'Zombie comes to life.
30th November: Europe's newest Jet Dragster, Ian Caseley's Roadzombie II, emerged from the workshop for its first integrated engine tests in Clevedon yesterday (Saturday). It was a very successful day for Ian as the Viper engine fired up and produced the required smoke and flame to order (right), and could be heard up to a mile away.
©Eurodragster.com
Ian very kindly invited Eurodragster down to the west country to cover the engine tests. Click here to see our report and pictures of the first public outing of the Roadzombie II, or click on the Team Features link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Team Feature: Robert Joosten Racing.
29th November: The latest in Eurodragster's occasional series of Team Features, and the first of the 2003-2004 off-season, covers 2003 European Super Gas Series Champion, Holland's Robert Joosten. Last month Robert revealed that he had purchased a Pro Stock Truck from Bob Panella Jr with the eventual aim of contesting Comp Eliminator; in a very interesting feature Robert gives us all the details about his new acquisition as well as letting us in on all sorts of other secrets such as his favourite competitor and the infamous flying toilet.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to read the feature on Robert Joosten Racing, or click on the Team Features link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

If you would like to be the subject of a Eurodragster Team Feature then drop us an E-Mail at features@eurodragster.com.

Woollatt's gratitude.
29th November: If you were tuned in to the King Racing web site on Wednesday, or if you saw the footnote to our news item about UK Top Fuel Bike racer Steve Woollatt on the same day, you will have read that Steve's Crew Chief Chris Powell has left the team. Woollatt Racing crew member Pete Janko sent us this appreciation on behalf of Steve and the team:
©Eurodragster.com
"Team Woollatt Racing would like to thank Chris for all of the time and considerable skills he has committed to us over the many seasons that he has worn the Crew Chief cap. Chris has opted out of crewing this year, his knowledge hardwork and dedication having assisted us to achieve eight ACU Championship-winning seasons in the last twelve years. All the best in the future Chris."

European Championship videos ordering.
29th November: Thanks to Kelly Ingall of Santa Pod Raceway for letting us know that the official 2003 FIA, FIM/UEM and NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified season review videos are now available to order, with Christmas delivery guaranteed for orders submitted on or before 10th December.

Two videos are available. The first features the 2003 FIA European Championhips for Top Fuel Dragster, Top Methanol Dragster, Top Methanol Funny Car, and Pro Stock, and is priced at £16.99 plus £2.00 postage and packing. The second video features the 2003 FIM/UEM European Championships for Top Fuel Bike, Supertwin, and Pro Stock Bike and the 2003 NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified Championship, and is priced at £14.99 plus £2.00 postage and packing.

A special Super Saver deal offers both videos for £27.00 plus £3.99 postage and packing.

You can order the videos from Santa Pod Raceway on 01234 782828 (outside the UK +44 1234 782828), or download an order form from Santa Pod's web site at www.santapod.com.

FIA SFI spec change.
28th November: Many thanks to UK Tech Inspector Geoff Martin for letting us know of important changes in the FIA regulations for 2004.

"The 2004 FIA regulations for Top Fuel Dragster and Top Fuel Funny Car make SFI 15.2 front and SFI 15.3 rear wheels mandatory", says Geoff. "The bad news is that most of the wheels in use in Europe do not meet these specifications. I am optimistic that cars running Centerline Convopro SFI 15.1 rear wheels will be recertifiable to SFI 15.3 during the 2004 SFI European Tour. This is subject to confirmation from Arnie Kuhns, President of SFI.
©Eurodragster.com
"I would also suggest that all FIA-class racers keep their eyes on the FIA's web site for the latest version of the rules, as there are quite a few changes for 2004 including that Halon is no longer an FIA-acceptable fire extinguishant in Europe, and that the FIA-permitted fuel for Pro Stock is VP-SVO5."

If you have any queries then you can contact Geoff by E-Mail at geoffrey.martin4@btopenworld.com.

Mental's health checked.
28th November: UK Supercharged Outlaw turned Nostalgia Top Fuel racer Johnny 'Mental' Hall tells us that the new Windridge Hall McKenzie Racing Nostalgia Top Fuel slingshot chassis (right) has been tested on its jig and specced "At great expense". The chassis will now be put aside whilst a new slingshot is built for a customer.
©Eurodragster.com
"Only small updates were required", says Johnny. "The chassis will be hung up in the rafters to make way for the first customer car to be built on the new twenty three-foot slingshot jig at B+J Nostalgia's workshops in Romford. The new car is for a customer who has asked to remain anonymous. It will be a 180" wheelbase slingshot with a Small Block Chevy and Powerglide due for competition in 2004.

"Potential customers can contact us at bjnostalgia@hotmail.com until we get our own web site up and running. And remember...we only build slingshots."

Desperately seeking...
28th November: Matt Teale of the UK's Carlton Television is seeking the help of Eurodragster readers to complete a TV programme scheduled for broadcast in 2004. "I am working on a programme called Daredevils, made for ITV in the Midlands", says Matt. "Each week we feature people from our region who qualify as daredevils because of the particular sport or activity they take part in. We are featuring British land speed record holder Colin Fallows who used to be a drag racer. I'm trying to get hold of some footage of drag racing at Santa Pod in the mid-to-late 1980s to illustrate the things Colin will be talking about in his interview. Home video footage would be fine, anything to show drag racing at Santa Pod in the 1980s". If you can help then please contact Matt direct by E-Mail at matt.teale@carltontv.co.uk, or call him on 0115 964 5586.
©Eurodragster.com
Herman and Sven Zijlstra of Holland are also seeking help with information on an old slingshot which now belongs to them. "The slingshot is called Barracuda", says Herman Zijlstra. "It must have been built in England in the 1970s, and was sold to a German guy named Jrgen Richter in the 1980s. It was powered by a Opel Manta four-cylinder engine and a Volvo four-speed gearbox, the rear axle is we think from a Sherpa". If anyone can help Herman and Sven then please drop them a line at svenzijlstra@hotmail.com. You can check out pictures of the car at home.wanadoo.nl/hermanus.

Web site updates.
28th November: Bentec Engineering, the company owned by 2003 FIM/UEM Supertwin Champion Per Bengtsson, have launched a new web site at www.bentec.net. "Here you can not only find information regarding all new and old Bentec Racing products but also information about The Beast, this years European Supertwin Champion, at www.bentec.net/the_beast/index.html", says Per. "Bentec Racing wull be updating the home page frequently with news during the off-season; for example a new lock-up hat for the big clutch and a new fuel pump. On the home page you will also find leaflets and measurements as Acrobat files for download. These will be updated gradually. Benter Racing Transmission have developed and manufactured racing parts for more than fifteen years, such as two-speed transmissions, clutches, belt drives and other racing relevant products. More than a hundred of Bentecs well known two-speed gearboxes have been manufactured and sold all over the world."
©Eurodragster.com
Assisted braking for Woollatt.
27th November: 2003 ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Steve Woollatt has announced a new sponsorship deal with Reading-based engineering firm Pretech. Pretech have provided Steve with a new braking system for his 6.4-second bike, all manufactured in-house, in a deal organised by team member and sponsor Steve Conway.

Pretech, whose web site you can find at www.pretech.co.uk, were established in 1989 as a contract manufacturer to various Formula One teams, and continue to do so to the present day, but during the closed seasons they have developed their own branded range of billet four- and six-pot calipers for motorbikes and cars, as well as a whole host of other machined parts for modern and classic bikes including billet barrels, yokes, stems, spindles and brackets.

"Steve Conway at Bikes of Brighton asked if we could help his friend Dean Williamson in the Straightliners series", says Steve Kane of Pretech, who together with Chris Halliday worked on the replacement braking system. "We thought why not, it'll give us a chance to see how the brakes perform braking hard from 160-170 mph over a short distance and as usual they did us proud. Then Steve got in touch again asking if we were interested in talking to Steve Woollatt. We went to the FIA European Finals to meet Steve and to see the bike run. Steve said that he was having trouble getting the bike to pull up after a run because the run-off at Santa Pod was too short for his brakes. We could see why, as he was using standard Yamaha calipers on the front and a Lockheed item on the rear with a small disc.
©Eurodragster.com
"This would be the ultimate test for Pretech calipers, stopping a 215 mph drag bike in less than one quarter of a mile, no problem! The front end was easy - we simply replaced the Yamaha brakes with a set of our six-pots. The rear was slightly harder because it was non-standard. We didn't think that a floating disc would be up to the job so we opted for a solid item from the rear of a Harley Davidson. The disc was then bored out to suit its new carrier and mounted to the massive rear billet wheel, we then took our Pretech six-pot caliper and made a bracket and tie-rod to mount to the new disc."

"I thought they were giving me parts", says Steve Woollatt. "I took the rolling chassis up there, and when I went and picked up the bike there were new six-pots front and back, new brake lines, and a huge new brake disc on rear wheel. Stopping was becoming a problem, especially at Santa Pod - things were getting a bit hot now that the terminal speeds are going up. I am very grateful to Pretech and I and the whole team are very pleased to be associated with them."

Steve Kane gave us some more details about Pretech's products. "Pretech billet six-pot calipers are made from HE 30 aluminium, designed and manufactured in our CNC workshop. They have six 25 mm diameter pistons made from 7075 aluminium which is chemically hardened to give an ultra-smooth hard coating. There are two seals per piston which means that should one seal fail the other acts as a back-up; the seals are dual-purpose both acting as dust and fluid seals. We have chosen to use just two pads per caliper, as opposed to multiple pads as used by some after-market manufacturers, as this allows us to ensure a larger pad contact area and a very progressive feel. Pretech calipers, which are available through any good parts outlet, come in a variety of anodised colours as well as polished, and the latest to be added is chrome. The next step is to produce a full-blown racing caliper for use on track days; the only problem is that the current caliper is so good that the only way we can see to improve it is to reduce the weight by using exotic alloys, which we are looking into at the moment - the caliper is already lighter than the stock item it replaces."

"I'm more than happy to be doing sponsorship deals this early in the off-season!", says Steve Woollatt. "I am also very pleased to announce that all of my current sponsors have renewed for 2004: Bikes of Brighton, Motorcycles Unlimited, NGK Spark Plugs, Richa Leathers, PEST, Born To Be Wild, EK Chains, Ferodo Brakes and Phil Baimbridge Racing, and associate sponsors G-Max Research and Eurodragster.com. I would like to thank all of my sponsors for their continued support."

We were sorry to hear from Steve that his Crew Chief Chris Powell has decided to leave the team. We understand that Chris may only be taking a year out from the sport, but in the meantime you can read more about Chris' departure on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.

Nicholson planning return.
27th November: UK Super Pro ET racer Wayne Nicholson, who suffered a devastating accident on the way to the FIA European Finals in September, is spending his recovery time planning his return to the track. Wayne was badly hurt, and his BMW-bodied racer car, trailer and camper were totalled, but the latest news from the medics is all good.

"Firstly, thanks again to everyone for all the offers of help and get well messages", "As of today the doctors have told me that I can walk with the aid of a walking stick and start physio - what a relief that was. All being well I should be as near to normal as possible by sometime early next year.
©Eurodragster.com
"The good side to being housebound for so long is the time to decide on my next ride! I won't spoil the surprise, but if everything works out it will still be a doorslammer (a bit older maybe) and possibly one of those big things hanging out of the hood, blowers I think they are called!

