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Jade Racing - Scott's Party.
30th November: We have just been contacted by Jerry Collier, leader of Jade Racing, to ask us to pass on a message to all those people who were planning on attending Jerry and Sharon's son Scott's birthday party which was scheduled for this Saturday (2nd December).

Unfortunately due to illness (all three of them geting the flu!) they have been forced to cancel the party for now. They appreciate that this is short notice but have been hanging on in the hope that the situation would improve, but unfortunately it hasn't. They plan to re-schedule the event for sometime in January. Get well soon guys.

Eurodragster interviews Brian Johnson.
30th November: We promised it earlier this week, and here it is! Our latest exclusive interview is with UK Top Fuel Bike racer Brian Johnson, who recently returned from a weekend of superlatives in Gainesville: number one qualifier, low ET and top speed of the meet, and only robbed of his rightful glory by a broken drive belt.

Find out what Brian thought about the drive belt failure and about the rest of his weekend, get an unrivalled description of the physical and mental sensation of riding a 230+ mph Top Fuel Bike, discover what the USA racers thought about BJ's performance, and just as importantly read about his future plans by clicking here.

Kågered sells body.
30th November: Steady girls - it's not what you think. Swedish Top Methanol Funny Car racer Micke Kågered has put up for sale the Camaro body which was on his Championship-winning car in 1999.

"We imported the body brand new from the USA in 1999 and used it for seven races", says Åsa Kinnemar of Kågered Racing. During the year 2000 the body has only been used for exhibition purposes - it has not been run."

For more details on how you can purchase the body, and the latest news from the Kågered Racing pit, check out Micke's web site at www.kagered-racing.com.

Gainesville tales in Pit Lane Gossip...
30th November: The Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site is currently carrying recollections of the weekend at Gainesville from Ian King, Chris 'Cannon' Hannam, and Ken Cooper. Check it out at www.kingracing.com.

...and pictures in the Turbo collection.
30th November: Still on the subject of the AMA/Prostar World Finals, drag bike photojournalist Ian Turburville (aka Turbo) has kindly sent us a number of samples of his photographs from Gainesville, the full set of which are available on his latest Photo CD.

"It was a really good fun time this year, and the MRE/UK thing is working really well", says Turbo. "Clearwater is like a second home to us all now, as there is a regular bunch of us who reside there every November. All our guys did really well and were appreciated by the racers and crowd alike. We also partied hard and the locals were getting seriously worried about the growing Brit invasion, but seemed to take it all in good spirit.

"I've sent a few shots of our lads but if you want to see all the hot stuff you will have to buy the CD-ROM from www.turboville.com or from MRE. It features all the action from the 2000 Finals and makes an ideal Christmas gift at only £15 or $20. Also available are the previous three CDs and of course those fabulous paintings that were the must-have item in the pits this year.

"A full version of the goings-on will be published in 'SUPERTWINS' and 'STREETFIGHTERS' magazines in the New Year."

You can have a look at Turbo's samples by clicking here.

Beck concentrates on USA in 2001.
28th November: UK Pro Stock bike racer Dave Beck, who has spent much of this season in the USA riding Pro Mod Bike and Funny Bike for Jay Regan, is to make the USA his priority again in 2001.

"I will be racing with MRE again next year", says Dave. "We have a new PMFR bike with two two-valve motors tuned by Roger Uperton. We will race in Pro Mod Bike and hope to run six of the eight events next year. This will depend on money - or the lack of it, I don't think we can run all the races but I think six will be realistic. I will race my Pro Stock Bike in the UK as and when the schedule allows it, but the USA will be my main priority for next year.".

On the subject of racing in the USA, later this week we will be publishing an exclusive interview with UK Top Fuel Bike racer Brian Johnson, in which he talks about his trip to Gainesville and reveals his future plans. Don't miss it!

Ricky steps up.
28th November: UK Junior Dragster team Cool Green Racing have announced the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Junior Modified dragster with which to contest the 2001 season.

The Half Scale Dragster creation, powered by a methanol-burning McGee engine, is expected to arrive in the UK in January. The plan is to run all rounds of the UK National Championship, with trips to Scandinavia pencilled in if funds allow. "We will be going after the Championship in a big way", says Crew Chief Chris Emms.

