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Date: 12th November 2000
Headline: No 9.90?
Am I right to believe that there will definitely be NO 9.90 class at all in 2001? If so which class will take its place? Personally, if I have to change I would rather race in 8.90. However, as I have just spent this season starting in 10.90 then progressing to 9.90, and bearing in mind when I entered 9.90 I could only run 10.4, I spent a lot of time fine tuning the bike and my riding to finally run 9.7. Now, of course, the goalposts have been moved so if I have to spend another £1000 to go quicker then at least make it worthwhile.
Paul `Grumpy' Watson
Gossip Comment:-
No Pau, you've misunderstood. As things stand at present, all that has happened is that the organising clubs that run under an ACU permit have the right the run 10.90, 9.90, 9.50 OR 8.90 index classes. It is up to them and their members which class they choose. Therefore, please turn up at the club's riders and drivers meetings on December 3rd to make your opinions known. If no strong representations are made, it is likely that 9.90 will remain.
Date: 12th November 2000
Headline: World Finals
<img src="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1316928&a=9782019&p=32811633" hspace=3 border=0>
Date: 11th November 2000
Headline: Al's retail therapy
Whilst on the subject of Prostock bikes, we understand that rookie Al Cook is not satisfied in just acquiring the mid 7 second machine from Paul Willis, but is taking a shopping list with him for next weekend's Prostar Finals at which it is rumoured he will be purchasing an all new Ward Vortex head...... phew!
He was also displaying his svelte new body at the Super Series Dinner - no, not on the bike, but the result of a serious bout of weight loss in anticipation of the coming season.... look's like he's taking his racing as seriously as he did in Pro Mod car.
Date: 11th November 2000
Headline: The Hokey Cokey boys........
Hot on the heels of Straightline Racing's Nick Pepper's acquisition from his business partner Chris Tombleson of the ex Paul Gast Prostock Bike, comes news of the purchase by Chris himself of Swede Roger Petersson's European Championship winning ex Matt Hines machine.
It is understood that Chris is not buying Petersson's engine as he has plans of his own, and that Roger is to buy an all new chassis and Schultz Carbon Fibre Hayabusa body combination.
So, with more comebacks than Frank Sinatra, the `in out, in out, shake it all about' flatlanders again strive for the Prostock dominance they all crave......
Date: 10th November 2000
Headline: McBride-AMA/Prostar 12th Annual World Finals
Newport News, VA: Larry & Steve McBride are preparing for their 1st National Championship since 1991. The McBride Brothers need only to qualify and win the 1st round to capture the 2000 National Championship on Nov. 17-19th in Gainesville, Fla.
So far this year the McBride's were #1 qualifiers at Gainesville, Fla, Indianapolis, Inc. and Chicago, Il. And went on to win those races in the AMA/Prostar Series. They have also raced with the NHRA this year as #1 qualifiers at Gainesville, Fla., Houston, Tx., and Chicago, Il. They also won all those races.
"Our relationship over the years with AMA/Prostar and the Kizer family has been wonderful. We hope to continue competing with them in 2001. This season's exposure with the NHRA exhibition series has been great for our sponsors and we've been thrilled with the fan response," according to McBride.
McBride proudly represents Pingel Enterprise, Red Line Synthetic Oil Corp., Trim-Tex, Drag Specialties, Muzzy's Performance, Kibblewhite Precision Machine, HPC, Kawasaki USA and Web-Cam on his Tour 2000. Product sponsors assisting Larry McBride Racing include Vanson Leathers, Performance Machine, Belt Drives, Ltd., Street & Competition, Dayco Belts, Trac Dynamics, Simpson Race Products, Nitrous Express, APE, Arias, R & D Springs, Autolite, EK Chain, MSD, Clevite Engine Parts, Protect All, Whipple Industries, Cometic Gaskets, TSP, Carolina Cycle.
If you want to see an exciting weekend of racing, come to the 12th Annual AMA/Prostar World Finals held at Gainesville Dragway, Gainesville, Fla., Nov. 17-19, 2000.
Larry "Spiderman" McBride www.larrymcbride.com, or 757-599-5236
Date: 10th November 2000
Headline: Visor Tip
Brian, thanks for your visor tint tip, however it is illegal! Any modification of a BS visor by fitting stick on tints (or sparying, whatever) is deemed to be altering the visor and makes it illegal. Yes, the law is an ass! Apparently we are also breaking the law by using them on the track according to the sports minister - they claim the Road Traffic act applies to closed race circuits too!! I'm waiting for a copy of the letter stating this.
On the brighter side (?) Watchdog have decided the cause is good enough to be championed by them so expect to see Anne Robinson wearing a dark visor on your TV soon!
PS Any news on the ACU's stance on this? They can email me direct on ric@aricooled-rd.com
Date: 9th November 2000
Headline: Ben's getting married in the morning........
Well Saturday, at least!
Ben would like us to publish this invitation to all who wish to join in the celebrations:-
"I am getting married on Saturday and everything is a bit hectic at the moment, but we are having a big drink / p**s up at The Old Packhorse on Chiswick High Road (right by Chiswick Park tube station). I haven't got contact details for most of the people I've raced with for all these years so could you let everyone know they are most welcome to come down from 8pm onwards (extension till 12pm).
Cheers,
Ben"
Gossip comment:-
We'd like to wish Ben and his new bride - to - be best wishes and every happiness for the future.
Date: 9th November 2000
Headline: Top Fuel Bike Article
Ther is an reasonably good article on the (US!) history of Top Fuel Bikes that can be found at:-
http://www.racingnetsource.com/dragracingonline/special/fuelbikes_1.html
It is reasonably accurate, but does have some mistakes in some of the detail. Good press, however!
Date: 9th November 2000
Headline: Vance and Hines team up with Screamin Eagle
Dragbike.com has reported that Screamin Eagle harley Davidson are to team up with Prostock Bike legends Terry Vance and Byron Hines for an assault on next season's NHRA Prostock Bike championship.
Date: 9th November 2000
Headline: Prostar releases 2001 Schedule
Prostar has now confirmed it's 2001 shedule:-
March 2-4, MRE Sunshine Nationals Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL
Mar 30-April 1, Star Racing Nationals, Atlanta Dragway, Commmerce, GA
April 20-22, Houston Cyclefest, Houston Raceway Park, Houston, TX
May 18-20, Schnitz Summer Nationals, Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC
June 29-July 1, Dragfest, Sanair Raceway, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
August 10-12, Pingel Thunder Motorcycle Nationals, Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis, IN
September 7-9, Orient Express U.S. Motorcycle Nationals, Atco Raceway, Atco, NJ
November 9-11, World Finals Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL
Date: 9th November 2000
Headline: Funny start to the season for Tim
Funnybike rider Tim Blakemore has confirmed that his new machine, sporting a Branch Engineering chassis, will be ready for the start of the new season.
Date: 9th November 2000
Headline: Tint tip
Further to your piece on black visors. I have for a number of years used the self adhesive window tint for cars, available at many outlets. Cut a piece to size and attach to the inner surface of your visor, this has the advantage of leaving th BS stamp on the outside of the visor and leaving you totally legal!. You also have the ability to have many different tints even mirror finish. For track use I keep a black visor bought especially for this purpose.
Brian Tozer
Date: 8th November 2000
Headline: MRE Brits on the **** party latest
Jay Regan has announced that due to unforseen circumstances, the much anticipated shenanigins are to take place from the afternoon of Monday 20th, not Tuesday as previously reported. However, it is anticipated that they may continue into Tuesday afternoon anyway.......
Date: 8th November 2000
Headline: McClure sets new IHRA record - cont.
Jim McClure, Williamsburg, VA. set a quick pace qualifying #1 for the 2nd Annual CARQUEST Autumn Nationals at Rockingham, NC with a 6.429 ET at 219.08 mph in the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley series.
McClure riding this season's bike for the last time before it goes to it's new owner locked in the new IHRA Nitro Harley ET record in round one of eliminations with a 6.491 at 216.34 mph when Bill Furr, Orangeburg, SC broke on the start line.
In the semi final's, McClure was defeated by Mike Romine, Sturgis, Mi. with a 6.644 over McClure's 6.792 ET.
McClure was also honored with the prestigious IHRA Best Pro Engineered Car award (although we all KNOW it's a BIKE) at Rockingham Dragway
McClure is supported on his national tour by Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite & Vanson Leathers
www.jimmcclureracing.com
Don't forget to watch IHRA on TNN Sunday nights 10:30 pm EST.
Date: 8th November 2000
Headline: Vancil / Vance & Hines Season Wrap up with a WIN at The
Rock
Doug and Julie Vancil put 25,000 miles on the Vance & Hines/Drag Specialties 18 wheeler this season and if you count all the passes on the Nitro Harley you can add about 25 more miles under nitro power.
Vancil took the Vance & Hines/Drag Specialties nitro monster to his personal best at the Grand Bend Motorplex, Ontario, Canada to a sizzling 219.03 MPH and 6.453 ET. He qualified at every event, set track records at Englishtown & Ontario. They competed in 2 countries and 15 major metropolitan areas. And that was before the IHRA Second Annual CARQUEST Autumn Nationals at Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC.
Vancil, qualifying 3rd, was victorious before a record crowd at the Rock and set his personal best mph with a 219.97 mph at 6.456 ET over Mike Romine, Sturgis, Mi. on his Chromatic Inc. Nitro Harley in the final. The win is good enough to move Vancil into the 3rd spot in the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Championship points.
The Vancil's are proudly supported by Vance & Hines, Drag Specialties, Performance Machine, K & N, PJ 1, B & J Transmission, & Axtel
Doug & Julie Vancil's 2000 Schedule and results were:-
March 7-8 AHDRA Orlando, FL R/U
March 9-11 IHRA Darlington, SC Semi's
March 25-26 AHDRA Phoenix, AR 1st round
April 1-2 ADBA Shreveport, LA Rain out
April 7-9 IHRA Rockingham, NC R/U
June 2-4 IHRA Grand Bend, Ont. Semi's
June 15-17 IHRA Cordova, IL R/U
July 14-16 IHRA Liecester, NY R/U
Aug. 4-6 IHRA Stanton, MI Semi's
Aug. 22-26 IHRA Norwalk, OH 1st round
Sept. 8-10 IHRA Epping, NH WIN
Sept. 21-23 IHRA Rockingham, NC rescheduled Nov. 4 & 5
Sept. 28-30 IHRA Budds Creek, MD Semi's
Oct. 12-14 IHRA Shreveport, LA Semi's
Oct. 21-22 AHDRA Las Vegas, NV. Tie/WIN
Nov. 4-5 IHRA Rockingham, NC WIN
2 WIN
1 ½ win
4 R/U
4 Semi's
2 1st rounds
Qualified every race.
Date: 8th November 2000
Headline: Apologies
Please accept my apologies as I regret that I will be unable to attend the Riders and Drivers Meeting in December.
I won't be there as I'm touring India on a Royal Enfield, by 3rd December I'll high up in the Western Ghats doing Temples and s**t Yeeeha!!!!
I would like to thank all organisers, officials, competitors and spectators alike for their efforts in the millennium race season and look forward to drag racing in 2001.
I would be obliged if Geoff Connor (9.50 Bike) could act as my representative and vote for any appropriate matters on my behalf.
Darren Winnard.
Gossip comment:-
We all hope you have a good time! Congrats on your Championship win too. It's a shame you are not available at the riders and drivers meetings as we're sure you would wish to make a contribution as to which index the National Championship will use for 2001.
Date: 8th November 2000
Headline: Ground clearance?
ACU Rule changes, ground clearance. In the ACU rules for 2001 the 50mm ground clearance is now the minimum, which from a point of safety, I can agree with. What is hard to understand is why there is a tyre pressure level to test to with no regard to tyre size. 4 psi in a 14" slick compared to 4 psi in a 7" makes a huge difference in ride height, yet how many people run a 7" at 4 psi. Should this ride height be measured when scrutineered, or when the bike is ready to race, i.e. in the fireup road just prior to burnout. This is the tyre pressure that determines the safety aspect of the vehicle.
Gossip comment:-
The machine should meet this ground clearance minimum under ANY conditions, hence the reason for the pressure requirement. Clearly, after a run, due to thermal expansion of the air in the tyre, the actual measured clearance will be higher. It would be too onerous to have a pressure requirement for each tyre size - what about different tyre wall rigidities too - this would also have an effect on measured height. Riders must be aware that they must be able to meet this requirement at ANY time (spot checks always possible!).
Date: 7th November 2000
Headline: Is Christina Schizo?
After Christen Ransome's name change, she'd like to tell you that:-
`All of your bikes suck. Harley Davidson bikes are the BEST there ever was'
Christen : dumbo@netscape.com
Date: 7th November 2000
Headline: Christina wants more!
Your bikes really suck. you need to put more…..
Christina
Gossip comment:-
Put more what?
Date: 7th November 2000
Headline: Terminator won't trash your house - honest!
After numerous suggestions from the British contingent (Dave Beck? - Ed) advising me not to bring the whole brood to my own house, I've decided to move the party to Sheppards on Clearwater Beach for the Tuesday afternoon/evening and the first one's on me for all that show!! A lot of people know where it's at, anyone that doesn't just get w/ me, Beck, Cooper or Cannon. Hope to see all there!!!!
Jay Regan
Date: 7th November 2000
Headline: Black Visors!
As some of you may be aware, a landmark case has made it totally illegal for anyone to sell a dark visor FOR ANY PURPOSE WHATSOEVER, even race use, in the UK. In a case of entrapment, Surrey Trading Standards took Apex Leisure to court claiming they sold a dark visor to one of their operatives without a warning that it was for "off road use only". Apex proved that all their visors sold had the warning enclosed and their website from where they were sold also had the warning. TS dropped the charge and then changed attack mode and caught Apex out in a technicallity of wording in the Road Traffic act. Since the words "for use on the road" were not included, the prosecution case was the law stated it was illegal to sell a non BS visor. Period. They won.I'm not sure of the implications of use, but you probably won't be able to buy a dark visor now in the UK. We all know the benefits of using one at Santa Pod as the sun sets at the end of the strip and I'm sure not all road racers are trying just to look cool. There are even benefits on the road over wearing a pair of sunglasses (no glass to shatter and blind you in the case of a crash!). Anyhow after all that rambling, how is the ACU's stance on this? Are they prepared to back anyone trying to get the law changed and dark visors BS approved for daytime use? Anyone wanting any more info can visit http://www.apexleisure.co.uk/
Thanks for your time! Ric Naylor
Date: 7th November 2000
Headline: McClure sets new IHRA record
Jim McClure set a new IHRA Top Fuel Harley record of 6.429 secs at the IHRA Autumn Nationals at Rockingham at the weekend.
Date: 7th November 2000
Headline: Top Fuel Tit Bits
Sverre Dahl, Norwegian Top Fuel Bike rider, and brother of 2000 European Top Fuel Bike riding champion Oyvind, informs us that he plans to race more this coming season than for the last few since the crankshaft problems he was beset with seems to be solved.
He does plan to race in the UK depending on finances.
They also plan a lot of work on their fuel system to improve response and their short times, along with changing exhaust valve material due to valve leak problems caused by overheating of said items.
They also hope for a new bespoke trailer because they need something better to carry the bike with.
Gossip looks forward to seeing this fabulous machine with it's proven 6.3 second, 220 mph capability out and about again.
Date: 7th November 2000
Headline: Stockers in stock!
"Barney Blue" is up for sale - Ceri Visick's Pro Stocker - the whole lot, ready to race inc. starter, Data Logger and PC etc, offers around £6500. Would make an excellent Super Street bike, or stay as a Stocker. Best runs 8.0's.
Also a Kosman rep chrome moly chassis, as yet unused, with rear wheel and hub, and adjuster blocks, offers @ £1750.
E-mail cerivisick@yahoo.com or telephone 023 8089 8155.
Date: 6th November 2000
Headline: Test 3
[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1316928&a=9782019&p=32432221 [/img]
Date: 6th November 2000
Headline: Test 2
[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1316928&a=9782019&p=32432221[/img]
Date: 6th November 2000
Headline: Test
[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1316928&a=9782019&p=32432221[/img]
Date: 6th November 2000
Headline: Frisbee shot
It has been reported that US Top Fuel Harley owner / rider Steve Frisbee was shot and killed at his Washington home yesterday.
Date: 5th November 2000
Headline: Are you sure you want to do this Al?
Al Cook, ex Pro Mod car driver, and newly installed member of the ranks of the bike racing fraternity, may be already regretting his move. Not only did he have the misfortune of sharing a table with other bike racers, he had the full stereo effect of Fuel bike motormouths Steve Woollatt and Ian King to contend with. To add insult to injury, he mentions that is to be dragged to Gainesville for the Prostar Finals by pit lane floozie Graham Dance - we're so sorry........
Date: 5th November 2000
Headline: What AGM?
Today's Santa Pod Racers Club AGM passed off without incident - hardly surprising as only two members turned up (believed to be the Talbots)!
Four of the committee members stood down and were immeditely re elected.
Date: 4th November 2000
Headline: For sale!
Dave Beck has asked us to mention that his current Prostock Bike, a past European and British Championship machine, is up for sale at the bargain price of £15,000.
He needs to raise funds for the new MRE Promod bike, to be campaigned in the US next season.
MRE expect to receive delivery of the new PMFR chassis with swoopy Hayabusa body at the Prostar Finals in Gainesville in a couple of weeks time.
Date: 4th November 2000
Headline: Timothy!
Sorry for making the comment then. If I was wrong then I put my hand up.....
Alex Hope
Date: $the November 2000
Headline: Not at our AGM you don't........
Paula Marshall, Secretary of SPRC, has pointed out that any riders wishing to take up issues with rules and classes for next year, should do so at the riders and drivers meetings of the respective clubs, NOT the AGM's as originally suggested in an earlier post.
Date: 3rd November 2000
Headline: How low can you get?
Just writing to inform you that due to the rule changes in Prostock bike, the two Kosmans in the class will no longer be legal. This is due to the new rule about ground clearance. Both bikes do not make 50mm ground clearance even though they are purpose built Prostock bikes. The Kosman forks are as far in the yokes as safely possible. This is standard in the USA. I fail to see how these are now illegal but it's ok to push the forks further through the yokes which therefore makes it unsafe. A bike with this safety hazard passed all last year as safe... this rule should be looked into as some don't have the money to make the changes required to be what you class as legal. I have a good idea who fowarded the rule but it wasn't discussed.....
Thanks, Alex Hope
Gossip comment:-
We're surprised, and a little concerned, to hear your comments about the ground clearance of the two machines. One is that the European rules have had this as a minimum clearance for some years now. Therefore these bikes must already have been illegal in FIM/ UEM competition although they clearly competed.
Two, the past recommended clearance was 75mm, so now, although mandatory, it is actually lower.
Thirdly, all main Prostock sanctioning bodies in the World, inc NHRA, Prostar, IDBA etc. have had a rule with a HIGHER clearance than this for many years. It would appear you have been sold illegal bikes from the start, as if they originated in the US, they would have failed their own rules.
Finally, it does not matter who proposed it. It is a safety issue, and it would be pretty irresponsible for anyone to race on tracks in the UK or Europe with a ground clearance less than 50mm (under 2 inches!).
Date: 3rd November 2000
Headline: What's happened to the NHRA Review?
We have today received the latest catalogue from Duke Marketing and were distraught to read that the "New producers" are not making a video review of the 2000 season. Were you aware of this? We think there will be a few gutted fans out there. We have contacted NHRA & Diamond P Sports for their input. Could you please pass this onto your contacts and make racers/fans aware of this. Perhaps we can put pressure on these "New producers" to reconsider. Also available from Duke Marketing is a new video - "Top Fuel world championship 2000 - the official video of the first ever top fuel world motorcycle championship, see all the action, girls & highlights from the history making 3 week tour which stretched 4,000 kilometres across Australia with over 100 different personalities from 5 different countries." Price £14.99 80 mins long Catalogue no: 5164 (presume this will be all bike action)
Many thanks, Sandra & Brian Noble
Gossip comment:-
Thanks for the info Sandra and Brian. The World Championship video is the ADBA one that our own Ton Pels, Rob Van Geffen and Charley Karling competed in on their Harleys.
Date: 2nd November 2000
Headline: New ACU Rulebook
The 2001 ACU Dragrace rules are now posted on the ACU Championship section of our site. For clarity, we have highlighted the changes in red type.
If anyone has any questions, please mail us direct or via Gossip submission.
You will see that although the 10.90 index remains unchanged, new indexes of 8.90 and 9.50 are mentioned. It means that clubs running under an ACU permit can choose to run any one of these indexes. What will happen is that the organising clubs who operate the index classes as part of their National Championships will debate which index to apply during 2001. If you wish to influence their choice, you should endeavour to attend the AGM's and Riders and Drivers meetings to let your feelings be known.
Date: 2nd November 2000
Headline: Screamin' Eagle deal continues...
The Top Fuel Racers Association in the US (for HD based machine riders) has announced that Screamin' Eagle will continue to sponsor the Nitro Harley series on the IHRA circuit in 2001.
Screamin' Eagle also supported the Supertwin class at this year's European Championship round at the Main Event in Santa Pod, England. Keith Bartlett, CEO of Trakbak Racing, the promoters of Santa Pod events, is negotiating for further interest in Europe for the 2001 season.
Date: 2nd November 2000
Headline: Da Judge news
Jim McClure has one more race to finish up his 2000 Top Fuel Harley-Davidson season. McClure will be competing in the rescheduled IHRA CARQUEST Autumn Nationals at Rockingham Dragway on Nov. 4-5.
After the final points were tabulated in AHDRA, McClure finished 3rd nationally in the JIMS Top Fuel series and 2nd in the Eastern Top Fuel points challenge. McClure missed 4 AHDRA events because of dates that conflicted with the IHRA series. McClure is also currently 6th in the IHRA Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Division.
.McClure is supported on his national tour by Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite & Vanson Leathers
www.jimmcclureracing.com
Date: 2nd November 2000
Headline: Price Prepares for Rockingham's CARQUEST Autumn Nationals
Ray Price Harley Davidson is barely over the dedication of the new Ray Price Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum, before it's on to another race to wind down the 2000 season. Price's new 174 cid engine proved itself to be a real strong power plant but the nit picking perimeter problems were disturbing to Price. "We weren't the only team breaking chains this season, but we sure had more than our share. The engine is very very strong, now we have to continue to raise the durability of everything else. We're still developing a new clutch system. I'm very excited about the new fresh air helmet system that we've almost perfected. "The fresh air helmet system brings, via a clear plastic tube with a quick release fitting, the same pressurized air used by deep sea divers. "I got tired of breathing nitro fumes, or worse trying to hold my breath till mid track. This is similar to the NASCAR cooling helmets except I'm not on there long enough to need the cooling part, but the fresh air is great. "Price will compete this weekend at the rescheduled IHRA's CARQUEST Autumn Nationals at Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC. Price will attempt to qualify at Saturday's qualifying session.Ray Price Racing is supported by Ray Price Harley Davidson, Raleigh HOG, S & S Cycle, Power Arc Ignition Co., Ultra Pro Machining, JIMS, Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil, Shumaker Racing, Performance Machine, Barnett Tool & Engineering, Vanson's, Carolina Cobras, and Wilder's Inc
www.rayprice.com
Date: 1st November 2000
Headline: ACU Rule changes
We just returned from the ACU Drag race sub committee meeting where the rulebook changes for 2001 where discussed and decided.
We will hopefully post the complete revised rulebook tomorrow, but the main changes were:-
A return to set fields for all ACU classes except for Top Fuel Bike.
Adoption of the US Prostock bike rules for Harley Davidson based machines.
A change to unlimited capacity for 3 cylinder and up based Prostock machines, and a set 600lb weightbreak.
No change to the 10.90 index.
A possible change from 9.90 to 9.50 or 8.90 (to be ratified at the Interclub meetings as the index classes are not British Championship status).
Date: 31st October 2000
Headline: 2001 ACU Rules
The ACU Dragrace sub committee holds it's annual rules meeting tomorrow at ACU House in Rugby.
Representatives of all the organising clubs, promters, and track owners / operators will be in attendance to make and vote on proposals for changes to the rules for the 2001 season.
Therefore, today is your last chance to make your feelings known to either Ian King, the ACU Co ordinator, and/or the secretaries of your clubs.
Any extra proposals to those already made, or further support for those already posted, can be made by making a gossip submission to these pages.
Date: 31st October 2000
Headline: Dave Beck in Top Gas???
As reported earlier, Jay Regan the team boss of MRE, has sold the current Pro Mod bike that Dave Beck has been riding in this year's Prostar Funnybike class.
However, he is currently in negotiation to ride a Top Gas bike at the Prostar Finals in Gainesville in a few weeks time.
The plan for their new Promod bike for the 2001 season looks very much a team effort with Dave providing the bottom ends, UK Engine wiz and travel guide Roger Upperton the planned two valve Ward heads and assembly, and Jay the rest of the bike and running gear.
Date: 31st October 2000
Headline: Nitro News!!!
Not bike gossip, but we make exceptions for news from the Nitro ranks:-
We hear that Gary Page is in dicussion with the McDonald brothers regarding driving their ex Peter Lantz Dragster.
We also hear rumours of discussions taking place between Funny Car teams and promoters to explore the viability of a British Funnycar championship next season.
Date: 30th October 2000
Headline: Melvyn's off!
Ex pat Brit, Melvyn Record, has now confirmed that he has left the NHRA for the high profile position of Director of Marketing at Sears Point Raceway.
All at gossip would like to wish him the very best in his new career.
Date: 30th October 2000
Headline: HEADLINE!!
Dave Schultz wins NHRA Matco Tools Supernationals @ Houston TX. WAY TO GO GO DAVE !!!!!
Sean Biddlecombe
Date: 30th October 2000
Headline: Team Cooperized Report
Currently, Ken is sunning himself in Florida (we heard from Jay ate MRE that he is earning a few squids working as a gopher in the race shop - Ed). We qualified with a 7.25 at 180 (personal best) but didn't make it past the first round. We were up against Mike Caputo who runs consistent 7.0's (like every run) and he ran a 7.0. Ken's not that fast YET.
The meeting went smoothly with no dramas or breakages and Ken rode excellently. He's now preparing and going testing ready for Gainsville. It should be good.
Helen Curran
Date: 30th October 2000
Headline: Schultz wins!
Another remarkable achievement was made yesterday when Prostock Bike legend Dave Schultz won the event title at his first meeting back after his diagnosis with cancer and subsequent chemotherapy treatment.
Date: 30th October 2000
Headline: Angelle's champ!
Following yesterday's NHRA National meet at Houston, Angelle Seeling was confirmed as the 2000 Prostock Bike National Champion.
Angelle became only the second woman in NHRA history (after Shirley Muldowney) to be a National Champion.
Despite her detractors (probably spurred by the old green eyed monster) her success will undoubtedly raise the profile of dragrace motorcycles with American motorsports fans, and provide a much needed boost to our disciplines.
Date: 29th October 2000
Headline: The REAL story from Memphis......(version 3)
"As we arrived at the flea pit Jay called the hotel on Thursday night we decided one night in that place was one too many. We checked into a far nicer Red Roof Inn a couple of miles down the road toward Memphis, but navigator Rodg still got us lost en route! Thursday saw a trip to Gracelands and after Rodg got us lost again we found a watering hole where a substantial amount of alcohol, no I mean water, was taken on board before heading for Beale St for the `low key' night out. Friday morning was soon on us and onto the 1st pass. Yet again Jay forgot to turn on the two step switch but as I turned around to check, Big Rick <Perry> already spotted the error and corrected it - we had to make allowances for a somewhat shell shocked Jay as he must have going though hell wondering how the previous night the `Bucks had given up a 11 point lead to lose 28 to 14 at home !!! The second pass gave out a surprisingly fast 7.25 with the first tranny problem of the weekend - no high gear! Jay, not wanting to get ALL OILY this near to the big night out, decided it would shift just fine in the morning and so we went back for a shower. It was planned that Jay would come by our hotel on the way and we would follow into town BUT, a phone call to the room "we missed the exit" cried Jay "just meet us at the restaurant". Not able to find the said eating establishment, Rodg, the Irish contingent and I found a good meal then headed back to the rental car for an early night remembering we had to race in the morning. However, by chance as we walked passed a bar Jay jumped out onto the street and insisted we all go in and have a few beers with him "come on, it's Saturday night"!!!! 2 hours later, time to leave and yet again Rodg got us lost as we headed into Arkansas at full speed. "Turn round you dumb Brits" shouted Fast Eddie - oh yea not forgetting Rodg drunk a dozen Margaritas that night..... Morning soon came, and knowing Jay would not make the lobby for the arranged 7.30 pick up, more like Jamie calling from the lobby getting him out of bed @ 7.45 !! I knew we had time but then there was the Margarita to deal with - not a chance of him getting up before it made us nearly miss the last qualifying pass. The race was upon us and yet again Jay couldn't resist a bet with bookies in the stands "$100 on my bike" he shouted, "we'll take it" was the response. Two more round wins and we had Bennett to race then. After the holeshot, the bike wouldn't shift into 3rd and when it went into the next gear Bennett was long gone. Then a small problem arose as loss of power, and as I closed the right hand hit high gear to save the tranny and I coasted to a stop. When I looked down I could see a little oil dripping from the pipe - it was very clear Jay's extra thou of Nos had been just too near the edge. The racing was now done and back for the last night out, but Jay flew home and missed the best night!!!
Dave Beck
Date: 28th October 2000
Headline: Schultz returns!
After completion of 25% of his Chemotherapy treatment for cancer, Prostock Bike rider Dave Schultz returns to NHRA competition at Houston this weekend.
Date: 28th October 2000
Headline: U can't touch this...
I was one of the 9.90 riders who didn't sign the petition. First of all I see NO benefit to running 9.50 - it will still be an index you will still have to slow down, however there will be people who will have to spend more on their bikes just to make them run a 9.50 which in my mind is pointless. Secondly, the way it was explained to me that the powers that be don't want 10.90 and 9.90 bikes running at big meets so we have to do something now or we may not have a class at all. So, for the record if it's a choice between 9.50 or nothing then 9.50 has my vote, however if it's just a matter of swopping .90 for .50 then I see no benefit. I would be interested to hear if everyone really wants to change to .50 or are they just worried there might not be anything under Superstreet.
Paul(GRUMPY)Watson
Gossip comment:-
We should all be aware that club organisers / event promoters are always examining whether the classes they have at paticular meets are `suitable' for their purposes. I don't believe the current rumours are anything different to what we hear every year (even though changes can never be ruled out). Regarding the index changes, even though it will mean some bikes still braking before the finish line, there should be less IF the all existing bikes remain in the same state of tune. An added bonus would be that at least for changes to 9.90, there will be less of a gap between the index classes and the quicker Superstreet bikes in terms of performance.
Date: 27th October 2000
Headline: The IDBA finals according to Jay (or Just call him Basher)
Mr. Beck arrived to Memphis well rested Thursday evening with his trusty sidekick Roger also accompanied by his trusty sidekick Eddie the Paddy who was escorting the most current member of the "bird of the day" club. The "fearsome foursome" decided to call it an early night to rest up for an all-out Graceland assault Friday. Friday dawned and off they were to visit Elvis. Eddie just loves Elvis and was in heaven! The rest could take it or leave it. Early afternoon and Eddie was itching for a pint or ten, off to the pub we go. A full night of frolicking on Beale Street ensues and the "FF" are well oiled. Score -0- birds for "The not-so Talented Mr. Beck" and its a late 2:30 ending. I almost forgot, they were there for a race! After a later than normal rising on Saturday, Mr. Beck finally showed at the track with only Roger, Eddie wanted nothing to do with getting up before 3! Two qualifying passes later we landed around 5th on the Funnybike field with an off the trailer 7.21, the final qualifier was scheduled for Sunday morning. You'd think the "FF" would take the night off to rest up for Sundays elimination's, right? Wrong! Back to Beale Street for a night of dueling piano's at Silky O'Sullivans. Another 2:30 ending, another big goose egg for the bird hunter Beck. Sunday came way too early and again Mr. Beck was late to the track with only the Rodg. Groggy and Rusty, Beck attempted the final qualifier forgetting you need to start out in low gear if you want to get anywhere, leaving in 2nd gear only toasts your clutch! I really don't know who is worse, he or damn bike owner! Fixed and ready to slay, David headed off to whip some Funnybike ass. Goliath Lynn was the first to fall victim, followed by Goliath Cullinan, the boys were rolling! Semifinal action put us up against Goliath Bennett who had been laying down 6.60's like they were going out of style. David left on him by a full tenth but was quickly reeled in, passed and train lengthed by the eight mile mark. David; confused and bewildered held on the whole way through just so he could continue to slay, this time in the form of a couple pistons. I tell ya, that build up of testosterone is murder on the engine by Sunday! Final score: zero birds, a semifinal finish, a dead motor, 7 hours sleep over 3 nights, 100+ pints down on Beale Street and Eddie at the track for a total of only 4 hours! This event also featured a "Red Tinge" all weekend, that report will follow tomorrow!
Jay Regan
Date: 26th October 2000
Headline: The IDBA Finals as reported by Dave Beck
Dave Beck gave us his account of this weekend's IDBA Finals in Memphis, Tennessee, where both he (in Funnybike) and Ken Cooper (in Promod) flew the flag for England. Dave gave us this account:-
"Ken (Cooper) ran 7.25 but lost in the first round to a 7.0.
We ran a 7.20 to qualify, and took Keith Lynn out in the first round with a 7.18. We then won round 2 with a 7.13. In the semi's we had Brian Bennett to deal with. I had a .430 light, he had a .549 but won with a 6.61. I also blew the motor as I had problems getting 3rd gear.
Bennett went on to win the race."
Dave Beck
Date: 26th October 2000
Headline: Injection for ProStock?
Thanks for putting the question regarding "fuel injection" on your gossip page. I'm sorry to say this but I have not been active in the discussions. However I have read all the contributions on "injection" and my conclusion is that UK is split into two "camps".
The only thing you gain by using "injection" is that you can tune the engine more precisely in a specific rpm range. There is no magic here. And regards the size of the manifolds versus carbs, the carbs. need at least 100 m/s of gas flow to work properly in a high efficiency gasoline motor. You don't have that problem with injection because there is no gasification, the injectors take care of that. So what is so wrong with injection? OK, there is no problem to get 60 mm injection manifolds to work properly, but you can't get 60 mm carburetors to work with regards to the slow gas flow. But the issue is, is it a benefit to you to use large intakes / manifolds? In theory no, because you still need at least 100 m/s of gasflow before the gas reaches the seat throat, and in theory with 1500 cc's at 13,500 rpm you reach 100 m/s gasflow with 47 mm intake / manifold. So, I don't think you will see extremely large manifolds on fuel injection based engines. However, standard manifolds are too small, with a 44 mm manifold you have to take away throttle valve so you will end up with 39 mm manifold. But here comes the fun part - you are allowed to use a 48 mm carb on an engine which had a 28 mm set up from standard! Strange? or even odd....The other side is to leave the manifolds free for fuel injection. I have to talk to some other riders by phone. So what can we do about this, any suggestions? I hate the use the word "original" but that can be one solution, to use whatever Suzuki has put one the market irrespective of model (you are allowed to use any Suzuki manifold you want). But once again, it doesn't matter what size you use. You don't gain anything by using too large a manifold. And another question is, what will happen if NHRA decide to allow fuel injection? Look at ProStock Car?.. that gives a hint?
This is a proposal for the 2001 UEM / FIM rule book.
Med vänliga hälsningar / Best Regards,
Anders Larsson - Phone +46-(0)8-440 90 11 Mobil +46-(0)70-268 06 11
Date: 25th October 2000
Headline: Vancil Flips for Trophy in Vegas
Doug Vancil brought home the trophy from the JIMS Las Vegas Nationals at "The Strip" at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. But he only took home half the purse.
Vancil's best qualifying pass on the Vance & Hines/Drag Specialties Top Fueler was 6.91 ET at 210 earning him 9th on the 16 bike ladder out of 29 teams. "The clutch was slipping in qualifying but the early numbers were good. Sunday morning In the first round, we won over Bill Furr, Orangeburg, SC running a 6.71 ET at 205.10 in the 1/4 mile but the wind was terrible. AHDRA officials decided to change to the 1/8 mile for safety reasons. It was a good decision."
Round two, Vancil won over Jim McClure, Williamsburg, Va. running the 1/8th in 4.29 ET as McClure spun the tire. In the semi finals, it was Vancil over SanAntonio, Texan, Mark Conner. But the weather went from bad to worse, with rain halting the show with no sign of reprieve.
Vancil was slated to match up against Canadian National Champion, Ron Houniet in the final. Houniet came to the last round running a 4.37 ET. Vancil, " I don't think that I've ever run Ron before, it looked to be a good race but oh, well what are you going to do?" The decision was made to call the race a draw and split the money. But what about the JIMS Vegas trophy? The two racers flipped a Canadian coin, "Ron said it was a loon coin. It was ok with me. I won the toss, so I got the trophy."
Vancil has one more outing the for Vance & Hines/Drag Specialties rig. Nov. 4 & 5th IHRA will return to Rockingham, NC to complete the rained out CARQUEST Autumn Nationals.
Vancil advanced in Nitro Harley points after his semi final placing at Shreveport, La. Vancil is 4th in the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Championship points chase.
The Vancil's are proudly supported by Vance & Hines, Drag Specialties, Performance Machine, K & N, PJ 1, B & J Transmission, & Axtell.
Date: 24th October 2000
Headline: To blow or not to blow.......
Good idea, one Mr Turbo kit £2800 Lo comp pistons £420, Dyna 2000 £280, add cheap GSXR and voila £5000 + labour.
Tee Hee!, Bradders
p.s. have a good time in Gainesville
Gossip comment:-
You'll be laughing on the other side of your face when our Turbo Gixer beat's your Busa.........
Date: 24th October 2000
Headline: Buyabusa - quick!
We have just completed a 1430cc Hayabusa with standard injection. It made 196.3 bhp without nitrous, and with a small nitrous set up, 250 bhp (and with only 700lbs of bottle pressure - if we had 850/900lbs it would have made 260 bhp!) The beauty of it all is you don't have to spend a great deal of money to achieve this amount of horse power. All I have done is flowed the cylinder head, bored the cylinders out to 85mm, installed a set of cams re-profiled to a basic spec (which will be still be worked on for further improvements), upped the compression a little, retained the standard bottom end and used a lock-up clutch. At this moment I am having the gearbox converted to automatic and will also be changing gear ratios to generate a little more speed for dragracing applications.
We have also done away with the std ignition and installed a Dyna 2000 so we have a lot more control on the overall programming. The exhaust system has been changed to a full titanium type.
To find out any technical information E-mail me, or to find out prices call Sean at BIG CC for the cheapest prices on 01189 776744 - remember to mention this site and ask for racer prices.
We also plan a Hayabusa based Competition or Prostock bike so if anybody is interested call me or Sean.
Dom Trickett - dom@dragracing.co.uk
Date: 23rd October 2000
Headline: What do you think I am, made of money?
Be fair, most reasonable condition GSXR's are £3k. Steve Dyer has just bought a Busa complete with Dymags (worth £1100), a Power Commander(£250) and a full Akrapovic exhaust(£808) for just £5700. Some Busa's are exchanging hands for £5000-5300. It's also worth noting that to get anywhere near the aspirated power of the Busa a GSXR will need approx £4000 (excluding gas kits) spent on it in new parts, add your £1500 GSXR then the gas kit and you're about even with the exception of the fact that the Busa will still be worth £5-6k and the GSXR will be worth considerably less at the end.
Of course, you can build your GSXR up either across time or with second hand parts which can be seen as an advantage.
Remember, as drag racers we all know that the bike is a money pit from which there is no return except fun.
Bradley 'Bradders' O' Connor
Gossip comment:-
Forget the costs of normally aspirating them, stick a turbo or blower on 'em and have all the power you'll ever need on street tyres......
Date: 23rd October 2000
Headline: Hop up that Hayabusa!
We have now put together a package which will allow the Hayabusa to run in the 9.50 bracket. It includes chassis parts, quick shifter or air shifter, and modified ignition system as well as the obligatory nitrous system. We have been able to design a dry manifold system which is reasonably priced as there are no foggers, fuel pumps or fuel solenoids. The power available is between 200 to 220bhp.
Approximate price for the complete set-up including labour and dyno set-up is £1000 (it assumes that the customer already has a set of cans.
Interestingly enough, this compares to approximately £1750 for a GSXR 11 for similar power.
Maybe the new bikes don't look that expensive now? Bradley O'Connor - Dyno Speed Developments
p.s. I'll be Florida for the next three weeks so if people need further info they can talk to Wayne in the office.
Tel: Dyno Speed on +44 (0) 208 500 5770
Gossip comment:- We'd need a greater saving than £750 to swap our £1500 GSXR for a £7000 Hayabusa.....
Date: 22nd October 2000
Headline: Hayabusa's are go!!
Prostock veteran Len Paget has confirmed that he will indeed be contesting the 2001 ACU Championship with a Hayabusa engined machine. After a consensus of opinion to accept unlimited capacity and stroked cranks for plain bearing cranks motors in next years British Championship, he has decided to take the plunge. He is currently terrorising the inhabitants of Southampton in an attempt to run in a new bike prior to plundering the engine for his 2001 campaign.
Date: 21st October 2000
Headline: What an idiot......
We've just heard the sad news that ACU and FIM scrutineer, Steve Johnson got married yesterday. After at least two children it seems that he finally ran out of excuses. All at Gossip would like to send their commiserations, and hope that one day he will get over the shock of this heartbreaking event. Every cloud has a silver lining, however, and we're sure that he need worry no more about his wife falling pregnant again as we all know that marriage is the best form of contraceptive known.....
Date: 21st October 2000
Headline: BANG!!!
It’s that time again, time to start SHOUTING. As several racers have had their say, I feel only duty bound to put in my two pen’th. It seems to me that most people want to get rid of all qualified fields which isn’t a bad thing. When I started racing in Ultimate Streetbike, if you didn’t make the grade you sat and watched your mates race thinking I WILL make the grade. It seems that people think they have a divine right to race on Sunday. This, I believe, has to be earned and while I’m in favour of promoting our sport, putting people in the field that have broken is just not on and if it means we must get rid of all run to do this then we should return to the old format of 8 or 16 bike fields. It will put pressure on racers to get it right in qualifying and give the spectators something to watch as well.
On a different note 10.90 and 9.90 should definitely be changed to 10.50 and 9.50 as this is now being implemented at Streetfighters. I know that some of the top bike riders would probably race at the ACU rounds as the jump to Superstreet is just too far and the slower end of the class may choose to drop back to become competitive. At the end of the day, the more racers the better and the racing would be closer.
Chris Hannam
Date: 21st October 2000
Headline: Class Representatives
I would be most obliged if 10.90 bike riders and /or key crew members (Roland, Paul) could contact me with their opinions regarding the nomination of a class representative.
Email darren@battandbrown.co.uk
Telephone 01257 403000
Mobile 07970 795661
Date: 21st October 2000
Headline: Index classes
In Gossips comment to my discussion of 17th October please note, at no time whatsoever did I suggest that people could afford to dump their existing machine and buy a new £7000 + machine.
If we consider that some riders may leave if indexes are changed should we not also consider that some riders might leave if indexes remain?
We have seen other organisations grow from strength to strength attracting more and more members each season. Some have already moved with the times and implemented a .5 index. Are we no longer considered to be in the premier division of UK drag racing? If arguably we are, let us not be left behind.
On 8th October whilst at the UK Finals meeting a proposal for a 0.5 index was submitted to Darren Prentice, Paula Marshal, an ACU Steward and a copy also left for Ian King. The proposal was signed by ten out of ten 10.90 bike riders or key crew members, ten out twelve 9.90 riders, all of the Super Street riders and many other crew members accompanying each entrant. Admittedly this may have been was a small meeting however all of the regulars did attend and sign their approval for the change. In the absence of any other information, unless you have heard from more 10.90, 9.90 and Super Street riders/crew, who are members of our series and not published their comments - If we just based our decision on those who would most be affected by a change then surely the status quo would change.
If the powers that be do not consider the submitted proposal to represent the opinions of a fair majority of riders, would it be more democratic to write to each rider member and request their private opinions?
Darren Winnard - Team Breakout
Gossip comment:-
Darren, the purpose of our comments to posts on these pages are to ensure a balanced view is taken. We have the interests of ALL dragbike racers to take into account, not just those who require their personal wishes to be acted upon. We have no particular stance on the subject of index classes, just to ensure that riders are not disadvantaged whilst taking steps to progress our sport. We support all riders such as yourself who take an active interest in improving and furthering our sport.
We will take your points one by one:-
You said in an earlier post:-
“Modern bikes run faster than 10.90 completely standard, directly out of the crate from the manufacturer and on the road. It is harder to find a bike that won't run a 10.90. You just turn the key and off you go - cheap and affordable racing.”
This may or not be true, however the problem is that not everyone has a modern bike in 10.90 that can run this fast. To buy one of the newer latest bikes could cost them £7000+. Are we to expect them to now buy another bike, or invest in new tuning parts because we have moved the goalposts?
We do not want anyone to leave dragracing at the major sanctions. However, it is more likely if we change the indexes than if we stay with the current ones.
You mention organisations in the plural who have moved to the indexes you favour, giving the impression there are more than one. To our knowledge, it is only Streetfighters Straightliners who have changed. They have not grown their membership on the back of index changes either. Their attraction is good, cheap racing with minimal rules and bureacracy, copying the format established by the Ultimate Streetbike series in the early eighties.
The proposal that was submitted to the aforementioned parties has been discussed, and will be discussed at the ACU. However, we must point out that as most of the Superstreet riders who signed would not be affected at all (they are running low to high eights) their input is less effective that those who are. Crew members who sign to support their riders also have minimal weight in the petition (although they have valid input). But most importantlly, the statistics show that 32 riders competed in 9.90 and 29 in 10.90 this season. Therefore, the petition only represents less than a third of all riders in the index classes.
Both the clubs and Ian King HAVE had representations from other riders in the index classes who DO NOT want a change. However, just because some are against change, does not mean there will be none.
All riders know that they should attend riders and drivers meetings, AGM’s and also contact their clubs on any matters regarding rule changes (or indeed other issues). The clubs should not have to write directly to each rider – democratic change is available to those who care.
Finally, it would seem that the biggest problem area is the gap that, once again, is opening up between 9.90 and Superstreet. It seems that a move to reinstate Street Bike or to retain 10.90 but drop 9.90 to 9.50 would best answer this concern. You could then hop up your own bike and run in the 9.50 class.
Date: 20th October 2000
Headline: TF Twin to supercharged TF Four?
As may be seen from an earlier gossip item, Kellie and Trevor Lent of Copperhead Racing are to sell their gorgeous Top Fuel Harley. What was not reported was that they are looking at the possibility of racing a Top Fuel Bike proper, i.e. a 4 cylinder supercharged machine (or `import' as quaintly phrased in the colonies). It would appear that stinging and unecessary criticism regarding choice of aftermarket billet engine case companies on a website discussion forum, and further backbiting may have precipitated their decision.
Picture and videos of this bike can be seen at our website http://www.copperheadracing.com
Fresh and turn key ready to race $85,000.00 US dollars shipping to be responsibility of purchaser.
Call between these hours for more info 10:00AM- 6:00PM eastern standard time USA Monday – Saturday 919-658-2614 - ask for Trevor Lent
Date: 20th October 2000
Headline: Walking in the long grass with the big dogs?
Ton Bijlaart (Holland), crew chief for his brother Erik, informs us that Erik has now stopped racing the Mazda RX7 engines Competition Bike and will now concentrate on something else. What and when is still a question. They no longer own the motor, it has been sold and will be used for commercial purposes. He explains the reasoning behind their decision:-
"The reason for this all might be clear to you already; lack of power, unreliability of the engine and no way forward".
It is rumoured that they may be considering the step up to Top Fuel.
Date: Set to run and run and run..........
Headline: 19th October 2000
Dear Gossip comment,
Thanks for pointing out that No1 qualifier in ACU classes does not get an additional 50 championship points. I was in fact offering a perspective from someone involved in 10.90/9.90 whilst at the same time attempting to develop my comments of October 14th and following subsequent online and offline discussion with other riders from both ACU and Sportsman (sic) classes.
My rationale follows that as a sport we should try and move towards commonality (as far as is possible) across the various classes to reduce ambiguity.
If all run fields are to continue then by weighting the top eight you will still generate some level of competition during qualifying since there is an incentive for going quicker (or nearer to the index) - something which I agree wholeheartedly adds to the excitement of qualifying.
Roland Chaplain.
Gossip comment:-
We also were trying to illustrate there were differences between the classes in order that any decision taken for the ACU classes was seen not to have to be implemented for the Sportsman classes too. It is viewed that these are feeder classes for the heads up ones, and so these benefit more from the effects of all run formats.
Awarding of `extra' points is a possibility, but the format as stands is that irrespective of the amount or riders attempting to qualify, there is an incremental value in qualifying higher. For example, being in the top eight of nine riders is less an achievement than being in the top eight of fifteen. As things stand, there is a fair and equitable reward for higher qualification.
The main issue, however, is that the majority of Pro riders seem to want a return to set field qualifying - unless any of you can show us otherwise.........
Date: 19th October 2000
Headline: Draft European Rules for 2000
We have now posted the draft rules for the 2001 UEM / FIM European Championship on our FIM Championship page for your perusal. Please give us your feedback on the rules as stated, but bear in mind that this is a discussion document at this stage only. It will also be cleaned up grammatically before final iterations are published.
Date: 19th October 2000
Headline: All run?
Given the concerns being voiced regarding whether or not qualified fields generate a more professional image for drag racing;
inequities for those who are unable to qualify
discourage new entrants to the sport
the anathema of progressive ladders
- how about significantly weighting the championship points given to the top 8 qualifiers. Whilst I realise that the points acquired in qualifying are already progressively differentiated the current incremental difference (between each qualifier)is only ten points (with an added bonus of fifty points for No1). If all of the top 8 received an additional say fifty or one hundred championship points there would be a greater incentive to make the top 8 whilst still allowing an all run first round.
Roland Chaplain
Gossip comment:_
50 `extra' points are not issued to the No. 1 qualifier in the ACU Championship.
The main thrust of the argument is that the majority of riders in the ACU classes believe that part of dragracing is the excitement of qualification, and the `edge of the seat' atmosphere for some on the bump spot in the last round of qualification. New entrants to our sport have not been seen due to all run fields, and it provides for better entertainment for spectators on qualifying day (i.e. a competition within a competition). In the past, those that are unable to qualify have made efforts towards qualifying in the future. Qualification should not be a right, more a standard to strive for. However, there may be a justification to continue with all run for the non ACU Sportsman classes, i.e. 9.90 and 10.90. In fact, we have not heard a view from any riders in these classes over the validity of all run, probably as the vast majority have only ever known these field types (the ACU changed to all run just from the start of the 2000 season). Remember, all run means, in general, an extra pass for most of the Pro classes without extra remuneration compared to set fields.
Maybe all run up to 8 bikes, and then set fields for larger numbers?
Date: 18th October 2000
Headline: Class representatives
If all British riders cast their minds back to the end of last year, and to the riders meeting with Super Series promoter Terry Gibbs, all riders were asked, and agreed, that they would elect class representatives.
This would enable better communication of issues, and an easier way for race organisers to assemble those with an interest in administrative issues. Also the ACU Co -ordinator would be able to better assess the actual specific class issues, rather than just the `personal' ones.
Anyhow, although there was an initial flurry of activity, it was not seen through to fruition.
Clearly we should, as riders, organise ourselves as agreed in order that we can influence the `decision makers' better.
To this end, could all riders in their respective classes get their heads together and nominate an agreed class rep, preferably a rider as they need to be regularly present where that particular class is run. The procedure should be as democratic as possible, and please ensure that the nominated person accepts the role!
Nominations so far are:-
Top Fuel Bike - Ian King
Prostock Bike - Chris Hope
Funnybike - awaiting nomination
Competition Bike - Martin Peck
Superstreet Bike - Graham Dance
9.90 Bike - awaiting nomination
10.90 Bike - awaiting nomination
Please note that these are only nominations for the posts, and other names will be considered.
Please send your nominations to eps@kingracing.com or reply with the submit gossip feature. All those making nominations will be kept strictly confidential.
Date: 17th October 2000
Headline: NHRA RELEASES 2001 PRO STOCK BIKE SCHEDULE
The National Hot Rod Association competition department has released schedules for Pro Stock Motorcycle, as well as the schedule for special bonus events for the 2001 season. They will compete in 14 of the 24 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series events in 2001.
Pro Stock Motorcycle competitors will again open with the Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. and close with the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Pomona, Calif.
The U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis will continue to host a special events - the Holley Pro Stock Dominator Duel (Pro Stock Motorcycle) on Sept. 2.
2001 PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE SCHEDULE:- 32nd Annual Mac Tools Gatornationals, Gainesville, Fla. March 15-18
14th Annual O'Reilly Nationals, Houston March 22-25
21st Annual Advance Auto Parts Southern Nationals, Atlanta May 3-6
32nd Annual Matco Tools Spring SuperNationals, Englishtown, N.J. May 17-20
Fourth Annual Prestone Route 66 Nationals, Chicago May 31-June 3
37th Annual Pontiac Excitement Nationals, Columbus, Ohio June 14-17
Fifth Annual Sears Craftsman Nationals, St. Louis June 21-24
Inaugural To Be Announced, TBA July 5-8
22nd Annual Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals, Denver July 19-22
20th Annual Colonel's Truck Accessories Nationals, Brainerd, Minn. Aug. 16-19
47th Annual U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis Aug. 29-Sept. 4
17th Annual Keystone Nationals, Reading, Pa. Sept. 13-16
Inaugural National Event, Las Vegas Oct. 25-28
37th Annual AAA NHRA Finals, Pomona, Calif. Nov. 8-11
Date: 17th October 2000
Headline: All run?