"Once again thanks to everyone, and I sincerely hope that nothing remotely like this happens to any other racer out there."

Editor's note: Sharkman and Tog would like to wish all of our US readers a Happy Thanksgiving. Have a great day, guys.

Pettersson on SPR four-day events.
26th November: Back in October we revealed that both the FIA Main Event and the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway were to be extended to four days beginning in 2004. In the latest of Eurodragster's occasional series of interviews, Santa Pod Raceway's Track Manager Kjell Pettersson revealed to us the thinking behind the change, the implications for Pro and Sportsman racers, officials, and fans, the impact on Santa Pod itself, and more.
©Eurodragster.com
Click here to read the interview with Kjell Pettersson, or click on the Interviews link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Never mind the Shorrocks.
26th November: Action from the UK's Team Fang Supertwin Modified team has been rather limited in 2003 due to lack of spare time, says Carl Wadkin-Snaith. "Our business Turnertech has been working ten-hour, seven-day weeks for much of the last six months", says Carl. "On the three occasions we did make it to the track ignition problems, supercharger shaft failure and fuel starvation (in that order) prevented a full run. However with 15 psi boost from the old Shorrocks, performance has dramatically improved and given us the incentive to press on with our development program for the 1975 Honda twin and its future replacement.
©Eurodragster.com
"New oversize liners (Skoda!) are currently being fitted to match forged Kawasaki pistons, this entails external oil feed pipes to the head, a new clutch cover with external spin-off oil filter, and off-board starter among other mods. Best of all, a new Eaton supercharger will replace the fragile Shorrocks vane type.

"The Superchargers section of our web site at www.thefang.co.uk now features the first instalment on the Eaton, with photos of the disassembled unit. Over the next few months the page will follow the pattern established for the Shorrocks, with dimensioned drawings and information gathered during testing."

Swift snippets.
26th November: 2003 UK National 9.90 Bike Champion Fred Furlong is the subject of a short feature in the Brag Book section of the Final Decision web site at www.final-decision.com. You can reach Fred's feature by clicking on the Congratulations link on the right-hand side of the Home Page.
©Eurodragster.com
Swedish Junior Dragster racer Glenn Axeldal is to move up to Junior Modified in 2004, says father Peter. The Axeldal family's unique Vopar Volvo Super Gasser, formerly driven by Linda Axeldal, is now for sale as a rolling chassis, the engine having been sold to fund the JM motor. You can find more details about Vopar on the Axeldal family Racing web site at www.netax.se/vopar.html.

Web site updates.
26th November: Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has updated his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales with the first of a series of off-season offerings. The Photoshop Gallery features the results of Sharkman "getting arty" with his favourite image manipulation software. Check it out at www.topendtales.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Gotalk to Carter.
24th November: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter has announced that Gotalk Communications is to be his primary sponsor for the 2004 season. The deal will allow Andy to contest every round of the 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship, which he will be doing in a car owned by Rune Fjeld as revealed here on Eurodragster on 3rd November.

"I am absolutely delighted with this new deal", says Andy Carter. "Here at Carter Motorsport, we are constantly trying to push on to the next level and we are delighted that Gotalk has recognised this and want to share the future with us. On the track, this means that we will be running harder than ever and pushing for the TF1 plate once more. 2003 has been a season full of highs and some lows, enabling us to learn so much more about every aspect of Top Fuel. We now believe that we really are in a strong position and it's up to us to make it happen. We will do all that we can to see that the Gotalk Top Fuel Dragster is the car to watch in 2004."

Gotalk, whose web site you can find at www.gotalk.co.uk, is a residential international low-cost telephone service owned by global telecommunication company WaveCrest Ltd. "We are delighted to sponsor Carter Motorsport", says WaveCrest CEO Phil Anderson. "Their European following is enormous and continues to grow through ongoing professional team management. We will work with the team to market our international residential telephone service and look forward to continuous team and business wins throughout the season!"

You can stay in touch with all of the news from the Carter Motorsport pit on Andy's official web site at www.andycarter.net.
©Eurodragster.com
SPRC Perpetual Awards week 3.
24th November: Once again Santa Pod Racers Club and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give readers the chance to have input to the SPRC Perpetual Awards, which will be presented at the SPRC Dinner Dance on Saturday 21st February 2004.

For each of the 2003 season awards, the SPRC Committee has decided upon a shortlist for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. There are seven awards in all: this week's vote, the third, is for Most Professional-Appearing Team. Voting for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy will also be open for the whole of this period (see below).

The SPRC Committee's shortlist for Most Professional-Appearing Team, in alphabetical order, is as follows. The Most Professional-Appearing Team trophy rewards not just the presentation of a race vehicle but the team's overall approach to racing. As well as a well-turned-out car or bike, the Committee have considered such aspects as the appearance and attitude of team personnel, the organisation and appearance of their pit area and support equipment, and their readiness when their class is called.
©Eurodragster.com
Tim Blakemore and team, Funny Bike

George Chiarella and team, Straight To The Point Ford Coupe, Super Pro ET

Barry Giles and team, Giles and Hartley Dragster, Super Pro ET

Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team, owner Knut Söderquist; Purple Loans dragster, Bahco Tools dragster and Carbon By Design dragster

Steve Woollatt and team, The Dealer Top Fuel Bike

To place your vote, go to the official SPRC Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page. Voting is per category, so if you have already voted for Best-Looking Car or Bike then you may of course vote for Most Professional-Appearing Team this week.

The Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, was first awarded to Santa Pod Raceway's late Chief Marshal, Alex Brachtvogel, in 2001 to mark his outstanding contribution to Santa Pod Raceway and the sport as a whole. After Alex's death the trophy was named in his memory and continues to be awarded for contribution to drag racing. There is no shortlist for the Alex Brachtvogel award. Nominations are invited for racers, race officials, track and safety crews, club officials, media, or anyone else who has contributed to the sport. Last year the trophy was awarded to Phil Evans, Chair of the UK Tech Committee. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to sprcawards@eurodragster.com specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Trophy as the subject and your nomination in the body of the mail.

Next week's category will be the James Edgar Memorial Trophy.

Web site updates.
24th November: The official web site of the UK's Spellbound Pro ET team has been updated with a new Home Page, pictures of work being done on the Morris Minor pick-up, an updated race calendar, and information on the team's new engine which should propel Malcolm Motler into the nines. Check it out at www.spellbounddragraceteam.co.uk. Malcolm's partner Marcie tells us that it was his birthday on Saturday: we may be saying this a couple of days late, but Happy Birthday Malcolm!
©Eurodragster.com
CCSE Trophy Night.
23rd November: 2003 Custom Car Street Eliminator Champion Steve Pateman was presented with his Championship trophy at the CCSE Trophy Night in Newbury last night (Saturday).

Trophies, prize money, vouchers, parts and framed photographs were presented to the top ten in the CCSE Championship by Custom Car Magazine editor Kev Elliott, CCSE Championship Co-ordinator Lee Child who also sponsors CCSE through his company LA Racing Parts, Rob Loaring and Nick Davies of sponsor ICE Automotive, Andy Robinson of sponsor Robinson Race Cars, Jon Webster of sponsor Powerpour, and Sharkman of sponsor Eurodragster.com. Also providing money, trophies, vouchers or product were sponsors Brantwood Auto Breakers, Borla Mufflers, Mickey Thompson Tyres, TSR Racing Products, Competition Car Insurance, Prosign, Roadcool Refrigeration, Santa Pod Raceway, LA Performance Services and Santa Pod Racers Club.
©Eurodragster.com
As well as Championship prizes, special awards were also made to the following racers:

Robinson Race Cars Most Improved Racer: Mark Bracking
Pro Sign Best Appearing Car: Steve Large/Neale Fetter
Robinson Race Cars Perfect Light: Ian Hook
Roadcool Stock Block and Eight Smoking Barrels Award: Ian Hook, Al Simms, Allen Curtis
ICE Automotive Racing Engines Eight-Second Jackets: Andy Frost, Team Powerpour

The prizegiving was MC'd in his usual authoritative and professional style by John Price, and Andy Oliver provided a jumping post-ceremony disco.

Swift snippets.
23rd November: To celebrate the opening of his shop in Nottingham, Ian 'Turbo' Turburville has gone above and beyond to acquire the last few die-cast models of the Vance and Hines Top Fuel Harley, and they are now for sale at £189. "As you know these were a very limited edition and sold out within a few months of being issued", says Turbo, "not even Vance and Hines can get them. They are incredible works of art and the most detailed replica I have ever seen. The quality is unsurpassed and they are appreciating in value all the time. I have had to buy these few bikes at retail and pay VAT, shipping and customs etc. so they are not cheap, but if you have seen one you know they are worth it. It will be first come first served I'm afraid and once they're gone, they're gone!". You can find more details on Turbo's web site at www.turboville.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Force, Snake FC bodies available.
21st November: Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team owner Knut Söderquist has been in touch from the USA to let us know of the latest additions to his stock list.

"I have two John Force Racing 2000 Mustang Funny Car bodies and two Don Prudhomme Racing 2002 Camaro bodies available", says Knut. "The bodies are complete with tinwork, windows and rear wings. I am organising a container from the USA so if anyone is interested then please contact me on my US number, +1 336 924 9003, within the next week. Also as per the latest rule changes, I have billet blocks available at a reasonable price, again please call me if interested."
©Eurodragster.com
Knut promised to bring us bang up-to-date with the latest from the Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster pit on his return from the USA, but he gave us a couple of snippets to keep us going. "Mats Eriksson has almost finished building the new Top Fueller", he says. "I don't yet know who will be driving it. We are looking at running three or maybe four Top Fuellers next season."

2004 Super Modified dates.
21st November: The UK's Super Modified Racers Association have agreed their provisional dates for the 2004 season, says Communication Manager George Kinghorn. The wild doorslammers will be contesting their Championship at the following events:

10th-12th April: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
1st-3rd May: Excitement Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
12th-13th June: Power Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
26th-27th June: SPRC Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
23rd-25th July: Bug Jam, Santa Pod Raceway
28th-30th August: Allstar Nationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
2nd-3rd October: National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
©Eurodragster.com
The Association's recent Annual General Meeting heard that some thirteen cars are already planning to contest next season's Championship, including Danny Cockerill's erstwhile Crew Chief Kev Perkins in Graham Ellis' Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Kev Taylor in a step up from Pro ET. You can read all about the SMRA AGM including the election of new officers and rule changes for 2004 on the Association's official web site at www.supermod.co.uk.

Web site updates.
21st November: Alan Currans has posted another update to his Acceleration Archive. "The sixty-ninth update is page two of the Geof Hauser Collection", says Alan. "Geof's pictures include more from the historic 1972 NHRA Supernationals meeting at Ontario Motor Speedway, plus a selection of UK pictures from the same year including the mighty Metronome Fuel Altered, the Stones' Tee Rat, Clive Skilton's Revolution III and the incredibly quick four-cylinder Drag'n'Fly slingshot of John Whitmore". You can check out Geof's pictures at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.
©Eurodragster.com
Turn up and race with PMR.
20th November: Paul Marston Racing have announced an addition to their highly-successful Drag Race Driving School and Passenger Ride Experience programmes. Starting in 2004 PMR are planning to offer 'Arrive and Race' packages for UK National Championship events.

