FIA Main Event results.
31st May: Congratulations to the winners at this weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway:

FIA Top Fuel Dragster: Tommy Möller 5.500/185.26 def. Andy Carter 11.179/51.25 red light
FIA Top Methanol Dragster: Dave Wilson 5.477/247.45 def. Peter Schöfer 5.686/251.67
FIA Top Methanol Funny Car: Urs Erbacher 6.377/235.43 def. Dan Larsen 6.874/219.34
FIA Pro Stock: Michael Malmgren 6.938/198.27 def. Jimmy Ålund 6.989/199.17
NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified: Peter Wacker 6.900/197.15 def. Patrick Wikström 7.561/128.61
Fuel Funny Car: John Spuffard 6.087/156.81 def. Leif Helander 14.196/43.78
Super Pro ET: Barry Giles (7.63) 7.632/169.84 def. Steve Johnson (7.55) 7.770/149.56
Pro ET: Ian Brown (10.85) 10.873/119.73 def. Rick McCann (10.38) 10.374/125.74
Sportsman ET: Nick South (14.05) 14.130/96.56 def. Mark Anderson (12.64) 12.693/105.86
Super Comp: Paul Letchford 9.100/123.28 def. Colin Aldred 9.657/132.31
Super Gas: Frank Mason 9.866/127.73 def. Al O'Connor 9.860/131.18
Super Street: Mike Bentley 10.945/130.18 def. John Grant 11.005/133.18
Junior Dragster: Robin Kadi (15.75) 15.859/38.65 def. Jay Hauser (10.28) 10.477/60.30

FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike: Roel Koedam 7.929/112.71 def. Eric Teboul broke
FIM/UEM Supertwin: Hans Olav Olstad 7.292/190.67 def. Ronny Aasen 14.545/63.29
FIM/UEM Pro Stock Bike: Roger Pettersson 7.372/167.30 def. Paul Watson 7.688/167.30
9.90 Bike: Fred Furlong 10.222/139.31 def. Richard Sawatzki 9.891/118.12
10.90 Bike: Phil Pratt 10.917/119.64 def. John Hackney 11.090/120.64

New European records were set in Top Fuel Dragster and Pro Stock:
  • Top Fuel Dragster: 4.832 seconds and 306.36 mph, Andy Carter
  • Pro Stock: 6.910 seconds, Michael Malmgren
  • Pro Stock: 199.19 mph, Jimmy Ålund
Congratulations also to the winners of the weekend's Eurodragster.com Awards:

Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award: Mark Watkins (Super Street)

Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award: Bob Doyle (Pro ET)

Eurodragster.com/Scorpion Racing Awards:
  • NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified #8 qualifier: Mats Eriksson
  • Super Pro ET #10 qualifier: Ian Tubb
  • 9.90 Bike #3 qualifer: Andy Burfitt
You can view our American Car Imports-sponsored reports and pictures by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

York double-header.
29th May: York Dragway's big double header for Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday includes qualifying and eliminations for American Super Stock, Northern Drag Racing Championship bracket series, the Hot Rod Challenge series, the Wild Bunch and the tuners shootout. Plus Run What You've Brung sessions. There's a lot lined up and it should make for a great weekend's drag racing, writes York PR Howard Holmes.

After the inaugural rounds of Hot Rod Challenge and the Pro ET bracket in the Northern Drag Racing Championship at Easter, the chase is on to stop the domination from the Russ Pursley, in his nitroused Chevy-powered Dutton. This 'Flying Pursley' combo just holeshots, goes quicker sooner and always lands the right side of a dial-in! But the likes of Darren Peart, Bob Molden et al will need to have Russ in their sights this Sunday and Monday.

This weekend also has the first and second rounds of American Super Stock, a real popular series for racers and spectators alike. The fact that the series is now a bracket rather than heads up with a cut-off, means the cars are going to be running faster. Last year's series winner, George Chiles has already turned the wick up - substantially - with a Pro-charger blower beautifully engineered into his show winning Road Runner. Last year a twelve-second car, George's Road Runner is already running tens. Nigel Swift now has Indy heads in his Road Runner, in fact there's an aweful lot of big fast shiny Mopar geared up to try to kick GM and Ford ass! But there's always 'Deep Staging Dave' Rushworth's Mustang to contend with...

The Wild Bunch is also running rounds at York this weekend, Claire Meaddows has provided a run down of some of those attending:

WB 3, Joe Stevens will be running his "Back in Black" altered, fresh from some new Personal Best E.T.'s at the recent Classic American Nationals at Shakespeare County. His improvements resulted in a best of 10.092/131 mph, so Joe's real close to that nine-second mark. He also won "Best Burnout" last time out, so look for some smoky ones off the line! Joe was the winner of the Roy Wilding Nostalgia Race Cars Series last year. WB 4, Tony Smith will be travelling the 285 miles from Tonypandy in Wales with his altered "The Cunning Plan", and this year has already taken two tenths off his previous Personal Best, and is running regular 11.6s. He has some new tyres on for this coming weekend, so hoping for some good burnouts and even quicker times! Tony finished second last event, so is now in second place in the Wild Bunch and equal first in the Real Steel Series. Last season Tony and Dave won the Wild Bunch "Best Appearing Team" trophy and are also the current holders of the Wild Bunch's prestigious "Don Garlits 'Spirit of Drag Racing' Shield"!
©Eurodragster.com
WB 6, 'Crazy' Chris Hartnell, Chairman of the Wild Bunch, is another driver recently performing Personal Best ETs, recording a 9.126 at over 140 mph at the Classic American Nationals in his "Backdraft" slingshot. This season is Chris' 10th year of racing, and the team are celebrating with a wicked nostalgia-looking red metalflake paint job! Chris has also added a front wing for top end stability and some weight to the nose, but look out for some characteristic wheelies off the start line! Chris has won "Best Slingshot" in Wild Bunch for three years in a row, and is currently third in the Wild Bunch and Real Steel Series. WB 29, Tony Wynne-Jones will be racing in his beautiful Radical Corvette "Welsh Raider II", and has also improved his times for this year, and is now running regular mid-elevens. Tony has already won three trophies for "Best Radical" this season alone, and is the current holder of the "C&C Sportsperson Trophy", as well as the "Perseverance Award" for all his hard work last season.

WB 34, Alec Coe and the Mad R's team will be making the 312-mile trip from Kent with the "Psycho" slingshot, and the whole team really enjoy racing at York! Alec has been improving on his top end speed this year, and recorded 127 mph passes last event, getting ever closer to the 130 mph mark, whilst running regular low ten-second runs! Alec was the winner of both the Real Steel and the Ultimate Power Series for 2003, whilst son Tom won the Wild Bunch Series! WB 38, Helen Smythe will be racing for the first time at York Dragway with the "Hell's Belle" altered. This is the first season for Helen and husband and crew chief Dean. Helen has already proven herself to be quick off the lights, recording reactions in the .400's! She is currently running regular high twelves, and putting in consistent passes, so could be amongst the Top Four this weekend!

WB 76, Steven Field will be running his Plymouth-bodied altered "The Black Pig" to York for the first time with the Wild Bunch. Steven has run a best this season of 11.5 seconds, and has already won a "Best Altered" trophy for his great-looking car. He has recently had to contend with problems with his cylinder heads, but the team have fixed these and are raring to go! WB 80, Mike Davies and Linda Jones will be making their first ever appearance with the Wild Bunch with the "Trespasser" slingshot, bought from Darryl Howells at the end of last year (formerly the "Wheels of Fortune" and before that "The Trespasser" owned by Tony Wynne-Jones, so it's really staying in the family!). The car has a two-litre Pinto engine and we expect it to be running in the high elevens. The rest of the Wild Bunch are really looking forward to meeting Mike and Linda and welcoming them into the club!

Also new to the Bunch are father and son Terry (WB 89) and Julian (WB 87)Meakins. Terry has just bought the old "Firecracker" Reliant altered, now called "Luvvly Jubbly"! And son Julian has a rear-engine dragster named "Claustraphobic". It will be the debut for both drivers this weekend, so they'll have their work cut out for them! We also look forward to welcoming them into the Wild Bunch! WB 109, Bob Morgan will be campaigning the "B'Sting" altered, with the whole team in their smart yellow and black team wear! The car had a year out whilst Paul, one of the drivers, had an extended holiday in Kos. Seems like he missed drag racing too much as he is now back and the team have re-formed, with shared driving. This weekend Bob will be in the hot seat, and has already run PB's in the 12.2's, during his race licensing passes! The team have also won "Best Appearing Team" awards at two events this year! Bob and the team are currently fourth in the Wild Bunch and Real Steel Series.

WB 142, Mike Cresswell is another new member to the Bunch this year, although he is a veteran of 3 events now in the aptly named "Living the Dream" slingshot! (Mike first got into drag racing after winning a model of "The Commuter" as a 10-year old, so this is how the dream became reality!) Mike has already raced the car down to an impressive 10.98, and the whole team are looking forward to running at York! We are all hoping that Sid Slattery, WB 147, gets his beautiful "Destiny" Jag-powered slingshot fixed in time for the weekend, as he sadly had a blown engine at the Classic American Nationals. This season, Sid has revamped the bodywork with a stunning effect of silver engine-turn, and the car really looks great! He has already run a Personal Best ET of 10.754/125 this season, and hopes to repeat this with a rebuilt engine. Sid is the current holder of the Wild Bunch "Best Newcomer" award.

Swift snippets.
 28th May: Dutch Super Gas racer Wild Willy Reerink has had the grille of his '71 Vega Super Gasser painted by artist Andre van Buuren (right, click on picture for large version). "Now it's a real big boys toy!", says Willy. "I like it very much. It's not the usual stuff (flames can cause severe fire wounds). The grille has been handpainted with oil paint, not airbrushed. Andre's paintings are usually for sale in art galleries, and as a real artist Andre does not have a drivers licence..."
©Eurodragster.com
Smax Smith responded to Wednesday's plea by Dave 'Fuzzie' McKenzie for a car to attend the Charity show in Cleethorpes. "Smax came up with the Southern Rebel altered", says Fuzzie. "The lads at Windridge Hall McKenzie Racing would like to thank Smax for his help.The car is currently on show ot Coventry Transport Museum and from there it will be moved to our Grimsby workshop for display on Saturday-Sunday 5th-6th June, at Cleethorpes Showground, next to the boating lake. If any race fans are in the area drop by for a chat. Most of the team and crew will be there."

Web site updates.
28th May: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with the sad news of the cancellation of this year's Gold Town Nationals. You can read more at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
Veidec PSBs' game plan set.
27th May: The Veidec Pro Stock Bike team have as always been extremely busy to get all of their parts together before the first race. "We got the bike together on Tuesday night, just before the bus left Sweden", says Crew Chief Roger Lyrén. "We picked up the newly-painted bike, also the Shoei Helmet has a totally new design.

"With Roger's bike in a new Suzuki TL1000 style and some new pieces in the engine we still have lots to test. In Gardemoen sorted out the main problems so we have a base setting to start from. We will start with the 1500cc two-valve to see how the track is, because the four-valve 1640cc has much more torque. If the conditions are very good we may switch engines. The bike is responding differently to last year, because the weight has been moved around, this will need a different set-up

"Helen will start with the bike as it was in Norway, but will also have a 1570cc engine to try. Carlo of VM Drag Racing wants to do as much testing as possible, but we had some problems with the manufacture of the new rocker arms, this will hopefully be sorted out now.
©Eurodragster.com
"Now it is time for the race, and that is something else. You have a maximum of four qualifying runs and with thirteen bikes that is always a big thing to do, the competition is harder and harder and that is what we need. This will probably be the fastest bump spot ever if the weather stays good. I can't wait to get the bikes down the track again at Santa Pod, and I wish all the other teams good luck for the weekend.

"I also wants to say a big Thanks to all the sponsors who made this possible: Veidec, Motospeed, Suzuki, Vance and Hines, Arlen Ness, Shoei, Mickey Thompson, RK, JE Pistons, Cometic Gaskets, VP Race Fuel and Papyrus. Also big thanks to all the team: Roger, Henke, Lasse, Basse, Magnus, Dick, Helen, Ken, Carlo, Martino, Nickey, and of course all the other family members who go without their husbands and wives for all the hours which involvement in a drag racing team can take."

Smax tooled up and smart.
27th May: 2003 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Smax Smith is pleased to announce additional support to his attempt to retain his TF crown. Quaility tool manufacturers Teng Tools will supply tools to the crew and Protect Workwear will supply the crew wear for the 2004 season.

"I am delighted that my old friend and Fuel Funny Car sponsor Colin from Teng has saved the day by suppling me tools at such short notice", says Smax. "We used Teng tools to set the Guinness world record for a V8 strip and rebuild so for quality tools visit www.tengtools.com. My friend Bill Rawlinson, director of local company Protec Workwear, will supply our team crew shirts, overalls etc. and a range of their in-house custom-made products will be accessible soon via a link from my web site soon. Our hero cards will also be ready soon. Thank you guys!"
©Eurodragster.com
The car will be unveiled at Santa Pod tomorrow and the team are looking forward to competing in the eight-car field assembled for the first round of the FIA Championship. "Of course we want to win", says Smax, "but we are dealing with thoroughbred machinery here and hopefully Lady Luck will be kind to us. At the start of last year someone made the mistake of referring to the championship as ' war' on the TV coverage. Of course it's not war, but a great sport and we hope that we can put on a good show for the spectators.

"I'd just like to let the fans know how much work goes in to the preparation of a Fuel car by the team throughout the close season. I'm grateful to all of my team for their work. I'd also like to pay tribute to the unseen workers of our sport such as the scrutineers, marshals and the fire crews who make this all possible. My best wishes go to all teams in all categories of racing and we wish everyone an enjoyable and safe season."

Jarrett: No luck here.
27th May: Showtime Fuel Funny Car Crew Chief Bob Jarrett is not hoping for better luck at this weekend's FIA Main Event. Despite a broken ring and pinion and a broken fuel lever putting paid to the Showtime FC's two previous outings this year, Bob says that he doesn't believe in luck. "You are the one in control and you make your own luck", he says.

"We have had two races so far this year and we haven't learnt anything", says Bob. "We are trying to cover all our bases this weekend. It's a very important race for us and we have every intention of proving that we can deliver. We have the stuff and we will get it under control, and the track will be mega so we'll go with it."
©Eurodragster.com
John Spuffard will be driving a Funny Car fitted with state-of-the-art parts, but Bob says that this isn't necessarily what is needed. "5.30 to 5.50 parts just aren't available any more", he says. "We are now running almost current with the USA and it's difficult to tone it down. We have a four-second combination which means that the pitfalls become greater. We need the weather and we need more track time: Austin Coil was amazed when I told him that we make maybe twenty runs in a year - he said that John Force's team made thirty three test passes each before the season started and they could have done with more!"

Tested Nilsson ready for fight.
27th May: Sweden's Nilsson Motorsports Pro Modified team left their base last week knowing that they had some hard work to do on Håkan Nilsson's Veidec-sponsored Camaro when they arrived at Santa Pod for the pre-FIA Main Event Test weekend.

"After a piston burnt at the VW Big Bang Festival we had a sleeve to replace before we could continue testing", says team member Ulf Stadig. "After consultation with Andy Robinson we got in contact with Clive Bond, who has a machine shop in Colesbourne. We cant thank Clive enough for the effort and work he put in for us. He changed the sleeve for us in a very short time, and that wasnt all: he even came up to Santa Pod to pick up the block late Thursday evening and then he came half way back during Friday to deliver it to us. Clive's work was first class and we are more than happy to see what people around the drag racing contingent do to help each other out. Whilst we're on this subject we have one more hero for the weekend and that is Urs Erbacher: big thanks to Urs and his team for lending us their Racepak cartridge downloader. When we were without the computer for the Veidec Rocket we felt like we could give up and go home.

"Back to racing, and it turned out to be a good weekend. We put in seven passes this last weekend and that put us on a total of seventeen runs before the competition starts this upcoming weekend. We feel that we have a good handle on the Camaro, and we have had a lot of opportunity to test a lot of new set-ups which we havent been able to try before. We have opened new doors to see whats going on behind them, and we just have to choose one of them to go to for the season. It might be the one which put us on a new personal best on both sixty feet and the eighth mile here in Europe with a 1.036 and 4.16. It almost felt bad that Håkan had the chutes out early to record 'only' 6.41/215.

"Even though we have had some success in testing, we know that it will be a new weekend and a new battle at the FIA Main Event. We are not going to take anything for granted, but we also wont give anything away without giving our competitors a real fight."
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
27th May: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with a preview of the FIA Main Event and news of the reduction of this year's Deep Forest Nationals to two days. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
Corr's first encounter.
26th May: Eddie Corr, Crew Chief of Andy Carter's GoTalk-sponsored Top Fuel Dragster team, says that his first couple of hours at the FIA Main Event this weekend will be spent going over the car since he has not yet laid eyes on it. Eddie was away on business during the Easter Thunderball, at which Andy won the Pro Fuel Shootout for a second time.

"I just need a couple of hours to get familiar with the car", says Eddie. "Then from the first couple of runs Andy makes this weekend I can decide whether to go for consistency or whether to try to break records". Although Eddie has not yet had the chance to get his hands on the Rune Fjeld-owned Top Fueller, he is already aware of its capabilities having seen it in the hands of Øyvor Jacobsen and Peter Beck last season. "We could take the car as it is", he says. "It's a very consistent car and we could win with it as it is, but I am hungry to try more. If it gives me the signals that it wants to go quicker, or if anyone else goes quicker, then we'll do it. I think records will fall this weekend. But we must have repeatability as well as performance."
©Eurodragster.com
Eddie says that the Crew Chief has more than the engine set-up to consider. "The way to get knocked out in Top Fuel is not to repeat", he says. "At least two of the cars at Santa Pod this weekend will be able to repeat on last year's combinations of car, driver and set-up. On Monday we will have to tune for the track, the lane you're in, the weather and your competitor - as well as watching your own car you're watching the others. It makes it challenging. Even in qualifying you are not just trying to get number one spot - although that's good for the points and meeting number eight in round one! - you are learning the car and setting it up for Monday."

The GoTalk dragster will again be running without a datalogger this season and Eddie says that that introduces its own variables. "We know how to run 4.8s or 4.9s so we can start from there", he says. "You can make lots of changes and the car will respond, but then it depends how big the changes were to tell which ones worked."

One variable which Eddie doesn't have to consider is driver Andy Carter. "You can take it for granted that Andy will be ready for it", he says. "I never have to worry about him!"

Beck's sights set.
26th May: Swiss Top Fuel Dragster racer Peter Beck is not competing at this weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway but is working hard on a return, says Regula Stucki of Top Fuel Team Switzerland. Peter drove one of Rune Fjeld's stable of Top Fuellers at last year's Nitrolympics and FIA European Finals and the experience of four seconds, 300 mph and an event win at Hockenheim have given Peter the taste for more.
©Eurodragster.com
"Since Peter sat in Rune Fjeld's modern Top Fuel Dragster, we know the difference and we know what we want!", says Regula. "And to be competitive with the European Top Fuel teams it's absolutly necessary to have a modern race car. Everyone has gone fast and we are sure that there is much more to come. But for us this means that our budget goes even higher. At the moment we don't have the finance to take part but we keep on working on full revs for a comeback.

"We wish everyone a great race weekend and good luck!"

Eurodragster Main Event Awards.
26th May: As usual Eurodragster and its partners will be posting a number of Awards at this weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. Cash and prizes will be available to racers across several classes.

The Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award stands at 75 after no perfect Reaction Times were recorded at the Excitement Nationals at the start of the month. The money will be awarded to the first racer this weekend to pull a perfect Reaction Time of 0.000. The Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award is open to all classes and is jointly presented by Eurodragster.com and high-performance hose and fitting supplier Speedflow, run in this country by Fay and Paul Fischer. If the Award is not won this weekend then it will be increased to 100 for the Power Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway; if it is won then the Award will be reset to 50 for the Power Nationals. For all your high-performance hose requirements check out Speedflow's web site at www.speedflow.co.uk.

The Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award stands at 50 after Ian Brown ran 10.900 in Super Street qualifying at the Excitement Nationals. The money will be awarded to the first racer this weekend to run to the thousandth on their class index or dial-in. The Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Award is this weekend open to all ET classes, all Super classes, Junior Dragster, 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike, and is jointly presented by Eurodragster.com and automotive painter and finisher Curbishley Automotive, owned by Martin and Ruth Curbishley. If the Award is not won this weekend then it will be increased to 75 for the Power Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway; if it is won then the Award will be reset to 50 for the Power Nationals. If you would like you race vehicle painted by Curbishley Automotive then contact Martin Curbishley by E-Mail at mcbrogieroadster@aol.com or call him on 07812 942097.
©Eurodragster.com
We have again teamed up with Colin Aldred of London-based performance supplier Scorpion Racing to present the Eurodragster.com/Scorpion Racing Awards to selected qualifiers in three classes. The qualifying class and number are picked at random, and this weekend's qualifying classes are:
  • NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified #8 qualifier: Five-point SFI-spec TRS harness as used by Micke Kågered and other top FIA and Pro Mod racers, and a Scorpion Racing T-Shirt. The TRS harness has been supplied in association with Harley at Total Restraint Systems.

  • Super Pro ET #10 qualifier: Eight Litres of Rock Oil, Carb Cleaner, Brake Cleaner and a Scorpion Racing T-Shirt.

  • 9.90 Bike #3 qualifier: Four litres of Rock Oil, Chain Lube and a Scorpion Racing T-Shirt.
You can find the Scorpion Racing web site at www.scorpionracing.co.uk.

Good luck everyone!

Minor Motlers' minor.
26th May: Congratulations to UK Pro ET racer Malcolm Motler and wife Marcie on the birth of their son Callum, who had the consideration to turn up before this weekend's Main Event.

"Callum was born just before 7:00 last night", says Malcolm. "He is 7lb 10oz, mother and baby are fine and, all going well, should be home this morning. Marcie is adamant that she will be at the track this weekend! She gave birth in true motorsport style by firstly wearing a Roofer's Toy T-shirt and had to change for the second half in to a Chris Walker the Stalker shirt (good gal). I guess I'd better start on the Spellbound Junior Dragster!"
©Eurodragster.com
Malcolm will be at the Main Event where he will be trying out his newly-fitted transbrake. "Hopefully I'll get some decent launches", he says.

We are sure that everyone will join Tog and Sharkman in sending their congratulations and best wishes to Malcolm and Marcie.

Race car sought for charity event.
26th May: Dave McKenzie of Windridge Hall McKenzie Racing has been in touch with an urgent appeal for help. "We have been asked to display our dragster at a charity event in Cleethorpes on 5th-6th June, neither our fuel slingshot nor our altered are ready", says Fuzzie. "It is a custom-type event with a lot of hot hatch boys (they need to be educated) and the charity is Wish Upon A Star. We would have done it ourselves but we cannot, so I was hoping that someone with a dragster, altered or race car not too far from sunny Cleethorpes would put on a static display on one or both days.
©Eurodragster.com
"It would be a good opportunity to show off your car and maybe attract a sponsor. To get in touch with the organiser, Martin, direct call him on 07867 543390 or alternately give me a call on 01472 234550 or E-Mail me at david.mckenzie3@ntlworld.com.

"Our lads in the Grimsby area will be available to help with the stand at the show if it is needed."

Scary Auction update.
26th May: A place on the crew of Andy Robinson's Pro Mod at this year's FIA European Finals, and a day crewing with 2003 ACU Top Fuel Bike Champion Steve Woollatt are the latest donations to the auction which is to be held at the FIA Main Event this weekend to benefit UK Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head. There is a large number of great items on offer so be sure to bring your wallets to Santa Pod this weekend!
©Eurodragster.com
You can view the auction page by clicking here, or by clicking on the Auction for Scary link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page. If you cannot attend the FIA Main Event but would like to bid for an item then E-Mail bids are being received up to midnight UK next Wednesday, 26th May. For details on how to bid, see the Auction page.

If you would like to donate an item for auction then please send an E-Mail to Heather Bond at heather@bondh.fsworld.co.uk.

"It's Sarah's birthday at the week-end", says H. "Unfortunately she won't be able to attend as we wished but she does need her spitits lifting so if anyone would like to bring a card they can drop it round at Neil Midgley's pit and they will be delivered to Dave, as he hopes to come down for a day."

Smith in the Top Five.
26th May: UK Wild Bunch racer Tony Smith got a shock on Easter Saturday when he was told that he had been nominated for the 29th Rhondda Sports Personality Awards. The shock turned to pleasure last weekend when he attended the ceremony at the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of Wales and was presented with an award.

"At first I thought it was a joke, but after reading the letter it seams like my name had been put forward", says Tony. "Whilst I didn't (and I didn't think I would) get the main award at the weekend, I was in the top five and was presented with a nice cut glass award. I will post a photo on my web site as soon as I can.

"I was told that this was the first time that anyone in our sport had been nominated, let alone received an award. As most of you know I come from Eastbourne, but have lived in Wales for nearly thirty years and feel honoured to receive this. I would like to thank my sponsors Newgate (Newark) Ltd, Tonypandy Motor Co (for the new slicks which arrived at the weekend), and Tune Up Autospares for their support."
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
26th May: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with the Nordic Drag Racing Series points standings after the weekend's FIA Summer Nats, as well as a new Comp Eliminator index for C/Dragster. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
Apologies to readers who were presented with a blank News page for a few hours earlier today. We suspect that the upload of a slightly amended page late last night was inadvertently aborted.

Smax shows Promise.
 25th May: We have managed to sneak a camera into the workshop of 2003 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Smax Smith to see if we could find out any more about his mystery new sponsor.

We managed to get a shot of the car awaiting its decals (right, click on picture for large version) and we are also able to announce that Smax has signed a deal with the Promise Group of Companies. Promise is a newly-formed group whose principal business activities relate to mortgage and other loan products. Smax is delighted to work with Promise, as he will be supporting their charity Promise Dreams which works to raise funds for children in need throughout the UK.

Support has also been provided by Starchild UK, who provide special toys and resources for special needs children, vehicle importers Yank Wheels and Shropshire American Car Club. Longtime friend and Funny Car sponsor Ritchie of Fuel Records has pitched in to help the cause. "Although Ritchie's allegiance remains with the Funny Cars and the Shockwave team, he will be organising some Smax/Fuel merchandise to be sold across Europe", says Smax. "I am delighted to have solid friends who have saved the day. I am looking forward to working with these partners and their committment will allow us to compete strongly throughout 2004.
©Eurodragster.com
"We are working hard to get everything completed to come out stong and proud this weekend. We have made quite significant changes to the car and we are aiming to hit the numbers from the start of the season. I have a fantastic team around me of top tuner Al Jackson, Spiky Sparky on clutch, Assistant Crew Chief Stuart McDonald and Ian Pellant on heads, Richard McDonald on clutch, Rob Inglis on bottom end with help from buddy Alan who will also help Rich on clutch, the Belfast Brothers Ray and Brian Gardner and Team Manager Paul Townsend will all pitch in to do the rest. Knut will be calling the shots. I'm definitely on a mission this year, and we're confident of getting the full potential out of our super crew. Being part of the Knut family means we have the ability to call on the experience of the other team members and vice versa.

"I hope the fans will continue to support me and the crew throughout the season. Pop over to the pits and say hello - we will be pleased to see you all. Have a great season from the Mainline Drag Racing Team."

Grandad Grumpy.
25th May: 2003 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave 'Grumpy' Wilson and the American Car Imports Racing team now have their 5.3-second dragster back from their USA Tour and are working hard to prepare it for this weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway. "The car got back on Friday", says Grumpy. "We've got it out of the trailer and it looks OK, and we have turned some stuff round already. The rest will be done by mid-week."

The ACI Racing team have had to re-organise after Crew Chief Andy Bissett left at the end of the US tour, which included an NHRA Divisional event win at Tucson. "There will be a little bit of first-day-of-term at the weekend", says Dave. "It's going to be considerably different. But we're all teed up and ready to go and we'll see how we get on now we're here."

The car has some new parts but one immediate change aside Grumpy is not rushing to change things. "We've got a new rear wing, because we more or less wore out the last one", he says. "Other than that there is not an enormous amount of new stuff, and we really need to go back to the European tune-up before we think of doing anything different."
©Eurodragster.com
Whilst racing in the USA Dave and wife Linda received from their daughter Anne the news that they are to become grandparents. "Whilst we were in Tucson we had my birthday on the Thursday, my son David's birthday on the Saturday, then I heard from Anne that she is expecting a baby in November, then I won the event!", says Grumpy.

Dave's son David started FIA Main Event week the way that the team hope to go on. If you were tuned in on 8th May you will recall that the MSA's magazine Motorsports Now! appealed for drag racers to take part in a day learning to drive Sporting Trials cars for a feature. Dave and David went along, and David won the event. "We had a brilliant day out", says Grumpy. "We were meant to drive up a hill and I fell down it twice walking it! There were three cars and everyone got a go in each car. Dave was one of three who made it to the top of the hill, and he won. The boy's still proving a trial!"

Racers: Keep your FIA Main Event previews coming at news@eurodragster.com and we'll publish them here.

Swift snippets.
25th May: UK Supertwin racer Bernie Hepworth will not be able to compete at this weekend's FIA Main Event, the first round of the UEM Championship, as there is insufficient time to obtain the required ECG and medical certificates. "We will still be there however as Willem Been, the former owner of the bike, has agreed to ride for us at the event", says Bernie.
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If you were tuned in on Saturday you will have seen a plea from the UK's Talbot Racing Super Pro ET team for parts to help tow their six-second dragster to the track this weekend. As usual Eurodragster's readers have come up trumps. "Crunch and Martyn Jones contacted us and let us borrow exactly the part we needed to get to the Main Event - therefore Cinderella can go to the ball", say Stephen and Pat Talbot. "Thanks to Martyn and Crunch - well be glad to see you out with your refreshed car at the Pod on Friday. We would like to thank Eurodragster for putting the message out and the super Super Pro ET racers once more for helping us out."

York Dragway's Chief Starter Des Brown has been in touch to remind readers that the Yorkshire track is hosting the UK Open Nationals this Sunday and Monday (30th-31st May). The weekend features Wild Bunch Series Round 3, Roy Wilding Nostalgia Race Cars Series Round 1, and Real Steel Series Round 4; Qualifying and first round of American Superstock Series; the second rounds of the Northern Drag Racing Championship and Hot Rod Challenge and Round 3 of the Cruise Missile Shootout, plus Run What You Brung sessions on both days.

Clothing for the discerning.
25th May: Neil Marks of Nitro Junkie Leisure has designed a great T Shirt which he hopes will be of interest to the drag racing community. "Rather than promoting a specific team, it features our favourite chemical formula - CH3NO2 (Nitromethane)!", says Neil. "I hope that this design will resonate with all of us who love the Top Fuel and Funny Cars". The T-shirt features the pictured design on the front, and on the back features a list of nitro's attributes (click here to see the back of the shirt). "The initial batch of shirts is in Medium ash grey, if anyone is interested I shall have some with me at the Main Event this weekend", says Neil. "The shirts are 13.95 plus 2.95 postage and packing in the UK. If you would like a Nitro Junkie T-Shirt then please contact me by E-Mail at neil.marks@tiscali.co.uk or call 07711 825007". Neil says that if there is enough interest then he will extend the range to other types of clothing such as jackets and fleeces.
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A number of teams will be wearing new Turboville racewear at the FIA Main Event this weekend, says Ian Turburville. "Micke Kågered, Lex Joon, Joey Bon, the Fireforce Jet FC team, Barrie Gregory, Steve Woollatt, English Rose Racing, Roel Koedam and George Chiarella will all be dressed by Turbo", says Ian. "In the pits some great new T-shirts and sweatshirts are available from Ronny Aasen and Svein Gottenberg. Later in the season, Ian King will be amongst the select few to have some very fashionable new support wear on sale. Meanwhile back at the ranch, that's the Turboville/Santa Pod shop in Nottingham, a lot of the aforementioned fanwear is for sale along with the 'Nitro Mafia' brand of clothing and the latest 2004 Nascar (yellow card - Ed) racewear including some dynamite jackets and polo shirts. Please see me in the pits at the Main Event for details and for some exclusive, gigantic 1/16 scale very limited edition die-cast drag racing models, including Scotty Cannon Funny Cars and Bernstein dragsters. Any bike racers wanting a deal on carbon fibre Craft helmets or carbon/kevlar race gloves are urged to get in touch now if they want delivery to the track this weekend. I also have, just in, some fantastic enormous action posters of Bill Furr on his Nitro Harley amongst other things, and ask me about the huge collection of 2003 Nitro Funny Car hero cards! A partial range of available products can be viewed as always at www.turboville.com."

Another excuse for Antoniou.
25th May: Perry Antoniou has been in touch to thank those racers who answered his plea on Eurodragster to participate in a a photo shoot for Retro Cars magazine. The photo shoot took place at Santa Pod Raceway yesterday and was a great success.

"The magazine contacted me to put a few nutcases together for a photo shoot for an eight-page feature including front cover for their July issue, to coincide with their Retro Cars Show at Santa Pod", says Perry. "They asked for a handfull of non-Stateside pre-83 cars which have been modified for drag racing. We impressed as usual! Ken Blomer in the awesome Automanics front-engined Karman Ghia 'ran' up the track with only two-person power! Vince Gibbs in his Chevy powered Toyota Celica gave the photographer plenty to photograph, Keith Ridley in his Isaacs-built Scimitar Coupe had a couple of eighth-mile runs going sideways all the way. And finally Andy Frost in his CCSE Vauxhall Victor, who after many years of drag racing hasn't learnt that once everyone goes home, the drag strip is secured with a big fat chain across the track a few yards after the finish line. Andy discovered this after going for a gentle stroll up the track to warm up his engine ready for some rolling burnout shots, and suddenly noticing he was about to have his car sliced in half !
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"Thanks guys! We really impressed them today. Thank you everyone for keeping the tradition of drag racer friendliness; they did notice how friendly we were all amongst each other and towards them and pointed this out to me several times. I would like to point out that I turned up with not one but two cars, so I think I should get double thanks for myself! I suppose getting involved in things like this is what keeps me from finishing my race car...or that's my excuse for a while anyway!"

Web site updates.
25th May: Knowing that he might be coming back from the FIA Main Event with more than a thousand pictures to sort through, Eurodragster Photo Editor Sharkman has been working hard to bring his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales bang up to date. "I have added the wallpapers from the Speedfreaks Ball and Excitement Nationals, and photo galleries from this past weekend's Professional Test Day and Run What You Brung, each featuring just over a hundred pictures", says Sharkman. Check it out at www.topendtales.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Main Event Friday running order.
24th May: We are indebted to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for sending us the provisional running order for the first day of this weekend's FIA Main Event, Friday (28th), which features Sportsman qualifying only.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view Friday's running order.

Joon aims for top spot.
24th May: Dutch Top Fuel Dragster racer Lex Joon is finding Top Fuel a lot more fun than he thought it would be, he says. "It will take time and experience to become a good Top Fuel driver, but the main thing now is to get track time so that I can learn and also understand what is going on in the technical side", says Lex.

After his runner-up finish in the Pro Fuel Shootout at the Easter Thunderball, Lex says that the MPM Oil Company-sponsored team will be going for number one spot at this weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod. "Knut Söderquist (car owner - Ed) has everything 100% ready on our car, so there is no reason why we shouldn't succeed", he says. "MPM Oil were very impressed with the Thunderball result - to be honest I think they expected that kind of performance from us - but they are interested in winning - second place is not an option. And keeping sponsors happy is a really important goal for us this year!"
©Eurodragster.com
Lex knows who he will be keeping an eye on at the FIA Main Event this weekend. "As we found out at the Easter Thunderball, Andy Carter is really up to his game", he says. "The combination of Andy and Rune Fjeld will be hard to beat. Micke Kågered will be a strong competitor, too: looking at the Top Fuel field he has a lot of experience compared to the other racers. We know the Smax story - never count him out! And with Jon Webster's experience he can be the surprise of the meeting, he can give the extra which is needed to make that operation number one at the end of the day. The fact is that the 2004 season will a real close one, there are a lot of consistent race cars in TF this year. The most consistent car and driver will have the best chance to end up on top. I'm excited to be part of the FIA Top Fuel tour which will bring a new Top Fuel team to different countries and to get the chance to meet all the fans through Europe. Our hero cards are all printed and will be available at every race!"

When we interviewed Lex during a Workshop Visit last year, he said that his heart was in Funny Cars. We asked him if that was still the case after the Easter Thunderball success. "The bottom line is that my heart is still with the Funny Cars and one day I will drive a flopper again - that is the target towards which we will work all the time", he says.

You can find the official Lex Joon Racing web site at www.lexjoonracing.nl.

Baldie's flying Gun.
24th May: Finnish Funny Bike racer Asko Määttä tells us that the test of his bike Baldie's Gun III at the FHRA Spring Nationals went well in some ways and not so well in others.

"We missed Saturday's first qualifying runs because of a sleepy team", says Asko. "We had to sleep for a couple of hours at the track after the last-minute changes to the bike at my workshop from Friday morning to Saturday morning without sleep. And then when we made an attempt it started to rain and the rest of the day's qualifying was cancelled.
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"On Sunday's first pass the clutch broke after the burnout and I had to shut off the engine. At the second attempt some drops of oil came out of my turbo, but we fixed it quickly and made the pass. The rear tyre went up in smoke immediately. I shifted to second, still spinning quite a lot and not going straight, but I did't lift. I changed to third gear, then I got some grip and the bike started to fly! At the same time I got it straightened and back to the groove from near the guardrail. At the eighth mile I selected fourth and fifth and then aborted the run as planned. The time from 330 ft to 660 ft was only 0.2 seconds slower than my best, with only ten psi boost - because of the wheelspin there was no boost at all during the first and second gear.

"We changed to a new MT rear slick for the next run, but we were not able to do it because of the schedule, there were some oildowns and showers. Anyway we were happy with the testing; we found many small things to do better and I also found out that I'm capable of racing after last season's top end crash. The new chassis handles very well and the engine works great, so we are ready for the next NDRS Funny Bike Championship race in Västerås."

First box of goodies arrives.
24th May: Johnny 'Mental' Hall has been in touch with the latest news about the construction of the Windridge Hall McKenzie nitro slingshot.

"Last week we received our first crate of parts from California, which were ordered in December", says Johnny. "We are now just waiting on the block, rods and pistons and we can assure everyone when they arrive we will be in a go condition. Because of our ever-increasing workload at B+J Nostalgia, the wait for parts has been a godsend. Maybe things happen for a reason, we have been able to get our work to our customers on schedule, which is very important to us. Our web site at www.bjnostalgia.com has just been updated, so check it out to see what we have been up to."
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Johnny also has a cautionary tale for those who tow long trailers. "Last weekend Dave McKenzie was bringing our newly refurbished and painted trailer to Shakey to meet me, so I could take it back to Essex for some custom signwriting and get it ready for our first outing of the season", he says. "Unfortunately Dave had an unforseeable accident and rolled his car and the trailer. Luckily Dave and the car were OK but the trailer was written off. When the police cleared the accident scene they told him that he would be reported for having a trailer more than seven metres long - check out the law.

"So we are now looking for a low-buck four-wheel trailer in any condition which we can lengthen for our first meetings just so we can get to the track. If you can help, please give me a call on 07895 216940 or E-Mail at johnnyholeshot@btinternet.com. But please remember, it has to be cheap."

Scary auction latest.
24th May: A weekend as guests of Andy Carter's GoTalk Top Fuel Dragster team, dyno time, collectables, a Playstation 2 console, season tickets to next season's Ultimate Power Championships, team days out, and a crash helmet are amongst several items which have been pledged for the auction for Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head, which takes place at this weekend's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway.

You can view the auction page by clicking here, or by clicking on the Auction for Scary link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page. If you cannot attend the FIA Main Event but would like to bid for an item then E-Mail bids are being received up to midnight UK next Wednesday, 26th May. For details on how to bid, see the Auction page.

If you would like to donate an item for auction then please send an E-Mail to Heather Bond at heather@bondh.fsworld.co.uk.