I don't like all run fields. There. I've said it again. If even a small number of people (Dave Beck, Barry Holland...) think that it encourages the new or budget challenged racer, then we must bow to their opinion and accept all run fields. After all, getting people to start (or even stay in) our sport is the best thing we can do for motorcycle drag racing right now. But PLEASE, can we do something about those disgusting progressive ladders. In an admittedly alcohol fuelled discussion at the ACU finals, Steve French and myself quickly concocted new ladders for all sizes of fields that meant that 1 and 2 qualifiers could ONLY meet in the final. The price to pay was at worst a couple of extra byes in the first round for fields larger than 8 bikes. Could we propose a new set of ladders for all run fields in ACU ??
Chrsi Hall - Funnybike
Gossip comment:-
As you know, progressive ladders go hand in hand with all run fields in order that bye runs are minimised (and so paired) in the first round. We also understand that the computer software supplied with the timing system can only accommodate all run with progressive, or, of course, set fields. Anything else would have to be prepared by hand. So, you should make your proposal to the powers that be at the organising clubs i.e. APIRA and SPRC to see if they could accommodate.
How about all run up to an 8 bike field, and then set for all numbers after?
Date: 17th October 2000
Headline: Index/Rule Changes
Regarding price, most of the older 10.90 bikes could probably gain half a second by adding a whiff of gas. A second hand nitrous kit might cost around £300.00. See Dave Bailey, he may be able to fix you up with a new one for not a great deal more. The newer bikes should already run these times as standard. Half a second on an older 9.90 bike might be a more costly though. But isn’t drag racing all about going faster? Perhaps some might have to wait a season before they could run faster, but if the index change were postponed for a year, everybody would have to wait a season before running faster. Price is relative yes; perhaps we should let the riders decide.
Regarding construction, I think most people will vote for whatever suits them best. (At the end of the day the same might be said regarding index changes). It has been mentioned that 10.90 more so and 9.90 are based around street bikes and should have working lights (though I question has any body ever heard of this rule ever being enforced during scrutineering?) People running the times on standard bikes may argue for standard frames, swinging arms wheelbases, suspension etc. It has even been mentioned that Super Street bikes in the States have to go on a run and fill up at a local garage, similar to our Custom Cars, and that 10.90 and 9.90 at least should do the same. (Though I’m pretty sure that won’t happen) I might debate that it’s the index that matters and not the construction rules. On the other hand some riders have argued against Super Street construction rules in 10.90 calling it ‘sand bagging’ and claiming that the jump to Super Street is from 9.90 not 10.90.
Qualified Fields? Yeah why not try it. As long as every one appreciates that Richard Gipp's point relates more to seasoned riders in heads up racing rather than ‘entry level’ bracket racing. There will always be a luck element to 10.90 and 9.90 bike qualifying. I’ll defy any one who claims to know the difference between a .900 and a .899. If you break out with latter number you may well have qualified closer to the index than any other rider but still find that other riders who qualified nowhere near the index will still enjoy the luxury of a bye. Given the 'luck' element, which will always accompany these classes, those who qualify much slower than the index could still almost by default find their way to the final. This is where bracket racing falls on its face but we have to start somewhere. Also if we want to encourage people to start drag racing this may only happen if they are actually allowed race especially at this entry level.
As previously stated, riders will opt for whatever suits them best. Perhaps we should forward all proposals to the riders in the respective classes for formal consideration. Let the people who are most affected decide and go with the majority.
Darren Winnard
P.S. Comp Bike a leper class? A few riders feel the same about 10.90 and 9.90. At least comp bikes are recognised by the ACU enough to be invited to their presentation and receive credit for their achievments.
Gossip comment:-
The construction rules do not state that working lights must be used in Superstreet (and hence 9.90), just that a facsimile must be present of stock appearance. 10.90 must have working lights.
Qualified fields have been the norm for most of the last few years. A change to all run was only re instigated in the last season.
In any changes to classes, we must consider the implications for existing bikes and riders. As far as we know, no riders have NOT started dragracing because of the current indexes, but some may leave if we change them - i.e. those who cannot afford to upgrade to remain (or indeed become) competitive. Although new machines are capable of running close to the 10.90 index, not many people could afford to dump their existing machine and buy a new £7000 + machine. If we just based our decision on those who would most be affected by a change, the status quo would remain as we have already heard from riders, particularly those who are in 10.90, who are against any changes. This does not mean, however, that there will be none. What do riders in these classes think of retaining 10.90, but changing to a 9.50 index for the other?
Date: 17th October 2000
Headline: That's not what I said!
Thanks to Barry Holland and Becky for their comments on my idea. But please note, guys, that in my posting I was not suggesting one-day race weekends.
I was suggesting two-day weekends but with the race proper on the first day and either an open bracket or test and tune on day two. So you would still be there on Sunday either way.
Tog
Date: 17th October 2000
Headline: FOR SALE - Dave Holland's SUZUKI GSXR 1500 SUPER STREET
ACU – UK Championship Winner 1997 & 1998
Best ET 8.5 secs @ 172mph
Chassis:-
GSXR 1100 J model with raked head stock by Harris Performance.
Metmachex hand made swing arm with air tank within and Nos bottle carrier
Koni adjustable rear coil springs
7” rear wheel by CMA 17” , Front wheel by Suzuki, purpose made front wheel spindle to accept variety of combination wheel weights
Metmachex aluminium fuel tank with two number dual outlet high flow pingel taps
Harris rear calliper and master cylinder, aluminium rear disc
Handcrafted rear sets
Engine mounting brackets and bolts all fabricated in titanium
All structural fittings in titanium, all non structural fixings in aircraft quality aluminium
Polished chassis, swing arm, wheels, forks, yokes, clip ons, fuel tank
Engine:-
Billet crankshaft – stroked by 5mm c/w Carillo rods
Orient express 5 speed gearbox
Orient express lock up clutch
Ape heavy duty studs and nuts
Ape big block with 86mm JE pistons
Ape top end oil unit
Big valved and flowed cylinder head c/w Yoshimura camshafts (APE adj. Cam sprockets) , springs and retainers. Ape manual cam chain tensioner and Tsubaki HD cam chain
Modified sump and oil pan for clearance
Star racing pro-street spider pipe
40mm mikuni flat slides with quick action throttle micro-switched to activate nos
Nos two stage nitrous system - Stage one foggers into carb rubbers with billet inserts, Stage 2 foggers tapped directly into cylinder head
BHP – 190 normally aspirated – 290 with nitrous
Electrics:-
Wiring carried out professionally to the highest possible standard. Extremely user friendly automotive plugs to isolate and remove each individual component of bike
Dyna 4000 super pro ignition, 2 stage retard programmer, remote display, shift counter, shift minder, single coil and leads and pick ups.
MRE electric over air shifter with 2nd gear interface to control timer for 1st stage nitrous and 3rd gear interface to control timer for 2nd stage nitrous
Nos pressure gauge and purge kit
LED dashboard display of gear position
Body Work:-
Seat and tank unit by custom FRP based on 750 SRAD, remoulded in carbon kevlar and with carbon kevlar front mudguard.
Front fairing by Harris
Pearlescent race paint
Spares Included:-
Prepped crank cases
Crank and rods
Orient express gear box (brand new)
Spare head (stock) Titanium lock up struts
Numerous development items to facilitate maintenance works
Items not included but for sale:-
Dyna datalogger computer and all sensors including brackets
Starter trolley and starter complete colour co-ordinated Italjet formula 70cc road legal on a ‘W’ reg with stress free towing set up
£9,000 (sterling)
Contact: Dave Holland
Tel: (07860) 839055
E mail: hunters@btclick.com
Date: 16th October 2000
Headline: Qualifying fields unfair?
I would like to second Dave Beck's comment. Due to work commitments I can only do 5 or 6 meetings per year. As I run one of the slower bikes and also my son is starting in Comp Bike next year, we need all the track time we can get. We all pay the same entry fee so not having a race on Sunday seems unfair.
Barry Holland - Competition Bike
Date: 16th October 2000
Headline: Terminator 2 for sale
Anyone interested in buying my ex - Mark Watkins Terminator 2 Superstreet Bike? Mid 8 sec bike with potential to go faster, or just shut off for 9.50.
Steve `Daisy' Dyer
Date: 16th October 2000
Headline: Cannon shrapnel for sale
NEW SUZUKI GSX 3 SPEED MANUAL BOX TO SUIT ET OR EG, £1200.
SUZUKI GSX 1100 EFE CYL HEAD READY TO RUN. STD VALVES HEAVY DUTY SPRINGS, FLOWED BY ROGER UPPERTON £200 PLUS STD HEAD OR £350 OUTRIGHT.
5 SPEED STD GEARBOX WITH BRGS £100
FULL ROLLING EG CHASSIS WITH GSXR 1100K FRONT END, WHITEPOWER REAR SHOCKER, 40MM GSXR CARBS, HARRIS 4 INTO 1. ON A C PLATE WITH LOG BOOK EVERYTHING LESS ENGINE £450 ONO.
INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD CONTACT ME ON THE FOLLOWING:-
WORK 01274 855886, MOBILE 07775 501371, HOME 01132 299180
Chris `Cannon' Hannam
Gossip comment:-
Stop shouting!!!
Date: 15th October 2000
Headline: Prostock Bike rules proposal
The following proposals were agreed at the ACU Finals:-
1 :- 600 pound weight break for all 4 cylinder 4 stroke engines.
2 :- Unlimited CC's.
3 :- Standard stroke on roller bearing cranks, stroked cranks permitted on shell bearing cranks.
Those present:-
Paul Willis, Chris Hope, Dave Beck, Ian Burns, Ray Debben, Paul King, Chris Tombleson, Richard Gipp, Len Paget.
PS, Don't ask my opinion on one shot qualifying.
Chris Dope
Date: 15th October 2000
Headline: The plaice to race?
Half the time Santa Pod is under water so , how about Pro Cod?
Dave 'Raptor' Hughes
Date: 15th October 2000
Headline: All run yes, one shot NO!
I think we must leave all run fields as the norm as we need to encourage people in to the sport and that can only happen if they are going to be able to race on Sunday. The level of time, commitment and money that go into racing must be rewarded with a race on Sunday. It is of no benefit to anybody to have bikes sitting in the pits not able to compete. The ideal way is to have a 16 bike field - this will never happen if we discourage the racers that need the track time the most !! A two day race like last weekend, rained out qualifying day, one shot Sunday morning is no way to get racers to keep coming to the track if they might in theory only get one pass before making the long trip home. Let everyone race – it is what everybody goes though the track gates for, racers and spectators alike.
Dave Beck
Date: 14th October 2000
Headline: Funnybike / Comp Bike 2
Comp to Promod: 2 points.
1, If we rename it, it would confuse those who think that the class compares to the USA class. PM in the US is weight breaks. Comp is not. Rename it so it can be promoted better, perhaps to Dragbike or something similar.
2, making bikes that are legal for a class run in that class will be a little unworkable. After all, If any of the Funnybikes removes their headlight or the name from their tank shell and hey presto, Comp bikes!
Steve French
Gossip comment:- Remember that Funnybike in the US also has weight breaks, not just Pro Mod.
Date: 14th October 2000
Headline: Funnybike / Comp Bike
I got out of Comp bike to get some competition. Comp bike is treated by the organising bodies as a "leper" class. There's crap prize money, bad scheduling for qualifying / racing, and no promotion of the class as any kind of "attraction". I will NOT be going back to Comp bike in it's present form. Despite the appearance from the points standings this season, Funnybike has been a well fought class with plenty of quick bikes running each other hard. Get rid of the "Pro-mod" bikes and you wipe out half the class. Does it hurt somebody that Funnybike is the best supported slick-and-bar class?
And add another vote for proper qualifying. Although the all run thing has it's good side in allowing people to get track time, in the end all the bye runs are just a mess. Take away all run fields and the FB championship would have been a LOT closer.
Chris Hall
Date: 14th October 2000
Headline: Rule changes
Having followed with interest the ongoing debate regarding reshaping the format of street-tyred bike classes I would like to offer my comments (trusting that as a mere crew-person and only occasional competitor I won't be invited to 'butt out by a large amount (sic) of bikers').
Although there are a number of issues on the table I offer just two main points:
1 Qualified Fields - if it is considered that all ACU classes are to run qualified fields only, then why not extend the same to 9.90 and 10.90 bike? Taking up Richard Gipp's point that those riders who have made the effort to qualify (in this case close to the index) can find that other riders who qualified nowhere near the index enjoy the luxury of a bye. Furthermore given the 'luck' element in these classes those who qualify way down the ladder can almost by default find their way to the final.
2 Construction rules - whilst current rules are the 'same' for 9.90 and SS bike those for 10.90 bike are different. I wondered whether it would make sense to have one set of construction rules based on those in Superstreet. This way those people who wish to use their road bikes ad infinitum would be catered for and those who enter the sport with the intention of eventually moving up to SS are not going to be forced to purchase more than one bike in order to be eligible to race and indeed competitive. If the construction rules were identical the needs of both groups would be facilitated.
I should add that these comments represent my personal views.
Roland Chaplain
Date: 13th October 2000
Headline: Get well soon Paul!
We understand that veteran Dragbike racer and entertainer to the stars, Paul Rose, has been taken ill. We hear that the response to the question he put to his doctor over whether he should purchase a 6 or 12 month tax disc for his Montego was unprintable......
I'm sure all racers will wish Paul to get well soon!
Date: 13th October 2000
Headline: One Day race meetings?
As a fan I very much enjoyed the day's racing at the National Finals last Sunday. It was fast and furious with the drama of one-shot qualifying and then some excellent racing (and a big shout to the race officials and the racers for getting most of the race done).
I wondered whether what Gossip readers think about the idea of a one-day race as part of the National Championship. One-shot qualifying and then eliminations, just like last Sunday (only without the rain, preferably).
It could be held on one of the two-day races in the summer - Super Series 2, the Cannonball, Super Series 3, around that time of year. By then there will have been at least three other Championship rounds giving everyone the chance to get dialled-in and so everyone should have a set-up for a one-shot qualifier. No excuses, sort out the men from the boys, etc.
The one-day race could be scheduled on the Saturday, with Sunday in reserve as a rain date. If the one-day race does get run on the Saturday then you could run open brackets on the Sunday, on the Flame and Thunder Show model, maybe with Test and Tune scheduled for those who don't want to run in the open brackets.
As I'm a fan and not a racer I obviously approach this from a slightly different angle, so I would be particularly interested to hear what racers think of the idea, and of course other fans. But I think the idea has some potential, not least the thought of having a "fun" weekend right in the middle of the season.
Those to whom I've mentioned it respond with the words "Saturday Night Special" - I never went to one of those, but I realise that this isn't an original idea except for the suggestion of deliberately scheduling such a race as part of the Championship.
I must stress that I'm not speaking with my Eurodragster.com hat on. You won't be seeing a campaign for this idea on the web site any time soon. I'm just interested to hear what racers think; if anything comes of it then that's great, but I won't be crying onto my Minolta if the idea is shot down by people who know far more than I do about actually racing, as opposed to sitting there watching.
Tog
Date: 13th October 2000
Headline: National Tech Committee
I have just read the various points made recently in the pit lane gossip and would like to clarify a couple of points.
Firstly, the Interclub meeting is NOT a forum for any specific rule changes to the rule book. It is for discussion on dates, championships, venues, etc.
Secondly, the Tech Committee is NOT the "Santa Pod Racers Club Tech Committee". It is, in fact, the UK National Drag Racing Tech Committee and when initially established, Phil Evans, the Chairman, asked anyone interested in becoming part of the tech committee to contact either the SPRC or APIRA.
Paul Marshall – Secretary, Santa Pod racers Club.
Gossip Comment:-
Thanks for the clarification Paula.
However, despite the actual role of the Interclub meeting, officers of both clubs intimated to us that they would take the opportunity this weekend to discuss some of the proposed rule changes. This makes sense as there may not be a further opportunity for these issues to be considered, and we hope some of the proposals may be discussed.
Secondly, we apologise for intimating that the aforementioned group only had members from SPRC. However, even though the `National Drag Racing Tech Committee’ may be comprised from officials of APIRA and SPRC, I believe it does not have officials from NAST, PDRC, BNDRA or Streetfighters Straightliners, all of whom regularly arrange Dragrace meetings in the UK, participating. Therefore, I return to the original point that the most independent forum that invites members from all clubs is the ACU Dragrace sub committee.
Date: 13th October 2000
Headline: Index classes
Just a short note regarding 10.50 & 9.50 classes.
Although I feel there is a need for classes to move on, has anybody considered the financial implications in setting up competitive bikes in such a time?
This may be a thought for future seasons, but 2001 is too soon when considering the fact that most competitors do not have the luxury of sponsorship.
Chris Webster
Date: 13th October 2000
Headline: Comp Bike to Pro Mod?
In light of the changes made by Prostar for the 2001 season, and the suggestion made by you on your web site today, I would like to propose the following changes to the ACU rules for the 2001 season.
PROPOSAL
1. Omit carb / nitrous bikes from Funny Bike.
2. Make all bikes that are legal for classes other than Comp Bike, run in the correct class.
3. Rename Comp Bike to Pro Mod Bike. ( Comp Bike is a crap name anyway )
4. Leave the Comp Bike (now Pro Mod) rules as they are (except for the changes in 2&3 above) so that we still have a class to cater for bikes that are not legal in other classes.
The aim of the proposal is to ensure that similar bikes race together, as at present many bikes are legal for both Comp Bike and another class as well. One of the reasons why we have a class structure in Drag Racing is to separate the bikes and cars into groups where similar vehicles race each other.
Martin Peck
Date: 12th October 2000
Headline: Top Fuel harley for Sale
Kellie and Trevor Lent of Copperhead racing have the following Top Fuel Harley for sale:-
3 gallon fuel cell
The engine & oil tank holds 1 gallon of Kendall motor oil - brand 20W 50 and the oil is changed every pass.
The engine is presently at 150 cubic inches Overkill, with Pro Racing Products crank made from EN30B steel
Pistons are JE Pistons - Brooks Rods
The main chassis & body were built & designed by Jim "Puppet" DiTullio from Buffalo, NY in 1996.
The body and body panels are made of aluminum & stainless steel.
The heads are 4 valve stainless steel skull capped - 16 head bolts
The rear wheel 12 inch PM sidedrive, PM Chicane front wheel, PM rear brake system, Grimeca front brake system
The transmission is a B & J - 2 speed, double spragged, shifted with CO2 air pressure.
The clutch is made by ( ART ) 5 steels - 5 sintered - thick discs, 2 or 3 stage lockup, polychain belt.
EK 630 rear chain - special made rear wheel hubs and axle blocks
Kosman dual disk with air over oil front end
Starter and starter cart
Fresh and turn key ready to race $85,000.00 US dollars shipping to be responsibility of purchaser.
Picture and videos of this bike can be seen at our website http://www.copperheadracing.com
Call between these hours for more info 10:00AM- 6:00PM eastern standard time USA Monday – Saturday 919-658-2614 - ask for Trevor Lent
Date: 12th October 2000
Headline: So do I!
The more I think about all qualified fields, the more it p****s me off, although I understand the disappointment of not qualifying for eliminations. I didn’t qualify for most of my first year in Prostock and, if memory serves me right, I didn’t even get to race at my first event as emergency qualifying took place (why didn’t this happen at the finals?). It also p****s me off even more that with the all qualified field a lower qualifier than me can get a bye! This undermines all the qualifying runs you do! So after much thought and deliberation, I have to say I agree with Nick. The first year I spent watching the eliminations was depressing but I did what you have to do - I spent some money, got myself better equipment and got on with it. I haven’t had a good year but it’s not been too bad, next year we will be faster, will everyone else?
At the end of the day, and with all respect to Lenny (you don’t have to win them all to win), without the stupid and irritating all qualified ladders he may not have won this year. There’s enough Prostock bikes in the UK to get a sixteen bike field, so everyone will qualify. So go back to proper racing with racers ladders and encourage the stay at homes to get their bikes out, I don’t spend the money I do on my racing to let someone beat me by a stupid ladder.
This is my view and I hope of others in my class. Please don’t take it the wrong way as we in Prostock bike are probably the friendliest class in racing, and anyone who slings their leg and credit card onto the seat has my respect.
Richard Gipp
p.s. well done to Al Cook - hope you stay in the class.
p.p.s. is this as long as one of Cannon’s diatribes?
Date: 12th October 2000
Headline: I want qualified fields!
I vote for the ACU classes to run qualified fields again, to make qualifying a worthwhile activity!
Dave Bailey
Date: 11th October 2000
Headline: Champions!
We've now had details officially retified, and so we are happy to publish the top three finishers in the Millennium ACU British Championship:-
Top Fuel
1) Steve Woollatt
2) Brian Johnson
3) Ian King
Funnybike
1) Chris Hall
2) Chris Hannam
3) Paul Knapp
Prostock
1) Len Paget
2) Chris Hope
3) Dave Beck
Competition Bike
1) Barry Holland
2) Tim Whetton
3) Dave Wells
Superstreet
1) Graham Dance
2) Tony Clark
3) Mark Watkins
We wish to congratulate all on their achievements next year, and would like to remind all top three finishers this year that they will receive an end of season cash bonus from the ACU in the New Year, along with a Championship medal and cerificate.
The class Champions will also be invited, along with a guest, to the British Championship Awards dinner to collect their medals and trophies along with the other British Champions from all the recognised motorcycle disciplines (Road Racing, Trials, Motorcross etc).
Date: 11th October 2000
Headline: Cook's a natural!
At the weekend's finals meet, ex Pro Mod car racer Al Cook's third familiarisation pass on the ex-Paul Willis Pro Stock Bike netted him a superb 8.57 @ 159.44. Not bad for the first time out on a slick tyred motorcycle! It looks like he's going to be a great asset to the class, whether he remains in Prostock or, as Graham Dance suggested, moves into Superstreet.
Congratulations from us all Al!
Date: 11th October 2000
Headline: A blast from the past.......
Top Bike contender Nick Pepper has contacted us to express his desire for the ACU championship to return to the previous qualified fields format (i.e. set fields of 8, 16, 32 etc.).
What do all of you think? After the furore at the start of the season, everyone is remarkably quiet now. Should we stick with all qualified or not?
Date: 11th October 2000
Headline: SPRC / APIRA meeting
There is an interclub meeting scheduled for this weekend. Consequently, it is an opportunity for discussions to take place regarding rule and regulation changes prior to the ACU Dragrace sub committee meeting on November 1st. Please ensure that the secretaries of your respective clubs are aware of your rule change proposals, along with letting Ian King (ian@kingracing.com) know.
As Steve French said, it's no good complaining after decisions have been made - you have a chance to influence the direction your class and sport takes.
Date: 11th October 2000
Headline: Funnybike rule proposals
The result of conversations from the weekend (no single meeting was held), was that the definition of a Funnybike revolves around its engine.
Most of those spoken too agree that aftermarket cases are OK providing that the original centrelines of crank and gearbox are retained. Some additions to this were the original style of primary drive, i.e. Belt, Chain or Gear must be retained, and or original final drive side, (left or right). However this would cause problems is you wanted to run a planetary transmission.
Most accepted that only one engine is used NOT two.
Most accepted that the engine must be a motorcycle engine.
Aftermarket engines must be based on or around a motorcycle engine with regards to centrelines, crank type (roller-plain), and cylinder head. Head defines crank type.
Most welcomed Tech Inspection at the beginning of the year or first meeting to confirm a bikes eligibility for the class entered and conformance to construction rules.
The Prostar rules allow 2 engine and Nitro etc into FB and PM because they do not have Comp bike. We do.
As there was not one single meeting I cannot speak for all. I will be sending in the following suggestions, please send in your own before the 13th if you want a say. If you don't, don't moan later:-
1. Only one engine
2. Only motorcycle engines (after market as defined above), with any number of cylinders as original design.
3. Crank and gearbox centre lines must remain as original design.
4. Tech inspection to confirm class eligibility and construction.
5. The current engine combinations of Turbo or Supercharged/petrol with or without Nitrous: Turbo or Supercharged Alky, no Nitrous: Carbs-Petrol-Nitrous: Injected Nitro no forced induction are all OK.
6. Blown Nitro is not allowed.
7. Nitro and Nitrous is not allowed
Another suggestion is that rules, and technical issues are passed to the existing Tech Committee. Well known engine and chassis builders are on the committee as well as bike and car scrutineers, race directors and racers and people with the interest of the sport at heart. They already administer the rules for the cars and make decisions based on the reality of UK drag racing. Currently all they do is copy the ACU rules directly into the Drag Racing rule book.
Steve French FB20
Gossip comment:-
Seems reasonable, but should we also adopt the new Prostar rule for 2001 i.e. no nitrous petrol only bikes in Funnybike (i.e. encourage them into Comp Bike as they are Pro Mods, not Funnies?).
Do we want a UK only Funnybike set of rules, or parity with the US?
Also, it would not make sense to restrict an aftermarket case to roller bearing only (it would then preclude some of the commercially available Funnybike cases).
Finally, what Tech Committee? `Only' the Santa Pod Racers Club one? What about APIRA, PDRC, NAST, SS, BNDRA etc that all run motorcycle dragrace meets in the UK - should their representatives not also be on the SPRC Tech committee? You see, the ACU Dragrace sub committee only has one person not connected with dragracing directly, and that is the chairman. ALL organising clubs, track owners and promoters are represented on this committee, so, for example, the Tech Committees of ALL clubs can take their own recommendations to the ACU meeting for final discussion before a decision is made between them. That's the fairest way to ensure that `selfish' interests are not taken at the expense of dragracing as a whole.
Date: 10th October 2000
Headline: Wanna be a Team King Racing Top Fuel member?
King Racing are happy to announce that the latest participant in support of the King Racing trip to the Prostar Finals in Gainesville this November is the promoters of the famed Super Series events, Obsession Motorsports.
Obsession (who have asked that the jacket supplied in return for their support to be donated to the raffle at the Super Series Dinner Dance) have once again shown their unmitigated support for dragracers in the UK.
Any individuals or companies who wish to support King Racing's endeavours at motorcycle dragracing's premier event, should contact sponsorship@kingracing.com
Essentially, in return for a donation of £100 ($150 US), their names will be displayed prominently on the machine at the Finals, will also be featured heavily in the media and on the net prior to the meeting, and they will receive an exclusive King Racing team jacket of £55 ($80) value at the end of the year.
Date: 10th October 2000
Headline: Fat n Funny?
Reknowned Funnybike collector Paul Knapp was horrified to find the weight differential between his ex King Racing machine, and the ex MRE Funnybike of junior Funnybike rider Cannon when on the scales at last weekends ACU Finals Meet (of course without rider.......). It would appear that Knapp is compiling an expensive list of new lightweight goodies for next season, funded by the end of season bonus paid by the ACU for his Bronze medal position attained this year.
Date: 10th October 2000
Headline: Rerun of Budds Creek for Price at the ROCK
Ray Price, Raleigh, NC, continues to make mega horsepower in the JIMS Top Fuel series, but in getting that horsepower to the wheel, his weak link has been the chain and again this weekend Price's Top Fueler was followed by his chain. Price qualified 6th in the 16 bike field running in the 6.8 second zone. But in round one of eliminations Price's chain broke and looked like a quick snake slithering after his Harley Davidson Fueler at midtrack at the AHDRA Eastern Finals at his home track, Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC. If there is a bright spot in the cold cloudy day, it was that Price's second motor is ready for Shreveport's IHRA race this weekend. Price and team will leave early Wednesday morning for the IHRA event.
Oct. 12-14 IHRA Shreveport, La. (Finals)
Nov. 4-5 IHRA Rockingham, NC
Ray Price Racing is supported by Ray Price Harley Davidson, Raleigh HOG, S & S Cycle, Power Arc Ignition Co., Ultra Pro Machining, JIMS, Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil, Shumaker Racing, Performance Machine, Barnett Tool & Engineering, Vanson's, Carolina Cobras, and Wilder's Inc
Date: 10th October 2000
Headline: McClure takes ET Record to 6.61 and RUNS 226.01 MPH
Jim McClure, Williamsburg, VA, had 'em stomping on the grandstands, and cheering their hearts out at Rockingham Dragway for the AHDRA Eastern Finals. McClure qualified 2nd in the quick field of 16 JIMS Top Fuel, setting a new ET record to 6.61, previously held by Doug Vancil, Albuquerque, NM. But for the last few races McClure knew there was a 220 mph pass just waiting to happen. At the Rock where records are smashed, McClure found his 220, but his performance exceeded his modesty, McClure lit up the crowd when the lights showed a 226.01 pass. It was awesome. "There was big traction, good air, and we knew it was in there. It felt wonderful.", according to the radiant McClure. But just like the Sunday temperature, things went downhill. The temperature dropped almost 25 degrees, McClure was on a back up when a tappet broke, bending a pushrod, slowing the bike and outing him for the day. McClure, "we just can't seem to get a break, we know it's there, the computer showed we were on the back up, same curve, same power band, but with this horsepower, sometimes things break." The McClure's left Rockingham for a quick trip to repair the damage, before leaving Tuesday morning for Shreveport.
Oct. 12-14 IHRA Shreveport, La. (Finals)
Oct. 21-22 AHDRA Las Vegas, Nv. (Finals)
Nov. 3-4 IHRA Rockingham, NC
McClure is supported on his national tour by Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite & Vanson Leathers
Date: 10th October 2000
Headline: Hannon Racing Sets 2 ET AND MPH Records at the ROCK
Bill Hannon, Ft. Myers, Fla, and Dan Baisley, Portland, Or. just love breaking records and it was grins and giggles at the ROCK, one of their favorite playgrounds. Hannon Racing continue their pursuit of excellence in the Pro Stock Harley Davidson world. This weekend at the AHDRA, Eastern Finals, Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC in the Joker Machine Division, the Hannon / Baisley duo established 3 new records. In the 1/8 mile the new ET standard was lowered to 4.755 seconds, the new 1/8 mile mph record was increased to 149.91 mph and a dazzling new World ET and personal best at 7.574 seconds for the ¼ mile record. "We had several experimental pieces in our motor, now we know they work. We'll go home for a couple weeks to freshen up both engines, and hone the knife for cutting more Harley Davidson records in Houston at NHRA," said Hannon with a big smile.
Oct. 26-29 NHRA Houston, Tx.
Hannon Racing is supported on their national circuit by Axtell Sales, Inc., Baisley Hi-Performance, D & G Chassis, Harley Davidson of Ft. Myers, The Landings Realty, Inc., Red Line Oil, MRE, BPM Racing Engines, and Dyna Tek, RK Chain, Bandit Clutch, Vanson Leathers, & Mastercam.
Date: 9th October 2000
Headline: Come and 'ave a go if you think you're 'ard enough!
Having followed the comments on Gossip recently, the only way forward is to lower the index. Drag racing is about going as fast as you can, no ifs, no buts and no brakes at the top end! I appreciate that whatever index you run you'll always have 'Johnny with his brakes on' BUT it will encourage the majority to run quicker which surely is what it is all about.
Following the riders meeting at the Streetfighters Straightliners Finals this weekend, a new class structure for 2001 was voted in as follows -
Top Bike
9.50 Bike
10.50 Bike
11.50 Bike
There you go. If the nationals don't move with the times, then come and have a go if you think you're fast enough!
Craig Mallabone - Team Trax Hypersports
PS. Congrats to Gary 'The Geordie' Bowe for taking 3rd place in 9.90 and pushing the two Team Trax bikes to the wire. Best of luck next year in the new 9.50 class with your gas kit on!
Gossip comment:-
11.50 class? Mopeds?
Date: 9th October 2000
Headline: Champions!
Well, although we await the final results and stats sheets from the Finals Meet at Santa Pod this weekend, we have a fair idea who has taken the British Championship Class crowns:-
Top Fuel: Steve Woollatt
Funnybike: Chris Hall
Prostock Bike: Len Paget
Competition Bike: Tim Whetton
Superstreet Bike: Graham Dance.
We must strees that these results are subject to ratification, particularly for Prostock and Comp Bike.
We would like to congratulate all of this years champions, whoever they may be.
Date: 9th October 2000
Headline: Classic for sale!
We have a 1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 A for sale. The engine has never been rebuilt, is totally original, the transmission has been rebuilt and is brand new, it has a heavy duty clutch, and would be a good drag motor. We will trade for an old Triumph or sell for cash. Our E mail address is:-
jrothenberg@cinci.rr.com
Date: 8th October 2000
Headline: Prostar 2001 rule changes
Prostar have now posted the changes to their 2001 rulebook - view at :-
http://www.dragbike.com/news/10-00/100700b.htm
Changes of note are that normally aspirated nitrous bikes are now excluded from Funnybike, there is a one second cap on qualifying i.e. you must qualify within one second of the number one qualifier, and there is now a minimum 6.75 seconds for qualification in Top Fuel bike.
Date: 7th October 2000
Headline: Index classes
We've just returned from a very soggy Santa Pod where the days activities were abandoned due to rain.
We took the time to speak to many racers regarding possible rule changes.
The two main issues that were mentioned were concerns over changing indexes to 9.50 and 10.50. Obviously, all those people that would find it hard to find the extra 0.4 secs to make themselves as competitive as they currently are were against it as they felt that the extra expense was not acceptable.
Also, although people did not like the progressive ladders and the anomalies they provided, they were genrally supportive of all qualified fields. Unfortunetely, they go hand in hand and it is not possible to have one without the other.
By the way, the Prostock riders seemed to be all in favour of a standard weight break of 600 lbs with unlimited capacity, and standard stroke for roller bearing cranks, stroked allowed for plain bearing.
Date: 7th October 2000
Headline: Index classes
10.90 and 9.90 bikes may be able to complete six rounds of eliminations in one day if the British weather was guaranteed to be dry and more importantly accounting for the Avon Park curfew, time was permitting. However if you include budding Superstreet, Comp bike, Funny bike, Pro stock etc. as you suggest, this large single class may be impractical. Such a large field may have to complete virtually back to back eliminations in the early stages before the field is narrowed down to the same numbers in other classes.
Would other classes be quick to complain if they couldn’t get any runs in due to a limited amount of time being dominated by just one class?
Regards
Darren Winnard
Date: 6th October 2000
Headline: Spotted, the lesser spotted thorneyken...
There has been a sighting of "Ken Thorne" at Manchester airport.In a short interview he said "I have not given up racing I am just regrouping for a new start" It is believed he has been testing at a secret track somewere in the north....
Ian Barker
Date: 6th October 2000
Headline: Help!
I'm on the scrounge for a used/abused/unwanted MT street tyre! I'm keen to fit one to my bike, but since the frame was built around a 160 section tyre, I'm not sure if the MT 190/50 will fit. I've got a 6.25" rim and I'd like to try a knackered tyre on for fit before shelling out my $$ on a new tyre. Can anyone help me out here??!
Ric Naylor Team RNR ric@aircooled-rd
Date: 6th October 2000
Headline: We love you really.........
Unless you are going to start racing a bike butt out!!
From a large amount of bike drag racers........
Spencer Tramm
Date: 6th October 2000
Headline: Vincent Van Turbo?
The webmaster at www.turboville.com, Ian Turboville, is as you probably know by now, a freelance photo-journalist and racer. What you probably don't know is that he has a B.A.hons degree in fine art! In time for this Christmas he has issued a series of fine art prints based on his photographs of some of the legends of motorcycle drag racing. These stunning images are printed in limited numbers, full colour on expensive canvas textured card and will fit any standard A4 frame. Go on, take that old poster of the tennis player scratching her ass off the wall and turn your home/office/workshop into anart gallery for racers. These will be available at the Prostar World Finals in Florida this November along with all three of the brilliant 'Drag-Bike'CD-ROMs ( each containing over 300 high quality photographs)from the MRE stall or by post from his web-site. This collection of 'paintings' will be an on-going series but initially includes:- Elmer Trett, Bill Furr, Bob Spina, Tony Lang, Willem Been, Larry McBride,Jim McClure, Mark Revels, John Myers, Adam Hewitt, Job Heezen, Chris Hampson, Paul Willis, Ray Price, Per bengtsson, Ton Pels, Terry Kizer, Jay Turner, Phil Brachtvogle, Wayne Pollack, Tom Perry, Mike Romine, Bruno van Sant, Brian Johnson, Werner Sohm, Karl Thieke, Jaaka Salakari, Charley Karling, Stan the Man, Dave Schultz, Paul Gast, Dave Beck, Roel Koedam, IanKing, Sam Wills AND MORE. All these collectible prints are signed by the artist. They are an absolute bargain at only $9us/£6uk each including postage andcan be ordered by e-mailing sales@turboville.com or see the 'STOP PRESS' page at WWW.TURBOVILLE.COM! Commissions undertaken! If anyone wants one doing especially and he has a suitable photograph, E-mail him and he will bring it to the finals.
Date: 5th October 2000
Headline: Goodies!
For sale,
GSXR 1100 engine, all the right bits in it, carrillo rods, under cut 1200 Bandit gearbox, studs bottom and top, 1290 pistons with APE big block,gas flowed head with Yoshi cams, Yoshi springs and retainers, MTC lock up clutch, plus Dyna 2000. Will strip for inspection. Dyno sheet available for b.h.p print out. Cost £3,200 to build, looking for £1500 o.n.o
e mail:- terminator@ bun.com or telephone 0208 500 9398
Mark Watkins.
Date: 4th October 2000
Headline: Too big a bracket?
A bracket class would be "too big" for British Drag Racing? Are you suggesting that the present 9.90 and 10.90 bike racers would be unable to complete 6 rounds of eliminations in one day? As you say they are road bikes after all.
Spencer Tramm
Date: 4th October 2000
Headline: The ACU British Dragbike Championship
This weekend is the climax to what has been a fantastic season's racing for the biggest Dragbike competition outside of the US, the ACU / UK Drag Racing Championship.
So far a vintage season has seen Steve Woollatt crowned Top Fuel Bike champion already, and new records set and reset in Top Fuel, Superstreet and Prostock bike.
Funnybike
Chris Hall has established an unassailable lead on his large capacity Nitrous Suzuki with some stunning performances culminating in his seven teen mark set at Avon Park. However, it's all to play for in the race for second and third positions with less than one round win covering Chris Hannam (Turbo Nitrous Suzuki), Paul Knapp (Turbo Alcohol Suzuki) and Steve French (Nitrous Kawasaki).
Prostock Bike
Chris Hope leads going into the final round, with Len Paget hot on his heels. If Hope goes out in the first round without setting highest ET or MPH, and Paget wins the meet, then the crown will be Paget's. However, if this is not the case, then even Dave Beck could overhaul Paget in second place. Hypothetically, Richard Gipp could take third from Beck, but he would have to win the meet, reset the records, and out qualify Beck by at least two places, with Beck out in the first round (i.e. tough!).
Competition Bike
Barry Holland leads, but Tim Whetton, Dave Wells and Ireland's finest `Fast' Eddie Galvin could all take the championship crown depending on the outcome of the meeting. Despite poor fields early in the season, entries have picked up, and commitments by current, past and new riders to this class should sustain its position in next year's season. Watch out for the stunning new Puma machine of Martin Peck - is it a Top Fuel bike, is it a Funnybike, is it a Pro Mod? - Only time will tell……..
Superstreet Bike
Well, what more could be said about this class again this season? Exceptional performances from Graham Dance and Tony Clark have seen the ET record fall to Dance with an impressive 8.161 sec mark. Speed performances from Clark have been class, with him being unlucky to steal the 7 year old mark set in the `glory days' of Superstreet Bike. Current performances throughout this year have proven that this class is back with a vengeance. However, this round is a formality for the top three positions, with Messrs. Dance, Clark and Watkins all cementing their final positions after the last round at Avon Park.
copyright 2000 / Ian King - ACU Championship co - ordinator
Date: 4th October 2000
Headline: Wanna be the Championship Co - ordinator?
It comes to that time of year when I question (as well as others!) whether I should continue in my role of ACU British Championship Co -ordinator. Differences of opinion to my actual role between myself and some riders always helps focus my views on the subject! That apart, it may be time for someone to step in who feel's that they may offer more to the role than I currently can.
The responsibilities of the role are as follows:-
Attendance at meetings at the ACU (approx 2 -3 a year on a weekday).
Attendance at all organising clubs riders and drivers meetings and AGM's (approx 3 - 4 days a year at weekends).
Negotiations with Promoters as to prize funds, race dates, rule and regulation changes etc (5 - 6 evenings a week + possible day meetings).
Collection of results, qualification times, signing on sheets and calculation of points standings. Maintenance of official records. Distribution and publication of points to clubs, ACU, Websites and the media (approx 50 hours per year).
To act as a consulatnt to the ACU / UEM / FIM on issues relating to Dragracing (approx 10 hours per year).
To act to as a mediator in issues arising at ACU Race meetings between riders / race officials / club personnel (approx 10 hours per year).
Proof read the draft ACU and FIM rules every year before publication (approx 5 hours per year).
Supply result and records information to journalists, as well as occassionally writing reports for magazines, internet sites and meeting programmes (approx 20 hours per year).
Occasionally finding bikes to appear at exhibitions throughout the UK and sometimes Europe (approx 5 hours per year).
It is important that the individual is independant of any clubs (i.e. not on their committees) and can take a balanced view between the needs of promoters, clubs and racers alike.
As the organising clubs have the power of veto over the choice of candidate, they must be acceptable to ALL organising and POTENTIAL organising clubs.
The role also involves much diplomacy, generally revolving around making excuses for the actions of motorcycle racers that has upset both promoter and organising club alike.
Unfortunately, all time, mileage to meetings, phone calls,faxes, consumables, hotel bills, entry to meetings are unpaid and have to come out of the pocket of the co - ordinator.
Without trying to be cynical, the position would ideally suit a wealthy, thick skinned, computer literate person who does not race a bike and who has plenty of holiday from work or can take unpaid leave. They should also be able to accept being blamed for all issues relating to Dragbike racing that are not their responsibility, and accept abuse from riders, promoters and clubs alike.
To this end, if anyone is interested in taking over the role from me, then please mail me at King Racing, or submit a gossip entry (I will not, of course, publish it, but will pass their name and contact details to the ACU).
Ian King
Date: 4th October 2000
Headline: Prostock rule changes
At this weekend's Finals meet, Prostock rider Christopher Hope has volunteered himself to co ordinate a proposal document for changes to the Prostock rules. Please make your views known to him as soon as possible for discussion.
It is important that unanimity is reached in agreement for any changes, and that all take into account the European rules and the implications of changes to our rules that may make the UK bikes `illegal' for Euro competition.
Ian King - ACU Championship Co ordinator
Date: 4th October 2000
Headline: Index classes
Spencer,
A valid point possibly, however there are far too many competitors for a single 'Bracket Bike' Class. The implications of qualifying and eliminating a single field of say fifty bikes could be impractical. Incidentally, it is interesting to note that we have not had one single objection to this proposal from any bike riders who will be directly affected by this 0.5 index change.
Regards, Darren Winnard / Team Breakout
Gossip comment:-
Irrespective of the validity of the proposal, we must not forget that there are many more 10.90 and 9.90 riders who either do not access the internet, or at least these pages. Consequently, lack of objectors on these pages may not represent a majority view. Ian King will make these proposals to the clubs in order that they may consult all their members before changes are suggested at the ACU.
Date: 4th October 2000
Headline: Index classes
I believe that Darren is right - technology has moved on and 9.50 and 10.50 is the way to go. When Busa and ZX12's are easily running sub 9.9's, and GSXR750's are running mid tens with no real modifications the index should change to take this into account. When can we do it?
Bradley O'Connor
Date: 3rd October 2000
Headline: Scatbike class?
Is Ian King going to be at the UK Finals as I think all the Prostock bike riders are agreed on larger capacity for next year, and there is no dissent with regards to nappies (although Chris T did ask if pampers would do. I'm sure Lenny P will have plenty of used ones to sell).
Date: 3rd October 2000
Headline: Dave, Dave, who the **** is Dave?
Reference Superstreet bike next year, I agree with Graham and Mark, we should run Pro Qualifying. The Sportsman tree often does not work right, and qualifying just doesn't seem worth worrying about, and as for all those bye-runs! I also agree with the 10.5 and 9.5 classes proposal - now Superstreet is so much faster.
Gossip for next year - Dave 'who's he?' Bailey's bike will look the same as always (unless someone buys him a paint job!).
Dave 'BRUTE FARCE' Bailey
Gossip comment:-
A Pro tree can only be applied when set qualified fields of 16 bikes or under are racing. Therefore, to have this tree we have to dispense with all qualified fields.
Date: 3rd October 2000
Headline: Index classes
Darren,
do you not think that whatever the index that some bikes will still be slamming on the brakes at the top end. I am presuming that not all factory bikes run the same times and therefore one index will not suit all bikes. Then the only solution it seems is to get rid of 9.90 and 10.90 bike and replace them both with Bracket Bike where you all would be able to determine your own times. This would then be flexible enough for slower Super Street bikes and Comp/Funny Bikes to develop before taking on the big guns in their respective classes.
Spencer Tramm
Date: 3rd October 2000
Headline: Index classes
Hi Spencer,
Thank you for taking the time to reply. We do not think the public will have any difficulties understanding a .5 index as you rightly confirm they have come to grips with a .9 index. As reiterated, ordinary road bikes will still be able to compete in this a 10.5 class. Safety would not be compromised as bikes will not have to slam on (the brakes) before the line, or short shift and run at a fraction of their standard factory manufactured potential. Like Zane you refer to a car running in the 8.9 index when it is capable of running a low 8. However, a totally extreme comparison would be if the vast majority of standard cars from 1600cc and above could easily run an 8.9 second pass, would there be justification to up date the indexes?
Kind regards, Darren Winnard
Date: 3rd October 2000
Headline: I'll be back………
My views are let's thrash it out for a 16 bike field, it makes for better racing and racers seem to get their a**e's into gear.
Secondly, despite rumours, I'm not quitting, my bike is not for sale, and yes I have put my hand in my pocket once again to be more competitive.
I'll be back………..
Mark `Terminator' Watkins
Date: 3rd October 2000
Headline: Vancil--Consistent 6.5's at President's Cup
Doug Vancil did everything right but WIN at the IHRA's 9th annual Expressautoparts.com President's Cup Nationals. Vancil qualified 2nd on the Vance & Hines Harley with a 6.540 ET at 208.17 mph behind the 3rd qualifying attempt of Screamin Eagle Nitro Harley reigning Champion and current point's leader, Jay Turner's 6.517 ET 206.99mph. In round one, Vancil defeated Orangeburg, SC's favorite son, Bill Furr. Furr's 0.498 RT with a 6.847 ET at 188.41 mph wasn't enough for Vancil's 0.511 RT with a 6.593 ET at 199.88 mph, Vancil stayed consistent in the center of the lane as Furr hugged the wall. In the semi's Steve Stordeur's 0.442 RT at 6.617 ET with a 204.26 mph pass won over Vancil's 0.478 RT at 6.592 ET 210.87 mph. Some thought it was the holeshot that gave Stordeur the .011 margin of victory, Vancil thought his front wheel was still in the air. But the consistent series of 6.5's just means Vancil has the Vance and Hine's Nitro Harley on track and dialed in. Vancil will remain 4th in points with 2 races remaining in the IHRA Season. "We're on our way to Shreveport in a couple weeks, then back to IHRA Rockingham. We're pleased to have found our problems, though late in the season. After Shreveport and Rockingham we can look forward to a long winter of designing and building next season's Vance & Hine's/Drag Specialties Nitro bike." The Vancil's are proudly supported by Vance & Hines, Drag Specialties, Performance Machine, K & N, PJ 1, B & J Transmission, & Axtell.
Date: 3rd October 2000
Headline: Hannon Racing Sets ET Record & WINS Maple Grove
Hannon Racing, Ft. Myers, Fla., used a little experience from their record setting NHRA effort in the hills of Pennsylvania just 2 weeks ago and this time they brought home a win from the AHDRA Race of Champions at Maple Grove and a new AHDRA Pro Stock record. Dan Baisley, Portland, Or. set a new AHDRA National ET record in the Joker Machine Pro Stock series. In qualifying #1 with a 7.704 , Baisley backed up the 7.704 for the national record previously held by Dave Feazell, Hudson, Ia. Baisley went on to take Top Speed at the meet with a 166.68 mph. The Hannon Racing entry did have some anxiety over the weekend, after "hurting" their first engine, they had no backup motor. But apparently it wasn't a problem as Baisley took out Carey Sampson in round one, earning a bye in the 2nd round and defeating current point's leader, Dirk Higgins with a 7.710 ET at 165.07 mph over 7.886 ET at 156.86 mph in the finals.
Hannon Racing is supported on their national circuit by Axtell Sales, Inc., Baisley Hi-Performance, D & G Chassis, Harley Davidson of Ft. Myers, The Landings Realty, Inc., Red Line Oil, MRE, BPM Racing Engines, and Dyna Tek, RK Chain, Bandit Clutch, Vanson Leathers, & Mastercam.
Date: 3rd October 2000
Headline: McClure-Qualifies at IHRA Budds Creek
Jim McClure, Williamsburg, Va., was for a time #1 qualifier in the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley division at the 9th annual Expressautoparts.com President's Cup Nationals. But McClure still qualified in the thick of things in 4th with 6.581 ET at 212.09 mph. However, in the 1st round of eliminations, McClure broke in the water box allowing Johnny Mancuso to advance. The McClure's now prepare for the end of the season frenzy.
McClure is supported on his national tour by Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite & Vanson Leathers
Date: 3rd October 2000
Headline: Price Qualifies at Budds Creek
Ray Price continues to make the field in the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley field at IHRA but breakage haunts his Ray Price Racing team. This weekend at the IHRA's 9th annual Expressautoparts.com President's Cup Nationals held outside Budds Creek, Md at Maryland International Raceway, Price qualified #6 on his last attempt with 6.671 ET at 201.67 mph. In the first round of eliminations though, Price launched a little slow, he was on a good run when the chain broke ending his day early.
Ray Price Racing is supported by Ray Price Harley Davidson, Raleigh HOG, S & S Cycle, Power Arc Ignition Co., Ultra Pro Machining, JIMS, Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil, Shumaker Racing, Performance Machine, Barnett Tool & Engineering, Vanson's, Carolina Cobras, and Wilder's Inc
www.rayprice.com
Date: 2nd October 2000
Headline: Index class changes # 4
Dear Gossip,
With regard to your comments on my last posting, my enquiries on classes were taken up with Ian King before the current season got under way. You are quite right I am no longer a member of SPRA, this lapsed three years ago when 'politics' entered which tracks were to be put forward as the premier track in Europe. A quick look through the rules as published on this site shows several reasons why Superstreet machines would not be eligible for any new class with current 9.90 rules.
regards, Brian Tozer
Gossip comment:-
We assume you mean you were a member of SPRC, not SPRA (we have never heard of the latter). We’re not sure what these `politics’ were regarding a Premier track that made you not renew your membership – maybe a misunderstanding? Ther are many politics in our sport, but we are blissfully unaware of a discussion relating to this point
Anyhow, we interrogated Ian King who explained that you may or may not have asked him if there was another index class available, but none of the organising clubs nor the ACU have any record of a formal request from you for a change to the index classes, as would be required for a change of this type. In fact, Darren also mentioned a request by Team Cooperised and Straightline for such a change, and there are no records of their contacts in this matter either.
As Darren has made a formal request now, it will be discussed at the next Drag Race sub committee meeting at the ACU.
We suggest you take the time to read the rules on this site again CAREFULLY. They read thus:-
9.90 BIKE - A petrol-burning street tyred class - Rules as per Super Street but with a 9.90 index.
So despite your claims, 9.90 is EXACTLY the same as Superstreet but with a 9.90 index!
Date: 2nd October 2000
Headline: Index classes # 3
Hi Zane,
We are particularly pleased to read your correspondence and thank you for taking the trouble to peruse and reply to our letter even though you don't race bikes and this proposal does not directly affect your racing.
Your considerations are may be held to be unbiased and independent. Your opinions are noted as all points must be considered before any action is taken. However, our main point must be stressed that we do not build our bikes in the 10.90 class. That was over 20 years ago. Modern bikes run faster than 10.90 completely standard, directly out of the crate from the manufacturer and on the road. It is harder to find a bike that won't run a 10.90. You just turn the key and off you go - cheap and affordable racing. The 10.90 bikes have to remain pretty much standard and are not permitted any electronically controlled devices to set our bikes up to run bang on the numbers. In any event this would effectively be de-tuning a standard machine which may arguably be defeating the object of racing and losing the thrill of speed. We can't squeeze the fastest time out of our machines and can't run any thing like flat out without breaking out. The bikes red line at around 14,000 revs so we have to either short shift at say 11,000 as is normally practiced when qualifying, or hit the breaks. As no doubt you are aware we run a sports tree and the lights are not staggered. During elimination you tend to race up the track then slam on just before the line and out break your opponent so they break out of the index. Unfortunately this widely used practice compromises safety as you can easily lock your wheels up. We did not change the bikes. Manufacturing technology just moved on. If technology continues to advance and completely standard bikes are running quicker than 10.20 in another twenty years time then the index may well have to be changed again to remain relevant.
