European Drag Racing News

Flame and Thunder Show entry list.
29th October: We are as ever indebted to Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall for forwarding us the official entry list for next Saturday's (6th November) Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway.
©Eurodragster.com
The Flame and Thunder entry is very healthy especially in the Volkswagen Drag Racing Club classes where a total of forty two entrants across the three classes are contesting their final Championship round. The Car and Bike brackets have twenty five and eighteen competitors respectively battling for the Ł1000 prize in each class whilst nine Junior Dragsters will be contesting their own shoot-out.

Andy Carter and Thomas Nataas (Top Fuel Dragster), Mickey Moore and Wendy Baker (Fuel Altered) and Martin Hill and Tony Baker (Jet Funny Car) provide the exhibition action.

Click here to see the Flame and Thunder Show entry list.

Don't forget that you can win two tickets to the event in Eurodragster's Flame and Thunder Show Contest. You can enter the Contest by clicking here, by clicking on the Flame and Thunder Show Contest link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page, or by checking out Monday's news item.

For more information about the Flame and Thunder Show, including ticket prices, check out Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com.

Surprise for the Birthday Boy?
29th October: Piet Kaptein, Crew Chief for Dutch Pro Modified racer Marc Marc Meihuizen, reaches the age of fifty today says team member Dick Koster.

"We want to let Piet know that we are really happy to work with him, and hope to do so for many years low sixes", says Dickman. "Maybe we'll have a special surprise for you today? Happy Birthday from Marc Meihuizen, Dickman, Jan Selles, Joeri Woudenberg Aard and Martha Staphorst."
©Eurodragster.com
Meanwhile Dickman tells us that the team are hard at work repairing blown-alcohol engine of the '37 Business Coupe after the damage suffered at the FIA European Finals. "We are also upgrading the the chassis, and changing the position of the steering wheel to make Marc more comfortable in the car", says Dickman. "We also are happy to tell you that after a very long time our brand new web site is on-line at www.doorslammers.nl."

We are sure that all of our readers will join Tog and Sharkman in wishing Piet a very Happy Birthday.

Swift snippets.
29th October: Our good friend Gareth Evans will be updating his UK1320 web site with a brief report and photographs from tomorrow's (Saturday's) first day of the Halloween Showdown at Shakespeare County Raceway. You will be able to find Gareth's coverage at www.uk1320.com tomorrow evening.
©Eurodragster.com
2005 FIA Championship schedule.
28th October: The provisional calendar for the 2005 FIA European Championship is now available. Notables on this version of the schedule are the disappearance of the Nitrolympx and the expected inclusion of an event at the new race facility in Bahrain, although we understand that this event is not yet definite. Next year's provisional FIA Championship calendar is as follows:
©Eurodragster.com
27th-30th May: FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway, England
1st-3rd July: FHRA Nitro Nationals, Alastaro, Finland
28th-31st July: Veidec Nitro Festival, Mantorp Park, Sweden
5th-7th August: NDRG Drag Challenge, Gardermoen Raceway, Norway
8th-11th September: FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway, England
9th-11th November: Drag Racing Festival, Bahrain

Although we have received no official word it is probably safe to assume that the provisional 2005 FIM/UEM European Championship calendar looks the same.

Karted off for charity.
28th October: Santa Pod Raceway's Race Director Darren Prentice is gauging interest in a kart race for charity. The event would take place in January or February of 2005.

"The race would be a three-hour endurance with half an hour to practice and qualify for grid placing", says Darren. "It would consist of teams of five and cost about Ł250.00 per team. About Ł60.00 of each team's entry would go into a pot. The team with the most laps on the board at the end of the three-hour race would win a cheque for their chosen charity.
©Eurodragster.com
"To make it a little more interesting I will be throwing in a couple of tasks along the way. For example, each team must make a minimum of eight pit stops for driver changes, and the odd fuel stop as well. There will be cash fines for anyone who is blackflagged or anyone who receives a thirty-second stop/go penalty - all fine monies go into the pot.

"The karts are twin-engine pro karts and capable of up to 60 mph. All safety equipment will be provided but feel free to bring your own helmet and firesuit if you wish. The track is 850 metres long and is an MSA national track with a fully-computerised timing system. You can take a look at the course at www.whiltonmill.co.uk."

If you would like to register your interest then please drop Darren a line at darren@sprcrd.fsnet.co.uk.

Bench race set for Tuesday.
28th October: Darren Prentice also tells us that the next Drag Racing Night has been organised in The Swan pub in Newton Bromswold next Tuesday, 2nd November. This follows two very successful nights in August and earlier this month which were attended by racers, officials, fans and their families.
©Eurodragster.com
Caroline Day of Santa Pod Raceway has provided a video of the 2004 FIA Main Event for screening on Tuesday. The video will be shown on a large-screen TV starting at 8:00.

The Swan is in Newton Bromswold, near Rushden, not far off the A6: click here for a map of the area. You can call The Swan on 01933 413506.

Swift snippets.

28th October: Christos Tsorvas almost has his CRX ready for this weekend's Fourth Drag Race in Serres, Greece, writes our good friend Elias Vathias of the Dragnews.gr web site. "Simos Hatzipantelis is going to race the CRX in Serres because his Honda (Targa) is not ready, and Simos is interested in Championship points", says Elias. "Both race in the A2 class, which for is normally-aspirated cars up to 1800 cc with no turbo or nitrous. Good luck guys!"
©Eurodragster.com
Eurodragster will not be reporting live from this weekend's Halloween Showdown at Shakespeare County Raceway. If our other weekend commitments permit then we shall post notes on the news update. In addition, Photo Editor Sharkman will be taking photographs which will be posted on his personal web site Top End Tales shortly after the weekend.

APIRA will be holding a Children's Fancy Dress contest at this weekend's Halloween Showdown, says Ozzy Ewing. "The contest is open to children of all ages, just turn up in your fancy dress and collect your prizes", says Ozzy. "Further details will be available on Saturday from Janet Brown."

The Ultimate DVD collection.
28th October: Dave Coleman of Quarter Mile High has been in touch to let us know that the 2004 Ultimate Power Championship and Hardcore Street DVDs are now available.

"100% bigger and better than last year, this year's Ultimate Power season review now comprises two full length DVDs or videos, one featuring all the Pro classes and one covering all the Sportsman classes", says Dave. "Every class shows a full elimination, from round one right through to finals, with full commentary and graphics including names, times and elimination ladders, and interviews with drivers

"Ultimate Power Pro Classes features Top Fuel, Funny Car, Fuel Bike, Top Methanol, Super Modified, Super Pro ET, Outlaw Anglia, Super Gas, Super Comp, Pro Stock Bike, Super Street Bike and demo vehicles. Ultimate Power Sportsman Classes includes Super Street, Pro ET, 9.90 and 10.90 bike, Wild Bunch, VW Alternate Engine, VW Pro and Sportsman, Super Twins and both Junior dragster and bike.

"A special version of the Pro classes DVD is also available as an extra with minimal commentary and with the live (stereo) trackside engine sound track turned up full - pure atmosphere guaranteed to annoy the neighbours when played at full volume!

"Each title is available for Ł16.95 DVD or Ł14.95 Video. Both Pro and Sportsman can be bought together for just Ł24.95 (all plus Ł1.50 p+p).

"Also available is the new Hardcore Street 2004, full coverage of this year's Custom Car Street Eliminator Championship, again Ł16.95 DVD and Ł14.95 video. Follow all the excitement over all seven rounds of competition plus additional cruise footage and close-up looks at the cars."

The DVDs and videos can be ordered on-line at www.quartermilehigh.com, or phone 01926 612848.

Stay tuned for a review of the DVD of this year's Mopar Nationals, also produced by and available from Quarter Mile High.
©Eurodragster.com
Christmas weather forecast?
28th October: It's coming to that time of year again where we scratch our heads looking for that ideal Christmas present for the serious drag racer, writes UK Top Fuel Bike racer Ian King.

"Well, we're happy to say look no further as we have just received our latest consignment of the impressive Kestrel Weather Stations", says Ian.

The Kestrel® Tracker is the next generation of weather monitoring used by the people who rely on the data for their lives - pilots, aerobats, baloonists, mountaineers etc. You can now measure every major environmental condition, easily and accurately, right in the palm of your hand. The chart mode allows users to recall and graph up to 250 measurements, along with the date and time of storage. Just leave in your pit bay for the weekend setup to take readings at regular intervals. Even set it up to 'wake up' and turn off! When you come to fill in your log, just look at graph view. No longer forget to take readings! Density altitude, Barometric Pressure, Altitude, Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed, Wind Chill, Dew Point, Wet Bulb, and Heat Index...all in one pocket sized instrument.

No more WW2 altimeters which cannot measure the only real measurement which matters - density altitude. Throw away those dinosaur rip off 'Drag Race' stations and use the one used by those who depend on accuracy for their life, and for much less money!

"Priced at the our fabulous bargain basement price of 45% discount off normal prices these gems are only Ł208.90 (€295) including postage anywhere in Europe", says Ian. "For further details click here. Hurry, stocks are limited!"
©Eurodragster.com
PMR across the Pond.
28th October: Paul Marston Racing had a strong finish to the 2004 season, which has been one of their best to date, says Paul:

Drag Race Driving School graduate Gary Springford stunned everyone with a stellar performance which saw him picking off Pro ET opponents with the confidence of a veteran. Gary amassed enough points in the SPRC Championship to finish just outside the top five, an amazing feat for a rookie. “Thanks to Paul Marston for the advice and experience which he shared with me", says Gary Springford. "Thanks to an expert crew chief, a great crew and a slick operation, I was made to feel part of the family. Grumpy's Dodge performed very well, I really learnt a lot this season. Next year I will be out in my own race car, which I will build over the winter. It’s a bit different - anyone who knows me can probably guess what it is”. Everyone at Paul Marston Racing wishes Gary well and congratulates him on making us all look so good!

Paul also had a fair slice of success himself, lifting a National Event winner trophy in Super Pro ET at Shakespeare County Raceway after the 2004 début of the PT Bruiser with its latest motor spec, designed by Paul to be more suited Sportsman racing. "By all accounts we have made some steps in the right direction", says Paul, "as we qualified on Pole at the rained-off UK National Finals at Santa Pod."

The off-season sees Paul and the rest of PMR hard at it as usual with the second stage development/restoration of Grumpy's Dodge, this is cosmetic as well as performance-related and should see Grumpy back into the nines. The PT Bruiser will see the next stage of development season, featuring the addition of an alcohol fuel system. "The full final spec is still being worked on with our friends at Bo Laws Performance", says Paul. Lastly the baby of the bunch, the Insanity Vega pick-up, is to be fed a Big Block to teach it a lesson after having the bad manners to kick a rod from its Small Block at the UK National Finals. "That should keep it quiet and should make for one hell of a passenger ride!", says Paul. In case anyone is wondering what has happened to the Alien altered, it is fine and ready to go, 2005 should see the return of Dave Gibbons to the hot seat, which the whole team is looking forward to.
©Eurodragster.com
Paul Marston's Drag Race Driving School has seen more and more successful growth, and the Drag Race Passenger Ride Experience has been very popular, Paul says. "We carried some really great people down the track, giving them the opportunity to get a unique perspective of just what it's like to drive one of these monsters", says Paul. "The Driving School has really made some great progress this season with more people than ever before graduating and a good bunch getting licenced as well, six making their début in National Event competition, a fantastic achievement."

The Drag Race Driving School has also generated coverage for drag racing with features in Top Gear magazine and the Hell for Leather TV show.

"I would urge anyone who wants more information or would like to book any of the experiences at Paul Marston's Passenger Ride Experience or the Drag Race Driving School to enquire now", says Paul. "I am in the States until 17th November, but I can be reached by E-Mail at office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk or, after 17th Novmeber, on the usual office number 0208 597 4575 or Mobile 07831 650230."

Paul is back in Florida at the invitation of ex-pat Tony Morris. Regular readers will recall that Paul was over in Florida in the spring and competed in the Division 2 Event, the Florida Nationals, where he drove Charlie Owen's Pontiac Ventura in Super Street. "On the invitation of Tony and the guys at Bo Laws Performance I have returned to be upgrade my NHRA licence, this time in a Super Pro ET dragster", says Paul. "I will be attending four events during my stay: the Super Chevy last weekend at Gainesville Raceway Park, returning the following Thursday to perform my licencing runs prior to the rescheduled Darlington race again at Gainesville. I then go on to Ammoccale for some eighth-mile competition, then finishing with the big one, Bradenton Motorsports Park's Best Of Both Worlds which is one of the oldest, most prestigious and richest big bracket races. A five day monster, it features quarter- and eighth-mile competitions every day for five days, and with nearly $170,000 in prize money this event attracts the very best professional Sportsman racers.

"I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has made this possible: my family, everyone at work in Black Box London and Disco Equipment Hire, the crew at Paul Marston Racing, and all of my UK-based sponsors and supporters. In the States, thanks to Tony Morris and his lovely wife Lynn, everyone at BLP, Super Pro racers Tim Hutcherson and Steve Deathridge for whom I crew with Tony Morris, and all the good people, whom I am proud to call friends, involved in drag racing in Florida. Last but not least thanks to Eurodragster for all their help and advice, we all owe you guys big! Stay tuned to Eurodragster over the next few weeks for exclusive updates on my progress."

Custom Mini info sought.
28th October: Paul Cann of the Twisted Sanity Rocket Dragster team has been in touch to ask for the help of Eurodragster readers with information about a 1970s custom car which he hopes to acquire and restore.

"The car is called Pulsation", says Paul, "and is a late 1960s Mini which was converted to rear wheel drive and in the 1970s. It has a Ford V6 Essex 'shoehorned' into the engine bay with a manual box, has a fully box sectioned chassis, furry interior, and steel custom body kit. It was for sale in Ed Turner's shop in Hayes town centre about fifteen years ago so I know it used to run.
©Eurodragster.com
"Its present guise is metallic purple and blue, and it has period diamond-shaped portholes where the rear windows used to live. I am sure that this is a unique vehicle with this engine and drive combination and must have made many appearances at shows in its day. It has also been connected possibly with a media ad campaign for a Bank. Historical vehicles such as this are getting rare nowadays and this one's going to be ressurected, blown and nitroused and raced.

"Any info on this vehicle would be great - somebody must know a bit about its origin and history". If you can help then please drop Paul a line at paul@twistedsanity.com.

€35,000 or bust.
27th October: Dutch Pro Mod racer Henri Joosten says that unless he can find €35,000 in sponsorship then he will have to quit racing. Henri has put the seven eighth-scale Pro Mod up for sale.

"The economy in Holland is not so good any more", says Henri. "They have made the road tax for vans 500% higher than normal and vans are my line of business. Normally we'd sell nine cars each week, but since the new rule came in we have only been selling three a week."
©Eurodragster.com
The downturn in business means that Henri and his team cannot make the necessary investment to move up the field. "We want to race in the top five", he says, "but that's not possible with this car unless we put in a lot of money, and we haven't got it. I've been racing for twenty years, and at Santa Pod for eighteen years, we've had a great time and I am already missing it. The only way we can continue is for someone to send us a sponsor with €35,000."

Henri has promised to keep us up-to-date with progress. In the meantime you can find the six-second Chevy for sale on on our Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet.

Rockets a week early.
27th October: UK Rocket Dragster pilot Carolynne Campbell will be making her second outing in her Laffin Gas dragster at this weekend's Halloween Showdown at Shakespeare County Raceway. The team's first test outing, at Santa Pod Raceway, didn't go as planned but Carolynne tells us that the probems experienced first time around have been solved.

"This weekend is another test, so don't be expecting a full pass!", says Carolynne. "Last time out we couldn't get the throttles to open fully and we've come up with a cure which works. The challenge was always to get the system to shut down very quickly but that meant problems starting up. We've been able to solve that one with an additional set of valves to handle start-up, operated by something very similar to an aircraft throttle control. Hopefully we'll get a launch and a third-pass - it remains to be seen how the four 1.4 metre rockets hold up!"
©Eurodragster.com
The chromoly-chassis, twenty six foot long dragster weighs eight hundred pounds fully fuelled and the rockets produce approximately four thousand pounds of peak thrust. Fifty pounds of nitrous and half a cylinder of nitrogen are used on a pass, before small twin parachutes bring the car to a halt. The rear wing and twin fins are carbon fibre with chromoly reinforcement, with the fins at an angle to keep them in clean air.

The four Nitrous-injected solid-fuel rockets used on Carolynne's dragster are similar to those used by Charles Berg's Twisted Sanity rocket dragster, which will also be at SCR this weekend, but they are larger items. "We've developed an improved sealing system, but it has yet to be tested in a full burn", sats Carolynne. "We've put in stainless steel diapers, lined with 1500 C insulation to protect the track and chassis if we have a burn-through. This is not that dangerous as it basically kills the rocket but it does let some molten ally go! Charles, as usual, has been more than helpful. I understand he'll be there this weekend with his two-rocket car, so doubtless we'll be swapping notes!"

The Laffin Gas team have also been building a complete spare set of rocket motors, to ensure a fast turn-around of the car, with deleterious effects upon Carolynne's bank account. "Yesterday I looked at the drawer with receipts for the car", says Carolynne. "Big pile! I got scared and shut the drawer...I'll add it all up later."

Carolynne asked us to thank Lee Child for the opportunity to test before the season ends. If this weekend's test is successful then Carolynne plans to approach Santa Pod Raceway with a view to making a pass at the Flame and Thunder Show.

Ask a question, any question...
27th October: Terry Gibbs of Xtreme Wheels International organiser Obsession Motorsports says that it was an interesting and worthwhile weekend at Birmingham's NEC, where the Gibbs family's Obsession Super Mod was on display along with Bob Glassup's Xtreme Wheels Super Pro ET Altered at the Classic Motors Show.

"We had a great, long and very wet weekend at the NEC, but at least it was dry inside", says Terry. "The amount of interest generated by Bob's and Craig's cars was unbelievable. There were lots of questions, the main questions of the weekend were:
©Eurodragster.com
"How many BHP?"
"What is the 0-60 time?"
"What fuel does it run on?"
"How much to the gallon?"
"What is the bit at the front?" (Fuel Cell)
"Can you drive them on the street?"
"Where do you race them?"

"I woke up in the middle of the night still answering the same questions!"

"I had the pleasure of meeting people from all forms of motorsport. I even met a gentleman called Dave who helped to put up the armco barriers up at the Pod thirty-odd odd years ago. We gave out more than five thousand Xtreme Wheels bookmarks with the much-appreciated help of Sarah and Darryl Howells, the NSRA and Kelsey Publishing (Custom Car magazine). A big Thank You to all."

2005 SPR dates.
27th October: We are indebted to Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing for forwarding us a provisional 2005 calendar of events at Santa Pod Raceway. Current known UK National Championship events are in red:

23rd January: Run What You Brung
30th January: Run What You Brung
6th February: Run What You Brung
19th February: Saturday Night Special (Run What You Brung until 9:00 pm)
20th February: Run What You Brung
27th February: Run What You Brung
13th March: Run What You Brung
19th March: Peak Performance Test Day
20th March: Run What You Brung
25th-28th March: Easter Thunderball
2nd-3rd April: The Fast Show
10th April: Run What You Brung
17th April: RS Owners Club Day
24th April: GTI Sprint Day
30th April-2nd May: Big Bang VW Festival
6th-8th May: Speedfreaks Ball
14th May: Run What You Brung
21st May: Peak Performance Test Day
22nd May: Run What You Brung
27th-30th May: FIA Main Event
5th June: Performance Vauxhall Show
12th June: Classic Ford Show
18th-19th June: Jap Show
25th-26th June: SPRC Summernationals
2nd July: Peak Performance Test Day
3rd July: Retro Car Show
9th July: Run What You Brung
10th July: GTI Festival
16th July: Renault Turbo Owners Club
17th July: Run What You Brung
16th July: Renault Turbo Owners Club
22nd-24th July: Bug Jam VW Festival
29th-31st July: Mopar Nationals
5th-7th August: Ultimate Street Car
13th August: Scooter Hijack
14th August: Run What You Brung
21st August: Run What You Brung
3rd September: Peak Performance Test Day
4th September: Run What You Brung
8th-11th September: FIA European Finals
24th September: On2Wheels
25th September: Run What You Brung
1st-2nd October: UK National Finals
9th October: Japanese Performance Show
16th October: Run What You Brung
23rd October: Run What You Brung
5th November: Flame and Thunder Show

Swift snippets.
27th October: Eurodragster News Editor Tog's drive in Paul Marston's Grumpy's Dodge Super Gasser, scheduled for this weekend's Halloween Showdown at Shakespeare County Raceway, has had to be postponed for reasons beyond the control of Paul Marston Racing.
©Eurodragster.com
UK Tech Inspector Geoff Martin has been in touch to let us know that his E-Mail address has changed to chassis1@onetel.com.

Web site updates.
27th October: Our good friend Elias Vathias has updated his Dragnews.gr web site with no less than eighteen video clips from the third race of the year at Serres in Greece. You can access the video clips directly at www.dragnews.gr/videos/races/040912Serres/index.htm. Elias also tells us that you can find a calendar of events on his site at www.dragnews.gr/events.htm, a Photo Index at www.dragnews.gr/multimedia-images.htm, and a Video Index at www.dragnews.gr/multimedia-videos.htm.
©Eurodragster.com
Howells get a Reaction.
26th October: UK Wild Bunch racers Sarah and Darryl Howells had an enjoyable weekend exhibiting their Chemical Reaction Slingshot at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC this past weekend. The team were asked to display the dragster on the NSRA stand and spent the weekend promoting the sport.

