Malmgren takes a curve. 31st January: Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren is set for 2018 after what he says was a
pretty good 2017:
We were pleased considering the tough competition. We had a good shot at runner-up spot for a while but due to a tyre problem
at Hockenheim we lost to a strong-running Stefan Ernryd in the first round and that ruined our chances. So then we focused on securing
third place, Thomas Lindström was too far back to catch us. So #3 on the Black Devil is OK, much better than our achievment
in 2016.
Our Bob Ingles engine performed very well and we had no issues whatsoever during 2017. This gave us a boost for 2018. The engine is back at Bob's
shop in NY and he is working on more power and will give it a slightly different power curve which we believe will be better, so things ae looking
good there.
All of this would be impossible without the support of our USA Performance parts manufactors Strange Engineering, Diamond Pistons, Trend
Performance, Victory Valves, Dynotech Driveshafts, ARP Fasteners, MSD Ignition, Fel Pro, Speed Pro, Aeromotive Fuel System, VP Racing Fuels,
Braswell Carburators, Richmond Gears, PAC Valve Springs and MBE Cylinder Heads.
I have a very good team who all take this very seriously and they will all be with me again in 2018: Bjarne Cox, Kent Jonson, Kent Eriksson, Tomas
Jonsson, Michaela Malmgren and Monica Bengtsson.
We will do some pre-season testing at Malmö Raceway so that we are ready to dump the clutch at the new Santa Pod super track at the
end of May.
Swift snippets. 31st January: Darren Orthodoxou writes that Robin Orthodoxou and his Comp Eliminator
altered team are ready for 2018 but that this season may be their last. "We are on track to get the car finished on time", says
Darren. "However after to a death in the family over 2017 European Finals weekend the house where our racing operation is based is to be sold.
This means that we are without a racing headquarters, nowhere to store the car, equipment or van and we are not in a position financially to rent a
space large enough. Unless we have some kind of miracle or someone can help us we are screwed and may have to sell up. It kills me because I
haven't even managed to get into the hot seat."
Thanks to MSA British Championship PR Robin Jackson for forwarding us these shots
of Pro Modified racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Andy Robinson collecting his 2017 MSA British Drag Racing
Championship trophy at the MSA's Trophy Evening at the Royal Automobile Club on Saturday.
Above left Andy is presented with his trophy by FIA Deputy President (Sport) Graham Stoker.
All welcome to the Isle. 31st January: Ian Merryweather writes that the Manx Drag Racing Association and Straightliners
invite all two- and four-wheeled racers to race at Jurby on the Isle of Man:
Jurby Raceway has undergone many changes over the years but none more so than in 2017 with a new track location and layout and new concrete start line.
In July 2017 the Gasser Circus were first to lay down the rubber, followed by a bunch of Outlaws from the Supercharged and Anglia brigade at the September
Pokerstars Drag Fest. The new start line instantly paid dividends with each racers' runs bettering their last. The track record of 9.4 seconds, set by Ben Rushforth in V12-powered
Jag altered the previous year, was bettered by Sam Freeman at the Pokerstars Drag Fest on his first run down the quarter at 8.98/135 then he raised the bar on every
run to finish the weekend with a record of 8.78/163.
There is also the opportunity to take in one of the UK's most beautiful destinations for a short holiday break. Visit
www.visitisleofman.com and see that the Isle of Man could be what you are looking for.
A package deal with the ferry company Isle of Man Steampacket Holidays
offers racers discounts for these events but you must book using the E-Mail
info@steampacketholidays.com or phone 01624 645777 and ask for the
Straightliners Drag Racing event package for the weekend you wish to attend.
The main concern which racers have is the cost of the ferry, however if you plan to take in a long weekend break you will without doubt enjoy it.
Although packages are available they are limited due to the increasing popularity of the motorsport events on the Island. The TT in June and Classic TT / MGP in August plus
rallying, trials, cycling, hillclimbing and many other weekend events keep the Steampacket busy through the year so booking early is the way to go.
The Tynwald Drags 30th May - 1st June offers the best availability as it does not clash with any other major island event.
Do your homework and take in all the Island has to offer. Oh and one other thing, for those who have street-legal cars there is no speed limit when you see the National
Speed Limit sign! Expect twisty roads and please drive sensibly as we want you all to go home and spread the word with a huge smile on your face.
To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official APIRA Perpetual Awards voting page which you can view by
clicking here or by clicking on the APIRA Perpetual Awards vote
link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If the E-Mail is not automatically generated with your chosen name in the
title then simply send an E-Mail to apiraawards2017@btinternet.com
giving the category (Iris Page Memorial Trophy etc) as the subject of the E-Mail and the name of the person for whom you wish to vote in
the body of the E-Mail.
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. And every year we say this, but every year someone
tries it on: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or
Facebook friends 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 whether or not that nominee
knows what was going on. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. If in any doubt about what constitutes canvassing
then please drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com.
Additionally, if anyone should have issues with the content of any of the shortlists then please have the courtesy to contact APIRA
direct rather than contacting Eurodragster.com or posting cryptic comments or bullying candidates on Facebook. E-Mails to Eurodragster.com
regarding the content of the shortlists will receive neither a reply nor any other acknowledgement.