"Classes available will be Super Gas, Super Street and Pro ET", says Paul Marston. "This service will be available for graduates of the Drag Race Driving School or retired/current racers who would enjoy racing again but have perhaps sold their race cars - a current MSA race license will be required to compete in a National Event". The package includes crew, technical support from Paul Marston Racing, fuel, transport of race car to and from track and tuition if required. "Prices are dependent upon what is booked, but are competitive and realistic", says Paul. "For more information or bookings please contact us on the phone at 020 8597 4575 (office) or 07831 650230 (mobile), or E-Mail office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk."
©Eurodragster.com
Paul has also confirmed that Santa Pod Raceway have agreed to continue to support the Drag Race Driving School in 2004. "We are very grateful to Santa Pod Raceway for their continued support", he says. "Without their support the programme would not exist". The School will be fielding two cars again in 2004, the Grumpy's Dodge Dodge Dart and the Insanity Vega pick-up, to cope with increasing demand. "We are receiving regular enquiries for both the Driving School and the Passenger Rides in the run-up to Christmas", says Paul. "We would urge anyone who is thinking of booking a Driving School course to get themselves pencilled in sooner rather than later."

Finally, Paul has announced that both of the School cars are to be upgraded over the off-season. "The upgrades are as a result of lessons learned during 2003, and will hopefully make both race cars more user-friendly for the pupils", says Paul. "A spin-off from this is that they will be quicker and faster, which will please graduate Tog as I understand that he wants his record back as the School's quickest and fastest pupil (True - Ed)."

For more details about the Driving School and Passenger Rides, check out the Paul Marston Racing web site at www.paulmarstonracing.com.

Swift snippets.
20th November: Swedish Pro Mod racer Håkan Nilsson is the subject of an extensive feature in the latest issue of Sweden's Bilsport magazine. "The piece runs to five pages and covers every aspect of Håkan's career", says team member Ulf Stadig.
©Eurodragster.com
Santa Pod Raceway have confirmed their major event dates for the 2004 season:

10th-12th April: Easter Thunderball
28th-31st May: FIA Main Event
26th-27th June: SPRC Summernationals
9th-12th September: FIA European Finals
2nd-3rd October: UK National Finals
6th November: Flame and Thunder Show

You can find ticket prices and more details on Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com.

Flowers for Jeff May.
19th November: Further to yesterday's news item about Jeff May's funeral arrangements, SPRC Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch with the preferred address for floral tributes. Flowers should be sent to the Funeral Directors at:

Edward Jarvis
Greyfriars
Birmingham Road
Kings Coughton
Alcester
B49 5QF

Telephone: 01789 764661

Swift snippets.
19th November: Dutch Supertwin racer Ton Pels and his son and Crew Chief Vincent have started work on a new chassis for 2004, writes Monique Pels. The last appearance of the old Zodiac-sponsored bike was at Zodiac's annual Dealer Show on the first weekend in November. You can check out the latest pictures from the workshop on Ton's official web site at www.zodiac.nl/dragrace/news.htm.
©Eurodragster.com
Congratulations to 2003 ACU UK Pro Stock Bike Champion Dave Beck who married Charlotte in Florida yesterday. A couple of days previously, Dave had raced at the AMA/Prostar World Finals at Gainesville where he qualified thirteenth in Pro Mod Bike with a 7.012/188.40 before breaking in the first round of eliminations. For a very amusing account of Dave's stag night check out the Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.

Jeff May's funeral.
18th November: Paula Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club has been in touch with the funeral details for MSA steward Jeff May, who died last week.

Jeff's funeral service is to take place at 10:45 am next Tuesday, 25th November, at

Studley Parish Church
Castle Road
Studley
Warwickshire
B80 7AB

The committal will take place at 12:00 noon at

Redditch Crematorium
Bordesley Lane
Redditch
Worcestershire
B97 6RR

Flowers are welcome and should be sent to the Funeral Directors at:

Edward Jarvis
Greyfriars
Birmingham Road
Kings Coughton
Alcester
B49 5QF

Telephone: 01789 764661

Krivan loses operation.
18th November: Swiss Top Methanol Funny Car racer Dezsoe Krivan faces a huge crash programme to make next season after his Avenger Funny Car, tools and entire workshop and garage facility were destroyed in a huge fire (remains of the FC, right).

"The whole complex was burned to the ground, and our team lost everything and I mean everything - the whole place was gutted", says team member Steve Wilson. "At the height of the blaze there were over 350 firemen in attendance and it took two days to bring under control. The complex housed around half a dozen firms who also lost everything, and Pro Mod racer Marcus Hilt was involved as his Speed Shop is located in the same area."

Steve tells us that the 'good' news is that Dezsoe's insurance company, Helvitia Insurances Switzerland, have agreed total loss which means that Dezsoe and the team are planning a shopping trip to replace everything which was lost. "Everything, that is, except the history of the team and the car which were lost in the fire", says Steve.
©Eurodragster.com
"So our gentle winter programme of sorting out the car, which we got running in the groove at Hockenheim, has been replaced by 'Argh, it will soon be next year'! So we have a very intensive winter ahead, before we can even start replacing tools and equipment and find a whole new car, we have to find suitable premises to operate from. We are open to offers of help, assistance, accommodation, dosh, stuff etc. - you can contact Dezsoe through his web site at www.dragracing.ch."

Steve says that the team are toying with the idea of acquiring a Firebird-bodied car. "It would be appropriate, the phoenix rising from the ashes, but we are also open to other brands and styles", he says. "The only thing for sure is that it will be a Top Methanol Funny Car with our signature orange colour scheme and the logo of our main sponsors, 3D-Tech, emblazoned (sorry) on the body. So, to rip off a slogan - the future is drag racing, the future is orange!"

We know from long experience that there is no-one to beat the European drag racing community when one of their number needs help, so if you can do anything at all to assist Dezsoe and his team and Marcus Hilt then don't hesitate to get in touch either directly at through Dezsoe's web site or via Eurodragster at webmaster@eurodragster.com.

Kitney transplants driver.
18th November: After a somewhat trying début season for the Kiss My RS big black blown Escort RS2000, which only started performing properly after a motor change mid season which itself required the front of the chassis to be rebuilt, UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Trevor Kitney is handing over the majority of driving duties to his eighteen-year-old daughter Eleanor for the 2004 season.

"Eleanor is absolutely champing at the bit to show some of the guys what she can do behind the wheel", says Trevor. Trevor tells us that the driver change coincides nicely with the team netting a 'proper' sponsor (to be announced) for next season, and the start of work on a second team car which he hopes will make its CCSE début mid-season.
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After twenty five years in drag racing, Trevor thinks that the team are at last on the move. "If the end-of-2003 performance and reliability continue through 2004, we expect a top-ten finish for the Escort", he says. "Not a bad début for an eighteen-year-old if we do it!". The new car will be a totally different animal from the Escort, adds Trevor. "It's a real street sleeper, but hopefully with low ten-second capability."

Trevor and the team would like to thank all of the other CCSE competitors, Lee Child, Custom Car magazine, Street Machine magazine, racecarbon.com, and the friendly staff at both tracks for making 2003 such a good season despite all of the team's car troubles. "2004 will be a hell of a year in CCSE!", says Trevor. Watch this space for news as it develops.

VWDRC AGM.
18th November: The UK's Volkswagen Drag Racing Club is to hold its Annual General Meeting at the Northampton Marriott Hotel on Sunday 7th December at 1:00 pm. Members are asked to submit items for the agenda, nominations for the Committee and votes for the Wagenmaster (Driver of the Year) and the Becky Sutton Memorial Trophy (Spirit of the Club) to Spencer Tramm at spencer.tramm@transactgroup.net no later than this Sunday, 23rd November.
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"The AGM is a good opportunity for prospective members wanting to join the Club to meet existing members and to get advice on how to get started, as all of the Committee and others such as chassis builders etc. will be there", says Spencer Tramm. If you would like directions to the Northampton Marriott then drop Spencer an E-Mail at the above address, and for more details about the Volkswagen Drag Racing Club check out their very tidy official web site at www.vwdrc.com.

Web site updates.
18th November: UK Wild Bunch racer Tony Smith will be commencing his annual Guess Who contest on his web site at www.cunningplan.net this evening (Tuesday). The first mystery picture is to be uploaded at 18:00 this evening. A trophy and a cruise with CCSE racer Andy Frost await the lucky winner at contest's end.
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Another Minor for Motlers.
17th November: The UK's Spellbound Pro ET team are preparing for two new arrivals in 2004. Malcolm Motler's popular Morris Minor pick-up is to be fitted with a new engine which should propel it into the nines, whilst Malcolm's partner Marcie is expecting a baby next May.

"We are over the moon with our results and very excited at being Pro ET 3 next season", says Malcolm Motler. "We would like to send a big Thank You to our team and everyone involved with the Spellbound Drag Race Team in helping us achieve third in two of the three Championships, the UK National Championship and the Santa Pod Racers Club Championship. We would like to send our congratulations to both Team Top Banana and Team Heaven and Hell on their fantastic victories in the UK National Championship and the SPRC Championship, nice one people!
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Malcolm tells us that Spellbound is currently in pieces receiving some upgrading and general tidying-up in preparation for its new engine. "We are currently building the new engine with the help and guidance of Real Steel", he says. "It should be installed early in 2004 and we are hoping to be testing it before the season starts. We anticipate that the new engine will enable Spellbound to run mid- to high nines - we can't let Steve Wells get too far in front!

"The other team news is that Marcie and myself are expecting a new addition to the team, Baby Motler. This will be our first baby, and my third. Lee, my eldest who is hoping to be racing next year and Ryan, my second son who is crewing with us next year, are both looking forward to having a younger brother or sister to look out for. The new addition to the Motler fold is expected mid-season - the weekend before the Main Event - so lots of towels and hot water will be kept to hand just in case he or she decides to make an appearance at the track!"

You can find the team's official web site at www.spellbounddragraceteam.co.uk.

Racers: It's not too late to send us your 2003 reviews, nor too early to send us news of your 2004 plans. Drop us an E-Mail at news@eurodragster.com and we'll post your news here.

SPRC Perpetual Awards week 2.
17th November: Once again Santa Pod Racers Club and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give readers the chance to have input to the SPRC Perpetual Awards, which will be presented at the SPRC Dinner Dance on Saturday 21st February 2004.

For each of the 2003 season awards, the SPRC Committee has decided upon a shortlist for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. There are seven awards in all: this week's vote, the second, is for Best-Looking Bike. Voting for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy will also be open for the whole of this period (see below).

The SPRC Committee's shortlist for Best-Looking Bike is as follows, in alphabetical order:
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Richard Gipp
Suzuki GSXR Pro Stock Bike

Martin Newbury
Kawasaki Pro Stock Bike

Paul Newman
Suzuki Hayabusa Comp Bike

Steve Venables
Kawasaki ZXR Super Street Bike

Paul Watson
Suzuki Hayabusa Pro Stock Bike

For a look at larger pictures, and to place your vote, go to the official SPRC Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page. Voting is per category, so if you voted for Best-Looking Car last week then you may of course vote for Best-Looking Bike this week.

The Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, was first awarded to Santa Pod Raceway's late Chief Marshal, Alex Brachtvogel, in 2001 to mark his outstanding contribution to Santa Pod Raceway and the sport as a whole. After Alex's death the trophy was named in his memory and continues to be awarded for contribution to drag racing. There is no shortlist for the Alex Brachtvogel award. Nominations are invited for racers, race officials, track and safety crews, club officials, media, or anyone else who has contributed to the sport. Last year the trophy was awarded to Phil Evans, Chair of the UK Tech Committee. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to sprcawards@eurodragster.com specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Trophy as the subject and your nomination in the body of the mail.

Next week's category will be Most Professional-Appearing Team.

European Bests updated.
17th November: Andy Marrs of TSI Timers has updated his list of European best performances in FIA, FIM/UEM, NDRS Bilsport Pro Mod, and ACU classes, to being it right up to date with the end of the 2003 season. You can view the list of European bests by clicking here, or by clicking on the European Bests link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.
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Web site updates.
17th November: The Feel The Noise web site at www.feel-the-noise.com has been updated with seventy five of Anni Valder's pictures from the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway, which you can view via the Special Events link.
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Lorentzon and Möller after revenge.
15th November: Sweden's Lorentzon and Möller Racing Top Fuel Dragster team are already very optimistic about 2004, says Crew Chief Kenneth Lorentzon. A number of sponsors have already renewed for next year and changes to the car mean that the era of "wild guessing" is over: Kenneth has already dubbed 2004 "The Revenge Tour".

"I am very pleased to announce that we are retaining all of our 2003 sponsors for the 2004 Revenge Tour", says Kenneth. "Pennzoil are supporting us with all of their fine products and a lot more. Man Last are sending us a brand new hot rod to tow the trailer, this time a black shiny MAN -V-10 TG-A 510 bhp XXL. This will make travel so easy. Another company making it happen is Sunoco Race Fuels Sweden, and I would also like to thank Jernet Bar and Resturant for all the food and drink; Power Magazine, a great car and hot rod magazine; Hkansson International Trucking Company; Dekor and Design who make all the stickers and screen print; and Mico Chemicals. Thank you all and see you in 2004.

Before revealing the latest from the Lorentzon and Möller pit, Kenneth gave us a run-down on the team's season in 2003. "At the Main Event we took out two engines - our tune-up was way too hard", he says. "We didn't qualify for the four-car field at Alastaro, the track conditions were bad. "At Mantorp Park we qualified last in the sevn-car field, but we took out the points leader in the first round of eliminations with a stunning 4.96, a lot of jaws fell to the ground, and it was a pretty good feeling. In the second round an ugly pedalling contest with Andy Carter which planted our feet on the ground again. We had a lot of problems at Gardermoen, a leaking manifold and blower, but we came through with a lot of luck and got to the final against Micke Kågered. Both cars had trouble, Kågered took the win. Hockenheim - this is a well-arranged race track, pity about the track conditions. We ran as hard we could under the circumstances, got to the final but lost to Peter Beck really tight race.

"We had a whole lot of good racing at the European Finals. Qualified fourth of nine cars with a 4.98. We picked up some speed at 299 mph but still had the same low boost problem we had suffered in the previous races. We had a ton of luck against Jon Webster in the first round, throwing the blower belt at sixty feet after Webster had a leak. Micke Kgered in the second round, Tommy had a two-car lead and was pulling away but lifted the throttle just before the eighth-mile, we haven't found the reason yet. The engine was OK so it's still a mystery. The Greek GPS navigator on the car said that it hade almost 248 mph in 3.15 seconds on this run, this race really took me out for a while - so near yet so far to the final."
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Onto 2004, and Kenneth is very proud of the team's new acquisition, a datalogger. "I'm really optimistic about this", he says. "Wild Guess Racing is over! With five to seven races in a season there is no room for guesswork. The datalogger won't tell me how to do it, but it will tell me what I should have done". The dragster will also be treated to a new fuel system, a complete spare engine, a short block, and new heads.

One of the team's existing engines has been sold complete together with an AFT four-disc clutch for duty in a '34 Coupe Fuel Altered. "This engine setup ran 4.98/286 in 2002, so it will be one hell of a ride!", says Kenneth. "I guess I will have to detune it a little bit - they are going to run a two-speed Lenco without clutch cannon so I have to do some work with the clutch. But it should really be fun to see this ball-cruncher take off!"

You can stay in touch with all the news from the Lorentzon and Möller pit, and view some fine new Windows wallpaper, on the team's official web site at www.tf25.com.

Malins' tasty recipe.
15th November: UK Super Pro ET racer Gary Malin and his wife Lin are to return to competition in a new race car in 2004. Gary suffered crashes in 2001 which destroyed first his Outlaw Anglia and then his Super Pro ET rail (the latter in a two-car crash), but he will be returning undaunted next season with an all-new dragster which whose driving duties will be shared between wife Lin and himself.

"We decided that even after so many kickings we would not give in", says Gary. "Our love and passion for drag racing forced us to build another car - yes, insane! And this time it needed to be right. We decided to work out the proper ingredients to get the new car together. It didn't take us too long to work out who was going to be our main ingredient as far as the new project was concerned: after forty seconds of deliberation we decided that Jon Webster was going to be our chassis builder and Jeff Bull was going to take care of the motor, trans and converter. Our third ingredient was to be Martin Curbishley for the paint and finish. Out of all this a new car was born!
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"Jon has built us a fantastic chassis, for which we are very grateful and of which we are proud - it's a work of art. Jeff also has made us very proud with his 540 ci alky motor - the dyno figures are high, and Jeff has provided us with a cool converter and trans to get the job done. It also looks awesome with Martin Curbishley's beautiful paint job. We can't thank these guys enough for their real professional input and help (Eurodragster sponsors, enough said - Ed). We could never have done it without them - thanks!"

Gary tells us that the car's first outing will be at Santa Pod Raceway's first Run What You Brung of 2004, on 25th January. The plan is for Lin to drive the car in Super Comp and for Gary to contest Super Pro.

Bananas over the moon.
15th November: 2003 UK National Pro ET Champions Team Top Banana, aka Brian and Lee Huxley, have been in touch to tell us that they are unedrstandably "Over the moon" with another Championship.
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"We would like to thank all the team, Neil Bell and Marc, it's definitely a team effort", says Brian Huxley. "We would also like to thank all the racers who have wished us wellm and all of our fellow racers for their help during the season. Top Banana didn't give us too much trouble but when we needed anything Ian Brown and his crew were there to help - thanks guys - and the others, you know who you are. We can't wait to see you all again at the Dinner Dance, or at the races, to have more burgers and beers."

Swift snippets.
15th November: UK Supertwin Fuel Racer, drag bike photo-journalist, graphic designer and all-round good guy Ian Turburville has opened a shop in Nottingham to sell all manner of good stuff. "Not just die-casts and collectables but everything from uniforms to helmets, awnings, street wear, accessories, videos, bike lifts, Harley parts, gifts and more will be on sale", says Turbo. Keep an eye on the Stop Press page of Turbo's web site at www.turboville.com for more details.
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Whilst we're talking two wheels, a number of European racers are taking place in this weekend's AMA/Prostar World Finals at Gainesville. Results are very thin on the ground on the web at present (the AMA/Prostar web site for example is currently showing last year's results on their 2003 event page) but Ian King will be posting news on his web site at www.kingracing.com.

Web site updates.
15th November: Crew Chief Andy Bissett has updated the American Car Imports Racing web site with his account of the FIA Top Methanol Dragster Championshop-holding team's recent two-race trip to the USA (right, at Pomona, picture courtesy of Darren Gould). Andy's reports are in his usual highly-entertaining style and make a very good read. A special warning to those who are not fans of Celine Dion - to prevent damage to your PC, do not read Andy's reports with a mouthful of coffee. Check it out at www.americancarimportsracing.com.
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UK Funny Bike racer Steve French has launched a web site dedicated to his low seven-second French Injection Kawasaki at www.frenchinjection.com. The web site features history, team biographies, bike spec and more.

Santa Pod's thanks.
13th November: Rick Cuthbert of Santa Pod Raceway has been in touch to pass on the UK track's thanks to everyone for a great season. He writes:

"The management at Santa Pod Raceway would like to put out a big end-of-season thanks to all the groups and individuals who made 2003 a genuine 'golden year' for not just the track, but for the FIA/UEM series too.

"First of all, the biggest thanks go out to the British and European racers, demo vehicles and their crews. Without your commitment and expertise there would be no show.

"Almost as importantly, we'd like to say thanks to the fans of drag racing and the other events that Santa Pod hosts, from Run What You Brungs to the festival-style events. Without support from the fans, there would be no Santa Pod.
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"Then there is a whole host of other supporters who help bring drag racing to a wider audience, from web sites like Eurodragster to the fans' web sites, magazines, newspapers and television channels. This support broadens awareness of the sport and brings much-needed sponsorship revenue to the teams and to the track itself.

"Finally, Santa Pod would like to thank everyone whose hard work at the events make them as good as they are. Santa Pod staff, both full time and part time, and everyone involved with the Santa Pod Racers Club: all of these people work long hours and many weekends to make the events what they are.

"So, a big thanks to everyone for supporting us in 2003. We can't wait for next season...it's going to be more packed than ever, and we are all revved up already!"

Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com has been updated with a review of 2003 and a calendar and ticket prices for 2004.

Swift snippets.
13th November: UK bike racer Tony Lewis is to return to the track in 2004 on Frank and Phil Brachtvogel's Supertwin bike. The V-twin is nearing completion after which Frank says that he will be starting work on the brothers' old Quarter Scorcher Top Fuel Bike.

Also on two wheels, Steve French tells us that you will be able to join the post-AMA/Prostar World Finals party at its traditional venue of Frenchy's Bar - at least vicariously. "You can view the event on Frenchy's webcam at www.precisecomputer.com/frenchys/cam.html", says Steve. "The picture is not widescreen so you will not be able to see Cannon and Jay Regan at the same time". Steve tells us that the party takes place late Sunday night, our time.
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Dave Wilson and the American Car Imports Racing Top Methanol Dragster team are on their way back from Pomona, still in a daze after running the quickest and fastest passes by a European TMD racer at 5.38/262, says Team Principal Anthony Cohen. If you've not already seen it, the ACI Racing TMD featured in amongst Drag Race Central's NHRA Finals photographs; you can view it by clicking here.

Jeff May.
12th November: We were very sorry to hear from Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall of the death of MSA steward Jeff May, who was a regular fixture at Santa Pod Raceway as well as a man of distinguished involvement in other forms of motor sport.

"Jeff was an MSA steward for over thirty years, and had been involved with drag racing for just over twenty years", says Santa Pod Raceway's Race Director Darren Prentice. "Jeff was also one of a group of people who formed a Championship for Porsche 924s, and he spent two years in Saudi Arabia helping them to sort out motor sport there."

Jeff was very highly-respected by racers and race officials alike and will be much missed in Race Control. To Jeff's family and friends we offer our very deepest sympathies.

Love is in the air.
12th November: Congratulations are due to two popular members of the UK drag racing community who have have recently got married.

