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30th September: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us further details of the arrangements for this weekend's Extreme Performance Bike Weekend at Santa Pod Raceway: Sunday's provisional running order is now available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please note that as ever this running order is provisional and subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by Race Officials. The official entry list has been updated and again can be viewed by following the above link. For Extreme Performance Bike Weekend gates, signing on, scrutineering etc details please see our news item of 26th September. Chilton fire: You can help. 
30th September: It was only a week ago that Andrew Chilton was setting new bests in the Super Pro ET
Studebaker but this week the car, motor, tools and other kit are no more after a devastating workshop fire which destroyed everything
including tools used by Andy in his day job.
Not unexpectedly the racing community has mobilised to help out. If you would like to donate then you can make a payment by PayPal to andysfirefund@outlook.com. Please remember to mark the payment as a gift so that Andrew doesn't have to pay commission. If you would like to donate by other means or if you would like to donate tools etc then please check out the Andrew Chilton Fire Fund Facebook page. Our best wishes to Andrew and team for a rapid return to the track. Swift snippets. 30th September: After Friday's horrifying crash in qualifying in St Louis, Swedish Pro Modified racer Adam Flamholc has been medically cleared to fly home today (Monday) and will have his injured hand and arm operated upon back in Sweden. Our best wishes to Adam for a safe and comfortable journey, a rapid recovery, and an equally rapid return to the track. For the first time in our sixteen-year history, the number of visitors to Eurodragster.com in a month has exceeded 400,000 and September has not quite finished yet. Thanks to the racers, our readers, the tracks, clubs, race officials and promoters, and a big Thank You to all of our sponsors. UK Championship outcomes II. 29th September: Next weekend's Extreme Performance Bike Weekend at Santa Pod Raceway brings the 2013 UK Championship season to a close. Simon has given us an analysis of the possible outcomes: In ACU Funny Bike, Stuart Crane is provisional hampion with a margin of almost 1000 points over Dave Peters. Congratulations to Stuart and the Warpspeed Racing team. To secure second place, Dave will need to keep at least one round ahead and qualify better than Maarten Zijlstra and Stefan Schmidt. The provisional ACU Pro Stock Bike Champion is Mark Smith of Eurodragster.com sponsor Draper Tools; congratulations to Mark. Len Paget is provisionally runner-up. In ACU Super Street Bike, teammates Graham Balchin and Steve Venables are way out ahead of the others. Fourteen bikes are entered making a sixteen-bike ladder possible. Graham is 200 points ahead of Steve meaning that Steve has to go two rounds further of Graham to take the Championship - or to go one round ahead and set a record, which could be possible depending on conditions as Steve has run 7.18 in testing and the ET record stands at 7.245. ACU Comp Bike is close with Lizz McCarthy leading Allan Davies by 175 points, a reduced margin after Lizz suffered engine problems at the UK National Finals. Lizz can secure the Championship by qualifying well and going one round. However, if Allan qualifies better, wins the event and Lizz goes out in the first round then he can win the title. Jemma Venables is a further 235 points back from Allan and her record speed at the UK National Finals could help her get Championship runner-up if Allan goes out early in eliminations. 8.50 Bike is the closest Championship of all with four racers with a real chance of winning. Dave Thomas, who will not receive the 200 point bonus for attending all rounds, is 80 points ahead of Jake Mechaell and 90 points ahead of 2012 Champion Mick Winyard both of whom will get the bonus. Robert Field is a short way behind, but will need to go further to make up his deficit in the all-rounds bonus. In 9.50 Bike an entry of 17 bikes means that 910 points are available. Eurodragster.com sponsor Fred Furlong is 490 points ahead of Dave Smart meaning that Fred needs to go to the semi-final to secure the Championship, but Dave could take it if Fred goes out early in eliminations and Dave gets to the final. Alex Hope could get runner-up in his rookie year, although without the all-rounds bonus Alex will need to have a winning weekend and Dave to go out early to do so. Junior Drag Bike is between three competitors. Jasmine Cordelle, 2012 Champion Louis Davies and 'retiring' three time champion Scott Collier are all within one round of each other. In Supertwin ET Peter Harrison has an unassailable lead over Brett Cordelle, with Carey Wadey currently in third. Congratulations to Peter. Super Twin Gas is Terry Green's for the taking as he is 45 points ahead of Joe Elliott who is not on the STC entry list although he is entered in 9.50 Bike. Any guesses who mystery entrant Early Holmes from 221B is? Could the answer be elementary? Eurodragster.com will be covering the Extreme Performance Bike Weekend in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car including updates on Championships during Sunday. You can check out our Extreme Performance Bike Weekend event index, which includes the official entry list and Saturday's provisional running order, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Collateral Bomber damage. 29th September: Crew Chief Garry Coull has been in touch with an account of UK Super Pro ET racer Liam 'Bomber' Jones' weekend at the UK National Finals: 
Laden with a new starter motor fitted by Liam and Chris Hope after the European Finals we met again for testing the day before the National Finals. Bomber had the swagger of a man who'd just snapped up a bargain
batch of designer flip-flops, their quality assured by the audible squeak with every pace. Obviously distracted with such an important purchase, Liam announced he'd actually forgotten to pre-book the test day! Flexing
his (lengthy) Black Belt in negotiation skills he finally secured our entry.
With set-up completed in record time from the now precisely packed and labelled trailer, there was work to do. Although the new starter was fitted the engagement was again problematic, with clearance of the sump being an issue and the replacement flex-plate bolts being too short. Emptying Bomber's Samsonite wash bag of numerous man care products undoubtedly purchased by subscription to Healthy Boy Magazine, we retrieved a manicure file and proceeded to fettle the new starter, progressing to an angle grinder, a tool which Liam had never used "Because I come from Hull not Bradford"! Testament to the team's artistic prowess and patience we transformed the cylindrical shape of the offending starter to something resembling a Cornetto! Even so, it still wouldn't engage properly. Eager to show his gratitude for allowing him to piggyback our power supply, because he couldn't connect his Euro jack-plug to the junction box, German racer Frank Wambach introduced us to Swiss racer and Mopar guru Thomas Haas. With pidgin English and my best Abba accent we conveyed our problem. Moments later Thomas donated his spare billet starter with internal eccentric adjustment. With Gimme Gimme Gimme still ringing in our ears, this borrowed piece of engineering excellence couldn't be fettled but our mounting plate could, so it was back under the car, an area inexplicably dubbed Wurzel's Lair, to use every spanner, tool and cooking utensil we had to mount Thomas' treasure. Eventually after ten hours we could turn over the motor. After a day of frustration Bomber's mission on Saturday was simply to get a qualifying pass in. Eventually the powerplant fired and we had achieved a midfield qualifier. With some retightening we were sure our ailment was cured. Rather than bravado we would stick with the same low launch, low shift, aspirated 'Turkey Tune' dial-in, to retest the flex plate. Bomber however was taking things seriously, thus after squeezing into the cleanest, tightest race suit and careful image assessment in the full length driver appraisal device, the Ultimate Driving Machine retrieved the Nivea from his plundered Samsonite man bag, responding to the filthy crew's scorn with an innocent "What?". 
Right on cue the engine fired and standing on the start line with Chris Hope we watched the launch. At the hit I heard an alien noise coupled with a puff of smoke or dust and commented that I thought we had hurt
something, even if we had completed the pass.
On Bomber's return there was no obvious sign of damage. We then unbuckled the diaper, which had fortunately retained all of the Torco oil. No quantity of Liam's reassuringly expensive He-Man rejuvenating balm would repair the three-inch hole in the block from a snapped con-rod. Looking inside the motor it certainly appeared that we had sustained some incoming Anti Aircraft Artillery! On a positive note, weve had a fantastic and absolutely hilarious season; we had repaired our earlier issues through the generosity of other racers, especially Thomas Haas, and importantly shown perseverance, with a will to do well, a theme which will not go away with this team. In a way collateral damage has aided us to make some decisions about next season already. Tally Ho! It must be funny in a rich man's world! A genuine thank you to everyone who has helped us this year, but not to anyone else who points out Abba are Swedish not Swiss! Massive PB weekend. 29th September: Many thanks to Mark Skinner for passing on a UK National Finals review from UK 8.50 Bike racer John McLean Junior: Well, where to start? Leading up to this event, we knew that we would only have one bike ready for the meeting as Senior's 9.50 Bike needs a motor rebuild. So we concentrated all our efforts by trying to get Jnr's 8.50 GSXR up to speed and consistancy. One of our biggest issues was the air shifter, which was intermittently failing for no obvious reason. So after a long think, we decided to remove all the various boxes and electrics off the bike, and start again with a new ignition and nitrous control system. We were booked into the friday Test Day to try to get some base settings in the new system. On Friday we went out on a soft pass just to check everything was OK; nothing to shout about with a 9.7 or something, then on the next two passes we ran a new aspirated PB of 9.17 and then a 9.12, but the bike was "double killing" the ignition on every shift. After checking a few things out, this turned out to be an air solenoid not operating properly and not supplying enough air to the ram to get it to change gear properly. With a new solenoid fitted, Jnr went out for another aspirated run, and although the bike stuttered off the line, he ran a massive new PB of 8.91/147. On the next run we decided to activate the nitrous system, resulting in another massive PB of 8.57/147, which meant we were now in the right area for the class. So before the track closed we made the decision to do one more pass on the nitrous to try to replicate the the 8.57 we had just run. Yet another massive PB again of 8.39/150, with the bike on the limiter at 1100-1150 feet due to the wrong gearing. This concluded possibly the best day we have ever had at The Pod. Only two rounds previously we turned up to the Easter meeting with a brand new bike running thorteen seconds and over the three rounds we have chipped away at the potential of the new bike and set PBs at every round. 
In Saturday morning qualifying we decided to back the settings off a bit to slow the bike down to the index. The first qualifying run resulted in a 9.02/142 as the nitrous didn't activate and the bike was
running aspirated while retarding the ignition all the way down the track. After the run, it was found that there was a bit too much retard on the bike (Jnr forgot to turn the nitrous on... d'oh). On the
he remembered, resulting in an 8.72/144 putting him in sixth qualifying place.
In Sunday morning's eliminations, Jnr was up against Phil Bloomfield, who handed us the win after launching before the ambers. So John ran a half pass just to check some clutch settings out. The semi-final was against Dave Thomas. Both seemed to get away from the lights at the same time, Jnr running an 8.70 to Dave's 8.73, but Dave just pipped Jnr on the lights and his Reaction Time secured him the win. All in all, an absolutely stellar weekend. We would like to congratulate Dave Thomas on his first 8.50 Bike win, and a well deserved win it was. We would also like to wish Graham Ellis a speedy recovery after his massive crash in Pro Mod, and a massive Well Done to all of the Santa Pod crew and marshalls for their hard work and keeping us all safe. I would like to thank my crew, Ady, John Snr (dad) and my wife Sarah for their efforts this weekend, our sponsors WarpSpeed Racing, MPM Oil and AW Security, Mark Skinner, Delta Pixels, Danny Maddox and also Tony and Tim Hastings from the BSB Superstock600 team, and E-Lites Kawasaki who came down all the way from BonnyBridge in Scotland to spectate at their first ever drag racing event, I'm sure they will be back again. And to all the other people who came down to support us, Thank you for your support. See you all at Extreme Bike Weekend. Chivers gets the numbers. 29th September: Congratulations to UK Supercharged Outlaw racer Charlie Chivers for whom it all came together at Shakespeare County Raceway yesterday: After two years of trying to get the Taxiexpress C10 Chevy Truck down the track I made three runs with no breakages, no oil leaks and no other problems. The first run was a test, 10.17. On the second run I gave it a bit more and ran 9.0. On the third run I thought "This is it, give it the beans", which I did! 8.89 at 150 mph. Then we realiased that the crew had forgotten to take off the throttle stop. I had no fuel left for another run but phew, what a day! I would like to say many thanks to the Supercharged Outlaws and a lot of people who have put up with me for the last two years - you know who you are. Trying to get the truck to work and go down the track without a problem has been challenging to say the least. Web site updates. 29th September: Richard Smith has updated his Zenfolio gallery with some excellent shots from York Raceway's UK Northern Finals. You can check out Richard's pictures at rdsmith.zenfolio.com. Young man goes west. 27th September: Stefan Boman writes that Sweden's FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Champion, Jonnie Lindberg, is shipping his car to the USA to race in NHRA competition. The container will arrive on the East Coast and Jonnie will drive the trailer from there to California to contest the 49th Annual NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway, Pomona, on 7th-10th November. 
It appears that Jonnie's Funny Car will stay in the USA to participate in more NHRA events during 2014. "As it looks now, I won't be able to defend my FIA Championship as a driver next year but I will do it as team and Crew Chief for Johan", says Jonnie. 
Sweden's Bilsport Magazine is running a six-page feature on Jonnie Lindberg following his Championship title. The magazine drops through subscribers' mailboxes today (Friday) and will be on newsstands on 3rd October. You can check out a Helmetcam video of one of Jonnie's 5.4-second runs on Bilsport's web site by clicking here. Zodiac team sweat on title. 27th September: With only the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway left on the schedule, The Netherlands' Zodiac Racing team had a firm lead in the FIM European Supertwin Championship. Vincent Pels writes that the team knew that the task was not done yet: 
Ronny Aasen, the Norwegian rider of the the 1000+ horsepower Zodiac Nitro Harley, had a one-round advantage over Dutch native Job Heezen as well as Vesa Lipponen from Finland. Then there were Finnish
rider Samu Kemppainen and Christian Jäger from Germany who still had a realistic chance of winning the Championship. So the goal for the weekend was to try to qualify in the top half of the field and to
go at least two rounds, to keep matters in their own hands.
After the Hockenheim round Ton and Vincent Pels had a closer look at the data and decided to put more fuel into the engine for the last race of the season. Even though the engine was already consuming over twelve gallons of nitromethane fuel per minute - an incredible 0.75 litres per second - they still had the feeling that piston ring damage was caused by detonation. And it looked to be the right decision, as during the first qualifier they smoked the big fourteen-inch rear tire for the first time of the season. The 1.11 sixty foot time showed that their soft launches were a thing of the past. For the second round, the ignition curve was changed a little and this time the tire stayed hooked. Ronny was on a stormer with a 1.12 sixty, 2.86 to 330 feet and a 4.17 eighth mile at an incredible 214.93 mph! Then the bike got loose and Ronny lost control so had to shut it off. Still it recorded a 6.599 ET coasting through the finish line at only 169 mph. The eighth mile speed looked too good to be true and it turned out than Ronny dropped the front wheel between the speed traps, causing the speed to be recorded higher. Still the data logger showed that the speed was around 200 mph at the eighth mile (our magic spreadsheet says 198.76 mph - Ed) and the 4.17 ET was the best the bike had ever done by far. The 6.599 put us in the preliminary number one spot, more than two tenths of a second ahead of Samu Kemppainen. Click here for a spectacular slow-motion movie of the run. In the third qualifier Ronny was able to duplicate the run up to the 330 feet and this time the bike ran a lot smoother. Sadly the primary belt broke after 350 feet causing the engine to over-rev. The team decided to sit out the last qualifier and rebuild the engine for Sunday.s elimination. As nobody was able to improve on the 6.599, Ronny was still qualified first. 
On Sunday morning the track was better than it had been all weekend and due to the #1 qualifying spot the team had a bye run in the first round. So we changed nothing in the set-up, to see if the performance
level of the second qualifying run could be matched. The bike again launched hard with a little tyre shake, but after a few feet the tyre hooked up and the bike ran its best sixty foot time ever. Then small flashes
started to come out of the side of the bike and soon they became bigger flames. Ronny noticed something was wrong and shut off. Luckily there was no opponent in the other lane, so the round win was there.
Back in the pits the damage was evaluated and the rear head had lifted. Ton and Vincent quickly started to replace the head while Ronny carried out the routine maintenance of replacing the con-rod bearings
under the bike. When the engine was warmed up for the second round of eliminations, a lot of smoke came out of exhausts of the front cylinder, indicating more problems. Frantically the team tried to replace
the piston and cylinder, but they did not make it in time.
Ironically, Ronny should have raced Vesa Lipponen who now had a freebie to the final. So the hampionship was decided in the final between Sumu and Vesa and it was a situation the Zodiac team did not like as it was in Samu's hands whether or not they would become Champions or not. If Vesa won the final, he was the Champ. If Samu won the final, the Zodiac team won the Championship. Samu did what he needed to do, and in a nice 6.76/206 he took the event win and the Zodiac team were European Champions. All in all it was a more troublesome weekend than the team had hoped for, but back at home the cause of lifting head was found. Looking back at the year, it was one of the best seasons the Zodiac supercharged Nitro Harley has had. Consistency and reliability were a lot better and the power output of the bike seems to be almost unlimited. The big trophy has gone to Norway with Ronny, whilst the bike is back at home in The Netherlands. Ton and Vincent have already made plans for what to change for next year. The main focus for their improvements will again be reliability, and they are very pleased that Ronny would like to ride the bike again in 2014 season. The combination seems to be working well and obviously the goal will be the same as this year: win the FIM European Championship! The Zodiac SuperTwin Top Fuel drag racing team is proudly sponsored by Zodiac International BV, Supertrapp Exhaust Systems, Spectro Oils of America, Accel Motorcycle Products and Kibblewhite Precision Machining. The Zodiac SuperTwin Top Fuel drag racing team is proud to use products from Zodiac International BV, Supertrapp Exhaust Systems, Spectro Oils of America, Accel Motorcycle Products, Kibblewhite Precision Machining, National Cycle Windshields, Goodridge Fluid Transfer Systems and Flexion/Gates Belt Drive Systems. A Five and seven Championships. 27th September: To say that the Gulf Oil – Grand Prix Originals Top Fuel Bike team had a successful weekend at the European Championship Finals would be to understate what was achieved by Europe's most successful Top Fuel Bike team at this, their last home event of the season. A new Personal Best for rider Ian King (and in doing so making history as the first UK rider to run a sub six second pass on home soil), an event win and the team's seventh European Championship were the result of their efforts over the weekend. In qualifying session one King laid down a mark with an off the trailer 6.0322/222.19 in front of sponsors Nexus Underwriting Management to put him straight into number one qualifying position which was not relinquished all weekend despite the cool track and blustery wind on the run. In his next qualifying round King set the history setting mark of 5.9646/232.57 which put him in touch with the European Speed record. The short times were looking good for improving over the weekend, 1.0106 to sixty feet and a storming 3.9203/195.49 at the eighth mile on the Puma Yamaha. 
However, the team found that they were suffering some piston ring issues which forced King to take care of top end engine temperature, so his elimination runs were a case of careful management of engine power at the top end. In round one of eliminations King's early shut-off 6.2552/181.34 just defeated Dutch rider Rene van den Berg (also Puma Yamaha) who made a fine first six second pass of 6.5473/216.16. King's closest rival for the European Championship title, Rikard Gustafsson of Sweden, ran a stout 6.5936/207.92 on his Pro 1 Puma Suzuki Funnybike to defeat Czech rider Otto Knebl on the more powerful Puma Yamaha. King secured his seventh FIM European Top Fuel Bike title in eliminations round two when Greek rider Filippos Papafilippou surprised many with a great 6.9343/196.39h to overcome Rikard Gustafsson's problem-ridden 7.0135/185.86. King elected to make a pass to secure lane choice rather than just take the green light and push back but a rapidly cooling track resulted in a fishtailing 6.6870/156.84 early shutoff, but quick enough to have choice of lane for the final. The final pitted King against Filippos Papafilippou but the new European Champion ran a 6.2135/200.66 which would have been impossible for the great performing Greek rider to better. At the FIM Championship Awards ceremony Ian King said "I am extremely happy for my fantastic sponsors, team, family and fans from around the globe who continue to support us and provide the motivation to keep coming back to compete successfully at the highest level. I am particularly thankful for the wonderful support and products provided by Gulf Oil International and Grand Prix Originals. Sam, Stefan and Marco have become a key part of the extended team effort that has been so expertly implemented by Michael, Marius, Martin, Nick and Debbie. Thanks all!"
Sam Cork, Brand Manager for Gulf Oil International, added "It's a fantastic achievement for Ian and the Gulf Oil – GPO Dragracing Team. Everyone at Gulf would like congratulate them on their seventh European Championship and other landmarks this year such as breaking the magic six second barrier. And to think all this is achieved with standard Gulf motor oil taming a 1500 BHP monster - it's a great testament to the quality of Gulf products." A highlights video of King in action at the FIA European Finals can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUeZUDwGpz4. The Gulf Oil Dragracing team uses and endorses exclusively Gulf Oil greases and lubricants in their history making machine. The team is extremely proud to be supported by many leaders in their chosen markets in their successful challenges for the 2013 European and UK Championships: APE - The world's most innovative manufacturer of aftermarket parts for drag bikes Action Cameras - Europe's leading source for action sports cameras Cometic Gaskets - The premier manufacturer of racing gaskets Gates - The world's most trusted name in drive belts, hoses and hydraulics Goodridge - The original and the best in fluid transfer systems Grand Prix Originals - The brand for drive and lifestyle, past and present Gulf Oil International - The world's most iconic brand in automotive fuels and lubricants Hotrod Hangar– Home of the world renowned custom artist Knud Tiroch Hyperpro - The leading producer of progressive suspension products for motor bikes JE Pistons - The world's premier manufacturer of high performance forged pistons Kibblewhite Precision Machining, Inc -The highest quality valve train components on the market King Racing - The most successful Top Fuel Bike team in European drag racing history Mickey Thompson Tyres - Simply the best drag race tyres in the world MRE - Leaders in trackside support for drag race components and air shifting systems MTC Engineering - Manufacturer of clutches for the fastest motorcycles in the world NitroShutter - Europe's leading drag racing photo-journalists NCT Engineering - Manufacturer of the world's leading non contact torque sensors for motorsport Nexus Underwriting Management - First class support services to underwriting subsidiaries NGK Spark Plugs UK - The world's number one spark plug manufacturer Pär Willen - Master webmeister and proprietor of HarleyDrags.com Portable Shade - The best custom branded collapsible canopies available Pro Alloy Motorsport - UK's leader in fabrication of alloy racing tanks, intercoolers and radiators Puma Engineering - Manufacturers of the world's most powerful motorcycle engines RSG Customize - The UK's most creative website designers and vinyl artists Supertough - Custom cases and covers for the Film, TV, Music and Motorsports Industries Spies Hecker - The world's leading supplier of paint for car, commercial and industrial finishing Van Es mobility - The leading manufacturer of telematic products for management of moving objects Vanson Leathers - The most iconic brand in motorsport leather goods Web Camshafts Inc - Simply the company for Top Fuel Bike camshafts Worldwide Bearings - The world's leading supplier of ceramic bearings for racing Zodiac - Europe's largest supplier of performance and aftermarket HD parts Read more about Ian King and the Gulf Oil Dragracing – GPO Team at www.gulfoildragracing.com. Swift snippets. 27th September: European fans have someone to cheer on in the USA this weekend as Sweden's Adam Flamholc will be contesting Pro Modified at the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals in St Louis. Pro Mod qualifying commences today (Friday) and you will be able to stay in touch with Adam's progress this weekend courtesy of our Drag Race Central friends at www.dragracecentral.com. 23:45 From our buddy Benoit Pigeon comes the news that Adam suffered a crash in Pro Modified Q2. Reports are that Adam wa sconscious and talking when extracted from the car and that he has suffered an arm injury; doubtless more news will become available overnight. Our best wishes to Adam. As things stand there may not be a news update tomorrow (Saturday) so a slightly premature Happy Birthday for tomorrow to Super Pro ET racer and race car builder Roy Wilding from the whole S&K Racing team. Have a great day Roy. Web site updates. 
