We were sad to hear of the passing today of Herman Jolink, Herman rode in Super Twin Bike for a few years, he was always on his Ducati!
Job Heezen posted on Facebook: Today we lost one of our most dedicated and remarkable dragracers ever, Herman Jolink from the Netherlands. Not only the dragracing society but also the Ducati world will have to continue without it's most persistent promotor. His battle with cancer was not a battle to win anymore and he had to surrender after a long period of suffering.
We will keep the many memories alive. Rest in peace, you will be sorely missed and I guess you will continue to teach all people above how dragracing should be done.
You see the history of Jolink Racing at this link
We at Eurodragster.com send our deepest condolences at this sad time to Herman's family and friends.
Mike Kraaij posted in Super Twin Top Gas Europe Facebook page: It is with sadness to inform that long time Super Twin Top Gas Europe competitor and dragbike racer Herman Jolink passed away after being in hospice on Sunday to my knowledge at the age of 70 years old. Herman raced 50 years on Dragbikes as I am aware. All of Super Twin Top Gas will remember Herman!
He was special for sure and Dragracing with his Ducati homebuild Super Twins for over decades! Started in the 70's! Some might say he was a peculiar man, and I can confirm that.
I had long discussions with Herman many times over Super Twin rules, Dragracing and all that came to his mind. And handling disapointments was hard to swallow for him. He was a true Dragracer for sure! All will remember him in their own way. For the Dragbike sport he did a lot, visiting many rally's and Meetings promoting Super Twin Top Gas and he beloved Ducati's. A true "Ducatist" in his heart.
He is gone but not forgotten.
Godspeed Herman
I wish all Super Twin Top Gas racers strength and Family and friend that knew Herman.
We were sad to hear of the passing also today of Markus Svensson, Swedish Stock & Super Stock Association announced this sad news this afternoon on their Facebook page:
Today we honor the memory of Markus Svensson, a prominent figure in the Stock / Super Stock class.
Markus passed away far too soon. He was only 64 years old.
Ola Berglund tells a little about her old friend:
I got to know Markus when he was 16 years old in the mid-70's. I dragged him to Drag Racing at the airport in Hudiksvall and to Mantorp, that's where it started, the interest in Racing. He started drag racing himself with an Impala -65 cab that he bought from Sven Hållén. Mid 80's bought a -69 Camaro with 302 that I helped rebuild into a NHRA stocker that he ran for a few years, then rebuilt to Superstock with 427 bb, think he won the World Championship around 1990. By the way, it was Markus and Magnus Tannfeldt who introduced the NHRA rules in Sweden, former Standard and Modified standard.
Lasse Bodén provides more information about the life of this outstanding racer:
Markus started driving Stock in 1983 with a 1965 Impala cab. He bought the car from Sven Hållén. He still had a framed picture of the Impala on the wall. In 1984 he bought a Camaro from Johnny Bergström in the Stockholm area. 302nd, four-speed. (that Ari Körkkö has now. )
He drove it for a few years in Stock before rebuilt it into a Superstock. In the late 1980s, he went to the United States to work for Joe Lepone, a Pro stock driver. After that, he has worked for several Pro stock teams including Mike Thomas, George Marnell, Barry Grant and more. He has helped bring cars and engines home to most Pro stock teams in Europe.
He was in the team around Niclas Andersson, who took four straight European Championship golds. He has also helped Bengt Ljungdahl, Thomas Lindström, Robin Norén and more.
After more than ten years in the United States, he moved back home to Sweden.
Then he started clutch service, which served many Swedish teams. In the move to Sweden, he brought with him the Dodge Dart that he has driven in Stock / Super stock in the last years with great success. In 2024 he took the bronze medal in his class. He also had a 1969 Camaro stationed in the United States and used to go over and compete with it.
The closest relatives are partner Gitte, as well as three sisters, Elin, Birgitta and Annika, with families.
We at Eurodragster.com send our deepest condolences at this sad time to Markus's family and friends.
Happy belated Birthday for today to Nostalgia Funny Car racer Andy Raw, Pro ET racer Tom 'Cherry' Watkins and Time Traveller II crewman Tom Hawkins. We hope you all had a wonderful day.
Happy Birthday to Santa Pod Raceway Chief Starter David Warren, Pro ET racer Will Clark and NSA historic drag bike exponent Terry Homan. We hope you all have a great day.
This Sunday, the annual SPRC riders` and drivers` meeting took place at the Spencer Suit, Hilton Hotel at Northampton. Thanks to SPRC Secretary Ian Marshall for providing details.
UK CHAMPIONSHIPS
The dates and classes of this year's ACU UK and UK Nationals Drag Racing Championship rounds are listed below, together with a table of other non-national classes running at Championship events. You may view and save the full tables in JPEG format, including all FIA/FIM-E classes, by going to the links for car classes, bike classes and other classes here.
NPC - DENOTES NON-PERMIT CLASSES
In addition to MOPAR NATIONALS 2025, NOSTALGIA ELIMINATOR and STREET ELIMINATOR TRY-OUTS will be included.
In addition to HOT ROD DRAGS 2025, FLATHEAD MELTDOWN will be included.
National Championship
Classes at what events list on list provided, no major changes. FWD have been added to Sportsman Nationals and Green Light Nationals for 2025.
Scrutineering to remain as per 2024 the system appears to work well, Team Names to Yvonne please one week prior to the first event you will attend.
Memberships costs have been raised to £35 due to costs of materials etc.
Entry Fees
Entry fees for 2025 will go up by £15 per event, the breakdown is as follows, £10 will go to Santa Pod Raceway, £4 will go to SPRC and £1 will go to the BDHOF benevolent fund, we discussed this last year, and the agreement was unanimous that we would help the fund to help you the Racers and crew members, The fund has passed over almost £3k to deserving individuals in 2024, your £1 will help to keep the funds viable, as well as all the Benevolent Funds other fund-raising endeavors. The other parts of the increase are again to permit, insurance and other costs escalating, the electric costs will not be changed, Please remember that the electric fee is for the racer, not his extended family etc, it’s really important that we keep on top of this to help keep the electric costs down.
If you use splitters in your own pit, then that’s fine, but keep it within the single box output, and without effecting other users (i.e. tripping out the box because of overuse) I would like to remind people that Entry fees must be paid 3 days prior to the race event entered, and as you know beginning 2024 there was a small fine applied to late payments (late being asked for your payment in the signing on office) this will be £25 for the first offense and £100 for future failings within the race year, we have emailed all those that chose BACS payment 1 week prior to the event as a gentle nudge to pay the entry fee, this will be a blanket email, so please do not be upset if you have paid, it's just simplifies the email option for us.
We will continue to offer free entry to 2024 Champions across all of our National Championship winners, but please note that this is purely for the Championship Class you race within, should you decide to participate in other events in another class then the entry fee is down to the Racer. The Prize fund will also be raised by 2% as normal. As usual for the FIA and FIM E entry fees, we will pay the National level of entry fee for the driver or riders, the remaining part will be paid by the entrant rider or driver, for instance £240 for a national entry but £300 for FIA the Driver will pay just £60 plus their electric likewise for the Bikes.
Low entry problems within SPRC Championships
We have 3 classes that we need to warn, it probably comes as no surprise, that Wild Bunch, Outlaw Anglia and Nostalgia Super Stock entries at National events have been poor, it’s important that we make efforts to get the entry levels up, or we will be looking to remove the classes from our SPRC Championships in 2026, We know that behind the scenes members of the classes mentioned are pushing to get racers out there, and we will do whatever we can to help, so please just ask SPRC if there is something you feel we can do. On a more positive note, we will be welcoming 7.60 heads up into the SPRC Championship in 2025, the class is growing, and has a place within the SPRC Championship, please note that this is the SPRC and NOT the National Championship we are talking about, but a stepping stone no doubt.
