European and
British Top Fuel Bike Champion and is the current European ET and speed record holder over the eighth-mile."
"The show will see the official unveiling of a new Pro Modified car from Craig Gibbs. The car built by SID (Specialist in Design) is outstanding,
featuring the best of everything and the ultimate race car paint job. Bob Glassup has been quietly putting together his all-new Supercharged
Outlaw machine which is set to make its strip début this year. The car looks great with its Xtreme Wheels paint scheme and will feature as the main press
vehicle. Other show débuts include Gary Malin's new dragster and Ian Aspley's slingshot.
We are delighted to welcome Charles Berg with his crazy Twisted Sanity rocket-powered dragster and Roger Goring with the Firestorm jet-powered Funny
Car.
"Additional Drag Racing machinery includes Martin Gleadow, Lucas Oils Altered; Steve Pateman, CCSE Calibra; Paul Marston, Alien Altered;
Martin Bishop, Pro Stock Bike; Terri Lee, Blown Escort van; Andy Robinson, Pro Modified Studebaker; Tony Smith, Wild Bunch Mini van;
Paul Wright, Outlaw Anglia; and Pete Ashworth, Outlaw Anglia, as well as the début of a mystery slingshot dragster on the Tri-R-Us stand, the
Santa Pod Raceway (TrakBak) show Top Fuel car and a selection of other vehicles. More Drag Racing machinery to be confirmed before the show.
"Take a Ford 1923 fibreglass replica, add a Chevrolet 454 motor with Littlefield 8:71 blower, plus two Holley 750 DP carburetors giving you a
crazy 550-600 horsepower and...forget the wheels and add skis! That's exactly what our special guest Lars Erik Lindberg did and you can see
this amazing car at Xtreme Wheels. This vehicle has never been seen in the UK before and has to be seen to be believed!
We would like to thank our sponsors All Sports Logistics for making this appearance possible. All Sports Logistics can be contacted on 01873 859500 for all your
shipping requirements."
Specific press releases will be available for a number of the vehicles above in the Show Press Pack, which will be available on Press Day
which has been confirmed for Friday 13th February. We would like to invite press to attend from 12:00 pm; a full schedule of
planned photo opportunities will follow. If you are unable to attend but would like a pack sent by post/E-Mail then please call Dan Welberry on 01425 277342 or
E-Mail info@xtremewheels2004.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
28th January: Dennis Kieselhorst has posted the latest edition of his
dragracer.de on-line magazine (right). The PDF-format, German-language
magazine is as usual very professionally presented and includes features on the UK's Heaven and Hell
Pro ET Camaro, 'Little Redhaired Girl' Christine Aigner, Little Big Racing's Vopar,
Tom Simon's Fastback, the Old School Karmann Ghia, and much more including an interview
with our good friend track announcer Benni Voss.
UK Wild Bunch racer Tony Smith has updated the News and
Achievements pages of his web site at www.cunningplan.net
with news and pictures of a trophy-laden evening at the Wild Bunch Dinner Dance last weekend. There is
also a new page about the Don Garlits Spirit of Drag Racing Trophy with which Tony and Dave Williams
were presented on Saturday evening.
©Eurodragster.com
Joon goes long on option.
27th January: If you were tuned in to Eurodragster News on
31st December you will remember that Holland's
Lex Joon was looking at his options for 2004 after his
MPM Oil-sponsored Fuel Funny Car was very badly damaged in a fire
at Shakespeare County Raceway last August.
Today we are very pleased to reveal that after much consideration Lex has decided to move to Top Fuel Dragster.
After a deal done last Friday, Lex will be contesting the entire 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship in one of Knut Söderquist's
Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragsters, again with backing from MPM Oil who also jointly sponsored Eurodragster's
webcam in 2003. Lex will become the first Dutchman to compete in Top Fuel Dragster to add to a similar first in
Fuel Funny Car and Top Methanol FC.
"After discussing the different options with MPM, we decided to make the move to Top Fuel Dragster, because it is the most extreme class
in drag racing, it is the highest possible level of competition, and because of that it is the biggest challenge", says Lex. "We wanted to
stay in the Fuel ranks but business-wise a Fuel Funny Car Championship just in Britain was not enough. Top Fuel can always count on the best TV coverage
worldwide."
"Without the backing of MPM Oil, this new programme would not have been possible", adds Team Manager
Gerda Dijkstra. "The FIA Championship will give them more opportunities to expand their marketing which
will make it even more interesting."
©Eurodragster.com
We understand that Lex will be racing the dragster with which Smax Smith won the 2003 FIA European Championship.
"We chose the Carbon By Design team because of their proven record", says Lex. "CBD cars
finished first and second in the 2003 Championship and I am sure that I will be a strong contender for the
2004 title."
Licencing is scheduled to take place at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway which is fast becoming
a Fuel fest as Andy Carter has already declared for the Pro Fuel Shootout and we understand that Joran
Persåker and Thomas Nataas are also planning to licence at the event.
You can read the full press release on Lex's official web site at
www.lexjoonracing.nl.
Gold rush for Carter.
27th January: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter is delighted to announce the signing of
new sponsor Gold RV Sales and Service Limited for the full 2004 FIA European season,
writes PR John Andrews.
Gold RV specialise in the sale and service of American and Canadian motorhomes and will officially exchange contracts at
Xtreme Wheels, where they will also be sponsoring a trophy and exhibiting
a new Roadtrek van/camper.
Based in Alton, Hampshire, Gold RV perfectly complement the teams existing
partners by offering a vast selection of new and used motorhomes to suit virtually any budget. In addition to the aforementioned
Roadtreks, Gold RV are also sole agents for the renowned Canadian built Triple E range and usually have a number of used motorhomes
in stock at very competitive prices. The company also provides high quality USA-style servicing at their modern well equipped
workshops. Gold RV also offer a fast and reliable world wide mail order service for parts and accessories.
2004 sees Gold RV celebrating their twentieth anniversary, but their partnership with Carter Motorsport is not their first venture into
motor racing. Managing director Derek Flynn, an ardent motorsport fan, has sponsored both a New Zealand Touring Car and
fellow top fuel racer Darryl Bradford to their first wins.
"We are not overly superstitious at Carter Motorsport", says John Andrews, "but we certainly hope that some of
Dereks good luck will rub off onto the team this coming season".
Gold RV Sales and Service Ltd. can be contacted at:
Unit 1
Caker Stream Road
Mill Lane Industrial Estate
Alton
Hampshire
GU34 2QA
Telephone: 01420 544482
E-mail: rv@goldrv.co.uk
Web: www.goldrv.co.uk
©Eurodragster.com
Kamasa increase Andréasson involvement.
27th January: Ted Kottulinsky, General Manager of
Kamasa Tools since 2003, has signed a multiple-year agreement
with Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car team Andréasson Motorsports.
"Its an exciting project with several pioneering activities planned, and were looking forward with great anticipation to have them realised",
says Ted. "The deal with Leif Andréasson will be the largest ever sponsorship engagement for Kamasa Tools, something
which promises a very interesting season in 2004. The choice of drag racing for sponsorship comes from the central role of Kamasa tools in drag
racing, combined with the extraordinary experience offered to the spectators.
"A whole new marketing profile, with a substantially more professional approach, is to be introduced, to better suit the high quality of
Kamasa Tools. Several projects are to be started targeting product development where drag racing crew use would be the ultimate test, to
find out if the products are able to withstand the extreme environment of the racing pits. We intend to run a thorough race with our opponents
on the tools market, and we expect Leif Andréasson and his team to do the same with their opponents. Our goal is of course to increase
our market share, and we will be surprised if Leif doesn't win the 2004 FIA European Championship."
©Eurodragster.com
Swift snippets.
27th January: UK Jet Funny Car pilot Roger Goring has been working on the afterburner
of his Firestorm FC over the off-season, in the latest part of an ongoing engine development programme which
saw the car into the 6.2s in 2003. "We're still going to take it steadily so that we don't break anything",
says Roger. "We'll step it up a bit but it is also important to keep it reliable - it's easy to think that air goes
in the hole in the front and a flame comes out the hole in the back, but there are plenty of consumables and parts
to work on!". Roger and his team of Ian Blaylock and Helen Rusling are currently preparing Firestorm
for its next public appearance at the Xtreme Wheels Show at London's Alexandra Palace next month, and Helen has
also found time to update the Firestorm web site at www.firestorm-jfc.co.uk with a new
page tracing the team's history.
After serious handling problems under full power in 2003, Dutch Supertwin
racer Ton Pels and Crew Chief and son Vincent decided to build a new frame for the Harley. "After
all the measurements were determined and the computer drawings were done they spent 'a few hours in the
workshop and it's now starting to look like a frame", says Monique Pels. "I've put quite a few
workshop photos as at the weekend on the News page at www.zodiacracing.com
for those interested in checking out our progress."
©Eurodragster.com
UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Steve 'Splinter' Nash is "Steaming on with it" and
expects to be ready in plenty of time for the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. Steve, who was one
of the few racers to give Champion Steve Pateman a surprise last season, says that his Wild Cat
Cougar has a new dry sump system and new bearings, and that he has cleaned the oilways. "I'm looking
at putting a small wing on the back", he adds. "The back end got a big high at the top end last year,
in fact you could have got another car under it!"
UK Wild Bunch racer Alec Coe is hoping to field a new car in 2005 but in the meantime his Real Steel- and Ultimate Power Championship-winning
slingshot has been treated to new bodywork, a new rear axle with a better ratio, and new paint. "I've got a smaller battery which I've moved closer to
the engine", he says. "I'm also moving the fuel tank back". Alex's son and Wild Bunch Champion Tom Coe's slingshot
is in pieces and right now he is too busy to put it back together. "I might have to put the car on a trolley jack and push it up the track!", he
says.
Svensk Dragracing have vacancies for a travelling representative to attend races, exhibitions and shows, and a web journalist to
join our good buddies Erik Zettervall and Christer Abrahamson in bringing the latest news and race reports to the web site's large audience. You can find more
details on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se, together with the detailed
2004 Nordic Drag Racing Series calendar, as well as the dénouement of Lasse Bodén's 'hobby car'.
Mantorp completely Perfect.
27th January: In a seamless segue from mention of our friends at Svensk Dragracing,
if you were tuned in for our announcement of the new
Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award on 13th January,
you will remember that we promised to confirm whether the Award would be posted at the Veidec
Nitro Festival at Sweden's Mantorp Park in July in addition to all eight UK National Championship rounds.
©Eurodragster.com
Having consulted with our buddies in Sweden, we are pleased to confirm that the
Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award will be posted at the Veidec Nitro Festival
in the following Nordic Drag Racing Series classes:
- Super Comp
- Super Gas
- Super Street
- Junior Dragster
- Super Gas Bike
- Street Bike
- Stock/Super Stock (eliminations)
The Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award is posted jointly by Eurodragster
and UK race vehicle paint shop Curbishley Automotive, and will be presented to the first racer
at the Veidec Nitro Festival to run to the thousandth either on their class index (SC, SG, SS, JD,
SGB, SB) or on their dial-in (S/SS eliminations). The award will be presented in cash and will be
a minimum of 50 GBP - SEK 633 at current exchange rates - it could be more if the Award is not won
at the preceding UK National event.
As mentioned in yesterday's news update, the Eurodragster.com/Speedflow
Perfect Light Award will also be posted at the Veidec Nitro Festival and again will be a minimum of 50
GBP or SEK 633, to be presented to the first racer in any class at the event to record a perfect Reaction
Time.
PDRC Dinner Dance.
27th January: "The new season approaches and we are all ready to race by now (if only we
could get the car finished)", says York Dragway
PR Howard Holmes. "But first you've got to climb out of the overalls,
put your spanners down and get to that celebrated annual event, the PDRC
Dinner Dance on 28th February.
"With attractions ranging from excellent company, Mr. Smax as Guest of
Honour, the White Noise of Pro ET DJ Bob Molden, MC Graham Beckwith and all
the trophy presentations, superb auction items and chicken wrapped in bacon
drizzzled with a creamy mushroom sauce. And beer. It's a great evening.
"The day starts at 2:00 pm with the Pennine Drag Racing Club's AGM, and the
Dinner Dance commences 7:00 pm for 7:30 pm until around 1:00 am. It all takes place
at the Novotel, just off of the M606/M62, near Bradford. Tickets are £20 and hotel rooms are
also available at a preferential rate. Pre-booking is essential, please call
Richard and Marjorie for tickets and/or room bookings on 01405 812637.
"In order to swell the PDRC's diminutive coffers, the auction held after
dinner is a great opportunity to shed your garage, book shelves, or bottom
draw of anything interesting, useful and desirable - preferably with a drag
racing or motorsport flavour. However, nothing of value will be refused!
Please have a look and see what you can contribute."
If you have any items for the auction then please drop Howard an E-Mail at
howardholmes@btinternet.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Speedflow pull Perfect Light.