Firstly, best wishes to Top Fuel Bike racer Phil Brachtvogel who married Kim last Friday. Those who are acquainted with Phil will know that he is amongst the most modest and self-effacing characters you will ever meet, but his marriage was low-key even by his standards. "Phil got married on the quiet!", says brother Frank. "He didn't tell us until after he'd done it. He always liked going fast on the bikes, he goes just as fast with his romances! But as I didn't know anything about it I didn't have to send him a present!"
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Also married is engine builder and Eurodragster Swap Meet sponsor Jeff Bull, who was made a decent man by his longtime partner Belinda in Daytona Beach on 29th October (right). "We had an absolutely amazing day, the weather was perfect although somewhat breezy!", says Belinda, now Mrs. Bull. "Huge thanks to family and friends who made the trip out to Florida to join us on our special day, and also to Timmy and Shannon Takash for being there, and not forgetting Donnie and Jackie for the use of the condo in Daytona. Our honeymoon started at the drags (where else?) at a Nostalgia meeting at Bradenton and from there we travelled across the Everglades and down to Key West for a day or two. Then back up via the East Coast and over to Orlando for the last couple of days to relax a bit before the trip home. We covered over 1700 miles, had a fantastic time and are now looking forward to our reception here in a couple of weeks. Thanks to everyone who has already sent cards and pressies, see you all on the 22nd."

We are sure that everyone will want to join Sharkman and Tog in sending congratulations and best wishes for the future to Phil and Kim and Jeff and Belinda.

Bruiser back, as promised.
12th November: Paul Marston Racing have announced that the PT Bruiser is to return to UK National Championship competition in 2004. The Bruiser, which was last seen doing double duty in Super Pro ET and Super Comp in 2002, is to undergo a change of powerplant next season since the previous incumbent, an ex-Jari Konola Pro Stock engine, does not lend itself to quick turn-rounds as currently configured. A lot of options were investigated, says Paul Marston.

"We examined the options available and looked seriously at Super Modified, but just could not get all the pieces in place", says Paul. "It simply was not viable for us to justify the financial commitment, taking into account the sacrifices we would have to make. We also looked at what we had achieved in Super Comp and Super Pro ET during 2002, two finals and going rounds, along with our much-publicised successes at the Brighton Speed Trials.

"The real problem was that by getting to later rounds in eliminations meant that we were having to hot lap - no between-round servicing on the motor. We were not keen, although it couldn't be helped, because we needed to service the motor after each round. No-one else in Super Comp has to do so, so time is not allowed: of course this is not a criticism, we simply had too much motor for the class from a maintenance perspective.
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"2003 has been used to address this by investigating the different solutions to this problem. We now feel we have enough answers to pull the motor, replace it with another power plant, which if all goes as forecast has the reliability which PMR needs to become a Championship contender". Paul says that with the new motor's much lighter maintenance schedule, the focus can go to where he feels it needs to be: developing the chassis. "We have never had the time to work the chassis", he says. "We really have not yet scratched the surface on what the Hauser chassis is capable of, these will be exciting times!"

The ex-Pro Stock motor is not redundant, however. "In 2004 the Pro Stock motor will go through the third phase of our development plan, and if all goes to plan it will be back in the saddle either by the end of 2004 or the beginning of the 2005, depending on where we are in the championship. All this may seem a long way off, but in racing terms it is only next season."

Paul tells us that agreements-in-principle have been reached with existing and new sponsors, which will have a bearing on the Bruiser's colour scheme in 2004, and that other deals are still being negotiated. "2004 shows every sign of being a great year for Paul Marston Racing", he says. The plan is to get in some pre-season testing in the Bruiser, with a view to hitting the ground running when the Championship season starts at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod. "We need to score points at every round so as not to let the other teams get too far ahead in the early stages", he says. "Make no mistake, we will come loaded for bear!"

Cannon checks in.
11th November: UK Top Fuel Bike racer Chris Hannam has been in touch with an update from Gainesville, where he is to compete in TFB at this weekend's AMA/Prostar World Finals.

"After missing our connecting flight at Atlanta due to immigration officials, I was starting to get worried about how things were shaping up", says Cannon. "But I have to say that we are well on course again and even managed copious amounts of shrimp and wings for lunch joined by Mr. Cook and Mr. Midgley who I have to say ate the most.
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"We returned from lunch with the petrol can filled and proceeded to fire the bike for the first time since I myself built the motor. I have to say that everything is A-OK at this point, myself Neil and Al are to try and fit the Tracecraft datalogger tomorrow, hopefully this will go smoothly and enable us to get some much needed tuning data. The big argument at the moment is which lucky person is getting the job of pushing me back!

"That's about all for now, we will keep you updated of any major developments. Lastly a big well done to Dave Wilson and and the American Car Imports team for a job well done and for giving the yanks something to think about, we had lots of pleasurable viewing watching the whole meeting on ESPN."

You will be able to stay in touch with events at Gainesville this weekend on the Dragbike.com web site and of course on Ian King's web site at www.kingracing.com.

Swift snippets.
11th November: Maggy Long, widow of late UK Super Gas Racer Rob Long, has put Rob's '68 Camaro Super Gasser up for sale. The car comes turnkey and has run in the 9.5s at over 140 mph. For full details check out the advertisement in the Cars For Sale section of Eurodragster's Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet.
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Eurodragster webcam sponsor Jon Webster tells us that UK Custom Car Street Eliminator racer John Hales is selling his street-legal 8.1-second, 177 mph '56 Chevy. If you would be interested in buying John Hales' Chevy then give Jon Webster a call on 01933 315236.

Web site updates.
11th November: Our good buddy Christer Abrahamson has updated the Svensk Dragracing web site with a number of photographs from this year's Nitrolympx at Hockenheim. Christer tells us that he discovered the photographs whilst spring-cleaning his laptop. "I am proud of two or three of the pictures, the rest are...well, OK", says Christer who we think is being a little too modest. You can check out the Hockenheim pictures at www.dragracing.se.
©Eurodragster.com
SPRC Perpetual Awards week 1.
10th November: Once again Santa Pod Racers Club and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give readers the chance to have input to the SPRC Perpetual Awards, which will be presented at the SPRC Dinner Dance on Saturday 21st February 2004.

For each of the 2003 season awards, the SPRC Committee has decided upon a shortlist for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail. There are seven awards in all: voting commences this week with the award for Best-Looking Car and will continue over the next six weeks as each category is announced. Voting for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy will also be open for the whole of this period (see below).

The SPRC Committee's shortlist for Best-Looking Car is as follows, in alphabetical order:
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Gordon Appleton
Pro Modified Camaro

Kenny Coleman and Ian Tubb
Super Pro ET Dragster

Stuart Doignie
Super Gas/Super Street BMW

Chris Johnson
Super Pro ET MGZ

Kev Slyfield
Sportsman ET Plymouth Belvedere

For a look at larger pictures, and to place your vote, go to the official SPRC Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking here or by clicking on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

The Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, was first awarded to Santa Pod Raceway's late Chief Marshal, Alex Brachtvogel, in 2001 to mark his outstanding contribution to Santa Pod Raceway and the sport as a whole. After Alex's death the trophy was named in his memory and continues to be awarded for contribution to drag racing. There is no shortlist for the Alex Brachtvogel award. Nominations are invited for racers, race officials, track and safety crews, club officials, media, or anyone else who has contributed to the sport. Last year the trophy was awarded to Phil Evans, Chair of the UK Tech Committee. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to sprcawards@eurodragster.com specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Trophy as the subject and your nomination in the body of the mail.

Next week's category will be Best-Looking Bike.

Outlaw turns OFAB.
10th November: Swedish Pro Mod racer Patrick Wikström's return to the track in 2004 will be accompanied by a change in team name, says team member Krister Pettersson. Patrick, who still holds the European ET record at 6.375, will be racing his beautiful blown-alcohol Camaro under the OFAB Motorsport banner, taking the name of his primary sponsor.
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"Bertil Karlsson of OFAB will join us as a team member for all of next season", says Krister. "The other team members will be Tore Axelsson, Tommy Olsson, Ulf Sjödin and myself. We are really looking forward to next season. It won't be a free ride for any team to take the home the trophy - it's a Pro Mod war!

"Many teams are running faster and faster and new cars are joining Pro Mod all the time, so right now it is the biggest Pro class and next year should be awesome. It's exciting to have the privilege to compete during this evolution."

Needham: We're back.
10th November: UK Supercharged Outlaw and Top Methanol Funny Car racer Mark Needham is back with his Chain Reaction Altered and TMFC after what he describes as a tough year. Mark has already started to secure sponsorship for 2004 and is also hard at work organising the Modified Nationals which is on the move.

"The Modified Nationals-backed Topolino is going to be busy through the off-season promoting at various locations connected with the Modified car scene", says Mark. "As anyone at the Hot Rod Drags would have noticed by looking at the car, the 2004 Modified Nationals has a new home at Billing Aquadrome.
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"We have again secured Nitrox as the main Funny Car sponsor for 2004 as an exhibition vehicle, but we will be out racing in Top Methanol Funny Car as well next year. Also look out for a new paint job and sponsor on the Chain Reaction Topolino for its annual outing at the Hot Rod Drags, Nostalgia Nationals and Bulldog Bash.

"Big thanks to everyone who helped get us back on track, 2003 has been fantastic and we look forward to 2004 with more enthusiasm than ever. "

PMR hit USA.
10th November: Having recently returned from his annual visit to the USA on yet another fact finding and parts buying trip, Paul Marston has been in touch to update us on what has been going on. "As with every trip to Florida its always over too soon!", he says. "With virtually guaranteed warm to scorching weather all year round, in between the occasional rain deluge, it is a near-perfect drag racing paradise. As usual we attended the Orlando Worlds Fastest Streetcar event at Speedworld, this time teaming up with fellow PT Cruiser racer, ex Fuel Funny Car, Alcohol Funny Car and Top Fuel Dragster pilot Larry Nadeau who pilots a Pro Modified version of this great little car. With over sixty cars attempting to qualify for the thirty two available spots, Super Pro Street was tough. Rain affected qualifying and the scheduled four qualifying sessions became two. Larry was playing catch up as his Cruiser has not seen much track action this year (sounds familiar) and after two great attempts, the teams experience really showed as with a brand new clutch set-up they were close on the first pass. Larry qualified thirtieth, only to be bumped out later in the session to thirty fourth. Despite this it was an outstanding effort on the teams behalf considering their lack of track time and a 7.39/177 is not slow! The bump went down to 7.31 in the end of the second session, early evening Saturday night, with only eight pairs in the staging lanes to run before we were into the third session and our run, rain stopped play and the fat lady went for cover!

"Other ports of call were looking up old buddies like ex-Brit Tony Morris, a venerable European drag racer of repute who now works at Bo Laws Performance in Orlando. Although it is in a run-down part of Orlando you could not wish to meet a nicer bunch of guys and gals. Whilst there I collected the brand-new Alcohol set-up especially designed for the PT Bruisers coming assault on Super Gas and Super Comp in England next year. This was after a guided tour of the entire facility, its really impressive to see just how much research and development goes into performance carburettors, with specialists in every stage of the build. Everyone at BLP has a real pride in their product and the maintenance of a good reputation is a reflection of such a good friendly team of people.
©Eurodragster.com
"There was also a tour of Undercover Chassis, where Tony used to work; they are currently building his new Dragster. Its a slip joint chassis 225 beauty, its probably finished by now. Tony has been driving other peoples race cars for them since selling his old Dragster the year before, but is really looking forward to taking delivery of the new one. All of these visits did not deter the inevitable parts-ordering orgy, which accompanies any Stateside visit by a UK Drag Racer, in preparation for the 2004 season.

