Easter Thunderball closes Friday.
28th February: It hardly seems possible but we are rapidly approaching the official closing date for entry to the Easter Thunderball, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 26th-28th March. Entry to the Thunderball closes this Friday, 4th March. Entries received after Friday will be subject to a late entry fee of 40, if accepted, and no entries will be accepted after Friday 18th March.
©Eurodragster.com
You can find the Easter Thunderball entry form on the Entry Forms page of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

If you have any queries then please contact SPRC Club Secretary Paula Marshall at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or call 01933 313625.

CBD plus one.
28th February: The Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team have announced that legendary US tuner Bill Shultz will be joining the team to work with equally legendary Crew Chief Alan Jackson in 2005. Bill has had a long association with CBD team owner Knut Söderquist and last worked with the CBD team in 2001.

"I am delighted that after a few years Bill is back as second Crew Chief with Alan Jackson", said Knut Söderquist. "Bill worked with Harlan Thompson and I for many years and his record as a Crew Chief in the USA is second to none. If you have read Don Garlits' biography then you will know that he named his dog Shultz because Bill was the smartest Crew Chief out there!"

Bill will be Crew Chief for Jöran Persåker, who is making a serious tilt at the FIA European Championship this season. "Jöran's car will still be using Alan Jackson's tune-up", said Knut. "It works, and from the start we decided to stick with Alan's European set-up. I see racing as a challenge - with my connections after all my years in racing it would be easy to get a tune-up from the USA but there's no satisfaction in doing it that way. Alan and I try to do our own thing, one example is his own design of clutch cannon."
©Eurodragster.com
Knut said that he had had offers from a number of US tuners but that Bill was the only choice as he and AJ work together so well.

Knut also brought us up-to-date with the rest of the news from the CBD pit. "Micke Kågered's car is almost done, we are just waiting for the last few pieces", he said. "Jöran's car is ready except that Alan is coming over to do the final plumbing in mid-April. Chris Andrews' car is also just awaiting a few parts. The fourth car has no driver at the moment but we will make it race-ready with the one-piece body and a setback blower. Right now Bill and I are talking to Cory Lee in the USA about doing some FIA rounds in that car."

As ever, Knut refused to make any predictions about the CBD team's performance in 2005. "I let everyone else say how good we are going to be!", he said.

Stay tuned as we will shortly have some more news from the CBD pit.

Exit Mister Nice Guy.
28th February: 2004 British Nitro Funny Car Champion Gordon Smith says that the Shockwave team plan to pick up exactly where they left off last year at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway.

Gordon, Crew Chief and co-owner Dave Bryant and team aim to hit the ground running after last year's FIA European Finals, where Gordon took the British title with the quickest FC run of the year, a new Personal Best of 5.493. "We are sticking to the European Finals combination, which we know works", says Gordon. "Car- and parts-wise we are in pretty good shape, we came out on top last year and that has given us a good grounding for this year. We have three engines this year although that doesn't mean we want to use all of them!"

Off-season work on the car has been kept to a minimum as the team are happy with the current set-up. The engine has been moved forward as the front wheels have had a tendency to lift, but other than that it has mainly been a case of consolidation. Clutch technician Terry has returned to join the team of Steve, Nicky, Sam, Neil, Stevie B and Laura.
©Eurodragster.com
Gordon confirmed that Shockwave will be taking on Top Fuel racers Andy Carter, Thomas Nataas, Lex Joon and Jon Webster at Santa Pod at Easter in the traditional TF v FC Pro Fuel Shootout. "I'm looking forward to running against the Top Fuellers again - it's a good field", says Gordon. "If the track is there then I think we should be able to run a 5.3. I can't wait to take out a Top Fueller in the final! I am also looking forward to turning up with FC 1 on the car, that's very special."

The FC will again be black and carry the colours of main sponsors Fuel Records and Fast Car magazine. "Fast Car has a readership of over one million and they will be running a monthly feature on the car throughout the season", says Gordon. "That's going to be great for the sport. As well as racing we will be making promotional appearances and we will be running at Ultimate Street Car". Regular sponsors Autolite, Fram, Abac Compressors, Loctite, Flint Insurance and Prolong have also already renewed for 2005.

Gordon has one final warning for his competitors this year. "There's be no more Mister Nice Guy", he says. "The Top Fuellers are going to get a surprise at Easter and our game plan is to kick everyone's arses!"

UK Northern Chassis Day success.
28th February: UK Tech Inspector Mark Norton has been in touch to tell us that the UK Northern Chassis Day, held at John Sleath's premises, was a great success. Click on any link for a picture.

"There were four cars to inspect", says Mark. "When I got there, John Sleath and Nigel Parkins were working on Nigel's pretty Street Eliminator car which John is building. They hope to have it ready for the Main Event. The first car to turn up was the ex-Lyndsay Deuchar chassis of Supercharged Outlaw racer Chris Round, which will need a few minor updates to bring it up to current spec. The next car to be inspected was his Clayton's car (right) - Chris and Clayton arrived in convoy with two very nice trailers built by Chris, all commissions greatfully accepted. Clayton's altered only needs two new tubes to bring it up to full SFI Funny Car spec to allow him to compete in the fledgling Fuel Altered class. He has all the other safety equipment upgrades and is very excited about the future of the class.
©Eurodragster.com
"The last car to arrive was Mark Flavell's ex-Larry Minor Al Swindhal car on which his team have been thrashing for the last five months. This is a really nice piece already, a contender for Best Appearing Car I would have thought. The way it splits in half and then secures to a dolly for storage is bound to draw a crowd in the pits!

"After passing that car, it was time to thank John for his help and hospitality and head thirty miles south to Martin Curbishley's paint shop to inspect his latest TNT race cars-built Swedish import Super Comp dragster. Martin was unable to attend John Sleath's because he was trying - in true Anneka Rice style but without the jump suit, thank god - to paint a complete Top Fuel operation in two weeks. Martin's car passed with flying colours, and now also needs painting.

"With that, I left the land of flat caps and black puddings and made a break for to the Watford gap before my visa expired."

Swift snippets.
28th February: We have set up a page containing the dates of this year's SFI Recertification Tour, whose details we announced here on Eurodragster on 18th February. You can view this year's SFI Tour dates by clicking here or by clicking on the 2005 European SFI Tour link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Mention of Curbishley Automotive above leads very neatly into a big Happy Birthday to our good friend Ruth Curbishley, who celebrates a special birthday today (Monday). As gentlemen of the first order we will not mention the actual number save to say that it's how long Martin will see the ambers from the seat of his Super Comp rail. "A very Happy Birthday to Ruth from me, and from all of her friends and family", says Martin, and we are sure that everyone will join Tog and Sharkman in adding their own best wishes. "Ruth will kill me for mentioning this, but what's new."
©Eurodragster.com
March's Drag Racing Night will be taking place tomorrow night (Tuesday 1st March) at The Swan pub in Newton Bromswold (near Santa Pod). As usual, DVDs will be screened and food will be available. "Now that the season is approaching I have taken over the organisation from Darren Prentice to take the pressure off him", says our good friend Nigel Anniwell. "If anyone has any ideas for the evenings then please E-Mail me at n.anniwell@ntlworld.com". The Swan is in Newton Bromswold, near Rushden, not far off the A6: click here for a map of the area. You can call The Swan on 01933 413506.

Amazement in Bahrain.
28th February: Bahrain Drag Racing Club General Secretary Fahad Taqi tells us that the first round of the Bahrain National Championship, held on 23rd-24th February, was "amazing".

"We had a full house of spectators, and some of the best-looking, meanest drag cars we have ever seen from Bahrain and the GCC", says Fahad. "It was great being a part of this historic event in the kingdom.

"One of the biggest surprises was the comeback of Ali Arayan, the five-time Middle East Drag Racing champion who used to drive the Red Devil DHL '69 Camaro. This time he had a new toy from the 'States, the one and only Pat Musi's Green '69 Camaro Popeye which set a new drag racing standard in the Kingdom: on his first-ever run on the track he clocked a best of 7.40/182, and that was without Nitrous. The car's best was a 6.549/212.26 when tested in the States.
©Eurodragster.com
"One of the other surprises was our local street beast Silver Bullet, a 2001 C5 belonging to Thamer Salaheldin, brother of Salah Salaheldin better known as Mr. King, the Outlaw class Champion. Silver Bullet took first place in the Super Street NOS Class with a time of 10.1/133 and is expected to break into the nines.

"In the Street Stock class, Moh'd Alshomily in is his 2000 Z28 Camaro hit an all-time best of 12.05/118.

"Round two of the Championship will be on 9th-10th March and is expected to be a great one."

Historic Show report.
28th February: The National Street Rod Association and Shakespeare County Raceway enjoyed a successful three-day promotion at Stoneleigh Parks second International Historic Motorsport Show at the weekend, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson.

Taking pride of place amongst many of historic motor racing's mouth-watering and often priceless collection of racing cars was Mickey Moore and Ollie Burns Fuel Altered The Mob (right, click on picture for large version, photo courtesy of Dr John) and Mark Fullards new but old skool small block Chevy slingshot dragster. These two eye-catching machines gathered just a much attention from the thousands of on lookers who attended the Midlands show as the Formula One cars of days gone by. We even had Autosport magazine and self-confessed drag racing fan Marcus Pye collecting information about the Altered for next week's issue.

Stand staff, which included Nostalgia Nationals and Hot Rod Drags organisers Alan Martin and Martin Payne and SCRs Press Officer Jeremy Cookson all handed out over two thousand information packs to would be historic racing converts as well as reminiscing with visitors who at one time had had an association with the sport in its formative years.

"It was like turning back the pages in time", said Jeremy. "The number of people who came over to say that they remembered watching sixties and seventies stars at Santa Pod was tremendous. We even had a visit from Chris Patterson who in the early sixties won an Allard Dragon dragster in a magazine competition". Chris says that after taking in some of the nostalgia scene at Shakespeare County that he wants to build his own slingshot dragster.

Just across the way from the vintage Stock Cars, Wild Bunch racer and all round good guy Mark Coulsell represented the nostalgia association by displaying his Limited Funz slingshot. Although the WB star spent most of the weekend moving house, the stand was attended by his father for three days explaining what the association was all about as well as letting the kids, and even bigger kids, some seat time in the car!

All in all, the successful weekend was capped by Mark who once again stunned everyone left inside the show hall by firing up the dragster and driving it out the back door and down one of the Parks many private roads.

To view more photos of the Historic Motorsport Show log on to Dr John's web site at www.drjohn.cc and follow the link.

Web site updates.
28th February: Anne Peck has updated the Bootsoop International Drag Racing team web site at www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk with all the news from Planet Bristol. "In particular, the update included Rich Gilbertson's newly-painted Corvette, which is a must-see, and my Bristol-biased view of the Xtreme Wheels show at Ally Pally", says Anne. "We're organising the British contingent attending the American Car Show in Helsinki at Easter again, so as usual our own season won't begin until the FIA Main Event. The Bootsoop dragster has been neglected of updates as usual, so we'll be out racing in May with the same old-same old. Should be fun!"

Midgley: Everything must go.
27th February: Multiple ACU Funny Bike Champion and record-holder Neil Midgley has put his entire six-second Funny Bike operation up for sale to fund his new racing plans.

"Having spent the winter refreshing my bike for a defence of three straight ACU Funny Bike Championships, I am now looking forward to the new season", says Midgo. "It has slowly dawned on me that with the imminent departure for Australia of my crew H and Mike Vickers, and with other opportunities that I have been offered, it is time for me to face a new challenge in my racing career. As is the way, I must sell my complete set-up to fund these changes. I have therefore advertised the quickest Funny Bike outside the UK on Eurodragster's Swap Meet.
©Eurodragster.com
"The bike comes complete with all the spares and knowledge necessary for anyone to contend for the Championship this year, with further assistance from myself if required.

"As my plans rely on the sale of my bike, I will not disclose them until a sale is completed. However I will advise any further developments, so don't take any of the rumours as fact!"

You can find Neil's bike on the Bikes For Sale section of our Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet.

Swift snippets.
27th February: Many thanks to Terry Homan of Motorsports Promotions for letting us know that last year's highly-successful London City Airport Bike Drags event is to be repeated this year. The LCA event will take place on Saturday 6th August and drag racers are again invited after their impressive showing last year. There are some changes to this year's arrangements which Terry has promised to send us shortly.
©Eurodragster.com
Many congratulations to UK 9.50 Bike racer Ady Reade and his wife Mel on the birth of their son Tyler Reade, who was born in Poole Hospital last Saturday. "Well done mate from Team Lawbreakers" says Lee Baxter, and we are sure that everyone will join us in sending their best wishes to Ady and Mel.

...and Everitt makes four for PMR.
27th February: Paul Marston Racing have announced that John Everitt will be campaigning PMR's Alien Altered in Super Pro ET this season.

"PMR now offers a package through which an experienced driver without a current ride can hire one of our race cars", says Paul Marston. "The package is very flexible to take into consideration a driver's needs and requirements: everything from an arrive-and-drive to a full hands-on involvement package can be offered. Everyone at PMR is thrilled to have John join us; he is a much-respected and tough sportsman racer. The opportunity of putting a good driver in a competitive race car such as the Alien is an exciting prospect and we are all looking forward to running the Alien in the UK National Championship. Although initially tempting, the Alien will be running alongside the PT Bruiser in Super Pro ET and not running in the NFAA. Oh, and before anyone asks there will be no team orders: if John and myself meet in eliminations it will be a fair fight!

"John's addition takes us up to a four-man squad at the season at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod, which includes our ever-expanding group of graduate drivers from the Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School. The race will see the return of Dave Catton, this time in Grumpy's Dodge. Daves usual ride, the Insanity Vega, is now finished and out of the Drag Race Engineering workshop, the final job being the chassis set-up with our new scales. With the weather definitely not playing ball at the moment there simply is not the opportunity to guarantee setting up Insanity after its upgrade from Small Block to Big Block Chevy and its many other refinements which in balance only put on thirty five pounds!
©Eurodragster.com
"Many thanks go out to Tech Inspector Mark Norton who braved the current inclement weather to attend Gary Springford's Drag Race Engineering Workshop to inspect the newly-built chassis for his Super Gas Shogun. Mark was happy with what he saw and like us is looking forward to seeing this very original new race car make its début later this year. Up until then, Gary Springford will resume his seat in Grumpy's Dodge alongside Dave Catton to keep himself in the points hunt.

"I hope to carry on where I left off with the PT Bruiser in Super Pro ET: no major changes as yet, just a thorough check-over and some new slicks. I had hoped to be running the new methanol fuel injection system which I brought back from the States at the end of last year, but with the weather the way it has been I made a decision to introduce this development later during the year.

"This brings us to our very dear friend and fellow driver at PMR, Dave Gibbons, who has been experiencing a rather tough time of late. Of course most of you know Dave Gibbons as a veteran of drag racing, Brighton Speed Trials and more recently driver of the Alien. Dave and his lovely wife Ali are expecting their first child, which is of course great news; but less happily Dave had an unfortunate accident in January involving a ladder and scaffolding and has broken his back. Luckily it is not a bad break and Dave is up and mobile. I have kept in constant contact with Dave who being the true star he is called me from his hospital bed after his accident as he was concerned about the PMR race cars not being ready in time for the season as he would not be able to help with the work. I saw Dave on Thursday and he is in good spirits, talking about making a full recovery and being back in the hot seat in the future. Dave also insisted upon being on hand at Easter to help John with technical and practical advice about piloting the Alien.

"I am sure everyone will join everyone at PMR in wishing Dave and Ali Gibbons all the very best on their family news, and a speedy recovery to Dave who is a huge asset to the sport (Hear, hear - Ed)."

Paul tells us that there are slots left for both his Passenger Ride Experience and the Drag Race Driving School but that they are going quickly. For more details, check out the PMR web site at www.paulmarstonracing.com, call the office 0208 597 4575 or Paul's mobile on 07831 650230, or E-Mail office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk.

Web site updates.
27th February: Par 'Pippi' Willen has been in touch to tell us about the Swedish Harley Drags Association web site at www.harleydrags.com. Pippi administers the site which is continuously updated with racing news, free picture ads for Harley race bikes and parts, high-quality picture sections, information and pictures about race teams and race reports, and which is well-known as the quickest site in Europe for Harley race results and points standings in Scandinavia. As you would expect from the webmaster of the Tullinge Raceway and Scandinavian Dragracing Championship web sites, the Harley Drags web site is very professionally-presented and is well worth a look.
©Eurodragster.com
The Pro Stock MG!
25th February: Attracting a lot of attention at last weekend's Xtreme Wheels International was Chris Johnson's Super Comp MG. Already renowned as a looker, the car appeared last weekend with a stunning new MG paint scheme and changes to the bodywork (right) which make it look even more like the European-bodied Pro Stock we'd all like to see. Chris told us all about the off-season's work.

"Last year Brian Griffin of Xpower talked me into having the 2005 panels on the car", said Chris. "These were supplied free of charge as were the graphics. Paul Somerville and I made the plug for the new front end, and Dale at DRE made the mould and fibreglass front. The sills and rear arches were made at Mark Ramplee's Electromec Services work shop, as was the new exhaust system, again with the help of Paul and Will.

"The prep and paint was done at Viking Garage's body shop. And what a bugger that was - the paint reacted several times and at one point it looked like we might not get to the Show at all. The graphics were supplied and applied by 8x4 Media, who came down from Redditch to Southampton on the Thursday before the show. The colour is MG Xpower grey with a hint of blue pearl in the lacquer.
©Eurodragster.com
"Now I've just got the motor and gearbox to freshen up before Easter."

The MG has also been the subject of a feature on motorsport web site Crash.net. "I have been giving race reports to Andy Stobbart for a couple of years, and only met him for the first time at the Show", said Chris. "He said he might put us on Crash for a laugh - top bloke!"

You can find the Crash.net feature at www.crash.net/uk/en/news_view.asp?cid=10&nid=105619.

Bennetts do their sponsors proud.
25th February: Also enjoying themselves at Xtreme Wheels International were blown-alcohol altered racer Frank Bennett and his son Luke, who were exhibiting Frank's Topolino altered on the Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association display.

"Our thanks to Lawrie Gatehouse for the NFAA display", says Luke Bennett. "The cars drew in alot of interest from racers and fans alike. Our current sponsors were very happy with all the free merchandise which we gave out: about a thousand keyrings and fifteen hundred pens and tax disc holders for The Car Clinic, and about two hundred and fifty engine brochures for our latest sponsor RPI Engineering.
©Eurodragster.com
"We really hope to get Frank's Topolino ready for this year but this all depends on money as always!

"Our thanks to all who helped with the very efficient and well-organised show, especially when it was time to go home - we were out within the hour.

"My own car is currently a totally bare chassis, as I am undertaking a complete rebuild of the car with a few chassis updates and a major restoration of the car. You may not know that the car was once owned by Barry Sheavills as Stagecoach 2. It's got to the point where I have been polishing some washers as they are all visible! I will be running in the Wild Bunch this year, with the possibility of Pro ET in the future."

Carter back with Outlaw Anglia.
25th February: Two-time FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter is to return to the Outlaw Anglia class as a contingency sponsor. Andy dominated the class during 1994 and took the ultimate accolade of Worlds Quickest and Fastest Anglia before moving to Top Fuel Dragster in 1995.

Andy will be giving away two gallons of Lucas Oil to the driver recording the lowest ET at each round of the 2005 Outlaw Anglia Championship. To qualify for the prize, drivers must display a pair of Carter Motorsport decals, which will be available from Andy's pit area at all FIA events and match races attended by the team this season.