26th January: We are very pleased to announce that Eurodragster's Perfect Light Award scheme
is to run again in 2004 with backing from Speedflow Products,
producers of high-performance hoses and fittings. The deal reunites Eurodragster with Fay and Paul Fischer,
last seen on the track in Super Pro ET, who were Eurodragster's first-ever sponsors. The award
scheme will now be known as the Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award.
"We've missed our involvement with drag racing since we last competed, so
we're delighted to join up again with our good friends at Eurodragster.com
to present the Perfect Light Award", say Fay and Paul Fischer. "Speedflow
has enjoyed rapid growth in
recent years; we reckon that our aim to provide the right automotive plumbing
parts, give good service and keep prices in check has been recognised by
an ever-growing customer base. Within drag racing Andy Robinson, Rob
Loaring, Kenny Coleman, Peter Knight, Jon Webster and too many other folks
to mention all use Speedflow products.
Hopefully that says volumes about us."
Eurodragster.com are very pleased indeed to be back in business with Speedflow. Fay and Paul
Fischer gave us much practical help and support when we were getting Eurodragster off the ground
back in 1998 and they have taken an active interest in our progress since then, both with moral and practical
support and with sponsorship. The same commitment to their business is proven by the success of
Speedflow and a long list of customers which includes several Champions and record holders.
As with all of Eurodragster's sponsors please
be sure to return their support and faith both in Eurodragster.com and in drag racing by
using Speedflow products whenever possible.
©Eurodragster.com
The 2004 Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award will run to the same rules as in previous seasons,
with a cash prize being awarded to the first racer at an event to record a perfect Reaction Time, 0.400
or 0.500 as appropriate. The Award is open to all classes and is available during qualifying of eliminations
but not open practice. The prize fund will start at £50 and will grow by £25 per event if
not won; if the Award is won at an event then the prize fund will be reset to £50 at the next.
The Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award is available at any
Championship event covered by Eurodragster, which in 2004 will be:
- Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
- Excitement Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
- FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway
- Power Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
- SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
- Veidec Nitro Festival, Mantorp Park
- Allstar Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
- FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
- UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
"The 2004 season looks like it's going to be another great year for the quarter-mile
brigade and we're excited to be part of the show again", say Fay and Paul Fischer. "Now is a good
time to put something back and we're sure that Eurodragster.com and the
Perfect Light Award is a great place to do it! So, all you start-line
scientists, do your stuff..."
You can find Speedflow's web site at www.speedflow.co.uk.
Dorset Horn update.
26th January: The rebuild of the UK's Dorset Horn Wild Bunch altered is progressing
well after Dick Sharp suffered a horrifying crash at Shakespeare County Raceway last season. Dick and former
co-owner Bunt Willcox are not sure that the Austin A35-bodied altered will be out on the track in 2004 but
bodywork aside the car was not as badly damaged as was feared.
"The front end was damaged, but it's perfect from the motor plate back apart from some flattening
of the front roll cage hoop", Bunt told Eurodragster at the Wild Bunch/Supercharged Outlaws Dinner Dance
on Saturday night. "The running gear is fine apart from the wheels. There's nothing left of the bodywork but we are getting a
replacement. Dick is now the sole owner of the car - because I have run out of money! - but I am helping out with the rebuild."
©Eurodragster.com
"Luckily we kept the original body mould from the 1970s, and I have resurrected it", said Dick Sharp. "Pat Cuss is going
to build a new body for us in three parts because there are two stretches in it. I don't know if we will make this season, though."
Dick was not badly hurt in the crash and is under no illusions why that is. "The lack of damage to me and to the chassis is testament to the
safety rules", he said.
Swift snippets.
26th January: This year's Modified Nationals
at Billing Aquadrome on 14th-16th May are to be sponsored by Nitrox, says promoter Mark Needham. Mark also tells
us that his Nitrox-themed Funny Car will be appearing at several Modified shows this year.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
26th January: The official web site of the UK's Spellbound Pro ET team has
been updated with photographs of the work in progress to fit the popular Morris Minor pick-up's new
engine. Check it out on the Tech page at
www.spellbounddragraceteam.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Champions honoured.
25th January: The UK's Wild Bunch, Supercharged Outlaws and Outlaw Anglia Champions were presented with
their trophies last night at a Dinner Dance at the Tower Ballroom at Drayton Manor Park in
Tamworth. Congratulations to:
Wild Bunch Series Champion: Tom Coe
Roy Wilding Nostalgia Race Cars Series Champion: Joe Stevens
Real Steel Series Champion: Alec Coe
Ultimate Power Wild Bunch Champion: Alec Coe
Wild Bunch Best ET: Dennis Hawkins
Wild Bunch Top Speed: Chevone Charman-Osborne and Tara Nicholas
Big Bang Trophy: Clayton Round
Best Newcomer: Sid Slattery
Best Slingshot: Chris Hartnell
Best Altered: Dick Sharp and Bunt Willcox
Best Dragster/Radical: Dennis Hawkins
Best Turned-Out Team: Tony Smith and Dave Williams
Best Achiever: Gareth Kent
Perseverance Award: Tony Wynne-Jones
Services to the Wild Bunch: Ed Yates, Mark and Philippa Turton
Daddy Cool (Sags) Personal Achievement: Martin Holgate
C and C Sportsperson: Tony Wynne-Jones
Derek and Brenda Annable Trophy: Roy and Angie Wilding
Award for Lifetime Dedication: Derek and Brenda Annable
Don Garlits Spirit Of Drag Racing Trophy: Tony Smith and Dave Williams
©Eurodragster.com
Supercharged Outlaws Rear Engine Dragster Champion: Chris and Clayton Round
Supercharged Outlaws Rear Engine Dragster top speed: Clive Bush
Supercharged Outlaws 7.50 Champion: Pete Radcliffe
Supercharged Outlaws 7.50 top speed: Neil Townson
Supercharged Outlaws 8.50 Champion: Roy Wilding
Supercharged Outlaws 8.50 top speed: Roy Wilding
Supercharged Outlaws Perseverance award: Frank Griffin
Outlaw Anglia Champion: Paul Hensher
"On behalf of myself and Barry Bohannon we would like to extend our thanks to the Wild Bunch and Supercharged Outlaws for inviting us
to their eighth Annual Trophy Presentation", says Ozzy Ewing of Apira, who together with Barry compered the presentations. "Its an
honour to come to an event to meet all of the racers off-track and reward their hard work and effort during the race season. To all the winners we
would like to wish heartfelt congratulations and good luck for the 2004 race season". Sharkman and Tog would like to add our own thanks
to the Wild Bunch and Supercharged Outlaws for inviting us to what was a very enjoyable evening indeed.
Thanks to Ozzy Ewing for additional reporting - Ed
The extended Rebellion.
25th January: UK Supercharged Outlaw racers Chris and Clayton Round are preparing the new
addition to the Rebel Racing team: a blown-alcohol altered
imported from the USA.
"It's a 130-inch wheelbase 23T", Chris and Clayton told Eurodragster at the Wild Bunch/Supercharged
Outlaws Dinner Dance last night. "It has a Rodeck engine, an 8-71 blower, it's on methanol and hopefully will be fast as hell!".
The altered, which should be ready for the start of the season, is destined for the Supercharged Outlaws' 7.50 class although Chris and Clayton say that it
might go a little quicker (sounds good to us - Ed). The engine is currently being attended to at Top Methanol Dragster racer Lyndsay Deuchar's workshop
whilst Chris and Clayton are preparing the car.
©Eurodragster.com
The brothers' Rebel Racing slingshot is for sale with its trailer at "A reasonable price". If you are interested, or if you would like
to sponsor the new altered, then contact Chris and Clayton by E-Mail at rebelracing@ntlworld.com.
Meanwhile the Rebellious rear-engined dragster, which Chris drives, has a new rear end and new heads and is ready for the off. "It
should run in the 7.50s this year", say Chris and Clayton.
Pictures of the altered will be available soon, and the car is scheduled to appear at the Doncaster Show in April. Stay tuned for more news.
A new slice of history.
25th January: Father-and-sons team Northern 1/4 Racing are to field a new
altered in Wild Bunch competition this season. Glyn, Danny and Elliott Jones are promising "A modern
slant on an old classic" with their car, named Between Heaven and Hell in a nod to the legendary
Fuel Altered days of Pure Hell and Pure Heaven.
©Eurodragster.com
"We have a new 125-inch chassis, built in chromoly and tagged to 6.50 - that way we can put anything we
like in it!", said Glyn at the Wild Bunch/Supercharged Outlaws Dinner Dance last night. "It has
stainless steel A-arms on the front and fifteen-inch American Racing twelve-spoke mags on spindle mounts. We are looking for rear wheels to
go with the front."
Danny and Elliott told us that the altered will initially sport an injected-alcohol 302 Ford engine featuring a wild Crane cam, which should generate some
550 bhp. The car will firstly run in the Wild Bunch and is expected to run in the 9.2-9.3 region with its first appearance planned to be the Allstar Nationals
at Shakespeare County Raceway in August.
The piece-de-resistance is a fully-fendered Austin Bantam body. "People are after it already!", said Glyn. "We are hoping to turn a
few heads with it!". The team will be launching a web site in the not-too-distant future; in the meantime anyone interested in sponsoring
Between Heaven and Hell can contact the team by E-Mail at billyboywunda@hotmail.com.
Xtremely Cunning.
25th January: Multiple Wild Bunch award winner, including the prestigious Don Garlits Spirit of Drag Racing Trophy,
Tony Smith has announced that his Cunning Plan altered is to appear at the
Xtreme Wheels Show at London's Alexandra Palace next month.
"Being a big fan of custom cars and rods, I used to attend most of the big Custom shows up and down the country during the
seventies and early eighties, including all of those at Alexandra Palace", says Tony. "On Thursday evening I had a
phone call from Terry Gibbs of Obsession Motorsports, to say that they had selected my car for the new Xtreme Wheels Show. If you had
told me twenty years ago that I would be part of one of these shows I would not have believed you, and if it wasn't for Dave Williams, the
car would not be in condition it is in now. I would like to thank Dave for this, also Terry and Tina Gibbs and everyone else at Xtreme Wheels
for giving me the opportunity to do something I would never have dreamed of.
"I knew that I had four trophies lines up at last night's Wild Bunch Presentation Dinner and Dance including fourth place in the Championship
and the 2003 Best Appearing Team (again thanks to Dave) for the new paint job and team shirts. But to cap it all, at the end of the presentation we
were presented with the biggest Wild Bunch Trophy - the 'Big Daddy' Don Garlits Spirit of Drag Racing Shield; Sarah presented Dave with a signed
photo from the man himself. You always hope to get this trophy, but you are never ready; and you would not believe the way that we felt
when we realized we had won it. I follow the likes of Dorset Horn, Backdraft and Alan Smith (Avanti) to name a few. I would like to thank
Claire Meaddows for this honour, and the rest of the Wild Bunch for your support, not only last year but for all the time we have been racing with the Bunch."
©Eurodragster.com
Riders and Drivers reminder.
25th January: The 2004 UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting will be held at 1:00 pm next Sunday, 1st February 2004, in the Kimberley Suite of the
Diamonds Centre, otherwise known as Rushden and Diamonds' football ground, in Nene Way in Irthlingborough
(click
here for a map). The meeting will commence at 1:00 pm with a break at approximately 3:00 during which tea and coffee will
be available for a small fee. Items to be discussed include the 2004 UK National Championship (ratification of dates as well as Championship
matters), event entry fees and prize funds, as well as Any Other Business.
©Eurodragster.com
"If you would like a map then please contact me", says Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall, who can be contacted at:
Paula Marshall
Santa Pod Racers Club
PO Box 12
Rushden
Northamptonshire
NN10 0ZU
E-Mail: paula.marshall@btconnect.com
Phone: 01933 313625
Fax: 01933 355558
Paula has also asked us to remind readers that the SPRC's Annual General Meeting takes place at 8:00 pm on Wednesday 4th February, at
the Ibis Hotel in Wellingborough.
Web site updates.
25th January: Charles Berg and the Twisted Sanity Rocket Dragster team are holding
a competition in the Forum area of their web site at www.twistedsanity.com.
"The prize is the #1 Rocket Car chassis or a progressive Nitrous controller as a first prize", says team member Paul. "All you
have to do is to register on the forum and vote. The competition will be free to enter, and the prizes are valuable - the controllers retail for £300
each and are top-spec units."
©Eurodragster.com
It's the day for competitions as the guys at the Dragsterworld web site are offering two tickets to the Xtreme Wheels Show in a contest at
www.dragsterworld.com/features/xtremecomp.htm.
Entry is straightforward with three simple questions to answer. All entries must be received by midnight UK next
Saturday.
2004 SFI/FIA Recertification Tour.
23rd January: We are indebted to SFI Foundation President
Arnie Kuhns for sending us details of the 2004 European SFI/FIA Recertification Tour.
©Eurodragster.com
"SFI Foundation Inc. (SFI) will conduct its annual recertification tour to assist European drag racing prepare for the 2004 season", says Arnie.