The team also plan to use the new car to promote not just Junior Drag Racing but the sport in general.

Driver Ricky Emms is relishing the chance to step up to JM. "This will be a steep learning curve for me", he says. "However I look forward to the challenge and I will come out fighting! We have set our sights on winning from the start, so I will be trying hard."

Web site updates.
28th November: Fans who were at the Flame and Thunder Show won't have failed to notice the large kite floating above the track. Particularly eagle-eyed spectators will have seen a camera hanging from the kite, and we are pleased to report that the resulting photographs have been posted on the web by the responsible party who, in his mail to us, described himself as Alf Winklebottom although we suspect that his initials KJB don't actually stand for that. Check out www.nitrobug.freeserve.co.uk/airbase.htm to see what Santa Pod looks like from the air.

Dave Nelson, the webmaster of the Drag Torque web site, has asked us to apologise to regular visitors for the lack of the promised update to his site. he has been caught up with University course work, but promises an update within the next week or so. In the meantime there is already plenty to see on Drag Torque including photographs and video clips.

Dezsoe to show them how it's done.
25th November: Swiss TMFC racer Dezsoe Krivan has announced that he is to display his Funny Car at the Motor Show in Bologna, Italy, on 5th-17th December. Not only will the car be on static display throughout the Show, but on selected dates Dezsoe will be performing burnouts twice a day in the demonstration area. "We're going to bring real motor sport to the spectators, alongside the guys who go round in circles looking for the finish line", says Dezsoe.

Dezsoe's web site at www.dragracing.ch has been updated with full details on his Show appearance, plus some new photographs from his appearance at Hockenheim in August.

Vrind plans Super Gas move.
25th November: Dutch Street racer Paul Vrind tells us that he plans to move to Super Gas in 2001. Paul has purchased a 427-powered Vauxhall Chevette (right) and is already working on it in preparation for the new season.

To go with the new car, Paul has a new web site address at www.hotrods.nl/race/index.html. Paul tells us that the web site currently still covers his last race car, a street-legal Pontiac, but he has promised that he will update it with regular progress reports on his new project.

Ed offers Nitrous story.
25th November: US racer Ed Killar, author of a book on the use of Nitrous in Drag Racing, has published a new edition and is keen to distribute it to European racers.

"It deals specifically with motorcycle dragracers, but is also of immense help to car racers", says Ed. "Since it is an independent venture, I did not have any corporate ties to any company. Therefore I was able to tell the whole truth about nitrous oxide racing from my own experiences. I was the national and world record holder in several organizations in the USA in the Pro Comp class from 1989-1993. I am very proud of the book. It costs $17.95 plus $4.95 shipping for international orders."

For more details contact Ed Killar at spaceface89@aol.com.

Web site updates.
25th November: News unter www.dragracing.de: Am Sonntag, den 26.11. ab 19:00 Uhr findet das dritte Drag Racing Chat Meeting statt. Wir haben eine neue Kategorie mit Tools. Bischer haben wir einen Hubraumberechner und eine Umrechnungstabelle fr alle mglichen Daten eingerichtet. Weitere Tools kommen in Krze!

The third Drag Racing chat-meeting will take place on the German Drag Racing Page at www.dragracing.de tomorrow (Sunday) at 19:00. The site also features a new page with a Cubic Inch calculator and a conversion table. Webmaster Torsten Kath promises more such tools in the future.

Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with a new video clip of UK Super Comp racer Paula Atkin at this year's Main Event Press Day at Santa Pod Raceway. Sharkman promises a new movie clip every week or so to get fans through the off-season. Check it out at www.eurodragster.com/sharkman, and whilst there don't miss the video clip of Eurodragster staffer Tog activating the Christmas Tree for Jet FC racer Tony Baker.

Quit? I'd rather run a Five, says BJ.
23rd November: UK Top Fuel Bike racer Brian Johnson, who had a stellar weekend at Gainesville until a drive belt broke (see below), has reassured his many fans that any ideas he might have had about retirement earlier this season have been firmly put aside.