As announced last month, Andy is now an official distributor for Lucas Oils (UK) Ltd and will be carrying the full range of products with him to each event. Andy and the team have used Lucas Oil Products exclusively for the past three seasons in the dragster, the transporter, the pick-up and the tow car, and can fully guarantee the products' reliability and effectiveness in these hard-working environments.

For further information, prices and orders please call +44 (0) 7860 405 060 or E-Mail fiatopfuel@aol.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Swift snippets.
25th February: Norwegian Top Fuel Dragster racer Thomas Nataas has been working in Rune Fjeld's workshop this week together with Rune and Ben Allum, Crew Chief of stablemate Andy Carter. "Andy's car looks real good, but it looks and will be slower than the Batmobil!", says Thomas. "Rune has worked real hard on the cars this winter. He has been in the 'shop from early morning until late night every day. His work is excellent and the cars look better than ever."
©Eurodragster.com
Adam Charnley tells us that his Predator altered, destined for the UK's Wild Bunch, is now rolling with its engine installed (right). "We're just waiting for the new tyres then we can fix the engine in place", says Adam. "The ignition system will be here next week and we are hoping to have it running by Easter. Big thanks must go to Geof and Ray at Hauser Race Cars for all the help and advice, also to the Dragsterworld forum guys and to Terri and Ian of Terri Lee Drag Racing."

As from next Tuesday (1st March), Eurodragster.com will be designed for a screen resolution of 1024x768, as opposed to the current 800x600. This should affect very few if any of our readers.

Out with the old...
24th February: UK Pro Mod racer Gordon Appleton is fitting his Wheelgame Racing Camaro with a blown-alcohol engine for 2005. Crew Chief Adrian Spencer says that the team have sold everything to do with Gordon's previous Nitrous set-up and that the car will feature the best parts they can get.

"Engine, clutches, Lenco, it has all gone", Adrian told Eurodragster last night. "We were offered a lot of second-hand alcohol stuff but we didn't want to go that way. We have taken what we believe is the best route at this time."

The engine is currently being built at Brad Anderson's shop in the USA and should be ready at the end of the month. "It's a BAE with a Kobelco blower and carbon fibre hat, and the same fuel system as Mats Eriksson has on his Green Goblin car", said Adrian. "There are only five of these engines in Europe including Andy Robinson's, Mats', and I believe Fast Freddy has acquired one. The car has only made thirty five passes but we are cutting it to bits, in one way it's a pity! It is a lot of work."
©Eurodragster.com
Gordon and Adrian will be going to Gainesville to tie up the loose ends with Brad Anderson. "Brad will be giving us a baseline setting including Crower clutch settings and Lenco ratios, so that we don't shoot ourselves straight in the foot", said Adrian.

The new engine and parts will be brought to the UK with the help of Malcolm Francis of Air Sea Logistics. "We have also secured some sponsorship from Lucas Oil Products, and we are grateful to Malcolm (also sponsored by Lucas Oil - Ed) for his help with that", said Adrian.

Gordon aims to test as much as he can before the season starts. "We are aiming to test at the Big Bang at Santa Pod at the start of May", said Adrian. "In fact I think a number of the Pro Mod boys are planning to test there. We will also test the weekend before the Main Event."

Stay tuned as Adrian has promised us pictures of the work on the car.

Swift snippets.
24th February: The UK's No Manners Racing will not be racing their popular 105E van in Street Eliminator in 2005. "We have decided to withdraw from Street Eliminator now that Custom Car does not organise it", says driver Allen Curtis. "We will be racing this year, although we have not decided in which bracket. What we do know is that we will still be running in full street trim, and hoping to see the eight-second pass". Allen adds that he and Amanda may consider a return to Street Eliminator in 2006.
©Eurodragster.com
PMR's Xtremely good weekend.
24th February: Paul Marston Racing have been in touch to express their gratitude to everyone involved with the weekend's Xtreme Wheels International at Alexandra Palace,

"The show was exceptionally well-organised and extremely well-received by the public who attended in droves", says Paul Marston. "Drag Racing really should be proud of this opportunity to promote our sport to such a large number of the general public. There were some stunning new cars unveiled at Xtreme Wheels. The fact that car builders are now making sure that their new creations are ready for this show is an acknowledgement of how, in a short time, Xtreme Wheels has become an essential date on everyones calendar. Amongst note was Danny Cockerill's awesome '57 Chevy Pro Mod which quite rightly walked off with a clutch of trophies. Very well-deserved too, I am sure that everyone wishes Danny every success in the forthcoming season, on his quest to conquer the Scandinavians with his brand-new ride built, I might add, entirely in the UK.

"Paul Marston Racing's major sponsor Black Box London also wish to express their thanks to everyone involved, in particular Choice FM 96.9 and 107.1 who were nothing but a pleasure to work alongside. Broadcasting live on both days between 12.00 and 15:00, featuring Richard Blackwood and Kat, they kept the large crowds entertained all day, with some live acts headlined by stunning R & B singer Keisha White who bought the house down."

Black Box Stage Manager Peter Fearn also wanted to thank everyone who took advantage of the fifty per cent discount lighting offer which Black Box made through Eurodragster prior to Xtreme Wheels. "As a special deal for Paul Marston Racing, we offered to light up anyones display stand or individual car for a nominal fee - and every race car which Black Box lit won a trophy - nice!", says Peter "So you could say both the Black Box Massive and the car owners were more than happy with the Hippies! If we are lucky enough to return for next year's Xtreme Wheels we will definitely run a similar offer again."

Web site updates.
24th February: Our good friend Alan Currans has proudly welcomed professional photographer Kelvin Fagan as the latest contributor to his excellent Acceleration Archive. "Kelvin was into drag racing photography in the 1970s and early 1980s and had a particular interest in bikes (good man!)", says Alan. "His first page on the Archive contains some of our four-wheeled favourites but there are two sets of pictures of interest to two-wheel fans. There is a series of shots of John Hobbs riding his famous Hobbit double-engined machine, and also several shots of the team of Steve Woollatt and Pat O'Neal riding an early version of the Dealer Fuel bike". Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Carter's busy off-season.
23rd February: 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter has already had a busy year and we are not even out of the second month, he says.

"It's only February and already we have been at Autosport International, opened a store for Goodyear tyres in Scotland and attended the Xtreme Wheels Show", says Andy. "Things do seem to be getting busier and busier, the interest in this great sport of ours has definitely taken an upturn in the last ten years and I think most of us can pat ourselves on the back for this.

"As I write its all go here at Carter Motorsport! The truck and trailer are away at DA Commercial Coachworks being painted, the spare race/show car panels are at Marshalls of Peterborough being painted by the expert hands of Andy Przybyl, Ben and Roger are in Norway working on the race car, John Andrews and Dan Welberry are busy as I dont stop firing things at them to do, Kim is busy getting merchandise made, Sarah is trying to improve our hospitality for sponsors for this season, Pauleen at Elite Clothing is busy handling all the new start line shirts/crew wear and Im running around like a blue-arsed fly!

"Whilst Ben is in Norway Im speaking to him on a daily basis. When they arrived at the Wizards shop, our baby was totally naked, nothing but a bare chassis, so the first thing to do was get the chassis cleaned, checked and oiled. Next some extra tubing was welded in, the new SFI/FIA spec cockpit shield was fitted and now they are in the middle off cleaning, checking everything and putting back together.

"There is still plenty to do, once back from the painters we need to get the truck and trailer stickered, spare car stickered, support car stickered and we cant even start to get the race car panels painted and stickered until it arrives in England which should be around 9th March. I have decided to remove GoTalk from everything and will be running www.andycarter.net livery on everything unless we get a sponsor for 2005, but this looks unlikely now. I think GoTalk have more than had their money's worth from me!
©Eurodragster.com
"I can now confirm our team for 2005: it will be Simon Williams, Paul Williams, Ben Allum, John Ogden, Jim Tucker, Roger Neill, Kim Hessey, Sarah Carter, Rune The Wizard Fjeld, Neil Collins, John Andrews, Dan Welberry, and Paul Wright will be around at the workshop only.

"Sponsors for 2005 will be Lucas Oils, NGK Spark Plugs, Wynns Lubricants, BMRS Hoses, K & N, Rainbow Conference Sets, Binamic, Gold RV, Pioneer Print, Elite Clothing, Yuasa Batteries, Motorgraphic, Shipleys, Mike Shorer Fine Jewellery, 3t Creative and Sigma Signs.

"I always look forward to the Pro Fuel Shootout at the Easter Thunderball this has always been one Im just as hungry to win as the FIA events. With two wins and a runner up who would bet against me? Competition will be tough: Thomas Nataas, Lex Joon and Jon Webster dont come racing for fun and I will be have to be on top of my game to get the third win. Im sure the Funny Cars will be Gordon Smith and John Spuffard and I always see Spuff as the threat, but as the FCs would probably agree their performances have been a bit off recently so they will really have to get it together to take a win - but that said, I wont underestimate them and stranger things have happened!

"It just leaves me to say thanks to all the people who have offered to help me out when they see that I am so busy: its really great to have people come up and say "If I can help out in any way just shout", thanks!

"This will probably be my last update before the Pro Fuel Shootout, so I'll see you at the track."

Free entry for SPRC Champions.
23rd February: Following a similar scheme last season, Santa Pod Racers Club have announced that the 2004 SPRC Champions will all be granted free entry to all five SPRC Championship events at Santa Pod Raceway this season: the Easter Thunderball, FIA Main Event, SPRC Summernationals, FIA European Finals and UK National Finals.
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In addition, the three 2004 Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Champions will gain free entry to May's Big Bang and July's Bug Jam at Santa Pod.

For a list of 2004 Santa Pod Racers Club Champions, click here, or click on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page. If you have any queries then please get in touch with SPRC Club Secretary Paula Marshall at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or call her on 01933 313625.

Swift snippets.
23rd February: Sweden's Urban Johansson will be contesting the full 2005 NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified Championship in a blown-alcohol Corvette bought turnkey from the USA's Steve Cartier, writes our good friend Patrik Jacobbson. The Tim McAmis-built 'Vette (right) totes a blown BAE hemi which is a departure from Urban's several years of nitrous power. Urban plans to test at Santa Pod Raceway on the weekend before the FIA Main Event, and will then follow the whole NDRS Tour. You can read more and see more pictures on the Gossip page of the European Pro Mod Association web site at www.promod.nu.
©Eurodragster.com
An honour for Chris and Claire.
23rd February: Chris Hartnell and Claire Meaddows of the UK's Backdraft Wild Bunch team have been in touch to say that they had a great time exhibiting their slingshot at Xtreme Wheels International at the weekend, meeting lots of their drag racing friends and seeing the variety of machinery on show.

"We were especially pleased to see so many drag racing vehicles featured", says Chris and Claire. "We would like to say a huge Thank You to Terry and Tina Gibbs, Bob and Cathy Glassup, and all of the many people involved who worked so hard for many months to make the Show such a great success. Fair play and best of luck for Xtreme Wheels 3!"

The highlight of Chris and Claire's weekend came at Sundays prizegiving ceremony, at which they were really surprised to be presented with the Anya Yates With You All The Way Memorial Trophy by MC John Price. The citation from Sophie Sanderson-Brown and her husband Bruno explains:

Anya Yates was a marshal at Shakespeare County Raceway who died aged twenty one. Her parents purchased this trophy and asked that we present it in Anya's memory. We try to choose people to whom we believe Anya would have wanted it to go: she loved the characters of drag racing and those who, like herself, put so much time and effort into a sport she loved.
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"We remember Anya fondly and with great respect, and are very privileged to receive a trophy dedicated to her memory", say Chris and Claire. "We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of Anyas family for this honour, which we were truly overwhelmed and humbled to receive. It is quite something to receive an award as special as this for participating in a sport we love so much, are passionate about, and enjoy working hard for. We would encourage anyone who had ever thought about taking part to have a go and get involved in any way be it driving, crewing or marshalling, or simply cheering on the racers, and just to have fun being part of the quickest and best motorsport on earth!

"We would like to wish all drag racers in Europe, and indeed all across the world, a safe and quick season. All the best and see you at the drags!"

Web site updates.
23rd February: The official web site of the UK's Nobby Hills Racing Fuel Funny Car team has been updated with photographs of the Houndog FC being prepared for, and appearing at, the weekend's Xtreme Wheels International. Check it out at www.nhracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Fresh out of the cartoon.
22nd February: The UK's Ray White says that he hopes to race his new blown-alcohol Zephyr Pro Mod at the FIA Main Event. "The chassis is being painted and then the rush is on!", he says.

Ray says that no-one will miss the Zephyr when it appears. ""It looks like a cartoon!", he says. "The wheelbase is 109 inches and the wheelie bars are 104 inches. The roof line is 53 inches, the rear tyres come half way up to the roof and they're fifteen inches apart! The rear wing has got the biggest spill plates you ever saw - I got two plates out of one eight by four sheet! It's quite narrow - in fact I can sit in the driver's seat and close the passenger door - but Andy Robinson has looked it over and said that it will work."
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Power comes from a Keith Black which previously saw duty in Doug Ripley's CC Racing Top Methanol Funny Car. "I got the KB I always wanted!", says Ray. "I did the deal with Doug after he bought Dan Larsen's engine. I've put one of Knut Söderquist's 'giraffe' injectors on it but vision is still fine in there."

The Zephyr bodywork will be painted in a variation of the traditional Lethal paintjob.

On the logistics side, Ray says that he has "Various drunks" lined up to crew. "I've also got the biggest lorry you've ever seen and the awning is even bigger than Gordon Appleton's!", he adds.

Ray is hoping to have the car ready to test the weekend before the FIA Main Event before taking on NDRS Bilsport Pro Mod's finest at the race itself.

Stay tuned as Ray has promised us photographs "When the car isn't in a million pieces".

The Rat sees red.
22nd February: After much deliberation the UK's Rat Rage Super Gas team have decided upon a new red paint scheme for 2005 (right), says owner Stuart Peck. The car was painted yesterday by paintmeister Bob Doyle.

"The old colours are gone and new design and artwork for the car will soon be completed by 'Stig' after many hours of prep by yours truly, having now lost most of the skin off my fingers!", says Stuart.
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"Last year was fantastic for all of us,despite the gremlins towards the end of the season. We got our heads round a lot of new things including the new alcohol set-up, and the car got to go faster and more consistent than ever before. Therefore we hope for a more successful season to come. There have been a few changes over the closed season but the set-up will remain basically the same.

"Thanks of course go to Pete Lane (master pilot), Jean and Keith, Helen (for the never-ending cups of tea), Jon Webster, Jeff Bull, Stig (for the artwork) and last but not least Bob (stop twisting my arm, I really do like the colour) Doyle."

Sponsorship update.
22nd February: UK Pro Modified racer Danny Cockerill tells us that he has already collected some sponsors for his beautiful '57 Chevy.

"Many thanks to DFDS for giving us a free ferry to Sweden and back, to Jonell Steel Erectors (thanks JB), to Graham (Blakey) Ellis Traction Services for supplying rear tyres (hopefully all season), and to Dave Reed", says Danny. "If I am to go to Europe this year I will need more sponsors so please get in touch with me if you are interested."

Also announcing a new sponsor are the UK's Pro ET racers, who have added another company to their 2005 Sponsorship Scheme.

"We would like to welcome Alleyjax, who will be awarding #1 qualifiers with a money-off voucher for their lightweight, high-strength, quick-lift, front-roller racing jacks", says racer and Sponsorship Co-ordinator Carl Burton. "I have obtained a jack for myself and am very pleased with it, I advise all racers to take a look at their web site at www.alleyjax.co.uk."

Xtreme Wheels thanks.
22nd February: Tina Gibbs of Xtreme Wheels International organisers Obsession Motorsports has been in touch with a message of thanks to all those who helped to make it such a success:

We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the support afforded us by racers, crew and fans to this year's Xtreme Wheels International. Much hard work goes into putting the show together and this was rewarded by the wonderful feedback we have received. It was only the second year of the show and hopefully it will go on to grow even larger. We would like to thank in particular Paul Marston and his crew for their hard work before, during and after the show. Last but not least to say many thanks from all of the team at Xtreme for Eurodragster's work in spreading the word and the brilliant show report (You're welcome - Ed). Your efforts are appreciated. Once again thanks to everyone from the whole Xtreme team.
©Eurodragster.com
UK Pro ET racers Liz and Iain Malcolm asked us to thank Terry and Tina Gibbs and Bob and Cathy Glassup for their hospitality and organisation in putting on an excellent show. "This show is one of those rare opportunities to see such high quality cars and bikes close-up, and meet the people who build or own them", say Liz and Iain. "One of the highlights of the show for us was chatting with Nobby Hills and being invited to sit in his Houndog Funny Car (right). Now where did we put those lottery tickets..."

Charity Kart Race update.
22nd February: Santa Pod Raceway's Race Director Darren Prentice has been in touch with the latest news about the Charity Kart Race which is to take place at Whilston Mill near Daventry on Sunday 6th March.

"Teams already entered include Ian Marshall and a team of SPRC marshals, Dave 'Grumpy' Wilson, Martyn Jones, Talbot Racing, Chris Isaacs, APIRA, Tethys and Dave May", says Darren. "Teams from Robinson Race Cars, Graham and David Rice and Paul Venners are also entered but I am awaiting confirmation.
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"If anyone is still interested they will need to enter before the end of this week. We need a minimum of twelve teams and a maximum of fifteen so it is first come first served. If you are interested then please download an entry form via the link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

"I will be in touch with all teams by the end of this week with a map and times."

You can read full details of the Charity Kart Race in our news item of 7th January.

Web site updates.
22nd February: Andrew Kirk's excellent Drag, Rod and Classic Review magazine has been updated with a report from Xtreme Wheels International and coverage of the Barrett Jackson auction of American muscle cars, customs and classics. "Would you pay three million dollars for an Oldsmobile?", says Andrew. Check it out at www.drcreview.com.
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James Hands has also updated his Racing 05 fan site with a number of pictures from Xtreme Wheels International. You can find Racing 05 at pages.123-reg.co.uk/jimmy43-800350.

Ultimately, more Ampar sponsorship.
21st February: Ampar Parts and Service Network have renewed their contingency sponsorship of the Ultimate Power Drag Racing Championship, which is to be contested across three rounds at Shakespeare County Raceway this season.

The winner and runner-up in Super Modified, Super Pro ET, Street Eliminator, Super Comp and Super Gas at the Power Nationals on 17th-18th April, Shakespeare Nationals on 18th-19th June, and Custom Car Magazine Allstar Nationals on 27th-29th August will receive 50 and 25 respectively. In addition, the #1 qualifier in Top Methanol at each of the three Ultimate Power events will be awarded 100.
©Eurodragster.com
Decals must be carried to qualify for the prize money, and terms and conditions are available by E-Mailing ultimatepower@hotmail.co.uk, or will be available at the track.

"I am very pleased that Dave Riswick has renewed Ampar's support of the Ultimate Power Championship in 2005", says Lee Child of LA Performance Services. "Dave has been a long and solid supporter of drag racing, and in fact is probably one of the sport's longest-standing supporters in the country. We are grateful to Dave for his continued backing."

The Ampar web site at www.ampar.com features products, distributor list, a great monthly newsletter by Mike Lintern, and more.