27th September: Chris Eyre has updated his Nostalgia Funny Car web site with a report and pictures from the UK National Finals which
you can check out at euronostalgiafunnycar.jimdo.com. "There are some fantastic pictures
supplied by Julian Hunt", says Chris. "It has been a great year and the class has grown so much in just one year, I for one can't wait for the 2014 season with the promise of
new cars and bigger fields. I hope on behalf of all the teams that we kept you all entertained (Yes - Ed) and I look forward to seeing you all at the track again next year!"
Paul Lister has updated his Drag Car Anon site with pictures from the Saturday of the FIA European Finals. You can check out Paul's pictures at www.dragcaranon.co.uk. Bike Weekend racer update. 26th September: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us details of the arrangements for next week's Extreme Performance Bike Weekend at Santa Pod Raceway: Friday 4th October 17:00 Gates open 17:00-20.00 Signing On office open 18:00-20:00 Scrutineering open Saturday 5th October 07:00 Signing On office and scrutineering open 09:30 Track open for qualifying Sunday 6th October 07:30 Signing On office open 09:30 Track opens for eliminations Saturday's provisional running order is now available and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please note that as ever this running order is provisional and subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by Race Officials. The Europeans are coming! 26th September: Sweden's Team Starta Racing and the Beast Dragbike Team recently met up at Per Bengtsson's Flexoart HQ and were joined there by Rikard Gustafsson who brought Eric Teboul's Rocket Bike over from Santa Pod Raceway. A twenty-foot container supplyed by Hapag-Lloyd was loaded with all of the equipment and spares as well as two Nitro Bikes and one Rocket Bike, all to be shipped to Jacksonville, Florida on Friday of this week for arrival at Bradenton Motorsports Park, very close to Tampa, during the last week of October for the Haltech World Finals in November. 
"We're all looking forward to competing at the Haltech World Finals against bike teams from all over the world", say Peter Svensson and Per Bengtsson. "The addition of the new Pingel Enterprise Top Fuel Twin Bike class opens the door for all sorts of twin engine bikes to be able to compete on equal terms and hopefully that will bring even more American teams to the event", says Per. "It will be really exciting to meet the best teams in the business under the same conditions and we would like to say a big thank you to all of our sponsors who make it possible for us to compete on the international scene. The container will be shipped to the US in cooperation with DHL Global Logistics and Hapag-Lloyd." For more information about the Haltech World Finals please visit www.manufacturerscup.info. We are pleased to confirm that Eurodragster.com US Correspondent Ed O'Connell will be attending the Haltech World Finals and will be sending us daily pit notes and pictures. Two titles for WSR. 26th September: The UK's Warspeed Racing team had an amazing weekend at the UK National Finals on top of an amazing season, says Dave Brader: 
After taking the APIRA Funny Bike Championship at the previous round Stuart Crane, Glenn Tooke and Martin Hewitt provisionally took both the ACU and SPRC Championships at the UK National Finals. Alone this is a great achievement, however it was even better considering that it wasn't until September last year that we knew that we would need to build a new bike for this season and that because of the lengthened winter no testing was possible. Stu, Glen and Martin took the untested bike to the first event and came home with the win and despite a gearbox problem in the final at Shakespeare County Raceway took every win since then as well. An amazing achievement guys, well done. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our sponsors, Draper Tools, MPM Oil and Roger Upperton. Roger provided the team with an exceptional engine which has now taken five Championships with no major work! What better testament to his building abilities, a big thank you Roger. 
A very big well done also goes out to Mark Smith, Kerry Smith and Mark Green with the WSR/Draper Punisher Pro Stock Bike. Mark and his crew have gone from strength to strength this year providing the team with entertainment and excitement as they battled their way to provisionally taking both Pro Stock Bike titles. Yeeha Mark, yeeha! It's an honour and a privilege to have you and your crew as members of the Warpspeed Racing team. Mark Green popped his racing cherry this year; not having ridden a bike on the road, he has shown great improvement over the two events he has contested in 9.50 Bike culminating in a nine-second pass this weekend. A better start he could not have made. Well done. Last but by no means least we'd like to recognise the relentless determination shown by Dale Leeks, Andy Leeks and Brin Toule in their racing season. There had been a mystery technical issue, now resolved, hindering Dale and the crew's progression this season. It's easy to stay positive and motivated when things are going your way, however, the true measure of a person is when things are not and in this case Dale and his crew have been a real inspiration to all of us. This sort of character is what true Champions are made of and we feel very lucky to have them as a part of the Warpspeed Racing team. Swift snippets. 26th September: Many thanks to Yvonne Tramm and our own Simon for passing us the post-UK National Finals points standings in the UK National Drag Racing Championships including the final standings for car classes. You can check out the UK National points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Tyler and Steve Ashdown of UK Junior Dragster team SATA Racing asked us to thank Charlie and Darren at Santa Pod Raceway for the use of the car, to Ian Marshall for the advice over this year, and to Andy Fensome for all his hard work and assistance getting Tyler out on track even though he was flat out busy. Also congratulations to Brad Jackson on his license and good luck in Super Pro ET, to Aaron Fensome for winning the National Finals and to Champion Rhiannon Bellenie - a great weekend for all of them. Thanks also to everyone in Junior Dragster, we had great fun this year, and to all the Santa Pod staff for making it all possible. FInally we're glad to hear that Graham Ellis is slowly on the mend, our thoughts are with him and his family. Get well soon Graham. MSA British Drag Racing Championship PR Robin Jackson tells us that distinguished motor racing journalist Simon Arron, Features Editor of Motor Sport magazine, joined two colleagues from the magazine on an office outing to Santa Pod Raceway for the FIA European Finals. Simon's comments and observations cover two pages of his column in the November issue of Motor Sport, out now. The article includes photographs taken by Simon himself and by Santa Pod's David DJ Jones. Last year Simon attended the FIA Main Event, his first visit to a drag race, and wrote favourably of his experience in the MSA's quarterly publication. A second mention on today's news update and a big Happy Birthday to Santa Pod Racers Club Chief Starter and CLub Secretary Ian Marshall. Have a great day Ian. Tim Fountain writes that the Riders Branch of the Royal British Legion have been invited to host an awareness day at Asda in Coventry on 3rd November. "The aim of the day is to raise money for the Poppy Appeal and also raise awareness of our Branch", says Tim. "If any local drag racing teams would like to bring along their drag bike to show on the day it would be an excellent opportunity to promote the finest sport on the planet. Cars would also be considered, as anything that might turn heads and draw a crowd has to be good for the cause. Juniors or seniors are all welcome. Similarly if any race promoters would like to send any calendars or promotional material, we would be happy to help promote the sport in general". If you are able to help then please contact Tim at tim@timtime.co.uk for further details. Web site updates. 26th September: Our good buddy Alan Currans of the Acceleration Archive has provided the US' Draglist.com site with a feature about the 40th Anniversary of Shakespeare County Raceway and the 25th Annual Hot Rod Drags. You can check out Alan's feature at www.draglist.com. The official web site of the MSA British Drag Racing Championship (for Pro Modified) now contains the full set of previews and race reports from this year's rounds. You can take a look at www.msadragracing.co.uk. The Mad Welshman has updated his Flickr gallery with shots from the Saturday of the NSRA Hot Rod Drags. You can check out Mad's shots at www.flickr.com/photos/the_madwelshman. Russ Heaven, who is the new owner of one of Team Turboville's slingshot dragsters, has started a Racing Blog at monolith58.blogspot.co.uk. There are three entries so far in what will undoubtledly be an interesting diary to follow. Graham Ellis update. 25th September: Many thanks to team member Rob Millward who got in touch with an update on the condition of UK Pro Modified racer Graham Ellis, who suffered a serious crash at the UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway last Saturday: Graham is pretty beaten up as you would expect. He has two black eyes, a broken nose, broken neck although not serious, broken lower back, broken left arm (in a cast) and a broken collar bone on which they are going to operate as it has to support the aditional weight of the cast, and bruised lungs so has an oxygen feed as the lungs can't function fully. He is well-medicated so fairly comfortable all things considered. He should be in a back support by now and hopes that he will be discharged soon, but personally I think it may be another week or so. I showed Graham footage of the crash and he was surprised how bad it looked. No decision on cause of crash, it all happened so quickly. Graham said "When I realised I couldn't catch it, I thought "This is going to hurt", I remember hitting the wall then the next thing I knew the safety crew were assessing me". Graham is pretty upbeat about it and already planning his comeback. We are sure that all Eurodragster.com readers will join us in wishing Graham a full recovery, but take your time Graham, it's the off season and we'll all still be here when you are ready to come back. Swift snippets. 25th September: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us the final version of the official entry list for the Extreme Performance Bike Weekend, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 5th-6th October. You can check out the Bike Weekend entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. The post-UK National Finals points standings in the ACU UK Drag Bike Championships are now available on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com. Many thanks to Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe for sending us a new sheet of UK Bests updated with Jemma Venables' Comp Bike record set at the UK National Finals. You can check out the UK bests clicking here or by clicking on the European Bests link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Thanks also to Andy Marrs for forwarding us the official timing data from the UK National Finals which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. It came too late for yesterday's news due to time zone differences but Chris Orthodoxou asked us to say a big Happy Birthday for yesterday (Tuesday) to UK Super Pro ET racer Robin Orthodoxou of 7.2-second Chevy-powered altered fame. Hope you had a good day Robin. Thanks to Stephen Billings for letting us know that Hardwater Road, which links Wollaston and the Earls Barton / Donnington turn off on the A45, will be closed until approximately 01/03/14. This will of course affect anyone who takes this route to Santa Pod Raceway. Editor's note: Perceptive readers will realise that this is not the complete news update planned for today; we have had to rush this one through so tune in to tomorrow's update for the outstanding news items and please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com. Grumpy's Chevy. 24th September: The UK's Paul Watson, most recently a bike racer, is returning to four wheels after acquiring the former Direct Plastics Camaro from Eurodragster.com sponsor Paul Woodhead. "I've been racing since 1977, my first race was at Blackbushe", says Paul. "I've done so much more than I ever thought possible. I've won a Championship in Super Gas, did it again in 9.90 Bike, ran 7.4s in Pro Stock Bike and run a successful bike tuning company. I felt it was time to move on and I thought of taking a break for a while. That was the plan. "That was the plan until (a) the Super Gas party and (b) Stuart Morrice and family changed my mind and my thoughts turned to four wheels again. I would like to thank the Morrice family for all their help and support and for looking after me at the last few race meetings, it's been fantastic. 
"I had said what I would be looking for I ever returned, and with the help of a few people the perfect car was found: the ex-Paula and Ian Marshall Highlander Camaro now in the hands of Paul Woodhead. I contacted Paul and the deal was done. What a great car: Hauser chassis, Jeff Bull 555 ci motor, Frosty box - a great combination. "The car is booked into Chris Isaacs Race Cars for some updates and then I look forward to being out next year in Super Comp and maybe Super Pro ET, we will see. Finally thank you Tog for your help (Thanks, you're welcome - Ed)." Brad goes Super Pro. 
24th September: Wayne and Brad Jackson have been in touch to ask us to thank Nick Good and Dave Catton for giving Brad the opportunity to license in
one of Nick's Super Pro ET cars on Friday:
Dave is an excellent tutor and did a great job with Brad with the systems on the car, and Nick's knowledge of the car and set-up is fantastic. This has cemented the relationship and we are pleased to announce that we will be joining Nick Good Motorsport with a third car to make a three-car Super Pro team in 2014. Brad will be racing the whole 2014 UK Championship with NGM team. This is a team with a huge amount of experience which will help Brad and Wayne in their first year of Super Pro ET. We would also like to thank Ian Marshall and his crew for all the help they gave us on Friday, as ever a great job well done by all the Santa Pod team. The Bradjacksonracing.com Facebook page has videos and photos of Brad's day on Friday and there is an excellent slow motion Ian Blackett video of Brad's first full pass as well as a shaky Harry Gibson IPhone video. Web site updates. 24th September: Our good buddy Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with pictures from the weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest updates via the What's New link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. UK National Champions I. 23rd September: The 2013 UK National Drag Racing Champions on four wheels were decided at this weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. Congratulations to: MSA British Drag Racing Championship (Pro Modified): Bruno Bader Super Pro ET: Scott Hauser Pro ET: Keith Herbert Sportsman ET: Craig Wright Super Comp: Paul Brown Super Gas: Jon Morton Super Street: Harrison Brown Lucas Oil Junior Dragster: Rhiannon Bellenie Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator: Brian Payne Wild Bunch Series: Adz Price VW Pro: Matt Attwood VW Sportsman: Jason Anslow Outlaw Anglia: Cliff Griffin Gasser Circus: Sean Milsom The ACU and UK National Drag Bike Champions will be decided at the Extreme Performance Bike Weekend at Santa Pod Raceway on 5th-6th October. The post-UK National Finals points standings will be posted shortly. UK National Finals results. 23rd September: Congratulations to the winners of the weekend's UK National Finals: MSA Pro Modified: Bruno Bader 6.2099/225.60 def. Andy Robinson 10.3747/92.75 Comp Eliminator: Brendan Clancy (7.16) 7.1631/189.77 bye, Andy Hone did not make call Super Pro ET: Steve Johnson (7.32) 7.3310/182.77 def. Thomas Haas (8.25) 8.2938/160.71 DQ Pro ET: Lee Huxley (9.70) 9.7738/134.12 def. Leigh Morris (10.90) 10.8699/120.46 DQ breakout Sportsman ET: Stephen Cherrett (19.33) 19.3232/70.45 def. Ricky Hale (14.79) 14.6001/93.28 DQ breakout Super Comp: Andy Williams no time def. Paul Hudson no time DQ Super Gas: Stu Doignie 9.8985/144.35 def. Collin Morrice 9.8951/149.62 DQ breakout Super Street: Harrison Brown 10.9389/99.94 def. Bob Lees 10.7952/114.21 Junior Dragster: Aaron Fensome (8.08) 8.1090/79.65 def. Rhiannon Bellenie (7.90) 8.0681/79.79 Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator: Stu Williams 8.0170/179.25 def. Martin Smith 8.1257/177.11 Wild Bunch: Adz Price (9.16) 9.1710/143.49 def. Bob Hawkins (8.05) 8.5326/145.27 DQ red light VW Pro: Jacob Bailey (12.50) 12.4519/109.48 def. Richard Merriman (12.30) 12.1911/103.59 DQ breakout VW Sportsman: Jason Anslow (15.60) 15.5449/83.79 def. Luke Stevenson (13.45) 13.3932/96.43 DQ breakout Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association: Nick Davies 6.2196/228.97 bye, Dave Grabham no show ACU Top Fuel Bike: Nick Millburn 10.8850/63.96 bye, Steve Woollatt no show Pro Stock Bike: Mark Smith 7.7128/171.71 bye, Jerry Collier no show Funny Bike: Stu Crane 7.7458/159.64 def. Stefan Schmidt 8.0425/157.44 Super Street Bike: Graham Balchin 7.2843/198.01 def. Steve Venables 7.2632/193.86 DQ red light Comp Bike: Jemma Venables 7.5335/190.54 def. Allan Davies 7.6465/173.06 8.50 Bike: Dave Thomas 8.6306/151.66 def. Jake Mechaell 8.7419/151.57 9.50 Bike: Stewart Ashby 11.4647/121/41 def. Fred Furlong DQ 16.1698/66.67 red light Supertwin Comp: Terry Green 9.6722/136.05 def. Robbie Dobbie 10.4001/134.91 Supertwin ET: Brett Cordelle (11.68) 11.7032/100.05 def. Pete Harrison (11.10) 11.1537/118.53 Junior Drag Bike: Scott Collier (8.00) 8.0220/75.19 def. Jasmine Cordelle (8.95) 9.0168/67.62 Congratulations also to Jemma Venables who, subject to official ratification, set a new ACU Comp Bike speed record of 192.14 mph, and to Sportsman ET racer Stephen Cherrett who won the Eurodragster.com / Gold RV Perfect ET Award. The Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award was not won and so has been increased to £75 for the Extreme Performance Bike Weekend at Santa Pod Raceway. The Eurodragster.com / Gold RV Perfect ET Award has been reset to £50 for the Extreme Performance Bike Weekend at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out our Alamo Rent A Car-sponsored UK National Finals coverage by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Swift snippets. 
23rd September: Jonny Nilsson writes from South Africa that he and son Dennis, Stig Neergaard and Björn Martensson
have got their Top Fuel Dragster together and fired up after three hectic and problem-filled days. Two practice runs were scheduled for
Tarlton Raceway yesterday (Sunday) before tomorrow's big event at which Dennis will attempt to set a new track record.
Pictured are the team with promoters Nico and Mike van Rensburg. Johnny says thank you to everyone involved especially Stig without whom this would not have been possible.
More news from South Africa shortly.
We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday for today (Monday) to our good buddy, timing guru and Honorary Eurodragster.com Staff Member Andy Marrs. Have a great day Andy. Bike Weekend entry update. 20th September: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us Version 1 of the official entry list for the Extreme Performance Bike Weekend, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 5th-6th October. You can check out the Bike Weekend entry list by clicking here, and you can download the entry form from the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc. Three-legged drag racing. 20th September: Over the weekend of 31st August-1st September the Isle of Man hosted the Pokerstars Extreme Power Drag and Drift event organised by the Manx Drag Racing Association in partnership with Straightliners. Ian Merryweather writes: The event, which is in its fourth year, attracts mainly Isle of Man-based competitors with the addition of UK teams who kindly offer to make the trip over the Irish Sea to entertain the welcoming 2000+ crowds. 
On the back of his win in Hockenheim, Super Pro racer Mark Flavell wowed the crowds with his Saab Funny car. Although Mark struggled to find traction his 9.4-second eighth-mile burnouts went down well with the locals, who also found the noise pollution pleasing! You have to remember the locals were until recently used to hearing TT racers thundering past their front door during the 06.30 and 08.00 morning TT practice sessions. Spencer Tidswell in the Problem Child Gasser Pop, George Skuszka's SBF-powered Pop, Ian Merryweather's BBF-powered '41 Willys, Malcolm Forbes' (of F&A Racing) blown SBC-powered slingshot along with various classic drag bikes made for a nostalgia feel. 
The Postman Pat van team were a fantastic addition to the event. Their bike-engined dragster also put in some shakedown runs but it was Ben Rushforth in the Pat Van who stole the show. The crowd loved the Pat Van and so did the media! Front page of the weekly newspaper at the end of a fortnight's Manx Grand Prix motorcycle racing was unbelievable. During the event the team received E-Mail confirmation from Guinness that they hold the World Record for the fastest coin-operated ride. Needless to say they are booked to come back next year. Unfortunately the Isle of Man-based Garage Insanity team, who were attempting to break the record for the world's fastest mobility scooter, were unable to run due to handling issues. The scooter has run 102 mph over the quarter mile in testing, 20 mph better than the current record. 
The 2014 event, to be held over the weekend 30th-31st August, promises to be bigger and better with plans to bring over more UK teams. So if you're interested then please E-Mail info@manxdragracing.com or visit the Manx Drag Racing Association Official Facebook page. Top Gas final round review. 