Friend and crew member Neil Smith, who also runs Brian's web site, said: "In an interview with Tog earlier in the year, BJ mentioned thoughts of selling up and retiring from the sport. As the year progressed, the bike got faster and faster, and a good working team was built, and thoughts of retirement went further from his mind. He is continuing to race in the 2001 season and, I hope, beyond, always in search of that elusive five-second run!! Brian would like to say thanks to all who expressed concern about the reports of his retirement, they were greatly exaggerated!! See you next year!"

Everyone at Eurodragster was very happy indeed to hear this great news, and we offer our apologies to BJ and his fans for the scare.

You can stay in touch with the latest news from Brian Johnson's TFB operation on his official web site at www.brianjohnson.co.uk.

Price surprised by hero.
23rd November: UK track announcer John Price was caught unawares at the recent Motorcycle Show at the NEC, Birmingham, when one of his all-time heroes turned the tables after an interview and presented him with an award.

John was to be honoured with an award for services and long-standing commitment to Drag Racing at the recent Super Series dinner dance, but he was not able to attend. John Hunt of Obsession Motorsports got in touch with Pricey's wife Deborah and arranged a little surprise.

"I had no idea that I'd got this award", said John. "I was working at the Motorcycle Show at the NEC. I interviewed veteran circuit racer Tim Redman, who is one of my lifelong heroes. When I finished the interview, he said "It's my turn" and presented me with the Super Series award. I was really choked - you haven't got a clue what's coming and you get something like that from your hero. It's quite an honour for me, and the presentation was almost as wonderful as being at the event itself. What can I say but thanks to everyone involved with the Super Series."

Belt halts BJ glory weekend.
21st November: A broken drive belt finished UK Top Fuel Bike rider Brian Johnson's weekend at the AMA/Prostar World Finals at Gainesville, USA. BJ had been the class of the Top Fuel field all weekend, qualifying top with a Personal Best ET of 6.101 and running a best speed of 232.27 mph in round one against fellow UK racer Ian King. The belt broke in the semi-final against Chris Hand, who ended up runner-up of the class which was won by Larry McBride.

Congratulations also to Ian King who clocked a personal best at the weekend, 6.676 against BJ in round one of eliminations. We hear that Ian strapped a sizeable holeshot on BJ in that race, but BJ reeled him in at the top end.

Yet more congratulations to Team Cooperised manager Ken Cooper, who ran an astounding new PB of 7.119 and speed of 187.38 on his Pro Mod Bike. Commiserations to Norbert Kutzera, Jean-Yves Vetsch, Chris Hannam and Dave Beck whose weekends weren't quite so successful but who all deserve a big shout for the effort and expense they put in to run and qualify at the AMA/Prostar event. Europe is proud of you all, guys.

More details including pictures are available on the Dragbike Magazine site at www.dragbike.com. Ian King has also posted on-the-spot updates on the Pit Lane Gossip page of his web site at www.kingracing.com, and the News page of Brian Johnson's web site at www.brianjohnson.co.uk also contains updates from Gainesville.

Lex stars at Speed and Design.
21st November: Dutch TMFC racer Lex Joon has announced that his car is to be displayed at next week's Speed and Design show in Utrecht, Holland. You will be able to find the car on the stand of Lex's sponsors Splitfire Spark Plugs. More details on the Lex Joon Racing web site at www.eurodragster.com/lexjoonracing.

Web site updates.
21st November: UK Top Fuel racer Barry Sheavills has asked us to send his apologies to fans who have tried to access his web site recently but found that it was out of action. A technical problem rendered the site unavailable, but the Eurodragster staff got together with Barry's ISP and his web site at www.topfuel.co.uk is now back online. Stay tuned throughout the winter for the latest news from Barry's operation; a new Photo Gallery is also planned to appear within the next few weeks.

The FB Racing web site at www.fbracing.co.uk has been updated with a new Home Page, and another entry in the diary section with some new photos. "Watch this space for an exciting opportunity coming up soon!" says Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Ian Hook. We've been privileged with a sneak preview and we think it's a great idea, so keep an eye on Ian's site over the next few weeks.

AMA/Prostar Finals on weather hold.
19th November: The AMA/Prostar World Finals at Gainesville, USA have been postponed until tomorrow (Monday) after heavy rain started to fall in the middle of round two of Sportsman classes.