Bug Jam
We have mentioned this previously, but feel it’s worth going over again, VW Sportsman and VW Pro entrants must have entered 1 previous event prior to Bug Jam in either of the classes mentioned, it’s great that we have so many drivers wanting to come, however we need to stop the one event wonders from filling the pit space just for one event and to be part of Bug Jam, we understand that sounds harsh, but we have very limited pit space, and must look after the competing classes.
NCR’S
A note to all of our drivers, Motorsport UK have changed what we all know as the Blue Book, the regulations for MS UK competition are now known as National Competition Rules or NCR’s, in essence what they have done is work with all the motorsport disciplines and go through the whole of the rule book in order to simplify it, they no longer print the book (as far as I’m aware) but the NCR’s are available online and as an app on your phone etc, it’s worth having a look at the new rules, just to familiarise yourself with the changes, if you have never used the Blue Book then don’t worry, just be aware.
Track Upgrades
At roughly 300 feet there are now 3 blocks that have been replaced and have also been ground to match the surrounding area, the start line to 330 was also ground to maintain the key to the surface and stop the rubber peeling during tyre shake. The improvement was noticed and discussed.
Phil Evans Tech information to follow soon.
ACU regulation changes
There have been some updates to the ACU regulations, these will not appear in the rule book for 2025 as we are still waiting for confirmation of acceptance by the ACU, once they have been confirmed they will be added to the rule book page as an addendum to the book, we will also issue a notice through the SPRC email and Eurodragster.com.
Race Directors
We are looking for individuals that may want to get involved as Race Directors or Clerks of the Course as we are known, to explain details of time scales, job roles and expectations.
Chief Starter
2024 was my last year as Chief Starter, it’s time for me to move over and let David Warren run the start line, Dave as you know is more than capable, and I’m going to move to different areas at the track, I will be spending more time looking after track prep, oil downs and other procedures that I don’t have time to commit to currently. We will see new blood moving forward to 2025, as we have 3 new faces in areas of high importance, Liam Kimberely who many of you will know from the pit area is now assisting Darren Prentice in the tower with the running of race events, Chris Schreier will now move to the start line to assist David and Holley Marshall will also be assisting David at certain events, all three of these will be going through the ACU, MS UK and FIM Europe training programmes to look to become Race Directors or Starters in the near future, we of course wish them all well with their new adventures.
I will of course continue to run the SPRC office and all the other stuff that goes on around Europe.
Eurodragster.com's editorial team member Graham Watkinson's Drivers Diaries has been a great hit over this winter, with the season fast approaching. We at Eurodragster.com HQ are getting our site prepared for the 2025 season.
We would like to continue the series "Drivers Diaries" continue, so we are still looking for you to join us in sharing your tales, builds, adventures, trips, season highs and lows, winter stories, new cars, old cars, and general tales of what the season and winter means to you.
you can view all the 'Drivers Diaries' within our 'News' menu at the top bar or by clicking here.
If you have any updates please contact Graham Watkinson or email our news desk at this link and we will put together a weekly round-up of your stories on the site to keep the world up to date with the past, present and future of your passion.
First to join this week is two-wheeled fan, Tony Mayo:
Hi from the bottom end of the standings. To summarise it having sorted the engine last winter (Trevors old Yamworth not having raced in 20 years), after failure at every meeting last year, I started with high hopes, had a couple of gearbox issues, sorted them, then the rear tyre couldn't cope.
Managed to get a good slick (not easy in that size) so, having power and grip, destroyed the clutch. Managed to find a lock-up clutch, modify and fit it for last meeting at Melbourne, first heavy launch went crazy when the wheelie bars hit, corkscrewed left and right and oh, so nearly spat me off.
Looks like I was lifting the back wheel, possibly because they were half the recommended length. This winter, fixed a few cracks in the frame, building longer wheelie bars, and a bit of tidying up. Next year... reliable and competitive
Next to join us is the new face of Team Hawkins, XDA Champion and future Funny Car Pilot, Dale Leeks:
So as you, I had a busy year, the beginning of the year I travelled to Gainesville to undertake training at Frank Hawleys drag racing school. My goal was to go there and achieve my nostalgia NHRA funny car racing licence. At this point i had never driven a car down a drag strip and 2 days later broke the school car record running a 6.01 at 232mph in the quarter mile, I found the car comfortable and not to alien to me all the controls made sense and I had a good understanding of what I needed to do, but also went with a blank mind to make sure I could really maximise on the training available. I took the training very serious, and the result was more than I had expected. Frank signed off on my licence and I flew back to the UK to meet with Mark and Jackie Hawkins to strike the deal on becoming the pilot of their Top fuel Funny Car in Europe. Many people won’t know, but I’ve known Mark and Jackie for 20 years outside of drag racing.
I first met the pair when they had decided to close down their engineering business and help run a quarry in Leighton buzzard, I was a bulldozer driver and Mark found me in the yellow pages. Never did I realise at that time how special these two would become within my life. What a lot of people don’t know is I had a serious accident at the quarry and broke my neck in the process. I had 9 months in and out of hospital and needed speech therapy to be able to talk fluently again (many will say they over did it) but over the years we became great friends and I got into motorcycle drag racing while they got back into funny car racing. I pursued my Motorcycle career, but the whole time pestered Mark and Jackie into letting me drive the fuel car. The answer was always one day, Dale, one day.
Eventually Mark said he would consider me driving the car if I went and proved myself at Hawleys within 5 min of that phone conversation I called Mark back and said Hawleys is booked. The rest is history. The original plan was I would finance Jason to continue driving the car through the 2024 season while I came along and learnt, and we would fit licensing in between me racing the bike in the USA and then racing the car in the UK. This didn’t go to plan after the second meeting the car suffered serious damage and I sat down with Mark and said let’s put finances into the car so we have a better starting point for me in 2025. So we have spent the rest of 2024 ordering new parts and building the car how we want it. We wanted a jump on next season for me to try to get some licensing out of the way, and Kevin Kent called up and offered his car for me to use to licence. I can’t thank Kevin and his team enough for the opportunity.
I spent the day with Kevin before going through everything on his car and familiarizing myself to the cockpit. Furthermore, I most of done 150 passes in that car sitting still on the Friday, but I was feeling happy with the layout and what I needed to do. We went out on the Saturday with a planned 330 pass, to start my licensing. The car reacted exactly how I thought, and I was really pleased with my first attempt (truth be told I didn’t want to lift at the 330 it felt so straight and sweet) but it wasn’t my car, and I was under orders for licensing. It was great to have Kevin and his whole team around me and probably Europe's best funny car mentor helping me, John Spuffard. Unfortunately, we could go no further with our licensing attempts as the weather put play to that, but I get to sit through the winter with the mind set of yeah I think I might be able to do this ya know.
A week later, I flew back out to the states to race the biggest race of my life in the XDA world championship. I was point leader going into the event, but there was still a mathematical chance of me throwing it away. I’m happy to say that didn’t happen, going out Friday night and laying down the weekend's number 1 qualifying pass set the standard, and we took the championship on Sunday morning in E1. As many will know I’ve raced over there for 2 years covering, 78000 air miles and making it to every round. It was hard work but so worth it to retire in my final year of bike racing as world champion, it was a fairy tale for me. I couldn’t of done any of it without simply the best team in the world behind me.