20th September: The final round of the 2013 European Super Twin Top Gas Series took place over the quarter mile
at Hoskovice in the Czech Republic last weekend. Herman Jolink writes:
Yvona Kneblova and her team have organised the Drag Days on Hoskovice Airfield since 2003. The track is fine concrete and with some sun on it the surface gives very good traction. Qualifying took place on Saturday with a little sunshine and after four runs stood as follows:
There was some rain on Sunday morning but at 12:00 the track was dry. However when Top Gas were ready for their fifth qualifier it started to rain again and at 14:00 the organisers decided to call the race off. Final standings in the 2013 Euro Serie Super Twin Top Gas Championship:
Flamholc looks to 2014. 20th September: Swedish Pro Modified and Top Methanol Funny Car racer Adam Flamholc says that 2013 has been a great year and that he is already planning for 2014: We have sold the Funny Car as we decided that next year we probably want to focus on two Pro Mods, one in the USA and one in Europe / Sweden. Since I shipped my car over to the USA in 2011, I have made around 400 runs with it. In drag racing you will never know everything about everything, but I have learned a lot about how to set up and tune a blown car to make it go down a race track quickly and safely. If anyone is interested in help with their supercharged Pro Mod or Top Methanol Funny Car in 2014, then please send an E-Mail to adam@glueharbor.com. At my company Malmo Motor Renovating we have a complete engine shop where we can build, rebuild, repair and service all kinds of motors. Swift snippets. 20th September: Lee and Brian Huxley have been very busy over the last two weeks fitting a new crank to the Dark Horse '68 Mustang in time to contest Pro ET at this weekend's UK National Finals. "Thanks to our sponsors and Tim Hines for all his hard work", they say. "This weekend we will be selling tickets for our End of Season Party at the Royal Oak Public House in Broadwas (between Worcester and Bromyard) on Saturday 28th September. We have live music and a disco together with great food. All are welcome, please ask us for more details." European fans have someone to cheer on at this weekend's AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals in Dallas as ex-pat UK Top Alcohol Dragster racer Michael Manners of Eurodragster.com sponsor Cosmo Residences is contesting the event. Qualifying commences today (Friday) and you will be able to keep in touch with Mike's progress courtesy of our Drag Race Central friends at www.dragracecentral.com. Good luck Mike and stay safe. Steve Dudley writes that the first slot drags of the 2013-14 season at MrD Raceway will take place at 8:00 pm on Friday of next week (27th) at The Cathedral Primary School, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1PA. "There is a small car park in the school grounds which should be able to accommodate us all", says Steve. "Entry and racing are free, all we ask is that you make a donation of a couple of pounds to help toward the hire of the hall, although it's not obligatory. I have loan cars for anybody wishing to try out this exciting form of slot car racing. We try to run a couple of elimination races during the evening to add some element of competition / tension to the meeting. Come and have a go, it's great fun!" PMR on the title hunt. 20th September: After their Super Pro ET success at FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway, Paul Marston Racing are looking forward to this weekend's UK National Finals. Paul Marston writes: Once again I would like to recognise the efforts which the PMR crew put into our success at the European Finals, an historic event and a win which they deserve as much, if not more, as I do. But by my reckoning the UK National and Club Championships are gonna be awful close between Scott Hauser, Pete Walters and myself. Scott and Pete were one and two prior to the FIA European Finals and have been for most of the year. There is now not a round between Scott and I, so all to play for in both Championships. Paul Marston Racing have been in this kind of situation many times before when Championships are on the line and you learn to soak up the pressure and still try to perform. What makes this one a little different is that in this case we are coming from a long way back and have form and momentum on our side. It's great to see the Super Pro championship go down to the wire, it really has been a vintage season in this class with the sixty four-car ladder at the European Finals, plus the Super Pro ET contingency sponsorship organised primarily by Canon Reloaded Crew Chief Richard Walters. It's been a season in which a lot of Sportsman drag teams have enjoyed competing, I am sure. So come the day, once again surrounded by dragsters, our little Chevy Monza will try to continue its hot streak, having already gone six rounds straight. See you there. Web site updates. 20th September: Thanks to DJ of Santa Pod Raceway for letting us know that the WebTV show from the FIA European Finals is now available to view on-line (this is the TV programme, not a webcast replay - Ed). "Featuring the FIA classes of Top Fuel Dragster, Methanol Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Mod plus the FIM Europe classes of Top Fuel Bike, Supertwin, Pro Stock Bike and the Super Street Bike Cup, the show is packed full of all the action including UK, European and World records", says DJ. You can check out the FIA European Web TV show at youtu.be/Jlw26cgMCdQ. "Some other recent WebTV shows on SantaPodTV which fans may have missed include Round 3 of the European Funny Car Series from the NitrOlympX at HockenheimRing at youtu.be/lUkAq-FqLX8 and Round 5 of the 2013 FWD Drag Series from God of the Pod at youtu.be/P8cFgs1R-eo", adds DJ. Thanks to Stu Bradbury for letting us know that interviews with recent British Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductees Brian Chapman and Keith and Frances Parker are now on-line at youtu.be/NCws6RagjPU and youtu.be/lfQESqBeANg respectively. "Thanks to our main sponsor US Automotive and all our other associate sponsors for their support, and many thanks to Kaz Aston for putting this together", says Stu. Notice for FIM Europe racers. 19th September: FIM Europe Drag Racing Commission Chair Palle Lind has been in touch with a message for European Championship bike racers: Firstly, I wish to thank all riders who participated in the 2013 FIM Europe Drag Racing Championships and FIM Europe Super Street Bike Cup. In 2013, the former UEM Drag Racing Commission members were separated from the Road Racing Commission to form our own, dedicated FIM Europe Drag Racing Commission. This Commission will be meeting in Budapest on 2nd November 2013 to discuss the 2014 season and any potential rule changes. As such, I hereby ask that if any FIM Europe Rider has any proposals or suggestions for the 2014 regulations then they contact me. Proposals should be sent in writing to palle6913@gmail.com before 1st October 2013. For your proposal to be considered please include your name, your proposal / suggestion and an explanation why the change should be considered. All proposals received will be discussed at the next Commission meeting and each rider will receive a response from the Commission advising them of the outcome of the meeting in relation to their proposal. Click here to see Palle's letter in its original format. I did it! 19th September: On Sunday 56,000 runners and many more spectators turned out to line the streets between Newcastle and South Shields for the greatest half marathon in the world, the Great North Run. Wild Bunch and Pro ET racer Sarah Howells lined up 'just behind' Mo Farah, Haile Gebrselassie and winner Kenenisa Bekele in the wet and windy conditions on a start line that was over a kilometre long: To give you an idea of just how long it takes to get 56,000 people across a single line, Mo was off under starters orders at 10:40 am and I didn't get to the start gantry until something like 11.15 am! It's an emotional experience, so many people, so many fantastic charities and amazing stories. The running costumes were awesome – a centipede, the Tyne Bridge, Batman and Robin, bare-bummed nuns, Bagpuss, Flintstones, Mountain Rescue (in full kit with stretcher), The Stig to name a few! My inspiration remained with me throughout and gave me a little kick every now and then: "It's called running for Paula not walking for Paula now get a move on!". I made myself stick to the game plan though and didn't get sucked into the "Wow I feel fine let's just blast this". Probably the right decision when the roadside became littered with people pulling up with cramp or sore muscles around the ten mile mark whereas I got to that point and bounced the remainder of the way with a huge grin on my face and the Red Arrows over my head making magic in the sky. I think my tortoise time reflects the enjoyment I got from the run, I wasn't looking for it to pass by in a rush and I had already put my original target of 2 hours 20 minutes to one side when my achilles tendon growled a month or so ago. I was more than happy to make sure I got round displaying the maximum amount of effort whilst the various bands played multiple versions of Highway to Hell just at the point I came into their view... or at least that's how it seemed! I made a point of encouraging anyone I saw struggling and there were so many gorgeous people standing along the roadside cheering us all on in the rain it would have been rude not to give out some Hi 5s to say thank you and to eat the jelly babies they were offering! Thank you to everyone who has been in touch with heartfelt congrats, it's so appreciated. Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research are so grateful for the funds raised and I'm hopeful it will reach £4,000 by the end of the UK National Finals (there's less than £200 to go so I know we'll do it – where's my credit card?). That's the total before DHL come along and match it so with my mathematical expertise I suspect it will be closer to £8,000 in the end. It's not all been about money though, it's been about raising awareness and remembering Paula – not that anybody will ever forget Paula, a person that special, that determined, that focused, that supportive and that loved will never be far from people's minds and who given the opportunity would probably have completed the run in under 2 hours 45 minutes because, let's face it, Paula didn't mess around! What next? Well I'm in the ballot for the London Marathon. If I get in let's hope that I don't take double the amount of time to do it or the roads will have to stay shut for quite some time! See you all at the UK National Finals and thanks again for all your support (and money!). We did it (again)! 
19th September: In Denmark it is not well seen to be too proud of your own performance but who cares because
Top Fuel Dragster team Andersen Racing, who with driver Thomas Nataas won the 2013 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship, is a Scandinavian team with members from Denmark, Sweden and Norway,
and what a team! So they are proud. Per and Karsten Andersen write:
2013 has not been a walk in the park. We have had lots of different challenges stretching from tracks you wouldn't even offer to a child on a three-wheeler to blown trailer tires, unwanted holes in our blocks, ignitions and fuel hoses which have a life of their own etc. etc. But this is racing as we all know it, and that is one of the things which makes racing so damn exciting. We we won three out of six races, made it to the semi-finals in the other three races, set a new track record of 4.031 seconds at Santa Pod Raceway, set new European records of 3.965 and 306.99 mph at Tierp, and last but not least we won the European Championship with a 102-point lead on the runner-up (almost a complete event - Ed). Quite an achievement for just one racing year, don't you think? 2013 has probably been Andersen Racing's most visible year. We have never had as much photo and press coverage of our team as we did this year. It's fantastic. We try to keep you posted with some of this coverage after each race, but there is so much going on that it seems like a never-ending story. Hopefully, all this press coverage has also made a difference for our sponsors because we couldn't have done all this without them. Good racing requires good sponsors, and better sponsors will always mean better racing for Andersen Racing since all resources goes directly into the car, the parts, the oil, the grease, and so on. We are glad to say that a lot of our existing sponsors have already, at this early stage, confirmed their willingness to continue their sponsorship in 2014, which is fantastic. Also, we are glad to announce that we have also a few new sponsors lined up for next year. And the extra resources are needed, with better and better tracks calling for more and more records, and also harder competitors as we see more and more Americans on the European tracks. Luckily we have the best weapon in next year's tough battle: Thomas Nataas, who is undisputably the best driver in Europe. What a performer, what a fighter, what a winner. What can we say? 2014 simply cannot be anything but the best race year ever. So be proud to support the best Top Fuel team possible: Andersen Racing. Thanks to our loyal 2013 sponsors LANDMECO, Else-Marie, Biltema, Teslak Transport, VEIDEC, Pack Plast, Sunoco, Nybo Rod Shop and ABC-Skilte. Swift snippets. 19th September: The latest spy picture to arrive at the offices of Eurodragster.com came with the words "What's going on in there then? Would you like some more?". Yes please. If you know more, or if you would like to send your own spy picture, then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com. 
As needle and thread appear to be in short supply, and due to many requests, a new British Drag Racing Hall of Fame iron-on patch is now available. The patch comes with instructions on how to affix it to your chosen garment (and where the iron is kept? - Ed) and is priced at £5.10 including postage. For more information or to order your patch check out www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk/merchandise. A rebuild fund has been set up for UK Outlaw Anglia racer Jed Guy who suffered a crash at the NSRA Hot Rod Drags. For more information or to contribute take a look at the Outlaw Anglia Facebook page. Wild Bunch final round preview. 19th September: The UK's Wild Bunch are really looking forward to this weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway where there will be a field of nine cars competing at the fifth and final round of the 2013 Wild Bunch Series. Wild Bunch Co-ordinator Claire Meaddows writes: Tom Larman with The Ferret altered is currently leading the Series but is not entered. Adam Price in the Team Gridlock Go Hard or Go Home!!! altered is in second place, with Keith Crampton in the Soultown Shaker equal on points but in third. Further behind, but still in with a shot, are Scot and Gina Durrant in the Tiki Munki slingshot coupe, with Scottie doing the driving this weekend. Then Chris Hartnell in Backdraft, Terry Clifford in Ratcatcher Resurrection, Alan Loten in Paranoia and Bob Hawkins in Time Traveller; all still have a mathematical chance of making fourth place if they were to win the event. The Top 4 will earn the right to wear the numbers WB1 – WB4 for 2014. The event is also the righth and final round of the Series for contingency sponsors Real Steel, which takes place over four MSA events and four Run What You Brung events. Adam Price is leading this Series and is guaranteed a Top 2 finish, as is current second place Keith Crampton but either could take the win. Then there is a big gap to third place Bob Hawkins and fourth place Tom Larman. Chris Hartnell, Scot and Gina Durrant, Darryl Howells, Terry Clifford and Alan Loten all still have a mathematical chance of third or fourth place. The Top 4 will share £200 of Real Steel vouchers as prizes. The Club's four-round Springbridge MSA Challenge Series will be concluded at this event. The Challenge covers the Festival of Power, Springspeed Nationals, Stripe 21 Open Sport Nationals and the UK National Finals. As recently reported on Eurodragster.com, the Challenge is currently being led by Bob Hawkins in the Time Traveller slingshot. Bob has less than a one round lead on Adam Price, who in turn is less than two rounds ahead of Keith Crampton. Darryl Howells and Chris Hartnell both still have an outside chance of the win. The winner earns the Springbridge MSA Challenge Cup and one free MSA event entry for 2014. The competition should feature more close racing with another exciting finale to the season, as the points are so close for the Wild Bunch Series. Can Adam earn his third Wild Bunch Series title in a row with Go Hard or Go Home? Will Andrew Murphy propel the B-Sting to a Top 10 finish? Can Crazy Chris wheelie his way into the Top 4 this season, continuing his strong eight-second form in Backdraft? Will Scot Durrant go rounds and secure the Tiki Munki team two Top 4 Series results? Can Terry Clifford dip back into the eights with Ratcatcher Resurrection and break into the Top 4? Will Alan Loten continue his better form in the Paranoia altered, and earn his first ever Top 4 placing? Can Darryl Howells move on up into the Top 10 with the Chemical Reaction slingshot? Will Keith Crampton earn his first ever Top 4 Series win, or even his first Wild Bunch title, in his Soultown Shaker slingshot? Can quickest Wild Buncher Bob Hawkins make it into the Wild Bunch Top 4 with his Time Traveller slingshot and run another seven? We can't wait for Sunday, Sunday, Sunday to find out! Full results and news from previous events can be found on the club's web site at www.the-wild-bunch.co.uk. Gasser Circus title decided. 19th September: The final round of the Gasser Circus Showdown was hosted at the NSRA Hot Rod Drags at Shakespeare County Raceway. Nervous Nick writes: The run-up to the event was plagued by warnings of doom and gloom with regards to a severe weather front which would arrive during the weekend. This appeared to put a dampener on it for many but not in the Gasser Circus pits. Seventeen gassers were in attendance to play their part in the outcome, and with only a one shot qualifier achieved on Saturday, due to the weather, we all hoped we could finish the season on the track in competition and not by points being awarded via the position achieved in qualifying! 
Sunday arrived and the Gasser Circus were ready to race. Unfortunately the weather had other ideas, and as all around us race crews and Hot Rodders were packing up and leaving, we waited it out. Finally by midday our optimism was high, but in a meeting in Race Control, with other race series deciding to go home, we were left with the option to go home or to stay and put on the show and continue racing but on a strip which would not be prepped. The Gasser Circus always come to race, so it wasn't long before we were in the eerily empty fire up road. If we thought the fire up road was an empty place, the stands were even less populated. We counted twenty two people who were still patiently waiting for some racing. We soon had our eliminations under way, and with quick turn rounds, the final was rapidly approaching. Championship leader Sean Milsom did not make the final, but he had amassed enough points to take the title so stand up and take a bow, the 2013 Gasser Circus Showdown Champion - Sean in his 1947 Morris van Ain't Misbehavin. Sean showed throughout the season that with the help of his crew (Steph, Simon and Jim) consistency pays off. His sigh of relief and disbelief was palpable. 
The final still had a winner to decide with John Gibson in his 1955 Chevy Crowd Pleaser and Martyn Hallam in his 1933 Willys Coupe Whiplash the Gassers
to fight it out. With all the Gasser Circus teams stood by the startline, you could feel the tension. What none of us and especially Martyn realised
was that he saved the biggest wheelie ever for the last run. As the tree dropped so did their throttle pedals and Martyn's Willys headed skyward. When it finally began
coming down he was perilously close to the guardrail, and with the front tyres finally grabbing some tarmac he was off on a squirrelly run. John in the far lane was on it
and the two Gassers charged down the quarter mile. Unfortunately for John he just broke out thereby handing the win to the ever hard-charging '33 Willys.
The few hardy drag fans left in the stands were treated to an outstanding final run and an awesome wheelie, which we fear was not captured by any trackside
photographers as they were missing in action (Er, all but one actually, see left - Ed). Congratulations go to Martyn Hallam for piloting his 1933 Willys Coupe all
the way to the final and taking the win.
This victory signals the end of another great year of Gasser racing, and all the Gasser Circus family have some brilliant memories to keep us going during the months ahead. 2014 looks set to be another good year, I wonder if Sean can defend his title? There are quite a few Gassers who will be seeking to change the name on the trophy. The Gasser Circus wish to say a very big Thank You to Shakespeare County Raceway, Santa Pod Raceway, the NSRA, Mopar Nationals Committee, Hot Rod Hardware, Mechanix Ltd, John Gumble, Eurodragster.com, UKDRN, Stuart Mitchell and all the fans who have visited us in the pits and supported us from the stands. PMR's landmark victory. 19th September: Paul Marston Racing made history at the 2013 FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway, taking the win in the very first sixty four-car Super Pro ET ladder. Paul Marston writes about his landmark achievement: Not a bad day in the office for the last remaining doorslammer going into the semi finals. The level of competition in Sportsman drag racing improves every year in all classes, but especially in Super Pro ET. A record field, a lot of European friends joining us, every round was a tough one, with six to go through to be victorious it was one of the best races of my life. The journey to the final included facing three nitrous injected cars, then three blown cars, three were dragsters and three were doorslammers. If I had to pick a key race I would say it was against Martyn Jones. Any time you get chased down by a five-second dragster. You know it's coming, especially when I am one of the slowest in Super Pro and Martyn is the quickest. I must also pay tribute to Martyn, Crunch and all of his crew, who performed a simply stunning job to get such an awesome piece of kit turned around so quickly and professionally. After they ran a 5.88 in the semi final, I went over to see how they were getting on with their servicing of the Another Small Fortune Dragster. They are a testament to just what you can do and how fast you can go if you are smart. Our PMR Chevy Monza has been around for a long time now; built by Clive Bond at Ultimate Racecars for Dave Mingay it has quite an illustrious pedigree. I was lucky enough to catch up with Dave Mingay just last week at his home in Loughton, Essex. Dave reminded me that this Monza was the first car ever to win the UK Pro Modified title. It's still a winner today, it has been upgraded and refined over its life to become a really competitive Super Pro package. Any race car can always be made better but for the PMR team the final two pieces of the package needed to make this Monza deadly consistent fell into place ready for the FIA European Finals. The Achilles' heel is that we have always struggled to get the Whoopass Monza down a marginal or cold track. That fact cost us the 2012 SPRC Pro ET title and most probably the Pro ET National Championship when it kicked the tyres loose at the hit in the first round in both Pro and Super Pro at the UK National Finals. Running the Whoopass Monza in the Quick 8 Series at North Weald during the 2013 summer break allowed us to really focus on figuring out the rear suspension. After the Open Sport Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway we had enough data to know where our problem lay. So the rear shocks were removed and returned to Gazmatic shock absorber specialists in Baz Vegas (i.e. Basildon). Our sincere thanks to all the guys at Gaz for doing such a great job in a very short turnaround time at a very reasonable price, the results of which speak for themselves. The other piece of the puzzle was solved through my great Tony Morris at BLP with whom I consult regularly, plus the expert advice of Jo Hollerfeld, the resident fuel pump specialist at BLP. Fuel delivery is a very important part of any engine and in alcohol carbs it is even more so. So with Tony and Jo's expertise we were put on the right path and pretty soon we had our system perfected. This allowed the Paul Marston Racing Crew to really go to town on the track and weather conditions, knowing that the repeatability of the Whoopass Monza was now a given. The end result was a Monza which ran three 8.82s on 8.82 dials in the remaining three rounds of competition. A driver is only as good as his or her crew and at Paul Marston Racing we are blessed with such a rich pool of talent. It's always a group decision and that is why I cannot thank them enough. I collect the trophies but it is on their behalf as they deserve it as much as I do. It goes without saying that we have now made a pretty big move in the points with one event still to go. So there is all to play for. From our perspective it's just another race, although it's the last of the year so let's hope it's a good one. Paul Marston Racing would like to express their appreciation to all of the track staff and management for hosting such a great FIA European Finals. The coverage by Eurodragster.com and Doyousee.me was outstanding (Thanks - Ed). Thanks to the Paul Marston Racing crew - The Crewchief, Baby Giraffe, Mad Mick Howling, Sefton Whitlock, Lovely Lisa, The Pieman, Keith Bick and Jane - and to our partners and sponsors Drag Race Engineering (our staunchest supporter), CTM Performance and Machine, London Road Tyres, Geddex, JW Performance Transmission andBLP Inc. In closing, on behalf of everyone who is associated with Paul Marston Racing we would like to express our deepest sympathies to the Winters family for the sudden and unexpected loss of their daughter Tracey Winters. Our victory in the first-ever sixty four-car ladder was won with a JW Transmission Powerglide and JW Transmission converter and we would like to dedicate our win to Tracey's memory. Anyone who called JW Performance Transmissions had probably spoken to Tracey at some time. Tracey left us too soon and will always be fondly remembered by us all. Web site updates. 19th September: In the latest instalment in her exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car, UK Junior Dragster racer Paige Wheeler recounts a very successful and rapid Junior Fun Day at Santa Pod Raceway. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest Blog updates by clicking here or by clicking on the Alamo Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. The latest edition of the Speedgroup Newsletter is now available and includes FIA European Finals reviews, features on the Champions and more. The Eurodragster.com Editor's Diary will be back in the next edition. You can check out the Speedgroup Newsletter at club.speedgroup.eu. Our good friend Alan Currans has updated his excellent Acceleration Archive with a gallery of pictures from the NSRA Hot Rod Drags at Shakespeare County Raceway. As ever you can stay in touch with the latest updates via the What's New link at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Also posting photographs is The Mad Welshman whose FIA European Finals pictures you can check out at www.flickr.com/photos/the_madwelshman. UK National Finals coverage. 19th September: Eurodragster.com will be at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend to bring you the news from the UK National Finals in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car. Our coverage will consist of frequently-updated reports on the on-track action throughout each day and a photo gallery at the end of each day. Pit notes will be posted on Saturday but not on Sunday as Simon will be calculating UK National Championship points in real time. The Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam will be on-line and will broadcast live video and commentary / Nitro FM audio so long as the track is open each day. Thanks to our friends at Doyousee.me for the provision of streaming services. You can check out our UK National Finals event index, which includes the official entry list and provisional running orders, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Racer safety: you can help. 18th September: Doctor Mark Tyler, Chief Medical Officer at Santa Pod Raceway, has been in touch to offer racers the chance to get involved to help to make racing even more safe: We have been fortunate enough to have been approached by a leading manufacturer of medical equipment regarding the development of a new extrication device. The devices currently available are not suitable for the snugly fitting roll-cages you guys employ, especially the Funny Cars and dragsters. The aim of the development is to see whether we can produce a device which can be inserted around the driver after a crash to immobilise the spine, neck and head, and then hopefully remove the driver without resorting to cutting the roll cage. We would greatly appreciate if any racer would be willing to work with us, enabling us to trial the device on a race car rather than, as we have at present, purely theoretical modelling and using road cars. It would involve minimal time and distraction to yourselves and is not likely to be required until the start of next season, or possibly in the closed season. If you are interested then please get in touch with Mark at mark@tylerbenwick.co.uk or call him on 07734 032194. Swift snippets. 18th September: If you are seeking C12, C14 or C16 race fuel then UK Pro ET racer Mike Lacey is taking orders up to tomorrow lunchtime for delivery to Santa Pod Raceway, where he will be from tomorrow afternoon. You can get in touch with Mike via www.modurstang.co.uk. The full news service will be back with tomorrow's update, to be posted tonight. Please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com. UK National Finals racer update. 17th September: Many thanks to Ian Marshall for forwarding us details of the arrangements for this weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway: Friday 20th September 08:00 Gates open for Peak Performance Day 12:00 Gates open for UK National Finals pitting 14:00 Signing on office opens 15:00 Scrutineering begins for cars 16:00 Scrutineering begins for bikes Saturday 21st September 07:00 Signing on office and scrutineering open (cars and bike) 09:00 Track opens for qualifying Sunday 22nd September 07:30 Signing on office and scrutineering open 09:00 Track opens for qualifying and eliminations The final entry list can be viewed by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. The provisional running orders are also available and again can be viewed by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Please note that as ever these running orders are subject to change due to weather or track conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by race officials. UK Championship outcomes I. 17th September: The four-wheeled half of the 2013 UK National Drag Racing Championship reaches its conclusion at this weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod. Thirteen car classes will have their final Championship round of the year at which racers will have the opportunity to battle it out for the trophies to be presented next February at the annual Trophy Presentation and Dinner Dance. Our very own Simon, who co-ordinates the UK National Championship points with Yvonne Tramm, has analysed the possible outcomes: In MSA Pro Modified, Bruno Bader could yet win the Championship despite losing the 100 bonus points for attending all rounds. Rick Garrett Andy Robinson, Wayne Nicholson and Graham Ellis all mathematically have a shot at the title. Super Pro ET is also incredibly tight. Scott Hauser remains at the top of the standings but a win by Paul Marston in the class' biggest field to date at the FIA European Finals propels Paul Marston Racing to within one round win of Scott. Peter Walters is further back and needs to go at least three rounds further than Paul and also qualify five positions higher to achieve runner-up position. Pro ET is also close, with Keith Herbert leading by three rounds from Ian Brown, and Eurodragster.com sponsor Nic Williams less than a round further back and Bob Molden not at all out of the running. Sportsman ET has 2012 Champion Craig Wright in a provisional Championship placing, congratulations to him. Stephen Cherrett in second position is being chased by Nick and Nigel Hale. Nick will need to go a couple of rounds further than Stephen and qualify better to secure runner up position. In Super Comp, Paul Brown is provisional Champion and congratulations to Paul and his team. Runner-up honours are between Paul Hudson, who will have the 200 point bonus for attending all rounds, and the Morrice Boys and Peter Creswell both of whom miss out on the bonus. The bonus plays a part in Super Gas where Team Tokyo Toy's (Steve Dunn and Jon Evans) absence from the Festival of Power erodes the lead over 2007 and 2009 Champion Jon Morton. The Morrice Boys and Stuart Doignie have a mathematical chance of featuring in the final standings but will need to have a much better weekend than the two leaders in order to do so. A depleted Super Street entry confirms Harrison Brown's provisional Championship placing over 2002, 2008, 2011 and 2012 Champion Leigh Morris. Congratulations to Harrison and Thatadoo Racing. Billy Everitt took over the Lucas Oil Junior Dragster lead at the Open Sport Nationals; the FIA European Finals was a non points-scoring event. There is an entry of twenty six cars which means up to 1000 points available. Billy is less than two rounds ahead of Joe Kellett who will want to be the first Junior Dragster racer in UK drag racing history to win three National titles, and those in consecutive years. Rhiannon Bellenie and Brad Jackson will need the top two to exit early to have a chance of runner-up position. Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator has reigning Champion Brian Payne looking unassailable; congratulations to Brian and the team. Eurodragster.com sponsor Jon Webster, in second place, likewise has a generous lead over Martin Smith. The Wild Bunch MSA Points Challenge is led by Bob Hawkins who has a one round lead over Adz Price with Keith Crampton a further couple of rounds behind. The top honours should go to one of these racers. The Volkswagen Drag Racing Club's latest standings show Matt Attwood in provisional Championship position in VW Pro and Jacob Bailey in runner-up spot, neither likely to be caught. Congratulations to Matt and Jacob. VW Sportsman is a lot closer with less than a round's difference between leader Luke Stevenson and second-placed Adrian London with Jason Anslow a couple of rounds further back. The post-FIA European Finals UK National Drag Racing and Santa Pod Racers Club Championship points standings are now available on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page and can be checked out by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. UK National Finals Perfect Awards. 17th September: This weekend's UK National Finals is the penultimate event in the 2013 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme. £100 is on offer for perfect performance. 