The remaining categories will be posted as follow:
Friday 2nd February: APIRA Endeavour Award
Monday 5th February: Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy
Friday 9th February: McDonald Racing Ireland Best Newcomer
SPRC Presentation gallery. 29th January: The official Trophy Presentation pictures from Saturday evening's SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation
are now available. The gallery, which is presented in association with Lucas Oil Products,
can be checked out by clicking
here or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Copies of any picture are free and can be obtained by E-Mailing tog@eurodragster.com
with the image number.
Many thanks to photographer Julian for his hard work on Saturday night.
Not long after I bought her home we took her to a RWYB at Santa Pod with the intention of just firing her
up and checking everything was OK. I will never forget the first time she roared into life. My eyes streaming
with the alcohol fumes but I was addicted, and just wanted to go up the track now, but something wasn't quite
right. Every time I tried to blip the throttle, she seemed to stutter. I concluded she was just too cold and
wasn't too concerned, however after checking the lash again once I got home, found a broken valve spring, argh!
A few days later I received an E-Mail from Ian Marshall. Apparently the guy who originally commissioned and
campaigned the car was trying to get hold of me. I gave my details to Ian, who kindly passed them on to Mike
Bentley, followed by a phone call from another Northerner. After speaking to Rick for some time now, my ear
was getting tuned into the accent so when Mike called I was pleasantly surprised that I could not only understand
him, but chatted for hours about the car and learned he was the guy who originally commissioned the car with Zane
Lewellyn and Timmy Heins and had been very successful in Super Street before upgrading the motor and running in
Super Gas. We spent hours unsuccessfully trying to source the same springs, but after some assistance from Hauser
Race Cars we managed to find something suitable, and they were promptly installed.
It was late in the season by now, but I was determined to take her down the track at least a few times before
winter. We fired her up and drove down to the pairing lanes. I had rehearsed the routine for the burnout in my
mind for months, but this was it. I was called forward, and Paul guided me into the bleach box. Deep breath, "Pump
the brake pedal, and stamp on it like it was the head of the guy who had just done bad things to your sister"...
I clearly remember Rick quoting this, So I did and pressed the line lock button and watched for Paul's instruction.
He gave me the sign and very nervously I fed in the loud. Instantly the back lit up and as I stared at the tacho.
The car just sat there, well behaved and surprisingly far less dramatic than I had anticipated. Paul indicated me
to come forward and I rolled out. OK so that bit went well, now for stage two, the run. The plan was to ignore
the lights, and when I felt ready, just come off the brake, and gently feed in the power to get a feel of things.
Remember I had never driven anything on a track before. A good friend of mine has had some really fast road cars,
Porsche, Bentley and a Ferrari to name a few, and have been lucky enough to drive them, however nothing can prep
you for what was about to happen. I lifted the brake and she started to roll forward, I fed in the power and
immediately the car which seemed to be a well behaved, placid lady turned into an angry gnarly beast and all hell
broke loose. Heading slightly towards the wall I backed off and she came back into line. I had another go and same
thing happened, but now considerably faster, it didn't feel stable at all. I made it through the top end and back
to the pits. For the first time I started to doubt myself and wasn't sure if this was really for me, however Paul
wasn't going to give up on me, and with his tutoring and endless encouragement we ran the car again a few more
times until winter stopped play.
The week before Easter 2017, we had planned to licence as I had entered the Festival of Power, and by now I had
managed to get the car under power for most the way down the track. Unfortunately Paul couldn't make the RWYB
so Tom Margesson and my brother stepped in. We got to the track and I strolled off to sign in and find Ian
Marshall to let him know I would like to licence. I found him by the Glue Bird and went for a chat, and present
my intention. "OK", Ian said, "and what class are you licencing in?". "Super Gas" I proudly announced. "And you
have never licenced in anything else before" he said, with what seemed like a little nervousness in his voice. "No"
I answered. I recall the feeling of "What have I done" came over me. Ian took me through the routine and said that
when I was ready I should come through the pairing lanes for a burnout and the first of the three passes.
Passes one and two were a doddle dragging the chute behind me for the first time, however Ian now wanted to see
a full pass as close to 9.90 as I could. The tree dropped and I let off the transbrake, pedal planted to the floor.
The weekend before we had tried a full run off the tranbrake, but the tyres just kept lighting up so we had dropped
the launch RPM massively, but we forgot to change it back so I knew I would have to run without the stop and hope
that the car would hook to have any chance of a decent time. I came off the line, tyres immediately smoked and the
front made a beeline for the wall. Attempt number two went even worse. We had forgotten to turn the gas on and
ended up burning out and running all the way down the track without full accelerator. Run three and this time I got
off the line, speed picking up nicely, but at the gear change the horizon changed and the gantry was replaced with
wall again. I managed to pedal it, but was way off the mark. I was beginning to understand Ian's concerns. Back at
the pits we made an adjustment to the four link and rolled around for another go. 10.2, now that was more like it.
Getting close now, and I was getting my confidence however the day was drawing in and all the RWYB guys were heading
off home, but Ian was adamant he was going to licence me, and let me have one last go.
This was it. If I wanted to play with the boys the following week, it was now or never. She hooked, quite softly
as I was still running the low RPM, but importantly she didn't spin the tyres. It felt good so far, past the
eighth and through the gear change without any drama. The gantry came up way faster than I expected and through
to the turn-off at the end. Back at the pits my brother strolled up with a Cheshire Cat grin on his face. "You
only did a bloody 9.6!"
Festival of Power 2017 and my very first proper event in the Al's Gasser Super Gas Shootout. I had been to many
events by now, but the pomp and circumstance seemed greatly amplified as I was actually a part of the show.