Dan Wagner my tuner is simply the best in the world and without him, I would have got nowhere. And the Procopio family enabled me to race not just one race but two full years with their support I had motorhomes laid on, trailers laid on, all just to help this guy who showed up from England with a bike and a dream. Without them, I would not of been able to do it, so I’m eternally grateful to them all. My Dad travelled the world with me and has stood by me through the hard parts so more than deserved to stand next to me in my championship quest, I couldn’t of done it without him. He works on the bike to turn it round between rounds and is a crucial part of my team. I’m looking forward to going into top fuel with him. So the Gladiator livery is stripped off the car my race suit is made, the car's ready to go to paint and the parts are flowing through the door. I can’t wait to come up early next year, testing to get my licence signed off and race with the guys in the European funny car cup.
To round us up this week, we head to the "Snake Eyes" camp with Andrew Clifford:
One of the major assets of any drag racer is the ability to constantly look forward. So it was, following the biblical soaking at the National Finals we looked towards next season and began to work out how and where we can improve but first a brief season review from the Snake Eyes nostalgia dragster camp… Right before our first event we discovered major trailer damage which was impossible to fix in time. However, James’s boss Kevin came to the rescue, allowing use to borrow a flatbed trailer for the weekend. Our aim was to complete all Super Comp events this year, so a bit of a sketchy start! We were ticking along nicely, gradually getting more and more track time until The Main Event where we achieved surely one of drag racings holy grails; perfect ET and as such, number one qualifier. I only ever wanted to get close to 8.90, but to hit the index slap, bang on the nose was a real buzz for our team. Turns out the squirrelly launch DOES work!! We wanted more… Sadly, excitement is often short-lived in our sport, and the Summer Nationals hurt us.
The engine suddenly stopped around half-track during the final qualifying round. Inspection revealed a snapped timing chain, split cover, toothless sprocket along with 6 bent valves and pushrods. Being realistic, we got away with one. Thankfully, the big, strong Ford FE absorbed the impact! Luckily, we had some pushrods in stock – although used. This allowed us to make the mad 3 weeks in September to finish the season. Driver error screwed us in R1 at The Euros (for which I’m still apologizing) but when we let the car loose at the Hot Rod Drags we achieved PB's at every increment plus RT and MPH.
National Finals. Err, it was wet.
The dragster is now tucked away for the winter following a thorough check over; fuel system removed and cleaned, bearings checked, sump booked in for welding, half-shaft seal ordered, back axle seals ordered. We also discovered we’d broken a pushrod so maybe the rain was a blessing. Does leave me wondering how much longer we can ride our luck…oh well, best not to think too far into the future!
Due to some big birthdays in 2025 which will be a drain on finances we’re planning a pretty light schedule (most likely FoP, Main Event and Euros) but if we have some spare cash and more importantly annual-leave, who knows. I just have one aim: get out of first round at least once!
Finally, the thanks. EVERYONE in Super Comp, EVERYONE who bought a t-shirt, Kevin Parsons of Parsons Metal Recycling, Andy & Emma Gosling (stellar stand-in crew when James is on TF duty), Mum and Dad, and most of all Rach for holding the whole thing together.
Happy Birthday to Accidental Polymath Dave Gibbons. Supercharged Outlaws racer Simon Boot, also Crossfire (and future Wild Bunch) racer Jamie Faulkner, we hope you all have a fantastic day.
Straightliners have announced on their Facebook page the return of The Home of Speed at Elvington, York which takes place on 22nd-23rd February: The Speed Show is back!
Join in the fun this February for a family-friendly weekend of straight-line entertainment, as we celebrate everything that goes fast in a straight line. From drag racers and motorbikes to jet cars, supercars and more, this event is the perfect way to blow off the cobwebs for 2025.
What will you see:
- Huge Display of Speed Machines: Feast your eyes on an eclectic mix of over 200 vehicles on display in our heated marquees
- Live Drag Racing Action: Witness 100-metre drag races up close as over 50 vehicles take to the track
- Special Guests: Guy Martin will be here alongside the Spirit of GB bike, as he gears up for an upcoming world record attempt
- Steam Rocket Bike Demo: Witness the Force of Nature Steam Bike cover 1/8 mile in just 3.28 seconds
- Flame & Thunder Demo: Feel the power as jet cars showcase their power
- Passenger Rides: Fancy riding shotgun in a Monster Truck, Escort RS2000 or Motorbike Sidecar? Now's your chance!
- A Haven for Speed Enthusiasts: Browse through an array of vendors and traders, offering everything a racing fan could dream of.
Tickets are now on sale with limited availability, grab them before they're gone! Children aged 16 and under get in free. Free car parking. Show times - Saturday 9.30am - 5pm, Sunday 9.30am - 4pm.
All tickets available on the gate but will be more expensive. Online entries close Wednesday 19th February 2025. Online spectator tickets close 20th February for camping and 21st February for weekend and day spectators. Fancy drag racing your own vehicle? We have a limited number of spaces available for all day racing. Enter below.
You can purchase your tickets at this link.
Thanks to former Eurodragster.com editor Andy "Tog" Rogers for his report and pictures from the NEC Autosport International Show on the 10th January and he was accompanied by Eurodragster.com sponsor and Perfect Finish Award Bob Roberts and photographer Ashley Booth-Dale for their pictures of the event. You can view them by clickiing here.
Thanks to Dale Leeks for allowing Eurodragster.com to share the latest exciting news from Hawk Racing Fuel Funny Car Team: As many of you will know, The 2024 World Champion on 2 wheels will be taking over the hot seat in the Hawk Racing Top Fuel Funny Car, for the 2025 season.
Dale Leeks is no stranger to speed and adrenaline packed activities. When not racing he is often found jumping from planes, base jumping mountains, or barrel rolling through the sky on his paramotor.
We all here at Hawk Racing Top Fuel Funny Car are looking forward to seeing Dale progress in our Funny Car this Year.
The new livery is now going on the car courtesy of Capella Solutions Group and ProXL. Thanks to our sponsors Power Race Graphics, Lucas Oil Products UK, Baumgartner Race Cars, Pro race engineering, Funny Car Cup, The Leeks Landscapes Group and King Racing
Hammer Motorsport's announces the new design and new car for Pro Mod: There have been many questions and inquiries after we put The Willys 1941 up for sale. It was a difficult decision, but sometimes you must make sacrifices to achieve bigger goals.
Here is Hammer Motorsport's new Hot Rod. It's a 79' Corvette, built by our own engine tuner Mats Brag.
We are entering an exciting time with many new things to deal with. This applies to pilot Stian, but also to the rest of the team. We will have a lot to get in order before the start of the season.
We haven't quite decided which competitions we will run this year, but it won't be a full FIA tour. The focus for 2025 will be to learn the new car and set good, better and consistent times before we make the big push in 2026.
New goals have been set and we would like to achieve what we dream off. So wish us luck, see you on the track. Thanks to Darren West/ Power Race Graphics for the design, he really knows his stuff!
Happy Birthday for today to Top Fuel Bike engineer and tuner Marius van der Zijden, Supercharged Outlaws racer Andy Park, VW Pro racer Sam Chisholm-Brown, FWD racer Ian Pepper, and Willys Coupe racer Gary Daley. We hope you all have a great day.
JCM Racing announced this latest news on the All-Female Nitro Team in 2025 Field: Women will be leading the charge at JCM Racing as headliners Alexis DeJoria and Ida Zetterström have been commissioned to assume the driving responsibilities for Joe and P.J. Maynard’s two-car operation in 2025.