This weekend's Eurodragster.com/Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award has been reset to £50 after it was won by Super Comp / Gas racer Jon
Giles at the FIA European Finals. The money will be awarded to the first racer this weekend to record a Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds. The Perfect Light Award is
available to racers in all classes during qualifying and eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect
Light of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to
£75 for the Extreme Performance Bike Weekend; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the Extreme Performance Bike
Weekend. The Perfect Light Award is presented in association with Bad Habit Racing (Cath and Tig Napier, Pro ET).
Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried. 
This weekend's Eurodragster.com/Gold RV Perfect ET Award has been reset to £50 after it was won by Pro ET racer
Pel Norman at the FIA European Finals. The Perfect ET Award is available this weekend during qualifying or eliminations in Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Sportsman ET,
Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Lucas Oil Junior Dragster (eliminations only), VW Pro, VW Sportsman, the Wild Bunch,
8.50 Bike, 9.50 Bike, Supertwin ET and Junior Drag Bike, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Run of the event.
If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to
£75 for the Extreme Performance Bike Weekend; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the Extreme Performance Bike
Weekend. The Perfect ET Award is presented in association with RV sales and
service specialists Gold RV. For more details about the services which Gold RV can provide see Derek Flynn or visit
www.goldrv.co.uk.
To be eligible to collect the Perfect ET Award, racers are required to carry decals, one on each side of the vehicle. If you pull this weekend's first Perfect ET but are not carrying decals then there will be no discussion; we will not pay out and the next person to pull a Perfect ET will get the money assuming that they are carrying decals. UK National Finals racer notice. 16th September: Ian Marshall has been in touch with an important notice for racers contesting this weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway: Those racers who will be receiving their tickets through the post over the next day or two will notice that their scrutineering paperwork is missing. Please note that this is not a mistake, but a change of procedure for the UK National Finals and beyond. Your scrutineering slip will be given to you once you have signed on. The end and the beginning. 
16th September: UK Junior Dragster racer Brad Jackson will
be contesting his last event in the class in his Lucas Oil-backed dragster at this weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. Brad's dad
Wayne got in touch to let us know about Brad's future plans.
"This will be an exciting event because, mathematically, a number of drivers can win the Championship at this last round", says . "Brad would like to thank Les Downey and Lucas Oil for their support. Lucas Oil will continue to back the UK National Junior Dragster Championship in 2014, and both Brad and I will be involved with that. We would also like to thank Andy Carter for his input and advice which helped Brad greatly. "This is not the end for thebradjacksonracing.com team. Brad will be licencing in one of the Nick Good's Lucas Oil-backed Super Pro ET dragsters at the National Finals. Brad would like to thank Nick for this opportunity and the team are looking forward competing in Super Pro for 2014." Brad's Junior Dragster is for sale after next weekend's race and can be found on Eurodragster.com's Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet and as item 290976603877 on E-Bay. Swift snippets. 16th September: Thanks to Benoit Pigeon for sending us a couple more shots of Swedish Pro Modified racer Adam Flamholc at the Carlyle Tools NHRA Carolina Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at zMax Dragway. Adam made it into yesterday's second round of eliminations but Benoit tells us that a mechanical issue slowed Adam's Camaro and so Pete Farber took the win. 
UK 9.50 Bike racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor Fred Furlong has received a delivery of factory fresh Shinko Hook-Ups and Reactor Drag Slicks. "Please let me know if you would like me to bring any tyres to the UK National Finals to save yourself postage costs", says Fred. "The Hook-Up 180s are £115 , the 190s are £120 , the 200s are £125. If you are looking for the 26.0/7.0-17 Reactor Drag Slicks they are only £130. All prices include VAT". You can contact Fred on 07973 418211 or at fred@furlongtyres.com. Web site updates. 16th September: Richard Smith has updated his Zenfolio site with some excellent spectator-ride pictures of the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Richard's pictures at rdsmith.zenfolio.com. Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog has updated his SmugMug site with pictures of the pre-FIA European Finals Pro Racer Test Day at Santa Pod Raceway and this weekend's NSRA Hot Rod Drags at Shakespeare County Raceway. You can take a look at Tog's shots at eurodragster.smugmug.com or www.togsdragracing.com. NSRA Hot Rod Drags coverage. 15th September: Grace and Tog are at Shakespeare County Raceway this weekend to bring you the action from the 25th Anniversary NSRA Nationals in SCR's 40th Anniversary week. In association with Alamo Rent-A-Car we plan to post a photo gallery at the end of each day. The Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam will be on-line and will broadcast live video and commentary / Shakey Sound audio so long as the track is open each day. Thanks to our friends at Doyousee.me for ths provision of streaming services. You can check out our NSRA Hot Rod Drags coverage by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Flamholc races on Sunday. 15th September: Thanks to Benoit Pigeon for keeping us up to date with the progress of Swedish Pro Modified racer Adam Flamholc who is contesting the Carlyle Tools NHRA Carolina Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts which is taking place this weekend at zMax Dragway: Adam has been looking for extra power all weekend and, following Q3, he obviously had figured it out but knew that it wouldn't come without a fight. 
In the other lane was Rickie Smith. Adam staged first then Rickie went for another purge of nitrous. Adam sat there patiently. Rickie finally staged and the cars left, Rickie first however later in the run he slowed down and Adam passed him with his five-second run of the weekend 5.966/242.63. 
Back in the pits, the entire team started work on the motor, tearing it entirely apart. There were no problems, the parts had just reached the end of their working life. The next round will start with fresh parts. It was a lot of work and the team stayed up late. Hall of Fame makes its move. 15th September: The Saturday evening of last weekend's FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway marked an important change for the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Annual Awards Event. Since its launch in 2006 the awards have been part of the joint Club Championship Trophy presentations held during the winter. But the BDRHoF Board felt that their event needed to be a standalone occasion during which more time could be given to celebrating the achievements of those who have played such crucial roles in the development of drag racing in the UK. They also wanted an event to which existing members could be invited along as important guests. That's why in 2013 seventy-six invited guests assembled in the Santa Pod VIP marquee for a sit down dinner. These included existing BDRHoF members, sponsors and supporters along with the new inductees being celebrated this year. There was plenty of time for old friends to catch up with the gossip; many having not seen each other for over twenty years or more. A bonus was that, thanks to Santa Pod Raceway, they could also experience a modern day drag race meeting. Drag racing commentators from the past were well represented. Brian Taylor compered the evening. He invited John Price to introduce some of the BDRHoF members attending and relay stories of times gone by. To present the BDRHoF Awards, BDRHoF Chairman Stu Bradbury was joined by Steve Trice of BDRHoF Primary sponsor US Automotive. Keith Lee read the citation for new inductee Brian Chapman and added some more stories about Brian and his amazing 500cc Vincent before the man himself came up for his award. Brian's acceptance speech recalled how simple it was to go racing back in the 1960s and 1970s and how much fun everyone had. Phil Evans read the citation for National Drag Racing Club stalwarts Keith and Frances Parker and Keith's acceptance gave us a vivid insight into what it was like organising on-tour events. Stories about BDRHoF member the late Alan Wigmore (Wiggy) were also in abundance. Full details about all BDRHoF members – including the 2013 inductees – can be found at www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk. 
Santa Pod Raceway CEO Keith Bartlett presented existing BDRHoF member Roy Phelps with the keys to Santa Pod, giving him lifetime access to all areas. This was well received by all. Then before we knew it BDRHoF Chairman Stu Bradbury was thanking everyone at the end of the ceremony. Where did that time go? Guests stayed on chatting whilst the winners were interviewed for Nitro FM. It was very late when the last stragglers left the marquee. Clearly the new format worked. Here are a few comments received after the event: "Thanks again for arranging this most important event. I enjoyed myself very much and managed to talk with many I hadn't seen or talked to for years. Thanks for your vision and efforts to get recognition for these important people who have contributed to make our sport what it is today." "Just wanted to say a big thank you for getting this event organised! I really enjoyed the new format and in my opinion, this is the way to go." "Thank you for the invite to the new format Hall of Fame awards dinner. I thought that it worked a lot better and had more meaning than being lost in the annual Trophy Award evening. It was great to see some friends I hadn't spoken to for years." "Thank you very much for a lovely evening. The new format for the presentation went really well and was a great move to give the inductees the recognition they deserve. Thanks to all the hard work you put in." "Thank you so much for a very enjoyable evening. We felt very honoured to be in such illustrious company." After the event Stu Bradbury said "Thanks to all those who have E-Mailed me about the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame induction dinner on Saturday evening. But credit is really due to many people who have worked hard to put this event together; it's not just me. Firstly, Chief Executive of Trakbak, Keith Bartlett, for allowing the BDRHoF to disrupt his VIP marquee, along with Caroline and Nicky of Santa Pod Raceway who just had everything organised and kept me calm. The catering staff provided excellent food that wouldn't have been out of place in any top class restaurant. And thanks to Brian Taylor who gives his invaluable advice and guidance of how it should be done. "I've been thinking about what special ingredients made the evening event so satisfying, so friendly and so right for all those attending. I think it was because it was a genuine celebration of achievements by ordinary people with extraordinary dedication to drag racing – achievements recognised by a knowledgeable and admiring audience as making a significant difference to the growth of drag racing. You could feel the huge respect that was liberally laced with gratitude – yes and even affection - for laying down strong foundations. "I would like to give our main sponsor, US Automotive, a special mention. Without their belief in me and what I was trying to do, without their injection sponsorship in 2006 and continued support (along with allowing me to use the company facilities and staff), we certainly would not have a British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. "The BDRHoF was created so we can honour those who have given so much over the years and driven Drag Racing to where it is today. Some are no longer with us, but we are now assured that their contributions will never be forgotten and are documented for future generations to look back on. In this respect I think the BDRHoF is doing a good job. We will shortly be announcing some fantastic news about future support that will enable us to take things to an even higher plain. Watch this space." European bikers hit Bradenton. 14th September: A trio of two-wheel European racers will be taking part in the Haltech World Finals at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida on 8th-10th November. L-O Jonsson writes: For the first time the Americans will be able to experience the world's fastest bike when France's Eric Teboul launches his hydrogen peroxide-powered Rocket Bike down the quarter mile. Eric has run an incredible personal best of 5.19 seconds and 281 mph and will try to reset his own record in Florida. 
Next from overseas is the world's quickest Top Fuel Bike rider and twice European Champion Peter Svensson from Sweden, who will make an American comeback after his Thunder Nationals event title at Indianapolis in 1998. Team Starta Racing have recorded the world's quickest TFB pass of 5.709 seconds at Tierp Arena in August 2012. Peter will be making two test runs at the Southern Nostalgia and Muscle Car event at Bradenton on 2nd-3rd November and then looks forward to meeting the American racers under the same conditions at the same race track. 
The third European competitor is Sweden's Per Bengtsson, four time European Supertwin Champion and current speed record holder at 223.70 mph on his famous parallel twin The Beast. Per and the
Beast Drag Bike Team was third qualifier at last year's Haltech World Finals at Valdosta Dragway in Georgia and is very much looking forward to coming back to meet the best in the business.
All three race teams will ship their bikes and equipment in a container which will leave Per's Flexoart HQ in Sweden in a couple of weeks and which will Bradenton Motorsports Park at the end of October. Sören and Peter Svensson of Team Starta Racing started this project some months ago and the result is the world's fastest container on its way to Florida in co-operation with DHL Global Logistics to compete against the best drag bike teams in the USA. If you are able to visit the Haltech World Finals at Bradenton then we are sure that drag racing history will be made when Europe challenges America. First visit, but not the last. 
14th September: Jose Roux, Crew Chief of France's Rital Express drag team, has written on behalf of himself, driver Vincent
Rosiello and the team to thank everyone who heled on their recent visits to Santa Pod Raceway:
Thank you to everyone who works at Santa Pod and to all of the Britisd drivers for their welcome and kindness, especially the Super Pro ET guys, Stan and Paula Atkin, and the Supercharged Outlaws. We raced at Santa Pod for the first time at the SPRC Summernationals but after kissing the wall past the finish line we had to leave our baby at Geof Hauser's shop for repairs. Geof and his team did a great job in only fifteen days so that we could race with the Supercharged Outlaws at Dragstalgia where Vince ran a Personal Best of 7.68. Thanks to Ian from Hauser Race Cars for his help. The FIA European Finals was a fantastic race but unfortunately something broke in our transmission after the burnout in the first round of eliminations. We spent the rest of the weekend as spectators but I am sure that we will be back next year! The Bomber's first mission. 14th September: One of this year's candidates for Most Promising Newcomer is likely to be UK Super Pro ET racer Liam Jones who has given a good account of himself in the former Talbot Racing dragster. Crew Chief Garry Coull got in touch to let us know how Liam and the team fared at the FIA European Finals: 
Before leaving for a week's holiday in a warmer climate Liam managed to break the sump whilst checking the lash on the dragster. Acknowledging himself to be "Inept with engines" Liam wisely did not
attempt a repair, instead entrusting the task to ex-Pro Stock Bike racer Chris Hope who, because we live 250 miles apart, received remote telephone instruction from me on how to check and adjust the lash
which we suspected needed attention after the last event of testing and familiarisation.
With the car duly prepared we met up for testing on the day before the European Finals, Liam sporting an Adonis-like all over tan, except for his hands! Andy commented on the superior comfort of the new Jeep's buffalo hide heated seats, which were a welcome upgrade from those on the previous Isuzu 'Drooper' tow vehicle but nowhere near as plush as the seats in 9.50 Bike racer Alex Hope's soft top 'Salon' Mercedes. The beer fridge secured into the passenger seat with the seatbelt was a nice touch! We discussed the forthcoming event and what we realistically hoped to achieve in our first real competition, on our own, without Steve and Pat Talbot's knowledgeable input. Having completed only around a dozen passes in the dragster, indeed in any dragster, Liam was competent and confident enough to attempt to run a seven by the end of the event. Quite specifically he wanted to surpass 7.8 seconds. Three passes later on, in the first qualifying run, bingo! 7.62/171 with a mild tune. I had previously been a Crew Chief in Pro Stock Bike and Street Eliminator, both heads-up classes, and we realised that my usual procedure for tuning to go quicker and faster wouldn't cut it in Super Pro ET. We had to find a dial-in to allow us to progress. We were pleased to get within four hundredths of our dial-in with a car we hardly know. 
On Sunday, after lubricating the cockpit rails with strawberry lip balm to overcome the pilot's holiday expansion, it was time to strap in (ex-RAF) 'Bomber' Jones for his first real race, against number eight qualifier
Laura Turburville. Justifiably elated with Bomber's first ever round win, we had achieved our weekends objectives. With a bit of strategy and stout driving we overcame Ian Powell and number one qualifier Pel
Norman, the latter being a fantastic race and the win achieved with a 0.02 Reaction Time. Now we were racing on finals day. Fully expecting us not to qualify in such a large field, Liam's missus only packed
enough food and Y-fronts for three days. Left with no option we queued with the crowds and purchased an excessive celebratory meal of Eastern Promise and insisted that on Finals Day it wouldn't be Liam
'Bomber' Jones but Liam 'Commando' Jones.
On Sunday, with ample time to spare, we commenced our start-up drill. Click... the starter turned but the motor didn't. On investigation we found that the starter's inertia gearshaft had stuck in the outer position, having shredded the teeth of both the starter and flexplate with the added complication of a snapped flexplate bolt. With some rummaging and scrounging (thanks) we managed a repair minutes before the call, but all to no avail. With the teeth so badly damaged we just couldn't get the motor to fire reliably to face Martyn Jones in the quarter finals. A race we were looking forward to, Crunch having helped us in our initial testing at Shakespeare County Raceway. Our disappointment was obvious but, on reflection, we had achieved more than we could have hoped for. Look out, the Bomber will be back - with a bigger payload. Seven-second stitch-up. 14th September: The week before the 2008 FIA European Finals, Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator Chair and colour commentator Matt Atkinson was surprised with the ultimate 18th birthday present, a ride in Santa Pod Raceway's Two Seat Dragster with then-pilot Jon Webster. Unfortunately the ride never happened because of persistent rain. Matt was gutted but accepted that sometimes these things are just not meant to be. But then... At the beginning of 2013 I took over the reins as Chairman of Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator from Steve 'Splinter' Nash. Since taking the post I have thoroughly enjoyed my responsibilities and working with each of the drivers and teams throughout the year. Hopefully they say the same! At Round 6 of the Championship at Shakespeare County Raceway it was mentioned in passing between mum and dad and one of the racers that I missed the chance to run in the Two Seat Dragster for my eighteenth birthday. Come Thursday of the FIA European Finals, as the track stopped for lunch and I wandered back to the Street Eliminator pits I was confronted by Jon Webster telling me that the Race Director needed a word pronto. Off I went with Jon and Jeanette to Race Control... although hang on a minute, why have we stopped at the Two Seater, what's going on here? "Sorry Matt", said Jon, "I may have lied to you, the Race Director doesn't need to see you - you're going in that". By this time I realised I had been royally stitched up. Jon explained that all of the drivers had clubbed together for me to have a ride in the Two Seater. I think everybody, literally everybody, at the track knew except me! 
