Good Morning, Eurodragster.com are ready today to bring you live coverage from the FIA/FIM-E European Finals, supported by John Woolfe Racing.
To follow our coverage, go to our event index by clicking here or to follow the live reporting click here.
Thanks to Eurodragster.com editorial team member Dave Nelson for taking time yesterday to see racers and teams in the pits to gather pit notes, you can read Friday's pit notes by clicking here.
Many thanks to Julian & Diana for covering Friday at the FIA/FIM-E European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway, you can see all the pictures at this link, supported by John Woolfe Racing
Thanks to Remco Scheelings from Drag Racing Europe for this update from FIA/FIM-E European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway:
Tommi Haapanen, Sandro Bellio, Andres Arnover and Jimmy Ålund leaders after the first day of qualifying for the European Finals
Tommi Haapanen is the provisional number one qualifier in Top Fuel with a great 3.89 second ET after the first day of qualifying for the European Finals, the fifth and final round of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship at Santa Pod Raceway in England. In Top Methanol Sandro Bellio is in the lead after day one, while Andres Arnover stormed to a great 5.78 seconds to take the lead in Pro Modified. In Pro Stock Jimmy Ålund once again claimed the provisional number one qualifying position with 6.62 seconds.
You can read the full article by visiting this link.
Gustafsson, Bengtsson, Mechaell, Lymant and Morrison lead day one at the Euro Finals
The opening day of the last event of the 2024 FIM-E championship at Santa Pod Raceway, England was initially a bit steamy and humid although the second qualifying session held largely in the dusk saw improved air and portents of what’s to come over the remaining two days of the Euro Finals.
You can read the full article by visiting this link.
Good Morning, Eurodragster.com are ready today to bring you live coverage from the FIA/FIM-E European Finals, supported by John Woolfe Racing.
To follow our coverage, go to our event index by clicking here or to follow the live reporting click here.
Many thanks to Julian & Diana for covering day 1 at the FIA/FIM-E European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway, you can see all the pictures at this link, supported by John Woolfe Racing.
Thanks to Mike Kraaij from DHRA Dragracing Holland for update Eurodragster.com for sending in this preview for the Finals and from the FIA preview for the Finals at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend. The preview of the classes, full of background information, which you can access by clicking here.
Thanks to Robin Jackson for sending this release on Dragstalgia article in the Classic & Sports Car magazine, Robin writes:
‘Chatty bunch, those drag racers!’
Racers who participated in Dragstalgia in July may recall being visited by a team from Classic & Sports Car magazine wandering the Santa Pod pits on the hunt for material to compile an article in a forthcoming issue. The team were delighted with the reception they received – ‘Chatty bunch, those drag racers,’ said the leader.
The October issue of ‘Britain’s best-selling classic car magazine’ is now on sale and contains an illustrated six-page Dragstalgia feature by writer Ryan Standen and photographer Jack Harrison which includes detailed photo profiles of nine of the racers interviewed. Classic & Sports Car magazine is available on news stands nationwide, price £6.50, and online by clicking here.
Image attached: Classic & Sports Car magazine front cover – October 2024 issue
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Straightliners Championship round 7 at Melbourne Raceway last weekend.
Complete lists of ETs and speeds recorded on Saturday and Sunday, including RWYB bikes, are available by clicking on this link. Thanks to Martyn Greathead for supplying Straightliners Championship results and points, which are available by clicking here.
Roger Goring and Julian Webb, jet funny car and Spiderman, put on a great flame and thunder show before blazing down the 1/8th with low 4sec runs, Roger setting a new track record speed of 203mph and Julian on the 200mph mark.
Saturdays first run for Graham Sykes, with the new set up on Force of Nature, endured a wild run but still crossing the stripe at 159mph. Sunday’s run ran much smoother with a 3.64sec run, just shy of his 3.60sec best, at 159mph. the main menu above.