Competing as the sport’s first all-female nitro team, DeJoria will pilot the Bandero Premium Tequila Funny Car while Zetterström will be at the controls of the JCM Racing Top Fuel dragster.
DeJoria and Zetterström will make their debut as JCM Racing teammates during National Women’s Month when the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season kicks off with the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 7-9. DeJoria, a 12-year Funny Car veteran who previously competed under the DC Motorsports banner, will run the full slate of NHRA Mission Foods Series events.
Returning for her sophomore season with JCM, Zetterström is confirmed for a half-season schedule consisting of 10 races with the goal of adding events in hopes of running a full-season campaign.
“This sport has a long history of powerful women who have made their mark not only on NHRA Drag Racing but the motorsports industry as a whole,” said Maynard, JCM Racing team owner. “Women have been at the forefront of the NHRA for many years, and we’re proud to be the first organization to have an all-female roster of nitro-powered drivers. Ida and Alexis are the full package and will represent us well both on and off the track.
“Working with Ida last year, and seeing her drive and tenacity, I have no doubt that it’s only a matter of time before she has an NHRA championship to go along with her European championships,” added Maynard.“ Her work ethic is incredible and that translates to success on the track. I’m hopeful we can continue to add more races to her schedule this year and put her in a position to have a shot at the Countdown. As for Alexis, it’s clear that she is right there on the cusp, a champion-in-the-making, and our goal for this season is to put her in the best car surrounded by a great team so that she can make a run at becoming the first woman in NHRA history to win a Funny Car title.”
Calling the shots on the Bandero Funny Car is Mike ‘Zippy’ Neff, who has been instrumental in tuning multiple high-profile drivers to numerous race wins in addition to his two Funny Car championships. The Zetterström/Jon Schaffer driver/crew chief duo remains intact after a late-season 2024 debut. Like Neff, Schaffer’s resume is also jam-packed with highlights, including double-digit race wins and a series title since assuming the role of NHRA crew chief.
At their first race together at the 2024 Brainerd, Minn. event, Zetterström and Schaffer impressed with a semifinal finish but felt that they didn’t truly hit their stride until several races later when the season was coming to an end.
“I feel like we left a lot on the table when it comes to showing people what we’re capable of,” explained Zetterström, who recently won the National Dragster All-Star Team fan vote for ‘Best New Talent.’ “Everyone else had a 12-race head start on us so by the time we came out in August, the rest of the field had several months of getting the kinks worked out. Not to mention, many of those teams have worked together for years and years whereas we were a brand-new team that was starting from scratch. Right as it started to feel like we were getting into our groove, the season ended. So, we’re ready to get back out there and prove ourselves. I hope we can put together the proper funding to race a full season, but regardless, I’ll be out at the track every race weekend, either competing for win lights or supporting my new teammate from the starting line. I’m excited for Alexis and me to be teammates this year.”
Beyond the marketability factor, DeJoria and Zetterström boast an impressive list of credentials. Both women spent years climbing the ranks in the high-speed sport of straight-line racing, learning the ropes before advancing. Zetterström is a European drag racing champ on both two wheels and four, having become the first woman to win an FIM Super Street Bike title in 2019 and again in 2020. Before relocating from Sweden to the Indianapolis area last winter, Zetterström clinched the 2023 FIA European Top Fuel crown.
DeJoria is a former U.S. Nationals champion and the first woman to clock a three-second Funny Car pass. In addition to her six Funny Car triumphs, DeJoria found success in the Sportsman ranks before transitioning over to a nitro-fueled machine in 2011 and is the only driver to own the trifecta of Super Comp, Top Alcohol Funny Car, and Funny Car victories.
“Ida was a great addition to the tour last year, and I’m looking forward to having her as a teammate,” DeJoria said. “We’re both fierce competitors and I feel like we’re going to motivate each other. I’m also really looking forward to working with Mike Neff. His credentials speak for themselves, and he’s had a lot of success in Funny Car. The guys are up in Indy, hard at work getting our car prepped and put together so that we’re ready to go come March. Our goal for this season is to be consistent and win races.”
DeJoria and Zetterström will hit the track for the first time during the NHRA pre-season test session at Gainesville Raceway, March 4 - 5. Zetterström’s schedule of events will be announced closer to the start of the season. Organizations and individuals interested in partnering with Zetterström and JCM Racing should contact: [email protected].
Competing as NHRA's first all-female nitro team, Alexis DeJoria will pilot the Bandero Premium Tequila Funny Car while Ida Zetterström will be at the controls of the JCM Racing Top Fuel dragster in 2025.
The 2025 European Drag Race Series, organised in Scandinavia by Speedgroup, has been updated on dragracingeurope.eu, you can view their site by clicking here.
Please contact Summit Racing EDRS Series Project Manager Ms Helene Rapp for any questions please contact her at this email link.
Happy Birthday for today to Top Fuel and Funny Car racer and Junior mum Shelley Pearson, Super Pro ET racer and Junior Dad Matt Peters, former Top Fuel racer Andy Craddock and Pro Stock Bike racer Frederik Kirkhoff Schack. We hope you all have a wonderful day.
Thanks to Unusual Car Sales UK's Nigel Taylor who has contacted Eurodrasgter.com to announce that Unusual Car Sales UK is to sponsor this years Street Weekend 2025, due to some members clubbing together and throwing £20 into a kitty, they are looking to put up a good bit of prize money.
We understand that some people and companies would like to get involved but can’t afford to put up big prize money so as Unusual Car Sales UK is a big follower of British Drag Racing , we have come up with this idea where those folks or companies will get a mention on our site which is now followed by over 39,000 people for contributions of £20 into the prize kitty .
Unusual Car Sales UK, Kenzie Taylor will be following the Street Weekend antics and no doubt he will have his camera with him (good teaching from Santa pod's Callum Pudge), so will represent Unusual Car Sales uk and witness who wins what and where.
If you would like to get involved with the contributions then please head over to the Unusual Car Sales UK Facebook page by clicking here to answer all the application questions (if you’re not already a member) and then look out for the Street Weekend 2025 posts or contact Nigel at this link for any info required.
All prize money - donations will be sent to Santa Pod Raceway Just before the event. Thank you
Snake Eyes Slingshot racer Andy Clifford has contact Eurodragster.com to publish this polite request fo the Drag Racing community that since reading the sad news of the loss of Pat Cuss in November Andy noticed the article written by Jerry Cookson he thinks that mentioned the Ratcatcher that first appeared in 1975. Both Andy and his father have always been unsure when the car first appeared but clearly, if this is correct then we have a big anniversary this year.
Andy's father has collected a fair bit of archive over the last 20 years of owning the car, but if anyone in the drag racing community has any stories, magazine cuttings, video or photos they would be willing to share we would love to hear from you.
We will be out with the Snake Eyes Dragster at Festival of Power, so please feel free to stop by our pit or drop us an email by clicking here for Terry and clicking here for Andy
Picture credited to Jerry Cookson of Pat Cuss's Rat Catcher, the Chrysler powered short wheelbase dragster is still raced today by Terry Clifford in Wild Bunch as the Ratcather Resurection
Happy Birthday for today to Super Street Bike racer Mark Dainty and VW Pro racers James Gould and Ed Keech. We hope you all have a great day.
Happy Birthday for today to FIA Pro Stock racer and legend Michael Malmgren, Outlaw Anglia racer Garry Hill and German Pro Modified racer Jürgen Kath. We hope you all have a wonderful day.