My first competitive run ever was against Mark White. Really nice chap who I had been chatting to in the pits,
and like everyone else in Super Gas he had welcomed me and given me all the encouragement I needed. I was
reasonably comfortable in the car by now, and ran a 9.95 against Mark's 9.99 which until the end of the session
had me #1 then Jon Morton knocked me down to #2. I was ecstatic and now completely hooked. I ran Paul Marston
in Q2, then Tim Moore in Q3 and Q4. I was astonished that my numbers were right up there with them and ended up
qualifying #6 of ten convinced that it was he car, not me. E1 and paired up with Jon Morton. Good light by both
of us and as we came close to the stripe, Jon came hurtling past. "Damn", I thought to myself, "I must have put too
much stop in". Just as fast as Jon flew by, he stood on the brakes and disappeared from view. We both broke out,
but Jon's being the less he got the win. Respect due, my first lesson in finish line racing.
Main Event and things were going great. The car was running consistently and my lights were getting better.
Made it through round one, due to what was quickly becoming my race partner Mark White failing to show, so on
to round two and paired with someone I had never heard of, Tony Morris. Ex-pat Tony was being hosted by Paul
Marston. Paul Brown started to fill me in with the details, and rather than being disappointed that I was
inevitably going to be ass-whipped by the Whoopass Monza and this American NHRA legend, I think that for
the first time my racing instinct hit and I actually became excited to race this guy knowing that there was
always a chance. Unfortunately not this time, but wow what a race.
I was now totally at home in the car, driving it was second nature, and I spent most of my runs looking sideways
out the window at my opponent. I could see Tony running me down, and with the finesse of a well-rehearsed play,
took the stripe with an exceptionally judged 9.91 versus my 9.83 breakout, and amazingly only eleven inches in
it. Well done Tony and thanks for the opportunity.
The rest of the year seemed to fly by, and by now I was getting to know many of the Super Gas racers and lot of
the guys and girls from Santa Pod and Shakey. European Finals and normal business resumes. First outing and I
was well off the pace. The weather was rubbish and everyone was struggling, however what was to happen next
changed everything for me. We had made a few calcs back in the pit and eventually decided upon the stop number.
Got ourselves ready and made our way down to the pairing lanes. Earlier on in the season Paul had suggested to
moving my transbrake button from its current location and putting it on the steering wheel, convinced it would
give better reactions. What a difference it made. I was beginning to get far more consistent, 0.03 and 0.04
lights, and this run was no exception with a 0.0266. I rapidly learned that you can feel a good run, and by no
means was this one shabby. I was running against Ronald Huis in the House Bros Chevy. As he runs Comp as well
as Gas his stop was on for far longer so I only caught sight of him way after 1000 foot mark. We went through
the stripe with Ronald quite a bit ahead of me, and thought I had put way too much stop in her. As I turned
off at the top end, I always give the marshals a thumbs up, as they do to me, just to acknowledge that the car
is OK and I'm not pouring oil or worse, however this time they were all clapping. "Strange", I thought. As I
came down through the pits, random people were giving me the thumbs up, and as I turned into my pit, Paul and
Lesley were on their hands and knees bowing down. OMFG! I had only gone Perfect ET.
I ran again the next round
just to back it up, and sat out Q4 and Q5, instead watching from the grandstand. I was ecstatic, my first year
and I was about to get a trophy! There was just one more car to run. Brian Pateman rolled up to the tree on a
bye. Staged, and left with his usual great light, but without another car in the other lane, it was quite hard
to estimate how he was doing. I looked in shock as the board lit up 9.900, waiting nervously for Colin to confirm
his forth digit. I sat there for what seemed like an eternity, then Colin announced his time as 9.9009, only one
ten thousandth off my run. Well with the Bloodwise Perfect ET sticker adorning my car and prize money in hand,
I was then awarded the trophy and prize money by Jon Giles and Simon Gough, generously sponsored by Cadman Plant.
Unfortunately rain then spoilt proceedings, and that was it for the weekend.
The UK National Finals and theoretically I could come second in the National Championships if I was well behaved.
Again, another thing I have learned through life, and strengthened by racing, don't count your chickens! Paired
up for my first run of the weekend, fired up and rolled to the box. Just as I started my burnout, the window net
fell down as I hadn't managed to clip it in correctly. Rolled out of the burnout, and the throttle seemed to be
stuck slightly open, enough to pull on the converter and I was really struggling to hold the car on the brake.
Flustered, my crew sorted the net and I came up to the beam, staged, then as usual hit the transbrake button - so
I thought, but it was the line lock - foot off the brake and shot off down the track foul-staging. That was the
tune of things for the rest of the weekend for me. Paired up with Jon Giles in E1, I knew he was going to be good
on the light but rushed staging, going in a little deeper than normal. Jon hit a brilliant 0.03 and we were off
on the charge. Somehow I hadn't noticed that I had red-lit, and I saw Jon way ahead assuming a break-out which he did.
If only I had kept my cool.
That was it for the year. I eventually finished fourth in the Nationals, top qualifier at the European Finals, and
APIRA Super Gas Champion.
So what can I take from all of this? Take opportunity as it comes as you may never get another (as I have so sadly
experienced especially over the last few years), believe in yourself and those around you, but mostly, have fun.