UK racers sought for Drachten challenge.
21st February: UK Sportsman ET racers Andrew and Sandie Gibb are gauging interest from UK racers who would like to run at the Dutch Finals at Drachten on 28th-29th August. Andrew and Sandie ran their '38 Opel at the Dutch track last year and were made very welcome.

"We have been negotiating with Lex Joon in his capacity as promoter at Drachten", says Andrew. "If we can get enough British racers together we could come out with some sort of deal - it's early days yet, but we are looking to take on the Dutch on their own turf in August."
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If you are interested in running at Drachten then please contact Andrew on 01708 550100 during business hours Monday to Saturday, "Hopefully we can put together a good contingent so that the deal can be done", says Andrew.

"As I type our '38 Opel is at the painters but should be back in early March. Hopefully we will be at the Easter Thunderbnall so that Sandie can make her observed runs and then step into competition in Sportsman ET."

Predator rolling.
21st February: Adam Charnley of Cougar Racing has been in touch with the latest news on his Wild Bunch altered, which now goes by the name of Predator.

"The axles are now in place so the car's rolling", says Adam. "The wiring loom is complete and once the motorplate is finished we can put the engine in the car for the first time. It's been a fine balancing act between exams, work and the car so I'm not spending as much time as I would like on the car, but we should have her running by Easter and complete by June.
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"On the sponsor front, No Messin' Paintin' are going to do the livery on the car. The company is run by one of the technicians on the motorcycle engineering course here, and he has agreed to paint the car for us. It's going to be satin black, with silver blue and purple flames up the car. It should look great! We have also chosen a name for the car, Predator was picked from a stack of names from school kids - I'm rubbish at names so we ran a competition."

Cool Green update.
21st February: A big Congratulations to Sue and Chris Emms, parents of erstwhile Junior Dragster racer Ricky Emms, on the birth of their daughter Summer who was born on 14th February and tipped the scales at 7 lb 6 oz. Chris tells us that Sue and Summer are both doing extremely well.

Chris also explained what happened to the Top Methanol Dragster plans which he kindly revealed here on Eurodragster last year. "We bought Rob and Carmel's previous Top Methanol Dragster", said Chris. "We had it upgraded to the current rules and we found a sponsor to cover the running costs. The sponsor then suddenly went to Touring Cars which left us with no money. We ran our truck in Sportsman ET just to finish the season."
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Chris says that he and Ricky will be crewing with Turner Racing again this year, and then he will be going to the USA to find a Top Methanol Funny Car rolling chassis.

Swift snippets.
21st February: LA Performance Services have announced that the UK National Championship and Ultimate Power Drag Racing Championship round at Shakespeare County Raceway on 18th-19th June is to be named the Shakespeare Nationals.
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NSRA/SCR hit Stoneleigh.
21st February: Following an invitation from the organisers of the International Historic Motorsport Show, the National Street Rod Association in conjunction with Shakespeare County Raceway has taken a stand at the show to promote Nostalgia Drag Racing. Given that the Hot Rod Drags and the Nostalgia Nationals are arguably the only events in the calendar to actively promote nostalgia racing, it is an opportunity not to be missed.

The event is in its second year and features all forms of historic motorsport, from vintage formula one, early oval racing, a classic rally stage in the grounds to a feature on the centenary of the Shelsley Walsh hill climb. We feel obliged to promote the long history of drag racing in the UK. So what are we displaying?

The Mob Fuel Altered will need no introduction, although it is currently being repainted and Mark Gredzinski will be relettering it in time for the show. Originally built for Vic Hammond back when Noah was a lad, and once campaigned with the name Cockney Rebel, it truly has a distinguished heritage in British drag racing. Making its debut at the show will be Mark Fullard's 1966 Frank Huszar (Race Car Specialties) built slingshot. Built in the same shop which created the famed Surfers slingshot, Mark's rail lay forgotten until its debut in the Goodguys Pro Nostalgia circus in 2000, eventually running a best of 7.58/173. It will hit the track this year running an Enderle injected 350 smallblock. A true new old stock dragster!

The National Motorcycle Museum will also be displaying Pegasus, Hogslayer and Super Nero. What with five halls full of exhibits, not to mention the outdoor events, it should be a hell of a weekend.

The show runs from the 25th to 27th February at Stoneleigh and is a huge event. Check out the details on www.heritage-motorsport.com. If you can make it, come along and say Hi and fly the flag by wearing your hot rod or drag racing T-Shirts.
©Eurodragster.com
Experience the Imax.
21st February: If you were tuned on on 13th February you will recall that Lesley Wright was singing the praises of the new NASCAR Imax movie showing at the Imax cinema in Birmingham. Derek Todd, Deputy Chief Executive of Thinktank, a long-time partner of John and Lesley Wright's Top Fuel operation, has been in touch with more information about the film:

IMAX Cinema Birmingham is delighted to host the UK and Western Europe premiere of NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience in association with Rockingham Motor Speedway, Corby.

NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience will have moviegoers and motorsport fans on the edges of their seats as they experience speeds of more than 200 miles per hour. The heart-pounding thrills of NASCAR racing, the USAs most popular spectator sport, have been captured through IMAX 3D technology and come to life on a screen five storeys high, with 12,000 watts of pure digital surround sound.

British motorsport fans will find that NASCAR combines the speed and drama of Formula 1 with the thrills and spills of stock car racing. Golden Globe Award-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland who narrates the film says: "With The IMAX Experience putting you in the driver's seat at a series of exciting NASCAR races you can virtually feel the speed of the cars and the thunder of the engines, and that's why this film lends itself perfectly to the technology that IMAX provides."

NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience transports fans directly into the drivers seat to explore the world of todays élite NASCAR drivers and teams. The film briefly reviews the history of this legendary sport, told from the viewpoint of some of its most revered drivers, and then thrusts into high gear with a look at the thrilling phenomenon that is NASCAR today. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes glimpses, as well as gripping footage of the unpredictable action on the track, NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience provides a close-up look at what motivates NASCAR drivers in and out of competition.

The film also focuses on the science of todays racing technology, the cutting-edge racing machines and the underlying physics that drivers depend on to make turns at the highest speeds while skilfully manoeuvering within inches of their competitors.

Directed by Simon Wincer (Lonesome Dove, Free Willy, Phar Lap and The Young Black Stallion), NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience is distributed exclusively to IMAX theatres by Warner Bros. Pictures and IMAX.

The IMAX Cinema Birmingham is at Millennium Point on Curzon Street less than ten minutes' walk from the Bullring or Moor Street Station and about fifteen minutes from New Street Station. For drivers, Millennium Point's competitively priced car park is off Jennens Road (the A47), just off the Inner Ring Road, Junction 15 follow the brown tourist information signs to Thinktank at Millennium Point.

Tickets are now on sale visit www.imax.ac or call the box office on 0121 202 2222. Book before 18 March and save 25% on adult tickets (6 instead of 8) and 33% on child tickets (4 instead of 6).
©Eurodragster.com
A Classic year?
21st February: Car dealer Carolina Classsics has had a busy start to the new year, with even more customers coming in and purchasing vehicles and parts, says Nigel Taylor.

"We now have four-wheel laser alignment, computer diagnostics, tyre fitting machine, on- and off-car wheel balancing equipment, air-con machine, emision machines all in a fully-equipped workshop", says Nigel. "The indoor heated showroom has twenty to thirty yanks in stock,changing all the time. We have shipped vehicles in from the 'States which have engines over-tuned for road use and we end up making them more driveable by putting standard everyday usable engines in them to sale to the public Due to the access we have with contacts in the 'States we are to bring in new hotted up, high bhp turn-key engines, in a crate ready to install!
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"If any Eurodragster readers are interested in complete cars, engines we have already taken from running imported cars, or if you are interested in turn-key crate engines, Pertronix ignition parts, some second-hand parts,or just general workshop duties (including MoTs etc) please give us a try and we will do our best to assist. Contact us at www.carolinaclassics.co.uk, or telephone 01264 321170 or mobile on 07816 126038."

Web site updates.
21st February: Thanks to Bob Roberts for letting us know that construction photographs of Danny Cockerill's '57 Chevy Pro Mod and Malcolm Francis' Super Comp/Super Gas Pontiac Grand Am are available on the Customer Cars page of the Andy Robinson Race Cars web site at www.robinson-race-cars.co.uk. You can access the build-up photos by clicking on the picture of each car.

Our good friend Gareth Evans has updated his UK1320 web site with a large number of photographs from the weekend's Xtreme Wheels International. You can check out Gareth's photographs at www.uk1320.com/2005/xtremewheels/index.htm.
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Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with a number of pictures from Santa Pod Raceway's Saturday Night Special which tool place this weekend. You can find Sharkman's web site at www.topendtales.com.

9.50 Bike/10.50 Bike for UK.
20th February: The UK's 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike National Championship classes have had their indexes changed to 9.50 and 10.50. A vote taken amongst bike racers at today's Riders' and Drivers' Meeting was unanimous and agreed with the majority of submissions made to SPRC and APIRA since opinions were solicited.
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The new indexes will take effect from the first UK National Championship event, the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. Any entries already submitted for 9.90 and 10.90 Bike this year will be changed to 9.50 and 10.50 Bike; if you have already entered any event this season and wish to change classes then please contact Paula Marshall at SPRC or Wendy Talbot at APIRA as appropriate.

The eighth-mile versions of the new indexes will be advised shortly.

UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting report.
20th February: The annual UK Riders' and Drivers' meeting took place this afternoon (Sunday) at the Diamond Centre in Irthlingborough. The official minutes of the meeting will be published in due course but these are the main points:

Dates confirmed so far for this year's UK Championships are as follow:

2005 UK National Championships for Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Sportsman ET, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Junior Dragster, 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike:

26th-28th March: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
16th-17th April: Power Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
27th-30th May: FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway
18th-19th June: Shakespeare Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
25th-26th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
27th-29th August: Custom Car Magazine Allstar Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
8th-11th September: FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
1st-2nd October: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway

PROVISIONAL 2005 MSA British Drag Racing Championship for Top Methanol:

26th-28th March: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
16th-17th April: Power Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
18th-19th June: Shakespeare Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
27th-29th August: Custom Car Magazine Allstar Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
1st-2nd October: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway

2005 UK National Pro Modified Championship

26th-28th March: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
27th-30th May: FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway
8th-11th September: FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway

2005 UK National Super Modified Championship

26th-28th March: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
16th-17th April: Power Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
30th April-1st May: Big Bang, Santa Pod Raceway
18th-19th June: Shakespeare Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
25th-26th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
22nd-24th July: Bug Jam, Santa Pod Raceway
27th-29th August: Custom Car Magazine Allstar Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
1st-2nd October: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway

2005 UK National Street Eliminator Championship

26th-28th March: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
16th-17th April: Power Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
18th-19th June: Shakespeare Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
25th-26th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
22nd-24th July: Bug Jam, Santa Pod Raceway
27th-29th August: Custom Car Magazine Allstar Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
1st-2nd October: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway

2005 UK ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Championship

26th-28th March: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
16th-17th April: Power Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
18th-19th June: Shakespeare Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
25th-26th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
27th-29th August: Custom Car Magazine Allstar Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
1st-2nd October: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway

2005 UK ACU UK Drag Bike Championships for Funny Bike, Pro Stock Bike, Comp Bike and Super Street Bike:

26th-28th March: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
16th-17th April: Power Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
18th-19th June: Shakespeare Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
25th-26th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
27th-29th August: Custom Car Magazine Allstar Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
1st-2nd October: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway

2005 UK Junior Drag Bike Championship

16th-17th April: Power Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
18th-19th June: Shakespeare Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
27th-29th August: Custom Car Magazine Allstar Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway

2005 Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Championship

26th-28th March: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
16th-17th April: Power Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
30th April-1st May: Big Bang, Santa Pod Raceway
18th-19th June: Shakespeare Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
25th-26th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
22nd-24th July: Bug Jam, Santa Pod Raceway
27th-29th August: Custom Car Magazine Allstar Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
1st-2nd October: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
©Eurodragster.com
This year's Entry Fees are as follow:

Class One- or two-day event Three-day event Four-day event
MSA British Top Methanol; Fuel Funny Car; Pro Modified; Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association; Exhibition £115 £125 £135 NB FIA classes pay FIA fees for four-day FIA events
ET classes; Super classes; Super Modified; Street Eliminator; VW classes; Wild Bunch; Outlaw Anglia; other Sportsman car classes £90 £100 £110
Junior Dragster; Junior Drag Bike £55 £65 £75
ACU Top Fuel Bike £120 £130 FIM/UEM fees apply
ACU Funny Bike; ACU Pro Stock Bike; ACU Comp Bike; ACU Super Street Bike; 9.50 Bike; 10.50 Bike; NAST Supertwin classes £95 £105 £115

Prize funds for National Championship classes are to be increased by three per cent across the board, in line with inflation. The Super Modified prize fund has been brought into line with Super Pro ET.

The rules regarding Late Entry remain as in 2004. The official closing date will be three weeks before an event. Late entry, at the Club's discretion, will incur an additional charge of £40 (20 for Junior Dragster and Junior Drag Bike) for the following two weeks, and entry will be completely closed one week before an event. FIA and FIM/UEM classes have their own entry deadline which is four weeks before an event. The deadline for cancellation with return of entry fee is one week before an event.

SPRC would be grateful for suggestions to help to save space in the pits at Santa Pod, as the number of entries is increasing into a finite pit area and is affecting the running of events. Ideas under consideration for 2006 are to ban caravans from the pits and to provide a racers-only camping area, or to institute a system of one caravan or camper per team in the pits. Please send suggestions to SPRC.

There is to be a clampdown on the use (or more accurately mis-use) of pit bikes in the pits to increase security and safety. It is recommended that all pit bikes carry their vehicle number and that bikes are only used for towing vehicles. Pit bikes used in a careless or dangerous manner will be impounded until the end of that event.

SPRC and APIRA will in future be holding a joint Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation night. A venue seating 450 has already been identified and other venues are being investigated, as well as other issues such as overflow hotels.

Xtreme Wheels International coverage.
20th February: Anyone who remembers the classic Custom Car shows of the late 1970s and early 1980s, including some at Alexandra Palace, will have felt at home at Xtreme Wheels International in 2005. When coming up with the Xtreme Wheels concept a couple of years ago, organiser Terry Gibbs stated that he was aiming to recapture the atmosphere of the CC shows which he fondly remembered, and this aim has been spectacularly achieved this year. Two exhibition halls and the lobby are filled to bursting with the best in drag racing, hot rods and customs, the concept brought right up up date with the inclusion of the finest examples of today's Import and Hot Hatch scenes, together with trade stands and live entertainment, also featuring live radio broadcasts from the Show.
©Eurodragster.com
Eurodragster.com went along to Alexandra Palace to check out the sizeable drag racing contingent in association with American Car Imports. You can view our report and pictures by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

It's Just Mental!
20th February: Pete Smith will be joining this year's UK Street Eliminator wars in his Just Mental 1980 Corvette (right) which was unveiled at this weekend's Xtreme Wheels International.

"The car has a 350 Small Block Chevy with a 6-71 blower", Pete told Eurodragster.com. "It's got twin fuel pumps and nitrous, a nine and a half inch rear axle, twenty one and a half inch tyres, Keith Andrews made the steering wheel...how much do you want to know?"
©Eurodragster.com
The 'Vette was built at Doug Ripley's CC Racing 'shop. "Doug did the fabrication, the back axle and the four-bar", said Pete. "Winston Sewell did the interior metal and the nitrous installation. We worked on the car until Thursday night to get it ready for the Show having got the shifter, nitrous and dashboard stuff on Tuesday."

With a 350 SBC for power, Pete didn't have to think too long for his race number when asked by Street Eliminator Co-ordinator Dale Reardon. "I asked if 350 was available, and it was, so I took it!", said Pete.

Pete said that he plans to test at Santa Pod Raceway in March before contesting Street Eliminator. We will also still see Pete's face grinning up to us in Race Control as he assists Martin Bishop's Pro Stock Bike at certain events. "Street Eliminator won't be running at the FIA events, so I will be helping Martin at those", he said.

Sheavills maintains momentum.
20th February: Barry Sheavills says that he and the Fansfueler team are keeping up the momentum on the project to return him to the seat of a Top Fuel Dragster even though time is running short to make arrangements for the 2005 season.

"Unfortunately one of the corporate pledges has been withdrawn", Barry told Eurodragster at Xtreme Wheels International yesterday. "We realise that time is running out for this year, but we have a presentation on CD which we can take anywhere and show to anyone, so if you are interested then please get in touch and we will come to see you. If you have pledged verbally but have not sent a pledge form then please get in touch as soon as you can - we really need your help."
©Eurodragster.com
The Fansfueler team are based on Santa Pod Raceway's display at Xtreme Wheels this weekend, where they have been entertaining visitors with a superb Top Fuel Dragster simulator. "I would like to thank Chris Parker and Becky of the project team for keeping the momentum going", said Barry. "They have been working very hard on the project whilst I have had to attend to some personal matters."

For more information on the Fansfueler project, check out its official web site at www.fansfueler.co.uk.

Swift snippets.
20th February: Yesterday's Saturday Night Special at Santa Pod Raceway took place in chilly temperatures, ultimately resulting in snow. Amongst the performances noted by Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Sharkman were an 8.97 by Mark Pointer in his van, which Shark described as "Not bad for the half-mile he covered", an 8.28/173 best by Super Street Bike racer Steve Venables, and a 6.10 early shut-off by Martin Hill in the Fireforce 2 Jet Funny Car. Debbie Hancox took another turn in dad Bob's Outlaw Anglia, whilst 2004 UK National 10.90 Bike Champion John Hackney ran a string of 10.5s on his bike. Sharkman took a number of photographs at Santa Pod yesterday which he will shortly be posting on his personal web site.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
20th February: The Gossip page of the European Pro Modified Association web site at www.promod.nu has been updated with the latest gossip from Freddy Fagerström's workshop.
©Eurodragster.com
The guys at Dragsterworld have posted a number of photographs from this weekend's Xtreme Wheels International, which you can find at www.dragsterworld.com/2005reports/xtreme/index.htm.

Louise Keirnan's funeral.
19th February: We are indebted to Augy Harrison for sending us details of the funeral of Super Street Bike racer Louise Keirnan, who died on 31st January.

Louise's funeral service will take place at 1:30 pm this Monday, 21st February, at St John's Church, Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset. Louise will then be laid to rest at Yeovil Cemetry at 2.30 pm. A reception will follow at the Manor House Hotel, Manor Road.

If anyone wishes to send cards then please send them to Louise's parents:

Mr and Mrs Keirnan
26 Stiby Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA21 3EG

Bentley on the alcohol.
19th February: 2004 UK National Super Street Champion Mike Bentley tells us that his change of fuel to alcohol is going well.
©Eurodragster.com
"Most of the parts have been sourced in the 'States", says Mike. "The chassis work has been carried out by Zane Llewelyn, a really nice job up to his usual top standard. The motor is at Tim Heines undergoing the rebuild and is on target to be finished soon - just as well really with the first meeting looming alarmingly close!

"As I said, the majority of parts were sourced in the 'States, except for the piston rings. I phones Total Seal in America who put me in contact with Dave Powell of Performance Unlimited, through whose friendly and expert advice a set of rings were ordered. Anyone in need of top-notch help, don't hesitate to speak with Dave on 01904 489332. He will spend time with you offering good advice, take it! A phone call is cheap, but knowledge is priceless."

SFI Tour details.
18th February: We are indebted to SFI Foundation President Arnie Kuhns for sending us the full details of this year's European SFI Recertification Tour:

Friday 11th March: Santa Pod Raceway, UK. Certifications from 10:00 to 17:00.