"As such we will be stopping at various locations throughout Europe and providing recertifications for clutch assemblies and bellhousings. Also, this
year we will be able to recertify any CenterLine 15.1 ConvoPro wheels to the new 15.3 specification. This is the only wheel now certified to 15.1 which
can be upgraded to 15.3. The Tour will be conducted in accordance with the following schedule:
- 27th February 2004: Santa Pod Raceway, England
- 28th and 29th February 2004: Persåkers Speed Shop, Stockholm, Sweden
- 1st March 2004: Finnish Hot Rod Association Headquarters, Helsinki, Finland
- 2nd March 2004: Hockenheim Ring, Germany
"The members of the SFI Tour group are Danny Gracia, NHRA; Tim Hyatt, Hyatt Racing; Arnie Kuhns, SFI; and
Andy Robinson, Robinson Race Cars.
"If you have any questions regarding this schedule please contact your local Sanctioning Body or ASN."
ACI Racing go west again.
23rd January: 2003 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster and MSA British Drag Racing Champion
Dave 'Grumpy' Wilson and the American Car Imports Racing team are
headed back to the USA for the second part of their Winter Tour. Dave drove the ACI Racing TMD into the
5.3s at Pomona last November and says that "It will prove it wasn't a fluke" if he can
repeat the feat on the several-date tour.
"We have a very busy schedule planned", says Grumpy. "We are flying out today which gives us a week
of sorting out before the Blast-Off test weekend at Las Vegas on 29th-31st January. Then we plan to test again
at the National Time Trials at Firebird in Arizona on 7th-8th February. We are not planning to attend the PRO
Warm-Up, our next event after Firebird will be the NHRA Winternationals at Pomona on 19th-22nd February.
We go home to England for ten days after that and then we fly back to the USA to pick up the truck from Pomona.
Are you still with me?"
The ACI Racing team's schedule never really lets up as they then plan to attend five events in six weekends:
an NHRA Divisional event back at Firebird on 12th-14th March, the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville on 18th-21st
March, another NHRA Divisional event in Tucson on 26th-28th March, the NHRA Summitracing.com Nationals in Las
Vegas on 1st-4th April, and finally the NHRA Spring Nationals in Houston on 15th-18th April. "After the
Houston event we are three quarters of the way back to the East Coast", says Dave. "We'll put the
car on the boat and come home ready for the FIA Main Event. Well, that's the plan!"
Dave is always very keen to attend test events. "The whole business of testing allows you to try things out
including daft ideas!", he says. "There are always plenty of things to try. Racing over there, though,
is something else entirely. Having said that the schedules are easier, at least until race day. You get three
qualifiers over two days, and you have your first round of eliminations on Saturday afternoon. There is plenty
of turnaround time. We will try to qualify well to give us an easier first round and then if we can race
on the Sundays then we will be very happy bunnies!"
Dave says that he would be happy to get close to his 5.3-second form of his last outing. "We want to
back up what we did back in November", he says. "If we can do it again it will prove that it wasn't
a fluke, and I will be fairly happy to get anywhere near that sort of performance again. However we are visiting
a lot of tracks, and we don't have the experience to put that set-up in the car for each track."
©Eurodragster.com
The US Tour will reunite Dave with Crew Chief Andy Bissett who has been travelling around South America with
his fiancée Jennifer. The US dates are scheduled to be Andy's last with the team before he leaves
to seek a career in the USA. "Andy's departure will give us a problem to get over", says Dave.
"But he will be with us whilst we are in the USA. We will have one of our crew out for each event; Brian
will be at Pomona, Ricky and Phil will do one of Las Vegas and Gainesville each, Jon Cohen of American Car
Imports is also coming to Pomona and this will be his first experience of drag racing in America. Also our
Team Principal Anthony Cohen will be at Gainesville. My son David will be with me at every event, but my
wife Linda will be staying at home this time."
On this side of the Pond, the defence of Dave's FIA European Championship is foremost on the ACI Racing team's
minds in 2004. Dave says that he has not totally ruled out contesting the MSA British Championship but planning
is already well underway for the European Tour.
"We did very little damage last year so there are not many changes on the horizon kit-wise",
says Dave. "We will refine what we've got; it's more a question of tuning the car to the tracks - to continue
to learn how to do it, and to do it better."
Motech sponsor SPR RWYBs.
23rd January: Further to yesterday's news item, Santa Pod Raceway
have announced that this season's Run What You Brungs are all to be sponsored by Motech Performance and Styling Centres.
"Motech have teamed up with Santa Pod Raceway to bring you the largest ever series of Run What You Brung track days", says
Santa Pod Raceway PR Caroline Day, "the first being this Sunday (25th January). Motech are the leading Performance and Styling Centre,
stocking all the major brands of Modified and performance products from alloy wheels and exhausts to cleaning products.
"Motech have offices, showroom and a mail order centre in Rushden (telephone 01933 316066) and a large showroom and fitting facilities
in Milton Keynes (telephone 01908 312800).
"Motech are also holding the Motech Strip Search in conjunction with the Fast Show at Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday 28th March.
The Motech Strip Search will find the fastest cars, with some great prizes for the winner of each class. Along with the Motech Strip Search
there will also be Motech trade village, exhibition vehicles including the Fireforce Jet Car, Comedy Show, Car Club displays and more.
See www.thefastshow.com for further information."
©Eurodragster.com
Swift snippets.
23rd January: Ian Caseley's new Roadzombie II Jet Dragster took another
step towards its first on-track outing as the Webster Race Engineering-built chassis passed its SFI test on
Wednesday. "Mark Norton visited the Roadzombie workshop to do the check", says Ian.
"Everything is good and it now has a shiny sticker to prove it!"
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
23rd January: Feel-the-noise.com are about to move their domain to a new server in preparation for a
complete site rebuild, says webmaster Bob Valder. "Whilst the name server changes are propagated around the world there may
be a period when a call to www.feel-the-noise.com will fail. The downtime could be up
to forty eight hours but may well be a lot less. For those taking part in Tony Smiths Guess Who competition, you can go directly
to the front page at www.surepixuk.plus.com where the required photographs will remain.
Many non-racer sections have been removed to help with the move, but will be replaced when the new site is up and running.
If any readers are interested in beta-testing the new site, please E-Mail me from the Contact Us link on the Home Page."
©Eurodragster.com
Two-bullet Hansson.
22nd January: Swedish Pro Stock team Anders Johansson
Racing is the first to declare for the Pre-FIA Main Event Test Day at Santa Pod Raceway in May as they aim
to improve still further on 2003's number four plate. Driver Magnus Hansson and the Eye Of The Tiger team
have two engines on hand for the swoopy black Firebird including one with a proven record.
"With help from Markus Svensson, we will have a new engine from the 'States", says Magnus. "The engine is currently
being assembled, we are looking forward receiving it over here so that we can put it on the dyno. It will be a sister engine to Jan Murén's
2003 engine which we have rented from Jimmy 'Jams' Karlsson. Jan drove down into the sixes with this engine in 2003 so hopefully we will be able
to do so too. We will also be taking some weight off the car with a new carbon fibre front, new lighter brakes and so on.
©Eurodragster.com
"We are really looking forward to the first race at Santa Pod, and to start with we are going to do some testing at the Test Day on 22nd May."
For more information from the Anders Johansson Racing pit, check out the team's very professional-looking web site at
www.mhansson-racing.com.
Carter confirms Shootout.
22nd January: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter
has confirmed that he will be contesting the Pro-Fuel Shootout at Santa Pod Raceway's Easter Thunderball in the
GoTalk-sponsored dragster, says team PR John Andrews. The race, which pairs
Top Fuel Dragsters and Fuel Funny Cars, takes place over the Easter weekend, 10th-12th April.
Andy won the Pro-Fuel Shootout two years ago, defeating John Spuffard in the Showtime Fuel FC. Spuff had a 0.35-second
head start but as Andy was chasing hard the Funny Car turned hard right and at one point was up on one wheel, leaving everyone
at the track wondering how on Earth he kept it off the guardrail. Andy took a 5.46/236.71 victory.
The Easter Thunderball is typically known to be a difficult tuning race with a cold track, changeable weather, and difficult traction.
"This will be a challenging race for everyone at Carter Motorsport, and thats the way we like it", says PR John Andrews.
"We have a new car, some new crew, and we are ready to race. We will be working hard to promote our sponsors, thrill the
fans, and prove that Carter Motorsport is the team to watch during 2004."
©Eurodragster.com
SPR RWYB season starting.
22nd January: If you are a racer itching to get back on the track after the festive season, or if you have your own car or bike just sitting in the workshop,
or if you wonder how quickly your vehicle will get down the quarter mile, then David Lloyd-Jones of Santa
Pod Raceway has a solution.
"We are starting our 2004 season this coming weekend with a Run What You Brung on Sunday, January 25th", says David.
"You can run your vehicle down the famous quarter-mile strip, which will be prepped, and receive a print out of your performance
including times and speeds. Or chat with your friends and colleagues, swap ideas, view cars in the pits or just sit back in the free grandstand
seats and watch the action. The Café and Boaters will both be open for refreshments and the merchandise trailer will be open for the sale of
gifts and the 2003 FIA and FIM European Championship videos.
"Gates open at 8:00 am and racing starts at approximately 10:00 am, weather permitting. Gate prices are £10 per person, all kids under
16 go free. If you want to drive your vehicle on the strip the charge is £15 for unlimited runs. You must bring a valid driving licence. Seat belts
are required in cars and there is a helmet requirement for bike riders and drivers of soft-topped cars. Bike riders also need to wear appropriate bike-riding
clothing. For more details of safety requirements and further information check out our new Run What You Brung web site at
www.rwyb.com or call Santa Pod Raceway on 01234 782828.
"Upcoming RWYB dates are Sundays 1st February, 15th February, 22nd February and 29th February. The whole calendar of events at Santa
Pod Raceway can be viewed at www.santapod.com or call Santa Pod on the above number."
©Eurodragster.com
Smax out of the Purple.
21st January: 2003 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Smax
Smith is seeking sponsors after changes in the structure of last year's sponsor Purple Loans put paid to a renewal
in 2004. Luckily Smax has received a well-timed promotional opportunity which he hopes will help to attract a backer
for his title defence as well as promoting the sport.
"I've been invited by the BBC's Top Gear magazine to do a three-page article about my Championship win, culminating in my trip to Monaco
to receive my trophy", says Smax. "We are using Santa Pod's new show dragster for the photo shoot today, and it will then be in next month's
issue.
©Eurodragster.com
"Hopefully this will help Santa Pod to promote the Easter Thunderball and help me to get sponsorship to defend my title, as Purple have been taken over
by their parent company and are concentrating on direct marketing - for example advertisements in the News of the World - which means that they cannot
support us this season."
If you would be interested in sponsoring Smax then you can contact him through his web site at
www.smax.co.uk.
WRE Test Day entry form.
21st January: Further to our news item of 8th January, Jon Webster
has now made available the official booking form for the Webster Race Engineering Test Days which take place
at Santa Pod on Wednesday 24th March, Saturday 24th April, Wednesday 14th July, Wednesday 18th August
and Wednesday 22nd September. Jon has also given us some additional information about this year's events.
The entry form can be used to enter any number of this year's WRE Test Days. This year a late entry fee of
an additional £25 will be payable on entries received within four days of an event, or if entering on
the day. Acceptance of late entries is dependent upon the number of entries already received.
©Eurodragster.com
This year's WRE Test Days are limited to vehicles on race tyres unless arranged in advance with Webster Race Engineering. Please note that
for WRE Test Days the definition of race tyres includes the Mickey Thompson tyres used by Custom Car Street Eliminator and Super
Street Bike racers. Owners of vehicles without race tyres wishing to run at the Test Days should contact Webster Race Engineering on 01933 315236.
You can download the WRE Test Day entry form (Word format) by clicking here
or by visiting the Entry Forms page of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at
www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
If you have any queries about the Test Days then call Webster Race Engineering on 01933 315236.
Brentwood success.
20th January: The drag racing exhibit at the weekend's Brentwood Racing Car Show
was a great success, says Paul Marston who organised the display. "Show attendance figures were up
(that's what drag racing involvement will do for a circuit show - Ed) and a great deal of interest was shown in the drag racing display", says
Paul. "Plenty of families took advantage of Santa Pod's free Saturday ticket offer for the FIA Main Event, which will see the return of race fans
who have not been to Santa Pod for a very long time. It's always nice to hear people say that they are looking forward to returning to Santa Pod
Raceway; sometimes it just needs that generous gesture of a free day out to entice them back to see the changes which have taken place since their
last visit. It's amazing just how many people have not been back to Santa Pod since the heady days of Clive Skilton and Dennis Priddle. In many
cases they now have families of their own, boy will they be surprised when they see us now!