Down to the startline and with no time to think I was strapped in ready to go with all of the Street Eliminator teams on the start line laughing and joking wishing me luck. I had the biggest smile on my face at that point! The run was absolutely incredible. Steve Warner pulled a 0.007 light, 1.142 to sixty feet (quicker than any SE car to date by the way!) and 7.97/164. The best part of the whole thing was that I beat my dad into the sevens! He has been wanting and wishing to run a seven for so long now and then off I go first time down the track, boom! 7.97! The reality soon set in and I realised it's going to be too expensive to keep paying for the Two Seater rides so it looks like dad might be out of the seat of the Mustang sooner than he thinks! For me this truly was a dream come true and I am eternally grateful to each and every Street Eliminator racer and team for their contribution and for making it happen. I really cannot thank you all enough. Thanks also to Steve Warner and the Thrill Ride team. I can honestly say to anyone out there - if you get the opportunity then do it! Target 8.0-something. 
14th September: The FIA European Finals has always been a favourite for both racers and fans alike, and it was no different for
the UK's Team Rampage Super Pro ET team. Dan Holloway writes:
Mixed weather reports for the four-day drag racing extravaganza meant that we were feeling fairly optimistic, considering how well the Summernationals had gone for us. It was Thursday morning, and a rather pleasant one at that, the main day for Sportsman qualifying. Knowing full well that Friday's forecast was not a good one, we knew we had to hit the nail on the head today. It was a unanimous decision that we would go for an 8.05 dial in for the first run, based on the fact that it was the first run off the trailer. However the air was fairly good and it was quite annoying when an 8.044 appeared on the board, damn! Never mind, we weren't too far off our prediction so that was the positive that could be taken from it. We looked to give the Rampage dragster an oil change after we got back from our run and we also had breakfast as it was long overdue, but just as we had finished topping up the 540 ci motor we were called. So it was into a small panic mode at this time as the car was still in pieces! Luckily, it was the biggest ever field for Super Pro so we had more than enough time to get it all back together. The conditions hadn't changed too much compared to when our first run, albeit a lot warmer, so with the breakout in mind and the fact that we had to get a number on the board, we went for an 8.02 dial in. Only a couple of pairs before we were due to run, and straight after our routine fire up in the pairing lanes, my leg decided that it would come into contact with the scorching hot headers and boy did I feel it (Ow, I felt that just reading it - Ed)! This meant a trip to the Medical Centre for me and missing out on our run, which I was told when I returned was another 8.04, this time an 8.045. At least the car was consistent and we had improved on our position, just not our predictions! Q3 proved an additional improvement, going for the obvious 8.04 dial in subject to our two previous runs and running through with an 8.051 meant that we would finish the day in ninth place out of some fifty-odd cars, not bad! A transbrake issue meant that our fourth run was wasted and so we looked to the next day, praying that the weather gods would be on our side. Fair to say they were with us! The majority of forecasts the evening before had stated that it would be a washout for Friday, but what did they know? This was the Pod after all! We knew that any window of opportunity for the track to be in action today would be for the Pro classes so we had our fingers crossed that the weather would remain overcast, at least so we could have another shot at nailing our dial-in before the first round of eliminations the next day. After the odd shower or two throughout the day, we had our wishes granted with one more round and so going into the early evening we felt that an 8.03 dial in would suffice. Hoping the transbrake issue was resolved, Dave came to the line, the lights went down and off he went to an 8.039, which got us back up the field but only to tenth spot - goes to show just how good all these other guys in our class are! This meant that we would race Alan Didwell in the first round on Saturday morning. We were only half way through the meeting and it was already time for eliminations due to the huge amount of Super Pro cars which had managed to qualify. Commiserations to those who had breakages and couldn't fix in time, hopefully see you at the National Finals! As the conditions were very similar to the first round of qualifying on the Thursday morning, we decided to stick an 8.03 on the board despite the number of breakouts before us. Well it was to our dismay when Dave went through running a 7.98 coming off of the loud pedal way before the gantry. Going over the data after the run, we were eight hundredths quicker at 1000 feet than our normal time and so after a few calculations we would have run a 7.8, which would have been the quickest we had ever run in the car by quite a chunk. What was different about that run in relation to Q1 we had no idea, and it seemed that quite a few others didn't either! The dragster just picked up a big amount of speed and time after sixty feet and it came out of nowhere, no-one could have predicted it. Sadly that was our weekend done and dusted already, and it wasn't even 11 o'clock of the third day! After entertaining our brilliant sponsors from All Aces Couriers, who after coming drag racing and experiencing a Fuel car for the first time now want to come again, we packed up, watched the guys in Super Pro run, and made off for home, after we had gone to the pub of course! Thanks again to this year's fantastic sponsors, whose support is always very much appreciated: Mini Gears / Components Worldwide - the complete supply package for all your metal components, whether gears, racks or machined parts at very competitive prices. All Aces Couriers (01295 275049) delivering your reputation at incredible prices! Payday UK - offering quick and super easy loans at the most competitive prices. See you all at the National Finals! Swift snippets. 14th September: Shakespeare County Raceway's 40th Anniversary week is a fitting time for the announcement that the Bulldog Bash will be returning next year. Dicko tells us that the world-famous bikers and music festival will be taking place at SCR on 7th-10th August 2014. On behalf of Chairman Graham Light and all of the members of the FIA Drag Racing Commission, Phil Evans would like to thank everyone who made their visit to the FIA European Finals so memorable. "In particular we would like to thank Keith Bartlett and his team for their generous hospitality", says Phil. "Everybody in the Commission had a great time and enjoyed the excellent racing. Also we were glad to be joined by the new CEO of the MSA, Nick Bunting. He had never been to a drag race event before but I think he realised the special thrill of our sport when he was stood between the Top Fuel cars as they left the start line. In fact he enjoyed Saturday so much he came back on Sunday. Once again our thanks to everyone at Santa Pod for a great event." Ken Bonner has been in touch to thank Eurodragster.com readers for their help with the Camberley Car Show. "Unfortunately Jon Giles' Willys suffered damage prior to the show but we had Spellbound and Silverline on show which created a lot of interest", says Ken. "Through the show we managed to raise just over £4,000 which was great!" Many thanks to Benoit Pigeon who sent us these pictures of Swedish Pro Modified racer Adam Flamholc preparing his Camaro for the first round of qualifying at the Carlyle Tools NHRA Carolina Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts which is taking place at zMax Dragway this weekend. At time of writing, after Friday Q1, Adam is eleventh with a 6.062/240.08 and Benoit says that Adam was very pleased with his first quarter mile Pro Mod pass since the Gatornationals. You will be able to stay in touch with Adam's progress courtesy of our Drag Race Central friends at www.dragracecentral.com. 
Ian Turburville has been in touch to ask if any Eurodragster.com reader could help with a lift to Birmingham for daughter and Super Pro ET racer Laura Turburville at the end of the UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday week, 22nd September. If you can help then please get in touch with Turbo at topfuelturbo@ntlworld.com. Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog would like to apologise for the irregular news updates and the slowdown in Swap Meet postings in the last few days. "The truth is that I have been flat-out exhausted since the FIA European Finals, which was on top of a manic Scandinavian Internationals, which was on top of a frenetic NitrOlympX", says Tog. "I am catching up slowly and am looking forward to a relatively relaxed weekend at the NSRA Hot Rod Drags. Hope to see some of you there." Street Eliminator Round 7 review. 14th September: Last week's FIA European Finals was the seventh and penultimate round of this year's Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator Championship. Street Eliminator Chair and colour commentator Matt Atkinson writes: 
With eleven cars entered it appeared to be a strong field with at least eight cars having the possibility of running in the seven-second bracket. Unfortunately before the event had even started we were down
to ten with Andy Bond off to the states to watch Drag Week 2013! Also despite his best efforts David Murdoch didn't manage to get the Willys ready in time so it was nine cars.
The European Finals did include the return of Rich Merriman in his well turned out VW Beetle, a great addition to the class.
Into round one of qualifying and it was Mark Todd straight into number one with a 7.830/187 straight off the trailer continuing where he left off the previous round. Colin Lazenby also returned in the beautiful '56 with the bumper repaired from the huge wheelie at the Main Event and he was straight into the sevens, 7.848/178 to take number two spot. Championship leader Brian Payne made a return in the Mustang following thrust bearing problems at Bug Jam and a stout checkout pass of 8.079/137 was good enough for number four. Major problems for Al Williamson in the truck, popping and banging away from the line and having to shut off. Into Q2 and Al managed to sort the problems to get back out with a 9.141/149 to take number seven spot. Mark Todd stepped it up to consolidate number one with a 7.601/188, whilst Jon Webster in the '64 Comet left the line like a scalded cat with a 1.246 sixty foot and 7.865/173 to take third spot as we stood. Great also to see Shelby back out supporting dad on track. Following an up and down weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway two weeks previously it was great to see Team Extreme's Matt Smith with a smile on his face running a 9.643/141 starting to get a handle on the Escort. Brian Payne was back out in Q3 following a procedural clean up on the previous run, and it was straight back to familiar territory snatching the number one spot with a 7.578/189, not without a small fire at the top end but great to see the Mustang back on form. Next pair up and it was the brothers Smith, Martin in the GTR and Matt in the Escort, Martin looking for that elusive seven-second pass and Matt aiming for the eights. Storming run for the pair, Martin with an 8.043/173 new PB and Matt with a 9.130/150 and a very happy Team Extreme. With the temperature cooling conditions were as good as ever for the next qualifier and the first pair saw Martin Smith in the GTR take full advantage with a 7.915/177 for his first ever run in the sevens, well done team, a long time coming and very much deserved. In the opposite lane Al Williamson in the truck had got over earlier problems to lay down a 8.804/153 to take back number seven spot. A great run also for Stu Williams and the Carmasupra Team back into the sevens with a 7.928/177 greeted by a massive grin from Stu! Improvements also in that round for Colin Lazenby with a 7.709/179 and a great run for Rich in the Beetle with a 12.271/111 closing the gap to Matt. A great day's racing had by all and six cars in the seven-second bracket. With the weather looking pretty bleak for Friday everyone awoke without much optimism, and although we didn't get out until late it was better than expected. Despite having to wait in the pairing lanes due to an oil down I gave the guys a choice: we wait for our run and cruise in the dark, or we head back to the pits and Cruise now. As racers do they decided an extra run and a late night Cruise would be much better! Matt Smith in the Team Extreme Escort was the only real beneficiary laying down an 8.931/152 recording his first ever eight and the crew went crazy. Both cars had achieved their respective goals after five runs, great effort! Onto the Cruise and with problems for Al Williamson's truck it was a late decision to partake in the Cruise and the time now at 8:30 pm the night sky was upon us. We sadly lost Colin and Team 56 due to engine damage and a smashed up lifter, such a shame considering the three passes the team had made things were looking really good to turn the wick up! Nevertheless the ruise went on and it was onto the local station for our eight-litre pump fuel fill-up. The cool evening air helped all of the cars and nobody had any real temperature issues, especially Mark Todd with his new radiator baffled up to high heavens! Down to the hot start and whilst we all waited for Paul 'Guv' Wright to pick up some quick shopping for dinner it gave us a chance to admire the cars in all their glory. With Guv back the hot start began, Jon Webster first and all OK. Next up Championship leader Brian in the Mustang, I gave the thumbs up and the two minute countdown began - but straight away it was obvious there was a problem, nothing at all at the hit of the button. Brian jumped out frantically reaching under the car for the starter button to turn the engine over. Straight away she began turning over but Guv was unable to give the throttle a squeeze so Brian jumped back round, by this time the clock was ticking and after a few more desperate attempts Brian managed to get started with seconds remaining and won a rapturous round of applause! With all the other competitors starting OK it was onto Rich Merriman and the Beetle, unfortunately Rich had forgotten to put the battery on charge the prior evening and so the car was really struggling to turn over. The clock started to tick away and the Beetle just wouldn't spring into life. A real shame given this was Rich's first experience of the Cruise and that was him eliminated. After the hot start we all trundled back to the track with no further dramas and it was great to see all the cars rumble past at the gates on the way back to the pits. 
Day three of the European Finals and the brighter weather was back, with one qualifying session and first round of eliminations scheduled all attention turned to the battle for number one qualifying spot with Mark
Todd in the GTO breathing down the neck of Brian who was still nursing the Mustang. Qualifying session six was the battle of the wheelies with Al Williamson, Jon Webster and Mark Todd all hoisting the wheels up
sky high (looking at Jon's data the front wheels of the Comet didn't touch the track until 288 feet out!) Jon kept his foot buried to run a 7.987/173 but unfortunately no improvement. The same story for Al Williamson in
the truck, a huge wheelie off of the line but sadly no improvement on the previous 8.804. The last pass of qualifying and Mark Todd snatched number one spot with a storming run 7.482/190 less than 0.01 seconds off
the ET record and a huge PB for the GTO.
Following the last qualifying round we were back out in the evening after a brief shower with some intriguing match ups. Al Williamson and Jon Webster up first, with Al stepping the launch and shift RPM up it was sure to be a close encounter. Al leaving first 0.0405 to Jon's 0.0988 and Jon was in catch up mode again hoisting the wheels skywards and reaching the other end just before Al with a 8.209/168 to Al's 8.520/158 and a new PB. Al was kicking himself afterwards having been pulling 0.01 lights all weekend. Next pair up was Stu Williams in the Supra and Martin Smith in the GTR, separated in qualifying by 0.01 of a second. Martin drilled Stu to the tree with 0.0684 to Stu's 0.2682 and left him behind with the GTR now running 7.9s for fun, 7.918/176 to Stu's losing 8.079/177 making that two nil in head to heads. Next up was a bye run for Brian in the Mustang following Rich Merriman's DNQ with the Beetle and Brian simply staged and pootled up the track to take the win and into the next round for another bye. Another bye in our next run for Matt Smith in the Escort, due to face up to Colin Lazenby in the '56 Chevy but the engine damage prevented Colin from the taking part in the Cruise and so unfortunately a DNQ. Matt took full advantage with a 8.692/158 smashing his previous PB set the previous day, and a very happy team. Last up was Mark Todd in the GTO and the possibility of setting a new ET record if he could run quicker than the 7.4747 of Brian Payne, a good launch but sadly no new record a 7.594/188 and through to the next round to meet Martin Smith in the GTR. Round two of eliminations and with the way the ladder fell Brian Payne had a bye run into the semi final where he would meet either Mark Todd or Martin Smith. Brian simply took the green light and ran the car to the other end with an 11.950/115. Next up and it was Matt Smith in the Team Extreme Escort to face Jon Webster in the '64 Comet unfortunately Jon suffered engine damage from the run against Al, damaging a pushrod. and decided against trying to repair the motor at the track. That handed Matt a bye run into the semi final and with the way ladder worked Matt actually ended up with a bye straight into the final. Next up was number one qualifier Mark Todd up against Martin Smith in the GTR. Mark had been running really consistent mid sevens all weekend and Martin had been rattling off a series of 7.9 second passes. With the ET record still a possibility all eyes were on Mark, both cars pulled into stage and it was Mark quickest to react sadly to quick with a -0.0361 red light to Martin's 0.0073 green light. Mark threw away his 7.590/188, Martin in the opposing lane had obviously stepped things up running a sublime 7.747/177 new PB and suddenly the possibility of an all Team Extreme final was looking a possibility with just Brian Payne in the way. In the semi finals Brian having nursed the Mustang in the previous two rounds assured Martin that this was it, win or bust for the Championship leader. Both cars pulled into stage and with the boost building up Brian was unable to hold it any longer and away he went -0.0027 red light to Martin's 0.0075 light, Brian looked to be on a stormer flying out to sixty feet but a sudden loud bang and Brian was quick to get off the throttle leaving Martin to run through with a 7.791/177 to make it an all Team Extreme final and the two brothers pairing up. Matt simply staged and tripped the beams to reach his first ever final after only three events in the class. 
With the first ever Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator final contested by two brothers it was youth against wisdom as younger brother Matt in the Escort paired up with Martin in the GTR competing in his second final
in as many events. With a whole stream of people on the start line labelled up with Team Extreme branded clothing you couldn't help but grin as this truly was a dream weekend for both brothers, Martin in the sevens and
Matt deep into the eights, new PB's and both in the final. It would be a weekend to remember what ever happened in the final! Both cars into stage and Martin away too quick witha -0.0398 red light to Matt's 0.1044 and it
was younger brother Matt who would take home the trophy and the bragging rights. Nevertheless a great weekend for the whole team and great to see after all of the hard work.
With only the National Finals left in a week's time Championship leader Brian Payne has accumulated such a lead that on my calculations he will be crowned the Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator Champion for the third time in a row. Let's confirm that before we get carried away though. The SPRC Championship runners-up position is really tight with Martin Smith's final round appearance just putting him twenty points ahead of Jon Webster with all to play for next weekend. We are all looking forward to what will hopefully be a thrilling end to such a great season! On a final note I would like to say a massive Get Well Soon to Carmasupra crew member Les who was unable to join us at the European Finals due to a stroke on the Monday before the event. With regular updates over the weekend from Stu Williams it is with great pleasure I write to confirm that Les is on the mend and has now left hospital, so best wishes from us all in the Street Eliminator camp on a speedy recovery, we all miss you at the track especially Stu as he cannot cook to save his life! As always a big Thank You to our class sponsors to whom we are very grateful: Topspeed Automotive now in their third year sponsoring the class, Custom Car magazine, RPM magazine, Webster Race Engineering, Doctor Flock, Quartermile High / Zeon TV, Matt Woods Photography and Eurodragster.com, all of whom can be found on our web site at www.streeteliminator.com. Finally thanks to all at Santa Pod Raceway for a great effort and for preparing the track so well allowing us to record so many new PBs. Hope to see you all at the UK National Finals on the weekend of 21st-22nd September for our final round. Web site updates. 14th September: UK Junior Dragster racer Belle Wheeler joins sister Paige to tell the story of their trip to the 2013 NHRA Eastern Conference Finals in the latest instalment in Paige's exclusive Racer Blog presented in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car. To check out Paige and Belle's race diary and travelogue, click here or click on the Racer Blogs link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Attention Supertwin racers. 12th September: Yesterday morning Hans Olav Olstad decided to step down as Chair and spokesman of the SuperTwin Drag Bike Association for personal reasons. Hans Olav asked Job Heezen to fill in as Chair until the next STDBA annual meeting which will take place in November and at which a new Chair can be elected. Job writes: As I don't compete in the EDRS or the Nordic Cup series it will not be easy to answer all your questions, so I will try to find somebody to help me with that. For STDBA / FIM matters, please contact me at jheezen1@hotmail.com. You can send me any other questions too, I will try to sort them out and come up with the right answer. Bartlett on SPR webcasts. 12th September: Santa Pod Raceway would like to thank everyone for all the positive feedback from the FIA European Finals webcast which featured three static cameras, a roaming camera, full commentary and live timing data all for free. CEO Keith Bartlett writes: This webcast was trialling some new technology which we are considering utilising at National Sportsman and other non FIA / FIM Championship events along with some other selected Modified and lifestyle events. We will be looking at a far more comprehensive and higher level of Web TV broadcast for the FIA and FIM European Drag Racing Championship events in 2014. Although the additional finish line camera view was very popular, as were the close-ups from the roaming camera, we accept that there were some glitches. Unfortunately the vibrations in the tower from the high power vehicles, primarily the Jet Car did play havoc with the equipment so apologies for any interruptions to the service. We feel that after such a positive response overall to this trial event, featuring a multi-camera webcast which was free to for everyone to view, we will be looking to continue and improve this level of web broadcast at the national events, plus we are hoping to announce before the end of 2013 our plans for a full-blown high-quality Web TV broadcast of the FIA and FIM Championship events. Running for Paula latest. 
12th September: A few days to go until the Great North Run and UK Pro ET and Wild Bunch racer Sarah Howells
has been in touch with news of the money raised for Running for Paula:
The FIA European Finals tombola was a great success. We took it mobile on Saturday and caused a storm alongside the grandstands where we were quite literally mobbed! There were some lovely moments over the weekend, Jon Giles donating his Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award, the Super Comp / Gas teams' huge collection, a catch-up with Nicola Prentice whilst sitting on Paula's bench and the general shouts of support for the run next weekend. We raised £644 this weekend which means the current total of Running for Paula stands at over... drum roll... £3550! Apologies to anyone who didn't manage to snaffle up a tombola bag, but you can still donate at www.justgiving.com/dashracinguk or you can catch up with Darryl (the D of DASH) who will be at the NSRA Hot Rod Drags this coming weekend - if you prefer to donate in hard-earned cash he will be shaking the collection tin on my behalf whilst I am preparing for the run itself on Sunday. Despite our first round exit from Pro ET (cherry anyone?) we had a great event and thoroughly enjoyed watching the nostalgia flag start by teams Turboville and Backdraft. Then to top off race day we saw Ian and Harrison Brown take Pro ET and Super Street by storm. So close to a family double scoop - Thatadoo! Time to don the trainers for just a bit more training. The next update will be next Monday. Keep your fingers crossed! Lots of love to everyone and thanks again. Anniversary Drags beckon. 12th September: Is it really more than a quarter of a century since four youthful and exuberant Birmingham based hot rodding enthusiasts first approached the owner of a British drag strip at nearby Stratford-Upon-Avon with the crazy idea for an event called the Hot Rod Drags? Well it must be, because by the witching hour of Friday 13th the party will have begun for the 25th Anniversary of Europe's biggest and brightest hot rodding and racing as the Original Hot Rod Drags, and it's all happening on the hallowed quarter mile tarmac at Long Marston Airfield's Shakespeare County Raceway. 
Back then the forty year old Long Marston drag strip had been home for fifteen years to the National Drag Racing Club since the very first race took place there
on 9th September 1973 when the likes of Clive Skilton and Dennis Priddle, the match race boys of early seventies nitro Top Fuel duels, entertained the crowds.
But by the time of the first Hot Rod Drags in 1989 the Raceway and its infrastructure was changing and Avon Park International Raceway was born, giving a home
to the Hot Rod Drags. Along with the Trevor Burton Band, a quarter mile of hot rods and fans, the first event was hailed a success as Hot Rod Drags event spokesperson
Alan Martin recalls:
"Back in 1989 the track sought funding to relay the drag strip's surface and we, in our youthful (I wish) innocence suggested the mad idea that an event for street-driven hot rods would be a major success. Amazingly the track was up for the idea but we soon realised that the event would need national recognition to succeed and so the National Street Rod Association was approached and asked if they would lend their name to the first event. They agreed and we were up and running." 