Saturday-Sunday 12th-13th March Certifications on Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, but parts may be dropped off on Saturday:

Rod'n'Race Speed Shop
Arenavägen 65
SE 121 77 Johanneshov
Stockholm
Sweden

Phone +46 8 649 0800

Monday 14th March Certifications from 10:00 to 17:00 at:

Finnish Hot Rod Association
Tiilenvalajantie 6
02330 Espoo
Finland

Phone: 09- 2515 250
©Eurodragster.com
Tuesday 15th March Certifications from 12:00 to 17:00 at:

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel
Kruisweg 1401
Hoofddorp
Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Local contact Ben Kloes at admin@dymotronix.com.

Swift snippets.
18th February: Doug Ripley's CC Racing Top Methanol Funny Car is headed for this weekend's Xtreme Wheels International at Alexandra Palace, where it will have pride of place on the Motorsport News stand displaying its MSA Championship number 1. "The car is back together", says clutch technician Darren Gould. "It was a long slog after the new manifold arrived on Wednesday morning, but it's now back in one piece and polished!"
©Eurodragster.com
Also ready is The Mob Fuel Altered, which will be one of five cars representing the Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association. Our good friend Mark Gredzinski has finished no less than thirty three hours' work re-doing the paintwork, mostly sat down or bending over. "It looks at least as good as last time", says Mark.

2004 NAST Supertwin Fuel Champion Ian Turburville is selling a 114ci S&S McClure engine (right). "Just put the bullet in your chassis and race!", says Turbo. "Ready to go, timed, all set up, never run with over 70% nitro! Bottom end all checked AOK. Dyna 4000 HDTF ignition available extra, some spares. Just £5000 - fuel system included!". For more information, drop Turbo a line at topfuelturbo@ntlworld.com.

Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog would like to thank everyone who got in touch with Get Well wishes after he went down with the flu, with a particular hug reserved for Carla Pittau for her on-line Get Well card. Tog is now recovering and hopes to be able to report from Xtreme Wheels tomorrow, although depending upon how he feels the coverage may be more pictures than words.

Web site updates.
18th February: Swiss Pro Mod racer Marcus Hilt has relaunched his Trouble Racing Motorsports web site at www.trouble-racing.ch. The new site, designed by Dirk Behlau of Pixeleye Interactive, features pictures of Marcus' new race car as well as team history, details of Marcus' previous Chevy, race calendar, video clips and more.
©Eurodragster.com
Jon Best has got the Best Intentions Racing web site up and running at www.bestintentions.co.uk. "In a few months' time the site will have lots of photos of dirty gurt - Somerset expression for big and expensive - Big Block Ford parts as I start the job of building the motor. The site will be updated as and when something interesting crops up....so it maybe a tad quiet for a few months! Hopefully it's fairly easy to navigate. In the meantime, I still have the monster truck motor which must be sold (details on the site or on Eurodragster's Swap Meet) in order for any Ford things to start. It's only a small garage and my new crane equipment appears to have taken up the bits that the motor hasn't!"

Quarter-mile wash and brush-up.
17th February: Santa Pod Raceway's racing surface has undergone some significant off-season maintenance. Using a machine usually used to clean airport runways (right), Foster Contracting spent two days removing a large amount of rubber from the strip. Click on any link for a picture (all pictures courtesy of and ©Santa Pod Raceway).

"It is possible to have too much rubber on a track" said Santa Pod's Track Manager Kjell Pettersson, who is widely regarded as one of the experts on track preparation. "We had ten years' worth on the strip and if there is too much rubber then the surface moves about. We wanted to see if we could improve performance and we were looking for ways to take some of the rubber off, and we found Foster Contracting."

It wasn't just a case of stripping all the rubber off, although Kjell said that that would have been easier. "We wanted to get the rubber down to a minimum, so that we would just need to touch it up a bit with a small amount of sledding and track prep", he said. "I worked very closely with Foster Contracting, and they understood our needs and did a very good job."

Ray Wicks of Foster Contracting explained how the company went about the job. "We specialise in rubber removal from runways", said Ray. "Santa Pod got in touch and we went and took a look. It was good doing business with Santa Pod, it was a nice place to work and the customer knew exactly what they wanted.
©Eurodragster.com
"Our machine works on high-pressure water jets with vacuum retrieval of the rubber. The water pressure is 1600 bar and the machine makes six hundred horsepower - not as much as one of your race cars but plenty for this job! The water tank holds eighteen thousand litres which is good for three hours' non-stop work."

Ray said that to do the entire width of the quarter mile took two days. "This is the first time that we have worked on a drag strip, but it won't be the last", he said. "I understand that a track in Sweden is now interested as a result of our work at Santa Pod."

You can read more about Foster Contracting's rubber removal and other services on their web site at www.fostercontracting.co.uk/rubber.htm.

Swift snippets.
17th February: The deadline has now passed for advance ticket sales for this weekend's Xtreme Wheels International. Tickets will of course be available on the door on Saturday and Sunday. "We look forward to welcoming you all to XWI 2005" says Xtreme Wheels PR Steve.
©Eurodragster.com
SFI firesuits reminder.
16th February: We have been asked to remind racers of the recertification requirements for SFI Spec 3.2A/10, 3.2A/15 and 3.2A/20 firesuits. Racers with firesuits of these Specs should check the patches on the suit or paperwork to ascertain its year of manufacture and whether or not the suit needs recertification:
©Eurodragster.com
Year of manufactureCertification expires
None31/12/04
200131/12/05
200231/12/06
200331/12/07
200431/12/08

The September 2004 SFI Newsletter stated that if recertification is necessary, owners of firesuits should contact the original manufacturer to find out their procedures for returning the suits for inspection and recertification.

If you have any queries then please contact UK Tech Inspector Geoff Martin by E-Mail at chassis1@onetel.com.

Bahrain expects big numbers.
16th February: An entry of more than a hundred cars, and over eight thousand spectators, are expected to attend the first round of the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship on 23rd-24th February, says Bahrain Drag Racing Club General Secretary Fahad Taqi.

"Qualifying takes place on 23rd, from which only the top eight cars will qualify in the eight classes", says Fahad. "Our local two-time Bahrain and GCC champion Khalid Moh'd of the Unstoppabulls team holds the track record at 8.13. He has just upgraded his '69 Camaro for the Championship and is expected to break into the low sevens.
©Eurodragster.com
"The Bahrain Drag Racing Club has conducted the training of officials and has also held some Test and Tune days to prepare everyone for this event."

For more information check out the Bahrain Drag Racing Club web site at www.bahraindragracingclub.com.

Web site updates.
16th February: The official web site of the European Pro Mod Association at www.promod.nu has been updated with a Team page for Sweden's Jrgen Karlsson. "Jrgen's Ford Mustang (right) will be a part of a two-car team with Roger Johansson and MSS Racing", says our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson.

The UK's Super Modified racers have launched an official web site at www.supermodified.co.uk. The very professional-looking site, administered by Lee Kirk of the Rat Fink team, features news, rules, team information, photo gallery, sponsor page and more.

Stockholm's Tullinge Raceway, which has escaped the closure announced at the end of last season, now has its own web site at www.tullingeraceway.com. The very nice-looking site is presented in Swedish and includes a race calendar, rules, map, photo gallery, gossip and more.

Our good friend Alan Currans has posted the 105th update on his excellent Acceleration Archive web site. "This update is another fine collection of previously unseen car and bike graphic designs by Mark Gredzinski, interspersed with some of his excellent trackside photographs", says Alan. "The Draper Brothers' Funny Car is pictured in various guises along with the Turners' Fuel Altered, Steve Read's Top Alcohol Dragster and John Spuffard's Trans Am flopper. For bike fans there are a couple of stunning designs for the Brachtvogels' Top Fuel screamer". Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.

James Hands has updated his Racing 05 fan site with a page of photographs of the facilities of Santa Pod Raceway including the start line, VIP, Race Control and more. Check it out at pages.123-reg.co.uk/jimmy43-800350.

2005 UK Riders' and Drivers' meeting.
15th February: Racers are reminded that the joint SPRC/APIRA 2005 UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting will be held this Sunday, 20th February, in the Kimberley Suite of the Diamonds Centre, otherwise known as Rushden and Diamonds' football ground, in Nene Way in Irthlingborough (click here for a map).
©Eurodragster.com
The meeting will commence at 1:00 pm with a break at approximately 2:30 during which tea and coffee will be available for a small fee.

Items to be discussed include the 2005 UK National Championship (ratification of dates as well as Championship matters), event entry fees and prize funds, the possible reclassification of 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike, as well as Any Other Business.

Xtreme Wheels latest.
15th February: The UK's Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association will be displaying no less than five cars at this weekend's Xtreme Wheels International at Alexandra Palace in London. Series organiser Lawrie Gatehouse tells us that the Mob, Xtreme Racing and Freddy's Revenge in its new colours (right) have now been joined by Frank Bennett's Transworld Racing blown-alcohol altered and Paul Marston Racing's Alien altered, about which much more below.

Luke Bennett tells us that this year's sponsors for the Transworld Racing altered are to be the Car Clinic, Custom Chrome, Forge Motor Sport, and SPA Group. "We would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors for their support, and we hope that we can repay them through the seasons racing with some wins!", says Luke. "Please visit our web site at www.bennettracing.moonfruit.com and look at the Team Sponsorship page for details on the companies. Also we are currently seeking a willing sponsor to help with the cost of re-building Frank Bennett's Topolino altered, if you are interested then please contact us at bennett418@btinternet.com."
©Eurodragster.com
UK Wild Bunch racer Crazy Chris Hartnell tells us that the C&C Drag Racing Team are looking forward to taking part in Xtreme Wheels International with their Backdraft. "The car is all polished up and loaded in the trailer and ready to be delivered to the show on Friday", says Claire Meaddows. "Chris and I will be at the show on Sunday and we look forward to seeing everyone and kicking off the drag racing season early. We'd like to thank all the organisers in advance for all their hard work, and hope that the show will be a big success. If youre in the London area at the weekend then stop by, it's sure to be a great show!"

Barry Sheavills and the Fansfueler team will be promoting the fansfueler project from the Santa Pod Raceway stand at Xtreme Wheels. This will be the last chance to meet the team and make a pledge in person to become a founder fansfueler member. After the success of the fansfueler raffle at the Flame and Thunder Show the team will once again be raffling a 1000 voucher towards a set of wheels and tyres, kindly donated by fansfueler corporate partners AEZ and generous fansfueler member Gary Simes. The winner of this excellent prize will be able to collect their wheels and tyres from any branch of the Motorworld chain of stores. The winner will be announced late in the day on Sunday at the show and on the fansfueler website on Monday (21st february). The fansfueler team will also contact the winner by phone.

There may also be a sneak preview of the fansfueler Top Fuel Simulator which the team are hoping to have at events this summer. Fansfueler project team member Chris Parker said "This will be a great opportunity for adults and kids alike to get an idea of what its really like to drive and tune a Top Fuel Dragster and will be just one of the unique benefits that we will be offering our members. If we have the software ready for Xtreme Wheels we are hoping that fans will be able to see Barry make a few runs and maybe challenge arch rival Andy Carter to a pre-season match race."

For those not able to Xtreme Wheels this weekend, the fansfueler web site at www.fansfueler.co.uk has been updated with all the latest news, and a report from Alexandra Palace will be posted sometime next week.

You can find out all about Xtreme Wheels International including ticket prices on the Show's official web site at www.xwishow.com.

PMR at Xtreme Wheels.
15th February: Paul Marston tells us that Paul Marston Racing will be attending this weekend's Xtreme Wheels International in an official capacity. Paul has been appointed Official Drag Racing Tyre Consultant on the stand of Waltham Tyres, official importer of Hoosier Tyres. "Hoosier have been developing their drag racing tyre selection over the past few years and have enjoyed much success in the States", says Paul. "The full range is now available here in England and with the launch of their exciting new Drag Race Radials, their range now stretches from Imports and Hot Hatches all the way to Top Methanol Dragster. I will be at Xtreme Wheels both days at or around the Hoosier Tyres stand, so if you need any specific advice regarding drag racing tyres then please ask for me there by name.

As mentioned above the team will also be exhibiting the Alien altered on the Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association stand. I can confirm that we have had interest from a number of parties regarding running the Alien in the NFAA", says Paul, "one of which is particularly serious and there is a proposal currently on the table to be fine tuned. Paul Marston Racing will go public when and if there is something to announce. Everyone at PMR is very excited at the prospect of running the Alien in the NFAA; it would herald our first foray into heads-up competition. It would be important to run the first season as it would lay a good foundation for what we see as a most promising development in UK Sportsman Drag Racing. It will provide a stepping stone from the ET and Super classes with an entry-level semi-professional class which up till now did not exist. Add to that the well thought out rules, funding in place, agreed MSA rules structure, general appeal to race teams as a good investment class, and an organiser who already has an eye on the future from a cost point of view, and the obvious spectacle it can provide promoters in being a heads-up class with potentially reliable, healthy entries event after event - it has plenty going for it.

The PMR team will also be in attendance at Xtreme Wheels to answer any enquiries about the Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School and Passenger Ride Experiences, along with the opportunities available to drive one of the Drag Race Driving School race cars in National competition. "Just stop by and ask, or pick up a leaflet", says Paul. "Of course you can also visit our web site at www.paulmarstonracing.com, or call 0208 597 4575 or mobile 07831 650230."

Finally Black Box London, who sponsor Paul Marston Racing, asked us to mention that they still have a little lighting left at a fifty per cent discount for any exhibitors at Xtreme Wheels. Lighting packages delivered, set up, and collected start from as little as 50.00. Call Peter Fearn at Black Box on 0797 0029424 to discuss your requirements. "Support the People who support our sport", says Paul.

Triumph for new transporter.
15th February: Greece's Paranoid Racing team has unveiled its new transporter (right) at the Athens Motorcycle Show, which is taking place this week in the former Olympic Press Centre. The transporter formed the main part of the Triumph booth, where the complete line-up of the brand was displayed. Visitors had the chance to preview the latest models such as the new Sprint ST and the slick Speed Triple 1050 Streetfighter as well as touch, feel and even test ride the 2004 demo fleet on a specially prepared area around the parking lot of the huge building. Visitor numbers were much higher than any other booth in the show and feedback was very positive.

Paranoid Racing will be travelling around Greece throughout the year with the updated 2005 Triumph demo fleet, giving prospective buyers the opportunity to test ride every model from the Bonneville to the ultimate performance cruiser, the 2.3 litre Rocket III.

The team's ex-Harris works race transporter is being updated and refurbished with equipment such as GPS tracking of the demo fleet with real time mapping display and data storage, a new satellite system and a wireless 3G network which will offer high speed internet access, on-line warehouse stock check and ordering capabilities as well as a home theatre server set-up with two LCD monitors and 300 watt sound system. The service area will carry all the necessary parts and tools to maintain the eleven-bike fleet in top condition through the year. Customer feedback will be recorded and analysed, and all the information will be routed to the main Triumph importer's headquarters for further evaluation.

The unique-in-Europe project is a result of the collaboration of Eliofil S.A., the sole Triumph motorcycle importers and distributors for Greece, and White Line Cycles, owners of Paranoid Racing and the Atomic Triumph dealership in downtown Athens, and reflects their determination to continue to pursue an aggressive marketing strategy, and their trust and support of a superior quality product such as Triumph Motorcycles.

More details about the Triumph Roadshow, and an updated schedule for Paranoid Racing, will follow.
©Eurodragster.com
A purrfect fit!
14th February: If you were tuned in at Christmas then you will recall that the UK's Team Krazy Kat Super Street Bike team announced that David Warren of Manor Racing is to ride their low eight-second bike in 2005. Owner Roger Yelland has been in touch with an update.
©Eurodragster.com
"Before we go to Alexandra Palace for this weekend's Xtreme Wheels Show we decided to see how the bike would fit our new rider", says Roger. "As you can see from the picture (right) David fits the bike purrfectly!

"We are very much looking forward to Xtreme Wheels, feel welcome to pop over and say Hi. On the following weekend the team are going testing for the first time at Santa Pod Raceway, so watch this space."

You can keep up to date with all the news from Team Krazy Kat on the Bragg of Surbiton web site at www.braggofsurbiton.com.

Swift snippets.
14th February: Thanks to Xtreme Wheels International PR Martin Allerton for letting us know that Martin Hill's spectacular flame and thunder show outside Alexandra Palace, as well as the rest of last Thursday's XWI Press Call, is provisionally scheduled to be broadcast on World Motorsport on UK satellite and cable as follows: Sky Sports Xtra at 19:00 tonight (Monday), Sky Sports 2 at 02:00 tomorrow (Tuesday), Sky Sports 1 at 15:00 tomorrow, and Sky Sports 2 at 14:00 on Wednesday. Look out for your News Editor resetting his own Jet FC proximity record. These times are currently as displayed on Sky's Electronic Programme Guide, but as ever keep an eye on your electronic programme guide or teletext for last-minute schedule updates.

UK Wild Bunch racer Tony Smith has been in touch to add to Mark Newby's comments about the Vampire Jet Dragster firing up in London. "I supplied the signs for the event", says Tony. "It was the London Custom and Drag Show held at the Royal Victoria Docks on 2nd-3rd September but I can't remember if it was in 1992, 1993 or 1994. It was organised by Carol Ismail and Penny Williams (I think) and was in aid of When In Need. After Colin Fallows' Saturday demonstration, someone called the Fire Brigade as they thought a plane had crashed. They also had a burnout contest. It was a brilliant show and its a pity it didnt do as well as expected". 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter confirms that this show took place in 1994. "I was there with my Ford Pop", says Andy.
©Eurodragster.com
Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog is confined to his home with 'flu, and is likely to be for a couple more days yet. Until Tog recovers, news updates are liable to be posted at odd times (i.e. should I be conscious - Ed). Please keep the news coming, though, to news@eurodragster.com, and if anyone has sent any E-Mails to Tog's office address since Thursday morning then please re-send them to tog@eurodragster.com.

SCR flyers available.
14th February: The UK's Shakespeare County Raceway has just taken delivery of the new revised 2005 Events Calendar for the forthcoming season at the Warwickshire quarter-mile facility, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson.

If you wish to receive a copy of the calendar as well as the tracks special promotional event flyers please send your mailing details to ultimatepower@hotmail.co.uk.

To complement the flyers, each event will have its own dedicated web site where up to the minute news, ticketing details and event previews will be placed on-line.
©Eurodragster.com
Wrights plan to race in 2005.
13th February: If you were tuned in to yesterday's Eurodragster News update then you will have noticed mention of John and Lesley Wright's Top Fuel Dragster, which Webster Race Engineering used as a willing guinea pig for their new rollcage ballistic shields. Lesley Wright has been in touch to confirm that Wright Racing are putting together a race programme for 2005.

"The well-functioning garage that Jon Cross and Darren Prentice built for us through their company Draganbuild was finished late last year and our crew, who have been chomping at the bit to get back into action, have been putting in some weekend work", says Lesley. "Thanks to Sean, Lee, Clive, Ian, Simon, young Sean, Tom, Derek, Teresa and Hannah who have all committed time to helping us get back on the track. The chassis should be ready for collection from WRE next weekend, completely up to FIA spec and with some configuration changes and a new body design. We have a full season of match race and show opportunities and we are looking for a funded driver or partnership funding to compete in the FIA series.
©Eurodragster.com
"John's new business MASS Racing has gone particularly well this past year with Gavin Seager's SCSA Pick Up Truck Championship win, Adrian Van Der Kroft's class winning Morgan at Historic Le Mans, and Sandy Watson's Oulton Park Gold Cup winning Chevron B16. MASS are involved in a huge variety of motorsports such as the Kenya to Johannesburg rally, Peking to Paris rally, Gentleman's Driver series, Top Hat series, HSCC and they have many clubs and other engine builders using their dyno and rolling road facilities.