NO MERCY SHOOTOUT BIKES
The 15 bike field eventually whittled down to the final with some close finishes along the way. Andy Higham made it through on his Deofol 500 with Peter Slater, who’d whisked Sue away via helicopter on Saturday night, made it to the other final spot against some tough competition. Peter took the win with another trademark wild ride and another 5sec run, by the way Sue said yes to Peter’s proposal!!
6 SECOND CLASS
In the fastest class it was quite amazing that the top three qualifiers were all on 6.12sec passes, Ian Wicks, Jamie Brooks and Maxine Taylor, with Peter Slater just 1/100th behind on 6.13secs. In the semi’s Maxine red lit against Peter and Ian beat Chris Hodgson. Peter once again lined up in a final but it was Ian who took a well deserved win pushing Peter to a run under 6secs, a 5.94sec for a breakout.
JUNIORS
Once again last round winner, Maisie Thornton made it through to the final pushing William Mountford to a breakout in the semi and Jack Taylor beating Toby Jackson. Maisie was quick away on the green but Jack just managed to cross the line first for the win.
JUNIOR SPRINT CAR
Poppy Brook pushed Jude Elliott to a red light to match up against Dexter Wilson who’d gone through on a bye. Come the final and Poppy had at last got the hang of the tree and was quick away sadly breaking out big style so Dexter took a popular win.
SCOOTER SHOOTOUT
Eric Cope beat Amy Wolstenholme to match up with Stuart McVicker in the final Eric crossing the stripe first.
NSCC SATURDAY
Saturdays 13 car field saw Ian Walley beat Grace Sleath in the semi with James Murray beating Derek Beck for the other place, once again a MK2 Cortina final. James cut a perfect green and was away to beat Ian.
NSCC SUNDAY
Stephen Gilmour made it to the final beating Nick Gunby with Ian Walley beating Craig Brown, who’d done a sterling job to make it to the semi’s, Ian then dispatching Stephen for another win.
NORA ELIMINATIONS
With a mix of bikes and scooters in the NORA Championship and based on the shootout formula of dial ins and staggered tree it was Eric Cope, Lambretta, who lined up against Rob Kneeshaw, Suzuki 750, in the final. Just 0.10 of a sec split their dial ins with Eric leaving first. Sadly Rob was too keen and got himself a red light handing the win to Eric.
We would like to thank former editor Andy (Tog) Rogers for covering the weekend with on and off track pictures. You can check out our John Woolfe Racing sponsored Melbourne Raceway results and gallery by clicking here or by clicking on the Events link in
A very Happy Birthday to former Top Fuel and Super Twin Bike racer Roel Koedam. Have a great day Roel from all of us at Eurodragster.com.
Good Morning, Eurodragster.com are ready today to bring you live coverage from the FIA/FIM-E European Finals, supported by John Woolfe Racing.
To follow our coverage, go to our event index by clicking here or to follow the live reporting click here.
Thanks to Santa Pod Raceway Commercial Manager Caroline Holden for sending details of the FIA/FIM-E 2024 Championship Trophy evening. taking place this Sunday 8th September after racing at the European Finals.
Winners, second & third place FIA/FIM-E Championship teams are invited to celebrate with their team and collect their trophies at this free event. Each team finishing in the top three championship positions for all FIA/FIM-E classes, will each be given a table for 10 guests/wristbands to attend the event. Teams unable or not wishing to attend the prize giving banquet may donate their tickets to other FIA/FIM-E Championship teams if they wish.
The prize giving will take place in the VIP Hospitality Village. Doors are open from 8pm and food is available from 8.30pm, with all drinks at half price. The evening will be open to all teams after 10pm (or after presentations whichever is earlier) with bar and disco open till late! You can download the event invitation by clicking on this link.
Santa Pod Raceway and Trakbak Racing wish all riders and drivers good luck this weekend!
Many thanks to Julian & Diana for covering the test day at the FIA/FIM-E European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway, you can see all the pictures at this link, supported by John Woolfe Racing.