Kind regards, Darren Winnard
Date: 2nd October 2000
Headline: Index classes # 2
Hi Darren,
I'm not a biker, and my opinions probably won't agree with your way of thinking. But I am a Super Class racer as you may know and I have very strong views on any criticism of those classes. I think my experiences in Super - Car racing are also relevant to Bikes. Many times we have new cars that come into Supercomp and Supergas that find they can run quite a bit under the index, maybe 8.3 or 8.5 in Supercomp for example. They then talk about starting a new class, maybe 7.90 for instance. Why do people build cars or bikes with no thought about which class to run in, and then try to create a class that suits them? If you change the indexes to 10.50 & 9.50, how long will it be before people are running 10.20's or 9.20's what do you do then? Create two more classes for those bikes? The goalposts were set at 10.90 and 9.90. Why not leave them where they are and learn to run dead on with a .400 RT. That's what Super racing is all about. For the record, my old Supergas car could run 9.40's at 142mph and I set it up to run 9.90's at the same speed, it was just as much fun to drive and was flat out for most of the run. My Supercomp car can run 8.50's at 150+mph, the challenge is to run 8.90 with a .400RT, the fun is to win and the thrill is the speed, the ET is incidental. There are many ways that you can set up to run bang-on, electronic or mechanical, and the challenge is as rewarding as trying to squeeze the fastest run that you can afford out of your machine, and cheaper too! By the way, as far as the 10.90 racing being boring, all drag racing is boring to watch unless it's heads-up first to the line Pro racing. Anything slower than sevens is a yawn. Us Sportsman racers do it for us, not the spectators, they're there to watch Pro-Stock and Top Fuel not us. I hope my opinions are considered, I think they are well founded.
Best regards,
Zane Llewellyn, SC165 BootSoop International Dragracing.
http://www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk
Date: 2nd October 2000
Headline: Index changes?
The paying public have just about got to grips with the .90 classes why change them now? All classes need an introductory level where ordinary road cars/bikes can compete. You ask most of the Top Fuel riders and drivers where they first started off and you will find that in 99% of cases a road going vehicle was it. I would suggest that the .90 classes were kept, if only for parity with the car classes and either introduce a bracket bike class or an 8.90 class. Most of the Super Gas cars you will find will run 9.3 second times but you don't see us wanting to change the index?
Spencer Tramm
Date: 2nd October 2000
Headline: Check this out........
The latest (November 2000) issue of Streetfighters Magazine is heavily loaded with Drag Racing features this month, from the Prostar MRE Nationals in Gainesville (great pics of Larry McBride and Tommy Smith), thru the Bulldog Bash at Avon Park, Straightliners round 5 at Santa Pod, Crail in Scotland, and a feature on Red Ken's Hireabusa, his Pro Mod and his plans for racing at the IDBA in Memphis and Prostar in Gainesville. Buy this magazine, one of the few mainstream (!) monthlies that regularly features our sport (the ladies aren't bad either.......).
Date: 1st October 2000
Headline: Sportsman classes
Regarding proposals to shift the goal posts on 10.90 and 9.90 classes, I have to agree that this is long overdue. This season I was asking for a class between 9.90 and the current Superstreet to no avail. After damaging an engine I have spent most of the season getting it ready for Superstreet next year. I would say any rules for a new index time for 9.90 class would need to closely mirror those of Superstreet or, like my machine now we will not qualify, i.e no lights, off board starter etc.
Brian Tozer
Gossip comment:-
Brian, as you have not run any of the mainstream club ACU rounds i.e. SPRC or APIRA, I assume that the request you made to no avail were to the Streetfighters Straightliners organisers. You should be aware that any changes made to the ACU classes, may not be applied by Straightliners. Additionally, 9.90 runs the same build rules as Superstreet and, as such, any new index such as 9.50 would obviously continue to apply these class rules.
Date: 30th September 2000
Headline: Re: Proposals For Future Race Seasons
On behalf of 10.90 and 9.90 bike riders Team Breakout would be most obliged if you could help to circulate this proposal by forwarding a copies to appropriate authorities.
We would also appreciate it if there was any way in which you could host the proposal on your site for further discussion.
It is generally acknowledged that the 10.90 bike class is at least twenty years out of date and may even be referred to as mundane, as is the 9.90 bike class to a lesser extent.
In the 1970's a bike running a 10.90-second pass was considered to be special. The entrant had obviously spent time developing or tuning the machine from standard. Both spectators and competitors from other classes alike showed interest in this class as it was faster and more exciting than virtually every other road bike.
As time passed and technology advanced and bikes became faster it soon became possible to run a 10.90 on a completely standard 1100cc machine until the present day when the majority of bikes form middle weight upwards are able to compete in this class.
Darren Winnard rides a completely standard GSXR 750 SRAD in the UK Nationals and has completed a 10.4-second pass and we are aware of completely standard bikes of 600cc that run in the 10.90 class with ease.
As the majority of standard bikes are easily capable of running a standing quarter in 10.90 seconds we feel this class would receive more interest and credibility if the index were reduced to 10.50 seconds.
If the 9.90 class was reduced to 9.50 the less competitive super street bikes could also run in this index rather than being scrapped.
We would be most obliged if we could receive a response from club officials at both Avon Park, Santa Pod and/or the ACU regarding this matter. I understand that this proposal was put forward approximately five years ago by Tony Clark and Ken Cooper of Team Cooperised and more recently by Straightline Racing. Unfortunately to date we feel this motion appears to have been largely dismissed without valid consideration.
Yours sincerely
Darren Winnard Team Breakout
Date: 30th September 2000
Headline: Reptile retort
Why, Red Ken! How nice to have such a prompt reply!
I suspect, like Jonathan Swift, rumours of our death have been greatly exaggerated. So far I am told that there are 5 bikes entered in Comp Bike for next month’s meet at Santa Pod, and Avon Park (or Shakespeare County Raceway) have always kept the faith. Further defections in the shape of Dave Holland and Martin Peck from Funnybike should also help revitalise the class.
Incidentally, in order that Martin does not run away with the championship, he has agreed to run on 40% methanol and 60% custard. Retarding the ignition 4 degrees has produced encouraging results on the dyno...
Anyway, you have done bloody well in Europe this year, (despite the controversy at the finish), and you are very welcome to join us.
Tell you what--I don`t even mind staging first!
Dave `Raptor’ Hughes
Date: 30th September 2000
Headline: Pro-Stock rider to Super Street.
Al Cook intends to campaign Paul Willis's bike in Super Street next year. Tony Clark, Mark Watkins, Mark Pointer, Al or myself are sure to break into the 8.0's next year. My suggestion is to lower the index on 10.90 & 9.90 over the next couple of years to bridge the gulf that exists between them and Super Street, after all we're lowering the times every year, (sometimes every meeting!)
My other suggestion is go back to qualified fields - It's better for spectators, promoters and makes qualifying mean something. At the last meeting at Avon you were better off qualifying third rather than first or second due to the ridiculous sportsman ladder! Regards
Graham Dance
Date: 30th September 2000
Headline: He’s off again!
After no input for weeks I feel the need to let rip once again at some of the comments and suggestions.
1st up, I personally have no objections to Martin Peck running in Funnybike. However, I don’t think we need a rule change as this is something that has to be decided by the riders just like they did for Nigel Dowding in Prostock.
2nd up, Comp bike - normal rule of thumb, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Index racing is not a good thing, buying delay boxes etc. to make your bike run slower is expensive and a waste of time. Does Ken think his better looking half would have appreciated an 8.50 index at Superseries 5 - NO AS SHE WOULD HAVE BROKEN OUT! Then he’d be moaning again. I know it looks like you have a delay box on your bike but why campaign for this type of class? COMPBIKE IS NOT DEAD AND SHOULD BE LEFT ALONE!
3rd up, there are only 2 bikes in Funnybike that would fit into Promod rules (Steve French and Red Ken) so, as for that `let them run with us bullshit’ go and play in the fast lane to amuse yourselves!
On a 4th and final note I would like to commend Chris Hall on winning the Funnybike title and hope we all can give him a better run for his money next year. As for me, we’re of to the ‘Pod next week to get both motors set up for the trip to Gainesville in the hope of bettering our time and maybe qualify - who knows what can happen, see you at the Pod
Chris `Cannon’ Hannam
Date: 30th September 2000
Headline: Wot no soap?
Welcome to the ranks of the great unwashed Mr. Cook! I'm sure you will have big fun and hopefully less stress. Just don't line up behind any pro-mods OK! Red Ken is right, we could do with an ET class or 8.90 class for anything goes, slicks, wheelie bars etc. I think it would be popular, anyone else?
Ian Turbeville http://www.turboville.com
Date: 29th September 2000
Headline: Pro Mod driver to Pro Stock rider!
After being sworn to secrecy over the last few weeks, we have been jumped by the scoop on Eurodragster today that ex Pro Mod car racer Alan Cook is buying Paul Willis' 7.5 second Pro Stock bike, and will be putting in observed runs at the October Meet at Santa Pod.
Date: 29th September 2000
Headline: Red Ken speaks........
Where have you been all year then Mr Hughes? And now you want to resurrect Comp Bike. It'll take more than a cross and an easter egg, THE CLASS IS DEAD AMEN. What I think is needed instead is either an 8.90 or 8.50 index, or an ET class (anything goes i.e. slicks with or without bars, street tyres, reptiles? Anything).
Pro-mod Bike is still a class I would love to see up and running. Actually as there were more Pro-mod bikes in Funny bike at most meetings maybe we should call it Pro-mod and let the Funny bikes race with us?
Ken `the red' Cooper
Gossip comment:-
As there are also more Comp bikes that call themselves Pro mods in Funnybike, maybe we should call them all Comp bike classes and let you all run with them………
Date: 29th September 2000
Headline: Desperately seeking Raphael....
I have a photo of Raphael Ross on UK1320 (www.uk1320.com), that I took at Super Series 1. I haven't seen or heard anything about Raphael since. Does anyone know anything about him?
Gareth Evans
Gossip comment:-
We know he sounds like a film star.....
Date: 29th September 2000
Headline: Hidden agenda ?
Further to Brian Tozer's interest in Pro Mod rider Ken Coopers US plans, Ken tells us that as well as the Prostar Finals in Gainesville, Florida, he also plans to race at the IDBA Finals at Memphis, Tenessesee.
Date: 29th September 2000
Headline: Tee to try two tyres (again)?
We hear rumours that Car race engineer and past Funnybiker Nigel Tee has plans for an all new Funnybike.
Date: 28th September 2000
Headline: Riders agree shock!
Hear! Hear! I agree with the proposed rule changes for 2001, and think we should hold a meeting with Ian (King - Ed) at one of the last two events to set the proposals and vote on it. Also on the lighter side 700lb would certainly help me although I think Chris may struggle.
Richard Gipp
Date: 28th September 2000
Headline: De DER, de DER........
In the interests of vanity / blowing one's own trumpet (and for once "seeing off" whatever the cars can throw at us) I have noticed that your gossip page as well as Autosport magazine has an inaccuracy that needs correcting. Sorry cars, but 10.29/140 was not FTD, and looks pretty sick compared to 9.00/152 -- a new course record for the bikes, and only 0.1 of a sec outside the absolute course record set by 800bhp of F5000 car. Ooh, I do feel better now....
Incidentally, though the actual numbers look pretty tame, the course does not much resemble a drag strip as we know it, having such year-on-year improvements as potholes, bumps and, as an extra treat, a spot of subsidence on the beach side camber.... Still a great day out though, and a very welcome return to the track after a nightmare wait for bits this year.
Many thanks to all marshalls, organisers and sponsors. I look forward to making up the Competition Bike field at Santa Pod next month. Anyone else up for resurrecting this class after the failed Pro Mod putsch of the last year?
David Hughes/ Reptile Racing
Date: 28th September 2000
Headline: Streetbike class?
Interesting one this. If the Streetbike class was opened up again I wonder what would happen to the Superstreet class? I have been stuck at 8.8secs for most of the season with backfire problems so the Streetbike class does look inviting, but I think it would be best for me and the rest of the Superstreet class to keep it as it is.
Most of the Superstreet bikes have enough power and chassis's good enough to run low 8s (I have dyno'd quite a few of them and there ain't much in it). What the 'ProStock bikes without bars' bring is a scientific approach which allow the bikes to be setup quickly for track and weather conditions.
My Hayabusa makes 10bhp more than Mark Watkin's bike. Mark has run 8.3secs, I'm stuck with 8.8secs(Yes my bikes a bit more lardy). I'm told by some of my Streetbike shootout contacts in the States that my bike should be capable of running 8.2 - 8.3secs. Remember they are running 7.8sec passes now without Prostock chassis's'. They actually use Bandit, GSXR, Blackbird and the ol 'EFE chassis with lights etc.
I can't help thinking that the usual suspects Monsieur Dance and Clark would only take a short time to run quick in the Streetbike class too due to their professional approach.
So why doesn't Stephen build his bike and come and race in the Superstreet class? Remember this sport is more science than witchcraft!!
Bradders (O'Conner).
Date: 28th September 2000
Headline: Should Streetbike class make a comeback?
I understand the regs are there (for a class between the indexes and Superstreet - Ed), but who would you race?
Stephen
Gossip comment:-
Well Stephen, there were racers such as Dean Williamson, Dave Buttery, Dave Baughan, Dave Brown etc etc who all migrated to the Straightliners Series when Ultimate Streetbike and also the ACU Clubs dropped Streetbike. Now, we have riders such as Wayne Bradley, Brad O' Connor, Helen Curran and the like who all would be possible runners as they have machines that are significantly different to the `Prostock on street tyres and no wheelie bars' style of machines that dominate the Superstreet class.
Date: 28th September 2000
Headline: Ray Price Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum Opens
Raleigh, NC: The Ray Price Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum was opened to the public on Sunday, Sept. 23 in a brief but impressive ceremony. Several hundred local race fans and a host of drag racers were on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the first installation of the Museum. The Ceremony included the "sound of freedom" presented by the Raleigh HOG chapter, Invocation by Bruce Brown, chaplain of the Raleigh HOG Chapter. The U.S. Marine Color guard presented the colors, Debbie Johnson sang the National Anthem, and Jamie Emery, the youngest Top Fuel racer did a burnout, making the guests and dignitaries feel like they were at the races. Ray Price and Jean Price were beaming with pride as Jim Hartley, IHRA Chaplain gave the prayer and Dedication. Mary Lou Brewton, Museum curator, read the Mission Statement:-
"It is our goal at the Ray Price Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum to preserve and conserve the history and heritage of the sport of drag racing Harley Davidson motorcycles. It is our intent to provide a spectacular location for generations to come to view the machines and documentation of, to this point, 50 years of Harley Davidson drag racing."
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to refreshments and the first official gallery walks.
The Museum is free and open to the public during normal business hours. The first installation will begin to change in 3 months as ¼ of the display cases will change on a quarterly basis.
Ray Price Harley-Davidson - 919-832-2261
www.rayprice.com
Date: 27th September 2000
Headline: Class between 9.90 and Superstreet?
I'm interested in knowing if there are to be any classification changes around Street and Super Street for 2001. I am starting to put a bike together based on a stock Suzuki, and am concerned about getting stuck in the massive gulf between 9.90 bike and the low 8's 'pro stockers without wheelie bars'. Is there any likelihood of a class for stock framed, stock bodied Super Streeters? Incidentally, I'm not being knowingly contentious, just a newcomer looking for an effective way into the sport . Stephen
Gossip comment:- There is an ACU Championship class and a set of rules still in the ACU handbook called Streetbike. This was more or less a class to cater for streetable race bikes as decribed:-
STREET BIKE (SB) - A petrol-burning street tyred class
1. CARBURETTOR. Any type of carburettor or fuel injection may be used.
2. CLUTCH. Any type, make or pattern of clutch assembly may be installed. All clutches must be fully enclosed.
3. ENGINE. May be of any type with any modifications. Only one engine allowed.
4. EXHAUST. Any type of exhaust allowed. No flexible pipe is allowed. Open exhaust permitted.
5. FRAME. Must be based on a road going frame. Maximum wheelbase permitted is 1600 mm, measured with the rear wheel in the most extended position allowed by the swinging arm. Longer arms that are restricted are acceptable. The dimension from front wheel spindle to crankshaft centre must not be less than 20mm under stock. Minimum crankshaft centre height 300mm.
6. GEARBOX. OEM Gearbox only. No form of automatic gearboxes are allowed.
7. LIGHTS. Dipping headlight, tail and brake lights must be fitted and working. Lenses must be taped over and mirrors should be removed or taped over.
8. ROAD EQUIPMENT. A working horn and speedometer and mudguarding to comply with the Road Traffic Act must be fitted. Tow bikes are not allowed.
9. SEATS. Any type allowed, must be securely fitted to machine. Any padding must be securely attached to the seat.
10. STANDS. Must be wired up or removed.
11. SUPERCHARGERS AND TURBOCHARGERS. Allowed.
12. NITROUS OXIDE INJECTION. Allowed.
13. SUSPENSION. Original factory equipment, pattern type replacement shock absorbers are permitted, but must be working.
14. TYRES. See Standing Regulation No. 4. (street legal)
15. WHEELS. Any type or size permitted, as long as they comply with the Road Traffic Act. It is highly recommended that rear rim width should not exceed tyre width.
16. WHEELIE BARS. Not permitted.
17. ELECTRICAL. No stutter boxes.
18. STARTING. Competitors must be able to start their machine without assistance. Off board starters are not allowed, and any auxiliary batteries required for starting purposes, must be permanently attached to the machine.
Date: 27th September 2000
Headline: Diapers
Having just read the proposed rule changes in Pro stock on "diapers" this would seem a very good move as it could help to save oil downs. But would it not also make it harder to spot oil leaks on the start line? As was the case this weekend, a bike could have gone down the strip with a large oil leak from the side case which may well not have shown until the bike was well under way with what result? Just something to think about. I still think it's a good new rule. But let's have it across both bike and car fields with the SB class (10.90) to be exempt. What's the team think about that?
Ian Barker - ACU Scrutineer
Date: 26th September 2000
Headline: Rule changes
As mentioned earlier, now is the time to consider changes to the class and championship rules. Please submit your comments and wishes / suggestions for debate. For example, since all qualified fields have been reintroduced, the early protests have diminished. Are we all happy with all qualified, or should we push to return to set fields, with non qualifiers going home before eliminations?
Date: 24th September 2000
Headline: SS5 Rained out
Unfortunately, it seems that the rain suffered in the Midlands today has led to the cancellation of this weekends event.
Date: 24th September 2000
Headline: News from SS5, Avon Park
News from Avon Park (where rain has stopped play) courtesy of Eurodragster.com:-
It's been a weekend of attrition in Funny Bike: Shaun Branch, Neil Diggens and Dave Peters are out with engine damage, and Chris Hannam, Jean-Yves Vetsch, Chris Hall and Steve French were up late into the night making repairs. In addition we are pleased to report that Chris Hall is walking normally today after one of his qualifying runs yesterday resembled a kangaroo on stimulants. "I have a bruised coccyx", said Chris.
Super Street Bike racer Tony Clark has his potentially record-holding bike back in one piece after a mammoth effort last night. "I've had help from 9.90 Bike racers, 10.90 Bike racers, car racers, everyone", he said. Particular thanks are due to Mark Ramplee, Graham Dance, Ray Debben, Ken Cooper, Jamie Sneddon, Steve Venables and Richard Stubbins. We hear that Graham Dance offered Tony the use of his spare engine, which speaks volumes about the atmosphere in the SSB pits. Tony told us that the thought the chain had snapped on his next pass after the 8.141. "Ian Marshall came running to my aid, and I told him that it was OK, it was only the chain. Ian looked down at the bike and said oh no it isn't!". Tony is happy enough with his pass and isn't too concerned about backing it up. "It doesn't really matter", he said. "Graham Dance has won the Championship, but I'm second and I have run quickest and fastest this year".
Karl Larcombe had an interesting postscript to his trip across the grass yesterday. "I don't know if you know, but the guy who owns the bike doesn't just do motorcycle engines - he also does lawnmower engines", said Karl (Roger Yelland – Ed).
Supertwin Gas bike racer Jerry Collier ran consistent 9.8s yesterday but wasn't happy. "We're still working on the 60 foot times", he said. "It runs quickly but we know it can run quicker. Ric Davis and I are numbers one and two qualifiers, and we both had to have our engines apart last night. No-one can catch us in the Championship, and today it will go down to whoever goes furthest in eliminations. There aren't any team orders!".
9.90 Bike racer Andy Haley is pleased to be back in the nines. "It's nice to do it at the final round", he said. Andy started the season with an ex-Martin Bishop head on the bike, but then made up a hybrid head with some of his parts and some of Martin's. "I ran a 9.98 at the last race, which was back in the ballpark", he said.
Date: 23rd September 2000
Headline: Super Series 5 Final Qualifying
Pro Stock Bike:
1. Dave Beck 7.580/176.47, 2. Chris Hope 7.694/171.76
Funny Bike:
1. Chris Hall 7.870/175.10, 2. Shaun Branch 7.932/168.54
Super Street Bike:
1. Tony Clark 8.141/176.47, 2. Graham Dance 8.299/167.91
Comp Bike:
1. Helen Curran 8.412/154.11, 2. Tim Whetton 8.910/157.89
9.90 Bike:
1. Geof Connor 9.910/125.70, 2. Andy Haley 9.924/133.93
10.90 Bike:
1. Paul Valentine 10.928/124.31, 2. Sandra Chaplain 10.929/125.35
Supertwin Fuel:
1. Ben Beneke 7.870/177.17, 2. John Williamson 8.654/154.11
Supertwin Gas:
1. Jerry Collier 9.812/133.14, 2. Ric Davis 10.011/128.57
Supertwin Modified:
1. Dave Bartz 10.688/128.21, 2. Wayne Larsen 10.796/117.49
Supertwin Street:
1. Steve Piper 10.672/125.35, 2. Les Harris 10.800/123.97
Date: 23rd September 2000
Headline: Top Fuel stays with Prostar
Rumours abound as to Prostars intention with the Top Fuel Bike class for 2001 in view of the continuing arrangement for the bikes to run at NHRA events as an exhibition class.
However, Keith `Scooter' Kizer, President of Prostar has quashed the rumours with the following statement made today:-
"Top Fuel is not going anywhere. Top Fuel is currently scheduled at six events next year. The 2001 schedule is not complete but should be by mid-October".
Date: 23rd September 2000
Headline: Super Series 5, Avon Park, England qualifying
A few highlights from qualifying at Super Series 5 at Avon Park, England today:-
Drama in Super Street Bike as Karl Larcombe ran a new Personal Best and took number one qualifying spot from Graham Dance with an 8.574/164, but then he drifted onto the grass at the top end. A great riding job kept Karl on the bike and upright and back onto the track. Karl is quite OK. Karl's #1 spot lasted a few minutes as Tony Clark ran an astounding 8.141/176.47, which will be a new ACU record if he can back it up. Tony will have to run 8.222 or quicker to back up the time, or the 8.141 would back up a time of 8.060. A speed of 174.72 will back up the speed, or the 176.47 would back up a speed of up to 178.23.
Fellow Team Cooperised racer Helen Curran has just put in a new Personal Best of 8.458/155.17 on Paul Rose's Comp Bike, there is more to come from that bike too. So a good day for Team Cooperised!
Ben Beneke clocked 7.870/177.17 on what looked like an easy, effortless pass on his Supertwin Fuel bike.
A very hairy moment for Super Street Bike racer James Curnick a little earlier as his bike went vertical about two hundred feet out, James was left with no choice but to let go of the bike which hit him on the way down. James was taken to the medical centre for a check-up and is OK; he was just up here in race control and is limping a little but is in good spirits. His bike is in a bit of a state but it can be fixed and the most important thing is that James is in one piece.
Dave Beck is the class of the field this weekend in Pro Stock Bike, following up his earlier 7.59 with a 7.585/176 and a 7.580.
Report courtesy of http://www.eurodragster.com
Date: 23rd September 2000
Headline: Rule changes for 2000
Santa Pod Racers Club have asked us to invite any members of the club who have views on changes related to classes, regulations, procedures etc. to contact the secretary, Paula Marshall, with their proposals at:-
SPRC
P O Box 12
Rushden
Northants NN10 0ZU
Tel: 01933 313625
Fax: 01933 355558
E-Mail: paula@sprc.fsnet.co.uk
Date: 23rd Sptember 2000
Headline: When and where?
I noticed the mention on the Eurodragster site about your possible trip to Gainesville. I used to be in the UK until recently (see http//www.x28800.demon.co.uk/drag ), but now I'm living in Florida (although a few hundred miles from Gainesville). Do you have any details of the race, e.g. a web site?
Mark Fawcus
Gossip comment:-
Dear Mark, Alright for some eh? The official hosting site for Prostar can be found at http://www.dragbike.com
The race itself takes place over the days of the 17th to the 19th of November. We hope to see you there!
Date: 21st September 2000
Headline: Hidden agenda?
I see in the news section of Dragbike.com that Ken Cooper is begging for transport in the U.S.
Is he making the trip without the rest of you, in order to panic the yanks (as in the recent post on Helen), or is he on a hidden agenda with a view to the racing?
Brian Tozer
Gossip comment:-
Allegedly, Ken's always on a hidden agenda, but he will be on a racing tour that encompasses races at more than one venue in the US.
Date: 21st September 2000
Headline: Fine Finnish Finals times from Jaska
Harry Raikkonen from Finland contacted us to let us know that Finnish Super Twin Top Fuel rider Jaska Salakari set new personal best times in the Finnish finals at Alastaro last weekend with a 6.84 sec and top speed of 337km/h (209,44mph).
Date: 20th September 2000
Headline: King Racing jackets FOR FREE!!!
Well, not quite.
King Racing Top Fuel are looking for one - off event sponsors to help towards the cost of competing at the Prostar Finals at Gainesville in November. Any company or individual that supports them by making a donation of £100 ($150) towards the costs will see a big splash on their support in the media and on the net, the bike will carry logos and / or names on it for the event, and in the new year, all of those who have contributed will receive an official King Racing embroidered jacket of £55 ($80) in value.
Pledges can be made by contacting sponsorship@kingracing.com
Date: 20th September 2000
Headline: BARGAINS!!!
King Racing have acquired a selection of heavy duty flight cases for transportation of delicate equipment. They make excellent dragrace spares and equipment cases too (ask Brian Johnson and Ian King). They are all nearly new and although retailing for over £300 each, they are for sale at a bargain price of only £50 irrespective of the size. The sizes available are (external dimensions in cms):-
82 X 57 X 57 (1 off) 65 X 41 X 36 (1 off) 55 X 44 X 28 (1 off) 56 X 31 X 38 (1 off) 36 X 36 X 38 (1 off) 37 X 30 X 32 (6 off)
Contact sales@kingracing.com
Date: 20th September 2000
Headline: Tom `The Tiger' ?
Contrary to rumours abounding on this side of the pond, MRE Funnybike pilot Tom `Big Money' Perry has confirmed he will definitely NOT be buying Tony `The Tiger' Lang's Top Fuel Bike.
Date: 20th September 2000
Headline: Weightwatchers news.........
Just change the weight break to 700lb, there ain't enough beer drunk in the Prostock ranks now! Soon you will have to be a teetotal anorexic, not my idea of fun! Still when I make my comeback I guess I will just have to struggle!!!! If I can't make the weight, check out those shifter lines for nitrous! Liposuction beckons! Only kidding about the 700lbs, obviously I'm not going on diet for anyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris Tombleson
Date: 19th September 2000
Headline: Chris Hampson
I have just returned from Bedford Magistrates Court where the inquest into Chris Hampson's tragic accident was conducted. After deliberation from accounts given by a witness and the scrutineer, a verdict of accident was recorded. Our thoughts are, as ever, with Jan, his sister Jane, Phil, and their respective families.
Ian King
Date: 19th September 2000
Headline: Team Tactics?
Check out the article on Helen Curran in the October issue of Bike magazine, on sale now. In light of recent events concerning Ken Cooper and his dropped tree, there was an interesting quote in the article thus:- "I never stage first" says Helen. "I'll sit there all day, with the engine revving it's head off, popping and banging and not go in first. Sometimes it takes so long that the starter calls us in. But I still won't go first." Ken confirms Helen's modus operandi. "Eventually, the other racer notices that she's got the engine screaming. She's not doing the bike any harm, but they'll panic for her. Just then, she goes into stage and bang! She's gone"
Date: 19th September 2000
Headline: Prostock rule changes # ?
Well, it would appear that we have some common grounds on pushing the class forward!!! After hearing other people's opinions, how does this sound for a rough draft:-
1:-Unlimited cc. (Allows a cost effective power increase throughout the class.)
2:-Standard stroke on roller bearing cranks / stroked cranks permitted on shell bearing cranks. (This will encourage the development of the future generation of Prostock engines.)
3:-Standard minimum weight break of 272 kg (or 600 lb in old money) for all 4 cyl 4 stroke engines. This will stop me eating chips and drinking beer and allow our slower northern home grown engines to keep up with the state of the art American 2 valves.
4:-Oil blankets to be fitted to all machines at all times whilst on the track. (This must save the track crews unnecessary work and keep us all racing.) Maybe this could be implemented from Superstreet up!
5:-Staging rule to be reinforced at start marshall's discretion.
As always all views and opinions welcome, i.e. if I'm talking b*****ks please tell me.
Maybe our European friends would like to air their views, Could we find a common set of rules for both FIM and ACU?
Chris Hope.
Date: 19th September 2000
Headline: Competition Bike / Funnybike
I run the Hellraiser Funnybike FB7.
My new project is a 3000cc Rover V6 Nitrous Comp Bike, which may be ready within the next 12 months. It is being built by both myself and Jeff Hill from Warrington. What I need to know is will there be a Comp Bike class for me to run it in ? Also, are there any rules that I need to know about before I go any further . I have the engine, chassis, front end and a rear beadlock wheel 14x32x15.
The Hellraiser Funnybike is also nearing completion. It has a new 1260cc Kawasaki engine with an 8 plug head, new blower, twin mags and Hilborn fuel injection. I have not run the bike this year due to commitments at work and last years engine explosion.
Many Thanks, Andy Folberth
Gossip comment:-
There will be a Competition Bike class run at ACU meetings as long as there are entries. It is the responsibility of the Comp Bike riders to ensure their class survival by attending all rounds arranged for them, at whatever track.
Regarding rules for Comp Bike, there will probably be no changes to affect the construction rules, but you must always read and understand the general and class rules as in the ACU handbook.
Date: 18th September 2000
Headline: Latest ACU points and European Records
The latest ACU British Championship points and the updated European Records ar now posted on our ACU and FIM pages respectively.
Date: 18th September 2000
Headline: Hannon Racing - Quickest Pro Stock Harley in the World!
Hannon Racing might not be making the NHRA Pro Stock Bike Program, but they are making some numbers. This weekend at MOHNTON, Pa. in Pro Stock Bike Division at the 16th annual Keystone Nationals, Dan Baisley set the Harley world on fire. Baisley, Portland, Or., turned a 7.802 at 166.21 on his first pass, then a 7.769 at 163.14, then a record breaking 7.667 at 169.10, the 1/8 mile on this pass was 4.80 ET at 146 mph. Team owner, Bill Hannon was thrilled with their results, "we have a lot left in the bike. We'll be pulling back to Pennsylvania in two weeks for the AHDRA race, then straight to Rockingham for the Eastern Finals at Rockingham, NC. We are really excited about going to NHRA at Houston where weather conditions are traditionally optimal and our equipment should be as well. We can't thank our sponsors enough, it was tough rebuilding the program after Daytona, but we don't have any regrets now."
Hannon Racing is supported on their national circuit by Axtell Sales, Inc., Baisley Hi-Performance, D & G Chassis, Harley Davidson of Ft. Myers, The Landings Realty, Inc., Red Line Oil, MRE, BPM Racing Engines, and Dyna Tek, RK Chain, Bandit Clutch, Vanson Leathers, & Mastercam.
Date: 18th September 2000
Headline: Oh, and another thing.......
One other thing I would like to suggest is that we run an incomplete race at the next round of the championship (apart from when it is the last one).
Anybody who wants to race for the title will be at all races so this would be a benefit to all and to have more finished races must be a good thing for all who follow the sport !!!!
Dave Beck
Date: 18th September 2000
Headline: Prostock rule changes # 4
I think we have to change a few basic points of the rules but we also need to keep the class as appealing to newcomers as we can . I think any more high $ parts should be discouraged from being introduced into the class.
Points to look into:-
Make all bikes weigh 600 pounds - why do we need to make them heavier? - Lighter and faster is what people want.
Also, bring the two valve weight up to the same as the 4 valve weight. I am thinking of building two valve motors for my Pro mod programme with Jay next year. It would take no trouble to run them in p/s as well all it needs is a set of pistons. Taking into account I already have a good advantage in p/s this will not be good for the class, but I want to go as fast as I can and will take this option if it remains as it is.
Make all bikes run oil blankets. This is a small cost but could save valuable down time, with time limits on events we need to do all we can to make the race run smoother. Also fine people for oiling the track more than once a race. I have been on the wrong side of this rule in the States this year but we soon took action to stop the oil getting on the track.
Bring back or enforce the staging time people are allowed as there are a lot of staging battles going on !!!
Dave Beck
Date: 18th September 2000
Headline: Prostock rule changes # 3
Following on from Chris Hope's views I feel unlimited cc's on roller cranks but stock stroke only. I think we need to allow stroked cranks in for the newer generation of engine so they can get their capacity up to be competitive.
Ross Baker
Date: 18th September 2000
Headline: Prostock rule changes # 2
OK on the rule changes as proposed by Chris Hope, but suggest unlimited capacity / stroke as this will help the new 2k engines with plain bearing cranks.
Len Paget
Date: 18th September 2000
Headline: European Top Gas finals
We received this mail from Piet, courtesy of Ian Turbeville:-
"I Just got back from Wittstock. Job (Heezen) is the Champ, but it was a narrow escape. After just one round of qualifying on Saturday, it rained the rest of the day, and Job was not in because he couldn't keep the bike in his own lane. But they all got another shot at it on Sunday morning and he was on top of the list, with an 8.3 and 260kmh (161.56Mph). With 15 riders that meant a bye-run in round one. He didn't take it easy, but drove a new personal best ET: 8.06 and 263Kmh (163.42Mph), in a far from perfect run! So he finished the season with a new Top Gas speed record (recaptured from Ricardo) and the #1 plate for next year.
Swedish rider Janne Gustavsson came to Wittstock in the second spot, only 270 points behind, but dropped to 3rd place, eliminated by Retschy.
Ricardo Gilberto damaged his gearbox, and repaired it in the 20 minutes between qualification and round one. With everybody else already lined up they were still wrenching!!! Angela (series co ordinator) ran back and forth between the pits and the start area. However, they made it into the quarter finals, passing Janne Gustavsson in the championship.
Herman Jolink was hot on the lights again, and ran a 9.606 and 9.607,but was eliminated by Gunther Sohn (position 4) in round one. They went side by side for the first eight of a mile. Herman finished in the number 10 spot this year."
Date: 16th September 2000
Headline: Prostock Bike rules proposal
Now the fuel injection discussions have finally been laid to rest, may I propose the following rule changes for Prostock bike:-
1:- Maximum 1570 cc. (Unlimited cc should not be ruled out.)
2:- Standard stroke crankshaft.
3:- 275 kg minimum weight break for all 4 cylinder 4 stroke engines.
All other rules to remain unchanged (including the one on OEM fuel injection.)
Surely this will allow the class to move forward at a price we can all afford, thus encouraging fair competition.
Chris Hope
Date: 15th September 2000
Headline: Trouble a t' mill....... # 2
In the car classes there was a Fuel Altered that wanted to go into Super Pro ET but he was unable to as the ET classes do not permit nitro, therefore he was forced to make exhibition passes.
My personal view is if Martin Peck's bike does not meet the class requirement he should not be allowed to run Funny Bike. What would happen if Brian Johnson wanted to run at the October Meet? Would he be given a dispensation to join Funny Bike? Maybe it could be arranged with the organising club for him to do demo runs as Ian King did at Super Series 4.
Spencer Tramm
Gossip comment:- A good point from Spencer. However, that basis for the dispensation was the potential `unavailability' of demo time and the fact that Martins machine is `almost' a Funnybike, running the same fuel and construction rules. It does have a seperate gearbox unlike the 4 and 6 cylinder Funnies, but not unlike the Nitro Harleys that also are allowed to run Funnybike.
Date: 15th September 2000
Headline: Rule changes for 2000
Whilst we are on the subject of rules, now is the time to start making representations and suggestions for rule and class changes for next season. Anyone with a proposal, please forward them to us for submission to the ACU Dragrace sub committee at:-
acu@kingracing.com
Date: 15th September 2000
Headline: Trouble a t' mill.......
There seems to remain disgruntlement amongst some of the Funnybike fraternity at the ACU decision to allow a concession, for the rest of the season only, for Martin Peck to run his machine in Funnybike where no round of Competition bike is available. Despite the fact that this may not occur, it seems the Gallic spirit is catching, with boycotts of the final round at Santa Pod threatened.
Date: 14th September 2000
Headline: Eh?
Me and me mate Dean were down the river one day drunk as a skunk. We both had our motorbikes there getting around. Deans bike is a KX 80 and mines a honda CT 125. Dean went to take off on his bike and he chucked a big mono (probly by accident co's he was so blind.)
Gossip comment:-
We couldn't possibly......
Date: 14th September 2000
Headline: Ton Pels at the Euro Finals
After the surprise and disappointment at Ton's failure to qualify at Santa Pod last weekend, we found out that he broke two complete sets of rocker arms whilst attempting to qualify, and still is unaware of why these breakages occurred.
Date: 14th September 2000
Headline: God? # 2
I have just read Ken Cooper's submission to you regarding his red light during Sunday's eliminations.
Having seen Ken's games at the May meeting against BJ (over 10 seconds to stage?) and having read of your exploits at Hockenheim, I was keenly watching what happened on Sunday and believe Ian made the right decision.
Ken was not exactly quick to stage in the first round when he beat Roel Koedam (or rather Roel lost!). I do not know if Ian read your report from Hockenheim but the sooner he starts to race like a gentleman the better. Having run the Startline at Santa Pod I know how difficult it is to make certain decisions. Admittedly, I did not have the starter in my hands back in the late 80's like Ian does now but if I was on the line on Sunday, I would have done the same.
I know that Stu Bradbury thinks Ian does a good job & I can only agree with him.
As far as being a judge of fact and questioning Ian's integrity, I know that Ian handed over the controls last year when Paula was running in Super Gas and somebody's got to have the unenviable task. Ian answers to the Race Director who has ultimate control, Ken should remember that no one gets to either of the position of Starter or Race Director without sufficient experience.
Regards,
Jim Broome
Date: 13th September 2000
Headline: Final European Championship Points
The final European Championship points for 2000 have been posted on our FIM Championship page for your delectation.
Date: 13th September 2000
Headline: Team MRE update (oh, and race report!).
Jay Regan, head Honcho at Team MRE sent us this update:-
"Just on my way home from the Atco event figured I'd give you a race update.
The race itself was OK, although we, especially I, stunk.
ON TRACK: Beck started out with a troubled "three gears only" 7.24 pass on Friday morning that placed us 3rd. We had to replace the transmission afterwards which caused us to miss the 2nd pass Friday evening. With repairs completed, we set out Saturday only to be stopped dead on the launch by a broken NOS solenoid wire. We hopped it up for the final qualifier and smoked the tire to a 7.36. We wound up 5th and looked good for first round until yours truly somehow forgot to arm the two step which caused us to get a red light as Beck lurched across the starting line, ending our weekend.
BIRD WATCH: The Cheshire Cat once again struck, this time he skipped out on Saturday nights dinner and was rumored to be seen back at the track with the Israeli terrorist. Beck vehemently denies the rumor, claiming to have called it an early night to get some kip. Roommate Upperton could not provide any further details.....
SALAD ONLY: His Royal Stinkship Cannon appeared after making a last minute decision to attend, looking about a quarter stone lighter after dieting for the past month. Pledging Thursday to stick to the salads and abstain from spirits so as to stay on track to reach his 25 stone goal for Gainesville, he was in for a test.
Test grade; F. Sadly, Mr. Cannon was unable to resist the temptation presented in the form of burgers, steaks, chicken wings and desserts.
Sunday evening was especially brutal as we'd settled in to watch the NFL Cowboys/Cardinals game at the local sports bar. After numerous cocktails, a starter, salad and meal, Dr. Evil could not resist following my lead in enjoying a lovely ice cream sundae. I left him Monday afternoon in the Philadelphia mall trying on leather jackets........
THE BOOT WILL DO: Speaking of Sunday evenings escapades, the talented Mr.Upperton was put through the ringer. We'd all (seven) piled in one car for the journey to the pub, leaving one behind to rest after a hard day at the track. As we sat down, poor Roger was suckered in to a Cowboys bet on the football game by Beck after Beck gained deep insight regarding the game from Jimmy the Greek. About an hour into the drunkfest, the one left behind showed up via taxi. Another three hours later, after a Cardinals win and a five hundred dollar tab, we were the last to leave the establishment.
Problem; We'd grown to eight in number, where do we fit everyone? No problem; Jack Daniel's, I mean Roger, demanded to ride back to the hotel in the trunk of the car! After a "not so proper" field sobriety test to deem the fittest to drive back to the hotel, Mrs. Cannon herself, Andy fired up the car and away we went. Andy decided it was time to do his best Nigel Mansell impression on the drive back, making us wonder if all those noisy "thuds" from the rear were painful or not!
Managing to arrive back safely, out popped a smiling Jack from the boot!
UP NEXT: IDBA Memphis; Beale Street, Lord Jesus & Sweet Helen, I don't know how much more of this I can take......"
Jay
Date: 13th September 2000
Headline: God?
Following on from Ken Coopers dropped light in the race to decide the 2000 European Championship, he submitted the following to us:-
"To say I am upset, annoyed, robbed and dismayed at Ian Marshall's decision to drop the tree on me (be given a red light) would be an understatement. Why did he drop the tree on me?........ he says that I took too long to move into stage. Let's examine what went on. I moved into pre-stage first, then Dahl moved in, I then a few seconds later, Dahl moves into stage, I compose myself, I check again, I am in 1st gear, sit up, put my hand on the bars, push the twostep button, wind the throttle round to the stop, and start paddling forward. S**t! where's he going? What's going on? Panic lets go. Why did he drop the tree on me? I was on the two step, I was moving into stage, I was paddling in with my toes, I was moving. So I paid the money and put in to protest the decision made on the grounds that Ian's decision was unreasonable. A meeting is held and the decision is not whether either party is right or wrong but that no one can challenge Ian's decision as starter, as he is also a Judge of fact. THE MOST POWERFULL MAN IN BRITISH DRAGRACING? .............................GOD? Can this be right? I think not. If anyone who saw what happened would like to give their opinion I would appreciate the feedback. Also ask yourselves, should someone in the job of official starter and a Judge of fact be able to make decisions that could be swayed by personal preference, corruption or human error not have to answer to anyone?"
Ken (disillusioned) Cooper.
Date: 11th September 2000
Headline: McClure Sets new Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley MPH-216.76
Jim McClure, Williamsburg, VA. went north looking for some big numbers and for a while he was right on track. McClure qualified #1 it the IHRA's Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley division at the 5th annual Amalie Oil Northern Nationals, Epping, NH.
McClure quickly set the new mph standard with a scorching qualifying pass at 6.558 ET 216.76 mph. In the final round of qualifying McClure locked in the new record with a 6.502 at 214.76 mph holding the #1 spot on the ladder.
But in round one, McClure broke against Jack Romine of Homewood Harley Davidson. McClure packed up and now prepares to burn some midnight oil preparing his newest bike for a 2,000 debut. "The new bike will be out this season, and we want to get this one to go a little faster, I've got a number in my head and we're not quite there, yet."
Look for McClure at: Sept. 21-23 IHRA Rockingham, NC Sept. 28-30 IHRA Budds Creek, Md.
McClure is supported on his national tour by Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite & Vanson Leathers
Date: 11th September 2000
Headline: McBride NHRA US Nationals and Wish Upon a Star.
Larry Spiderman McBride, New Port News, Va. didn't get his wish at weekend at NHRA's US Nationals but that won't slow a good man down. In fact sometimes granting a wish is much more significant. McBride leaves Virginia Saturday noon to attend the Wish Upon A Star Foundation Motorcycle Poker Run and Ride to Rt. 66 Dragway in Joliet, Il. Three year old, Tyler Zillmer and 16 year old Jackie Myers both dealing with terminal diseases wanted to meet McBride.
"I've never done anything like this before, but we met the Wish Upon A Star Foundation in Joliet and just couldn't say no. These kids fight tough battles everyday and to bring a smile and little joy to them makes me feel proud."
Near season's end, McBride is wide open. He attended the Drag Specialties/Ports Unlimited dealer show meeting many vendors and shop owners for his sponsors. "It's always a good time to show off the bike for our sponsors, a lot of them don't have time to get to the track, so it's a treat for them to see what 1,000 horsepower nitro bike looks like."
Then during the week in the midwest, McBride and Doug Vancil visited McBride's long time sponsors, Wayne and Donna Pingel at Pingel Enterprises, Adams, Wi.. "Their shop is unbelievable, 27,000 square feel and it's like hospital clean. And their employee's really rolled out the red carpet for us. We had a great time, we went flying with Wayne and out on their boat, we felt like kings."
Then on to Indianapolis for the US Nationals, "where we smoked more tires than ever before, we have plenty of horse power on our Kawasake/Puma engine, Steve (McBride's crew chief and brother) sees to that, but just couldn't hook it up. On our last pass we ran our best numbers, a 6.14 at 225 mph."
McBride proudly represents Pingel Enterprise, Red Line Synthetic Oil Corp., Trim-Tex, Drag Specialties, Muzzy's Performance, Kibblewhite Precision Machine, HPC, Kawasaki USA and Web-Cam on his Tour 2000. Product sponsors assisting Larry McBride Racing include Vanson Leathers, Performance Machine, Belt Drives, Ltd., Street & Competition, Dayco Belts, Trac Dynamics, Simpson Race Products, Nitrous Express, APE, Arias, R & D Springs, Autolite, EK Chain, MSD, Clevite Engine Parts, Protect All, Whipple Industries, Cometic Gaskets, TSP, Carolina Cycle.
Date: 11th September 2000
Headline: Just amazing!
Brian Johnson, you never cease to amaze with your performances in Top Fuel Bike. It's worth the ticket to see your runs alone. Keep it up!
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 11th September 2000
Headline: Price Qualifies at Epping
Ray Price, Raleigh, NC, had a very interesting trip to Epping, NH for the IHRA's 5th annual Amalie Oil Northern Nationals qualifying despite some long odds and plenty of adversity.
Price had planned to return from a Dealer Advisorary Board meeting in Milwaukee, Wi. on Tuesday evening and leave Raleigh with crew chief Nick Richendollar and crew member, Ronnie Johnson in the Blue Bird on Wednesday making the long trip to the far side of New England. But another meeting caused Price to hop a flight back to Milwaukee, flying to Manchester, NH Thursday after more meetings.
Meanwhile, Nichendollar and Johnson were almost to Washington, DC before the trailer frame broke and they were seriously delayed. Late flights, broken parts, traffic from hell, but they finally all got all together at the track, but too late to qualify Friday.
Price did qualify on Saturday for the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley division in 7th with 6.931 ET 196.53 mph. Then in the first round, Price was matched against #2 qualifier, Doug Vancil, Albuquerque, NM. Although it didn't turn out to be Price's win, it was the closest match of the weekend. Vancil's margin of victory was only .009. Vancil ran a 0.506 RT with a 6.621 ET and 214.62 mph as Price was runner up with reaction time of 0.516 at 6.620 ET and 205.79 mph.
Price and team are heading back to Raleigh to prepare for the Ray Price Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum Dedication, Sept. 24th and Race Promotion Week prior to the IHRA CAR Quest Autumn Nationals, Rockingham, NC, Sept. 21-23.
Ray Price Racing is supported by Ray Price Harley Davidson, Raleigh HOG, S & S Cycle, Power Arc Ignition Co., Ultra Pro Machining, JIMS, Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil, Shumaker Racing, Performance Machine, Barnett Tool & Engineering, Vanson's, Carolina Cobras, and Wilder's Inc www.rayprice.com 919-832-2261
Date: 11th September 2000
Headline: Vancil WINS Iron Man
Doug Vancil, Albuquerque, NM brought home the first Iron Man of the season in the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley division on the Vance & Hines/Drag Specialties dragster at the IHRA's 5th annual Amalie Oil Northern Nationals held in Epping, New Hampshire.
Vancil was "Mr. Consistency" at Epping. Qualifying 2nd with a 6.606 ET to Jim McClure's record breaking mph pass at 6.502 ET at 216.76mph, Vancil felt he'd shaken his mechanical grinch at Indy, now time would tell.
In the first round of eliminations, Vancil defeated legendary Ray Price by .009 margin of victory. Vancil took Price at the lights leaving the lights with a .506 RT with a 6.621 ET at 214.62 mph to Price's .516 RT at 6.620 ET 205.79 mph providing the closest side by side of the event, thrilling the crowds.
In the 2nd round, Vancil 's reaction time 0.506 with a 6.587 ET at 213.40 mph earned him lane choice over Steve Stordeur when current Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Point's leader, Jay Turner broke at the light. Advance, Vancil.
The Final round, Vancil lined up the Vance & Hines/Drag Specialties Nitro Harley against Steve Stordeur riding for Mancuso Harley Davidson. Stordeur could take the point's lead from Turner with a win. Vancil had other plans, cutting his best light of the day with a 0.501 reaction time. Another consistent 6.562 ET at 206.70 mph as Stordeur's bike veered over the center line, Vancil took his first Iron Man of the season.
The Vancil's are proudly supported by Vance & Hines, Drag Specialties, Performance Machine, K & N, PJ 1, B & J Transmission, & Axtell.
Don't forget to watch IHRA on TNN Sunday nights 10:30 pm EST.
Date: 11th September 2000
Headline: We're back!
Well we're back from an eventful weekend at the European Finals at Santa Pod, England and we have much gossip to bring you over the coming days. However, we must give a big shout to Graham Dance who won the inaugural European Superstreet Bike Challenge for 2000, Stefan Junerud for being crowned Supertwin European Champion on his innovative Servex Twin (despite blocking the King Racing Team in their pit with his coach.......), Roger Pettersson for taking the Prostock Bike crown, and Oyvind Dahl for his Competition Bike crown.
However, the Gossip Man of the Weekend was undoubtedly Brian Johnson for establishing a new European Record with his stunning clicked off early 6.12 and 6.14 passes. I'm sure BJ would like to thank King Racing for the loan of their equipment and electricity over the weekend and return the favour in the way of tuning advice......
Well done BJ!
Date: 7th August 2000
Headline: And one other thing while I'm here...
What's that phrase..? "Don't bite the hand that feeds you" What's with these people who think that mouthing off to the teenager daughter of the race promoter will endear themselves to *anyone*?!? I think the abuse that everyone, Terry, Wendy etc. got was totally unjust. I'm sure there were lots of people who were pissed off at not being able to complete the eliminations. I know I was, especially watching the road sweeper clean up after itself after trailing mud onto the track. But so what? Doesn't give me the right to bad mouth people for the effort they put in to supporting our sport and giving us the facilities to race in the first place! Did the abusers take the time to COMPLIMENT anyone on the races that *were* completed over the last 3 years of the Super Series?? I doubt it.
Ric Naylor
Date: 7th September 2000
Headline: Ric Naylor Receiving!
In response to Rein Austerå's request for noisy 'effin 2 stroke info, you can visit my website at http://www.teamrnr.co.uk and Jerry's at http://www.jaderacing.com. Feel free to contact either of us for more information. I've personally not heard of anyone using an RG500 to drag race. If that's your plan, keep us posted!
Date: 7th September 2000
Headline: ACU Superstreet points
The latest Superstreet points standings are now posted on our ACU championship page.
Other classes will be posted early next week.
Date: 6th September 2000
Headline: ACU Superstreet points
The latest Superstreet points standings are now posted on our ACU championship page.
Other classes will be posted early next week.
Date: 6th September 2000
Headline: Ray Price Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum
The Ray Price Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum is taking shape in Raleigh, NC. The Dedication Ceremony will be Sept. 24th at 2:00 p.m., including a presentation of the colors, brief ceremony and the first official Gallery Walk. Over 13 display cases are being filled with photos, leathers, and assorted memorabilia including previously unpublished photos, and tributes to the 10 teams who did burn out's on the Show room floor of the new 56,000 square foot Harley-Davidson dealership.The display cases are on the open mezzanine over looking the indoor virtual reality drag strip. As the construction phase is winding down, Price and staff will be expanding the Museum to include old drag bikes and larger pieces of Harley drag race history.The Museum will have one quarter of the cases changes on a quarterly basis. The next exhibition plans a tribute to Elmer Trett, Bonnie Truett and to the double engine era. Any items, photos, or memorabilia may be sent to: Ray Price Harley Davidson1126 South Saunders Raleigh, NC 27603 +1 919-832-2261
Date: 6th September 2000
Headline: Hannon Racing - Quickest & Fastest Prostock Harley at US
Nationals
Bill Hannon loves a drag racing crowd. And that made the NHRA/US Nationals at Indy the place to be. "We almost packed the bike up still hot from it's last test pass at Gainesville and headed directly to Indy. We didn't have time to finish the lettering and for that we apologize to our sponsors. We thought the weather conditions would give us a break in the Midwest, but it was just like home, hot and humid, only 3,500 ft above sea level. There was a great field at Indy and we know the Harley's are still a long shot to make the field, but we don't want to miss a chance to cut some numbers. We didn't make the qualifying field but Dan Baisley did cut the quickest and fastest times among the Harley's with a 7.80 ET and 165.77 mph. If we can get the back half to match up with our front half numbers, we're there.