Thank you Santa Pod Raceway, Shakespeare County Raceway and Eurodragster.com staff (Thanks, you're welcome - Ed),
marshals, safety crew and everyone involved no matter how small (I already said thanks - Ed), Jon, Simon
and all who have worked tirelessly raising sponsorship and getting Super Gas back to what it once was, and all my
fellow Super Gas racers who have been nothing but amazing. Thank you to all racers in all classes who make this sport
the amazing show it is. Finally to sponsors Prem's Jewellery and LCM Engineering, and my team Paul, Zoe, Lesley, Dave,
Lee, Tom, Katie my brother Phil and all my family without whose dedication and trust I wouldn't be racing at all
especially to my little girl as if she had not noticed the Michel R Peters logo on Pauls car I would never have met
such wonderful people and have so much fun.
Happy New Year everyone, keep safe and have a successful 2018. The Terry Gibbs Super Gas Shootout is going to be
amazing, I can't wait for Round 1.
Lucas Oil will be supplying us with all of the oils and lubricants needed to run the Funny Car for a full season. Huge thanks to Les Downey, Dan Morgan and the
whole of the Lucas Oil team for all their support once again.
Tophaven specialise in using new and innovative products in the construction, extension and renovation of properties. From its formation in 2002
Tophaven have been using the latest green technologies and combination of products to build properties to a higher standard for energy efficiency,
sound reduction, lower CO2 emissions for both onward occupation and during construction, whilst maintaining traditional craftmanship and quality.
The company takes its responsibilities very seriously with regard to safety, the environment and the general perception of the industry. Based in
Northamptonshire the company works both locally and nationally supplying and fitting building systems and undertaking all aspects of building and
construction work. Tophaven has built up a reputation for constructing high-quality, low-maintenance energy-efficient buildings, and is always searching
for new products and methods to build to even higher, greener and more sustainable standards.
Swift snippets. 26th January: UK Super Pro ET racer Mark Flavell is seeking an altered body. "Preferably a Ford Roadster or a Bantam but WHY",
says Flav. "It's going to be the basis of something very different which will allow us to shed the Firebird FC body for the Nostalgia events". If you can help then you can get in touch with
Flav at mark@flavellwelding.co.uk or call 07785 226782.
APIRA Perpetual Awards vote 2. 26th January: Avon Park International Racing Association and Eurodragster.com are again teaming up to give readers the chance of
input to the APIRA Perpetual Awards, which will be presented at the joint Avon Park International Racing Association, Shakespeare County Raceway and
National Association of Supertwins Trophy Night on Saturday 3rd March. The votes of Eurodragster.com readers will be taken into consideration when
the APIRA selection panel decides upon its winners.
For six of the 2017 season awards, shortlists have been decided for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. One shortlist will be posted per week; the
remaining lists will be posted on Mondays starting next week.
The latest shortlist is the Shakespeare County Raceway Award for Outstanding Achievement which is awarded to a racer who achieved outstanding
performance at Shakespeare County Raceway during the season.
The APIRA selection panel's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows:
To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official APIRA Perpetual Awards voting page which you can view by
clicking here or by clicking on the APIRA Perpetual Awards vote
link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If the E-Mail is not automatically generated with your chosen name in the
title then simply send an E-Mail to apiraawards2017@btinternet.com
giving the category (Iris Page Memorial Trophy etc) as the subject of the E-Mail and the name of the person for whom you wish to vote in
the body of the E-Mail.
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. And every year we say this, but every year someone
tries it on: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or
Facebook friends 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 whether or not that nominee
knows what was going on. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. If in any doubt about what constitutes canvassing
then please drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com.
Additionally, if anyone should have issues with the content of any of the shortlists then please have the courtesy to contact APIRA
direct rather than contacting Eurodragster.com or posting cryptic comments or bullying candidates on Facebook. E-Mails to Eurodragster.com
regarding the content of the shortlists will receive neither a reply nor any other acknowledgement.
The remaining categories will be posted as follow:
Monday 29th January: APIRA / Shakespeare County Raceway Sportswoman of the Year
Friday 2nd February: APIRA Endeavour Award
Monday 5th February: Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy
Friday 9th February: McDonald Racing Ireland Best Newcomer
VP's3 GallonMotorsportsmanContainers are made with only the highest quality virgin high-density polyethylene, including 30% more material than
standard containers to withstand the roughest treatment. The containers are subjected to a fifteen-point quality test and carry a three-year limited
warranty against cracks, leaks or splitting. They feature an ergonomically contoured handle, bottom grip for easy pouring and a non-breakable
multipurpose cap with rubber gaskets. Hose not included.
Second-hand would be preferable. The condition needs to be OK, but they are not going to be used on a car. These are the older Top Fuel wheel, not the later square
drive type. We are not looking for a freebie but we are not seeking expensive new wheels either, please let me know what you have and how much.
If you can help then please get in touch with Ian at ir.marshall@btconnect.com or call
01933 313625 (outside the UK +44 1933 313625).
Web site updates. 24th January: Our good buddy photo-journalist Steve Moxley has had a report and pictures from the
Manufacturers Cup World Finals at Valdosta posted on the Eat My Ink web site at
www.eatmyink.com. Stay tuned as we also have our own Feature from
Steve from that event which will be posted very soon.
To place your vote, either use the links above or go to the official APIRA Perpetual Awards voting page which you can view by
clicking here or by clicking on the APIRA Perpetual Awards vote
link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If the E-Mail is not automatically generated with your chosen name in the
title then simply send an E-Mail to apiraawards2017@btinternet.com
giving the category (Iris Page Memorial Trophy etc) as the subject of the E-Mail and the name of the person for whom you wish to vote in
the body of the E-Mail.