The latest news on Scary's condition is that she is doing very well. "She will be in York for the next few weeks and then back down to Stanmore", says H.

Pre-Main Event testing.
24th May: It was a very successful weekend's pre-FIA Main Event test for the racers who made the trip to Santa Pod Raceway.

Amongst the highlights, 2003 FIA European Top Methanol FC Champion Urs Erbacher took Low ET and Top Speed of the weekend at 5.932/243.31 which he told us included a couple of pedals. 2003 NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified Champion Roger Johansson traded FTDs with Håkan Nilsson and Patrick Wikström, Henri Joosten and Robert Koper made their first passes of the year, Pro Stock racer Magnus Hansson ran his first six-second pass at 6.979/198.22, Jöran Persåker started licencing for Top Fuel and Micke Kågered made his first passes in the new Bahco Tools Top Fueller.

On the Sportsman side highlights included Mark Ramplee's return in the Electromec Sierra, Paul Knight running right on the numbers in his Super Comp Firebird, Steve Nash in the 8.1s in his Custom Car Street Eliminator Cougar, and the début of Chris Isaacs' Standard Vanguard race car.
©Eurodragster.com
Many appreciative comments were made about Santa Pod Raceway's new concrete guardrail on the right-hand side of the shutdown area (right, click on picture for a different shot). At around four feet in height the barrier looks daunting close-up but all of racers to whom we spoke were grateful to Santa Pod for this latest investment in their safety.

Click here to view our American Car Imports-sponsored reports and pictures of the weekend's testing, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Swift snippets.
24th May: Alan Martin has been in touch on behalf of the National Street Rod Association to thank Stuart Bradbury, Andy Kirk and all at US Automotive for all the time and effort they put into trying to get the US Fuel Altereds to run at the NSRA Nostalgia Nationals. "We would all have dearly loved to see the cars in action but the budget couldn't stretch far enough and we do appreciate all the effort to try and secure alternative funding", says Alan. "We also think that thanks are due to Lord March and the Goodwood organisers for being gracious enough to consider letting the cars appear at the Nostalgia Nationals. The discussions have given us food for thought, so who knows Stuart may get to dust off those flags yet."
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Web site updates.
24th May: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with the results from the weekend's FHRA Spring Nats at Alastaro, the entry list for next week's Danish Nationals, and an interview with NDRS Stock/Super Stock Champion Jarmo Markkanen. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
Die neue Website von DRAGRACER.DE ist jetzt online! www.dragracer.se. Ab sofort kann die Ausgabe Juni/Juli 2004 per Online-Formular bestellt oder abonniert werden. Der Preis pro Heft betrgt unschlagbar gnstige EUR 2,90 (zzgl. EUR 0,77 Versandkosten, weil Eigenvertrieb), ein Abo (6 Ausgaben) kostet EUR 22,- (inkl. Versandkosten). Eine Liste der Hndler, die das Magazin direkt verkaufen, gibt es auf der Website! Auslandsbestellungen bitte nur auf Anfrage! Versandkosten fr hhere Stckzahlen ebenfalls auf Anfrage! Der offizielle Erscheinungstermin ist der 09. Juni! Vorbestellungen werden voraussichtlich schon vorher ausgeliefert! Ausserdem besteht die Mglichkeit, das Magazin direkt and dem LD Sportsline/Rennbenzin-Stand in Oschersleben (05.-06. Juni) zu kaufen! Also: JETZT BESTELLEN ODER ABONNIEREN! :-) Wir sehen uns in Oschersleben und Drachten...

Persåker's swift scenery.
23rd May: Europe's newest Top Fuel Dragster driver, Sweden's Jöran Persåker, was very pleased with his first pass in a Top Fueller, which he made at the end of yesterday's Professional Test at Santa Pod Raceway. Jöran recorded 0.876 to sixty feet on the first licencing pass, which was scheduled for a launch.
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"I'm happy, but I know that this is just the beginning", said Jöran (right, with his first TF timing slip). "It was how I expected it to be. I didn't get a kick when I hit the throttle, but I noticed that the scenery went by very fast! I got off it a little bit early because I was surprised!"

Jöran is hoping to make his two remaining licencing passes at today's Run What You Brung at Santa Pod, although he faces a race against time as he is scheduled to return home this afternoon.

Swift snippets.
23rd May: Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Steve Nash was quick to thank Rob Loaring and Nick Davies of Eurodragster Home and News page sponsor ICE Automotive after he recorded new personal bests of 8.179 and 173.60 mph at Santa Pod yesterday. "Thanks to Rob and Nick for the engine management system", said Splinter. "That one was for my crew member Mick who is sat at home with a hernia."

UK Pro Modified racer Gordon Appleton has withdrawn from next weekend's FIA Main Event as his new Eagle engine will not be arriving in time. Another update to the FIA Main Event entry list is Super Street Bike racer Bradley O'Connor who has had to enter 10.90 Bike as 9.90 Bike was already at its maximum entry of 32.
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Although UK Top Methanol Funny Car racer Steph Milam is sitting out 2004, the She Devil Racing team are not sitting idle. Steph's husband and Crew Chief Dave, who is crewing on the Canto Recruitment Top Fueller driven by Jon Webster, says that they have acquired a PSI blower and a Dodge Avenger body. You can find out more on Steph's web site at www.shedevilracing.co.uk.

FHRA Spring Nats coverage.
23rd May: Our good friend Hannele Höydén is posting Finnish-language live reports from this weekend's FHRA Spring Nats at Alastaro on the Finnish Hot Rod Association web site at www.fhra.fi. If your Finnish isn't up to the job then Hanski has kindly sent today's qualifying in Excel format which you can view by clicking here.
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Newbury unveils PSB.
 22nd May: UK Pro Stock Bike racer Martin Newbury is set to turn heads at next weekend's FIA Main Event when his spectacular new Kawasaki (right, click on picture for large version) is scheduled to have its first outing.

"It's been a long slog to get the bike ready to race", say Martin and his partner Cindy. "Everyone know about delays caused by waiting on other people so we've done most of the fabricating in-house, which gave us the idea for the equipment and services we are to offer other racers. It's also why we missed the first two UK meetings this year."
©Eurodragster.com
The new bike has a state-of-the-art PMFR 2004 model rolling chassis, combined with a new 1500cc two-valve Rick Ward motor to NHRA spec. The ZX11 bodywork was especially made in the USA, and then a Wackyshack paintjob was applied based on a theme thought up by Martin and Cindy (click here for another angle).

"We have left it a little late for this year Championships, due to the need to test and set up", say Martin and Cindy. "Fingers crossed, we intend to do a full European tour next year, as well as put a Kawasaki in the forefront of the UK scene."

As mentioned on Eurodragster yesterday, Martin and Cindy will be offering tailor-made starter trolleys (starter optional) as well as pit products such as folding aluminium tables, vehicle-mountable tool trays enabling easy access to tools, bike ramps, shelving and individual orders. "We are also producing race clothing, shirts and jackets and we have a full computerised embroidery machine for logos and custom designs", they say. For more details pay Martin and Cindy a visit in the pits at Santa Pod next weekend.

Andréasson's fresh start.
22nd May: Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer Leif Andréasson is going for as many wins as he can get in 2004. "Preferably a clean sweep with six straight wins", says team member Anders Magnusson. The Dodge Stratus-bodied new race car (right, click on picture for large version) is carrying the same engine and clutch combination as last year's model, and Anders says that it should require no more than minor adjustments.

"The new body will produce low drag combined with good stability and downforce for good top end performance", says Anders. "The new chassis is the latest state of the art and is fitted with a new bullet-prfof Mark Williams 11" rear end. It's expected to add stability and good start line behaviour. All these small details, and some other things, should step up performance a bit and most importantly offer more consistency during the whole race weekend.
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Aside from the new race car, the Andréasson Motorsports team have a new trailer to carry cars and tools, making it a complete fresh start for their European season. "We expect the competition to be fierce, and the toughest competitor is most likely to be Ulf Leanders", says Anders. "Ulf and his brother are expected to continue with the same car and set-up with which they ran 5.666 at Santa Pod last year.

"The situation is much different now than it was a couple of years ago when a 5.8 run was more or less untouchable. We like it that way, it makes competition more interesting."

The Andréasson Motorsports web site at www.andreassonmotorsports.com has been updated with pictures of the team's last day of testing on their recent USA trip. You can view the pictures under Gallery/2004/LVMS Test Day.

New kid on the block.
22nd May: Ten-year-old Jayne Kay, daughter of UK Wild Bunch racer Gary Kay, successfully licenced for Junior Dragster at the American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. Jane won her licence in the Talbot family's Matrix Junior Stock Dragster after dreaming of getting into the driver's seat since she first started going racing with her dad.

"The day started with Jayne feeling very 'sick' first thing", says Gary Kay. "She was worried about the butterflies she had fluttering around in her tummy! However, as soon as she got into the car and drove off to the start line apprehension turned into great excitement. Dick Talbot and I got her up to the start line and off she went on her very first run with a reaction time of 0.771, and 15.58/40.87 over the eighth mile. On her return it was thumbs up and "When can I go again?"! She completed four more runs in the day with a best reaction of 0.304. She had a very close race with Hazel in Matrix Too, only just losing out. On her last run Jayne wanted to go even faster than the four 40 mph runs she had already completed, and reached this goal at 41.10 mph.
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"Jayne has proved herself to be a competent racer and as a result the powers-that-be agreed that as she successfully completed three observed runs and two races she now has a MSA competetion licence. Thanks to Wendy Talbot who is completing all the paperwork in this respect. We would like to extend our sincere thanks for all the help and support from Dick, Wendy, Holly and Hazel. A special hello and Thanks to all the Wild Bunch racers who gave Jayne loads of encouragement and support over the weekend. A personal thank you to Claire and Crazy Chris for the lovely card of congratulations they sent to Jayne. And thanks to Eurodragster for this page (You're welcome - Ed).

"Jayne had a great weekend and her début on the drag strip went better than she had ever dreamed. All the pressure is now on me to complete construction of the new Draggin' It Out Junior Dragster. In the meantime, Jayne's next trip down the strip is at Santa Pod on 18th July. Anyone who would like to sponsor us is welcome now that we have two racers in the family! It looks like my new altered Dream Machine will have to go on the back burner until Draggin' It Out is finished or else none of us will get any peace!"

Talbot in bigger ball plea.
22nd May: Honorary Eurodragster staff member Stephen Talbot of UK Super Pro ET team Talbot Racing has been in touch to ask the urgent help of Eurodragster readers.

Having finally plucked enough courage to buy a replacement tow vehicle for the team, I now have found that the tow 'ball mount' is not correct for the dragster trailer", says Stephen. "To get us to the Main Event, does anybody have a heavy duty (at least 6000lbs) ball mount for a US class 3, two-inch tow hitch which I can buy/borrow/steal in time for the race? If you also have a heavy-duty ball to go on the mount even better!"
©Eurodragster.com
If you can help Stephen and Pat Talbot then please drop Stephen a line at Stephen@talbotracing.com to sort out a deal.

A Funny Child.
21st May: Glen Child is set to join the ranks of UK Fuel Funny Car racers later this season or at the start of next year, fielding a Dodge Daytona (right) which he recently acquired from Tony Betts.

"I'm waiting for the last few parts to arrive, but I have decided to run the car as a Fuel Funny Car rather than a Fuel Altered", says Glen, who is the brother of Lee Child of joint Eurodragster Links page sponsor LA Racing Parts. "I would like to be out towards the end of the year but with a crew, trailer and the car to sort, it may be out of my hands - next year will come pretty quick with the amount of work I've got ahead. That will also give me time to observe how other teams work."

Tha FC is powered by a Keith Black with Veney billet twin-plug heads, twin mags, Waterman pumps, and a 14/71 Mooneyham with buzzard catcher. "The combination is pretty straightforward", says Glen. "There is no computer on board, only timers for the clutch as the car has direct drive of course."
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Glen has been into drag racing since the Draper brothers took him to Santa Pod in 1975. "I saw Allan Herridge driving Stardust, and that pretty much did it for me - the seed was sown", says Glen. Glen last competed nine years ago in a Big Block Chevy-powered Plymouth Arrow FC. "That was hardly a stepping stone to what I have got now, so I am looking at attending Frank Hawley's drag racing school in the USA to take the Alcohol licencing course. Right now I'm so wrapped up in what I have to do - arranging parts etc. - that what I've actually got still seems unreal!"

Sponsorship will be sought when Glen has the car in a state to present to potential backers. "Sponsorhip needs addressing, but I will feel happier with the finished article to show", he says. "Until then, it's only my pockets to empty! Similarly I will be recruiting crew in the future, although I will be looking for people with knowledge of this type of race car."

Schöfer goes south.
21st May: Whilst a number of racers are headed to Santa Pod Raceway this weekend to test before the FIA Main Event, German Top Methanol Dragster racer Peter Schöfer and his team are headed in the opposite direction, to Monza in Italy where Peter will be making test runs at the second round of the Italian Championship.

"It has been a long time since they had drag racing at Monza", says team member Gittli Koller. "At least ten years ago Peter Schöfer Racing ran at Monza a number of times with their Competition dragster, and we are all very happy to be going there again."
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For Peter and the team, this weekend is the culmination of a lot of hard work during the off-season. "We are going to do a functional test on several new things on our dragster", says Gittli. "We have worked a lot on the car, and we also spent more than three weeks in the USA - and we weren't on holiday! Hopefully we can transfer what we have learnt onto our race operation, and I think we have to test all of this new stuff before we come to the Main Event. We are looking forward to the season, and we are sure that it will be a tough one in Top Methanol Dragster, but they are all real sportsmen."

Pictures from Monza will be posted in due course on the Peter Schöfer Racing web site at www.p-s-r.com. You can read more about the Italian Drag Racing Championship at www.dragster.it.

Dual CBD weekend.
21st May: The Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team face a hectic weekend at Santa Pod as they will be testing two Top Fuel Dragsters including licencing passes by Swedish TF rookie Jöran Persåker.

"I hope the weekend won't be busy!", says team owner Knut Söderquist. "Jöran will get his licence without any problem. He has driven every type of race car there is and he is one of those guys who makes a success of everything he does. So he will succeed in the Top Fueller like he has succeeded in his business!"
©Eurodragster.com
Micke Kågered will be making his first passes in the immaculate new Bahco Tools-backed Top Fueller, which was built in Sweden by Matts Eriksson. "We are planning a couple of launches or half-passes for Micke", says Knut. "Micke's car has a new fuel system which will go on my other cars if it works. We'll see, though, just because it is new doesn't mean that it is better and you know how it is, the cars do what they want to do!"

The CBD team will be fielding four Top Fuel Dragsters next weekend, and Knut says that although he could do with some more time to get finished, everything will be ship-shape in time for the FIA Main Event. "Smax's car is almost done and Lex's car is ready", he says. "Another three weeks would be about perfect though!"

Määttä looks for quick start.
21st May: Finnish Funny Bike racer Asko Määttä fired up his Baldie's Gun III Funny Bike (right) yesterday, and he tells us that it sounded "Very good; really very good!". Asko is attending this weekend's FHRA Springnationals at Alastaro where he is the sole contestant in Comp Bike.

"I'll be at Alastaro to test the new bike, trying to get it 0.5 seconds quicker over the first 330 feet because that's where I wasn't very good last season", says Asko. "And that is very important, because the Bike Weekend NDRS round at Västerås in a couple of weeks is over the eighth mile."

Asko says that his sponsor Pro TurboSystems had provided him with a new turbo for this weekend. "It should be much better than anything in the market...but we'll see", he says.

Own another piece of history.
21st May: UK Wild Bunch racer Martin Holgate has reluctantly placed his historic Paranoia altered up for sale after his long-time crew emigrated to France.
©Eurodragster.com
"It is not an easy decision, but as any racer will tell you dedicated crew are hard to find", says Martin. "I will definitely not be leaving the sport and will be back, maybe with a doorslammer or a rod. It's a good opportunity to own a piece of real British drag racing history. The car is turnkey and comes with a new Round Brothers trailer."

If you would be interested in buying Paranoia then drop Martin a line at nitroslick@ntlworld.com or call him on 07976 699771.

Altereds miss out on NSRA date.
21st May: Following yesterday's snippet about efforts being made to fund an appearance of the four US Fuel Altereds at the NSRA's Nostalgia Festival at Shakespeare County Raceway in July, Stuart Bradbury has been in touch to let us know that despite strenuous effort the funding cannot be raised.

"It's a bit of a pity", says Stuart. "Us guys at US Automotive have put a lot of time and effort to try and make the whole package work, but is was not to be. I am very disappointed, as Pure Hell is one of my all-time favourite cars. The plan Ron Hope and myself had was to dust down the old start flags and give people a taste of how it used to be in the old days. As you know, I still have the original flags used at Blackbushe in 1964. We were also planning to try this at Goodwood, but there is not room to put two cars side-by-side in safety, so again not to be.

"Never mind, at least US Automotive can claim to have made these cars available at Goodwood. It can only raise the profile and awareness of Drag Racing in front of some of the most influential people involved in British motorsport."

Swift snippets.
21st May: Santa Pod Raceway have been in touch to remind readers that Sunday's (23rd May) Run What You Brung is open to all. If you fancy sharing the pairing lanes with some of the cream of European drag racing then entry is to the track 10; a further 15 and the production of a valid DVLC will buy you as many runs as you can fit in during the day. Gates open at 8:00 and the track opens at approximately 10:00 am. Check out Santa Pod's Run What You Brung web site at www.rwyb.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
21st May: The official web site of UK Custom Car Street Eliminator team Silver Fox Racing is now under the management of Sue Jackson, and it has been treated to an update in several areas including an interesting report of the team's weekend at the American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. "I'm very new to creating and operating web sites, so I would appreciate any feedback or comments - just don't be too hard on me!", says Sue. Well, it looks just fine to us and you can check it out yourself at www.silverfoxracing.org.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
The latest in what have become eagerly-anticipated updates on Alan Currans' Acceleration Archive features a sixth page of photographs taken by Peter Jones. "The update includes a superb sequence of shots showing Raymond Beadle burning out in his Blue Max Funny Car, Al Eierdam driving the Vanishing Point rocket-powered Funny Car, Sammy Miller and his Oxygen Rocket Dragster, portraits of the late Allan 'Bootsie' Herridge, and much more besides", says Alan. You can view the pictures at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.

Sun to shine later for Dahl.
20th May: Norwegian Top Fuel Bike racer Sverre Dahl's Sunshine Express bike is "still in a million parts" and so he and his team will be missing the FIA Main Event. "We are working to finish the bike before the Summer Nats at Gardermoen in June", he says.

Sverre has acquired a lot of new parts for his bike during the off season, with more to arrive. For the first time ever he will be able to take spares to races with him. "We have a complete new bottom end", he says. We are also waiting for parts from the USA such as pistons - which will replace a set from 1995 - new camshaft, rebuilt mags, pump and more. We are also waiting for a new type of tyre from Goodyear."
©Eurodragster.com
Last weekend Sverre and his team checked the bike's rear wheel and found that the aluminium centre was not straight. "I don't think it's able to take the tyre shake", says Sverre, "so we will have to replace it or straighten and strengthen it."

Finally the Sunshine Express is to be painted in new colours for this season. "It's late, but hopefully better", says Sverre.

Pels ready to race.
20th May: Dutch Supertwin racer Ton Pels is "ready to race" his new Zodiac Harley at next weekend's FIA Main Event, says team member Monique Pels. Ton and son and Crew Chief Vincent spent the off-season building the new bike, using only the front forks and transmission from Ton's previous machine, and took it to the Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway for its first outing.

"Ton made two passes on the Saturday", says Monique. "On the first run he left at half throttle, slowly feeding to full throttle after the eighth until the strong side wind caught him and he got off it again, 7.562/180.20 (289.94 kmh). The new bike felt good and handled well: when Ton leaned to get it back after the wind blew it sideways a little, it reacted very well. On the second run he left at full throttle, which was too much for the condition of the track at that time, so the rear tyre went up in smoke. The datalogger said that the rear wheel was doing over 200 mph but the bike was actually doing only 10 mph. After closing the throttle the rear wheel hooked up again and the easy pass showed, 9.409/182.07 (292.95 kmh).
©Eurodragster.com
"We made one more run on Sunday, at half throttle and without shifting: 7.391/174.44 (280.67 kmh). The bike got close to the center line again in this run, so Ton and Vincent decided to make some changes to the rear wheel back home.

