European Drag Racing News

First, paperwork. Then race.
31st January: The follow up to the World Street Race is to take place at Miramichi Raceway in New Brunswick, Canada on 1st-3rd August this year. The first WSR took place in Louisiana in 2005 and the UK contingent swept all before them as Steve Pateman took the event win and organiser Andy Frost, Ian Hook, Jeff Meads and Steve took the Team Trophy. Andy Frost has been in touch to give us an insight into the logistics the three-car UK team is facing as they go back, in the words of WSR2 organiser Chris Biro, to see if they can win a second time around.

"At the time of writing only one of the team from 2005 will be doing battle, as the other three have a variety of commitments", says Andy. "The British team for this race at the moment consists of Jason Weir, Ian Jackson and myself. One of us has a proven seven-second car, and the other two have proven low eight-second cars, although Jason and Ian are stepping up their cars massively for this race! I don't plan to rest on my laurels and I will be unleashing the car's potential in testing before the trip."

Andy says that the logistics have changed almost beyond recognition since the first WSR. "Fuel costs and shipping costs have risen dramatically, mainly because of the rises in the price of oil and green taxes on travel .They've even changed from the middle of last year! A quote of £4000 for return travel for one truck and trailer has already turned into £5500. You may think that surely going by container would be cheaper? After getting through the last journey with our cars unscathed, this time we wouldn't want to risk cars we've had for years dropping one hundred feet off a ship on a Captain's whim! In fact all four of the British team marvelled at how the cars made it back in one piece in 2005.
©Eurodragster.com
"Unless any of you have done this before you cannot grasp how difficult it is travelling to North America with a vehicle of any sort, particularly if it has to come back. The paperwork involved is huge. For instance, you cannot take any goods through customs without a Carnet. This has to be done through a Chamber of Commerce, of which you need to be a member and of course for that you need to pay a membership fee. It is very complex for the uninitiated and only one thing in a long list of bureaucracy.

"Having said all that, plans are all well underway for the team members, and all of their cars are in the workshop being fettled for the new season. We know that a lot of fans have already booked their trip to Canada for the race, and we look forward to seeing them and as always thank them for their support."

If any company would like to support the UK team then details of the sponsorship package are available from Andy Frost at redvictor1@hotmail.com. Opportunities include live footage, DVD and web site hosting. Eurodragster.com has signed up as an associate sponsor of WSR2 and we will have more details about that soon.

You can find the WSR2 web site at www.cfscshootout.com.

Turbo v the Pumas.
31st January: UK Supertwin racer Ian Turburville tells us that he and his team have been working hard during the winter to get everything in place for 2008:

We have made no major changes to Mr Spokehead as we feel it didn't reach its full potential last year. The only visible changes are the removal of the nose fairing, the mounting of programmable gauges from Innovate, new heavy duty thermocouples from EGT and the fitting of a giant EKS Nitro Harley drive chain.

Steve Leedell will once again be Crew Chief and is raring to go. We have now got a proper race truck to work from, with a proper awning which will make life a lot easier and less stressful hopefully. This fantastic Pro-Awning was supplied by the fantastic people at Barkers Marquees whose price and service were just unbeatable. I know, I tried everywhere!

We also invested in a new Overkill motor which will be upgraded and fitted later. The present motor will then be refreshed and sold.
©Eurodragster.com
Hopefully we will have a bigger field in ACU Top Fuel Bike this year, although we expect to be the only V-Twin in the field again. We will struggle against the 200+ hp advantage of the blown Pumas, but we are up for the challenge. We will also be keeping an eye on former Crew Chief Brum as he makes his NAST début on Southern Rock II.

Our key team members in 2008 are Steve 'DD' Leedell, Custom Chrome Europe, Red Line Oil, Gates Belts, Arias Pistons, Timtime.co.uk, Rush Racing UK, Sprint Dampers, Fast Lane Racing (Canada), King Racing (UK), Innovate Dataloggers, Aasen Tuning (Norway), Exhaust Gas Technologies , I & S Logistics Ltd, and Deeside Automated Control Systems.

Sounds like a fun year to me, if it doesn't rain! See you at the track.

Swift snippets.
31st January: If you are attending this Saturday's joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation in Northampton then please note that the Club Championship presentations will take place before dinner, so please be in your seats by 6:30 pm. As presentations in some previous years have been marred by loud conversation it is also asked that courtesy is shown to Champions and runners-up, Perpetual Award winners, Hall of Fame inductees, MCs and everyone else in the room by keeping quiet during this Saturday's ceremonies or by leaving the room if you wish to talk.

Two tickets and a twin hotel room have become available for this weekend's APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance. The tickets are offered on the understanding that the meals have already been booked and cannot be changed, nor can the table on which you will be seated. If you would like to buy these tickets, which are £27 apiece, then please call Paula Marshall on 01933 313625.
©Eurodragster.com
The 2008 members of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame will be announced here on Eurodragster.com tomorrow (Friday).

Barry George would be pleased to hear from any Eurodragster.com reader with pictures, action or static, of his P100 pick-up in Street Eliminator in 2001. If you can help then please drop Barry a line at barry.george@sky.com.

Nigel Taylor tells us that Carolina Classics have now updated their web site at www.carolinaclassics.co.uk with newly-arrived vehicles and that the company are also offering 15% discount on all stocked items to Eurodragster.com readers: call their parts man Lee on 0845 602 5490 and mention Eurodragster.com. For all other enquires including vehicle sales and purchases, MoT, paint, welding, technical, servicing, exhausts, engines, transmissions, imports, monthly payment schemes on cars in for repair or vehicle purchases contact Nigel Taylor or Cliff Hepton on 01264 321170 and again mention Eurodragster.com.

2008 SFI Tour details.
30th January: Many thanks to SFI Foundation President Arnie Kuhns and Lars Pettersson of Svensk Dragracing for sending us the provisional details of this year's SFI re-certification tour:

Thursday 6th March Certifications between 09:00 and 14:00 at:

The Hockenheimring
Motodrom
68766 Hockenheim
Germany

If you intend to bring parts for certification at the Hockenheimring then please notify Gittli Koller at gittli@t-online.de.

Friday 7th March Certifications between 09:00 and 14:00 at:

Finnish Hot Rod Association
Tiilenvalajantie 6
02330 Espoo
Finland

Phone: 09 - 2515 250
©Eurodragster.com
Saturday 8th-Sunday 9th March Parts drop after 11:00 on Saturday, certifications between 12:00 and 16:00 on Saturday, and certifications between 11:00 and 14:00 on Sunday, at:

Persåkers Speed Shop
Solbergavägen 28
640 60 Åkers Styckebruk
Sweden

Phone: 0159 - 133 70

If you intend to bring or send parts for certification at Persåkers Speed Shop then please notify Rolf Lundberg at loffy@dragracing.se stating whether you are bringing or sending parts, what those parts are, and how many. Parts can be left at Persåkers Speed Shop before the inspection day.

Monday 10th March Certifications between 09:00 and 14:00 at:

The Media Centre
Santa Pod Raceway
Airfield Road
Podington
Northamptonshire
NN29 7XA
England

Phone: 01234 782828

Please note that these details are provisional although Arnie Kuhns tells us that it is only the arrangements for the German stop which may change; we shall of course bring you any updates we receive.

Stripped down...

30th January: Sandie Gibb has been in touch with the latest news of the restoration of the historic Stripteaser altered at Fester Race Cars:

The body has gone for prep and painting.after fitting to the chassis on 18th January. The body was rubbed down to reveal the Stripteaser paintwork so that the dimensions could be taken for the new paint. The body has also been altered to allow for the extra five inches required for the chassis to be a legal length.

The chassis is almost ready for the roll cage. The final welds have been done, the axle has been mounted, and all the little things are coming together so it's looking good. The engine is to be rebuilt in the next week or so.
©Eurodragster.com
Andrew has been having sponsorship discusions with both Tester Engineering and Castrol. We would like to say a big welcome and Thank You to both as our first sponsors for 2008 season. As many of you will be aware they were sponsors of the car many years ago so the logos on the car will still be there.

Our daughter Thaliah is following in our footsteps as she took Dad for his first passenger ride in her Tot Rod on Boxing Day...no prizes for guessing what she got for Christmas!

Swift snippets.

30th January: Paul Castle tells us that he has completed the fitting of a new lower front fairing to his Grandpa's Toy Supertwin (right, click on picture for another view) and that the bike is now in its new workshop, also known as Paul's front room. "Providing I can get a job and make some money, the plan is to run in the NAST series and hopefully at Drachten", says Paul.
©Eurodragster.com
Eurodragster.com Swap Meet sponsor Jeff Bull has been in touch to ask us to wish a very Happy Birthday with much love to his wife, Super Comp racer Belinda Bull. Our pleasure Jeff, have a great day Belinda.

Open Sport Nationals on TV.
30th January: Many thanks to our good friends Helen Todd and David Coleman of Powerpoint Communications for letting us know that their coverage of the 2007 Open Sport Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway is due to be broadcast as part of World Motorsports on Sky in the UK and Eire as follows:

Programme 1: Outlaw Flat Four; Top Fuel Bike; Street Eliminator
11th February 7:30 pm Sky Sports 3
12th February 1:00 am Sky Sports Xtra
12th February 10:00 am Sky Sports 2
12th February 2:30 pm Sky Sports 2
13th February 11:00 pm Sky Sports 1
©Eurodragster.com
Programme 2: Outlaw Anglia; Super Street Bike; selected finals of other classes
18th February 7:30 pm Sky Sports 2
18th February 11:30 pm Sky Sports 2
19th February 10:30 am Sky Sports 2
19th February 2:00 pm Sky Sports 3

As ever, keep an eye on the Electronic Programme Guide or listings magazines for details of last-minute schedule changes.

Don't forget that you can buy a great range of drag racing DVDs including Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association, Super Modified and Street Eliminator season reviews, and a lot more, at www.quartermilehigh.com.

Editor's note: Because of pressure of work in your News Editor's day job, we have a small backlog of news items which we shall publish tomorrow. Stay tuned for the latest on Ian Turburville's Supertwin plans, the logistics involved in taking Street Eliminator cars to the USA, and more, and please keep those news items coming to news@eurodragster.com.

Eriksson's McKinney deal.

29th January: ME Racing Service AB, the company owned by Swedish Pro Modified racer Mats Eriksson, has announced a deal to build McKinney Corp Top Fuel Dragsters and Fuel Funny Cars in Europe. Mats' son Lars-Göran Eriksson is currently working at McKinney Corp (right) to prepare for the upcoming new builds and updates.

"McKinney is a Top Fuel and Funny Car specialist based in Indiana", says Lars-Göran Eriksson. "Mats has had good connections with Murf for many years and is also on the SFI Top Fuel Comittee. After the accidents in the USA last year there are some new rules in Top Fuel and Fuel Funny Car. These new rules are going to start at the NHRA race in Atlanta this year and will take effect at the first race in Europe in 2009. At a time when many of the Top Fuel teams in Europe are going very fast and have to step up they want the newest and best chassis, so Mats and Murf have done a deal to build McKinney TopFuel Dragsters and Funny Cars in Europe.
©Eurodragster.com
"In the middle of January I flew to McKinney Corp to learn about building McKinneys cars in Sweden. I have been here for two weeks, and I will be here for another two weeks before Mats arrives and we go to the first NHRA race in Pomona. There is a lot of work to do at McKinney before the race in Pomona: new Top Fuellers and Funny Cars have to be built for NHRA and IHRA teams and there are a lot of updates on existing cars for the new SFI specs which European teams will also need to have before 2009. Some teams have already been in contact with Mats about the updates, so there is going to be a lot of work for ME Racing. I am here at McKinney Corp so that we are prepared.

"I would like to say Thank You to Speedglas for sending me a really good welding helmet, and of course a big thank you to Murf and his family and staff at McKinney Corp."

Swift snippets.

29th January: After all the spy pictures we've had this off-season we'd almost forgotten how to describe pictures which come with the owner's permission, but here is a first look at a rendering of Kenneth Lorentzon's Mongoose Performance Exhausts and Pennzoil-sponsored Fuel Funny car which will be driven this year by the UK's Gary Page. The design is the work of Chris Parker of Motorsport Marketing Solutions whom Gary has asked us to thank for a great job, together with his thanks to Richard Stirling for help with the design costs.

UK drag bike fans should go to Sky channel 279 for coverage of the 2007 AMA ProStar tour on X-League TV, writes Jerry Cookson. Action starts this week with the B&B Bikeweek Nationals held at Valdosta and runs right the way through to the McKinney Motorsports National Finals at Gainesville. Start times vary between 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm weekdays and weekend afternoons, and 1.00am to 6.00am in the early hours with segments shared with late model Nascar, Sprint Cars, Motorcycle Hillclimbs and Motorcycle Ice Racing. As ever, keep an eye on Electronic Programme Guides or listings for schedule updates.

Making a return to NAST Supertwin Fuel in 2008 is Southern Rock 2 now in the hands of Brum. "We hope to licence at Easter then enter the six NAST rounds with the help of turboville.com, Creative Beast Design Consultants, the Pit Stop Restaurant at Santa Pod, Skin Graffiti Tattoo Studio Corby, Tattoo Inc Kettering, Bikes and Trikes Peterborough, PJM Precision Engineering, Gates, Red Line Oil, Sprint Dampers and the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Northants", says Brum. A web site is forthcoming.
©Eurodragster.com
Ken Cooper would be pleased to hear from anyone with a spare ticket for this Saturday's joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation. If you can help then please get in touch with Ken at ken.cooper@chiswickhonda.com.

After the Oval Expo Show in Essex last week, Shakespeare County Raceway was on the road again last Sunday at the Stafford Show Ground for the British Mini Club's Mini Fair Show. Flyers advertising the British Mini Showdown at SCR on 12th-13th July at SCR were handed out as enthusiasts viewed the stand's central feature, Craig Dickinson's Mini Techniques 1966 Mini Cooper, a fine example of craftsmanship which was raced ten years ago by Bill Richards and track tested by Mini legend Bill Solis who described it as "A race car with a tax disc".

Editor's note: Tog would like to thank Roger, Simon and Kirstie and those friends who have supported him over the last week. You know who you are, you know what we're talking about, and hopefully you know just how much your help is appreciated.

Web site updates.

29th January: Eurodragster.com Reserve Photographer Peter Donaldson has updated his Fotopic gallery with shots from Sunday's Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. "Watch out for the chopper pictures" says Peter, not necessarily addressing just the devotees of Carry On films. You can check out Peter's RWYB shots at peterdonaldson5305.fotopic.net.
©Eurodragster.com
Richard Stirling has updated his Topnitro fan site with reports and high-resolution pictures from last September's FIA European Finals and promises a steady stream of updates in the weeks to come. You can take a look at www.topnitro.co.uk.