Over the last twenty five years, the NSRA Hot Rod Drags has arguably been responsible for the formation of a vast number of racing classes peculiar to the UK scene.
The now boisterous Street Eliminator class first ran at The Drags and now runs to competitive sixteen car fields with street-legal seven-second 190+ mph cars.
The mainstay is and always will be the self-driven Run What Ya Brung street cars though. With often close to two hundred signing on, the staging lanes are always jam packed with hot rods, customs, 60s muscle cars and street machines. As long as it's pre '73 the organisers will pass it. Headlining racer groups the Supercharged Outlaws, Wild Bunch and Outlaw Anglias populate both history-making events with their adrenaline-fuelled race cars. Throw in the high riding antics of the Gasser Circus and those sidevalve heroes of the Flathead Meltdown, a huge field of pre '73 Run What Ya Brung participants, with a handful of nostalgia drag bikes to liven up the mix and you have all the makings of hot rodding history on your doorstep! For further information check out the Event page of the Shakespeare County Raceway web site at www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk. Silver tastes just fine! 12th September: Finnish Top Fuel Dragster racer Anita Mäkelä has been in touch with a report on her weekend at the FIA European Finals: Arriving at Santa Pod on a nice sunny 30+ C day gave us a nice start to the weekend. We started qualifying with pretty much the same set-up as at Tierp two weeks earlier. A nice 4.04 / 298 run gave us number two spot in the field. On the Sunday we were up against Stig in the first round. But after the burnout I was signalled to shut off. There was an oil leak and my race was done. The valve cover just wasn't tightened enough. What a pity! But this is racing and sometimes you learn the hard way. We all make mistakes and sometimes some mistakes can be seen more easily. I know nobody does that on purpose, so we have to move on and focus on the future. My season had some very nice highlights, like the win at Alastaro and those fast and consistent runs at Tierp Arena. The new Finnish records of 3.968 seconds and 488 kmh sound sweet, too. And we know there is more to come. 
Over the season I have really enjoyed myself with the very good and friendly atmosphere among all the Top Fuel teams. That is such an important part of the racing world. One funny detail was that in recent races most of my qualifying runs were up against Thomas Nataas. "We must stop meeting like this" we were laughing together. Small smiles in the race community mean the world to me. Anyway, congratulations to Thomas and Andersen team for winning the European Championship. But I have to tell you, silver tastes good, too. A little bit more tuning and some more new parts and we are ready to challenge other Top Fuel teams again. See you next summer. Last but no least I would like to send huge thank you with kisses to my dear friends Pia, Monique and Marianne who took care of my hand soap. No more dirty hands like at Tierp, because now I have this luxury, glittering bottle of soap. Thank you ladies! Maltese history in the making. 
12th September: The FIA European Finals will hold great memories for Malta and all the petrolheads who flock to the
Malta Drag Racing Association strip at Hal-Far Raceway as for the first time there were two Maltese racers in Top Fuel Dragster. MDRS Secretary
Jason Camilleri writes:
Going back a year and we witnessed an all-Maltese Top Methanol Dragster final which is still remembered as the most successful day in Maltese drag racing history. A year later and another chapter is written about Duncan Micallef, the first ever Maltese to get a Top Fuel licence, and Chris Polidano the second. Chris did it in style! He is well-known for his driving ability and he proved everyone right with a 4.19 second final licencing pass which made him eligible to compete at the Finals. Duncan has been going through some rough times this season as he switched cars and setting up this Hadman-built Top Fueller is looking to be a tough job. A test event in Sweden was not enough to sort the gremlins which haunted the team this year so they had to go on into the European Finals. Duncan managed to qualify sixth with a 4.38 as only two qualifying runs were possible; on the other hand Chris managed to qualify fourth with a 4.17 which was once again an improvement over his licencing pass! He and his team were delighted with their first experience in the biggest class of the sport. E1 Duncan raced Jari Halinen who was strong in qualifying with a 4.07 pass. Duncan managed to go through to the semi finals as Jari smoked the tyres. But Duncan's problems were still present as the head gasket once again said "enough". With some more energy from the team, who managed to rebuild the engine and replace all the damaged parts, they made the semi final which is also a first in Maltese drag racing history. Chris was up against Chris Andrews, two Chrisses of a kind I say as both have great potential. Unfortunately luck was not on Kalanc's side as a throttle cable let go in the burnout which meant the end of the weekend for him (Good spot Kirsty Giles - Ed). Chris and the team were still delighted with their first race in Top Fuel and who knows what might have happened if the throttle cable had held in place! In the semi final Duncan was alongside Stig Neergaard, an identical reaction time but it was all over for Duncan as Stig managed to clock his best run for the weekend at 4.03 seconds whilst Duncan's blower belt let go at 330 feet. The FIA European Finals is one to remember for both teams as they worked so close to each other and at some moments they became one helping each other which was a great scene, the atmosphere was unforgettable. MDRA would like to thank all those involved for giving the Maltese racers the opportunity across the years to express their driving ability at FIA level. As MDRA Secretary this was my best experience ever. Assisting these great teams on the start line is something out of this world! Svenssons' world records. 12th September: Sunny weather together with superb traction and air close to sea level meant that the Scandinavian Internationals couldn't have been any better for Peter and Sören Svensson and Sweden's Team Starta Top Fuel Bike team. Sören Svensson writes:
After a long drive up to Tierp we unpacked all our equipment and the bike while Peter was at the press conference which was held in the Media Centre. Peter and all the rest of the drivers were asked
"Who is closest to a world record?" and who would have thought that not only one but two riders got their own world records during the race, Jonnie Lindberg in Top Methanol Funny Car and our own
Peter Svensson in Top Fuel Bike.
Friday morning came around and we were ready for Q1 in which we tested a new clutch set-up that didn't really work the way that we wanted but nevertheless the run resulted in a 6.07 and we were number one after the first session. We changed back to our old clutch set up and were ready for Q2. We started the bike in our pit and discovered a fuel leak which had to be fixed, so we had to skip Q2 in order to be ready for Q3 on Saturday. On Saturday morning the air was great and we decided to step up a bit in Q3. Peter made a nice burnout off he went on a storming run of 5.77 seconds, getting off the throttle around 1000 feet. We were back on track after the change to the new HPS 2.1 supercharger. During the same run we set a new Personal Best speed at the eighth mile at 212.8 mph. We kept the same tune up for Q4 in order to be able to run real quick and we were hoping that the Top Fuel cars, which ran before Top Fuel Bike, and the track preparation between our two classes would give us a really good chance to back up a record. Peter made his burnout and I pushed him back and but on staging we discovered a head gasket problem and Peter had to shut off. A big thanks to Tony for detecting the leak! In E1 on Sunday we had a bye run and we decided to test the right lane. The bike hooked up pretty well but after the sixty foot mark Peter hit some really bad tyre shake and had to get off the throttle just after the eighth mile mark, running a decent 6.18 and a new PB of 3.72 seconds on the eighth mile, which gave us lane choice in the next run. E2 against Peter Andersson Ström could have been really interesting since he was making progress and picking up some really good ETs during qualifying. Both guys were ready and on the hit we could all see that the Yellow Bullet was on a good one and when the scoreboard showed 5.82 (getting off the throttle around 1000 feet) we knew that we had just set a new world record backed up within one per cent. Everyone in the team were really pleased knowing that our effort to back up the record had just come good. Peter A ran a new PB of 6.41, way to go Peter! 
It was time for the finals and we wanted to step up our performance even further, the air was still very good and we kept the tune up as it was on the previous runs on Sunday. We had a bye run.
Peter nailed the throttle and from behind it looked a bit lazy as the bike was not hooking up the way it was supposed to do, but after the sixty foot mark it looked really good and when the scoreboard showed
us that Peter just had run a 5.76 it just felt fantastic, backing up a new world record which was once again backed up within one per cent!
We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone at Tierp Arena for the great track preparation (as always) and our families, friends and sponsors for helping us to reach a milestone in our drag racing career. We hope that all of you will continue your support in the future and we would not have been able to achieve the amazing results without any of you! Our bike has gone through some service after the race and as you read this it's more or less on its way to Florida for our last race of the season at Bradenton Motorsports Park, the Manufacturers World Cup in November. Any of you who are able to come to the US race are always welcome to stop by our pit area for a chat or maybe just to buy a T-shirt or a cap or get a free hero card signed by Peter. A big Thank You to those who make this possible: STARTA Produkter, supplied by Sollebrunns Oljeservice PR Husbilar, one of the largest companies in the western region of Sweden selling RVs HPS Supechargers, number one when it comes to superchargers Samek Tool AB, who make some of the best moulding tools in the automotive industry in Sweden Real Form, product development within mechanical design Goproactive, supplier of PC and network solutions, outsourcing, on-line services, communication systems, security and more Swecomposite, number one when it comes to bodywork for drag racing and many other areas using the same technique Temec, one of Sweden's leading companies selling hot runner systems and much more for moulding tools Pippi, number one when it comes to marketing All our fans and family members who support us towards new achievements every year! For more information about our previous achievements and updates please visit www.billetracing.se (in English). Swift snippets. 12th September: The Gasser Circus will be contesting their final Showdown round at this weekend's NSRA Hot Rod Drags at Shakespeare County Raceway. With three cars able to take the title, it will be a close-fought battle between Sean Milsom in his 1947 Morris Van Ain't Misbehavin', Brian Gibson in his 1964 Dodge Identity Crisis, and Ray Turner in his 1955 Chevy Green Onions. As well as the three front runners, another fourteen Gassers are entered and all set to play their part in deciding the outcome of the race series. If you enjoy close and exciting racing on the drag strip, then Shakespeare County Raceway is the destination this weekend. 
Congratulations to Bumpkin County Cruisers member Kelvin Helsdown for becoming the first person since 1927 to clear the 100 mph mark on the classic Pendine Sands Drag Strip / Beach as his supercharged Flathead Model T got to 107 mph. Sophie Taylor writes: what a year it's been for the Flathead guru. His wife's Flathead Model B running well and his Ford pick-up now running a twin-staged supercharged, twin-sparkplugged Flathead has become a photo shoot everywhere it goes. Now to add to his collection is a Flathead slingshot (we won't mention his driving at The Hayride). Next up is the Flathead Meltdown at the 25th NSRA Hot Rod Drags. Watch out for the Bumpkin posse in the bar area - they're the noisy ones in the corner. Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe uncovered a couple of interesting 2013 FIA European Championship facts whilst looking through his records. "Jimmy Ålund is only the second racer to be #1 qualifier and to set Low ET and High Speed at every FIA event in a season", says Andy. "The first was Ulf Leanders in 2011 - there were only five events that year. At Tierp Arena in June Michael Malmgren became the first FIA European Championship racer to record one hundred round wins. Jimmy Ålund was the second to record a hundred round wins, at Alastaro in July." We understand that former FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion and British Drag Racing Hall of Fame member Barry Sheavills will be driving one of Rune Fjeld's Top Fuel Dragsters at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway in October. Stay tuned and we will bring you more as we get it. Mechanic James Tee is offering his services as a crew member to any UK race team in 2014. "I am twenty nine years old and have been crewing on a Pro ET car from 2012 to 2013", says James. "I have been in drag racing from day one. I am a fully-qualified mechanic and still in the motor trade". If you would like to have James on your team then you can get in touch on 07715 540920. Bradbury's thanks. 
12th September: British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Chair
Stu Bradbury has been in touch to thank all those who have thanked him for being invited to the first standalone BDRHoF induction dinner on Saturday evening. Stu writes:
Those attending report that they had a great time and we had very positive remarks about the new format. I want to say that thanks are due to many people who have worked hard to put this event together, it's not just me. Firstly, Chief Executive of Trakbak Keith Bartlett for allowing the BDRHoF to disrupt his VIP marquee along with Caroline and Nicky of Santa Pod Raceway who just had everything organised and kept me calm. The catering staff provided excellent food that wouldn't have been out of place in any top class restaurant. And thanks to Brian Taylor who gives his invaluable advice and guidance of how it should be done. But the BDRHoF engine room is powered by many more people. My thanks must go to Darren West of Power Race Graphics for providing the table booklet in a very short time and he also organises our HOF decals. Santa Pod Racers Club provide the BDRHoF trophies every year; Tog at Eurodragster.com puts up with me pestering to help out now and then; Ian Messenger looks after and updates our web site; Keith Lee, Nick Pettitt, Roger Gorringe Jerry Cookson all provide photos information and a lot more. The twelve-strong BDRHoF Selection Board descends on Santa Pod Raceway offices once a year at their own expense and argues who should be in the BDRHoF, and I think you will agree they have done a first class job. To all our other sponsors York Raceway, PDRC, APIRA, Shakespeare County Raceway - without your support and involvement it wouldn't be possible. But mostly I would like to thank our main sponsor US Automotive. Without their belief in me and what I was trying to do, without their injection of sponsorship in 2006, without them allowing me to use the company facilities and staff, we certainly would not have a British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. So if you need parts for you American car, truck or engine, then think US Automotive, the people who have supported the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame since its birth in 2005 and still do. And most importantly thanks to my wife Bev who has backed me though thick and thin in everything I do. So now you can see, its not just me, it's all these other wonderful people who keep the BDRHoF going. The BDRHoF was created so that we can honour those who have given so much over the years and driven drag racing to where it is today. Some are now longer with us, but we are now assured that their contributions will never be forgotten and are documented for future generations to look back on. We will shortly be announcing some fantastic news about future support which will enable us to take things to an even higher plain. Watch this space. Thanks and congrats. 12th September: Dan Welberry writes that vaving been out of the sport since Andy Carter's retirement, he had forgotten what a fantastic community European Drag Racing can be: As was requested on Eurodragster.com ahead of the FIA European Finals I was looking for a Top Fuel team willing to allow their car to be photographed for the Haynes Top Fuel Dragster Manual. I was delighted to hear back from the Andersen team, allowing us access to their car despite the fact that they were sitting on the verge of the FIA Top Fuel title and that it was obviously going to be a hugely busy weekend for them. With the car in place I needed the photographer and I must thank Tog who stepped up offering his services. Sadly, schedules didn't quite work out so we had to look to another photographer. I'm so grateful to Mark Skinner who responded to my appeal and what an amazing job he's done! Once briefed on the requirements, he really has got under the skin of the Andersen Racing car over the course of the weekend. With a huge amount of assistance from the Andersen team and my friend Phil Cottingham the shots more than cover the requirements and I now can't wait to go through them all and drop them into place as the book comes to its final stages. Haynes will publish the Top Fuel Dragster Manual next June with a launch scheduled for the FIA Main Event but I'm sure I'll be giving you a fair bit more information on plans leading up to the release date. Finally, huge congratulations to Thomas Nataas and Andersen Racing on the title and to all of the newly-crowned Champions. Web site updates. 12th Setpember: Our good buddy, photo-journalist Remco Scheelings has had two FIA European Finals race reports posted on the Autosport.nl web site. As ever there is a race report which you can check out by clicking here and an off-track report which you can check out by clicking here. Swift snippets. 
11th September: UK Top Methanol Funny Car racer Gareth Ellis has put his Dodge Stratus FC up for sale.
"We have used this car for one year and it has been a fun car to drive but now my interests lay elsewhere", says Gareth. "This car goes straight and hard - I ran
a five within seven starts". You can find out more under Cars For Sale in our Jeff Bull
Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet.
Many thanks to Ian Marshall for sending us Version 4 of the official entry list for the UK National Finals, which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday-Sunday 21st-22nd September. You can check out the UK National Finals entry list by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. The final points standings in the FIA and FIM European Championships are now available on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Many thanks to Championship Co-ordinators Kjell Pettersson, Peder Eneroth and Palle Lind for their work this season. Many thanks to Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe for sending us a new sheet of European Bests updated with the records set at the FIA European Finals. You can check out the new bests by clicking here or by clicking on the European Bests link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Thanks also to Andy Marrs for forwarding us the official timing data from the FIA European Finals which you can check out by clicking here or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. If you've ever wondered what it is like to ride the Tower at Santa Pod Raceway whilst Martin Hill is performing his flame, smoke and throttle slam routine in the Fireforce 3 Jet Funny Car then you might like to check out a YouTube clip posted by PiPPi which shows the environment within the Eurodragster.com office whilst Martin is doing his thing immediately below. You can ride along with Eurodragster.com at www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWYZhu0bA10 - watch the Dell monitor and the windows. The full News and Swap Meet service will be start to retrn to normal service tomorrow (Thursday). Tune back then for updates from Anita Mäkelä, Peter and Sören Svensson and more, and please keep the news coming to news@eurodragster.com. 2013 European Champions. 9th September: Congratulations to the 2013 European Champions: FIA Top Fuel Dragster: Thomas Nataas FIA Top Methanol Funny Car: Jonnie Lindberg FIA Pro Modified: Micke Gullqvist FIA Pro Stock: Jimmy Ålund FIM Europe Top Fuel Bike: Ian King FIM Europe Supertwin: Ronny Aasen FIM Europe Pro Stock Bike: Fredrik Fredlund FIM Europe Super Street Bike Cup: Garry Bowe European Funny Car Series: Jason Phelps FIA European Finals results. 9th September: Congratulations to the winners of the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway: FIA Top Fuel Dragster: Chris Andrews 4.2206/292.05 def. Stig Neergaard 4.9671/146.21 FIA Top Methanol Funny Car: Jonnie Lindberg 5.4266/265.11 bye, Gareth Ellis shut off FIA Pro Modified: Bruno Bader 6.0566/230.19 def. Robert Joosten 6.1913/231.65 FIA Pro Stock: Jimmy Ålund 6.5825/210.85 def. Michael Malmgren 6.6802/207.14 European Funny Car Series: Leif Helander 5.3922/285.12 def. Gordon Smith 14.2482/69.27 FIM Europe Top Fuel Bike: Ian King 6.2135/200.66 def. Filippos Papafilippou 10.0360/79.66 FIM Europe Supertwin: Samu Kemppainen 6.7697/206.02 def. Vesa Lipponen 7.2413/193.86 FIM Europe Pro Stock Bike: Elvira Karlsson 6.9983/185.88 def. Fredrik Fredlund 7.0509/185.08 FIM Europe Super Street Bike Cup: Steve Venables 7.2535/197.26 def. Graham Balchin 7.3175/197.08 Comp Eliminator: Brendan Clancy (7.16) 12.7442/87.02 bye, Rob Smallworth no show Super Pro ET: Paul Marston (8.80) 8.8915/140.95 def. Martyn Jones (6.00) 5.9501/204.37 DQ b/o Pro ET: Paul Jackson (9.80) 9.8105/136.06 def. Ian Brown (10.70) 10.6577/122.14 DQ b/o Super Comp: Collin Morrice 8.9346/150.55 def. Paul Brown 8.8494/146.75 DQ b/o Super Gas: Stuart Doignie 9.9160/131.44 def. Jon Giles 9.9245/154.69 Super Street: Harrison Brown 10.9330/95.49 def. Martn Sanger 10.8692/119.62 DQ b/o Junior Dragster: Billy Everitt (8.07) 8.0488/80.36 def. Joe Kellett (8.10) 8.0942/78.40 DQ red Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator: Matthew Smith 9.1474/154.77 def. Martin Smith 8.8739/122.40 DQ red Congratulations to Elvira Karlsson on recording Europe's first ever six-second Pro Stock Bike pass of 6.998 which was also backed up for a record by her previous best. Subject to ratification the following records were set: European Top Methanol Funny Car ET: 5.426 seconds, Jonnie Lindberg European Pro Stock Bike ET: 6.998 seconds, Elvira Karlsson MSA British Pro Modified ET: 5.940 seconds, Marc Meihuizen MSA British Pro Modified speed: 242.39 mph, Marc Meihuizen Congratulations also to Super Gas / Comp racer Jon Giles and Pro ET racer Pel Norman who won the Eurodragster.com / Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award and Eurodragster.com / Gold RV Perfect ET Award respectively. You can check out our Alamo Rent A Car-sponsored FIA European Finals coverage by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Happy 40th Shakey! 9th September: Jerry Cookson writes that today, Monday 9th, is the fortieth anniversary of drag racing at Long Marston Airfield, aka Avon Park Raceway and Shakespeare County Raceway. 
Happy Birthday Shakey! Joons make their move. 7th September: Dutch Top Fuel racer Lex Joon and his wife Gerda are taking great strides in their quest of their American Dream. It's no secret that the Joons have long had the dream to build a life in the United States and compete with the best drag racers in the world in the National Hot Rod Association Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. This dream is quickly turning into a reality for this talented and likeable couple. 
Joon, the most successful drag racer in the history of the Netherlands, was the 2005 FIA European Top Fuel Champion and runner-up in 2007 and 2008. He hopes to bring this success to his
new life in the United States. Joon looks to Dutch racer Arie Luyendyk as inspiration as he goes through the trials and tribulations to reach his dream. In 1984, Luyendyk left the Netherlands
to follow his dream and won the Indianapolis 500 in both 1990 and 1997. Joon looks forward to being the next Dutchman to become a Champion in his new country and his goal is to be racing
full-time with the NHRA in 2014.