"Back in the workshop they changed the rear wheel placement and also changed to a tyre more suitable for the new rear wheel. They worked on the spare engine - pistons, cylinders, crank etc. - for which they didn't have time before the Speedfreaks Ball. So it looks like everything will be ready to race for the Main Event."

Pro Stocks on show.
20th May: Pro Stock Bike racers Richard Gipp and Martin Newbury are attending this weekend's BMF Show at the East of England Showground Peterborough. "I will be there as an exhibitor, and Martin will be showing his bike with its stunning new paintwork and exhibiting the range of teamwear and engineering which he and his partner Cindy (Crew 22) can offer", says Richard.
©Eurodragster.com
"My team, Martin's team and Martin Bishop's team will be wearing Martin and Cindy's products at the Main Event", says Richard. "Martin is producing starter trolleys (starter optional) amongst other things, but the icing on the cake for all the exhibitionists out there is his CNC engraving. You can have your team name, logo or whatever engraved on yolks, engine covers etc."

Richard has forwarded us details of more items donated for the auction for Sarah Jane Head, which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the Auction for Scary link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Wanted at SCR.
20th May: Racers with European or Jap Doorslammers who are not racing at next weekend's FIA Main Event are invited to put in demo passes at the Modified Nitrous Festival and Rotorstock which take place at Shakespeare County Raceway on 29th-31st May. "The weekend would suit Super Modified or Custom Car Street Eliminator racers who would like to join Steve Pateman" says promoter Lee Child, who jointly sponsors Eurodragster's Links pages through LA Racing Parts. "If you are interested in putting in demonstration passes then please E-Mail me at modified@laracingparts.com."
©Eurodragster.com
Avon Park International Racers Association are seeking a new member of start line crew to work alongside Tony Byng as starter at Shakespeare County Raceway, as Chief Starter Scott Talbot is taking time out next season. The job would suit an enthusiast with a knowledge of classes and rules, and training will be provided by Scott. If you would be interested in working the start line at SCR then please contact Wendy Talbot by E-Mail at wendy@apira.org.uk or call her on 01379 740100.

Swift snippets.
20th May: Onetime Chief Starter at Santa Pod, and now member of Nobby Hills Racing, Stuart Bradbury tells us that US Automotive have been trying to raise the funds to extend the visit of the four US Fuel Altereds to the NSRA's Nostalgia Festival at Shakespeare County Raceway on 3rd-4th July, the weekend after their booked appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. "This has proved to be a mammoth task to say the least, but negotiations are still going on", says Stuart.
©Eurodragster.com
Own a piece of history.
20th May: Frank Kelland of Motorcycles Unlimited of London, who sponsors UK Top Fuel Bike racer Steve Woollatt, has an original 1966 Alf Hagon drag bike for sale at his Perivale shop.

"I buy bikes because I like the look of them!", Frank told Eurodragster. "This bike was last owned by Joe Aimes. He spent twenty thousand pounds on it and it really looks the part. And it runs! It has a 1960s Hagon chassis, a 750 cc methanol-burning Triumph engine and has been completely restored in Hagon blue and with a Hagon sticker. I also have a pile of paperwork which came with the bike."
©Eurodragster.com
"The Hagon bike looks like new!", said Steve Woollatt. "Frank sells up-to-date stuff but his place is full of beautiful old bikes - it's like a museum! He has Brian Johnson's original Imperial Wizard Pro Stock Bike on the wall, for example. Frank has supported me for a long time. He does keenly-priced used bike sales and service as well as warranties and MOTs, and every so often I'll go down there and he'll let me take one of his stock list for a ride around."

If you are interested in owning a piece of UK drag racing history then check out the Motorcycles Unlimited web site at www.motorcyclesunlimited.co.uk; the stock list is automatically loaded and you can find a description and pictures of the Hagon bike towards the bottom of the list. Serious enquiries can also be made direct to Frank on 0208 997 2421 (outside the UK +44 208 997 2421).

Joosten's colourful nose job.
 19th May: Dutch Pro Mod racer Henri Joosten is bringing a completely different Bel Air to Santa Pod Raceway this weekend (right, click on picture for large version). "We've been working very hard for the last two weeks to make the Bel Air ready for the Test Day and the Main Event", says Henri.

"The chassis is longer including the front and the hood, and the engine has been updated with the latest parts in conjunction with Roger Johansson.
©Eurodragster.com
"The most different for the spectators is the change in colour. Custom Body and Paint have given the car a completely different look, it's not green any more! Quaker State have changed their colours for 2004 and after we went off the end of the track in Sweden this is a good moment. Eagle Airfreight International, with the same colours, ship all our parts from anywhere free - thanks for all the freight!"

You can find Henri's web site at www.joostenracing.nl.

Joon unveils hero card.
19th May: Dutch Top Fuel Dragster racer Lex Joon will have his 2004 hero cards at next week's FIA Main Event at Santa Pod and has kindly given Eurodragster readers a sneak preview (right, click on image to see full-sized PDF).

"The hero cards were designed by Jorgen Al, who designed the Top Fueller", says Team Manager Gerda Dijsktra. "Fans are very welcome to come by our pit at Santa Pod next weekend and pick them up".
©Eurodragster.com
As regular readers are aware, when Lex and Gerda are not racing a Top Fuel Dragster they promote events at Drachten in Holland for the eXplosion club. Gerda tells us that Lex's web site has been updated with a Dutch/English ticket order page for the MPM Internationals, which take place at Drachten on 9th-11th July and which are sponsored by joint Eurodragster webcam sponsor MPM Oil Company. "A discount is available on all MPM International tickets bought on-line", says Gerda.

To order your MPM Internationals and other Drachten event tickets, click on Events and Tickets on Lex's web site at www.lexjoonracing.nl.

Taylor gets Sniffy.
19th May: Super Modified racer Kev Taylor has announced a new sponsorship deal ahead of his appearance in Super Pro ET at next week's FIA Main Event.

"We are pleased to have Ny-Trex Nitrous Performance Systems on board for the remainder of the season", says Kev. "We have decided to run in Super Pro ET at the Main Event as a testing platform. We are hoping to run with nitrous and hopefully make our first eight-second pass, getting us into a more competitive position for the next Super Modified round at Shakespeare County Raceway."
©Eurodragster.com
C.R.A.P. Conversions are main dealers for Ny-Trex systems, and you can find more details about Ny-Trex products and services at www.bespoken20.com .

Kev also tells us that C.R.A.P. Conversions are seeking two mechanics/fabricators in their East Sussex workshop. If you would be interested in working at C.R.A.P. then please contact Kev on 01825 890023.

SPR Main Event latest.
19th May: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has very kindly provided us with a final version of the official entry list for next week's FIA Main Event. You can view the Main Event entry list by clicking here, or by selecting FIA Main Event after clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
©Eurodragster.com
Paula has asked us to inform racers that the gates to Santa Pod will be opening at 2:00 pm next Thursday, 27th May.

Caroline Day of Santa Pod Raceway has been in touch to let us know that in addition to their Granada Men and Motors TV campaign, Santa Pod Raceway will now be seen in the Anglia TV region with a series of twenty-second commercials in the run-up to the FIA Main Event. Caroline says that the commercials feature a few thrills and spills from previous events, and will be broadcast during a variety of breaks including some peak spots during Coronation Street and ITV News, and some off-peak spots during This Morning and F1 Grand Prix (Way to go, that's stickin' it to 'em - Ed).

"Santa Pod are always looking for new ways to promote the sport and our events to an ever-increasing audience", says Caroline. "This will be the first time, as far as we are aware, that Santa Pod Raceway has bought mainstream TV advertising. We hope that it will be successful and look forward to welcoming many new visitors as a result."

Caroline has provided a schedule of the TV advertising spots on Anglia, which you can view by clicking here.

This week's issue of Motorsport News, which came out today, has a competition to win family tickets to the Main Event. The issue is dated 19th May, costs 1.90, and includes on the front page a very fine Roger Gorringe picture of Andy Carter's GoTalk Top Fuel Dragster.

For more details about the FIA Main Event including ticket prices (discounted advance bookings are still being taken), check out Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com.

Flymo at seven amps.
19th May: Team MHFTravel and the Mailkey Dragster have returned from an excellent sun-filled weekend at the American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. The Team were running with the Wild Bunch whilst also trying to get track time and tuning experience with the new engine combination on the Mailkey Dragster.

"The weather was perfect for racing: hot, dry, low humidity, and a cool breeze", says driver Paul 'Flymo' Harvey. "It is not that often that you get weather which is so good. We put in six full passes over the weekend, while getting a handle on the Alloy Heads from chiheads.comand HEI Ignition System shipped in from ICE Ignition in Australia. The high-powered ignition system puts out one of the most powerful (seven amps) and long-duration sparks of any electronic ignition system apart from magnetos. If anyone wants to take a look at the ignition setup please feel free to come and have a look and pick up a brochure at the Main Event, or E-Mail the team for details at teammhftravel@pspsolutions.co.uk.

"We know that we are running a small cubic inch engine at 357, but the Cleveland was always meant to be a powerful engine. Two 8.9s and one 8.8 at around 147-149 mph while still tuning has given us some answers we were looking for. The performance figures and testing will help us when we install the 385 stroker at the beginning of June."

Team MHFTravel's sponsor, holiday and travel community My Holiday Friends, are currently running a competition to win a digital camera. To enter, readers need only to register (free) as a member of My Holiday Friends at www.myholidayfriends.com. "As a member you will be able to read and post messages on the boards and qualify for our constantly updated and new Competitions and Prize Draws", says Paul. "Members also receive regular updates on Holiday and Flight Discounts before they are made publically available."

Scary Auction page.
19th May: As promised by Richard Gipp on Monday, a web page is now available containing details of the items which will be on auction at the FIA Main Event to benefit UK Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head.

You can view the auction page by clicking here, or by clicking on the Auction for Scary link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

If you cannot attend the FIA Main Event but would like to bid for an item then E-Mail bids are being received up to midnight UK next Wednesday, 26th May. For details on how to bid, see the Auction page.

If you would like to donate an item for auction then please send an E-Mail to Heather Bond at heather@bondh.fsworld.co.uk.

Seven PMs, and it's not a race.
18th May: Amongst the seven Pro Mod racers taking part in pre-FIA Main Event testing at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend are the last four NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified Champions. Roger Johansson, Håkan Nilsson, Patrick Wikström and Micke Gullquist will all be taking part in Saturday's Professional Test, which is open to the public.

"We need to test things and get some training to get in shape for the Main Event", says Micke Gullquist. "I need some more seat time in the car, which I only drove a couple of times at the end of last year".

Håkan Nilsson opened his account at the Big Bang VW event at Santa Pod a few weeks ago and despite the rain attempting to spoil things recorded a run in the 6.8s with the chutes out not far after half track. "This will be a great opportunity to test some more before the Main Event", he says. "I hope that the weather is better than when we were over in England a couple of weeks ago and that there are less magic mushrooms in the pits! We will continue our top secret research and we are really looking forward to it". Håkan is unwilling to divulge his secrets but assures us that it's all related to drag racing.
©Eurodragster.com
Patrick Wikström, who is returning to the track this season, has a new blown-alcohol engine to test after an initial outing at the Spring Nats at Gardermoen. "We will be leaving for England today and will be away for two weeks", he says. "We will start with some sixty foot and half-passes, and maybe a full run on Sunday if things look good."

2003 NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified Champion Roger Johansson is packing two engines which he has only run once before, at the Spring Nats at Gardermoen. "These engines are more powerful, so we need to find a clutch and chassis set-up to get down the track in a decent manner", he says.

Fellow Pro Mod racers Henri Joosten, Marc Meihuizen and Robert Koper are also scheduled to test at the Professional Test at Santa Pod on Saturday as well as Micke Kågered and Jöran Persåker (Top Fuel Dragster), Urs Erbacher (Top Methanol FC), Magnus Hansson (Pro Stock) and Vesa Rautio (Pro Stock Bike). On the Sportsman side Gino Bernadine (Pro ET), Chris Isaacs (Pro ET), Mark Ramplee (Super Gas) and Michael Lacey (Pro ET) are all booked-in.

Spectator entry to Santa Pod Raceway for Saturday's Professional Test, which is also a Street Machine Street Racer Saturday, is £12 and not £10 as originally stated. Eurodragster will be reporting live from both the Professional Test and Sunday's Run What You Brung in association with American Car Imports; stay tuned for more details later this week.

Don't forget that you can read all about European Pro Mod racing on the very professional European Pro Mod Association web site at www.promod.nu.

Malmgren's Grand arrival.
18th May: There is plenty of work going on at the workshop of 2003 FIA European Pro Stock Champion AC Delco/Malmgren Racing where Michael Malmgren and his team are working to prepare their new Pontiac Grand Am for next week's FIA Main Event.

"We got the container last Thursday, thanks to Air Sea Logistics", says team member Magnus Cato. "We have been pretty busy getting all the stuff out of the container and organising it. Everything was fine, no damage at all. The Pontiac is up on its jacks and right now we are servicing the rear end and clutch, and the Pro Source stickers are coming off in favour of the AC Delco stickers.
©Eurodragster.com
"The guys are leaving next Wednesday, Roger and Matte are driving the bus to England. I'm staying at home so it will be a nailbiter sitting out this round. I know what the team and the car can do so I'm pretty confident about it, but I will miss the people at the track, and the cheers when the scoreboard reads something like 6.87/201!"

Swift snippets.
18th May: Andy Frost's forum at www.redvictor1racing.co.uk is being updated with news on the condition of Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Wayne Saunders, who suffered a top end crash at Shakespeare County Raceway on Sunday. Wayne is currently recovering from surgery on one of his legs but is in good spirits and has reportedly been enquiring about the eventual outcome on Sunday. You can read more, and leave a Get Well message for Wayne, on Frosty's forum.

UK Super Pro ET racers Roger and Dave Moore are hoping for better luck at the Main Event. "After breaking the prop shaft and damaging the axle at Easter, then melting a plug and damaging some valves at Shakespeare County Raceway - that was the reason for the nitrous explosions on the last run - all the damage has been sorted out", says Roger. "I am looking forward getting back racing, the entry for all classes looks very good."
©Eurodragster.com
We were very sorry to hear from Swedish Pro Stock Bike racer Anders Larsson that he will not be at the FIA Main Event. "We'll be starting our season at the Nitro Nationals at Alastaro", says Anders. "We have updated all the old crap, so you won't be disappointed in the performance of the mean green machine this year!". You can find Anders' web site at www.alracing.com.

Web site updates.
18th May: The Racebilder web site at www.racebilder.nu has been updated with Patrik Jacobsson and Andreas Larsson's pictures from Sunday's drag race in Arvika in western Sweden.
©Eurodragster.com
Aasen optimistic.
17th May: Norwegian Supertwin racer Ronny Aasen says that he is set fair for next week's FIA Main Event after putting in test passes at the Excitement Nationals and the Speedfreaks Ball.

"We are optimistic", says Ronny. "The answers the engine gave us at the Speedfreaks Ball were positive, it seemed very strong and smooth-running. It felt really good to do 6.96/199 at the Speedfreaks Ball in those conditions (12-13 celsius). Let's hope we get a nice warm summer weekend at the Main Event (hear, hear - Ed).
©Eurodragster.com
"We still have some work to do on the settings on our new prototype 'Boss' clutch, but we arrive at Santa Pod next Tuesday, so we have plenty of time."

Koedam Racing Spedfreaks review.
17th May: 2003 FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike Champion Roel Koedam's first event of the year was again the Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway, writes Crew Chief Marius van der Zijden. "Running for the third year in a row, it seems that organiser Martin Hill has created a successful formula with this event, held only a few weeks in advance of the first FIA/UEM Championship round", says Marius. "In the first place its the annual festival for all kinds of jet powered vehicles. Secondly it features a shootout between a selected number of supercharged nitro Top Fuel Bikes (four cylinders) and their big inch nitro-injected twin-cylinder counterparts. To top off the event there is a Run What You Brung ranging from super fast street legal-bikes to uhhh...a bike covered in teddy bears.

"Its not only fun to participate at this event, but it also gives an excellent opportunity to do some first testing after the winter break. Alhough the weather forecast showed nothing but rain showers for the entire weekend, we still made the trip to England. On Saturday the air temperature was around 14C and it rained till about 14.00. After that it remained dry for the rest of the day. We made our first shot at 17.00. Of course the first run of the year is always a check-out pass to see if all is well, everything looked fine on the bike after this pass. Our second and last pass of day one was in the early evening at 20.00. Roel was on and off the throttle a few times with the bike wriggling all over the place (due to not optimal track conditions). Still it was a reasonable 6.8-second pass.

"Next day was dry all day long - you never trust your weatherman, do you? - and the air temperature was just one or two degrees higher. Though still too cold for the time of year, it was a little more comfortable. In our third and last qualifying shot for the shoot out final, either we were too greedy or we overestimated the traction. Anyway the result was loss of traction right from the line and Roel had to abort this run. Still we qualified for the final shootout round against Norwegian Top Fuel Harley rider Ronny Aasen. Again we had a lot of traction problems, but still we managed to cross the finish line before our opponent, taking home the first victory of the year. The ET on that run was a decent 6.5 (with an early click-off and still low on nitro).

"Probably the best of all is that when we checked the bike over at the end of the race meeting, it showed zero per cent leak down on all four cylinders! The Zodiac Puma looks to be in even better shape than last year. Considering our piston ring problems of last year, where the leak down became worse and worse each run, it gives us a lot of confidence for the new season. If this is a sign of things to come, we might be going to have a whole lot of fun. Well, lets not jump into conclusions and see what the future has in store for us.

"The next event will be the first round of the European Championship also at Santa Pod on 28th-31st May. Track conditions are expected to be a lot better because of the presence of a lot car classes. If the weather is as bright as last year, we can expect to see some great runs in all classes. We also like the work being carried out at this moment on the addition of a new safety wall at the right-hand side of the run-off area. It will add to the safety of the track and hopefully will shield against the sometimes-dangerous cross winds."
©Eurodragster.com
More on Scary auction.
16th May: UK Pro Stock Bike racer Richard Gipp has been in touch to tell us more about the auction which is to be held at the FIA Main Event to benefit Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head.

"We came up with the idea in conjunction with Martin Newbury", says Richard. "It came out of the usual couple of beers in the pub. Martin is putting up a limited-edition 1/19-scale Dave Shultz Hayabusa Pro Stock bike amongst other things, I have already had a mail from Dave Bailey who has a seven inch slick-tyred three-spoke GSXR wheel, Paul Watson is I believe donating some dyno time, Ian King has some T-shirts and the NHRA PC Drag Racing game, Eurodragster is going to do us a framed print of Scary.
©Eurodragster.com
"As Heather mentioned yesterday we are also asking for racers to offer a day working with their team, whether bike or car, for auction to fans. If anyone would like to donate a day's team experience then please get in touch with H."

Swift snippets.
16th May: Jon Best has been in touch to wish Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Wayne Saunders his best wishes after his accident at Shakespeare County Raceway yesterday. "Everyone involved in CCSE would like to see Wayne back in the driving seat when he's recovered so get well soon Wayne", says Besty. "He has amazing driving talent and is a credit to the class. Can I also say how sorry I am to hear about the the damage to the '56. I hope we see both Wayne and John Hales back at the track doing what they do best, very soon". We're sure that everyone will join Sharkman and Tog in echoing Besty's sentiments.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
16th May: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with the post-Mid May Madness points standings in the Nordic Drag Racing Series. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
The Nitro Burners fan site at www.nitro-burners.com has been updated with pictures from the weekend's American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway.

Auction for Scary.
16th May: Heather Bond has been in touch to ask for racers' help with an auction to be held at the FIA Main Event to raise funds for Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head who was badly injured in a top end crash at the Easter Thunderball. As well as bike parts, H is hoping to auction to fans days with race teams.