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. And every year we say this, but every year someone
tries it on: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or
Facebook friends 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 whether or not that nominee
knows what was going on. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. If in any doubt about what constitutes canvassing
then please drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com.
Additionally, if anyone should have issues with the content of any of the shortlists then please have the courtesy to contact APIRA
direct rather than contacting Eurodragster.com or posting cryptic comments or bullying candidates on Facebook. E-Mails to Eurodragster.com
regarding the content of the shortlists will receive neither a reply nor any other acknowledgement.
The remaining categories will be posted as follow:
Friday 26th January: APIRA / Shakespeare County Raceway Award for Outstanding Achievement
Monday 29th January: APIRA / Shakespeare County Raceway Sportswoman of the Year
Friday 2nd February: APIRA Endeavour Award
Monday 5th February: Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy
Friday 9th February: McDonald Racing Ireland Best Newcomer
See nitro for more PBs. 22nd January: After a very successful 2017 UK six-second, 200 mph Wild Bunch slingshot racer Bob Hawkins and
the Time Traveller team are of course agreed that they want to try to keep the PBs coming in 2018, down through the mid-sixes
to the low sixes if possible. To do so the team have made the big decision to tip a different can:
It's a big, no huge target with an old iron block Chevy on alky and limited budget. How are we going to achieve it? Well, if we're going to that extreme then we
thought why not go the whole hog and go blown nitro racing on the same budget! So that's now our plan.
We've changed the engine and blower combination to accommodate a decent percentage so our new challenge has now begun. We still intend to run with the
Wild Bunch as much, as it's such a brilliant club. We've made so many friends over the years and it would be fantastic for a Wild Bunch slingshot to be one of the
fastest outside the USA. We are hoping also to compete in the Slingshot Showdown at Dragstalgia and of course hope to defend last year's title. I'm really looking
forward to racing on the Pod's brand new track and can't wait for Easter!
I'd like to wish all racers, track and safety crews, officials, Tog and everyone else a fabulous and safe 2018 (Thanks! - Ed). See you at the track!
You can check out a video of the year's first fire-up by clicking here or
by clicking on the image at right.
Swift snippets. 22nd January: No news update yesterday so we were unable to say a big Happy Birthday for yesterday
(Sunday) to SPRC Starter and top bloke David Warren. Hope you had a great day David.
Many thanks to everyone who submitted votes and nominations for the SPRC Perpetual Awards. No thanks to those
responsible for the three attempts at vote-rigging. The winners will be announced at the SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy
Presentation this coming Saturday (27th) and will be posted here on Eurodragster.com News immediately after the
presentation.
The inspection team will be Jennifer, Andy Robinson, Luke Robinson and L-G Eriksson.
Thursday 8th March: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Friday 9th March: Helsinki, Finland NB tentative Saturday 10th March: Persåkers Speed Shop, Åkers Styckebruk, Sweden Monday 12th March: Santa Pod Raceway, UK
A list of items which can be inspected, now including SFI 61.1 turbochargers (Precision brand only), can be checked out by
clicking
here (PDF format).
SPRC Dinner Dance drink orders. 20th January: Yvonne Tramm has been in touch to let us know that drinks can be pre-ordered for your table
at next Saturday's (27th) Santa Pod Racers Club Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation at the De Vere Staverton Park Hotel.
The hotel have supplied a list of available drinks which you can check out by clicking
here (PDF format). Please E-Mail your name and drinks selection to Yvonne at
ytramm@africonnect.com by close next Thursday, 25th January.
Payment will be taken on the night.
Pro ET Challenge expands. 20th January: Jonny Niesner writes that Drag Race Union's
popular Pro ET Challenge is extending its reach in 2018 and
that all are welcome to participate:
We are expecting participants from all over Central Europe to collect Challenge points at ten races. For the first time rounds will be held at Santa Pod, England
and Malmö, Sweden. We are again fully motivated for the coming season and will give of our best. This is not only an additional challenge for us, but also
to promote the community and its image. More information is available on our web site at www.dragraceunion.eu
or on our Facebook page.
SPRC Perpetual Awards closing. 20th January: Voting and nominations for the SPRC
Perpetual Awards close at 23:59 UK tonight (Saturday).
To place your votes for Most Promising Newcomer, Best-Appearing Car, Best-Appearing Bike, Most Professional-Appearing Team and
the James Edgar Memorial Trophy, or to submit a nomination for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy,
click here or click on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link
on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Important UK rule book change. 18th January:Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Ian Marshall has been
in touch with news of an important update to the 2018 UK rule book:
Following on from last year's rule book update GSR 1.2.2 Diapers, the regulation mandating diapers for all cars 7.50 and
slower has been removed from the 2018 rule book.
This is pending further investigation from the Tech Committee during 2018; there have been some issues which require research for
stock-type vehicles which are running in various classes.
If you have any queries then please contact the UK Tech Crew (details in the rule book), call Ian on 01933 313625 or E-Mail
ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
Slicks sought for SPR prep. 18th January: Ian Marshall also writes that SPRC's track crew are seeking used slicks or ET Street Radials for use in
prepping the new track surface.
If you have any used slicks or ET Street Radials then please call Ian on 01933 313625 or E-Mail ir.marshall@btconnect.com.
The Club will be glad to arrange collection of tyres.