Date: 6th September 2000
Headline: Vancil WOWS NHRA Crowd
Doug and Julie Vancil on the Vance & Hines/Drag Specialties nitro Harley absolutely charmed the sometimes jaded NHRA fans at the US Nationals at Indianapolis.
Vancil, though disappointed with his first exhibition pass at a 6.88 ET and 200 mph, had more than his share of fans flock around the Vance & Hines/Drag Specialties 18 wheel rig.
"We have been chasing ignition problems all season, and we've been talking to everyone about it. Looks like the best idea came from one of the Harley Pro Stock teams. We'll let you know who it is, if it works," he said with a smile. And smiles have been few and far between for Vancil this season. But racers are hardest on themselves, and the Vance & Hines team is 4th in the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley series in IHRA. The improved engine provided Vancil with better numbers and his last two passes before the chanting cheering Indy crowd brought a 6.721 at 205.04 and a 6.717 at 203.95. According to Julie Vancil, "The crowds were very responsive. We think it was great exposure for Drag Specialties and Vance and Hines. Although the weather was hot and humid we had a blast. We were chumming around with the NHRA teams and they were just wonderful to us and the FANS, wow, they were just awesome. We've been on the road for about 10 days now. The Parts Unlimited Show was real fun, we were able to meet a lot of the dealers and vendors. They all loved the bike.
Date: 5th September 2000
Headline: Brainless?
I for one am very disappointed to hear the news that some supposedly Pro Stock Bike rider abused Mr. Gibbs. I for one managed 4 passes due to a long wait for free practice and set a personal best, so I came away with something. I must admit to being disappointed not to finish the eliminations, but that's racing and the British weather for you. It's happened before and it will happen again. I think they (APIRA and Obsession) did as well as they could considering, and at least they brought our first round time forward so we didn't waste all of Sunday. Maybe if it's possible we should look into taking any unfinished eliminations on to the next event? It could be done in quallifiying, and it would make the next event more exciting.
Richard Gipp - Pro Stock Bike
Gossip comment:-
This is one of many messages and conversations we have had with bike riders supporting what had to be done by Obsession and the Clerk of the Course at the meeting in question, and deploring the abusive and thoughtless comments made by self centred riders and drivers due to the circumstances that arose.
Regarding carrying over of eliminations, this used to be the practice, but it caused many problems. For example, time pressures, when a rider could not attend the next meeting due to circumstances outside his control, the fact that the points situation was still up in the air between rounds, what happened if the last meeting of the year was curtailed early, and when the next round was at a different track and organised by a different club - they may not want to accomodate an extra set of eliminations.
Date: 5th September 2000
Headline: Thanks Kath!
Just thought I would drop you a line to say how much I am enjoying my first year in the bike classes. I have been racing in various car classes for the last 22 years, the last 10 years mainly Super Gas and also crewing on the C&S Promod Calibra.
This year I started in 10.90 bike with my black Bandit then progressed to 9.90 Bike, running my personal best of 9.77 @ 141 without gas. I have made many new friends in the bike pits and it has given me a renewed interest in dragracing. A special thank you to KATHY TAYLOR FOR HER ENCOURAGEMENT.
Paul `Grumpy' Watson
Date: 4th September 2000
Headline: Fuel bikes at NHRA Indy
Run 1
Dan Butters 6.57, Doug Vancil 6.88
Chris Hand 6.90 (got out of it), Tommy Smith 6.68 @ 181
Ron Webb 6.76 @ 209, Larry McBride 15.55 (blew the tire away).
Last pass yesterday:-
Butters 6.72, Webb 6.54 @ 189
McBride 6.59, Vancil 7.24
Hand 7.78 (went to c-line got out of it), Smith 6.54 @ 198
Date: 4th September 2000
Headline: Whiners!
What is it with some bike racers, that they have to whinge & whine about the success of others. With the Superstreet bike class being so strong in numbers & good quality racing now, you would think others would try harder to achieve what Graham, Tony & other racers have achieved. These racers & I mean RACERS have paid their dues to this fine sport of ours, over many long seasons having the highs & lows that come with trying to be successful not sitting back whinging & whining. They just got on with trying to be ready for the next meeting , to give their best to achieve the goals they have set themselves & now they are successful. Maybe you should stop your jaw from flapping & attempt to set yourself a goal that you can achieve, like stop whinging & whining!
Congratulations to all successful RACERS in all classes, don't let these jaw flappers get to you.
Dave Friend. Jones & Friend Racing
Date: 3rd September 2000
Headline: Helens gone all Funny!
Pro Mod rider Ken Coopers au pair, Helen Curran, spent today running the Paul Rose Suzuki Funnybike at Santa Pod. She ran a respectable 8.40 ish pass before it expired on the start line with a shriek like a Zebra on heat......
You can see Helen on Daktari at:-
Date: 3rd September 2000
Headline: NHRA Indy Saturday Fuel bike runs
Tommy Smith Vs Ron Webb:
Smith runs a 6.37 @ 190.27, Webb runs 6.68 @ 217.00
Chris Hand Vs Doug Vancil:
Hand breaks in the waterbox, Vancil popping all the way down track.
Larry McBride vs Dan Butters:
McBride runs a tire slipping side to side 6.43, he gets the big brass balls award for this pass. Butters runs a smooth 6.93
Dick Boxell
Date: 3rd September 2000
Headline: Calling Ric Naylor, Jerry Collier......
I would like to come in contact with any 2-stroke dragracing teams and their websites. If anyone knows of any that run dragracing with 2-stroke dragbikes, please let me know. Does anyone know of any that use Suzuki RG500 for dragracing? Thank you very much.
Rein Austerå - Norway
Date: 3rd September 2000
Headline: Shakespeare County Raceway track records
Jeremy Cookson, Shakespeare County Raceway Press Officer has confirmed the following new motorcycle track records. Please note that these are track records only, and to set a record at the track, a back up run within 1% is not required:-
PRO STOCK BIKE
7.525s Dave Beck (1500cc Suzuki) 27.8.00
179.28 mph Chris Hope (1500cc Suzuki) 27.8.00
FUNNY BIKE
7.187s Chris Hall (1600cc Suzuki) 28.8.00
SUPER STREET BIKE
178.57 mph Tony Clark (1500cc Suzuki) 27.8.00
Despite Monday's problems no less than 12 new track records were set in both car and bike competition.
Date: 3rd September 2000
Headline: NHRA Indy qualifying
Saturday's qualifying results for the 46th annual NHRA U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park, the 17th of 23 events in the $45 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. Qualifying continues Sunday for Monday's final eliminations:-
Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.324, 182.70
2. Angelle Seeling, Suzuki, 7.327, 180.31
3. Matt Hines, Suzuki, 7.331, 181.94
4. Tony Mullen, Suzuki, 7.370, 180.86
5. John Smith, Suzuki, 7.375, 181.96
6. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.381, 179.97
7. Blaine Hale, Kawasaki, 7.390, 179.06
8. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.423, 178.45
9. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.437, 178.24
10. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.464, 174.62
11. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.476, 173.01
12. Clarence Markham, Suzuki, 7.482, 175.94
13. Greg Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.490, 175.82
14. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.505, 176.84
15. Brian DeLong, Suzuki, 7.522, 179.79
16. Rob Short, Kawasaki, 7.525, 178.66.
Date: 2nd September 2000
Headline: Fuel Bike bargains!
Due to the announcement made by Phil Baimbridge, he has some fantastic bargains for sale: -
PBR Puma 1327cc motor:
- PBR billet cylinder head
- Web ET 242 camshafts
- PBR billet cylinder block
- Arias 80mm anodised “fuel” pistons, 20mm pins
- BHP con rods
- Puma crank 66mm stroke
- Puma crankcases plus sump plate
ET slipper clutch and primary drive
Opcon 2.3RC supercharger (rebuilt by Dennis Priddle)
B&J “shorty” transmission plus Al. Alloy CO2 cylinder
Pace dry sump oil pump
Enderle 110 fuel pump
2 off Mallory SuperMag 3
Pipe bends for new exhausts
Above can be supplied as complete pod with engine plates, manifolds, all drives, hoses, fuel system (including tank) plus tuning bits and pieces (fuel system jets/cans/pills, blower drive pullies, gearbox sprockets, clutch weights) and “consumables” (cylinder head sealing rings, bearing shells, drive belts, etc). Proven 6 second performance and reliability in mild state of tune (6.79/200mph on 83% with 35% blower overdrive).
Best performance:
- 60’ 1.05 seconds
- 1/8 mile 4.30 seconds/170 mph
- ¼ mile 6.67 seconds/207 mph
£10,000 as is (less injector, clutch drive pulley, one SuperMag transformer) or £11,000 ready to fire up. Engineering drawings of most major components available. Technical advice and tuning assistance if desired. Will split if enough enquiries.
PBR Puma 1327cc “short” motor £3500
- Puma crankcases (new)
- Puma 66mm stroke crank (new)
- BHP con rods (new)
- PBR billet cylinder block (relinered)
- Arias 80mm anodised “fuel” pistons, APE 20mm pins, new ringset
- New camchain
- New bearing shells and seals
PM sidedrive beadlock 13” wide rear wheel £750 c/w PM disc & caliper plus 2 sprockets
Enderle 110 “coated” fuel pump (not run since rebuilt) £300
3 off new clutch friction plates, 1 off reground £300
5 off new clutch steel plates £50
Pace wet sump oil pump £100
1 off heavy duty 630 chain (new) £120
B&J transmission new sprag £200 (sprag, inner and outer races, spirolox kit)
8 off Cosworth 76mm “fuel” pistons (used) £200
Other bits and pieces (starter motor and batteries, sureshot, datalogger, bike cover, miscellaneous odds and ends).
Absolutely everything £15000 (or £16,000 with engine/transmission/blower pod complete).
Contact: Phil Baimbridge teresa@baimbridge.freeserve.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)121 705 7636
Date: 2nd September 2000
Headline: What? Me sensitive?......
“After SS 4 I left feeling a bit let down that after 2 days of s**t qualifying (my fault) we get it half right only to get one run on Monday. However, the complaints that were flying around at the meeting were unbelievable. It seems that some people love stirring the s**t or is it just that they can’t make the grade? After my last input to Gossip, someone saw fit to reply but was scared to leave their name. Why? Because they are slower and we can’t have a fast fat bloke can we. It seems to me that if you go fast you develop a target on your back for people to aim at. Take Graham Dance and Tony Clark, they should be commended for the times they are now setting not getting bitched at. I can remember both of them entering the class learning about Superstreet bikes when the Turners and Jack Frost were running low 8’s, but then it was good old boys making up the numbers. They didn’t moan, they just got on with it.
We also saw Chris Hall put down a stunning 7.18 pass, Chris Hope doing 179mph, Dave (I got p****d and didn’t have a sulk on Saturday night for a change) Beck going 7.52 @178mph, yet again no mention. We should support each other not bitch!
Then we have the flack that Terry Gibbs and Wendy Talbot received. This is NOT ON – OK! We were all p****d off but there is no need for anonymous verbal abuse. This will only alienate people from our sport. Now we have a threat of no Super Series in 2001 - do we really want all the meetings to be at Pod? Not me, and if that’s the final outcome then I for one will just race in the States.
It just goes to show how a small group of scared mindless individuals put a spanner in the works. It’s a fact of dragracing that there is always somebody to beat you how ever fast you are and people on lower budgets do struggle but that’s life. I’ve personally beg, stole and borrowed over the years as have a lot of other racers.
I will now get off my soapbox as the reinforcements are starting to strain and we don’t want Mr. Anonymous getting all s***ty with me again!”
Best regards, Chris (Cannon) Hannam.
Date: 2nd September 2000
Headline: Fuel bikes in Indy Friday night:
Dan Butters: Makes a decent pass for them keeps it lit all the way down.
Chris Hand: The tire goes up in smoke, so he clicks it.
Tommy Smith: Launch up in smoke throttles it, it hooks he opens it up and it smokes the tire again, repeat as necessary for 1/8 mile then it half-way hooks up.
Larry McBride: Was blowing raw fuel out the exhaust runs decent to the 330 ft then cylinders start going out.
Doug Vancil: Launches hard then before 60ft it loses a cylinder.
Ron Webb: Comes out of the cold to run a consistent pass. has a screw-type blower installed.
Courtesy of Dick Boxell, Stripbike
Date: 1st September 2000
Headline: The end of the road.........
We just received this sad news from Phil Baimbridge Racing:-
"I have given the matter of my future involvement in Drag Racing a lot of thought over the past few months. Taking account of recent events, combined with growing personal and work commitments I have decided to disband the PBR fuelbike team.
It would take too long to list all the people who merit mention for the help they have provided over the last fifteen years, but here are some of the notables:
Nigel Batsford
Dave Burlow (Dave Burlow Engineering)
Pete Goodgame
Chris Hampson
Wilf “the tow” Hathaway
Ade “the push” Hemmings
Roy Kennard
Alan Roberts (Fearnley Engineering)
The Trett Family
Steve Woollatt
And, of course, Teresa, family and friends who have always supported me.
I sincerely hope the sport of Drag Racing and particularly my own passion, fuelbikes, prosper in the future.
Phil Baimbridge
Gossip comment:-
It is sad news indeed for our sport. Phil and his team have provided so much entertainment to the crowds, and their contribution to furthering Top Fuel Bike in this country is well known. We hope that Phil and the team will still come and support dragracing, and continue to give the help and support they so freely provided over the last 15 years.
Date: 1st September 2000
Headline: Ruination # 2
I fail to see how you can ruin a sport by legally meeting the main objectives i.e. going as fast as you can! Graham and Tony have shown us the way and no amount of moaning is going to change that fact. It's worth pointing out that both have achieved the same goals in different ways.
WELL DONE LADS.
Bradley O'Conner
Date: 1st September 2000
Headline: McClure still in the thick of things
Jim McClure, Williamsburg, Va. is still in the championship chase at the far end of mid season. McClure is currently 6th in the IHRA Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley division, 3rd in the ADBA Top Fuel Series, and 4th in the JIMS Top Fuel Series with AHDRA. McClure was very pleased with his final round appearance at the IHRA 23rd annual Mopar Parts World Nationals presented by Ethanol Performs held last week at Norwalk, Oh. "The bike is coming around just as it's ready to be sold. It's been a tough season, the travel, the new truck and just the quality of the field in IHRA. We're going to pick up the new bike on our way to Epping, I guess that'll give 'em something to look at next weekend. We're hoping to have it finished and on the track, maybe by Gainesville. We are hoping that the television coverage will work to our advantage and help bring in a new sponsor that we're currently negotiating with. The coverage is great and the airtime is impressive. We getting lots of calls and hope the potential sponsors will see the advantage of our marketing offer," according to McClure.
McClure is supported on his national tour by Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite & Vanson Leathers
www.jimmcclureracing.com
Date: 31st August 2000
Headline: Ruination!
Reference Len Pagets old stocker. I can confirm Len's bike will run in Superstreet bike starting at The European Finals (without nitrous)and will compete next year with a similar nitrous set up to my bike.
On another subject, a minority of Superstreet riders were heard to say that myself and Tony Clark were "ruining" Superstreet bike by running too quick and that the racing would be better without us! We would both be interested to hear from other riders, either through this column or personally at the track whether the rest of the class feel the same or if we are scaring off new riders.
A point to note is that entries to this class is at an all time high even though I have been running "quick" for over a year now (we have 26 entries for The Euro Finals!)
Date: 30th August 2000
Headline: Congratulations!
Gossip would like to send congratulations to Pro Stock rider Len Paget and his wife Jill, on the birth of their first boy, a brother for Charlotte.
Date: 30th August 2000
Headline: Ben goes down under
Supertwin rider Ben Beneke told us that he is to emigrate to Australia soon.
He said he's generally fed up with living in England, and can't wait to go. He also has plans to marry his girlfriend (who holds an NZ passport) later this year.
Interestingly, he mentioned an interest in acquiring a Jet car and campaigning it around the circuits and shows in Oz along with his Nitro burning Twin.
Date: 30th August 2000
Headline: Psst.......
David Schnitz mentioned this latest rumour on the Dragbike.com discussion forum:-
"Latest I heard rumors of was Top Fuel and Funnybike combination, because of Top Fuel's possible NHRA schedule conflicts for 2001. Fuelers will go to NHRA....
Possible rule modifications so the Pro Mods can't sneak into the Funnybike class, and to keep the Pro Mods their own class."
Date: 30th August 2000
Headline: Thank you!
Ross Baker, crew chief for female Pro Stock rider Ceri Visick, asked us to pass on this message:-
"Ceri and I would like to thank the following people for their help after Ceri hit the guard rail on Sunday, -
Ian the scrutineer for finding someone with a welder, Jimbo for doing the welding, 2 bikes Len for the loan of the megaphone and Lynn , Chris Hopes wife, for taking our starter trolley back to the pits. We realise we were very lucky, especially that Ceri only ended up with a bruised ankle, but we still appreciated the concern shown and help offered by so many and with this we thank you."
Ross Baker and Ceri Visick (PS11)
Date: 29th August 2000
Headline: Super Series 4
Despite valiant efforts by Terry Gibbs and all the crew from APIRA, the track and Fast, eliminations for SS4 at Avon Park were not completed this weekend.
One oildown afetr another, interspersed with summer rain showers, meant that all the staff spent more time mopping up than anything else. With the infamous planning restrictions meaning a curfew on racing by 5.00 pm, it became clear that eliminations would never follow through to their conclusion.
Gossip would like to commend all the staff involved in their efforts, and also to thank Obsession Motorsports for their offer to subsidise the entry for racers at the next Superseries event.
Date: 29th August 2000
Headline: Come on down!
We understand that Len Paget has just agreed to sell his swoopy Hayabusa stocker to as yet un named Superstreet rider, We don't know if the plans are for the buyer to compete in Prostock, or to follow Graham Dances lead by running with a Paget engine in Superstreet bike.
Date: 29th August 2000
Headline: Hannon Racing ALL SMILES
Bill Hannon, Ft Myers Beach, Fla., is not wanting to hex his new motors by grinning from ear to ear. But the track testing last weekend with George Babor twisting the throttle brought the anticipated results the team was looking for and "we're just happy to be back on the track." Babor "did a super job" according to Hannon. "As we prepare for Indy, Dan Baisley will be flying in from Portland, Or. this weekend for more testing at Gainesville Raceway. Baisley will remain on this coast as we prepare for the NHRA U.S. Nationals. We have been working very hard on this new project and both new motors have made us very happy." Hannon Racing is supported on their national circuit by Axtell Sales, Inc., Baisley Hi-Performance, D & G Chassis, Harley Davidson of Ft. Myers, The Landings Realty, Inc., Red Line Oil, MRE, BPM Racing Engines, and Dyna Tek, RK Chain, Bandit Clutch, Vanson Leathers, & Mastercam.
Hannon 941-463-2778
www.hannonracing.com
Date: 29th August 2000
Headline: There ain't no substitute for 'cubes!
Just to throw another pebble in the already turbulent water of Pro Stock bike, how about a capacity change for next year? After all, the second hand motors from the States are now bigger than our rules allow and the primary reason I ain't going to Gainseville is that they have a cube advantage.
Richard Gipp
Date: 25th August 2000
Headline: Gone racin'......
Gossip are off to Avon Park to make demonstration laps at this weekend's Super Series round at Avon Park, England. We hope to find time to post items over the weekend, but if not, apologies in advance.
Date: 25th August 2000
Headline: King Racing Top Fuel Race Report
Nitro Olympics – Hockenheim, Germany
The weekend of August the 19th and 20th saw the penultimate round of the European Drag Bike Championship set in the famous Hockenheim Ring circuit in Germany. As is the norm in Europe, the meeting was a combined car and bike meeting, with all classes represented including the premier class, Competition Bike, featuring both 4 Cylinder Supercharged Nitro machines racing heads up with Funnybikes and Pro Mods, Top Fuel Harley, Prostock Bike through to the Street bike classes.
Car classes represented included Top Fuel Dragsters through Prostock, Promod and then a huge contingent of Public racers in their street cars.
The usual large crowd of an estimated 50,000 basked in glorious sunshine and soaked up the atmosphere that is unique to this meeting.
However, with the hot and humid weather and the picturesque setting of woodlands came a cost – bad air and a less than optimal track surface. Consequently, all classes were struggling, with most posting times 2 to 3 tenths below their normal mark.
King Racing with their team of Ian King, Michael Beaumont, Nick Pepper and Marc Fossey came to this event with a less than successful year behind them. Problems with developing an all-new clutch set-up, trying to understand the vagaries of tuning with Nitro, and a rapidly fracturing cylinder head did not bode well. However, a new seat for rider Ian King meant a much more ergonomically suitable position for him to manhandle the machine down the track – necessary at this notorious track with it’s camber to each side of the lanes and a right hand lane shut down area of only a couple of hundred feet necessitating a turn towards the left during braking.
After race preparation and warm up the cylinder head cracking was clearly prohibitive, with a severe oil leak developing within seconds. A process of cleaning up the areas of cracking and attempting to seal it were made under the guidance of British Prostock champion Paul Willis (sitting out this meeting due to ill health), but the first round of qualifying was missed, with Eric Teboul of France setting the mark at 6.84 on his Puma machine.
King made the second round of this three day meeting but the cylinder head fix was not enough to contain the oil pressure, and despite going straight into the number two position, his cylinder head clearly needed more sophisticated repairs than two part metal epoxy would afford.
A change of cylinder head to the `old’ spare saw a remarkable change in fortunes. The next run saw King post what remained the fastest time for all bike classes for the whole meeting with a 6.83 – obviously Crew Chief Michael Beaumont had a handle on the track and bad air that the other more experienced Crew Chief’s could not find.
First round saw King in the favoured left lane against local Funnybike rider Thomas Joswig. Despite a game showing by the popular German on his ex – Star machine, King was in no mood to let the hard work of the team go to waste and kept in front all the way to the line.
-2-
The semi final was against the fellow Brit. Ken Cooper on his Pro Mod Suzuki. Cooper was lying in second place in the championship to leader Oyvind Dahl and was focussed on taking the title after dedicating himself to the full tour in Norway, Sweden, Germany and England. Cooper had controversially ousted the ex European Champion from Switzerland, Peter Bossert, with his start line tactics. Cooper, in mind of his need for that extra help, kept King waiting in stage in the knowledge that the still air would cause problems with Nitro fumes for his opponent. Despite the tactic that meant King cut a poor light through his blurred vision, he rode around Cooper to take the win and another solid six second pass.
The other side of the ladder had seen Teboul (France) win against Brit. Shaun Branch on his unique blown Alcohol Funnybike in the semi’s. Remarkably, championship leader Oyvind Dahl (Norway) had cut a red light in the quarters against Branch, despite his mid six-second capability on his Top Fuel Yamaha.
The finals were tense with the expectations of the huge crowd and the massed ranks of the television crews and media buzzing around the start area. The King Racing Team, under the careful guidance of Michael Beaumont, clearly had the edge on Eric Teboul and were ready to take their first major title since moving into Top Fuel Bike. The starter gave instruction to fire up then – disaster. A fuel line ruptured on the King Racing Puma and Beaumont cut the engine. Teboul pulled to the start line and took a troubled, belt throwing seven-second solo to the title.
Despite the disappointment of the final, Crew Chief Michael Beaumont was pleased with the team showing. Progress had been made, a string of six second passes had been recorded, and no other machine (including the blown Harleys of Van Geffen and Karling, and the Fuel bikes of Teboul, Bon, Dahl and Koedam) had superseded the team mark.
Testing is due to take place next weekend at the Super Series event at Avon Park, England in readiness for the final European Championship round at Santa Pod, England in September.
Ian King would like to thank Michael Beaumont, Nick Pepper, Marc Fossey, Paul Willis and sponsors Active Eight Networks and RSG Customize for their invaluable support.
Date: 24th August 2000
Headline: BARGAINS!!!
King Racing have acquired a selection of heavy duty flight cases for transportation of delicate equipment. They make excellent dragrace spares and equipment cases too (ask Brian Johnson and Ian King). They are all nearly new and although retailing for over £300 each, they are for sale at a bargain price of only £50 irrespective of the size.
The sizes available are (external dimensions in cms):-
82 X 57 X 57 (5 off)
65 X 41 X 36 (2 off)
55 X 44 X 28 (2 off)
56 X 31 X 38 (1 off)
36 X 36 X 38 (1 off)
37 X 30 X 32 (6 off)
Hurry, as they are going fast. Contact us throught this site, by e mail sales@kingracing.com, or come and see us at Avon Park.
Date: 24th August 2000
Headline: Team Cooperized make their mark
Or mark their territory...
In the early hours of monday morning last, and after a heavy apres Nitro Olympics race party, unidentified members of Team Cooperized were heard making acquaintances with a German car team regarding the actual location of the public conveniences, whilst helping those that needed to rise early by testing air horns at four o' clock in the morning..........
Date: 24th August 2000
Headline: Who is it???
Rumours were rife in the pits at last weekends Nitro Olympics at Hockenheim over the possible sale of Paul Willis' quick Prostock bike to a mystery buyer.
Date: 24th August 2000
Headline: Dutch Dave in the sevens
Meanwhile at the Bulldog Bash, Dave Holland also made steady progress on the ex - MRE Pro Mod bike by dipping into the sevens with a 7.84 mark. Comments that the runs were more remarkable as he managed to stay in his own lane are felt a little harsh......
Date: 24th August 2000
Headline: Martin moves into the pecking order......
Dave Holland called to congratulate Martin Peck on the debut of his Nitrous Puma machine at the Bulldog Bash at Avon Park. Despite an all new combination never tried anywhere before in the world, Martin progressed down the track, running an easy 9 second pass.
Martin will be out running in Competition Bike for this weekends Super Series 4 and the later Super Series 6, whilst having special dispensation to run in Funnybike at the final ACU round of the year at Santa Pod (if there are no Competition Bike entries at that meet).
Date: 23rd August 2000
Headline: Smith to take over for Dave Schultz
It appears that the Brainerd Nationals will have been the last race for Dave Schultz on his Sunoco Suzuki. Dave is apparently having major health problems, and will have Anoka Ramsey Sport Center rider John Smith finish out the season on the Sunoco bike.
Smith was riding a #2 bike for Matt Hines at the Brainerd event, and will now switch to the Schultz bike at Indy. Of course, Indy is the big race with the annual Pro Stock Bike Shootout, and Dave will bow out of the event he has qualified for, letting Ron Ayers move into the vacant spot.
The Anoka Ramsey Team Should be able to merge with the Schultz team and be able to produce quickly. Both teams are running Freedom Motorsports engines and 6 speeds, so the transition should be very smooth. If Dave is at Indy, the combination of his tuning skills and Smiths riding ability may be successful right away.
Brainerd was again loaded with NHRA Division 5 Pro Sportsman Motorcycle riders helping and racing at the big race. Besides John Smith, Former Division 5 Champion CJ Smith was at the home track running the Pete Briggs Kawasaki, Greg Underdahl was aboard the Plasti-Dip Pro Stocker, and Todd Doege on his Ward Performance bike was taking a break from the Prostar schedule to showcase a new sponsorship with Surfcam.
Mike Berry, another Former Division 5 champ who is determined to use his own engine program, was trying to make the cut but fell short of the 7.49 bump spot with a 7.501 at 180.21
With Angelle looking even leaner and more fit than ever, she was of course the media sensation that she is. Her brush with the wall at 170+ was amazing as she kept the paint side up, rubber side down, and then shook it off before the next run. George Bryce had installed bead screws into the rear rim for the next session, then stated that they should be mandatory on Pro Stock Motorcycles.
Another thing Bryce was happy to see was that for every session of PSB, the NHRA Tech Crew was on hand to try something to maintain a level playing field. Twice during the weekend, the Tech Crew drained all of the fuel from every bike into a large container, then refueled each Pro Stocker with the mixture they had just collected.
Donnie Durenberger
Date: 23rd August 2000
Headline: No Fi for Beck
Dave Beck contacted us to express his thoughts over the Fi for Prostock issue. In his opinion, it will make Prostock an even more expensive class than it currently is and will make it less cost effective and therefore even more difficult to attract new riders into the class. He feels so strongly in the issue that he has threatened to sell his bike if the rules are changed to allow aftermarket Fi.
Gossip comment:- does this mean that Dave will not be selling his bike if aftermarket Fi remains illegal?
Date: 23rd August 2000
Headline: Anorak speaks - the return of Fi....
Gary Jones has hit the nail on the head really. The Fi gives you flexibility in the lower / mid rev range to overcome radical cams / large throttle bodies etc. and still gives good throttle response/drivability all round. I doubt if absolute power is any different between the Fi and carbs. With the exception of not actually getting your hands messy when adjusting the Fi as opposed to carbs, there should be no difference that I can presently see.
I will, however, like to point out that our recent experience with the new Dyno has shown that the Suzuki Fi does not compensate for air intake variances as accurately as you may have thought, and gains on the Busa's and GSXR750's by effectively changing the main jet / needles can be as much 4 bhp.
A DJ Power Commander does this quite nicely. So as per usual, all is not as easy as you may first have thought.
I thought that it was interesting that the standard Fi throttle bodies would have to be retained if used in Prostock. I wonder how fast these guys would go if the std 36mm CV's would have to be used.
Bradley O'Conner - Dyno Speed Developments
Date: 23rd August 2000
Headline: Tommy's 3 second eighth!
Following on from the item about Larry McBrides new Prostar eighth mile record, fellow Top Fuel rider Tommy Smith reports:-
`We also went faster than the eighth mile record in Indy but unfortunately we were unable to back ours up within the specified one percent. We went a 3.96 but our next fastest time was a 4.02. Still faster than the record but we needed a 4.00 to back it up. Larry went his second 4.01 in the final round to take the record from us. We had it going in to the final round with a 4.02 and using the 3.96 as the backup.'
Gossip comment:-
Another fantastic mark from Tommy and team proving that he has now firmly established himself as one of the world's top runners.
Date: 23rd August 2000
Headline: Our overseas Diplomatic Correspondent reports......
Jay Regan of MRE sent us this report of his time at the Prostar Indianapolis meeting: -
`The Friday evening fuel round was awesome. Track was great, had just got dark and the header flames were clearly visible. The pass Tommy Smith made was superb and then Larry goes out and brings the house down with the very next lap!
Becky started out a little rough with the new bike in Funnybike, but quickly got acclimatised to it. We had shifting problems on both of Friday's passes But resolved that issue Saturday morning, or so we thought!
We are using these last few races of the year in F/B to do some testing for a renewed P/M effort next year. I have had several things I'd wanted to try, but never could find the passes to test. We tried some pretty radical clutch stuff here and the results look promising already, 1.14 , 1.13 , 1.11 and a 1.103 sixty foot when we lost to Bennett are some of our very best numbers ever. Shifting problems cropped back up on that lap or else I think we'd have run our first "0" on the bike.
Becky was very subdued this weekend, landing zero birds and may have even been second guessing himself for not allowing the teenie bopper to attend in anticipation of the terrorist being there. All he had to say was "look out NJ girls" when Atco rolls around!
Jay
Date: 23rd August 2000
Headline: Competition Bike woe
There seems to be some need to sort the classes out. Funny bike is doing fine with a good field of bikes running. Competition bike, on the other hand, has suffered from the attempt to start a Pro Mod class. Now it seems that the next victim will be Superstreet as there is so great a difference in the speed of the runners. There is now some that seek to start a new `8.90 class'. I think that the sport would be better served if those that feel they can't catch up, move into Comp Bike. This would not be difficult as their bikes can be made to `FIT' the rules and not the rules to fit the BIKE. That is the class there for you to move into. I cannot forget the comment made by one competitor at the meeting in the bar one night "go faster then". This is not always the answer as some cannot spend all they would like on their racing. Those that have been around racing since Dave (Branch) ran the supercharged MG engined bike will remember drag bike with it's 4 classes - Top, Senior, Middle and Junior Bike. Do we really what to go back to that? It would mean 32 bikes only racing and lots of home runs for the rest with no racing. I think we have come a long way with better track and clubs that run well. I still have I.O.U.s for prize money from the 70's in the days we ran on unprepared tracks and promoters told you if you don't like it don't come again and we got you the minimal medical cover they could get away with. Now you have the best that the promoter can get, with even air ambulances. It's a long way from an old VW camper for a ambulance and a tent for the medical centre. We must move forward not backwards, it's your sport.
Ian Barker - ACU Scrutineer
Date: 23rd August 2000
Headline: Thanks!
Jay Regan of MRE dropped us a line after his return to the US from delivering his Pro Mod bike to it's new owner in the UK, Dave Holland: -
`I have been meaning to drop a line to the premier motorcycle dragracing website to thank all for making my stay over there wonderful. I had a great time everywhere I went and absolutely will be back for more. Tell your loyal readers to keep an eye open for a "Limeys only" gathering at my house on a weeknight after the Gainesville race, all will be welcome.....'
Gossip comment:-
Thanks for your kind words Jay! We also enjoyed having you over here and hope that you can make it to a livelier meeting next time. However, we find it hard to believe that you had a good time everywhere - Nantwich???
Oh, and are you sure you want to invite all Limeys to your party - have you ever met Paul Rose?
Date: 23rd August 2000
Headline: Latest European Championship points
We've now posted the latest European Championship points on our FIM/UEM Page after last weekend's Hockenheim, Germany round.
Date: 23rd August 2000
Headline: McBride Breaks Indy 1/8 mile record
We learn that Larry McBride received official notice from AMA/Prostar that he's set a new 1/8 mile motorcycle record at Indy. Breaking the existing ET record of 4.030, McBride set the new standard on his 1,000 horsepower Kawasaki/Puma nitro breathing machine at 4.010 secs.
Date: 22nd August 2000
Headline: Apologies!
We would just like to say sorry to all our faithful visitors who came to our site over the last few days only to see no new gossip updates since last week.
Unfortunately, we were competing at the Nitro Olympics at Hockenheim in Germany, and although able to post gossip, the success of the team and so the number of rounds made resulted in a lack of available time.
Suffice to say, we have a bumper bundle of gossip to post over the next few days!
Date: 15th August 2000
Headline: It's official, FI for Prostock in 2001!
Well, the cars and trucks anyway!
Spencer Tramm writes: -
`NHRA Pro Stock Car and Truck are to go fuel injection for 2001. No mention of Pro Stock Bike yet, do they run this yet? If not it may only be a matter of time.'
Date: 15th August 2000
Headline: Seven Second Superstreet Bike pass?
Mixu let us know that Kai Selkamaa ran a seven second pass on his Super Street bike at Alastaro last weekend. However, before any of the `traditional' Superstreet bike riders worry, it was done on an 8.5 inch slick. Mixu writes: -
`KAI SELKAMAA DID IT!!!!! 7,922 AND 290KM/h but no back up,sadly! We have almost same regulations than ENGLAND only difference is that we drive on 8,5inch slick tire! But 7sec anyway 1200cc with turbo and no EFI is good time.He did it in ALASTARO NIGHT RACE 12-13.8.2000 WELL DONE KAI!!!!'
Date: 15th August 2000
Headline: McClure press release
Whew, this time of year you have to remain focused, focused on racing and focused on the road. Jim McClure, Williamsburg, Va. left the IHRA CARQUEST Northern Nations, Stanton, Mi. rainout to drive straight through to the mid west mecca of Harley drag racing, Sturgis, SD.
Rescheduled for Sturgis, McClure won the rained out ADBA Atlanta race. McClure qualified unlucky 13 for the Sturgis Top Fuel field and was taken out early for the Sturgis win. But no time to cry over spilt milk, the McClure's loaded up and headed for the S & S Nationals at Bristol, Tn, qualifying 2nd behind Bill Furr, Orangeburg, SC with a 6.713 for Furr and 6.719 for McClure.
The Bristol facility proved to be good for McClure as he took a win in the final.
McClure is supported on his national tour by Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite & Vanson Leathers
Date: 15th August 2000
Headline: Mc Bride press release
Larry McBride went to Indy with a mission, to win and keep his Top Fuel points lead. McBride set the pace early by qualifying #1 with his Kawasaki 6.112 ET at 231.36 mph. Tommy Smith, Alabaster, AL qualified 2nd, posting a 6.193 ET at 206.23 mph. A good sign at the AMA/Prostar Pingel Thunder Nationals held at Indianapolis Raceway Park, In.
McBride took a lucky bye run in round one then despite a lazy light in round two he defeated Dan Butters, Dorchester, Ontario running a consistent 6.154 ET at 229.35 mph. But Tommy Smith defeated Shawn Garrigan, Springfield, OH and looked to the final against McBride.
McBride's team brought the Spiderman's Kawasaki race bike to the finals with the same consistency that provided a win light after a decent .507 reaction time and 6.100 ET at 228.77 mph over Tommy Smith's 6.755 ET.
Although McBride will head home, he'll be back in Indy, August 30-Sept. 4 for an NHRA exhibition.
Larry McBride proudly represents Pingel Enterprise, Red Line Synthetic Oil Corp., Trim-Tex, Drag Specialties, Muzzy's Performance, Kibblewhite Precision Machine, HPC, Kawasaki USA and Web-Cam on his Tour 2000. Product sponsors assisting Larry McBride Racing include Vanson Leathers, Performance Machine, Belt Drives, Ltd., Street & Competition, Dayco Belts, Trac Dynamics, Simpson Race Products, Nitrous Express, APE, Arias, R & D Springs, Autolite, EK Chain, MSD, Clevite Engine Parts, Protect All, Whipple Industries, Cometic Gaskets, TSP, Carolina Cycle.
Date: 15th August 2000
Headline: Talking Anorak.......
Dear gossip With regards to Fi I am not sure that there is a great performance advantage to be had over carbs on a Pro-Stock bike. Stockers leave at very high revs and stay in a fairly narrow rev range. Fi is far superior over the complete engine range but in such a tight rev band would it be worth the trouble? You would need a complete programmable engine management system, not just fuel injection but integrated ignition system (cost-wise, you are probably in the £2,000 – 3,000 area). You would then have to map the system to the engine and rev range, which would require hours of engine dyno work (fancy running a Stocker engine for hours?) and every engine being different would require a different map. Change cams, head or exhaust, re-map. Dependant on whose system you had purchased (fiddling with a standard system won’t cut it) you could benefit if it came with air temperature, humidity and atmospheric sensor as this would automatically (if mapped in) correct the engine tune for weather conditions making it more consistent. A lot of work!! Carbs, on the other hand, are fairly self-regulating once initially set up. Change head, cam, exhaust, improve the breathing and it will self-compensate to an extent. As you can see, Fi is a lot of work and cost for probably only a few extra horsepower. Fi on a turbo, on the other hand, is the only way to go. Shame you can’t run Fi and nitrous on a Funny Bike. As for modern engines, the main problem getting big horsepower seems to be in the design of the cylinders. Not too bad if you turbo (you don’t need big cc to make power) but for a Stocker or gas motor you need big cc. Most modern engines are liquid cooled with the cams driven off one end, not from the centre as older engines, and some even have the cylinders and top crank case cast in one. All of this limits how big you can get the cylinders. Remember the quick Stockers are around 1500cc and gas motors also benefit from big cc. You can get cc by stroking the motor (but not tenderly) but the piston speed gets too high and you have to limit revs. The other problem with modern engines is that they start life in a much higher state of tune, limiting areas of improvement. Time will tell which engine will become the preferred choice. Rambled enough! Gary Jones PS: My wife says I sound like an anorak!
Gossip Comment: -
Micky B and I always thought Rosie had impeccable hearing!
Date: 13th August 2000
Headline: Prostar Indy Final Qualifying
TOP FUEL
1 Larry McBride Poquoson, VA Kawasaki 6.112 231.36
2 Tommy Smith Alabaster, AL Trett 6.193 206.23
3 Chris Hand Navoo, AL Trett 6.718 172.08
4 Dan Butters Dorchester, Ont/canada Kawasaki 6.776 209.83
5 Trevor Lent Mt. Olive, NC H-D 7.366 156.49
6 Shawn Garrigan Springfield, OH Sgr 7.542 152.36
7 Norbert Kutzera Steinenberg, Germany Yamaha 10.599 165.74
FUNNYBIKE
1 Gary Clark Des Moines, IA Kawasaki 6.660 203.94
2 Geoff Pollard London, Ont. Kawasaki 6.816 197.88
3 Chip Ellis Columbia, SC Kawasaki 6.854 220.53
4 Bryan Bennett Herpin, IL Kawasaki 6.893 195.22
5 Dave Beck Suzuki 7.116 185.14
6 Glen Nickelberry Oklahoma City, OK Kawasaki 7.142 181.74
7 Jerry Lowensberry Grand Rapids, MI Suzuki 7.192 191.73
8 Wendel Douthat Landenberg, PA Suz 7.268 171.72
9 Tom Perry Clearwater, FL Suzuki 7.281 191.53
10 Tim Cullinan Des Plaines, IL Kawasaki 7.297 185.68
11 Mark Oliver Mobile, AL Suzuki 7.331 178.96
12 Bob Bodven Kenosha, WI Kawasaki 7.367 176.05
13 Ron Holt Spotswood, NJ Suzuki 7.379 178.74
14 Steve Suter Madison, WI Kawasaki 7.498 167.09
15 Barry Van Hook Sidney 7.499 175.95
16 Tom Housteau New Fort Richey, FL Kawasaki 7.521 167.87
17 Steve Pleasant Peru, IN Suzuki 7.665 174.65
18 Mike Lynch St. George, SC Kawasaki 7.736 172.21
19 Steve Dawson Kitchener, Ont Canada Suzuki 7.767 170.68
20 Marion Ford Hampstead, MD Kawasaki 7.804 156.30
21 Dick Boxell Huntington, IN Suzuki 7.904 169.90
22 Randy Randozzo Clarence, NY Kawasaki 8.004 155.22
23 Perry Hollie Farmington Hills, MI Suzuki 8.021 124.13
24 Keith Lynn Wabash, IN Kawasaki 11.544 113.50
PRO MOD
1 Bill Vose Weatherly, PA Suzuki 6.795 197.45
2 Louie Grist Bruce, MI Kawasaki 6.889 197.67
3 Tom Miceli Brooklyn, NY Suzuki 6.904 193.96
4 Larry Laye Lamirada, CA Suzuki 6.974 188.71
5 Steve Drake Xenia, OH Suzuki 7.016 189.95
6 David Vantine Hamilton, NY Kawasaki 7.057 184.95
7 Ashley Owens Decatur, AL Suzuki 7.190 189.79
8 Rick Perry Clearwater, FL Suzuki 7.208 181.37
9 Ricky Lang Nashville, TN Suzuki 7.246 180.54
10 Bruce Van Sant Pella, IA Suzuki 7.248 180.75
11 Tipp Draffen Franklin, TN Kawasaki 7.255 184.53
12 Tim Goff Mifflinburg, PA Kawasaki 7.261 180.46
13 Charlie Farrar Nashville, TN Kawasaki 7.352 177.69
14 Jack Young Cincinnati, Ohio Suzuki 7.414 175.71
15 Steve Miles Floyds Knobs, IN Suzuki 7.537 178.57
16 Tom Acres Mokena, IL Kawasaki 8.540 115.80
PRO STOCK
1 Antron Brown Indianapolis, IN Suzuki 7.219 186.72
2 Fred Collis Americus, GA Suzuki 7.219 183.63
3 Todd Doege Shakopee, MN Suzuki 7.252 185.18
4 Paul Gast Grand Island, NY Suzuki 7.266 184.42
5 Fred Hall Ft. Lauderdale, FL Suzuki 7.285 182.18
6 Patrick Wise Palmer, MA Suzuki 7.288 184.35
7 Gary Tonglet, JR Metairie, LA Suzuki 7.351 181.70
8 Steve Johnson Birmingham, AL Suzuki 7.361 182.33
9 Al Papitto Vero Beach, FL Suzuki 7.364 182.18
10 Sam Hurwitz Newton, MA Suzuki 7.394 180.39
11 Michael Phillips Baton Rouge, LA Suzuki 7.414 178.74
12 Joe Koenig Glenview, IL Suzuki 7.429 178.21
13 Dave Lang Quaketown, PA Suzuki 7.508 177.79
14 Keith Gray Toledo, OH Suzuki 7.585 176.22
15 Tommy Grimes Pfafftown,nc Suzuki 7.659 170.32
16 Wesley Wells Greenwood, IN Suzuki 8.184 159.20
Date: 12th August 2000
Headline: Friday qualifying from Prostar Indy
Story of the day was Tommy Smith on the ex Trett Mountain Magic who set a career best 6.193.
In his first outing in Funnybike, the UK's Dave Beck sits in thirteenth position whilst setting up their Pro Mod Bike.
TOP FUEL
1 Larry McBride Poquoson, VA Kawasaki 6.112 231.36
2 Tommy Smith Alabaster, AL Trett 6.193 206.23
3 Chris Hand Navoo, AL Trett 6.718 172.08
4 Dan Butters Dorchester, Ont/canada Kawasaki 6.776 209.83
5 Trevor Lent Mt. Olive, NC H-D 7.446 153.95
6 Shawn Garrigan Springfield, OH Sgr 7.542 46.68
FUNNYBIKE 1 Gary Clark Des Moines, IA Kawasaki 6.660 203.94
2 Geoff Pollard London, Ont. Kawasaki 6.869 197.88
3 Bryan Bennett Herpin, IL Kawasaki 6.912 195.22
4 Chip Ellis Columbia, SC Kawasaki 7.049 220.53
5 Jerry Lowensberry Grand Rapids, MI Suzuki 7.192 191.73
6 Glen Nickelberry Oklahoma City, OK Kawasaki 7.255 175.30
7 Wendel Douthat Landenberg, PA Suz 7.268 171.72
8 Tim Cullinan Des Plaines, IL Kawasaki 7.297 185.56
9 Mark Oliver Mobile, AL Suzuki 7.331 178.96
10 Ron Holt Spotswood, NJ Suzuki 7.380 54.41
11 Steve Suter Madison, WI Kawasaki 7.498 148.12
12 Tom Housteau New Fort Richey, FL Kawasaki 7.521 167.87
13 Dave Beck Suzuki 7.553 176.19
14 Tom Perry Clearwater, FL Suzuki 7.585 43.56
15 Marion Ford Hampstead, MD Kawasaki 7.804 149.70
16 Barry Van Hook Sidney 7.880 165.53
17 Steve Pleasant Peru, IN Suzuki 7.954 32.10
18 Randy Randozzo Clarence, NY Kawasaki 8.004 155.22
19 Steve Dawson Kitchener, Ont Canada Suzuki 8.164 158.17
20 Dick Boxell Huntington, IN Suzuki 8.274 158.73
21 Bob Bodven Kenosha, WI Kawasaki 8.957 134.32
22 Keith Lynn Wabash, IN Kawasaki 12.411 86.39
23 Perry Hollie Farmington Hills, MI Suzuki 12.443 63.95
PRO MOD
1 Bill Vose Weatherly, PA Suzuki 6.795 195.73
2 Louie Grist Bruce, MI Kawasaki 6.906 192.84
3 Steve Drake Xenia, OH Suzuki 7.036 187.69
4 Tom Miceli Brooklyn, NY Suzuki 7.037 190.63
5 David Vantine Hamilton, NY Kawasaki 7.172 183.46
6 Ashley Owens Decatur, AL Suzuki 7.190 189.79
7 Rick Perry Clearwater, FL Suzuki 7.208 180.50
8 Tim Goff Mifflinburg, PA Kawasaki 7.293 177.72
9 Ricky Lang Nashville, TN Suzuki 7.397 164.02
10 Tipp Draffen Franklin, TN Kawasaki 7.458 175.06
11 Steve Miles Floyds Knobs, IN Suzuki 7.602 176.71
12 Charlie Farrar Nashville, TN Kawasaki 7.814 177.69
13 Larry Laye Lamirada, CA Suzuki 8.185 119.36
14 Tom Acres Mokena, IL Kawasaki 8.540 115.80
15 Bruce Van Sant Pella, IA Suzuki 10.457 77.00
16 Jack Young Cincinnati, Ohio Suzuki 13.088
Date: 12th August 2000
Headline: FI or not?
Just a small point on the FI issue. John Ivarsson. Sixes from petrol, FI and turbo. Innovation.
Steve French
Date: 12th August 2000
Headline: On top of the World
Reading back in the Gossip, I came across the clarification of record setting. What about World Records, or are we Brits not good enough for that? Do we have to travel to the USA to set a World Record?
Regards, name witheld to protect myself.
Gossip comment:-
As far as we know, for an `official world record to be set on two wheels it has to set at a meeting under the jurisdiction of the FIM who have the exclusive rights to the titles `World Championship' and `World Records' for motorcycles. However, any sanctioning body can declare it's own world records and some frequently do! In general, if a body is affiliated either directly or indirectly to the FIM e.g. any European FMN like the ACU or Prostar through AMA affiliation (who are in turn affiliated to the FIM) can officially be regarded as declaring World Records. We Brits can set them, but we have to make world record times first!
By the way, did you know that King Racing hold the World et and mph records for a purple bike with yellow stripes with a rider whose name starts with an I ?
Date: 11th August 2000
Headline: Meoww........
Where did Cannon get his speed / et's from? He bought them from the States, and before that he was in the eights. The only reason he runs so quick is that they move the pie van to the end of the strip every time he gets on the track. What's wrong with fi? My dad still remembers when turbos weren't invented let alone NOS. When Mr (Frank) Cannon p.i. (or is that private dick) wants to throw some more stones make sure he is not sitting in his glass house eating a pie imported from the States with his turbo and NOS that were innovations / progress once upon a time. No one says we're gonna do it but every journey begins with the first step. Fi on a bike originally built with fi is a step forward. Retro fitting should not be an option. An fi bike should have a lower weight brake to begin with as for Mr Cannon, get off your soap box, it's starting to break under the strain.
an nonnymouse
Date: 11th August 2000
Headline: Oh and to run a five.......
Ian also failed to mention the 20+ years experience requirement, NHRA prepared track.....and trailer (warehouse?) full of spares.
Phil Baimbridge
Date: 11th August 2000
Headline: Born in the USA?
I've just read about all the top UK Prostock engines being purchased in the States, but both Chris Hope's and Dave Beck's (UK's 1 and 2 in the championship this year) cylinder heads are nailed together in Leeds by H R H Roger Upperton. keep it up Roger!!!!
Alex Hope
Date: 9th August 2000
Headline: FIM / UEM Championship points
Please note that the latest European Championship points will be posted on our site by this evening.
Date: 9th August 2000
Headline: Got a Pro Comp Suzuki or Kawasaki for sale?
Interested in buying one. Do you know of any for sale? E:mail marizgold@aol.com or fax information to 602-776-0497.
Thanks.
Date: 9th August 2000
Headline: Antiques roadshow
Dear Chris,
Whilst I am all for change and innovation (ask Ian about autoshifting on the Dragbike forum), I do believe we should, as you mentioned, wait for engine mods to be fully tested in the U.S (more money bigger developers), then make the jump if it is deemed necessary.
By the way I see in Ian's "for sale" ad the bike runs fives, would this be 7.5 or 8.5 quarters? LOL only kidding Ian.
Brian Tozer
Gossip comment:- tut, tut - another comedian! The ad said `with a new fuel system and a good rider it would run a five' - it currently has neither......
Date: 9th August 2000
Headline: Where's me Julie?
By the way, I took onboard the Ricky G gossip comment and I am working on his remaining credit cards as we speak. It may be necessary for his bro ALI to help him out though. <MASSIVE RESPECT>
Chris T
Date: 9th August 2000
Headline: STOP SHOUTING!
DEAR GOSSIP,
I READ GOSSIP WITH GREAT INTEREST EVERY DAY TO SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MY FELLOW RACERS AND WHAT THEY ARE UP TO BETWEEN ROUNDS. THE LAUGHS I'VE HAD AT SOME OF THE COMMENTS ARE BRILLIANT. YOU SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR YOUR EFFORTS. THE LATEST DEBATE ON SLOWSTOCK, I MEAN PROSTOCK, SEEMS TO ME THAT MOST HAVE LOST THE PLOT. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS TRYING TO GO FAST, BUYING FROM THE USA AND TRYING TO COPY THE PARTS, PEOPLE BUYING THE LATEST GREATEST THING, CHASSIS' ETC. DO WE REALLY NEED TO COMPLICATE MATTERS FURTHER BY ADDING F.I ? MOST PEOPLE CAN'T SET UP WHAT THEY ALREADY HAVE. AT THE END OF THE DAY MOST OF THE CHASSIS' OUT THERE WOULD RUN MID SEVENS NO PROBLEM, SO COME ON BOYS, GET YOUR ACT'S TOGETHER AND GIVE BECK, WILLIS AND HOPE SOMEBODY TO RACE, ALL OF WHOM ARE IN THE 40S AND 50S. WE HAVE THE BEST ENGINE TUNER IN EUROPE (ROGER UPPERTON) AS DAVE BECK HAS ALREADY PROVEN. IF YOU WANT POWER THIS IS WHERE YOU GO. F.I. WILL BE GREAT IN YEARS TO COME WHEN I'M SURE THE HAYABUSA ENGINE'S WILL START TO APPEAR. HOW LONG BEFORE WE GET A 6 SEC PASS?
ON A DIFFERENT NOTE THE YELLOW FOG THAT YOU MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE SEEN FLOATING AROUND THE SKIES SHOULD NOW DISAPPEAR AS JAY (AKA THE BIG STINKER) HAS NOW LEFT FOR HOME. THE FOG GENERATED BY DEPOSITS FROM THE LARGE INTAKE OF BEER AND CURRY FROM HIS RECENT STAY IN BRADFORD COULD NOT BE FILTERED THROUGH HIS LARGE AND THERMAL TYPE UNDERWEAR! THE STINKER HAS ENJOYED HIS STAY AND I'M SURE WILL RETURN SOON WITH HIS GOOD FRIEND LIPS (RICK PERRY) WHO WILL ALSO ENJOY A GOOD P*SS ON. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR RETURN.