"The auction will be two-handed, as Richard Gipp is organising a parts sale with donations of bike parts from fellow racers", says H. "I would like to appeal to racers to donate a day with their team, to be auctioned by either John Price or Graham Beckwith during any spare time over the Main Event weekend. Richard Gipp has already volunteered - and I didn't even have to twist his arm! Hopefully it will be a good-sized list.
©Eurodragster.com
"Any racers with parts to donate for the auction can get in touch with me at heather@bondh.fsworld.co.uk.

"Dave called me yesterday and the girl's doing real good. I think she's going to have a go at getting out of bed sometime next week, which is fantastic!"

You know what to do folks, and don't forget to bring your wallet to the Main Event...

Saunders in top end crash.
16th May: Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Wayne Saunders has been taken to hospital after a 165 mph crash in John Hales' '56 Chevy at the American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson. The Chevy crashed at the top end in a pairing with Steve Pateman. "The track's safety workers were quick to respond and were rolling to the incident before Wayne's stricken car had come to rest in the nearby field", says Jerry. "Wayne has now been taken to Warwick Hospital with a suspected broken shoulder and left femur."
©Eurodragster.com
Main Event snippets.
16th May: Denmark's 2003 FIA European Top Methanol FC Championship runner-up Dan Larsen is hard at work fitting recently-arrived new parts to his FC before departing for England. The FC has also been repainted. You can see pictures of the work in progress on Dan's web site at www.funnycar.dk.
©Eurodragster.com
French Top Fuel Bike racer Eric Teboul has made some big modifications to the engine of his bike including new pistons, new Vortex cylinder head, new manifold, new gear box ratio, new exhaust pipe and new fuel system. "The changes are made, but I won't be testing before the race so I hope it's good for the Main Event", he says.

Grateful Grumps.
16th May: UK Pro Stock Bike racer Paul 'Grumpy' Watson has asked us to pass on his thanks to Dave and Charlotte Beck for giving up their weekend to help him to locate a gremlin in his gearbox. "They do not have a lot of free time due to Dave's long hours at work and his USA race commitments", says Grumps. "As always Charlotte did the gearbox and Dave did the dinner...don't forget that if you need any parts from the States, contact Dave on 07771 652139 or E-Mail beck.racing@virgin.net."
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
16th May: Many thanks to our good friend Bill Baird for sending us a couple of Windows Wallpaper files of 2003 FIA European Pro Stock Champion Michael Malmgren in action in his new Pontiac Grand Am in the USA. There are two pictures; to set a picture as wallpaper, load it up then right-click and select Set as wallpaper or Set as background depending upon your Windows version. Click here for the first wallpaper file, and click here for the second wallpaper file.

The official web site of Germany's Kath Brothers Pro Mod and Comp Eliminator team has been updated with pictures of the great new paintjobs on the cars. Check it out at www.kathbros.de.
©Eurodragster.com
Stanley 'Big Stan' Mellström has updated his personal web site at www.bigstan.se with pictures of yesterday's Mid May Madness at Västerås.

Dave Nelson's video clips of some of the highlights of last weekend's Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway are now available both on the event's official web site at www.speedfreaksball.co.uk and the Fireforce Jet Funny Cars web site at www.fireforce.co.uk.

Eurodragster News Editor Tog has updated his personal web site Tog's Drag Racing Page with just over one hundred pictures from the Excitement Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can view Tog's pictures at www.togsdragracing.com/2004excitementnationals.

Hellas DRC hold first event.
15th May: On Thursday the new Dragster Racing Club of Hellas (DRC) held a Test Event, which was part of DRC's preparations for the first drag race of the 2004 Championship, writes Elias Vathias. "This test event was held at the Megara track and it was a success!", says Elias. "During this test event, DRC was able to test its new timing equipment, a Race America XL Pro system (right) and a brand-new scoreboard. This is the first time in Hellas that a drag racing club has bought and used a scoreboard.
©Eurodragster.com
"The new DRC consists of many drag racers and fans and has been working hard on the safety and technological equipment of drag races which are held here in Hellas. The first drag race of the year will be held at the military airport of Tripolis on 22nd-23rd of May."

Bailey adds nitrous (again).
15th May: UK Funny Bike and Super Street Bike racer Dave Bailey has discovered the reason behind his Scalded Cat Pro Mod Bike's uncontrollable drift to the right. "The snapped wheelie bars (for that was the reason) are being repaired", says Dave. "Hopefully this means that I can resume the quest for larger nitrous settings at the next ACU round.

"I only managed a couple of passes on the Brutefarce Super Street Bike at the Speedfreaks Ball before shredding the Mickey Thompson to the canvas. This showed me that a) Saturdays track wasn't up to my seven-second nitrous setting, b) that the gearbox is fixed, and c) that the 250 bhp of nitrous I was injecting is 'safe as houses'!

"I'll have the Super Street Bike out again at the Main Event and will be testing the theory that no more than 300 bhp of nitrous is required to run 9.90. I expect to cross the line before my opponent but lose the race due to my incompetent two-second reaction times...

"Glad to see you're on the mend Scary! A big GOOD BOY!! to Mark Fisher and Steve Vegetables"

New FIA/UEM TV contract.
15th May: Power Racing Promotions Ltd, part of the Power Racing Group, and the company which organises the FIA European Drag Racing Championship and UEM European Drag Bike Championship, has made organisational changes to the television production beginning in the 2004 season, writes Santa Pod Raceway PR Caroline Day.

"A new TV production company will produce the television shows for this season", says Keith Bartlett, CEO of Power Racing Promotions Ltd and promoter of the Championships. After six years of working with Image Wizard TV Keith Bartlett, in his role as Executive Producer, took the decision to contract a new TV production company to produce the television shows from this year. This was due in the main to Image Wizard TV pursuing a different direction in 2004, and therefore unable to commit in full to this season. This decision was taken in the best interests of the Championships. The new TV Production company will continue the good work done by Russ Malkin over the past years.

The new company, SunSpot Productions Ltd, has been formed by two of the main people who have been responsible for producing all the shows over the past thirty six months under Image Wizard TV. These are Editor Miland Suman and Production Manager Faraz Hasan. In addition other staff have been recruited, all of whom have experience with producing drag racing television shows. Keith Bartlett will remain the Executive Producer.

"I am very confident that not only will we have the same continuity of production and television shows, but it is the intention of the new production team, along with myself, to look to improve the shows in several areas", says says Keith Bartlett. Director Miland Suman said "The drag racing programmes have been historically produced on the analogue television format. Taking the production from analogue to digital is going to raise the production standard in line with other major motorsport TV programmes".

Producer Faraz Faz Hasan said "The European Championships have gone from strength to strength year on year. For me it's about bringing the emotion to the screen and that can be summed up in one race at the final event last year - Smax Smith v Micke Kågered, in Top Fuel; when you're rooting for both drivers thats when you know what the sport is all about!"

SunSpot Productions will improve the quality of the TV Production, resulting in a superior TV show compared to previous years. They will seek to make changes to the support and back-up procedures, for better communication with the teams and track promoters.
©Eurodragster.com
Veidec Nitro Festival entry.
15th May: Fredrik Ström of Motor Events Sweden AB has been in touch to let racers know that entry forms for July's Veidec Nitro Festival at Mantorp Park are now available on the event's new official web site at www.nitrofestival.com/forms.htm, and on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se/nerladdning.html.
©Eurodragster.com
"The Veidec Nitro Festival web site at www.nitrofestival.com is still somewhat under construction, but will be finished in the next few days", says Fredrik. "It is in English only. Teams and spectators can hopefully find all vital information about the event on the site."

Swift snippets.
15th May: Many thanks to Jim Broome and Geoff Martin for alerting us to the fiftieth birthday of Robin Read who was last seen racing in one of Knut Söderquist's Top Fuel Dragsters. "Robin's stress ECG will make him puff a bit harder from here on in", says Geoff. "A large party is planned tonight, I hope it's a blast". We're sure that all of our readers will join Sharkman and Tog in wishing Robin the very Happiest of Birthdays.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
15th May: The official web site of the European Pro Mod Association at www.promod.nu has been updated with pictures and gossip from the workshop of Swedish Pro Mod racer Freddy Fagerström.
©Eurodragster.com
Upton in race to the Fives.
 14th May: On a cool, autumn evening at a Western Sydney International Dragway street meeting, ex-pat Brit Jay Upton (right, picture ©Lee Davis, click on picture for larger version) raised the standard of Australian Top Fuel Motorcycle performance with a stellar 6.192/219.86 that had the vocal crowd cheering, writes Dragster Australia Editor Mick Withers.

The meeting was held on a track that could be safely described as unprepared, the Top Fuel Dragsters that were in attendance all had trouble hooking up. Upton made unspecified changes to his bike in what he described as, An experiment that I couldnt normally try during qualifying or eliminations". The obviously ecstatic racer and his whole crew were still wandering around their mobile workshop with half-watermelon grins two hours after the run, I thought wed run a high teen by the end of the weekend but now weve started where I thought wed end up! As a sideline, Jay laughingly pointed out, I believe that this is the first time ever that a bike has set Low ET and Top Speed at an Australian meeting!

Here are the weather conditions and incrementals on the run that moves Upton into the number ten spot on the list of Top Bike quickest runs, displacing Tommy Smith by 0.001!

Air Temperature: 13 deg. Celsius/55.4 deg. Fahrenheit
Humidity: 48%
Abs. Barometric Pressure: 29.04
Track Temperature: 17 deg. Celsius/62.6 deg. Fahrenheit

Right Lane - K&N Performance Filters Lane
Reaction: .633
60 Foot: 1.074
330 Foot: 2.765
660 Foot ET: 4.075
660 Foot Speed: 189.87 mph/305.56 kmh
1000 Foot: 5.205
1320 Foot ET: 6.193
1320 Foot Speed: 219.86 mph/353.82 kmh

Top Bike Quickest runs (As at 13-05-04)
Larry McBride (USA) 5.876/244.74
Ron Webb (USA) 6.04/228
Roel Koedam (NL) 6.046/235.89
Elmer Trett (USA) 6.06 (long before anyone else)
Tony Lang (USA) 6.08
Brian Johnson (GB) 6.10/231.96
Chris Hand (USA) 6.12 (I think)
Peter Svensson (SWE) 6.14
Sverre Dahl (NO) 6.147/236.52
Jay Upton (AUS) 6.192/219.86
Tommy Smith (USA) 6.193/219.86
Doug Vancil (USA) 6.282/226.54
Mark Conner (USA) 6.33/225
Charley Karling (SWE) 6.361/221.52
Steve Stordeur (USA) 6.37
©Eurodragster.com
Ask Turner Racing.
14th May: Further to Wednesday's news item about UK Top Methanol Dragster team Turner Racing's plans to make the FIA Banquet in Monaco this year, team PR Sarah Foster has been in touch with more of the team's aspirations.
©Eurodragster.com
"Whilst waiting for the rain to stop during the Excitement Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway, we asked the team what they each wanted for this season", says Sarah. "Here is what they said:
  • John Foster, Clutch: "Just win every race"
  • Steve Billing, Top End: "I want you to run consistent 5.30s without having to change any springs"
  • Rick Gowan, Clutch: "I've been doing this for three years now, I think I'd better ask Steve how it goes back together!"
  • Sarah Foster, PR: "When the lights burn down and the green light glows I want to see Carmel jump and scream when the win light shows"
  • Simon Bishop, Bottom End: "View from the bottom end department is that we are hoping to keep the eight hotrods on the straight we will see how the season PANS out but OIL think we will be clean, quick and with the Championship"
  • Steve Turner, Crew Chief: "I want Rob to hear over the race radios the words 'Yer git te wan' which Rob will know means 'You have got the win light, well done bros'"
  • Carmel Turner, Team Manager: "No torn chutes and plenty of celebrations on the line"
  • Rob Turner, Driver: "No shake, fast runs, good lights"
  • David Rothschild, Team Sponsor, Netcall Telecom: "It has got to be better than last year"
Mixed weekend for Veidec PSBs.
14th May: The Veidec Racing Pro Stock Bike team had a good and bad weekend at Gardermoen last weekend, where they were using the Spring Nats for some more early-season testing.

"It was a very good weekend for Roger Pettersson with the new Suzuki TL1000R", says Crew Chief Roger Lyrén. "He did three runs on low rpm because the track was not very good this time. His best sixty foot was 1.19 and we started as low as 7600 rpm to get the bike to leave the line. We set up the bike with a smaller sprocket with two less teeth in the back just to take out some torque and also to keep the rpm down. We did one full throttle pass and did a 7.45/293 on that, lots of tyre spin. The new airbox in the TL1000R worked really well, we got 20% more pressure in the airbox at the finish line than with the old body, so this is very promising.
©Eurodragster.com
"Helen Curran made four passes and had big problems with the clutch. It was totally black after each run, but we found the problem and scored a good 1.18 sixty foot in the last attempt, the problem was the pressure plate.

"Since the team now has four different nationalities - Sweden, Norway, England and Italy - there will sometimes be lots of discussions because the mentalities are so different. But this is also a challenge and we get lots of inputs from all the team together so I think that we can get some good results when we have all the members trained.

"We will not attend the Professional Test before Main Event, because it is hard to get that much time off work. I am really locking forward to the Main Event, with thirteen Pro Stock Bike entries it will probably be the fastest bump spot ever."

Swift snippets.
14th May: Al Booker tells us that UK Top Methanol FC racer Doug Ripley has had a lot of enquiries about the paintjob on his CC Racing TMFC (right). "For those who are interested, I designed and airbrushed it freehand", says Al who is an old chum of Doug's. "It took around sixty hours and cost less than you'd think. John from Beautiful Bodies kindly lacquered it up for us". Al is always happy to talk paint at albooker@btopenworld.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
14th May: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with the points standings in the Nordic Drag Racing Series after the weekend's Spring Nats at Gardermoen. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
Smax gets the full set.
13th May: If you were tuned in to Eurodragster News on 8th April then you will have read that 2003 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Smax Smith had secured the funds to contest the FIA Main Event, but that he was still working on more funding to contest the rest of the 2004 season. Smax has this afternoon revealed to Eurodragster that he has now acquired the funds to contest the entire 2004 FIA European Championship tour.

"It's brilliant news!", says Smax. "I am now able to commit to doing the entire Championship and I am on a mission to retain my title! The Championship has never been won by a rookie before, and I did that; it's never been successfully defended before, so I'm going to do that this time!"

Smax will be contesting 2004 in Knut Söderquist's 'red' Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster, although it will not be red for much longer since it is currently in the paint shop to receive a new colourscheme with the help of American Car Sales company Yank Wheels. Help also comes from Starchild UK, who manufacture toys for children with special needs, Allthreads, and the Battery Shop. The identity of a sponsor will be revealed shortly.
©Eurodragster.com
"The car already has all of this year's upgrades", says Smax. "It has a new rear axle, a new fuel system and lots of other stuff! Anything less than a 4.8 won't do this year - you have to be in the 4.8s to cut it! Looking at our incrementals last year we were on course for 4.8s on several of our runs before plugs spat or something like that happened. My team of Ian, Stuart, Richard, Scotch Rob, Alan, Ray, Brian and my Team Manager Paul Townsend got together last weekend and we did some major work on the car. Yes, even Paul is getting his hands dirty this year! Of course Alan Jackson will be overseeing the tuning, he has some special tricks ready for us, and Spikey Sparky will be overseeing the clutch. And Knut's given me my own trailer!"

As things stand Smax will not be testing before the FIA Main Event, although he would like to do so. "We have the bare minimum of funding we need to contest the entire Championship", he says. "This will affect the number of qualifying passes we will be able to make, and also means that I can't afford to test next weekend. I am still talking to potential sponsors to add more - with guaranteed wide TV coverage everyone wins! If anyone would like to come on board then please get in touch."

Scary update IX.
13th May: If you were tuned in yesterday you will have read that Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head was due to move hospitals soon. Heather Bond has been in touch as promised to let us know that Scary was moved yesterday.
©Eurodragster.com
"Sarah is now settled in at York Hospital", says H. "She made the journey by ambulance yesterday. She is on ward 28, and Dave has asked me to let people know that visiting is from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm."

You can find more details about York Hospital, including a map, at www.yorkhealthservices.org.

We are still maintaining the page of Get Well greetings for Scary, which you can view by clicking here; if you would like to add your own greeting then drop us a line at news@eurodragster.com.

Erbacher fills the bison.
13th May: 2003 FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Champion Urs Erbacher's Fat Attack FC is back in its workshop in Arlesheim after an official presentation in the Grand Casino in Berne and other exhibitions in Germany and Urs' native Switzerland (right, click on image for a larger picture of the FC).

"Last weekend the Fat Attack Drag Race Team - or at least part of it, as Urs had to join the Harley Davidson Love Ride in Zurich - celebrated the end of the skiing season with a great sunny ski weekend in Samnaun in Switzerland", says team member Andrea Wucher. "We definitely had a lot of fun, but now we want to go racing again. We can talk about skiing again in October.
©Eurodragster.com
"Next Saturday we will fire up the 'Beauty' and hope that it sounds 'beastly' and strong. We are ready for the new season and will be at the Professional Test. Part of the crew will stay in England until the Main Event, and the not-so-important people like the cook, the team administrator and organizer, the clutch men and some more non-paying spectators will follow before the FIA Main Event. Our crew is the same as last year: never change a winning team.

"The number 1 looks great on the car, and there is only one goal this year: defend it. We are scheduled to do the whole FIA Tour including the traditional campground holiday at Karlstad. We are really looking forward to meeting our fellow racers again, watching amused as they do the 'No I am not interested in your new parts and I'm not looking' walk past the pits, and sharing some great moments together.

"Our truck and trailer have had a facelift, and we have a new team logo. It is a bison, and not a buffalo - if you don't want to get in trouble with a long-haired, tattooed man you'd better remember that..."

Hal Far upgrades continue.
13th May: Work has been continuing to upgrade Hal Far Raceway to International standard, writes Malta Drag Racing Association President Anthony Borda. With Malta now officially part of Europe, the MDRA hope to host an international race in the not-too-distant future.

"A lot of work has been done in one go, by various people, doing different work at the same time", says Anthony. "We had a sixty metre by twenty metre sand trap installed at the end of the track, as safety requires. Now we have a fully-tarmac'ed paddock area which can hold over two hundred competing vehicles. Now it could be said that we have one of the nicest control towers in Europe too (right, click on picture for a different angle), which is fully equipped with everything needed. A new Portatree timing system was arranged and much more besides such as extended fire-up lanes, toilets and showers in the same building, an office for the Executive Committee, time slip room, and a couple of garages one of which is to be turned into a medical centre later. Everyone visiting Hal Far Raceway compliments us on what has been done lately. Now what we all want to see one day in the future is that we can hold some kind of International drag race on this beautiful, sunny island."
©Eurodragster.com
The unthinkable happened at Hal Far on 24th April when the Quarter Mile event was rained out. Qualifying took place on 25th April, with the event completed on the following weekend. "The weather was like summer on the next weekend and everyone who came to Hal Far saw some great racing and got a good sun tan too", says Anthony. "Although there werent any dragsters competing in this event, the Pro Stock and Classified Altered classes gave the spectators what they wanted to see. There were about 110 competitors competing in various classes, including the Truck Racing and Motorcycle classes. In the car section, the Powerhouse Racing Team achieved some great times once again during this event. Chris Polidano in a Modified Escort with a four-cylinder Cosworth Engine with Nos, tuned by Manty Bugeja, clocked the best ET of 8.2 seconds and won the Open 3 and 4 classes. The best ET of this Altered car is 8.0 seconds, which was achieved last year. Another Powerhouse competitor named Jesmond Mallia, racing a Super Street Escort, clocked an impressive 9.6 seconds with a 2.2 litre Ford OHC with Nitrous, the best ever elapsed time for a Super Street Car. Actually, he now holds the record for this class with a 9.8-second time, since the 9.6 wasnt backed up.