A Moore sedate ride.

28th January: The UK's Roger and Dave Moore are set to make a welcome return to the track in 2008 in a nitrous Viper Pro Mod which has been two years in the making. Roger told Eurodragster.com that he fancied a more sedate drive after the brothers' infamous seven-second Herald which famously flattened Santa Pod Raceway's Christmas Tree.

"The glass fibre body was brought over from the States and is a copy from Billy Harper's 2000 Dodge Viper but with an aerofoil rather than a deck", said Roger. "The 706 ci engine is from BA Racing and is the last nitrous set-up which Bert Englefield and Andy Wright ran before they went over to a blown-alcohol engine. Andy Robinson built a bare rolling chassis, trying to keep the weight right down to the minimum allowed for a nitrous car - there are a lot less tubes than they put in a blown car. The chassis was finished in September 2006 and the car returned to my garage. At that time I was hoping to catch the end of the 2007 season, but as any one who has built this type of car knows there was a lot more work to do than I had time for. If only I didn't have to go to work!
©Eurodragster.com
"The four-speed Lenco transmission and twin plate Ram clutch come from the old Herald which Dave and I raced for many years. The Herald has been sold and I hope to see it back on the track soon. We ran a best time of 7.87/170 with the Herald which I think was a big achievement with the engine and size of car, and we had a brilliant time in Super Pro ET. But as I am well over forty now I decided to go for something more sedate with a longer wheelbase, and to run in the six-second bracket If the new car is half as much fun as the old one I will be really pleased, but it has a hard act to follow!

"Brother Dave will be helping out as normal but we could do with some more crew, especially someone in the Essex area to help with loading etc. The paint / vinyl scheme is undecided at present, but some Lamborghini orange, as on the Herald, will probably be on it some form. If any one has some ideas or designs which they think might suit, I would be glad to see them. Thanks to Shakespeare Engineering and Challenger Solutions for their continued support, as the new car could not have been built without them."

White and the floppy Pro Mod.
28th January: Also on the subject of Pro Modified, we start this news item with a poser: what is the similarity between the two pictures below?

The answer: both show a Zephyr Pro Mod. On the left is Ray White's original Zephyr body in its final moments, ending its days accompanied only by an old washing machine and a Vauxhall. On the right is Ray's blown-alcohol Pro Mod clad in its new bodywork from Absolute Mouldings.
©Eurodragster.com
"We cut the body off to save the carbon tubs, as the body was moulded to them", Ray told Eurodragster.com. "I always wondered how strong the roof was so I took the chance to find out. I won't be trying that trick with the new body, I'd end up sitting in the driver's seat. It was a bit sad for my old mate to end up like this. We have been together for thirty years and I was a bit choked up about it (Ray White, you big softie - Ed). Rest in peace old girl.

"If you look at the picture of the body out of mould you can see a front wheel. It's actually a Mini: the body was so floppy that they need something to keep it stiff so that they could prep it. The body came back from Absolute Mouldings ready for paint - not many companies will do this for you."

The spies surface again.
28th January: Over the weekend we received a brace of spy pictures although with minimal details:

The picture at left came with the words "It's not an easy one to get, but it is possible!" whilst the picture at right shows "An injector hat and crash helmet newly painted to match a car which is having a facelift and an engine transplant for 2008".
©Eurodragster.com
As ever, if you know any more, or if you would like to send any spy pictures of your own, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.

Wright wins Debbie's trophy.

28th January: As well as his Championship trophy, 2007 UK Outlaw Anglia Champion Paul Wright was also awarded with the Debbie Hancox Memorial Trophy at last week's Outlaw Anglia Presentation Night.
©Eurodragster.com
"Voting for Debbie's trophy is done amongst the Outlaw Anglia teams and the trophy can be awarded to drivers or crew", says Bob Hancox. "Paul is the second winner of the trophy; Simon Barlow was the first. Debbie's trophy means a lot to Carole and I, and it is so nice to present it to the winner.

"It was a very good night with good company, good food and at a good venue and we would like to say thanks to those who organised it. Carole and I would also like to thank everyone for their help and support in our troubled time."

Swift snippets.
28th January: Herman Zijlstra tells us that the Netherlands' eXplosion Club have have established a clear timeframe to complete the several steps to make everything come together for races at Drachten this year. "If Drachten Airfield confirm their approval of using the facility, and if eXplosion wrap up all the paperwork, then by February everything will be set in motion to transform a little piece of Drachten airfield into a drag strip", says Herman.
©Eurodragster.com
Jon and James Herbert.
27th January: We were shocked to hear of the deaths yesterday of Jon and James Herbert, sons of US Top Fuel Dragster racer and Eurodragster.com interviewee Doug Herbert. Jon and James lost their lives in a road accident at the ages of seventeen and twelve.

"Doug has connections with quite a few UK racers", says Wayne Nicholson. "I have met him a couple of times and I can only say what a great guy he is. Nobody deserves news like this. God bless you Doug."

To Wayne's words we can only add our very deepest sympathy to Doug, to Jon and James' mother Sonnie, to Jon and James' sister Jessie, and to their family and friends.

If you would like to send a message of condolence or a tribute then please send it to eurodragster.com@btinternet.com and we will set up a condolence page very shortly.

Feature: Vroom with a view.
26th January: The latest in our occasional series of Features in association with John Woolfe Racing is written by longtime drag racing fan Colin Roaf who together with daughter Grace is an enthusiastic supporter of Eurodragster.com. In September 2007 Colin took up an offer from UK Pro ET racers Carla Pittau and Rick McCann of a passenger ride in their Small Block-powered Heaven and Hell Camaro at the FIA European Finals Press Day at Santa Pod Raceway, and he has written a Feature recounting his experiences.
©Eurodragster.com
If you would like to how it feels for a fan on the Bank to be taken for a ten-second passenger ride then you can check out Colin's account by clicking here, or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Swift snippets.
26th January: Santa Pod Raceway would be pleased to hear from racers interested in making demonstration passes at their Stunt Night on Friday 15th February. The track will be open between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm, weather permitting. This event was a huge success last year with a big crowd and a track which held a fair bit even in unfavourable conditions. If you are interested in appearing then please contact Darren Prentice at darren@santapod.com or call him on 01234 782828.
©Eurodragster.com
Following several years resisting encouragement from grateful sellers we are considering adding a voluntary donation facility to our Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet. We would appreciate readers' opinions on this, especially if you are a regular user of the Swap Meet. Please send comments to feedback@eurodragster.com. In the interests of stopping rumours before they start, we must stress that even if we should go ahead with this idea - and it is only an idea - donations to Eurodragster.com will be voluntary, and it will always be free to place advertisements on the Swap Meet.

SFI certification reminder.
25th January: With the SFI Tour approaching, Geoff Martin of the UK Tech Crew has been in touch with a notice for Sportsman racers:

I would ask all Sportsman racers who run a flywheel and clutch set-up to check the certification dates on that equipment. Some of the certification periods are between five and ten years and tend to be forgotten about. The Tech Team and scrutineers will check your paperwork this season so it needs to be in order.
©Eurodragster.com
The UK SFI Day takes place on Monday 10th March in the Media Centre at Santa Pod Raceway.

If you have any queries then you can contact Geoff at chassis1@onetel.com.

The word from Söderquist.
25th January: Knut Söderquist has been in touch with an extensive update from the workshops of his Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster and Fuel Funny Car team:

It has been a very interesting off-season for me. I have sold two of my Top Fuel chassis as they are getting old and not really up to date with the new rules which are coming up this year and again next year when all the cars in Europe will need to have major changes made. I have already called Mats Eriksson and told him that at the end of this season my Top Fuel car will be in his workshop for a new back half. The car which he built for me in 2006 has the latest tubes and they are heat-treated but the tube sizes are not right for 2009.

There has been a long wait for news about the new chassis rules for Funny Cars as a lot of testing has been done in the USA after the accident with John Force's car which broke in half. As it stands, every nitro car in Europe will be OK for 2008 but none of them will be OK for 2009. It will be interesting to see what decisions will be made by the owners of nitro cars here in Europe. On my own Funny Car I am having the updates recommended by chassis builders in the USA and also having spoken to Mats and checking with him what he thinks are the most important things to do. If you winder why the cars are breaking in half, it is because the current rear tyres are so strong that when they puncture they don't break up as they did before, now they stay on the rim and the vibration is so enormous that the car breaks. Top Fuel cars have the same problem.

This weekend I will receive my newly-bought Dodge Stratus body which will be fitted to the Pleuger chassis which Patrik Pers drove last year. So the Camaro will be the spare body for that car. I am also planning to give the car a name so that when we are running the Funny Car Series this year it wil be easier for the crowd to remember the car. Personally I am against names for cars because what you really want is a sponsor's name on the side. But the car will be called Tre Kronor which was the name of the first Funny Car I bought which Harlan Thompson drove for me. I used that name because at the time I was living in New Jersey and the Americans really liked the name. I will carry on with the same colours on the car.
©Eurodragster.com
It is expensive for us because we travel from Sweden to England to race twice a year and we have been travelling with DFDS Tor Line who have given us a special deal for years. We still have a deal this year but it is fifty per cent more than last year. We can of course drive to Dover, it is only 1000 km, then take the ferry and drive up to the track. We get £250 travel money, but it has been the same amount for years as has the FIA prize money. I thought a couple of years ago that the prize money might increase with inflation, which is a small amount, but it hasn't happened.

CBD's injector department has been busy this winter with a different kind of injector. This is totally different to anything I made earlier, a two-hole injector I made for John Force Racing, and a lot of teams are interested. Most of the work is done inside the injector with different dividers and smooth surfaces. Right now I have a special injector almost finished for a European Top Methanol team. It has much bigger blades than before and it will be interesting to see if it does the job. I am also in the process of making a tall two-hole injector. It will be similar to the injector I supplied to the Force team, designed so the neck of the injector is the same shape as the intake hole in the blower. I am planning to have this injector ready at the end of February and use it at the FIA Main Event. This injector also has a unique way of opening as the blades will open in reverse. This is an idea which Alan Jackson had a couple of years ago but at that moment we were trying to run blades with a lot of angle and we had so many problems that the whole idea went in the dustbin. But this is what I like about Alan, he is always thinking of new ideas for the car rather than calling all around America to see what they are doing.

In 2008 Alan will be tuning for Micke Kågered and Derek Flynn. I see this as a great advantage as two cars give you more information than one. The set-ups on the two cars will be totally different; before now we have run cars with almost the same set-up but everyone knows that even if the set-up is the same each car is different.

Derek is busy getting an army of crew members together, he knows that the racing will be serious and I can see that the people he has working with him this year have a lot of experience and have been around nitro cars for a long time. I am really looking forward to playing my part and I don't see any reason why we can't pull a surprise out of the hat. Flynn, your ponytail is going to hell after your first four-second run and I have a feeling that it will be sooner than later. It's time to look like an adult. And I read what Andy Carter said, I know that Andy always works very hard but "Most professional team in Europe", those are big words, you'd better take a look at what Micke Kågered has been doing for years and his whole set-up. You have a few miles to go to get into the number one spot but I know you are trying as you always do.

As regards the Funny Car Series, I will have some news very soon as I am now getting the positive answers which I have been looking for. For example I have been to Bangkok Drag Strip in Thailand, it is a nice track with a concrete launch pad but a little narrow although it has guardrails and a 460 metre shutoff area. They always get a huge crowd, fifteen thousand people for their five big events a year. They want me to bring two cars to start with and that will happen at the end of this year hopefully in connection with races in Bahrain and Dubai. If you have never been to Thailand it is the most fantastic country on the planet: friendly people, great food, the weather is always beautiful. I can't wait to go back. I just got married to a Thai girl (Congratulations - Ed) so life is great.

On the Rampage in the Shade.
25th January: Dave Ward Motorsport and the UK's Rampage Super Pro ET Funny Car team are pleased to announce the backing of Portable Shade for the 2008 season.

"We are delighted to welcome Portable Shade on board", says Dave Ward. "We will be using their product to keep the Funny Car and the team cool and dry at the this year's races. Portable Shade's unique construction makes it the most compact sunshine shelter per square metre."
©Eurodragster.com
You can view an extensive range of awnings and motorsport products on Portable Shade's web site at www.portable-shade.co.uk, and you will also be able to find out more at the races starting with the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway on 21st-24th March.

Swift snippets.
25th January: Thanks to Andy Marrs for letting us know that tonight's Anglia News, to be broadcast in the Anglia ITV region at 6:00 pm, includes a rescheduled (from last night) feature about the famous "Orange" car owned by the Quaife family, who are involved with the track crew at Santa Pod Raceway.
©Eurodragster.com
Flying the flag on the oval.

25th January: Paul Marston has been in touch to let us know how last weekend's drag racing display went at the Oval Expo at Arena Essex Raceway:

The Oval Expo was held on Saturday and Sunday with the drag racing demo on track on Sunday. The weather gods looked down very kindly at Arena Essex Raceway, as not only was it nice and mild but the predicted three-day downpour conveniently missed us altogether and we enjoyed dry weather just about all weekend.

The exhibit marquee hosted our static drag racing display, the main feature being the Hell's Belle Wild Bunch altered very kindly supplied by Helen and Dean Smythe. The display also had drag racing videos, and event calendars and flyers for both Shakespeare County Raceway and Santa Pod Raceway. The stand was kept busy for the duration of the show.

Meanwhile the track played host to Roger Cassidy who performed rolling burnouts galore with his beautiful Big Block-powered Camaro (right), showing that going straight for a quarter mile and not having to tackle four corners in the process does have its advantages and attractions! I commentated and the reception was warm and appreciative. Motorshack were there to support us, as was Shakespeare County Raceway's Jerry Cookson who shared some of his stories from his involvement in Short Oval Racing, which had us in stitches! Funny Car shoe-to-be Paul Knight also came down to support the show, answering questions and sharing his knowledge.
©Eurodragster.com
The Oval Racing Expo itself was brimming with a bumper race car entry and spectator attendance, and was the most successful show to date. The organisers have already invited Paul Marston Racing to host a stand again for 2009 as they were very pleased with the response and interest added by the drag racing part of the show.