"It's only the second indoor show we've been involved in, and we loved it!", says Sarah. "It's fair to say that we're chuffed to bits with the amount of attention which the car got over the weekend from all sorts of people. It's always great hearing the exclamations when they first see a dragster, which considering the beautiful company we were in warmed the cockles of our hearts! We spent loads of time talking about drag racing to lots of people who seemed willing to listen! We were pointing a lot of them in the direction of Eurodragster.com as a starting point to it all (Thanks! - Ed), and handing out flyers for this weekend's Halloween Showdown at Shakey and next year's Xtreme Wheels Show at Alexandra Palace.
©Eurodragster.com
"A massive thanks goes out to the NSRA guys and girls, whom we didn't know at all before arriving at the show on Thursday. But they made it all really easy, they were really friendly and Saturday night was a real blast! Huge thanks to Crazy Chris and Claire of Wild Bunch fame - always there giving us that little bit more confidence, and their surprise visit to the show was very much appreciated! We were using a borrowed trailer and transit to get the car around so thanks to the Dogs B*****ks mob and Limited Funz for the loans of their 'wheelie' useful vehicles...I won't go into details but not everything went smoothly, but then with us it never does but we always get there in the end!

"Darryl will be in the hot seat of the car at the Halloween Showdown and then she comes home for her winter re-fresh! We've got a couple of ideas we want to explore, nothing too major but enough to keep us busy!

"Thanks again to everyone who came to say hello over the weekend - it was really ace and we were really proud to be there."

Flying Flynn feels the need.
26th October: UK Super Pro ET racer Derek Flynn has put his Gold RV Racing dragster up for sale. Derek is not saying what he has planned for 2005 except that he has plans for a new car.

"I am off too the States on Thursday to secure our new car - hopefully", says Derek. "My team wants a blown Big Block, so who I am I to argue! Our current car is limited to 7.5 seconds and we hope to go a bit quicker than that. Hence the reason to sell. I know that bracket racing is all about consistency but I hate it when some of our competitors come flying past at the line."
©Eurodragster.com
If you would be interested in buying Derek's dragster then you can find full details either on the Gold RV Racing web site at www.goldrvracing.co.uk/news/news_251004.htm or on our Jeff Bull Race Engines and Performance Parts-sponsored Swap Meet.

Derek has promised us details of his new car when the deal has been done.

Harvey's new toy.
26th October: If you have been tuned in to Eurodragster News recently then you will know that UK Super Pro ET racer Paul Harvey and the PSP Solutions team entered an aluminium 410 ci Ford Cleveland engine in the Engine Masters Challenge in the USA, only to have their entry disqualified for reasons. Paul Harvey tells us that with the assistance of Dave Storlien of Porting Dynamics and Bob Kison of Applied Dyno Technology, Maple Grove USA, who prepared the Cleveland for the Challenge, he will be using the Cleveland in his dragster next season.

"Dave has been discussing with us the preparation of the engine, and while the EMC entry was topped with a Barry Grant King Demon gasoline setup, it looks like the motor is going to be prepared for the Enderle tunnel ram injection and methanol which the dragster has been running in recent years", says Paul. "As reported earlier the peak horsepower seen on the DTS dyno in Maple Grove was 670 at 5500 rpm. This is a huge amount of power at 5500 rpm, considering that most Clevelands built for racing (Glidden, Rousch etc) required in excess of 8000 rpm to start seeing these high figures. We also note that even the Cleveland entry of Jon Kasse which won the EMC 2004 required much more rpm to produce figures of a similar hp and torque. The other interesting fact is that the total timing advance used by the Porting Dynamics 410 ci to produce these figures was only 17 BTDC.
©Eurodragster.com
"Dave also changed the ignition system from the commonly used MSD system to the ICE Ignitions HEI type ignition imported from Australia, and found a gain of 10 hp over the MSD. The 357ci and 385 ci Cleveland which we ran in 2004 required 7500 rpm, 34 degrees BTDC and the ICE HEI Ignition System to produce 8.7 second results.

"It is a testament to the development by Dave Storlien at Porting Dynamics and his Stage 3 3V CHI Heads specially developed and ported for the 410 ci, and his chosen cam profile, that the aluminium engine is capable of these figures at low rpms. Dave has also estimated that by converting the existing set-up on gasoline to Fuel Injection and methanol should net around 800 bhp at a similar rev range. We cant wait for the dyno results."

Paul, Dave and the PSP Solutions team are currently preparing a feature on the aluminium 410 ci. Dave is reported as saying that it would be a shame for the alloy engine block - one close to the top of the tree of the rarest blocks ever produced - and the completed 410 ci engine developed by Porting Dynamics not to feature in a magazine for all to see. "Any editors out there who would like to feature this rare combination please contact us at paul.harvey@pspsolutions.co.uk", says Paul.

Racers: If you too have already decided upon your plans for next season then drop us a line at news@eurodragster.com and we'll publish your news here.

2005 SCR dates.
25th October: We are indebted to Lee Child of LA Performance Services for forwarding us a provisional calendar of events for 2005 at Shakespeare County Raceway. UK National Championship events are in red:

19th-20th March: Run What You Brung (APIRA Test and Tune)
2nd April: Run What You Brung
3rd April: Jap Racers Day
16th-17th April: 3rd Power Nationals
30th April-1st May: Ford Weekender
2nd May: Vauxhall Speed and Show Day
14th-15th May: 2nd American Car World Nationals
29th-30th May: 2nd MRC Rotostock in association with Japanese Performance magazine
18th-19th June: Car Club weekend TBA
3rd-4th July: NSRA Nostalgia Nationals
16th-17th July: Mini Showdown
13th-15th August: Bulldog Bash
27th-29th August: Custom Car Magazine Allstar Nationals
17th-18th September: NSRA Hot Rod Drags
2nd October: Jap Racers Day
15th-16th October: Run What You Brung
29th-30th October: Halloween Showdown
©Eurodragster.com
Whilst we are on the subject Shakespeare County Raceway's final event of this season, the Halloween Showdown, takes place this weekend (30th-31st October). SCR's traditional season-ending weekend features Neil Townson and Pete Radcliffe in their wild blown altereds, Roger Goring and Martin Hill in the Firestorm and Fireforce 2 Jet Funny Cars, Carolynne Campbell and Charles Berg in the Laffin Gas and Twisted Sanity multi-engined Rocket Dragsters, Johnny 'Mental' Hall in the new Windridge Hall McKenzie Racing nitro slingshot, the final round of the 2004 Outlaw Anglia Championship, and a shootout to find the UK's quickest street car in a number of classes. The annual Costume Contest will also be taking place with LA Performance Services posting a prize for the best costume seen in the pairing lanes or on the track.

The Halloween Showdown is also a Run What You Brung for both cars and bikes, and if you don't blink at the wrong moment then you may spot your News Editor's comeback appearance in Paul Marston's Grumpy's Dodge, having accepted challenges from Super Gas racer Nev Mottershead and 2004 Wild Bunch Champion Tony Smith amongst others.

The track will be prepped to National event standard and track-drying equipment will be on site all weekend. The strip will be open between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday, and between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm on Sunday.

Entry to the Halloween Showdown is Ł15 for the weekend in advance, Ł10 per day or Ł18 for the weekend on the gate. Track fees for the Run What You Brung are Ł15 per day or Ł25 for the weekend; a DVLC and a crash helmet must be presented when signing on. For more information, including details of the Quick Street Car shootout, check out the event's official web site at www.halloweenshowdown.co.uk, and to book advance tickets call LA Performance Services on 01803 554308. Advance ticket bookings close at 22:00 UK this Wednesday (27th).

Win Flame and Thunder tickets!
25th October: Eurodragster.com has teamed up with Santa Pod Raceway to offer one reader a pair of tickets to the Flame and Thunder Show, which takes place on Saturday 6th November.

Caroline Day of Santa Pod Raceway has kindly posted the tickets, which will allow the winner to enjoy a Top Fuel Dragster match race between 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter and Norway's Thomas Nataas, a Fuel Altered match race between Mickey Moore and Wendy Baker, the final round of the Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Championship, all-in car and bike brackets, Junior Dragster, both Fireforce Jet Funny Cars, Eric Teboul's Rocket Bike, Ronny Picardo's jet-powered truck and Volkswagen Beetle, Michel Kooy's Pyromania jet quad, stunts, the traditional bonfire and huge firework display, and more. Santa Pod Raceway's own radio station Nitro FM will also be broadcasting from this last race event of the season.

For your chance to win the pair of Flame and Thunder Show tickets, simply answer the three questions below. The answers can be found here on Eurodragster.com, or on Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com where you can also find out more about the event.
©Eurodragster.com
Question A: What is Andy Carter's official European Top Fuel Dragster ET record?

4.645 seconds
4.760 seconds
4.832 seconds

Question B: In which class did Thomas Nataas compete before Top Fuel Dragster?

Pro Modified
Pro Stock
Top Methanol Dragster

Question C: What is the frequency of Nitro FM?

94.6
96.2
97.3

To enter, simply send an E-Mail to contest@eurodragster.com giving:

Your answers to questions A, B and C
Your name
Your E-Mail address
A daytime or mobile phone number

Entry closes at 23:59 UK on Tuesday 2nd November, and the winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received and notified by Eurodragster.com on Wednesday 3rd November. Good luck!

For more information about this Contest including the rules and conditions either click here, or click on the Flame and Thunder Show Contest link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Kirks' thanks.
25th October: UK Super Modified team Kirk Motorsport have been in touch to congratulate Andy 'Fred' Hone on his UK National Championship, and to thank those who have supported Andy Kirk and the Rat Fink team's productive season.

"Congratulations to Fred and the team on their hard fought title win", says Lee Kirk. "Congratulations also to the other teams for making Super Modified such a tough, enjoyable and satisfying class to be a part of. Thanks to all of our sponsors, especially Lawrie Gatehouse at PSI for allowing us to take part in the Show, Clive Bond at Ultimate Race Cars, Andy and Kate Robinson at Robinson Race Cars, and everyone else who has provided the invaluable time, help and advice throughout the year. We couldn't have done it without you guys."
©Eurodragster.com
The Kirk Motorsport web site at www.kirkmotorsport.com has been updated with a report on the UK National Finals report and a look forward to the 2005 season, which Lee tells us will see some major changes made to the car. "I'd also like to apologise for the lack of photo and video updates this year", says Lee. "We've found ourselves somewhat stretched at meetings this year and have found it very difficult to devote the time necessary to capture these, although it's something we're looking to address for the coming season."

Swift snippets.
25th October: Thanks to our good friend Elias Vathias of the Hellenic Dragster web site for letting us know that Greek Pro Stock Bike racer Stavros Svrahnos has purchased Roger Petterson's 2004 Championship-winning andn record-holding Pro Stock Bike. "This Bike has run 7.266/301 kmh", says Elias. "Stavros was still in Sweden when he called us, and was very happy and satisfied with this development! We hope to be able to see this bike at our next race at Serres this weekend. Greek Drag Racing is aiming for European standards!"

2004 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Championship runner-up Peter Schöfer's dragster is on display in Austria until tomorrow (Tuesday). The 5.4-second dragster can be seen at the PS Show Wels, Austria's biggest power motor show, at the Messegelände Hallen in Wels. For more information check out the Show's official web site at www.ps-show.at.
©Eurodragster.com
Mention of Peter Schöfer Racing leads us very nicely into the fact that we have two Birthdays today. Ladies first and it's a very Happy Birthday to our good friend Gittli Koller of Peter Schöfer Racing. Hopefully Gittli can take some time off her day job, PSR team and FIA TMD representative duties to have a great day. A very Happy Birthday also to 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Champion Urs Erbacher who likewise will hopefully be able to take time out from running his company Fat Attack Custom Bikes to have the best of days.

Swedish Top Fuel Dragster racer Tommy Möller will not be contesting this weekend's NHRA National event in Las Vegas as originally planned and reported here in September. The team are however headed to the USA in person; we understand that a new car may be on the Swedanes' shopping list.

Scary looking forward.
24th October: UK Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head says that lying flat on her back is starting to drive her mad. Scary, who has already spent the best part of seven months in hospital since her high-speed crash at the Easter Thunderball, faces several months' more treatment and physiotherapy but when your News Editor visited Scary in St James' Hospital in Leeds yesterday he found her in irrepressible form despite her injuries.

"I still have operations to go but my ankle, arm and back are healing slowly and my eyesight is now OK", Scary told Tog. "I've got to take it gently and it will be well into next year before I'm approaching normal. But they're saying that I could be out in December, maybe on Christmas Eve, I'll be in a wheelchair to begin with but I can't wait to get out - it's driving me mad lying on my back! It's Dave's birthday in December so when I get out we're going to have a big party!"
©Eurodragster.com
Scary said that she is very grateful for the messages of support sent by Eurodragster readers as well as all of the cards, phone calls and E-Mails which she has received since her accident. "I read through the Get Well messages and saw that they had come from all over and I thought "Who's heard of me?"!", she said. Scary also said that her friends and family have been "brilliant" helping her through her ordeal, and she had some special words for her partner Dave. "Dave has been bloody good", she said. "He works shifts and on his four days off he comes and sits with me. He's been by my side all the way through."

Scary is planning to return to the track but she is content to wait until her injuries have healed and see how she feels about things then. "I suppose I might get on a bike and it will all come back to me, but at the moment I don't remember the crash at all", she said. "I remember being in stage but that's it. The Budster engine is OK, maybe some crap in it but that's all. Obviously I'll have to wait and see but I plan to be back even if it means starting again on a street bike - I've been riding bikes since I was five - and if it's 2006 then it's 2006. Dave and I would both miss it if we don't go any more, we've just met too many people."

Scary will be in Ward 23 on the second floor of the Chancellor Wing, St James' Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF for the next few days. Visiting times are 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can also call Scary on Patientline on 07041 120123 to see how she is and gossip about racing, her patient number is 4068.

Venables heads for Florida.
24th October: UK Super Street Bike racer Steve Venables and his Crew Chief Graham Balchin are this morning flying out to the USA, where Steve will be competing in the AMA/Prostar World Finals at Gainesville Raceway in November.

"My bags are packed, and the bike is already at Velocity Racing", says Steve. "We're flying to Miami where we will be spending a week working on the bike with Barry Henson of Velocity Racing, who is the world's quickest Street Bike rider. Then we'll be testing before heading up to Gainesville to race at the World Finals. I understand that there is a large number of Brits coming out to watch so I'll be giving it 110%.
©Eurodragster.com
"I will try to relay any news to you (hopefully my first seven-second pass) as soon as I can. A big Thank You to Air Sea Logistics for transporting the bike swiftly over the water with no hassle."

Kitney v Garlits!

24th October: Whilst in Florida for the World Street Car Finals in Orlando, the UK's Kitney Q8 Pro ET team (Trevor, Janet, Marie and Eleanor Kitney, Brian Waite, Steve Kenney "and Steve's dozy bird") popped up to the Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala for a bit of a surprise.

"I've been trying to jig up an audience with Don for some time", says Trevor, "and earlier this year I had contact from the man himself to say that he would love to meet the UK's 'Least Professional Team', fronted by such a young girl."
©Eurodragster.com
The meeting went exceptionally well and Don kept the team transfixed with stories (and he's got a few!) about his racing and his museum. "It was amazing for all of us to meet such a legend, and such an obviously genuine and pleasant person who is still passionate about his sport", says Trevor. "He met us in a dirty T-shirt and with oil-ingrained hands where he had just been working on one of the museum's latest acquisitions. A great man!"

Eleanor presented Don with a framed picture of the team's blown RS 8000 as a thank-you (right). "We figured he needed a photo of what a blown car looks like!", says Trevor. "The team would like to thank Don Garlits for his time, and Q8 oils for their continuing support."

Rapier information sought.
24th October: Richard Wilson has been in touch to ask if any Eurodragster reader can help him with photographs or information on one of seven prototype Sunbeam Rapiers.
©Eurodragster.com
"A friend of mine owned one of the prototype Sunbeam Rapiers a long time ago", says Richard. "I'd like to get a photo for him as he has lost all record of it now. He described it as Harrington shape, with an Albay motor in it (hope that's right). It was a never a production car apparently. Can you shed any light on my so-far insignificant findings. It was modified quite heavily with a much bigger V8 and the engine was repositioned some thirty centimetres further back."

If you can help Richard then please drop him a line at jellyterror@hotmail.com.

Swift snippets.
24th October: A big Congratulations to our good friend Hannele Höydén who has been named the Finnish Hot Rod Association's Official of the Year for 2004. Regular readers will be familiar with Hanski's name as she has worked with us on Event Coverage of FIA events at Santa Pod Raceway and Mantorp Park, as well as working closely with our buddies at Svensk Dragracing, working on FHRA's own web site and event coverage, and helping out the TV crew at FIA events. Have a beer for us, Hanski!
©Eurodragster.com
Fan Dave Nelson has started an on-line petition to save Custom Car Street Eliminator, upon whose cancellation by Custom Car magazine we reported on Wednesday. You can find the petition at www.petitiononline.com/ccse.

Web site updates.
24th October: the B + J Nostalgia web site at www.bjnostalgia.com has been updated with the answer to the Mystery Slingshot conundrum (Well done Alan Currans - Ed), and a feature on the work being done to the now-revealed historic slingshot.
©Eurodragster.com
Carter seeks crew.
23rd October: 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter is seeking two additional crew members for 2005.

"You do not need to have any drag racing experience but would need good mechanical skills", says Andy. "Welding and fabrication skills would also help. You must be a team player, committed, reliable, trustworthy, able to think for yourself and ready for long hard days. You need to be able to work some days (weekends or Tuesday evenings) at the workshop and four days at race meetings. You need to be clean and tidy in appearance, I would prefer non-smokers and non-drinkers."
©Eurodragster.com
If you are interested in helping Andy to defend his title then send your CV to him at fiatopfuel@aol.com.

Menace information sought.
23rd October: Iain Burns has asked for the help of Eurodragster readers to help him trace the history of the Mopar Menace Super Gasser which he is currently rebuilding for a return to the track.

"I'm attempting to trace the history of the Menace for a magazine article", says Iain. "Information is a bit sparse, apart from the fact that it ran a 9.4 quarter mile. I would like to anything from when it was imported, who originally did the work, which racers its belonged to and what happened to it during its lay-up between 1992 and 2002. If anyone has any pictures, or indeed the video which I have heard about but not yet seen, I am willing to pay for copies. If you can helo then please E-Mail me at iain@imc-racing.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
"Following the recent birth of our latest - Alfie at 9 lbs 8 oz (a few more years until his wielding a spanner like his brother!) - it made me realise how many people have helped me over the last year or so. Therefore I would like to publically thank, and in no particular order, Tog (Thanks - Ed), Kev Taylor at Crap Racing, Peter Knight at Knight Racing, Stuart and Bob Doignie, Andy Frost, Colin and Anne-Marie Lazenby, Luke Robinson, Nigel Payne, Brian Nixon, Ray at Hausers, everyone at UKStreetracers, and not forgetting anyone else who has given guidance, advice or indeed bought and sold parts to me.

"Hopefully, all being well, I should be racing in 2005, but didn't I say that last year!"

Swift snippets.
23rd October: A new speed shop, Rod'n'Race, opens its doors today (Saturday) in Stockholm. Rod'n'Race is co-owned by Johan Hässler, who built and operates the two-seater dragster in Sweden. The Rod'n'Race Grand Opening takes place from 10:00 to 15:00 today at Arenavägen 65 near the Globen Arena in Stockholm. For more details about Rod'n'Race including opening times and contact details check out the Shop's web site at www.rodandrace.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Torsten Kath of Germany's Kath Brothers Racing tells us that his company Onysix has sold a complete timing system to the Danish club at Mogens Lund. The Onysix system, which includes an internet interface amongst its features, is also used by Holland's eXplosion Club at Drachten.

Les Sanderson has been in touch to let us know that the ex-Dennis Priddle Avenger Funny Car body which he acquired, and about which we wrote on 7th September, has now been sold and is to be restored. Stay tuned for more.

2004 UK Champions confirmed.
21st October: UK National Championship points co-ordinators Yvonne Tramm and Simon Groves have confirmed the final standings in the 2004 UK National Drag Racing Championships. The Champions are as provisionally advised on 4th October; congratulations to:

Pro Modified: Patrick Wikström, Runner up Håkan Nilsson
Super Modified: Andy Hone, Runner-up Kev Perkins
Super Pro ET: Ian Tubb, Runner-up Barry Giles
Pro ET: Carla Pittau and Rick McCann (Team Heaven and Hell), Runner-up Ian Brown
Sportsman ET: Linda Platt, Runner-up Mark Anderson
Super Comp: Shaun Lathan, Runner-up Brian Pateman
Super Gas: Conrad Stanley, Runner-up Frank Mason
Super Street: Mike Bentley, Runner-up John Grant
Junior Dragster: Nick Mugridge, Runner-up Collin Morrice

9.90 Bike: Richard Sawatzki, Runner-up Fred Furlong
10.90 Bike: John Hackney, Runner-up Dave Burfitt
©Eurodragster.com
You can find the full 2004 UK National Championship standings by clicking here, or by clicking on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

We are sure that everyone will join us in thanking Yvonne Tramm and Simon Groves for their work this season and for sending the points to us for publication. Tog and Sharkman would also like to add a personal Thank You to Spencer Tramm for his ready assistance on points matters, and to Simon Groves for his pitside contributions to our coverage of this year's FIA Main Event and FIA European Finals.