"During this event, the second-best four-cylinder car was that of Edmond Azzopardi, a Sunbeam car fitted with a 2.0 litre Lotus Turbo engine without Nitrous. He clocked an 8.7 best ET during this event and won the CA4 and 5 classes. This Lotus Turbo engine has lots of potential and we will surely see this car running low eights at future events. Another happy competitor is Alan Camilleri of Zoqdis Racing Team, who drives a Pro Stock Sierra with a small block engine with Nitrous. Alan clocked his best-ever time of 8.2 seconds and won the CA 6 class. Alan and his Zoqdi team worked very hard on this car and it finally paid off and made everyone happy after a couple of weekends of hard work. We should see Alan bettering this time since the team and his mechanic are on the right track again on this car. Another Zoqdi competitor and a record holder for a disel-powered car is Lawrence Grixti, who drives a Fiesta FWD fitted with a 1.6 litre Ford diesel engine and assisted with Nitrous. He clocked an impressive 11.8 seconds. Everyone was amazed with this elapsed time, since the power is coming from a diesel. This car is very fast when you consider what its got under the hood.

"In the Truck section, we had Tommy Agius of MaxR Racing Team with his immaculate Volvo truck fitted with a Nitroused 14 litre Volvo engine, winning once again in both Open and Handicap classes and clocking 11.5 seconds runs in the finals. His opponent in the finals was the mighty Noel Vella of EVS Racing Team in his great-looking Sisu Truck which is powered by a Cummins 11-litre Engine. Noel registered 11.7 seconds in the final run of the Open 1 Class. Unfortunately he couldnt make the final of the Handicap class.

"The Executive Committee would like to thank all drivers and owners, and everyone else who made this event a successful one, once again. Our next race will be a night event, which will be held on 10th-12th June. In this event we will see Mr Whippy, Joe Carabott, competing once again. This coming Night Event is expected to be one of the best-ever night events held, and there will be the track official opening on the same day."

Swift snippets.
13th May: Martin Hill, joint organiser of last weekend's Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway, has been in touch to thank everyone who supported the event. "Thank you to everyone, racers and spectators, who came along and endured the very bad weather", says Martin. "We hope to be able to confirm next year's event dates by June, and we will post the news here."
©Eurodragster.com
Tog and Sharkman would like to wish Lex Joon Racing Team Manager, and Lex's partner, Gerda Dijkstra, a very happy birthday. Hopefully Gerda will be able to take a day out from promoting this year's events at Drachten and organising LJR's forthcoming trip to the FIA Main Event to have the very happiest of birthdays, and we are sure that everyone will join us in sending Gerda their best wishes.

Racers' Main Event update.
12th May: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch with a couple of very important announcements for racers about the FIA Main Event, which takes place at Santa Pod on 28th-31st May.

"We cannot accept any more entries for Pro ET", says Paula. "I am waiting on an entry to arrive and that will make thirty two, so no more can be accepted. 9.90 Bike is also getting close to thirty two - if it reaches thirty two then I will have to close that class too. I do know of a couple of other entries to come in from racers who have spoken to me. If any other racers still wish to enter they must contact me first but, if accepted, the late entry fee is in force.
©Eurodragster.com
"Racers should also note that the Friday, 28th May, is an official racing day. Friday will primarily be dedicated to qualifying for Sportsman classes. I'm not sure that all Sportsman racers have picked up on it, but the Friday will be the important day for them in terms of qualifying, weather and track conditions permitting! There are no excuses if you turn up half way through Friday. This is the first four-day meeting, please don't just turn up to set up your pit area on Friday - we will already be racing!"

To keep up-to-date with the official Main Event entry list, which has been updated in the last few hours, click here, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Kelly Ingall of Santa Pod Raceway has also been in touch to remind racers that next Wednesday, 19th May, is the deadline to book discounted hospitality for the FIA Main Event. "We are already filling up and would advise you to take advantage of your racer discount as soon as possible", says Kelly. Click here for more information about Santa Pod's corporate hospitality (PDF format), or for more details and a booking form for racers' discounted hospitality then click here. You can also obtain more details and make bookings by calling Kelly at Santa Pod on 01234 782828 (outside the UK +44 1234 782828).

Carter, Sheavills' brief truce.
12th May: UK Top Fuel Dragster arch rivals Andy Carter and Barry Sheavills are to unite for a one-off truce at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway, writes Carter Motorsport PR John Andrews. "With their battle scars almost healed, both drivers will be greeting fans, fighting over the pens, and autographing the great range of merchandise available at Andy Carters GoTalk pit during the Spring Bank Holiday meeting", says John.

"If you want to meet the two real British heroes of quarter-mile combat, then this is your first and only stop. Both men have held the Championship crown, and both became legends with the first-ever side-by-side 300mph run in European Drag Racing history!

"Barry will not be the only star guest at Carter Motorsport over the weekend. Many sponsors, magazine editors and photo-journalists will also be joining the team as they contest the first round of the European Championship."
©Eurodragster.com
Turners aim for Monaco.
12th May: UK Top Methanol Dragster team Turner Racing hope their 2004 season will not be a repeat of last year, say Rob, Steve and Carmel Turner.

"Let's forget our thirteenth year in Top Methanol, and get some good luck back!", say Rob, Steve and Carmel. "We are really looking forward to the FIA Main Event. Let's hope that we can repeat the 2001 season (when they did the FIA and UK double - Ed), you can be sure we will do our best to be at Monte Carlo again. The team are all eager to get us there and Steve and Rob want this Championship firmly in their grasp. We wish the others all the best, but let' s hope the tide has turned. We know it is not going to be easy, but we wouldnt want it to be - we love racing Dave Wilson, Peter Schöfer and the rest of the class.
©Eurodragster.com
"The sponsors helping us to achieve this goal are, again, Netcall Telecom, Silkolene Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, G-Max Fuels, GRP Rods, and James Lister Hoses. We would also like to welcome CT Autoparts of Rushden. Without their help we would be watching the racing on the internet.

"We will be running a bit of a competition at the FIA Main Event. Listen to the PA announcement or ask for details at our trailer. Lets hope the weather will be good to us. We hope to give you some quick and fast times, I know we will have to. We wish our fellow competitors all the best, but not the win light!"

You can find the official Turner Racing web site at www.turnerracing.com.

Another win for Frost.
12th May: UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Andy Frost is having an enjoyable year so far with victory at the Easter Thunderball and new personal bests already on his card, added to on Sunday by victory in the 0-60 Challenge at York Dragway. Andy kindly gave us the inside story on his win.

"We arrived at the passport control in Doncaster central on Saturday afternoon looking forward to some legendary Yorkshire hospitality", says Andy. "I stayed at John Sleath's to sample the delight of Yorkshire pub grub, and I wasn't disappointed with one of the best steaks I'd had for a long while.Back at John's we discussed the next day's weather and John said "It doesn't rain, here it's god's country". I was hoping he was right but it didn't look good...
©Eurodragster.com
"Arriving at York on Sunday was like going back in a time warp, I hadn't been there since 1992. At least it wasn't raining. The car was scrutineered and we made ready for a first try-out pass. A spinning 3.5 seconds from zero to sixty told us everything we needed to know about the track - it wouldn't take any power at all. We turned all the power and the launch down and still spun the tyres. I came on and off the throttle three times to run a 3.27. That was good enough to win on a day when even low-powered four-wheel drive cars were spinning the wheels. We managed another run but spun the wheels even harder running 3.8 seconds. Rain then stopped play for the day and god soaked us to the skin before we picked up a decent-sized trophy for our troubles.

"Well, another win for us. Can we carry it on for the rest of the season? Who knows. Big thanks to John Sleath for the hospitality, to Crew Chief Tony for driving across the Pennines to get soaked, and to Jon Webster for coming to help us from Rushden in an hour and a half!"

Swift snippets.
12th May: Heather Bond has been in touch again this morning with a further update on Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head. "Sarah is back at Stoke Mandeville as of today but she will be going up north to York hospital later this week", says H. "If anyone would like to see Sarah before her long journey back home they can phone Stoke Mandeville and get through to ward 21 to see if she is still there. I can't be more specific at the moment but it shows that Sarah is well on the mend". We are still maintaining the page of Get Well greetings for Scary, which you can view by clicking here; if you would like to add your own greeting then drop us a line at news@eurodragster.com.
©Eurodragster.com
If you were tuned in last month then you will recall that David Knight Crew Chief for Carolyn Campbell's new Laffin Gas Rocket Dragster (right, click on picture for large version), and Carolyn's partner, was poorly in hospital. We were very pleased to hear from Carolyn that David is on the mend. "Dave has undergone the last of three operations to remove a tumour from his brain stem", says Carolyn. "It has been a long and difficult trip but he's come through with no real damage and a total removal of the tumour. I intend to get him back working on the rocket car ASAP!". If you would like to send a Get Well message to David then drop us a line at news@eurodragster.com and we will pass it on to Carolyn.

Today's issue of the UK's Daily Express newspaper features a colour picture of Ian King's Top Fuel Bike. The picture, taken at Santa Pod, is on page 65 and illustrates a piece about automotive part retailer Halfords, a previous sponsor of Santa Pod Raceway.

Many thanks to Santa Pod Raceway Track Manager Kjell Pettersson for sending us some more pictures of Santa Pod's new shutdown area guardrail under construction (right). The pictures, taken yesterday morning, show that substantial progress has already been made. The pictures show a close-up of the guardrail, a wide-angle view also showing the emergency gate, and the construction crew supervised by SPR's David Lloyd Jones.

The World comes to SCR.
12th May: This weekend's (15th-16th May) American Car World Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway is "Open to anyone with an extremely fast car", says organiser Lee Child. The annual American-themed event, which now incorporates the Doorslammer Internationals, is open to all and offers something for everyone including a unique meeting of the UK's three street-legal series.

The American Car World Nationals features a track prepped to National event standard, and hosts a Run What You Brung open to all; Custom Car Street Eliminator, Street Machine Street Racer Series and the National Street Car Challenge all on the same facility at the same time for the first time ever; a Quick 32 for doorslammers; and a Burnout Contest. Exhibition action features Roger Goring in the Firestorm Jet Funny Car, which recently recorded a new best speed of 250.08 mph; the Supercharged Outlaws; and the Wild Bunch.
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Off the track there is a Show and Shine with trophies for the top five cars, as well as the usual panoply of trade stands and catering. Trophies will also be presented for Best Club, Fastest Carburetted Car and Fastest Car with Electronic Fuel Injection.

Tickets are still available at a discount if you are quick, as the deadline for advance ticket sales is 10:00 pm tonight (Wednesday). Advance tickets are 12 each for Saturday and Sunday, or 20 for the weekend; to book call LA Performance Services' Credit Card Hotline on 01803 554308. Gate prices are 15 each on Saturday and Sunday or 25 for the weekend. Gates open for camping on Friday afternoon.

The strip will be open between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday and 11:00 am and 5:00 pm on Sunday. Run What You Brung fees, for unlimited runs, are 15 per day or 25 for the weekend. A valid DVLC licence and a crash helmet must be presented when signing on. Details on Quick 32 entry will also be available at sign-on.

For more information about Shakespeare County Raceway including a map check out the track's official web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk, and for more details about the American Car World Nationals contact LA Performance Services on 01803 554308.

SPR's two-day weekend.
12th May: Rick Cuthbert of Santa Pod Raceway writes to remind us that Santa Pod Raceway's next Run What You Brung is on Saturday of this weekend, 15th May, as there is a special event on Sunday. "Saturday will be a normal Run What You Brung day for all cars and bikes, and is a great opportunity for racers to get tuned up for the Main Event", says Rick. "For more RWYB details, visit www.rwyb.com.
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"Sunday is Redline magazines annual day at the races, the Redline Rumble. There will be a massive on-track Run What You Brung competition (road-legal cars only please), demo vehicles including the Fireforce 2 Jet Funny Car, and loads of off-track fun too. For more event information check out www.redlinerumble.co.uk."

Web site updates.
12th May: The official web site of 2003 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champions American Car Imports Racing has been updated with a report on the team's off-season US tour. This update is a sad moment for fans of the team as it is the last report to be written by erstwhile Crew Chief Andy Bissett. Andy does not disappoint in this final report, which as usual manages to combine fact and humour in a thoroughly informative and enjoyable package. Check it out under Race Reports at www.americancarimportsracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with photographs from the Excitement Nationals and the Speedfreaks Ball. You can view Sharkman's pictures at www.topendtales.com.

Tweaks work for Manor Racing.
11th May: UK 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike team Manor Racing arrived at the Excitement Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway with re-worked front forks and work to find a possible fault laid with the shift light, writes David Warren who rides the 9.90 Bike. "We think we have solved the problem for the time being, but the jury is out", he says.

"Sefton from SFB 965 Engineering carried out the work on the front forks, which where amazing and leaving us in suspense (no pun intended) to test the new settings. Saturday came and it rained and it rained until racing was called off. Sunday arrived and the weather was better and we finally got out on track for our only qualifier. With a soft launch the timing ticket showed a 10.075/141 which left us number two qualifier. The bike felt really good and gave us some base settings for the next run. The second session became an open practice which netted us a 10.063/142. Monday came and it rained and rained, but it eventually stopped and track crew, racers and crew got the track dry for the first round of eliminations. We did some more tweaking with the suspension and waited to see what would happen. In the first round I was to meet new rider Andy Bird, who had a successful Thunderball 10.90 Bike, and was getting to grips with the differences between the classes. When we finally got to run I took the win with a holeshot and shut-off 10.057/125. I had a bye in the next round which was not run due to the curfew.
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"Manor Racing would like to thank everyone who helped get the track dry when the weather was not playing ball. We would also like to thank our sponsors Straightline Racing, Q8 Oils, Comupay, Dream Glass and SFB 965 Engineering for their continued support and help."

Swift snippets.
11th May: If you were tuned in over the winter then you will recall that Swiss Top Methanol FC racer Dezsoe Krivan lost his entire operation in a workshop fire and followed it up by tearing ligaments in his leg whilst skiing. Team member Steve Wilson tells us that Dez has now had an operation on his leg with the result at right. "As you can see the doctor had him in stitches, and to cap it all Dez was awake while they were digging around in there and watched it all on the monitor - brave man", says Steve. "The caption reads: The doctor worked in an office before and was not very handy with the stapler, he preferred sellotape!"

We have now posted our Event Coverage index page for the FIA Main Event, which includes a link to the event's official entry list. To keep up-to-date with the official Main Event entry, click here, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
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If you were tuned in to our coverage of the Speedfreaks Ball over the weekend you will have read that the annual Eurodragster v Super Street Bike Dodgem Challenge took place on Saturday night, and that Eurodragster won after the SSB racers were disqualified for using their children as human shields. Shaun Jones sent us a bizarre E-Mail which we are not sure we understand, but this is what he had to say. "Thomas may look only eleven years old but is in fact a twenty seven year old dwarf employed as Phil Pratt's stunt double. Phil is becoming a bit frayed around the edges since hanging with Team Only Fuel and Horses, and is tucked up on the back seat of his Fiat Uno by 12 pm". Answers on a postcard to Shaun, not Eurodragster.

PMR's SPR sojourn.
11th May: With a double entry at the Excitement Nationals, and the FIA Main Event fast approaching, Paul Marston Racing have had their hands full, says Paul Marston.

"I competed in both Pro ET and Super Street at the Excitement Nationals", says Paul. "Grumpy's Dodge performed very well and presented no real problems over the weekend; this set us up well for our ever-increasing schedule which kicks off on 22nnd-23rd May, the weekend prior to the FIA Main Event. The Drag Race Driving School has pupils booked into both School cars that weekend, then we have the FIA Main Event itself which is four days for the first time. In effect Paul Marston Racing is living at Santa Pod for the best part of eleven days; it doesnt get much better than that!
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"The Driving School and Passenger Ride Experience is growing at a steady, manageable rate which allows us to attempt to fit in with people's individual schedules. With the School now in its second year we are seeing a very welcome increase in enquiries from veteran ex-Drag Racers who are now realising that they can once again compete without all the expense and additional work involved in putting the old team back together, buying another race car etc. These guys know what is involved and what it takes; with their past experience they can complete a driver familiarisation course and then once re-licensed enter a National Event. With the package price, this is a very attractive proposition and is proving quite popular. On this note we are once again looking forward very much to the return of Dave Gibbons, who will once again be the shoe for the PMR Alien Altered at the FIA Main Event, competing in Super Pro ET.

"On a finishing note I think some people will be surprised to see exactly who we will have driving Grumpy's Dodge during this season, I must admit that we are!"

The Paul Marston Racing web site at www.paulmarstonracing.com has full details of both the Driving School and the Passenger Ride Experience.

Web site updates.
11th May: As if he wasn't busy enough looking after the new addition to his family, Showtime Fuel FC team member Chris Dossett has updated the team's official web site with a report from last week's Excitement Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. Don't miss the riveting pictures at www.showtimeracing.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
SPR goes to the wall.
 10th May: Work commenced today on the new guardrail on Santa Pod Raceway's shutdown area, with the installation of the exit gate for emergency services (right, click on picture for different view). The 430-metre concrete guardrail is to be installed at SPR during this week, on the right-hand side of the track which was previously open to a field.
©Eurodragster.com
"The emergency gate is the same as that used in the USA", Santa Pod's Track Manager Kjell Pettersson told Eurodragster. "It will be fronted with a steel plate with the concrete rail either side. The gate can be opened very quickly indeed by one member of the safety crew. As I speak the contractors are setting up the forms to pour the concrete on the sides of the gate."

Kjell said that the pouring should be finished by Thursday, with an additional forty eight hours needed for the concrete to cure. "The weather this week is looking good, but we are starting to construct the wall from the finish line end as a precaution", he said. "This is part of our preparation for the FIA Main Event and also part of our ongoing improvements to Santa Pod Raceway for the safety and benefit of racers."

Speedfreaks Ball/Spring Nats results.
9th May: 2003 FIM/UEM European Top Fuel Bike Champion Roel Koedam took the win in the Top Fuel v Supertwin shootout at the Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway. Racing against Ronny Aasen, Roel recorded an early shut-off 6.527/190.82 to Ronny's 7.650/181.60.

Super Street Bike racers Mark Fisher and Steve Venables also made headlines with passes of 8.078 seconds and 186.00 mph respectively whilst amongst other highlights spectators were also treated to a best of 6.204/172.34 from Eric Teboul on his Rocket Bike and two side-by-side passes by Martin Hill and Tony Baker in the Fireforce Jet FCs.

You can view our American Car Imports-sponsored end-day reports and Photo Galleries by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
©Eurodragster.com
Meanwhile our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have also been covering this weekend's NDRG Spring Nats at Gardermoen. You can view Svensk Dragracing's Spring Nats reports and results at www.dragracing.se, with pictures to follow.

Down under with Team MHFTravel.
8th May: After a wet weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway and terrible tuning problems with the Mailkey dragster, UK Super Pro ET racer Paul Harvey and his team gathered enough data to go away and resolve some of the issues.

"The mechanical stability and consistency of the engine modifications undertaken on the Cleveland Motor and tested over the past couple years racing with the Wild Bunch are now proving themselves", says Paul. "We are still disappointed that the expected power increases of the new engine additions have not materialised. But we now know why! One of the biggest difficulties in racing is accepting that the racing parts you buy do not necessarily mean that you will go quicker and faster immediately. The hardest thing for us as a team is knowing that a year ago a combination of parts, and honestly almost stock Cleveland Engine internals, was capable of running consistent high eights. There were many people including ourselves who could not believe it.
©Eurodragster.com
"Data gathered over the past few meetings has pointed us in the right direction and hopefully we will be raising a few eyebrows when we show at the Main Event. We intend to be getting some track time at the Wild Bunch round at Shakespeare County Raceway next weekend, and we will be testing the latest updates to the car which include a track-proven racing igntion system from Australia. CHIheads.com and iceignition.com.au have been a great help in tuning the car this year. The CHI 3V Alloy heads (suitable for Cleveland and Windsor motors) and now a complete HEI Race Ignition system should light up the methanol fuel and give us the power we were missing.

"Further to our engine deal with Dave Storlien of CHI USA and Porting Dynamics, we can happily report that the Alloy Cleveland block is having some major internal work completed to bring the capacity to 410 ci in preparation for the JEGS Engine Masters Challenge 2004. Team MHFtravel will be attending the finals near New York in October in all confidence that they will see their engine make the final round and hopefully win the challenge. The other news on this subject is the arrival of the Cleveland 385 ci Stroker from Porting Dynamics USA with steel knife edged crank, alloy rods, and special Ross lightweight pistons. Dave Storlien from porting Dynamics said that they can't wait to see how the Mailkey dragster performs with this 9000 rpm monster Cleveland.