The progress of the European racers up to the postponement was as follows:

Brian Johnson (UK), Top Fuel Bike: Qual. #1 6.101/225.22; Round one def. Ian King 6.222/232.27

Ian King (UK), Top Fuel Bike: Qual. #8 6.964/198.50; Round one def. by Brian Johnson 6.676/189.67

Norbert Kutzera (Germany), Top Fuel Bike: DNQ, #10 7.239/192.14

Jean-Yves Vetsch (France), Funny Bike: Qual. #14 7.447/152.05; Round one def. by Chip Ellis 8.246/132.62

Chris Hannam (UK), Funny Bike: Qual. #16 7.497/175.71; Round one def. by Gary Clark, no time

Ken Cooper (UK), Pro Mod Bike: Qual. #15 7.153/187.38; Round one def. by Louie Grist 7.119/181.41

Dave Beck (UK), Pro Mod Bike: DNQ, #23 7.314/180.97

You can get full details on the Dragbike Magazine site at www.dragbike.com, which will also be updated once the action recommences. Ian King has posted on-the-spot updates on the Pit Lane Gossip page of his web site at www.kingracing.com.

TMD Small Block fears assuaged.
17th November: The NHRA has moved to calm the fears of Small Block users in Top Methanol Dragster who appeared to have been put out of competition by the proposed weight breaks for next season. The FIA European Championship is based upon NHRA rules and so when the new weight breaks arrived on this side of the Atlantic they would have affected Germany's Peter Schöfer and Malta's Mario Borg.

"The new minimum weight break is over 2000 pounds", says Bernie Hepworth, who provides tuning advice to Mario Borg. "This would have messed up the Small Block deal. I made representations to Len Imbrogno at NHRA, asking if they were on the racers' side or the side of Keith Black and other bigger block manufacturers.

"The reply was that NHRA are now revising the 2001 rules to include weight breaks for Small Blocks: screw blower 4.4 pounds/cubic inch, rootes blower 4.05 pounds/cubic inch, both 1700 pound minimum. This is exactly where it should be. I think that they must have had a lot of grief from racers in the States!".

AMA/Prostar Finals updates.
17th November: Brian Johnson, Ian King, Dave Beck, Chris Hannam and Ken Cooper of the UK, Jean-Yves Vetsch of France, and Germany's Norbert Kutzera will be competing in the AMA/Prostar World Finals at Gainesville, USA, this weekend. We are hoping to receive reports direct from Ian King during the weekend, but in the interim you will be able to keep in touch with the latest qualifying and elimination details on the Dragbike Magazine web site at www.dragbike.com.

Scrapheap Challenge airs Sunday.
17th November: The TV crew may have thrown out our staffer Sharkman when he tried to cover the event, but Eurodragster is not a web site to hold a grudge. The edition of Scrapheap Challenge which featured two teams building dragsters from junk under the tutelage of Brian Johnson and Andy Robinson, filmed at Shakespeare County Raceway in the summer, is to be aired in the UK this Sunday (19th November) on Channel 4 at 6:00 pm.

If you can't wait until Sunday then you can find a report by APIRA Tech Crew member Ozzy (who wasn't thrown out by the TV crew) in our News archive for 8th August.

Web site updates.
17th November: German race fan David Beitler has given his personal web site David's Drag Racing Page a facelift. This very neat site features David's pictures from various races, a section dedicated to his enviable collection of model kits, links, and more. Check it out at www.nitrofan.de.

Malmgren receives Holley trophy.
16th November: Swedish Pro Stock racer Michael Malmgren has been honoured by carburettor manufacturers Holley at a ceremony in the USA. Michael was awarded with a trophy in recognition of his six-second pass at the Main Event in May. "The trophy is a chromed Holley Dominator!" says Magnus of Malmgren Racing. "Michael was also presented with a certificate and a real cool leather jacket at the ceremony."

The team is already thinking about the 2001 season, looking to expand their relationship with AC Delco racing and having already sealed a deal with Myresjohus as an associate sponsor. UK fans will also be delighted to hear that the 2000 Camaro will be on display at the Autosport International show at the NEC, Birmingham, in January 2001. We will of course bring you more details on that nearer the time.

Clancy faces busy winter.
16th November: UK Super Gas racer Brendan Clancy faces a long and busy winter after suffering engine damage at the UK National Finals at Santa Pod Raceway in October. Regular readers will remember from our raceday coverage that Brendan was last seen going through the traps in a cloud of smoke.