Greek Drag Race entry.
21st October: Our good friend Elias Vathias of the Hellenic Dragster web site says that any racer wishing to compete in the fourth Greek Drag Race of 2004, which takes place at Serres on 30th-31st October, can download the entry form from the site by clicking here.
©Eurodragster.com
"Please print the form, fill in all the details and fax it back to LE.N.O.TH. at +30 2310 574192", says Elias. "For details about the payment, please call number +30 2310 574192 or send an E-Mail to me at webmaster@dragnews.gr."

Matthew goes Cuckoo.

21st October: Last Sunday (17th) saw the birth of a new Junior Dragster team in the UK as Matthew Fannon (right) and Team Cuckoo made their début at the RWYB at Santa Pod Raceway.

"The Santa Pod Racers Club Junior Dragster was hired for the day and driver Matthew Fannon took to the track for the first time under the watchful eye of Ian Marshall" says Matthew's dad, who modestly omitted to give us his name. "After three passes it was over to team owner, fan club member, and dad to take charge for the rest of the day. Which was as much fun for me as it was for Matthew!
©Eurodragster.com
"Matthew was observed making his passes and will be getting his JD licence next year in the hope of competing at an event. Matthew's first run was 25.68 mph with a reaction of 0.409, building to 36.61 mph and best reaction of 0.079.

"I would like to thank all of the American Car Imports team for renewing my love of drag racing, and Ian Marshall for making last Sunday's visit to the Pod such a success."

Hackney seeks leave of absence.
21st October: 2004 UK National 10.90 Bike Champion John Hackney has been in touch to thank those who helped him this season.

"I would like to thank Alison for putting up with me", says John, "Graham and Margaret Garbutt for the loan of their trailer; the Burfitt family for the coffees and cakes at the tracks; Tog, Sharkman and SPRC for all their support (You're welcome - Ed); and my fellow riders in 10.90 Bike for the great racing.
©Eurodragster.com
"And finally a message for Steve Horn - can I have next season off as well please?"

Swift snippets.
21st October: 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champions American Car Imports Racing are to be the subject of another newspaper feature. The UK's Telegraph newspaper will be carrying a feature on Dave Wilson and the team either this Saturday (23rd) or next.

UK Super Comp and Super Gas racer Martin Curbishley, who sponsors the Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award, has been in touch to tell us about some of the winter's work. "Work booked in over the Christmas and early New Year period is a new paint scheme for Paul Hudson, who will be doing a full season in Super Gas next year, and a full restoration on the Pinball Wizard Ford Pop which you will remember from a few years ago", says Martin. "Also, for the same guy who owns Pinball Wizard, is a full build-up of a Fordson Van which will probably see strip and street duties". If you would like your race vehicle painted by Curbishley Automotive then contact Martin by E-Mail at mcbrogieroadster@aol.com or call him on 07812 942097.
©Eurodragster.com
UK Super Pro ET racer Paul Harvey has been in touch with the dyno figures for his aluminium Ford Cleveland engine, which should have competed in the Engine Masters Challenge (full story 17th October). "Brief dyno figures for the 410ci aluminium Cleveland engine prepared by Bob Kison of Applied Dyno Technology and Dave Storlien of Porting Dynamics are AT 489tq @2500 rpm, AT 604tq @5000 rpm, and AT 670hp @6500 rpm. The dyno numbers made in Minnesota on pump gas. It was believed that another twenty points on torque and hp could have been achieved in New York conditions."

More WSR sponsors.
21st October: Many thanks to Andy Frost for letting us know that two large US companies have joined the list of sponsors of the World Street Race, which takes place at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, next March.

"Neal Chance Racing converters and Ny-Trex Nitrous Oxide Performance are now official sponsors of the WSR", says Andy. "We thank them for their support.
©Eurodragster.com
"Stay tuned for plenty more announcements soon on the WSR web site at www.worldstreetrace.tk.

NSCC AGM.
21st October: Thanks to HotRod Gazette Editor Shaun Wilson for letting us know that the Annual general Meeting of the UK's National Street Car Challenge will be held on Saturday 29th January at the Bispham Hotel, Red Bank Road, Bispham, near Blackpool. The meeting will start at 7.30 pm and will conclude with prize-giving and the official coronation of Gary Leece as the 2004 Champion.

"The Series will remain committed to true street cars, with points allocation continuing to be from national cruise venues and shows, as well as race meetings at Shakespeare County Raceway, Santa Pod and York Raceway", says Shaun. "HotRod Gazette has confirmed that it will continue to sponsor the series and is hoping to coincide the launch of their new magazine at this year's AGM.

"The flavour of the AGM will be the usual friendly and informal affair. Any particular topics for the agenda or proposed rule changes should be made to series organiser, James Murray, via the NSCC website at www.nscc.info."
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
21st October: Our good friend Alan Currans has enrolled another high-profile contributor to his excellent Acceleration Archive web site. "Mark Gredzinski is respected as much for his photo-journalism as for his graphic design skills", says Alan. "I am very pleased to announce that Mark has made a selection of his work available for inclusion in the site. The page starts off with a dramatic picture of an engine fire in the late Lee Anders Hasselström's Funny Car (which was quickly extinguished) and carries on with burnouts galore, fine launch shots, and a fire burnout before concluding with examples of Mark's artwork, some of which made it on to the strip and some which didn't. Readers should prepare themselves for a real treat!". We second that comment, and you can find Mark's superb work at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
CCSE shock.
20th October: We were very shocked to receive the following news item from Custom Car magazine Editor Kev Elliott:

Regrettably, after ten years of street legal, treaded tyre racing, Custom Car magazine announces that its Street Eliminator class will not be part of British drag racing in 2005.

Editor Kev Elliott said "After much debate it is with not a little sadness that the magazine will not be staging Street Eliminator next year. Since Tim Baggaley dreamed up the class in 1995 it has become one of the most popular race series with both fans and racers, ETs nearly dipping into the sevens on treaded tyres, and speeds in excess of 180 mph. Custom Car magazine will retain the Street Eliminator name, as there is every chance the class will return in the future, but in the meantime I wish all CC/SE racers every success in whatever class they continue to race in. Congratulations to Ian Jackson for winning the 2004 championship, and my thanks to both Ian and Lee Child for their periods as CC/SE class organisers."
©Eurodragster.com
UK crash helmets update.
20th October: UK scrutineer Glenn Stockton has been in touch to confirm details of the validity of crash helmets for UK competition in 2005: please note that the below applies only to cars.
©Eurodragster.com
"Snell 95 and SFI 31.1 and 31.2 helmets will still be accepted for National A and B until 31/12/2005", says Glenn. "Both of these specs are no good for International events. BS 6658 Type A are still OK."

If you have any queries then please drop Glenn a line at glennstockton@123thedowns.fsnet.co.uk.

Hal-Far October Event report.

20th October: The Malta Drag Racing Association organised their sixth race of the year at Hal-Far Raceway this past weekend. MDRA President Anthony Borda tells us that the three-day event was the Association's best ever:

The weather was perfect, everyone at the track ended up with a nice tan. During this event, National records were broken once again. We had five foreign competitors who raced in various classes and the track was in perfect condition as usual. At the end of the event, there was lots of praise from everyone who came to watch the racing at Hal Far.

At this event, we had three Greek competitors named of Fil Papafilippou, Makis Nefraim and Stavros Svrachnos; Vince Rigoli, a well known Italian who lives in Australia now, and the British lad Danny from Hauser Race Cars. Most of them ended up winners of their classes. Apart from these great competitors, there were lots of other foreigners who came to watch this event, most of whom were Greek. I would personally like to thank every one of them for all the baklava they brought for my wife Pauline...no more baklava guys! The Greeks really invaded Hal-Far Raceway this time, there were over thirty in all. Apart from the Greeks we had the well known Brit Charlie Draper, who I'd say he has his second home here, since he's been visiting us more frequently lately. Another important thing for MDRA was that we had the Greek Drag Racing President and his colleagues here to have intensive talks about drag racing in general, and figuring out future competition here in Malta and perhaps over Greece too.

This penultimate event started on Friday with a Test Day, and we saw lots of competitors testing their cars and bikes for the main event. There were lots of nice runs although the competition hadn't yet started. Makis Nefraim with his newly-purchased Lethal Weapon Super Comp Pontiac registered a great 7.6 second run. He was driving this car for the first time, well done Makis. Stavros Svrachnos, a Pro Stock Bike racer riding a Suzuki 500cc was on track several times and registered 8.2 seconds every time. This bike could easily have gone under eight seconds if they could have changed its gear ratios. The well-known Greek racer Fil Papfilippou was this time driving his slick Super Mod Rover, he has run 7.8 seconds but had bad luck by breaking his new Lenco transmission during more testing. Vince Rigoli was driving Kostantinos Kautroufinis' Ford Capri fitted with a Cosworth engine and registered the car's best ever Elapsed Time of 9.0 seconds. A local competitor who really was under lots of pressure and was having a lot of bad moments was Emanuel Mangion, whose Classified Altered Cosworth Escort was not working properly at all. But apart from all this everyone seemed very happy.
©Eurodragster.com
On Saturday we started qualifying rounds at 0:00 am and finished by 0.30 pm. During qualifying, there were lots of Personal Bests broken and we could tell that during eliminations we were going to have lots of National records broken and that's how it was. There was Chris Polidano (right) who was driving so well and registered great Elapsed Times with more than three runs under the eight second mark. Everyone was waiting on Chris during eliminations to see if he could back up his times, which he ran with and without Nitrous. Two other great rival competitors, Jesmond Mallia and Jason Martin, registered 9.8 second runs in their Escorts fitted with Pinto engines and nitrous. Edmond Azzopardi with his Altered Sunbeam, fitted with a Lotus Turbo Engine, registered his best ever Elapsed Time of 8.4 seconds.

But the best came during eliminations on Sunday, when we saw lots of Personal Bests and National records broken. Makis Nefraim registered his best ever time of 7.5 seconds in his new Pontiac and won first place in Classified Altered Class 6. At the top end, we saw that his automatic transmission went kaput on this run. Next time we will see him with a Lenco five-speed transmission and running better Elapsed Times. This time Fil Papafilippou wasn't that lucky with his new Rover, but he still registered his best Elapsed Time for this car, 7.8 seconds, and won Open Class 6. Fil's Rover wasn't running perfectly, since he didn't have first gear on his new Lenco. He broke his transmission during qualifying and had to take a part out of his Lenco so that he could compete in this event. This car looks and sounds very powerful and he can easily run under seven seconds if everything works fine for him. Hope you do it next time Fil my friend! Another Greek race car of Kostantinos, with an Australian driver named Vince Rigoli behind the wheel, registered his best ever time too, of 9.0 seconds. This Ford Capri looks like it's very heavy for the Cosworth engine it's got under the hood, but all in all the whole team is very very happy, since they took 0.8 of a second off their previous best Elapsed Time of 9.8 seconds. One unhappy Greek is Stavros Svrachnos, the Pro Stock Bike racer who as mentioned above didn't better the Elapsed Time he had in Greece. Better luck next time Stavros! Stavros had the best ever time at Havana, though, partying with his team.

Now we come to the most incredible time for our local competitors with four cylinder engines. Great ability from Chris Polidano and his tuner Amante Bugeja who did their utmost and broke two National records, Classified Altered Class 4 in which he registered 8. seconds with no nitrous and Open 4 in which he registered 7.7 seconds with nitrous. Everyone here in Malta is proud of what this team is doing. The Powerhouse team is doing well with all the cars which Amante tunes. The main thing they want to do next with their Altered Ford Cosworth Escort is to break the European best time by the Ford Probe, 7.5 seconds. Good Luck to the Powerhouse and Kalanc Racing Team. Other locals who broke Personal Bests were Joe Carabott, better known as Mr. Whippy, who drove his Chevy blown dragster and registered a 7.0 second run, Edmond Azzopardi in his 2.2 litre turbo Sunbeam (8.4), Jesmond Mallia in his 2.2 litre nitrous Pinto engine (9.7), Charles Pisani in his Cosworth Escort (9.4), and Tommy Agius in the Volvo Diesel Powered Truck who registered .4 seconds without nitrous. Carmelo Ciantar on his Suzuki Super Street Bike ran nine seconds and there were many more.

At the end of this event everyone was really happy with everything to do with the event. I personally and on behalf of the Malta Drag Racing Executive Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in this event and made it a very successful one. I would like to thank all of the Greek teams and the other foreign teams who came over here. A big Thank You goes to Fil Papfilippou, who had many problems organising the whole thing, for coming over here for the second time, and also to the Greek Drag Racing Committee members. Another big Thank You goes to Jason and Alex of Dragster.gr for all the footage and photos they took during this event. Thanks to everyone who made this event another successful one. See you in December.

Two wheels on the next menu...
20th October: Anthony Borda also tells us that four Pro Stock Bikes will be attending Hal-Far Raceway's event on 3rd-5th December.
©Eurodragster.com
"The famous Italian tycoon Davide Ricci, who owns two Pro Stock Bikes, will be bringing his bikes with Italian riders", says Anthony. "European Pro Stock Bike Champion Roger Petterson will also be there with the brave and cute British cute lady Helen Curran. It will be very interesting for everyone to watch these famous European Pro Stock Bike riders competing in Malta for the fourth year in a row.

"I think that apart from these riders, there will also be some Greek Pro Stock Bike racers. Hope to see you all at Hal-Far Raceway!"

The Perfect Flame and Thunder.
20th October: After discussions with our sponsors we are very pleased to announce that the Eurodragster.com Perfect Award scheme is to be extended to the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday 6th November. Speedflow and Curbishley Automotive were only too pleased to agree to the extension after the rainout of the UK National Finals gave racers very little chance to compete for the Ł125 up for grabs at that event. We will be posting prize money at the Flame and Thunder Show as follows:

The Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award: Ł50 will be awarded to the first racer at the Flame and Thunder Show to record a perfect Reaction Time of 0.000. The Eurodragster.com/Speedflow Perfect Light Award is open to VW Pro, VW Sportsman, VW Alternate Engine, the Car and Bike brackets and Junior Dragster, and is jointly presented by Eurodragster.com and high-performance hose and fitting supplier Speedflow. Speedflow have recently relocated to Bristol and can be contacted on 0870 225 0097, or visit their web site at www.speedflow.co.uk for full contact details and product range.
©Eurodragster.com
The Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award: Ł75 will be awarded to the first racer at the Flame and Thunder Show to run to the thousandth on their dial-in. The Eurodragster.com/Curbishley Automotive Perfect ET Award is open to VW Pro, VW Sportsman, VW Alternate Engine, the Car and Bike brackets and Junior Dragster, and is jointly presented by Eurodragster.com and UK automotive painter and finisher Curbishley Automotive, owned by Martin and Ruth Curbishley. If you would like your race vehicle painted by Curbishley Automotive then contact Martin Curbishley by E-Mail at mcbrogieroadster@aol.com or call him on 07812 942097.

A Night for Champions.
20th October: As the season at the UK's York Raceway yields to the cold, rain and snow and the garage grafting gets underway, the only thing left to look forward to be the Pennine Drag Racing Club Night of Champions, writes York PR howard Holmes.

"The Pennine Drag Racing Club, celebrating its thirtieth year, will be holding its AGM and annual Dinner Dance, prizes and awards presentations, auction, disco, heavy socialising, bench racing and fast tales at the Cedar Court Hotel, near Huddersfield on Saturday 26th February 2005", says Howard. "It's a great evening and PDRC makes a warm welcome, we do hope you can attend.

"After last year's sell-out, a new and improved venue for the PDRC dinner dance too. And the chicken will be cooked until it's dead! The Cedar Court Hotel offers more and you get a room discount if you are not planning on driving afterwards. Or you can make a great weekend of it, you're in the heart of the South Pennines with much to see and do. The Cedar Court is very well situated, at Ainley Top, right next to Junction 24 off the Interstate M62.

"The dinner will be followed by the auction, which can send you home with something nice and help put a bit back into what PDRC puts back out. Please get in touch if you have anything appropriate which you can donate to the auction.

"As previously, the PDRC AGM will commence at 2:00pm, prior to the dinner dance. All are welcome to attend.

"If you would like further details about the Dinner Dance, please E-Mail your name, address and telephone number to nightofchampions@thebeyond.co.uk."
©Eurodragster.com
What might have been...
19th October: UK Pro Stock Bike racer Paul Watson's second season in the class didn't start too well, he says. "With a new business to run and no time to get the bike ready I ended up missing the first two meetings, but I wanted everything right before I came to the track", says Paul.

"We had a 1640 this year, but still with the old head, so I wasn't sure how it would perform. Having run a best of 7.63 last year we went to the Main Event to debut our new paint by Matt Hedger of Airstream. We could not have expected such a start: to finish second running consistent 7.6s against the likes of Roger Petterson, awesome. The next event was at Shakespeare County Raceway but although running OK we found a small problem. The engine was taken out and taken home by Dave Beck who sorted the problem very quickly.

"The Summernationals were next and we were confident that we had found the problem. The bike went quicker each run, starting with my first 1.10 sixty foot and a new PB of 7.53 and qualfying number one. Things were going as planned when the meeting was brought to and end early due to high winds, shame. At the next race at SCR I qualified second to Dave Beck, running another PB of 7.45/177. We were starting to get a handle on it now and won the meeting.

"The European Finals went OK, but we had trouble changing things around for the extra thirty pounds of lead I had to put on, and the weather wasn't playing ball either. This only left the National Finals where we qualified second with a 7.706 to Bish's 7.702 (well done mate) then came the rain.

"So, in all, not too bad for possibly my final year. If we had made the first two meets the Championship may have been very different, but this year was about personal goals and I can say I achieved them all.

"There are a few people whom I have to thank, because without them it would not have been possible: Matt of Airstream for awesoem paintwork, to Dave and Charlotte Beck for all their help and hospitality throughout the year, to my crew Kev who worked so hard this year and Kim (Pixie) who has relentlesly worked so hard in making this team successful.

"As I look at the points now I think of what might have been had I made all the meets, it leaves me wondering if I should still retire or maybe just have a year off. The bike is still up for sale though so if anyone is interested please contact me at Dynospeed Developments 0208 500 5770.

"P.S. Get well soon Scary x"
©Eurodragster.com
Bergqvist accepts challenge.
19th October: If you were tuned in on Sunday you will recall that UK Super Pro ET racer Paul Harvey, having suffered a major let-down after sending his Ford Cleveland block to the USA for the Engine Masters Challenge, asked if anyone would be interested in a dyno Grudge Match. Paul has had his first response from leading engine builder Lennart Bergqvist of US-based Autoshop Racing Engines Inc.

"I was selected and raced at the Challenge and still have my motor", says Lennart. "I will accept Paul's challenge for a grudge race here at our shop in Orlando at a time to suit both parties. I have have a DTS dyno, exactly the same as was used at Bill Mitchell's shop, and a complete machine shop in case any fabrication needs to be done."
©Eurodragster.com
We have passed Lennart's challenge on to Paul and will report back on developments.

Meanwhile Paul would be also interested to hear from any racer who would be interested in taking part in a similar dyno challenge in the UK. If you are interested then drop us a line at eurodragster.com@btinternet.com and we will pass it on to Paul.

ACI Racing in the media.

19th October: 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champions American Car Imports Racing were the subject of another feature in the quality UK press at the weekend. This time it was the turn of the Observer colour magazine featuring Dave Wilson and the guys, and you can read the article by clicking here.

American Car Imports joint MD and Eurodragster Home, News and Event Coverage sponsor Anthony Cohen tells us that he was involved in more promotional work at Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday.

"I was at the Pod with one of our sponsors, Stuart South of Creative Car Sounds", says Anthony. "We were invited by Used Car Buyer magazine to attend a photo shoot of a Dodge Ram SRT10 and a Harley Davidson Pickup. The Dodge Ram is the same vehicle which is on the side of our dragster (right). The magazine is doing a special four-page feature on the two vehicles in the November issue.

"Both of these vehicles are fantastic vehicles to take up the strip, running low fourteens at almost 100 mph! Considering they weigh two and a half tons the times are amazing!"

Smax finds his feet.
19th October: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Smax Smith has already found his feet after moving to "The great white north of Canada". Smax had hardly arrived when he was investigating business opportunities and acquiring a snowmobile.

"My container of personal effects isn't even here yet, but I've been browsing the local magazines and this place is hot rod heaven!", says Smax. "As I will be continuing to source parts for Fastco, currently owned by Top Fuel guru Ian Pellant, I just want everyone to know that we are now in the unique position of finding new and good used USA spares, street and performance parts at knockdown prices. We now have Fastco-UK, Fastco-USA and now Fastco-Canada. From a spark plug to a Hemi, or a door handle to a monster truck, E-M me direct at smax@smax.co.uk or ianpellant@aol.com."
©Eurodragster.com
Smax says that he will update us on the racing scene. "We have lots of plans including an IHRA track ninety minutes away!", he says. "Watch this space...I'm missing ya all already!".

Greece in Malta, final day.
18th October: Our good friend Elias Vathias of the Hellenic Dragster web site has been in touch with a final update on the weekend's October Event at Malta's Hal Far Raceway.

"The race is over and once more the Greek teams did very well on this excellent track!", says Elias. "First of all we would again like to thank Anthony Borda and all the Maltese drivers for their support and hospitality! We hope they will come next year to Greece and race in our Championship. They would be more than welcome here!