"We intend to complete our testing and tuning of the original 357 ci combination, so we can get a handle on all the issues around running the new alloy heads and ignition. Once completed, hopefully straight after the Main Event, the 385 will be installed and tested. We are all looking forward to the next few weeks as the whole deal comes together. Hopefully we can do ourselves and the thirty years young ex-Ray Hoare Turbo Saxon some justice. Watch this space!"

Feature in a feature.
8th May: Dave Hancock of the MSA's magazine Motorsports Now! is seeking a drag racer to feature in a piece for the magazine. You don't get your fifteen minutes for nothing, though.

"I'm setting up a feature for MSN! in which cars and expert drivers will teach people how to drive Sporting Trials cars", says Dave. "They're the coffin-shaped machines that climb steep, grassy slopes. I'm seeking reasonably intelligent drivers from other disciplines to learn how to drive these cars. I have Tim Sugden (race driver) and probably a rally driver. A drag racer would be good a female one even better. Any ideas?
©Eurodragster.com
"It will take place on either 24th or 25th May somewhere in middle England. No payment, just fun and a bit of fame..."

If you are interested then please drop Santa Pod's PR Caroline Day a line at caroline@santapod.fsnet.co.uk or call her on 01234 782828.

Swift snippets.
8th May: UK Super Gas and VW Alternate Engine racer Spencer Tramm's new VW Corrado race car is on display this weekend at the GTi International Show at Bentwaters Park in Suffolk. Spencer's car can be found on the stand of sponsor Big Boys Toys. For more information on GTi International check out the Show's official web site at www.gtiinternational.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Friends reunited.
8th May: The old Kerbdozer/JFDI Drag Racing Team of Mike Kason, Gary J. Alce and Mike Webb are taking part in today's Custom Car Kelsey Cup Enduro Kart at Buckmore Park. "The team is called Old Timers", says Mike. "Guest team members are Carlo Caccaviello and Pistol Pete Caccaviello from Italy. This is the first of these events organised by Custom Car; we have supported them for over thirty years, appearing at the old Custom Car shows at Olympia and Alexander Palace and appearing in the magazine since the early 1970's. It's great to get together with the members of the team, unfortunatly Smax was booked to appear as a guest member of our team but he is working madly with his team this weekend prepping his Top Fuel car for the Main Event."
©Eurodragster.com
Dutch racers wow Curacao.
 7th May: Dutch Super Gas racer Paul Vrind (right) says that the Dutch racers' recent field trip to Curacao has been a great success. "We have had a great time on the island!", he says. "There was a lot of competition but we were able to take two trophies to Holland.
©Eurodragster.com
"Rubert Enjoem managed to take second place in the ET Bracket (click on picture at right) and I got second place in Super Street...I had a red light, grrrr! We had a lot of good response. The people liked our cars and were impressed with our performance. On Sunday night, Eric Pellegrom with his Chevy Nova completely surprised the crowd with a wheelstand which ended around the sixty foot reflectors! The crowd went crazy, they had never seen somebody pulling such a big wheelie on their track. Hopefully we can go back next year: if the sponsors are willing to pay, we will go back.

"We would like to thank Curacao Drag promotions, Hamburg Sud, Curacao Tourism Development Bureau, and of course all the people we have met on the island. We would especially like to thank Clemson Lourens, who came up with the idea of inviting race cars from Holland. We've had the experience of a lifetime!"

Shakey test for Jones and Friend.
7th May: The UK's Jones and Friend Funny Bike team débuted their Suzuki 1428 efi alcohol blowthrough turbo at last weekend's Excitement Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. "The intention was to get track time, which was why we moved over to Competiton Bike", says Dave Friend. "We can just stick to our EFI developement programme.
©Eurodragster.com
"On our first qualifying pass we had a small wiring problem develop during burnout and staging; this was later traced to a bad contact in the master kill switch, so the game plan changed instantly as we knew we needed to qualify. Instead of using the launch control, we decided that Gary would just ride the bike off the line from idle which is 3000 rpm . This resulted in a sixty foot time of 1.31with a very soft setting in the slider clutch - not bad for a twist and go! The video recording showed the bike left straight, but as the boost increased it bike started to drift left. We think that this is being caused by the thrust made by the turbo and the angle of the exhaust. I will make & fit a new exhaust this week to see if we are right about the thrust pushing the bike left. Gary did a nice job of getting the bike back and to the finish line, an 8.61/144. Back in the pits we checked the ECU datalogger recording, this showed that Gary had the throttle totally shut for a full two seconds to correct the drift, and that the turbo had made eight pounds of boost, so the 8.61/144 was a nice base line pass for us to start with and we had qualified fifth. Well that was it for the day, one qualifying pass, then on Monday there was more rain so we decided to pack and return home.

"We would like to thank all our sponsors: Universal Turbos, Extreme Electrical, Worldwide Bearings USA, BEK Wholesale, Ian Carver, SCCC Scooterzone, and Mistral Engineering."

Brown two Perfect.
7th May: Martin Curbishley of Curbishley Automotive has congratulated UK Super Street and Pro ET racer Ian Brown on taking the 50 Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award at last weekend's Excitement Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. Ian clocked a 10.900 in Super Street qualifying on Sunday afternoon, after being about twenty four hours too late to win the award at the Easter Thunderball when he ran 10.950 on a 10.95 dial-in in Pro ET the day after Pete Creswell pulled a 9.900 in Super Gas.
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"Ruth and I would like to congratulate Ian on his perfect ET", said Martin Curbishley. "Given the conditions at the weekend this was a particularly impressive feat. To do it twice in two events takes a special talent, to be honest I'm worried for my cheque book! Well done to all racers at the Excitement Nationals and we look forward to seeing you all at the FIA Main Event."

The Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award has now been reset to 50 for the FIA Main Event.

If you would be interested in having your race vehicle painted by Martin Curbishley then you can contact him by E-Mail at mcbrogieroadster@aol.com or call him on 07812 942097.

Swift snippets.
7th May: Courtesy of Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall we have again posted an updated version of the official FIA Main Event entry list. The changes are almost all in the Sportsman ranks with the entry in certain classes rising dramatically. Click here to view the latest Main Event entry list.
©Eurodragster.com
British Nitro FC Championship Co-ordinator Jim Broome has kindly tipped us the wink that today is the birthday of Showtime Fuel FC Crew Chief Bob Jarrett. We're sure that everyone will join Tog and Sharkman in wishing Bob the very Happiest of Birthdays.

Furlong thrives on pressure.
7th May: 2003 UK National 9.90 Bike Champion Fred Furlong tells us that he felt a certain amount of pressure during the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. Fred obviously thrives on it, as he won the Thunderball and still leads the 2004 Championship after the Excitement Nationals.
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"At the Thunderball I managed a time of 9.938 at 140.22 mph to qualify third in a sixteen-bike field", says Fred. "Eliminations went well with a first round win over Richard 'Boss' Hann on his 1371cc Bandit. Boss pulled two massive wheelies on the start line. A 9.945 run against last year's runner up Steve Coombs was enough to send Steve home to Southend to sort out a clutch problem. In the semi-final a 9.991 run by David Warren was not good enough to beat my slowing 10.021, the race being won on the start line . Paul Coombs' had a fine semi-final win against Wayne Hobbs Hyabusa in the other half of the ladder but suffered wheel bearing problems going through the finish line. As I was unaware that Paul would come to the start line with the same wheel in the final, Paul's only chance would be for me to red light or break out handing him the win. This didn't happen and I ran my best time of the meeting, a slowing 9.917 at 111.89mph.

"I have new sponsors this year in Cooper Avon Tyres and Sunoco Race Fuel, whom I would like to thank for their help."

Easter Thunderball for anoraks.
7th May: For those of you who enjoy the 'Anorak stats' kindly provided by Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe, we are very pleased to present this year's first set, from the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway:
©Eurodragster.com
Blue lights (track clear/Tower ready): 811
Pairs: 630
Single runs: 158
Byes: 23

Total vehicles entered in computer: 1441
Made it to the finish (including Junior Dragsters): 1344
Made it to the quarter mile: 1291

Average ET (not including JDs): 11.533
Average speed (not including JDs): 123.49
Lowest ET: 4.943, Andy Carter
Highest speed: 292.24, Andy Carter
Closest Race of eliminations: 10.90 Bike, Shaun Spiers v Phil Pratt (win), 0.002 or approx. 4.32 inches
Closest qualifying pairing: 10.90 Bike, Dave Burfitt and Shaun Spiers, 0.000
Closest to index/dial-in: Pete Creswell (Super Gas), 9.900 and Ian Brown (Pro ET), 10.950 on a 10.95 dial-in
Best reaction time: Colin Morrice (Junior Dragster), 0.000

Total run time (all cars to reach finish line): 5 hours, 16 minutes, 8.001 seconds

Runs under 5.0 seconds: 1, Andy Carter
Runs under 5.5 seconds: 4, Andy Carter x 3, Lex Joon x 1
Runs under 6.0 seconds: 11
Runs over 250 mph: 3, Andy Carter x 2, Lex Joon x 1
Runs over 200 mph: 16

Andy has also sent us an updated set of timing data from the Easter Thunderball, which you can view by clicking here (Excel format), or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Web site updates.
7th May: UK Pro ET racer Terri Lee has updated her official web site with a report of her year so far, from the appearance of her Blown It Escort Van at the Xtreme Wheels Show to her first competitive outing of the year at last weekend's Excitement Nationals. Check it out at www.terrileeracing.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Scary update, updated.
6th May: Further to yesterday's update about Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head, Heather Bond has been back in touch to let us know that there has been a change of plan in Scary's treatment schedule. Scary is now to be moved from Stoke Mandeville to Stanmore today (Thursday), with her next operation scheduled for tomorrow.
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"Watch this space, and as soon as there is more news I will let you know", says H.

Fresh out of the shop.
 6th May: Our good friends Bill Baird and Magnus Cato kindly sent us a couple of pictures of 2003 FIA European Pro Stock Champion Michael Malmgren's new Pontiac Grand Am fresh out of Jerry Bickel's workshop (right, click on picture for another angle). "The paint was originally set to be in a basic white colour, but Bickel thought it would look even nicer with a white pearl paint, and it is", says Magnus. "The car shines in different nuances when sun hits it, from white to grey metallic. Beautiful!
©Eurodragster.com
"We are now waiting for the Pontiac to arrive in Sweden, it's scheduled to be here next Wednesday. "We'll be getting busy then. Right now the work with the bus and trailer is finished, and we're looking forward to jacking up the new car and checking it out. After the Houston outing some of the guys stayed to test, so the car needs some maintenance to be ready for the FIA Main Event. Due to work commitments I can't participate, but two guys from Guten's team have promised to help us out when we are short on crew, so I want to welcome Roger and Matte on board.

"Otherwise the team looks the same as last year, and we are looking forward to start the new Bob Ingles built engine on Main Event. The block is from our Camaro, but the heads and intake have been replaced with the latest design from Carl Folst Engineering. The dyno numbers are very good and when it's set up for the European fuel rules you should see some very quick and fast time slips."

Veidec PSBs on track.
6th May: Veidec Racing Pro Stock Bike team Crew Chief Roger Lyrén has been working like mad this spring to get everything ready, but he tells us that he is on track as the team head to Gardermoen to test this weekend.

"I just finished both the four-valve and two-valve engines and have updated them both with lots of new stuff", says Roger. "The ex-Öivind Von Essen 1640 cc engine is all new, all parts have been replaced except for the gearbox and the cylinder head. I got some new Web Cam cams from Vance and Hines Motorsport, also the new-style JE Pistons. We have done a few tests on the dyno just to see that it is all working. The two-valve has also got new parts inside: crank, pistons, springs, valves, also some new style cams.

"We will mainly run the four valve engine but will also run the two-valve at some races. Helen Curran has also got for her engine the new style VM Dragracing top ends which we will be testing and developing this year, we will run the 1640 cc and 1570 cc engines. But you never know, maybe Helen will run the two-valve at some events, we'll see.
©Eurodragster.com
"Roger Pettersson will run the new TL1000R from the start of the season, and we will have a totally new paint job finished before the Main Event, I guarantee that it will be a cool paint job. Helen's bike will probably get the new TL 1000R body in Finland, we will see.

"Hopefully we will get some good runs on all of our engines at Gardermoen, those guys always prepare the track extremely well so there should be some good numbers."

Ripley gets the data.
6th May: Cliff Gould, Crew Chief of Doug Ripley's CC Racing Top Methanol Funny Car team, asks if it can get any better after Doug got into the sixes for the first time in his new car at the Excitement Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway at the weekend.

"In the sixes at long last, four PBs on the trot, no damage", says Cliff. "The 6.81 was the first time we used the datalogger, and just to let you know what is to come Doug was only on the throttle for 4.5 seconds, the car left the line with three dropped cylinders, and it was turning the tyres all the way. Seeing all this data will be a great help.

"Yet again I have to thank all the fans and racers for their support, but the bad news is we cannot go the Main Event as we don't have the funds. We're not happy about it but that's the way it is. We will be ready for the SPRC Summernationals in June."

Wilding out but not down.
6th May: Despite a wet Bank Holiday weekend, Sunday saw some good racing for Supercharged Outlaw racer Roy Wilding at the Excitement Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway, writes Angi Wilding. Roy, in his historic Hemi Hunter slingshot, was racing against Mickey Moore in The Mob Fuel Altered, but unfortunately suffered engine damage which has put him out for the rest of 2004.

"It was a privilege to run against Mickey", says Angi. "When Roy first went into racing twenty years ago, Mickey was one of his drag racing heroes and is now a good friend. This was the first time they have raced against each other. On the first pass Roy ran a personal best of 8.250/156, leaving the line at only two thousand revs, and shutting off at a thousand feet. Mickey followed, finishing the quarter mile behind Roy - actually he finished in Roy's lane, Mickey was doing the obstacle course, amazingly avoiding the timing gear. Back in the pits Micky commented that if Roy had a rear view mirror he'd have run a four!
©Eurodragster.com
"On the second pass Mickey made a good stong run of 7.706/180, but Hemi Hunter's burst plate exploded and a con rod let loose, but Roy still ran 8.702/124. We don't know what the final damage is yet, but we've made a decision to sit this season out, as the race car fund has been exhausted for this year. After last year's horrendous flywheel explosion, which caused damage to most of the car, Roy worked around the clock to get it race-ready for this season. The comments which Roy had from people passing in the pits were very complimentary, as the car is looking superb. Over the weekend racers from Sportsman classes to the top end of the sport passed nice comments about the presentation of the car and the set-up, also John Price was very impressed and voiced his comments over the PA, which was appreciated - thanks John.

"Thanks to Paul Bland and partner Sarah, Brian Ghandi - alias 'Dangerous Brian', who will shortly be making his début in his own Supercharged Outlaw car - and all who helped, also thanks to our sponsor Global Lubricants. In the meantime Roy has decided to build me an altered, so I can return to racing in the Wild Bunch - watch out WBer's. We're still not downbeat; as soon as the race fund is healthy (looks like I'll have to get some overtime in) Hemi Hunter will be back."

All set for biggest Speedfreaks.
6th May: This weekend's (7th-9th May) Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway has something for everyone, says joint promoter Martin Hill. The third running of the annual Bike and thrust vehicle festival is the biggest yet.

The on-track action is headed up by a Fuel Bike Shootout featuring 2003 FIM Top Fuel Bike Champion Roel Koedam, 2003 ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Steve Woollatt, and Easter Thunderball Top Fuel Bike winner Steve Carey representing the Top Fuel Bike contingent, and 2003 FIM Supertwin Championship runner-up Ronny Aasen, Ton Pels on his new bike and Rob van Geffen representing the Supertwins. A large contingent of Super Street Bikes and racers from the National Association of Supertwins will be in action with three dedicated sessions on both Saturday and Sunday, and there may be one or two surprise last-minute appearances from other racers.

France's Eric Teboul returns with his Rocket Bike to the site of his first five-second pass, recorded at last year's Speedfreaks Ball, and on the back of a stunning 5.795 at the Easter Thunderball a few weeks ago. "Eric will be making three or four runs over the weekend, and he is aiming for more five-second passes", says Martin Hill. "He may also be bringing along his Top Fuel Bike". Charles Berg will be testing the new Twisted Sanity Rocket Dragster for the first time after the weather spoilt things for him last weekend.

Making his first appearance at an event outside Germany is Roger Kirchner with his Jet Funny Car, whilst Martin Hill and Tony Baker in Fireforce 2 and Fireforce 1 respectively will be putting in single passes each day as well as closing each day with side-by-side races preceded by the Flame and Thunder show in stereo. Also jet-propelled are joint promoter Paul Bailey with his Colossus Jet Trike, Michel Kooy with his unique Pyromania Jet Quad, and Lee McBee with his dual-engined Jet Go-kart. There will be two exhibition sessions on both Saturday and Sunday.
©Eurodragster.com
On the stunts front, SPR regular Terry Grant brings his Legend along to wow the crowds whilst on two wheels stunt rider Paul Gower will be showing his wheelie prowess almongst other tricks. Graham Hicks of Deaf Blind UK will be aiming to reset his own quarter mile record on a new quad.

The track will be open for Run What You Brung on both Saturday and Sunday. "Anything with a bike engine is welcome, along with trikes powered by car engines", says Martin Hill. After the success of last year's dial-your-own brackets organised by John Hackney, they will be running again this weekend. See John at the track for details. The track is open between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm on Saturday and between 10:00 and 5:00 on Sunday.

Off-track, the highlight include a Custom Show with some big prizes sponsored by Backstreet Heroes magazine, with sixty bikes already entered including a number from continental Europe. Three bands will be appearing in the marquee on both Friday and Saturday nights, with lighter entertainment on offer in the bar by the start line. "Paul has convinced them to sell cheap beer for the weekend!", says Martin. A number of fairground rides will be available including the dodgems which were the site of a classic Eurodragster v Super Street Bike challenge at the 2003 Speedfreaks Ball. The usual food court will be open as well as a large number of trading stands.

Camping, including a family area, is available all weekend and there will be twenty four hour security on site.

Gates open at 12:00 on Friday. For ticket prices and more details about the event, check out the official Speedfreaks Ball web site at www.speedfreaksball.co.uk.

Eurodragster will be at the Speedfreaks Ball to report on the Shootout and Exhibition action in association with American Car Imports. We will be posting an end-day report and Photo Gallery on both Saturday and Sunday; the Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam will be on-line all day both days and will be scheduled to post a picture every two minutes.

Swift snippets.
6th May: Further to Tuesday's news item about July's FHRA Nitro Nationals at Alastaro, the NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified entry form can be downloaded by clicking here. You can also download invitation, entry and registration forms from the Finnish Hot Rod Association web site at www.fhra.fi and the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
We are indebted to National Association of Supertwins Championship Co-ordinator Sue Beneke for forwarding us the post-Excitement Nationals NAST Championship standings. You can view the NAST points by clicking here, or by clicking on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

SPR's Pukka sponsorship.
6th May: If you were at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway you could not have failed to notice a new lane sponsor in the shape of Pukka Pies. Caroline Day of Santa Pod tells us that Pukka Pies have signed up as a Raceway partner as well as a lane sponsor.

Pukka Pies is the leading brand of hot pie serving the fast food/takeaway market and is a brand name probably already familiar to many. Pukka Pies are also the overall brand leader in the Midlands where consumers see them as the best quality in the market. "In marketing terms there are some great synergies between the Santa Pod and Pukka Pies brand propositions and a strong correlation between our target markets" says Peter Mayes, Marketing and Business Development Controller of Pukka Pies. "In real terms however we thought that this was too good an opportunity to miss to get plenty of signage up in front of people who are as passionate about their motor sport as we are about Pukka Pies. Hence our tag line Are you a piefectionist? Pukka Pies...dont compromise. They also let me have it for just 1m and the safe return of my family!