CHRIS `CANNON' HANNAM
Gossip Comment: - The Caps lock button is on the left hand side of the keyboard, even in Bradford (or is it obscured by b******t?).
Date: 8th August 2000
Headline: Who wants to be a millionaire?
Fed up of throwing good money after bad in Funnybike, Prostock bike and Superstreet? How about getting the attention, sponsors, prizemoney and pitspace you crave? Want your picture in more magazines and calendars than all your colleagues? Want money for nothing and your chicks for free?
Due to a new sponsorship deal, the King Racing Top Fuel Puma will be up for sale at the end of this season, either as a complete turnkey operation for £25,000 or as a complete rolling chassis (everything including body, wheelie bars, brakes etc etc, but minus the engine and transmission components,i.e drop in your own engine, blower (if required), clutch and go) for £8,000.
The engine is a Puma Yamaha FJ 1327 cc, Puma Chassis, Brachtvogel Puma multistage clutch, latest B&J 2 speed gearbox, latest Autorotor blower, Performance Machine Wheels, ISR Brakes, Beasley Aluminium Body work etc etc.
Throw on a fuel timer system, a good rider, and some Pampers and run a Five!
Contact King Racing at admin@kingracing.com, mobile telephone +44 385 341099, fax +44 1763 852707, or submit your interest to Gossip.
Date: 8th August 2000
Headline: Wanna race in America?
Time is fast running out for those interested in racing at the Prostar Finals in Gainesville in November. At the same time, Brian Johnson has won a concession with the container shippers to reduce the price further. Based on eight riders, the price is now £688 each.
Interested parties should call Brian on +44 370 425441
Date: 8th August 2000
Headline: Injection for Prostck Bike # 9
I agree we must move, on but for the sake of the class there must be some rules and guidelines to maintain the class format to keep it's identity. If injection is fitted let's keep it to stock bodies and relevant to the manufacturer, if not the old problem of who can afford the most expensive system will win the race for performance. At the end of the day the modern injector bodies aren't exactly on the small side.
Ross Baker - Prostock Bike.
Gossip comment: - Under current FIM and ACU rules, Fuel Injection is legal as long as it is OEM equipment and fitted to the same engine as it was original fitment for i.e. you cound not fit Suzuki TL1000 injectors to a GSX engine. Modifications to the throttle bodies are also allowed. Aftermarket fuel injection is currently prohibited.
Date: 8th August 2000
Headline: Roel works like crazy (well Marius, Peter and Bauke are)
Marius, crew chief for Koedam Top Fuel Bike Racing Holland, sent us this mail: -
`We are working like crazy to have a debut of our new engine (12 valve billet head and Autorotor supercharger) in Hockenheim.'
Gossip wishes them luck in their endeavours.
Date: 8th August 2000
Headline: Injection for Prostock Bike # 8
Dear Brian,
Nobody is calling the 80's engines crappy, and yes I agree, they do run the numbers, but what is wrong with going forward with today's technology? We all know why we are all using 80's donor motors, the development has already been paid for and they are stronger in the gearbox and crankcase areas. With the exception of a few talented european people, most UK Prostock bike performance here is purchased from the States. Why? Because of time and money. My view is simply that if more development time and money were spent on later engines, and strength and reliability were maintained, then I know full well that horsepower would not be a problem. Then I believe the sportbike rider of the millennium would relate to what we do at the weekend. I think that is a step in the right direction for motorcycle dragracing. Any way what about fi do we want it or not?????
Chris Tombleson
Date: 8th August 2000
Headline: Money for nothing and your chicks for free
It seems that an editorial comment made in the post `Scrapdealers of the World Unite' (26th July) has been the subject of some controversy in the Sunningdale area. Apparently, some `friends' have interpreted the comment in a way that concerns the subject of the banter, Top Fuel Bike rider, Brian Johnson. The comment was as follows: -
`All we at Gossip would like to say is that we hope Brian's fee for advice was cheaper than the normal fee he demands from his dragracing colleagues.......'
Although it is not normal Gossip policy to debate our comments further, as our column is clearly for those who have a sense of humour, and understand that some points should be taken with a pinch of salt, we accede to Brians request for him to deny the statement by printing his words: -
`I take umbridge at the reference to me charging lots of money to my fellow racers. You know as well as anyone that I have never charged for anything that was not due justified payment, therefore I will ask you just once to remove the reference on your Gossip pages'
All we at Gossip would request, is that anyone that has had a humour bypass, or believes everything that they read in the Sun, does not read our pages anymore………… (note the multiple full stops, it means something!)
Date: 7th August 2000
Headline: Injection for Prostock # 7
I read with interest the debate on fi for Prostock bike and the comments my flatland friend C.T. made about moving forward with busa and blackird engines.
Although I am still a relative newcomer to Prostock and a little naive, if someone has the ability to produce a Stocker with a modern engine that can win then I still have some space on one of my tired old Visa cards!
We all have to go forward someday, although as someone might say I seem to go sideways more often than not.
I wait in awe for the next thrilling instalment.
Richard Gipp - Prostock Bike
Date: 7th August 2000
Headline: Injection for Prostock # 6
With regards engine development in Prostock, since when did bodywork styles affect machines in the street?. In the US you see ZX and Hayabusa bodied Prostockers, under the skin though you still find those "crappy" '80s engines, because they STILL run the numbers.
Brian Tozer
Date: 7th August 2000
Headline: Roel rues his top fuel blues
After torching a cylinder head on his Puma Top Fuel Bike, Holland's Roel Koedam was forced to sit out the Norwegian round as a spectator, although we believe he will return to competition at Hockenheim in a couple of weekend's time.
Date: 7th August 2000
Headline: Cooper down but not out!
We just received a race report from Ken Cooper on his way back to Blighty for the Bulldog Basah at Avon Park after his escapades at the FIM round at Gardermoen, Norway.
Ken is now led in second place in Competition Bike after Oyvind Dahl secured No. 1 qualifier position with what is believed to be his personal best, 6.70 secs.
Ken ran a 7.28 @ 181 straight out of the van, but a succession of gear selection problems and a seized piston led to a first round defeat when he redlit due to gearbox problems.
Despite making it to the semi final stage, Oyvind did not see his final run when a massive oild down followed by a crash between two Prostock cars led to the meeting being curtailed before the finals were run.
It appears that Dahl now leads Cooper by the slim margin of 80 points (or less than one elimination round win) with Hockenheim and Santa Pod meets yet to run.
Date: 6th August 2000
Headline: Want to go Prostock Bike Racing?
For Sale:-
Suzuki Hayabusa bodied Prostock Bike. Offered as a turnkey operation with Revstore Datalogger, Laptop, starter (if required) and choice of 1500cc 2V or 4V engine.
Contact Len Paget - 02380 867343
Date: 6th August 2000
Headline: Injection for Prostock # 5
With reference to fi, if people would stop following the USA and look after their own, just maybe things would go forwards. With reference to my air intakes I have only taken off the indicators and matched in. Where's yours, I take it you took your's off to race it too??? or did you just follow the sheep as well.
Len Paget
Date: 6th August 2000
Headline: Hannon Racing Pro Stock on Dyno
After several unavoidable delays, Bill Hannon is pleased to announce that "the new bike is finally on the dyno."
Anyone who knows Bill knows that means track time is forthcoming and more news will follow quickly at this point. "We're pleased that George Babor will be testing for us. He has a keen "feel" for our program and will add valuable information."
Hannon Racing, the first Pro Stock Harley Davidson team to dip into the 7 second zone, has traditionally been a team to break records and maintain a very professional demeanor.
Hannon Racing is supported on their national circuit by Axtell Sales, Inc., Baisley Hi-Performance, D & G Chassis, Harley Davidson of Ft. Myers, The Landings Realty, Inc., Red Line Oil, MRE, BPM Racing Engines, and Dyna Tek, RK Chain, Bandit Clutch, Vanson Leathers, & Mastercam.
Hannon 941-463-2778
Date: 6th August 2000
Headline: Injection for Prostock # 4
I have read all this about fuel injection for Prostock bike. Why?? If they can go 7.13 on "crappy" Lectron carbs in the States then until we get to that point why change things. I think Dave Beck is proving we don't need fuel injection with the e.t.'s and terminal speeds he has been pulling off this year. Keep up the good work to Dave Beck and crew.
Alex Hope
Date: 6th August 2000
Headline: Injection for Prostock # 3
I must agree with Chris Tombleson about using Blackbirds and Busa's etc. When your `average joe' walks through the pits he likes to see the bike he is riding being raced. At the moment the pits are crammed full of very well developed 1980's iron. This must be holding back the potential popularity of the bike side of the sport. A quick look at WSB and BSB shows that if the series is based on things that you buy in the showroom today people will turn up.
The roads are crammed with Foggy reps, Corona Suzuki's etc. Maybe we could start with one or two make series e.g Busa's or Blackbirds. I'm sure it's a lot more useful from the business side of things to be developing engines which can also be sold to the mainstream punter instead of the limited number of people dragracing at the Pod, more business more sponsorship etc.
Richard Albans (TTS) already has 220bhp out of his stroker cranked Hayabusa with Fi and no gas so the potential must be there, and Jack's (Jarod Frost) Hayabusa measures 380bhp on the dyno so the engine can take it, although we have to wait and see what happens to the cases when there's a slick hanging of the end of the engine.
Bradley O'Connor (Dyno Speed Developments).
Date: 6th August 2000
Headline: Gardermoen Norway FIM Final Qualifying
Super Twin
1 ANDERS KARLING 6.795
2 PER BENGTSSON 6.893
3 ROB VAN GEFFEN 6.917
4 JASKA SALAKARI 6.928
5 STEFAN JUNERUD 6.966
6 TON PELS 7.426
7 S. GOTTENBERG 7.469
8 PER JERN 7.512
9 ULF NYLEN 7.513
10 SVEIN ROLFSTAD 7.517
11 GREG JOHANSSON 7.701
12 FRED SOLHEIM 7.755
13 VIDAR RAVNSBORG 8.365
14 LARS WAHLBERG 9.559
Competition Bike
1 ÖYVIND DAHL 6.772
2 SVERRE DAHL 7.016
3 JOHN IVARSSON 7.063
4 ERIC TEBOUL 7.161
5 KEN COOPER 7.286
6 FRED JOHANSSON 7.543
Pro Stock Bike
1 ROGER PETTERSSON 7.523
2 KENNETH STRÖMBERG 7.677
3 ANDERS LARSSON 7.725
4 STEFAN MEJERWALL 7.796
5 PETER WESTIN 8.046
6 ÖYVIND VON ESSEN 8.214
7 BO THORSELIUS 13.519
Date: 5th August 2000
Headline: Gardermoen Norway FIM Qualifying (Friday)
Super Twin
1 ROB VAN GEFFEN 7.003
2 PER BENGTSSON 7.030
3 STEFAN JUNERUD 7.037
4 JASKA SALAKARI 7.429
5 ULF NYLEN 7.636
6 SVEIN ROLFSTAD 7.665
7 PER JERN 7.692
8 S. GOTTENBERG 7.768
9 FRED SOLHEIM 7.872
10 GREG JOHANSSON 7.991
11 TON PELS 8.429
12 ANDERS KARLING 8.432
13 VIDAR RAVNSBORG 8.857
Competition Bike
1 ÖYVIND DAHL 6.795
2 JOHN IVARSSON 7.147
3 ERIC TEBOUL 7.161
4 SVERRE DAHL 7.165
5 KEN COOPER 7.286
6 FRED JOHANSSON 7.769
Prostock Bike
1 ROGER PETTERSSON 7.674
2 KENNETH STRÖMBERG 7.745
3 STEFAN MEJERWALL 7.876
4 ANDERS LARSSON 7.917
5 PETER WESTIN 8.046
6 BO THORSELIUS 26.437
Date: 5th August 2000
Headline: Injection for Prostock # 2
I read with interest the gossip regarding the use of fuel injection in Prostock. Although at the present time I am not riding, my view is that it would certainly be the way forward. I know at the moment the UK Prostock boys are trying to match the NHRA and Prostar chappies for et and speed, but the time rapidly approaches when crankcase and cylinder heads to use as donor parts will be non existent, (although Rick Ward has helped relieve this problem at a price!). I believe it is time to consider using fuel injection, but only on the later type engines, e.g. Hayabusa, ZX12, Blackbird etc. I am sure this would not only increase the competitor level in the class, but would also attract sponsorship from major UK / European companies, and maybe also from the factories (Suzuki, Kawasaki etc.).
Let’s face it, the motorcycle side of the sport needs some kind of recognition for all the time and money that riders and crews have to spend. In my opinion, the class needs bringing bang up to date. It just doesn’t make sense, Prostock, a silhouette class, running GSXR, SRAD and `busa bodies over donor engines circa 1980 - that’s 20 years ago for chrissakes! Granted, for a while the new wave Prostock bikes would be a little slower, but with the speed, motorcycle performance and technology moves I don’t think it would be for long. Maybe lighter weights could be introduced. Overall, I think the racing would be closer, and Joe public could relate to this sport that we are all addicted to (ILL BE BACK!!!!!).
I realise that my comments have left the beaten track, however I think that injection should be allowed, I also think we should allow it to be modified, but not on early motors. Maybe we need a Prostock class for engines up to say 1995 that must run carbs, and a class for 1995 models on!
Maybe it would give people the courage they need to build new later engined bikes, that would attract more media attention than a Hayabusa Prostock class.
Am I talking b-----ks? – I’m sure someone will write in and tell me!
Chris Tombleson – Prostock Bike
Date: 4th August 2000
Headline: Fuel Injection for Prostock?
AS you may know, fuel injection is currently legal in the UK and Europe on Prostck bikes as long as the injector bodies are standard equipment on the actual engines used, i.e. they would not e retro fittable to the older GSX's and Z Thou's etc.
However, we received a mail from Sweden with the following comment: -
`How do you guys feel about fuel injection for ProStock, are you friendly or hostile or in other words, can you accept in the future that we can use fuel injection instead of these crappy lectron carbs even if we have to mix between engine models?'
Gossip looks forward to a healthy debate!
Date: 3rd August 2000
Headline: The Godfather reaches 30!!!
No, not his age, but how long he has been dragracing. Ton Pels, enroute to Gardemoen to compete in the Norwegian round of the European Championship, is celebrating this anniversary this very week.
Ton started his racing career in 1970 on a two stroke 250cc Adler which he managed to achieve et's of 16 seconds, and improved on this performance throughout his career, notably running the first eight second pass on a Pro Stock Harley Davidson, becoming the Supertwin Top Fuel Champion in 1996, running the first 200 mph by a European Harley, and the third to run 200 mph on a Harley in the world.
Gossip and all at King Racing wish Ton the very best, and look forward to many more years of Ton on his Zodiac machines.
You can check Ton's progress by looking at:-
http://www.dragrace.com.au/bikes/vincent.
Date: 31st July 2000
Headline: Beck credits Roger Upperton (and SCR track preparation)
Dave Beck once again made his mark on one of this year's rare outings in Prostock bike at Super Series 3, stunning the rest of the filed with his staunch 7 second passes. Dave explained that his performance was all down to race engine tuner and preparer Roger Upperton of Horsforth in Leeds. It was an Upperton engine that he has used all season and Dave has yet to be beaten on it all year.
Championship leader Chris Hope also uses an Upperton engine in his consistent 7 second Stocker.
Dave travels to Indianapolis a week on Thursday to race in Funnybike on an ex Rick Bunting machine whilst MRE's new Pro Mod bike is under construction.
It has also been confirmed that the first rider of the machine that is now proudly owned by Dave Holland, Rick Perry, has also bought a bike to race on so it would appear that there will be 3 MRE Funnybikes at Indy (Paul Knapp - MRE, seperated at birth?)
Dave Beck also echoed the comments of many of the riders in complimenting the track preparation at Shakespeare County Raceway at the weekend - congratulations to Bruno and crew.
Date: 31st July 2000
Headline: SANTA POD SECURES HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Santa Pod has announced that Harley Davidson are to sponsor the Super twins class at the FIM / UEM European Finals on September 8 – 10th.
Santa Pod, Europe’s biggest drag racing track, has secured an exclusive drag racing sponsorship deal with Harley-Davidson. The motorcycle giant will support the 200 mph Harley Super Twins at Santa Pod’s European Final.
The sponsorship arrangement is the first for Harley-Davidson in drag racing. It comes at a time when drag racing is enjoying a surge of popularity. Over 15,000 people are expected to attend the European Finals between September 8-10th.
As part of the deal, anyone arriving at the event on a Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycle will be given FREE entry.
Steve Earnshaw, Marketing Manager, Harley-Davidson UK said “The power, performance and sound of the Super Twin is awesome and has to be experienced to be believed. Many people forget that Harley-Davidson has a real history of high performance on the racetrack and drag strip, and a visit to Santa Pod for the European Finals is a great opportunity for everyone – our customers, dealers and staff – to have a wild day out and witness what can really be done with a Harley-Davidson engine.”
Keith Bartlett, CEO of Santa Pod said “ We are delighted to be working with Harley-Davidson at The European Finals, Europe’s biggest drag racing event. I feel that drag racing is the perfect showcase for the Harley-Davidson Screaming Eagles Performance parts brand.”
Date: 31st July 2000
Headline: Sporting gesture aids Woolatt's championship
At the weekend's final round of the British Top Fuel Bike Championship, an astounding display of unselfish behaviour rarely seen in the Garston area of Watford by the number one qualifier's, King Racing, helped the team in the last qualifying spot, Woollatt Racing, to the championship.
King Racing lent Woollatt Racing a vehicle to enable them to return to North London to collect an old USA manufactured Goodyear to replace the new Chile manufactured item they were sporting for the weekend.
This also enabled their Crew Chief, Chris (just call me `Foxy') Powell to relax in the local Michelin Starred restaurant whilst both teams toiled through the night.
Steve Woollatt quickly found why there is such a furore in the US at present over the quality of the products made in the new factory in Chile, when the tyre and his nervousness meant a straight launch was as rare as the sight of his wallet.
King Racing, who had their own problems whilst testing a new fuel system that resulted in a broken camshaft, drive and blower belt during qualification, suffered wheel spin and tyre shake at mid track in the final that saw Steve through to the Championship Crown.
King Racing would like to congratulate all at Woollatt Racing, in particular ex team manager Kevin Wilson, at their achievments in becoming Top Fuel Bike Champions again.
Date: 31st July 2000
Headline: European Records fall
As the Mantorp Park round was run over an eighth mile, new records were bound to fall. Both Stefan Juneryd (Super Twin) and Roger Petersson (Prostock Bike) reset both et and ts eighth mile records.
Both the updated records and points positions should be posted on our site by this evening.
Date: 31st July 2000
Headline: Other FIM Championship news
A surprise non qualifier at this weekend round in Sweden was Ton Pels in this, his 30th year in Dragracing. He qualified in 9th position, after suffering what would appear to be engine problems.
Stefan Juneryd went on to defeat a no showing Rob Van Geffen in the final (Rob appeared to hydraulic his supercharged nitro entry at start up).
In Prostock Bike, Roger Petersson seemed to put last months accident behind him when securing the weekends winner trophy.
Date: 31st July 2000
Headline: Cooper storms into the lead!
Ken Cooper sits happily at the top of the Competition Bike class in the European Championship today after a good show at the weekend's FIM / UEM round at Mantorp Park, Sweden.
Ken was confident of a result this weekend after learning of the decision to run the bikes over an eighth of a mile due to shutdown area length (or lack of!).
Ken qualified in 6th position and faced Roel Koedam (Holland) in round one. However Ken's luck was in when Roel failed to make the show after some problems. In round two, Ken met Oivind Dahl (brother of number one qualifier Sverre). A storming pass saw Ken through to the final and a meeting with Sverre.
Despite losing to the favourite, Ken assumed the lead in the points championship. With early season favourites Eric Teboul (France) and Roel Koedam (Holland) trailing in the points, Ken's plans to attend all remaining rounds augers well for a possible British Champion, the first for some years.
Hope Ken gets his hair cut in anticipation of the awards dinner.......
Date: 27th July 2000
Headline: Wanted!
Wanted, a copy of the book: -
`The High Speed Internal Combustion Engine' by Harry Ricardo.
Good price paid. Contact mebeau@hotmail.com or Submit reply to King Racing Gossip.
Date: 27th July 2000
Headline: Watford's richest Top Fuel Rider about to become richer!
We would like to remind all of your readers of the bet between Woollatt Racing and your very own Mr Nick Elusive Pepper. As this will be the end of the ACU Championship and the points will be totalled, it seems as the odds are somewhat stacked in our favour. Therefore we would like to invite all fellow racers to the bar to have a drink on us, and by the way Nick, make sure you bring your wallet with you, maybe a sub from Mr Tombleson for selling Steve's old bone should cover it. We have also recieved some further insider gossip, it seems as though King Racing have been having secret talks with Waddington's and Bratchvogel Enterprises devising a new board game. A rough idea is that the board is divided into 440 squares depicting a dragstrip, then the rules mirror the old favourite of `Pin the Tail on the Donkey'. You, as a player, can guess where Micky Beaumont will turn away or where Ian King will shut the throttle. Apparently, a further advanced game will be available later in the year where you can lay a bet on which square Ian stops. We understand that the odds will be worked out by none other than Mr Nick Pepper, a thoroughly proven betting man. We are also led to understand copies of this game will be RETAILED by none other than Mr Roger Forsyth.
Gossip comment: -
Nick Pepper, through his interpreter, would like it made known that after his drinks were spiked at the SPRC Dinner Dance by the (ex) Team Manager and brains behind Woollatt Racing, he has been suffering recurring flashbacks reminiscent of those suffered by Vietnam Vets. He therefore will be unable to attend this weekends celebrations and from his convalescent home in Menorca, asked that his whereabouts in the world be kept secret.
Date: 26th July 2000
Headline: Outlaw Prostreet
Tommy Miceli recently set a Rockingham track record on his Outlaw Pro Street bike wth an incredible 7.47 secs @ 190 mph pass - just remember without wheelie bars!
Date: 26th July 2000
Headline: Scrapdealers of the World unite!
Craig Mallabone of Team Trax has provided us with this report: -
Darren Cross, the other member of Team Trax (Streetfighters Challenge 9.90 leaders) is having a break from racing today to compete in Channel 4's Scrapheap Challenge programme. His team, The Meglomaniacs, won the series last year and have been invited back to compete against this years winners. If you've seen the programme before you'll know that each team are allocated a technical advisor relating to what they've been asked to build. They're currently building a dragster and have none other than the Imperial Wizard Brian Johnson advising them. The other finalists this year are being guided by a certain Andy Robinson! If you arrive for the Super Series early enough on Friday they'll be racing whatever it is they've built today! Watch this space and best of luck to Darren and his Meglomaniacs.
All we at Gossip would like to say is that we hope Brian's fee for advice was cheaper than the normal fee he demands from his dragracing colleagues.......
Date: 26th July 2000
Headline: Hydraulic Car Lift For Sale
Rob Guerain has asked us to post this bargain he has on offer. Although we don't normally feature car related items, we'll make an exception just this one time.......
HYDRAULIC LIFT COMPLETE, TO PUT YOUR RACECAR INSIDE YOUR TRUCK (HOLLANDIA-SYSTEM).
NOW VERY CHEAP PRICE: $ 1000
ROB GUERAIN RACING
E-Mail: guerain@worldonline.nl
Phone: 0031703451935
Fax: 0031703634496
Mobile: 0031653155359
Date: 25th July 2000
Headline: Supercharged Nitro Burning Rotary Valve Single?
I am building a Single Cylinder-Supercharged-Nitro burning motor. It will also have a Ceramic Rotary Valve Cylinder Head which will let the engine rev to 16000rpm and only use about 3 percent of the motors power.
I am interested in hearing from anyone who is building or thinking of building such an engine or just interested. I am trying to be the first person to reach the 200mph mark using a Single Cylinder Engine.
I have spent the last ten years in development and still, slowly building such an engine.
Regards, Gary Thompson, NZ
Date: 25th July 2000
Headline: Rain Out in Atlanta
Jim McClure qualified # 1 at the Atlanta Nitro Classic ADBA Nationals. But severe weather took away his chance to get even with the track that put him in the hospital for 23 days three years ago when his nitromethane powered engine exploded. McClure ran in the 6's each pass at the Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, Ga. qualifying #1 with a 6.863 and taking top qualifying speed with a 207.40 mph. He cut his ET to 6.75 in round one defeating Sam White, Columbia, SC. and maintained tremendous consistency running within a 1/10th of a second and over 203 on each pass with a top speed of 210.31 mph. In round 2, a 6.765 ET defeated Stan Verheijen of Holland. But when it was time for the finals against Canadian Warren Hill, ol' Mother Nature had other ideas. Several tornadoes touched down near the track and the event was cancelled prior to the finals.
Jim is supported on his national tour by Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite & Vanson Leathers
Date: 24th July 2000
Headline: Jack's back!
A blast from the past, Jarod `Jack' Frost, is to compete in Superstreet at this weekends Super Series meeting at Avon Park on a 400 HP Turbo Hayabusa.
Jack, who gave up Dragracing some years ago to pursue a career in Stunt Bike riding, has recently been spotted circuit racing on a variety of machines including Aprilia (in the Aprilia Challenge) and GSXr600's in between managing his Speed and Tuning business, Holeshot Racing.
According to his bodyguard Cannon, Jack reckon's Dragracing's for w****rs, but as Cannon said it's better than being an also ran in roundy roundy racing.
Let's all give Jack the welcome back he so richly deserves....
Date: 24th July 2000
Headline: Funny rules
By the way, the last post (sic) suggesting scrapping Funnybike was submitted by Funnybike racer Shaun Branch.
Date: 24th July 2000
Headline: FFFFunny rules
What objections would Gossip readers have to scrapping Funnybike and all running in Comp Bike until there were enough C/B's to run a class of their own, just like we ran in the early 90's?
Wouldn't that make everybody happy including Martin Peck? I think losing C/B would be a big mistake.
Gossip comment.
This was a wish of 80/ 90s British Drag Race supremo Tony Huck who felt that the Sport was too small in the UK to support many classes, and wanted the same format as the FIM, with Comp Bike as the senior format.
Date: 23rd July 2000
Headline: Happy Flatties Chappie
Chris Tombleson, ex Prostock bike rider and the financial wizard behind the Straightline Racing Empire, has a newly serviced 80cc Yamaha Chappy for sale, either for the road or as an excellent pit / tow bike. Fast becoming a modern day collectible, only £250 or his weight in Turnips will relieve Chris of this lovely machine. Contact Chris on +44 1553 811855 daytime.
Date: 23rd July 2000
Headline: FFFunny rules
Dear Gossip
Having read in the column recently the continuing saga of the funny bike / comp bike / after-market case / who’s allowed to race where? debate, I thought “this looks a laugh, let’s see if we can stir it up a bit more!”. I have raced in almost every class going (appallingly in most!) - 10.90, 9.90, Super Street (1 race only), Comp Bike (3rd in ’98), and now Funny Bike. Without having the Comp Bike class to go from street tyre to slick and bars, I would probably still be running street classes and would not have made the jump straight to Funny Bike. Remember how dead Funny Bike was a few years ago and how Comp Bike flourished, with most of those riders now making the transition to Funny Bike.
Let’s not forget the main reason why we’re all here - to have fun! No-one’s getting rich (far from it!!). Also, let’s be realistic about how fast you need to go in this country to win races, there aren’t many bikes running in the sixes (barring fuel bikes) are there?
How about we scrap Comp Bike and Funny Bike and have one Drag Bike class open to anyone on bars and slicks (excluding fuel bikes)? This way we’d have bigger fields, better prize money, and a class that doesn’t exclude newcomers or innovation. Yes, the guy running nine seconds would probably lose to the seven second bike, but the seven second bike would have to go more rounds and then reliability would become a real issue, making it possible for slower (probably more reliable) bikes to get further!
Gary Jones (Jones & Friend Racing)
Date: 21st July 2000
Headline: FFunny rules......
I think Funnybike cases aside, getting traction has always been the limiting factor in the UK for most classes! Most riders in Funnybike know how to get a few more horses if needed and this rarely is a problem. Although stock cases can be a financial burden due to breakages, gearboxes are more so.
As for Competition Bike, this class has been the introduction of many of the Funnybike and Top fuel riders and is needed if nothing more than a heads up class for people to learn. Most riders are interested in going as fast as possible and this class caters for that with unlimited options of chassis and engine types. It provides a cheap entry to the sport and lets you run wheelie bars and slicks from the word go. Its a shame that there are so few entries at the moment, I remember the same problem with Funnybike a few years ago!
Regards,
Rich Fielding
Date: 21st July 2000
Headline: Just call me Mr Reasonable.............
Dear Gossip,
I have read with great interest the comments posted by my fellow Funnybike riders and whilst some are valid points, I would like to say that the aftermarket cases currently available for Suzuki's are not the cheapest (and as an engineer can see the time in making this product). However, as the owner of the fastest Suzuki Funnybike in the world, I can say the cases are not a limiting factor in the bikes reliability, more down to dialing in everything to work together. After learning with the bike myself and after long chats with the big stinker we believe the bike would be running in the 6.6 second bracket this season (with Tom Perry on board). As to the issue of which class Martin Peck should run in, why not let him run in Funnybike? Is not the issue to go racing and have fun? Maybe a weight break can be put on this type of bike, maybe a weight break should be put on full stop, say 800lbs for bike and rider. That would sort the men from the boys! (just joking boys, don't want you all soiling your underwear!).
But seriously, maybe relax the rules and if Martin becomes as quick as the Top Fuel Bikes then they could do the same and let him in. Competition bike should also be kept as a stepping stone, some of the present Funnybikers would do well to remember where they came from! Making Martin run in this class would also be pointless.
I will now get off my soapbox and get back on the pies as we don't want me gaining an unfair advantage!
Chris `Cannon' Hannam
Date: 21st July 2000
Headline: Chairman Ken speaks
Dear Gossip,
I do not agree that we should allow aftermarket cases in Funnybike yet. No one in Europe is going fast enough on stock cases yet for it to be a limiting factor.
I also believe that Competition Bike is dead and should be buried, amen!
To make the transition between 9.90 or Superstreet to another class and for people who wish to run slower Funny / Competition Bikes I think we should have a 8.90 0r 8.50 anything goes class, that means slicks, street tyres, wheelie bars, anything. This to me makes more sense and would make for closer racing.
Ken Cooper - Team Cooperized.
p.s. where does the slack go?
Gossip Comment: -
Kens letter raises an interesting point. As aftermarket cases have already been allowed in Funnybike for a few seasons, he obviously needs glasses so he can read his rule book properly.....
If no one is going fast enough for stock cases to be a limiting factor, will Martin Peck's machine not have any useable advantage then?
A 8.90 or 8.50 anything goes class will be the same as Competition Bike with an index. Is that what we all want, or would a Promod class be a better replacement, should Comp Bike be withdrawn?
The excess slack is used around the jaw area of the lads with the boom box equipped XR3i's at Heston Services on a Friday night....
Date: 20th July 2000
Headline: Squeal like a pig.......
Having taken advice from my Doctor today I can inform Gossip of the truth.
The facts of life are as follows:-
It is medically impossible for Dave to be my Brother and Father at the same time. I therefore condemn the use of the word Cajunesque as wholly inappropriate, untrue and a slur on our names.
I can assure Gossip and its readers that the preferences of the residents of Wheatley and the surrounding area are the same as the rest of the country, accept for an unexplainable urge for hot'N'spicy chicken wings.
Date: 20th July 2000
Headline: Gann, Cannon Jr. to ride Oakley Prostock
Promising Pro Stock Bike rookie Shawn Gann will soon be flying the colours of Oakley sunglasses after putting together a deal with Oakley-backed Funny Car driver Scotty Cannon and his son, Scotty Jr., to field a second bike, both backed by the sunglass manufacturer. Gann met the Cannons at the Winston Showdown and struck a deal to field a two-bike team at the next event in Brainerd with the younger Cannon riding the second bike.
Date: 20th July 2000
Headline: Nutty slack
Dear Gossip,
As you know, we do a lot of work and mods for Hayabusas. One of the most popular mods is to refit a 16 tooth drive sprocket. A customer the other day wanted to do this but we had run out of sprockets. He therefore picked one up on his way home. After fitting it he rang us to ask the following:
"Ya alright Brad, I got the sprocket and I've fitted it with the help of the next door neighbour. But I've got a question, when you fit it, it's possible to have more slack on the top of the chain but if I move it around one tooth most of the slack moves to the bottom where's the best position for the slack?"
After further questioning it became apparent to me that he was deadly serious. It's lucky I guess, that he's only in charge of 180mph bike now rather than a 190mph bike!!!!!!
Bradders - Dyno Speed Developments
Gossip Comment: -
Not a Hireabusa owner was it?
Date: 20th July 2000
Headline: Not very funny.......
Dear Gossip,
The major limiting factor in FB, over and above anything else, is the requirement for stock cases. This is good, because we all know what the limits are. This is also a bad, because anyone who finds out how to make horsepower can't use it anyway because the engine will explode.
Stock air-cooled Japanese cases are beginning to get somewhat rare. To accept "approved aftermarket cases" is only sensible given that situation. The economic realities of racing in the UK, however, means that we need to keep a level playing field for folks running "traditional" FBs and "top-fuel-style" FBs (TFSFBs). A minimum weight for TFSFBs would allow for some "levelling".
We should NOT follow Prostar rules verbatim without debating the potential effects on the sport in the UK, yet we must also find a way to allow some form of progression.
I back Martin's statement that building a new TFSFB from scratch is not an exhorbitantly expensive exercise. The overall cost of the two styles of bike will not vary greatly if you are building a "state of the art" traditional FB. The good thing about the traditional FB, though, is that you don't need to start from scratch. Any modern superstreet bike with a big tyre chassis and wheelie bars will be competitive in Funnybike almost straight away.
What happens if we change to TFSFBs and up the ante by, oh, another half a second?
Answer: we kill off most peoples desire to progress up the classes.
The apparent demise of Competition Bike has left one of the steps out of the ladder. Any change to FB rules cannot be made in isolation of this fact.
Chris Hall - Funnybike rider / owner
Gossip Comment: -
It is in no - one's interest to change the rules without debate amongst those most affected by any rule changes, be it rider, owner, crew chief, track operator, organising club or sanctioning body. Unfortunately, most of the `above' when given opportunity to contribute to debate have neglected to do so until rules have been changed. That is exactly why we are giving people an `easy' route to debate through these pages. We urge anyone with any contribution to make to rule changes, either with class definitions, safety regulations, competition structures etc. to do so through this page in order that valued discussion can take place before representations are made to the `rulemakers'.
Date: 20th July 2000
Headline: Traction in Drachten?
Dear "Gossip",
To prevent possible confusion about the traction at Drachten, I would like to contribute the following: -
In my opinion, the traction in Drachten is normally very good with it's new layer of asphalt that it received last year. A month ago, we had a "test & tune" weekend on a "low budget" prepared surface and Rob van Geffen managed to run a 4.5 sec pass. I think that shows the potential of the track. Bear in mind that Drachten is not a permanent race track!
It is only since this year that we have had the possibility to organise three events during the season. While the sun still stays away in the Northern part of Europe, the weather over the past weekend was....uh well...lots of rain showers! It was only on Saturday afternoon that the quicker / faster bikes were able to make their first pass. When I look at our own bike, we are very happy with the 4.8 pass (we still have the track record of 4.3) giving that it was our very first pass of the year. With only the new fuel system & clutch setup on the bike, it looks suprisingly good (I think it's a whole different bike already).
For Sunday the weather predictions for the Drachten area should have been better than Saturday. However it was worse than Saturday with light drizzle & rain showers during most of the day. Despite this, there was a quite good turnout of spectators. In the late afternoon "we" (Roel Koedam, Rob van Geffen, Ton Pels, Willem Been & Joey Bon) did a burn out on the track to give the spectators at least something. The crowd loved it.!
Another approval of the traction at Drachten is that the Super Twin Top Gas rider Job Heezen managed to lay down a brilliant new record of 5.1 sec.!!
Luckily, we have one more event at Drachten in August, so let's hope that the weather gods are with us for once.
Marius van der Zijden / Koedam Racing Holland
Date: 19th July 2000
Headline: He ain't heavy, he's my dad?
Shaun Branch has asked us to correct the typo describing him as Dave Branch's brother and pointing out that he is, in fact, his Dad.
Gossip are happy to correct their mistake, but would like to add that they thought that in the part of the Cajunesque country where Wheatley resides, that it's probably one and the same thing......
Date: 19th July 2000
Headline: I hope you've paid your funny bill............
Yes, sorry I misread the comments in Gossip. In my opinion, the Funnybike rules should be left alone at present, the concept should be based around a stock engine. We need to encourage racers in to Competition and Funnybike, but if they see Puma cases etc., I think it will put a lot of people off for financial reasons and lack of knowledge. For instance if you want to run a stock transmission for a while before you can afford something better, under the current rules you can. There is no compromise like that with Puma cases. Martin is in an unfortunate position if the Competition class if not going to be run next year, so as Steve suggested, open up the Top Fuel bike rules to allow Martin to run with them. I know this is the view of Branch senior as well.
Shaun Branch
Date: 19th July 2000
Headline: I'm not touching your mate.........
My comment about 6 cylinder bikes was not meant to offend Barry, or anyone else. I was just trying to highlight another problem with the ACU rules if the Competition Bike class is deleted. In the year 2000 ACU rule book it states that Funny Bike is a class for 4 cylinder motorcycles and that nitro burning twins are also allowed in the class. Therefore, according to the rule book, bikes with 6 cylinders should not be allowed in the Funnybike class. As Barry has been allocated an FB number, and has raced this year at an ACU event, this quirk in the rules must have been overlooked.
All the best, Martin Peck.
Gossip comment:
Martin is correct in that the wording for the rules appears to exclude any bikes with neither two or four cylinders. However, this was an unseen mistake when lifting part of the wording from the Prostar rules. It is well known within the ACU that this is a mistake, and the wording is to be changed for 2001. The ACU issued special dispensation (supplementary rules) to allow machines with any number of cylinders to be included.
Date: 19th July 2000
Headline: Funny rules, Competition rules
I appreciate that Competition Bikes are few this year and not as fast as previous years. However, surely we need a class like this for beginners to come into the sport. My son is at present building a bike to race next year (750 Suzuki on carbs) and going straight into Funnybike is rather a large step! Not everyone can afford or wants to spend upwards of £20,000 on building a dragbike. At present my Comp Bike has only cost £4,000 and although it has only run a 9.9 sec. quarter, I have great fun racing it. Is that not what its all about??
Barry Holland
Date: 19th July 2000
Headline: Funny rules......
Shaun Branch, Funnybike rider and brother of Dave Branch, builder of the new machine that Martin Peck plans to debut this year wrote: -
"I agree with both Steve French and Martin Peck.
A traditional funnybike is out of many racers reach financially, so to suggest every one would rush out and build Top Fuel based funnybikes if the rules were changed is ludicrous.
How many racers regularly break cases and transmissions through horsepower? Not many, isn't one of the limiting factors traction anyway, so is there justification for stronger F/B bottom ends in the U.K.? There is plenty of room for progress without.
We are hoping to develop (this winter possibly) a heavy duty top case for Suzuki as this seems to be one of the weakest links at present. Why only Suzuki and why only the top case? Because we run Suzuki, nobody appears to have broken a Suzuki bottom case consistently), it more than halves the problems of designing a whole new engine and it will keep the cost down for those wanting to purchase. The other benefit is that they will fit in to stock engine mount positions so no mods and certainly a new frame would not be required. Then possibly in a few years if the market dictates the bottom case can be replaced as well, maybe a 1 piece crank can be incorporated too.
The possibilities are endless, but for now the cost and complexity of any H/D items have to be kept down both for the manufacturer to stand any chance of selling them and for the purchaser to stand any chance of affording them.
Remember its only a hobby! P.S. Martin....tell Annie I think £17,000 is a real bargain to build a new bike like yours!"
Gossip's comments in reference to this mail are:-
If there are no case breakages as stated, then why is Dave planning to make a replacement one?
We are unclear on your position in agreeing with both Steve and Martin as they are conflicting views?
The main thrust of Martins argument, and those from the US, are that anyone planning on building a NEW Funnybike, would find it cheaper to build a Puma and Bentec based one with low running maintainence than a `traditional' one with high parts attrition (OE boxes, cranks etc.).
Date: 18th July 2000
Headline: Drachten's traction
Gossip heard from Monique Pels that due to traction problems at Drachten, only one qualifier was run on Saturday for the Competition Bike and Nitro Twin classes, and demo's of long smokey burnouts for the crowds on Sunday. Only Topgas raced on Sunday, along with the Street classes (Topgas final was not run due to rain). We even understand that Ton resorted to burnouts in the rain (what a show off!).
Date: 17th July 2000
Headline: Want to race at the Prostar World Finals?
We are still trying to assemble a big enough group of riders to share the costs of a container to travel to the Prostar World Finals in November. So far we do not have enough participants to make sense of the trip, and if we do not get any more then the trip may be off. The plan is for the container will be loaded in the Heathrow area of West London on on the 14th of October (one week after the last ACU Round of the year). If there are eight riders then the cost will be £785 each with ALL cots included, including insurance, carnet costs etc. Anyone wishing to travel should notify us of their intent and arrange to pay their money by the 25th AUGUST LATEST. Should anyone wish to secure their place on the trip, then please contact Brian Johnson on + 44 (0) 1344 625182, mobile + 44 (0) 370 425441, or e mail him on brian.j@btinternet.com. Remember, first come first served!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 17th July 2000
Headline: Leave my mate alone!
Fuel Bike pilot and protector of those less fortunate than us, Brian Johnson, has replied to a comment made by Martin Peck in an earlier post: -
"Who allowed you to announce that only 4 cylinders are the correct number for any bike? If I was running a CBX Funnybike as a friend (sic) of mine does, I'd be trying to make your proboscis leak!!!"
Date: 17th July 2000
Headline: Jim McClure runs personal best (6.492!)
Jim McClure, Williamsburg, Va. is getting it together. McClure ran his personal best at the Car Quest Empire Nationals IHRA Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley competition in Leicester, NY.
McClure's first pass was nothing to write home about, but round 2 McClure ran a 6.588 and his last qualifying pass was good enough to take the #1 Qualifier money from Red Line Synthetic Oil with a personal best at 6.492 ET.
In round one of eliminations, McClure took out Jack Romine riding the Windy City Nitro entry from Chicago, Il. Despite running very consistently, McClure fell in the semi's to reigning point's leader, Jay Turner, Team Bulldog, Richmond, Va. in one of the closest passes of the day. Turner edged McClure on the lights with a .425 over McClure's .469.
McClure is supported on his national tour by Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite & Vanson Leathers.
Date: 17th July 2000
Headline: Doug Vancil press release
Doug Vancil, Albuquerque, NM is back on track at Car Quest Empire National's IHRA Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Series. After "nothing went right" at Cordova, Il. Vancil qualified #7 at Leicester, NY with a 6.746 ET at 203.29 mph. Vancil took the win in round one over Steve Stordeur, hired gun for Mancuso Harley -Davidson, Houston, Tx. with a 0.495, 6.722 ET at 207.27 mph winning for the Vance & Hines/Drag Specialties bike.
Vancil advanced to the final by defeating Mike Romine, Chromatic Racing, Cleveland, Oh. Winning with a 0.552 6.626 ET at 203.34 mph, Vancil earned lane choice over Jay Turner for the final.
But read 'em and weep, Turner 0.434, 6.637 ET at 209.01 mph Vancil 0.497, 6.596 ET at 207.08, the final was the best side by side of the meet, Turner took the light and at the big end, Vancil was runner up this week. The Vancils are proudly supported by Vance & Hines, Drag Specialties, Performance Machine, K & N, PJ 1, B & J Transmission, & Axtell.
Date: 17th July 2000
Headline: Anyone got a B&J Sprag ?
Dutch Fuel Bike rider Henk Geeve (Big Red Puma) sends out an urgent plea: -
"I´m looking urgently for a sprag from a B&j 2 Speed gearbox, it broke at Drachten this weekend and we want to keep racing. If somebody has one spare please contact me : -
E-mail: hgtrad@globalxs.nl
Thanks, Henk.
Date: 16th July 2000
Headline: Angelle wins
Star Racing's Angelle Seeling won Prostock Bike at the 22nd annual Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals in Denver yesterday, beating the redlighting hometown favourite Matt Hines in the process: -
(W) Angelle Seeling (Team Winston Suzuki GSXR), 0.441, 7.732 173.21
(L) Matt Hines (Eagle One Suzuki GSXR), 0.393(R), 7.652 173.61
Date: 16th July 2000
Headline: Pitea's the pits!
Unfortunately,it seems that Pitea has suffered `the English disease' with the Midnight Nationals being rained off.
Date: 16th July 2000
Headline: Dances Drachten!
We just heard that Graham Dance won the Superstreet class at the Drachten Nationals, Holland today, setting a new track record in the process. It seems that Len Pagets magic fingers have been at work again!
Date: 16th July 2000
Headline: Peck's debut
Following on from the debate over new Funnybike class rules, Martin Peck has confirmed that he is to debut his new Branch Puma machine at the annual Hells Angels event, the Bulldog Bash at Shakespeare Count Raceway on the 12th and 13th of August.
Date: 15th July 2000
Headline: Funny rules - reply # 2
Ex Funnybike racer, Martin Peck, has sent his comments regarding the debate on the possible new Funnybike rules: -
"My comments about possible changes to rules are as follows:-
1. Costs.
After nearly 3 years my new dragbike is now complete. As my job is a Finance Manager for a local Council in central London, I could not resist the temptation to keep accurate records of the costs of building the bike. The total cost of all the parts was less than £17,000. My wife tells me that this is a lot of money, but if you build a traditional ProMod / Funny bike from scratch you could quite easily exceed this figure. For example of costs, Puma cases / crank / studs / nuts & rods £2,872, slider clutch / prime drive complete £900, 3 speed Bentec / Branch gearbox £2,300.
2. Weight.
Puma cases, planetary gearbox, Harley type slider clutch, all weigh a fair bit more than normal engine parts. I have also gone for dry sump, which needs an oil tank, 3 oil pumps, external oil filter and approx 6lbs of Goodridge hoses. This all means that to have a "heavy duty" bottom end, the bike weighs in at approx. 50lbs heavier than using standard cases (it weighs 550lbs rather than the 500lbs that my last bike weighed). You therefore need to be able to step up horsepower by at least 30bhp to compensate (where is that 2mm nitrous jet drill?)
3.Chassis design.
I do not think that it would be very easy to convert a current Funnybike to use Puma cases etc, as all the parts are so big. It therefore really requires starting from scratch. I have built two dragbikes before, each one took less than 12 months to complete. My new bike has taken much longer because it is more complicated. You end up almost designing your own engine and building the chassis around it (many thanks go to Dave Branch for doing this for me). It is definitely not a case of waitng for the postman to arrive and then bolting your engine together. You end up having to make countless bits for yourself.
4.Why.
The reason why I built the bike is to hopefully reduce breakages and reduce maintenance. In my last two dragbikes I used an Orient Express 3 speed auto gearbox, this cost £1,500 (plus nat), but over the course of a few years I spent a further £2,000 + on repairs to it. The Bentec gearbox internals in my new bike will be more reliable, and if I ever need to, I can shut off without hurting the gearbox. If every British racer put their broken cranks and cases from the last few years together I am sure that we could build a very large pile! Of couse the Americans could build a much bigger one. My new bike has clutch plates supplied by Bill Furr. When I asked him how long would they would last, he laughed, and said that they will not need changing for years and years (they look like thay are made from concrete).
5. Rules / Classes.
If anyone else is contemplating building a bike similar to mine, I think it would be wise to wait and see if the class rules will be clarified. When I started building the bike there were lots of people competing regularly in Comp Bike. My new bike is only legal in this class, but this season the Comp Bike class appears to have gone, as all the riders have gone into Funnybike. The position that I am in now is that I have spent 3 years, and a lot of my spare money on a bike that I am not sure if I can race. There are quite a few more bikes already in existence that will not be raced again if the Comp Bike class is deleted, without the rules for other classes being ammended to allow them to race. My new bike looks more like a Funnybike than many currently racing in the class (it has a modified copy of Neil Midgley's bodywork, a headlamp, mudguard etc.). It even has the correct number of cylinders (not 6!).
Date: 15th July 2000
Headline: Schultz? - surely not!
Prostock Bike legend, Dave Schultz, has reportedly been caught with isoprene in his fuel during a recent NHRA fuel check. It seems that the NHRA have recently improved their test methods, and this substance may have been harder to detect in the pass. However, so far Dave has not commented, adding fuel to the `did he, didn't he debate'.
Date: 15th July 2000
Headline: Schultz caught red handed?
Date: 12th July 2000
Headline: Records
Due to the number of comments we have received over the last few weeks, it would appear that there is some confusion regarding to actually what constitutes a Championship Record, both British and European.
To clarify, all ACU / UK and FIM /UEM records are only established when the actual rider runs two passes at the same meeting on the same machine in the same class within 1% of each other. If they are not within 1%, but the slower time (or speed) still exceeds the existing record, then the faster time (or speed) will back up the slower, and a new record will be set.
Official European Records can only be set at an FIM / UEM European meeting, in any country, run under FIM / UEM rules and with people from those bodies officiating. British records can only be set at a round of the ACU / UK Championship run under ACU rules and with their accredited people officiating. Therefore, a National record, even if faster than an existing European record, will remain only a National record. Conversly, a European record will not replace the existing National record of that particular country.
Examples of this are that Dave Beck's PSB British record et is quicker than Roger Petersson's European one, and Roger's mph record, set in England, is just a European record and does not replace Dave Becks British record.
Similarly, Brian Johnson's new British TF record et that recently offset Peter Svensson's mark set a few years ago, does not replace his own European record.
We hope this clarifies the situation regarding record setting!
Date: 11th July 2000
Headline: Ken's plea
The UK's Great White Hope for the FIM Competition Bike crown, Ken Cooper, has let us know his plans to compete in both the Sweden and Norway FIM/UEM rounds. After the news that both Paul Willis and Richard Gipp will be unable to attend, it seems that Ken will be the only Brit flying the flag. He explains that he is to take a ferry from Harwich to Esberg (Denmark), and then driving to Mantorp (Sweden). However, the ferries are all fully booked for the return journey, and so it seems he will need to drive all the way from Sweden to catch a Calais - Dover ferry!
He has high hopes after a good showing at the first round at Santa Pod, and as his bike performs well over the eighth, Sweden looks good for him. It will also allow him to dial in the bike for Norway.
This is not a cheap trip, and the famous Cooper bottomless wallet is almost broken after building a spare engine. He appeals for anyone that can support him on his endeavors by way of diesel, the use of a diesel card, supply of race fuel (C16), ferry costs, maps, insurance, AA cover, route suggestions etc. it would be very gratefully appreciated.
Date: 10th July 2000
Headline: New Funnybike
Stuart Chamberlain (of Team Predator Racing) has unveiled his new Funnybike that he hopes will hit the strip later this year. It was one of the last chassis that UK frame legend John Clift ever made, and was originally commissioned by ex - Superstreet Bike racer Tony Kershaw who sold it unfinished to make way for the (also unfinished) Alan Jeffries conceived Top Fuel Bike. View the bike at:-
http://www.teampredatorracing.freeserve.co.uk/newfunny.jpg
Date: 10th July 2000
Headline: Funny rules ?
ProMod / Funnybike rider Steve French replies to the suggestion mooted by Prostar for new Funnybike rules:-
"Until we can field 16 plus bikes in the class for an entire season, and we start getting complaints that we need billet this and planetary that, we should leave the rules alone. As for being unable to increase the power or step up the nitrous unless we are able to use these after-market cases etc, it’s the restriction of stock cases that keep the sport in the UK affordable. If we took a poll of how many of the bikes have a sponsor with enough cash to up-rate the bike to billet, I think you would only need one hand to count them. I Understand that perhaps we should keep our rules in harmony with the US so that bikes built over there can race over here. However, our rules have been close enough for long enough to allow that. How many have ? As a note why don’t we remove the "nitro only" rule for Top Fuel as this would allow Martin (Peck) to race with them."
Date: 8th July 2000
Headline: Richard can't come out to play
Following on from the news that the UK hope for the European Prostock title, Paul Willis, will be unable to attend the FIM rounds in Sweden and Norway, Richard Gipp has just contacted us with the sad news that he too will be unable to fly the flag for Britain due to incompatible ferry times / work schedules.
Date: 8th July 2000
Headline: New Funnybike rules?
There has recently been a lot of discussion at Prostar regarding changing the rules for Funnybike. Since Funnybike was divided into the ProMod class and the residual, the Funnybikes have made very slow progress. The reasons for this could be many, but it still comes down to the fact that standard crankcases are a limiting factor to engine performance. In addition, the Top Fuel Twins have been divorced from the class in the US, and the Top Fuel Bikes proper have been struggling for competitors. The basic thrust of the proposed new FB rules is that aftermarket cases could be used, alongside planetary (e.g B&J) type gearboxes. This would allow people to step up power through higher boost, nitrous etc. It would be a cheaper format to run in the long term as breakage should be minimised, and the cost of a competitive package will be less than the conventional format (cheaper unburstable planetary than Orient 3 spd, £2500 - 3000 for a complete Puma case / billet crankshaft setup). It could also be a stepping stone to Top Fuel, and would make the Funnybikes more competitive with the Nitro Twins. What do you thin? send us your views and we will publish them (or let us know if you do not want them to be). We will also consider the proposals with a view to adopting them for the ACU / UK Championship. Interestingly, we already have a bike that meets the profile that has yet to meet the track. Martin Peck has built such a machine, with Puma cases, planetary box, large capacity, and huge amounts of nitrous.