"Makis Nefraim and Filippos Papafilippou shared first and second positions and vice versa in the CA6 and OPEN6 classes! Makis' best pass was a 7.5/186 and Filippos' best an 8.0/175. Stavros Svrahnos came home with his 8.2/160 and Vince Rigoli - Nikos Zampathas with his 9.0 and a second position.
©Eurodragster.com
"All the Greek teams - Forch Racing Team (Makis Nefraim), Cheetah Racing Team (Stavros Svrahnos), Deves Koutroufinis Motorsport (Vince Rigoli) and of course Drag Warriors Team (Filippos Papafilippou) - did a great job. Special thanks to Papadopoulos Brothers and Mr Dimitris Vasileiadis (Toyomad) for all their help and support to the Greek racers!

"We wish the best to the MDRA and to all our Maltese friends, and of course we will keep working hard to improve drag racing in our country of Greece!"

Obsession's a Classic.
18th October: If you fancy taking in a show this weekend then Tina Gibbs of Obsession Motorsports tells us that the Gibbs family's seven-second Obsession Super Modified Camaro and Bob Glassup's blown-alcohol Xtreme Wheels altered will be representing drag racing at this weekend's Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

"Both Craig and Bob are honoured to have been asked to attend by the Kelsey Publishing Group, in conjunction with Custom Car magazine", says Tina. "Xtreme Wheels International will also be supported by the NSRA at the Show". The Classic Motor Show takes place between Friday and Sunday of this weekend (22nd-24th October); for more details check out the Show's official web site at www.classiccarshow.co.uk.

Regular readers will know that Obsession Motorsports are the organisers of Xtreme Wheels International, which takes place at London's Alexandra Palace on 19th-20th February 2005. Tina tells us that Xtreme Wheels would be pleased to give Drag Racing, Hot Rod, American Muscle Car, and VW Associations or individuals the opportunity to have their own stand at Show. "You can either download entry forms www.xwishow.com, or contact Xtreme Wheels International on 01483 236363", says Tina. "This is your chance to showcase your vehicles in London's premier venue and could possibly attract sponsorship. Early responses would be appreciated."

SPRC Dinner Dance update.
18th October: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch with a quick note for 2004 UK National Champions and runners-up. "If you are unable to make the APIRA Dinner Dance (see news item of 8th October for details - Ed) then you will be able to pick up your trophy at the SPRC Dinner Dance", says Paula.

The SPRC Dinner Dance takes place at 7:30 pm on Saturday 5th February 2005 at the Bedford Moat House. Dinner will be followed by the presentation of Championship trophies and Perpetual Awards and a disco.
©Eurodragster.com
Dinner Dance tickets are Ł25; no disco-only tickets are available. If you are planning to stay overnight then SPRC have negotiated with the Moat House a discounted bed and breakfast rate of Ł30 per person for double/twin rooms and Ł35 for single rooms. To book your room call the Bedford Moat House on 01234 799988 quoting Santa Pod.

You can download the SPRC Dinner Dance form (Word format) by clicking here, or via the Entry Forms page of the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

Swift snippets.
18th October: Paula Marshall has also asked us to remind racers that there is one week left to enter the Flame and Thunder Show, which takes place at Santa Pod on Saturday 6th November. For your chance to scoop the Ł1000 Car and Bike bracket winner prizes, or to take the year's final Volkswagen glory, download the official entry form from the SPRC web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.
©Eurodragster.com
UK Jet Funny Car pilot Martin Hill has asked us to apologise for the non-appearance of Fireforce 2 at yesterday's Run What You Brung at Santa Pod. "We had a problem on the day, which didn't get resolved in time", says Martin. "That resulted in our not being able to run."

Scary on the move.
17th October: We are indebted to Heather Bond for bringing us up-to-date with the latest news on the recovery of UK Funny Bike racer Sarah Jane Head, who was badly injured in a top end crash at the Easter Thunderball in April.

"Sarah has been moved to St James' University Hospital in Leeds - otherwise known as Jimmy's", says H. "She will be there for the next seven to ten days to have her ankle treated. She is scheduled to have an operation tomorrow (Monday)."
©Eurodragster.com
H tells us that Scary is behaving true to form. "She was initally stuck in a ward with a load of old age pensioners", says H. "That didn't go down too well! One of the other patients complained that she had been in hospital for three weeks and Sarah laughed in her face. So she's still playing up!"

If you would like to visit Scary, and we know that she would very much appreciate visitors, then she can be found in Ward 23 on the second floor of the Chancellor Wing. St James' Hospital is in Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF. Alternately you can call Scary on Patientline on 07041 120123, her patient number is 4068.

Smith ends on a high.
17th October: 2004 MSA British Nitro Funny Car Champion Gordon Smith says that he was overjoyed to take the number one plate at the FIA European Finals. The 2004 Championship went down to the last race of the season and Gordon took the title from John Spuffard with a new Personal Best ET of 5.493. It was a successful end to a what had been a frustrating season for the Shockwave team.

"We were very happy to get the car to run properly all through the event", says Gordon, "and I was overjoyed to come out of it winning. I wanted to bring the Fuel Funny Cars to the fore. And we didn't even hurt a spark plug all weekend!"

Gordon says that Crew Chief and co-owner Dave Bryant was on his game throughout the season but especially at the FIA European Finals. "On the first run of the weekend it shook, so Dave added more blower", says Gordon. "Twenty five per cent overdrive cured the shake, and there is scope there for more overdrive". The final run, although spectacular, could have been even quicker. "It would have been a 5.30 if I had stayed on it, but I had a bit of a problem with vision", says Gordon. "My neck brace was too thick and it was popping open on me. We took great care to do it up properly for the final round. The launch was so hard that it pushed me back and the helmet went over my eyes - I had to pedal so that I could see where I was!"

The Shockwave team started the year with a new blower, which Gordon says was producing too much power, and the problems started to stack up as the season went on. "We were breaking rear ends", says Gordon. "Dave said we needed to calm it down. Then we broke the engine three times at Shakespeare County Raceway. We were having exactly the same problems as the Showtime team were having last season. We asked ourselves what we had which Showtime didn't, and it was the blower. The new blower was locking up and causing the engine to hydraulic. So we put the SSI blower back on it."
©Eurodragster.com
Gordon says that the team are in the enviable position of already being set for next season. "The engine we used at the Finals was the one which we blew up at Shakespeare County Raceway, we had it repaired and it hung together very well", he says. "We have a new motor which we got from Rune Fjeld which we haven't used yet. So we'll have three motors in 2005. We've got two blowers, two clutches, and a drum of nitro so we've already got everything we need for next season. We want to invest more of course, we would like to put a new rear end in it because the current rear end couldn't stand up to 5.2s or 5.3s, but it's a great feeling to know that we are already at the starting point. I can't wait, I almost wish we were running at the Flame and Thunder Show!"

The team's primary sponsor Fuel were at the European Finals and Gordon says that they were very pleased with the outcome of the season. "Fuel are coming back next year and we are talking to other companies", he says. "Prolong have been very supportive, too, and I would like to thank all of our other sponsors.

"We've had quite a bit of help from Lex Joon, he sold us some stuff. Dave has been working with Lex and they built up a good relationship over the year. Knut Söderquist has been very helpful, and Nigel of Nitro FM has given us a lot of support and assistance, so thanks to them. But the biggest thanks have to go to Dave and the crew - I just can't say enough about them, we wouldn't have got where we have done this year without them."

Greece in Malta, day two.
17th October: Our good friend Elias Vathias of the Hellenic Dragster web site has been in touch to let us know how his countrymen fared in the second day of this weekend's October Event at Malta's Hal Far Raceway.

"Makis Nefraim improved his personal record with an 7.7/175 and 1.17 over sixty feet with his Pontiac", says Elias. "He is first in his class and he also has the best time among all classes. Vince Rigoli repeated his 9.0 and he will probably try to improve his time today. Stavros Svrahnos with his Suzuki Pro Stock Bike broke his personal best with an 8.216/160.

"Filippos Papafilippou with only second, third and fifth gears and 1.4 over sixty feet succeeded in recording an 8.2/172, and he is second in his class. The Drag Warriors team are trying to find a solution for the Rover. They hope to be able to give Rover a first gear so that Filippos can improve the sixty foot time and run a seven second pass.

"Chris Polidano ran an exceptional 7.81 pass with his two-litre Ford!

"The President of LE.N.O.TH, Mr Kallipolitis, is having extensive talks with MDRA President Anthony Borda about various drag racing issues."
©Eurodragster.com
Despite, not because of...

17th October: A disappointed Paul Harvey and his PSPSolutions team have returned from New York and their visit to Bill Mitchell’s and the Jegs-Popular Hot Rodding Engine Masters Challenge. If you have been tuned in to Eurodragster News in recent months then you will recall that the popular Super Pro ET racer sent his rare aluminium Ford Cleveland block to the USA specifically to compete in ths dyno-based Challenge, but the engine never got to fire up in competition.

"Bob Kison of Applied Dyno Technology, supported by engine builder Dave Storlien of Porting Dynamics, was disqualified from the event even before the starter motor could be turned, and a day before we arrived to see it", says Paul. "We arrived at Bill Mitchell’s and the EMC on the Wednesday morning, and were initially refused entry to the event. The organisers briefly explained their reasons for the disqualification - the official reason was that a change in detail and specification was not correctly notified. After some discussion we were allowed to enter the premises - as long as we kept our mouths shut, did not take any pictures, and did not discuss the details of our entry. Wow, what a welcome on our first visit to America.

"We were made aware that Bob and Dave had been refused entry to the premises and had been told to take their engine, delivered some weeks earlier, and leave. The organisers let us into the event but issued us with our original lapel badges, which bore the entry name of Applied Dyno Technology. Little did we know that most of the other competitors were aware of the goings-on, and thus we were welcomed in and then told what had happened! In the opinion of some of competitors, now including us, our disqualification was likely to be for personal reasons rather than rules. We were welcomed warmly by the other competitors, and many noted that the aluminium Cleveland block was a special and rare find.
©Eurodragster.com
"As you can imagine Bill Mitchell's place place is big, and clean and American, what more can we say about one of the premium Engine Suppliers in the World! Three dyno rooms were used, with digital screens giving the readouts of each Dyno pull as it took place. CHI Heads, who manufacture aluminium 3V heads for the Cleveland and Windsor, were well-represented by a number of teams, including the final winner of Jon Kasse with his Cleveland entry. Another couple of entries of note are that of MPG Heads Ford Specialists, also known as Cam Research, who provide the PSPSolutions team with roller cams. They won their class but unfortunately came in fifth overall with a 302 and CHI 3V heads. Team 335 was another group of people who met on the internet and decided to put together a Cleveland to enter the competition, they did well considering the time they had to prepare.

"For all those Ford lovers, a Ford Cleveland did win the Small Block Engine Masters Challenge 2004.

"We would like to thank John Konstandinou of CHI Heads Australia, Scott Main of MPG Heads Colorado, and Dave Storlien of Porting Dynamics for their assistance.

"A final thought! We challenge Jon Kasse, and/or anyone else with a Small Block engine built to the specifications laid out by the Engine Masters Challenge, to a Grudge Match and head-to-head Dyno Shootout against the 410ci aluminium Cleveland! If you are interested then let us know!"

Carter Motorsport Press Release.
17th October: Two-time FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion and current European record holder Andy Carter will be returning to Santa Pod Raceway in his GoTalk-sponsored machine to face Norway's Thomas Nataas in the last international match race of the season. The legendary Flame and Thunder event takes place on Saturday 6th November, and is expected to draw race fans from all over the country.

It's been a tough season for Andy and the team, the toughest ever, and one which has seen the Carter operation cram numerous records and wins under their belts. "The Flame and Thunder show is going to be a great way to finish off the season", says Andy. "The laid-back atmosphere will give us plenty of time to meet and chat with our many friends, but when the 6,500 brake horsepower war machines pull into stage, the gloves will be off…let battle commence!

"Thomas is a tough competitor, and a real gentleman. He never gets uptight when we thrash him."

Both drivers will be racing state-of-the-art machines owned and tuned by the 'Wizard' of Top Fuel Racing, the legendary Rune Fjeld. Each car is capable of accelerating from a standing start to over 300 mph in four seconds, and between them they produce in excess of 13,000 brake horsepower, more than an entire Formula 1 grid.

Carter and Nataas will be supported by a full package of Jet Cars, Stunt Riders, a Rocket Bike and Tractor Pullers, plus the usual firework spectacular and massive bonfire in what will be a truly action-packed weekend for all the family. Full details are available by calling 01234 782 828 or by visiting the venue's website at www.santapod.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Greece in Malta, day one.
16th October: Our good friend Elias Vathias of the Hellenic Dragster web site has been in touch to let us know how his countrymen fared at the first day of this weekend's October Event at Malta's Hal Far Raceway.

"Makis Nefraim ran an exceptional 7.8 with his Pontiac!", says Elias. "Vince Rigoli ran a 9.1 and then a 9.0/150 in Nikos Zampathas 2 litres Capri. Up to now, the Capri's best time was 9.8 but yesterday the new transbrake helped to achieve a 1.3 sixty foot. Today a high eight-second pass will probably be achieved.
©Eurodragster.com
"Stavros Svrahnos with his Suzuki Pro Stock missed the chance to break his own record by thousandths of a second, but for sure he will break it today! Filippos Papafilippou was not so lucky, since first gear refused to work and the problem got bigger in the following passes! The Drag Warriors team are trying to fix the problem except that the Rover's first gear cannot be fixed.

"We wish the best for all the Greek racers and of course for all the racers from Malta!"

Web site updates.
16th October: The B & J Nostalgia Racing web site at www.bjnostalgia.com has been updated with more photographs of the construction of the Windridge Hall McKenzie nostalgia fuel slingshot, together with an update on the photo conundrum.
©Eurodragster.com
Swift snippets.
15th October: UK Supertwin team Jade Racing will have a stand at this weekend's Classic and Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford County Showground. "We will have on show our 8.89 second nitrous RD, Rick Davies' 9.56 normally-aspirated RD and our 8.05 nitrous H2", says Sharron Collier of Jade Racing. "We will also have Steve French's Funny Bike, a road race RD which Jerry built, and of course our son Scott's PW50. If anyone is passing, call in for a beer and a chat!"
©Eurodragster.com
We are as ever indebted to Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe for sending us the timing data from last weekend's Japanese Performance Show at Santa Pod Raceway. You can view the timing data by clicking here, or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Söderquist packed and ready.
14th October: Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team owner Knut Söderquist is packed and ready for his move back to Sweden, which takes place next week. If you were tuned in on 12th September then you will recall that Knut is moving back to Sweden to set up Sweden's biggest motor centre with Johnny Nilsson, with the opening set for November. Knut is also considering expanding his Top Fuel rental operation.

"I've got four double-deck trailers packed full of cars, parts and stuff for the house", says Knut. "We have big plans and hopefully they will come together. I want to make the whole thing more professional. I have employed Chris Andrews for the winter to look after the dragsters, trucks and trailers."

Whilst all of his wordly goods are headed north, Knut himself is headed to the USA to sell more of his highly-prized carbon fibre injectors and to bring home some additions to his stable. "I may be adding a couple of cars to the team", he says. "There will be news about our 2005 drivers soon. I will not be selling any of my current cars and I will be looking to get some help for Alan Jackson (who tuned four cars this season - Ed). I will be looking at the cars whilst I am in Las Vegas and I will give you the news when I have it."
©Eurodragster.com
Knut says that he is looking forward to seeing Lex Joon running his own operation in 2005. Lex, who hired a car from Knut in 2004, announced at the FIA European Finals that he is to acquire his own Top Fueller for next season with backing from MPM Oil. "Lex is one of the best drivers I've seen", says Knut. "He really is very good and I wish him luck."

Knut was also impressed with the performance of 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave Wilson, who hired one of his cars to cross-licence to Top Fuel Dragster. "The old boy did a good job!", says Knut. "It went very smoothly and Dave was excellent. On his run on Sunday one of the timers didn't work so we burnt four spark plugs. I told Dave that it was not bad making his quickest-ever run on four cylinders!"

Swift snippets.

14th October: From our good friend Elias Vathias of the Hellenic Dragster web site comes news that Micahel Charalambous' new weapon is ready for action. "The Lancia shares the same motor with Mikes' Ritmo car and has a well-prepared, brand new transmission", says Elias. "Moreover the body of the car remains intact and so can easily be converted back to its original factory shape. The Lancia races in T3 class - cars with 2000 cc or more, equiped with turbo but not nitrous - in the Hellenic (Greek) Championship."
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
14th October: The latest update to the Drag, Rod and Classic Review magazine at www.drcreview.com includes a report on the UK National Finals by our good buddy Roger Gorringe, and a two-part feature on the 13th California Hot Rod Reunion.
©Eurodragster.com
Eurodragster Photo Editor Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with a large number - considering the brevity of the event - of pictures and a small number of Windows wallpaper files from the UK National Finals. You can check out Sharkman's pictures at www.topendtales.com. If you are looking for a decent digital camera then Sharkman has put his two camera bodies up for sale whilst he decides upon his plans for next year; for more details check out his web site.

Lin waxes lyrical.
14th October: Eurodragster's latest exclusive comes courtesy of Lin Malin of the UK's Serious Playtime Super Pro ET team. The approach of the off-season has inspired Lin to pen an ode to the sport, which she kindly shared with us:

The racing season has come to an end
Over the winter a shed load of money we'll spend
There'll be engines freshened, new ones built
All over the country, mortgages to the hilt

New paint schemes, gearboxes, trans and slicks
Lots of tweaking, speaking, and a few new tricks

Come February we can't wait for the season to start
The noise, the smell, and those barbecues after dark
©Eurodragster.com
It's like a drug, that habit you just can't kick
There's nothing else that comes close to it

It's our sport, our passion, some say a curse
Drag Racing, the fastest motorsport on Earth!

Flame and Thunder Show entry.
13th October: Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to remind racers that entry to the Flame and Thunder Show closes on 25th October.
©Eurodragster.com
"With Ł1000 each on offer to the winners of the Car and Bike brackets we are anticipating a large entry so please get your forms in as early as possible", says Paula. "That's a lot of money to lose if your entry arrives after the closing date!"

You can find the Flame and Thunder Show entry form on the Entry Forms page of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

The first Jap winner.

13th October: The first ever Jap car elimination to be contested at Santa Pod Raceway, which took place at Sunday's Japanese Performance Show, was won by Sumo Power’s Andy Barnes (Right), says Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing.

"Andy clocked a stunning best ET of 9.681 seconds at 146.21 mph against arch-rival Rocket Ronnie from Abbey Motorsport in the semi-finals, and went on to defeat number one qualifier Ron Kidell of RK Tuning in the final when Ron’s gearbox gave in after a superb launch", says Rick. "Andy looked strong all day, and his car remained absolutely reliable, producing a string of easy nine-second runs in the afternoon. Despite Andy’s dominance, there were incredibly close pairings and surprising upsets all day, and we look forward to seeing these cars out at the Pod again very soon. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the racers for their professionalism in dealing with their first ever drag race.
©Eurodragster.com
"Martin Hill’s confidence has returned since finding a cure for his top-end flightiness in the Fireforce 2 Jet Funny Car. A few minor modifications including body-venting appear to have fixed his season-long problems that included wheel and body lift in the shutdown area - not much fun at 270 mph! Martin was able to try a new aggressive tune-up at the Japanese Performance Show, and it was clear to everyone in the tower that he was serious. The shock waves from his afterburner pops were noticeably sharper, knocking the timing gear for six, and even smashing a window in the tower! The un-timed run certainly looked fast too, and Martin concluded: “It certainly felt like one of my fastest runs ever”. Will the Eurodragster staff brave the tower at the Flame and Thunder (The same Eurodragster staff who warm themselves next to afterburners? - Ed)?

"Dave 'Grumpy' Wilson’s second licencing pass in a Top Fuel dragster glowed with confidence and experience, and what everyone expected to be short squirt away from the start line appeared to most onlookers to be a banzai pedal-to-the-metal thrash! The car was on fire and very close to the wall at the finish line, but there is no doubting the success of Dave’s 5.36-second run at 205 mph."

UK Super Modified AGM.
13th October: Many thanks to Tim Garlick for letting us know the re-arranged date for this year's Super Modified Racers Association AGM.

"Super Modified racers, crew and any other interested parties are all welcome to our AGM at Tewin Memorial Hall on 21st November", says Tim. "The meeting will start at 11:00 am and end at around 3:00 pm. Refreshments/food will be available.
©Eurodragster.com
"If you would like to come then please let me know on my mobile at 07970 518742. If you have any points which you would like to raise then please let me know in writing as soon as possible."

Tewin Memorial Hall can be found at Lower Green, Tewin, Hertfordshire. You can find a map of Tewin's location by clicking here.

Swift snippets.
13th October: In this case a very swift snippet, as Gary Stenner has again broken the Straightliners Competition Bike record with an 8.32 in the final round at Elvington at the weekend. Steve of Motorshack tells us that Gary used Klotz 118 Ultra High Octane Race Fuel to beat his previous record by no less than 0.12 seconds. You can find out more about Klotz race fuel on the Automotive Superstore link of the Motorshack web site at www.motorshack.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Members of the European Pro Mod Association are invited to the annual EPMA Meeting, which takes place in conjunction with the NDRS Banquet. The EPMA meeting takes place at 9:30 am on October 30th at the Scandic Infra City hotel, Upplands Väsby, Stockholm. If you would like to attend the meeting then please register for the meeting by sending an E-Mail to info@promod.nu.