Happy Birthday to Pro Mod racer Wayne Nicholson, Pro Mod crew member and Pro Doorslammer racer Tony Underhill, and former Supertwins racer and Junior Drag Bike dad Brian Udall Have a great day all.
The FIA/FIM-E European Finals Test & Tune Day has begun today, you can follow the Coverage from Santa Pod Raceway by clicking here.
Eurodragster.com today will have Julian covering the pictures. Live reporting by Graham will be from tomorrow onwards.
We will update when the gallery is completed and uploaded to our Event Coverage by clicking here or go via Events in our main menu. Our event coverage is supported by John Woolfe Racing.
Thanks to Jordan Payne for sending in this announcement that Global Emissions Systems Incorporated (GESi®) will be featured on the Sticky Situation Racing Comp Eliminator Corvette this weekend during the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway.
GESi®, founded by NHRA Pro Stock / Pro Mod driver Eric Latino, has conducted over 20 years of R&D in creating and testing their patented and proprietary advanced emission reduction technology called Dry Selective Catalyst™ (DSC™).
“I was very fortunate to be introduced to Eric in April by Freddie Turza of VP Racing Fuels,” said Jordan. “Whilst in North Carolina to visit the 4-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway Eric was very generous with his time - showing me around the incredible KB Titan Racing facility and going out of his way to introduce me to the team”.
Since 2001 GESi® has been involved with the performance aftermarket, offering solutions to those looking for emissions control in their high horsepower vehicles. Filling a void in the market, where inexpensive ceramic converters just can’t meet the demands of these environments.
Today, G-Sport Emissions Systems, a division of GESi®, works with numerous high performance exhaust manufacturers of European, import, and domestic aftermarket downpipes and exhaust solutions that meet or exceed today’s emissions regulations without compromising performance.
“I’d like to thank Eric and show my appreciation by promoting GESi® at the European Finals,” said Jordan. “If you own a performance vehicle and don’t want your catalytic converter to compromise your vehicle’s performance, then G-Sport by GESi® is your solution! I’d like to wish Eric and the whole team at KB Titan Racing the best of luck for the remainder of the NHRA season.”
G-Sport by GESi - High Flow Catalytic Converters website can be visited by clicking here.
Today is the centenary of the birth of late racer ‘King’ Harold Bull who was the first down the hallowed Santa Pod Raceway quarter mile and is a member of the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
Also Happy Birthday to Mark Rumble, Crew Chief to Samuel in Junior Dragster and Wayne in Super Gas, Mark is celebrating his birthday at Santa Pod on Wednesday 4th September. Hope you have a great day Mark!
Thanks to photographer Ashley Booth-Dale for sending in his links to Thrustfest from Melbourne Raceway last weekend, you can view them by clicking: Facebook and Flickr. Ashley has send in also this link for his "unofficial 5-second club" list.
Thanks to Events Coordinator Donna Finnegan at Santa Pod Raceway for sending in this announcement, Donna writes:
Friday 6th September in the evening Santa Pod will have the Nitro Session and a message to ALL racers and crew members that they are welcome to watch the Nitro Session from the main Grandstand "free of charge" at the forthcoming FIA/FIM European Finals.
Free entry will be permitted from 5pm (Fri 6th Sept only) with access through gate numbers 111-248. A racer ticket or start-line pass will need to be shown to the grandstand stewards before entering.
N.B We also politely remind you that the Grandstand operates a strict NO SMOKING/VAPING policy.
£250 is up for grabs at this weekend's FIA/FIM-E European Finals event at Santa Pod Raceway courtesy of Eurodragster.com and our sponsors
This weekend's Bad Habit Racing Perfect Light Award has been reset to £100 after no winners at the last couple of events. The money will be paid to the first racer at the event to record a Reaction Time of 0.000 seconds. The Perfect Light Award is available in all classes during both qualifying and eliminations, but will only be awarded for the first Perfect Light of the event. The Perfect Light Award is presented in association with Cath and Tig Napier of Modurstang Pro ET team Bad Habit Racing.
Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect Light Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried. Eurodragster.com decals are available in Signing On or from Eurodragster.com staff.
The Hayley Hadfield Perfect ET Award supported by Andy Hadfield has been reset to £50 after it was won by 7.60 Heads up racer John Sleath at the Greenlight Nationals. The money will be paid to the first racer at the event to run +0.000 on index or dial-in. The Hayley Hadfield Perfect ET Award is available in Peter Nee Super Pro ET, Modurstang Pro ET, Hutchinson & Dibley Sportsman ET, W.A. Watts Automotive Super Comp, Tony Morris Carburetors Super Gas, Pro Race Engineering VW Pro, Quantum Leap Racing VW Sportsman, Lucas Oil Junior Dragster, JKE Race Works 8.50 Bike, Atlantic Fluid Tech 9.50 Bike, Warpspeed Racing ET Bike and Eurodragster.com Junior Drag Bike. But will only be awarded for the first Perfect ET of the weekend. The Perfect ET Award is presented in association with Andy 'Fadster' Hadfield of the Twister Race Team in memory of his late wife Hayley.
Decals are not mandatory for the Perfect ET Award but we would appreciate it if Eurodragster.com decals are carried. Eurodragster.com decals are available in Signing On or from Eurodragster.com staff.
The Bob's Photo Finish Award, which is presented in association with Eurodragster.com sponsor Bob Roberts, will award £50 each to the racers involved in the closest finish of a green light and non-breakout race of eliminations at this weekend's event. At the Greenlight Nationals Event the Award was won by Eurodragster.com Junior Drag Bike racers Sophie Pollen and Maggie Smallman with a finish line margin was 0.0006 seconds or 0.74522 inches.
The closest race will be decided upon distance rather than time since, for example, 0.001 seconds at 230 mph is further than 0.002 seconds at 110 mph. For this reason the official timing data will need to be consulted so the winners will be announced here on Eurodragster.com as soon as possible after the event and the winners will then be contacted for their preferred method of payment. The award will be paid on green light drag races only, and not on bracket races where there is a breakout.
Thanks to Mike Kraaij from DHRA Dragracing Holland for update Eurodragster.com for sending in this preview for the Finals and from the 37th NitrolympX at Hockenheim. The preview of the bike classes, full of background information, which you can access by clicking here.
ACU UK Championship co-ordinator Ian King has posted the latest points tables online at this link or clicking here. Ian thanks Eurodragster.com former editor Simon Groves for his assistance in compiling the tables.
Happy Birthday for today to former NFAA racer Paul Wratten, Top Fuel crew member Paul Spaxman, Pro Stock/Funny Bike racer Karl-Heinz Weikum, FWD Corsa racer Ian Milne and Schumann Motorsport head Udo Schumann. We hope you are all having a great day.
The British Drag Racing Historians are proud to present part one of the Alan Allard story. Originally posted on the 29th January: Alan Allard watched his father Sydney build the first British dragster in 1960 and saw it run at various sprints and on airport runways throughout the country in the early 60s.
In 1964 Sydney decided he wasn’t going to drive anymore handing the keys to Alan who got his first experience of driving a dragster, jumping from a rally 100 bhp Ford Anglia, to a 5.7 litre V8 supercharged machine. Alan also drove one of the new blown 1500 Ford powered Allard Dragons and was kept busy driving both dragsters at the 1964 Drag Festivals.
A second big Allard Dragster was built at the end of 1964 and Alan was once again in the driver’s seat driving in the rain at Blackbushe during the 2nd Dragfest. Then in 1966 Alan took it to Elvington for a shot at the quarter mile standing start world record.
Alan also ran the Allard Dragoon Anglia at Santa Pod in the 60s taking many Competition Altered wins. Read more by clicking here.