Date: 6th July 2000
Headline: Streetfighter Steve......
The UK's most wealthy Top Fuel Bike rider Steve Woollatt is the subject of an excellent feature in the August edition of Streetfighters magazine. Running to a few pages and in full colour, the magazine goes into much more detail on dragracing than is normally reserved for the sport. Ex - Team Manager Kevin Wilson also features in the article (before getting his P45 from Steve due to artistic differences) and the article was penned by no other than Watford's Silver Fox and Crew Chief for Woollatt Racing, Chris Powell. Well done to the team for continuing to raise the profile of motorcycle dragracing in Europe.
Date: 6th July 2000
Headline: Records tumble at Cannonball
Now the times are in and have been checked, we can confirm new records for both Graham Dance in Superstreet and Brian Johnson in Top Fuel. Graham ran a stunning backed up 8.161 secs, whilst Brian broke his own mph record by running a backed up 217.09 mph, and although he ran a 6.240, he failed to back it up within 1 % and so the slower time of 6.308 secs was backed up by the quicker. Congratulations to both riders on their sublime performances.
Date: 5th July 2000
Headline: McClure Runner Up at Columbus with Top MPH
Jim McClure, Williamsburg, Va. didn't want the ADBA Columbus, Oh. race to end the way it did, but he did go home with the Top MPH award at 211.0 mph and runner up. This was a great way to prepare for next weekend's, IHRA Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley competition in Leicester, NY. Unfortunately, McClure had problem in staging and could not make the call for the final round against Bill Furr, Orangeburg, SC. However, the runner up position was good enough to move McClure substantially up in the ADBA Top Fuel points challenge.
McClure is supported on his national tour by Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite & Vanson Leathers.
www.jimmcclureracing.com
Date: 5th July 2000
Headline: Second European Superstreet bike in the sevens?
Kai Selkamaa from Finland contacted us to report that he ran a personal best of 8.085 secs @ 293,91 KMH at the FIA/FIM Round in Finland. He plans to be the second person in Europe to run a seven second pass on a Superstreet bike after Robert Karlsson who ran a stunning 7,97 secs @ 297 KMH in 1995.
Gossip are unsure if the Finnish Superstreet bikes run to the same class regulations as the British bikes, and are seeking further clarification.
Date: 4th July 2000
Headline: Dance does it again
Once again, UK Super Street Bike racer Graham Dance was in devastating form over the Cannonball weekend setting a new ACU/UK record of 8.161 to reset his earlier mark of 8.210.
Graham plans to race in the European Superstreet Bike Series class at Drachten, Holland, the weekend after next.
Rumours abounded in the pits that the new record was heavily influenced by the expert hand of Prostock rider Len Paget and his tuning expertise.
Date: 4th July 2000
Headline: Chris Hampson
At last weekends Cannonball meeting at Santa Pod, a whopping £3350 was raised to go to Chris' longtime partner Jan.
Graham Whitehead spent most of the weekend raffling a large framed photograph of Chris on Phil Baimbridges bike in full flight.
In addition, Carole Ismail and Natalie Grief spent their time walking the crowds with a collection bucket, whilst Steve Johnson, Mike Ismail, Yvonne, Spnecer and Kerry Tramm had their hands full counting and putting the money collected into bags.
The fantastic response to the collection and raffle by the racers and general public, coupled with the remarkable efforts of all those mentioned (in particular Graham Whitehead) is very much appreciated by all his family and friends and just goes to show that the dragracing community is so much more than just an average group of people with similar interests.
Date: 4th July 2000
Headline: Larry McBride press release
Larry McBride, Newport News, Va. took the winning light at Chicago, Il. Though the numbers weren't there this time for McBride's 1,000 horsepower Kawasaki/Puma Top Fueler, the win at the AMA/Prostar Trim-Tex Street Fighter Nationals was just as sweet. McBride said, " I wish we could have run a little stronger but today just wasn't the day. Trim Tex is a major supporter of our racing effort. It feels great to win for them at their Trim-Tex Street Fighter Nationals. " McBride in a classic "import vs. Nitro Harley" match up for the final at Route 66 paired up against Trevor "The Snake" Lent, Mt. Olive, NC. Though Lent left the light well, McBride powered around the V Twin with a 6.892 ET for the win.
McBride will be appearing in the near future at:-
August 11-13 AMA/Prostar Indy Raceway Park, Indianapolis, In.
August 30-Sep 4 NHRA Indy Raceway Park, Indianapolis, In.
Sept. 28-Oct 1 NHRA Heartland Park, Topeka, Ks.
Larry McBride proudly represents Pingel Enterprise, Red Line Synthetic Oil Corp., Trim-Tex, Drag Specialties, Muzzy's Performance, Kibblewhite Precision Machine, HPC, Kawasaki USA and Web-Cam on his Tour 2000.
Product sponsors assisting Larry McBride Racing include Vanson Leathers, Performance Machine, Belt Drives, Ltd., Street & Competition, Dayco Belts, Trac Dynamics, Simpson Race Products, Nitrous Express, APE, Arias, R & D Springs, Autolite, EK Chain, MSD, Clevite Engine Parts, Protect All, Whipple Industries, Cometic Gaskets, TSP, Carolina Cycle.
Date: 3rd July 2000
Headline: King Racing Team Report
The King Racing Top Fuel Bike Team had a poor showing at the Santa Pod Cannonball meeting, with a succession of gremlins that ended in a failure to make their semi final appointment with Steve Woollatt. A mysterious fuel related problem was exacerbated by the poor air conditions during qualifying. Further experiments with clutch settings (as a new 3 plate system is being trialled) failed to translate into good performances, the tyre shaking pass in the second qualifier being testament to that. On the third qualifier (scheduled for the morning of eliminations), King chose to make another pass immediately after the observation of a minute's silence in memory of Chris Hampson. Despite an excellent launch, with a 60 foot to equal it's best ever, the Active Eight Networks Puma broke a primary drive and subsequently a blower belt, inflicting some bodywork damage. Lack of a spare blower belt meant early baths for the King Racing Team. Their next outing is the Super Series 3 meeting at Avon Park on July 29th and 30th where they hope to build on the progress made by Crew Chief Michael Beaumont on the machine's performance.
Date: 3rd July 2000
Headline: Bo knows.........dragracing?
Sweden's Bo Thorselius is the winner of our latest `Mystery Man' picture competition: -
http://www.dragbikes.ndirect.co.uk/images/contest/mysteryman.jpg
Despite a bumper inbox of entries, only he correctly identified the man and machine:
"Good to see a 2-stroke bike! The mystery man is Paul Gast on his first "real" drag bike, a Kawasaki H1 500 triple, on which he had a very bad crash. It does not look safe by today's standards.
Best regards Bo ( Kaw H2 nitrous Pro Stock bike )."
Date: 3rd July 2000
Headline: Prostar Chicago
The UK’s Dave Beck progressed to the quarter finals of ProMod bike at the Prostar meet this weekend, before losing out to Tom Miceli. Despite cutting a better light, Miceli rode around him to move into the semis : -
W: Tom Miceli, Brooklyn, NY, Suzuki, .476, 6.932, 191.81
L: Dave Beck, Clearwater, FL, Suzuki, .459, 7.043, 187.18
The Top Fuel class sported some Nitro Harleys for the first time in a while, with both Bob Spina and Trevor Lent taking the field. The Top Fuelers were well off record pace, with Larry "Spiderman" McBride going 6.832 to beat Trevor Lent on the Copperhead Racing Harley-Davidson. Lent used consistency to get to the final, but didn’t have enough steam for the McBride brothers. It was a classic Harley/Import battle.
Information courtesy of Marty Kane
Date: 2nd July 2000
Headline: Smith wins Atlanta in Chicago!
Although not a Chicago elimination, Tommy Smith won the rain-delayed Atlanta Top Fuel final. It was bound to be a first time win for either finalist, as Smith and Norbert Kutzera were the surprise contenders for the title. Chris Hand and Larry “Spiderman” McBride both boiled their tires in the opening round, opening the door to the final for the “little guys.” Like Atlanta, Hand qualified #1 in Chicago. His 6.443 bested Dan Butters’ 6.756. McBride suffered a number of problems, including popping off a blower, and could only manage an 8.090 at 200.26 mph.
Courtesy Tim Hailey, Dragbike.com
Date: 29th June 2000
Headline: A minutes silence......
Santa Pod Racers Club have asked us to pass on this message to all those who will be in attendance at the Cannonball meeting at Santa Pod, England, this Sunday: -
"Please note that on Sunday 2nd July 2000, at exactly 12.00 noon, there will one minute silence in rememberance of the Top Fuel Bike Rider, Chris Hampson.
As a mark of respect, under NO circumstances must there be ANY engines running during this time. We would appreciate your co - operation and would like to invite any rider, driver or crew members to join us on the startline at 12 o'clock.
Thank you."
Date: 29th June 2000
Headline: Price Coils with Cobras and Prepares for Canadian Road Trip
Ray Price, Raleigh, NC is pleased to announce a marketing alliance with the Carolina Cobras, Raleigh's arena football team. Price will carry the Carolina Cobra logo on his Nitro Harley Drag bike for the remainder of the 2000 race season. Additionally, part of the Ray Price Racing / Cobra agreement includes the usage of four 2,000 model Harley Davidson's used in the pre game activities at all local Cobra arena football games. As Price and the Cobra's join forces, Ray Price Racing is preparing for another joint venture, promoting North Carolina the largest "out of the Country" 4th of July celebration. The Honorable Gordon D. Giffin, U. S. Ambassador to Canada, has invited North Carolina to be the host state for the 4th of July party at the U. S. Ambassador's Residence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, this year. Governor James Hunt and Price will be hobnobbing with embassy officials in Ottawa. The Honorable James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor, will be there for the event and also in Canada during the same week as part of a business, tourism, education, technology and cultural exchange. Diplomats and embassy key staff from over 110 counties are invited to this event as well as members of the Canadian Parliament and business leaders throughout Canada. However, one of the highlights of that week's activities will be Ray Price Racing. Price will entertain the guests by firing up his 600 horsepower nitro Harley Davidson at the lawn party actually held on July 4th at the Ambassador's residence, a 13-acre estate about 12 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Over 4,500 guests are expected to attend the event. Ray Price Racing is supported by Ray Price Harley Davidson, Raleigh HOG, S & S Cycle, Power Arc Ignition Co., Ultra Pro Machining, JIMS, Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil, Shumaker Racing, Performance Machine, Barnett Tool & Engineering, Vanson's, Carolina Cobras, and Wilder's Inc
Date: 28th June 2000
Headline: Mantorp gets chopped!
Well not completely, but we have just been informed that the forthcoming FIM Round in Sweden will be run over an eighth of a mile following concerns for the bikes with it's somewhat short runoff.
Date: 28th June 2000
Headline: Dyno Speed Developments new toy.......
DSD are pleased to announce that they have now finished the installation a new Dynojet 250 upgrade to their dyno. This allows fuel injected bikes to be set up to perfection. Using the brake facility the FI bikes can now be adjusted from 0 to 100% throttle settings at 500rpm intervals when using the Power commander modules. Alternatively a new map can be 'built' from scratch with bespoke fuel injection units. All of these concepts were previously not possible using the inertia dyno of old.
Date: 27th June 2000
Headline: Juha Hillman News
Gossip just received this news from Finland's Juha Hillman : -
"We've had some plans (wishes?) for the future to race in Top Fuel Bike. As somebody may remember Juha Hillman won the European Championship in 1990 with his ex-Terry Kizer Suzuki Funny Bike. After the heartbreaking very sad news regarding our good friend, Chris Hampson, we made a change in our plans. Two weeks ago we wiped the dust from the Funny Bike, drove around Finland to get the old (and some new) parts from our garage, made or bought some new ones, and worked 10 days to get it all in shape and race ready. On the 24th and 25th of June at the Drag & Rock Festival in Motopark (where Chris also had been racing in the early 90's) we started the old Suzuki's turbo / NOS - engine and raced for the memory of Chris. The Finnish Championship race was raced in the combined Super Twin TF, FB & Top Fuel Bike -class. We didn't win, but we finished runner up after Jaska Salakari (7.27 secs @ 197 mph) and got the Funny Bike flying as we had planned. The change to our plans, which I earlier mentioned, was to have "Old Betsy" ( the Suzuki Funny Bike which has been beaten by Chris and sometimes also beating him) again at the track before selling it. The change was not stopping our plans (or wishes?) regarding Top Fuel Bike.
Asko Maatta, Crew Chief - Hillman Racing FINLAND
P.S. We are sure Chris can't be in hell, 'cause he experienced "the hell" here in Finland at Juha's summer cottage. He bathed with Juha in the Finnish Sauna and that must have been one of his most remarkable memories from Finland, mainly because only few of our fellow countrymen can stand a sauna with Juha (temperatures over 120 degrees Celsius and 100 % humidity).
P.P.S. Juha's Suzuki is for sale (either immediately or a little bit less money later in the season at Santa Pod in September). The bike has been and is capable going low sevens / high sixes: the best performance is: 1/4 mile 6,98 secs / 317,48 kph (197 mph) and 1/8 mile 4,48 secs / 285,07 kph (177 mph)."
Date: 27th June 2000
Headline: Mystery Man
Following on with the success of our past mystery photo competitions, we've got another to tax your brains, courtesy of BJ
http://www.dragbikes.ndirect.co.uk/images/contest/mysteryman.jpg
Check out the cool shades!
Date: 24th June 2000
Headline: Latest ACU Points
We've now posted the latest points standings in our ACU Championship section.
Date: 24th June 2000
Headline: Beck off to Chicago
UK Prostock rider Dave Beck leaves for Chicago next week for his last ride on the current MRE Promod bike before Dave Holland takes delivery of it. It's possible that the MRE Team may temporarily run in Funnybike on their next bike whilst shaking down, giving them more track time before resuming in Promod (the bump spot is currently generally lower in Prostar Funnybike). Gossip would like to wish Dave well for Chicago after his recent run of bad luck.
Date: 24th June 2000
Headline: Beck off to Chicago
UK Prostock rider Dave Beck leaves for Chicago next week for his last ride on the current MRE Promod bike before Dave Holland takes delivery of it. It's possible that the MRE Team may temporarily run in Funnybike on their next bike whilst shaking down, giving them more track time before resuming in Promod (the bump spot is currently generally lower in Prostar Funnybike). Gossip would like to wish Dave well for Chicago after his recent run of bad luck.
Date: 23rd June 2000
Headline: Koedam Racing Holland News
Marius van der Zijden, Crew Chief for Koedam Racing Top Fuel, Holland, sends us an update on his team: -
"It has been a while since we made some noise. At the beginning of this season we planned to bring the bike out only when all the changes would be ready. During the first months it looked like all was going according to plan. However as the months passes by the process seems to slow down more and more. Though most of the (many) new parts are only an inch away from being ready, we now seem to suffer setback after setback. Some of them consider severe delivery delays of small parts like an oil filter or special cylinder head nuts. Also a major setback happened when one of our team members and main CNC machinist was out of the running for a few weeks suffering from a double pneumonia. Luckily he is OK again and just back to work. All in all despite everybody’s endless efforts, things are not going as we had in mind. Only a couple of days ago when the (“one off”) cams were delivered, we had to discover that the intake cam was made wrong due to some misunderstanding. This means another setback of at least a few weeks. It is at this point that we had to make a difficult decision. We decided to mount back the “old” cylinder head and supercharger on the bike again for the time being and see from there on. We think that we owe this to our supporters and sponsors. In the meantime the work on the new parts will continue. At the same time it will already give us the opportunity to test the new clutch set-up and the new timer system for the clutch- and fuel system.
The European Championship has only seen two rounds so far. At the first round in England our main opponent (Eric Teboul, France) didn’t score any points when he destroyed his engine in the first burnout. For the second round in Finland, none of our opponents showed up. It means that we will pick up the season from here on and also that we have a good chance to gather some points for the championship (with or without the new billet head).
So our first showing of this year will be at our National event in Drachten / Holland. From there on we plan to attend Mantorp Park / Sweden, Gardermoen / Norway, Hockenheim / Germany and finally Santa Pod / England to finish of the season. When the circumstances requires testing of new parts, we might squeeze in a test & tune session.
We will keep you updated on our progress!"
Date: 22nd June 2000
Headline: I really love you I do........
Mark Watkins and the gang at DSD Racing would like to say "well done to Graham Dance for posting the quickest Superstreet time of 8.20 @ 173 m.p.h He rode well all weekend and was so unlucky not to show for the final (due to engine damage) We're sure if Graham had shown for the final I would have had a riding job on my hands (I'm sure I will next time!)"
Date: 20th June 2000
Headline: Oversexed and over here........
Celebrity Chef and part time race shop owner Jay Regan of MRE has confirmed that he will be arriving in London in late July to oversee his Promod bike that is to pass into the posession of `Dutch' Dave. The machine itself will arrive early next month and will be prepped for Dave Beck to race at Super Series 3 prior to hand over. It is hoped that Jay will bring supplies of chewing gum (for Daves young `friends') and nylons (for the dragracing cross dressers) as is custom.
However, rumours that the bike has in fact been in Daves possession since the beginning of the season and that he has been passing it off as a Prostock bike are believed to be unfounded......
Date: 19th June 2000
Headline: BIKE WEEKEND 2000, Sweden
Results for the KVALLISTA SUPER TWIN TOP FUEL Competition at the Bike Weekend as follows: -
Qualifying
1 ANDERS KARLING 4.334 @ 276
2 STEFAN JUNERUD 4.488 @ 254
3 LARS WAHLBERG 4.570 @ 259
4 ULF NYHLÉN 4.866 @ 233
5 PER JERN 4.926 @ 235
6 HÅKAN TALLBERG 5.131 @ 220
7 GREGER JOHANSSON 5.356 @ 198
8 TORBJÖRN SVENSSON 6.717 @ 121
9 KLAS JANSSON 15.138 @ 37
ROUND # 1
ANDERS KARLING 4.484 @ 268 beat TORBJÖRN SVENSSON 6.161 @ 121
ULF NYHLÉN (No show) PER JERN 19.908 @ 23 (Winner)
STEFAN JUNERUD 4.540 @ 236 beat GREGER JOHANSSON (No show)
LARS WAHLBERG 4.560 @ 259 beat HÅKAN TALLBERG (No show)
ROUND # 2
ANDERS KARLING 4.454 @ 276 beat PER JERN (No show)
STEFAN JUNERUD 4.543 @ 240 beat LARS WAHLBERG 4.602 @ 256
FINAL
ANDERS KARLING 4.717 @ 229 (Runner Up) STEFAN JUNERUD 4.708 @ 254 Winner
Best ET: 4.33 secs. - Karling Best TS: 276 kmh -Karling
Date: 19th June 2000
Headline: Price Qualifies at Cordova / Announces Exhibition in Ottawa
Ray Price, Raleigh, NC, made the IHRA Amalie Oil Summer Nationals Screamin Eagle Nitro Harley field on his last qualifying pass at Cordova, Il. with a quick 6.700 ET at 201.70 mph. Price's 6.700 was good enough for 5th spot in the intensely competitive IHRA Nitro Harley field. Unfortunately in round one, Price red lighted against Orangeburg, SC competitor, Bill Furr. But Price won't let a red light slow down his summer program and is pleased to announce confirmation of an exhibition "burn out" at the largest 4th of July Party "outside" the USA. Price has been invited by the NC Restaurant Association to represent North Carolina motorsports at the United States U.S. Ambassador's Residence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Date: 19th June 2000
Headline: New Swedish record for Top Fuel SuperTwin
We just heard from Ann - Britt that Anders "Charley" Karling ran 4.33 secs @ 279km during the Bike Weekend in Västerås, Sweden, this weekend. He was also runner up to winner Stefan Juneryd in the final.
"Unfortunately, he couldn´t back the ET up, but he has the new Swedish record for the 1/8th mile now, 4.42 secs @ 276km (172 mph)! So, watch out for Charley at the FIM European Championship round at Mantorp Park at the end of July, I think we´re gonna have a lot of new records over the 1/8th mile (the race will be held over 1/8th mile for safety reasons as far as I know)"
Thanks Ann - Britt, and congratulations to both Charley on his new record and Stefan on the event title.
Date: 19th June 2000
Headline: IHRA, Cordova
After qualifying at number one with an impressive 6.415 @ 214.48, Johnny Mancuso was defeated by his own team member Steve Stordeur in the final of Top Fuel Harley at the 21st Amalie Oil Summer Nationals at Cordova Dragway Park. Mauncuso experienced problems at half track and shut the bike off giving Stordeur the easy win. Mancuso left the weekend with the new speed record at 216.00 mph. Jay Turner holds onto the points lead with 414, Mancuso remains second with 339 points and Stordeur moved into third with 336 points.
Date: 19th June 2000
Headline: Eric Teboul's big amps...........
Although Eric Teboul (France) failed to qualify his Top Fuel bike for the European Championship round at Santa Pod a few weeks ago after suffering some engine carnage in qualifying, he was sporting some all new features including a home brew fuel timer system and a pair of massive 44 amp MSD magnetos (the very same types as used by many Top Fuel cars)!
Date: 19th June 2000
Headline: Richard Gipp suffers from wind
Flatland Prostock rider Richard Gipp suffered from a bout of the wind at Avon Park yesterday when he was blown onto the grass in the shutdown area before taking a tumble. Despite the relatively high speed incident, Richard was unhurt save for some cuts and bruises. We believe his bike to be OK and look forward to seeing him out at the next Championship meeting, the Cannonball at Santa Pod on the 1st and 2nd of July.
Date: 19th June 2000
Headline: Shocking performance......
At the AHDRA event at Bandimere Speedway, Denver Colorado, an electric powered dragbike called the Killocycle backed up a claimed new world record with a 9.74 secs. @ 151mph with Carrie Hogan on board.
Date: 18th June 2000
Headline: Super Series Two final results
Top Fuel Bike: Steve Woollat 6.73/200 def. Ian King 8.21/128
Pro Stock Bike: Paul Willis 7.65/175 def. Chris Hope 7.69/171
Funny Bike: Chris Hannam 7.57/123 def. Paul Knapp 7.84/178
Comp Bike: Barry Holland 9.96/141 was unopposed
Super Street Bike: Mark Watkins 8.53/168 def. Graham Dance did not show
9.90 Bike: Jamie Sneddon 9.93/137 def. Paul Ellingham 9.86/127
10.90 Bike: Mark Pointer 11.02/93 def. Paul Hambridge 10.81/115
Super Twin Fuel: John Williamson 9.03/151 def. Ian Carruthers 9.49/145
Super Twin Gas: Ric Davis 10.59/125 def. Andrew Smith 10.66/123
Super Twin Modified: Lyn Mason-Roe 11.17/127 def. John Combe 11.50/129
Super Twin Street: Steven Piper 10.46/124 def. Quinton Macmorland 11.47/116
Date: 16th June 2000
Headline: Pettersson's new record
Roger Pettersson (Sweden) set a new European Prostock record at the Finland round in Alastaro last weekend with a 7,511 sec et on his Suzuki.
Date: 15th June 2000
Headline: FIM / UEM Championship
The latest points positions are now posted in the FIM Championship section of our site.
Date: 15th June 2000
Headline: Still want to race in the USA in November?
We have now received further details regarding the plans for those people wishing to race in the Prostar World Finals at Gainesville in August.
The container will be loaded in the Heathrow area of West London on on the 14th of October (one week after the last ACU Round of the year). Those wishing to guarantee places are urged to pay the costs of £785 as soon as possible. Those unable to, can gamble by waiting until the cutoff date for monies to be paid. Anyone wishing to travel should arrange to pay their money by the 25th AUGUST LATEST. Only those who pay by then will travel. Those that pay first will get their place on the trip. Should you wish to secure your place in the Team, please contact Brian on + 44 (0) 1344 625182, mobile + 44 (0) 370 425441, or e mail him on brian.j@btinternet.com. Remember, first come first served!
Date: 14th June 2000
Headline: The worst kept secret......
Despite being sworn to secrecy by the rider concerned, Gossip has been told by so many people now that we are sure it is in the public domain, so........ have you heard that ex British Superstreet Bike Champion has seen the error of his ways in not running a slick and wheelie bars to date. In order that he may correct his mistake, he is to move to a Promod bike. Not any old Promod bike either, just the `old nail' that Dave Beck has been campaigning on behalf of Team MRE! We understand that Dutch Dave takes delivery of it at the end of the Prostar season (i.e. after the World Finals in Gainesville. We can't wait to see it turn a wheel in anger over here in the UK Funnybike class (not yet enough Promods to make a class, but quickly getting there).
Date: 13th June 2000
Headline: Doug Vancil press release
Doug Vancil, Albuquerque, NM has received official confirmation of the new IHRA Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley MPH National record. Vancil set the new record at the IHRA Mopar Parts Canadian Nationals, Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend, Ontario, Canada. Vancil increased the mph record previously secured by Jay Turner, Whistlett, NC. The new IHRA Vance & Hines/Drag Specialties standard is 215.46 mph. And on June 7 while match racing Bob Spina at the Englishtown, NJ's Night of Thrills Show, Vancil ran a 6.59 ET at 206 mph for the new Top Fuel Harley track record.
Date: 13th June 2000
Headline: FIM / UEM Supertwin
Moinque Pels http://home.wxs.nl/~monique_pels has kindly pointed out that the information supplied to us by Svensk Dragracing was incorrect. She has also supplied us with the correct information: -
Qualifying Results
1 Charley Karling Sweden 6.68 305
2 Per Bengtsson Sweden 6.79 325
3 Stefan Juneryd Sweden 6.94 319
4 Ton Pels Netherlands 6.99 290
5 R. V Geffen Netherlands 7.16 281
6 Willem Been Netherlands 7.23 305
7 Lars Wahlberg Sweden 7.37 237
8 Svein Gottenberg Norway 8.54 261
9 Jaska Salakari Finland 10.03 223
10 Svein Olav Rolfstad Norway (no time) -
Eliminations
Round 1
Charley Karling Sweden 6.95 WIN / Jaska Salakari Finland 7.37
Ton Pels Netherlands 7.48 WIN / Rob van Geffen Netherlands 8.94
Per Bengtsson Sweden 6.92 WIN / bye)
Stefan Juneryd Sweden 7.50 WIN / Willem Been Netherlands (broke)
Semi Finals
Charley Karling Sweden 6.92 WIN / Ton Pels Netherlands 7.89
Per Bengtsson Sweden 9.90 / Stefan Juneryd Sweden 6.88 WIN
Final
Charley Karling Sweden 8.83 / Stefan Juneryd Sweden 7.66 WIN
Date: 12th June 2000
Headline: As one door closes........
Amidst the sadness of the events of the 29th May, a bright ray of happiness arrived in the shape of Louis Paul Beaumont, the first child of Theresa and Michael Beaumont, crew chief of the King Racing Top Fuel Bike team. Mother Theresa and baby are both at home doing well, whilst Michael has kept up his hectic lifesyle, fitting in his roles as Crew Chief, general builder, real ale taster, and ne'er do well with his new paternal responsibilities. I'm sure all will join us in wishing the Beaumonts well in their new venture, and look forward to seeing the whole team out at the races in the very near future.
Date: 11th June 2000
Headline: Memorial Page for Chris Hampson
Dwight Drum and Gary Larsen of Stripbike.com have now finalised their permanent tribute to Chris Hampson. It will be retained on their site for all to view whenever they wish. I'd like to thank them for their support in keeping Chris' memory alive, and for their apt words. It can be found at: - http://www.stripbike.com/tribute.html
Date: 11th June 2000
Headline: Finland FIM / UEM Final results
Supertwin Round One
W Karling 6,958 @ 303 / BYE W Pels 7,484 @ 278 / L Van Geffen 8,947 @ 165
W Bengtsson 6,921 @ 313 / Wahlberg -
W Juneryd 7,502 @ 237 / L Been - Broke
Round Two
W Karling 6,928 @ 314 / L Pels 7,895 @ 204
W Juneryd 6,885 @ 327 / L Bengtsson 9,905 @ 106
Final
W Juneryd 7,661 @ 215 / L Karling 8,834 @ 161
Prostock Bike
Round One
W Pettersson 7,588 @ 282 / L Larsson 8,093 @ 271 (redlight)
W Strömberg 7,686 @ 279 / L Mejerwall 10,798 @ 141 (redlight)
Final
W Pettersson 7,511 @ 285 / L Strömberg 7,742 @ 279
Date: 11th June 2000
Headline: Isle of Man Sprint news
We have just been sent this report of the weeks sprint events held at the Isle Of Man TT Races. Thanks to Wayne Bradley for the details (if you hadn't sussed it out......): -
Sunday’s sprint was a run what you brung, all classes run. Slick and wheelie bars, Supestreet and Street legal. Best time 6.35 @ 121 mph was set by a local Manx man on a 750 Yamaha with slick, wheelie bars and NOS. Second was Wayne Bradley (Japcrap Racing) on a Superstreet Suzuki 1200 Bandit with air shifter and 50 h/p of NOS with a time of 6.45 @ 118 mph on a street legal tyre. Third position was also taken by Wayne Bradley on a Yamaha R1 with 50 H/P OF NOS, air shifter and 2 inch extensions on the swinging arm with a time of 6.68 @ 117 mph.
Tuesday’s sprint was divided into Competition and Street Legal all air shifters. Any NOS and modified swinging arms went into CB. First again was that local Manx man with a time of 6.33 @ 121 MPH. Second position again was Wayne Bradley, but on his Yamaha R1 with a 6.60 @ 119 MPH. Third again that man Wayne Bradley on his Bandit 1200 with a 6.63 @ 118 mph. Best woman (!) was Helen Curran (Team Cooperised) with a 6.80 @ 114 mph despite an injured hand. Well done Helen from Japcrap Racing.
Date: 10th June 2000
Headline: Karling stuns with a 6.689!
It would appear that there are either no or not enough Competition bike entries in Finland this weekend, so only Prostock and Super Twin are competiting. It looks hot in the Twins, with a stunning 6.689 from Charley Karling (Sweden) on his blown machine: -
Super Twin
1 Anders Karling 6,689 305
2 Per Bengtsson 6,792 325
3 Stefan Juneryd 6,947 319
4 Ton Pels 6,993 290
5 Rob Van Geffen 7,161 281
6 Willem Been 7,234 305
7 Lars Wahlberg 7,370 237
8 Svein Gottenberg 8,543 261
Pro Stock Bike
1 Roger Pettersson 7,513 280
2 Kenneth Strömberg 7,570 278
3 Stefan Mejerwall 7,711 280
4 Anders Larsson 7,777 276
Date: 10th June 2000
Headline: Finland FIM / UEM Qualifying
Latest qualifying from Alastaro
Super Twin Qualifying
1 Anders Karling 6,689 305
2 Per Bengtsson 6,792 325
3 Ton Pels 6,993 290
4 Stefan Juneryd 6,997 320
5 Rob Van Geffen 7,161 281
6 Willem Been 7,234 305
7 Lars Wahlberg 7,370 237
8 S. Gottenberg 8,543 261
Comp Bike Qualifying
No results yet
Pro Stock Bike Qualifying
1 R. Pettersson 7,5136 280
2 K. Strömberg 7,634 275
3 S. Mejerwall 7,76 264
4 A.Larsson 7,928 275
Date: 9th June 2000
Headline: Chris Hampson RIP
Nearly two hundred people packed into Stafford Crematorium, England this afternoon to pay their last respects to Top Fuel Bike rider Chris Hampson, tragically taken away from us on the 29th May. Dragracers, representatives from all organising clubs, Santa Pod, Shakespeare County and Pennine Raceways alike all joined Jan and Jane and their families to mourn his passing. In a moving ceremony, his life and achievements were celebrated, ably assisted by a touching sharing of reminiscences by his long time friend and mentor, ex Funnybike rider Pip Higham. Floral tributes were many, from far and wide, marking how he touched so many people. Memorial collections are to be set up, to help with the unfortunate costs these tragic events bring, at Super Series 2 (Avon Park), The Cannonball (Santa Pod) and by Terry Babor with the help of Dwight Drum in the US. Our thanks go to all these people, Carole Ismail and Penny, and all those I have forgot to mention, for your hard work in making Jan’s life at this time less worrying for her than it otherwise would be.
Date: 8th June 2000
Headline: Championship Points update
The latest points positions after Round one of the FIM / UEM Championships, and the latest British Championship Superstreet tables can be found on our Championship pages now.
Date: 8th June 2000
Headline: Tributes # 7
I AM TRULY SORRY SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF A FRIEND AND A FELLOW RACER – CHRIS HAMPSON. CHRIS & I GO BACK MANY YEARS, 10 OR 15, IT SEEMS I'VE KNOWN HIM FOREVER. WE HAVE SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS TALKING ON THE PHONE, OR IN MY SHOP IN CLEARWATER, FLORIDA OR RACING TOGETHER IN THE STATES. HE WAS ALWAYS A GENTLEMAN AND A TRUE PROFESSIONAL IN THE ARENA. MORE THAN THAT ALONG WITH MY WIFE AND CHILDREN I GOT TO KNOW CHRIS AND JAN AWAY FROM "RACING." JUST AS FRIENDS PEOPLE AND FRIENDS, THEY'RE GREAT AND I'LL MISS THAT. I FEEL BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN HIM AND VERY PROUD TO BE CALLED HIS FRIEND. MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT ESPECIALLY TO JAN, CHRIS' SOUL MATE FOR LIFE, THEIR FAMILY, AND ALL THE FRIENDS AND PEOPLE HE TOUCHED ALONG HIS JOURNEY. I WILL MISS HIM ALWAYS. I WILL FORGET HIM NEVER! MEMORIES OF OUR TIMES TOGETHER ARE ETCHED IN MY MIND. AND I'LL THINK OF CHRIS OFTEN.
"GODSPEED CHRIS"
GEORGE BABOR, BPM RACING ENGINES, USA
UNABLE TO PUT ANYTHING DOWN ON PAPER UNTIL NOW, FIRST I WOULD LIKE JAN, CHRIS & JAN'S FAMILY, HIS FRIENDS, RACE TEAM, AND ALL HIS FANS TO KNOW MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU. WE HAVE DEFINITELY LOST A GREAT FRIEND, A MAN, IN WHICH I HAVE FOUND FROM MANY A VISIT WITH HERE IN FLORIDA TO HAVE EQUALLY AS MUCH LOVE FOR RACING IN HIS BLOOD THAN MY OWN HUSBAND. I WILL MISS THOSE VISITS - CHRIS & GEORGE'S ENDLESS CONVERSATIONS THAT WERE ALL SO FULL OF EXCITEMENT. I WILL MISS THE LAUGHTER THAT THEY SHARED - THE LAUGHTER WE ALL SHARED TOGETHER. MOST OF ALL I WILL MISS THE SMILE THAT SEEMED TO ALWAYS BE UPON CHRIS' FACE. IT SEEMS THAT THE ONLY COMFORT I HAVE IS KNOWING THAT HE HAS JOINED THE MANY OTHER RACERS I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING. MARTY BLADES, JOHN DESILE, JOHN MYERS, AND ELMER TRETT. KNOWING THERE IS A GOD - I DO BELIEVE CHRIS & ELMER HAVE A LOT OF FUN AHEAD OF THEM. AFTER READING THE MANY TRIBUTES WRITTEN BEFORE ME THERE IS NO DOUBT "THERE WILL BE THUNDER IN THE SKY!" ...AND WHEN THE SKY FINALLY OPENS UP HERE IN FLORIDA - I WILL GO OUTSIDE, STAND IN THE RAIN AND LISTEN TO THE THUNDER. I WILL SAY A PRAYER, SAY HELLO AND THAN SMILE. JAN...YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW I FEEL. KNOWING I WILL NEVER GET THAT "HOLIDAY" IN ENGLAND WE ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT, WITH THE BOTH OF YOU, SADDENS ME GREATLY. YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED IN MY HOME AND YOU WILL REMAIN IN MY THOUGHTS AND IN OUR HEARTS ALWAYS. MY NEXT STATEMENT MAY OR MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE AT THIS TIME FOR SOME BUT A TRUE RACER - WHICH IS DEFINITELY WHAT CHRIS WAS - WOULD SIMPLY PUT IT, "IF I MUST GO, PLEASE, LET ME GO DOING WHAT I LOVE BEST - RACING." {GEORGE BABOR}
HERE IS A LITTLE POEM I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE:
This shell is empty
of the LIFE it held...
and yet,
how exquisite
are its hollows?
And in the end,
are we not ALL
such hollows
... shaped
by the LOVES
that once
filled us?
by, JOAN WALSH ANGLUND
A FOREVER FRIEND, TERRY BABOR, USA
Sorry to hear about the Death of Chris. I’ve talked to him for hours on the phone when he used to write the articles for Drag Racing for MCN, what a nice chap. My sincere respect and deepest sympathy to Jan and his family.
Andy Folberth
Please pass on our condolences to Chris Hampson's family.
Deepest sympathy from the Pennine Drag Racing Club.
We were very shocked by the news that Chris Hampson has died after his tragic accident. We will all miss Chris as a person and as a competitor. Our sincere respect and deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Top fuel bike rider Sverre Dahl and team, Norway
I have only just learnt of the tragic loss of Chris Hampson. Please extend my condolences to Jan and her family. I can add nothing new to what has already been offered on these pages, it says it all. God Bless.
Paul King, Family & Crew
We are saddened to hear of Chris Hampson’s death on Monday 29th May. As I was at Santa Pod that fatal day with friends and children...I came to this site to see how Chris was and am greatly upset to hear of his death.........
Clare
Date: 7th June 2000
Headline: Clark eases into lead
After last weeks ACU Superstreet round, Tony Clark moved into the points lead after previous leader Mark Watkins suffered first round woes. Unfortunately for Tony, curtailment of the late running meeting after the earlier tragic event meant that he was unable to extend his lead further by a win over his opponent in the final, Graham Dance.
Date: 6th June 2000
Headline: Tributes # 6
I have known Chris Hampson as a work colleague for 18 years, as well as being a rookie fan of his at the drag strip. Chris was just such a nice guy. A couple of weekends before, Chris & Jan were with us in Wales watching white water rafting, and I saw a gleam come into Jan's eye, here was something "dangerous" that she fancied having a go at. Chris (for once) found himself being encouraged into something very cold and remote from Top Fuel Bikes. To his credit, he rang me mid week to expect a party of at least two raft teams, one full of lads with Chris, and one full of girls with Jan........
Will Turner
Please pass on our condolences to the family, friends and team of Chris Hampson.
Peter Beck, Regula and Team, Top Fuel Team Switzerland
Having just received the terrible news about Chris I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to Jan, Chris's family and many friends. I first met Chris nearly 20 years ago, when he rode streetbikes and he never changed, even with all of the success he had. Chris was a quiet , unassuming, always helpful gentleman and was also the most entertaining rider I have had the pleasure to see in action. God speed Chris.
Mel Nolan, Cork, Ireland.
I had planned to attend Chris' funeral, I even went out and got the black tie. Unfortunately, like Keith, I will be in Alastaro, but I will join with him at 3:30 in thinking of Chris, and all of you who are there, wishing for the first time in my life that I was not at a drag strip, but somewhere else.
Dave Alexander
Date: 6th June 2000
Headline: Larry McBride press release
Larry McBride, Newport News, Va. continues to amaze the NHRA fans. McBride riding and maintaining the world's quickest and fastest motorcycle dashed the Chicago based Rt. 66 quarter mile track record for motorcycles. Over 80,000 spectators browsed the pit area and frequented the Larry Spiderman McBride's trailer for autographs. McBride made 4 exhibition passes on his 1,000 horsepower Kawasaki/Puma, running a low of 6.84 with mechanical problems and a quick 6.16, 6.18 and finally a 6.00 at 234 mph. McBride currently maintains the points lead in the AMA/Prostar Top Fuel Series.
Date: 6th June 2000
Headline: Chris' funeral arrangements
We have now received final details of the arrangements:-
Fot those wishing to send flowers: -
JP Keats
Funeral Directors
Bank Street
Cheadle
Near Stoke on Trent
Staffs. ST10 1NR
ENGLAND
You should arrange for them to arrive on Friday 9th before 13.00.
For those wishing to arrange donations for costs, Carole Ismail of Drag Racing Action Group (DRAG) is administering this. She can be contacted at: -
CaroleM@arb.org.uk
For those travelling to the funeral, you should take junction 14 off the M6, take the A518 (direction Uttoxeter) and look for the signs for Stafford crematorium.
Date: 5th June 2000
Headline: Floral tributes for Chris
For those wishing to send floral tributes, or who do not wish to bring them with you, the telephone number for the funeral directors to whom the flowers should be sent for Chris' funeral is : -
from England 01538 752164
from the US 011 44 1538 752164
from anywhere else + 44 1538 752164
They are currently closed for the evening, and so we cannot source their address until tomorrow.
Date: 5th June 2000
Headline: A letter from Jane
We just recieved a letter from Jane Clark, Chris Hampsons sister. In it she mentions how the words of the tributes posted by so many of you from around the World have been of comfort to both her and Jan. I'm sure she will not mind us sharing her words with you at this time: -
"Dear Ian,
I have been reading the articles that you have written about Chris and have received tremendous comfort from the knowledge of events that you have provided. I, like many others, am absolutely devastated by the events of last Monday, but somehow what you had to say about Chris and the extra information about that fateful day, have helped me to understand what happened.
The tributes and words from so many people all over the world have been a tremendous comfort to both Jan and myself and I would like to thank you for the trouble you have gone to to make this possible. We all know Chris just loved to race and it is thanks to Jan’s love and support that Chris could pursue his dreams.
Love Jane"
Date: 5th June 2000
Headline: Tributes # 5
I am sorry to have to inform you that I will be unable to attend the funeral of Chris this Friday the 9th June, as I will be in Finland for round 2 of the FIA / FIM European Championships. I delayed my flight out by one day until Friday morning hoping that Chris's funeral would be held by Thursday the 8th. Please offer all my sincere condolences to all Chris Hampsons loved ones, family, friends and especially to all those from the drag racing world. I will be there in spirit at 3.30pm on Friday and will say my own bit to Chris at that time from the track at Alastaro, FInland.
Everyone at Santa Pod Raceway was affected by Chris Hampsons death and I know they all wish Chris was still with us. But I also know Chris will want every single one of us involved in the sport to carry on as normal. I will try to do that at Round 2 of the Championship in Finland this weekend.
Keith Bartlett, CEO TrackBak Racing / Santa Pod Raceway
I've just logged on to your site after reading about the death of Chris Hampson. I saw the photo of him at the Eurodragster site and he was pretty much part of that Top Fuel bike. In the eighties I worked at Dragster Australia magazine and had a lot of English racers contact me about racing down under in the off season. Only two ever did - Steve Read and Chris Hampson. Chris was different to most people I met in drag racing. After he figured out that he would race from the left coast to the right he filled in the dots by lining up appearances at the Ozzy distributors of his UK sponsors plus a few locals who backed him along the way. His sickle was a funny bike and even though we didn't have a class for them he fitted right in with his bike's performances doing the talking. Just before he left to go back to the "old blighty" he dropped in for lunch and to say thanks - that was way back when but the Xmas cards kept coming thick and fast. He even took a Holden one tonner back with him to have something to remind him of Australia. I never forget one card which came in saying he had been hit on the scone by a brick while entering a newsagent's - though he'd never had a problem at the track. To Jan and his family he isn't just missed in his own backyard - he is missed right around the world (I originally heard from the USA) but his great performances and lasting friendship will live on.
Jon Van Daal, Australia
I cannot explain all the sadness that I have inside of me. I have always had a good friend in Chris and I was just talking to him on Monday morning. In some ways it does feel so very strange. I hope that we all can take this and just remember Chris as the good friend that he was.
Lars Andersson, FIM / UEM Steward, Sweden
Chris was someone who was always around Dragracing for as many years as I can remember. I never really spoke to him, much the odd hello here and there, but he was always doing what he and we all love doing – racing stupidly fast cars and bikes. He will be missed in the sport and my heart goes out to all his family and friends.
Gary Page
On behalf of the European Super Twin Top Gas Bike class I would like to send out our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Chris. It was a big shock to hear about the accident and the loss of a big guy.
Top Gas Mom Angela, Germany.
Visited the site to read tributes to Chris. I was at Santa Pod when the accident happened. Everyone's words are a fine tribute to a fine man.
Denise Somerville
Having spent a year or so on the "circuit" and having come into contact with Chris, I want to extend my grief in the loss of his life. My thoughts and feelings go out to his family as well as the knowledge that he is still alive in our hearts and minds.
Helen and Adam
Date: 5th June 2000
Headline: Vancil Smashes Personal Bests
Vancil Smashes Personal Bests-219.03 MPH and 6.453 ET !
Doug Vancil, Albuquerque, NM, took the Vance & Hines/Drag Specialties Nitro Harley to the IHRA Mopar Parts Canadian Nationals prepared for big numbers. But when the Grand Bend Motorplex numbers came in, they even surprised Vancil. On his first qualifying pass, Vancil smoked the existing mph record by 5 mph with a sizzling 219.03 with a 6.613 ET. Although he was unable to back it up for an official record his 2nd pass at 6.492 ET and 215.46 mph proved Vancil was on a roll. Vancil defeated veteran Harley-Davidson dealer, Ray Price, Raleigh, NC in the first round. After a lazy light, Vancil poured on the Vance & Hines throttle, earning the win and another personal best at 6.453 ET. However in the semi's, reigning IHRA Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Champion, Jay Turner took the win over Vancil after Doug smoked the tire on the line, still running a very respectable 6.909 at 198.06 mph. The Vancil's are proudly supported by Vance & Hines, Drag Specialties, Performance Machine, K & N, PJ 1, B & J Transmission, & Axtell.
Date: 5th June 2000
Headline: Price Qualifies at IHRA Mopar Parts Canadian Nationals
Ray Price, Raleigh, NC qualified #7 at the IHRA Mopar Parts Canadian Nationals hosted by the Grand Bend Motoplex in Ontario, Canada.
Price qualified #7th with a 6.790 ET at 177.93 mph on his 3rd qualifying pass. His first qualifying pass was a 6.834 ET at 199.42 mph. Price was defeated in the first round despite scorching Doug Vancil on the line with a .490 light over Vancil's .654 reaction time. But Vancil was able to pull around Price at the big end, putting Price's new machine in the trailer early. Price is supported in his national campaign by Ray Price Harley Davidson, Raleigh HOG, S & S Cycle, Power Arc Ignition Co., Ultra Pro Machining, JIMS, Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil, Shumaker Racing, Performance Machine, Barnett Tool & Engineering, and Wilder's Inc Price- 919-832-2261.
Date: 4th June 2000
Headline: RIP Mettje
In what is becoming one of the saddest periods in European Motorcycle Dragracing, we just heard that Mettje, the girlfriend of Hermann Jolink, the Dutch top-gas racer with the amazing blown Ducati, has just passed away. She died of double pneumonia this morning after 19 days in intensive care. They were both at Avon Park last July when Hermann ran a new personal best whilst beating most of his more expensively mounted rivals. Sincerest condolences and sympathies go to Hermann and Mettje's families from Ian, Jane all of UK SUPERTWINS, and all of us at King Racing.
Date: 4th June 2000
Headline: Funeral arrangements
We have now been informed of Chris Hampsons funeral arrangements.
They are : -
Date: 09 June 2000
Time: 3.30 pm
Place: Stafford Crematorium
If anyone needs supplementary information, please contact admin@kingracing.com.
Date: 3rd June 2000
Headline: Tributes # 4
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I read about the passing of Chris Hampson. Having known the emptiness that a loss of this nature brings I can only hope that all of his loved ones and friends can be consolled in the fact that Chris was a racer and passed as a racer. Years ago when I published Newsline, Chris and I had numerous conversations by phone and shared race results and photographs to keep our readers appraised as to what was happening across the Pond. Though we were never lucky enough to meet in person we knew that we are all a part of the racing family. As his career took off as a racer and mine wound down for a period as a journalist I was able to find a few words here and there on how well Chris was doing. With his entrance into the Top Fuel arena (my well-known soft spot) I was able to read more and more about his accomplishments. It was apparent from the outset that he was born to race Top Fuel and he was most happy when he was able to race one. Chris joined a fraternity of men the world over who through talent, desire and courage share a bond that cannot be shared by anyone who has not pulled the throttle on a machine that moves the earth. And now he has joined another fraternity of these courageous men who have been taken from us too early and for no apparent reason. Logically there is no way to explain it and rationally we know that the possibility exists. But when it happens it is still a great tragedy. My love and sorrow goes out to his family, his race team, his fans and all the world of motorcycle drag racing. For when one of us falls, all of us grieve, because in the end we are family. Godspeed Chris...
Greg Guarinello, USA
I´m very shocked by the news that Chris Hampson has died after his tragic accident. My sincere respects and deepest sympathy to Jan, Jane and Phil. We all truly miss Chris.
Henk Geeve “Red Puma”, Holland
There are a few drag race memories that will live with me for ever, BJ's 6.38 at the 1993 Bulldog Bash, Phil Baimbridge's first trip in to the 6's also in 1993, and of course the unbelievably consistent Chris Hampson who like the true professional he was made all of his passes look easy. I'm sure he will look down on us at every meeting laughing at our mishaps and applauding our achievements. I hope he spends many summer weekends whereever he is kicking Elmers butt on the dragstrip! My message is simply 'Thanks Chris'.
Shaun (Branch)
We didn’t know Chris as a friend, only as another fuel racer. As this is only our second season of racing a fuel bike, it brought home to me and my kids who are my crew that although we enjoy the fun and comradeship of the sport, there is the very real danger that we subject ourselves to at every race meeting. As a crew and family I would like to send our deepest sorrow to Chris' family and close friends.
Steve Clutterbuck and family.
What can we say after that ? This is the baddest news possible. With his front wheel in the sky, this incredible racer gave us the "funny bike feeling", ... ten years ago ! A lot of courage to his family and friends...
Florence & Jean Yves Vetsch, Tony Bizjak & Phil Leplat, France
We lost a great racer, a good friend, an excellent human being, and an ambassador for the the sport in the death of Chris Hampson. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Ken Cooper and Team Cooperized.
Like some others I did not know Chris personally, but the drag racing community is one big family, and the tributes paid to Chris prove that to be true! I would just like to add my name to long list of people saddened by this tragic accident. Please pass on my condolences to all family and friends of Chris.
Kelvin Fagan
Deepest sympathies to Jan, Phil, Teresa, Duncan and all at Phil Baimbridge Racing.
Neal Bates.
Please pass our condolences to the familiy and friends of Chris Hampson. We hope you are o.k.
Peter Schöfer and his team , Top Methanol-Dragster, Germany
I am writing to express my deep sadness at the death of Chris. I knew him over a space of 15 years, and I lost count of the number of times I photographed him, talked to him, and he patiently answered my (usually stupid) questions about bike racing and technology. Always friendly, helpful, a wicked sense of humour and with time for everyone. He was my friend, and I miss him.
Dave Alexander
Ian, we are all very sorry to hear about Chris, could you please pass on our deepest sympathy to all his friends and family. He will be greatly missed within the drag racing circle.
With regards from Bruno, all the F.A.S.T team and all members and marshalls at Avon Park Raceway.
Dear Ian, Please can you pass on our condolence to Chris Hampson's family. It was with great shock that we learnt about the passing of a great drag racing friend. Chris has always been a great champion for the sport, with his regular column's in the MCN. Chris was always willing to help all others involved in the sport, and his passing will be felt by all.
Gordon and Neil Diggens, Dave Brown
Date: 1st June 2000
Headline: Tributes # 3
Memories of Chris have been with us all week; his friendship and tireless work promoting motorcycle drag racing through his journalism and many achievements on the track throughout the world. We will miss him, and our thoughts are with Jan and family.
Nick & Sandra Pepper and family.
Sorry to hear about Chris please send our condolences to all his friends and family. With sadness, Paul and Julie (Team Money Hungry)
So sorry to hear of the death of Chris. He was a great inspiration to both my son and myself. I’m sure that when it now thunders, it will be Chris clicking of a low six in that great drag strip in the sky. We will all miss him, all the best to both families, our thoughts are with you.
Chris Emms
I Wish to pass on my condolences to your family.
Steve Jarnet
This is my first visit to your site, unfortunately drawn here to view the tributes to the late Chris Hampson. My brother and I were at the Santa Pod meeting last weekend. We are from County Antrim in Northern Ireland and attend the meetings regularly. We were very sorry to hear of the death of Mr Hampson and would like to pass on our condolences to his partner and all his family circle.
Raymond & Brian Gardner, Northern Ireland
I haven’t been round the strip for a while, but I was shaken and shocked to hear the news from my parents about Chris, I just wanted to say that it is a great loss to drag racing, he was one of the best, and send my deepest condolences to Jan and her family. Chris always had time for everyone and he was a true gentleman, he will be desperately missed by many, but none more than his family who he now loves from afar.
Susan Evans (formerly Midgley)
Very Sad News... Jolink, USA
We mourn the loss of a very great friend, racer and inspiration. A man who was held in high esteem by all. We will miss you greatly Chris.
Steve and Fiona Moor and the girls.
Ian, I know I speak for the whole of our crew when I say that we were all shocked and saddened to hear of Chris' death. Having just read all the fine tributes from other racers and fans on your page I felt the need to add our condolences. I can't offer anything that hasn't already been said by people that knew Chris, but our thoughts are with his family and friends, yourself and Phil. Chris Dossett, The Showtime Team
Although we did not know Chris personally, our hearts go out to those who were close to him.