"We are pleased to welcome such a well respected company to Santa Pod and hope that our loyal fans will support them as they support our favourite sport!", says Caroline Day. "It's a great product and we're proud to be part of Pukka Pies' overall marketing activity. We can't wait to tuck in!"
©Eurodragster.com
Scary update VIII.
5th May: Heather Bond has kindly given us another update on the condition of Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head.
©Eurodragster.com
"It looks like Sarah will be in Stoke Mandeville through the weekend while her ankle heals", says H. "If anyone would like to pop in and have a chat with Scary I'm sure she would appreciate it. She is on ward 21 and visiting times are 2.00 pm till 8.30 pm."

We are still maintaining the page of Get Well greetings for Scary, which you can view by clicking here; if you would like to add your own greeting then drop us a line at news@eurodragster.com.

Jenny Archer update.
5th May: If you were tuned in on 21st April you will have read that Jenny Archer, fiancée of 2003 Wild Bunch Series Champion Tom Coe, was very poorly in hospital. Happily, we were able to mention in the weekend's Excitement Nationals coverage that Jenny had been allowed home. Tom has been in touch to bring us up-to-date with Jenny's condition.

"Jenny started getting migraines for about ten days, then started having fits. She was rushed into hospital where they ran a few tests and brain scans where they found a swelling on the brain. Jenny was then transferred to Kings College Hospital in London where they found a Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis, a large blood clot on the brain right down the groove in the middle. Things were very touch and go at one point but after lots of treatment, the clot began to break down. After about a week in London, Jenny was well enough to be transferred back to Margate. She was allowed home on Friday but she has to go to the clinic every two days for regular tests, the clot is still there but is slowly breaking down and it looks like she will make a full recovery. Jenny is still on lots of treatment still and will be for six months or longer, depending on test results, and has been banned from driving and is no longer allowed to drink alcohol while on the medication. She is getting a little better every day and it will be a slow process but things are looking on the up.
©Eurodragster.com
"We would both like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their well wishes and kind thoughts at this time, not only to fellow racers and friends but to the track staff as well. We didn't realise how popular Jenny is. It made a massive difference in lightening her spirits when printing the messages and taking them into hospital for her to read. It has been a very frightening time for the pair of us and we both hope to see you all at the track as soon as we can. I'm getting withdrawal symptons and have been for a while, I need my fix soon. We're also getting the keys to our new house in less than two weeks, so she needs her rest to start packing (only joking). But on a serious note, we are very grateful to everyone and can't wait to be back, even if it's for the last meeting. Something like this puts everything into perspective and makes you appreciate what you have got."

If you would like to send a Get Well message for Jenny then drop us a line at news@eurodragster.com and we will pass it on.

Tramm's a Big Boy now.
5th May: UK Super Gas and VW Alternate Engine racer Spencer Tramm has announced a sponsorship deal for his VW Corrado with VW parts dealer Big Boys Toys. Based in West Thurrock, Essex, Big Boys Toys provide parts for all air-cooled and water-cooled VW's via their store and on-line at www.bigboystoys-uk.com. Big Boys Toys also sponsor fellow VW racer Neil Davies.

The sponsorship announcement with Big Boys Toys comes hot on the heels of Spencer's second VW Alternate Engine victory in two events, at the weekend's Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway. "I qualified number one with a 9.31 on a 9.22 dial-in", says Spencer. "In round one I raced Darryn Coleman who is just getting to grips with his new two-litre engine, and had a bye in round two which nearly went pear-shaped: a patch of oil in my lane sent the car darting towards the eighth-mile reflectors, but I managed to keep it in my lane. In the semi-final I was to meet the winner of Ian Huggan v Mark Skeen who were running in the seventeen to eighteen second range, Mark's Beanie Bus went through from that pair which meant that I was going to have to wait eight seconds! It felt like I was never going to catch Mark but the 65 mph closing speed certainly comes up fast and I was in my second final in a row against Matt Attwood, winner of every Alternate Engine championship so far. I collected my ticket from my semi and waited for Matt to come through from his bye, no sign. Then word came down he had broken second gear and had to be pushed back to the pits. Unfortunately there was no time for Matt to fix the car and I had a solo in the final which made us two for two in Alternate Engine this year.
©Eurodragster.com
"I would like to say a big thanks from me and my folks to the Super Crew of Martin and Ruth Curbishley, Chris Isaacs, Rachel Georgiou and Steve Silvester as well as the Rob Bowler team (Rob, Jo, George, Adam and Bob), Shaun Hollamby from Big Boys Toys, the Alternate Engine Racers and the rest of the VWDRC, class sponsor AMR Motors, and event sponsor Race Shack."

Becky positive.
5th May: 2003 ACU UK Pro Stock Bike Champion Dave Beck turned in a sound performance on the MRE Pro Mod machine at the Prostar round in Virginia this past weekend, writes PR Stephen Moon. "Despite suffering some fuel system issues at the previous round in Atlanta, the team were confident that the tune-up was coming together and arrived at Richmond feeling confident", says Stephen. "The first round of qualifying saw a 7.0 recorded, with the second-cycle run of the rain-shortened practice session delivering a 6.8 at 190, good enough to take the #2 spot behind Charlie Farrar.

"Round one saw Beck take the win with another 6.8 second pass. The team were feeling confident and started to push the tune up a little further, with hopefully a semi-final spot up for grabs. In round two, both riders left with an identical .43 reaction time, with the extra power in the MRE machine smoking the tire away from the launch. At 1100 feet Beck led, but unfortunately the tune-up had been pushed a bit too far, resulting in a damaged piston at the 1100 mark, and the narrowest of losses.

"Despite the loss, the team are feeling very confident going into the St Louis race. Dave was quick to point out the solid team effort - "A fantastic job from everyone all weekend, with the rider doing a decent job to reward the effort everyone had put in", he said. "The tune up has been in there for a while, its just been a case of putting it all together". 4.36 and 168 mph at the eighth-mile mark showed the potential for the bike, and with the engine now repaired and rebuilt by Roger Upperton, things look positive for St. Louis.

"Dave noted that a lot of positive things had been learnt, and the team intend to test the day before the St Louis race, looking to advance further this time, and set the tone for the rest of the year. "Thanks to all the team and particularly Jay and Roger for their knowledge and financial support" were Daves parting comments prior to returning to the UK."
©Eurodragster.com
Swift snippets.
5th May: Whilst we were all soaked and shivering at Shakespeare County Raceway at the weekend, Charlie Draper spent a sunny day in the beer tent at the Damn Yankees Sunday Show at North Weald, where he was promoting demonstration runs by the Draper Brothers and Paul and Terry Wratten's Top Methanol FC at the next Damn Yankees event which is scheduled for July. "We are also planning a to run a few events with Dave's '38 Opel", says Charlie. "Jim's altered (right) is now blown and fully up to spec, so we have some scope but I think we will keep it in Super Pro ET. As you can see by the picture it is 95% finished and should be ready around the end of May, but we will only be running the one car at the Main Event."

Courtesy of Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall we have posted an updated version of the official FIA Main Event entry list. Click here to view the list.
©Eurodragster.com
Most people would imagine that the low point in Top Fuel rider Ian King's motorcycling career would have been his life-threatening fireball in competition at Sweden's Mantorp Park in 2003, or even maybe the massive engine explosion and consequent hole in his race budget at this season's British Championship opener at Santa Pod, England. But they'd all be wrong, as tuning into the UK's Granada Men and Motors channel at 8.30 pm tonight (Wednesday) will show when he argues the relative merits of a vintage Vespa scooter over an equally old Lambretta in front of a nationwide TV audience. Oh the shame...

Darrell gets his ride.
5th May: On Sunday evening at the weekend's Excitement Nationals eleven-year-old Darrell Bennett (right, with Andy Frost and Tony Smith), son of Super Comp driver Phil Bennett, took the ride of a lifetime in Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Andy Frost's Red Victor 2. Darrell was the winner of the 2003-4 Guess Who contest, run by Wild Bunch racer Tony Smith. "Darrell was presented with the Avondale Composites Trophy by Sara Bland, then later went on the CCSE cruise with Andy", says Tony. "The next day when I talked to Darrell, he said that he had very much enjoyed himself, and I was told by his parents that he had not stopped talking about it.

"I would like to thank Paul and Sara Bland at Avondale Composites and Andy Frost for the great prizes, also Anni and Bob of Feel The Noise for the free use of their site, and Anni for taking photos at the presentation."
©Eurodragster.com
"We would like to thank Tony Smith, Andy Frost and Paul Bland", say Phill and Julie Bennett. "Thanks to Tony for arranging the competition and such great prizes. A ride in Andy Frost's car would be the ultimate prize for anyone - yet alone for an eleven-year-old. Darrell really enjoyed it and Andy made him feel at home. He has never had so many 'photos taken - thanks Anni, Bob and Tog. His trophy is now in pride of place on the mantlepiece."

Tony tells us that he will be running another Guess Who at the end of this season. "Paul Bland will be putting up a trophy again, I don't know if I will be able to top the prize", he says. "Thank you to all who entered and here's to the next one."

Points updates.
5th May: We are indebted to UK National Championship Points Co-ordonators Yvonne Tramm and Simon Groves for continuing to send us the UK Nationals points this year. We have now posted the UK points as they stood after the Easter Thunderball; post-Excitement Nationals points are currently being worked upon and will be posted here in due course. You can view the UK points by clicking here, or by clicking on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Many thanks to British Nitro Funny Car Championship Co-ordinator Jim Broome for giving us the standings in the FC Championship after the weekend's Excitement Nationals, which are:
  1. Gordon Smith 18
  2. John Spuffard 0
MSA British Drag Racing Championship Co-ordinator Dave Alexander has updated the official web site of the European Top Methanol Racers Association with a race report and points standings after the weekend's Excitement Nationals. You can find these at www.etmra.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Thanks also to Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Championship Co-ordinator Spencer Tramm for forwarding us the post-Big Bang Championship standings in the three VWDRC classes. Again you can view the UK points by clicking here, or by clicking on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Web site updates.
5th May: Our good friends at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with a preview of this weekend's NDRG Springnats at Gardermoen, an entry list for the Springnats and FIA Main Event, and some shameless gossip-spreading about NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified as the Main Event approaches. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
The official web site of the European Pro Mod Association has been updated with team pages for new EPMA members Sverre Kahrs and Marc Meihuizen. Check it out at www.promod.nu.

Jon Best has updated his fan site at www.nitrohemi.co.uk with brief reports on Custom Car Street Eliminator and Pro ET team Racecarbon Racing at the weekend's Excitement Nationals.

All the eights at Alastaro.
4th May: Finnish Hot Rod Association President Tapio Väljä has confirmed that eight-car and eight-bike fields will be contested in all FIA and FIM/UEM classes at the FHRA Nitro Nationals which take place at Alastaro on 2nd-4th July. This includes Top Fuel Dragster which in recent years had run a four-car field.

"We are glad to announce that all arrangements have gone well for the Alastaro round", says Tapio. "We are expecting to be able to present the best-ever event there."
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to download the Nitro Nationals FIA entry form
Click here to download the Nitro Nationals FIM/UEM entry form

You can also download invitation, entry and registration forms from the Finnish Hot Rod Association web site at www.fhra.fi and the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se.

FIA Main Event entry list.
4th May: We are indebted to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for sending us the current official entry list for the FIA Main Event, which takes place at Santa Pod on May 28th-31st. The list is current to close of play yesterday (Monday), three days after the official closing date for Pro-class entries although Paula tells us that she is expecting more entries in some of these classes which she knows have been sent but which have not yet arrived.

The Pro entry already makes healthy reading with eight FIA Top Fuel Dragsters, three Fuel Funny Cars, three FIA Top Methanol Dragsters, seven FIA Top Methanol FCs, six FIA Pro Stocks and fifteen NDRS Bilsport Pro Mods, and twelve UEM Top Fuel Bikes, eight UEM Supertwins and thirteen UEM Pro Stock Bikes listed.
©Eurodragster.com
The Sportsman entry is also looking good, and with the official closing date not until this Friday (8th May) it is bound to grow further.

Click here to view the official FIA Main Event entry list.

Farmer loses Crew Chief.
4th May: UK Super Modified racer Simon Farmer tells us that he is to lose his longtime Crew Chief Vince Pinhorn who is to start a new life in Canada. "Vince helped to get my '69 Nova from the tens into the mid-eights over a period of four to five years", says Simon. "He had crewed in Pro Mod since its introduction to the UK, and also spent a season and a half crewing for Dave and Sarah Day's '34 Chevy roadster, ensuring that everything was in the right place for their battles in Super Comp and Super Gas."
©Eurodragster.com
Simon tells us that Vince will not be leaving drag racing entirely as Vancouver's Mission Dragway is a mere twenty minutes from his new home. "Vince has already met a few racers over there so he'll still be able to hone his skills on some quick cars", says Simon.

"I'm sure that all of Vince's mates in UK drag racing will wish him good luck for the future", says Simon, and we are sure that everyone will join Sharkman and Tog in wishing Vince all the very best in his new life.

Additional team members.
4th May: We were very pleased to hear that Dave and Sarah Day have made a generous attempt to keep Simon Farmer's team up to number, as they are expecting their first child in October. "That's why we are not racing this year", said Dave. "We will probably not race next season either - or at least Sarah won't be racing!".
©Eurodragster.com
Also announcing an addition to the family are Showtime Fuel FC crew member Chris Dossett and his wife Jo, who became parents for the second time on Sunday with the birth of their son Benjamin William, who arrived at at 4:00 this morning. Congratulations and all best wishes to Dave and Sarah, and to Chris and Jo.

Excitement Nationals curtailed.
3rd May: The Excitement Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway were severely affected by the weather with Saturday, early yesterday, and half of today lost to rain or a soaked track. Eliminations started in mid-afternoon and the first rounds of most classes were run.

A small number of classes ran their finals due to depleted numbers after the rain, the final results of those classes were:

Super Comp: Paul Knight 8.717/157.67 bye
Top Fuel Bike: Steve Woollatt 9.731/100.46 bye
Supertwin Modified: Simon Hodgson 10.215/139.41 bye
Supertwin Fuel: Ian Turburville 10.587/128.45 bye

Congratulations to Super Street racer Ian Brown who won the 50 Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Autotmotive Perfect ET Award with a 10.900 in qualifying on Sunday.

You can access our American Car Imports-sponsored Event Coverage by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Big Bang VWDRC results.
3rd May: Many thanks to Spencer Tramm for sending us the results of yesterday's Volkswagen Drag Racing Club competition at the Big Bang VW Festival at Santa Pod Raceway.
©Eurodragster.com
Pro VW: Ken Blomer def. Richie Webb, #1 qualifier Bernie Newbury
Sportsman VW: Graham Fairhead def. Michael Geraghty, #1 qualifier Brian Burrows
Alternate Engine VW: Spencer Tramm def. Matt Attwood, #1 qualifier Spencer Tramm

Beck in the USA.
3rd May: UK Pro Stock Bike racer Dave Beck has been racing Jay Regan's MRE Pro Mod Bike at the AMA/Prostar series in Richmond over the weekend. Dave's wife Charlotte kindly sent us an update on Dave's progress.

"Dave ran a 7.02 in the first qualifying run, which placed him fifth", says Charlotte. "He then ran a 6.86 in the second qualifying run, which made him number two qualifier. On Sunday he ran a 6.88/192 in the first round, which won him the round and made him second fastest. However, in Dave's last round, both riders had a .43 light, but the MRE bike blew a piston and the round was lost. The team do feel it has been a positive weekend, and Roger is at work as I speak, fixing the piston ready for St. Louis."
©Eurodragster.com
No Excitement for Grumpy.
3rd May: Fellow UK Pro Stock Bike racer Paul 'Grumpy' Watson had to withdraw from this weekend's Excitement Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway after a gearbox failure.

"Despite all the hard work and effort we had a gearbox fail on the Pro Stocker just as we were going to dyno the bike, hence we are absent at SCR", says Paul. "On behalf of the team I can tell you it was a terrible blow for us, we had hoped to debut the new paint by Matt Hedger of Airstream, and to make up for lost time with our new Upperton engine. Still, these things were sent to try us.

"It has been a busy period at Dynospeed Developments lately helping Carl Grey with the ex-DSD turbo on his 'busa, he managed an 8.4/179.5 at the WRE Test Day last week. This bike has the potential to be the first seven-second street bike over here. Then there is Brad o'Connor with the all-new Velocity Racing turbo kit on his 'busa, this is the kit with which Barry Henson ran 7.49, so watch out. There is also Peter de La Mare with his NLR Gen X turbo 'busa, this setup should easily make over 500 rwbhp, and last but not least king of the DSD dyno at the moment is Dave Smith with his turbo 'busa, he has already run 8.6/163 with six pounds boost so watch for the twenty seven pounds boost.

"We hope to be ready again for the Main Event, it's not the way I had planned to see my last year out but it's not over yet. By the way both my Bandit and Pro Stocker are up for sale, any interested parties should contact me at Dynospeed Developments on 0208 500 5770 or E-Mail paul@dynospeed.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Scary update VII.
2nd May: Heather Bond kindly paid us a visit in Race Control at Shakespeare County Raceway to give us another update on the condition of Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head.

"Sarah is still at Stoke Mandeville and is doing really well", said H. "All of her chest drains have been removed and she is no longer on morphine. We're currently waiting to find out when Scary to be moved to Stanmore."
©Eurodragster.com
H also asked us to say thanks on behalf of Scary to a racer who visited her the other day. "Sarah was too out of it to recognise her visitor!", said H. "She thinks it may have been a Funny Car driver but she says thanks whoever you were!"

We are still maintaining the page of Get Well greetings for Scary, which you can view by clicking here; if you would like to add your own greeting then drop us a line at news@eurodragster.com.

Information sought for book.
2nd May: Andrew Grant has been in touch seeking the help of Eurodragster readers with a book on which a friend of his is working. "My friend is working on a book project about 'Females in drag racing, past and present' and is trying to compile a list of all female drag racing competitors on a worldwide basis", says Andrew. "I can get some information from web sites but not everybody has one, especially in the past. If anybody can help out, it would be much appreciated and I'll make sure they get a mention in the book.
©Eurodragster.com
"The information I need is: name, age (if known), class of car/bike, number of years in drag racing, and any special notes. Any help would be much appreciated, please contact me at andygswigger@btinternet.com."

Swift snippets.
2nd May: York Dragway PR Howard Holmes has been in touch to confirm that next weekend's 0-60 Challenge at the track is on Sunday, 9th May, and not Saturday as mistakenly stated in the Yorkshire Post.

UK Pro ET racer Keith Ridley has agreed a sponsorshop deal with QLM Performance Oils for his new Escort race car. "The car will be logo'd up this week", says Keith. "Hopefully if the weather gets better I will be out testing again in the next couple of days with the new carb fitted, and hopefully I will be in the nines soon. Many thanks to Perry Antoniou for his help at the Webster Test Day last week, and for the torque converter which he gave me and which worked perfectly."
©Eurodragster.com
Many thanks to Santa Pod Raceway's Chief Starter Ian Marshall for getting in touch to let us know that Swedish Pro Mod racer Håkan Nilsson put in a couple of sixty-foot passes at the Big Bang at Santa Pod yesterday. After it had rained for several hours the track was dried in the late afternoon and then opened for eighth-mile RWYB action. "Håkan went to second gear on both of his runs", said Ian. "The car stuck to the track and looked very strong."

GoTalk to the Bat.
1st May: Fuel fans are to get an extra helping at Shakespeare County Raceway in June as Lee Child of LA Performance Services has announced that Easter Thunderball Pro Fuel Shootout winner Andy Carter in the GoTalk Top Fuel Dragster and Norway's Thomas Nataas in the Batmobile Top Fueller will be match racing at the Power Nationals on 12th-13th June.
©Eurodragster.com
We caught up with Andy Carter after the announcement and he said that he is aiming to put his absolute track records of 5.181 seconds and 288.46 mph, which he set in whitewashing Susanne Callin 3-0 in 2002, further beyond reach. "Hopefully we can push the record further and maybe run a four", said Andy. "I can assure you I will be trying, but as most of you know its a very easy thing to say but a different story doing it! Thomas has a good car, with newer and better parts than mine including a datalogger, and he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. It's going to be a tough one for the GoTalk car, just the way I like it!"

Stay tuned and we will bring you more news about the Power Nationals match race as we receive it.


Earlier news


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