Special thanks to Helen and Dean Smythe for bringing their altered at short notice. Helen missed out on the 2007 season due to a painful and persistent wrist injury but hopefully the exporative surgery will sort out the problem and we will once again be able to enjoy the Belle back on the track where she belongs. Thanks also to number one entertainer Roger Cassidy who put on a great show for us all and did drag racing proud. Thanks to Darren Prentice of Santa Pod Raceway for the promotional materials, to Jerry Cookson of Shakespeare County Raceway for supplying promotional displays, calendars, and promotional materials, to Steve of Motorshack for supporting the event, to Paul Knight for supporting the event with his presence, and last but not least everyone who visited us over the two days and the promoters of the 2008 Oval Expo for their hospitality.

Pictures courtesy and ©Dave Derry

Latest Santa Pod offers.
25th January: Santa Pod Raceway hosts another Run What You Brung this Sunday (27th). Last week the RWYB season got off to a great start: most who signed on averaged over a dozen runs each when Santa Pod remained dry all day despite the weather forecasters' prediction of rain. New for 2008 is the opportunity of a free sign-on: pick up your RWYB Loyalty Card from the signing-on office, sign on at four RWYBs throughout the year, then sign-on is free at your fifth RWYB. Gates open at 8:00 am on Sunday; entry is £10 per person, under 13s free, and sign on is £20 for unlimited runs on the prepped track. Remember to bring your driving licence to sign on. More details at www.rwyb.com.
©Eurodragster.com
With the Easter Thunderball drawing ever nearer you still have time to book the thrill and adrenalin rush of a ride in Santa Pod's Two Seat Dragster for £499 including VAT. To book, or for more information, contact Darren at darren@santapod.com or call him on 01234 782828.

If going from 0-170 mph in seven seconds sounds good then a great deal is available to combine a Two Seat Dragster ride with a day in hospitality. For £79.00 plus VAT (under 12s half price) you will receive admission to the event, access to the start line VIP balcony, refreshments throughout the day, buffet lunch, VIP toilets; VIP parking and shuttle bus service; souvenir of the day; and complimentary ear plugs and programme. If you purchase a minimum of two VIP tickets then you can buy a ride in the Two Seat Dragster for £250. To book, or for more information, contact Kelly at kelly@santapod.com or call her on 01234 782828.

Francis renews Toyo deal.

24th January: UK Super Comp and Super Gas racer Malcolm Francis of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Air Sea Logistics is pleased to announce continued associate sponsorship in 2008 from Toyo Tyres.
©Eurodragster.com
"I am absolutely delighted that Toyo Tyres have renewed their support with us in 2008", says Malcolm. "Toyo manufacture the dedicated Toyo DRR1 drag race slick which has become popular with Super class and bracket racers for their consistency on a variety of track surfaces, temperatures and conditions.

"I would like to thank Nick Manning, Marketing Manager of Toyo Tyres UK and Alan Meaker, Technical and Motorsport Manager for Toyo Tyres UK for their continued support and assistance they provide us".

Swift snippets.
24th January: The UK's National Association of Supertwins have returned to a "Five best of six rounds" Championship format for 2008 after an extra round was agreed at Shakespeare County Raceway in mid-April. You can check out the NAST calendar on the class' official web site at www.supertwins.co.uk.

The entry forms for the additional NAST and Junior Drag Bike rounds at Shakespeare County Raceway on 19th-20th April are now available via the Downloads link of the track's web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk.

If you are aged between 8 and 17 and want to try out a Junior Dragster then you can hire one of Santa Pod Raceway's Junior Dragsters at any Run What You Brung with expert tuition from Steve and Matthew Seamarks of Gingerman Racing. The fee for a single day RWYB is £139 which includes all equipment and attire, admission, sign on fee and tuition. Available early dates are 27th January, 10th February, 17th February, 12th March, 8th March and 15th March. Other dates are available throughout the year to suit birthdays or when parents are testing their own driving skills at a Run What You Brung! To book a day, or for more information, check out the Dragster Rides section at www.santapod.com or E-Mail charlie@santapod.com.

UK Pro ET racer Marius Blackburn tells us that he will be writing the Pro ET programme notes for the Easter Thunderball event programme but that he needs input from his fellow Pro ET racers. "If you've got news, information or maybe even a new sponsor you'd like the world to know about, let me know and I'll do what I can for you", says Marius. "There is no time to waste so drop me a line at mariusb@fsmail.net. We are Pro ET...let everyone know we're here."

Jeanette and Shelby Webster have been in touch to ask us to say a big Happy Birthday to Jon Webster and Graham Rice of joint Eurodragster.com webcam sponsor Webster Race Engineering. Sure thing girls, hope you have a great day John and Graham.

Editor's note: The promised news item from Knut Söderquist is in mid-edit and will be posted on tomorrow's news update.

See ARRC for PAC.

24th January: Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Andy Robinson Race Cars have become UK agents for PAC Springs, the prestigious US supplier of suspension and valve springs for both street and racing applications. ARRC became UK agents for PAC valve springs after using them exclusively in the ARRC Pro Mod Studebaker during the 2007 season with no failures or degradation. Many top US Drag Racing teams are regular users of PAC springs, particularly in the Pro Stock class but also in Fuel and Alcohol classes.

The springs are available in dual or triple configurations in a wide variety of sizes and spring rates to suit most applications. The quality of the PAC product is based on their TechCenter, an advanced technical resource with facilities located in-house which include 3D Solid Modelling, Motion Analysis and Finite Element Analysis, X-Ray Residual Stress Analysis, Material Testing, Scanning Electron Microscope with EDAX, Strain Gauge Capability, Durability Laboratory and Engine Test Facility.

If you're interested in installing a set of these springs in your engine, or just want more information, then contact Andy Robinson Race Cars on 01256 880589 or E-Mail robinson-racecar@yahoo.co.uk. ARRC's prices are competitive and they can offer discounts for customers and engine builders ordering multiple sets.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
24th January: Sue Whyte of drag racing sponsor Motorshack has updated her Fotopic site with several galleries of floozie shots from Autosport International plus a gallery of cars which were there if you looked for them. As ever, Sue's particular skill for people shots shines through and the galleries are well worth a look at suewhyte.fotopic.net.
©Eurodragster.com
Fifty days and counting!
23rd January: With around fifty days to go before his planned Top Fuel Dragster début at Santa Pod Raceway, things are really coming together for Derek Flynn of Eurodragster.com News sponsor Gold RV. "My dream should soon become a reality, providing the weather gods are with us and especially as Easter is so early this year", says Derek.

"Knut Söderquist (Car owner from whom more on Friday - Ed) has already completed most of the chassis updates and moved the pedals and steering wheel to suit me, the car is booked to be re-tagged before the end of the month and is then due to arrive at our workshops by the end of February.

"I would like to take this opportunity to welcome some new team members to the Go Gold Crew. First and foremost we have welcome a new Crew Chief for this year: Ian Pellant, who is really looking forward to leading our team and passing on his years of Fuel experience to the rest of us. Also joining us with Fuel experience are Laurie Bamford and Scotch Rob (Inglis - Ed). Welcome guys, I feel a lot happier that we have your expertise within the team and I am sure we will run all the better for it! Also helping us out for this year is Lee Johnstone of J&W Automotive; whilst he is not new to the team as he has helped us out on occasion when we have nicked him from Bob Glassup's NFAA team. Lee has always had an ambition to work with a Fuel team and with his thirty years in racing we are pleased to have his experience too, and thanks to Bob for loaning him to us.
©Eurodragster.com
"Whilst he is not new to the team, John Foster has been our clutch man in waiting for a while now and has always moaned about our Yoghurt Pot (Bruno/torque converter) and has really been missing burning his fingers and getting totally black. So there you go John, the Yoghurt Pot gone and so has the gearbox, fill your boots mate, the hot, dirty black thing is at the back there. The rest of the guys say it is all yours and your licence to go past the motor plate has been officially revoked. King Knut also brings a wealth of knowledge (and parts) to the team as well as Alan Jackson who will be tuning the car. We are delighted to have the opportunity to be working with them both. On truck duties is Mark Bodimeade (aka Animal) who will be driving the rig.

"I would like to thank every one on the crew, past and present, for their dedication, help and support. Without you guys and gals none of this would be possible. With the team looking this strong I am determined to raise my game too. For all those ponytail choppers out there, all bets are officially off for the Five, although I may take charity bids for the Four!"

Street Eliminator plus two.
23rd January: The UK's Street Eliminator racers will be taking the sport to a couple of new audiences at Santa Pod Raceway this season after the Class organisers arranged exhibition dates at the UK Truck Show in June and Street Nationals in July. The exhibition dates add to a busy schedule of seven Championship rounds in 2008 for Europe's quickest and fastest street-legal class:

21st-24th March: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
25th-27th April: Big Bang, Santa Pod Raceway
3rd-5th May: Spring Speed Festival, Shakespeare County Raceway
14th-15th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
28th-29th June: UK Truck Show (Exhibition)
12th-13th July: Street Nationals (Exhibition)
18th-20th July: Bug Jam, Santa Pod Raceway
23rd-25th August: Open Sport Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
27th-28th September: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
©Eurodragster.com
If you are interested in running in Street Eliminator this season, or for information about the class, contact Secretary Ann-Marie Lazenby at lazenbyam@sky.com or check out the official SE web site at www.streeteliminator.co.uk. SE racers are also asked to contact Ann-Marie if they are interested in running at the UK Truck Show or Street Nationals.

A makeover for Tiki.
23rd January: The UK's Team Tiki Munki had a great season in 2007, driver Gina Rumble's first competitive season, says Scottie Durrant. The £500 altered made over one hundred runs at Shakespeare County, Santa Pod and York Raceways, Gina came seventh of thirty in the Wild Bunch Series, recorded bests of 13.5/98, and won the Wild Bunch Best Newcomer Award.

"We are having a little makeover", says Scottie. "We'll check over the Pinto motor, we have a new flywheel and clutch, a set of Weber Twin 40s, rear wheels with new slicks when we get them and a new "Old'n'wild" body! We are a month behind as I had a little accident with my fingers on our truck. I spent most of December visiting Wrexham Park Hospital for dressings but I'm back to work now.
©Eurodragster.com
"Support for this season comes from What Katie Did and Tat 2-u, who opened their new bigger tattoo studio on Monday. Tat 2-u are now at 10-11 Union Street, Reading RG1 1EU: for more information check out their web site www.tat2-u.com. Support also comes from my new company Scottie Maintenance based in Reading. We do welding repairs, vehicle transportation - moving your projects, chassis and large items - jobs around the home and garden. Give me a ring on 07788 455385 or contact me via the Wild Bunch web site. Watch out for their logos on the Tiki this season.

"We would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped us. We are looking forward to racing and crewing with the Wild Bunch in 2008. Good luck everyone."

UK entry forms available.
22nd January: Thanks to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for letting us know that the Easter Thunderball entry form is now available via the Entry Forms link of the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. The closing date for the Easter Thunderball is 22nd February. Entry forms for other permit events will be posted shortly.
©Eurodragster.com
Thanks also to Shakespeare County Raceway Marketing Manager Jerry Cookson for letting us know that the entry form for the Springspeed Festival is now available via the Downloads link of the track's web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk.

Risdal returns at the Top.
22nd January: Former Comp Eliminator racer, Norway's Torstein Risdal, is set to step up after an eleven-year absence from the sport. The former Swedish Comp Eliminator Champion, and still European A/D record holder at 6.83, will be making his competitive Top Fuel Dragster début at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway in the Rune Fjeld Motorsport dragster vacated by Thomas Nataas.

Torstein told Eurodragster.com that he had various plans when it was time to return to racing, but that what made the most sense was to team up with Rune Fjeld: his first drive in any race car since 1997 was his set of licencing passes at Gardermoen last year.

"It felt exactly as I had dreamt", said Torstein. "The first run to sixty feet didn't actually feel that different from the A Dragster, but the second and third runs felt very good. I had some tyre shake on the second run and that was very unpleasant. The third run was a lot quicker than I thought. I lifted earlier than I had planned because I couldn't find the parachute levers. But I do feel comfortable in the car."
©Eurodragster.com
Torstein lives in Skåbu, Norway's highest village at 960 metres above sea level, and runs a tyre company and housing contractor. At present he is without sponsorship but negotiations are underway as he plans to run the FIA Tour in 2008 after using the Easter Thunderball as a "warm-up". We understand that Torstein's team will be made up of many familiar faces from the Norwegian nitro scene, from both cars and bikes, with a wealth of knowledge between them.

Editor's note: Thanks to Christer Abrahamson for his help with this news item.

Carey's busy off-season.

22nd January: UK Top Fuel Bike racer Steve Carey ended 2007 well, winning his third Santa Pod Racers Club Top Fuel Bike Championship since 2003, finishing up runner-up in both the ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Championship and the APIRA Top Fuel Bike Championship, and ending tenth in the FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike Championship even though he only contested the two rounds at Santa Pod Raceway. Steve also clocked new Personal Bests of 6.670 and 203 mph but the Puma-powered bike has become a bit more of a handful and Steve and the team are making changes over this off-season:

We had been thinking about changes, but the last qualifying run at the National Finals made the choice for us. The bike has always been interesting to ride, to say the least. I've often watched Steve Woollatt go off down the track, doing another dead straight run, then followed him down doing about twice the distance as my bike does its usual fishtailing demonstration. People have often said how wild the runs looked, but being on it didn't feel too bad. However having seen the Shakespeare County Raceway DVD and some footage from then Bulldog Bash, I can see why people are worried!

At the UK National Finals the bike was having a particulary lively weekend, and it felt like it wanted to throw me off. We really appreciate the concerns for my safety expressed by other racers and track crew as it went over at forty five degrees at around 170 mph. After that ride the decision was made to make some changes. Luckily, the two elimination rounds both ended up as bye runs and I could take it easy, doing some bracket bike racing with two runs of identical times.

We had fun racing in 2007, and enjoyed racing Turbo on many occasions. I don't think its a case of improving reaction times, I just think I ought to actually get one to start with - it's getting a bit close playing catch-up at the end of the track!

So to the changes. The front end was cut off, and a new front end made and welded on by Bob. The steering head angle is now forty five degrees instead of thirty five degrees. The bike will sit lower now, and the 'camel hump' has gone from above the supercharger as the top frame tubes are now straight. We have added in several bits of tube to add strength where the frame looked weak and could flex. The rear end has also been altered: the original rear wheel spindle supports have been cut off, and Ken has been busy making some new aluminium blocks to support the rear wheel spindle. We have a new (to us) PM rear wheel from Ton and Vincent Pels whick looks good and which will be stronger than the old centre drive wheel. This will be fitted with a new ISR brake disc from P3. The magnetos have been back to Mallorys for a refresh.