Straightliners take to the Isles. 18th January: Trevor Duckworth writes that as well as the usual schedule of events on the mainland, the UK's
Straightliners will also be holding four events on neighbouring
islands in 2018:
We have three events at the new Jurby Track on the Isle of Man, and we are also back in Northern Ireland at St Anglos Airfield,
Enniskillen. These venues are basically no-prep tracks and great fun for a long weekend away drag racing:
14th-15th April: Jurby, Isle of Man
30th June-1st July: Jurby, Isle of Man
5th August: St Anglos Airfield, Enniskillen, Northern Island
1st-2nd September: Jurby, Isle of Man
These events are open to all, and we have travel and accommodation packages available. Details for all events will be posted shortly at
www.straightlinersevents.co.uk.
Memorabilia seeking a good home. 18th January: Martin Wilson has been in touch to let us know that due to downsized accommodation he is having to
sell his collection of drag racing memorabilia.
On offer are about thirty die-cast models in various scales, some bought in the USA so would probably not have been available in this
country and some are signed by the drivers, signed Paul Whitehouse prints The Famous Five, Allard Chrysler and Mooneyes
and Andy Carter History Is Made, and books including Petersen's History of Drag Racing, A Complete Guide to Motorcycle
Drag Racing by Mike Griffin, John Force The Straight Story, Hot Rods and Dragsters by Melvyn Record, Crazy Horses
by Brian Taylor, Drive It - The Complete Book of Drag Racing by David Hardcastle and Peter Jones. "I would very much like them to
go to a good home and would not want a lot of money for them, only what someone would wish to pay for it all", says Martin. If you are
interested then you can contact Martin at glomriff@gmail.com.
For several of the 2017 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. 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 their
winners.
The final category is the James Edgar Memorial Trophy. The James Edgar Memorial Trophy is awarded for outstanding performance by a Crew Chief,
tuner, racer / tuner, or crew member.
The SPRC Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows:
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. And every year we say this, but every year someone
tries it on: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or
Facebook friends 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 whether or not that nominee
knows what was going on. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. If in any doubt about what constitutes canvassing
then please drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com.
Additionally, if anyone should have issues with the content of any of the shortlists then please have the courtesy to contact SPRC
direct rather than contacting Eurodragster.com or posting cryptic comments or bullying candidates on Facebook. E-Mails to Eurodragster.com
regarding the content of the shortlists will receive neither a reply nor any other acknowledgement.
Voting and nominations close at 23:59 UK this Saturday (20th).
2018 Kunmadaras calendar. 15th January: Many thanks to József Hadnagy and Alexandra Tóth for forwarding us this year's calendar of
events at Kunmadaras in Hungary. The facility is being prepared and all
car and bike racers are welcome:
14th April: Drag Picnic 29th April-1st May: FIM Europe Super Street Bike Championship, International Hungarian Drag Challenge (open), International Drag Bike race (open) 2nd June: Drag and Drag Bike race 25th-26th August: Extreme Festival (drag racing and stunts)
PDRC Nite of Champions now booking. 15th January: Alan Perkins writes that the Pennine Drag Racing Club AGM and Nite of Champions presentation both take place
on Saturday 3rd March:
The date is a week later than usual due to the hotel hosting a large wedding! The AGM will take place at 14:00 and the Presentation at 19:00 at the Campanile Hotel, 6
Roydsdale Way, Euroway Estate, Bradford BD4 6SA (map).
All are welcome, it would be great to see new faces as well as old. Tickets for the Presentation are £26 which includes a three-course meal. For a booking form either see our
Facebook page or E-Mail
pdrc@btinternet.com.
Hotel rooms can be bookeddirect with the Campanile on 01274 68368. You will receive a discount if you mention the Pennine Drag Racing Club.
Book early as places are going fast.
Web site updates. 15th January: The British Drag Racing Hall of Famehas published thefifth issue of its on-line magazineHOFtalk,
which is designed to facilitate communications with members and supporters of the BDRHoF and which is edited by Simon Groves, member of the board of
BDRHoF Ltd and Eurodragster.com's own Pit Reporter. "In this issue you can see pictures of the Gala which took place at the Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge,
and the personalities who attended", says Simon. "We also look at the second half of the 2017 season and some of the treats in store for nostalgia drag racing
enthusiasts in 2018. Look out for an announcement soon about the 2018 BDRHoF Gala!". HOFtalkV is available as a downloadable PDF file by
clicking here, or by clicking on the Features, Interviews, Tributes link on the
left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.
Autosport International report. 13th January: In association with John Woolfe Racing
we have posted illustrated notes and additional pictures from yesterday's second day of the Autosport International Show at
Santa Pod Raceway.
As well as Eurodragster.com sponsor companies we encountered a few racers including usual Autosport suspects, and found out more
than a few interesting things including a couple of new products of interest to Junior Dragster racers.
You can check out our report by
clicking
here or by clicking on the John Woolfe Racing Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com
page.
Swift snippets. 13th January: We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Podington Pea
Andrew Shakeshaft. Have a great day Andrew.
Items to be discussed include the 2018 UK National Championships (ratification of dates as well as Championship matters), event entry fees and
pitside electrical supply, and prize funds, as well as Any Other Business.
Racers are invited to submit items for the agenda but please note that an item will only be discussed if its proposer actually attends the meeting.
If you have any items for the agenda of the 2018 Riders' and Drivers' Meeting then please send them
either to Santa Pod Racers Club at ir.marshall@btconnect.com
or to Shakespeare County Raceway at shakespearecountyraceway@gmail.com
by close of office hours on Friday 2nd February.