"In 2001 I met my wife, Gerda and we took a trip to the NHRA Finals in Pomona", explained Joon. "We were both involved in drag racing in the Netherlands but we couldn't believe the difference in everything we saw and experienced. I told her, one day we will race here ourselves. There is a big difference between going through the spectator gates and the competitor gates. From that day, we started dreaming about one day racing in the United States. "In 2009, we had the opportunity to ship our race program to the US and race with the NHRA in Las Vegas and Pomona. We called it our American Dream Tour, and a dream it was. The warm welcome and helpfulness of everyone, the hard work and dedication of our crew and the enthusiasm of the fans was overwhelming. All we could think was ‘This is it, this is what we want.' That's when we decided to make our dream a reality." In January of 2012, the couple began the arduous process of preparing to make the move to the United States. The first step was to apply for a Permanent Residence Card or Green Card. With the help and advice of an immigration attorney, in October 2012 they applied for their Green Cards under what the Immigration Service calls "An athlete of extra ordinary" which includes athletes that have won a gold medal in the Olympics or someone that has won a Nobel Prize. "Only three days after we sent in the paperwork, we received a call from our attorney saying that our application was approved", explained Joon. "She said, ‘I know you are in a fast sport but I have never seen an application approved so fast.' We were over the moon. But it was only the first step of many." Next, the Joons had to interview at the U.S. Embassy in Amsterdam and they both needed physicals from the only doctor in their country approved by the US Embassy. But before they did any of this, they were informed that the United States did not recognise their partnership as a marriage and Gerda could not make the move. In the Netherlands, their "Registered partnership" is the same as being married but the US Immigration Service does not accept it, and Gerda would have to stay in the Netherlands. So, on February 8th 2013 the couple was married at City Hall. They had their international marriage certificate sent to the US Embassy and four days later Gerda received a call from the Embassy congratulating her on her marriage and telling her she was approved. "On March 11th, we went to Amsterdam for our interviews", said Joon. "Nerves were pounding through our bodies because we were so close to making our dream come true. At the end of the interview, we had to take a pledge. We learned that the last step we had to take was that within a year we had to travel to the US and have an interview with the U.S. Immigration Service. On April 15th, we arrived in Chicago and for the first time we didn't have to go through the visitors' customs, instead we were allowed to go through US citizen customs. That was so cool. It almost felt like we were coming home. After our interviews, they took our fingerprints, told us we were finished, and would soon receive our Green Cards in the mail. On May 13th, our attorney called saying she had our Green Cards. We will always remember that day, because it was Gerda's birthday. That was the best gift we could have ever wished for." The hard work has now begun for the couple. Joon is a successful businessman and has been self-employed since he was eighteen. He is in the process of selling his auto repair shop and service centre, Autobedrijf Lex Joon in Zaandam. He has raced and worked on cars since he was seventeen, so a business repairing and selling American trucks and muscle cars was a perfect and successful fit for the ambitious Joon. 
They are also in the process of packing up their home and race car shop and have found a place to live in Brownsburg. Besides the physical work, they are dealing with emotional tasks and decisions i
nvolved with ending a lifestyle and saying goodbye
"Giving up our life in the Netherlands and starting a new one in the US was not a decision we made overnight", explained Joon. "We knew it would be filled with hard work and that we would shed some tears. The hardest thing we had to do was tell my sons and Gerda's parents. We wanted to put it off but knew it was only fair to tell them early so they had time to get used to the idea. They surprised us with their support. They knew that one day this could happen and they were very happy for us. They cannot wait to celebrate Christmas in the US one day. "Now that the time is nearer, things are getting more intense and some difficult decisions have to be made. We decided to leave Gerda's horse in the Netherlands. He is getting too old to make an airplane trip to Chicago, so we will give him a well-deserved retirement. I will never forget the day that they won their first hampionship together. We will bring our dog, Cha Cha with us and she will be on the same flight with us to Chicago. Gerda has trained her in English and I am convinced that she will love it at the race track. "Many friends and customers admire us for taking the risk and for leaving everything behind. Our philosophy is very simple; if you do something make sure you do it right, otherwise don't do it. And at the end, you will regret the things you didn't try. Gerda and I are closing all types of things in the Netherlands, knowing we may never do or see them again. But when we are closing doors in the Netherlands, we know others will open in the USA." The Joons may be leaving the Netherlands and the only life they have ever known but they are filled with hope and optimism. And on October 1st 2013, their American Dream will no longer be a dream – it will be a reality. Swift snippets. 7th September: Dave Ward and the UK's Rampage Super Pro ET team have asked us to say a big Happy 22nd Birthday to fellow team member Felicity Gibb. Our pleasure guys; have a lovely day Felicity. The Fifers' season. 6th September: Colin Millar and the Flyin' Fifers are in good spirit and looking forward to the last event of the Outlaw Anglia series at next weekend's 25th NSRA hot Rod Drags: We would like to thank everybody for all the support and help throughout the season of 2013, the season has been fantastic. We would like to congratulate Cliff Griffin, Frank (the Gaffer) Griffin, Lynn and Sue and all the team on another year at the top in the Outlaw Anglia series. 
We did push hard and really felt in contention with the start of the season at Santa Pod Raceway, Big Bang, winning the event. We were runner-up at the Springspeed Nationals
and the Shakey Super Pull. The NSRA Nostalgia Nationals was unfortunate for us as the car was on fire, we got to the final but ran out of time. We had a wee bit of bad luck at
Dragstalgia where we sheared all the bolts off the torque converter and did not manage to get past the first round of eliminations. This gave us only a very small glimmer of hope to
catch Cliffy boy and what didn't help was operator error at Bug Jam when my finger slipped off the transbrake button and I pulled ran a wee cherry which I have not as yet managed
to live down in the eyes of my fellow crew members - kind of the same with Craig Wright, Brian Payne and Jon Webster!
After this we set off on what can only be described as an adventure of a lifetime for four daft wee Scottish laddies. We got on the ferry at Newcastle and set about drinking the boat dry only to get breathalysed coming off the boat at Amsterdam the next morning. We thought the trip was over before it began but I passed the test and to this day we have no idea how this could happen! After a tyre blowout and a few mishaps we got to Hockenheim, it was hot and sticky but the car was going like a bullet and so were my Reaction Times, most of the time on the wrong side of the tree. However it was a funny tree for me as I was racing in Super Pro ET and I had to do everything in my power not to race the boy next to me when he left the line first and I had to sit there and wait for the funny light sequence. A very strange feeling indeed but some blackout window film soon sorted that so that I couldn't see him. Malk Motler has always told me "Run your own race Colin" but it's hard when you see the chap away like a bullet but I have to admit I really enjoyed the class and would like a few more practice shots. We raced Friday and Saturday until we were eliminated late in the afternoon which was a disappointment for us all, but then we set about drinking Hockenheim dry. We had the full kilt on all weekend and it certainly made us easy targets for whatever went on, if I could remember it. The Saturday night show I can only say is something that you all have to see hear and feel at least once in your life, the word "Awesome" is used for many things but very well placed for this show. I was asked my highlight of the weekend, well that's easy. I started coming to the Pod in 1984 and enjoyed watching Slamming Sammy in his fantastic Rocket Funny Car. I saw it sitting at Hockenheim and just thought it was there as an exhibition piece but to my delight it was in the fire-up lane and was actually going to run. Being Scottish and a bit daft we all positioned ourselves right behind the car as it fired up and on the launch we were blown away, literally, but god it brought back great memories of standing in the shed at the Pod hanging onto the fence and going home stinking and covered in rubber! 
A very special thanks goes out to Jerry Lackey who went out of his way to help us in many different ways, to all of his team around him, also to Spencer Tramm who found us an engine diaper
and kept us on the straight and narrow for signing on scrutineering and keeping us right as we are not very bright (but we can lift heavy things), to Kirstie Tramm who also went of out her way
to help and assist in many different ways, all of them were clean honest (Glad to hear it - Ed)! Further thanks goes to Chris and Andy for their help and a tow car which is a must for the
long haul back. Special congratulations to Mark Flavell and his team for winning Super Pro ET, well deserved and a really nice bunch of people.
So back home and back to normal but only a few weeks later were back down at Shakespeare County Raceway for the Stripe 21 Open Sport Nationals and again the car and crew were working like a dream. We won the event in what a fantastic final between Cliff and myself, so close at the end - I'm always looking for him as he always catches me near the top and I am always shouting my head off so I am glad there are no microphones in my car. If there were I would be sectioned I'm sure! So after the fantastic season we go forward to the 25th NSRA Hot Rod Drags which is always a top notch event and for which everybody tries so hard to get their cars out as it is usually the last event. We were very disappointed that Wild'r at Heart will not be attending due to engine problems but they will be fielding another car so not as much as a blow as initially thought; mind you I think Ramon should do the backup duties this time but he has to wear one of Kirsten's outfits, what do you think (Over to you Ramon - Ed)? Cliff and I will have no real pressure as the outcome is sealed, but this will not change the level of competitiveness from all of the Outlaw Anglia teams/ Paul Wright will be there and trying as hard as ever to win the event and so long as he remembers his gloves I'm sure he will. Barnaby Levy will be there débuting his new Pop and the Flyin Fyfers wish him all the best as we do to all who attend this event, such good people such good friends. It is all to play for between Steve Wells and Jedd Guy for OA3 position and this will be hotly contested I'm sure. A special thanks to all the marshals and volunteers who spend time and energy organising these events and keeping Shakespeare County Raceway open to allow us to have fun, thank you all it is very much appreciated. And again, from all of the Flyin' Fifer team, thanks very much to everyone for your support and kind words. Malmgren content. 
5th September: Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren says that eh has had a good year - not a blast but a solid good year
with very consistent runs:
We have run within 0.020 on every run at every event. I ran a new Personal Best at Tierp Arena and I hope that we can improve even more if Santa Pod's track is good this weekend, which I have confidence it will be. We have been better and better every race and there is certainly still some performance left in it which we hope we can bring out at Santa Pod this weekend. My guys have all done a very good job this year, big thanks to my whole crew Erland and Bjarne Cox, Lucas Nilsson and Kent Eriksson. We have gone up one spot in the Championship and will run next year with number three on the car, which feels much better than number four. The competition is getting harder and harder but we still like to be back at the top. I must say congratulations to both Jimmy Ålund and Thomas Lindström for running so well and so consistently this year. Nobody could really get close to Jimmy with his new killer engine from KB Racing, and Thomas has really got control of his driving this year, leaving no mistakes on the table and hard to beat because of that. In fact Jimmy and Thomas have reached the final round at every race, so let's hope we can change that at Santa Pod. I would like to say a big Thank You to my sponsors who made this year possible - Oakley Inc, Europa Flyer Sweden, HTH Kök - and all the performance parts manufacturers who have supported us with the best parts possible: MBE Heads, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance, MSD Ignition, Victory Valves, Federal Mogul, Dynotech Driveshafts, Richmond Gears, Strange Engineering, KN Filters, Ionbond, Braswell Carburetors, PAC Valve Springs, Champion Spark Plugs and Auto Verdi Oil Pumps. Without your support we wouldn't be racing at this level. Let's hope we can keep the momentum and tweak it for 2014! Riders at the Finals. 5th September: Tim Fountain writes that the Riders Branch of the Royal British Legion has been offered some space at the European Finals on Saturday to raise awareness for both the Riders Branch specifically and the Royal British Legion generally: As a reward for this we thought it is only fitting to help out any spectators or racers who have too much loose change and to save you carrying it about we will have some buckets where we will be happy for you to leave it. The Riders Branch is keen to attract motorcyclists and supporters of the Legion from across the globe. We already have Branch members from Cornwall to Scotland as well as Europe, Northern America and Australasia. We are brought together by our enthusiasm for motorcycling, and our willingness to support the aims and charitable efforts of The Royal British Legion. Branch members have the option to belong to more than one branch if they wish, allowing them to remain members of their local Legion Branch/Club as well as the Riders, which is a National Branch. We have members from The Royal Navy, The Army, The Royal Air Force and The Royal Marines as well as those who have not served, but wish to support the aims of the Royal British Legion through the Riders Branch. The Riders Branch is very diverse in it's membership. Members are young and old, male and female. We take part in all types of biking and biking events, from track days to rallies, on customs to sports bikes, and everything in between! And not forgetting formal Legion organised events and fund raising. All members are encouraged to play an active role within the Branch at Local and National level, with the emphasis on being pro-active in getting together with other Branch members in both their geographical area and nationally. We try to attend as many events as possible during the year across the whole spectrum of the motorcycling calendar. We use all these events to raise awareness and funds for the Poppy Appeal. Not forgetting, we are Bikers and try to enjoy ourselves at social events as well. Please don't miss this opportunity to take advantage of getting rid of any excess change and also a big Thank You to Santa Pod for having us. Snake and Mongoose first look. 5th September: On a visit to the US Nationals at Indy Wayne, Janet and Chris Schreier had the opportunity to attend the premiere of the highly anticipated Snake and Mongoose film: 
We were very impressed with the story of the racing and personal lives of Don 'The Snake' Prudhomme and Tom 'The Mongoose' McEwen. Though only based on their life stories, it was an amazingly accurate portrayal. Their cameo performances, along with some of the modern day stars of the sport, were a nice touch which the audience certainly appreciated. The balance of humour tinged with sadness made you both laugh and cry in equal measure. Together with references to, and using archived footage from the US Nationals at Indy and other historic tracks, made it a compelling watch. 
We would highly recommend this film to both the drag racing community and non drag racers alike. You can check out a great trailer by clicking here and you can find out more at www.snakeandmongoosemovie.com. Outlaws at the Hot Rod Drags. 
5th September: The UK's Supercharged Outlaws are attending next week's NSRA Hot Rod Drags at Shakespeare County Raceway
and Dave McKenzie writes that with fifteen entries it promises to be a cracking event:
Sadly Ramon with the Wild'r at Heart Funny Car has had to pull out due to engine damage. We do have a continental flavour though, with the Cuda of Kirsten van Croonenborgh (The Netherlands) and the Wild '57 Chevy of V Rossellio (France) in attendance. Add to the mix Joe Bond and the Nuthin' Fancy altered along with Ian Hanson with Stars and Stripes, Lee Gallimore with Red Mist, Steve Goode with Wobble/Ghost Train, Ian Kerr, Simon Boot, Simon Cooper, John Reeves who ran back to back 7.3s at VW Action, Chris Pattison, Andy Hadfield, Roy Wilding and Richard Davis. After Round 5 of the Supercharged Outlaws series at VW Action at Santa Pod last weekend Lee Gallimore will be crowned series winner at the Hot Rod Drags as he now cannot now be caught in the points chase after taking the win at Santa Pod. Lee has won three of the six round series and has collected points at every round. Well done Lee. There is a chase on for second and third places with no less than five teams in with a chanece of grabbing second or third place: Steve Goode, Ian Hanson, John Reeves, Ian Kerr and Simon Cooper. All of these teams are entered at the Hot Rod Drags so it will be an interesting race A surprise non qualifier in the final round is Paul Watts. Paul damaged his truck in the opening round of the 2013 series and has missed the last four rounds. He would have been a challenger for second or third spot as he is still currently in fifth place. However Paul intends to début his new car at the Hot Rod Drags so therefore cannot qualify for the final meeting. He will take part in RWYB as will two more Outlaw teams not qualified, Charlie Chivers and Trace Froome. Old Skool Ford penultimate round. 5th September: The Old Skool Ford racers returned to Santa Pod Raceway last Sunday for their penultimate round of the 2013 season. Jo Peters writes: It was a packed weekend with some of the Fords putting on a show as invited guests of VW Action for a spot of night racing on the Saturday night. Kev Jenkins ran a PB of 9.03 in his Mk 1 Escort and Darren Scannell also ran a PB of 9.8 in his MK 1. 
Sunday was the OSFDC official race day which coincided with Peak Performance Day, and that meant that the track was fully prepped and very sticky! There was a total of seventeen entrants and plenty of opportunities for racers to run PBs all day while the sun shone. With the added bonus of the renowned Maltese Ladmu Team lending a helping hand it was truly an international effort for this round. First place went to James Fern in his Mk 2 Escort, second place to Shaun Hubbard in his Mk 2 Escort and a long-awaited third place to Nikki Gunner, one of our lady racers, in her Mk 1 Fiesta. With points very tight at the top it's all to play for at the final round on Sunday 29th September when we switch back to Shakespeare County Raceway. Euro Series Top Gas Round 6. 
5th September: Herman Jolink writes that the latest round of the European Top Gas
Series took place over the eighth-mile at last weekend's Mosten Race Days in Denmark:
The Mosten Race Days had a total of two hundred racers and there were thirteen in Top Gas. The track was very well prepared by Holger Dueholm and his crew. This was the twentieth anniversary of the Race Days and there were more than six thousand visitors. On Friday we had two runs in between rain. Holger and the track crew dried the track each time. We had rain again on Saturday but we were able to start again at about 12:00. Three runs were planned on Saturday but because the rain Top Gas got one run at about 14:20. The final result after three qualifying runs:
Top Gas Championship after six rounds:
Web site updates. 5th September: The Mad Welshman has updated his Flickr site with pictures from last Saturday's VW Action and Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. You can check out Mad's shots at www.flickr.com/photos/the_madwelshman. Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog has updated his SmugMug site with pictures from last weekend's VW Action, Run What You Brung and Peak Peformance Day at Santa Pod Raceway. You can take a look at Tog's shots at eurodragster.smugmug.com or www.togsdragracing.com. Ann approves of Flav win. 4th September: The Mark Flavell Racing Prestone Welding Specialists Saab 93 Funny Car driven by Mark Flavell defeated Wouter van Leersum in the final of Super Pro ET at the NitrOlympX with a run of 7.708/259.69 kmh. Mark rebounded from a series of setbacks to win at the Home of Formula 1 circuit: 
We broke a roller lifter in qualifying which forced the team to use all of their international charm and negotiating skills - not
to mention tackle the language barriers - in order to source parts for eliminations! Mark knocked out French, German and
Dutch racers Eric Angeloni, Mike Bruckmüller and Jutta Winter to reach the final round. "A truly European field, which
is the nature of our sport and for sure the Super Pro class we run in", said Mark. "We earned this Hockenheim win at only
the second time of trying. It is an exciting class and the competition this weekend just epitomises how tight and fantastic
the class is to race right now. All over Europe, you have to be at your absolute best."
The 70,000+ crowd was, as always, huge and full of passionate bouncing German drag racing junkies. Particularly for the Saturday Night show which just has to be seen to be believed. They're packed in, and it's a show all should see at least once in our lives. We need to participate in the night show proceedings next time! The weather was fantastic, if a tad hot at 35C for the whole weekend... yeah, I know, a non weather-affected event, go figure! The track was immense and any pre-event nerves or anxieties about the state of the track, after the less than desirable situation for the organisers and competitors last year, were eased after early qualifying sessions, particularly for the FIA cars, where the grip ensured the majority of race vehicles stuck like glue to the track. We might not be putting Nitro through the pipes but trying to bracket race a blown and injected methanol Funny Car with any success certainly demands a good track surface. Thanks go to Jerry Lackey and the track crew for the enormous amount of work to prepare the new surface. Let's not forget they had been preparing that track for months leading up to the event and this is a facility which has only one event a year! What an amazing event; the marathon before the marathon, aka the European Finals. With several rounds of racing it took to reach the final, this prepares team MFR and all racers to hone their driving skills for an upcoming fifty five-car field. 
"Weekends like this become all psychological", said Mark. "It's hot and uncomfortable in a five layer fire suit and cramped
roll cage. You get through the first round then make it through all the rounds one at a time until the final on Sunday evening.
You just try to settle your focus on the challenge in front of you round by round". In the final, Mark drove the Prestone Autolite
Funny Car to the win over van Leersum. In that race, Mark had a 0.017-second reaction time, which was typical of the lights
he cut all weekend, then ran a 7.708 on a 7.67 dial-in. "Craig, Mally and Frank, with Steve and Andy on the end of the phone,
had ensured the car was absolutely flawless", recalls Mark. "Team Boss Ann gave it her seal of approval. We represent so
many great companies in Prestone, Autolite, EDA, and Welding Specialists so the driving needed match preparation.
All this came together to ensure we came home with the trophy. We were good on the tree, and good on the track. Everything was
consistent and did its job when it needed to. This race has a lot of history to it as it was the twenty eighth running of the
NitrOlympX. We had an amazing trip here back in 1995 with the Super Gas Association but to come here and win in such a
competitive class, at an event on this scale with this car was amazing!"
Bring on the fifty five-car field at the European Finals in England! Zodiac Cadillac. 4th September: With only one race to go, the Zodiac Racing team has taken the points lead in the FIM Europe Supertwin Championship. With two #1 qualifying positions and two final round appearances in three races, the 1000+ horsepower Nitro Harley of the Dutch / Norwegian team looks to be both quick and more and more reliable. Vincent Pels writes: 
Although flat-out performance was never the issue ever since Ton and Vincent started with their 103 cubic inch (1680 cc) supercharged Godfather VII project, consistency
was often lacking. So for this year their main focus has been just that. And not without success, hence the two final round appearances and constant six-second 200+ MPH performances.
Taking out the transmission and for this modifying the frame turned out to be the right decision and according to the new rider for the 2013 season, Norwegian and twice UEM European
Champion Ronny Aasen, "It drives like a Cadillac". The sixty foot and 300 foot times are still a bit slower then previous years, but from 330 feet onwards the bike just flies, consistently running
speeds of over 190 mph over the eighth mile.
After qualifying first in Tierp, Sweden and making it to the final in Alastaro, Finland, the Zodiac Racing team shared first place in the Championship with Samu Kemppianen of Finland. At the Hockenheimring's NitrOlympx, the biggest drag race in Europe, the team qualified first with a fine 6.59, which was more than two tenths of a second ahead of #2 qualifier Samu. After a spectacular run with huge header flames in front of 60,000 people at the famous Saturday Night show, the team had a late nighter getting the bike ready for Sunday's eliminations. Sunday started very well, cutting through the field with the quickest Elapsed Time in both the first and the second round of eliminations. But then sadly a piston ring broke and with only forty minutes to get the bike ready for the final, the team had no other option then to go out knowing the bike was not in a good shape. To prevent an oil-down Ton, Vincent and Ronny decided to only run a 330 foot pass in the final and just hope for the best. Ironically they met Job Heezen, last year's rider for the Zodiac team, who had been struggling with his newly-acquired Nitro Harley, but made it to the final with some luck. And even though Ronny was way in front after just one hundred metres, he had to shut off and give the win to Job who ran his season's best of 7.231/209 mph against Ronny's slowing 7.831/139. This weekend the Zodiac Racing Team will be competing at the last race of the year, the prestigious FIA / FIM European Finals held at Santa Pod Raceway, and although they have a firm lead on the rest of the pack, it is not done yet. It will be an exciting race as the top five riders all have a realistic chance of taking the coveted FIM European Championship! The Zodiac SuperTwin Top Fuel drag racing team is proudly sponsored by Zodiac International BV, Supertrapp Exhaust Systems, Spectro Oils of America, Accel Motorcycle Products and Kibblewhite Precision Machining. The Zodiac SuperTwin Top Fuel drag racing team is proud to use products from Zodiac International BV, Supertrapp Exhaust Systems, Spectro Oils of America, Accel Motorcycle Products, Kibblewhite Precision Machining, National Cycle Windshields, Goodridge Fluid Transfer Systems and Flexion/Gates Belt Drive Systems. Swift snippets. 