Richard & Sharon Amos (9.90 bike)
I didn't know Chris personally but have followed his career over the years. y prayers go out to his family and friends..God Speed..
The next time you hear thunder in the sky, it just might be Chris and Elmer going at it...I hope so...!!
James DiTullio (Puppet), USA
We were very shocked by the news that Chris Hampson has died after his tragic accident. Our sincere respect and deepest sympathy to Jan and family. We all truly miss Chris.
John Ivarsson Team,Sweden
I would like to use your website to add a few words about the tragic loss of Chris Hampson. While our own bike was not ready yet, I visited Santa Pod this weekend as a spectator. It is virtually impossible to add anything to the words that both you and Phil Baimbridge already said about Chris. I'm sure that everyone who knew Chris will remember him in the same way as I do, as a very friendly and always optimistic person. My thoughts go out to Jan and all his close friends in particular to Phil Baimbridge. Thank you for what you have done Chris!
Marius van der Zijden / Koedam Racing Holland
Monday was a sad day for all. We raced the same track, different fields but for the same goal. I greatly admired Chris for doing it on two wheels, I will stick to four. Myself and all of the Showtime team send our heartfelt condolences to Jan and her family at this sad and difficult time.
John Spuffard and the Showtime Team
Everyone has summed up what a talent to drag racing we had in Chris Hampson. Words cannot describe this huge loss we have suffered in losing such a gentleman from our sport. He was a great ambassador wherever he raced. It is only left to say that our heartfelt loss goes out to all his family, friends and team.
From all his friends at Santa Pod Racers Club.
Sorry to hear of the death of Chris Hampson. My son and I have been dragracing fans for years and always respect the riders and the riders and drivers respect shown to spectators during racing. Chris always had time for us when we spoke to him, one of the good guys of the sport. Every time it now thunders, we will think of Chris ripping of a low six on that drag strip in the sky. All are best to both yourself and Chris’ family, our thoughts are with you.
Chris Emms
My sincerest condolences to Chris Hampson's family, friends and team. Not everyone has access to the internet and I would like to ask your permission to publish some of the tributes to Chris in the Sportsman Racer's Association newsletter - I know Sportsman car racers are at the opposite end of the spectrum but we are all part of the drag racing community and it hurts when we lose someone, even if we didn't know them personally. Best wishes
Anne Peck (Super Street Car)
I am not a close friend of Chris', but I have known him to nod to and say "hi" to since the early 80s. He seems to have always been a prominent figure in the sport - who doesn't know his name? My deepest sympathies go to his partner and family, also to Phil and everyone else concerned. Monday was a bad day for dragracing.
Andy Faithfull.
Please pass on our condolences to all family and friends of Chris. He will be sadly missed within the Sport.
Dave May – ACU Scrutineer, Avon Park Raceway
I would just like to send my deepest sympathy to the family, friends and the team on the sad loss of Chris. Although I did not know him personally I'm sure he will be sadly missed.
Bill (UK Drag Racing website)
Date: 31st May 2000
Headline: A thought for the evening
Carole Ismail saw this poem that she would like to send to Chris's family and all racers: -
The pain you feel intensely
From the heart with which you grieve
Will prove a heavy burden
But so long as you believe
a better place has beckoned
Then at least you'll understand
You will be re-united
By God's ever loving hand.
So shed your tears and feel no shame
your loss is very real
You aren't alone in feeling pain
That only time can heal.
Deepest Sympathy
Carole & Mike Ismail
Date: 31st May 2000
Headline: Tributes # 2
Hello from the Shell TMD and JS team. We were deeply disheartened at Chris’ passing away, especially as Doug and I were in the fire up road at the time. We’d like to send a donation – please pass on an address.
Shell Racing
Ian, My heart goes across the ocean for Chris Hampson, his family, and the family of motorcycle drag racers all over the world. Your sorrow is especially felt because you were so close to this tragic event. I remember seeing Chris often in Gainesville, and now my biggest regret is not having a few interview moments with him. If you and your fellows wish to put together a few memories, I'd be proud to write a fitting tribute, and share it with all on our site. My prayers and a moment of silence are with all...
Dwight Drum – Stripbike.com, USA
We were shocked to hear the terrible news this morning. Although it's been a while since we last talked to Chris, we will always remember him as the friendly, helpful man he was for everyone. As other people mentioned before, Chris always found the time to talk to you and give you his best advice. This is a terrible loss for his family, his friends, and dragracers all over the world.
Erik Schieveen & Pascaline Gaget, Holland
Dear Ian, I just received this very sad, sad story from Santa Pod. My deepest sympathy goes out to Chris' family, and my thoughts to Phil Baimbridge, his team, and you.
Thomas Joswig, Germany
I have read your homage regarding Chris and the thoughts others have already sent and felt compelled to contact you myself. I most remember Chris when I was Race Secretary from 83-85 and at the earlier part of this period Chris was writing articles for Drag Racing News. He would at every meeting ASK me for copies of elimination ladders and THANK me for sending copies of the previous meeting’s ladders. This was done with COURTESY, something which came naturally to Chris. (It is a shame that other journalists invariably demanded things and expected race officials to meet these demands.) I also remember that Chris always wrote very well, never being rude to anybody and always thinking before he said anything or submitted anything for publication. Despite Chris' leaning towards the biking element, I also recall an excellent article he had published in a car orientated magazine (Custom Car?) with regard to using bodies more readily available to the European market in a hope to get car manufacturers interested in our sport. Not only were his arguments well considered but he had also did some graphic artistry which showed that not only could he write well, he could bloody well draw/design good too!
Jim Broome
Dear Ian, I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Chris` tragic accident. I first met Chris when we studied together in Coventry in the mid 70s. We both soon developed common interests and over the next few years never missed an event at Santa Pod. We shared a love of hot rodding and drag racing and never missed an opportunity to take our old V8 Rover Coupes (yes we took two cars) to Santa Pod and camp there for the duration of the event. We would watch in awe as Henk Vink produced amazing rolling burn outs only to be beaten by Brian Chapman’s Vincent. This is when the seeds were sown and it was a combination of this style and mechanical efficiency that would lead to his future success. We would discuss and analyse the days racing in the pub afterwards. His enthusiasm and depth of understanding however, was much greater than merely spectating. His natural progression to becoming a competitor immediately produced results, only perfection counted and this attention to detail made him one of the best racers on the scene. I moved to Germany but still kept in contact and on one occasion was able to pit crew for him on a tour of Hockenheim and in Austria at the Österreichring where he raced his JCB Suzuki Funny Bike. It is a sad loss for us all and my heart goes out especially to Jan.
Tony Hatter, Germany
Ian, We are very shocked by the news that Chris Hampson has died after his tragic accident on Monday. Although we didn't know him personally, it hurts in the hearts of all drag race lovers. It is a sad reminder of the downside of our sport. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family, friends and team. Thank you for the tribute on your web site. We'll be in contact.
Ton Bijlaart Bijlaart Drag Racing, Holland
The news about Mr. Hampson really took away the joy we had over the weekend whilst following the race on the internet. We would like to send our deepest condolence to the Jan and Chris Hampson family and to all the dragracing community and fans.
Peter Axeldal Little Big Racing, Sweden
Dear Ian, I was so shocked and saddened by the news on Monday. I first met Chris in 1987 whilst spectating at Santa Pod and shortly after began crewing for him. In the ensuing years he taught me so much, gave me some terrific opportunities and shared so many good times. There isn't another individual other than my partner who has had such an influence in shaping my life, I'm so grateful for all that he gave me. His performances on track were always a great inspiration to myself and his fellow competitors, setting the benchmark by which we would judge ourselves. I will treasure the memories of the times we enjoyed together and the many spectacular performances with which he entertained us. The sport of drag racing has lost one of its brightest stars and it's hard to imagine life without him. My thoughts go out to Jan, his sister Jane, Phil and crew.
Augy Harrison
Chris was my mate. We shared a common sense of humour, a common approach to our racing and even shared a similar timeline in our racing careers. I first ran against him back in the early eighties in Ultimate StreetBike. When he moved up the classes I seemed to end up following him. I remember him laughing as I beat him - the reigning Funnybike champion – by two-hundredths of a second in my rookie Funnybike race. I remember us both laughing whenever we raced each other. When we had nothing to say to each other we exchanged silly grins. We got drunk together every now and then too. He egged me on when I was going fast, and helped me when I was struggling. We discussed and debated the niceties of our sport. Chris was one of the reasons I went racing - for the company of kindred spirits. His absence will leave a big hole, that I don't want filling, because nobody else will fit...
Chris Hall
To all at Phill Baimbridge Racing with deepest regrets. From all at Manor Racing.
Ian Warren, Angie, David and Stephen.
The staff of dragsterracing.de is very sad to hear about the tragic death of Chris. I am sorry, but I do not have the right English words to use at the moment. We've seen him at Santa Pod, so we know what dragracing is losing. The very best wishes for his team and his family,
Peter Calwer and all German bikeracers, Germany
Please pass on my condolences to the friends and family of Chris. He will be sadly missed at the Pod.
Dave Nelson
Please pass my deepest regrets to the family of Chris Hampson. Hope you are o.k.
Klaus Sarembe, Superstreet Bike, Germany
Receiving the news of the loss of Chris has, as with many people, upset us greatly. Having had many good years racing in the Funnybike Class with Chris I find it hard to accept I will no longer see him around. The comfort I get is that he died participating in a sport that he felt passionate about. Our sincere respect and deepest sympathy to Jan and family.
Barry Eastman
Date: 31st May 2000
Headline: Phil Baimbridge
Phil Baimbridge, who ran the team for whom Chris Hampson was the rider, has asked us to post the following tribute to Chris: -
Chris Hampson.
Chris and I have known each other for years, as adversaries in the British, Euro-Series and FIM events in the late eighties to the mid nineties and through his positions as ACU/UK drag racing co ordinator and drag racing correspondent for MCN.
On the racetrack the honours were roughly equal – Chris was the only UK Funny Bike racer who could really hold his own with the fuelers and I got to know Chris as a talented and fair racer.
During the 1996 season we both won our respective ACU Championships. At the presentation dinner Chris, Jan, Teresa and I shared a table – Chris had sold his Funny Bike, I was looking for someone to ride the fueler. My knowledge of Chris as a talented, fair and honest racer prompted me to “pop the question”.
Chris and I entered into our racing partnership from the beginning of 1998. Being follically challenged he fitted in from the start.
From the outset Chris proved himself to be a capable Top Fuel Bike pilot – running sixes at his first race meeting. From that point our relationship blossomed – in both racing and friendship. Chris’s love of drag racing rekindled my own enthusiasm for the sport, and his Funny Bike experience proved invaluable in chassis tuning. His love of the sport is demonstrated by the fact that he had raced at every recognised dragstrip in Europe (and more than a few unrecognised!), in Australia and the USA. His unassuming, honest and endlessly optimistic character cemented our friendship.
Chris’s enthusiasm and commitment to our racing partnership saw him spending his entire time at Gainesville last year crewing for Top Fuel Bike racer Chris Hand, and providing a financial contribution far beyond our agreed arrangement.
The high point of our racing partnership was winning the 1998 FIM European Finals at Santa Pod. We had plans for many more wins in the future.
I feel Chris not being with us any more as an enormous personal loss, as do the rest of the team (Wilf Hathaway, Ade Hemmings and Duncan Hamilton) and also for the sport of motorcycle drag racing in general.
My heartfelt condolences go to his partner Jan and her family, and Chris’s sister.
It is a small consolation to know that Chris died taking part in the sport he loved, having just won his last dragrace. I try to think of Chris racing at that big dragstrip in the sky, where the weather's always sunny and the traction is perfect.
We all truly miss Chris.
Phil Baimbridge.
Date: 30th May 2000
Headline: Tributes
We continue to receive tributes to Chris Hampson from all over the world, illustrating the impact he made on those who knew him. We think it is fitting to post some of them to share with you: -
Dear Ian, I hope you're doing OK considering the circumstances of everything that happened yesterday. I just finished reading your tribute to Chris on your Web Site and it says it all...
Monique Pels, HOLLAND
We are wery sad to read about what has happened to Chris Hampson. Our team's driver Juha Hillman is a friend and fellow competitor of Chris from the early 90's, when they both raced with Funny Bikes. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Chris' family, friends and team.
Juha Hillman and his team, FINLAND
Ian, I have just read of the loss of my old friend Chris Hampson. I have not been in touch with Chris in recent years, but have fond memories of racing with him in the past. Could you please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Is there any sort of collection to assist with funeral costs or family assistance?. It is very sad to hear of this loss and I hope you and the rest of the guys have a safe remainder of the season.
Jay Upton, Australia
Our sympathies go to Jan and family, and Phil of course. See you around mate.
Ian Turbuville
Ian, The news is tragic.
Gary Larsen and Dwight Drum, USA
Please pass on our deep regrets to the family of Chris Hampson, all thoughts are with them.
From race fans everywhere.
Very sorry to hear about Chris. Hope you are ok.
Lorcan Parnell
Please could you supply us with an address for his Team and family so that we are able to send our deepest sympathy. Thank you very much.
Mrs Kirsty Mitchell
It is with great sadness that I have just learned of the death of Chris. I only met Chris once whilst spectating at Santa Pod, but his enthusiasm was catching and he persuaded me to build myself a bike and have a go. He took time to listen to a complete beginner and answered what must have been a multitude of stupid questions with good grace. He will be greatly missed I’m sure. My condolences go to all his family and friends. Regards
Martin Saint
Ian, I am deeply mourning the loss of someone I am sure was a good friend of yours. Please accept my heartfelt apologies for the loss of Chris Hampson you and the rest of the European Motorcycle Dragracing contingent have just gone through. I am sure the Top Fuel racers in Europe think of your competitors the same way we do in the States, as that of family. Although I personally didn't know Chris, other than his trip to the states of several years ago, his presence at the track and dragbike site to always offer a helping hand or bit of knowledge will be missed. If there is anything I can do for you or anyone else Ian, please let me know. I will be glad to offer assistance in any manner you may deem appropriate.
Tommy Smith, USA
Probably the worst meeting I've ever attended. Myself and my fellow Superstreet competitors are shocked and saddened at the loss of life of a fine racer and a man who listened - Chris Hampson. Our sympathy goes out to Chris' family, and our thoughts to Phil Baimbridge and Ian King.
Mark Watkins
Date: 30th May 2000
Headline: Requests
As expected, we have received many requests for an address for messages of condolence to be sent. We suggest you send your messages to Chris' long time partner Jan at their home where she is currently being comforted by her parents: -
Jan Hampson 19 Wallfield Close Upper Tean Stoke on Trent ST10 4JR.
Date: 30th May 2000
Headline: Chris Hampson
It is with deep sadness that we report UK Top Fuel Bike rider, Chris Hampson, suffered fatal injuries whilst competing at the first round of the European Dragracing Championship at Santa Pod, England, yesterday. Chris had just completed a winning run against fellow UK rider Ian King when his bike drifted to the left of the shutdown area before making contact with the guard rail and falling from his machine. Despite the efforts of the Paramedics both at the track and in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, Chris lost his fight for life. Chris who had celebrated his 43rd birthday in May, began his dragracing career in the early 1980's on a Suzuki GSX1100, before progressing to turbocharging and a natural evolution into turbocharged and nitrous assisted Funnybikes. The highlights of his career were many, but most striking were his British and European titles against the more powerful Top Fuel Bikes, and his performance in the US where he competed to the final of Top Fuel Bike (at that time, incorporating Funnybikes) at the Prostar World Finals in Bradenton. He narrowly missed out on that title to Top Fuel Bike legend, Elmer Trett, in a gripping evening race, but his skills at racing and preparing his Funnybike (learnt during his long friendship with ex Funnybike racer and tuner, Pip Higham) were there for all to see. He recently arrived at the top level of Dragbike racing when forming an association with UK Top Fuel Bike rider / tuner Phil Baimbridge to ride his PBR Puma machine. Chris took to the task like the natural he was, quickly running in the six second zone at over 200 mph. The success of the association with Phil was not just in terms of the track performances, but also the fact that both of them had a similar easy going nature, always willing and able to help others where possible. Chris was excited at the plans they had for the future in developing the bike, and recently made a trip to the Prostar World Finals in Gainesville, Florida, to take a place on the crew for US Top Fuel Bike rider, Chris Hand, increasing his knowledge further. In fact, Chris made many friends wherever he travelled, including George Babor and his family with whom he raced a few years ago, and Sam Wills, who provided the chassis for one of the most successful Funnybikes in European history, Chris' JCB sponsored Suzuki. His talents were not restricted to the racetrack either. Many people benefitted from his journalistic skills whilst he wrote a regular dragracing column for the world's largest selling motorcycle magazine, Motor Cycle News, and also during his time as ACU/UK Dragracing series co - ordinator. He also served on many committees and forums, helping evolve the UK Dragbike rules to what we have today. However, most people will remember him for how he was with others - an easy going sort of bloke, ever willing to help others or mediate where necessary, with an infectious enthusiasm for all he was involved with.
Our hearts go out to Jan with whom he shared his life, his sister, and Phil Baimbridge.
Ian King
Date: 23rd May 2000
Headline: FIM European Championship Round One
It's looking good for the first round of this years European Championship with 11 Competition bikes, 8 Supertwins and 9 Prostockers entered. There is a also a round of British Championship Superstreet bike with a bumper field of 21 bikes entered.
Date: 22nd May 2000
Headline: Seven second Streetbike!
US Suzuki Hayabusa Streetbike rider, Brock Davidson, ran the Shootout classes first ever seven second pass at the Prostar event at Rockingham last weekend. In a history making day, Davidson ran a string of 7.9 second passes, silencing his critics and fellow competitors who have been claiming he would not be the one to make the grade first. The factory Suzuki supported rider has had to fight back from the shame of being disqualified last year for the use of illegal parts on his last machine.
Date: 21st May 2000
Headline: AHDRA Maple Grove cancelled
This weekends AHDRA meeting at Maple Grove PA has now been cancelled due to bad weather.
Date: 21st May 2000
Headline: Prostar Rockingham Qualifying
Number one qualifiers for this weekends event at Rockingham, NC are : -
Funnybike - Bryan Bennet 6.905 @ 205.10
Promod - Bill Vose 6.975 @ 189.92
Prostock - Fred Collis 7.282 @ 184.88
The UK's Dave Beck lies qualified at number 11 with a 7.360 @ 188.54 in Promod.
Date: 21st May 2000
Headline: Do you still wanna race in the US?
We now have cost information for those interested in this earlier press release : -
As you may all know, it is traditional for a contingent of European Dragbike racers to travel to the AMA Prostar World Finals at Gainesville in November every year. This is the highlight of the year in terms of motorcycle dragracing, and attracts over 800 bikes of all classes to one of the best tracks in the world. In the past, Ton Pels from Holland has arranged a 40 foot container, that has held anything up to eight bikes and associated tools, pit bikes etc, that is delivered to pits at the track. But, due to other commitments, Ton will not be able to arrange a container for this year. However, Top Fuel Bike rider Brian Johnson is planning to arrange a container to run from England and to be delivered to the track in the usual way. It now look that the costs will be £785 each, based on eight bikes. This price includes all insurances and carnet costs, so there should be no `extra' costs. There has been a good response to our earlier release, so it seems we will have more than enough racers wanting to join the European Team.
We are also currently looking for sponsorship for the Team that may reduce costs further. If anyone knows of any companies who may be interested in supporting the Team please contact sponsorship@kingracing.com. We anticipate naming the Team after the sponsor, and giving it a high media profile leading up to, and during the event.
We have to set a cutoff date for monies to be paid. Anyone wishing to travel should arrange to pay their money by the 25th AUGUST LATEST. Only those who pay by then will travel. Those that pay first will get their place on the trip. Should you wish to secure your place in the Team, please contact Brian on + 44 (0) 1344 625182, mobile + 44 (0) 370 425441, or e mail him on brian.j@btinternet.com. Remember, first come first served!
Date: 21st May 2000
Headline: Prostock engine for sale
Prostock rider and proprieter of Straightline Racing, Chris Tombleson, has the following bargain sale on offer: -
STAR RACING 1500CC 2 VALVE PRO STOCK ENGINE FOR SALE. WOULD MAKE AN EXCELLENT SUPERSTREET MOTOR. COMPLETE WITH 44 MM POWER JET LECTRONS, BEST OF EVERYTHING, WILL STRIP AND BUILD FOR INSPECTION. ONLY £3500 FOR THE LOT. FOR FULL SPEC CONTACT CHRIS ON +44 (0) 1553 811855.
Date: 21st May 2000
Headline: The ASDA price
Alex and Mark Hope, son's of Prostock rider Chris, would like to pass on the following message to their Dad: -
`We would like to say thanks to ASDA for the discount our dad received during last season when he decided to travel to them for the weekly shopping on every single pass !!!!!! This year he has finally taken off the top box and seems to be riding well. Best of luck this year Dad.'
Date: 19th May 2000
Headline: McClure press release
We just received the following press release for Jim McClure from Mary Lou Brewton:-
`Jim McClure, Williamsburg, Va., currently leads the ADBA Top Fuel points challenge and is 3rd in the AHDRA national points chase and 6th in the intense Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley series with IHRA. AND if this isn't enough, McClure is in the process of changing out all his road equipment, moving it in to new mobile Gold Rush trailer. "Although, it's the same brand, it has a high ceiling and more cabinet space, but it's still a lot of work moving everything" says McClure. AND the McClure's are anxiously awaiting delivery of their new transporter, a custom built T-2000 Kenworth with a 30 foot cube. Jim & Phyllis have previewed the construction and expect delivery within the next 2 weeks. AND there's more. The McClure's have a new official website. All sponsors will be linked to http://www.jimmcclureracing.com The new website will be maintained through http://www.Stripbike.com and is active now. This site will include all current updates, a fresh new format and McClure Wear, tee shirts, hats and koozies. Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite & Vanson Leathers support McClure Racing.
Date: 19th May 2000
Headline: Hope springs eternal........
Chris Hope send us the following: -
Did you know that Chris `Teletubby' Tombleson has sold up. The new owner of the Fast By Gast bike is our very own Nick Pepper. The bike will now be renamed Nearly Quick By Nick. Sorry to hear about Chris, his genuine and light hearted attitude will be missed by all.'
Date: 17th May 2000
Headline: Wanna race in the US?
As you may all know, it is traditional for a contingent of European Dragbike racers to travel to the AMA Prostar World Finals at Gainesville in November every year. This is the highlight of the year in terms of motorcycle dragracing, and attracts over 800 bikes of all classes to one of the best tracks in the world. In the past, Ton Pels from Holland has arranged a 40 foot container, that has held anything up to eight bikes and associated tools, pit bikes etc, that is delivered to pits at the track. But, due to other commitments, Ton will not be able to arrange a container for this year. However, Top Fuel Bike rider Brian Johnson is planning to arrange a container to run from England and to be delivered to the track in the usual way. The viability of the trip depends on the amount of riders willing to share the costs. He is currently calculating the costs for the trip, and this information should be ready in time for the Main Event. In the meantime, should you wish to discuss the trip details further, please contact Brian on + 44 (0) 1344 625182, mobile + 44 (0) 370 425441, or e mail him on brian.j@btinternet.com. Remember, first come first served!
Date: 17th May 2000
Headline: Roels rolling along
Gossip had the benefit of viewing Roel Koedam's Top Fuel bike over the weekend, prior to it's planned first meeting at the Cannonball at Santa Pod. As mentioned earlier in this column, his John Clift chassied, Puma engined XS1100 Yamaha based machine has undergone extensive modifications over the Winter period. A new three valve head has it's dual plugs sparked by an additional Supermag to join the MSD added at the end of last season. All new gearbox internals have been crafted to minimise power loss, and handle the extra power provided by the new combination, that also includes a larger Enderle pump. Fuel and injector handling is controlled by a new multistage fuel injection system, developed by the Koedam Racing team and their contacts. Clearly, Roel, Marius, Bauke, Peter et al have been putting in a tremendous amount of work to move to the next level of performance. We eagerly await it's first appearance, but know that the rest of the Top Fuel bike field had better look out!
Date: 16th May 2000
Headline: Vinks Rocket
Lorcan Parnell, son of the 70's dragbike rider Keith replied to Kelvin Fagans reqquest for information on the late Henk Vink's Rocket bike: -
`I saw it go in 1984 when I went to Avon Park to see Elmer Trett. It had a single motor with two outlets, and went around 6.5 @ 230 shutting off at about 1000' from memory.
Lorcan
PS, I think Barry Eastman didn't turn up at the pod on Sunday cos he was scared he would get his a**e kicked by my 750! hehe...'
We understand that Lorcan ran a very respectable mid 8 on his Turbocharged 750cc Kawasaki on what was a very slippery track surface at the NSA Sprint staged at Santa Pod.
Date: 16th May 2000
Headline: Percy answers
Tog, of http://www.togsdragracing.com , ventured the answer to our mystery picture competition. Buoyed by the success of answering the easiest part (BJ) he speculatively offered the following: -
`One of the guys crouching looks like Baldrick of 'Blackadder' fame. I therefore suggest that the bung you mention was a large turnip.'
I'm sure the guy in question will let you know at the Main Event Tog.......
Date: 16th May 2000
Headline: Posh and Becks on tour..........
Our colonial reporter in the daughterland has sent us this report in a `Postcard from America' : -
`Chris `Cannon' Hannam aka `The Big Stinker' or `His Royal Stinkship' (as he's known in the US) has apparently been cooking his brain with frantic calls to the US on his mobile every time he's been out on the ex - MRE Funnybike, phoning after every pass to speak to `Puppy' (Rhodney Dobson, the previous bike owner's crew chief) for all sorts of tuning, operating and maintenance instructions. It seems some of it is sinking in, as he's actually run pretty well, all things (erm....size) considered. Mystic Meg says His Royal Stinkship (Posh Spice rather than Old Spice) will be running 7.30's at the next major meeting. 7.20's are NOT that far away either!!!. Cannon is going over to the US this weekend to attend the Prostar Rockingham event with the sole purpose of taking in as much information (and Hooters chicken wings) as possible. He's flying in to Tampa Wednesday night and they will all be off to Hooters immediately after, followed by a trip to the infamous Mons Venus for some viewing (and touching) pleasure. His Royalness is then off to the beach to check in for one night (the guy who took the reservation actually remembered Cannon from last November - we wonder why!?!?!?!?). After waking Thursday morning he'll be off to MRE to jump in the rig for the 12 hour drive to Rockingham. After the event Posh & Becks are flying out of Charlotte Monday evening, but not until they visit the race shops in Mooresville of Earnhardt, Gibbs, and Hendrick first.'
What a life, eh?
Date: 16th May 2000
Headline: Rockets?
Kelvin Fagan posed us the following question: -
`I can never recall ever seeing anything written about, or indeed any other photos published featuring Henk Vink's Peroxide Rocket bike. What is known about this machine? Do any Gossip readers have any information on it?'
For those of you who have never seen the bike in question, view it at: -
http://www.mg.maestro.dial.pipex.com/dragracing/VinkRocket.jpg
Date: 15th may 2000
Headline: Testing at the NSA Sprint at Santa Pod
As we reported before, some Dragrace competitors took advantage of the NSA Sprint at Santa Pod yesterday. Although the tests planned by Barry Eastman failed to materialise due to the previous night's birthday celebrations (!), other high profilr racers, namely Hollands Top Fuel Twin rider Ton Pels and UK Prostock rider Paul Willis were present. We understand that Ton was reasonably happy despite suffering tyre shake and over revving his motor resulting in both a bent pushrod and conrod. Paul Willis continues to seek extra horsepower whilst enjoying the exceptional handling characteristics afforded by his all new Robinson Race Cars chassis.
Date: 14th May 2000
Headline: Orient 3 Speeds R Us
Chris `Cannon' Hannon has nearly finished his own manufactured 3 speed automatic transmissions, and consequently has a new Orient Express version complete with bearings and selector drum, totally unused. It is for sale at the bargain price of £1800.
Cannon can be contacted on: -
WORK + 44 (0) 1274 855886
MOBILE + 44 (0) 7775 501371
Date: 14th May 2000
Headline: More blasts from the pasts......
Despite our claims that there will be no more photo competitions, we lied...... So, look at the link to the photo below, and let us know: -
1) The names of the two Kawasaki Prostock riders (not too tricky if you can read!)
2) The connection between them
3) The identity of the two strange geezers crouching in the far lane....
4) The size of the bung the rider in the near lane gave the other to get the holeshot!
No prizes, except maybe a mention for contributing the best answers to 3) and 4).
Thanks to Chris Hampson for the piccie and the challenge.
http://www.dragbikes.ndirect.co.uk/images/contest/guesswho.jpg
Date: 13th May 2000
Headline: Wanna go fast?
Dave Beck, UK Prostock and Promod rider has a full Prostock motor for sale. This engine run 7.60 secs @ 176 mph. He will split top end if necessary along with the 48 mm Lectrons. If you are serious about going fast then call Dave on + 44 (0) 1948 871264, or e mail him at: -
beck.racing@virgin.net
Date: 12th May 2000
Headline: Pels joins the NSA?
We have heard from Ton Pels that he is to turn Sprinter for this weekend when he travels to Santa Pod to make test passes on his all new top end on the Zodiac Top Fuel Harley. Despite the threat of a hangover after celebrating his 50th birthday the night before, we also understand that Funnybiker Barry Eastman plans to attend to make shakedown passes on his Honda CBX in anticipation of the first round of the FIM European Championship in a couple of weeks time.
Date: 9th May 2000
Headline: Anyone use a Dyna logger?
Funnybike rider Shaun Branch is is need of some advice. No, not what you're thinking, he needs advice on downloading from a Dyna Datalogger. If anyone can help him, please e mail him at: -
shaun@branchdragracing.demon.co.uk
Date: 9th May 2000
Headline: Half century for Funnybiker
Veteran Funnybiker Barry Eastman is not a man to do things by halves (6 cylinders, extended families) apart from when it comes to centuries, as he has reached that half mark as he celebrates his 50th birthday. The popular west London automotive business owner is often mistaken for a man half his age, but puts his youthful appearance down to the quality time he spends with his young family, especially Paul Rose.
All of us at Gossip would like to wish him many happy returns, and remind him to put a headlamp and tank on his Funnybike before the next ACU meeting......
Date: 9th May 2000
Headline: MIR Superbike Showdown
The biggest Superbike Showdown took place at Maryland International Raceway last weekend with over 2500 spectators and 300 competitors enjoying the sunshine. The MIR series is a four race programme catering for all manner of streetbike based machines. The new headlining class is Outlaw Pro Street, a heads up 75 inch wheelbase class with no wheelie bars.
A 10 bike qualifying field was headed by Guy Thacker with a 7.868 pass at 167.24 mph, closely followed by Prostar Pro Mod competitor Tom Miceli with a 7.971 @ 171.42 blast.
However, the day belonged to Miceli, with a string of consistent mid seven second passes (7.58 secs @ 182.62 mph in the semis's) and culminating with a 7.603 @ 182.16 final win over Guy Thacker's 8.370 @ 132.27 click off.
Date: 9th May 2000
Headline: Bikes n Babe results
We had a good response to our last photo competition for: -
http://www.mg.maestro.dial.pipex.com/dragracing/who-is-she.jpg
The bike was reasonably easy, Big Spender emblazoned on the side gave it away as an early Henk Vink machine. Identifying the young girl, however, was more challenging. Only three people got this right. The results were awarded by chronological order of reply:-
1) Brian Johnson
2) Jim Broome
3) Ian Turbuville
They all correctly identified the young lovely as the daughter of Zodiac Racing Top Fuel Harley rider Ton Pels, Monique. It is such a long time ago, Monique can't even remember how old she was in the picture!
Date: 9th May 2000
Headline: Emmerdale news
We have just received a report from our covert reporter regarding Dave Beck's recent race in the US: -
"Rumour has it that Dave's lowly qualifying position at the Atlanta event was not helped by him shutting down at 5.9 seconds into the 1st qualifying pass, which if he had held the whole way through, should have netted about a 6.98 - 7.01 sec pass. When grilled about the miscue, Beck claimed to have spied a lovely blonde on the fence at the 1000' mark and felt it best to lift so as to get over to her ASAP! They don't call him the Cheshire Cat for nothing!"
All we at Gossip would like to add is that we didn't know they did Fresians in Blonde....
Date: 8th May 2000
Headline: ACU Points the way!
At long last, and after much complaints from our readership, we at last got to post the latest ACU British Championship Points to date on our website, in the ACU Championship, points section. We will endeavour, in future, to post the points standings during the week following the rounds in future.
We are indebted to Tog - http://www.togsdragracing.com for his assistance.
Date: 8th May 2000
Headline: McClure press release
We've just received a press release from Mary Lou Brewton with reference to Jim McClure's win at the ADBA Carolina Nationals: -
Jim McClure, Williamsburg, Va. qualified #2 with a 6.807 at 203.98 mph at the Carolina Nationals at Darlington International Dragway, Darlington, SC. McClure made it to the final round defeating Joe Coursey in round one and Canadian Warren Hill in the semi final. For the final pass, McClure faced Mark Revels, riding the Arkansas based MoFasta, owned by Denny Tune. Both riders did excellent burnouts and launched, but Revels' belt broke, and McClure went on to run 6.887 ET at 209.54.
May 27-28 ADBA Baytown, Tx.
June 2-4 IHRA Grand Bend, Ont.
June 10-11 ADBA Memphis, Tn.
June 15-17 IHRA Cordova, Il.
McClure proudly supports Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, ACCEL, Hampton Roads HD, Southside HD, F & S HD, S & S Cycle, Inc., Performance Machine, Axtell, & Vanson Leathers.
McClure- 1-757-566-0544
mrspokehead@aol.com
Date: 8th May 2000
Headline: Koedam's KO'ed
Unfortunately for fans of Top Fuel bikes, and Old Dutch Master in particular, Roel Koedam, he will not be racing at the first round of the FIM European Championship at Santa Pod at the end of May. His bike, which has undergone radical changes over the winter break (3 valve billet head, new fuel sytem and fuel timers, new gearbox etc)is not quite ready to turn a wheel in anger. On the bright side, they hope to attend the Cannonball meeting at Santa Pod on the 1st / 2nd July where they will premiere their new package.
Date: 8th May 2000
Headline: Seeling's a Peach
Angelle Seeling, of New Orleans, won her second straight Pro Stock Motorcycle final round when her opponent Dave Schultz left the line early and redlit. It was Seeling's second straight win, taking place in the so called `Peach State' of Commerce in Georgia, and it moved her into the NHRA points lead. Seeling defeated Blaine Hale, Fred Collis, Matt Hines and Dave Schultz en route to the title. Her 12th career victory puts her six behind Shirley Muldowney as the female with the most wins in NHRA history.
Date: 8th May 2000
Headline: Jim Judged the winner
Marty Kane reports that Jim McClure cruised to the Top Fuel win at the ADBA meet last weekend Darlington when Mark Revels broke a belt against him in the final. McClure ran a 6.887 second lap at 209.54 mph.
Date: 7th May 2000
Headline: Bikes in Custom Car?
In this month's (May) issue of Custom Car,there is an interview with Terry Gibbs of Obsession Motorsports, the Super Series promoter. The topic is, of course, drag racing at Shakespeare County Raceway and how he see's it developing in the future. Dragbikes also get a mention: -
Custom Car; "Racers are generally self-focused and don't care about what goes into putting on an event. How do you deal with that and come to terms with it?"
Terry Gibbs; "Dealing with racers is probably the hardest part of drag racing. You can't satisfy every one of them. I have been accused of being over-sensitive and taking things personally, but the day I stop feeling like that is the day I walk away from drag racing. You have to take notice of everything they say. I've been accused of not liking the bikers, but because of my close involvement with them I've found them tremendous. They put on such a good show. The quality and standards have improved. I wasn't going to run bikes this year as they give me more grief than anyone. They are very weak in their representation but they're really starting to come together. What they don't appreciate is the hard work put in to organise an event. However, we recently had a meeting to see how we could work together, which was succesful"
Date: 7th May 2000
Headline: And Tigger too......
Following on (again!) from Chris Tomblesons last submission, we recieved this one from Winnie the Pooh: -
"I JUST READ TELETUBBYSONS EMAIL AND I WOULD LIKE IT STATED THAT I'M TOO BUSY EATING HONEY TO GO ON AN ELECTRICIANS COURSE AND IF HE HAD BEEN THERE (Avon Park) THEN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN OK WOULDN'T IT! (NOT!). OH, AND CAN I RIDE YOUR NEW BIKE AS YOUR LAST ONE SEEMS TO GO QUICKER NOW YOU'RE NOT ON IT! P.S. NICE LINE MR HOPE!"
All we can say is that Prostock seems to be as competitive off the track as on!
Date: 7th May 2000
Headline: Supertwins at Super Series 1
Ian Turbeville has sent us his overview of the Supertwins at Super Series 1 last weekend: -
"Floydy done good but rodded his motor, lots of two stokes died trying that weekend but it shows they are all out there on the edge (of the lawn) doing it, so fair play to them. Barry Gregory had the best weekend of his (racing) life and came runner up to Bartz's nitrous Bonnie on his tiny two stroke, which is no mean feat! NAST chairman Rush also had a seriously good time despite trashing his race trans immediately. My crew chief Shaun raced back to Nottingham and brought him a bog stock XS650 gear cluster. Rush had the Clarke family as crew for the weekend and together they coaxed that little Yamaha down to 9.99 on a fairly soft run, good show all round by NAST in the first round of Super Series I think! I hear Mr Pepper is thinking of joining!"
Date: 6th May 2000
Headline: Dawson Engine cases
Funnybike racer Steve Dawson has been developing his own set of aftermarket cases for some time now, after finding both the limits in terms of strength, and reducing availability of standard items. He has now launched these on the market. Stripbike are running an article on these at : -
http://www.stripbike.com/Pro1.html
Date: 5th May 2000
Headline: Welcome back Nick......
Chris Hope would like to welcome Nick Pepper back to Prostock next year with the following comment: -
"Nick Pepper's return to Pro Stock racing can only be good for the sport. Not many people have the chance to race against someone who retired from the sport during the last century !!!"
Date: 5th May 2000
Headline: Itsoktoshootagypsylaand news
Chris Tombleson tells us that his local paper, the Itsoktoshootagypsylaand Gazette, broke the following news today: -
`Richard Gipp has gained new sponsorship from his local watering hole. They have held a raffle on his behalf, he not only received a healthy sum of money but has also been presented with a life size stuffed rupert the bear which will ride a RG Racing Prostock entry @ selected meetings in the UK. The bear has also just returned from an intensive electricians course so Richard should not waste any more first rounds.......'
Date: 5th May 2000
Headline: Bikes n Babes
Such has been the popularity of our mystery picture competitions, we've decided to run another one. With the help of Mr Paul Gadd, we've acquired another picture for your delectation. Whose bike, and who is the model sitting on it? Put your pointer over: -
http://www.mg.maestro.dial.pipex.com/dragracing/who-is-she.jpg
and click away!
Date: 5th May 2000
Headline: Salt with that Sir?
Nick Pepper, ex Prostock racer (and ex King Racing team member....) Has strong words in reply to the messages posted by members of his family: -
"As we all know, my flatland cousins regulaly go quicker than I ever did, however as it always occurs whilst they are tightly tucked up under their duvets I have never perceived it as a threat. Every dragracer deserves their dreams though....tractor drivers beware however!"
Date: 4th May 2000
Headline: Who spilt the beans?
We've just received a submission regarding the worst kept secret in Itsoktoshootagypsyland: -
`Rumour has it that ageing flatlander Nick Pepper is to come out of retirement later this or early next year. His new machine will be named after Alan Nash's old Proststocker `Grandad's Piece Two. His reasons for returning are not as yet fully known but maybe he doesn't want any other cousins from the flatlands going quicker than he has!'
A spokesman for King Racing, the team who currently are availed of his services were quoted as saying today: -
"just pick up your tools and b****r off now - we don't want any non committed freeloaders on our team. It's not Butlins you know..."
Date: 4th May 2000
Headline: Diggens damages car........
Our roving reporters have espied Funnybike rider Neil Diggens at casualty in his local hospital. Apparently Neil had his leg broken when out riding his bike after coming into contact with a car. We understand the car is not too badly damaged.......
Gossip would like to send our best wishes the Neil for a speedy recovery.
Date: 4th May 2000
Headline: Henk Vink reminiscences cont.
Marius van der Zijden, Crew Chief for Koedam Racing Holland Top Fuel Bike Team, adds further to the Henk Vink topic: -
"Regarding the continuing story about Henk Vink, and how one thing leads to another, the stories about Henk are endless. Some liked him, some didn't. He was sure able to leave a big impression and leave many stories. The fact is that over here in Holland almost everybody remembers him, even people never involved in any kind of motorsports. In my opinion he introduced modern day Top Fuel bike racing in Europe. Regarding the famous double or the `Orange Crush'; to the best of my knowledge it is still in the posession of Danny "Ding Dong". Both Jan Smit and Kenny Annesley put in some efforts to get it back, but the answer was always "jamais" (French for "never") when somebody asked her if it was for sale. Especially Kenny "A" keeps telling me each time I meet him that he would like to have it back very badly. Unfortunately, it seems that we will never have the opportunity to see(and hear)the bike in its original condition as in my opinion both Smit and Annesley are the only ones in the world who know the correct set up for this bike.
However Henk also had another double. (at some point he even owned three!!!). This was the blown one. This particular bike is in the posession of Henk's wife and is on diplay at the Sinsheim museum in Germany (20 minutes south of Hockenheim)."
Date: 4th May 2000
Headline: Full Force Racing Top Fuel Harley.
Ben Beneke writes to us with an explanantion of his teams non - appearance on his TF Harley at Avon Park last weekend: -
`After a very disappointing start where we had to cancel our entry due to Hauser's delivering our new bigger rear slick 2 weeks late (on the Friday we were leaving), we discovered that although it did fit the wheel and chassis it wouldn't fit under the rear guard. We couldn't fix this safely in only a few hours, so team mission for friday was to get totally s**t faced (mission accomplished!). Then late on Saturday I talked a mate into lending me his Aprillia RSV 1000 street bike (bloody quick!). He agreed, and I was in again! In the Supertwins Fuel Class I ended up qualifying 3rd (In front of a rather well known Harley tuning shops Comp bike) and finishing the meeting in 3rd position. What a laugh though I'm not too sure about this no wheelie bar nonsense!!!!'
You can visit Ben's website at: -
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/1103/
Date: 4th May 2000
Headline: Kenny Annesley picture.
For those of you who can't quite remember Kenny Annesley, as referred to by Chris Hampson in his submission, you can a picture taken by Kelvin Fagan at: -
http://www.mg.maestro.dial.pipex.com/dragracing/Annesley1.jpg
Date: 4th May 2000
Headline: Imposter unmasked!
We put dragracings answer to Hercule Poirot on the case of the Gipp imposter. We should not be surprised - it was one of his relatives, fellow Prostock rider Chris Tombleson. Tumbledsome only gave up the truth after a severe beating from the Gipp heavies - let that be a warning........
Date: 4th May 2000
Headline: Imposter!
It seems that we have an imposter in the flatlands! Prostock rider Richard Gipp has pointed out that the person who gave us the report of his woes at the Super Series 1 meet and who claimed to be him was, in fact not him! He goes on to say: -
`Just let it be known that I didn't put that report in. Us beer swilling flatlanders carry shotguns so don't step on the grass in another mans field, or in other words, get orrf moi laaand!'
Imposters should take note of upsetting the guys from Grunty Fen. Just look what happened to the unfortunate gypsy (!) who tried to enter one of their cousins farms a few weeks ago!
Date: 3rd May 2000
Headline: More Vink memories
Chris Hampson, pilot of the PBR Top Fuel Bike, reminisces after reading the ongoing chat about the legendary Henk Vink and his machines: -
`Further to the history snippets about the ex-Henk Vink Nico Bakker-chassised Fuel bike, I'm reminded of another even more infamous ex-Vink machine, the ex-MCU double Kawasaki. But back to the Nico Bakker blown bike - after Bobby Feeler's Fuel bike riding came to an end, this bike was sold to the Dieudonne team in France, and as far as I know is still their current race bike. It is this bike that replaced their ex-MCU, ex-Vink double Kawasaki, commonly known as the Orange Crush. This bike - one of the most famous in the history of TFB - was, I believe, eventually sold back to either Henk's widow or Jan Smit, possibly with a view to a full restoration and display somewhere? If any of our Dutch (or French) readers can confirm this, I'd love to know the current situation with the 'Crush, if only 'cos it still brings back great memories from it's first appearance in Europe at the Pod in (I think) '79, with rider 'Fireman' Kenny Annesley, and owner Big Carl Ahlfeldt. It broke the starting rollers if I remember rightly! If anyone's still awake at this point, I've got colour trannies of the bike in action in both MCU/Annesley and Big Spender/Vink guises, along with tons of other '70s and '80s trannies. I just haven't got a way of scanning them in sussed yet....'
Date: 2nd May 2000
Headline: Sabotage! (or tales from Royston Vasey)
For Prostock rider Richard Gipp, having to retire during the burnout in the first round of competition at Avon Park this past weekend was a bitter pill to swallow. Having investigated the problem further, Richard discovered that his machine had in fact been sabotaged, the Dyna 4000 rev limiter having been reset to only 2000 rpm! The safety lanyard has to be in place to reset this setting and although Richard does consume an awful lot of malt whisky he cannot remember doing this. However, it is known that he normally struggles to remember what day it is, so anything is possible........
Date: 2nd May 2000
Headline: Cannon fires one off again!
According to Chris `Cannon' Hannam, he has his coleagues in the Funnybike class running scared. After a weekend plagued with niggling problems that resulted in only one `clean' pass, he fired a warning across the bows of the competition with a 7.47 sec pass with the softest of settings. This seemed to rattle the others to the extent that an elimination ladder that would have seen him with a favourable route to the final was protested, and then changed suiting the other big guns in the class. Clearly peeved at the protestors, Cannon said he can't wait for the next opportunity to `stick it up 'em'......
Date: 2nd May 2000
Headline: Just keep taking the medication BJ.....
Brian Johnson has submitted an item for Gossip that finally proves that Alzheimers has indeed set in as originally feared....: -
`Firstly I must ask who writes your race reports? Is it someone in Disneyworld?? Secondly I have had exclusive information that due to the unusually rich soil in Cambs(Cambrideshire to our US friends) the Government are to send in a crack team to find the source of this rich vein of nutrients. Owing to the fact that Ian King pit's very close to me, I am able to tell them without doubt this seam stems from his garage, and runs all the way to every race track Ian has ever been to (look hard and you will find traces of previous deposits). The reason I am so sure is that being close to Mr. King in the pits, I see it, I smell it, I hear it, I damn near taste it it's that thick (Annes cooking isn't that bad surely? - Ed). There are some very common names for this deposit but I will leave you to either ask Ian what I'm talking about, or look up BOVINE DROPPINGS in your dictionary.'
We'd like to thank Anne Johnson for letting BJ use his computer, and would like to finish by mentioning that rumours of open mining of Coprolite in BJ's vicinity are thought to have some truth about them....
Date: 2nd May 2000
Headline: Vinks chassis
Brian Johnson contacted us to add further information relating to the debate on the Mystery picture of Henk Vink, and if the chassis was an MCU or Bakker item. BJ confirmed earlier that it was a Bakker item, and has added that the chassis in question was subsequently sold to Bobby Feeler in France (he of the French Pop World, Rocket and Jet Cars and Methanol Funny car fame).
Date: 1st May 2000
Headline: Watkins wins it!
Mark Watkins was awarded the win in the Super Street Bike final at todays Super Series 1 at Avon Park after Tony Clark was adjudged to have hit the timing gear. The confusion arose because Mark Watkins was drifting towards the centre all the way down the track, and Tony Clark veered across the track at the top end. Thanks to Tog for the news.
Date: 1st May 2000
Headline: Super Series 1 Results
Pro Stock Bike:
Chris Hope 7.700/169.81 def. Len Paget 8.083/160.71
Funny Bike:
Chris Hall 7.421/179.28 def. Steve French 7.570/169.17
Comp Bike:
Barry Holland 11.923/108.43 def. Dave Wells 14.801/92.40
Super Street Bike:
Mark Watkins v Tony Clark, result TBC (one bike hit timing gear, adjudication to follow)
9.90 Bike:
Jamie Sneddon 9.931/135.14 def. Pete Cameron 10.049/142.41
10.90 Bike:
Paul Hambridge 10.902/123.63 def. Sandra Chaplain 10.846/120.64
Super Twin Fuel:
Steve Clutterbuck 9.702/130.43 def. Ian Carruthers 9.999/131.20
Super Twin Gas:
Andy Freer 10.124/126.76 was unopposed
Super Twin Modified:
Dave Bartz 11.802/113.07 def. Barrie Gregory 12.176/109.22
Super Twin Street:
Steve Piper 10.892/121.62 def. Nigel Mason 11.307/118.13
Date: 1st May 2000
Headline: PBR unveils new look
Phil Baimbridge Racing, and rider Chris Hampson unveiled a stunning new paintjob on their PBR Puma Top Fuel Bike at last weekends Sant Pod meet. Fans used to their usual reserved livery were stunned at the artwork applied by paint company Born To Be Wild. View the impressive new look at : -
Date: 1st May 2000
Headline: Prostar Columbus Final results.
Winners at yesterdays eliminations at the Prostar meeting in Columbus were: -
Funnybike: - Gary Clark
Promod: - Bill Vose
Prostock: - Fred Collis
The UK's Dave Beck made it to the quarter finals where he lost out to Bruce Van Sant when he suffered a mechanical failure.
Date: 30th April 2000
Headline: Avon Park Super Series 1 Top Qualifiers
Pro Stock Bike:
1. Chris Hope: 7.678/176.47 2. Richard Gipp 7.866/170.45
Funny Bike:
1. Chris Hall 7.386/180.00 2. Chris Hannam 7.470/180.72
Super Street Bike:
1. Mark Watkins 8.683/169.17 2. Tony Clark 8.711/170.45
Comp Bike:
1. Dave Wells 10.835/125.00 2. Barry Holland 12.308/123.29
9.90 Bike:
1. Geoff Connor 9.909/146.10 2. Wayne Bradley 9.939/141.51
10.90 Bike:
1. Paul Hambridge 10.927/106.64 2. Sandra Chaplain 10.977/115.98
Super Twin Fuel:
1. S. Clutterbuck 10.035/119.05 2. Ian Carruthers 11.438/110.57
Super Twin Modified:
1. Dave Bartz 10.841/126.76 2. Barrie Gregory 11.685/111.39
Super Twin Gas:
1. John Floyd 9.527/136.78 2. Jerry Collier 9.978/126.76
Super Twin Street:
1. Steven Piper 10.755/121.95 2. Nigel Mason 11.509/118.73
Date: 30th April 2000
Headline: Testing, testing 1,2,3......
James Ditullio, frame guru and the person who has a lot to answer for in fabricating Brian Johnsons difficult to beat current bike, dropped by to say:-
I don't have any gossip to report, I'm just testing this thing out..
Thanks Pup, we feel tested now.
Date: 30th April 2000
Headline: BJ wins (again!)
Not only is Brian Johnson content at whipping us on the track, he's pretty good at our mystery rider competitions. He was the first to identify Terry Revill at Blackbushe (early 80's again) and that he fell off just after the picture was taken.
What happened was at the end of the 1/4 Terry applied brakes and the front of bike folded under him. He was doing about 130mph. It was the bikes first competition 1/4 and never saw action again. A weld in the framed failed. Terry broke a collar bone in the accident.
BJ also confirmed that the frame that Vink was using in our first mystery picture was a Nico Bakker, not an MCU one.
Date: 30th April 2000
Headline: Final mystery rider competition
As the last two mystery pictures have proved too easy for many of you, Kelvin and Gossip have decided to post one last mystery rider for you to identify. This may be a bit more tricky: -
http://www.mg.maestro.dial.pipex.com/dragracing/mystery2.jpg
Who is it? Where? When? And what happens next?
Date: 30th April 2000
Headline: The PBR Perspective!
Reply to Chris Powell of Woollatt Racing....
Hi Chris, have you seen Ian's report on the Dragbike.com website. This one is even better - apparently Steve ran a 6.95 second pass in the final. His best of the meeting!
Are Kingracing Active"8"ly trying to upset the rest of the top fuel bike ranks - the psychological aspect of the 2000 Kingracing campaign?
Not even a mention for Frank Brachtvogel - the bike probably wouldn't have got down the track without his help.
Phil Baimbridge.
Date: 30th April 2000
Headline: Prostar Columbus
The finals of the rained out Atlanta meeting took place yesterday. Winners were: -
Funnybike - Gary Clark
Promod - Tom Miceli
Prostock - Joe Koenig
Dave Beck was eliminated in his semi final pass against Bill Vose. Daave Beck has qualified in 14th place with a 7.335 pass for todays eliminations, the Columbus race proper.
Date: 30th April 2000
Headline: Mystery rider
Jim Broome wins the latest competition for the mystery rider by correctly identifying Steve Woollatt (circa 1981) when he was sponsored by Daytona Kawasaki of Ruislip Manor. Apparently, Jim used to work in the offices opposite the shop.
Date: 29th April 2000
Headline: Exxon Valdez news.
This weekend's first day at the Prostar meet in Columbus saw the carried over eliminations from the rain off in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. After oiling the track once in the first run, the UK's Dave Beck came back out with his M.R.E. prepared Suzuki, and squared off with class veteran Steve Drake. Drake had something fail on the starting line with Beck receiving a solo win, running a 7.43 @ 180 MPH pass. However, Dave once again oiled down the track and ended up being the first recipient of oil down penalties in the 2000 season. AMA/Prostar recently introduced oil down penalties which result in a fine for the second and subsequent oil downs by a rider at one event, or if a rider has more then six oil downs in one season, for every one which follows.