There is a lot more work to do yet. We are going to use an Innovate datalogger this season, so that all has to be mounted somewhere. Ian Jenner at Hastings Sheet Metal Works is making new bodywork for the top tubes. Once all the various brackets are welded on, then the frame will be painted. So there's not much to do before Easter!

This is a good opportunity to say thanks to Paul Webster for all his help over the last couple of years and to wish him well for the future. Paul's help has been very much appreciated. Thanks also go to Ken for all his work as crew man, and also for his efforts and work in making the changes for this year. I would also like to welcome Bob Lovett as a crew member for this year. Bob has been helping us out for many years, and has been invaluable with his welding skills. I hope he enjoys his time at the track with a Top Fuel Bike. Special thanks also go to Annette for all her support.
©Eurodragster.com
Thanks also have to go to John Torring, for his support and helping out with oil, Colin Wells for paintwork, Glen at Graham Goode Motorsports for help with the Innovate datalogger, Rich at P3 for the ISR brake disc, Neil Patterson at Pace Products, Charley at Phoenix Motorcycles Bexhill, The two Steves at Weruwise Doors and Windows Bexhill, Ray Nicolnson of NGK, Malcolm and Perry at Rossetts Commercials Eastbourne, Rother Triumph Owners, Adam and Liam at Earls Performance Products, Antony Billinton at G Max Fuels, Bert Hopkinson and Pete Davies for their advice and guidance, Laurie Dunlap of Web Cam USA, Andrew from G&S Valves, Arias Pistons, and Avon Cooper Tyres for helping with the Mickey Thompson tyre.

Thanks also go Eurodragster for the write-ups and encouragement (Thanks, you're welcome - Ed), and to Ivan, Rose, Tim and everybody else who takes the photos: these often prove useful to look at, along with also being able to compare how the bike looked on the track against others. I also want to say thanks to everyone who supports us and comes to say hello at the race meetings.

I'd like to wish Dave Newbery good luck for the coming season with his Top Fuel Bike, it will be good to see all his hard work and efforts being put to good use, and I hope he has as much fun and enjoyment from it as we have had. Good luck Dave.

I am still in contact with Roald Dogge, and he follows the bike's progress on Eurodragster. Roald is currently working in China, but still plays with nitro, although now it is with radio controlled planes.

To finish on a different note, we have been asked to help out with a talk on drag racing later in the year. The talk will be on the evening of Thursday 26th June and is for the Institute of Motor Industry and the Institute of Road Transport Engineers at Northbrook Technical College on Shoreham Airport. The college has started running a Motorsports course, so it would be good to try to get something about drag racing into future courses. Darren Prentice of Santa Pod Raceway has agreed to help out by talking about the track and track prep, and Gary Jones will also be helping out by showing and talking about the Jones and Friend bike. We may also need some other help, so watch this space for pleas of help.

Swift snippets.
22nd January: The German leg of the SFI Tour will take place at or near Hockenheim on Thursday 6th March. Gittli Koller asks that racers with parts to be recertified at the German date contact her at gittli@t-online.de so that the inspection team know how many pieces to expect. Gittli says that when she has more details she will E-Mail racers directly.
©Eurodragster.com

The latest spy picture to reach the offices of Eurodragster.com shows a Doorslammer and to our inexpert eye could be anything. Our mole says the aim is to run the car at the FIA Main Event. If you know any more, or if you would like to send any spy pictures of your own, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.

UK Pro ET Sponsorship Scheme Co-ordinator Carl Burton has asked us to remind racers wanting hero cards from sponsor Inkwell Printing that it is an early Easter this year. You can contact Inkwell Printing via the Pro ET web site at www.pro-et.co.uk.

Carter seeks team member.
22nd January: The Lucas Oil / Carter Motorsport / Andersen Racing Top Fuel Drag Racing Team require a new crew member to join their hospitality team for the 2008 season.

The main duties at our three UK racing events in 2008 will be looking after guests, helping with merchandise sales, assisting in setting up and taking down before and after the events plus other tasks that need attending to during a race meeting. The team will also be attending ten show events during the season as part of their Lucas Oil promotional tour: crew members are expected to attend most of these shows.

The team are looking for a reliable, committed team player who is able to think for themselves and is ready for long days. In return you will be part of one of the most professional teams in European Top Fuel racing, a team whose main aim in 2008 is to win the FIA European Championship.

You should have a clean and tidy appearance, and a non-smoker and non-drinker is preferred. As most events and shows will be at Santa Pod Raceway, being located within easy driving distance would be an advantage.

If you think you have what it takes to join the team then please send your CV to phil@andycarter.net or call Phil Cottingham on 01536 511123 (daytime).
©Eurodragster.com
What a show!
22nd January: Darren Prentice has been in touch on behalf of Santa Pod Raceway to thank the teams who promoted drag racing in the Live Action Arena at Autosport International.

"A big thank you to Joe and Peter Kellett and family, Matthew and Steve Seamarks and family, Andy Frost and crew, Andy Robinson, Tom and Luke of Andy Robinson Race Cars, Conrad Stanley, Trevor Graves and the crew of Panther Racing, and thank you also to Wayne Corbitt of Panther Racing who was especially helpful in the Santa Pod graphics on the beautiful Panther racing Pontiac Firebird", says Darren.
©Eurodragster.com
"All of the teams gave up their time from the Wednesday before the show right through to the Sunday afternoon, putting on thirteen long rolling burnout demonstrations over the four days and doing it in very unfamiliar conditions. They did one burnout on Thursday and two on Friday, but Saturday and Sunday consisted of five shows a day with just over 1½ to turn the car around. I know that on a couple of occasions Andy Robinson had clutch problems on the Pro Mod but the team didn't disappoint and made the show nevertheless.

"In front of at least 5000 people per show, everyone put did a superb job of portraying how alive and strong British drag racing really is. When the public left the Live Action Arena all the chatter was about the drag racing part of the show. It was a first for drag racing and a first in the Live Action Arena. The show organisers were delighted so who knows, maybe more of the same in 2009."

Miss Tramm explains...

22nd January: If you were tuned in last week you will remember that Eurodragster.com Assistant Pit Reporter Kirstie asked for the loan of a drag slick for use in a couple of lessons. The first of the two lessons has now been given and Kirstie says that the tyre had her pupils impressed:

We had several responses: drag racers are the generous sort and many thanks to all who replied. I took up the offer from Paul 'Grumpy' Watson of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor DynoSpeed Developments. One Pro Stock Bike tyre later, and hey presto we have eighteen excited pupils who all want to know what it was and where it came from. The children are in Year One at the Perse Pelican Pre Prep and Nursery school so age between five and six years old - still impressionable! Their maths work had never been completed so fast and so neatly.
©Eurodragster.com
In each classroom we have interactive whiteboards which also include wireless internet so it was easy to bring up Eurodragster.com (what else?!) and show them a picture of Grumpy's bike. For those who wish to know, it was a picture from the Friday of the 2007 FIA European Finals and as it happened Paul was not riding it - Ken Cooper was! I explained that even if Paul is called 'Grumpy' he will share the bike - brilliant for the children's personal, social and emotional!

I explained to them all about the tyre, why it was so smooth, and how it was old and worn from so many burnouts. Then I went on about what a burnout is and how it makes the tyre hot and sticky. I also explained about the glue which is sprayed and smells like Haribo at which the children laughed. The usual explanation of wet weather and dry weather ensued and all the children seemed to take it on board like sponges. One of the most noticeable things was that they were incredibly quiet! Most had so many questions and comments to make and understood more than I imagined, such as when the tyre spins in the water how Ken would keep it still - brakes!

Then the children asked if they could see the other pictures from the set. I showed them a Junior Dragster, Freddy Fagerström's Top Methanol funny car, Dan Larsen's flopper which they were eager to see, Urs Erbacher's Top Fuel rail, the Quantum Leap Corrado and explained it was my brother inside driving, and of course the Alien altered...well I had to tell them what I looked after so there was some bias! But do you know when the biggest wow was heard? When they saw the thumbnail of Paul Webster's Mini. They made so much noise about it that I left it up there for the remainder of the session just for some peace. They loved Freddy's crew vehicle, and after I had explained to them that's what I do they all now presume I drive one to match (John - that is not a request). I couldn't exactly find the right word to describe it. Buggy? Scooter? Multiple person vehicle?

So I would like to say a huge thank you to Paul 'Grumpy' Watson for the loan of the tyre. The children are so very happy to learn something in which they are obviously very interested. My next session will be to teach the other Year One class and this will be tomorrow. Oh, and thank you to my News Editor for allowing me to advertise. You don't realise how many cups of tea - milk and two - this is going to cost me.

Feature: Insider's Guide to NHRA venues.
21st January: The latest in our occasional series of Features in association with John Woolfe Racing comes from the other side of the Pond. The UK's Andy Bissett, who is Clutch Technician on Ashley Force's Fuel Funny Car in the USA, has provided us with an insider's guide to the tracks hosting this year's NHRA Powerade Series. Andy hopes that his guide will be of help to those considering attending an NHRA National event in 2008.
©Eurodragster.com
Andy's observations are of course based on his years of experience working on the NHRA Tour, are written in his own inimitable humorous style, and thus are worth reading even if you are not planning a trip to the USA this season. You can check out Andy's Insider's Guide by clicking here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Work starts on Apap Bros dragster.
21st January: Ronnie and Frankie Apap of Malta's Apap Bros Racing tell us that have finally begun their 2008 dragster after approximtely two years preparation including ordering parts from all over the world:

The team had to make up accurate drawings with the help of our tuner Mario Aquilina, nicknamed DJ. After discussion the team the team had to make a final decision about who was going to build the car. We had spoken with a number of chassis builders but we chose Nicholai Curmi of the Nicky Chassis Perfection garage, who has good experience in welding and is very dedicated in work like this. Nicky understood everything we wanted and after talking about the dragster project the deal was done and Nicky will be responsible for building the dragster from start to finish.
©Eurodragster.com
The dragster will be powered by a four-cylinder Mitsubishi engine running on gasoline. The tuner will as always be Mario 'DJ' and it will be driven by Frankie Apap. The team has high hopes because we know that when we run at Hal-Far Raceway here on Malta we will take everything seriously and with a great passion.

Our aim is to challenge the other dragsters which run in the D Class on Malta. We know that the other teams are very tough. Some of them are powered by V8s, six-cylinder engines such as Supra and Skyline motors, or by methanol Ford Cosworths. But we have good faith in ourselves and we think that step by step we will reach our target of running well with them and to do that will consist of running low sevens, and maybe some day touch the six-second barrier.

Swift snippets.

21st January: This nice-looking piece is Tim Mugridge's Super Modified Camaro fresh out of the Curbishley Automotive paint shop (click on picture for large version). "Neil Melliard of Prosign has to work his magic on the grille, bumpers, lights and emblems - Rallysport grille, Z28 badges etc", says Tim. "Just a few small finishing-off jobs to do now. We will be at the Peak Performance Day on 15th March for shakedown and licencing passes. We can't wait to début the car."
©Eurodragster.com
UK Super Street racer Mark Watkins has asked us to say a big Happy Birthday to Team Forge Crew Chief Nik Kerswil who is forty today. Have a great day Nik. The Team Force web site at www.teamforge.me.uk has been updated with downloads, conversion table and pictures and news including a page dedicated to Nik's Fortieth. "Turn up your speakers!", says Mark.

Happy Birthday also to UK 9.50 Bike racer and Santa Pod Raceway marshal David Warren. Have a great day David.

Shakespeare County Raceway latest.
20th January: Shakespeare County Raceway Marketing Manager Jerry Cookson has been in touch with the latest calendar update and event entry details. First up is this year's SCR calendar. Jerry tells us that there are additional events yet to be confirmed. UK National Championship events are in red:

5th-6th April: Public Track Day RWYB incorporating JapMids.com Jap Shootout
19th-20th April: Public Track Day RWYB and Pro Street Drag Series Round 1
3rd-5th May: Springspeed National Drag Races
17th-18th May: Public Track Day RWYB incorporating Straightliners Drag Bikes and Pro Street Drag Series Round 2
31st May-1st June: Yanks Weekend and 30th anniversary NASC Gary's Picnic
14th-15th June: Shakespeed '08 Public Track Day RWYB and Pro Street Drag Series Round 3
28th-29th June: NSRA Nostalgia Nationals
12th-13th July: British Mini Showdown RWYB and Fastest Caterham in the World Drag Race (Sat only)
8th-10th August: Bulldog Bash
23rd-25th August: Open Sport Nationals Drag Races
13th-14th September: NSRA 20th anniversary Hot Rod Drags
27th-28th September: Public Track Day RWYB incorporating Shakey's Blue Oval Challenge and Pro Street Drag Series Round 4
11th-12th October: Public Track Day RWYB incorporating Wild Cat Sunday and Pro Street Drag Series Finals
25th-26th October: Halloween Bonfire Burn-up and MMA Party Bash
©Eurodragster.com
New, easy to understand entry forms for APIRA's Springspeed Festival and Open Sport Nationals will be available as PDF files from tomorrow via the Downloads link at www.shakespearecountyraceway.com. "Please do not download entry forms from the existing APIRA web site as they won't be accepted", says Jerry.

If you would like to join Shakespeare County Raceway's mailing list and receive event news and flyers on a regular basis then you can enter your details on the Contacts page on the SCR web site.

Swift snippets.

Class	One- or two-day event	Three-day event	Four-day event
MSA British Pro Modified; Top Fuel Dragster / Fuel Funny Car / Pro Fuel Shootout; Top Methanol; Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association; Exhibition	£135	£145	£155 NB FIA classes pay FIA fees for FIA European Championship events
ET classes; Super classes; Super Modified; Junior Dragster; Comp Eliminator; Street Eliminator; VW classes; Wild Bunch; Outlaw Anglia; other Sportsman car classes	£110	£120	£130
ACU Top Fuel Bike	£140	£150	£160 NB FIM/UEM classes pay FIM/UEM fees for FIM/UEM European Championship events
ACU Funny Bike; ACU Pro Stock Bike; ACU Comp Bike; ACU Super Street Bike; 9.50 Bike; 8.50 Bike; NAST Supertwin including Supertwin Fuel	£115	£125	£135

As ELP made a loss on power supply in the pits at Santa Pod Raceway last year, their fees have been changed to a sliding scale dependent upon the duration of the event. Fees for the compulsory power supply at Santa Pod are now as follow, and are added to the entry fee:

Event	Single phase	Three phase
Easter Thunderball	£40	£110
Big Bang	£30	Arrange direct with ELP
FIA Main Event	£40	£115
SPRC Summernationals	£30	£100
Bug Jam	£30	Arrange direct with ELP
FIA European Finals	£40	£115
Extreme Performance Bike Weekend	£30	Arrange direct with ELP
UK National Finals	£30	£100

Shakespeare County Raceway are investigating pitside power with ELP with a view to providing the service from the Springspeed Festival.