Many thanks again to Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing who tells us that Martin Hill will be testing his Fireforce 2 Jet Funny Car at this Sunday's (17th) Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. As mentioned above Martin clocked 5.877/258.47, his fourth-quickest pass, at Santa Pod last weekend and he wants to fine-tune his set-up for the Flame and Thunder Show. Entry to Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday is Ł10 per person.

Gold RV season review.
13th October: If you wre tuned in yesterday then you will recall that UK Super Pro ET racer and sport sponsor Derek Flynn promised us a review of his rookie season in the Gold RV Racing dragster. Derek has duly delivered with his thoughts on the 2004 season.

"It was this time last year that Gold RV agreed to help invest into a drag race team", says Derek. "After sponsoring Darryl Bradford and the Wildside Team at last years European Finals (my first outing to Santa Pod), we decided that we could not just watch it - we had to take part. So we bought a rail capable of getting down the track in less than nine seconds and in excess of 150 mph. With much help from Terry and Tina Gibbs, who explained the different classes and some of the rules, track etiquette etc. and helping us with suits, helmets, gloves and so on we decided to go straight into Super Pro ET. We wanted to go as fast as we could in the car and we did not want to slow it down.

"We continued our Top Fuel sponsorship, this time with Andy Carter, and we all know how it went for him! Well done Andy, the final was just magic, you could not have written it better! You and your team have performed superbly all season and we are all proud to be associated with the FIA European Champion. I told you those Gold RV logos were lucky! It all started back in February at the Xtreme Wheels Show, where we signed the sponsorship agreement with Andy. It has been very good talking with Andy and his team all year and to have an insight on how a top team go about their work, thanks mate and well done.

"Onto our first outing, the Easter Thunderball. Never having never been on a drag strip before, let alone driving one of these things, I must admit to being a little apprehensive. Well, to be honest, I was crapping myself! But we got the observed runs done, with one rather hairy moment on a cold track, and I was already smitten, grinning from ear to ear after each run...so much that it hurt, I just love this sport! To top it all on our last qualifier we nailed number one spot and made it all the way through to the finals thanks to loads of luck and the stewardship of Bob Glassup of the Xtreme Wheels team. Although now I have seen Bob run in his Topolino, I think he must have a screw loose - should I really be learning from this man? Congratulations Bob and the Xtreme Wheels crew. What a car, I am sure the sevens waiting for you next year will be some of the most exciting to watch!
©Eurodragster.com
"Andy Carter won the Pro Fuel Shootour out and to top it all Bob's son Matthew won Sportsman ET. I must admit to being rather embarrassed at our achievements at our first event but the whole weekend was just awesome: I even thought about ‘quitting whilst you are ahead’ and if we had won it I may have! Next up was the FIA Main Event where we qualified a respectable mid-table eleventh and made it through to the second round, only to get blown away by a blown Aston on street tyres. It just flew past me at the line!

"We only had one trouble-free qualifier at the SPRC Sumemrnationals and we nailed it, splitting Barry Giles and Steve Johnson for number two qualifier, with a fuel fitting borrowed from Steve’s car - thanks mate. We made it through to the third round where I pulled my first cherry with a bye waiting to get us to our second final...Right, just get comfortable, build the revs - oh crap, my thumb slipped off the button, errr right I’m off then.

"Then to our three-second Shakespeare County Raceway début at the Allstar Nationals and my now-infamous ‘little tinkle’ (I'd heard rumours - Ed), where we holed one of the pistons on our first burnout and were out without a run. After a quick head job by J & W Automotive (you know what I mean), some parts rushed in from the States, and a bit of a dent in the old wallet we just managed to get the car ready for the FIA European Finals, where we qualified with a mid-table eleventh and were knocked out in the second round in a great race with Paul Harvey.

"We only managed a couple of qualifiers at the UK National Finals, our first a dismal nine-plus seconds with a spark plug out, the second was much better and I believe moved us up to fifth qualifier before the oildown and the heavens opened.

"At time of writing we are not sure where we ended up in the Championships, but I believe we could be as high as fourth in the Santa Pod Championship and fifth or sixth in the National Championship. When you consider that we did not enter all the events is pretty good going for our rookie year, even if we do say so ourselves. It is going to be tough to better this next year but we are definitely going to try.

"We have all learned so much, and the more we learn the more we realise how little we know. Thanks to Andy and Kate Robinson and everyone who has helped us. Thanks to all my teammates - you have been great all season! Thanks also to our sponsors Gold RV, Triple E, Roadtrek, Pleasureway and the Triple FFF Brewing Company. Thanks too to all the people who supported our NSPCC fund raising campaign this year.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the other Super Pro ET racers who have made us feel most welcome at all the events, safe racing and hope to see you all next year. Thanks to all the people who are involved in promoting and organising drag racing here in the UK, and thanks to all the drag race fans for making this most excellent sport happen.

High of the season: Lifting the Thunderball runner-up trophy
Low of the season: None
Regrets: Should have started this much earlier in life!
Plan for next year: Go faster!
Marks out of ten: I will leave that to others

"I guess this is where it resembles my school report, could do better!"

Derek also tells us that the Gold RV Racing team will consist of two cars next season. "We are planning to build and run a Gold RV Junior Dragster next year", he says. "We hope to have it at the Xtreme Wheels show along with one of our RVs. The Junior Dragster will driven Arlo Roddick, son of my Crew Chief, and will be sporting the Gold RV logo as well as that of the NSPCC. If it looks good in its reflective gold colour scheme we are going to adopt it on the bigger version."

XWI Show Custom-made.

13th October: Custom Car Magazine has confirmed its backing of the Xtreme Wheels International show, pledging significant promotional support in the build-up to the event and a major display area at the show that takes place on 19th-20th February 2005 at London’s Alexandra Palace.

Established in 1970, Custom Car is the authoritative voice of the UK’s customised scene, from classic cars with up-rated mechanicals to nostalgic dragsters and the quickest street legal racers in the country. Its tie-up with Xtreme Wheels International provides a public platform for the magazine to showcase the very best cars from the UK and Europe.

"2004 was the shows first year and we were impressed with the quality of exhibits and the general feedback from the public", says Custom Car Editor Kev Elliott. "It is a great event to meet like-minded people and also enables us to ‘educate’ a whole new generation of modifiers and motoring enthusiasts.

“We shall make sure that our involvement lives up to the extreme wheels name with an extensive display of the very best cars from Britain and Europe. We also aim to include a ‘work in progress’ area where the public can witness at close-quarters the art of customising.”

Xtreme Wheels International is a two-day extravaganza of automotive power and motoring mayhem which brings together under one roof the very best in imports, modifications, dragsters, hot and street rods, American muscle and hot-hatches. Stand by to be amazed! You can visit the Xtreme Wheels International web site www.xwishow.com.
©Eurodragster.com
SPR Health and Safety update.
13th October: Glenn Ramsden of UK Event Safety, who is consulting on Health and Safety issues for Santa Pod Raceway, has sent us an update on the current state of play:

AS you will be aware the management of Trakbak Racing have been carrying out full review of the health and safety systems at Santa Pod Raceway throughout the 2004 season.

This has created very little inconvenience to the racers and spectators as most of the work has been carried out behind the scenes, preparing documentation introducing management systems etc. However, what it has done is create a safer environment for all.

What is important is that everyone visiting the venue understands that this has been done to create a safer environment for everyone. It is important therefore that everyone acknowledges this and works towards safer practices.

We all know that drag racing was born from an outlaw culture but sadly, other than on the track, these days should be in the dim and distant past. There have been a number of accidents and even more near misses over the 2004 season, with little or no work the majority of these can be avoided, even when we’re wearing our beer goggles!

There are several issues which have to be dealt with before the start of racing in 2005. In view of this I will, with the Webmaster’s permission (Granted - Ed) post a Santa Pod Do’s and Dont’s piece in the near future, this will include the final vote on the matter of barbecues.

From UK Event Safety, I would just like to thank everyone at Santa Pod, staff, racers and spectators for making the safety review relatively easy and pleasurable work during 2004.

Hopefully I will have a chance to meet up with some of you socially at the Flame and Thunder Show, if not may I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Since its inception, UK Event Safety has rapidly developed into one of the primary providers of event safety services in the United Kingdom.

To enable us to "keep the pencil sharp" we have been in negotiation with a fellow service provider, who has acquired the very busy fire and rescue section of UK Event Safety's business. This leaves us in a stronger position to focus on the rapidly growing, health and safety aspect of the organisation.

In recent years UK Event Safety have become synonymous with automotive events throughout the country, our fine portfolio reflects this. The latest realignment will enable us to focus more on what has now become the core of our business, health and safety.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
13th October: Alan Currans' latest update to his excellent Acceleration Archive web site is the long-awaited second page of photographs from the personal collection of the legendary Dennis Priddle. "The update features several shots of the record-breaking Mr Six Top Fuel Dragster and his next car Mr Revell, together with some memorabilia from Dennis'campaign in the USA in 1973", says Alan. "There are also a couple of interesting newspaper clippings and a picture of Dennis meeting up with a very odd-looking bod". Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com

Holley goes for charity Gold.

12th October: Holley Glassup is aiming to become the youngest UK racer to gain a full race licence at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway on November 6th. Sixteen-year-old Holley (Right) previously raced in Junior Modified Advanced and reportedly has designs on dad Bob's Xtreme Wheels blown-alcohol altered, but she will be driving Derek Flynn's Gold RV Racing Super Pro ET dragster at the Flame and Thunder Show.
©Eurodragster.com
"Gold RV agreed to offer Holley the seat once they heard of her wishes to be one of the youngest fully licenced drag racers in the UK", says Derek Flynn. "Holley was sixteen in September and immediately applied for her licence."

As well as gaining her a licence, Holley's ride will also be used to raise funds for Gold RV's chosen charity. "As you know, Gold RV Racing have been fund-raising all season for the NSPCC, and we proudly display the NSPCC logo on our car. We let Holley drive the dragster providing that she helps to raise funds for the NSPCC's Full Stop campaign, which she is delighted to do, so the plan was put into action.

"We would like to thank the MSA, Santa Pod and the SPRC - especially Paula and Ian Marshall - for their help in entering Holley at this year's Flame and Thunder Show."

Holley is collecting donations for the NSPCC either through sponsorship forms, or through donations at the track on 6th November. For a sponsorship form, or to donate by phone, call 01420 544482.

Stay tuned as we will be bringing you Gold RV Racing's season review very shortly.

A warm welcome awaits.
12th October: Further to yesterday's news item about this weekend's race at Malta's Hal-Far Raceway, Malta Drag Racing Association President Anthony Borda tells us that the MDRA are expecting some special guests at the race.
©Eurodragster.com
"As well as the four Greek teams who are coming to our October Event, we will also be welcoming the Greek Drag Racing President, Panagiotis Kalipolitis, and his assistants from Lenoth and DRC Drag Racing Clubs of Greece. The MDRA Executive Committee will be having talks about future events in Malta and Greece, possibility next year. We will also be discussing drag racing issues in general.

"Around thirty other Greek people will also be coming to watch their drag racing heroes here on Malta. The weather looks great for the coming three day event, I hope that this time our Maltese competitors will do a lot better than last time. See you all at the track."

Carter's dynamic duo.
11th October: 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter has announced that Carter Motorsport's marketing and PR team is set to grow for the 2005 season. Former marketing and PR man Dan Welberry is set to return after a year-long sabbatical and will work alongside John Andrews.

"It's been a while but it's great to be back!", said Dan Welberry. "I have really missed my racing this year. I managed one day at the Main Event and two day trips to Shakespeare County Raceway, which quite simply isn't enough! The year out has given me time to focus on relocating my design and marketing company 3t Creative to the south coast, just a stone's throw over the water from John at Motorgraphic. I am delighted to be back as part of the team and can't wait to get stuck in!"
©Eurodragster.com
"It's great to have Dan back", said Andy Carter. "It's that old saying again, two heads are better than one! John is doing a great job and Dan did a great job in the two years he was with us before. Both have their own strengths and I know that this can only make Carter Motorsport stronger.

"It's not what I call a glamour part of the team", continued Andy. "John and Dan's work is all behind the scenes and they don't get any start line glory, but they are such an important part of the team that we could not go racing with out them. Well, we could, but it would be a lot more difficult!"

Life in the old dog yet...
11th October: UK Super Modified racer Tim Garlick had the happiest possible end to his season when he recorded a new Personal Best of 7.880 during qualifying for last week's UK National Finals at Santa Pod. This tremendous ET consolidated Tim's title as the world's quickest Rover-powered racer, but it came at the end of a long and difficult season.

"We started the year by turning up the wick on the nitrous, and I spent the first meeting looking at the sky in first and second gear", says Tim. "I took the car to ICE Automotive for new stiff wheelie bars to be fitted and attended a Webster Race Engineering Test Day. The first run nuked the Jerico transmission - it's all over now!"

Luckily Tim's wife Paula came to the rescue, telling Tim "You had better get yourself a new Lenco so that I don't have to look at your miserable face for the next months, you are bound to get bored cutting the lawn every Sunday". With uxorial approval duly secured, Tim ordered his new transmission from the USA, but there was still one small problem. "I didn't want to miss any rounds and I would have to wait six weeks for the Lenco to be delivered", says Tim. "I borrowed Graham Ellis' Lenco and ran my first seven - a good one, too, at 7.92. Now, though, I didn't have many pistons left."

Tim made another trip to ICE Automotive who made a number of engine mods, and installed another borrowed transmission, this time from John Atkinson. "We tried again at the next round and took it easy for a while, and gradually built it up", says Tim. "Then we discovered a cracked head - water in the bores, here we go again!". After another session at ICE Automotive the engine was repaired and the new Lenco installed. "At long last, things were starting to work", says Tim. "The first round of eliminations at Shakespeare County Raceway and we blow straight through the clutch. Not much fun, this!
©Eurodragster.com
"Yet more engine mods and lots of electronic changes and we headed back to the Pod for the final meeting of the year. It was the last run, we had to make this a good one. Wow, it was all worth it - 7.88 at 169 mph.

"Thanks to Paula and the boys, Ricky and Paul Dawson, without whom the year would have been a non-starter. Big thanks to Rob and Nick at ICE Automotive who have kept this oddball engine together, without their racecraft skills I would most certainly have thrown the towel in a long time ago."

Tim, who is Chairman of the Super Mod Racers Association, went on to congratulate Andy Hone on his 2004 UK National Championship. "Fred has been campaigning the Granada in SuMo right from the start of the class and has yet to miss a round", he says. "His new status as #1 is justly deserved. Fred is the first to admit that his engine and transmission is far from trick: it just goes to show what you can achieve with a 461 and a two-speed Power Glide - a personal best of 7.82 secs at 173.1 mph.

"Well done Fred and Crew Chief Mick Coombes, and also a big Well Done to all the SuMo racers who have put on a great show all year and still managed to make a ten-car field at the National Finals. It would appear that the rules for Super Modified have certainly stabilised, producing the closest racing the class has seen and creating four potential winners at the last round!"

Hal-Far welcomes invasion.
11th October: This weekend sees the sixth event of the year at Malta's Hal-Far Raceway, organised by the Malta Drag Racing Association. The race starts on Friday (15th October) and carries on until Sunday. MDRA President Anthony Borda says that racing will go on into the night because of the large number of entries.

"On Friday, we start at 6:00 pm and carry on until at least 10:00 pm", says Anthony. "This will be a Test Day for all competitors to do their final testing, and it will also be a Run What You Bring. On Saturday we commence with qualifying from 10:00 am until 9:00 or 10:00 pm, and on Sunday we start at 10:00 am and go on until the last final is run.

"At this event we are going to have more Greek competitors (As mentioned in yesterday's news - Ed). There are going to be three Super Comp cars, one of which is the Pontiac V8 which ran 7.4 seconds during July's Night Event. Apart from this car, there’s going to be a Super Modified car which is powered by a 509 ci Merlin, which is much more powerful than the Pontiac and which everyone is expecting to run under seven seconds easily. The car was built in England (It was Danny Cockerill's Super Mod - Ed) and previously had a 540 ci engine, running a best of 7.1 seconds. Apart from these two, there will be a Ford Capri fitted with a Cosworth engine which in Greece runs low eights. Here it will run a lot better for sure. As well as these three cars, there will also be a Pro Stock Bike, which is very slick and powerful too. It can run between 7.6 and 7.8 seconds. The bike competed in the last FIM event at Santa Pod and made a very good impression over there.

"Our powerful local competitors such as Joe Carabott, Charles Abela, Paul Grech, the Classified Altered Cars of Alan Camilleri, Victor Felice and Michael Caruana will all be competing against the mighty Greeks, and the powerful four-cylinder cars of Chris Polidano, Emanuel Mangion, Edmond Azzopardi, Emanuel Muscat, Eric Baldachino and all the rest will give everyone of us a good show as usual. I must mention that this time Chris Polidano and Emanuel Mangion will be battling it out together, since both of them are predicting 7.5s. Not a bad elapsed time for a four cylinder engine, we'll have to wait and see who will keep his predictions.

"We mustn't forget all the other competitive classes such as Pro Stock, smaller Classified Altered classes, and the Super Street classes, which everyone will be expecting to see. From the Bikes we will see the Greek competitor doing exhibition runs, since here in Malta we don’t yet have Pro Stock Bikes. But we should see the our local Street Modified bikes mainly those of Simon Giordemaina, Mario Attard and Carmelo Ciantar and others, all of whom are now running low nines.

"The mighty Diesel Trucks will as usual give us their best performances. For this event, we will see Noel Vella of EVS Racing Team, who will be participating after a short absence, record holder Tommy Agius in his twelve-litre Volvo, and the courageous Mario Attard.

"You shouldn't miss all of this, come to Hal-Far Raceway and see all the excitement of the three-day event. The racing will be interesting and you shouldn't miss the Greek racers - hopefully the Maltese will do better this time against the mighty Greeks."
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
11th October: Our good buddies at Svensk Dragracing have responded to a number of requests from readers and have re-posted their excellent guide to Comp Eliminator, originally posted last winter. If you don't know how Comp works then you could do a lot worse than to visit this guide as the class is explained very clearly with basic and advanced courses. The Results page has also been updated to incorporate results from FIA/FIM events, and for those of you going to the NDRS Banquet there is also a handy guide to ironing shirts. You can check it all out at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
The Feel The Noise web site at www.feel-the-noise.com has been updated with a large number of photographs from last week's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. Webmaster Bob Valder tells us that as usual the latest updates can easily be found by following the red and green dots in the category listing, or by clicking on the Recent additions link.

Greeks set to invade Malta.

10th October: Four Greek teams are headed to Malta to race at Hal-Far Raceway next weekend, writes our good friend Elias Vathias of the dragnews.gr web site.

"Stavros Svrahnos, supported by the Cheetah Drag Racing Team, who is Class 6 record holder with his Suzuki Pro Stock, will try to improve on his 8.270, hoping that he will return home with a seven-second pass", says Elias. The two-litre Ford Capri Killer of Nikos Zampathas will race in two different categories. Vince Rigoli, well known in the Australian Drag Racing Championship, will drive the Capri in the big class (with nitrous) and Costas Koutroufinis will drive it in another class, without the use of nitrous.
©Eurodragster.com
"After running 8.6 with his V8 Ford Sierra, Makis Nefraim is going back to Malta with his new vehicle, the well-known Pontiac which ran a 7.4 at its last race to Malta. The Drag Warriors will support Makis in Malta. Although he did not say anything about his goals, we know that Makis will try to make a faster pass, since he is taking bigger Nos injectors and blower pulleys!

"Filippos Papafilippou will run his five-speed Rover (right) which ran a 8,7 in its recent first race in Serres. Filippos and the Drag Warriors Team hope to make low seven-second passes in Malta.

"Panagiotis Kallipolitis, President of LENOTH (Northern Greece Drag Racing Club) and Dimitris Vasileiadis, member of DRC (Southern Greece Drag Racing Club) will attend the race. A lot of friends and fans will escort our drag racers to Malta. We are all very happy that we are going to race at a great track again! We want to thank Anthony Borda, President of MDRA, very much for all his help to our teams! We are looking forward to meeting our friends in Malta."

Grumpy gets the signature.
10th October: Courtesy of erstwhile Crew Chief Andy Bissett comes news that 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave Wilson is now a fully-signed-up Top Fuel Dragster licence holder. Grumpy put in his last cross-licencing pass at the Japanese Performance Show at Santa Pod Raceway this morning, driving one of Knut Söderquist's Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragsters.
©Eurodragster.com
"Dave's run was a well-driven Maltese half-pass, 5.360/205.51", Andy told us from Santa Pod. "The sixty foot was 0.897 and the eighth 3.420/228.38. Job done! There was some oil at the top end, it spat out a couple of plugs, a head gasket and a rocker gasket. The run was good enough, though, Grumpy's licence is signed and we're done for the day."

Carter calls it right.
10th October: "This season's battle for the FIA European Top Fuel Championship is the toughest Championship in European Drag Racing history! I can tell you, you can feel the tension in the pits when the mechanics push the war machines out for Sunday morning's first rounds". So said 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter in his last news update and these words proved to be true with tough seven and eight car fields at all rounds. The quickest field in European Drag Racing history - in Sweden you had to run faster than 5.18 just to get in - and everyone really stepped up this season, says the latest press release from Carter Motorsport.