Thanks to FIA Technical Consultant for Drag Racing Frans Steilberg for informing Eurodragster.com that FIA have published the 2025 FIA Technical Regulations.
2025 Technical Regulations for FIA Drag Racing are published online under FIA.com and can be found by clicking here.
Thanks to Eurodragster.com’s intrepid reporter Tog for his words on this year's show:
Autosport International, the annual halfway-there beacon of the off-season, took place at Birmingham’s NEC this past weekend. Although drag racing involvement was minimal this time around, Eurodragster.com kept up our record of attending Autosport International since the year 2000. Flying the flag for drag racing on the Co-Ordsport stand was Front-Wheel Drive racer Matt Davison, aka Mr Boost, whose nine-second 1991 Honda Civic runs in Comp Eliminator. “The motor is 1.6 litre single cam sixteen valve”, said Matt. “It makes 915 horsepower, and we will be trying for a thousand this year. The turbo is a Garrett G45 and a Fueltech ECU controls everything. Boost and fuel control are Turbosmart”.
The Civic runs on methanol because it makes more power and runs cooler. “We run a solid block with no coolant because we use methanol”, said Matt. On its 9.1-second pass, the car recorded a terminal speed of 159 mph but has run almost 162 mph on its fastest pass. As is not uncommon with high-revving motors, the team struggle with valve spring issues, but Matt said that the car is nevertheless more consistent than in the past. “The ECU is very good at controlling everything”, he said. “The sensors help with traction”. The Civic is also equipped with a Gizfab exhaust manifold, manual H-pattern four-speed PPG dog box, and twin-plate Competition Clutch. Fabrication was by Matt himself, with tuning by Chris at EFI Parts.
Future developments include a new bottom end, a motor with alloy rods and work on the head. Although the team still have some work to do before the new season, including a meeting with the powers-that-be about their Comp Eliminator index, Matt said that he couldn’t turn down the chance to appear at Autosport. “Paul asked “Is it in one piece?”, it wasn’t but we put it together!”, said Matt. “Our first round is at Easter if we’re done. We’re looking for 8.5s at 170 mph – the speed against the ET is what draws people in.”
Matt is grateful to wife Rach – they were married on the start line at Santa Pod last season – for, quote, “Putting up with it. She’s awesome!”. Chris Murty formerly of York Raceway is credited with getting Matt into it in the first place many years ago. “I got the bug and that was it!”, said Matt. “It’s our life now, every holiday we book we check whether there is a drag strip nearby.”
Elsewhere in the Show on Friday was Kevin Nicks’ motorised garden shed, which is the world’s fastest such vehicle and which is of course familiar to spectators at Melbourne Raceway, Santa Pod Raceway and elsewhere. Owen Forrest had a double entry with his Datsun 280Z and Toyota Supra on two separate stands; the ever-busy Owen proved elusive on Friday with multiple instances of “You just missed him, he was here a moment ago”, so apologies for no words from him. F1 in Schools were as ever in attendance with their drag strip on which ran CO2-powered F1 cars designed, built, operated and financed by STEM and motorsport students. Your Reporter was invited to have a go and gave the student with whom he was paired a 0.136 start line ass-whipping on what was effectively an instant green.
Once the Public Show opened on Saturday the Collier and Willcox families were present with their 2024 Championship-winning ET Bike, Junior Drag Bikes and Junior Dragster respectively, the Willcox family in support of the Firefighters’ Charity whilst the Colliers were accompanied by a loitering-with-intent Thomas Cook-Abbott.
We will shortly post a small Autosport gallery courtesy of Bob Roberts, Ashley Booth-Dale and Tog; in the meantime thanks to Ashley Booth-Dale for his photograph included in this report.
Happy Birthday for yesterday to former Sportsman ET racer Stephen Cherrett and Street Eliminator crewman Andrew Shakeshaft. We hope you both had a great day.
Happy Birthday for today to Malta Drag Racing Association secretary Konrad D'Anastasi and former Street Eliminator racer Ian Hook, we hope you had a great day guys!
Thanks to The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Director and member Jeremy Cookson for sending in the update about him returning to the mic again. Jeremy writes:
Finally, I can now reveal that after a year away from the mic I will be announcing at seven of this year’s drag and sprint meetings at Melbourne Raceway starting in April (12th/13th) at the tracks season opener.
“I’m really looking forward to being at the track and working alongside resident commentator Paul Cumpstone”, commented Jerry. “The last time I was at the raceway was in 2010, so I’m particularly looking forward to seeing first hand all the good things that have taken place and made possible by the Straightliners crew and their base of loyal fans.“I would like to thank Trevor Duckworth and the Straightliners crew for this opportunity and for me to reunite with some old racer friends I haven’t seen in years and to reacquaint myself with some of the established drag racing series contested at the track as well as the new Portatree Timing equipment recently purchased and soon to be installed at the track."
"I’m particularly looking forward to getting amongst the racers and fans with the radio mic and calling races for the American Super Stock Challenge, Supercharged Outlaws, Street Weekend and the exhibition Jet Cars and Rocket Bike to name just a few. Who knows we might be able to introduce the Bracket Gamblers, and the Pro Street Drag Series that were made successful at Shakespeare County for 10 years. Now let’s bring it on”.
The first meet takes place on the 12th-13th April followed by 10th-11th May, 14th-15th June, 12-13th July, 2nd-3rd August, 30th-31st August and finaly 4th-5th October. Further exciting plans for Melbourne Raceway will be revealed soon.
First up, Sportsman ET, and many other classes later, driver Kirstie Tramm shares her thoughts:
2024 - Saved money on not needing a new race number sticker (Apologies PWRD), but bought the car instead, bargain! As ever, I've had so many adventures with Green the Camaro and this year was no exception. After a few grovelling emails to work about time off in term time, thankfully it all paid off. I have had a few people asking how many more classes can I technically enter, referencing the ever-growing list of race numbers on the back of the car. Street Weekend, Big Bracket, Street Eliminator, Sportsman ET and Pro ET, whatever could be next?
Started the year as #2 in Sportsman ET, and by the skin of my teeth finished up #2 in a closely fought contest going right up to the last event with the weather deciding final championship order. The highlights of this year has to be taking part in Street Weekend with one goal which was to finish in the top fifty, and amazingly I just scraped in at number 49. I could have been placed higher but a school girl error, handed in a slower ticket at Melbourne. How many times have I watched a drag and drive event on YouTube?! It was a fabulous weekend, even if we did experience nearly every type of weather in 24 hours.
Having only put marginal road miles on the car the previous weekend I was well out of my comfort zone but having the best friends along for the journey made it.
Next year I'm still undecided upon, Sportsman, Pro ET or Street Eliminator as I have enjoyed each class immensely when competing. In the end, I just like racing, so I'll probably race in everything I can do anyway. Heavily leaning towards Sportsman, though, as I still need to teach my arch nemesis a lesson. By the way, thanks for the amazing tree ornament, Gary! See you in 2025!
Big thanks to Hutchinson and Dibley the Sportsman ET class sponsors, Tig and Cath for the extra sponsorship, the whole Tramm and Atkinson family for behind the scenes support and Andy Dibley for selling me the best car my money could buy. Lastly, to the fantastic family of drag racing in Pro ET and Street Eliminator that have taken me under their wings when Sportsman wasn't an option.
Live that dream, people.