"The trip was finished off with a very special occasion, at Tonys invitation, the attendance of the Division Two Race of Champions at Gainesville. The cream of Floridas Sportsman racers fight it out for overall supremacy and a free ticket to Pomona to find the World Champion of each Sportsman category. To say these guys are just 'good' is disrespectful to the amount of hard work throughout the year that got them there in the first place, let alone the standard of the race cars, drivers and the racing.

"The event was a real eye-opener. This time we teamed up with Tonys racing partner Steve Deatheridge with his four-link Super Pro Dragster. Steve went seven rounds, reaching the semis before being defeated by the eventual winner, who drove a Vega doorslammer. This topped off a really memorable two weeks, culminating in being privileged to witness at first hand the work that goes into a successful experienced racer like Steve Deatheridge. There is always a lot to learn when you visit the States; I came away with a heck of a lot this time.

"Sincere thanks must go out to owner-driver of the quickest and fastest non-Chrysler powered PT Cruiser Pro Modified - Larry Nadeau and crew, Tony (Crew Chief), Robert (Clutch) and the rest of the guys and gals. Thanks also to Tony Morris, Joe and all the great people I met at Bo Laws Performance; Dave Croom at CRE for the Jessel Parts; and lastly ace Super Pro Dragster pilot Steve Deatheridge and crew, his Father Vic, cousin Rebecca, and again Tony Morris for helping make the trip such a memorable and fruitful one."

Wilson blasts into 5.3s.
9th November: Dave Wilson and the American Car Imports Racing Top Methanol Dragster team made history at Pomona yesterday by running the first 5.3-second pass by a European Top Methanol racer.

Dave qualified sixteenth with a 5.479/262.13 which booked him a first-round encounter with top qualifier Alan Bradshaw, whom he had beaten in a qualifying match-up in Las Vegas last week. "We are just going to go for it!", said Dave on Friday evening. Dave and Crew Chief Andy Bissett took their 5.4-second tune-up from the FIA European Finals and adjusted it for Pomona's track and atmospheric conditions before pulling to the line against Alan Bradshaw. Alan pulled a sizeable holeshot over Dave and clocked a 5.24, but the ACI team were ecstatic when they saw 5.386/262.74 on the top end scoreboards, which puts Dave snugly in the top twenty quickest blown-alcohol dragsters on the planet. "The car just hooked up fantastically and ran a 38 even though Dave short-shifted", said Andy.
©Eurodragster.com
"As the third-quickest blown car in the field, and the sixth-fastest overall in the first round of eliminations, the ACI Racing team want to pay a huge thanks to our American friends and competitors for making us feel so welcome", says Team Principal Anthony Cohen, who sponsors Eurodragster's Home and News pages and Event Coverage through American Car Imports. "I would like to thank the many fans who have sent congratulatory E-Mails to us - these have meant a lot to the team so please keep them coming. I would also like to thank Tog and Sharkman for doing such a great job with Eurodragster in keeping our news running so smoothly every day (You call it in, we'll post it, thanks! - Ed).

"We can't wait to get back to Pomona for the Winternationals where we will try to go quicker and faster!"

King's Greek trip on TV.
9th November: Many thanks to UK Top Fuel Bike racer Ian King for letting us know that TV coverage of his recent demonstration passes in Athens is to be broadcast as part of UK satellite channel Granada Men and Motors' Bigfoot and Friends programme tomorrow (Monday).
©Eurodragster.com
The programme is scheduled to be broadcast on Granada Men and Motors at 17:00 and 22:00 UK tomorrow, but as ever we recommend that you check the schedules as satellite channels in particular are prone to last-minute changes.

A big Thank You.
9th November: Eurodragster's News Editor Tog would like to say a big Thank You to everyone for their good wishes on his fortieth birthday on Friday. "I have been deluged by E-Mails from all over the planet and the phone calls didn't stop", says Tog. "I am also very grateful to our friends at Svensk Dragracing and the other web sites which posted greetings. It's been overwhelming and I can't thank you all enough. I have even forgiven Sharkman and Andy Marrs...at least until their time comes."
©Eurodragster.com
Draft at the NEC.
8th November: Many thank to Claire Meadows for letting us know that "Crazy" Chris Hartnell of the C & C Drag Racing Team has his slingshot dragster "Backdraft" will be proudly on displayed at the International Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, 8th & 9th of November.
©Eurodragster.com
The slingshot will be representing the Wild Bunch Nostalgia Drag Racing Association, by kind invitation of the NSRA and will be on show on their club stand in Hall 8 along with a very well known drag bike. There are over a 1000 cars at this exciting popular show and Chris and the team are really looking forward to being a part of it.

Smax on the Flame and Thunder.
8th November:UK Top Fuel pilot and FIA champion Smax Smith has been in touch to ask us to pass on an apology to all the fans who braved the cold at the Flame and Thunder to watch the top fuel match race between Smax and Barry Sheavills.
©Eurodragster.com
"The crowd was massive and the fans were ace but the reality was that whilst both Barry and myself were geared up for a full on race, firstly it was deemed Barry had to run a solo familiarisation pass so we had orders to do a 300 ft "squirt" each. Both cars were then prepared for the evening match race." says Smax

"Unfortunately the cold set in and the moisture was high so Knut thought the track might only be suitable for a half pass. The boss also said if car was not hooked up and going straight there was to be no pedalling. I was ahead by 300 ft although Barry got a better light by 9\100ths, but my car slid over out of the groove so I had to shut off. Barry was able to pedal 3 times to run a poor 10 second pass to my worse 12 second run. It must have been really disappointing for all the fans out there as well as Barry and yours truly! At least there was the awesome sight of header flames against the night sky. Please don't ever think we were not trying our hardest out there."

Beck looks to 2004.
8th November: Stephen Moon has been in touch to let us know what UK Pro Stock rider and reigning ACU champion is planning for 2004. "Dave is already well advanced with preparations for his 2004 Pro Stock campaign, seeking to win a seventh ACU title, and also targeting an assault on at least one FIM Championship round." says Stephen.
©Eurodragster.com
"Two brand new 1640cc engines are ready for 2004, featuring state of the art cylinder heads by Roger Upperton. In addition, chassis modifications are almost complete, including a new carbon/kevlar TL1000 body kit and a complete new Kosman front end. Hopes are high that the new motors will see Dave improve on his current UK et and speed records, with low 7.2s being the aim.

The search for main and associate sponsors is well underway with discussions taking place with a number of major corporations. In addition to full season sponsors, event specific packages are being discussed for the FIM rounds. Any potential sponsors seeking to support the highly successful Dave Beck Racing team please contact Stephen.

"Dave leaves for the two Prostar rounds at Gainesville on the 11th, seeking to consolidate his season best 6.8 second performance and make an impact on the eliminations. News on the 2004 Prostar campaign on the Jay Regan / Roger Upperton / Beck Racing Pro Mod will follow shortly."

Call him Mr 40.
7th November: Eurodragster's esteemed news editor and self proclaimed "Mr Six", Tog, today finds himself with a new nickname as Mr Six becomes Mr 40! No, Tog has not cut a perfect reaction time, the change of nickname is due to the fact that today Tog is celebrating his 40th birthday.
©Eurodragster.com
Tog (allegedly pictured right practising for his guest commentating spot at the Flame and Thunder show, pic courtesy of Andy Marrs.) is taking a couple of days break from doing the news over his birthday so I am sure all our readers will join Sharkman in wishing Tog a huge happy birthday.

Cannon sets sights on Gainesville.
7th November: UK Top Fuel Bike Rider Chris "Cannon" Hannam has taken a quick time out from his final preparations before flying to Gainsville to race the Top Fuel Bike in the final race of the Prostar season. "The bike is now safely at MRE in florida and a big thanks to Malcolm at Air Sea Logistics for a great job well done" says Cannon. "I have spoke with Frank and Tony Lang who have agreed to consult for us in the chase for our first 6 second pass. Every body is ready for the challenge, Al Cook Neil Midgley and myself will fly out on saturday and rest of the team on sunday. We will probably have a bbq at Jay's (Jay Reagen - Photo Ed) and take in the Bucs football game sunday night before getting down to the serious business of getting the bike race ready."
©Eurodragster.com
"We will leave for Gainsville wednesday morning and with the bike to unpack, the computer to try and fit, and the need to completely go through the bike time is at a premium. I only hope we can do ourselves justice and put on a good show. Once again my thanks go to everybody who is helping me to make this happen, one of which is Paul Rose who has stepped in at the death with some much needed help that was totally unexpected to say the least, it just shows how racers pull together when the chips are down.

"I can also confirm that Dave Holland's promod is cleared and ready for delivery to MRE so everything seems to be going ok and it is a great relief to me know that my bike is sat there while myself and Cooky can just get on the plane and enjoy the 1st class delights and talk about our game plan! Once again thanks to all concerned and I'm sure our roving reporters will keep you all up to date with our successes or disasters.."

On the subject of shipping Cannon's bike we heard from Malcom Francis of Air Sea Logistics; "We would like to say thanks to Chris Hannam of Cannon Engineering for choosing us to air freight his Top Fuel bike to Florida for the upcoming AMA Pro Stars at Gainesville Raceway and we would like to wish him good luck at the event. With the assistance of Terry Gibbs and former Pro Stock bike rider Alan Cook, Chris called us a couple of weeks ago looking for an experienced and knowledgeable freight company to transport his bike to the States" said Malcolm. "Chris said they had problems last year with shipping and didnt want a repeat. With our expertise and experience in shipping race machinery I told Chris to look no further!. Chris delivered his Top Fuel bike to our warehouse at London Heathrow Airport last Wednesday, October 29. The bike then flew to Orlando on Friday, October 31 where it was cleared through Customs by our partner agent, ALG Worldwide Logistics and delivered to await Chris arrival this week."

Eurodragster sends its best wishes to those guys representing Europe out in Gainsville and we are sure all our readers do the same.

ACI Racing star on NHRA Online.
7th November: 2003 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champion Dave Wilson and the American Car Imports Racing team are the subject of a feature on the NHRA's official web site as they go into this weekend's NHRA Finals at Pomona. You can find the feature in the Sportsman racing section of NHRA Online at www.nhra.com/2003/sportsman/news/november/110601.html.
©Eurodragster.com
After session one of qualifying at Pomona Dave, is nineteenth of twenty one with a 9.244/82.79. "We recorded a sixty foot time four hundredths quicker than we recorded in Las Vegas last weekend, but then the blower belt broke", says Anthony Cohen, who sponsors Eurodragster's Home and News pages and Event Coverage through American Car Imports. "Let's hope we have a better day today!"

You can stay in touch with the latest from Pomona on the Drag Race Central web site at www.dragracecentral.com, or on NHRA Online at www.nhra.com.

Web site updates.
7th November: Many thanks to Johnny "Mental" Hall for letting us know that the Supercharged Outlaws web site has been updated, the update featuring news of several potential new cars and the latest on Roy Wilding's gearbox rebuild.
©Eurodragster.com
Johnny also let us know the latest on his recently sold Happening slingshot; "The Happening has finally gone to Belgium with new owner Peter Vangoetherm , and we wish him the best of luck. After a new lower roll cage and new panels more in line with a sixties slingshot were fabricated in the B+J Nostalgia workshop in Romford Peter delivered the car to Martin Curbishley's shop for a stars and stripes paint job yesterday which I bet Sharkman will be pleased about! (too right Johnny - photo ed)

The Nitro slingshot of Windridge Hall Mckenzie is on the Jig for updates, and then a full aluminium body will be fabricated topped off with a 60s Mark Gredzinski designed paint job.