4th September: Ray Turner is a man on a mission, as he does not want to give up the title of Gasser Circus Showdown Champion.
Currently in second place, Ray and his son Harvey, will be doing all they can to win the title for an unprecedented three years in a row at the NSRA Hot Rod Drags at
Shakespeare County Raceway. The battle between the Gasser Circus cars and drivers begins on Saturday 14th September - make sure you a have a ringside seat.
Crew Chief Dayle of the UK's Alien Racing team tells us that Junior Dragster racer Billy 'Leadfoot' Everitt will be racing in memory of brother Oliver at this weekend's FIA European Finals. Oliver sadly left us seven years ago; the car will be carrying RIP Oliver throughout the weekend. "Racing for you Oli, RIP", says Billy. Ian King of the UK's King Racing Top Fuel Bike team has stocks of all EK Dragrace Chain types from Top Fuel Bike to Super Street Bike, cut to your required length, and a couple of Mickey Thompson Top Fuel Bike tyres (3073M) available at the FIA European Finals. Contact ian@kingracing.com if you require any orders to be delivered there. Running a tombola for Paula. 4th September: After the outstanding success of the tombola held at the Open Sports Nationals - £430.70 in about six hours! - Sarah Howells and the DASH Racing Pro ET and Wild Bunch team have managed to cobble together more goodies to make one final appearance at the FIA European Finals: The Running for Paula tombola extravaganza is something not to be missed. The DASH Racing Chemical Reaction pit up in Pro ET is a long walk but your journey will be well rewarded if you make a minimum donation of £3 to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. We have ninety tombola bags made up of chocolate and various other products but when they're gone, they're gone. Do not miss out and if the weather is good please don't let it melt away! The tombola bags are available from Thursday onwards. A huge thank you to all the DHL sites who have donated goodies – a special mention to our site at Milton Keynes and drag racing enthusiast Tim Cooper. When the words "I have been told to give you whatever you want" are uttered it is hard not to go overboard, especially when we're talking about chocolate! It's not all about chocolate though, we have jam and chutney for sale too. It's all home made by DASH and funds raised will be going to charity. With the help of the Ladies that Launch cheque we've smashed through the £2000 barrier for Running for Paula and the money raised now stands at £2856.21. How high can we go? Have a wonderful European Finals everyone and thanks again for all the support. Twelve days to go 'til the run, please keep giving at www.justgiving.com/dashracinguk. European Finals Perfect Awards. 4th September: This weekend's FIA European Finals is the latest event in the 2013 Eurodragster.com Perfect Awards Scheme. £100 is on offer for perfect performance.
This weekend's Eurodragster.com/Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award has been reset to £50 after it was won by Pro ET racer Nicole Parker at the
Open Sport Nationals. The money will be awarded to the first racer this weekend to record a Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds. The Perfect Light Award is
available to racers in all classes during qualifying and eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the event. If not won this weekend
then the Award will be increased to £75 for the UK National Finals; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the UK National Finals. The Perfect Light Award
is presented in association with Bad Habit Racing (Cath and Tig Napier, Pro ET).
Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried.
This weekend's Eurodragster.com/Gold RV Perfect ET Award has been reset to £50 after it was won by Pro ET racer and Eurodragster.com sponsor
Nic Williams at the Open Sport Nationals. The Perfect ET Award is available this weekend during qualifying or eliminations in Super Pro ET, Pro ET, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super
Street, and Lucas Oil Junior Dragster (eliminations only), but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Run of the event. If not won this weekend then the Award will be increased to
£75 for the UK National Finals; if it is won then it will be reset to £50 for the UK National Finals. The Perfect ET Award is presented in association with RV sales and
service specialists Gold RV. For more details about the services which Gold RV can provide see Derek Flynn or visit
www.goldrv.co.uk.
To be eligible to collect the Perfect ET Award, racers are required to carry decals, one on each side of the vehicle. If you pull this weekend's first Perfect ET but are not carrying decals then there will be no discussion; we will not pay out and the next person to pull a Perfect ET will get the money assuming that they are carrying decals. Open Sport Junior Bike review. 4th September: Many thanks to Lizz McCarthy for forwarding us the Junior Drag Bike racers' accounts of their weekends at the Open Sport Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway: Jasmine Cordelle: The Open Sport Nationals was a good meeting for me :) We arrived Friday, got all set up and got the bikes ready to be scrutineered later, all bikes passed okay. Saturday early morning we were up and sorting the bikes out ready for a day of qualifying. On my first run I dialled in 8.98 and ran 9.03 and that was it for Saturday, I was number one qualifier at the end of that day. Sunday morning first qualifier I dialled 9.0 and ran 9.12 and then second qualifier I dialled in 9.05 and ran 9.24. Last qualifier of the day I dialled in 9.05 and ran 9.08. I was third overall in qualifying. On eliminations day, first round I had Jake Charman. I dialled in 9.0 and had to wait 1.8 seconds. I ran 9.08 and beat Jake to the line it was a close race. In the second elimination I had Louis Davies who I always have second round and sadly lose to the Champion. I dialled in 9.03 and had to wait one second. He beat me to the line but we both broke out. Louis broke out by more so that was my first win against him. In the semi finals I had a bye to the final, dialled in 9.02 and ran 9.07. My first time in the final and I was against Alfie Udall. I dialled in 9.02 had to wait 0.7 seconds then the chase was on. I got to the line first and ran 9.05 wher as Alfie broke out with a 9.5 on a 9.8. It was a close race and my first win, happy! Thank you to the Hysteria team anf my crew. See you all at National Finals :) A brilliant weekend. 
Jake Charman: After finding two broken piston rings at the Junior Fun Day at Santa Pod on the Wednesday we headed off to Shakey hoping that a new piston and rings would solve the lack of power we have been having recently. First run out we decided to dial in 10.00 as a ballpark figure and I ran 10.80. The bike was back launching hard again and I definitely felt the front wheel lift up. Second run and we used 10.00 again to confirm our theory and I ran a 10.70. Again, the bike launched well and despite a few problems with the launch RPM light an altogether good run. Back to the pits and an attempt at fixing the light ready for tomorrow. Sunday and the second day of qualifying. We agreed on a dial in of 10.50 for the next round as I still felt I could take some time off my ET. Another 10.70 and a whack with the dial in board from Dad (he suggested a 10.70 dial). We still had problems with the launch light though, it was staying on down the whole track causing me to shift gear early. After another 10.70 run with the light on all the way I went through the wiring and tightened up the ignition switch to stop it rattling around ready for eliminations. In the first round of eliminations we went in with a dial in of 10.60 and hoped for the best. Due to the problems with the light, I couldn't be sure if I was launching at the right RPM and as a result went in a little low causing the bike to bog off the line and run 11.00 pushing me out. I would like to thank Doug at Ensys and Steve at Motorshack for their support and Dad, Lizz, Helen, Julie and Sarah for all their help both in the pits and on the line. Stacey Reed: The Open Sport Nationals was my first meeting on my new bike - I used to drive a Junior Dragster. I spent the weekend mainly getting used to the bike and how to ride it. Over the weekend I reduced my Personal Best by nearly a whole second. Before the meeting my personal best was a 10.75. On my first pass it was quite scary but I got a 10.21. Later on I got a 16.60! This was only because I didn't rev it enough on the line. I think I qualified seventh and in the first round I had Louis Davies. I dialled a 10.53 and ran a 10.06! Breakout! So hopefully next meeting I can get into the nines! Woohoo! :) See you there! Siobhan Moor: Had a rather interesting and enjoyable weekend with all four members of the team racing and having all the family down with a banner giving us great support. Had a few minor problems with the bike over the weekend with the throttle getting stuck however that got fixed come race day. Only managed to get one run in on the Saturday due to typical English weather, breaking out on 10.5 dial in with a 10.2. First round against Jordan Kenway running a 10.3 on a 10.0 dial in, that race in particular I got quite a shock! On my launch managing to lift my front wheel off the ground, went out first round but well done to Jasmine and Alfie! Looking forward to seeing you all at the Pod in September :) Louis Davies: Saturday - On the first qualifying run I dialled in a 9.85 just to get a time on the boards as we weren't sure what the bike would run, we ran a 10.03 which put me in fifth place. On the second qualifying run we dialled in a 9.95 hoping to run a bit quicker but we ran a 10.04 which took me through to third place. Sunday - On the third qualifying run we dialled in a 10.00 and ran a much slower 10.16 leaving us in third place. On the fourth and final qualifying run we dialled in another 10.00 and ran a faster 10.06 and moved down one spot into fourth place. Monday (race day) - on the first elimination of the day I was against Stacey Reed and decided to dial in a 10.00 but ran a slow 10.10 I won because Stacey broke out big time (well done Stacey on your PB) so I got through. On the second elimination run I was against Jaz and I knew she would be close to her dial in. I decided to dial in 10.05 but broke out by 0.03 of a second by running a 10.02. Well done to Jas for winning and Alfie for getting into the final and well done to everybody that took part. Scott Collier: Saturday we only did one run, dialled in at 7.90 and ran an 8.0 which put me third and then on Sunday we did three runs. First two runs I kept my dial in at 7.90 and ran two 8.00s. Then we changed my dial in to 8.0 and I ran a 8.010 which put me in first qualifier. On Monday I had a bye run for the first round and ran an 8.03 on an 8.0 dial in. Second round I was against Alfie and I redlit by -0.0006 and ran an 8.0 on an 8.0 dial in. Well done to Jas and Alfie for coming 1st and 2nd. Look forward to seeing you all at Pod. Jordan Kenway: Woke up on the Saturday to pouring rain, Q1 was really bad as I broke out by miles, due to rain in the morning we only had one run that day. On the Sunday morning we went out for Q2 dialled in a 12.70 and ran a 12.71 which put me into number one, after that no change until the last qualifier where I was bumped down to number two. Monday meant eliminations. In the first round I had Siobhan Moor, it was a very close race but I just grabbed it. In round 2 I had a bye and lucky I did as the bike lost power on track and I had to be pushed off the track. Got back to the pits and got it sorted just in time thanks to all the help from others. In round 3 I had Alfie Udall but I lost because I broke out! Well done him. Overall a great weekend and well done Jasmine Cordelle on winning the event! Ally cartoons for sale. 
4th September: The two original Graham Durbridge retro CARtoons of Sydney Allard's 1961 Chrysler Hemi-powered
dragster have been mounted, glazed and framed. Donated by the artist, they are available to raise funds for the continued restoration
and operation of Europe's first dragster.
Each CARtoon measures 40 cm by 27½ cms and most recent offer for the pair is £250. They are also available as singles. Postage and packing will be added but they can be delivered if you are quick off the mark and attending the FIA European Finals this weekend. These are the original drawings and not printed copies. If you are interested then please E-Mail Brian Taylor at brian@allardchrysler.org or call 01395 579733. Web site updates. 4th September: The latest issue of the Speedgroup newsletter contains Scandinavian Internationals reviews, FIA European Finals previews, racer features, Eurodragster.com Editor's Diary and more. You can check it out at club.speedgroup.eu. 
Richard Smith has updated his Zenfolio site with a gallery of shots from the National Hot Rod Reunion
at York Raceway. You can check out Richard's excellent pictures at rdsmith.zenfolio.com.
Chris Eyre has updated his European Nostalgia Funny Car site with pictures of Tim Garlick driving the Apache NFC at Sunday's Peak Performance Day Santa Pod Raceway
where the team pulled some burnouts and launches in preparation for the UK National Finals. You can check the pictures out at
euronostalgiafunnycar.jimdo.com. "Once again a big thank you to the Eurodragster.com staff for the pictures",
says Chris (You're welcome - Ed). "Hopefully see everyone at the European Finals!"
Editor's note: As you can imagine it's just about to get insanely busy here at Eurodragster.com. If you have a news item which you would like guaranteed to be posted before the FIA European Finals then please get it to us at news@eurodragster.com during today. Between tomorrow and next Tuesday, we are only guaranteeing best-endeavours rather than a daily news update. Remember that "I know you're busy, but..." is likely to engender, i.e. anything from a slightly sarcastic response, through stiff language, all the way up to a visit from Kirstie. FIA European Finals webcasts. 3rd September: We now have the details of the webcast schedule for this week's FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. Tomorrow's Pro Racer Test and Tune Day will be broadcast here on Eurodragster.com by the Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam. Thanks to Maikel at Doyousee.me for the provision of streaming services. We will publish a direct Home Page link to our coverage as soon as it commences tomorrow, but in the meantime you can check out our FIA European Finals event index, which also includes links to the official entry list and provisional running orders, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. The FIA European Finals proper, Thursday to Sunday, will be webcast free on Santa Pod Raceway's web site with three camera angles planned including top end. We are pleased to say that Santa Pod Raceway's webcast will be produced and streamed by our buddies at Doyousee.me. We will of course publish the URL of Santa Pod Raceway's broadcast on our event coverage page as soon as it commences. Swift snippets. 3rd September: The Santa Pod Racers Club AGM which was scheduled for tomorrow evening (Wednesday) has had to be postponed due to circumstances beyond the control of SPRC. The AGM will now take place later this month and the date will be advised here on Eurodragster.com as soon as arranged. Please accept SPRCs apologies for the short notice. James Forster of Santa Pod Raceway has asked us to remind racers that Santa Pod's gates open to racers and public for the FIA European Finals at 14:00 tomorrow with the exception of those racers booked in for the Pro Racer Test and Tune Day for whom gates will open at 08:00 and Signing On will open at 09:00/ For full gate, scrutineering etc details for the FIA European Finals please see our news item of 29th August. As usual Eurodragster.com readers rushed to the aid of a racer in need, in this case Phil Bennett who needed help with refilling a CO2 bottle. Super Pro ET racer Mark Flavell has done the business; thanks to everyone who responded. European Finals banquet reminder. 3rd September: Trakbak Racing will once again be holding a prizegiving banquet two hours after the close of racing on the Sunday of next week's FIA European Finals (8th September). The banquet will be held in Santa Pod's hospitality village marquee which is located next to the fire up road. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at £20 each and a discount is available for large bookings: buy ten tickets (a full table) and get one free. You can download the boiking form (PDF format) by clicking here. Trophies will be presented by Trakbak Racing Ltd for first, runner-up and third places in the following FIM Europe motorcycle categories:
Track Group Europe will be presenting trophies for first, runner-up and third places in the following FIA car classes:
Places are limited so book early. 2013 APIRA Champions. 2nd September: Many thanks to APIRA Points Co-ordinator, our very own Simon, for confirming the 2013 APIRA Ultimate Power Champions. Congratulations to: Super Pro ET: Scott Hauser Pro ET: Nic Williams Sportsman ET: Craig Wright Super Comp: Paul Brown Super Gas: Team Tokyo Toy Super Street: Harrison Brown Lucas Oil Junior Dragster: Joe Kellett Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator: Jon Webster Outlaw Anglia: Cliff Griffin and Colin Millar (joint winners) Wild Bunch: Adam Price VW Pro: Jacob Bailey VW Sportsman: Luke Stevenson Funny Bike: Stuart Crane Comp Bike: Lizz McCarthy Super Street Bike: Chris Reed 8.50 Bike: Mick Winyard 9.50 Bike: Fred Furlong Supertwin Gas: Joe Elliott Supertwin ET: Peter Harrison Junior Drag Bike: Jasmine Cordelle You can check out the final 2013 APIRA Ultimate Power Championship points on our OCS Paint-sponsored Points Standings page by clicking here or by clicking on the OCS Paint Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Four over the eight. 
2nd September: It's the nitro burners which really bring in the drag strip crowds and, after a slow start, this weekend's FIA European Finals at
Santa Pod Raceway now boasts a dozen blown-fuel cars on its
entry list.
Four nitro Funny Cars will battle to decide this season's inaugural European Funny Car Series crown. Leif Helander has won the last two races, at Santa Pod's FIA Main Event in May and Hockenheim's NitrOlympX last month, but, having missed Easter's opener, still lingers in third place behind Jason Phelps and Gordon Smith. It's a recipe for a nail-biting final-round confrontation. A week ago, Top Fuel Dragster had just five entries. Now there are eight. New European records were set at Tierp Arena last month and five drivers achieved Personal Best performances; all have entered at Santa Pod. Anita Mäkelä held the European ET mark at 3.968 seconds for just a few hours before Thomas Nataas trumped her, setting both ends of the record at 3.965 seconds and 306.99 mph. Nataas' massive 310.11 Top Speed of the Meet was Europe's fastest thousand-foot pass by some measure, and fractionally too fast to be backed-up as a new record in its own right. Stig Neergaard was the third driver to set fresh PBs in the three-second, 300 mph zone. How will Santa Pod's new track surface measure up to the Tierp blitz? The Pod's current track bests of 4.018/301.95 must be in severe danger. There are three late entries for the Finals. Sweden's Patrick Pers also set fresh PBs at Tierp, just short of the 3/300 zone. Pers, tuner Alan Jackson and their crew were so delighted with their new-found form that they are heading to Santa Pod with high hopes. Malta's Duncan Micallef trusts that this season's earlier problems have been fully solved and that he can run at full clip at Santa Pod. Micallef's unofficial Personal Best ET of 4.13 seconds, set last year at his home track of Hal-Far, will be an immediate target. Another Maltese racer is licencing before the event and given Christopher Polidano's pedal-to-the-metal winning performances in an A/Fuel Dragster last year, his first foray into Top Fuel offers a fascinating prospect. Amid all this talk of incoming European racers, we must not overlook Britain's rising Top Fuel star, Chris Andrews. Chris set his own PBs qualifying low at Hockenheim – 4.074 at an oh-so-close 299.80 mph – and will be eager to mount a challenge on his first home appearance of 2013. Add to this list Finland's Jari Halinen, who set his own PBs at Tierp (4.044/295.89), and you have half-a-dozen Top Fuel entries either in the three-second / 300 mph zone or precious close and a couple more who certainly won't be shirking on their efforts to join them. It's a high-quality field and a tantalising prospect. Peak Performance Day coverage. 1st September: We are Santa Pod Raceway to bring you the action from today's Peak Performance Day in association with Alamo Rent-A-Car. We plan to post a photo gallery at the end of the day; yesterday's gallery is available and contains 115 pictures. The Webster Race Engineering / Nimbus Motorsport webcam will be on-line and broadcasting live video and commentary so long as the track is open each day. You can check out our FIA European Finals week Event Index, which includes links to yesterday's gallery, the official entry list and provisional running orders, by clicking here or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster.com page. Flamholc decides. 1st September: FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Championship leader and ADRL Pro Modified racer Adam Flamholc has come to a decision about his racing venue next weekend. Adam had the in-some-ways-enviable choice between racing for the FIA Championship at the FIA European Finals or taking part in the ADRL Battle of the Belts in Rockingham. "Next weekend we will be in Rockingham", says Adam. "After discussions with sponsors and within the team, we decided that even though we have a very big chance to win the European Championship with the Funny Car, we have worked so hard to be where we are in US and in the ADRL. I guess we are giving the other European teams an early Christmas gift. "See you in Rockingham!" BDRHoF fêtes 2013 inductees. 1st September: In association with US Automotive, this year's FIA European Drag Racing Championship Finals is the venue for welcoming the 2013 inductees into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Around seventy invited guests will assemble at a reception which will be held in the VIP marquee at Santa Pod Raceway starting at 8.00pm on Saturday evening. Many existing BDRHoF members will be attending; people who have played key roles in forwarding the sport of drag racing in the UK which started during the late 1950s. They will be celebrating the new inductees, motorcycle drag racer Brian Chapman and NDRC pioneers Keith and Frances Parker. Most will be attending the race meeting during the day so those of you collecting autographs keep an eye out. Brian Taylor will compere the event, John Price will introduce existing members of the BDRHoF, Keith Lee will read out the citation for Brian Chapman and Phil Evans will read the citation for Keith and Frances Parker. Kaz Aston will be interviewing for Nitro FM so those not invited can catch up via the internet. BDRHoF Chair Stu Bradbury says "This is the first time the BDRHoF annual presentations has been a standalone event. Since its creation it has been a regular feature in the joint Club awards evening and we thank them for hosting us over the years. But we felt we had to take the BDRHoF to the next level and this move is the latest step along that path. I must thank our sponsors, US Automotive, Santa Pod Racers Club, York Raceway, Pennine Drag Racing Club, Shakespeare County Raceway, Avon Park International Racers Association, Power Race Graphics, Santa Pod Raceway and Eurodragster.com. Without them the BDRHoF could not exist." Shakespeare County catch-up. 
1st September: During eliminations day at last weekend's Stripe 21 Open Sport Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceaway, For Ladies That Launch
organiser Angie Woods presented a cheque for £730, raised at FLTL, to Wild Bunch racer Sarah Howells. The money goes towards Sarah's forthcoming charity run in memory of
Paula Marshall, the challenging 13.1 mile Great North Run which takes place on Sunday 15th September. It's not too late to make a last minute donation to Sarah Running for Paula at
www.justgiving.com/dashracinguk with all proceeds going to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
Officials from APIRA and Shakespeare County Raceway would like to thank everyone for their support and co-operation with the marshals and track staff at last weekend's Stripe 21 Open Sport Nationals. "Although rain early Saturday morning tried its best to upset the day's programme, the efforts of the track crew certainly turned the event round pretty quickly until French racer Marie Jeanne Dubois tagged the guardrail fourth pair in with her Chevy Nova", says SCR's Jerry Cookson. "Again the track crews minimised the downtime and we were back up and running within the hour. On a personal note I would like to say thank you to all of the racers for the respect given to the start line crew; this being my first event acting as Assistant Starter to Ed Baldwin. Another job, apart from the toilet block, which I can now tick off my bucket list, and one I hope to repeat at future races!" A full gallery of Dave Derry's winner and runner-up photos from last weekend's Stripe 21 Open Sport Nationals can now be found on the Avon Park International Racing Association Facebook page. Earlier news |
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