Next up are the trio of international drivers all the way from France, the Custom Gang:
Custom Gang Racing’s 2024 Season Recap:
The 2024 season for our team was a challenging one, with highs and lows., but we kept working hard to be able to travel across Europe. Like most European teams, we struggled over the winter break to get parts delivered, but we managed to get all four cars ready in time! We made a few modifications on Patrick’s Pontiac GXP with a new-to-us rear end that we bought off our good friend Jean Dulamon.
We kicked off our 2024 season in France, with the first round of the French championship at our home track, Clastres Dragway. Furthermore, we had a really sunny and warm weekend planned, but the fun was short-lived as Elodie’s engine dropped a couple of pistons and totalled the block during the second round of qualifications. At this point, we thought that it was the end of Elodie’s season. On a better note, Clément managed to secure his first win in Super Comp against our friend Didier Billault. After a last-minute entry switch between Fabien and Elodie in Super Pro (thanks to Ian Marshall for allowing us to do so), we took off for a very wet Santa Pod for the FIA Main Event. Setting up was a struggle under the pouring rain, yet we were able to make a few great qualification rounds, Fabien even ran his first-ever 6 seconds pass.
We also met with Reher Morrison’s Brad Morgan and agreed on a deal on a brand new 585 CI BBC, hoping to get Elodie back to racing in 2024! Sadly, the rain came back on Monday afternoon while we were in the pairing lanes. We had to wait over two hours in the lanes before we were told sportsman classes would run the rest of the eliminations on ⅛ mile, that was a first! It was especially challenging for Clément in Super Comp with a fixed index. Both Clément and Fabien were lucky enough to go rounds when the rain made a comeback at almost 9p.m.
Next, we headed back to Clastres Dragway for two more rounds of the French championship in June and July. Sadly, Elodie’s brand-new engine did not arrive in time for the second round at Clastres, being held at the customs for weeks, but we were able to get everything ready for the July event. We had some rain on Saturday both weekends but were able to complete the eliminations, that’s what matters! Clément was able to go all the way to the finals twice, but was defeated by drag racing veteran Gerd Habermann twice! Yet it wasn’t enough for Gerd to beat him at the Super Comp Championship! That makes the 19th French Championship for the team!
Right after the finals at Clastres Dragway, we headed towards Gardermoen Raceway in Norway, one of our favourite racetracks in Europe. We took a ferry from Kiel to Oslo with our friend from the Toxic Drag Racing Team! We were blessed with good weather the three first days, Clément was qualified N°1 off the trailer, Patrick ran regular 6.9’s and Elodie finally was able to use her new engine with a new personal best of 7.08! With the weather looking wet for Sunday, the track team decided to run the eliminations on Saturday. Unfortunately, all three of our drivers went out in the first round, that was not how we would have liked the weekend to end, but it is what it is, we can only get better and learn from our mistakes…
After our Scandinavian trip, we had a little time off before our last race at Santa Pod. We were asked by our partner Milwaukee Tools to be present at LaBoiserie’s Fair, one of France’s biggest car-related social media stars. It was once again a very damp weekend, but we were amazed by the 100,000 fans that came to this event!
Early September, we crossed the channel over to Santa Pod for our last race of the season, with Patrick, Fabien and Elodie Racing. A part of the team was there early to allow Fabien to male some test passes, trying to keep the dragster down.
Huge wheelies make beautiful pictures but are neither good for the car, ETs nor regularity. During qualifications, all three were able to break their personal bests! Elodie with a 7.05, Fabien with a 6.96 and Patrick with a 6.84! It was a relief that all three cars worked perfectly and were very consistent. Sadly, with three cars racing in the same class, we often have to race each other in the eliminations: Fabien was against Patrick in the first round and won, Patrick having some issues with the Lenco.
Both Fabien and Elodie were able to get some Sunday racing! But with the competition being so tough in England, Fabien went out in the second round and Elodie in the quarter-finals. This last event was a great one for us, we got a lot of data to come back stronger next year!
This season has been challenging for the team, especially on the financial side, but we ended the year on a good note, and are hoping for a better 2025 season. We are already getting ready for next year, trying to recoup our finances and only making minor changes on our cars with the help of our amazing sponsors Milwaukee Tools, JF Auto, Transport Jacques Martin, and SpeedFlex. Our 2025 schedule should be more or less the same as the past couple of years (France, UK, Norway).
Last across the line this week, fresh from his European trip, the Flyin Fyfer himself, Colin Millar:
With the 2024 race season firmly behind us, we kid ourselves on that 2025 is months away, but secretly we all have a plan already concocted, I mentioned in September that the Flyin Fyfer Drag Racing Team are going on a big adventure and the plan is slowly coming together. The original plan was to head out to Norway and Sweden in June July and August for the Brexit 90 day limit, we have had a rethink and were extending this to allow us a month in England in May and when we come back (if we come back) a further month in September, excited you may ask your self, absolutely. I've been a busy bee and made contact with all the proposed tracks, and hopefully we have as firm as it can be the proposed dates scribbled on a bit paper, been asking to make sure my MSA licence are compatible and to make sure both the car and the safety equipment are fully compliant with both the Norwegian and Swedish drag racing bodies, it appears to be all good.
It's going to be a very strange year for us, we’ve been racing at Santa Pod for 40 years up to 2024 and to think our next race at the Pod will have to wait until September 2025 is very odd to say the least, sorry folks, but I will for sure keep you all updated on my wee Oooooot and Aboooooot posts. We won't be totally missing everything as we will be there at the Pod in May as spectators drinking beer on the banking with Ginner and all the crew and generally misbehaving.
We will attend Nostalgia Nationals, Doorslammers and The Main Event before we disappear in early June, see you all there. Unsure as yet for the final travel plans but most probable we will head out Harwich to Hook then up to Kiel in Germany and catch the 22-hour ferry to Oslo. We're hoping to catch Gardermoen Raceway in Norway the first week in June and then onto the four-day event at Tierp then straight onto Tallhed Raceway, three in a row, then a wee rest and some sightseeing then onto The Power Big Meet first week in July and straight onto following Sweden's Drag week which then falls directly onto Sundsvall Raceway, more sightseeing until the last week in July and onto Mantorp Park then back over to Norway to Gardermoen raceway once again and straight back to Tierp, phew !!!
More R&R for a couple of weeks and maybe back to Sundsvall Raceway or rest our bones before heading to Hockenhiem for our last weekend in heaven where we’ve got to watch our dates and high tail it back to England before we deported.
If the car is in once piece (please let the racing gods be good to us) we will be right back into the Euro Finals, straight into The Hot Rod Drags and then straight into The National Finals, another three in a row, few !!!
By this point we will be broke and penniless but do I care, absolutely not, one thing is for sure we ain't taking anything with us on the journey over the hill, lol
In the meantime, look after yourselves and your loved ones, and we wish you all a cracking New Year for racing.
All the best fae The Flyin Fyfers xxx
Happy Birthday for today to European Top Fuel legend Anita Mäkelä and Pro Stock racer Stefan Ernryd. We hope that both of you have a wonderful day.
Perfect Light Award sponsor Cath Napier has asked if we can wish her husband Tig a very Happy Birthday and anniversary for today, we hope you have a great day Tig!
Also celebrating today Mikey Durbidge, we hope you have a great day Mikey.
Thanks to Peter Walters from Santa Pod Racers Club and Peter Walters Race Design for sending the Final set of Perpetual Awards - 2024 SPRC Perpetual Awards – The James Edgar Memorial Trophy.
For the 2024 season, Santa Pod Racers Club are accepting votes for the prestigious Perpetual Awards. This gives viewers and readers the opportunity to contribute to the selection of award winners, who will be honoured at the SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation on 22nd February 2025.