Bootsie, twenty years on.
6th November: It seems difficult to believe, but it is twenty years today since we lost one of the UK's biggest drag racing legends, Allan 'Bootsie' Herridge (right, picture by Martin Bradley courtesy of the UK Drag Racing Nostalgia web site), in an accident at Santa Pod. We are very pleased to publish the following memorial written by Santa Pod Racers Club Press Officer Jon Crawford:

On a cold, damp November day twenty years ago, European drag racing suffered one of its first, and undoubtedly its greatest, losses when Allan 'Bootsie' Herridge died. The impact he had on the evolution of the sport in Europe can never be underestimated. Even fans under the age of thirty are aware of his influence on the sport today. He was a pioneer of the sport, his racing career running almost parallel to that of 'Big Daddy' Don Garlits. He was racing Dragsters in Europe before the sport even existed over here. If ever there was a candidate for the Hall Of Fame, it was Allan.

Bootsie was always at the highest level of the sport, equally at home in Top Fuel Dragster, Nitro Funny Car, or later in his career, pure thrust-powered vehicles. Twenty years before the fantastic achievements of the current crop of FIA Top Fuel drivers, Allan became the first European to run a four, when he took over the controls of the Vanishing Point Rocket Funny Car.
©Eurodragster.com
Allan was an innovator, almost solely responsible for the Santa Pod jet car program. He took a pile of military surplus jet engines, taught himself how they worked, and designed and built his own afterburner systems. The result was the two SPR match race jets, one of which still holds the British Land Speed Record over twenty years after its construction. Many other cars built by Allan are still racing competitively today. As SPR's 'works' driver, he was a consistent name on the entry list of every major race for over twenty-five years. At one memorable Finals event, he was driving Top Fuel Dragster, Nitro Funny Car and Jet Dragster all on the same day.

Allan became a great fan of the thrust-powered cars, at last finding a way to race which didn't hurt his back like the Fuel cars did. Ever the innovator, he turned up at the season-ending Fireworks spectacular in 1983 with Europe's first jet-powered Funny Car, and it was in this car that he left the start line for the last time.

Fans under the age of thirty five may not appreciate the impact that Allan had on the sport. The sport in general, and Santa Pod in particular, was never quite the same afterwards. Take time today, not to be sad or to mourn, but to give thanks for Bootsie, and to let his friends and family know that we are all still thinking about him.

You can find tributes to Bootsie on the UK Drag Racing Nostalgia web site at www.ukdrn.co.uk and on Trakbyte's UK Drag Racing History web site at www.trakbytes.com.

Nilsson wants 'his' trophy back.
6th November: 2003 NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified Championship runner-up Håkan Nilsson and his team are already working on their game plan for next season after Håkan saw his beloved Championship trophy go to Roger Johansson at the NDRS Banquet in Stockholm.

"It didn't feel so good since we have been Bilsport Pro Mod Series Champions four times", says crew member Ulf Stadig. "To leave that beautiful trophy just fuelled the feeling for revenge which is burning inside us. The team have now talked and worked through this dilemma, and we are now more than ready to start working really hard for next season to bring that trophy back where it belongs!"
©Eurodragster.com
Håkan and Roger were also presented by Svensk Dragracing with special Red Light trophies. "It was a nice prize and we dont have any problem with it, since we have worked out some new start line routines at Gardermoen this year to contribute to the almost perfect lights which Hkan cut in the last part of the season", says Ulf.

Ulf says that the team are glad that their primary sponsor Veidec was recognised with the presentation of the NDRS Sponsor of the Year award. "The prize was well-deserved with their engagement in the Veidec Nitro Festival, and with their support for our team", he says. "We cant thank Rickard Plsson at Veidec, and the rest of our sponsors, enough for supporting our Nilsson Motorsports Pro Mod team. Hopefully we make you at least a little bit proud with what we are achieving!"

You can read a longer version of this news item, with pictures, on the Nilsson Motorsports web site at www.nilssonmotorsports.com.

Web site updates.
6th November: The official web site of the European Pro Mod Association at www.promod.nu has been updated with the latest news from the class including the return of Patrick Wikström, a new Pro Mod team, and more.
©Eurodragster.com
Alan Currans has updated his Acceleration Archive with a second Readers' Gallery including pictures of York Dragway (including the massive wheelstanding Leyland Skytrain), the Commuter dragster, some old Competition Altereds and a sprinkling of more up-to-date pictures, all submitted by visitors to the site. Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.

Super Modified AGM.
5th November: Tim Garlick has written with a quick reminder that the UK's Super Mod Racers Association will be holding their Anual General Meeting at 11.30 am this Sunday, 9th November, at Tewin Memorial Hall, 11a Lower Green, Tewin, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0JX. Tewin is not far from Junction 6 of the A1M. Click here for a map of the hall's location.
©Eurodragster.com
"Due to the post situation we have been unable to send out the proposed agenda and meeting details", says Tim, "but the meeting is open to all racers and crew interested in racing in Super Modified in 2004. Membership forms will be available on the day."

If you have any queries then please contact Tim Garlick on 07970 518742.

Swift snippets.
5th November: Congratulations to 2003 FIA European Pro Stock Champion Michael Malmgren who has been named as Drag Racing Driver of the Year by Sweden's Bilsport magazine. Team member Magnus Cato tells us that Michael is celebrating by travelling to the SEMA Show to add to the team's sponsors. The AC Delco Racing web site at www.acdracing.net has been updated with a brief season review.

UK Super Pro ET racer Chris Johnson's nine-second MGZ is now featuring on MG's X-Power web site. "The MG is now on the front page of the web site, and also on the World Tour page", says team member Paul Somerville. "We have agreed with to supply MG with race-by-race results and news next season. Also of interest on the X-Power site are the first pics and information on the new SV Coupe which MG have put together: the World's only production car that is available with nitrous from the factory, and the top engine spec will be over 900 bhp". You can find the MG X-Power web site at www.mg-xpower.com.
©Eurodragster.com
Very many Happy Returns to Eurodragster staffer Sharkman, whose birthday it is today. Tog is sure that all of Eurodragster's readers will join him in wishing Sharkman the very Happiest of Birthdays.

2003 VWDRC Champions confirmed.
4th November: We are indebted to Volkswagen Drag Racing Club Championship Co-ordinator Spencer Tramm for sending us the final standings in this year's Championships. Congratulations to this year's Champions:

Jon Rathbone Race Cars VW Pro: Russ Fellows
Beetlemania VW Sportsman: Stuart Hinds
AMR Motors VW Alternate Engine: Matt Attwood

"Matt Attwood won his second consecutive Alternate Engine championship when he beat Ian Sewell in round one at the Flame and Thunder Show", says Spencer. "Darryn Coleman leapt up four places as he managed to qualify first and win the event, whilst his closest rivals Andy Raw and Ian Sewell both lost in round one.

"In Pro VW, due to Paul Woodhead's absence Russ Fellows had only to qualify to ensure his first Pro VW championship; although a broken rocker arm almost sidelined him, Russ was able to fix it in time. Second place was closely contested between Justin Aldred and Paul Bate. Paul overtook Justin by qualifying number one and only had to finish as far as Justin to finish second, however a first round red light ended Paul's chances and when Justin won in round one the second place went to the Fugitive driver.
©Eurodragster.com
"Sportsman VW was a two-horse race but Stuart Hinds needed to have a nightmare race to lose (something that doesn't happen too often), but due to a tardy 1.1 reaction in round one, a shock exit to Martin Ayton meant that Graham Fairhead could win the title if he reached the final, however a redlight in round two ended his chances. In all, forty two cars have contested Sportsman VW in 2003 and it is set to grow again in 2004!

"The Club would like to thank its sponsors Jon Rathbone Race Cars, Beetlemania and AMR Motors. Expect to hear some big announcements from the Club soon about the 2004 Championship."

You can view the official final VWDRC Championship standings by clicking here, or by clicking on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

2004 Explosion calendar.
4th November: Jaap Selles of Holland's Explosion Drag Racing Club has kindly sent us the 2004 calendar of events at Drachten:

11th - 13th June
9th - 11th July
27th - 29th August
©Eurodragster.com
"Drag racing has been lifted to a new level in the Netherlands", says Jaap. "In 2003 records were shattered, spectacular new records were set, and the track can be compared with the best in Europe."

You can find the Explosion web site at www.explosion.nl.

Shock sale.
4th November: From the UK's Shockwave Fuel Funny Car driver Gordon Smith comes the news that the FC's rolling chassis and Firebird body are up for sale. "This does not mean that we are giving up Funny Car racing", says Gordon. "Quite the opposite, in fact - we are looking to upgrade for 2004 with the latest from the USA so that we can push Showtime to the limits in 2004!

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fans for their support in 2003, and look forward to seeing them again in 2004. Also we will be launching a new web site very soon - we will keep you posted on that."
©Eurodragster.com
The five-second FC comes with advice if needed and running gear can be included. For more details, check out the advertisement in the Cars For Sale section of Eurodragster's Jeff Bull Race Engines-sponsored Swap Meet, or call Gordon on his mobile on 07736 869113.

Swift snippets.
4th November: At 73 Europe's oldest competing drag racer, UK Wild Bunch and Sportsman ET racer Derek Annable, made his last competitive run at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday. Derek announced his retirement before qualifying for the Car bracket and finished his career in the first round of eliminations just after track announcer John Price presented him with a bottle of bubbly and a bunch of flowers for wife Brenda. We are sure that everyone will join Sharkman and Tog in wishing Derek and Brenda all the very best for the future, which we hope includes visits to the track to spectate.
©Eurodragster.com
I vinter ska jag stlla ut igen. Jag vore tacksam om detta kunde nmnas i evenemangskalendern/ p hemsidan/i en notis s att det sprids till alla intresserade. John Eyre stller ut bil- och motorcykelmlningar hos Transbydgens Konstfrening. Tid 21 februari- 7 mars 2004, Storgatan 48, Trans. Info: 070-491 74 28, 0140-56175.

Together again: Carter, Fjeld.
3rd November: UK Top Fuel Dragster racer Andy Carter has announced that he is to return to the track to contest the 2004 FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Championship after teaming up with Rune Fjeld for a second time. Andy drove one of Rune Fjeld's cars between 2000 and 2002, winning the FIA Championship in 2001. We understand that Andy will be campaigning the dragster which was driven by Øyvor Jacobsen and Peter Beck this season.

Andy's last outing, at Gardermoen in August, was curtailed by a top end crash which severely damaged his ex-Pelle Lindelöw Top Fueller although Andy was thankfully unhurt. That car has been rebuilt but will not be used for racing. The Carter Motorsport team has also undergone some personnel changes.

"The talks with Rune started when we teamed up to do the Performance Power Tools launch for B and Q, and we finally finished the deal last Thursday!", says Andy Carter. "I know that I talk for everyone at Carter Motorsport when I say that it's great to be working with Rune again. He doesn't say a lot, but more importantly he does an awful lot!"