The official closing date for all classes, Pro and Sportsman, for the Easter Thunderball, FIA Main Event and FIA European Finals is four weeks before the event. For all other events the closing date is three weeks before the event. Because of the growth in entries, racers are encouraged to enter before the official closing date as there is no guarantee that late entries can be accepted. Racers are reminded that the late entry fee doubles the normal entry fee.

2007 Santa Pod Racers Club Champions will receive free entry to this year's Championship events at Santa Pod Raceway. 2007 VWDRC Champions will receive free entry to this year's Big Bang and Bug Jam at Santa Pod Raceway. Racers will however still need to pay the power fee.

Prize funds for UK National Championship and ACU UK Drag Bike Championship classes are to be increased by two per cent.

The 2008 rule book should be finalised within the next few days.

At present racers must be members of APIRA, SPRC, PDRC or VWDRC to enter UK National Championship events. As of 2009 racers will need to be members of APIRA or SPRC to enter UK National Championship events.

The proposed 8.50 Bike class will have two trial runs this season, at the Extreme Performance Bike Weekend at Santa Pod Raceway in September, and at Shakespeare County Raceway on a date to be confirmed. Additional trials of 8.50 Bike could be run during Run What You Brungs etc by arrangement with the Clubs. The trials will be run with a view to including the class in the 2009 UK National Championship. See below for more details about 8.50 Bike.

Outlaw Anglia will run at the Big Bang and Bug Jam at Santa Pod Raceway.

This year's SFI Day at Santa Pod Raceway is provisionally Monday 3rd March.

All attending race events are reminded that dogs are not allowed on site at any race track at any event.

Introducing 8.50 Bike.
19th January: As mentioned above, a new bike class with an index of 8.50 seconds is to be run on a trial basis in the UK this season. We asked Paul Watson of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor DynoSpeed Developments, who was one of the originators of the class, to tell us all about it:

Over the last year it has come more apparent that Super Street Bike is moving way forward in ETs, and that the SSBs are now bespoke bikes for that class costing in the region of thirty to forty thousand pounts. So with the demise of 10.50 Bike and the strength of 9.50 Bike there is now a big gap between the classes, and the introduction of an 8.50 class would be a great stepping stone for people who wish to move up. I came from 10.90 Bike class and have been fortunate to have run in Pro Stock Bike; I have also ridden and crewed for Super Street Bike and they are a world apart.
©Eurodragster.com
I also think that the idea of anything goes in an 8.50 class, e.g. slick, wheelie bars etc will bring in many bikes which have fallen between classes. In fact I have had a fantastic response from so many who said they would return to racing should this happen. It would also bring in many who run the Straightliner 8.80 class at present. I hope to be talking with both Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways about having a few demonstration events this year, and maybe in 2009 we could have a Club Championship.

We at Dynospeed Developments will be building a Hayabusa for the class to show how you can do it on a budget, and there should be a step-by-step build-up feature in Streetfighter magazine.

I would like to thank both tracks for their support, and we look forward to seeing you all there. If anyone would like more details on this class please feel free to contact me at paul@dynospeed.co.uk.

Another spy breaks cover.

19th January: "PR Guy" has been in touch to fill us in on the identity of the spy picture published here on Eurodragster.com last Friday.

"It wasn't that hard to guess that the valve cover is part of the new Joey Bon Racing Team Top Fuel Bike", says PR. "The bike is currently under construction in The Netherlands and it will be entered in the 2008 European Championship.
©Eurodragster.com
"The valve cover sits on top of this cylinder head (right). The cylinder head was designed by the JBR team and is produced together with the parent company of AST, one our sponsors. Access to the state-of-the-art production facilities of the AST family, and our Top Fuel Bike to showcase those capabilities, are what make this sponsorship arrangement a win-win deal.

"In a couple of weeks the Top Fuel Bike will be shown to the public when it is displayed Smits Machinefabriek (parent company of AST) stand at a trade show in The Netherlands. It will also be a good chance for the JBR team to inform the general public about drag racing.

"Joey Bon's entry in the 2008 European Championship is sponsored by JBR services, AST and Schijf Groep."

Swift snippets.

19th January: The latest spy picture to reach the offices of Eurodragster.com shows the first fire-up, in sub-zero temperatures, of a Nostalgia Funny Car (click on picture for large version). "Hopefully the car will be out at least once this summer", says ous spy. "If so, then it will carry an FC body which people will remember competing in Europe in the 1970s / 1980s and at the 1982 Winternationals at Pomona. Despite the use of dual plugs (for now) we would like to call it an Outlaw Nostalgia FC. Thanks to Jöran Persaker for letting us borrow the headers until our own are welded!". If you know any more, or if you would like to send any spy pictures of your own, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
©Eurodragster.com
The first Run What You Brung of 2008 take place at Santa Pod Raceway tomorrow (Sunday). "If the weatherman has got it wrong, you'll be able to blow away those winter cobwebs and give your car or bike the winter thrashing those salt-encrusted roads just won't allow", says Rick Cuthbert. "All prices, rules and regs are the same as 2007, but make sure you have a look around www.rwyb.com to see what's going on with the Street Challenge (replacement for the Castrol Challenge), which is now open to bikers too. Also, make sure you read about the new RWYB loyalty card which is bound to be popular with any of our regular Run What You Brungers."

Voting is now closed for the 2007 SPRC Perpetual Awards. Many thanks to everyone who voted. The winners will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation in Northampton on Saturday 2nd February.

Web site updates.
19th January: UK 9.50 Bike racer John Hackney and Keron Rogers have launched a web site to promote their business Copyright Depot. "We are still doing poster prints from CD, E-Mail etc at superb prices for racers", says John. "We can also do waterproof vinyl banners and exhibition graphics. Check out our new web site at www.copyprintdepot.co.uk. A big thank you to Nigel Holland for the superb job on the new web site, and we hope that Nigel gets well soon after his operation today. Good luck to all race teams in 2008."
©Eurodragster.com
More snakes.
18th January: UK Fuel Altered team Venom Racing are starting the 2008 season with a new car and a new member of the snake pit, says driver Tony Betts:

We are awaiting delivery of a new car which has been built in the USA to the latest spec, using all the best parts. In the meantime the crew are busy working on completing the pit ready for a new snake. Our new team member is Ian Walkerdine, and the rest of the team is made up of Kevin Miller, Steve Walker, John Mordey, Micky Moore, Nick Walker and Elaine and Kim, the best catering staff out there.
©Eurodragster.com
We would also like to welcome and thank Cheryl McCallum of NGK Spark Plugs who have come on board as a partner for 2008. We will also be carrying on our partnership with Teng Tools (incorporating Team Vise and AH Anderson), Superpower Unlimited (doing a new Boss Mustang engine) and Custom Art (check out their work on the Santa Pod drift car and monster truck).

We would also like to say a big Thank You to Lawrie and Judith Gatehouse who put in so much effort to make the class work. We are all looking forward to the 2008 season in what must be one of the best classes out there.

Swift snippets.
18th January: The UK's Gary Page tells us that Kenneth Lorentzon and the team are working hard on the Fuel FC which he will be driving this season. "The car is going in for the SFI chassis mods and also some changes to fit me better", says Gary. "The car will go to the chassis shop while Kenneth is at Pomona. He has then set two weeks aside to rebuild the car and he is also working on a new trailer which is very nice. So it's all systems go. It's also great to hear that the Over The Belt Gang are coming back to Funny Car!"

UK Pro Mod racer in waiting Graham Ellis has been in touch to ask for the help of Eurodragster.com readers in tracking down a set of 1970 Plymouth Satellite, Roadrunner or Superbird rear lights for his new race car. "I'd ideally like to turn my Daytona Charger in to a Plymouth Superbird", says Graham. "With the amount of body mods to this car the only real giveaway to the car's identity will be the rear light clusters. I'm looking for a rear panel or lenses, or for someone with a car from which we could take a mould. The car is coming along very well. We are still looking at an Easter début. Andy Robinson Race Cars are doing a fantastic job and giving me exactly what I want". If you can help then please drop Graham a line at ellistraction@btconnect.com.

The latest spy picture to reach the offices of Eurodragster.com, according to our mole, has been a work in progress for some years and is the first of its kind built for Super Stock Eliminator. If you know any more, or if you would like to send any spy pictures of your own, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
©Eurodragster.com
UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter together with PR Dan Welberry is compiling a book of Andy's Top Fuel Dragster career and is asking for the help of Eurodragster.com readers with pictures particularly of his early days in Top Fuel including the car's first appearance at the Flame and Thunder Show in 1994. "We don't really need on-track shots but we are looking for pit, tow-back, top end shots - anything different really", says Andy. High-definition scans or digital camera originals would be preferred. If you can help then please do not E-Mail pictures but please send your shots on CD to Carter Motorsport, PO Box 2541, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 8ZR.

We understand that Joan Larsen, of Danish Top Methanol FC team Dan Larsen Racing and Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Dansk Auto HiFi, is celebrating a very special birthday this weekend. As a gentleman your News Editor refuses to define "special"; have a very Happy Birthday Joan, and a great party which Jan Vidar Vestvik tells us he is gutted not to be able to attend.

Although not at all surprised at the response, because Eurodragster.com readers are always quick to help, we would like to thank everyone who responded to Assistant Pit Reporter Kirstie's plea yesterday for the loan of a drag slick. Kirstie has now arranged loans with a couple of racers so we do not need any more offers thank you.

HKS Series winners honoured.

18th January: 2007 featured the launch of the HKS Drag Series, a four-round, three-class race series for Japanese cars using Japanese engines run at Santa Pod Raceway. The race series was significant in that it contained the first race class in the UK for Front Wheel Drive cars, the first race class in the UK for factory chassis street cars, and the first class in the UK for Pro Drag cars with "compact" engines (maximum six cylinders).

The series concluded at the JapShow Finale in October 2007, but the Championship presentations were made at the prestigious Autosport Show at the Birmingham NEC on 12th January. The Autosport Show provided an excellent stage to promote the race series to the wider motorsport world, and the race cars from the series in the Pistonheads hall attracted a fascinated crowd all weekend.

Congratulations to the 2007 Champions:

Pro: Steve Whittaker (centre of picture), Toyota Supra Mk 3
FWD: Scott Whitelaw (left), Honda Civic Type R
Street: Johnny McKeon (right), Nissan Skyline GTR

News from the Show is that all three are installing new roll cages to allow them to run significantly faster in 2008, and several new competitors are entering the already popular series to make 2008 every bit as exciting as the inaugural year. For general information on the HKS Drag Series, visit the new Series web site at www.japdragseries.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
18th January: Bob Roberts has updated the web site of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Andy Robinson Race Cars with a report, pictures and video clips of Andy Robinson's appearance at last week's Autosport International. You can check out the update via the What's New link at www.robinson-race-cars.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
UK Outlaw Pro Street Bike mooted.

17th January: Stephen Moon has been in touch with a proposal for Outlaw Pro Street Bike, a new UK class similar to its US counterpart:

In recent years Outlaw Pro Street Bike has developed into one of the key motorcycle classes in the US, with highly competitive sixteen bike fields run at Rockingham Dragway and Maryland International Raceway. These impressive nitrous-oxide powered machines have a 75" wheelbase, a 7" slick and, importantly, no wheelie bars. With the top qualifiers in the class running 7.0s at close to 200 mph and a class record of 6.9 seconds, this is the world's premier class for stock appearance, no-bar bikes - the closest four-wheel equivalent being Pro Mod.

Last season saw the appearance of the first Outlaw Pro Street bikes in the UK, with the quickest running in the mid-sevens. Interest generated by this and the US series has resulted in several bikes now being prepared in workshops across the UK, signalling an opportunity to develop a new, crowd pleasing class.

2008 will see the first Outlaw Pro Street exhibition event to be run towards the end of the year, provisionally at Santa Pod, with a four or eight bike elimination. An impressive array of sponsors from both sides of the Atlantic has contributed to the prize and contingency funds. From the US, Fast by Gast and Schnitz Racing (supporters of the US series), together with Murdoch Racing Enterprises and Racepak, are pleased to add their support to the proposed event. From the UK, Roger Upperton Racing and Dave Beck Racing have donated prize monies and contingency monies, while Streetfighters magazine is to supply trophies for the event. Talks are underway with other sponsors, so expect this impressive list to extend. Subject to a successful, well-supported event the plan is to run a full Championship series in 2009.

The basic rules of the class are simple: 75" wheelbase, 7" rear slick, no wheelie bars, stock-appearing bodywork and a single power adder - nitrous, turbo or supercharger. Details of the rules related to areas such as transmission, chassis etc can be obtained on request.

Outlaw is a crowd pleaser in the US and given the rising popularity of no-bar bike racing in the UK, this represents an opportunity to establish a new professional class. While Super Street Bike has flourished due to the advances in turbo technology, Outlaw Pro Street provides a platform for the nitrous bikes to shift the boundaries as well. The aim is to see the best nitrous and turbo bikes going head to head. I would like to hear from any riders interested in entering the exhibition event - we have several riders already, but obviously the greater the numbers, the greater the impact the new class will have. For more details call me on 07967 564301 or drop me an E-Mail.
©Eurodragster.com
Lots of spies about...
17th January: It's a veritable cornucopia of spy pictures today as we have received no less than three shots:

The picture at left shows what our mole describes as "Audacious modifications to a Pro ET car, although allegedly they stayed within budget. All we learned is that pigeons were most definitely not involved, and although we didn't get the driver's name we have our suspicions."
©Eurodragster.com
Alas we have been asked to remove today's second spy picture which was in the middle above.

The picture at right comes with the comment "An MDF motorplate should be plenty strong enough for a Small Block...".

As ever, if you know any more, or if you would like to send any spy pictures of your own, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.

Looking for help I and II.
17th January: Today we have a couple of pleas for help from Eurodragster.com readers. First up, and repeated from a late appearance yesterday, Paul Marston has been in touch with an urgent plea for two race vehicles to appear at this weekend's (19th-20th) Oval Racing Expo at Arena Essex. One static exhibit is needed for the main marquee from Friday until Sunday, and a vehicle - the more roadgoing in appearance the better - is also needed to pull burnouts on Sunday. If you can help then please contact office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk or call 07831 650230.
©Eurodragster.com
Secondly, our Assistant Race Reporter Kirstie Tramm would be pleased to hear from any racer willing to loan a drag slick. "The slick will be needed for a school lesson about wheels and traction", says Kirstie. "This is only to borrow, not to buy. I can return it at the UK Dinner Dance in February if you are attending that, or I can drop it off if you are with forty five minutes of Cambridge, or I can return it at the Easter Thunderball. Maybe someone coming to Saturday's Riders' and Drivers' Meeting can help?". If you can help out then please drop Kirstie a line at kirstie@eurodragster.com.