"The drag racing display also received attention from the local press and will be featured in this week's editions. Santa Pod's show Top
Fuller was particularly popular as Dunton, Ford's R and D centre, is just down the road so there are a lot of knowledgeable motor sport
enthusiasts in the area. The Junior Dragster was also very popular; Santa Pod will be hearing from plenty of budding drivers as a direct result
of their Junior Dragster attending the Brentwood Show. Drag racing as a whole should also benefit from the extra sponsorship leads generated
as a direct result of attending the show."
©Eurodragster.com
Brentwood Show promoter Vince O'Connor was equally happy with the drag racing attendance. "The drag racing exhibit adds another
dimension to the Brentwood Show which is primarily Oval-based", he said. "The presentation of the race cars is superb and drag racing
will hopefully become an established part of the Show. It has been well-received by the public and I look forward to working with Santa Pod again
in 2005."
Paul tells us that he ran out of information packs for his Passenger Ride Experience and Drag Race Driving School. "The Brentwood Racing Car
show is always good for us and generates strong interest", he says. "We now have all the 2004 dates for the Driving School and the
Passenger Ride Experience posted on our web site at www.paulmarstonracing.com.
There is an increase in available dates, reflecting the growing interest in the rides and drives, with no price increases. There are also some spaces left
for the hire of all three of our race cars at National events."
Paul has also announced that PMR's Alien altered is to appear at next month's Xtreme Wheels
Show at Alexandra Palace in London. "This is a great honour for Paul Marston Racing", says Paul, "especially when viewed against
the illustrious company we will be keeping."
On behalf of Paul Marston Racing and the Brentwood Racing Car Show Paul would like to thank everyone who took their race cars and bikes to
the Show. "Your efforts are greatly appreciated", he says. "In particular I would like to thank David Lloyd-Jones and Kelly Ingall
of Santa Pod Raceway for arranging the Top Fuel Dragster and the Junior Dragster."
Lethal as nature intended.
19th January: As revealed in our coverage from Autosport International
last weekend, Ragin' Ray White's new Lethal Zephyr will be on display
at the Xtreme Wheels Show at London's Alexandra Palace
in February. The car is in an advanced state of construction and fans will be able to see it 'naked'.
"The crew has pulled out all the stops to get the car ready for the show", says Ray. "Welding
of the new state-of-the-art Pro Mod chassis was finished over Christmas with
all the latest bells and whistles, all designed by Robinson Race Cars. What you
will see is a complete Pro Mod car with no body on, which will be a rare treat.
©Eurodragster.com
"We are waiting for the new beadlocks to arrive from the States with the new MSD 44 mag
system. The engine is being assembled next weekend at C & S Racing Engines.
When the car returns from the Show it will be fired to make sure that there are no
problems before the body goes back on - it is currently being looked after at CC Racing
(home of possibly the first five-second English Top Methanol Funny Car).
"I would like to thank Jon Ellis, Big Steve Dowler, Vince the Tart and all the rest of the crew, and of
course Andy and Kate Robinson for their invaluable help."
Wilding posts Outlaw prize fund.
19th January: It's been a busy news week for the UK's
Supercharged Outlaws, starting with last week's announcement that they
are to race at the three Ultimate Power Championship rounds at Shakespeare County Raceway in 2004. Courtesy of
Dave 'Fuzzie' McKenzie of the Supercharged Outlaws comes news that Roy Wilding Nostalgia Race Cars are to
post prize money at the three events.
"We are putting up three hundred pounds in prize money in all", says Roy Wilding, who races in the
Supercharged Outlaws himself in his historic Hemi Hunter slingshot. "At each of the three events,
the winner will receive seventy five pounds and the runner-up twenty five pounds - we think that it is only
fair that the winner takes the majority of the money". When asked whether Roy would take his own money if
he were to win an event, he replied "You're bloody right I will!"
©Eurodragster.com
Roy Wilding Nostalgia Race Cars have been involved in some way in a large number of Supercharged Outlaws and
Wild Bunch race cars. "If you think back twenty five years, there was always someone you could go to
to knock up parts at a reasonable price", says Roy. "That is the sort of market we cater for.
We aim to build affordable race cars and charge reasonable prices even for one-off work. We're certainly
being kept busy!"
Roy is somehow managing to find the time and funds to work on his own race car which suffered a serious
transmission failure last season. "I've got a new gearbox, new torque converter and flex plate,
and a Milodon oil pump", he says. "I've been prepping the block for two days. Now that it's
got an auto box I hope that the car will get off the line quicker. The kit certainly looks good and
I am really looking forward to the new season!"
For more information about the services which Roy Wilding Nostalgia Race Cars can provide, give Roy a
call on 0121 552 7188. Stay tuned for more big news from the Supercharged Outlaws.
Team Feature: Paul Watson.
19th January: For the latest in Eurodragster's occasional series of Team Features we
have spoken to UK Pro Stock Bike racer Paul 'Grumpy' Watson, one of the handful of racers in Europe to have raced
on both four and two wheels. Amongst other things Paul, who is retiring from racing at the end of this season,
tells us about his 2001 9.90 Bike Championship and his current ride. To whom would Paul present a medal?
You can find out by clicking here, or by clicking on the Team Features
link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
19th January: A big Thank You from Sharkman and Tog to everyone who voted for Eurodragster.com
in the Internet Site of the Year vote on the US' Competition
Plus web site. For the second year running, Eurodragster.com was runner-up in this category, this time to NHRA.com.
We are very proud indeed to have polled more votes than so many other great web sites including some of our
favourites such as Drag Race Central. Congratulations to the web team at NHRA and thanks again
to everyone who voted. You can see the final outcome of the Competition Plus Dot Com Awards at
www.competitionplus.com/01_15_2004/dot_com_awards.html.
©Eurodragster.com
Racers invited to pre-Main Event Test.
18th January: Santa Pod Raceway have announced that they will again be holding a Test Day prior
to the FIA Main Event. The Test Day takes place on Saturday 22nd May, and the track will be open between
10:00 and 17:00. Racers in all classes are invited.
This day will also be a Street Machine Street Racer Saturday Special. Only racers in the above classes who have pre-booked,
and Street Machine Saturday Special drivers who have pre-registered, will be allowed to sign on and use the track. More
details on the Street Machine part of the event are available from the magazine.
Entry for the Test Day will be £129.25 per vehicle and driver/rider including VAT. This includes six
admission tickets. Extra admission tickets can be ordered on the booking form at £10 per person, or
£12 at the gate.
Racers must show signing-on personnel a valid national driver's licence and a valid
competition licence showing the grading for the type of vehicle they will be testing. It is the responsibility
of the racer to ensure that their vehicle meets the safety regulations for their competition class. In addition,
there will be no permit from the MSA, FIA, ACU or FIM so it is the responsibility of the racer to
provide their own insurance. Santa Pod Raceway will provide third party insurance.
Bookings should be made by 1st May, after which entry will be accepted at Santa Pod's discretion.
Full details, conditions, and an entry form can be found by clicking here
(PDF file for Acrobat Reader). If you have any enquiries then call Santa Pod Raceway on 01234 782828 (outside the
UK +44 1234 782828).
©Eurodragster.com
APIRA AGM.
18th January: Thanks to Avon Park International
Racers Association Press Officer Jerry Cookson
for letting us know that this year's APIRA Annual General Meeting will take place
on Sunday 8th February at the Hilton Hotel Coventry, which is the same venue as
the Ultimate Power Drag Racing Championship Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation on 20th March.
Click here for a map of the Hilton's location.
The AGM will be held in the York Suite starting at
1.00 pm prompt and ending at 4.00 pm. The meeting will
break for Tea/Coffee at 2.30 pm.
If you have any items for the agenda then they should be submitted in writing by Monday 2nd February to
APIRA Club and Race Secretary Wendy Talbot at:
121 High Road
Wortwell
Harleston
Norfolk
IP20 0EN
E-Mail: wendy@apira.org.uk.
On the subject of meetings please note that this Wednesday, 21st January, is the deadline for
items for the agenda of the 2004 Riders' and Drivers' Meeting. Any items for the Riders' and Drivers' agenda
should be sent either to Wendy Talbot as above or to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall at:
Santa Pod Racers Club
PO Box 12
Rushden
Northamptonshire
NN10 0ZU
E-Mail: paula.marshall@btconnect.com
Phone: 01933 313625
Fax: 01933 355558
©Eurodragster.com
Swift snippets.
18th January: Thanks to Ian Huggan for letting us know that Super Pro ET racer Lee Darby's
Tarmac Teaser VW Beetle Funny Car will be appearing at the Xtreme
Wheels Show in London in February. Ian also tells us that the TSR Drag Racers web site at
www.tsrdragracers.co.uk has been updated with more details
of VW Alternate Engine race cars.
©Eurodragster.com
Outlaws seek co-ordination...
17th January: Further to Tuesday's news about the UK's
Supercharged Outlaws contesting Ultimate Power Championship
events in 2004, Dave 'Fuzzie' McKenzie has been in touch to let us know that the Outlaws are seeking
a race co-ordinator.
©Eurodragster.com
"The co-ordinator would have to be ever-present on race days, and act as a go-between with the Race Director, race teams and the
commentators in the tower", says Dave. "He or she should have a knowledge and enthusiasm for Supercharged Outlaw racing
and would be working alongside Roy Wilding, Johnny Hall and myself. We would prefer somebody not connected with any particular team."
For more information, call Roy Wilding on 0121 552 7188, drop Johnny Hall an E-Mail at
johnnyholeshot@btinternet.com, or drop Fuzzie an
E-Mail at david.mckenzie3@ntlworld.com.
You can find the Supercharged Outlaw web site at
www.superchargedoutlawsuk.com.
...and sought for Xtreme Wheels.
17th January: Xtreme Wheels Show PR Dan
Welberry tells us that the organisers of the show, which takes place at London's Alexandra Palace on 14th-15th
February, are seeking three Supercharged Outlaw race cars to complete a display. "If you have a
Supercharged Outlaw and would like to appear at the show then please call Obsession Motorsports on
01483 236262 or E-Mail info@xtremewheels004.com",
says Dan.
Dan has also asked that John Drury contact Obsession on 01483 236262 regarding the Xtreme Wheels Show. If
you're reading this, John, or if any of John's buddies are reading this then please get in touch.
©Eurodragster.com
Dan has also reminded us that advance tickets are now available for Xtreme Wheels at a discount from
at-the door prices, call Obsession on 01483 236262 to book your tickets:
| | Advance | Door |
|---|
| Adults | £10 | £12 |
| Children | £5 | £6 |
| Family (two adults, two under-16s) | £30 | £32 |
If you were tuned in yesterday then you will have read that John Andrews has taken over from Dan as
PR for the Carter Motorsports Top Fuel Dragster team. "I would like to thank Andy for his kind words
on Eurodragster yesterday", says Dan. "I will really miss being involved with the team but I know
that John Andrews will do a great job and I'd like to wish him all the best in his new position."
Carter in Motorgraphic hook-up.
16th January: Motorgraphic boss John
Andrews has joined forces with Carter Motorsport as they prepare to contest
the 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship. In a deal closed at Autosport International at the weekend,
Andrews replaces Dan Welberryto take charge of PR and Marketing for the GoTalk-sponsored team.
The freshly-painted dragster made its first public appearance at the show in the distinctive blue and orange GoTalk livery.
"It was a great relief to get set up on the Santa Pod stand after all the hard work that has gone into preparing for this
event", said driver Andy Carter. "It was a busy one I can tell you, and the dragster was totally surrounded all
weekend. We had so many comments complimenting us on how great the car looked, I was really pleased."
Whilst the crew gave out leaflets and talked with the public, Andy concentrated on the many business and sponsorship
meetings which he had arranged for the weekend including one with the new PR. "Welcome aboard John, I know
that you are really looking forward to the challenges ahead!", said Andy. "Before I finish on this subject I must
say a big thank you to Dan Welberry who did a fantastic job in the two and a half years he was with us. Thanks Dan, its really
appreciated!"
One of the hottest questions over the weekend was "Why just a show car?". "Maybe we have given the wrong
impression in some of our earlier news releases", said Andy. "But make no mistake; the GoTalk Top Fuel Dragster
has been built to the very highest standard and is bang-up to NHRA 2004 Spec. This is a serious race car and 90% ready to
contest the Championship if we need it!"
The car was loaded onto the transporter Sunday night and taken straight to Webster Race Engineering in Rushden, where it
was left for the final fitting of all the small bracketry needed on a Top Fuel Dragster. It will be collected in mid-February and
go straight to the Xtreme Wheels show at Alexandra Palace where the team
will spend another weekend promoting their sponsors and introducing the public to the great range of products they are involved
with, and of course the great sport of Drag Racing.
©Eurodragster.com
SPR a Show at Brentwood.
16th January: Paul Marston has been in touch with the very latest details about this weekend's
Brentwood Racing Car Show, whose traditional drag racing contingent he has single-handedly organised this year.
Paul has confirmed some of the attendees which were mentioned in our Autosport International coverage at
the weekend.