"Now that most of the shouting and back-slapping is over I would like to take time to say thanks to everyone, in no particular order, who helped me in any way, big or small, to win the FIA European Top Fuel Championship for a second time. I would like to start with the sponsors and business partners: Wavecrest, GoTalk, Lucas Oil, NGK, Wynns, Elite Clothing, K & N Filters, Yuasa, Sigma Signs, Juice, Motorgraphic, Gold RV, Binamic, Pioneer Print, Rainbow Conference Sets, Shipleys and Mike Shorer for their support up to now and their continued support during 2005, I hope!

"The team who worked so hard all year: Paul Williams, Simon Williams, Paul Wright, Alec Barker, John Andrews, Andy Bacos, Kim Hessey, Scott and Payton Hessey, Neil Collins, Roger Neil, Ben Allum, John Ogden, Chris Barnes, and of course, Rune 'The Wizard' Fjeld, and my Crew Chief Eddie Corr.

"Thanks to all of the staff at all the FIA tracks for putting on great events. All the photographers, commentators, TV people, and reporters for doing a great service for Drag Racing. All the people who work so hard on the web sites. Everyone who E-Mailed me, texted me (keep ‘em coming please on 07800 655132), phoned me, came up to me at the tracks and offered words of encouragement; Terry and Tina Gibbs; everyone who bought stuff from our merchandise stand; Nitro FM.

"I'm sure I've forgotten to put some people on here, all I can say is sorry if I missed you, I didn't mean to, your help really was and is appreciated. Thank you everyone!

"I must also say well done to every team in this year's Championship, tough wasn't it? Well if I get a budget, it isn't going to get any easier for you next year!

"I hope to see some of you at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod on 6th November when I match race Thomas Nataas, please come up and say hello and support the merchandise stand if possible.

"Bring on 2005!"
©Eurodragster.com
Disaster recovery underway.
10th October: What could have been the best event of the season, last weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway, turned into a disaster for UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Andy Frost, he says.

"Whilst qualifying third we torched number one piston and bore", says Andy. "We were left with no choice but to run the Cruise and hope that the damage was fixable. Jon Webster of Webster Race Engineering kindly offered us the full use of his workshop to repair the car for the next day but unfortunately when the engine was torn down not only did we find the bore trashed, but the the number one main bearing and bore was too. That put paid to any chance of us running the next day.We have subsequently found that the block and crank are unusable so Pete Knight of Knight Racing Services has stepped in to make sure that we have all the items as quick as possible, as the car is going to the World Street Race at the end of January.

"We knew that we were in a almost uncatchable third place so it wasn't all bad, but it would have been nice to be in a position to grab a place in the Championship. It was not to be so congratulations to Ian Jackson, Cooky and crew who despite what anyone thinks worked extremely hard for what they have got this year. Congratulations also to Splinter and crew who ended up having to work pretty hard on Saturday night for their corn. They took a deserved second place from us by forty points, but that's what counts in championships. So it was third again for us. It wasn't in the plan after the Thunderball but hey, it's not that bad.
©Eurodragster.com
"Now for the roll of honour: firstly my hard working crew of Tony Grayston, Steve Potter, Debbie and Gary Frost who I know are disappointed with the end result (as I am) but still gave their all throughout the season. Thanks to chassis guru Jon Webster for all his help and advice through the season and Pete Knight and staff for his help with the engine and dyno tuning. Thanks also to Kevin Scott of Scottrans who has been a longtime sponsor and who has stuck by us up to now, and is continuing to do so for the the World Street Race and beyond. Lastly big thanks to all the CCSE competitors who help make the class what it is, especially to Fatty and the FB Racing crew who never whinged once when I came to borrow what seems like a mountain of tools (apart from Spud...lol), all the CCSE sponsors big and small, Custom Car magazine without whom we wouldn't have a name or class, the Santa Pod crew who have worked tirelessly all season in the face of adversity, all of the media who report and photograph us in all our glory, and lastly all the Red Victor racing team supporters and fans who have kept us going in dire times and celebrated the good times.

"But now it's down to business as we try to find the funding to take on the fastest street legal cars of the North American continent. Make no mistake, we need each and every fan or supporter of the CCSE to get involved as the logistics and cost of this trip are enormous. The likes of Gleeson Wright Security Services, Corporate Signs, Jon Aldridge Accident Repair, Supersave Windows, Oak Tree Property, and a few generous individuals have already stepped up to support the UK racers. E-Mail andy@redvictor1racing.co.uk or ian.hook@blueyonder.co.uk, or visit the World Street Race website at www.worldstreetrace.tk for details on how you can assist us as these companies have.

"Lastly a special thanks to Ian 'Fatty' Hook, Chris and Trish Biro, Ray Knight, Trevor Kitney, Ian Marshall, Daz, Dan Bennett and Bill Erickson for their continuing help and support for the World Street Race cause."

Swift snippets.
10th October: From UK Supertwin Fuel racer Bernie Hepworth comes the great news that his operation on Monday was a success. "I am not the proud owner of two nine-inch pieces of flat steel bar bolted to my spine", says Bernie. "I have managed to walk a small amount and I am looking forward to many hours of physiotherapy. It may be a while before I am break dancing again but I will be back. Thanks to all who sent good wishes."
©Eurodragster.com
Al Platt and daughter Jennifer have written to congratulate Linda Platt on her UK National and Ultimate Power Sportsman ET Championships. "It was a job well done", says Al. "Congratulations also to Rick Denny on the SPRC Championship (about time too!). I won't mention the rain dance the pair of them were doing all weekend!"

One departure, one arrival.
10th October: Due to increased sales and work at UK American car dealer Carolina Classics, the nearly-prepared 466ci Ford Mustang street car which was to be campaigned by proprietor Cliff Hepton and Nigel Taylor has now been sold to a twenty eight-year-old female rally driver.

"She has now MOT'd and gone on a quick learning curve into the world of drag racing, helped along by quick street racer Andy and a team of rally mechanics and friends", says Nigel. "Watch out for a long-haired lady by the name of Nicky, she has no fear and she will kick some butt!
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"Carolina Classics would like to congratulate Sophie Smart who gave birth to Mackenzie Chevrolet at 12:30 on Tuesday. Mackenzie weighed in at 7lb 9 oz,a lovely little boy who needs to reserve room in the clubhouse at Shakespeare County Raceway to prop up his dad Nigel Taylor and sister Elisha Jordan (already a drag racing nut at four years old).

"Nigel Taylor will be in the Carolina Classics empire full time from November, and will still be on spectator duties at SCR in 2005, looking to do more advertising and maybe a possible Class sponsorship deal depending on winter sales."

Wing's thanks.
10th October: UK Super Street Bike racer Paul Wing has been in touch to thank everyone involved in running events at Santa Pod Raceway this year.

"I have not competed in every event this season", says Paul, "but I would like to thank all of the people involved. I do not know all your names, but I will mention a few: Ian Marshall, Paula Marshall, Kathy (keep going girl, you're the bee's knees), the start line collecting marshall - do not know his name, but he has the patience of a saint! John Price (glad you did not retire), Sharkman, Tog, and all the rest of you (Thanks - Ed).
©Eurodragster.com
"Also a thank you to the people who have helped me this year: Paul and Corrine, Dave Bailey (mad as a box of frogs, but a very nice man), Richard Amos for slapping me on the head when I pulled a red, and all the bikers and other racers.

"And a last farewell to Richard Stubbin's pheasant, TJ will never be the same!"

First Christmas gift idea.

10th October: Power Race Graphics have a produced a limited number of posters featuring the original promotional artwork from the Second International Drag Fest held at Blackbushe airport (Right, click on picture for large version).

"It's a real nice piece of period artwork", says Darren West of PRG, "a must for nostalgia drag fans and an excellent Christmas gift idea". Available in A2 (42 x 59.4cm) or A3 (29.7 x 42cm) the posters come in a rigid tube priced at Ł15.00 plus Ł2.50 p+p for A2, or on A3 ivory board at Ł7.50 plus Ł2.50 p+p. Laminated prints are also available, E-Mail Darren for prices.
©Eurodragster.com
The limited-run posters are available from Power Race Graphics at:

25 Elziver Close
Chickerell
Weymouth
Dorset
DT3 4LN

Telephone 01305 766732
E-Mail powergrfx@supanet.com

A Grand Flame and Thunder.
8th October: Santa Pod Raceway have announced an increase in prize money for the all-in dial-your-own Car and Bike brackets at the Flame and Thunder Show, which takes place on Saturday 6th November. A large proportion of the entry fee for the Flame and Thunder Show already goes into prize money but SPR will be adding to the fund.

"The winners of the Car and Bike brackets at the Flame and Thunder Show will each go home with Ł1000", says Santa Pod Raceway's Track Manager Kjell Pettersson.
©Eurodragster.com
The Flame and Thunder Show entry form can be downloaded from the Entry Forms page of the Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc.

As well as the Car and Bike brackets, the Flame and Thunder Show features the final round of the Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Championships, Top Fuel Dragster and Fuel Altered match races, Eric Teboul's Rocket Bike, Martin Hill's and Ronnie Picardo's jet-powered vehicles, a wheelie car, stunt vehicles, tractor pulling and more. For more details including ticket prices check out Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com or call 01234 782828.

Blown away by PBs and wind.
8th October: UK Pro ET racer Terri Lee says that last weekend's whirl of wind and rain was not the best way to finish the season. Things were going very well for Terri in her blown Escort Van before the UK National Finals were rained out, with another personal best ET to round off 2004.

"After the FIA European Finals we had made a couple of changes, with the addition of a rear wing and a front splitter", says Terri. "No, this wasn't so we had somewhere to put our coffees whilst queuing in the fire up lane! The van always got very light at the top end and was becoming more and more of a handling job to keep straight. So the wing was added to see if it would give us the downforce to keep the rear on the floor.

"The first run last Saturday proved that it was exactly what it needed with our quickest-ever time of 10.55. She handled like a dream, I came off the top end with a smile on my face. However, as always in the Team Orange pits, elation never lasts long as although it was a PB we had totally broken out of our dial-in which was a 10.63. The rest of Saturday was spent getting wet and cold and eventually firing up the barbecue in the gazebo to keep warm and to dry off.
©Eurodragster.com
"Sunday came and we got in a second qualifying run, however this time we only ran a 10.65. We had lost everything which we had found on Saturday, and unfortunately that is where is ended with a rain off but not without a valiant effort by the Santa Pod crew yet again.

"Thanks to the crew, yet again, for giving up their free time to spend in the cold and damp. Thanks to Jayne Wells from the Southern branch of Team Orange for bringing in the extra blankets. They come in handy when you are sleeping in a tent! Congratulations go to Carla Pittau and Rick McCann on winning the 2004 Championship. Thanks to all in Pro ET for yet another great year of drag racing at its best!"

Terri's web site at www.terrileeracing.co.uk has been updated with the latest news from her pit. Terri tells us that she is now going into hibernation until husband and Crew Chief Ian wakes her up in six months' time. "I can't wait for the new season to come", says Terri.

Splinter preparing for 2005.
8th October: UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Steve 'Splinter' Nash has used this year to try out his relatively new car and team ready for a challenge in 2005, says Crew Chief Mick Franklin.

"It's been a hard year", says Mick. "With the likes of Colin Lazenby's Chevy, Andy Frost's Vauxhall, Wayne Saunders in the Chevy amongst others we knew it would be tough and that everyone would do their best. Many people thought that we would be the ones to win, but we had a new design and concept which even we weren't quite sure of. This season has been good to us even though we have made little mistakes. We had to work hard last weekend after gearbox problems. Splinter had to drive to Kevin's in Watford to repair it, and returned to the track at 5:00 on Sunday morning. We never had the chance to show what we had in store but that's English weather for you.
©Eurodragster.com
"Although Ian Jackson has the little Small Block he likes to let everyone know about, he has been the most consistent of us all and deserves his Championship win. Well done Ian, Sue and all of the team.

"Thanks to you Tog and Sharkman (Thank you! - Ed), the sponsors and spectators, and all of the CCSE teams and crews for making our class what it is. Thanks to ICE Automotive for their help and development, Jacko for his ways, and Splinter for making it all happen. Four of our boys are going to America next year to represent England and they will miss the first race of the year. We at Wildcat wish them all well and will be there waving the flag. Look on the Red Victor web site and see how you can help bring home the trophy which we Brits deserve."

On an MSD and a leg.
8th October: Another UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer stymied by the weather last weekend was John Sleath, who was robbed of the chance to back up a speed record of 180.06 mph. John's run was the first 180 mph terminal speed by a CCSE racer, in what was his return to the class in his new self-built Audi.

"It was very nice running 180 mph, but as someone has already said it's the ET which counts", says John. "Because I don't have any traction control or timers, only an MSD two-step and my right leg, I did not think the track would be as good as it was. I took it easy off the start line then let it have it.
©Eurodragster.com
"I'm planning to contest some of the CCSE rounds next year, I just can't wait. I also think a 706 and two stages of gas is just not going to be fast enough next year."

You can find out more about John's eight-second Audi at www.audiracing.co.uk.

APIRA Dinner Dance update.
8th October: Avon Park International Racers Association are proud to present the 2004 Championship Dinner Dance, incorporating the UK National Drag Racing Championship trophy presentation and awards. The presentation will take place on Saturday 22nd January at the Corus Hotel Bristol. The evening will comprise a sit-down meal starting at 7.30 pm prompt, with menu consisting of Country Vegetable Soup, Sirloin of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, Trio of Chocolate Mouse with Strawberry Sauce, and Coffee and Mints. A vegetarian option is also available consisting of Stuffed Bell Peppers with a savoury rice filling.

The hotel has set aside a number of single and double rooms which can be booked by calling 01275 395 800 and quoting reference number 238. Guests can make use of the extensive leisure facilities at the hotel.

Tickets for the Dinner Dance are priced at Ł26 per person and can be obtained from Wendy Talbot or Beth Satchell, whose contact details can be found on the application form available on the APIRA website at www.apira.org.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Plaudits pour in for SID.
8th October: Jon and Sharon Hogarth's Specialist in Design have been receiving a lot of recognition for their paint, airbrush work and graphics work in 2004. This kicked off early in the year at the Xtreme Wheels Show where SID's work took awards for both Best Paint and Most Xtreme Paint, and continued when they joined the élite as a House of Kolor recommended bodyshop for the UK. This month SID have been nominated as one of the UK's top twenty body shops by leading modified car magazine Max Power, who praised Jon's work and his flair for colour and design.

"Such has been the speed with which the SID word has spread that we are presently moving into new and larger premises in Great Yarmouth where we will be able to offer a wider range of custom and bodystyling products, making SID the biggest independent custom centre on the East Coast", says Sharon Hogarth. "A 24 ft x 14 ft spray booth and oven will be installed next week, and work is expected to be complete by the end of October with the official opening of the all-new SID set for 1st November.
©Eurodragster.com
"Jon I would like to thank our customers from the world of drag racing for their continued support, and send congratulations to many of them who have done so very well in 2004 including Ian and Sue Jackson who have worked tirelessly to take the Championship in Custom Car Street Eliminator; Graham Dance, Super Street Bike, who just didn't seem to leave a trophy for anyone else all season - congratulations on another Championship win; Kev Perkins, who drove the Cutlass to within an inch of its life all season in Super Modified, deserves nothing less than to achieve runner up in the Super Modified Championship. This is one dedicated guy who really does give it everything he has and more, well done Kev, we have the greatest admiration for you.

"Last but not least our congratulations go to Craig Gibbs and Obsession Motorsports for driving their SID-built 69 'Camaro to a Personal Best of 7.901 at the National Finals. What a way to end the season, sealing a 1.10 sixty foot to boot making it the fastest sixty-footer in Super Mod. Looking forward to 2005 already..."

For more information about SID and the services which they can offer, check out Jon and Sharon's web site at www.specialistindesign.co.uk.

Web site updates.
8th October: Further to yesterday's news item about the season-ending Halloween Showdown, which takes place at Shakespeare County Raceway on 30th-31st October, Lee Child of LA Performance Services has been in touch to let us know that the event now has its own official web site at www.halloweenshowdown.co.uk. As well as information about the event, the web site features details on the challenge to find the quickest street-legal car.

The B & J Nostalgia Racing web site at www.bjnostalgia.com has been updated with more photographs of the construction of the Windridge Hall McKenzie nostalgia fuel slingshot, together with an interesting photo conundrum for the historians amongst us.
©Eurodragster.com
The UK's National Association of Supertwins has changed web site addresses to www.supertwins.co.uk. The new web site, administered by Lorna of Stadium Harley, already contains class rules and racer information and will also feature NAST newsletters and other information in due course.

Zane Llewellyn has updated the Bristol Doorslammers news section of the Bootsoop Racing web site with a review of last weekend's UK National Finals, as well as all the latest news and gossip from Planet Bristol. Check it out at www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk.

UK roll cage inspections.
7th October: UK Tech Inspector Geoff Martin has been in touch to inform racers that he and his team would like to continue their check of roll cages and bars of 10.00 to 11.99 race cars at next month's Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway.

"We would like to carry on where we left off last weekend", says Geoff, "inspecting roll cages and roll bars in Pro ET and Super Street. Of course it depends upon the attendance of these cars at the event.
©Eurodragster.com
"We will be inspecting other entries as well, but we would like some idea of numbers."

If you are intending to attend the Flame and Thunder Show then Geoff can be contacted on 01608 674121 or mobile 07811 678798, or by E-Mail at geoffrey.martin4@btopenworld.com.

Joon seeks crew.
7th October: Dutch Top Fuel Dragster racer Lex Joon is looking for crew to join his new Top Fuel operation in 2005. If you were tuned in to Eurodragster News on 13th September you will recall that the MPM Oil-backed racer has decided to purchase his own operation after hiring a car from Knut Söderquist in 2004.
©Eurodragster.com
"The plan is to contest the whole of the FIA Tour in 2005, as well as to do some testing and match racing", says Team Manager Gerda Dijkstra. "But one of the things we have to do right now is to start to bring our crew together. We are thinking of a mixture of Dutch and British crew members."

If you would be interested in joining Lex's Top Fuel team in 2005 then drop him a line at crew@lexjoonracing.nl.

2004 ACU, NAST Champions.
7th October: ACU UK Drag Bike Championship Co-ordinator Ian King has announced this year's ACU Champions. Congratulations to:

Top Fuel Bike: Steve Woollatt
Funny Bike: Neil Midgley
Pro Stock Bike: Tony Clark
Comp Bike: TJ O'Brien
Super Street Bike: Graham Dance

You can view the full 2004 Championship standings on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.
©Eurodragster.com
We are indebted to National Association of Supertwins Championship Co-ordinator Sue Beneke for one last time, for confirming the 2004 NAST Champions. All but one of the Championships had been tied up before last weekend's UK National Finals, where Supertwin Fuel was decided. Congratulations to:

Supertwin Fuel: Ian Turburville
Supertwin Gas: George Laycock
Supertwin Modified: Simon Hodgson
Supertwin Street: Mark Earrey

"There was apparently some confusion among the Twins at the weekend, as Mark Earrey did not get a time or speed on his only run of the weekend", says Sue. "Paula Marshall investigated for me, and it seems that Mark well and truly jumped the gun - he didn't just red light, he went before the starter had pressed the button to start the Tree - hence the lack of any info. Ian Radanke launched as soon as he saw Mark go. The starter had pressed the button, so Ian did get a time and speed although he redlit. Hope that clears up the mystery."

We mentioned this on Monday but it bears repetition that Sue Beneke is standing down as NAST Secretary and Championship Co-ordinator, to be replaced by Lorraine Laycock. Sue has been an endless source of help and information whilst we have been working with her, and we have never seen her in anything other than cheerful mien. We're sure that everyone will again join us in thanking Sue for her hard work over the years.

My best year.
7th October: This season has been the best yet for Wild Bunch, Real Steel Series and Ultimate Power Champion Tony Smith, he says.

"There have been lots of ups and downs", says Tony. "It all started at the Wild Bunch Dinner and Dance, when the team was awarded with the Don Garlits Sprit of Drag Racing shield. Then I had a phone call to say that I was to be given a Rhondda Sports Personality of the Year award. Then my sponsors got me a new torque converter and a set of slicks, at the first meeting at SCR I was the first person to run on the track, recording a new PB of 11.62, and over the weekend ran a new PB with the body off at 11.33. This carried on through out the season with bounce-free PBs at most meetings with the Hot Rod Drags netting me the best at 11.36/115.67.

"Whilst I never won a event this year, with all the seconds and top four placings, I ended up first in three out of the four Championships we run - Wild Bunch (seven rounds), Ultimate Power (three rounds) and Real Steel (ten rounds) - and I was seventh in the Roy Wilding Nostalgia Race Cars Series (four rounds) after having to miss the Nostalgia Drags due to a double puncture and suspension damage on the trailer on the way to the event.
©Eurodragster.com
"The downs were having to miss the Nostalgia Nats, and the trip home from the Pod last weekend, where what is normally a four-hour trip turned into a nine-hour nightmare, the last five hours getting the last forty or so miles home when the van broke down (again - it's got to go!).

"I would like to thank my sponsors Alan from Newgate (Newark) Ltd, Les from Tonypandy Motor Co, and Tuneup Autospares for their support. Thanks to my crew Dave and Linda, and my wife Linda for all the help and for putting up with me. I would also like to thank every one at the three tracks for looking after us racers and the professional way they look after the tracks. Lastly I would like to thank the rest of the Wild Bunch for a great year and again for having to put up with me."

You can read more on the News and Reviews page of Tony's web site at www.cunningplan.net.

Racers: Send your season reviews to us at news@eurodragster.com and we'll publish them here.