"Brendan only needed that round to effectively wrap up both the National and SPRC Championships", says correspondent Paul Fischer of our sponsors Speedflow. "A valve broke into a number of pieces which destroyed the steel valve seat. These pieces then got sucked into every cylinder and wreaked havoc therein. The motor is now at Jon Ellis' C & S Racing workshops, where the damage will be investigated and decisions made as to the repair/throw away options. Brendan's language remains rich with expletives - so no change there then!"

Final SPR RWYB on Sunday.
16th November: Santa Pod Raceway is holding its final Run What You Brung for this year on Sunday (19th November). Entry to the track is £8; a further £10 and the production of a valid DVLC driving licence (Competition licences are not valid for RWYBs) will get you as many passes down the track as you can fit in. Gates are open at 9:00 am and the strip is usually open by 10:00 am. For more details see the Run What You Brung page on Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com, or call Santa Pod on 08700 782828.

Web site updates.
12th November: Many thanks to the web master of the German Drag Racing Page for sending us a news item in both German and English.

News unter www.dragracing.de

Es befinden sich nun die ersten Termine fr die Saison 2001 auf der Seite. Alle Termine sind natrlich ohne Gewähr. Falls Ihr noch Termine kennt, teilt uns diese bitte mit. Sie werden dann umgehend nachgetragen.

Des weiteren möchten wir Euch zum zweiten Drag Chat Meeting am Sonntag, den 19.11. diesmal ab 19:00 Uhr einladen. Nachdem sich die Technik als fähig erwiesen hat, werden wir fr die Zukunft mehr Teilnehmer einladen und hoffen auch Euch dabei begrüssen zu dürfen.

News from www.dragracing.de:

You will find the first racing dates for the 2001 season on our site now. If you have any additional dates for us please then please let us know and they will be added soon. We would like to invite you all to our second Drag Chat Meeting on Sunday, 19th November, starting at 19:00. It would be great to meet you in our Chat Room.

Eurodragster interviews Ian King.
14th November: The latest Eurodragster interview is with UK Top Fuel Bike racer and ACU Championship co-ordinator Ian King, who this weekend participates in the AMA/Prostar World Finals at Gainesville Raceway, USA. In a very interesting interview, Ian tells us amongst other things about his previous trip to the USA, compares UK and US tracks, gives his views on how US racers see Europeans, and pays tribute to the group of sponsors and supporters who helped finance his trip.

Click here to read our exclusive interview with Ian King.

Cookson Senior honoured by Wild Bunch.
14th November: Many thanks to APIRA Press Officer Jerry Cookson for sending us the following account of the Wild Bunch presentation at the weekend. Awards have run in the family for the Cooksons in the last week, Jerry having been presented with an award for services and commitment to the sport at the Super Series Dinner Dance; this week it was father Gerry's turn to be honoured.

"Veteran British drag racer Gerald Cookson scooped one of the biggest prizes in the sports British history on Saturday evening at Drayton Manor, Tamworth. The crowning glory of the annual Wild Bunch Presentation night was the 'Spirit of Drag Racing' shield endorsed by celebrated legendary American racer 'Swamp Rat' Don Garlits.

"In an emotionally-charged evening Gerald, who celebrated his 70th birthday at Super Series 4, was presented the shield to a standing ovation in recognition for his 35 years as a competitor since the sport was first introduced in 1963 from America by the late Sydney Allard. Two further awards were presented to Gerald by guest of honour, JWR/Ampar's Stuart Bradbury, for his perservance and imaginative technical knowhow building his 120 mph Rover 'K' Series MG Midget.

"As with all shield winners Gerald's 'pocket racer' will now be photographically honoured on the hallowed walls of America's Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida.

"Other award winners included the two-car slingshot dragster concern, Team Nutcracker for their championship spoils; Nostalgia Race Cars Series, Custom Chrome and the Wild Bunch Series. The B'Sting team comprising of Paul Croston and Barry Bohannon picked up the Sportsman and Best Turned out Team of the year.