Rune and Eddie Corr will be joint Crew Chiefs. "With four FIA European Top Fuel Championships, the European ET record and the European speed record between them, I'm sure that you won't disagree when I say that two heads are better than one!", says Andy. "Everything has stepped up a level in Top Fuel and I really feel that the way forward is to have joint Crew Chiefs or a team Consultant."
©Eurodragster.com
Dan Welberry, Dan Leggett, Alec Barker and Andy Bacos have left the Carter Motorsport operation to move on to other things. "I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks for all the effort put in, and good luck in your new ventures", says Andy. "We are currently taking applications for a new PR and Marketing person and will shortly be adding one new crew member to the team. Someone whom we can officially welcome on board now, though, is Kim Hessey who will be handling all of our catering and as if that's not enough she will also be manning the merchandise stand!"

The repaired dragster is to be picked up from Webster Race Engineering on 15th November, and then the team will be working to prepare it for display on Santa Pod Raceway's stand at the Autosport International show in Birmingham in January. "Racing Rune's car will free the Carter Motorsports Top Fuel Dragster, truck and trailer operation to attend the many shows and exhibitions which our sponsors ask us to attend", says Andy. "It's awkward otherwise, once the car goes off to Finland for the second round of the European Championship it doesn't come back to England until the end of August. Having a spare dragster, truck and trailer will mean that we can really keep our commitments to our sponsors, and hopefully educate more people about their products and the great sport of drag racing!"

US teams eyeing ACI Racing.
3rd November: The UK's American Car Imports Racing Top Methanol Dragster team are very proud of their achievements in Las Vegas at the weekend, says Team Principal Anthony Cohen. Dave Wilson clocked two 5.51-second passes, including one off the trailer, in qualifying and was in the eight-car field until the last few pairs of dragsters put in their final qualifying passes. Dave ended up ninth with a 5.518/259.16 which put him ahead of some of the NHRA's big names.

"They know we're a force to be reckoned with now!", said Anthony Cohen, who sponsors Eurodragster's Home and News pages and Event Coverage through American Car Imports. "We are very proud of our performance, not least because we are representing European drag racing as a whole, but we were especially pleased to run a 5.5 off the trailer and to run this quickly at altitude - we have never run at a track this high up before now. The air was completely different to what we are used to, especially the humidity which was in the teens. It'll be different again at Pomona next week, we are not so high up and the humidity will be higher."

The ACI team gained a lot of respect from fellow racers and NHRA officials in Vegas. "The track announcer said that ours was the best-looking dragster at the race, and our trailer with all of its graphics attracted attention", said Anthony. "Even our awning attracted attention! NHRA are trying to arrange a short feature on the ESPN TV coverage from Pomona - that's how much interest we have generated."
©Eurodragster.com
Anthony was interviewed on the track's PA and took the chance to describe the European scene, including the stiff competition put up by Peter Schöfer and Rob Turner, as well as challenging the US racers to come to Europe. The ACI team also had good wishes from fans and fellow racers read out over the PA during qualifying. "I would like to thank Peter Schöfer and his team for their very generous message of congratulations after we ran the two 5.5s", said Anthony.

Dave Wilson will be departing Las Vegas Motor Speedway tomorrow to transport the dragster to Pomona for next weekend's NHRA Finals. "It will be a sixteen-car field at Pomona so I think we will qualify", said Anthony. "Dave and Andy Bissett (Crew Chief - Ed) are already working on the set-up, for example the dragster lifted its front wheels at the gear shift this weekend which proves that the second half of the track had even more grip than we are used to, and we expect that Pomona will be the same. A lot of the other teams will be keeping an eye on us next weekend because they now know that we are a threat."

2004 NDRS calendar released.
3rd November: Svensk Dragracing have released the Nordic Drag Racing Series calendar for 2004. The 2004 NDRS consists of twenty one rounds and takes in five countries including a repeat of this season's rounds at the UK's Santa Pod Raceway.
©Eurodragster.com
The detailed racers' calendar will be released in the near future but in the meantime you can find the 2004 NDRS dates on the Svensk Dragracing web site at www.dragracing.se.

Swift snippets.
3rd November: UK Fuel FC racer John Spuffard is rapidly recovering after suffering frightening wrist and hand injuries in an accident a little while ago. We met Spuff at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday and he was proudly showing off a hand free of bandages and pins, and was wriggling his fingers as a party piece.

Very best wishes to race fan and Eurodragster reader, eleven-year-old Kelly Mackenzie of Benfleet, UK, who goes into hospital today for an operation. We look forward to seeing you back at home fit and well very soon, Kelly.
©Eurodragster.com
Web site updates.
3rd November: Chris Dossett has taken some time out from his busy fatherhood and Showtime Fuel FC crewing duties to update his popular Trakbyte's UK Drag Racing History web site. Amongst the many updates are photographs from 1970s racer Tim Claxton's library, new material from Bill Haynes of Quarter Horse fame, news from legendary drag bike racers John Hobbs and Keith Parnell, and a Help Us Find section. Check it out at www.trakbytes.com.

Eurodragster staffer Sharkman made the most of Eurodragster's traditional day off at the Flame and Thunder Show by doing what he does when Eurodragster doesn't have a day off: pointing his camera at just about everything that moves, and then getting his pictures posted as quickly as he can. You can find Sharkman's Flame and Thunder Show photographs on his personal web site at www.topendtales.com.
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Flame and Thunder Show results.
2nd November: Congratulations to the winners at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway:

Top Fuel match race: Barry Sheavills 10.000/77.82 def. Smax Smith 12.283/62.94
Car bracket: Terry Wareham (11.60) 11.651/117.01 def. Steve Pateman (8.30) 8.618/158.41
Bike bracket: Phil Pratt (10.40) 10.464/127.53 def. Dave Hall (10.60) 10.585/116.67 breakout
Junior Dragster: Ross Norris (9.35) 9.410/68.95 def. Ricky Emms (8.20) 8.289/76.17
VW Pro: Jason Aldred (11.90) 12.167/104.34 def. Peter Englezos (12.55) 12.780/106.94
VW Sportsman: Martin Ayton (15.60) 16.311/76.10 def. Sarah Rollin (16.95) 17.682/74.76
VW Alternative Engine: Darryn Coleman (14.85) 15.516/76.97 def. Matt Attwood (13.70) 14.462/94.39
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Both Top Fuellers hit shake off the line in the cold conditions; the agreement was that the first to the eighth took the win which Barry Sheavills did in 5.327/110.90 to Smax's 5.747/75.71, and Barry also got to the finish line first so whichever way you look at it he was the winner.

Eric Teboul put in passes of 6.147/176.20 and 6.587/156.10 on his rocket bike, Tony Baker clocked 7.215/212.43 and 7.121/224.93 in the Fireforce 1 Jet FC, and Martin Hill ran 6.214/213.05 in Fireforce 2. The evening, and the 2003 UK season, ended with side-by-side flame and smoke shows and half passes of 6.156/177.51 from Martin Hill and 7.754/159.36 from Tony Baker respectively.

Wilson just misses cut.
2nd November: Dave Wilson just missed qualifying in Top Alcohol Dragster at this weekend's NHRA Divisional race in Las Vegas. The American Car Imports Racing dragster recorded a best of 5.518/259.16 in qualifying, placing Dave ninth of twenty three for an eight-car field.
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Stay tuned as we hope to be talking to Dave and Team Principal Anthony Cohen in time for tomorrow's news update.

Cool TMD.
1st November: The UK's Cool Green Racing Junior Dragster team have announced a major upgrade for 2004 with the purchase of a Top Methanol Dragster.
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"A complete car, with motor, has been purchased", says Chris Emms who is to drive the car until his son, Junior Dragster racer Ricky Emms, is old enough to take the driving seat. "It is a good time for the team to do this. It fits in with our overall strategy albeit a bit sooner than we were planning."

The dragster is scheduled to appear in mid-2004 after sponsorship has been finalised.

UK, SPRC Champions confirmed.
1st November: We are indebted to UK National Championship Co-ordinators Yvonne Tramm and Simon Groves for confirming this year's UK National Champions, and for sending us the final points standings. Congratulations to:

2003 UK National Champions

Pro Modified: Gordon Appleton
Super Modified: Team Steelcraft (Danny Cockerill and Kev Perkins)
Super Pro ET: Ian Bishop
Pro ET: Team Top Banana (Brian and Lee Huxley)
Sportsman ET: Kev Slyfield
Super Comp: Tim Adam
Super Gas: Tim Adam
Super Street: Mike Bentley
Junior Dragster: Collin Morrice
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ACU Top Fuel Bike: Steve Woollatt
ACU Funny Bike: Neil Midgley
ACU Pro Stock Bike: Dave Beck
ACU Super Street Bike: Karl Larcombe
ACU Comp Bike: Phil Leamon
9.90 Bike: Fred Furlong
10.90 Bike: Andy Burfitt

Yvonne Tramm has also confirmed the final points standings in the 2003 Santa Pod Racers Club Championships. Congratulations to:

2003 Santa Pod Racers Club Champions

Pro Modified: Roger Johansson
Super Modified: Team Steelcraft (Danny Cockerill and Kev Perkins)
Comp Eliminator: Bruno Bader
Super Pro ET: Ian Bishop
Pro ET: Team Heaven and Hell
Sportsman ET: Kevin Slyfield
Super Comp: Brian Pateman
Super Gas: Tim Adam
Super Street: Mike Bentley
Junior Dragster: Collin Morrice
©Eurodragster.com
Funny Bike: Neil Midgley
Comp Bike: Phil Leamon
Pro Stock Bike: Richard Gipp
Super Street Bike: Karl Larcombe
9.90 Bike: Fred Furlong
10.90 Bike: Phil Pratt

You can view the final UK National and Santa Pod Racers Club 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 racers and fans alike will join Sharkman and Tog in saying a big Thank You to Yvonne Tramm and Simon Groves for their hard work in co-ordinating the UK National Championship points this year, and for forwarding them to Eurodragster. A big Thank You, too, to ACU Championship Co-ordinator Ian King for his work this season on the ACU points, which you can find on the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com. We would also like to add a Thank You to Spencer Tramm for his help.

CCSE review now ordering.
1st November: Many thanks to Custom Car Street Eliminator racer Andy Frost for letting us know that the official video of the 2003 CCSE Championship is now available for on-line ordering.

"With one hour and fifty minutes of qualifying, eliminations and the Cruises from every meeting this year there is something for every street-legal racing fan to watch", says Andy. "This is not an amateur presentation, it's a professional production with driver interviews, reaction times, ETs and speeds in graphics, track and voice-over commentary and of course all the thrills and spills from the tracks.
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"It is available in DVD or video format and it's all on-line at www.quartermilehigh.com. Click on Videos then Hardcore Street to buy from the secure on-line facility. Buy it for somebody, or for yourself - you won't be disappointed."

Flame and Thunder webcam.
1st November: Although Eurodragster's schedule of American Car Imports-sponsored Event Coverage is complete for 2003, we are testing a new set-up of our Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway today.

The webcam is as usual scheduled to broadcast one picture every two minutes although please note that, as this is a test, service may be disrupted or stopped altogether during the day.
©Eurodragster.com
You can view the webcam broadcast by clicking here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage feature on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

On the subject of Event Coverage, the Drag Race Central web site is reporting from this weekend's NHRA Divisional race in Las Vegas where Dave Wilson will be contesting Top Alcohol Dragster in the American Car Imports Racing TMD. You can find Drag Race Central at www.dragracecentral.com.


Earlier news


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