All votes will be carefully considered by the SPRC Committee in determining the award recipients.
Today’s category is The James Edgar Memorial Trophy. The James Edgar Memorial Trophy is awarded for outstanding performance by a Crew Chief, tuner, racer/tuner, or crew member.
You can view and vote on the SPRC Committee’s shortlist by clicking here.
Shortlists will be announced weekly, with nominations for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy will remain open throughout the voting period.
Each individual is allowed one vote per award, based on their unique email address. Voting will be conducted on an award-by-award basis, so after casting your vote for the Most Promising Newcomer, you may proceed to vote for other categories such as Best-Appearing Car, Best-Appearing Bike, and so on.
Please be aware that attempts to manipulate the voting process – such as encouraging colleagues, forum participants, or social media connections to vote in large numbers – will be easily detected. Any such votes will be disqualified, as in previous years. Efforts to rig the vote will result in the disqualification of the nominee, regardless of their involvement or awareness.
Thanks to Robin Jackson from Santa Pod Raceway for sending this update from the 10th December 2024 on the More than Equal drag racing report:
Drag racing teaches gender equality to Formula 1
More than Equal is an organisation founded by ex-F1 star David Coulthard and Czech billionaire Karel Komarek with the express goal of crowning a female Formula 1 champion. But where to begin? Santa Pod Raceway’s Business Development Manager, Richard Foster-Turner, was able to steer them to the right track – Drag Racing.
Women have been racing, and beating, men on the dragstrip for almost 50 years, but it’s a fact scarcely understood in the wider motorsport world. That might be about to change following publication of a report into drag racing’s diversity aimed at helping More than Equal’s quest.
MtE’s Head of Research, Dr. Fran Longstaff, compiled the report following a Santa Pod visit last year instigated by Foster-Turner, who is credited as a co-author. Cindy Sisson, Executive Director of Women In Motorsports North America, also contributed, and women involved in drag racing on and off the track on both sides of the Atlantic were interviewed.
The official introduction to the report can be seen by clicking here and includes an embedded link to the report itself.
Thanks to Lee Child, promoter for the Spitfire Raceway at Parrenporth, Cornwall who has announced the first Drag and Drift event of 2025 that takes place raceway Saturday 25th January between 11am to 3pm.
Lee writes: You don’t have to go home after the drag and drift, keep enjoying yourself at the on site airfield control tower cafe, Bar open til late, great food, stunning views, children’s play area, plus camping on site, £10 a tent pitch per night. You can book your camping stay at this link
Trophies will be up for grabs for quickest top ten on the drag strip, best appearing drift car, best of show and best club stand. Trophies will be presented just after 3pm at race control.
All vehicles are welcome at Spitfire Raceway. You can spectate or take part at Spitfire Raceway, spectators are £10 per person on the gate, under 16s go free. You can drag race from £15 after admission; crash helmet and full driving licence are required. There is a Show & Shine competition with no charge after admission.
Gates are open at 8am and track action is from 11am to 3pm. All vehicles have a safety check for drag racing and drifting. There is a drag strip riders and drivers meeting at race control 10.45am. Don’t forget to you can camp on site. Enjoy the events and the local area.
All 2024 drag and drift events online bookings are now open. No more waiting - book away. Click on the links below to make your bookings
Drag strip driver/rider - Click Here. Drift driver - Click Here.
Spitfire Raceway is located at Perranporth Airfield, Cornwall TR5 0XS. Please respect the surrounding areas and speed limits when travelling to and from this event.
Happy Birthday for today to Pro Modified team member Stefani Kate Fisher, Sportsman ET racer Debbie Taylor and former Funny Car racer Gary Willy, we hope you all have a great day.
Happy belated Birthday for today to Melbourne Raceway Community FB admin Kelli Barrett, Junior Dragster dad Matt Fordham, and Swedish Pro Stock racer Lasse Britsmar. We hope you all had a great day.
Happy Birthday for today to Maltese FWD racer Semira Galea, have a great day Semira!
Thanks to Robin Jackson from the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame for sending in this update regarding changes to the Selection Panel:
There is a change afoot in the fuel-burning bike representation on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame’s Selection Panel, which meets annually to choose the year’s new Members.
Frank Brachtvogel, distinguished dragbike team leader and engineer, has elected to stand down as a Selector and the Hall of Fame’s directors are grateful to him for his service and wish him well for his future endeavours. The Brachtvogel Family was inducted into Membership in 2012.
The directors are pleased to welcome another Hall of Fame Member to serve on the panel. Ian King, inducted in 2020, has won no fewer than 12 FIM European Top Fuel Bike championships – ten as rider, two as team principal – and will take Frank’s place at the table when the panel next meets in the New Year.
Suggestions for future Hall of Fame Members to be considered by the Selection Panel may be forwarded via the Hall of Fame website’s Contact Us facility at this link.
Suggestions for 2025 consideration must be received before Sunday 26th January.
The Hall of Fame’s directors, advisers and selectors and the BDRHOF Benevolent Fund’s trustees all serve in a voluntary capacity, pro bono.
First driver to hit the lanes this year is Estonian Pro Mod Driver Andres Arnover:
We start the 2024 season quite early spring and the car got new upgrades. We tested a new set of shocks and a transmission converter setup. The first weekend at Santa Pod showed that we were moving in the right direction. Got a new personal best 5.82@251mph. Then onto the Doorslammer event, we got the car to run very well, 5.75 @258mph another new PB again but lost finals because of electrical problems. The car shut off at the starting line after burnout. Fixed and onto the Main event, first outing for the FIA. First time we got into the semi-finals this year, but after the rain started they cancelled our race.
Next race, middle of June in Tierp Arena, Sweden. We qualified in 2nd place but at elimination round 1, we changed a little bit of bump setup and the car jumped too far and lit the red light. Back to Sweden for the 3rd event at Tierp Arena, we qualified again second place with [email protected]/h(223.54mph). The car worked great till the second elimination round and then the Hyperactive boost controller broke down. Unfortunately it overboosted the engine and span the tyres. The FIA fourth race in Hockenheim, we qualified 1 place and won that race. For me it was first European championship race win.
After that last race in Santa Pod Raceway we made some small changes and qualified again number one position, 5.78@254mph. The car was tenth quicker than second place. We were having problems with the third member, but Carl Cox took his third member out of his Pro Mod car, and we were ready to go to the elimination rounds, but this time during round eliminations the transmission starts to leak from the an6 line connection and oil goes on to the track. So the start marshal asked me to shut off the engine, and they pushed the car back. This was bad luck, but things happens.
Now after 3 years we are Number 3, 2022, 2023 and 2024 in FIA Pro Mod class, which shows we are doing something right.
At the end of the season, my good friend in Estonia called me to go and race in Malta. I have never been to Malta raceway before, and it was a big challenge to me. The track was very bumpy, and the chassis wasn't happy, but we are first car to drive in Malta 5.94@247mph. It was an awesome weekend!
I'm very happy how the car now works, and we are just refreshing everything to be back in Santa Pod at the end of April. No need to make big changes, just little bit more luck.
Next out of the blocks is Street Eliminator Champion and Ford Capri owner, Anthony Higgs:
What a year it’s been for us in Street Eliminators! Ups and downs all over the place, but we came out winning two events (Easter Nationals and the Euro Finals) and even took the championship win, we definitely did not see that coming. To top it off we ended the season hitting a PB of 7.04 and eventually hit that elusive 206mph, the wife is finally happy that we’ve justified the twin chutes. Issues along the way included pulling a red light at a really crucial point at the Summer Nationals, very unlike me (known as Mr Snoozy off the line), which took us out of the running.