Immediately after the Riders' and Drivers' Meeting will be the Annual General Meeting for Santa Pod Racers Club, which will discuss the SPRC
accounts. Please note that this will not be a continuation of the Riders' and Drivers' meeting and that access to the AGM will require
current SPRC membership.
APIRA Trophy Night update. 11th January: Jerry Cookson of Shakespeare
County Raceway has been in touch with a reminder that Saturday 17th February is the deadline for bookings for the Avon Park
International Racing Association, Shakespeare County Raceway and the National Association of Supertwins Trophy Presentation Evening
which takes place at 18:00 on Saturday 3rd March in the Avon Room of the Hilton Warwick, Stratford Road, Warwick CV34 6RE (on Junction
15 of the M40).
APIRA have negotiated a preferential rate for rooms in the hotel at £90 for a double or £80 for a single. All rates are
inclusive of breakfast, car parking and VAT. To book your room please call the reservations team on 08008 568000 or visit the web
site atwww.hilton.com/warwickquoting reference code ASRAS. Cut off
for bedroom bookings at the special rate is twenty eight days prior to arrival.
Jerry asks that any 2017 APIRA Champions or runners-up who know that they will not be able to make the Trophy Evening
E-Mail him at shakespearecountyraceway@gmail.com.
You can download your booking form (PDF format) from the Downloads page of the Shakespeare County Raceway web site at
www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk.Payments
can be made by BACS; account details can also be found on the booking form. Please note that all booking forms should be returned to
the address on the form by 17th February.
Swift snippets. 11th January: Also on the subject of the APIRA Trophy Evening, the vote for the APIRA Perpetual
Awards for the 2017 season will commence here on Eurodragster.com very shortly.
We would like to say a big Happy Birthday for today (Thursday) to UK Pro ET racer and Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect
Light Award sponsor Tig Napier. Have a great day Tig. Also celebrating a birthday today is Mikey Durbridge, have a
Happy Birthday Mikey.
For more information about DFDS check out their web site at www.dfdsseaways.co.uk but
to benefit from the Santa Pod Raceway discount please be sure to use the form, not the web site, to make bookings.
Swift snippets. 10th January: Eurodragster.com streaming services provider
Doyousee.me have created a movie of René van den Bergs Personal Best run of 6.09
in Top Fuel Bike qualifying at last year's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. Maikel Gloudemans writes: we had already posted raw footage of the run using
our 360° camera, but now we have been able to combine it with footage from Eurodragster.com's Webster
Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport and and Nitro FM's audio
feed; many thanks to Tog and to Julian Parsons for providing these (You're welcome - Ed). We have tried to capture the massive acceleration of a Top Fuel
Bike combined with the team spirit needed to achieve Personal Bests. We would very much like to thank Shark Attack Drag Racing for allowing us to mount a
camera on several of their machines, and their sponsor Eurol. The video can be found on YouTube;
be sure to check out all the other videos on our channel and subscribe, because there's more where this came from.
For several of the 2017 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. 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 their
winners.
This week's category is Most Professional-Appearing Team. The SPRC Most Professional-Appearing Team trophy recognises not just the presentation of
a race vehicle but the team's overall approach to racing. As well as a well-turned-out car or bike, the Committee have considered such aspects as the
appearance and attitude of team personnel, the organisation and appearance of their pit area and support equipment, and their readiness when their class
is called.
The SPRC Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order of team / vehicle (not racer) name, is as follows:
Drummin' Man (Joe Kellett, Super Pro ET and Leah Kellett, Super Comp) Vote for Drummin' Man
Protek Racing (Rick Stubbins, Super Street Bike and Josh Stubbins, 8.50 Bike) Vote for Protek Racing
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. And every year we say this, but every year someone
tries it on: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or
Facebook friends 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 whether or not that nominee
knows what was going on. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. If in any doubt about what constitutes canvassing
then please drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com.
Additionally, if anyone should have issues with the content of any of the shortlists then please have the courtesy to contact SPRC
direct rather than contacting Eurodragster.com or posting cryptic comments or bullying candidates on Facebook. E-Mails to Eurodragster.com
regarding the content of the shortlists will receive neither a reply nor any other acknowledgement.
The final category, which will be posted next Monday (15th), will be the James Edgar Memorial Trophy. Voting will close at 23:59 UK on
Saturday 20th.
Swift snippets. 8th January: The UK's Lee Cohen tells us that his blown-alcohol Zephyr will be again be displayed on the
NGK Spark Plugs (UK) stand at this weekend's Autosport International
at the NEC in Birmingham. Stand 2850 can be found in Hall 20 on both the Trade / Press Days (Thursday and Friday) and the public days
(Saturday and Sunday).
Thanks for all of the votes for the SPRC Perpetual Awards and the nominations for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial
Trophy; please keep both coming. The penultimate category will be Most Professional-Appearing Team whose shortlist will be
posted on tomorrow's (Monday's) update.
Lucas Oil launches at Autosport. 7th January: Track action, engine performance and driver satisfaction are the main themes for
Eurodragster.com sponsor Lucas Oil Products at this week's
Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham.
The US oil and additives manufacturer shares stand 7460 with Santa Pod Raceway, in Hall 7.
The Lucas Oil Brad Jackson Racing livery for the new drag racing season will be revealed, LOP Super Lube engine oil will make its show début,
new Point of Sales Product Display Units will be launched, and the latest engine treatments designed to reduce emissions and improve vehicle performance
will be introduced.