"The evening also featured presentations for the Supercharged Outlaws with the 7.50 class going to Roy Wilding, the 8.50 class going to Neil Townson while Mickey Moore picked up the Unlimited class trophy over sparring partner Jim Seward. Afterwards Jim became the victim of an Over The Hill Mob prank and the celebrated autographed door at Simpson Race Products in America. You'll have to read an up coming edition of Custom Car to find out more!

"A good night was had by all with over 180 guests on hand to celebrate the crowning of this year's champions.".

Bernie's TFB plan scuppered.
12th November: UK racer Bernie Hepworth, who currently works as a tuning adviser on Mario Borg's Top Methanol Dragster in Malta, has had his plans for 2001 stopped at an early stage by a licencing problem.

"I wanted to run a Top Fuel Bike but the ACU say that you have to start at the bottom again and work up", says Bernie. "I used to sprint and drag race bikes for twenty years before I started with the cars, in fact I believe I still hold records for sprinting. I've spent the money on something else and will spend next season as I did this year, if someone wants a hand I will assist."

The next race on Malta is fast approaching, on 2nd-3rd December, but Mario Borg's participation is currently far from definite. "I'm not sure if we will be running because of business commitments both on my side and the team's", says Bernie. "We hope to run; I have booked tickets just in case but it is so cheap to fly to Malta at this time of year that it's no big deal if I stay here and waste the ticket!"

Web site updates.
12th November: The Swedish Pro Street News magazine at www.swedishprostreetnews.com has been updated with yet more Windows wallpaper and the latest instalment of gossip from the Scandinavian scene.

Ben's wedding bash - all invited.
9th November: UK Supertwin Fuel racer Ben Beneke gets married this Saturday (11th November) prior to emigrating to Australia, and everyone is invited to the evening bash.

"We are having a big drink-up at The Old Packhorse on Chiswick High Road, West London - right by Chiswick Park Tube station", says Ben. "I haven't got contact details for most of the people with whom I've raced for all these years, so could you let everyone know they are most welcome to come down from 8:00 pm onwards - we have an extension until 12pm."

We are sure that everyone will want to join us in wishing Ben and his fiancée every happiness. We hear that beer is difficult to come by in Australia, Ben, so have plenty on Saturday.

Web site updates.
9th November: The German Drag Racing site is back on-line at www.dragracing.de after server problems kept it out of action for a short while (we know how that feels). The site's latest feature is what webmaster Torsten Kath tells us is the first European Drag Racing chat room, with the first discussion scheduled for 20:00 on Sunday (European time). There is also a discussion forum, a page for classified advertisements, an English-language version of the page and more.

Swedish American drag racing engine builder Autoshop Racing Engines Inc invites racers and fans to visit their new web page at www.autoshopracingengines.com to check out their selection of Super-class and Competition Eliminator engines. Racers and fans planning holidays in Florida are also welcome to visit their Shop in Orlando, located just fifteen minutes from Orlando Speed World.

Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with a large number of pictures from last weekend's Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway, plus a few more pictures from the UK National Finals back in October, new video, and new Windows Wallpaper. Check it out at www.btinternet.com/~sharkman.

Fellow Eurodragster staffer Tog has finished compiling his 2000-issue Photo Library CD, containing 2866 of Tog's photographs from the UK, Sweden and the USA from 1996 to the end of this season. For details of how to purchase one of Tog's Photo CDs, check out the What's New on TDRP page of his web site at www.togsdragracing.com.

Cruiser Bruiser no longer a secret.
7th November: Regular readers will be aware that UK Super Gas racer Paul Marston has been dropping hints about his new project for next year, a race car already under construction. Paul has finally given in to all the joshing and revealed that his new race car is a Chrysler PT Cruiser, currently under construction at Hauser Race Cars.

"The Chrysler PT Cruiser is the first production car with real attitude available in the UK for decades", said Paul. "It was always my first choice. I started this project over two years ago when the fantastic 'Pronto Cruiser', which up to then was a concept car, became a reality and the very first hand-built pre-production model began to appear at the German and English motor shows. I already had a relationship with Chrysler and called them explaining that I was interested in basing my new race car on a PT Cruiser, but was a little unsure if it was feasible to incorporate specific drag racing requirements into such a complicated shape. Few of the Cruiser's lines are parallel, which makes stretching the bodyshell near impossible without excessive cost, and I wanted to keep the shape in steel and as true as possible to its roadgoing cousins."