"We can now confirm that Santa Pod's show Top Fuel Dragster will definitely be attending the Brentwood Show, along with
the Santa Pod Junior Dragster", says Paul. "This will be the first time that a Top Fuel Dragster has been exhibited at
the Brentwood Racing Car Show and its a great opportunity to see one of these 6,000 hp monsters up close and personal.
This now means that the drag racing display will be the most comprehensive to be seen at this great show for years.
"All the race cars and bikes will have members of their respective teams in attendance during the Show, who will be
only too happy to answer any questions. In addition, Paul Marston Racing's
Drag Race Driving School will also be in attendance with the School's Alien altered and armed with information packs
about the Passenger Ride Experiences and the Drag Race Driving School Packages available for the 2004 season. The team
will be only too pleased to discuss individual requirements and will have the hot-off-the-press schedule for the forthcoming season.
©Eurodragster.com
"We can also confirm that Santa Pod will be in attendance with a stand with a limited range of merchandise and the all-important
2004 calendars plus information packs and goodie bags for the children. Exclusive to the Show there is also a free ticket offer, subject
to conditions, for the Saturday of this year's FIA Main Event 2004. We will also be featuring 2003's action on TV from both Santa Pod's
FIA 2004 video, which is available from the Santa Pod stand, and the Ultimate Power Championship and Custom Car Street
Eliminator Championship DVDs. The 2004 calendar of events at Shakespeare County Raceway will also be available at the Show;
it features some exciting new events so be sure to get your copy whilst at the show.
"This is of course along with all the usual features and attractions covering a huge variety of Short Oval and Saloon Car Racing
(what are they? - Ed) which the Brentwood Racing Car Show has to offer and is internationally famous for. New features
this year along are a Race Car Constructors Pavilion and a comprehensive model display featuring both radio-controlled and slot racing
cars. Nearly last, but not least, is the enormous variety of trade stands covering everything which a Sportsman racer could need at
great show prices. The event also sees the return of Channel 4, who will be airing excerpts from the Show later during the year."
The Brentwood Racing Car Show is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th January.
Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children and senior citizens. A Family ticket admits two adults and
up to three children for £25. For further details call the information line on 01268 543330. You can
view Eurodragster's legendary hand-drawn map of the Brentwood Centre's location by
clicking here.
Swift snippets.
16th January: Swedish Super Comp racer Jonas Staflund
and his team are currently working on the Volvo body of his Funny Car. "The body will have a new look this season", says Jonas. "Our
bus is also getting an upgrade since we are running two cars this year and the Junior Dragster will be transported on its roof. Our son Hampus is going to
drive the Nordic Drag Racing Series in the Junior which we bought from Las Vegas this winter. Marcus Nystrom, one of our mechanics (the young one), has
bought a '98 Dave Uyehara TMFC chassis from the States and we are also trying to get that car up and running in Super Comp this summer."
©Eurodragster.com
Congratulations in advance to 2003 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster
Champion Dave Wilson, who is due to receive the
trophy for his other 2003 Championship, the MSA British Drag Racing Championship, at tonight's MSA's Night of
Champions in London. Dave will be presented alongside the seventeen other MSA British Champions at the
prestigious black-tie event at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall.
Congratulations also to Tim Redmayne of Motorsport News who has won the 2003 Renault
MSA Young Journalist of the Year award.
Web site updates.
16th January: Alan Currans has updated his Acceleration Archive photographic
site with a third Readers' Gallery. "This update features pictures kindly submitted by Clive Rooms, Chris Pretty and
Mike Daddow", says Alan. "It is an eclectic mixture of images from the USA and the UK and features some of the really great cars
from the history of drag racing". Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Further to yesterday's update, our friends at Svensk Dragracing have their web site back on-line at
the usual address, www.dragracing.se. E-Mail is also on-line.
Sevens or bust for Bailey.
15th January: UK Pro Mod Bike and Super Street Bike racer Dave Bailey is
reckoning on another expensive season in 2004.
"I'll be out in force on the ex-Ken Cooper 'Scalded Cat' Pro Mod Bike", says
Dave, "complete with a spare engine which Mr. Cooper will be working on shortly.
I'll be building on the eleven passes I made in 2003, five of which were below
7.5 seconds and the best of which was a 7.35 achieved despite having no
fifth gear. The main plan for the coming season is more gas! I'll be raising
the power from the miserly 300 bhp to something suitably stupid and changing
the gearing to allow 200 mph passes. When that goes pear-shaped I'll get the
Brutefarce Super Street bike out again and give the seven-second settings a try.
©Eurodragster.com
"The quest for the Super Street Bike seven-second trophy is on hold until the
Main Event (or maybe the Speedfreaks Ball). After Brutefarce has run a
couple of sevens it will be up for sale complete with all the settings required - so
start saving now! You may be surprised how cheap itll be going for...or you may not...
"The Pro Mod Bike will be my focus for the forseeable future. The long-term plan
is to push it as far as I can in Pro Mod mode before evolving it into a real
Funny Bike. I'll continue to explore the limits of nitrous injection until I
can't physically force any more into the engine, at which point I'll get a
larger engine! That's what I love about drag racing - theres never a limit.
"Of course if anyone out there wishes to throw money into my endless quest
for speed, I am currently sponsor-less and open to all offers. Likewise, if
anyone wants to crew for me at any event I'd be grateful for the help. And
finally, if any mad fool wants to hire the Super-Street I may consider the
offer (conditions would apply!)."
If you would like to sponsor or crew for Dave then drop him a line at
brutefarce@hotmail.com.
World's fastest Alfa for sale.
15th January: Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer
Leif Andréasson has put his 5.7-second
Alfa Romeo-bodied TMFC up for sale.
©Eurodragster.com
"We're selling it in favour of another car", says team member Anders Magnusson. "What that car is will be revealed later.
The rapid Alfa is for sale complete and race ready, but we are keeping our engine and drivetrain. It will be replaced with a fast
American engine and trans of slightly different make, good enough for 5.6 seconds at over 250 mph."
The full advertisement will appear soon on the Andréasson Motorsports web site at
www.andreassonmotorsports.com, and you can also find
full details on our Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet.
Tagged Obsession ready to return.
15th January: Courtesy of driver Craig Gibbs comes news that his family's Obsession
Super Modified Camaro has passed the latest step in its return to the race track. The car has been completely
rebuilt and will be seeing action this season.
"I would like to say a big Thank You to Mark
Norton and Tim Read for coming down to the house last night to Tech Inspect
and issue Obsession with the first of the new-style SFI chassis tags which
means that she is now fully race-prepared and ready to go", says Craig.
"As you know the official unveiling will be on the Press Day of the
Xtreme Wheels Show on the weekend of
14th February.
©Eurodragster.com
"I would also like to put out a very special thanks to Sharon and Jonn
Hogarth of Specialists in Design, who built the car, for travelling down
and returning my Simpson crash helmet last night painted in the same scheme
as the car - thanks Jon, it looks awesome!
"Last but by no means least Thank You to the most important people to me - my
parents, for everything they've done for me over the last year. I know that they are
as proud of the car as I am, and can't wait to get it where it belongs - on
the track! The first outing will hopefully be the Webster Race Engineering Test Day at
Santa Pod Raceway in March, and I can't wait! See you at the Show."
Web site updates.
15th January: If you were tuned in to our Autosport International coverage you will have read that German Top Methanol
Dragster racer Peter Schöfer is taking his dragster to the Auto
Tuning Show at Padova in Italy. "It's the biggest tuning show in Italy", says team member Gittli
Koller. "We are looking forward to it even if there will be a lot of snow on the Brenner Pass!".
You can find the Auto Tuning web site at www.auto-tuning.it.
©Eurodragster.com
Thanks to Spencer Tramm for letting us know that VW Alternate Engine sponsors
AMR Motors have launched a web site at www.tsrdragracers.co.uk.
The new web site contains details of the Subaru conversions which AMR have provided ror racers such as
Mark Skeen, Ian Sewell and 2003 VW Alternate Engine runner-up Darryn Coleman, as well as Andy's own twelve-second
Beetle. On-line now are pictures of Ian Huggans' ex-Blackout which is being readied for
action at Easter, the ex-Gin Marrone Beetle now in the hands of father/son
team Simon and Joe Williams, and the installation of Andy Raw's new Impreza turbo engine. Soon to be
added will be pictures and information on other VW Alternate Engine race cars such as Spencer's forthcoming
VW Corrado.
Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing are having problems with both their web site and their E-Mail
service at present. "We're trying to solve the problem as quickly as possible but it might take a
day or two", says Erik Zettervall.
Ultimate Outlaws.
14th January: The UK's Supercharged Outlaws
are to compete at all three rounds of this year's
Ultimate Power Drag Racing Championship at Shakespeare County Raceway. After discussions between promoter Lee
Child, Supercharged Outlaws Chairman Roy Wilding, and Supercharged Outlaw racers Johnny Hall and Dave
McKenzie, the class will appear at the Excitement Nationals in May, the Power Nationals in June, and the Allstar
Nationals in August.
"The Supercharged Outlaws will be running as a new Ultimate Power class", says Lee Child of LA Performance
Services, who sponsors Eurodragster's Links pages through his company LA
Racing Parts. "This is a great example of a promoter and racers' representatives working together to mutual
benefit. Roy and Johnny are very enthusiastic about building the class up. The Supercharged Outlaws will be
brought to a larger audience and running at National events is something to give potential sponsors."
Supercharged Outlaws at Ultimate Power events will be open to all altereds, rails, slingshots and Funny Cars
which have a blower and which are legal to run under MSA rules. Nitro, methanol and gas are all permitted
as fuel. The class will run heads-up on a Pro tree, with
a quickest permitted ET of 7.50 seconds. "The class will make an ideal springboard
for racers to move up to Top Methanol or Fuel", says Lee Child. "It is also ideal for those
racers who would like to come into the mainstream, yet do not want to go all the way down the SFI route which can be
considerably more expensive."
©Eurodragster.com
"I am very pleased indeed with this positive development", says Supercharged Outlaws Chairman Roy
Wilding. "We are very excited indeed to be invited to the Ultimate Power events and we would like to
say a big Thank You to Lee Child who is easy to talk to and to work with. We feel that this will bring
additional revenue to Shakespeare County Raceway and fresh blood into the sport. It shouldn't be a problem
fielding an eight-car field this year; from talking to the Supercharged Outlaw racers they all want to run MSA
legal - and believe me, I plan to lead by example!"
For more information about the Supercharged Outlaws, or for a copy of the rules, call Roy Wilding
on 0121 552 7188 or drop Johnny Hall an E-Mail at johnnyholeshot@btinternet.com.
You can find the Supercharged Outlaw web site at
www.superchargedoutlawsuk.com.
Early bird Curbishley paints Showtime.
13th January: If you were tuned in to Eurodragster News on 14th December you will have read that
Bob Jarrett, Crew Chief of the UK's Showtime Fuel Funny Car, asked the assistance
of Eurodragster readers to find a painter for the FC's Mustang body which was damaged after coming off at the FIA European Finals at
Santa Pod Raceway last September.
The first response which Bob got was from Martin Curbishley, Super Comp and Super Gas racer and
owner of Curbishley Automotive who have painted a number of well-known race cars including Martin's own Brogie Roadster, Andy Frost's
Custom Car Street Eliminator Vauxhall Victor, Ian and Paula Marshall's Super Mod Camaro, and Gary Malin's new Super Pro ET dragster.
A deal was done and the Showtime body
will be going to Curbishley Automotive in Chesterfield next month for its 2004 paintjob (right, click on picture for large version).
©Eurodragster.com
"Curbishley Automotive are proud to have been chosen by such a high-profile, professional team as Showtime, and we hope that the
partnership will be a long one", says Martin Curbishley. "We hope that this will be a springboard for more European teams to
come on board with Curbishley Automotive. John Spuffard and Carlo Gandolfi have done an excellent job of repairing the body and the
Mustang will be with us in February, we are looking forward to applying Chris Parker's simple but very striking design."
Bob Jarrett has also announced that the Showtime FC will in 2004 be carrying the name of new sponsors
J and E Pistons and Ferrea Valves and Valvetrain Components.
If you would be interested in having your race vehicle painted by Martin Curbishley then you can contact him by E-Mail
at mcbrogieroadster@aol.com or call him on 07812 942097.
You can find the Showtime team's official web site at
www.showtimeracing.co.uk.
Eurodragster, Curbishley post Award.
13th January: We are very pleased to announce that Eurodragster.com and Curbishley Automotive
have teamed up to post a new award for Sportsman racers in 2004.
The Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award will be presented to the first racer at any
event covered by Eurodragster to run to the thousandth either on their class index or on their dial-in as appropriate.
As with the Perfect Light award, the Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award will start at £50 and
increase by £25 at each event if not won. If the Award is won then it will be reset to £50 for the
next event.