"It's a busy life but we took time out to attend a sneak preview of the NASCAR 3D film at the IMAX theatre within the Millenium Point complex in Birmingham. It was amazing, a five-storey-high screen with forty two speakers of digital surround sound. Wearing proper wraparound 3D glasses you feel like an ant on the tarmac with the thunder saloons coming straight at you. It was the most impressive car racing film we've ever seen. From feeling like you're sitting right on the grass verge as the cops chase the moonshine runners through deepest Carolina in the 1940s to very real feeling of being a passenger as the cars get close up to the wall at Talladega, you really are in there with them freight training at 200+ mph. This is one show that shouldn't be missed: see www.imax.ac or the link on the Santa Pod or Rockingham Raceway web sites for details.

"As Mullins said, "Send money, guns and lawyers" and maybe we'll be racing more than watching this year...OK, forget the guns!"

Nefraim aims for 7.0s.
13th February: Our good friend Elias Vathias of the Greek Dragster web site has interviewed 2004 Greek Open Class Champion Makis Nefraim about his 2005 plans, and kindly sent us an English translation.

"My team and I are preparing very carefully for next season (right, picture courtesy Elias Vathias)" says Makis. "We plan to break the Greek Open record at the first drag race and we are aiming for the 2005 championship as well. We hold the record for the best sixty-foot time in Greece. We ran a 1.15 but the rest of the run was very slow because the track was not properly prepared. We plan to make 7.0-second passes in the European races which we attend.
©Eurodragster.com
"This year will be a very hot year for the Greek Championship, especially in the Open class. I hope that lots of people will come to every race to see all the Greek racers competing with each other! We promise hot racing weekends full of adrenaline! I wish the best to all the Greek racers and fans!"

Don't forget that you can stay in touch with all the latest from the Greek scene on the Greek Dragster web site at www.greekdragster.com.

Swift snippets.
13th February: Swedish Top Methanol FC team Andréasson Motorsports have three engines for sale. "We have for sale three complete long blocks with forged BAE block and Stage 5 Fatheads for sale, or just the three pairs of BAE Stage 5 heads if you prefer", says team member Anders Magnusson. "If you are interested then please call Leif Andréasson on +46 70 631 2859, he is currently at Pomona."
©Eurodragster.com
Showing why we used the words "As far as we know" in Thursday's piece about the Xtreme Wheels International Press Call, jet car pilot Mark Newby tells us that Martin Hill's demonstration at Alexandra Palace was not the first jet car fire-up in London. "Colin Fallows and I did this with Vampire some years ago at a Docklands car show, on one of the wharfs there", says Mark. "I can't remember exactly when this was, but my twelve-year-old son was around three at the time, so that might provide a clue!". We guess that Mark is referring to the drag racing shows held in Docklands in the early 1990s. Thanks to Mark for putting us straight.

Just a reminder that in a few week's time, Eurodragster.com will be switching to a recommended screen resolution of 1024x768 as opposed to the current 800x600, which ceased to be the standard a couple of years ago. This should affect very few if any of our readers.

WRE offer TF roll cage shields.
 12th February: Webster Race Engineering have completed their first titanium rollcage ballistic shield for a Top Fuel Dragster and are now able to offer the shields to racers. Click on the picture at right for a large version.

"The work involved a lot of deliberation with various parties about the shape of the shield - thanks for their input", says Jon Webster of Webster Race Engineering, who jointly sponsor Eurodragster.com's webcam. "We are still awaiting confirmation on allowances for wind pressure relief. We already have a couple more of the shields to construct, but we are now geared up to form the very difficult but exotic material. Thanks to Nigel Hoskison of Titanium International Limited for materials and guidance, and thanks to John and Lesley Wright for allowing us to experiment on their car first."
©Eurodragster.com
If you are interested in having a roll cage shield made for your car then you can contact Webster Race Engineering on 01933 315236 (outside the UK +44 1933 315236) or via their web site at www.webster-race-engineering.co.uk.

If you were tuned in to yesterday's Eurodragster News you will have seen that Canto Consultancy/Prolong Top Fuel Dragster Crew Chief Peter Knight referred to Jon finishing his trailer. Jon says that the trailer could be finished quite quickly. "If Peter could make his mind up on whether he would prefer Connolly leather or mohair for the interior finishing, and marble or solid oak flooring, we will finish it post haste", he says.

Northern UK Chassis Day.
12th February: Many thanks to UK Tech Inspector Geoff Martin for letting us know that Mark Norton will be at John Sleath's workshop on Saturday 26th February for a Chassis Inspection Day.

"It will be an early start, and quite a few slots are already booked, but there is time for more", says Geoff. "If you are within easy distance of Doncaster and need a new chassis cert, or even a re-cert, contact Mark on 07881 456314 or E-Mail fuzzynod77@aol.com."

Another Chassis Day is planned at Santa Pod Raceway on Friday 11th March, when Geoff and Mark will be with the SFI inspection team.

ACI/Silverline Tooled up for 2005.
12th February: 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champions American Car Imports Racing and sponsor Silverline Tools see next weekend's Xtreme Wheels International as their ideal springboard for 2005. The quickest, fastest and most successful car in Top Methanol Dragster will be getting an earlier-than-usual airing at the show at Alexandra Palace on what is promised to be an impressive stand. Fans to Xtreme Wheels are also being offered the chance of a lifetime to join the ACI team at a race event as a Thank You for their loyal support.

If you visit the American Car Imports stand at next week's show then you will be able to pick up an application card (right, click on picture for large version) to go into a draw to win two VIP pit passes to join the team at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway in May. Five runners-up will receive 75 in vouchers for Silverline Tools.
©Eurodragster.com
Silverline Tools are stepping up their involvement in 2005 as the ACI Racing team go for a hat-trick of FIA European Championship titles, a feat which has never been achieved in Top Methanol Dragster. "Silverline Tools' increased involvement increases our chances even more!", says a press release issued by the team. "Silverline Tools are one of the country's leading suppliers of quality tools - from a single screwdriver to angle grinders they have what you need. They have decided that FIA Championship racing is the way to promote their business, and the appearance with the ACI Racing Top Methanol Dragster is the first of many planned new marketing ventures for 2005.

"A race team can't operate without every single element and Silverline provide the means to keep the 270 mph missile on the fast track to success!"

SPR JD available for hire.
12th February: Due to a late cancellation, Santa Pod Raceway's Junior Dragster is available to hire at next Saturday's (19th February) Saturday Night Special.
©Eurodragster.com
"If you are aged between eight and seventeen years old, and want to try out driving a Junior Dragster then you can hire the SPR dragster next Saturday with the added bonus of running into the night!", says David Lloyd-Jones of Santa Pod. "The fee for the day is 99 plus VAT, which includes all equipment and attire, admission, sign on fee, tuition and timing slips."

If you would like to book the SPR Junior Dragster for next Saturday then either drop David a line at david@santapod.fsnet.co.uk or call 01234 782828.

Perpetual Award thanks.
12th February: 2004 UK National Sportsman ET Champion and SPRC Most Promising Newcomer Linda Platt has been in touch to thank everyone who voted for her in the SPRC Perpetual Awards poll. "It was an unexpected surprise", says Linda. "I would also like to thank my husband Alan who had confidence in me, and without his giving up the use of his car for the year I wouldn't have been able to do it. Thank you to all the marshals and staff at the tracks who helped by being patient with me: I now know that one finger means "solo run" and not "stay there", hence the seven-second reaction of one of my first runs. Good luck to all racers for this year."
©Eurodragster.com
UK Tech Inspector Geoff Martin says that he was pleased and proud to be presented with the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy. "It reflects well on the Tech Team as a whole that the racers appreciate what we do", says Geoff. "After the adversity of last year, it has given Pauline and myself a big lift. Thank you all very much."

Canto/Prolong TF back for more.
11th February: The UK's Canto Consultancy/Prolong Top Fuel Dragster team plan to contest more dates in 2005, says Crew Chief Peter Knight. Jon Webster will again be driving the Canto/Prolong dragster, which was involved in the closest Top Fuel race in European history last September.

The team's first out of the year will be the Pro Fuel Shootout at Santa Pod's Easter Thunderball alongside 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter, Rune Fjeld Motorsports stablemate Thomas Nataas, and Lex Joon who plans to attend with the newly-acquired MPM Top Fuel Racing Team dragster.

"In return for driving the car, Jon will be finishing the trailer - although he is probably reading that here first!", says Peter. "We will be running the car with the same set-up as the European Finals (where Jon ran in the 5.0s - Ed), because it looks like we're now going in the right direction with it. With these cars, until you have a reasonable run on them you have absolutely nothing to tune. They are intolerant to the extreme...if they're not happy, they throw parts!

"We will use Easter to blow the cobwebs out of the car and the crew, some of whom have been given a reshuffle to new tasks. Also the crew is slightly smaller now that Dave and Steph Milam are competing again, so we wish them good luck with their extremely uprated car!"
©Eurodragster.com
Peter says that the team will be trying to win the Pro Fuel Shootout. "I know that it is a big ambition, but we have the hardware and Jon's not scared of it, so there is no reason why, with a bit of luck, we couldn't pull it off", he says. The team's next outing after the Easter Thunderball will be at the FIA Main Event in May, possibly with a bigger fuel pump and BDK valve fitted. "We have two bigger pumps and all the parts to run really fast, so we'll probably try that stuff at the Main Event", says Peter. "We may also venture into Europe, but that's not going to be discussed until after the first FIA round."

Peter has spent the winter increasing the parts inventory. "We have a couple of spare BAE billet short blocks, four sets of heads, a better blower and more, with a view to doing more events", he says. "And although we are overjoyed to be running with Canto Consultancy and Prolong again, additional funding would be nice!

"We're looking forward to a good season and to providing some real competition this year. We also look forward to pushing ourselves towards new goals."

Torco sponsor Hope, Lazenby.
11th February: Garry Coull of Pinnacle Autocentre has been in touch to let us know about an exciting new sponsorship deal secured with Steve Clark of Nimbus Motorsports to supply Torco oils and lubricants to both Pinnacle-backed teams: Chris Hope's Suzuki Pro Stock Bike and Colin Lazenby's Street Eliminator '56 Chevy.
©Eurodragster.com
"Chris Hope has Torco product exclusively for six years", says Garry who crews for both teams. "Bringing Colin Lazenby's 56 into the package can only help increase Torco's market awareness to a broad spectrum of the public and the racers. It truly is great news for both teams as they enter the 2005 season."

For more details about Torco products, check out the Torco Direct web site at www.torcodirect.com or E-Mail info@torcodirect.com.

Swift snippets.
11th February: The family of late Carbon By Design team member David Elden have been in touch to thank everyone for their support after David's death last week. "We knew that David was widely-liked and respected, but we were still overwhelmed by the response to his death", says David's nephew and also CBD team member Mark Turner. "David's funeral yesterday was very well-attended and was a fitting tribute. On behalf of the whole family I would like to thank everyone for their sympathy and support."
©Eurodragster.com
Many thanks to Henrik Karlsson and Patrik Jacobsson for letting us know about the announcement of a Swedish Championship in Competition. The Swedish Competition Championship will be contested at three events: 18th-19th June at Sundsvall Raceway, 22nd-24th July at Gothenburg's Armed Forces Raceway, and 12th-14th August at Stockholm's Tullinge Raceway.

The Supertwin Fuel bike of Steve Clutterbuck is the latest addition to the drag racing line-up for next week's Xtreme Wheels International at Alexandra Palace. "We have a sizeable bike contingent", says organiser Terry Gibbs, "and a larger number of race vehicles than last year. We are very grateful to everyone who has volunteered to display their car or bike". For more information about Xtreme Wheels International including ticketing details, check out the Show's official web site at www.xwishow.com.

Jet Funny Car pilot Martin Hill and his Fireforce team are widely-known as having one of the busiest schedules in the whole of drag racing, but Martin tells us that he recently found time for another booking. "The producers of the forthcoming Batman movie came and made samples of the engine and afterburner of Fireforce 2 for sound effects for the Batmobile!", says Martin. "The sound guy registered 186 decibels on his meter!"

Santa Pod Raceway latest.
11th February: Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing has been in touch with the very latest developments at Santa Pod Raceway.

"SantaPod.com has been re-launched!", says Rick. "The new site is designed to be more functional, user-friendly and better looking than ever before. Have a good look around; there are loads of new features, free downloads, and up-to-date news listings. Don't forget to sign up to the mailing list if you haven't already, and come back soon! This site will be updated regularly with all the news fresh from the Pod.
©Eurodragster.com
"Saturday 19th February is the date of Santa Pod's first Saturday Night Special for some years. The track action will run well into the dark (track and weather conditions permitting) with runs by the Fireforce 2 Jet Funny Car, and free rides will be offered to kids in Ronnie Picardo's Roaring Thunder Jet Truck. Everyone who signs on will be given a raffle ticket which automatically enters them into a free prize draw, with great prizes up for grabs. The Saturday night special costs no more than a normal RWYB for entry and sign-on, and we welcome all vehicles including competition cars and bikes, modified, classic and American cars. All of this information and full Run What You Brung rules can be found at www.rwyb.com.

"Bug Jams baby brother, Big Bang, has had its web site at www.big-bang.co.uk overhauled in time for the 2005 event between 30th April and 2nd May. Big Bang includes loads of drag racing activities including Run What You Brung, Volkswagen Drag Racing Club, and an important new addition for drag racing fans: the Big Bang ET Challenge! This massive car-only competition takes place on the Monday of Big Bang weekend and is open to all racers including non-VWDRC classes. Expect more news on this exciting part of the show soon (We've got a little surprise of our own about the Big Bang - Ed)!"

SCR marshals' meeting tomorrow.
11th February: Shakespeare County Raceway will be holding its annual marshals' meeting tomorrow (Saturday 12th), writes Ozzy Ewing. The meeting will start at 10.30am and will be held in the marshals' unit behind the wall at the startline area.

"We would also be interested to hear from anyone who wishes to take up a position at Shakespeare County Raceway this season and play an active role in UK Drag Racing", says Ozzy. "Many opportunities exist at Shakespeare County Raceway throughout the race season at various events, and we will provide the necessary training, uniform and lunches.
©Eurodragster.com
"If you are interested and can attend tomorrow please turn up and ask for Wendy Talbot, alternatively please E-Mail wendy@apira.org.uk with your details and we will get in touch."

XWI Press Call blasts London.
10th February: Jet Funny Car pilot Martin Hill put on a stunning show at today's Xtreme Wheels International Press Call at London's Alexandra Palace. Martin performed his flame and thunder routine (right) in front of the TV and press and put on a spectacular show which was heard at least three miles away. This was the first time that a jet-powered vehicle has been fired up within Greater London since the early 1990s.

Bob Glassup's Xtreme Wheels altered represented drag racing alongside Martin Hill, whilst American Car Imports sent along a very tidy Dodge Ram pick-up and representatives of the Modified and VW scenes were on display, one of the imports putting on its own flame show from its exhaust.
©Eurodragster.com
The Press Call was filmed by Sky Sports for broadcast next week; stay tuned and as soon as we have the schedule we will let you know.

"I would like to thank Martin Hill and everyone who came along to display their vehicles today", said Xtreme Wheels organiser Terry Gibbs. "Thanks also to Sky Sports."

We attended the Press Call in association with American Car Imports and you can see our Photo Gallery by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Hat'll do nicely!
10th February: UK Super Pro ET racer Mick Payne has become the latest customer of Carbon By Design, adding one of the company's 'tall' injectors to his seven-second Artful Dodger Coronet (right, click on picture for large version).

"Mick and the Artful Dodger have always been known to be slightly different if not outrageous, so it was no surprise to us in the crew that when carbon hats started appearing on Top Fuel Dragsters Mick said "I've got to have one of those"!", says Andy Thetford. "We all thought he was joking, but what Mick says Mick does!
©Eurodragster.com
"After a very successful SPRC Dinner Dance (thanks to all involved) last weekend, Mick slipped off to have a meeting with Knut Söderqvist of Carbon By Design, who just happened to have a hat in his hand luggage.

"So I ask you, does this now look like one awesome doorslammer or what? I know what we all think, see you all trackside..."

Ramage Nova heads for Greece.
10th February: Our good friend Filippos Papafilippou has been in touch to let us know that he has done a deal to acquire Luke Ramage's '66 Nova SS. The Nova (right), which Luke raced in Super Gas in the UK, has been sold as a rolling chassis.
©Eurodragster.com
"The car will be used by the Drag Warriors team to compete in the Greek Championship and, if funds and time allow, enter some events in Italy or Malta", says Fil. "The car will be equipped with a powerful nitrous 509 ci Big Block Chevy. The aim is to push the Nova into the sevens and put some pressure on the other competitors in the Open Class.

"Luke and Lyndsey Ramage and their daughter may come to Greece for a few days in the summer, and we will let Luke have a seat in his old car - with a real engine this time! - and have a go in a Greek race."

Hoosier/Lövén sponsor Pro Mod.
10th February: Many thanks to our good friend Patrik Jacobsson for letting us know that Hoosier Racing Tires/Lvn Racing is the latest European Pro Mod Association contingency sponsor.

"Winners and runners-up will get vouchers from Lvn Racing for using Hoosier Racing tyres in 2005!", says Patrik. "To be able to claim contingency, the racer should have bought at least one set of rear tyres through Lven Racing in 2005."

"We know that many Pro Mod races have been won on Hoosier tyres, and we want to give the European Pro Mod racers a good deal on those tyres", says Jan Murn of Lven Racing, Swedish importer of Hoosier.

For more details, or to get a special promotional price on Hoosier tyres, call Lvens Racing at +46 (0)155-28 78 78. Tyres should be ordered before the end of March to get the special promotional price. Tyres can be picked up at the track at all FIA events, or they can be sent.

For more information about Hoosier Racing Tires, check out the company's official web site at www.hoosiertire.com.

Xtreme Wheels snippets.
10th February: If you were as impressed as we were with Danny Cockerill's new Pro Mod, which Danny unveiled here on Eurodragster yesterday, then you will be pleased to hear that the wild '57 Bel Air will be on display at Xtreme Wheels International at London's Alexandra Palace at the end of next week (19th-20th February). Many thanks to Anthony Cohen for letting us know that the FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Championship- and record-holding American Car Imports Racing TMD is on display, and we also understand that 2004 SPRC Super Modified Champion Rob Smallworth's Chevy will be at the Show.
©Eurodragster.com
The Xtreme Wheels International Press Call is taking place at Alexandra Palace today (Thursday). Eurodragster will be covering today's Press Call in association with American Car Imports so tune back this afternoon and we'll let you know what went on.

For information about Xtreme Wheels International including ticket prices, check out the Show's official web site at www.xwishow.com.

Swift snippets.
10th February: Shakespeare County Raceway Press Officer Jerry Cookson tells us that this month's issue of Hot Wheels Magazine includes a two-page "easy to learn" feature on the American Car Imports Racing Top Methanol Dragster including photographs taken at Santa Pod Raceway, Mantorp Park and Shakespeare County Raceway. "The magazine also has a photo of a jet-powered shopping trolley - I kid you not", says Jerry. Hot Wheels is priced at 1.75 and comes with a free pair of Hot Wheels ID tags.
©Eurodragster.com
SPR Health and Safety update.
10th February: Glenn Ramsden of UK Event Safety tells us that after talks with the Local Authority inspectors and others, an agreement has been reached which allows the continued use of barbecues at race events at Santa Pod Raceway.