Chrysler Jeep UK were receptive to Paul's request for help, arranging for him to make a detailed inspection of a pre-production PT Cruiser at the Earl's Court Motorshow in 1998, together with John Ellis. "Watching the look of panic on the officials' faces as we tore into their 'Do Not Touch' pride and joy was a picture I will never forget", said Paul. "But without the co-operation and understanding of Chrysler we could not have progressed our Cruiser Bruiser so quickly after the UK launch of the PT Cruiser."

With the decision taken to go ahead with the project, the next step was to acquire a body shell, doors, and other trim. Chrysler again came up trumps by donating a pre-production model as a basis for the new race car. "The project would have been delayed by twelve months without Chrysler's continued interest", said Paul. "The order time of body shells is not even listed at the moment, not to mention trim, doorhandles and bumpers and so on. Chrysler came to the rescue and found us a complete Cruiser when they heard of our plight. Their production of PT Cruisers worldwide has been quadrupled - they still cannot make them quick enough!"

This just left the choice of a builder, and Paul had no hesitation in handing the job to Hauser Race Cars. "I involved Geoff Hauser and his technical head Jon Webster from a very early stage in the project, and their advice and support was invaluable", said Paul. "With their joint help we transformed my scraps of paper and ramblings into a tangible, on-budget build programme. The car is currently taking shape at Hauser's. The chassis is chromoly, will be built to Spec 25.1c and will retain as stock body appearance as we can get away with - and those are the only other details which I can release now!"

The new car is expected to appear during 2001, and Paul is being very coy about the class in which it will run. "All I am prepared to say is that we ran Grumpy's Dodge in Super Gas for three seasons, and we did not embark on building the Cruiser Bruiser to take a step backwards!"

Note to racers: Be sure to let us know about your plans for next season and we will let your fans know by publishing them here. New vehicle? New class? New paint? New sponsor? Write to us at news@eurodragster.com and we will do the rest.

Web site updates.
7th November: Dutch TMFC racer Lex Joon has posted a brief update on his web site at www.eurodragster.com/lexjoonracing including Lex's personal thanks to those who have supported him this year, and a new snail-mail address for Lex Joon Racing.

French racer Thierry Perret has updated his Boss Racing web site with new pictures and details of his latest project, a Small Block Chevy-powered Opel Kadett Super Gasser. Check it out at hometown.aol.com/racingboss/INDEX.HTM.

Eurodragster wins awards.
5th November: Eurodragster.com staffers were the recipients of two special awards at last night's Super Series Dinner Dance. Putting the icing on the cake of what was already a special day for Eurodragster (see below), Tog and Sharkman together with APIRA Press Officer Jerry Cookson were presented with awards in recognition of services and commitment to Drag Racing, whilst Sharkman shared the prestigious Alan Wigmore Memorial Trophy with fellow Shakespeare County Raceway track spotter Mandy.

We feel very privileged and grateful to be presented with these awards. What can we do but offer our thanks to Terry and Tina Gibbs of Super Series organisers Obsession Motorsports, to everyone at APIRA, to the racers for giving us material, to our readers for coming back on a regular basis, and to our sponsors for helping us to afford it!

In one of our next news updates we will publish a list of all of the special awards presented at the Super Series Dinner Dance.

Flame and Thunder Show winners.
5th November: Al Platt (Car ET Bracket), Lee Workman (Bike ET Bracket), Ali Southcombe (VW Pro) and Stuart Fagg (VW Sportsman) were the winners at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway, the last competitive drag race event of the UK season.

Other highlights were a stunning 7.99/166 pass by Paula Atkin in her newly Nitrous-equipped Ford Rapid Fit-backed 105E, two 6.1/255 passes by Martin Hill in the Fireforce 2 Jet FC and two low sevens at 204 mph and 223 mph respectively by Tony Baker in Fireforce 1. Martin and Tony rounded off the day with a side-by-side flame and smoke show, Tony then shutting down whilst Martin stabbed the afterburner and ran down the track.