Toyo Tires sponsor SPR lane.
17th January: Santa Pod Raceway is delighted to announce Toyo Tires as a new Lane Sponsor. The sponsorship deal, which begins this year and will run for the next three years, joins that of Autoglym who have also announced their continued sponsorship of Santa Pod's right hand lane.

"Whilst Toyo have been involved with the venue for several years, we are thrilled at the prospect of being in partnership with Toyo Tires at this new level", said SPR Marketing Manager Caroline Day. "We are looking forward to continuing the very successful relationship we have already established with them."
©Eurodragster.com
TUK Marketing Manager Nick Manning expressed his delight at these latest developments, saying: "We're very pleased with this new agreement. Becoming an official lane sponsor at Santa Pod Raceway is an important step for the future development of the Toyo Tires brand in the UK. It provides us the ideal platform for targeting the key users of our product, whilst matching perfectly the core values that we wish to associate with our brand, those of excitement, speed, adrenalin and attachment."

"In addition to the obvious marketing benefits, this sponsorship deal with Santa Pod Raceway also offers Toyo Tires further commercial benefits that we intend to leverage more in 2008" added TUK General manager (Sales) Martin Sutherland. "Many of our dealers I'm sure will be impressed by the activities we have planned for them in the future. Watch this space for more details coming soon."

Swift snippets.
17th January: Dutch Pro Modified racer Henri Joosten has put his six-second, seven-eighth scale '55 Bel Air up for sale. The car is available as a rolling chassis. For more details check out the Cars For Sale section of our Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet.
©Eurodragster.com
Carter kicks off 2008.
17th January: What better way to kick of the year than an appearance at the prestigious Autosport International show? UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter did just that at the world-renowned show at Birmingham NEC, which attracts over 100,000 people every year bringing together motorsports as diverse as Formula 1, autocross, karting and bangers:

Autosport is always one of our favourite shows of the year and 2008 was no exception. Set-up for us started on Thursday, with the Lucas Oil truck and trailer delivered to the NEC by Jan and Sarah. On Friday the car was unloaded into Hall 18 of the massive exhibition centre and once inside the car was given pride of place on the impressive Santa Pod Raceway stand.

Crew at the show were Jan B, Phil Cottingham, Gary Cottingham, Ian ‘The Lion' Jones, Rich Bruton, Sarah Carter, Sarah Carter (yes, there were two Sarah Carters!) and Andy Carter. Throughout the weekend we spoke to thousands of interested motorsport fans about drag racing and impressed many with the incredible feats an 8000 hp, 300 mph dragster can perform. We lost track of the number of technical questions we answered – from how the clutch operates, what all those levers in the cockpit do and even why we don't run solid front tires. Several times after explaining to people how the car works it's power and convincing them that yes it did produce 8000 hp and yes we do strip it down after every run they said "Why do you do all that work and spend all that money for such a short time on the track?", If you think about it too long it is a very good question, but the best answer would be that if you had been at the track when we ran 4.64 seconds and felt like we did, you would not even ask the question!

Talking to one couple made all the work we put into show appearances worthwhile. They had never been to a drag race before, but having spoken to someone from the team at last years Autosport Show and been impressed by what they were told and how enthusiastic the team member was for the sport they decided to visit Santa Pod and are now hooked!

Our primary sponsor Lucas Oils were also at the show with their own impressive stand displaying their fantastic range of products, remember to check out www.lucasoil.co.uk for the best in all lubricants and additives!

Andy Carter was kept busy throughout the two days with many media interviews, a radio interview, appearances on the Autosport stage, signing autographs and talking to fans.

Carter Motorsport would like to thank all the staff on the Santa Pod stand for helping to make it such an enjoyable weekend and for once again inviting us to help showcase the sport. Also a big thank you to all those fans who came up to say hello and wish us all the best in 2008 and of course thanks to all our sponsors, Lucas Oils, Landmeco, NGK Spark Plugs, Binamic Web Design, Pioneer Print, Crane Cams, K&N Filters, Yuasa Batteries, BMRS, Sigma Signs, Rainbow Conference Sets, 3t Creative Ltd, Norfolkline, RCS Cables, Teng Tools, CAAR, Autotel Race Radio, AACI, USA Autodele and Jerrys who make this possible.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
17th January: Our good friend Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with a fourth page of The Jeremy Cookson Collection. "There are twenty seven pictures in all which are accompanied by Jeremy's usual informative and entertaining captions, arranged under such intriguing headings as Marauding Vikings invade the Park and Nitro is not so forgiving", says Alan. "I hope you enjoy looking at the page". We did, and you can too at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Fuel FC 10.1E final update.
16th January: Geoff Martin of the UK Tech Crew has been in touch with news of another revision to SFI Spec 10.1E for Fuel Funny Car chassis:
©Eurodragster.com
"A further revision to this spec is on the SFI web site at www.sfifoundation.com", says Geoff. "I have contacted the SFI and they assure me that this is the final revision. This revision is in force as of now, and will be a mandatory requirement when chassis are recertified this year. If you require further information about the "rubber bushing" or anything else then please contact me."

If you have any queries then you can contact Geoff at chassis1@onetel.com.

Appleton's loss, Cockerill's gain.

16th January: We were very sad to hear from his former Crew Chief Adrian Spencer that UK Pro Modified racer Gordon Appleton has definitely called it a day. Gordon extended his Pro Mod career by a year in 2007 and we sincerely hoped that he would do the same again but it was not to be.

"Gordon's car, engine, truck, trailer, tools and spares have all gone to good new homes", says Adrian. "I am not quite sure what Gordon will do with all his spare time, but I think he will trying to get his handicap down with those little white balls.
©Eurodragster.com
"I would like to say a big Thank You to Gordon. I was with him for eleven years and I don't know how the hell he put up with me. I must have driven him mad at times.

"As one door closes, another opens. I was going to take some time out this year and maybe do a spot of fishing, but I had a couple of offers to go to other teams and have decided to work with Danny Cockerill this year. Danny has a good crew, and a very good car and engine combination. We are all very excited to see what this year will bring.

"Thank you for the write-ups and pictures you have posted for us over the years (You're welcome - Ed)."

Parviainen move confirmed.
16th January: Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren has confirmed that Crew Chief Heikki Parviainen has left his Lahega-backed team and has joined Finnish Pro Stock racer Richard Sundblom in the same position.
©Eurodragster.com
"Heikki is still a good friend to my team", Michael told Eurodragster.com. "We both came to the conclusion that it is easier for Heikki to work for a Finnish team. It's close to his home, ten minutes instead of one day's travel to the shop. And they all speak same language. So when Richard needed a Crew Chief and asked Heikki to join them I couldn't see any reason not to let him go.

"Richard is a nice guy and a true sportsman. Heikki has been very good to me over the years and I am pretty sure that he will put Nixxon's team closer to the top."

Whilst we're here we would like to wish Michael Malmgren a very Happy Birthday for yesterday, hope that you had a great day Michael.

Swift snippets.

16th January: Today we bring you not a spy picture, but a shot of the new ride of Swedish Fuel Funny Car racer Patrik Pers (click on picture for large version). Patrik tells us that this year he will be campaigning an ex-Jim Dunn chassis and a Mustang body from John Force Racing although he has actually acquired two bodies from JFR. Patrik says that the engine will be arriving soon and that there are more words and pictures to come.

UK Super Gas and Super Comp racer Malcolm Francis of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Air Sea Logistics is pleased to announce continued associate sponsorship in 2008 from Lucas Oil Products. "I am absolutely delighted that Lucas Oils have renewed their support with us in 2008", says Malcolm. "This marks our fifth consecutive year of association with Lucas Oils. We use Lucas Oils products exclusively in our race car engine, transmission and rear axle as well as in our support vehicles and all of their products perform flawlessly. I would like to thank Les Downey, Managing Director of Lucas Oils UK for their continued support and contribution to our race programme."
©Eurodragster.com
Pro Mod racers interested in running in the 2008 MSA British Drag Racing Championship are reminded of the meeting to be held at Santa Pod Raceway at 2:00 pm this Saturday, 19th January. The meeting will discuss development of the Championship. If you plan to attend then please let Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall know at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or on 01933 313625. If you already know that you are contesting the Championship then you can download this year's registration form (PDF format) by clicking here.

2007 UK National Super Comp Champion and Fuel Funny Car racer in waiting Paul Knight has been in touch to thank Jon Morton and Dan Page their help after Paul had a trailer stolen from the NEC last weekend. Paul sold his transporter at the end of last season and so fellow Super Comp racer Paul Letchford kindly lent him his trailer to take his Firebird to the NEC. The trailer was stolen whilst locked up in the car park. "Jon and Dan drove up to the NEC with a replacement trailer", said Paul, "thanks to them both for their help and support."

A reminder that 23:59 UK this Friday (18th January) is the deadline for votes for the 2007 SPRC Perpetual Awards. You can vote via the official SPRC Perpetual Awards page which you can reach by clicking here or by clicking on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page. Voting is open to all Eurodragster.com readers, not just those in the UK.

A very Happy 50th Birthday for yesterday to Jürgen Kath of Kath Bros Racing. Hope that you had a great day, Jürgen.

NFAA hits Autosport.

16th January: Thanks to Les Downey of sponsor Lucas Oil UK, the UK's Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association made its first appearance at Autosport International in the shape of The Mob Fuel Altered, writes promoter Lawrie Gatehouse:

Ollie, Jim and John got the car nicely polished up and into its allocated space in Hall 6. The team reported a lot of interest and handed out many flyers to the Public.
©Eurodragster.com
On the Thursday Trade/Press Day, I met up with Ron Hope of Rat Trap fame, who was over for a visit. Ron was impressed with The Mob and the growth of the class. It was hoped to get some of the US Fuel Altereds over this year for a USA v UK event, subject to sponsorship being found for the transportation costs. However Ron and the US racers have a schedule of sixteen appearances booked all over the States, so it might not be possible, but we intend to keep trying to achieve this goal.

All of the NFAA Teams are currently hard at work on various upgrades to ensure that 2008 will be our best season ever. It certainly won't be for a lack of effort.

Web site updates.
16th January: Many thanks to 2007 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion and Eurodragster.com News sponsor Urs Erbacher for sending us a link to a five-minute preview of the forthcoming Reality TV series Kings of Nitro. The video is in Quicktime .mov format and can be downloaded by going to www.thegammaprojectftp.com/fat%20attack then right clicking on the Kings of Nitro Clip.mov link and saving the file to your PC's hard drive. This one is definitely for Broadband users only as the clip comes in at 225 Megabytes.
©Eurodragster.com
Bob Roberts of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Andy Robinson Race Cars has uploaded three video clips from the Live Action Arena show at Autosport International. Clips are available of Andy Frost, Conrad Stanley and of course Andy Robinson.

2007 SPRC Perpetual Awards vote VII.
14th January: Once again Santa Pod Racers Club and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC Perpetual Awards, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 2nd February 2008.

For seven of the eight 2007 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. There are eight awards in all: this week's category, the final, is the Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy. Nominations are now also being accepted for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC Committee decides upon the winners.

The Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy is a bike fraternity-only award is named for late racer Paul Giddings, and is presented for overcoming adversity. Nominees have typically had to endure personal problems, severe or prolonged mechanical trouble, an accident or other such woes, but have faced those problems head-on and come out on top.

The SPRC Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows:

Steve Carey, Top Fuel Bike
Go to vote

Luigi Ferretti, Top Fuel Bike
Go to vote

Chris Mott, Supertwin Gas
Go to vote

Dave Peters, Comp Bike
Go to vote

Zodiac Racing (Owner Tom Pels, rider Roel Koedam), Supertwin
Go to vote

To place your vote, go to the official SPRC Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
©Eurodragster.com
The Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, was first awarded to Santa Pod Raceway's late Chief Marshal, Alex Brachtvogel, in 2001 to mark his outstanding contribution to Santa Pod Raceway and the sport as a whole. After Alex's death the trophy was named in his memory and continues to be awarded for contribution to drag racing. There is no shortlist for the Alex Brachtvogel award. Nominations are invited from Eurodragster.com readers for racers, race officials, track and safety crews, club officials, media, or anyone else who has contributed to the sport. Last year the trophy was awarded to SPRC Chief Marshal Steve Horn. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to sprc.awards.2007@btinternet.com specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail.

Voting is per category, so if you voted for the James Edgar Memorial Trophy last week then you can of course vote for the Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy today, and so on.

For each of the Awards, one vote per E-Mail address per nominee will be accepted: multiple votes for the same nominee from the same E-Mail address will all be disqualified. Please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates or forum members to vote en masse - are easily identified and all such votes will be disallowed as they have been in previous years. Concerted attempts at vote-rigging will result in the nominee being removed from the shortlist.

Voting for all Perpetual Awards closes at 23:59 UK this Friday, 18th January.

Greek Championship Round 5.
14th January: After a slight delay which he attributes to Tequila, Elias Vathias has been in touch with news of the fifth and final 2007 Greek Championship round which was held in Serres on 22nd-23rd December:

The race had few visitors because of the very cold weather and because it was held a few days before Christmas. The track was cold and slippery, especially on the first day. The most interesting results came from BT2 class in which Chris Zagaris smashed the class record with a 9.2-second pass. In the same class, George Hatzaras ran a Personal Best of 9.398, George Tsakanikas a 9.4 PB and Petros Fykatas a 9.7 PB. Information about the race:

We are currently testing our new Online iTV, which allows you to see the whole race through your browser, at www.greekdragster.com/tv/tv.shtml. A 256 kbps ADSL connection is required in order for the video to run smoothly.
©Eurodragster.com
We will soon check and update the PanHellenic Class Records and we will get back to you.

Finally I would like to thank our main sponsor, Veltiosis, the official distributor of VP Racing Fuels in Greece.

Swift snippets.

11th January: The latest spy picture to reach the offices of Eurodragster.com comes from "Just a PR guy" who tells us that it is a valve cover from a Top Fuel Bike. "This TFB under construction is a totally new build and this bike is not located in the UK but somewhere on the European mainland", says PR Guy. "The name of the team ends in -on Racing and apparently they are either used to counting down or reading from left to right". Well, that's not exactly one for Sherlock Holmes but if you know any more, or if you would like to send any spy pictures of your own, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.