©Eurodragster.com
The Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award is open to racers in Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Sportsman ET,
Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Junior Dragster, Wild Bunch, VW Pro, VW Sportsman, VW Alternate Engine, 9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike and Junior Drag Bike and
will be available at the following events:
- Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
- Excitement Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
- FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway
- Power Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
- SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
- Allstar Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
- FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
- UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
We also plan to post the Award in the appropriate Nordic Drag Racing Series classes at the Veidec Nitro Festival
at Mantorp Park and will confirm details in the near future.
"Curbishley Automotive are proud to be associated with Eurodragster.com", says Martin Curbishley. "The Award applies
to everyone apart from Tim Adam...just joking! We would like to wish everybody a successful and safe 2004 season". We are very grateful
indeed to Martin Curbishley for his support and we feel privileged that a company which has presented so many stunning-looking race
vehicles and has such a high reputation for professionalism has chosen to associate its name with us. As with all of our sponsors please be sure to show your
appreciation for Martin's support of Sportsman racing and of Eurodragster.com by approaching him if you are considering having your race vehicle painted.
Again if you are interested in having your race vehicle painted by Martin Curbishley then you can contact him by E-Mail
at mcbrogieroadster@aol.com or call him on 07812 942097.
Gipp eyes opportunity.
12th January: UK Pro Stock Bike racer Richard Gipp is set to display his
mid seven-second bike at the Xtreme Wheels show
at London's Alexandra Palace in
February. Richard says that he sees the Show as an ideal opportunity to promote the sport and to touch base with
potential sponsors.
"I feel that we all have to do out bit to attract attention to the sport, whether
in a local paper or other media no matter how small", says Richard. "We have to get noticed
and only through this can we hopefully attract big name companies". Subject to time, finances and
his footprint at the Show, and the appropriate permissions, Richard will have handouts, a photo display,
and video or DVD presentation to accompany his bike. "I hope to be available in person each
day of the show, depending on how far away the bar is - only kidding!", he says.
©Eurodragster.com
Richard says that he currently has the funds to contest the ACU UK Championship and three or four
of the FIM/UEM European Championship rounds in 2004. "Hopefully the show will generate
enough interest to allow me to compete in the whole of the European series", he says, "I
am quite willing to take product placement - tools, oil, spares, helmet, leathers etc. - as payment for the
advertising afforded to any company wishing to promote themselves on worldwide television", says
Richard. "I would like to thank Chris and Nick at Straightline Racing, Allen's Garage, Mick's Motorcycle
Training, Sinwear and all of my crew for their support so far. I would also like to wish a happy and faster
New Year to all, except my rivals!"
Richard plans to launch a web site in the near future, but in the mean time if you would like to
become involved then you can contact Richard on rgipp@ic24.net.
No downtime at B and J.
12th January: What does UK Supercharged Outlaw racer Johnny 'Mental' Hall do when he has some spare jig time at the
B and J Nostalgia workshop? Build a Tot Rod for a customer (right).
"The vehicle in question is a genuine 1950s British fairground kiddies' roundabout car", says Johnny. "The remit was to turn
it into a rolling, steering car with an electric motor for tyre-screeching power - they were not designed to have wheels which steered! A custom-built
steel chassis with cross steering has been fabricated and the new owner, who lives in Harold Hill and drives a very nice Corvette but hasn't a hope
in hell of fitting in the cockpit, will take over the finishing, which will include new paint and custom interior."
©Eurodragster.com
Johnny tells us that the forthcoming Windridge Hall McKenzie Racing Small Block Chevy-powered Fueller is awaiting parts from California. "Our
good buddy Jeff 'No Mercy' Bennett, who runs a five-second Fuel Altered in Southern California, is collecting all that is needed before shipping it across
the Pond", he says. We would we would like to take this opportunity to thank Jeff, Bonnie and Chris Bennett for all of their help and support. They
have informed us that our project has attracted a lot of interest from the amateur Fuel racer community in the States."
Stay tuned as we will be visiting the B and J Nostalgia workshop for a Eurodragster feature very soon.
Brentwood Show update.
12th January: If you were tuned in last Monday you will remember that
Paul Marston had taken on at short notice the job of organising this year's drag racing display at this weekend's
Brentwood Racing Car Show. Paul got in touch to ask us to thank everyone who responded and to bring us up
to date with the drag racing attendance this weekend.
"Paul Marston Racing's Drag Race Driving School will have our alcohol-injected Big Block Chevy-powered altered Alien on
show, the very same School car which powered Dave Gibbons to a stunning 7.84/179 at Shakespeare County Raceway last year", says Paul.
"During the Show the PMR crew will be performing some maintenance on the altered, giving people a little insight into what is involved in
race car. The crew will also be there to answer questions on the Driving School and Passenger Ride Experiences. Next we have the Twisted
Sanity rocket-powered dragster. With a nice new paint job and the crew in attendance for some of the weekend, its well worth a closer look.
Last but by no means least we have Sandra Chaplain and her 9.90 Bike, which makes its début with a stunning new paint job.
Sandra will be attending the show and will be happy to answer any questions regarding the greatest motorsport on Earth. We will also
be handing out the 2004 Event Calendars from both Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways and showing the 2003 European
Championship video.
©Eurodragster.com
"In addition to this there is a possibility that Santa Pod Raceway will be able to send their exhibition Top Fuel Dragster and their
Junior Dragster. It is going to be a close-run thing, but if we can pull it off then it will be the first time that Brentwood has ever seen a Top
Fuel Dragster. Lee Child, Promoter of events at Shakespeare County Raceway, Custom Car Street Eliminator Co-coordinator and owner
of LA Racing Parts has also said that he will try to arrange some representation of behalf of Shakespeare County Raceway.
Regardless of whether Santa Pod or Shakespeare can help out, the fact that they are trying to help is really appreciated, especially
as everyone is still at Autosport at time of writing. I also appreciate all the help we have had from the racers who are already confirmed,
it all helps spread the word. We will of course keep you updated over the next few days.
"As well as drag racing the popular show features all kinds of Sportsman racing formulas and is a firm must-go to for
any racer who is looking to pick up some bargain hardware, with special show deals and extensive ranges of stock be it clothing, lettering,
fibreglass panels, seats, tools, chassis parts, engines, suspension parts, videos, etc. - you could buy a whole car there. This year there is an
extra arena dedicated to model collectors, and two live action racetracks for both slot cars (You out there, Hippo? - Ed) and
radio-controlled cars. It has also been confirmed Channel 4 will be in attendance to cover the Show."
The Brentwood Racing Car Show is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th January.
Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children and senior citizens. A Family ticket admits two adults and
up to three children for £25. You can view Eurodragster's legendary hand-drawn map of the Brentwood Centre's location by
clicking here.
Editor's note: A big Thank You to Darren West, Steve Wilson, Ian Hook and everyone who has written with appreciative comments
about our Autosport International coverage.
On the road to Ruin.
12th January: UK photographer Richard Heeps has
been in touch to let us know that his exhibition Man's Ruin is on the road again, this time parking in
Wolverhampton. The exhibition takes place at the Light House Media Centre
from this Friday, 16th January until 28th February.
"The exhibition is mainly hot rod/fifties lifestyle pictures but there are some nostalgia drag racing shots" says Richard. "The pictures
were taken both in the UK and the USA."
There is a free private viewing of the exhibition this Thursday, 15th January, between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm to which Eurodragster readers are invited.
The Light House Media Centre is also holding a special screening of the films American Grafitti and Kustom Kar Commandos to
complement Richard's exhibition. The screening takes place at 8:00 pm on Wednesday 28th January and entry is £3.
©Eurodragster.com
The Man's Ruin exhibition is open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and then 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm at:
Light House Media Centre
Chubb Building
Fryer Street
Wolverhampton
WV1 1HT
Entry to the exhibition is free. You can find the Light House web site at www.light-house.co.uk.
"I have made a start on loading some drag racing pictures on my site at www.richardheeps.co.uk,
but I have a way to go yet!", says Richard. "I have also uploaded some pictures shot at Bonneville in October. You might also
like to know that I have a feature about the 2003 California Hot Rod Reunion in this month's issue of Classic American magazine."
Autosport International coverage II.
10th January: We've now posted the second of this weekend's two reports and photo galleries
from Autosport International, in association with American Car
Imports.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view today's report and
pictures, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
Perform at your Peak at SPR.
10th January: Santa Pod Raceway have announced four test days specifically aimed
at car and bike clubs. The Peak Performance Days will feature a fully-prepped track as well as
full timing, marshalling, catering and other facilities, and participants will also be able to use
the Thor Engineering mobile dynamometer which measures power and torque at the wheel hub.
"We have had a lot of enquiries from car and bike clubs about hiring Santa Pod because the Run What
You Brungs are becoming too busy for them", says David Lloyd-Jones of Santa Pod Raceway. "We decided
to institute these test days to make it affordable for clubs and individuals and welcome tuning house
test vehicles, rally cars, superbikes,
car and bike clubs, circuit racers etc. These particular events are not aimed at drag racers as
they have the dedicated Webster Race Engineering Test Days."
©Eurodragster.com
The Peak Performance Days will take place at Santa Pod on:
- Saturday 3rd April
- Friday 4th June
- Friday 13th August
- Saturday 25th September
Entry to Santa Pod Raceway will be 10 in advance or 12 on the gate, and a further 50 in advance or
60 on the gate to use the track. A valid DVLC licence must be presented at sign-on, and the standard
Run What You Brung rules apply. For more details check out Santa Pod's dedicated RWYB web site at
www.rwyb.com.
Swift snippets.
10th January: It was confirmed at Autosport International today that Santa Pod Raceway's
own radio station Nitro FM is to return in 2004. The radio station, which is scheduled to start at the
Easter Thunderball, will transmit John Price and Graham Beckwith's commentary as broadcast on the track's PA
system to make it easier to access around the facility. Stay tuned for more details.
©Eurodragster.com
Happy Birthday, Pat!
10th January: We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to our good friend,
UK Super Pro ET racer Pat Talbot. Pat is celebrating a landmark birthday, but since the staff of
Eurodragster attempt to behave like gentlemen we will not reveal the number, save to say that
the first two digits would win her the Eurodragster Perfect Light Award.
©Eurodragster.com
We are sure that everyone will want to join Sharkman and Tog in wishing Pat the very Happiest of
Birthdays. We will be attending Pat's birthday party this evening but we won't promise to provide
live Event Coverage.
Xtreme Wheels update.
10th January: "There is a genuine buzz as 14th-15th February 2004 approach and this unbelievable
collection of wild vehicles prepares to rumbles into the capital!", writes
Xtreme Wheels 2004 PR Dan Welberry. "The conception of the show came
about due to the lack of indoor motor shows which highlight the world of extreme motors.
Obsession Motorsports Ltd. recognised this need and has gathered together,
under one roof a unique selection of vehicles from many backgrounds; drag
racing, street/hot rods, hot hatches, and import vehicles have all been
carefully selected for their ability to capture the imagination of all ages.
This innovative mix will break down the barriers and invite the enthusiast
to cross over from all sides and appreciate the craftsmanship and
professionalism of the fellow modifier. Obsession have endeavoured to create
something new for everyone but at the same time capture the magic of cars
from previous years that used to attend shows back in the 70/80 era.
"Alexandra Palace with all its splendour lends itself to a show of this
magnitude. London has never had such a variety of extreme machines in one
place at the same time!
"The warm ambience of the refurbished halls with excellent facilities and
parking has been the obvious choice to promote the show. Our experience in
promoting motor events will hopefully shine through in bringing one of the
best motor entertainment events to London.
"There will be unveiling of new machinery from the world of drag racing Bob
Glassup with his all new altered, Craig Gibbs Pro Mod '69 Camaro, Gary Malin
with his dragster, Ian Aspley with his slingshot. From the world of hot rods
Dan Boon's '32 Ford Roadster and new from Home Grown Hot Rods a '34 Ford Three
Window and an all steel '32 Three Window Coupe. Imports will be represented
with two new cars from Kream Developments.
"Further displays will include Andy Carter's Top Fuel Dragster in its all new
colours, Doug Ripley with his new Funny Car, Top Fuel Bike of Ian King and
the new Nobby Hills, Houndog Fuel Funny car. NSRA will be well represented
with their top cars from 2003 included within their display will be cars
built by Nick Butler, Nykilodeon and Andromeda. Creations of Andy Saunders
'The Boat - Runnerground' and the Mini Claustrophobia will be seen again.
"Some of the biggest names in modifying will be showing off the finest hot
hatch machines in the country and will be entertaining visitors over the
weekend of the show. A number of clubs will have their own stands where they
will be displaying the best machinery from their clubs.
"Family visitors can see the show (taking advantage of our family ticket at
just 30.00 in advance), and visit the ice rink for just 3.00! A model Drag
Strip will also be available for visitors to test their reactions and nerve!
Special guests 'Race Tin' will be in attendance with their fantastic radio
controlled cars that literally 'come in a tin'. Their race track we believe
will be a firm favourite for both young and old!
Autosport International coverage I.