A personal highlight for Eurodragster staffer Tog was an invitation from Race Director Darren Prentice to activate the Christmas Tree on Tony Baker's first Jet FC pass; this proved so addictive that Tog returned for Martin Hill's first run and, at the insistence of the start line crew, Tony Baker's second pass. An awesome experience for which Tog is very grateful to Darren, Chief Safety Officer Bob Day, and the entire start line crew.

If anyone has pictures of Tog on the line with either Jet FC then he would be very grateful to hear from them via E-Mail at tog@togsdragracing.com - thanks!

Steve Evans.
3rd November: It's not often that Eurodragster runs a story about drag racing outside Europe but we are sorry to have to make an exception and report the death on Wednesday of Steve Evans who for many, many years was the voice of US drag racing. Although Steve will of course be remembered for his informed TV commentaries and legendary post-race interviews, in a long and successful career he also filled the posts of track announcer, drag strip manager, editor of National Dragster, and NHRA Public Affairs Director.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Steve Evans will likely have been the first contact with US Drag Racing for an entire generation of European fans, which ensures him a special place in the memory of everyone on this side of the Pond.

To Steve's wife Sandy, to his children, and to his family and friends, we extend our deepest sympathies. Tributes from racers, officials and fans can be found on the NHRA web site at www.nhra.com.

2001 ACU rules posted.
2nd November: The 2001-season rules for the ACU British Drag Bike Championships were agreed at yesterday's Drag Racing sub-committee meeting, and are now available on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.

The major change for next season is a return to set fields in all ACU classes except Top Fuel Bike, to replace the all-run fields which have been in place this year. There are also capacity changes in Pro Stock Bike, a possible change in the 9.90 index, and the adoption of US rules for Harleys in Pro Stock Bike.

The new rules are available via the ACU UK Championship link on the King Racing site.

Spencer's Fantasy triumph.
2nd November: UK Super Gas racer Spencer Tramm has won the inaugural Fantasy Drag Racing competition. Organiser Ian Highfield writes:

"Congratulations to Spencer Tramm and Team Quantum Leap in winning the Fantasy Drag Racing Competition for 2000. With the UK Finals failing to complete, due to lots more of the wet stuff, this left Andy Marrs in the runner-up spot, with Eurodragster staffer Sharkman in third place.

"I would like to thank everyone who entered the competition, and I will be running a bigger and better competition next year. Details will emerge over the closed season, but any constructive suggestions can be sent to webmaster@fantasy-sports-web.com."

You can see the final results on the Competition web site at www.fantasy-sports-web.com.

Web site updates.
2nd November: Our good buddy Dave Nelson has updated his Drag Torque fan site with more photographs and video clips from the 2000 season. Dave's pictures and videos cover just about every class out there making the site a must-see for race fans. Check it out at www.dragtorque.co.uk.

The Swedish Pro Street News Magazine has been updated with more Windows Wallpaper files. You can find the Magazine at www.swedishprostreetnews.com.

Hill aims for first Jet FC five.
1st November: We've just heard that Martin Hill will be aiming for the first ever five-second pass by a Jet Funny Car outside the USA at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway this Saturday (4th November). Martin will be attempting the feat in his Fireforce 2 Jet FC, which has already run low sixes at over two hundred and sixty miles per hour, so you wouldn't bet against it happening.

We understand that Martin is booked in for at least two passes on Saturday; team-mate Tony Baker, who records new PBs on every run, is also appearing. The early twilight at this time of year will give fans the chance to experience the unparallelled spectacle of Jet FCs in the dark. Tog will see you all in the Barn!

You can keep in touch with the latest from the Fireforce Jet FC team on their web site at www.fireforce.co.uk, and more information on the Flame and Thunder Show including ticket prices and an entry list are available on Santa Pod's web site at www.santapod.com.

SPR catalogue on-line.
1st November: Staying with Santa Pod Raceway, just in time for the Christmas build-up the track's official sub5 merchandise can now be viewed on the SPR web site. The catalogue has something for everyone, featuring everything from apparel to umbrellas (er...don't you mean "parasols", guys? - Ed) through scale models, pens and mouse mats. The catalogue also contains details of the forthcoming 2000 FIA European Championship video. An order form is available for posting, faxing or E-Mailing, or orders can be called in via the hotline.

The catalogue is available via the Merchandise button of the Santa Pod Raceway web site at www.santapod.com.


Earlier news


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