Malta's record-holding Maksar Racing truck will be making demonstration appearances at Santa Pod Raceway at the Easter Thunderball, FIA Main Event and the UK Truck Show. Also making demonstration runs at the Easter Thunderball will be two representatives of the HKS Drag Series.
©Eurodragster.com
Santa Pod Raceway have added a test day one day before the FIA Main Event and FIA European Finals. The Pro Peak Performance Days take place on Thursday 22nd May and Wednesday 3rd September and are open to all racers, Pro or Sportsman, so long as they are entered for that weekend's race. More details including entry fees at www.rwyb.com.

Speechless, again!

14th January: Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association promoter and Fuel Altered owner Lawrie Gatehouse was rendered speechless for the second time in a few weeks when he found out how his wife Judith had been colluding with Father Christmas and some of his fellow NFAA members.

"The picture shows my surprise Christmas present from Judith", says Lawrie. "Judith contacted Tony Betts in Spain, who got it and brought it over to the UK and transported it to Ollie Burn's unit where The Mob is stored. Ollie, Jim, Sarah, Nigel and John all colluded and got Dave May, who did the paint on Chaos, to customise it with matching paint and colours.

"All of this happened in the few weeks prior to Christmas, project managed by Judith with the help of the aforementioned miscreants, plus John and Lesley Wright. Time was running out and I believe that there were many frantic E-Mails and surreptitious phone calls made to ensure the deadline was achieved. I, of course, had absolutely no inkling of what was going on behind the scenes, not a whisper. What a devious lot we have in the NFAA.
©Eurodragster.com
"On Christmas Day I was presented with a little box wrapped in Santa paper. This revealed a set of small keys which I thought were for a new briefcase or something similar. Then I was presented with a set of photographs of the finished article. That was the second time in 2007 that I was lost for words.

"Needless to say, it is a great present and will save my aching legs at the tracks. Many thanks to all who participated, it is much appreciated. Now, I wonder if I can dose the fuel with a twenty per cent mix of nitro?"

Autosport International coverage.
13th January: We have now completed our coverage of Autosport International with yesterday's report, plus video clips of Andy Frost and Andy Robinson pulling burnouts in the Live Action Arena.
©Eurodragster.com
You can check out our American Car Imports-sponsored Autosport International coverage by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

Swift snippets.

11th January: A good opportunity to pick up some Swedish is to get hold of the latest issue of MCM magazine, Sweden's leading publication for custom-built motorcycles and choppers. The latest issue (#1-08) features a six-page story on Anders Karling's new Supertwin (right, picture courtesy and ©Stefan Boman). Unfortunately the magazine has no way to charge mail orders from outside Sweden, but send €10 and your address to MCM, Torsgatan 65, SE-113 37 Stockholm, Sweden and they will be happy to send you a copy.

Fuel Funny Car racer in waiting Paul Knight urgently needs the loan of a trailer to get his Super Comp Firebird back to base after his own trailer was stolen from the NEC car park. The trailer will be required late tomorrow (Sunday). If you can help then please call Paul on 07821 139945.
©Eurodragster.com
UK Junior Dragster racer Matthew Seamarks plans to move up to Super Comp and Super Gas in 2009 in a Chevrolet Vega acquired from Vince Pinhorn. "There is a lot of work to do on the car", says Matthew, "so we will probably come out mid-year. Martin Curbishley has already given us a scoop, and Dave Day and Spencer Tramm will be helping us to put the car together. Funds allowing the plan is to put a Jeff Bull Big Block Chevy in the car."

2007 Street Eliminator UK Champion Steve Nash would be pleased to hear from the person who offered to paint his seven-second Cougar. "This guy lives near the Fat Boys in Gloucerstershire and I spoke to him but I lost his number!", Splinter told Eurodragster.com. If you know the identity of the mystery artist then please drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com and we'll put you in touch.

Enter the Knighthawk.

11th January: The UK will have a new Fuel Funny Car team in 2008 with the announcement of Knighthawk Racing UK. Mark and Jackie Hawkins, who campaigned a Fuel FC some years back with Alan Bates, Norm Wilding and Gary Page in the driving seat, are returning to the sport with a Dodge Stratus Fuel FC acquired from US racer Terry Haddock. Mark will be Crew Chief and the car is to be driven by 2007 UK National Super Comp Champion Paul Knight.
©Eurodragster.com
The FC, which is expected to arrive in the UK within a month or so, has been acquired as a rolling chassis having run in the fours and over 300 mph in Terry Haddock's hands. On arrival the body will need to be painted and then the engine assembled and installed by the Knighthawk team. Extensive testing and familiarisation is planned for 2008, which the team view as a learning and development year.

Sponsorship has already been agreed with VP Racing Fuels through Steve Wood of Motorshack, and with Lucas Oil Products through Les Downey. Also on the promotional front the Knighthawk team will become the second team to have a Racer Blog here on Eurodragster.com with contributions planned not just from Paul but from Mark and Team PR Wayne Corbitt so that fans can get a taste for various aspects of the team's development. A team web site will be launched shortly.

Stay tuned and we will bring you more developments as we receive them.

Slattery's new dream takes shape.

11th January: Sid Slattery of SNS Vintage Drag Racing has been in touch to lay claim to the slingshot dragster which was featured in a spy picture on Tuesday. Click on the picture at right for a large version.

"The chassis was built by Roy Wilding it is to replace the original which unfortunately wasn't taggable", says Sid. "The car is built to 7.50 spec. Roy and I worked together to keep the style of the old chassis but built within current regulations. All the front end and the wheelie bars are also chromoly. The car has been stripped for final welding and chroming, which should be complete in the next two weeks. It will then be taken to Trevor Farrington Race Cars in Knutsford for the bodywork and so that I can do the final detailing and build up. The car will have the original Jim Tester 3.8 Jaguar engine/gearbox combination.

"Roy has done a fantastic job for me and I can highly recommend him for any work you may need. I would also like to say a big thank you to Angie Wilding for feeding me while we were working on the car and for introducing me to "Reggae reggae" sauce!
©Eurodragster.com
"This has all come about because we have managed to get sponsorship from Structura Civil and Structural Engineering. Like many of us, MD Peter Sykes was hooked on drag racing after his first visit and can't wait to go again. Peter said "I'm impressed with the professionalism and commitment of the team in running such a unusual and historic racing car". To be honest it is Peter's encouragement and enthusiasm as well as Structura's financial input which has given us the push to move on to Pro ET in 2009, and hopefully a couple of outings in 2008.

"I would like to thank the following for helping me to live my dream: Structura Engineering (sponsorship), Roy Wilding (chassis), Trevor Farrington Race Cars (bodywork), Martin Holgate (top bloke) and Neal Read (Retrophoto). Last but no means least thanks to my long-suffering future wife (fingers crossed) Sheena, and to my other crew members Dale Carline and Richard Dawson. The simple fact is that without your help and support all of this is just a dream.

"Good luck and safe racing to all in 2008."

Swift snippets.

11th January: The latest spy picture to reach the offices of Eurodragster.com comes from "Secret Squirrel" who tells us that the picture was "Taken in Ciderland" and that the subject is "Coming soon to a drag strip near you". If you know any more, or if you would like to send any spy pictures of your own, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to let us know that the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation, which takes place in Northampton on Saturday 2nd February, is now full.

A very Happy Birthday to Sam "She's lovely" Stretton of Santa Pod Raceway's timing crew. Have a great day, Sam, and Tog promises that he will warm his hands before your next encounter.

Web site updates.
11th January: UK Comp Bike racer Kev Charman has launched a web site at www.nitrous-junkie.co.uk. The site by team member Lizz McCarthy includes biography, sponsor page, links, gallery and Blog.
©Eurodragster.com
Also launching a web site is Supertwin racer Paul Castle whose Grandpa's Toy Racing web site at www.freewebs.com/grandpastoyracing currently includes a brief history, team page, links and Blog.

Drag racers steal the show.

10th January: The drag racing contingent stole the show at day one of Autosport International in Birmingham today as Andy Frost (right, click on picture for large version), Conrad Stanley and Andy Robinson filled the Live Action Arena with noise and smoke, whilst Matthew Seamarks put the pedal to the metal as long as he dared in very tight confines in the Gingerman Racing Junior Dragster. This was the first time that drag racing had featured in the Show's Live Action Arena and so far as we know was the first time that drag racers have pulled burnouts indoors in the UK.
©Eurodragster.com
The drag racers got by far the most enthusiastic reception from the large audience after three quarters of an hour of somewhat repetitive circuit displays from various disciplines. Andy Robinson closed the drag racing section of the show and his Pro Mod got huge cheers from a stunned crowd once the plaster had finished falling off the ceiling, figuratively if not literally.

You will be able to read and see more on our Trade/Press Days report and gallery, which will be posted as part of our American Car Imports-sponsored Autosport International coverage scheduled to be posted late tomorrow (Friday) afternoon.

O'Connor, at a stretch.
9th January: UK Super Street Bike racer Brad O'Connor of BTC Moto is having an extension put in after running his Hayabusa at stock wheelbase in 2007. Brad went as quick as 8.1 on a promising couple of outings last season and is aiming to return to the sevens in 2008 with the additional few inches of wheelbase.

"Last year I gave the 58" Super Street Bike a go", Brad told Eurodragster.com. "It took a long time to get the bike close to finished, but with Sean Mills of Big CC giving me the last piece of help I made the Open Sport Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway and on the third pass I was rewarded with a great 8.1 at 190 mph! After that the handling of the bike went off. I was struggling to get my feet on the footrests and another 170 mph wheelie made me reconsider the set-up.
©Eurodragster.com
"At the next meeting at Santa Pod with the footrests in place I found that the bike was weaving very badly, starting just before the second eighth. I continuously reduced the boost in the second eighth to make it 'safe'. This resulted in a fairly quick 5.4 in the first eighth which would be good enough, with a good second eighth, to make a seven-second pass which was the aim but the handling wasn't there for a full pass. A change of rear wheel with a new tyre made the bike go straight, but I was in eliminations against Ven and all the boost was out, the result was an 8.3 albeit straight and without drama.

"The best sixty foot time I managed was 1.39 and I'm sure it could go quicker with a better set clutch and suspension, as I was off the throttle for approximately one second between sixty and 330 feet on every pass!

"I have now decided to shelve the short bike and go full 64"-68" wheelbase. The motor is in at Big CC for a refresh and the frame is in for modification at John Warrington Motorcycles. The bike will be running a BTC Moto designed dry nitrous system in addition to the Big CC Stage 2 turbo race kit. I'll be using a slider clutch with some BTC Moto/Motec custom electronic products too. There is plenty to learn but hopefully this will get me back into the sevens."

Racers: It's not too early to send us your 2008 previews: Brad's news item above is a perfect example of the sort of thing in which our thousands of daily readers are interested. Whatever your class, and however many wheels you prefer, drop us a line at news@eurodragster.com and we'll do the rest.

See Nimbus at Autosport.
9th January: Eurodragster.com News sponsor Nimbus Motorsport will be exhibiting at the Autosport Show at Birmongham's NEC on Thursday to Sunday of this week.

"On stand 8410 in Hall 8 we will be exhibiting the full range of Ringers Gloves (the official gloves of NHRA) which as usual will include some stunning offers only available at the show", says Steve Clark. "The Nimbus CarbonX range of flame retardant racing underwear will also be on show. This advanced technology safety clothing (Take it from a user, it's excellent stuff - Ed) will be available for sale at the show at some very special prices. The Nimbus sales team will be able to answer any questions relating to these products.
©Eurodragster.com
"Nimbus Motorsport will also be exhibiting at on stand E826 of Autosport Engineering on Thursday and Friday. We will be exhibiting our range of heat management products including semi-rigid and rigid heat shielding.

"The Nimbus sales team look forward to meeting drag racers to show them products which will enhance not only a vehicle's performance but also the driver's performance. I will also be available during the show to discuss the Torco range of lubricants and to explain how they continue to benefit many winning drag racing teams."

All of these products can be viewed at www.nimbusmotorsport.com.

Swift snippets.
9th January: Also at Autosport International, on Friday and Saturday, will be Brian Taylor who is still working very hard on his book Crazy Horses which is to chart the history and culture of drag racing in the UK. "I have some interviews set up for the book but I am always interested in talking to folks with a story to tell", says Brian. "At the moment I'm particularly interested in those racers and organisers who went through the RWYB, Gary's Picnic, Doorslammers, Wynns Pro Street Street Meets, Street Machine Grudge Racing, Custom Car Street etc. I'm trying to get a firm handle on the timescale and permit changes which turned basic RWYB meets into the equivalent of an automotive rave culture. I'm also interested in anyone who has magazines and records relating to NDRC meetings from the mid 1970s to the Club's demise in the late 1980s. My mobile number for the show will be 07702 043411 or contact me via the Santa Pod stand on Saturday."
©Eurodragster.com
Sponsorship Co-ordinator Carl Burton tells us that the 2008 Pro ET Sponsorship Scheme is underway with Motorshack, WASP, Inkwell Printing, A1 Motor Stores and Alleyjax all supporting the scheme already. "We thank them for their support and hope that all racers who use their srevices continue to give us a mention, we are grateful", says Carl. "We have lost Sandy Scooters and Metamorphosis Finance this year due to takeovers, and we wish them well. Other companies have shown an interest so fingers crossed we will fill their spaces. Pro ET had a fantastic year last year on and off the track, and are looking to improve on that this year". For more information check out the Pro ET web site at www.pro-et.co.uk.

Web site updates.
9th January: Markus Münch tells us that his band The Lonesome Dragstrippers is nearly done with the process of mixing their new CD. "The release date is some time in Spring/Summer 2008", says Markus. "The music is a mixture from 1950s to Country, but mainly rock and punk rock. As a teaser I have put together a slideshow with my pictures from Santa Pod Raceway to accompany a song called - guess what? - Santa Pod. You can find the video at vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=25579893."
©Eurodragster.com
The winter's Main Event.
8th January: Johan Samuelsson writes that this hear's Drag Racing Swap meet takes place at the Norrköpings Mässhallar (map) on Saturday 9th February:

The meeting hall is located approximately sixty kilometres north of Mantorp Park, very close to the E4 highway. The event is arranged by Åby Motorklubb and is the major winter drag racing event in Scandinavia. All categories of race parts can be found there from Pro classes to street racing, new and used.
©Eurodragster.com
The main entrance opens at 9:00 am and the gates close at approximately 3:00 pm. During the day there will also be meetings with some class associations. For example will the Scandinavian Outlaw ProMod series Top Doorslammer have their meeting at 10:00 am. There will also be a presentation at noon about this year's Toyo Scandinavian Dragracing series dates and rules.