Lazenby chuffed.
7th October: Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Colin Lazenby has declared himself "chuffed" with his new Personal Best ET of 8.247 which took the number one spot in qualifying at the UK National Finals at the weekend. Colin's run was the quickest ET recorded in CCSE competition this season and was the result of a last-minute adjustment by the Pinnacle-sponsored team.

"OK, so most of us only got one run, and I guess everything was stacked against us, largely the weather", says Colin. "Then on Sunday, the oil down and yet more rain. It was therefore important that we made the scale of the tune count. Given the conditions, our dilemma was further compounded with the fitting on Friday evening of a new adjustable transbrake button.

"We already held the track record at Shakey, and having secured the class speed record of 178.47 mph at the last event we were looking for improvements in our ETs. Our decision - well, Luke Robinson and Garry Coull's decision - just before the run was bang on and with a last minute de-tune we managed an 8.24 lap (new PB) to qualify #1. It wasn't the cleanest pass, and would have been undoubtedly quicker had I not gone 'the long way round'. Speed was an immaterial 176 mph. Chuffed - you bet.
©Eurodragster.com
"Hats off to all the competitors with wounded bullets (or transmissions): Splinter, Jerry, Frosty and the Silver Fox all battling on regardless, in spite of their respective damage. What great spirit all of them showed (Hear, hear - Ed). Congratulations to Sleathy on his 180 mph pass, I'm just waiting for confirmation of the 'happy' speed equipment, what a great shame it wasn't backed up.

"Hey, and what about Super Modified hero Timmy Garlick and his arrow-straight 7.88 pass, absolutely astounding, on a wee motor too. Sincere well done to Timmy and Paula and of course their hard-working crew - well deserved, geezer. Now I have to tell you that Timmy and I have a deal: he runs a nine, we run a nine; he runs an eight, we run an eight. Now Timmy, please pack it in now - I'm just not sure that our fully street-legal '56 can go as quick as 7.87."

It's the final Showdown.
7th October: Shakespeare County Raceway has one event remaning in 2004, the Halloween Showdown which takes place on the last weekend of this month (30th-31st October).

The Halloween Showdown is SCR's traditional end-season Test and Tune weekend, combining two days of Run What You Brung action with the final appearance of the Supercharged Outlaws and Outlaw Anglias this year. Additional on-track action is provided by no less than three Jet cars, and Johnny 'Mental' Hall will be making more checkout passes in the Windridge Hall McKenzie nostalgia fuel slingshot which brought the house down at the recent NSRA meeting at the Warwickshire track. The traditional Fancy Dress contest will also be held.

Carrying on the Showdown theme is a challenge to find the quickest and fastest street-legal car in the country in various categories such as V8, four-cylinder and front wheel drive. "Everyone is invited, be they CCSE, NSCC, import, Hot Hatch - come and put your money where your mouth is and we'll see just who has the quickest street car!" says promoter Lee Child, who jointly sponsors Eurodragster's Links pages through LA Racing Parts. For more information about the street-legal challenge, drop an E-Mail to Lee at la.racing@virgin.net.

The track will be prepped to National event standard and track-drying equipment will be on site all weekend.

Entry to the Halloween Showdown is Ł15 for the weekend in advance, Ł10 per day or Ł18 for the weekend on the gate. Track fees for the Run What You Brung are Ł15 per day or Ł25 for the weekend; a DVLC and a crash helmet must be presented when signing on. For more information or to book advance tickets call LA Performance Services on 01803 554308.

Web site updates.
7th October: Race car builder, performance parts supplier and joint Eurodragster webcam sponsor Webster Race Engineering have updated their web site with a price list of several performance parts to complement the tyre prices. You can check out WRE's price list www.webster-race-engineering.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
The official web site of Nobby Hills Racing has been updated with an end-season status update from the Houndog Fuel Funny Car team. "The whole team is really disappointed that it has not been able to achieve its goal of getting the car onto the drag strip in 2004", says webmaster Chris Blows. "We have participated in numerous static shows, both public and private, and have gained a great deal of satisfaction and encouragement from many sources. Nevertheless the objective is still to get the car onto its rightful place, the drag strip". You can check out the end-season update at www.nhracing.com.

Our good friend Elias Vathias has been in touch with the sad news that he has lost ownership of the dragster.gr domain name. "I will lodge an appeal with a higher court, but pending the result of this appeal I have moved my site to a new domain name at www.dragnews.gr", says Elias. "Our team have made great efforts the last four years to promote and help the development of Greek Drag Racing. We will keep on in this direction. In our effort to protect our work we have also registered the domain name www.greekdragster.com."

AAFAs set to add fireworks.
6th October: Santa Pod Raceway have announced an addition to the headliners at next month's season-ending Flame and Thunder Show. As well as the Top Fuel Dragster match race between 2004 FIA European Champion Andy Carter and European Finals runner-up Thomas Nataas, Eric Teboul's Rocket Bike and Martin Hill's and Ronnie Picardo's jet-powered vehicles, Santa Pod have now also booked The Mob Fuel Altered and Wendy Baker and Paul Stubbings' new Timewarp AAFA.

If you were tuned in to Eurodragster News back on 15th September you will recall that Mickey Moore, driver of The Mob, dislocated a shoulder and looked to be out of action for the rest of 2004. Photo-journalist Mark Gredzinski tells us that the news is a lot better than it initially seemed.
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"I was in the pub with Mickey last Monday and he drove there", says Mark. "His arm is still sore but out of a sling, and he's determined to be at the Flame and Thunder Show as he misses racing at the 'Pod. A match-up with Wendy Baker is on the cards, although the Mob aren't too bothered - they are just keen to run and try out the car. If you recall, the Fuel Altereds were booked a couple of seasons ago at this event (Yes, I came out with a real howler on the PA which I've never forgotten - Ed) and Wendy was in the hot seat of the car, but it rained. However they had the car fired up for a few minutes with the headers glowing red in the downpour on the start line!

"This time, providing the weather plays ball, the Mob want to put down a good number as their six-second/200 mph goals have yet to be attained."

For more details about the Flame and Thunder Show, including ticket prices, check out Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com.

Post-disaster Champion.
6th October: Like many others, UK Supertwin Fuel racer Ian Turburville only made one one pass at the UK National Finals at the weekend because of the weather. However, in Turbo's case the difference is that Turbo describes his single run as "A disaster!", but it was enough to win him the NAST Championship.

"A plug lead came off on the line, then it got out of shape so I clicked it at a hundred feet", says Turbo. "Still, I got high speed of the meet and the points from that put me well in the lead so I am now officially Top Fuel Supertwin Champion of Great Britain and get the number one plate for next year! Thanks everyone for the support and good wishes I received all year. We will keep you informed on the progress of my new bike, Mr.Spokehead, as it progresses.

"I urgently need a buyer for this season's bike and the whole turn-key operation is for sale at a very, very, reasonable price. It is the perfect starter bike for anyone wanting to move to Nitro Harley. It is easy to run and tune, cheap to maintain and the most fun you'll have with your clothes on all year. E-Mail me for details at ian.cragg@btconnect.com.

"I couldn't do any of this without the help of S & S Cycle, JIMS, Red Line Oil, Custom Chrome, Zodiac, Rivera Engineering, Pro-Mod Engineering, Santa Pod Raceway, Milwaukee Sprayer, Aasen Racing, Sprint Dampers, King Racing and Rune Fjeld Motorsports. Thanks to Eurodragster for the coverage, the photos and for keeping us all in the loop (Thanks, you're welcome - Ed)!"
©Eurodragster.com
Gibbs in Seven heaven.
6th October: UK Super Modified racer Craig Gibbs recorded a personal best of 7.901, his first seven-second pass, at the UK National Finals on Sunday morning. Craig got in touch to tell us how things went from his point of view.

"Although the weather was against everyone, with a little help from the gods and a lot of hard work from the SPRC track staff (by the way guys and gals, well done) every class had one qualifying run. We went into the Finals with an 8.03 from WRE Test Day under our belts and we were really looking for the elusive seven. Super Modified were due their first qualifier during Saturday afternoon but it wasn't to be.
©Eurodragster.com
"Sunday dawned and the weather looked threatening, but we were called down and I knew this one had to count. And did it count, a 7.90 with a great sixty foot. I didn't know how I had done until after Tim Garlick had run (by the way Tim, well done on your PB). Tim came up and congratulated me and only then did it sink in. We had our share of problems during the year and it was great to finish the year off with our first seven, and we qualified third.

"It wouldn't have happened without a lot of help from so many people. So thanks to Kev Perkins for his wealth of knowledge, Sharon and Jon Hogarth – what a great car - Andy Robinson for his time spent with us, Bob and Kath Glassup who kept us going, Jeff Bull who knows how to build a great engine, Mum and Dad who have had faith in me and the car and are always there for me, and everyone who came and congratulated us after the run. What a weekend! I can't wait until next year - there's plenty more to come, we've only just begun."

Another hot Scott.

6th October: UK Junior drag racing has a new driver in the person of Scott Collier, son of Jerry and Sharron Collier of UK Supertwin team Jade Racing. Scott managed to dodge the rain at Shakespeare County Raceway at the weekend to make his first passes.
©Eurodragster.com
"We hired Holly and Hazel Mitchell's Matrix Too Junior Stock Dragster for Scott this weekend, and he was wicked!", says Sharron Collier. "He ran six passes over the two days, his first run was a 17.9/30, getting as good as 16.0/38! His reactions were really good, started with a 0.8 and by the end was a 0.61! We got rained off on Sunday lunchtime and he was so upset, he helped Jerry and Rick (yes, Rick Davies still knows the way to Shakey!) take it back to the barn, but wouldn't take his foot off the brake pedal so there were two tyre marks where they had to drag it into the barn with its brakes jammed on!

"We are hiring the car again on the Saturday of the Halloween Showdown, unfortunately it's booked for the Sunday so just one day this time. Scott thinks he would prefer a car over a Junior Drag Bike, although he is not 100% sure yet! We have started to have parts made for his bike, so he will have to make his mind up soon...but he looked like he belonged in the car - the bit you could see of him anyway, he looked so tiny in it!"

Points, timing data.
6th October: We are indebted to Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Championship Co-ordinator Spencer Tramm for forwarding us the standings in the three VWDRC Championships after the UK National Finals. The VWDRC have one Championship round left to contest, at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway. Click here to see the VWDRC points, or click on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
©Eurodragster.com
We are also indebted to Andy Marrs of TSI Timers Europe for forwarding us the timing data from the weekend's UK National Finals. The timing data comes in Excel format and can be found by clicking here, or by clicking on the Timing Data link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

A weekend with an Allard.
6th October: Shakespeare County Raceway's Race Director Richard Warburton had a race weekend with a difference, as he was invited by circuit racing team ATMR to act as Team Manager for a three-car Volkswagen team at Brands Hatch.

"The team consisted of a Mk 1 Golf, a V6 VW Bug and a turbo-diesel Golf!", says Richard. "The experience was unbelievable and there were a lot of things I found extremely interesting which could transfer across to dragracing and vice-versa. It was certainly a novelty to race in the rain.

"You are probably wondering what interest this could possibly be to Eurodragster - until I tell you that the driver of the Golf Diesel was a certain Lloyd Allard, grandson of Sidney Allard. Lloyd and fellow team owner Dave Turner have been involved in uprating turbo diesels for some time now, and I could not believe the performance wrung out of this oil-burner. How does 250 bhp and over 300 lb/ft of torque sound.

"The best result over the weekend was in an invitational special saloon car race with a thirty-car entry. There was some extremely potent machinery out there including a Ford V8-powered Mercedes CLK, 700 bhp Cosworth-engined Prelude, and a 300 bhp Fiesta to name a few. Lloyd was the only diesel car entered and finished a very creditable eighth with Dave Turner finishing tenth in the V6 Bug. This has changed my opinions on diesels although I don't think that we will see Top Diesel Funny Cars in the near future!"

Jackson CCSE Champion.
5th October: We are grateful to Sue Jackson for passing us the outcome of this year's Custom Car Street Eliminator Championship.

"I can confirm that the final positions are Champion Ian Jackson, runner-up Steve Nash (aka Splinter), and a very close third, Andy Frost", says Sue. "The complete points breakdown is:

Ian Jackson 4960
Steve Nash 4600
Andy Frost 4560
Colin Lazenby 3825
Ian Hook 3290
Allen Curtis 2460
Steve Pateman 1930
Wayne Saunders 1620
Alex McIntosh 1350
Tony Hill 1200
Alan Simms 780
Jerry Charles 200
John Sleath 190
Steve Large 100"

Congratulations to Ian on his Championship.
©Eurodragster.com
Smith Wild Bunch Champions.
5th October: We are also indebted to Wild Bunch Championship Co-ordinator Claire Meaddows for sending us the outcome in this year's Wild Bunch and Real Steel Series.

"What a shame for all the racers to end the season with a rain-off after so much promise of an exciting finals", says Claire. "the Wild Bunch would like to say a big thank you to all the track crew and officials for working so hard to try and get the track ready both days. We appreciate all their efforts. Thanks also to everyone at Santa Pod for making us feel so welcome, we really enjoyed the event despite the fact that it was cut short!

"Things are pretty much as they were; Tony Smith with The Cunning Plan altered is confirmed as Wild Bunch Champion for 2004. A big Fair Play to him from all the Bunch! This means that Tony is the first individual repeat Champion, as he won back in 1997. We did actually have a team who repeated the Championship in two different cars: Team Dog's B******s (Ray Ford, Sarah Howells, Andy Gosling and Ed Yates) won the Wild Bunch Series with their Nutcracker slingshot back in 2000 and they then went on to win again the following year, with each of the four driving, in their Ram Raider slingshot in 2001. But Tony is the first repeat champion in his own right in the same car.
©Eurodragster.com
"Joe Stevens in the Back in Black altered finished runner-up in the Wild Bunch Series, and newcomer Mike Cresswell finished third in the Living the Dream slingshot. A great achievement for his first year of racing! Rounding out the Top Four of the Wild Bunch Series are the B'Sting team of Andy Murphy, Bob Morgan and Paul Croston. Fifth place in her rookie year is Helen Smythe in the Hell's Belle altered (another great achievement, as they started the year with the goal of finishing in the top ten!); sixth place is 'Crazy' Chris Hartnell in the Backdraft slingshot; seventh are Alec and Tom Coe in the Shy Torque slingshot; eighth place is newcomer Steve Field in the Black Pig altered; ninth is Dr Tony Wynne-Jones in the Welsh Raider II Radical; and tenth are Pete and Gavyn Loveridge in the Herr X slingshot.

"As for the ten-event Real Steel Series, Tony Smith has also won that! Tony and Crew Chief Dave are the current holders of the Don Garlits 'Spirit of Drag Racing' shield, so they have really upheld that spirit and fulfilled their potential this year, with the car running many Personal Best ETs during the season. Joe Stevens was runner-up in this Series also, and had several event wins along the way. 'Crazy' Chris finished third, great considering he missed an event after the old engine blew up and had teething problems with the new one; in fourth are Team B'Sting. Many thanks to our main contingency sponsors Real Steel for their continued support.

"All of these trophies will be presented at the Annual Wild Bunch and Supercharged Outlaws Prize Presentation Dinner which takes place on Saturday 27th November at Drayton Manor Park, where we will celebrate all our winners, many congratulations to all of them. For further information or for tickets (at Ł22), please E-Mail: claire@backdraftdragracing.co.uk."

Congratulations to Tony on his double Championship.

Payne's patience rewarded.
5th October: The UK National Finals was a case of 'everything comes to he who waits' for UK Super Pro ET racer Mick Payne, says crew member Andy Thetford. Mick propelled his beautiful blown-alcohol Artful Dodger Dodge Coronet into the sevens on Saturday morning and Andy got in touch to give us the inside story.

"We were able to get the car on the start line between downpours", says Andy. "Mick eased the Dodger into stage, the crew waited, the crowd seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the car to lurch left (see our European Finals report), on came the green light and then Mick and the car were gone, straight down the track, yes straight! Full throttle full noise all the way to a 7.952 at 169.06, fan-bloody-tastic - sorry about that, don't know what else to say! - not bad on an 8.30 dial-in!
©Eurodragster.com
"When we collected Mick and the car and informed him of the time, he said " I don't believe you, it didn't feel that fast"! The other numbers were 60 feet 1.150, 330 feet 3.263, eighth ET 5.046, eighth mph 136.29 and 1000 feet 6.577.

"With all the bad luck we've had over the past two seasons, that one pass made it all worthwhile. We would like to thank everyone who came and congratulated us, and the people who have helped Mick and the crew with the car, especially Dave Milam and Andy Robinson. See you all next season, when we hope to go faster still."

Sponsor takes to track.
5th October: Steve Conway of Bikes of Brighton is to take to the track on an ex-Dean Williamson bike which he has spent four years rebuilding. Steve, who organises the Bikes of Brighton sponsorship for 2004 ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Steve Woollatt as well as a number of other racers, is about six months off his first outing.

"I've replaced everything on the bike", says Steve. "I got the frame, seat and swinging arm from Dean, who was the quickest Street Bike racer. Once I started work on it I just got carried away! It's now a new bike in its own right. It's got a 1986 slabside 1052 GSXR, Stage 3 dynojetted carbs with filters, full race Cobra, Dyno 2000 and Dynacoils. There's also a kevlar rear seat, carbon fairings and a hollowed out fuel tank. I've changed the frame and subframe, put new wheels on it, and there is now a three-degree rake on the front. The paintjob is going to be a 1996 WT."
©Eurodragster.com
Steve says that he initially plans to make one or two annual outings on the bike. "I've been up and down the track at Santa Pod on a Triumph 900 and 750R, but not for five years", he says. The bike's first appearance, though, is to be on the Streetfighters stand at the forthcoming Bike Show at the NEC.

Steve has already acquired sponsorship from Pro-Bolt, MetMachex Engineering and Goodridge UK, and has also had a helping hand from his employer Bikes of Brighton. "It's easy to blag through the shop and I have no qualms at all about blagging!", says Steve. "They give me a free hand, as long as I work hard I can blag lots!

"I also arrange the sponsorship for Steve Woollatt, he has had another good year and he is a sponsor's dream - he is such a nice guy and he puts himself out for his sponsors, for example he comes to our annual Open Day. I've also been able to help Dave Beck, Dave Holland, Dean Williamson and Craig Marylebone."

Steve has recently launched a web site at www.steveconwayracing.co.uk whose Home Page currently features a superb animation of his bike. Steve tells us that more pages will be added shortly - stay tuned for news.

Swift snippets.
5th October: UK Supertwin rider Bernie Hepworth has been in touch to inform the racing community that he will be out of action for the foreseeable future. Bernie has suffered a spinal collapse and is paralysed from the waist down. He was due to undergo a spinal reconstruction operation yesterday at the Leeds General Infirmary, after which he should regain the use of his legs. These problems have occurred due to Bernie being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma thirteen months ago. Bernie says that those of you who him can expect him back in due course. We are sure that everyone will join Sharkman and Tog in wishing Bernie all the very best and in looking forward to seeing him back as promised.
©Eurodragster.com
Santa Pod Raceway have announced that ticketholders for the rained-out UK National Finals will receive a discount on entry to this weekend's Japanese Performance Show or November's Flame and Thunder Show upon presentation of their National Finals tickets, or at any event at Santa Pod up to October 2005. "A rain-out value has been placed on your National Finals ticket of Ł7 for Saturday, Ł10 for Sunday, and Ł14 for weekend tickets", says Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing.

2004 Santa Pod Racers Club Sportsman ET Champion Rick Denny has been in touch with to thank those who have helped him this season. "Thanks to Chris at WASP for his sponsorship this season - expect a call over the winter Chris - and to Linda and Al Platt and Maz, Neil and Nathan for their help this year", says Rick. "Also congratulations to Linda Platt for winning the National Championship to add to her Ultimate Power Championship in her first year of racing, too bad Al wants his car back next year. I would like to say well done to all who entered Sportsman ET this year, we may not get the coverage that other classes get but that doesn't mean we are any less competitive, with close qualifying and racing throughout this season (Hear, hear - Ed)."

UK Comp Bike racer TJ O'Brien and his partner Pat have been in touch to thank all race officials, track staff, racers and crews for a great, eventful and exciting year. "The weather was awful but everyone still ploughed on", say TJ and Pat. "We have made so many friends in drag racing and it is such a friendly atmosphere - everyone helps each other and god knows TJ needs help. We look forward to next season and hope to see you all again, most if not all of you at the Dinner Dances."

Go bench racing tonight.
5th October: If you fancy some bench racing tonight (Tuesday) then Santa Pod Raceway's Race Director Darren Prentice tells us that a second Drag Racing Night has been organised in The Swan pub in Newton Bromswold. This follows from a very successful night in August which was attended by racers, officials, fans and their families.
©Eurodragster.com
Darren tells us that he will be bringing along some drag racing videos to complement the bench racing. The videos will be shown on a large-screen TV starting at 8:00 tonight.

The Swan is in Newton Bromswold, near Rushden, not far off the A6: click here for a map of the area. You can call The Swan on 01933 413506.

Cleveland takes the Challenge.
5th October: UK Super Pro ET racer Paul Harvey and his team are headed for New York today to watch their Cleveland engine in action in the Jegs and Popular Hot Rodding Engine Masters Challenge.