We encountered our usual breakages along the way, which everyone knows is second nature for me, a bent crank being one of the issues. Thankfully, a good friend, Chris Straub at Straub Technologies, stepped in, providing a new crank and bearings in record timing.
Our first time entering Doorslammers didn’t go as well as we’d hoped, pulling Rob Carter in Percy Passat for the first round. Unfortunately for us, Rob just pipped us to the finish line, a cracking weekend though and definitely something we’d consider for next year, funds permitting.
We were asked to be involved in the filming with the Hoonigan guys in June. That was certainly an interesting day, “no prep” meant no traction off the line, but the old Capri didn’t let us down. So what’s the plan over winter? We have new Afco struts, TBM brakes and we are changing over to a dry sump set up. The engine is out and we’re going through it to check all is OK, refreshing a few things along the way. Obviously, I have to thank my family for their relentless support and our friends that continue to help, Hilsea Tyres for their sponsorship. Also a big thanks to all the other racers and sponsors of the class, the banter is second to none, you all make racing what it is!
To finish off this episode, we have Jasmine Cordelle, Comp Bike mainstay and all out racer:
I would probably describe the 2024 season as unlucky, lots of highs and lows, which pretty much sums up drag racing or any motorsport. We had 6 championship rounds, 2 we lost points due to engine damage, 2 we lost due to weather and the other 2 I came 1st and 2nd. For the championship to be decided by the weather is always a hard pill to swallow.
Comp bike is an amazing class to race in, the championship was so close between the top 5 all came down to the last race of the year, which makes things very exciting. A great bunch of people who are always looking out for each-other, whether it be spare parts or praise! Let’s talk about the highs, we finished the season with a personal best of 7.26 @180mph, 2 final appearances, 1 win and 1 runner-up.
I am looking forward to the 2025 season, not much is changing, just even more hungry for the championship! Hopefully be able to get back to the states and see my extended racing family! Manifesting in the background, I will be able to run pro-stock FIM one day and go get that record/ 6 second pass.
Would like to say a big thank you to my main men, dad, Colt and Allan, would not be possible without you and I will try my best to damage less in 2025, but I cannot promise! Also, a big thank you to the rest of my family for their continued support, my sponsors Mazak, Lou and Dean Cosnett, and finally my bank account.
Additionally, another thank you to the whole Santa Pod team for another amazing facility to race at, all the amazing photographers and reports who capture all our memories for us! If anyone/ company would like to jump on board of trying to achieve that record in FIM give me a message and make my dreams come true.
Wish you all a great 2025 season with personal bests, health and wins.
Happy Birthday for today to Funny Bike racer Mark Smith, Top Fuel crewman Ian Pellant, Norwegian Super Street Bike racer Dag Wagenius and Swedish Pro Stock Bike racer Fredrik Kempe. We hope you all have a fantastic day.
Thanks to Smax Smith for sending an update, Smax writes: Hoping you all had a totally chilled Christmas and looking forward to cool and fast 2025.
Smax would like to Thank all the fans and well-wishers from his face family in blighty time to reflect 2024 as he was able to celebrate his 70th Birthday and his 50th year in driving race cars and setting six incremental personal bests, plus three for the tram culminating in 3.89-thousand-foot pass. Real early running 3.06 / 277mph at the eight. More to come in 2025.
Smax says: "I have got to match race my boy Aidan which was on my bucket list and would like to get him this year in NHRA".
Pictures below are of an oil fire on the 3.89 pass and Smax ready to race Aidan with the 2 Anthill Mob Top Fuellers.
Be fast but stay safe and full revs for 2025.
Thanks to Job Heezen from FIM-E DragRace Commission for sending in this news item:
Happy Birthday wishes for today to Nostalgia Funny Car racer Tim Garlick, Team Walters crewman Mick Slocombe, and Swedish Funny Car and Top Fuel Dragster racer Patrik Pers. Have a great day all from us at Eurodragster.com.
Thanks to Peter Walters from Santa Pod Racers Club and Peter Walters Race Design for sending the third set of Perpetual Awards - 2024 SPRC Perpetual Awards – Most Professional Appearing Team.
For the 2024 season, Santa Pod Racers Club are accepting votes for the prestigious Perpetual Awards. This gives viewers and readers the opportunity to contribute to the selection of award winners, who will be honoured at the SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation on 22nd February 2025.
All votes will be carefully considered by the SPRC Committee in determining the award recipients.
Today’s category is Most Professional Appearing Car. Nominees for SPRC Most Promising Newcomer have impressed whilst contesting their first full season in a class or making their on-track debut in 2024.
You can view and vote on the SPRC Committee’s shortlist by clicking here.
Shortlists will be announced weekly, with nominations for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy will remain open throughout the voting period.
Each individual is allowed one vote per award, based on their unique email address. Voting will be conducted on an award-by-award basis, so after casting your vote for the Most Promising Newcomer, you may proceed to vote for other categories such as Best-Appearing Car, Best-Appearing Bike, and so on.
Please be aware that attempts to manipulate the voting process – such as encouraging colleagues, forum participants, or social media connections to vote in large numbers – will be easily detected. Any such votes will be disqualified, as in previous years. Efforts to rig the vote will result in the disqualification of the nominee, regardless of their involvement or awareness.
The next voting category will be James Edgar Memorial Trophy which will open on 10/01/25.
Paul Martin sent in this update on the Drag Seen 5, Paul writes: Thanks to everyone who has bought a copy of Drag Seen 5 to date. As a result we have so far raised £488.80 for the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Benevolent Fund. There are still some copies available which can be bought via this link:
Drag Seen #5 is a glovebox sized magazine featuring 76 pages of glorious techni-colour photos of smoking' burnouts, wild wheel stands, wilder racers and trackside drag racing action 'seen' through the lenses of trackside photographers Julian Hunt (Santa Pod), Callum Pudge (Hal-Far Raceway, Clastres Dragway, Rivanazzano Dragway) Kenzie Taylor (Street Weekend 2024) and Paul Martin (MPH Drags 2).
A 60th Anniversary Mooneyes feature and interview with main Moon man himself Shige Suganuma by Niamh Smith plus a chat with the guys behind MPH Drags 2.
Jo Clifford’s diary from Sick Week 2024 where she and Richie Webb battled the odds to come out top in Class K.
Drag Seen #5 - 76 pages printed on A5 high quality paper and perfect bound with a 300 gsm cover and the perfect way to fill the gap till the 2025 season begins and of course all profits from the sale of the magazine will be donated to the BRDHoF Benevolent Fund.
Drag Seen 5 - the reviews are in. “Brilliant magazine” “just received the mag, very impressed, excellent photography” “Awesome, love it!!” “Great coverage of some of the events I missed this year-thank you”
“5 star, brilliant as always” “Another fine collection” “very cool item” “Great book!” “What a perfect magazine”
Happy Birthday for today to Harry, aka Brian Palmer (member of Mark Sheridan's SE crew). Harry, we hope you are having a wonderful day.
Thanks to former Nitro FM presenter Nigel Fitzmaurice for sending in this latest Podcasts on the interviews with Tony Betts from Venom Nostalgia Fuel Funny car and Dale Leeks from Hawk Racing.
Happy Birthday to erstwhile Top Fuel racer Tethys, Comp Eliminator racer David James, and German Super Pro ET racer Robert Gassner. We hope you have a great day.