During the evening the Toyo Scandinavian Dragracing series will have their banquet and prize ceremony at the nearby Folkborgen Amusement Park. For reservations and information please visit www.tsds.se.

If you would like more information about the Dragracing Swap Meet, for example sales reservations, admission fees or road directions, please contact Åby Motorklubb at www.abymotorklubb.se or call +46-11-69833.

Showing them what it's about...
8th January: Further to last Thursday's news item, Street Eliminator racer Andy Frost and Junior Dragster racer Matthew Seamarks also tell us that they are looking forward to their unprecedented displays in the Live Action Arena at this weekend's Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham.

"I was honoured to get the call from Darren Prentice late last year when he told me they were thinking of doing some demos", says Andy Frost. "For sure it'll be a great opportunity to put drag racing in front of people who've not seen the like of it before and we really plan on giving them something they'll want to see again, hopefully at the track! The fun starts on Thursday and goes on until Sunday so we'll be working the old girl hard - in fact I postponed the rebuild of the engine and car just to do this so that we could get drag racing, Santa Pod and ourselves in front of a big audience.

"Hopefully this year will be the best year yet for the Red Victor team.We have kept almost all of our sponsors from last year, and we're talking to more for 2008. We are also doing a mini world tour visiting Belgium for the King Of Europe in June, Canada for World Street Race 2 in August, and if all goes to plan Hot Rod magazine's Dragweek in September. As you can imagine there's a lot of stuff to organise, including an 1800-mile one way journey from New Brunswick to Michigan! Luckily for us we know some great people across the water who are helping us to do it.

"Anyway, I digress (it was interesting, so we let it go - Ed). To finish I'd like to say a big thanks to Darren Prentice and Santa Pod Raceway for giving the team an opportunity to show what it's about at the NEC, and hopefully we'll see some of you guys and gals there."
©Eurodragster.com
"We are looking forward to the show", says Matthew Seamarks. "We have reguarly attended for the last four or five years and we have often thought that it would be nice to take the car to the show and now we have the chance."

"This is our first show on this scale though we do attend a lot of local shows and charity events", says crew Chief Stephen Seamarks. "We have never had the car in the full intenational spotlight, so this is quite a new experience for us and we believe this is going to be a very good way of getting more people intrested in Junior Dragster and drag racing in general."

"The car is exactly the same as last year except for the addition of sponsor Park View Cars of Rushden, who sell quality used cars and also perform general repairs in their unit next door to Webster Race Engineering. They join continuing sponsors Panelcraft, who do bodywork repairs paint cars and bikes, The Curry Garden who also support Eurodragster.com, and Dave Day who has been supplying me with fuel.

"2008 will be our last year in Junior Dragster. We are looking at our options for 2009 and we will also be crewing Dave and Sarah Day of Double Trouble Racing as we did last season.

"I would like to add that the National College For Motorsports will be attending the Autosport show. If you are looking to be in the motorsport industry I can recommend the course!

"On a final note we would like to thank Darren Prentice and Santa Pod Raceway for giving us the chance to attend the show."

Autosport International is open to the public on Saturday-Sunday 12th-13th January, with Press and Trade Days (which include one Live show each day) on Thursday-Friday 10th-11th. For more information including ticket bookings and Live Action bookings check out the Show's official web site at www.autosport-international.com. If you can't make the NEC then stay tuned as Eurodragster.com will be reporting live from Autosport International on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in association with American Car Imports. Tog will be attending the Show on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Kirstie will be there on Saturday, so if you see us then don't hesitate to grab us and say Hi. We will of course have our notebooks with us.

Swift snippets.

8th January: The latest spy picture to reach the offices of Eurodragster.com shows the result of "Three mad weeks" at a race car builder to the north and west of the Watford Gap. Our mole promised us more information on request, but a reply to their E-Mail bounced - if you're reading this then we would indeed like more information, so write away. If you know any more, or if you would like to send any spy pictures of your own, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.

UK racers please remember that this Friday, 11th January, is the deadline for items for the agenda for next week's UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting at the Diamonds Centre in Irthlingborough. If you would like something discussed at the Meeting then please contact SPRC Club Secretary Paula Marshall by E-Mail at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625. Please note that you must attend the meeting or your point will not be discussed.
©Eurodragster.com
Another one for UK racers, in this case the winners of last year's Perpetual Awards. If you are still holding a Perpetual trophy from last year then Paula Marshall has asked for its return so that it can be engraved with the name of this year's winner before the UK Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation in February. To arrange the return of a trophy please contact Paula as above.

We're not sure how much clearer the wording could have been, but please note that one vote per E-Mail address is allowed for each of the SPRC Perpetual Award categories. If you send more than one vote for the same category then all of your votes will be deleted. We thought this one was quite clear too, but asking workmates or forum members to vote en masse is also forbidden, unless you fancy being disqualified from the vote in which case go right ahead and the SPRC Committee will name and shame you here on Eurodragster.com News.

2007 SPRC Perpetual Awards vote VI.
6th January: Once again Santa Pod Racers Club and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give Eurodragster.com readers the chance of input to the SPRC Perpetual Awards, which will be presented at the joint APIRA/SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy presentation on Saturday 2nd February 2008.

For seven of the eight 2007 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. There are eight awards in all: this week's category is the James Edgar Memorial Trophy. Nominations are now also being accepted for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC Committee decides upon the winners.

The James Edgar Memorial Trophy is awarded for outstanding performance by a Crew Chief or tuner. The SPRC Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows:

Jeff Bull, for Belinda Bull (Super Comp)
Go to vote

Mick Coombs, for Andy Hone (Super Modified)
Go to vote

Mick Franklin, for Steve Nash (Street Eliminator)
Go to vote

Trevor Graves, for Conrad Stanley (Super Gas)
Go to vote

Chris Hannam (aka Cannon), for Neil Midgley (Funny Bike)
Go to vote

Steve Leedell, for Ian Turburville (Supertwin/Top Fuel Bike)
Go to vote

To place your vote, go to the official SPRC Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
©Eurodragster.com
The Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, was first awarded to Santa Pod Raceway's late Chief Marshal, Alex Brachtvogel, in 2001 to mark his outstanding contribution to Santa Pod Raceway and the sport as a whole. After Alex's death the trophy was named in his memory and continues to be awarded for contribution to drag racing. There is no shortlist for the Alex Brachtvogel award. Nominations are invited from Eurodragster.com readers for racers, race officials, track and safety crews, club officials, media, or anyone else who has contributed to the sport. Last year the trophy was awarded to SPRC Chief Marshal Steve Horn. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to sprc.awards.2007@btinternet.com specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Trophy nomination as the subject and your nomination in the body of the E-Mail.

Voting is per category, so if you voted for the Most Promising Newcomer last week then you can of course vote for the James Edgar Memorial Trophy today, and so on.

For each of the Awards, one vote per E-Mail address per nominee will be accepted: multiple votes for the same nominee from the same E-Mail address will all be disqualified. Please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates or forum members to vote en masse - are easily identified and all such votes will be disallowed as they have been in previous years. Concerted attempts at vote-rigging will result in the nominee being removed from the shortlist.

The next, and final, category will be the Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy.

Swift snippets.
6th January: Congratulations to Finnish Top Fuel Dragster racer Janne Ahonen on winning an unprecedented fifth FIS Four Hills Championship in his other day job as a ski jumper. Starting the year as you mean to go on Janne, and A is right next to S on the keyboard...
©Eurodragster.com
See PSR for PSI certification.

5th January: PSI have appointed Germany's Peter Schöfer Racing as their official European dealer and SFI recertifiers. The new deal will make things a lot easier for European racers who will now be able to sent their blowers to PSR in Germany instead of to the USA.

"This appointment is going to make things much easier for European teams as we all know what it's like to send the entire blower to the USA, which had to be done at regular intervals according to the SFI statutes", says Gittli Koller of Peter Schöfer Racing. "We are very proud that we can now offer recertification in Europe. Wolfgang Schöfer has a lot of experience with various types of blowers and he is going to expand upon his knowledge during our trip to the USA at the end of the month.
©Eurodragster.com
"As we are also PSI's official European dealer, we will have some of the necessary spare parts in stock or we'll be able to order them quickly.

"In order to provide a smooth service, we would like to ask all teams who need SFI recertification of their blowers this year to get in touch with us in good time. Please E-Mail us at psi@p-s-r.com, or if you wish you can also contact us via phone or fax. You can find our contact numbers on our web site at www.p-s-r.com."

Turners seek crew.
5th January: Steve Turner, Crew Chief and UK Championship driver of UK Top Methanol Dragster team Turner Motorsport tells us that the team still have room for new crew members in 2008.
©Eurodragster.com
"We need to or possibly three crew to work with the bottom end, clutch and cylinder heads", says Steve. "We need committed individuals who can attend all races both here in England and abroad, and who can give up time to work on the car and support equipment between races. Mechanical and racing experience would be preferred but we can train you."

If you are interested in working on one of Europe's leading Top Methanol Dragster teams then please either E-Mail robertturner7@aol.com, or call 07974 397146.

Kågered doubles up.

4th January: Swedish Top Fuel Dragster team Micke Kågered Racing now have a two-car three-cockpit team after acquiring the Two Seater Dragster previously fielded by Johan Hässler and Gordon Callin.

Micke Kågered will pilot one of the four passenger-carrying dragsters in Europe in a deal with sponsor Peugeot Sverige which also includes a number of other activities and projects and which involves several of the team's other sponsors. The car will make its début in its new colours at the Automässan in Gothenburg in a couple of weeks' time.
©Eurodragster.com
Micke Kågered Racing have also announced that Peak Antifreeze have joined the team as a sponsor. Peak Antifreeze, not an inappropriate addition for the Scandinavian winter, can be used in any type of vehicle.

You can read more about both the Two Seater Dragster and Peak Antifreeze on the Micke Kågered Racing web site at www.kagered-racing.com.

Swift snippets.
4th January: We understand that a member of a UK Top Fuel Bike team has been lucky enough to enjoy a win on the UK National Lottery and that subsequently the team have reduced their efforts to find sponsorship for the 2008 season.
©Eurodragster.com

Many congratulations to UK Street Eliminator racer Steve Pateman and wife Cordette on the birth of their daughter Shannon. Big Tom Rayner tells us that Steve and Cordette's early Christmas present arrived on 16th December and weighed in at 8 lb 2 oz. "At just four days old, Shannon Pateman has already got 'protection' from drag racing's very own Godfather (left)", says Tom.

Making an exhibition of ourselves...

3rd January: A number of the UK's finest are all set to present the country's first-ever indoor display of drag racing at next week's Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham. Andy Robinson (Pro Mod), Conrad Stanley (Super Gas) (right), Andy Frost (Street Eliminator) and Matthew Seamarks and Joe Kellett (Junior Dragster) will be performing burnouts and demonstrations in the Live Action Arena five times on each of the public days, Saturday-Sunday 12th-13th January.

"If we get all the panels back the Studebaker will be in natural carbon fibre, a one-off appearance in this form so get pictures while you can" says Bob Roberts of Eurodragster.com Home and News sponsor Andy Robinson Race Cars. "Are we excited? Of course. Are we panicking? Of course. Are we used to running the car in January when all good drag racers are hibernating? No, not at all. Will we be there? Of course."

"We were very pleased to be asked to attend the Autosport show and are really looking forward to it" says Pete Kellett of Eurodragster.com News sponsor B & B Specialist Automotive & Leisure Services whose son Joe is appearing at the Show. "It is all new to us, so it should be really cool especially as it is to promote Junior Dragster and drag racing in general. Joe is really excited because he gets to have days off school as well as racing the car inside the Live Action Arena. One thing is for sure, there won't be a rain-off! I think it is a brilliant idea as there will be thousands of people not familiar with drag racing who will watch the show."
©Eurodragster.com
Wayne Corbitt of Panther Racing UK tells us that the Live Action Arena show lasts for an hour, and Bob Roberts adds that the drag racing section starts forty three minutes into the show. "The show is almost an hour long and consists of an opening tribute to Colin McRae", says Wayne. "The drag racing section of the show represents the largest time slice at six minutes long. The teams will be filling the arena with smoke, fumes and noise and will be doing burnouts from end to end (alternate sides) to make sure all the crowd can see the action. Other sections include WRC cars, celebrity interview, F1 Stock cars, Autograss specials, young drivers in Palmer Audis, Off Road Rally and Baja cars, pick-up trucks, Formula Ford and of course our old friend Terry Grant.

"Show times on both Saturday and Sunday are 09:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00 and 15:30."

All involved have asked us to say a big Thank You to Darren Prentice and Caroline Day of Santa Pod Raceway for the invitation to appear at Autosport International.

Autosport International is open to the public on Saturday-Sunday 12th-13th January, with Press and Trade Days (which include one Live show each day) on Thursday-Friday 10th-11th. For more information including ticket bookings and Live Action bookings check out the Show's official web site at www.autosport-international.com. If you can't make the NEC then stay tuned as Eurodragster.com will be reporting live from Autosport International on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in association with American Car Imports.

Swift snippets.

3rd January: The latest spy picture to reach the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words "For your eyes only!". When we checked with our mole whether that meant that we should not publish the shot, they replied that it was a James Bond reference and that we should post away. So here is what looks like a Funny Car defended, if you look closely enough, by its own guard dog. If you know any more, or if you would like to send any spy pictures of your own, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Pro Mod racers interested in running in the 2008 MSA British Drag Racing Championship are reminded of the meeting to be held at Santa Pod Raceway at 2:00 pm on Saturday 19th January. The meeting will discuss development of the Championship. If you plan to attend then please let Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall know before 10th January at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or on 01933 313625.

Web site updates.
3rd January: Our good friend Jon Spoard has updated the excellent UK Drag Racing Nostalgia site with over one hundred pictures including several pages of superb, previously-unpublished shots from contributor Colin Barlow. "The pictures range from 1969 to 75 and include some amazing stuff including a sideways Roland Pratt in Transcontinental and a wheelstanding Dennis Priddle in Mr Six", says Jon. As well as a large number of picture galleries and several great videos the UKDRN site, which can be found at www.ukdrn.co.uk, features an exemplary Nostalgia discussion forum dedicated to the exchange of information and memories and refreshingly lacking in the know-alls, smart-arses and other undesirables who sometimes spoil such boards.
©Eurodragster.com
Dirk Behlau writes to tell us about a new Flickr photo community to which readers are invited to add their European drag racing pictures. To check out the already-extensive community, or to join to enable you to post your own shots, visit www.flickr.com/groups/618921@N21.

Earlier news