Glenn sent us the following announcement, which covers other Health and Safety issues at Santa Pod, and which we are publishing verbatim. It goes without saying that it is very important that everyone who goes to Santa Pod Raceway and other tracks, be they racer, official or fan, reads Glenn's piece:

BBQs:

The agreement as regards BBQs is that a reasonable set of rules has been put into place that must be adhered to, no exceptions.

These are:
  • No BBQs to be lit before 1730 hrs (unless for any reason the racing has been officially curtailed).
  • All BBQs to be positioned in a sensible manner considering these points:

    1. Away from fuel and flammables, fuel stocks to be in containers that are fit for purpose and stored away in trailers etc with doors closed (not in your camper!). This includes empty fuel containers which are in some cases more dangerous than full ones.
    2. Away from your race vehicle.
    3. Pay attention to what is overhead, do not place your BBQ under the gazebo or awning (unless there is at least 3m of clearance), as hot air rises and you will end up with a molten gazebo on your head.
    4. If your BBQ is powered by LPG (Butane etc) then pay attention to the gas container and valves for leaks etc. Keep it in a well ventilated area and don't change the cylinder when the rig is still hot.
    5. The suitable fire extinguisher that you provide for your pit area will be positioned in an area close to the BBQ in case anything should anything go wrong. Please don't leave it in your truck so we have to search for it. It may also be prudent to note the location of the extinguisher in adjacent pit areas, should you need more resources.
    6. Make sure that your BBQ is in a safe place so that when it comes to leaving it to cool down, no one will catch themselves on it and tip it over or burn themselves.
    7. Remember to cook your food properly and always wash your hands before starting food preparation. Similarly if you visit the toilet, wash your hands!
    8. Should you be having an alcoholic drink, please try to remind yourself that you are not the funniest person in the world, and your friends won't split their sides laughing when you try to walk on hot ashes and other hilarious stunts, keep away from your BBQ when beveraged (or otherwise intoxicated).
    9. If you have an incident call for the emergency teams, if you can't contact them call the fire brigade. Just remember, they might not know you or your vehicle, give them a chance, give a location...near to the Pod Shop, the pastie wagon or whatever.
We will all only get one chance to make this work, should anyone have an incident or sustain an injury, we are all doomed and the caterers will love you for life as they drive off into the sunset their Bentleys.

It is essential that everyone works by the rulebook on this one. It is the same for everyone, no exceptions. Pro Racer, Sportsman or whatever, it has got to work. It is also important that you all devise a way to police this thing, if you see someone abusing the BBQ code tell them or tell Security.

If youre not sure of something ask!

FUEL STORAGE AND USE:

Once again the local authority inspectors had a field day with us in the pits. Whatever you do, THINK!

Fire shows no mercy, it will eat you and all of you belongings before you realise what is happening. People have said to me that all of this has come along since the fire at Shakespeare County a while ago. Indeed a lot of it has, but don't fall into the trap of thinking it won't occur again for another twenty years it's not if, but when; don't let it be you!

I have a reasonable idea of what it must be like to be sat in a Funny Car as it lights up, or as your nitro bike engine lets go big time between your legs and I do not want to be there.

Believe me, if your pit area catches fire you will cry for help because it spreads faster than you can run; race vehicle, trailer, camper, next camper, kids asleep in the camper, next trailer etc. Don't let it happen!

Fuel, stored in a container that is fit for purpose.
  • Stored away from naked flames, hot work, hot surfaces etc. This includes smoking folks!
  • Don't store it under your camper or caravan, that's the same as putting a can of unleaded under the stairs at home, lethal.
  • Fuel away before the BBQ comes out.
  • Spillages absorbed properly, do not let it enter the drains.
  • If you have a spillage call or an incident call for the emergency teams, if you can't contact them call the fire brigade. Just remember, they might not know you or your vehicle, give them a chance, give a location...near to the Pod Shop, the pastie wagon or whatever.
PIT WORK:

It is essential that you conduct yourself and your work in a respectable manner as you have a duty of care to others.

When working in your pit area ensure that you are using equipment properly and it is fit for purpose. If you are doing hot work, make sure that all around you is safe, your extinguisher is out ready for use and if possible have a person just overseeing everything.

When you are running up your car or bike ensure that it is secure on proper stands not just balanced on a trolley jack! If you are in your car, then you need your safety gear on because if there is a fire you will become the sizzling centrepiece.

Nitro vehicles, especially the Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car teams; when you run up your vehicles consider the amount of fumes that gather underneath your awning and ensure that there is somewhere for it to go.

Team members are very often totally unaware of the surroundings when they are focussing on the car, stood wearing ear defenders and full face masks. This could be recipe for disaster, keep your wits about you keep looking about for the danger signs, remember Pro racer or not you have a duty of care to others.

VIEWING THE RACING:

Whilst we all love viewing the racing from the best seat in the house, it is not advisable to do this from the top of your transporter, balanced on your tail lift and even worse, take your kids up too!

The tops of most trailers are designed to keep the weather out and provide a modicum of security, not as a multi-seater stadium.

A fall from two metres can be as dangerous as a fall from ten metres, a recent incident in the West Midlands area proved this. A person fell from the rear of a truck, a height of only about 1.5 metres, injury? FATAL!

If your transporter was to be classed as a piece of work equipment (shall we avoid that argument?) then it would require guard rails, toe boards etc. Just bear that in mind and if you want to use it, build a rig on top of it and provide proper access to it.

KIDS:

I guess this is a big one, many of the kids at the strip have been brought up on racing and understand the ins and outs of it all. Others don't. There have been many near misses this year that have involved children and youths.

Try to explain the dangers to them (not just the speed and racing) but things like running about knocking people over, young kids in prams, getting under the wheels of race vehicles in the pits etc.

As we all have that duty of care thing, remember to look after your kids and protect their health and welfare with ear defenders, hats, suncream and other bits and bobs.

MINI MOTOs, QUADS AND OTHER SIMILAR DEVICES:

To mini motos - NO!

Use of these at Santa Pod has caused a number of accidents leading to injuries during the 2004 season, it will not continue to happen, because the promoters and the local authority inspectors will not allow them any more.

Quads and small bikes can be used in a responsible manner for moving equipment or towing race vehicles. I did say a responsible manner, and I did mean that!

They should all be fitted with a horn and plenty of warning be given to folk that are in your way. Remember they have as much right to that piece of ground as you do, racing does not give you the rights to all of the pits.

Anyone seen racing or acting in an irresponsible manner on small bikes, trikes or quads faces the possibility of being evicted from the event, no excuses.

The same applies to people driving other vehicles in an irresponsible manner, no its, no buts, cheerio.

We all have a duty of care to others!

That certainly doesn't cover everything but is a good start. If you need any more info please ring me, Glenn Ramsden, on 07905 068531.
©Eurodragster.com
York Raceway latest.
10th February: York Raceway PR Howard Holmes has been in touch with some calendar updates and the latest news about one of York's popular shootout events.

"With the Mini v Beetle Shootout's continued growth in popularity at York Raceway, it's become a two-day event for the tenth anniversary this Easter", says Howard. "Staged over 26th-27th March (Easter Sunday and Monday), Sunday will be for qualifying and Monday for eliminations. Sunday will also include the Moddifiers Shootout round 1 and Run What You've Brung sessions. As well as the Mini v Beetle Shootout eliminations, Easter Monday will include Air Cooled Eliminators round 1, Test and Tune for high performance and race cars, and Run What You've Brung sessions. Roger Goring's Firestorm Jet Funny Car will be on the track both days."

Howard also tells us that the American Super Stock calendar has been slightly amended, and is now as follows:

2nd May: UK Open Nationals Show, Shine and Shakedown
©Eurodragster.com
29th-30th May: UK Spring Nationals Round 1 Sunday 29th, Round 2 Monday 30th

17 July: Northern Sportsman Nationals Round 3

6th-7th August: UK Northern Nationals Round 4 Saturday 6th, Round 5 Sunday 7th

25th September: UK Northern Finals Round 6 (finals)

"These dates will be subject to final ratification at the Pennine Drag Racing Club AGM on 26th February", says Howard.

Web site updates.
10th February: Many thanks to UK Super Comp/Super Gas racer Malcolm Francis for letting us know that his SPRC Best-Appearing Car's paint scheme is now featured on GOS Motorsport Graphics web site at www.gosmotorsportgraphics.com. You can find the Grand Am under Sponsorship Renderings. "GOS Motorsport Graphics offers an excellent service for race car or T-Shirt design and printing at very reasonable prices", adds Malcolm.
©Eurodragster.com
Cockerill unveils Pro Mod.
 9th February: Erstwhile UK Super Modified Champion Danny Cockerill has unveiled his stunning new '57 Chevy Bel Air Pro Mod (right, click on picture for large version). Danny also tells us that he needs two crew members to join his team. Click any link for a picture.

"The car was built by Andy Robinson Race Cars", Danny told Eurodragster. "The body is by Tim McAmis, and the engine is an Alan Johnson 526 built by Atchison Racing with a set-up similar to Glen Kerunsky's."

The Bel Air body was painted by Wackyshack and the attention to detail even includes realistic-looking door handles and keyholes. "Wackyshack did a very good job", said Danny. "They did the body parts in the order I wanted, as some pieces had priority for mounting."
©Eurodragster.com
Danny described the car as ninety eight per cent complete, with just the wiring to the the Racepak computer left to do. Danny hopes to test the car at Santa Pod's Peak Performance Day the weekend before the Easter Thunderball, before contesting the Thunderball, the FIA Main Event and FIA European Finals, and as many NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified Championship events which funds allow, which Danny said might exclude the round at Alastaro. "We are hoping to find sponsors to allow us to go for the Championship, but it really depends upon finances", he said. "We will also see which other events we can cram in, in between!"

Danny added that he and Crew Chief Dave Reed are seeking additional crew. "I am looking for two team members", says Danny. "You can be experienced, or we will train you. You will be fed and watered, you might even get steak and chips". Stay tuned for more about Danny's stunning new Chevy, but in the meantime if you would like to join the UK's newest Pro Mod team then give Danny a call on 01268 560100 or his mobile on 07971 568266.

Danny has his own team page on the European Pro Mod Association web site at www.promod.nu.

TJ announces tyre deal.
9th February: 2004 ACU UK Comp Bike Champion TJ O'Brien has announced that Waltham Abbey-based Abbey Discount Tyres and Exhaust Centre are to sponsor his title defence in 2005.

"Abbey Discount Tyre and Exhaust Centre is owned by fellow racer Matthew Wright and Ray Madden", says TJ. "After long discussions into the night over enormous coffees, it was decided as they will be supplying motorbike and scooter tyres and also American race and street tyres they should use the O' Brien drag bike to promote the business. I am always saying that it was Matt who got me into drag racing - cheers mate!"
©Eurodragster.com
As TJ will be contesting the ACU rounds at both Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceways he will be able to deliver tyres to these events. "Just call Abbey Discount Tyre and Exhaust Centre on 01992 710728, and they will arrange all your race and road tyre needs", says TJ. "I would also like to wish Matt all the success he deserves in Super Gas this year."

It's the Wild Bunch Kid!
9th February: UK Junior Dragster racer Jayne Kay is all set to contest her first season of racing with her Draggin' It Out Junior Stock Dragster (right), which has just been finished. The 'Wild Bunch Kid' will be testing at the APIRA Test and Tune before entering National competition.
©Eurodragster.com
The car was built by Jayne's dad Gary, who is taking a year off from campaigning his Dream Machine in the Wild Bunch to supervise her first season. Power comes from a Craws Racing engine and TAV 2 clutch (picture). Jayne is planning to test at Shakespeare County Raceway next month before entering the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway.

"Jayne would love to hear from potential sponsors and, of course, any of her contemporaries on the Junior Drag Racing circuit", says Gary. If you would like to get in touch with Jayne then drop her an E-Mail at gjkf1@aol.com.

Swift snippets.
9th February: Dave Friend of the UK's Jones and Friend Funny Bike team has been in touch with the great news that we could be seeing Gary Jones back on the seven-second bike as early as the Easter Thunderball. "Gary is making fantastic progress in getting over the back injury he suffered last summer", says Dave. "After many painful months he is now off all of his heavy painkillers etc. and is now having advanced pyhsiotherapy. Gary is now looking to get medical clearance from the specialists to get his medical for the start of the 2005 race season, so hopefully we will see you all at Easter."
©Eurodragster.com
Ultimate Power Championship co-ordinator Simon Groves has sent us an updated version of the final 2004 Ultimate Power Championship standings after the removal of Pro Stock Bike racer Dave Beck for a rules infringement. You can view the Ultimate Power points via the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page.

PMR off-season update.
9th February: Paul Marston tells us that the workshop of Paul Marston Racing is its usual hectic self at present. "The new workshop facilities which we currently share with associate sponsor Gary Springford's Drag Race Engineering are very busy", says Paul. "The Drag Race Driving School's Insanity Chevy Vega pick-up has now had nearly all its jobs done including replacing last season's Small Block with a freshly-built for Big Block Chevy, fitting a custom-built JW Transmissions eight-inch converter, replacing the ring and pinion gears for a taller set to suit the Big Block's requirements, custom-built new headers, lightening and refabricating the front end to suit the Big Block, a new transmission tunnel, repositioning of the rear brakes system, complete refabrication of the rear wing and fuel access system and many other small jobs.

"I must say it looks quite different, the computer programme says that it should be quick; there is no shortage of crew when we run this baby! Everyone wants to see the Vegas potential. As soon as the new headers return from being coated its off to Santa Pod, weather permitting, for testing prior to the Easter Thunderball.
©Eurodragster.com
Grumpy's Dodge arrived today, looking really fine, there is around sixteen days' solid work booked in for this car. Its easily everyones favorite, the whole place stops when Grumpy is in town! The technicians and some customers were even videoing whilst we fired Grumpy up and her into her pride of place in the Drag Race Engineering workshops. The schedule includes some essential chassis upgrades, more restoration, more weight loss, performance upgrades, brand new Hoosier slicks and a motor freshen...the hardest-working race car in Europe deserves nothing less.

"Amongst the various projects currently being worked on in this busy workshop, the latest full-chassis race car project to roll out of Drag Race Engineering is coming along very well: Gary Springford's own personal mount for the forthcoming season, his Super Gas/Pro ET Shogun, is shaping upl. Easter approaches and the build is right on schedule to be ready for the Thunderball, although the jury is still out whether Gary will launch his 2005 Pro ET Championship title bid in the new car since it will need developing and setting up, which means track time. With the cold weather currently upon us, it remains to be seen what opportunities lay ahead in way of testing time before the Easter Thunderball. With this in mind Gary is maintaining an option on a Paul Marston Racing mount for the opening rounds of the 2005 season.

"With that in mind, anyone who is interested in one of the infamous Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Passenger Rides, an even more knee-trembling ("Knee-trembling"? What do you do with your pupils? - Ed) Drag Race Driving School day, or in taking that big step and renting one of our School race cars and entering a National Event should call the office on 0208 597 4575 or my mobile on 07831 650230, or E-Mail office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk without delay: there are still some spaces left in all areas but naturally not many. The packages make good economic sense.

"Lastly keep an eye on our web site at www.paulmarstonracing.com for all of our race dates, and dates for the Drag Race Passenger Ride Experience and Drag Race Driving School which are filling up quickly. Some exciting new developments will also be posted over the next few weeks."

Feature: WSR contenders leave the UK.
8th February: After a year's planning, the four UK race cars in the World Street Race, which takes place at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, Louisiana, in March, were put into their containers yesterday (Monday).

Andy Frost, Ian Hook, Steve Pateman and Jeff Meads took their cars to Colnbrook premises of Benair Freight Forwarding, who had given the UK contingent a good deal on transport and who are sponsoring the WSR.
©Eurodragster.com
Eurodragster went along to Benair yesterday to watch the loading process and to talk to the racers. You can view our report and pictures by clicking here, or by clicking on the Features link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Swift snippets.
8th February: UK Junior Dragster racer Matthew Seamarks and the Gingerman Racing team are moving up to Junior Modified this season with a new methanol-burning engine. "We tried going Modified on petrol but could not get it to work right", says Matthew. "The rest of the car is still the same as last season, we have already been testing and have so far got down to 14.481/42.97. Our next test will be at the Saturday Night Special on 19th February. The Gingerman team will again by sponsored by The Curry Garden in Rushden this season.

UK Pro ET racer Ian Brown will be sitting out this season. Ian and the Thatadoo Racing team have acquired Gordon Appleton's ex-Pro Mod Camaro and plan to field the car in 2006 or 2007, although not in Pro Mod.
©Eurodragster.com
The Kingdom of Bahrain will be holding its first-ever Local Drag Racing Championship, writes Fahad Taqi, General Secretary of the Bahrain Drag Racing Club. The venue will be the Bahrain International Circuit which hosts Formula 1 races and which as previously reported is in the frame for an FIA drag racing event. "Cars from the Arabian Gulf will take part in this historic event, held for the first time in the Kingdom", says Fahad. For more information check out the Club's web site at www.bahraindragracingclub.com.

Many congratulations to Jerry and Sharron Collier of UK Supertwin team Jade Racing, who have become parents for the second time with the birth of their daughter Skye, born at 10:30 am on Sunday at Chesterfield Hospital. Skye, a sister for Junior racer Scott, weighed in at eight pounds exactly, and both mum and daughter are doing fine. We are sure that everyone will join Sharkman and Tog in congratulating Jerry and Sharron on Skye's arrival.

SPRC Dinner Dance thanks.
8th February: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to thank everyone who made the weekend's Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation such a success.

"I felt the evening went very well - I never heard any complaints!", says Paula. "It was also great to see Sarah Jane and Dave - I hope they enjoyed it as much as we all enjoyed seeing them there. From my personal point of view I would like to say a few Thank Yous:

To the SPRC Committee - Ian, Darren, Phil, John, Carole for presenting the trophies; to Sharkman, Paul, Tog, Ian, Carole and Alison for helping me to set up the room on Saturday afternoon; to Graham Beckwith for the trophy presentations to everyone; to Bruce Goddard from the MSA to present the British MSA Top Methanol trophies; to Carole for sorting out the raffle prizes; to Tog for sorting out the slide presentation for the SPRC Championship points standings; and to Sharkman for taking the photographs.

The help I receive makes it all worthwhile. Thanks a lot."

Pat Ginn writes on behalf of herself and TJ O'Brien to thank everyone who was at the SPRC Dinner Dance for a very enjoyable evening. "It just gets better and better every year, and next year I will make sure I book early!", says Pat. The evening was made by a very special appearance of the bravest woman I know, Scary Jane. What a welcome she got, and very rightly deserved (Hear, hear - Ed), let's hope we will have the honour of her visiting the tracks this season. I'm sure that everyone is wishing Scary Jane all the luck in her future operations."