"After a successful year getting the ex-Ray Hoare Turbo Saxon, PSPSolutions dragster back in RAC competition, we are pleased to report that the original 357 Cleveland Engine and the temporary 385ci Cleveland engine all performed well, and were not pushed to their extreme", says Paul. "The 385 ci engine was due to be dynod at EDA prior to use, but lack of funds pushed that back to the winter lay-off, even though with peak rpm set well below the engine's maximum of 9000rpm the 8.70s are a precursor of things to come. The 357ci engine is going to be freshened and prepared, and money permitting a few more cubic inches and a BDS blower kit will be added to top the original cast open chamber heads. It should look, sound go really great.

"The Team this year were fortunate to have been involved with a great deal from CHI Heads of Australia and Porting Dynamics of Maple Grove USA. To cut a long story short, my Crew Chief Brian and I were reading the Custom Car magazine classifieds at their Christmas Eve dinner in 2003, when to their disbelief they saw for sale a "Mag Alloy Cleveland Block". After a double take at the wording of the advert, I realised that I was potentially looking at one of the rare Ford-produced Cleveland aluminium blocks, made for the US Trans Am race series in the late 1960s and early 1970s. After managing to purchase and pick up the block on the same day, Christmas Eve, the story then took some great turns. The block is a genuine Ford aluminium Cleveland with Siamese bores dated October 1968. I found Australian cylinder head manufacturer CHI, who make an aluminium reproduction Cleveland cylinder heads called the 3V. Obviously I was not going to put castiIron heads on an aluminium block if I could help it. CHI have a branch in USA run by Dave Storlien, designer of the 3V head, as Porting Dynamics.

"The aluminium block required some +40 pistons which had to be made by Ross, unfortunately delays meant that we could not get the pistons prior to the Easter Thunderball. We were not going to miss the start of the season, so we decided to use the original 357 ci with the 3V aluminium heads whilst we waited for the +40 Pistons from Ross. In the process of setting up the heads, Dave of CHI discussed with us his entry in the Engine Masters challenge, and mentioned that he had been a previous runner-up in the competition previously. Rule changes for the 2004 competition restricted use of previously-used Ford SVO blocks, so Dave was struggling to see how he could put together an engine capable of winning the Engine Masters competition this year.
©Eurodragster.com
"After some discussion with Dave, an engine builder with many years of Ford experience, we agreed to loan him the aluminium block for his entry. He had never seen one of these Cleveland aluminium blocks! Dave in turn loaned us the 385 ci Cleveland for our racing this year. The aluminium block allowed the Cleveland to be bored out and stroked to the maximum allowed of 410 ci, stock cast iron Cleveland engines could not really do this safely with any reliability.

"Dave's whole plan is to win the Engine Masters with a Cleveland Engine, something not previously achieved, and with our team being a fan of the Ford Cleveland engine this is a bonus for us too. Whilst having nothing against Chevys, Ford Clevelands were produced for only four years and their capabilities were only really seen in the early seventies when Glidden and Rousch amongst others proved what a killer Ford had produced.

"We can't say too much about the 410ci aluminium Cleveland engine at this stage. Suffice to say that last week we spoke to Dave and Bob Kison of Applied Dyno Technology, who were testing the engine at the time. We were treated to a very buzzing and excited pair of tuners, who promptly had us hanging on the phone while we listened to the engine fire up on the dyno five thousand miles away in Maple Grove. Enough said!

"Suffice to say that on Tuesday 5th, the Secret Weapon will be unveiled in round one of the competition."

The Engine Masters challenges fifty competitors to build and dyno-test a small block engine built to the rules provided by the organisers. Over ten pulls on the dyno, the competitor with the best average torque and BHP wins the Engine Masters Challenge and $100,000. The competition is being held at Bill Mitchell's Hardcore Racing Products Shop on Long Island, New York, from 5th-9th October. You can find more details on the competition's official web site at www.enginemasters.com.

The Ultimate RWYB.
5th October: This Sunday's (10th October) Ultimate Run What You Brung at York Raceway gives the last chance for some action before getting back in the garage and starting the winter spannering, writes York PR Howard Holmes.

"The final Run Wot You've Brung session for the year lets you settle the scores and settle the grudges", says Howard. "Traditionally, this is York's 'Banzai' event, where the final tune is put in the motor for that final run, which we all hope will be a new personal best to end the season. And as if that weren't enough, it's also the finals for the Hot Rod Challenge series and the Tuners' Shootout finals.

"George opens the gate at 8:00 am, John starts scrutineering from 9:00 am and Andy and the crew will get us on the track from 10:00 am.

"We'll soon have details to you for the PDRC Dinner Dance. Always a terrific evening, this time the 'Night of Champions' gets a new improved venue and much more...keep an eye on www.york-raceway.co.uk."
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
5th October: 'Slim Boy Fat' has updated his personal web site with a set of excellent trackside pictures from the weekend's UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. Slim's web site features photographs from several drag racing events, mainly concentrating on the VWs but also including the odd V8-powered car. You can check out Slim's pictures at www.pbase.com/slimboyfat/national_finals.

The official web site of the European Pro Mod Association has been updated with team page for German Pro Mod racer Torsten Kath. Check it out at www.promod.nu.
©Eurodragster.com
Richard Stirling has updated his Top Nitro fan site with his take on Saturday's activities at the UK National Finals. You can check out Richard's report and pictures at www.topnitro.co.uk.

2004 UK National Champions.
4th October: We are indebted to Simon Groves for forwarding us a provisional list of the 2004 UK National Drag Racing Champions. Congratulations to:

Super Modified: Andy Hone
Super Pro ET: Ian Tubb
Pro ET: Carla Pittau and Rick McCann (Team Heaven and Hell)
Sportsman ET: Linda Platt
Super Comp: Shaun Lathan
Super Gas: Conrad Stanley
Super Street: Mike Bentley
Junior Dragster: Nick Mugridge

9.90 Bike: Richard Sawatzki
10.90 Bike: John Hackney
©Eurodragster.com
Simon has promised us a complete list of Champions and runners-up as soon as the points are confirmed.

Congratulations to Top Methanol Funny Car racer Doug Ripley who is 2004 MSA British Drag Racing Champion. Top Methanol Dragster racer Lindsay Deuchar took runner-up spot by putting in a qualifying pass yesterday.

We shall bring you the Champions in the ACU UK Drag Bike Championships, Custom Car Street Eliminator, the two remaining Wild Bunch Series, and National Association of Supertwins Supertwin Gas as soon as we receive official word. The Volkswagen Drag Racing Club has one more round left to contest, which takes place at November's Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway.

We are sure that everyone will join Tog and Sharkman in thanking the Championship Co-ordinators for their services this year and for passing the points on to Eurodragster.com. We would like to add an extra note of appreciation to Sue Beneke who is standing down as NAST Championship Co-ordinator after many years of service to the Supertwin classes.

Racers: Send your season reviews to us at news@eurodragster.com and we'll publish them here.

National Finals rained out.
4th October: The UK National Finals was rained out today before qualifying was finished. Rain struck in the middle of Sunday's qualifying cycle, which was only the second complete cycle after rain curtailed qualifying on Saturday.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to view our American Car Imports-sponsored UK National Finals coverage, or click on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Swift snippets.
4th October: 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave Wilson is planning to complete his Top Fuel Dragster cross-licencing passes at next Sunday's (10th October) Japanese Performance Show at Santa Pod Raceway, after the weather curtailed this weekend's attempts. Dave made one pass at the weekend, a pass of 8.478/105.33 under power to 330 feet on Saturday. Our good friend Andy Bissett will be giving us updates from Santa Pod this Sunday.
©Eurodragster.com
Also on the subject of Top Fuel, Chris Parker of the Fansfueler project asked us to pass on Barry Sheavills' apologies for his non-attendance at the UK National Finals. Chris tells us that Barry has been struck low by a bad case of 'flu. Barry had the keys to the Fansfueler trailer as well as the flyers and other literature which meant that pledges couldn't be taken at the weekend. Get well soon Barry!

UK Super Gas racers Steve Dunn and Jon Evans visited Eurodragster's 'office' at Santa Pod Raceway yesterday, and Steve asked us to thank everyone for their good wishes since his crash at Shakespeare County Raceway in August. Steve and Jon said that they had not yet decided what to do next on the racing front. Part of the decision will rest on what can be salvaged from the Tokyo Toy; the engine and transmission are thought to be recoverable.

Anne-Marie Seamarks of UK Junior Dragster team Gingerman Racing has written with a big Thank You to everyone who purchased a quiz sheet in aid of Hargrave House, Rushden Hospital, at Santa Pod Raceway at the weekend. "Hargrave House is an assessment and treatment unit for people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour", says Anne-Marie. "We raised Ł60 over these past couple of days. All sheets have to be back, to the address on the back of the sheet, by on Thursday 4th November. Good Luck with the questions!"

Japan returns to Santa Pod.

4th October: "Which drag racing class has got huge fields of great looking cars, monster horsepower, bitter rivalry between drivers and evil-handling vehicles?", asks Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing.

"Well, yes, Pro Mod…but also the new breed of Japanese drag cars being assembled for a demonstration race at the Japanese Performance Show at Santa Pod raceway on Sunday 10th October. In the line-up is the world's fastest Toyota Corolla, the world's fastest Mitsubishi Lancer, and Europe's fastest Toyota Supras, Mazda RX-7s and Nissan Skylines. A full field of sixteen cars will be entered into eliminations using proper heads-up drag racing rules with no break out and no dial in to find the fastest Japanese streetcar in the UK. The top runners produce 1,200 bhp from a 2.6-litre turbocharged straight-six engine, and can complete the quarter mile in 9.64 seconds at 150 mph! What really makes this amazing is that almost all these cars are all daily drivers and are just as likely to be seen on the M1 as they are at Santa Pod.
©Eurodragster.com
"The Japanese tuning scene has come on leaps and bounds since the Japanese Performance Show was introduced this time last year. Even twelve months ago, a nine-second car seemed an unreachable dream, now it is a shocking reality. All the cars in this demo of what is likely to become Santa Pod's domestic “sports-compact” or “import-drags” series are capable of running nine- and ten-second quarters, and are a real handful to drive quickly, taking supreme driving and engineering talent. This is undoubtedly the fastest-growing area of drag racing in the UK (Pro ET racers: letters to Rick, not to us - Ed), and the Japanese Performance Show will be a great preview of what is certain to be a fascinating and successful series.

"These cars do not rely on the old saying “There's no replacement for displacement”, instead going for big turbos and high rev-ceilings, taking a quite different approach to car construction to the V8 crowd."

You can view videos of some of this weekend's attendees in action here and here.

For more information on the Japanese Performance Show, check out the official Japanese Performance Show web site at www.japshow.com or call Santa Pod Raceway on 01234 782828.

Web site updates.
4th October: The B & J Nostalgia web site at www.bjnostalgia.com has been updated with a report and photographs on the recent début of the Windridge Hall McKenzie nostalgia fueller. The report also contains a number of very interesting pictures of the slingshot's construction, and driver Johnny 'Mental' Hall promises us that there are "Trillions" of photographs to come, and adds that there has been a big response to the car's first pass. "We have had dozens of E-Mails from all over the place, including one from a VRA Fuel team in the 'States saying how fantastic it is to see a Nitro Digger back out in England", says Johnny Mental.
©Eurodragster.com
John Higham has posted a large number of drag racing photographs on his Team Emmen Racing web site at www.teamemmenracing.com. There is a specific drag racing section on John's site which is accessible from the Home Page; there are also sections for the team's circuit racing activities on two wheels, Track Days and much more. John tells us that he will be posting more drag racing pictures on the site soon.

UK National points updated.
1st October: We are indebted to UK National Drag Racing Championship Co-ordinators Yvonne Tramm and Simon Groves for passing us the UK National Championship points standings going into this weekend's UK National Finals.
©Eurodragster.com
Update 12:00 We are also indebted to Yvonne Tramm for passing us the Santa Pod Racers Club Championship standings going into this weekend's UK National Finals.

Click here to view the UK National and SPRC Championship standings, or click on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

UK Championship outcomes.
1st October: With one round of the 2004 UK National Championships left to contest, only one of the UK Championships is already won and there are more than two contenders in several others, says Simon Groves.

"Looking at the provisional points standings, one factor in the potential outcome is the size of fields, as a larger entry will make a Championship more open", says Simon. "Also to be borne in mind the is the two hundred points bonus for attending all rounds - some contenders won't be eligible, making the mountain harder to climb!

"Super Modified is one of the tightest championships of all. Kev Perkins (Oldsmobile Cutlass) is twenty points ahead of Andy 'Fred Hone (Ford Granada Scorpio), with Rob Smallworth ('55 Chevy) just ten points further back and Andy Kirk ('67 Camaro) and Paul Brooks (Sierra) also in contention mathematically. However, Kev Perkins hasn't attended all rounds of the Championship and Rob Smallworth won't be attending. To win the Championship, Kev Perkins needs to go two rounds of racing further and qualify three places better than Fred.

"In Super Comp, Shaun Lathan (Vauxhall Calibra) is 330 points ahead of Brian Pateman ('68 Firebird) - but BP won't be eligible for the all rounds bonus. To overhaul Shaun, Brian must win the event, have Shaun go out first round and qualify at least four positions better. Chris Johnson (MG ZS) is in with a shout for second place as he is 270 points further back and has attended all rounds.

"Conrad Stanley (Chevrolet Vega) is 470 points ahead of Frank Mason in Super Gas. However at this special Twentieth Anniversary of the class there is a bumper field of twenty four cars and 950 points are up for grabs. So Peter Lane (210 points further back, but without the bonus for all rounds) could mathematically spoil either of Conrad or Frank's parties if they go out early and Peter wins.
©Eurodragster.com
"Mike Bentley (Sierra) is close to repeating his Super Street Championship of 2003, as he is 650 points ahead of Bristol Doorslammers' John Grant (Ford 100E) and there are a maximum of 730 points available.

"Super Pro ET has been one of the highlights of the year, with some extraordinarily consistent yet quick performances and large fields. An eighteen-car entry means five rounds of racing and leader Ian Tubb, is 110 points ahead of Barry Giles (who didn't attend all rounds). Barry will need to qualify better than Ian and go three rounds further to pass him and get the Championship.

"Carla Pittau and Rick McCann of Team Heaven and Hell (Camaro), the 2002 Champions, have a healthy but not insurmountable lead of 550 points over Ian Brown in Pro ET. To win, Ian has to rely on Carla going out before round three of racing and ideally needs to win the event.

"In Sportsman ET, Linda Platt (Team Rainy City Lightning Camaro) is 270 points ahead of Mark Anderson. Mark will need to qualify seven places better and go two rounds further than Linda, who is looking for a third Championship in four years for the team (previously they won in 2001 and 2002).

"In Junior Dragster there is a near-tie between 2003 Champion Collin Morrice and his nearest rival Nick Mugridge, who is only ten points behind. This could go down to the final round!

"9.90 Bike is between Richard Sawatzki and Fred Furlong, who are separated by only sixty points, which is less than one round of racing.

"Finally in 10.90 Bike we must congratulate John Hackney who, subject to confirmation, is 2004 National Champion, with wins at three meetings so far."

Update 15:00 ACU UK Drag Bike Championship Co-ordinator Ian King has also been in touch with a preview of the outcomes of the five ACU Championships.

"Although 'not to the wire' for the title in some of the classes, the results of this weekend will prove the decider in many of the top three award positions", says Ian.

Top Fuel Bike: Steve Woollatt and Steve Carey are already firmly confirmed as number one and two respectively. However the third and final medal position is to be fought between UK rider Ian King and up and coming Italian Antonio Ferretti.

Funny Bike: Neil Midgley's record breaking performances have put him into an unassailable position, but second and third positions still open to Paul Knapp, Dave Bailey, Stu Chamberlain and Dave Holland but with the latter two sitting it out it seems Knapp and Bailey will go home with a coveted UK Championship medal position.

Competition Bike: 'Two Lanes' TJ O' Brien leads by a relatively comfortable margin but last year's champion Phil Leamon has a chance if TJ has a disastrous weekend. Vaughan Foster also has a slim chance of the title but would have to reset the ET and MPH records whilst winning the event to do so. Second place is, however, within his grasp depending on O'Brien's and Leamon's showing.

Pro Stock Bike: Tony Clark, Dave Beck, Richard Gipp and Paul Watson all have a shout for the top three positions, but as Beck is unavailable due to the pending Memphis Prostar round they all have a great chance of the title with a consolation medal to the remaining two.

Super Street Bike: With Graham Dance firmly in the title lead it will take a miracle for Steve Venables to catch him (although mathematically possible). However, Mark Fisher and Richard Stubbins can challenge the might of the Venables Kawasaki so it should make for a great finals weekend.

"Good luck to all in contention!"

Bailey getting impatient.
1st October: UK Funny Bike and Super Street Bike racer Dave Bailey is all set for this weekend's UK National Finals, with nothing left to do to his repaired Scalded Cat Pro Mod Bike but to install the nitrous jets - currently in a Comp Bike - and practice his race routine.
©Eurodragster.com
"I need to be ready for those violent nitrous, slick and wheelie bar launches", says Dave. "Up until a few weeks ago, when I got the bike back from being repaired, I was a bit worried about riding it again, but now I can't wait! Of course I'll start off slow to check everything is OK, something like a 7.5 at 160 mph should do it. Then assuming all feels fine I'll put the 7.3 settings in followed by the next jetting experiment - well, there's no point if you don't learn anything new is there?

"It's Funny Bike all the way now. The Super Street Bike is up for sale, in fact if no one offers me more than Ł2500 this coming weekend, then it's already (provisionally) sold!"

Swift snippets.
1st October: Swedish Top Fuel Dragster and Pro Stock racer Jöran Persåker is moving his business Persåker's Speed Shop today (Friday). Jöran is moving from his longtime Stockholm base to Solbergavägen 28, 640 60, Ĺkers Styckebruk. The Speed Shop's new phone number is (+46) 0159 13370.
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Time goes fast for PMR.
1st October: Last weekend saw Paul Marston's Drag Race Driving School making the most of Santa Pod's last Peak Performance Day this season. "Dave Catton rejoined us, having already attended the Drag Race Driving School earlier this year getting licensing runs in prior to his competition debut this coming weekend, the National Finals at Santa Pod", says Paul Marston. "Dave will be driving the Insanity Vega Pick-up in Sportsman ET. At the Peak Performance Day the weather kept us off the strip for most of the day, there was just about enough time to get the job done. Another pupil was finding his feet driving Grumpy's Dodge for the first time, all in all a good end to what has been a great season at Paul Marstons Drag Race Driving School.

"Gary Springford of Drag Race Engineering is now building himself a Super Gas-spec Doorslammer over the off-season, ready to make a full assault on the National Championship during 2005. Gary has, as we know, enjoyed some success in Pro ET during the 2004 season and is really looking forward to building his new ride.

"With the Winter closing in don't forget the perfect Christmas present, Passenger Ride Experiences, now available in limited quantities! Also available are Paul Marston Drag Race Driving School courses, half-day and full-day available. Lastly, proving more and more popular, competing in National Event Competition by hiring a Drag Race Driving School race car. Full crew and pit facilities provided as part of the package. This is on top of the pretty extensive improvements scheduled for the existing Drag Race Driving School race cars. We are in for another busy winter.
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"This coming weekend sees all three doorslammers from the PMR stable - the Insanity Vega Pick-up, Grumpy's Dodge and the PT Bruiser competing in all three ET categories, driven by Dave Catton, Gary Springford and myself respectively. Gary and I have enjoyed some degree of success over the past few events, Gary with a .750 win ratio and Paul a .846 win ratio based on our last three events. This obviously means that both Gary and I are due a first round trailering! My philosophy is always take the races one round at a time; we have just been lucky when we needed to be and tried our best every time. Make no mistake, it's a team effort, we get told every single day by the crew "Hey you guys are just the drivers, what do you know!".

"We have a couple of guest crew joining us at Santa Pod this weekend, one being last weekend's driver of Grumpy's Dodge, who wants to expand his experience further, and another being the son of one of our sponsors, who really believes his parents have his best interests at heart by sending him with us for the weekend. When the crew heard this they couldn't stop laughing for nearly a whole hour! As you may have guessed the crew comprises of all the usual suspects this weekend, with the exception of Mick Pussey who is currently diving in the Maldives, swine! Being serious for a moment, I just cannot believe that this is the last race of the season, it's just gone so quick, or am I just getting old (A little from Column A, a little from Column B - Ed)?

"We must thank all our loyal sponsors, without whom we would not exist: Chrysler UK, Mac Tools, London Road Tyres, Black Box London, Disco Equipment Hire, Drag Race Engineering, Numark UK, American-based sponsors Bo Laws Performance, ATI Performance Transmissions, Geddex (Dial-Down and Burnout Guard), and all the many many others that keep the faith. We look forward to seeing you all at the last race of the season. The weather forecast is pure sunshine and the sun always shines on the righteous, especially those who go to church on Sundays, and that's where you will find us: our church is a quarter-mile long flat piece of tarmac!"

Web site updates.
1st October: The latest update to Alan Currans' excellent Acceleration Archive photo site is a fifth page of photographs by race car builder Geof Hauser. "Geof's collection is of 1960s- and 1970s-vintage pictures taken at Cedars Dragway in Canada, Ontario Motor Speedway, Orange County and, a little closer to home, Blackbushe aerodrome", says Alan. "Some of the all-time greats are featured such as Jungle Jim Liberman, Keeling and Clayton's beautiful rear engined California Charger digger, and Billy Meyer driving a Funny Car bought for him by his father as an eighteenth birthday present. The UK is represented by Stripteaser, Motor Psycho, Fire-Brewed and Shutdown. You can see Geof's pictures at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
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Earlier news

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