9th January: We've now posted the first of this weekend's two reports and photo galleries
from Autosport International, in association with American Car
Imports.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view today's report and
pictures, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
The mobile Dog House.
9th January: UK Wild Bunch racer Scottie Durant has been in touch with an off-season
update from the workshop of his In The Dog House Again Topolino altered.
"I've been well busy with the new transporter/camper which I bought from Outlaw Anglia racer Paul Hensher back in November", says
Scottie. "I've changed it inside to take the altered, and it now sports a shower and toilet as well as the usual camper mods, so it
should be great for the weekends away. Hopefully it will be signwritten before the first event by Ed at
Demonscream.com.
©Eurodragster.com
"As for the altered, she is having new A-arms made by Brucey in Manchester, also a new seat - I had a few too many beers over Christmas - a
new converter, and I will be having a freshened-up alky Big Block Chevy including new pistons, cam etc. which is being built by Nick 'Penfold' Connor
(of the Barking Mad altered), who is taking time out this season but will be helping out as much as he can. If all goes well the altered should
be ready for the first race and hopefully we will get some nines or lower! I'm looking forward to competing all rounds with the Wild Bunch."
Ultimate Dinner Dance form.
9th January: Many thanks to Lee Child of Eurodragster Links sponsor
LA Racing Parts for sending us the official booking form for the
Ultimate Power Championship Dinner Dance and 2003 season trophy presentation, which takes place on Saturday 20th March
2004 at the Hilton Hotel in Coventry. Click here for a map of the Hilton's location.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to download a copy of the booking form (Word format).
Tickets are £25 per person, and please note that no disco-only tickets will be available.
If you have any queries about the Ultimate Power Championship Dinner Dance then contact LA Performance
Services either by E-Mail at la.racing@virgin.net or phone on 01803 554308.
©Eurodragster.com
Rooms at the Hilton are £80 for a double room or £60 for a single room; call Manjit on 02476 841007 and
quote Shakespeare County Raceway.
Swift snippets.
9th January: Charles Berg's Twisted Sanity
Rocket Dragster is to appear at next week's Brentwood Racing Car Show, writes team member Paul.
"Thanks to Paul Marston for the invitation", he says. Meanwhile Charles and the team have
received the safety cell of their new dragster back from Robinson Race Cars, and a deal has been done
with Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter for front wheels and steering assembly. "It's looking
very promising to get the car ready for the early part of the season", says Paul.
©Eurodragster.com
Atkin preparing return.
8th January: We are indebted to photo-journalist and bodywork/colour scheme designer Mark
Gredzinski for bringing us up-to-date with news of the return of UK Super Pro ET racer Paula Atkin. Paula and
Stan Atkin's Ford 100E will appear with a new paintjob designed by Mark (right, click on picture to view large
version, ©Mark Gredzinski) as well as changes to its aerodynamics.
"The car has returned from Martin Curbishley's paint shop in Chesterfield awaiting some lettering additions
and some extra work on the bonnet", says Mark. "I did the grille and the head and tail lights
originally and these were masked out from the last paintjob so thankfully I won't have to do them again!
©Eurodragster.com
"The car will sport a large deck spoiler similar to that on Gordon Appleton's Pro Mod Camaro, rather than
the triple-element wing which was the original intention, as illustrated. Stan Atkin has spent some time on an
aerodynamics package for the body which will make the car more stable, not necessarily more slippery - it
is a 100E after all!
"The team are in no particular hurry to test but will definitely be out this year using the same Ford Shotgun
combination which will be freshened up by Clive Bond."
Whilst we were talking to Mark he mentioned that he would be interested to hear from anyone who has any 1970s
issues of the US magazines Super Stock and Drag Illustrated and Drag Racing USA, as he would
like them for reference for his current writing projects. If you can help Mark with these magazines then
please drop him an E-Mail at gredzinski@btopenworld.com.
You can read Mark's work and see his pictures monthly in Custom Car magazine.
New 'Dog has its day.
8th January: If you've been tuned into Eurodragster News over the last few days you will have
read about the new Fuel car which is to appear at this weekend's Autosport International on the Custom Car
stand. This morning we are pleased to reveal that the Fuel car in question is Nobby Hills' eagerly-anticipated
new Houndog Fuel Funny Car, which was unveiled at 10:30 this morning. We have been promised a photograph
of the FC at the NEC later on today, so stay tuned to Eurodragster News
and we will publish the picture as soon as we receive it. Eurodragster will be reporting live from Autosport
International tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday and we will catch up with Nobby to get the full story.
©Eurodragster.com
As revealed yesterday, Houndog is sharing a stand with Andy Kirk's Rat Fink Super Modified Camaro, and
thanks to Kev Elliott and Lee Child for letting us know this morning that Wayne Allman's Phunky Phantom
Big Block Ford-powered VW Beeetle, which runs in VW Alternate Engine, is also part of the Custom Car
display.
2004 WRE Test Days.
8th January: UK race vehicle builder, and Eurodragster webcam sponsor, Webster Race Engineering have announced
five Test Days to take place at Santa Pod Raceway in 2004. The 2003 WRE Test Days were very popular with racers who took full advantage
of the fully-prepped track and the absence of the huge queues which build up at Run What You Brungs. The dates for 2004 are:
- Wednesday 24th March
- Saturday 24th April
- Wednesday 14th July
- Wednesday 18th August
- Wednesday 22nd September
As well as giving racers the opportunity to test in race conditions and the track time to experiment with set-ups, the Test Days will
also feature a trackside assistance service from WRE, offering expert set-up advice specifically tailored to individual race vehicles.
©Eurodragster.com
Each Test Day is open to both cars and bikes and will feature a fully-prepped track along with full marshal and paramedic cover.
Gates will open at 9:00 am and the will be track open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with a half hour break for lunch. Mobile catering will also
be on-site at each event.
Entry to each track day is £125 plus VAT per driver or rider. Racers will need to produce a DVLA driving licence to sign on,
with the obvious exception of Junior Dragsters.
For more information, or to book a slot on a Test Day, contact Webster Race Engineering on 01933 315236.
Swift snippets.
8th January: Further to yesterday's news item about the withdrawal of Doug Ripley's CC
Racing Top Methanol Funny Car from this weekend's Autosport International, Team Manager Jane Ripley tells
us that Andy Oliver, who sent yesterday's news item, was being modest about his own contribution.
"Thank you to Andy, who is an unsung hero", says Jane. "He has put in untold hours and been a lot
of help". Consider yourself thanked, Spoons.
©Eurodragster.com
No CC at CC.
7th January: If you were tuned in to Eurodragster News yesterday you will have read that
Custom Car magazine's stand at this weekend's Autosport International was to feature a new Fuel car and a new Top
Methanol car. Late last night we heard that Doug Ripley has had to withdraw his new CC Racing Top
Methanol Funny Car, previously Mark and Jackie Hawkins' Fuel Funny Car, from the Show due to circumstances
entirely beyond his control.
"The car has been painted the usual CC Racing silver and has had a stunning full-car airbrush design completed", says Andy Oliver of
CC Racing. "To say that it's jaw dropping is an understatement. After the car returned from the spray shop for its coat of lacquer yesterday morning,
we saw that some of the art work and lettering had reacted. It's too bad to show, so unfortunately the car will not be at Autosport. I have spoken to
Kev Elliott and he has been very understanding - cheers mate!"
©Eurodragster.com
The withdrawal of the new TMFC is all the more of a disappointment for the CC Racing team as they had pulled out all the stops to prepare the car for its
début. "Doug, the crew and I have worked on the new car all through Christmas and the New Year to get it ready", says Andy.
"As you know we were converting an ex-Nitro Coupe to a Methanol car and we have fitted a new PSI blower and fuel system. A new truck was imported from
the USA to pull the trailer, that truck had to be tested and registered all within a week. Everything was sorted, and the crew had booked time off work.
Needless to say the car is ready to race, all we need to do now is to repaint it.
"Doug and I would like to say Thank You to Cliff and Gavin of the crew for all of their efforts, and Thank You also to Gordon Smith, Ray White,
Winston Sewell, Dave Milam, Dennis Wratten and Trevor Capewell for their support and offers of help."
The withdrawal of the TMFC left Kev Elliott facing a sizeable gap in the Custom Car display, but some very deft footwork has secured
a last-minute replacement in the shape of Andy Kirk's Rat Fink Super Modified Camaro, which will now line up Autosport alongside the new
Fuel car.
All go for Frost.
7th January: After a relatively quiet Christmas break, UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer
Andy Frost tells us that it is now going to be all go in the Red Victor 1 workshop.
"The engine parts I have been awaiting are due at Knight Racing Services to enable me to finish the long block", says Andy. "This
will be a completely different item to last year, in the search for more power and reliability. Also due back from the US is the flowed nitrous system
which will enable us to go faster in relative safety. The car is currently at Webster Race Engineering (one of several CCSE cars at Jon's place, we
understand - Ed) having some chassis modifications, and as soon as that's done it's up the M1 to Martin Curbishley's paint shop to straighten
out two seasons' worth of racing damage on the paintwork."
©Eurodragster.com
This time last year Andy was rushing to get the car ready for its appearance at Autosport, but this year he has the relative luxury of being able to
concentrate on his testing schedule. "It's going to be the toughest year ever in CCSE, with a number of new and old faces coming back to
the class and all of the existing competitors stepping up to the plate", says Andy. "It's going to be a dogfight, and obviously all of this
pre-season work is to be a big part of the dogfight, we'll just have to see."
Andy tells us that sponsor Kevin Scott of Scottrans has promised to double his efforts from last year. "Thanks very much to Kevin
for that", says Andy. "Of course my own transmission company Penn Autos will be a major sponsor! I'm in negotiations with two other
potential sponsors at present, more information about that as it happens."
Andy also says that he is negotiating "Something very big for street racing for 2005". He won't be drawn, but tells us that
if it comes off it will be fantastic, and promises that you will be able to read all about it here on Eurodragster if it does.
"All that's left is to wish everybody involved with drag racing a prosperous New Year", Andy adds. You can stay in touch with the latest
developments from the Red Victor 1 workshop on Andy's official web site at www.redvictor1racing.co.uk.
Tramm carves up a classic.
6th January: The UK's Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Championship Co-ordinator and
honorary Eurodragster staff member Spencer Tramm is planning a return to the track in 2004 in a
new Volkswagen Corrado-bodied race car (right) built by Chris Isaacs. The Super Gas- and VW Alternate
Engine-destined Quantum Leap Corrado is to be powered by the Jeff Bull 468ci Big Block Chevy engine
with which Martin Curbishley won the 2002 UK National Super Comp Championship, and which should propel
Spencer into the mid-nines.
"I've been planning this for about a year", says Spencer. "I had a million and one ideas what to do, I finally
went out and bought a breaker for the body panels. Typical, just as Top Gear announce that the Corrado could be a classic of the future
I go and cut one up!"
©Eurodragster.com
Construction started at Chris Isaacs Race Cars in July 2003, and the car is now about to be painted. For Spencer there was only one choice
of paint shop: Curbishley Automotive Refinishing, the company owned by Martin Curbishley, who has painted a number of race cars and for
whom Spencer has been crewing for the last couple of years. "If it's like any of the other cars which Martin has painted then it'll
be noticed, that's for sure!", says Spencer.
Spencer is planning to test the car before its first competitive outing which is planned for the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway in
April. "I need to get a few laps under my belt", he says. "The last time I raced a 'proper' car was the
Flame and Thunder Show in November 2000!"
Spencer is pleased to welcome sponsor Direct Plastics on board. "Number one for Lexan!", he says. You can
contact Direct Plastics on 0114 256 0889.
Custom Car hosts Autosport débuts.
6th January: Custom Car magazine editor Kev
Elliott has pulled off an impressive coup, especially for the middle of the off-season, with the first public appearance
of two new race cars on the magazine's stand at this weekend's
Autosport International show at Birmingham's NEC. A new
Fuel car and a new Top Methanol car are scheduled to take their public bows forming the centrepiece
of Custom Car's stand which is at 8301 in Hall 8.
©Eurodragster.com
The Custom Car stand will also feature a Reaction Time tester for visitors to pit their skills against CC staff
and any racers in the vicinity. The stand will also be selling copies of Custom Car, one of the
few and one of the best magazines to feature drag racing on a regular basis; magazine subscriptions;
DVDs and videos of Hardcore Street, the official 2003 Custom Car Street Eliminator season review; and
DVDs and videos of the official 2003 Ultimate Power Championship review. Kev Elliott will be on hand throughout
the weekend to meet and greet visitors, as will Lee Child of Eurodragster Links sponsor
LA Racing Parts.
Autosport International is open to the public from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm this Saturday and Sunday, 10th and 11th
January. For the latest information about the Show including ticket prices and a map, check out the
official web site at www.autosportinternational.co.uk.
If you can't make the NEC this weekend then Eurodragster will be reporting live from the Show later
this week in association with American Car Imports.
Swift snippets.