Super Comp/Super Gas racer Malcolm Francis whose Air Sea Logistics-sponsored 2004 Pontiac Grand Am was the winner of the 2004 SPRC Perpetual Awards for Best Appearing Car, has written to share his Award with those who have helped him with the car. I would like to say thanks to all those who voted for our car in the 2004 SPRC Perpetual Awards", he says, "but I would like to share the award with all the people involved with the build of the car as they all deserve it too. Firstly, Andy Robinson Race Cars for building the car, Greg Obzuko of GOS Motorsport Graphics in the USA for designing the paint scheme, Tony Gabriel of Body Tone for the body prep and primer and finally Neil, Mandy and Faye of Pro Sign for applying the design and paint to the car. Neil and Faye put in many, many hours one week last May masking off, painting and air brushing the car and deserve full credit for producing an outstanding job.
©Eurodragster.com
Carla Pittau of 2004 UK National Pro ET Champions Team Heaven and Hell and her partner Rick McCann also had an enjoyable evening. "The SPRC Dinner Dance and trophy presentation was as great as always", says Carla, "very nice to see our friends and fellow racers and to catch up with what everybody was up to ("Are you ready for Easter?" was the main big question). The projection showing the final standings, complete with pictures of the winning car or bike, was a brilliant idea (credit to Paula Marshall - Ed) and helped to associate names and faces to known cars and cars to known faces, as well as obviously being quite a morale boost for the winners. We certainly liked to see the old girl being given place of honour in Pro ET. Nice to see Ian Brown and wife Ozzy dance as if they were just married (or if they weren't married!) and Ian looked very tasty in his new Elvis style side-boards, just you wait while I hide Rick's razor. Thanks to the Club for organising a very pleasurable event, thanks to Graham Beckwith for saying nice things about us, and to the ineffable Sharkman and Tog for their work on the pictures side, and for publishing the photographs on the web site, for anyone to be able to order prints (You're welcome - Ed).

2004 MSA British Drag Racing Champion, Top Methanol FC racer Doug Ripley, his wife Jane and a number of his crew had a proud and fun-filled night on Saturday evening, says clutch technician Darren Gould. You can read all about the CC Racing team's evening on their official web site at www.freewebs.com/ccracing. "CC Racing would like to pass on our congratulations to Eurodragster.com for being awarded the 2004 Svensk Dragracing Eagle Award for contribution to the sport", says Darren. Thanks very much Darren, and a big Thank You to everyone else who has been in touch to congratulate us.

Libby Mottershead, who dropped herself in it in September with a passing comment about presenting Eurodragster.com with the next trophy we won, writes that she was very grateful to make the Eagle Award presentation even though a member of Svensk Dragracing, our good buddy Christer Abrahamson, was on the facility (as was Kjell Pettersson, Chairman of Svensk Dragracing - Ed). "We met Christer in the hotel bar on Friday night", says Libby. "When we eventually retired to bed I said to Nev "You know what that means, Christer is from Svensk Dragracing so he will be presenting the Eagle Award", so I had come to terms that he was obviously the worthier fellow for the job. When I was told that I was still going to do it I was filled with nervous trepidation. It made the night so special and I felt very privileged. Thanks Tog and Sharkman, Paula Marshall, Christer, and the Comittee of Svensk Dragracing."

SPRC Dinner Dance pictures.
7th February: The official photographs of the trophy presentations at Saturday's Santa Pod Racers Club Dinner Dance are now on-line and can be viewed by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
©Eurodragster.com
If you would like to order prints of any photograph then please drop Sharkman a line at sharkman@eurodragster.com quoting the picture number.

Swift snippets.
7th February: 2004 ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Steve Woollatt has been in touch to ask if any Eurodragster reader knows the whereabouts of his G-Max Racing Fuels jacket which disappeared from the bar area of the Moat House Hotel in Bedford during the SPRC Dinner Dance on Saturday evening. "The jacket is a very rare item, you can't buy them", says Steve. "I would be able to identify my jacket because it has a distinctive mark". If you can help Steve to find his jacket then please call him on 07860 375500.
©Eurodragster.com
Our good buddy Andy Bissett, erstwhile Crew Chief of FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champions American Car Imports Racing, was spotted working with Darryl Hitchman's Top Alcohol Dragster, driven by Jon Capps, at the weekend's test in Las Vegas.

The four UK Street Eliminator cars headed for the World Street Race in Louisiana in March are due to be placed in containers for shipping today. Eurodragster.com will be at freight forwarding company Benair's premises today and we will report back with a special feature as soon as we can afterwards.

A slightly belated Happy Birthday to another good buddy, Axel Envall, who just reached the grand old age of seven. Hope you had a good day, Axel.

Web site updates.
7th February: The UK's York Raceway has launched a discussion forum which you can currently reach at www.york-raceway.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Champions, Perpetual winners honoured.
6th February: The winners and runners-up in the 2004 Santa Pod Racers Club Championships and the remaining unpresented MSA British and UK National Championship winners and runners-up were presented with their trophies at the SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation in Bedford last night. The winners of SPRC's Perpetual Awards, for whom Eurodragster readers had the chance to vote, were also presented with their trophies.

Congratulations to the Perpetual Award winners:
©Eurodragster.com
Best-Looking Car: Malcolm Francis (Super Comp/Super Gas)
Best-Looking Bike: Steve Venables (Super Street Bike)
Most Professional-Appearing Team: Anna and Conrad Stanley, Automate Super Gas/Junior Dragster team
Most Promising Newcomer: Linda Platt (Sportsman ET)
Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy: Ian Turburville (Supertwin Fuel Bike)
James Edgar Memorial Trophy: Jeff Bull (engine builder)
Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy: Geoff Martin (UK Tech Inspector)

SMRA Super Modified Crew Chief of the Year: Mick Coombes (Andy Hone)

The biggest cheer of the night and a long standing ovation went to Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head who we were all delighted to see in attendance and up on her feet. Scary still has a way to go with her recovery but her reception last night in a room full of love will doubtless have given her a huge fillip. Scary was presented with a bunch of flowers by Santa Pod's Chief Starter Ian Marshall.

Tog and Sharkman were also presented with Svensk Dragracing's 2004 Eagle Award, which was was awarded to Eurodragster.com in October for contribution to the sport. Again many thanks to the Committee of Svensk Dragracing for the honour, and a big Thank You to Libby Mottershead for presenting us with the trophy.

"I was gobsmacked to read that I had won the Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy!", says Ian Turburville. "I never thought I would get it, I remember Paul well and his terrible crash, so feel very honoured. Unfortunately there is no way I could have made it to the Dinner Dance as a single parent of very limited means I don't even get to go to the local pub let alone a night away at a posh dinner! So apologies for not being there in such esteemed company, it sounds like it was good fun. The award has given me a much needed boost to overcome the increasing difficulties we all face when trying to step up a level and I will redouble my efforts to overcome them and race again this year. Big thanks to everyone who voted and congratulations to all the other winners and racers in the greatest motorsport on Earth!"

Many thanks to more than eight hundred Eurodragster readers who submitted votes for the SPRC Perpetual Awards.

2005 York Raceway calendar.
6th February: We are indebted to York Raceway PR Howard Holmes for sending us this season's calendar of events at York Raceway:

26th February: Nite of Champions and Pennine Drag Racing Club AGM

13th and 20th March: Work Party and Marshal Training. Bring thick sandwiches and tea for York Raceway's pre-season work parties. Meet at the track at around 10:00 am.

27th March: Super Street Shootout. Easter Sunday's season opener at York Raceway includes 10th Annual Mini v Beetle Shootout qualifying; Run What You Brung sessions; Roger Goring's Firestorm Jet Funny Car

28th March: Mini v Beetle Shootout. 10th annual Mini v Beetle Shootout eliminations; Air Cooled Eliminators round 1; Test and tune for high performance and race cars; Run What You Brung sessions; Roger Goring's Firestorm Jet Funny Car

1st May: 2NZ. Including the annual 0-60 Challenge with trophies awarded for Quickest four-cylinder, Quickest six-cylinder, Quickest normally-aspirated V8, Quickest quarter mile, Fastest quarter mile Terminal Speed and Overall 0-60 Champion; American Super Stock qualifying for round 1; Hot Rod Challenge qualifying for round 1; Northern Drag Racing Championship (Pro ET and Sportsman ET bracket series) qualifying for round 1; Run What You Brung; Ford Sport Club meeting

NB Once participants are signed on for Run What You Brung or racing, there is free registration and qualifying for 0-60 runs.

2nd May: UK Open Nationals. American Super Stock round 1 eliminations; Northern Drag Racing Championship bracket series round 1 eliminations; Hot Rod Challenge round 1 eliminations; plenty of track time for Run What You Brung sessions

29th May: UK Spring Nationals day one. The big double header for Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday! American Super Stock round 2 qualifying; Northern Drag Racing Championship round 2 qualifying; Hot Rod Challenge round 2 qualifying; Air-Cooled Eliminators round 1; Wild Bunch nostalgia drag racing series; Run What You Brung sessions

30th May: UK Spring Nationals day two. Eliminations for American Super Stock round 2; Hot Rod Challenge round 2 eliminations; Northern Drag Racing Championship bracket series round 2 eliminations; Air-Cooled Eliminators round 2; Wild Bunch nostalgia drag racing series; Limited Run What You Brung available

19th June: Ultimate Road Car Challenge. Includes 19th Annual Ford Shootout, plus Car-only Run What You Brung

17th July: Northern Sportsman Nationals. Open to all UK Sportsman racers, a great opportunity for tough doorslammers to prove the point and get track time, with a trophy for the day's quickest Doorslammer, plus Northern Drag Racing Championship round 3; Modders Shootout round 5; American Super Stock round 3; Hot Rod Challenge round 3; Air-Cooled Eliminators round 3; Run What You Brung

6th August: UK Northern Nationals day one. Featuring the 28th Annual Street Racer Championship, the UK Northern Nationals is one of the North's biggest drag racing events of the year. Hot Rod Challenge qualifying round 4; Air Cooled Eliminators qualifying round 4; Northern Drag Racing Championship qualifying round 4; American Super Stock qualifying round 4; Super Pro Shootout qualifying; Wild Bunch nostalgia drag racing series; National Street Car Challenge round 5; Open Run What You Brung; Saturday night party and camping; Plus Saturday evening Street Racer Championship evening cruise to the Leeds Cruise

7th August: UK Northern Nationals day two. Super Pro shootout; American Super Stock round 4 eliminations; Hot Rod Challenge round 4 eliminations; Northern Drag Racing Championship round 4 eliminations; National Street Car Challenge round 6; Air-Cooled Eliminators round 4 eliminations; Wild Bunch nostalgia drag racing series; Limited Run What You Brung

25th September: UK Northern Finals. The finals at York, usually provides some cliffhangers for those who didn't score enough points at the beginning of the season! Includes Final round of American Super Stock, round 5; Final round of Air Cooled Eliminators, round 5; Final round of Northern Drag Racing Championship, round 5; Final round of Hot Rod Challenge, round 5; Final round of National Street Car Challenge, round 7; Roger Goring's Firestorm Jet Funny Car; Open Run What You Brung sessions

9th October: Ultimate Run Wot You've Brung. The last chance to for any final grudge matches, banzai runs or to catch up from any rain-offs before the season closes, plus American Super Stock Show and Shine; Finals of Modders Shootout, round 8; Open Run What You Brung plus running of any unconcluded finals

For more details about events at York Raceway, check out the track's official web site at www.york-raceway.co.uk.

MPM Top Fueller comes home.
5th February: When we posted yesterday's Stop Press about the arrival in Holland of Lex Joon's 2005 ride, we promised you more today. We spoke to Lex (right) last night and he told us how it felt to have the state-of-the-art MPM Top Fuel Dragster in his workshop. Click on any link for a picture.

"The car was in the Baca Family Racing shop in San Francisco only a few weeks ago, and now it's here", said Lex. "It's really nice to have it here. We have had a lot of attention today, the guys from MPM were here and they were very happy indeed - they didn't realise how good the car is! They toasted the car with champagne. We also had a newspaper here, and they will be doing a feature over this weekend."

Lex said that the container turned up bang on time and that everything was in order. "We were very pleased to find that everything was still where it had been packed", he said, "we only had a couple of hours to pack the container and secure everything when we were in the USA. We're very relieved!"

Now that the car is in the workshop, the MPM Top Fuel team will be checking their inventory of parts and preparing the dragster for painting. "We have to take off all the decals, and remove the wings", said Lex. "The body panels are to be painted dark blue, and then the MPM design will be painted on which will take about a month. Meanwhile we will be looking at the spares and training the new members of our crew. Our Crew Chief Eddie Corr will be coming over with the experienced team members in early March for a training weekend."

The MPM Top Fueller will make its public début in front of TV, press and public at a show in the south of the Netherlands in March, and then the car will be prepared for its first competitive outing at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway.

Gredzinski Mob-handed.
5th February: Our good friend, photo-journalist and graphic designer Mark Gredzinski has been in touch to tell us how he is getting on repainting the body of the Mob Fuel Altered.

"The Mob will be ready for the Xtreme Wheels show", says Mark. "While Crew Chief Ollie Burn and crew John, Andy, Mike, etc. get the car rebuilt and mechnically checked for the coming season, the team's venerable body has been freshened up in order to look its best. A few seasons' worth of passes has caused many cracks to appear which have been repaired and strengthened. The shell has been widened in the past and has now received its fourth paintjob. The rear arch area has been radiused slightly to provide clearance for tyre growth in the slicks.

"Frank Griffin has done the spray work in team Mob colours of Ford Azure Blue and silver and has done a fine job, as prepping the shell can't have been a nice job! The paint design is basically as I did last time. I'm in the process of doing the signwriting, and the body is languishing in my mother-in-law's garage in Birmingham as I have no facilities. A studio it ain't, being a wooden lock-up more suited for a Mini! I should be done by Sunday, hopefully before hypothermia sets in! Squatting on the floor with a loaded brush of enamel paint in winter is not my idea of fun - I'm sure it was different for Kenny Youngblood in California! It's bearable with my woolly hat on and a mug of tea, but the paint drying time is measured in days rather than hours. It's supposed to get colder on Saturday too - can't wait!

"Anyway, what is it going to look like? Well the Mob logo will be unchanged, as that is the team identity and it has to match the front wing as well. Some of the other colours have been altered, such as Mickey's name to give it a fresh look, and I've done a spray treatment on the valve covers to define the ribs. I'm hoping that the car will look spiffing but I'll reserve judgement until its finished - I'm bound to spill some paint on it at some stage...actually, I already have - hurrah for thinners, they'll never know (Oops, maybe we weren't meant to publish that bit - Ed)!

"One thing which still survives is a picture I painted on top of the rear wing. Most people will not have seen it, which is a shame as it took a while to do and is not normally my thing as I'm no David Shepherd."

We will check out the Mob's rear wing we are the first time above it in Race Control and will report back.

New Swap Meet category.
5th February: We have added a new category to our Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet.
©Eurodragster.com
The new category is intended for Sale/Wanted advertisements from businesses, to separate them from private advertisements. It is of course free to advertise in the new category.

Could all users of the Swap Meet who advertise vehicles, parts or services on behalf of their businesses please use this new category from now on. If you have any queries then please drop us a line at webmaster@eurodragster.com.

Swift snippets.
5th February: Ben Linney of Japanese import specialist GT Culture tells us that the Top Secret-built Drag R Nissan will be making its first UK appearance at Santa Pod Raceway's Peak Performance Day on Saturday 19th March. "She'll be on Toyo NT555R drag radials - superior tires to those used to run a 9.6 in Japan - and hopefully Bogart race wheels, if they can be made and arrive from US in time", says Ben.

The latest addition to the non-drag racing line-up at Xtreme Wheels International is Leif Tufvesson's self-built hot rod, which was the first non-US rod to win a place in Hot Rod magazine's top ten. The rod is based on a Volvo T6 and took Leif no less than five years to build.

Web site updates.
5th February: Our good friend Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive web site with a fifth gallery of pictures by onetime Top Methanol FC Timo Aartomaa. "The new gallery contains a number of pictures of the Houndog 10 Funny Car and its pilot Owen Hayward", says Alan. "Also included are various other shots of some of the great Pro Comp entries of the 1980s and some more up-to-date shots of Timo hanging out". You can check out Timo's pictures at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
She's here!
4th February: This picture of the arrival of the MPM Top Fuel Racing Team's Top Fuel Dragster has come hotfoot from Zaandam courtesy of Lex Joon's Team Manager Gerda Dijkstra.
©Eurodragster.com
"We are very pleased that everything was still the same as when we packed it into the container", says Gerda. "The people of MPM were here this morning and they are very, very happy with the car."

Stay tuned and we will bring you more news and pictures tomorrow.

Woollatt bearing up.
4th February: 2004 ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Steve Woollatt has announced a sponsorship deal with ACL Bearing Company. Tony Merry, official UK distributor for the Australian bearing manufacturer, will be supplying Steve with crankshaft bearings for Puma engine of his six-second Dealer Top Fuel Bike.

Longtime fans will remember Tony Merry for his beautiful Liquidator Ford Pop, and his involvement with Bob Jarrett on Stripteaser and the Showtime Fuel Funny Car, an association which continues to this day. Tony told us about ACL bearings.

"ACL make an excellent range of heavy-duty bearings", said Tony. "Racers may be more familiar with the name Repco, the name changed after a buy-out. The bearings are very reasonably-priced and there is an item available for just about every US, Japanese and UK engine including such makes as Jaguar and Lotus, Ford Crossflow, Pinto and Cosworth. We do a phenomenal amount of business in the Japanese car market. We have customers who won't use anything but ACL bearings, they are used in Ford rally engines and by the MG Le Mans team. I don't build many engines these days, but when I do I use ACL bearings myself.
©Eurodragster.com
"Now we are very pleased to be backing Steve Woollatt with the range of bearings for Puma engines. I have been very impressed with Steve's performance especially given his limited budget. If you have a word with Steve at the track then he will be able to tell you all about ACL bearings."

"I went to visit Tony at his business premises in Purfleet and I was amazed at the level of stock", said Steve Woollatt. "I've never seen anything like it! It's a very impressive and obviously well-run operation. I am very grateful to Tony for supplying our bearings - from stock of course!"

Steve would be very pleased to speak to any racers interested in ACL bearings; you can contact him on his mobile at 07860 375500.

Steve said that he has a couple of changes to this year's set-up. "We have a different configuration of piston", he said, "and we've got access to one of Elmer Trett's cam grinds so we will be trying that." As well as the new deal with ACL Bearing Company, Steve is to be sponsored in 2005 by Bikes of Brighton, Born To Be Wild, Fearnley Engineering, G and S Valves, G-Max Racing Fuels, Motorcycles Unlimited of London, NGK Europe Limited, Polygon Engineering (PEST), Pretech Engineering, Richa Leathers, Shoei Helmets and Titanium International Limited, and he will continue to receive support from Phil Baimbridge.

Finally Tony Merry mentioned that his company Engine Parts UK has just started to supply a limited range of forged pistons for Japanese cars including Skylines and Subarus. If you are interested in the pistons then you can phone Engine Parts UK any morning on 01708 890444.

A sexy new body!
4th February: After a considerable amount of planning and design work, Carbon By Design and Sboke Composites are in the process of manufacturing their first prototype one-piece carbon fibre Top Fuel Dragster (right, click on any link for more pictures). The body is being manufactured at the CBD headquarters in Sweden by Knut Söderqvist of Carbon By Design, Alan Gorman of Sboke, Chris Andrews and Peter Söderqvist.