Runner-up in last season's UK National Super Pro ET Championship last season, twenty one-year-old Brad Jackson aims to go one place better this
season in his American-built Worthy Dragster. The car is 235 inches long and races from 0-60 mph in 0.87 seconds and 0-175 mph in 7.62 seconds.
LOP Super Lube is the first Lucas Oil engine oil to be targeted and the budget end of the market. Blended and packaged in the UK, It is also the first
Lucas Oil engine oil to be manufactured under licence outside the US.
Lucas Oil is extending its problem solving solutions range for cars and light commercials with the introduction of a solvent-based fast actionDiesel EGR
and Turbo Cleanerspray. It is the latest in a range of instant and reliable toolbox-ready answers available for a relatively small investment.
Visitors to the stand will also be able to take the role of one of the many Lucas Oil-sponsored drivers by experiencing a high speed track ride for themselves
in a virtual race simulator.
As in 2017 our main sponsor will be Mitsuboshi with their Star Racer blower belts, and we'll carry a large selection of their belts to the track.
Nevertheless it's better to pre-order them from us.
The Star Racer blower belts are stronger and last longer then other supercharger belts. We made more than twenty runs with the same belt before we took it off and kapr it for
use as a spare. They helped us to win a couple of European Championship titles and have been welcomed by other teams. We are not saying this because we are sponsored
by them, no, it's because we are very happy with the product.
For the coming season the team is getting huge support from our existing sponsors: Mitsuboshi / Star Racer, Höfler Fenster, TommyWerbung,
Swagelok, Fuchs Oil, Exide Batteries, Autokrandienst Habermann, and we are proud to announce that we have a new partner: Bergheimer Stahlhallen.
The deal for preferential rates on hotel rooms has now expired. You can still book a room, albeit at
full rate, by calling the hotel on 01327 302002.
Bookings for the Dinner Dance close on Friday 19th January. Tickets are £35 per adult and £20
for under-12s, which includes a three-course meal plus tea / coffee and mints. An additional £1 per ticket
should be added if paying by credit card, although please note that American Express cannot be accepted. If
you wish to pay direct to the SPRC bank account then the details can be found on any event entry form or contact
Yvonne (see below) and she will forward details.
The main meal for children will be chicken nuggets and chips followed by ice cream; please choose a starter
for your child and also specify on the booking form that it is for a child.
If you have any special dietary requirements then please inform Yvonne at
ytramm@africonnect.com and she will include
them on the menu selection list for the hotel. Please do not approach the hotel yourself regarding special
dietary requirements.
You can download the Dinner Dance booking form (PDF format) by clicking
here. Please note that booking forms should be sent to Yvonne at the address specified on the form and
not to the SPRC office.
If you have any queries about the Dinner Dance then please contact Yvonne, not the SPRC office, at
ytramm@africonnect.com.
Swift snippets. 4th January: Land Speed racer Geoff Stilwell of British
Drag Racing Hall of Fame sponsor Beech
Underwriting has been in touch with best wishes to US legend Linda Vaughn who is recovering from
heart surgery. "I am sure that Linda's name is known by anyone involved in drag racing as the wonderful Miss
Hurst", says Geoff. "On behalf of all drag racers here in the UK I would like to wish my good friend Linda a
very speedy recovery. Get Well very soon Linda."
The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (below left) came with no words.
If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at
eurodragster.com@btinternet.com.
Our good friend Bob Roberts, who works on the Pro Modified team of Eurodragster.com sponsor
Andy Robinson, has posted the Anger
Management team's New Year Resolution in video form. Featuring in-car footage and
views from Eurodragster.com's Webster
Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport
webcam, the enviably well-edited video (above right) shows the final round of Pro Modified at the
UK National Finals.
No news update yesterday (Wednesday) so we were unable to say a big Happy Birthday to UK Junior Dragster
racer Jordan Payne. Hope you had a great day Jordan.
Eurodragster.com will be attending the Friday of next week's Autosport International at the NEC in
Birmingham and as ever we will post an illustrated report in association with
John Woolfe Racing. If you plan to be at Autosport
next Friday and would be amenable to an interview then drop us a line at
tog@eurodragster.com and we'll fix a date.
For several of the 2017 season awards, a shortlist has been decided upon for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. 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 their
winners.
This week's category is Best-Appearing Bike. The SPRC Committee's shortlist, in alphabetical order, is as follows. You can see larger pictures
on the official 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.com page.
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. And every year we say this, but every year someone
tries it on: please note that blatant attempts at organising mass votes - for example asking workmates, forum members or
Facebook friends 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 whether or not that nominee
knows what was going on. We know all the dodges so it's just not worth trying. If in any doubt about what constitutes canvassing
then please drop us a line at editor@eurodragster.com.
Additionally, if anyone should have issues with the content of any of the shortlists then please have the courtesy to contact SPRC
direct rather than contacting Eurodragster.com or posting cryptic comments or bullying candidates on Facebook. E-Mails to Eurodragster.com
regarding the content of the shortlists will receive neither a reply nor any other acknowledgement.
The remaining categories are as follow:
Monday 8th January: Most Professional-Appearing Team Monday 15th January: James Edgar Memorial Trophy
This year's rates have increased by £10 or €10 but the concessionary rates still offer a considerable discount when compared to
DFDS' standard freight tariff.
7th January: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com (right)
came with the words "Strange things are coming". If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then
drop us a line at 