6th January: Sweden's Kågered Racing Top Fuel Dragster and Top Methanol Funny Car team
had a simple choice to make about 2004. Either buy an additional transporter for the Top Methanol FC driven by Niclas
Andersson or revert to a one-car operation, the new Top Fuel Dragster which Matts Eriksson is building for Knut
Söderquist to be driven by Micke Kågered. Fortunately it was a simple choice to make: Kågered Racing will be
fielding both race cars and two rigs next season. You can read all about it on the Kågered Racing web site at
www.kagered-racing.com.
At the annual Banquet of the Royal Dutch Motorcycle Federation (KNMV) last
Sunday FIM/UEM European Top Fuel Bike Champion Roel Koedam and FIM/UEM
Supertwin runner-up Ton Pels were honoured for their accomplishments in 2003, writes
Monique Pels. "When they were called on stage, the speaker apologised for not having the UEM medals present at the
ceremony", says Monique. "Ton's reply was that it was probably in the same place as last
year's medal, because he had never received that one either (applause from the crowd).
The KNMV is not to blame, because after frequent E-Mail contact with no result, they contacted the
UEM by phone a couple of times over the last few weeks, but no medals."
©Eurodragster.com
Guardian Media Group are to publish a new monthly magazine in Scotland aimed specifically at the Modified market
whose strength in the region is attested by the large numbers attending Crail Raceway.
Fast and Modified Scotland launches on 6th February and includes modified car features, driver profiles,
lifestyle items, event listing, gig guide, product reviews, competitions and more.
Web site updates.
6th January: Danish Street Race Cup racer Martin Bøye has launched a web site
featuring his nine-second Fullsize Express Chevrolet Impala. Martin's very interesting site includes details about
the car, news, calendar, results, picture gallery and a history including some interesting tales from his
days as Jens Nybo's Top Alcohol and then Top Fuel Crew Chief. Check it out at
www.fullsize.dk.
©Eurodragster.com
UK Pro ET racer Terri Lee has sorted out her computer woes and has updated her web site at
www.terrileeracing.co.uk with the latest news of her blown Ford
Escort van.
Super Coco?
5th January: Dave Evans' Coco Connection Camaro could make a return to Super
Gas or maybe even Super Comp in the UK in 2004, says Never Again Racing
team member Andy Bennett. Coco last raced in Super Gas in the mid-1990s before the current tech rules were introduced,
and Dave has since been a regular visitor to Doorslammer and other specialist events and Run What You Brungs.
"We are striving to get Coco through tech for this season and hope to bring it down to the Santa Pod in February (-ish) for a full race inspection
and get it certified to run", says Andy. "The first race for which we hope to be legal is the Easter Thunderball."
Dave and the team are putting in a lot of other effort on the car as well as making it legal
to compete. "After Dave ran a new Personal Best of 9.44 at the Doorslammers at Shakespeare County Raceway we stripped Coco
right down with the front end off and the engine and box out", says Andy. "In late December the engine went back to Jeff Bull, who has
installed some new Air Flow Research 335cc fully CNC ported Magnum BBC heads. Dave got snowed in at the garage on New Year's Eve
putting everything back together, not realising there was six inches of snow outside!
©Eurodragster.com
"The new bigger diameter Hustler headers bought by Dave have been ceramic coated by Camcoat, and a new Scirocco ally radiator has
been bought and fitted to replace the stock one. All these items should reduce the weight and promote better flow. The TH400 box was causing
us problems all last year: the transbrake only worked when the button had been engaged for four or five seconds, which is no real use in a race situation.
The box is now with Tony Gransden for a full overhaul. The installation of the new cylinder heads is not without other knock-on problems, the steering
linkage is now in the way of the exhaust so a new steering column needs fabricating to clear the headers, which are now higher up due to the increase
in size of the new heads.
"Coco is running in between Super Gas and Super Comp numbers, and we are hoping for very low nines this year. This may sway us towards Super
Comp but that's to be confirmed."
You can find out all about Coco Connection and the rest of the Never Again operation on the team's official web site at
www.neveragainracing.co.uk.
Want to Show at Brentwood?
5th January: This year's Brentwood Racing Car Show, which takes place at the Brentwood
Centre in Essex on 17th-18th January, almost went without its traditional drag racing
presence. Luckily Paul Marston stepped in to make the
arrangements as soon as he heard, and he tells us that there is still room at the show for race teams and exhibitors
to represent drag racing.
©Eurodragster.com
"If you would like to exhibit at the Brentwood Show then we are looking for both a race car and a bike with
uniformed crew who can be available throughout the weekend to talk to the public and to potential
sponsors - I have acquired sponsors at Brentwood", says Paul. "The emphasis of the Show this year is
on race car construction so we would also like to invite a constructor who can exhibit a chassis and have
staff present to take orders. Brentwood is a show for business - the trade stands there take up to £20,000
over the two days. The exhibition centre is minutes from the M25 making it very convenient wherever you come from."
©Eurodragster.com
If you would be interested in exhibiting either your car or bike or your business at the Brentwood Show then give Paul a
call as soon as possible on 07831 650230 (mobile) or 0208 597 4575 (office), or E-Mail
office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
The Brentwood Racing Car Show is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th January.
Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children and senior citizens. A Family ticket admits two adults and
up to three children for £25. You can view Eurodragster's legendary hand-drawn map of the Brentwood Centre's location by
clicking here.
Competition Plus poll still open.
5th January: Voting is still open for Internet Site of the Year on the influential US
Competition Plus web site. Eurodragster came third in this poll
in 2001 and second in 2002, and we are currently second to the NHRA's official web site; a big Thank You to everyone
who has voted so far.
©Eurodragster.com
If every one of our three thousand-plus daily readers voted then we would have a good chance of winning this time around.
If you have not already voted and would like to do so, then you can get to the Competition Plus poll by
clicking
here, scroll down and the Internet Site of the Year vote is on the second row.
Hansen returns to Pro Stock.
4th January: Denmark's Jackie Hansen is to return to Pro Stock in 2004 and plans to contest
the entire FIA European Championship series. Jackie has spent recent seasons contesting Comp Eliminator in an
'63 'Vette and then an ex-Pro Stock Olds Cutlass but came back from a recent trip to the USA with everything he
needed to return to FIA competition.
©Eurodragster.com
"Jackie has just bought a complete car turnkey from US racer Tom Hammonds", says Martin Bøye who
kindly interpreted for us. "The car is a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier with all the newest stuff. It should be on
the way to Denmark within a few weeks."
Martin tells us that Jackie's re-entry to Pro Stock has also reunited him with some of his old crew. "The last
time that Jackie raced in Pro Stock, he teamed up with Norway's famous Skinne brothers and they are also going
to be involved this time. So watch out!"
You can find out more (in Danish) and see pictures of Jackie taking delivery of the car on the team's official
web site at www.pro-stock.dk.
Team Feature: L Plate Racing.
4th January: Eurodragster's first Team Feature of 2004 continues the recent two-wheeled
theme. This week we talk to L Plate Racing, the team name of UK Super Street Bike racer Rachel 'Rat' Pattison,
owner of Europe's quickest Bandit and the quickest female Super Street Bike racer outside the USA.
©Eurodragster.com
Rat answers our questions in her own inimitable style, taking us through her career from humble beginnings
on a rat bike through a prized Bulldog Bash trophy and her current mount, tells us what she has lined
up for 2004, and mentions her business once or twice.
Click here to read the L Plate Racing feature, or click on the
Team Features link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
Web site updates.
4th January: Our good friends at Svensk Dragracing have posted on their web site
a New Year gift to their readers in the form of two galleries from Stefan Boman, one of Europe's leading
drag racing photographers. Stefan's great shots cover both on-track and pitside action and are well worth
a look. The Svensk Dragracing web site has also been updated with the latest TV4 broadcast details and
a New Year crossword which will help you get through that difficult first morning back in the office.
The crossword clues are in Swedish but don't let that put you off if you are not a Swedish speaker,
as a lot of the clues are easily understood. Check it all out at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
Reymond retires.
3rd January: Danish Top Fuel Dragster racer Kim Reymond has put his
operation up for sale after retiring from driving on medical advice. Kim won the 2002 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship and in 2003
stunned the European drag racing community with a 4.7-second pass at Gardermoen in August and then a 4.645/317.56 in qualifying at the FIA
European Finals at Santa Pod. Kim sustained a broken breastbone when his parachutes opened, and his doctor has called time on his driving career.
"I have everything I need to race this year, but I have to follow the doctor's advice", Kim told Eurodragster on the phone yesterday. "It's frustrating
because you know how long it took us to get that combination together. Now it's perfect and I can't race!"
Tales of bruised or cracked ribs are common as a result of the vicious deceleration when two parachutes open, but Kim has suffered more
than most. "I've had broken ribs, a few broken ribs is nothing", he said, "but believe me a broken breastbone hurts. You can't do anything - it
hurts whether you lie down, stand up, or sit down. I think I broke it first at Gardermoen in 2002, I think maybe my belts were a bit loose. I have
broken my breastbone twice now and the doctor said that one day I'll end up with a rib through my lungs. I hate to quit, but you have to think
of your health and your family."
©Eurodragster.com
Kim broke the news to his team in a very emotional get-together. "The crew were very understanding when I told them that I had to quit", he
said. "Everyone was very sad, I wanted to cry because those guys are like family to me. Actually I think it would have been easier for me to
say I wanted a divorce! But the guys will be as good for the next owner as they have been for me."
Kim's entire operation is for sale including tractor, trailer and spares, and can be viewed on his web site at www.usa-autodele.dk.
"The only thing I am not selling is some of my own tools", says Kim. "It's a good car and a perfect team. You will be able to get in the car and go 4.7 or 4.8
no problem. I will sell it as cheaply as I can because I want the car out there racing. I also want to sell the car complete because the combination, including
the crew, is perfect and should not be broken up."
Kim said that he will not be walking away from the sport, and although a return is not completely out of the question he has invested in another large piece of kit.
"I don't want to take any chances, so I have bought a boat", he said. "But should the doctor tell me that l am cured then I'll be out there again, and maybe I
will do my belts tighter next time!"
If you are interested in buying Kim's Top Fuel operation then check out his web site at www.usa-autodele.dk or
E-Mail him at kim@usa-autodele.dk.
Web site updates.
3rd January: The official web site of UK Pro ET team Heaven and Hell Racing has been
updated with a 2003 season review as well as a simplified layout. Carla Pitau and Rick McCann's review is
informative and entertaining and gives an insight into the amount of work needed to run amongst the best in
Pro ET. Check it out at www.heavenhell.org.
©Eurodragster.com
Doubly Twisted.
1st January: UK Rocket Dragster pilot Charles Berg
will be campaigning a twin-engined rocket
dragster in 2004. Charles has been a regular visitor to Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways this season
with his Twisted Sanity dragster, testing his revolutionary hybrid rocket design which burns polyethylene
with Nitrous Oxide injection. The new dragster is being constructed around a Top Fuel Dragster safety cell
and should appear early in the season.
"The new dragster will weigh in at two hundred pounds less than the single engined car we have been developing in 2003, and
should see sub eight-second quarters", says team member Paul. "We would like to thank all the track staff at Santa Pod for their
patience and help in the 2003 season, and thanks also to Lee Child at LA Racing Parts for inviting us to to the Halloween Showdown."
©Eurodragster.com
Twisted Sanity #1 will be appearing at the Xtreme
Wheels Show in London in February, and Paul tells us that subject to local approval the engine may
be fired for the TV cameras. The team will also be launching a full and comprehensive range of nitrous oxide systems
and associated electronics at the Show. "All the products are new to the market and and are priced well below those of
our competitors", says Paul. "FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Smax Smith recommends our products and will
also be selling them."
The Twisted Sanity team have launched a web site at www.twistedsanity.com
which gives full details about the rocket dragsters including technical information, photo gallery and more, together
with background information about Nitrous and a list of products and prices. There is also a forum on which fans
and interested parties are invited to post questions both about the rocket cars and the nitrous products.
Web site updates.
1st January: Alan Currans has posted another update to his excellent Acceleration Archive
photo site at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. "The
latest update is a personal recap on the 2003 season with two pages of my favourite cars, bikes and pictures", says Alan. "These can
be accessed under The Alan Currans Collection, Recent Pictures, 2003. I would also like to wish all Eurodragster and Acceleration Archive readers
a happy and prosperous New Year (and to you, sir - Ed)."
©Eurodragster.com
Happy New Year!
1st January: Sharkman and Tog would like to wish all of Eurodragster's readers a very
Happy and Prosperous 2004. Eurodragster carries on growing each year and we could not do it without the racers,
officials, promoters, fans all over the planet, and our sponsors ICE
Automotive Racing Engines (Home and News pages), American Car Imports
(Home and News pages and Event Coverage),
Jeff Bull Race Engines (Swap Meet) and
LA Racing Parts (Links pages).
To all of you we owe a huge Thank You for your continued support and our very best wishes for the New Year.
©Eurodragster.com
Earlier news
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