Alan's story was written by Alan, edited by Nick Pettitt and published by Eurodragster.com former editor Simon Groves with help from Andy "Tog" Rogers. All pics are from the Allard Archives unless marked otherwise.
Thanks to Remco Scheelings from Drag Racing Europe for this update from Ivan Sansom & Rose Hughes on Alex Hope:
Raising an eyebrow or two on the FIM-E Euro Finals entry list is the reappearance of Alex Hope in Pro Stock Bike after a few seasons away. With father Chris overseeing the refresh of his old stocker that Alex last steered in the late 2010s, followed by a couple of years in Super Street Bike action, the V&H 2 valve Suzuki could shake things up for those in this year’s points chase.
You can read the full article by visiting this link.
Thanks to Remco Scheelings from Drag Racing Europe for this preview from FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway:
The FIA European Championship is ready for a grand finale at Santa Pod
The FIA European Drag Racing Championship reaches its climax with the European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway, the traditional grand finale of the season. In all four categories the championship is yet to be decided and especially in Pro Modified, where the top four are separated by only a few points, anything can happen and the title fight may last until the final run of the season. But also in Top Fuel Duncan Micallef can’t relax as the championship leader is closely followed by Susanne Callin and even Jndia Erbacher can’t be counted out. In Top Methanol Jonny Lagg is the clear favourite, while in Pro Stock Jimmy Ålund will try to remain undefeated while claiming his 13th European Pro Stock title.
You can read the full article by visiting this link.
Former Eurodragster.com editor Andy (Tog) Rogers is at Melbourne Raceway for this weekend's Straightliners Round 7. You can see his galleries of on-track and off-track pictures from day 2 of the event, plus results by going to our event coverage page at this link supported by John Woolfe Racing.
Melbourne Saturday off- and on-track galleries and best times (courtesy Martyn Greathead) now showing on Eurodragster.com.
Markus Christiansen sent this NitrOlympX report from 23rd-25th August, Markus writes:
Hockenheim weekend was fantastic, we started out the weekend with soft set up and it resulted in a solid qualifying run. We suffered a fuel problem from the previous event in Tierp, but by Saturday we solved the issue and got the bike running smooth at idle again.
On Sunday elimination round one and two we kept in on the safe side with a soft setup to get through the day without any troubles, this was to save the bike for a potential runs. We would have turned the screws, but he didn’t make it and we had to face Chris van Nimmen in final.
We would have loved to turn everything up for the final, but we soon realised we had a big leak on the rear cylinder and a valve spring had broken and we’ve bent a valve. With the issues we worked extremely hard to get everything changed including the head just in time for the final.
We ran with a minimum service and set up, but the bike did run very well, better than we expected and we won the race and the event. This kept our winning streak going since 2022.
Next round is at Santa Pod Raceway for us with the championship already secured, so if the conditions are good, we will have a go at the world record for normally aspirated bikes.
We are there to win the race and that will be our focus if the conditions are good, we will not miss the chance of a record attempt.
Happy Birthday for today to Nitro Revival organiser Cindy Gibbs, Top Fuel crew member Laurie Bamford, Street Eliminator racer Jason Weir, Top Doorslammer racer Mattias Wulcan, Charles Bang Special driver Gavin and Pro ET racer Thomas Bublitz and VWDRC racer Oly Whitehouse. We hope you have a fantastic day.
Many Thanks to Karl Linß for sending in these pictures from the Meguiars Drag Festival, Mantorp Park, Sweden, 26th-28th July 2024. you can see all the pictures at this link, supported by John Woolfe Racing.
Happy Birthday for today to Super Street Bike racer Steve Venables, Banshee Outlaw Anglia racer Mick Taylor, Sportsman ET racer and Junior Dragster crew member Chris Barnes and Åland-based Super Comp Bike racer Kim Hilander. We hope you all have a fantastic day.