"The body was de-moulded today", says Knut Söderqvist of Carbon By Design. "It was an exciting moment after pattern-making for the last two months. It sounds easy to make a Top Fuel body as they all look the same, but that is not the case. It has been a nightmare to design a mould to cater for all the different styles of chassis.
©Eurodragster.com
"The first body will be mated with our new chassis from the US for the first time tomorrow, and we cannot wait to see the result - so far it looks awesome. After receiving pictures of the prototype, one of our customers in the States has placed a preliminary order for three bodies. The beauty with this mould is that it produces a body to fit all dragsters, not only Top Fuel cars. So all of you European dragster lovers, why don't you get the best body in the business!"

For more information, contact Knut Sderqvist of Carbon By Design at knut@carbonbydesign.nu.

Stay tuned as Knut has promised us an update when the body has been mated to the chassis.

David Elden's funeral details.
3rd February: Mark Turner has kindly been in touch with news of the funeral of Carbon By Design team member David Elden, who died on Tuesday.

David's funeral will take place at 2:30 pm next Wednesday, 9th February, at St Lawrence's Church in Congleton Road, Biddulph, North Staffordshire (click here for a map). If you would like to attend David's funeral then please give Mark Turner a call on 07832 115095.

Flowers are welcome or, if you would prefer, please make a donation in David's memory to the Childrens' Oncology Department of Christie's Hospital in Manchester, whose web site you can find at www.christies.org. Donations may be made on-line at this web site.

Smax Smith's Team Manager Paul Townsend has been in touch to add his tribute to those which we published yesterday. "The Carbon by Design team has lost a stalwart - but the loss has also been to the world of drag racing", says Paul. "Dave was a true gentleman and had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met - on or off the race circuit. He was a true guru when it came to clutches and would work alongside anyone always finding the good things out of any situation. I want to pay tribute to him firstly as a man of huge sincerity and integrity and then also as a professional team member who would do anything to help. My thoughts are with all his family at this time - he will never be forgotten."

Smax Smith said that he and his family send their best wishes to David's family and friends. "We are devastated Dave has left this planet, but hopefully he will be keeping his beady eyes over us from the other world!", said Smax. "He was well loved and respected, and we will light a candle and drink a toast for his passing. Rest well my friend."

2005 SFI Certification Tour.
3rd February: Many thanks to SFI Foundation President Arnie Kuhns for sending us the dates of this year's SFI Certification Tour. The days and countries are definite, so you can book the time off work with confidence, although venues have yet to be confirmed except in the case of the UK date:
©Eurodragster.com
Friday 11th March: Santa Pod Raceway, UK
Saturday 12th March (afternoon): Sweden
Sunday 13th March: Sweden
Monday 14th March: Finland
Tuesday 15th March: Holland

The US inspection contingent will as ever consist of Tim Hyatt, Murf McKinney and Danny Gracia ably supervised by Arnie Kuhns.

Stay tuned and as soon as we have information on the venues we will bring it to you.

Lo rider.
3rd February: If you have been reading Eurodragster News during the off-season then you will know that 2003 and 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Champion Urs Erbacher will be toting two race vehicles in 2005: his record-holding TMFC with which he is aiming for a third straight Championship, and a new Supertwin (right). Team member Andrea Wucher brought us up-to-date on developments on the two-wheeled side of the Fat Attack workshop.

"We managed to get the tall Urs into the Funny Car, so he has to stay in there and drive it for another year", says Andrea. "He really loves to do it anyway. The Fuel bike will be run by Lo, one of our engine mechanics who is a bike maniac and who can't go fast enough on two wheels.
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"Because of the heavy snowfalls in the US over the past few days we have had a little delay with the shipment of the bike. But the new beauty will be in town at the end of this week. OK, so to be a beauty it needs still a nice paintjob but I am sure that Dieter of CAL will do a great job on this one. We are also looking for some help for Lo to help him to get familiar with the rider's job, and we found it. A great rider and friend of the team...it will be great to see him back in the pits.

"Two or three team members will take care of bike, and the rest of the Fat Attack team will work on the Funny Car. We will probably have to cut back on warm food, and stick to sandwiches and Swiss chocolate over the race weekend to get all the work done.

"There is a lot of work waiting in the shop, and a lot of organisation to be done before, during and after races. Jobs have to be split up and team members have be trained on their new duties. But the team is so motivated and eager to get out there again, that we are sure that we will handle it successfully."

You can stay in touch with the Fat Attack team on their official web site at www.fatattack.ch.

They made it!
3rd February: If you were tuned in last Saturday you will have read that Super Gas racer and sport sponsor Matthew Wright and Gleeson Wright Security-backed Super Pro ET racer Ashley Bell were aiming to make it to Sweden and back in three days on a delivery/collection run. Ashley's partner Harri tells us that the guys made it back in one piece complete with a beautiful eight-second Cobra purchased from Rickard Kulle (right), which Ashley plans to run in Super Pro ET.

"They did it - Sweden and back in three days", says Harri. "Matthew and Ashley left on Thursday evening via the Eurotunnel, destination Helsingborg in Sweden to collect a new race car for this season. I do believe that they got lost on the drive to Sweden several times. No surprise, with those two together! The weather in Europe was cold to say the least - minus ten degrees celsius, neither Matt nor Ashley wanted to leave the comfort of their truck for essential fuelling and calls of nature!
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"We all hate paying toll charges, but the charges which Matt and Ashley incurred whilst crossing into Denmark were unbelievable. One road bridge cost ninety Euros and the other sixty five Euros (100), to say that they were a bit gutted would be an understatement. Suffice to say that they booked a ferry crossing on the return leg, which was much cheaper and cut one hundred miles out of the journey!

"Eventually they reached their destination, a whole day of driving having left them shattered. A good night's sleep and a fine Swedish breakfast gave them the best start for the return leg. They did however venture outside for a snow fight, which left Swedish residents looking on in awe! When they eventually arrived back in England early on Sunday morning, I received a phone call saying "We are nearly home, get a big fry-up and a cup of tea on" - typical!

"Both Matt and Ashley would like to thank Rickard and his wife for their Swedish hospitality, and very much hope that they will venture to England to watch the new car race. Also they hope that Rickard gets on well with his new Cobra venture. Hopefully testing will take place before the Easter meeting, watch this space."

Swift snippets.
3rd February: Swedish Pro Mod racer Lars-Inge Johansson is recovering well from the latest operation on his ankle which was damaged in his terrible top-end crash at Santa Pod in 2003, and he says that he is all set for 2005 after returning with his rebuilt blown-alcohol Chevelle station wagon last season. "I think the car is better now than ever before" says Lars-Inge. "We would like to thank Roger Johansson who gave us a lot of help. We are planning to do a full season this year - all I have to do is push the button."

Norway's Gardermoen is now to be known as Amcar International Raceway after an agreement between Norsk Dragracing Gardermoen and the Amcar Car Club. You can read more on the NDRG web site at www.norskdragracing.com.

The newly-formed Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association have confirmed that they will be displaying four cars at Xtreme Wheels International at Alexandra Palace on 19th-20th February. Ollie Burns and Lawrie Gatehouse will be on hand on both days to answer questions and register interest from racers. "We see Xtreme Wheels as an important part in building interest for the NFAA Series", says Lawrie Gatehouse. Stay tuned for news of the cars which will be on display.

UK Super Comp racer Andy Williams also tells us that his Wild Child dragster, imported from the USA last year, will be on display at Xtreme Wheels International.

Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing has been in touch to advise racers attending Saturday evening's SPRC Dinner Dance in Bedford that they can leave trailers at Santa Pod Raceway beforehand if they would like to go to Sunday's Run What You Brung. "Racers are welcome to leave their race vehicles or trailers at the Pod between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm on Saturday", says Rick. "It will be securely locked on-site overnight for you to play with in the morning - if you have a clear head, of course! Sorry, but no camping can be provided on Saturday night."
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Paul Watson of Dynospeed Developments has returned from his trip to the USA to see Kent Stoltz, previous owner of the seven-second Blackbird Super Street Bike now owned by Jamie Sneddon. "I would firstly like to thank Kent and his wife Sharon for their hospitality", says Grumpy. "We spent a few days going over the bike, popped over to see Crew Chief Mark Hammel and put the Blackbird on his dyno. All went as well as expected. Whilst there I met some fantastic characters including Corbin aka 'Big Bang'. He used to do lots with Austin Coil. He is such a funny man and had us in stitches. Then there was Nick who runs a 7.5-second street car, 383ci with the biggest turbo I have ever seen, wow! I must also say a big thankyou to Mark's friend Fred who helped with a few software problems. We are looking forward to the bike arriving and can't wait to go testing."

Anders Magnusson tells us that he recently switched on a stats package for the official web site of Sweden's Andréasson Motorsports Top Methanol FC team and was astonished by one aspect of the results. "In the first nineteen days, we had visitors from twenty seven different countries", he says. "You expect visitors from Europe and the USA but not from countries such as Hong Kong and Peru."

A belated Happy Birthday to UK Super Pro ET racer Martyn 'Syd' Jones who celebrated his fiftieth birthday on Tuesday. We hope you had a great day, Syd.

The March 2005 issue of American Car World magazine contains a free pull-out A3-sized poster which features a photograph of the FIA European Championship-holding American Car Imports Racing Top Methanol Dragster snapped by Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Sharkman.

Web site updates.
3rd February: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with news about the return home of Markus Svensson, the new Anders Johansson Racing Pro Stock which Magnus Hansson will be driving, Magnus Larsson's new Funny Bike, links to the Easter Thunderball entry forms, and a link to the new Swedish Comp Drivers' Association. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
The Drag, Rod and Classic Review magazine has been updated with the concluding parts of the features on Tommy Ivo and the Pegasus drag bike, a feature on the world's fastest MGA, and a report on the recent Grand National Roadster Show in the USA. You can find the site at www.drcreview.com.

Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com has been updated with news about the Easter Thunderball motorsports extravaganza.

David Elden.
2nd February: We are very sorry to have to report the death of David Elden, clutch technician on the Carbon By Design Top Fuel team. David died yesterday (Tuesday) at the age of 49, peacefully at home after a long illness which he bore bravely and with good humour.

"Today one of my best friends died", said Carbon By Design Top Fuel team owner Knut Söderquist. "Dave was a true Champion who had been fighting illness for a year. I had a conversation with Dave last week and he said "I'm giving it my all", and that's the same spirit which won Smax Smith his Championship. Dave worked his heart out even when he was sick. All of us in the Carbon By Design Top Fuel team are devastated to lose a friend and buddy who always gave it everything he had. Well done David, we will always miss you."

"David was the nicest guy you could hope to meet", said CBD Crew Chief Alan Jackson. "There was no harm at all in the guy. We have been working together since 1999; David worked on the clutch but he was also very good for other jobs such as making brackets - he could turn his hand to anything. David will be very sorely missed, my condolences to his family and friends."

David's nephew Mark Turner, also a clutch technician on the CBD team, tells us that David was responsible for his getting into drag racing. "David has a lot to answer for!", said Mark. "Jöran Persåker's team will be running this season in David's memory."

Fellow CBD crew member Rob Inglis expressed his sincere sadness about the passing of his friend and crew-mate. "In all the time I knew and worked with David on the CBD cars over the past few years, I never heard him complain once", sais Rob. "Even after his diagnosis, he just always seemed to be calm and determined, exactly how he was when working on the cars. I admire so much that steely approach and determination to continue as normal as possible, and I will miss seeing him at the races. The old saying is true, a nicer guy you could not meet."

We will remember David as a very friendly, approachable and knowledgeable member of the team who was always smiling and ever-ready with a humorous comment as we interviewed team members. We are sure that everyone will join Tog and Sharkman in sending our sincere sympathies to David's family and friends.

Louise Keirnan.
2nd February: We were also sorry to hear from Augy Harrison that UK Super Street Bike racer Louise Keirnan (right, picture by Gareth Evans) has died. Augy kindly sent us the following obituary:

It is with great sadness that I have to report the loss of former Super Street racer Louise Keirnan who died in a car accident on Monday. Louise lived life to the full and was not afraid of a challenge, she made many friends whilst undertaking her numerous hobbies that included parachute jumping, ice climbing and thrashing her road bike round Europe's circuits on their track days.

Following a serious bike accident in the early 1990s Louise was forced to re-evaluate her life which resulted in her entering higher education. She graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree and started her career as a design engineer. Louise spent time working for Triumph and Ricardo before finally working for a turbocharger manufacturer in Sheffield.

Louise last raced a bike bought from mentor and close friend Mike Chislett in Super Street which she managed to coax down into the 8.80s. She will be sadly missed and I'm sure all the racers who knew her will join with me in sending their sincere condolences to her family.

Sharkman and Tog would like to join Augy in sending our sincere sympathies to Louise's family and friends, as will all of our readers.

Peter Gransden.
2nd February: Shakespeare County Raceway's Chief Starter Tony Byng has been in touch with the sad news that Peter Gransden passed away on Monday morning.

"Peter was the man behind the counter and the voice on the telephone at American Autoparts in Thornton Heath", says Tony. "His brother Tony ran the workshop there and raced their Super Gas doorslammer to great success in the past. Letters of condolence can be sent via the American Autoparts web site at www.americanautoparts.co.uk."

Tog and Sharkman and all of Eurodragster's readers would like to send our deepest sympathies to Peter's family and friends.

Editor's note: Out of respect for David, Louise and Peter we are letting their obituaries stand alone on today's news update; we will resume the news service tomorrow (Thursday).

Parkinson: It's the Tops.
1st February: UK Super Pro ET racer John Parkinson has decided to go all the way with the rebuild of his Every Penny Racing dragster and has announced that he will be racing in Top Methanol Dragster this year. John plans to contest the MSA British Drag Racing Championship and also plans a trip to France later in the year.

"Mark Norton (Tech Inspector - Ed) has passed the chassis to run in TMD - we just have to fit the bumper bars to the front of the driver's cell", says John. "The chassis was over spec on almost everything Mark checked, I am very pleased about that and it's no wonder that I could have walked away from the crash.
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"So, we have a full chromoly chassis, a new design on the nose to accommodate a pair of wings, the fuel tank has been moved closer to the front for better weight, and bigger roll cage by Andy Robinson. The engine has been completely renewed throughout including bird catcher and magneto, I've ve-vamped the fuel system and put in new lines, check valves, and nozzles. There's now a Browell can over the triple-plate ten-inch Crower, all this into an air-shifted B & J three-speed and out to the nine and a half Strange Toploader. It will have all-new bags and diphers and of course twin chutes which will sit under a new rear wing (by Dale).

"The car also has a new body, which is higher around the cockpit. I've been talking to a company which advertises on Eurodragster about a completely different paint job, anf if all goes to plan then the new paint should complete the look of the car.

"We are looking forward to coming out and running with the Top Methanol guys and girls. We plan to compete in the British rounds with a with a weekend trip across the Channel to France, possibly in August, if time permits.

"It's going to be a busy year that's for sure, but look out for the guys with big grins on there faces - that will be us, we could do with some fun for a change!"

Fred Furlong 2004 review.
1st February: 2004 UK National 9.90 Bike runner-up Fred Furlong has been in touch with a review of 2004. Fred was defending his 2003 title and ended up missing out to Champion Richard Sawatzki by a mere ten points, the closest margin of the 2004 UK National Championships.

"It was nice to start 2004 wearing the number one plate from 2003, but we knew it would be difficult to win back-to-back Championships to hold on to my National title", says Fred. "The only change made to our Crescent Suzuki GSXR1000 over the close season was the fitting of a Power Commander and Quick Shifter."

Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway: We qualified third with a 9.93 run and went through eliminations without a hitch eventually winning the final with a close 9.91 ET.

Excitement Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway: Rain spoiled this meeting, having only two qualifiers, but we won the first round of eliminations before racing was called off.

FIA Main Event, SPR: 9.94 was only good enough to qualify seventh in a larger-than-normal field, but we went well reaching the final and beating eventual 2004 Champion Richard Sawatzki to the stripe.

Power Nationals, SCR: Plagued by strong winds we qualified in fourth place and again got to the final, but this time I pulled a cherry on the tree - .00186 too quick! - handing the win to my opponent.

SPRC Summernationals, SPR: My best qualifying times to date, starting with a 9.906 and finishing with an even better 9.902 which was good for pole position and extra points. Looking for a good run in eliminations it was disappointing when racing was abandoned at the semi-final stage due to high crosswinds.

On2Wheels, SPR: This single-day meeting was a bike-only event and my worst result, losing in the second round of eliminations.

Allstar Nationals, SCR: Qualifying was done over the quarter-mile but by Sunday the wind started to blow and a decision was made to race over the eighth-mile for safety. In the semi final I ran close to the new bracket of 6.30 but lost due to a wheelie on the start line.

FIA European Finals, SPR: Lots of qualifying runs, due to the fact that we had a day devoted to the Sportsman classes. I ended up in third place running a 9.92. Much the same as the meeting before, I again reached the semi-final before picking the wrong lane and finding too much grip for the wheelbase, going up instead of forwards.

UK National Finals, SPR: Only a few points behind Rick Sawatzki on his Hayabusa I needed to do well to take the Championship at the last meeting of the year. Against a strong headwind the ram air worked and I qualified in pole for the second time this season running 9.919. Looking at the ladder it was clear that whoever went further in the ladder between Rick and I would end up Champion. Pole position gave me a second-round bye, but it was not to be because the weather played its part again and the meeting was abandoned, leaving me in the runner-up spot for 2004 losing by the smallest margin possible.

Special thanks to my sponsors for their expertise and excellent products: Crescent Suzuki, RST Leathers, Cooper Avon Tyres, Silkolene Oils, Talon Sprockets, Earls Hoses, Falcon Shocks, and Sunoco Fuel.
©Eurodragster.com
Swift snippets.
1st February: Santa Pod Raceway's Race Director Darren Prentice has been in touch to remind us that February's Drag Racing Night will be taking place tonight (Tuesday 1st February) at The Swan pub in Newton Bromswold (near Santa Pod). As usual, DVDs will be screened and food will be available. The Swan is in Newton Bromswold, near Rushden, not far off the A6: click here for a map of the area. You can call The Swan on 01933 413506.

UK Junior Dragster racer Matthew Seamarks has fallen prey to an address book-lunching computer crash and has asked if Rog and Si from Strip Dominator Racing could please get in touch with him at gingerman_racing@belly412.fsnet.co.uk.
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Eurodragster.com came top of the Best Drag Racing Web Site vote on James Hands' Racing '05 fan site, with no less than 90% of the vote. 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter won the vote for Best UK Top Fuel racer at 73%. Thanks to everyone who voted.

See Knight for VP or Klotz.
1st February: UK Super Comp racer Paul Knight tells us that he has become an official stockist for VP and Klotz Racing Fuels.

"I have the whole range of VP Racing Fuels and Klotz products available from my Knights of London premises in West London", says Paul. "I can supply every type of fuel from leaded and unleaded race fuel to methanol and nitro, not just for drag racing but for any other motorsport you would care to name.
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"I will be able to deliver to the track, or to anywhere in the UK at an additional cost. If a product is not already in stock then I will be able to get it within a couple of days."

Sample prices for twenty litres are 58.78 for Klotz 118 and 74.51 for VP C16. If you have any queries, or if you would like to place an order, then call Paul on 0208 992 2655 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, or E-Mail pknight@tiscali.co.uk.

Web site updates.
1st February: Many thanks to our good friend Patrik Jacobsson for letting us know that the Mölndals Speed Shop Pro Mod team web site has been updated with a report and photographs of Roger Johansson and Jörgen Karlsson's two-car team undergoing off-season maintenance in the workshop. Check it out at home8.swipnet.se/~w-86996/webbsida/mdrf-2.htm.
©Eurodragster.com

Earlier news

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