Date: 29th April 2000
Headline: Peppers a Star!
Nick Pepper, team member of the King Racing Top Fuel Bike team, and ex British Prostock Bike Champion, has been seconded to crew for George and Jackie Bryce in their Star Racing team at the Chicago Prostar meeting and maybe in Tennessee at the NHRA Winston Showdown. It is hoped that the experience he has gained whilst working in the King Racing team will prove invaluable to Star and give Angelle and Fred the edge in their quest for Prostock bike honours this season.....
Date: 28th April 2000
Headline: Mystery rider
Kelvin Fagan and us at gossip have decided that the last competition was far too easy (the URL was a bit of a giveaway). So, dust off your memeory and let us know who this is then : - http://www.mg.maestro.dial.pipex.com/dragracing/mystery.jpg
Date: Henk Vink Competition Protest
Headline: 28th April 2000
Since announcing the winning answer for the guess the pic/time/place competition featuring Henk Vink, we've received an official protest over Ivan's description of the bike. Gossip have ruled in favour of Ivan as we did not ask for as much detail as he gave us, but for interest, the eagle eyed protester suggested that the chassis may not be an MCU one, but could in fact be the Nico Bakker one as the frame tubes appear thicker and so reminiscent of the Dutch built one. Over to the nostalgia buffs! Have a look yourself at: - http://www.mg.maestro.dial.pipex.com/dragracing/HenkVink1.jpg
Date: 28th April 2000
Headline: Honour amongst thieves?
Gossip was rife around the pits at last weekends Thunderball over a bet placed by MRE Funnybike rookie Chris `Cannon' Hannam with Dave Beck and his crew over their mutual performances. In his normal modest way, Cannon bet Daves crew chief Ian Dales £20 ($30) at odds of 20 - 1 that he would run a faster et on his Funnybike than Dave would on his Stocker. Unfortunately for Cannon, he broke early in the meet, and with Dave on his record setting performances, it was not to be. Time to cough up! However, according to Dave, Cannon welshed on the bet claiming that it was not over the meeting, but over a season. We await clarification of the terms of the bet......
Date: 27th April 2000
Headline: Ivan wanted to be a millionaire!
Further to our guess who / where / when, Ivan Sansom wins as the first to reply with the following submission: -
1981 (pretty sure it is, the late and great Henk Vink (the title of the jpeg is a little bit of a giveaway!) on one of his many ex- Motorcycles Unlimited Big Spenders, 1st Transatlantic Drag Bike Meet at Long Marston - Bo' O'Brochta et al... those were the days...
Tog of http://www.eurodragster.com and http://www.togsdragracing.com wins second prize with an almost complete answer, although many people cannot seem to decide if it was 1980 or 1981.
For you Dragbike nostalgia buffs see Bo go: - http://www.mg.maestro.dial.pipex.com/dragracing/bo1.jpg
Date: 27th April 2000
Headline: BJ's retort.....
Following on from both reports of King Racings performances over the weekend, Brian Johnson would like it to be known that Ian King did not holeshot him, but that Brian let him go first.
Date: 26th April 2000
Headline: Beck resets records
President of MRE Europe, Prostock rider Dave Beck, reset both the et and mph records for ACU UK Prostock Bike class at last weekends Thunderball meeting at Santa Pod. He reset the numbers from the previous 7.54 secs and 177 mph set by Paul Willis at Avon Park in 1999, to a storming 7.464 secs and 178.13 mph. Although Dave also ran a higher mph at the meeting (180.07) the next fastest speed he ran was not within the 1% backup needed, so the faster speed backed up the lower.
Date: 26th April 2000
Headline: Who wants to be a millionaire?
An apt title for the subject of the poser set by Kelvin Fagan of the photo on this link: -
http://www.mg.maestro.dial.pipex.com/dragracing/HenkVink1.jpg
What year? Who? Which track? Answers to Gossip for a mystery prize!
Date: 25th April 2000
Headline: Alternative King Racing report...........
Pensioner Chris Powell, lucky mascot for the Woollatt Racing Top Fuel bike team (since the sheep was sacrificed at a team barbecue) submitted what he claims to be the true report for King Racing at this weekends Thunderball meet at Santa Pod: -
"After reading the report on Santa Pod from King Racing maybe you would like to read the real version: -
After a flying pass by Ian in the semi final against Brian Johnson we could see Nick Pepper visibly sweating from forty paces or more. After his alcohol induced betting session at the SPRC dinner dance, the question we are all asking ourselves in the Woollatt camp is how deep are your pockets Nick? After being kept waiting for far too long and calculating and recalculating the track conditions, we thought you were hoping for a rain off as we were ready to go. Throughout the weekend we have been consistent with our times, and with a little step up, the writing was already on the wall. Never mind Ian, too greedy in the clutch department, see you at the next meet!"
At King Racing we can only assume that Steve Woollatts panicky request for the final to be run earlier than scheduled on the basis that he `only had a tinted visor' was connected with the fact that King Racing were not ready to race and so Steves confidence in the result was not as strong before the final as it now is....
However, we'd like to thank Chris Powells daughter for writing the report for him as the Old Peoples home he resides in no longer allows their inmates to have pencils anymore after Chris's little `accident'.....
Date: 25th April 2000
Headline: World debut for Hayabusa Prostocker
Veteran Prostock bike rider Len Paget debuted what is probably the Worlds first Hayabusa bodied Prostocker. The body, fabricated in Pagets own workshops, made it to competition ahead of the planned debut for the legendary Dave Schultz with his Hayabusa bodied Suzuki.
Date: 25th April 2000
Headline: More goodies for sale!
Mallory Sprint Mag for Suzuki complete with front or rear mounting plates, new HT leads, transformer, drive belt and pulley, all wiring and ignition lanyard - £345 or near offer.
Mr Turbo kit complete for 4 cylinder Suzuki GS/GSX, F40 Rajay, S&S Super B, .25 and .40 exhaust housings, and nitrous oxide injection nozzles - £1250 or near offer.
Contact Stuart Chamberlain on + 44 (0) 1793 617710
Date: 24th April 2000
Headline: King Racing Race Report
We just arrived here after a hectic weekend racing at a very wet Santa Pod. As you may have read elswhere, rain on every day of the three day meeting meant disruption to the smooth running of the event. However, one of the few finals that ran was Top Fuel bike. Our rider Ian King was pleased with th performance of his machine after the winter conversion of the clutch by Roger Forsythe of Rofor Engineering and Mark Hawkins of North herts Engineering from a two plate to a three plate clutch. TF Bike only benefitted from two qualifiers, and King Racings first was curtailed by a burst fuel filter housing. Our second was enough to qualify with a lazy 7.0 pass, with the new clutch showing promise. However, first round saw us up against it again with the last qualifying spot and a meeting with Brian Johnson, race favourite and winner of his last meeting, the Prostar World Finals. However, King turned giant killer again (he took out race favourite and first man in the fives, Larry McBride, at his last meeting in Gainesville) with a holeshot on Johnson, forcing a rather wayward run from the veteran that saw him take evasive action whilst heading towards the wall. So, King versus current British Champion Steve Woollatt in the final. Both had run similar times in the previous round, 6.76 to Kings 6.77 so a good raace was anticipated. However, it was not to be when a greedy King Racing team put more clutch in for the final and overpowered the rapidly degrading track surface. However, the silver lining to this cloud was the fact that the new clutch combination was working, and bodes well for the next meeting, the FIM Europaen Championship round one at Snta Pod in May.
Date: 20th April 2000
Headline: Take the Avon Park junction of the M1.....
Kelvin Fagan sent us some of his reminiscences of dragracing in the past. One of them that caught our eye was his old photos which show the start of the installation of the armco at Shakespeare County Raceway in Easter 1980. A small army of volunteers worked the whole of Easter that year transporting the armco from a storage depot at Watford gap on the M1. Yes the original armco came from the M1 motorway! Kelvin knows because he shifted tons of it! We're not sure, however, if they had permission to take it or if it was one of Mr Hodges `deals'.....
Date: 19th April 2000
Headline: King Racing ReActive8ted!
Press release Wednesday 19th April 2000 – Cambridge UK
Active 8 Networks of Royston, Herts UK, have confirmed the take up of their primary sponsorship option with King Racing for the 2000 season. Active 8 began their association with the Top Fuel Bike program of King Racing at the beginning of 1999, and have been impressed by the exposure and interest generated in the IT market they serve through this agreement. Roy Tucker, Managing Director of Active 8 Networks said today “ we have been greatly impressed by the return on our investment in King Racing. The professionalism shown by their team, and the enormous amount of interest shown in them clearly demonstrates that their profile is synonymous with quality. This complements the image of Active 8 with our customers and enables us to further our market position” Active 8 Networks are a leading supplier of IT Networking Solutions in Europe, and are authorised distributors for Cisco, 3Com, Nortel, Extreme and Equiinet. Further information can be found at http://www.A8.co.uk and http://www.kingracing.com
Date: 18th April 2000
Headline: The artist previously know as Long Marston
Shakespeare County Raceway aka Avon Park aka Long Marston is preparing itself for the start of this years Super Series events with some impressive new improvements. A new return road to the right of the shutdown area should make the previous tortuous and bumpy route back unecessary a thing of the past. It will confirm SCR's status as one of the leading tracks outside of the US. Gossip would like to congratulate Terry and Tina Gibbs and their staff for continuing to improve and invest in the facility, and succeeding in continuing the popular Super Series, now in it's third year.
Date: 118th April 2000
Headline: Kelvins happy snaps
Kelvin Fagan tells us that British Top Fuel bike rider Jay Upton, who is now resident in Australia, has used some of the pictures taken by Kelvin in the 70's and 80's at UK Drag race meets on his website in the scrapbook section. You can find Jay's site on: - http://www.topfuelpro.com.au/
Date: 18th April 2000
Headline: Brad does Weald
Brad O'Conner from DynoSpeed developments reports that he was North Weald last weekend supporting some of the local drag racers. One of his customers with a Suzuki Hayabusa was running around 10.85 second passes and challenged Brad to go quicker on his bike. Despite the fact that Brad hasnot ridden a bike for 7 months he took him up on the offer and ran 10.18 secs @ 140mph qualifying him number one in his class. He said it was good to be back in the saddle especially as his last run was from 50 to 0 mph in 2 secs !
Date: 17th April 2000
Headline: New transporter? Not yet...
King racing were dissapointed to learn that their new race transporter currently under construction at the Oakley Coachbuilders workshops in Hertfordshire would not be completed in time for the Thunderball meeting at Santa Pod. However, the Brachtvogel brothers have kindly loaned them their race trailer for the meeting. However, if Phil thinks he'll get a pass on the bike in return he's got another think coming.....
Date: 17th April 2000
Headline: Tommy Smith ups the ante.....
Tommy Smith has confirmed that not only were his two 6.42 second passes a personal best for him, they were also the fastest runs the ex Elmer Trett Mountain Magic he now owns has ever run.
Date: 16th April 2000
Headline: Who moved the goalposts?.....
We've just had it confirmed that Larry McBride did indeed run 5.937 in Houston. What makes it even more impressive is that his mph was down at 231.83mph meaning he rolled off early.....
Date: 16th April 2000
Headline: McBride runs 5.93?
We've heard a rumour that the first man on a bike in the fives, Larry McBride, ran a 5.93 today in Houston. Also, it was alleged that Tommy Smith ran a 6.42 on the ex Trett Mountain Magic. If this is indeed the case, then we at Gossip would like to send congratulations to both for posting career bests.
Date: 16thApril 2000
Headline: Apologies
We'd like to apologise for the lack of postings in Gossip over the last few days. The King Racing team under the able direction of Crew Chief Mick Beaumont have been feverishly working to prepare our Top Fuel Puma for our first meeting of the year, the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod, round one of the ACU British Championship.
Date: 15th April 2000
Headline: The Fang!
Carl has contacted us with an update of his team site. It features their racing campaign and has some great pictures of various bikes of interest. He is particularly interested in pictures of famous bikes and riders from the past. Surf on down to their site at www.thefang.co.uk (dragbike.htm). He is particularly interested to know if Mick Hand's blown 250/305 Honda is still in existence as he'd love a close up of it.
Date: 14th April 2000
Headline: Mortsport Top Fuel
Jon Morton, rider and owner of the Mortsport Top Fuel Puma reports that despite a lot of effort put in to make the Easter meet, that he will sadly not make this first meeting of the year. Although nearing completion, his stunning machine is currently having the bodywork made by aluminium fabrication craftsman Ricky Beasley. Ricky, who also crafted the bodywork on the King Racing Puma, spends most of his working life sculpting bodywork for vintage Rolls Royces under restoration at Healey Brothers of Irthlingborough.
Date: 13th April 2000
Headline: Team Nitro Twister
Stefan Junerud, owner / rider of the unique Nitro Twister Supetrwin machine, reportd that they are about to finish work on their completly new machine, with new frame, body, frontend, wheels, brakes etc. The new bike can soon be seen on their new website: - http://www.servexab.com/eng/racing/racingdoor.htm
Date: 12th April 2000
Headline: The emperors new clothes
Promod star Dave Beck tells us that the MRE bike has received a stunning new paintjob. Close perusal of the bodywork revealed a logo on the rear fender `Bird Sanctuary'. Intense interrogation as to the meaning behind this led to the admittance by Dave that it was due to the success he has enjoyed with the ladies in the US. This has been put down to the MRE bike rather than his matinee idol looks by the previous rider of all concerned, Rick Perry.....
Date: 11th April 2000
Headline: Build your own Nitrous System!
John Williamson aka Burgerman (not the JW RMD proprieter) has posted a webpage including information on a DIY Nitrous Oxide Injection system. He explains: - "I have a badly designed info only type page or two, for people who want to try to build themselves a system cheaply, for their own use and for learning purposes at http://www.dynopower.freeserve.co.uk/nitrous_oxide/ .You will find power and torque curves for my Suzuki on here using this system". John also built his own mobile dynos until an accident on his Suzuki Bandit left him disabled. He now designs websites including one for Trevor Langfield at TMC, the self proclaimed Wizard of Nos (so that explains the mysterious events with my TMC system in the past does it Trev - witchcraft not design.........)
Date: 10th April 2000
Headline: NMCA Steetbike Shootout
In the NMCA Streetbike Shootout Montgomery, Alabama at the weekend, Randy Waters ran an astounding 8.007 secs. to qualify in number 1 position. Top speed of the meet was achieved by James Lauer who posted 181.89 mph in 3rd spot. Lauer eventually made the final where he was defeated by Brock Davidson’s 8.09 to his 8.18. The streetbike shootouts are proving extremely competitive with rules and machines not dissimilar to the European Superstreet bikes, but with the US machines arguably more street legal and usable than their European counterparts.
Date: 10th April 2000
Headline: Drachten FIM Cancellation
We've now been given some information regarding the decision by the Explosion Club of the Netherlands to cancel the planned FIM/UEM round at Drachten. Sjoerd Hulzinga has given the following reasons: -
1) They do not believe that they are ready to handle an event of this importance (FIM) and size following organisational problems at last years Drachten Nationals.
2) They are in a financially tight position, and were under the mistaken belief that the prize money had doubled from last year (don't get excited, this is unfortunately not the case!)
We have pointed out to Sjoerd that he is mistaken regarding the prize money, but understand that they wish to be competent enough before they handle a major event.
Date: 9th April 2000
Headline: Beck Race Parts Contingency
Stung by inference that parts offered by Beck Race Parts are not price competitive, Dave Beck has hit back by offering contingency sponsorship in the form of £30 in cash for a win in Prostock bike for any rider using a Mickey Thompson tyre supplied by him. We're sure that the fact that the small print mentions wins at Avon Park only cannot mean that Dave plans not to race in Prostock at Santa Pod this year.......
Date: 8th April 2000
Headline: Chiefy speaks
Chris Powell, the brains and brawn behind the Wollatt Racing team commented yesterday: -
"We think it would be better for all concerned if the prospective sponsor would pay Steve to stay away from the show and not scare anyone with his vast knowledge of the computing and internet revolution. The rest of the team will be there on Saturday and will look forward to seeing anyone......please......"
Date: 8th April 2000
Headline: Tumbledsomes retort.....
Beer swilling flatlander and 1961 Prostock Bike rookie of the year, Chris Tombleson would like us to let it be known that he did plan to compete in this years ACU championship but after seeing the pitiful times set in testing at RWYB's this year, he decided that he must look further afield for serious competition.
Date: 8th April 2000
Headline: Two bullets for Beck
Dave Beck contacted us to let us know that after the carnage suffered at the Prostar race in Atlanta, they hope to have two complete engines from CPE for Columbus as they have two eliminations to contend with. They also have a tempting offer from Ward Performance for one of their latest 2 Valve motors. However, they need to ascertain who pays for it when Dave breaks it, Ward or MRE......
Date: 6th April 2000
Headline: Woollatt shows off
Top Fuel bike rider Steve Woollatt has confirmed that his bike will be exhibited on the Streetfighters stand at this weekends London Arena Motorcycle show, situated in London's Docklands. He added that he hoped to pick up sponsorship by attending the show maybe from, in his words "some dot com yuppie or something"......
Date: 5th April 2000
Headline: Tumbledsome to boycott UK Championship
In what is seen as a protest at other UK riders trying too hard, we hear that Prostock rider Chris Tombleson is to sit out the ACU Championship and concentrate on the easier FIM/UEM European championship.
Date: 5th April 2000
Headline: Lectrons for sale......
A certain dealer from the flatlands north of Watford have added fuel to the saga of the Lectrons that Dave Beck Import and Export PLC have for sale in that the DBIE prices are in no way competitive to theirs and there was no way that the mystery Prostock rider could resist such low prices.......
Date: 4th April 2000
Headline: Carrying over eliminations from rain off's
Regarding the comment from Dave Beck in the last gossip article regarding carrying over of eliminations from a rain off to the next meeting, we thought we should give the perspective from the ACU. Although we used to actually do this, it was stopped some years ago. The problems we encountered were that most organising clubs had problems with finding the time in the schedule to do this particularly at two day meetings. Also, some riders would be unavailable at the next meeting for one reason or another and we also had some problems with track preparation not being optimised until the day of scheduled eliminations for that particular meeting. Racing AND qualifying was difficult, particularly for the Top Fuel Bikes and we would always have the problem with what to do when the last meeting of the year was rained off. Would we not be able to resolve the championship until the first meeting of the following year? The final problem was that as the rounds were held under different orgainising clubs, some would not honour the rain off eliminations from the last meeting at another club and track. It also caused problems in awarding club championship points. So, it was decided to award points up to the point at which the meeting was cancelled (inc. qualifying points and round wins) and end the meeting at that point.
Date: 4th April 2000
Headline: Tales from Atlantis
Dave Beck informed us of the problems he encountered at last weekends rained off Prostar meeting in Atlanta: -
'We ste up the first pass really soft to run the 7.12. Our second pass encountered gearbox problems, and the third was beset by electrical problems resulting in a blown motor. We were glad at the rain off as it gives us a full three weeks to check out the bike before Columbus - something that should be implemented here in the UK'
Date: 3rd April 2000
Headline: BJ gives up
The task of fighting off the new kids on the block in Top Fuel Bike has taken it's toll on Brian Johnson. His concerns at the threat posed by the new riders such as Ian King and Jon Morton have led to his decision to give up trying to keep up and retire at the end of the season. Consequently, his entire operation is for sale. Those who have had a lottery win or an inheritance from a rich aunt should contact him and talk telephone numbers....
Date: 2nd April 2000
Headline: Atlanta (or Atlantis?)
The Prostar meeting in Atlanta this weeken has been rained off. All remaining eliminations will be conducted at the next round in Columbus, Ohio. This may have helped Dave Beck who only made one qualifying pass due to problems and could probably have done with the breathing space. Fred Collis made a fabulous 7 teen pass to take top spot in Pro Stock Bike, and Chris Hand was getting back in the groove after his extensive frame mods in Top Fuel Bike. Number one qualifiers: -
TF Chris Hand 6.460 @ 220.62
FB Bryan Bennett 6.721 @ 201.82
PM Tom Miceli 6.821 @ 196.53
PS Fred Collis 7.182 @ 190.70
Date: 2nd April 2000
Headline: Prostar Atlanta final qualifying?
It would seem that Dave Beck did not make another pass in qualifying this weeekend and slumped to 12th position with his 7 second pass. He is, however, in the field as long as his problems do not turn out to be terminal.
Date: 2nd April 2000
Headline: April fool?........
It has been reported by Dragbike.com and repeated by Eurodragster.com that Brian Johnson qualified # 1 at the Atlanta Prostar meet this weekend. However, we have to sadly report that Brian is not in the US and the only qualifying he did this weekend was for his bus pass....
Date: 1st April 2000
Headline: Beck in Atlanta
After the first round of qualifying at the Prostar meeting in Atlanta, Dave Beck lies in 5th position with a 7.123 @ 175.8.
Date: 31st March 2000
Headline: FIM Championship shenanigans....
According to Eurodragster, Sjoerd Hulzinga of the Dutch drag racing organisation that operates the Dragten Nationals has reported that it will not be a round of the FIM championship as planned. However, we contacted the FIM and Lars Andersson who said that they have yet to be told that the round will not happen as planned. It was hoped that it would be run over the eighth mile as the venue was deemed unsuitable for the bikes over the quarter mile. We have asked for clarification from the FIM and will bring it to you as soon as possible. It does look, however, that Drachten FIM will not happen. We hope that Keith (Bartlett)who has the TV rights to the FIM Championship and Rico (Anthes) promoter of the Hockenheim Nitro Olympics can get on well enough this year for the FIM round there to continue as planned......
Date:
Headline:
According to Eurodragster, Sjoerd Hulzinga of the Dutch drag racing organisation that operates the Dragten Nationals has reported that it will not be a round of the FIM championship as planned. However, we contacted the FIM and Lars Andersson who said that they have yet to be told that the round will not happen as planned. It was hoped that it would be run over the eighth mile as the venue was deemed unsuitable for the bikes over the quarter mile. We have asked for clarification from the FIM and will bring it to you as soon as possible. It does look, however, that Drachten FIM will not happen. W
Date: 31st March 2000
Headline: Purple Princess Top Fuel Team
Roald Dogge of the Purple Princess Top Fuel Bike Team Holland called us with the following news: -
`Due to moving to another job and house we were not able to do a lot of improvements on the bike but now we have started and it is progressing well. The biggest problem we found was tilting the engine forward which made servicing a nightmare. Also, the weight distribution was not optimal. Consequently, we decided to layout the complete engine/transmission in a different way. We also started a billet cylinder head project but that will not be finished for this season. Therefore, we are looking for a secondhand manifold to connect a Sprintex to a Z900 cylinder head. As this will be used for this season only we do not want to spend too much money. We would prefer the manifold to be a billet item. Does anyone who reads your gossip column know anybody who could have such an item?'
Well, if anyone does indeed know of such a manifold, please e mail Roald at: - brenro@wxs.nl
Date: 30th March 2000
Headline: Woollatt sells his Lionels......
Well, not quite, but he has sort of moved into the 21st Century by getting a website. We know that it's unusual for a Watford resident to be so educated, but the only explanation can be that his webmaster must live somewhere else. Although the site is still under construction, it's worth bookmarking now for future access. Steve can be accessed at : - http://www.woollattracing.co.uk/
Date: 29th March 2000
Headline: Dept. of corrections
Kevin Sullivans correct web address is: - http://www.sullivan95.freeserve.co.uk
Date: 29th March 2000
Headline: Shark Magic!
Kevin Sullivan sent us details of his website dedicated to the Swedish Top Fuel Bike legend Stephan Reisten. Check out his site at : -http//www.sullivan95.freeserve.co.uk (and amuse yourself at the Lionel Blairs and Jason King moustaches!)
Date: 28th March 2000
Headline: Becks ex mate on posh parts part 2.....
The mystery Prostock rider who had the finger of guilt pointed at him over the Lectron carbs purchased by Dave Beck, and now up for sale, mailed us to say that it was due to a misunderstanding on both sides....... (name witheld to protect the guilty)
Date: 28th March 2000
Headline: Hireabusa Cooper
Ken Cooper reports that interest in his Hyabusa for hire deal is increasing, with a couple of mainstream motorcycle magazines already booked in for race meetings during this year. The deal that involves just turning up, paying your money and riding and with all the spanner work, fuel and entry fee included looks like being popular with those riders who would have had to miss a meeting due to bike breakage using this plan to gain some points at an otherwise barren meeting.
Date: 27th March 2000
Headline: Becks posh goodies
Dave Beck has asked us to mention that due to being let down by a fellow Prostock rider who asked him to buy some carbs when in the US, he has a brand new set of the latest largest Lectron Carbs for sale at a low low price.
E mail: - beck.racing@virgin.net
Tel: 01948 871264
Date: 27th March 2000
Headline: Paul Willis Dragracing
Dom Trickett from the Paul Willis Dragracing team called to update us on the latest news from their camp. The new bike is coming along nicely with the chassis having been laser built by chassis guru Andy Robinson. They should do a complete 1/4 mile run in a straight line this season. Dom's currently working on their new specification engine hoping to squeeze a little more horse power from last years powerplant. They will see how it runs this season with a perfect chassis, but are also hoping to develop a new chassis for mid season with rear suspension and a totally new British engine if the US based engine isn't quick enough.
Date: 26th March 2000
Headline: Jade Racing
Sharron Collier of Jade Racing confirms that she is indeed making a comeback but first on a streetbike to regain her confidence before launching back into competition style bikes again. The bike will probably be ready mid season. She also tells us that Jade Racing is now Jerry's full time occupation, as he gave up work in October to concentrate on two stroke tuning. Jade Racing can be contacted on 01159 111430 for any two stroke work. The Jade team for 2000 is: -
Jerry, Rick Davies, (carbon copy) Sharron (Supertwins modified RD) and Barrie Gregory (Supertwins modified RD).
Date: 24th March 2000
Headline: MRE Pro Mod at Avon Park?
It's possible that not only will Jay Regan, owner and all round good guy from MRE be gracing us with his presence at the ACU Championship round at Avon Park in June, but he may be bringing the Pro Mod bike currently being campaigned by Dave Beck in the Prostar series with him too. Let's hope that this is possible and we may see this bike running against the best bikes in Funnybike that England can throw at it.....
Date: 23rd March 2000
Headline: Views from the pits
We had a submission from a rider, exasperated by the machinations of the politics of our sport: -
`Why don't the 'BRAINS' at the FIM stop trying to figure out how to ruin motorcycle drag racing, and start figuring out how to bring more riders into the sport, i.e. : MORE PRIZE MONEY!!!
Date: 22nd March 2000
Headline: Prostock Bike For Sale
Complete proven Prostock rolling chassis, 1425cc block and pistons, GSX head plus more misc. parts.
Te: 02380 898155 (Southampton, England).
Date: 21st March 2000
Headline: FIM Competition Bike rumours.....
There appear to be some rumours floating around Sweden at present regarding the future of FIM Competition Bike namely: -
Rumour 1 is that Competition Bike will be renamed `Top Fuel' and only bikes running on Nitro will be allowed in the class.
Rumour 2 is that the FIM / Keith Bartlett want to / will cut out Pro Mod and Funny Bikes from the European championship.
In order that we may investigate further, we spoke to Kjell Petersson of Santa Pod Raceway and challenged him over this issue. He explained that both Keith Bartlett and he would like to have a European Top Fuel Bike championship with at least 8 Nitro bikes at all rounds rather than Competition Bike as it is, with the eight bikes a mix of Funny's Pro Mod's and the Nitro Bikes. Therefore, the rumours do have some truth. However they have not been actively pursuing this `wish', as there are not enough bikes that can afford to do all the rounds, and anyway, the decision makers are still the FIM.
As an aside, we at King Racing would resist efforts (through the ACU) to exclude the non Nitro bikes as we do not see it as a way forward. If the whole eight qualified bikes were always Top Fuel Bikes at all rounds then we would see that it maybe should be renamed Top Fuel, but until that time, we cannot support any moves of this type.
Date: 20th March 2000
Headline: Daves tale of glue
Dave Beck explained that although they ran 7.67 @ 176 during testing at the weekend, it came to a premature end when some of the epoxy moved in the roof of the port and let some oil into the chamber, necessitating a return to base.
Date: 20th March 2000
Headline: Santa Pod RWYB
Various riders were out testing this past weekend at the Pod. Ken Cooper managed some 7 second passes on his Pro Mod Bike, running as quick as 7.67 despite the looseness of the track after 330 feet. His mph at the eighth was 10 mph down, and a lazy clutch setup contributed to a slower than possible et. Dave Beck impressed again with an off the trailer 7.67 @ 176. Dave is off to the USA in a couple of weeks to ride the MRE Pro Mod Bike at the next AMA/Prostar event.
Date: 20th March 2000
Headline: Schultz back to winning ways.
Gainesville, Fla. -- Schultz, from Ft. Myers, Fla., captured his 44th career Pro Stock Motorcycle victory, and fourth at Gainesville Raceway by upsetting No. 1 qualifier Tony Mullen in the final. Schultz rode his Sunoco Suzuki to the victory with a 7.285 at 182.87, besting Mullen's slower Suzuki, which ran 7.340 at 177.88. Schultz beat Brian DeLong, Fred Collis and defending series champ Matt Hines to advance to the final round, his first since the 1999 fall event at Houston Raceway Park. Courtesy Marty Kane.
Date: 18th March 2000
Headline: Top Fuel Bike for free!
Well almost, as the Top Fuel Bike bargain of the century. Puma chassis (the same design as our current fuel bike) Puma cases (2 sets, one spare) Puma billet crankshaft (2, one spare) Wiseco pistons (total displacement 2400cc) Superod Aluminium Conrods Kent Camshafts Yamaha FJ1200 Heads, ported by NCK and converted to shim under bucket. Stainless Steel Valves (and 2 spare sets) HD nuts and studs Puma fuel injection and throttle bodies Pace oil pump Enderle fuel pump B&J 2 speed gearbox Crower slider clutch RC Components Spyder side drive rear wheel RC Components Front wheel Performance Machine brake master cylinders Harrison floating brake discs Harrison Billet 6 piston calipers Zodiac Upside Down front forks with Billet Yokes Barrel valve / return valves/ misc fittings. Two piece Fibreglass body and mould. Purpose built hydraulic bike lift / worktable Misc parts / extras.
It is around 85 % complete in terms of work, and around 98 % in terms of parts expenditure. We cannot afford to run the two bikes now as planned (new race transporter!). An individual agreed to buy it off me and has given me some money to date, but we are now way past the agreed date for paying the balance. Consequently, I will now sell it cheaply (i.e. the original asking price less the money I have already received). So if you want an extraordinary bike at an absolutely bargain price please contact me. It is, of course, fully legal to run in the Prostar Top Fuel Bike class, the ACU Top Fuel Bike class, and FIM Competition Bike (Top Fuel!). This bike attracts an enormous amount of interest, among bike and car enthusiasts. Gaining sponsorship for the bike will be like falling off a log. Please NO time wasters.
Date: 16th March 2000
Headline: Cannon's rants....
Yorkshires answer to Puff Daddy, Chris `Cannon' Hannam, updated us on his team news. His crew for this season will be Andy Dawson and Andy Richards. Dawson, who also is a co owner of the ex MRE machine, had designs on sharing the rides with Chris, although sanity prevailed and he has settled on the more onerous task of Crew Chief. Chris acknowledges the fact that without Dawson's financial commitment, he would not be in the position to attempt an assault on this years championship. He lets on that he found the first pass he made on the bike a surprise at how physically demanding that level of power is, with it being difficult to hold on. He couldn't walk properly for a week (didn't handicap his mouth though....) and is making a conscious effort to improve his fitness. He added that he was pleased at being awarded FB 17 as his race number as it meant he only had to throw the number 7 away for the 2001 season....
Date: 15th March 2000
Headline: Fastest Nitrous Street Tyred Bandit?
Brad O'Connor of DynoSpeed Developments believes that his customer Mark Watkins is running the fastest Bandit engined Street tyred Nitrous bike in Europe at present, unless anyone else knows otherwise?
Date: 14th March 2000
Headline: In the clutches of the Swedes......
In the quest to find a clutch to handle the awesome power that John Ivarssons Turbo Promod Suzuki is putting out, he has been in discussion with Dave Branch reference the Sintered Bronze plates that Shaun and he have been experimenting with succesfully on their Supercharged Methanol Funnybike.
Date: 13th March 2000
Headline: Anyone for air clutches?
Shawn Garrigan, the Top Fuel Bike pilot and innovator, reports that he plans to convert his current twelve (!) stage clutch to an air one. Although ex pat Jay Upton in Australia also runs an air clutch in his highly innovative TF bike, multistage centrifugal clutches are still de rigeur for Top Fuel.
Date: 13th March 2000
Headline: I'll be back.......
And he is! Steve Dyer makes a welcome return to Superstreet on Mark Watkins old Terminator machine, but sporting a Dave Holland style body (the bike, not Steve!) and a new paintjob. Although he appeared in both 10.90 and 9.90 last year he has been itching to return to Superstreet.
Date: 13th March 2000
Headline: Think Pink
Santa Pods answer to Peters and Lee, Sandra and Roland Chaplain were spied collecting their all new race trailer resplendant with eye catching new livery from Alan Lane at Royston Signs and Graphics over the weekend.
Date: 13th March 2000
Headline: Beck goes testing
Dave Beck plans to test an all new Prostock Engine from the workshops of Roger Upperton at the RWYB at Santa Pod next weekend.
Date: 13yt
Headline:
Date:
Headline: Stordeur Takes IHRA Winternationla
Report courtesy of Summit Fast News DARLINGTON SC - SUMMIT FastNews - Steve Stordeur, driving Johnny Mancuso's second Harley Davidson took his second Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley win in a row, defeating 1999 World Champion Jay Turner, 6.545/208.36 to 6.491/214.35. Stordeur's first ever win came at the Mopar Parts World Finals at Shreveport last October.
"I won this race because of Johnny's support," said the Goshen, Ohio racer. "We used his setups and were able to take the win."
Mancuso set the speed end of the IHRA Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley World Record during Friday's qualifying, unleashing a 6.476/214.08 pass. Mancuso lost in the first round of eliminations to Dale Nungesser.
Date: 11th March 2000
Headline: Nitro Twins at the IHRA Winternationals
Johnny Mancuso ran a fantastic 6.476 @ 214.08 to qualify in top position at the IHRA Prolong Super Lubricants Winter Nationals. Surprises of the event were the non qualification of Jim McClure (despite a 6.89!) and recently crowned ADBA World Champion Bill Furr.
Date: 10th March 2000
Headline: Stefan Juneryd
We've just viewed Nitro Supertwin rider Stefan Juneryd's web page. It's an excellent insight into the technology behind their JP1 home based design. View at: -
http://w1.331.telia.com/~u33106502/dr/tfb-tech2.htm
Date: 10th March 2000
Headline: Pit Lane Groupies score again
Brock Davidson must have felt pretty tired after the persistent knowledge vampiring from Brad O'Connor, Mark Watkins and Graham Dance in Gainesville at the weekend. Brock had run a 8.07 sec pass at the weeekend on his Streetbike shootout bike and parted with some pretty useful tips. Graham was seen leaving the track with a number of new tyres to try, and Mark had a brand new Schnitz all in one box tucked under his arm as well as some FCR's and a piston kit for his THIRD! reload motor. It seems he's really serious this year... There was also a rookie hanging onto their every word, a DynoSpeed Developments customer by the name David Emsley. He seemed to buy everything on offer in the pits for his new bike, a Bandit 1200 which he will first campaign in 9.90 Bike with a planned move up to Superstreet mid season.
Date: 8th March 2000
Headline: Bits from the Gainesville pits
Tony Sabino has not yet got his new bike and was riding a customers, Billy Vose has got a Ward 2 valve motor to run with Louis Grist as Fred Collis is racing at the Gatornationals in two weeks time. Tom Perrys new Funnybike had some setup problems but a weekend test at Bradenton will hopefully sort it out.
Date: 7th March 2000
Headline: What happened to Dave in Gainesville
Dave Beck explained his weekend in Gainesville at the Prostar season opener: -
We had the bike set very lazy off the line and it was a 10th down on our normal 60 ft so to go 6.90 @ 197,71 mph was a big step up for us. It was also in the dark and I couldn’t see with my dark visor on.
It was a do or die last qualifying session as we had a bad ground wire but couldn't find it for a while.
I went past Van Sant like he had broken and nearly clicked it off early thinking we had crossed the finish line.
We hurt a piston on the second run but didn't find it until we fired the bike up to check the clutch for the race with Micelli. We had 40% leakdown on number one but it was coming out of the intake valves or so we thought. Jay (Regan) and I agreed that if the bike went sick and he was in front I would click it off. However, it blew a piston at about the 300ft mark after I left with 4 hundreths on the tree. His 60 was 5 better and we were level at 330 ft but he soon went away from me.
Jay celebrated the pass in his usual style at the Ale House just as soon as he could get there! We felt we could have won but just need the new CPE motor for a spare bullet.
Date: 6th March 2000
Headline: Testing Times for Team CooperiZZZZed
Team CooperiZZZZed were testing at Santa Pod at the weekend. Track conditions were a little slick - Helen Curran kept spinning the tyre even after shortening the bike. Big Bad Brian (Biffa) Bowen split the plenum chamber on the new turbo setup so had to retire early(or was it late, as he did'nt arrive till lunch time suffering a huge hangover blamed on the fine performance of the England Rugby team on Saturday). They also had the Team Cooperized rent-a-ride Suzuki Hirebusa out. This proved very popular with the Team, spectators and Pod crew alike in its splendid Team Cooperized livery. This (when finished) 200 bhp lengthened air shifter equipped Busa will be available for rent for 1,2 or 3 day meetings at a cost of £250, £300 and £350 respectivly all in. Just turn up pay the man, race and go home. Lee Baxendale will be riding it at the first meeting at the Pod. In its standardish trim he ran 10.001 @ 141 yesterday. Helen also had a go and ran 10.09 @ 141. Brian (Biffa) Bowen ran his fastest ever time on a motorcycle with a 10.76 @ 135 and Ken managed some awesome wheelies (till he got bored) and a 10.19 @ 137. Team Cooperized will be out testing again at the next RWYB on the 19th March.
Date: 6th March 2000
Headline: Gainesville final results
Our insomniac correspondent in't North Chris Hope sends us this final report from Gainesville: -Larry McBride saved the best 'till last in the final round of Top Fuel at Gainesville. Running a crisp and clean 6.16 @ 225 in the final against Chris Hand. Hand's machine sporting one of McBride's old rear tyres hasn't been hooking up as well as he would have liked, and it showed as it smoked the tyre about 200 feet out.
In Pro Mod it looks as though `piston basher Beck' struck again as he lost his semi final round to eventual winner Tom Miceli. Beck could only manage a 9.92 aboard the ailing MRE Pro Mod.( surely the rise in share price in MTC & WISECO can not be purely coincidental with Beck's trips to the USA.)
Geno Scali took the honours in Pro Stock defeating Star's Fred Collis in the semi and Paul Gast in the final by a tenth of a second. Gary Clark took the honours in Funnybike.
Date: 5th March 2000
Headline: Gainesville latest
Latest news from Gainesville, courtesy of Garry Parrish: - In Top Fuel, Larry McBride nearly matched his round one ET with a 6.22, and bumped his own top speed of the meet mark up to 230.82 MPH. He meets his final round foe, Chris Hand, who has yet to make a full pass. Hand however is improving with every pass on his recently reconfigured "Red Neck Express" fueler, and may be poised to step up and give McBride a run for the big trophy. Hand found the six second zone last round with an early shut off 6.99 at 150 MPH. Slightly out of the groove, and with nobody in the other lane to outrun, Hand wisely killed the engine beyond half-track. In ProMod Bruce Van Sant has suddenly become a consistent six-second player in the Pro Mod ranks, this time running a 6.96 in defeating Jack Young. He now must face bad boy Billy Vose in the semi-finals after Vose clicked-off yet another low ET of the round, at 6.84. Our own Dave Beck is also a consistent six-second guy this meeting, advancing to the semis with a 6.92. He will race Tom Miceli, who won the battle of the Franco bikes with a 6.846, two thousandths slower than Vose.
Date: 5th March 2000
Headline: Prostar first round details.
The first round of eliminations at the Prostar season opener at Gainesville have got underway. In Top Fuel, Germany’s Norbert Kutzera dragged his right foot peg along the concrete retaining wall after mis-aligning his fuel bike on the starting line. He did not come off the bike, but he kicked-up a lot of dirt and debris at about the 500' mark. Chris Hand was in the other lane, clicking off a slow, but good enough for the win 7.47 @ 139.94 mph. Hand gets a bye run in the next round. Larry McBride brought the crowd to their feet with a blistering 6.21 / 227.56 pass, good enough for top speed and low ET of the weekend so far, and on a solo run. McBride will have lane choice over Tommy Smith, who just eased past Trevor Lent's Harley Davidson. Lent got out in front of Smith, but Smith reeled him in at just over 191 MPH. In ProMod, Dave Beck's consistent 6.91 earned him a race next round with Roderick Culp.
Date: 5th March 2000
Headline: Gainesville qualifying
Thanks to Chris Hope for the following Gainesville info: -
After an electronic problem and a nitrous fire just off the start line, Dave Beck made the most of his 3rd and only real qualifying session. In his only chance to qualify the "Cheshire Tom Cat" fired a warning shot across the bows of the big guns, carding a 6.908 @ 197.71 mph giving him the No 3 spot. With only 0.400 sec separating the top 16 places Pro Mod appears to be where the racing will be today. In Pro Stock Geno Scali holds the No1 spot on the Cope Racing Suzuki with a 7.222 @ 184.69 mph. Absent from the top 16 is Fred Collis and the Star Racing Suzuki who I we believe failed to make a qualifying pass due to problems with the bike. In Top Fuel Larry McBride needed only 1 pass to take the number 1 spot. Shutting off early because of the wind he only carded a 6.822 @ 153.5. Close behind him is Nobert Kutzera with a 6.863 @ 184.76. Followed by:- Tommy Smith 7.179 @ 203.75, Trevor Lent 7.368 @ 170.22 and finally Chris Hand 8.475 @ 106.87. All Pro classes were restricted to 3 qualifying sessions because of some good old English rain during Saturday morning and early afternoon.
Date: 4th March 2000
Headline: Branch Engineering side drive wheels
Espied at the workshops of Dave Branch was the first side drive wheel he has constructed. Quality looks good, although the 3 spoke design is a little conservative. Dave hopes to sell them for around £800, a considerable saving over the offerings from the usual suspects in the US.
Date: 3rd March 2000
Headline: Gainesville reports
The Prostar MRE Sunshine Nationals have already kicked off in Florida. However, it would seem that Dave Beck did not make a pass in first round qualifying. In Top Fuel Bike, Tommy Smith on the ex -Elmer Trett Mountain Magic holds pole, closely followed by Nitro HD pilot Trevor Lent and Germany's own Norbert Kutzera. No sign of any activity in either the Hand or McBride camps as of yet. Tonight is the annual Prostar Prize Winners Banquet.
Date: 3rd March 2000
Headline: Monique in leather......
Our favourite Cyber chick, Monique Koedam reports that Team Koedam Racing (Top Fuel Bike) will be enjoying the support of DAKOTA for the coming season. DAKOTA, long time sponsor of German Top Fuel Dragster pilot and promoter of the Nitro Olympics at Hockenheim, Rico Anthes, are well known for their scantily clad models wearing (scarcely) examples of their high quality leatherwear. Apparently, Hollands best known Pit Lane Floozie Monique Koedam has promised to model their leather underwear exclusively for the King Racing Team at the Main Event at Santa Pod. It's not known if crew chief for Koedam Racing, Marius will be ever able to mix Nitro with any accuracy ever again.
Date: 3rd March 2000
Headline: Euro Superstreet Bike series
According to Eurodragster.com, the European Super Street Bike Challenge is on for the 2000 season. German Peter Calwer who is organising the Challenge and who also runs the dragsterracing.de web site says that the Challenge is definitely to be a three-race series this year, with rounds to be held at Drachten (Holland) in July, Hockenheim (Germany) in August, and Santa Pod Raceway (UK) in September. "We can expect more than twenty five bikes at Hockenheim" says Peter, "I wouldn't like to miss the qualifying!". Peter also says that a number of German SSB racers are keen to come to the European Finals at Santa Pod in September.
At present, twenty one European Super Street Bike racers are committed to the Challenge, with others probable, and there is room for more.
Peter is currently working on obtaining sponsorship for the Challenge; anyone interested in putting their name to what is certain to be a very popular race series should E-Mail Peter at pp@calwer.de.
Check out the Challenge web site at www.dragsterracing.de/eurossb for full details including rules, dates, the current entry list, and how to get involved.
Date: 2nd March 2000
Headline: Goodies for sale!
Ben Beneke sends us details of some top notch must haves at bargain prices: -
RC COMPONENTS WHEELS Rear 15" x 11" Dual Spyder, Side Drive, Beadlocker. VERY light and VERY rigid. Comes complete with 25mm spindle and 29"x12" tyre (worn). This is the best rear wheel you can get, be ahead of future rule changes.
Front 18" x 1.85" standard hub with dual disc adaptor. Incredibly light, comes complete with Goodyear tyre (Loads of tread!)
Looking to sell the pair or just the rear, may sell the front on its own. Also have race prepped Red Wing front end and discs and brakes all round which could go as well if the moneys right.
These are expensive items, only sensible offers!!
Contact: Ben Beneke
Tel: 0117 - 985 9948
Fax: 0117 - 904 4512
Mobile: 0780 - 143 8414. email: benbeneke@yahoo.co.uk.
Date: 2nd March 2000
Headline: Brian Baillie
Ian Turbeville contacted us with the following sad news: - `It is with a heavy heart that sad news of the death of Brian Baillie reaches us. He was one of the leading lights at S&S Cycle in Wisconsin and was always keen to help Drag Racers. He will be sorely missed.'
Date: 1st March 2000
Headline: Cajun country news #2
Whislt at Dave Branch engineering we espied one of the last frames that chassis legend and pensioner John Clift made before his arthritis forced him into a sad life of numerous windsurfing holidays. It is the Funnybike chassis that Tony Kershaw comissioned and never finished circa 1994. It seems to have changed hands a couple of times before landing in the workshops of Stu Chamberlain.
Date: 1st March 2000
Headline: Cajun country news
We bumped into Prostock Champion Paul Willis yesterday on his way back from collecting his crankshaft from underworld drag specialist Dave Branch. Paul tells us that his chassis is almost ready for collection from ProMod car chassis fabricator Andy `Gus' Robinson.
Date: 29th February 2000
Headline: Hop up your Hayabusa!
Brad from DynoSpeed sent us these tips for all those planning to run a Hayabusa. He has included the Dyno results they obtained when applying these mods: -
Exhausts:
Cans Quill +3-4bhp Renegade +3-4bhp
Systems:
Standard system 154-158bhp Yoshi +8bhp (no airbox mod) - total seen on test bike 164bhp M4 +14bhp (inc airbox mod) total seen on test bike 169bhp Akrapovic +14bhp (inc airbox mod) total seen on test bike 170bhp
Airbox mod 3-4bhp
BMC high flow filter
Dynojet power commander 2 enhances all these exhausts as does a Yosh box remap. The Power commander in particular is worth 5-7 bhp of mid range and maps for specific applications can be downloaded from the net.
Other mods:
Clutch center mod allows smooth engagement of clutch without any snatching. This mod is 'THE' essential one for any Busa. I would buy this first over any other performance part.
16 OR 15 tooth front sprockets are popular once everybody gets bored with cruising at 190mph they then wish to accelerate faster.
Lowering plates lowers the bike 1" or 2" and is a good aid for consistant launches.
We can also supply Dyna 2000 for the Busa. This is only useful for gas applications when the retard facility is used. No other power gain was measured or felt.
Bigbore kits:
Std bore high comp 13.5:1 1360cc 13.5:1 1425cc 13.5:1
Cams:
Stg 1 Yosh Stg 1 DSD Stg 2 DSD
The usual Gasflowed head is available.
Big engines have been producing between 185bhp to 205bhp!
As you've probably guessed this is just some of what is available.
Date: 28th February 2000
Headline: FIM/UEM dates confirmed
Also at the congress, all the proposed dates for the 2000 FIM/UEM championship have been ratified. That means a welcome return for Drachten, Holland and Hockenheim, Germany for this season. For full dates and details see our FIM European Championship page.
Date: 28th February 2000
Headline: FIM accepts new cranks......
At the FIM congress in Geneva this weekend, it was agreed that aftermarket crankshafts will now be accepted for Prostock bike. This change was forced on them due to the unavailibility of OEM Suzuki crankshafts and brings them in to line with the ACU rules.
Date: 27th February 2000
Headline: Rice moves upstairs
As part of the large investment Kawasaki are making into drag racing for 2000, Funnybike rider Steve Rice is retiring from riding duties to become crew chief, reports Marty Kane. Last years 600cc Supersport runner up Chip Ellis will ride the impressive Funnybike, whilst Rickey Gadson will continue to campaign in the 750 cc Pro Superbike class and the 600cc Supersport class. Both Chris Williams and Ryan Schnitz join Marty Ladwig in a formidable Team Green Kawasaki 600cc Supersport campaign. Legendary tuner Rob Muzzy will fettle all the bikes in what seems to be the largest manufacturer based effort in Dragracing ever.
Date: 26th February 2000
Headline: Sharons coming back
Sharon Collier, who gave up racing for motherhood (for some strange reason) has decided that she prefers racing and plans a comeback for this season. Sharon, the wife of world record holding 2 stroke twin racer Jerry, plans to join hubby in a two bike Jade Racing team for 2000.
Date: 26th February 2000
Headline: Another Top Fuel Bike?
News reaches us of another British Top Fuel bike under construction. Jeff Hill informs us that his project features home made billet cases, a three plug billet head, an Autorotor supercharger, Sprint magnetos and a B&J 2 speed gearbox. Lets hope it won't appear in the timescales normally featured for Fuel bike projects....
Date: 24th February 2000
Headline: Indianapolis trade show invasion
Despite claims of being skint, a large contingent of Brits made the long haul to Indianapolis for the recent motorcycle dealer expo. Accompanied by Top Fuel rider Brian Johnson, Graham Balchin was in attendance on the Carolina Cycles stand promoting his new dataloggers that will be distributed through them in the US. Runours have it that some high profile American racers inc. Larry McBride have placed orders.
Also at the show was RMD's John Williamson along with Team Cooperised leader Ken (just call me jobless) Cooper.
Date: 23rd February 2000
Headline: King Racing screensaver
Motosavers, designers of promotional screensavers have designed a new King Racing screensaver that can be downloaded for free from their website. It can be found in both the "Motorcycles" section and the "Promotional" section.
However, at Gossip we're happy enough with our Baywatch screensaver thanks very much.....
MotoSavers - http://www.motosavers.com Home of the most gorgeous, high-quality vehicle screensavers on the Internet! (allegedly)
Date: 22nd February 2000
Headline: Early season test news # 4
Barry Eastman conducted some shakedown tests of the new induction and ignition combination on hs CBX Honda Funnybike this weekend. Straight into the low nines until a shifter malfunction sent them home early, Barry was pleased with the progress made so early with this as yet untried setup.
Date: 22nd February 2000
Headline: Early season test news # 3
Richard Gypp at the same tests, recorded an 8.02 second pass on his new ex - Chris Tombleson chassis that we believe to be a personal best. Looks like all the riders in Prostock are stepping up in an attempt to end the dominance of the class by Paul Willis last season.
Date: 22nd February 2000
Headline: Early season test news # 2
Dave Beck told us he was over the moon with the performance of his `new' engine over the weekend. The Upperton prepped head was one that was made for Chris Richards Superstreet bike some time ago, and has been kicking around Daves workshop for some time. The rest of the engine is pretty standard fare - 1500 cc 4 valve, Wiseco pistons, C25 fuel etc. With a 60 foot time in the 1.20's on the slick track, both Dave and Roger expect 7.5 second performances with race track preparation.
Date: 21st February 2000
Headline: Tittle tattle from Australia
We are indebted to Monique Pels for these observations made during the Zodiac Teams exploits at the ADBA World Championships in Australia: -
Did you know that...
...Rob van Geffen and Bill Furr have become best friends during the Championship (upsetting the old best friend of Bill, Monique Koedam)
...All riders got a golf car as tow vehicle and Bill Furr's crew managed to crash theirs on the first day
...Mark Conner's crew members spent more time tuning up the golf cart than working on the bike
...Victoria Karling and Christian Merlid got engaged during the World Championship (congratulations!)
...Ton Pels does an excellent Crocodile Dundee imitation (`call that a Harley?')
...Rob van Geffen finally found out "Who the f**k Skippy is"
...Johnny Mancuso deserves a medal for "keeping Bill Furr off the bus"
...Ton and Vincent Pels were disguised as Cowboys in Brisbane (what do you mean `disguised'?)
...Bert Kors and Rob van Geffen convinced Bill Furr that they were both Monique Pels' boyfriend (who is then?)
...Johnny "Dollar" Mancuso is an even better singer than Bill Furr ("Baby baby baby...!")
Date: 20th February 2000
Headline: Beck gets off to a flier
Dave Beck started the season off with a bang at the early season run what you brung at Santa Pod today. Using an all new Roger Upperton prepped engine in last years Prostock chassis, Dave recorded an incredible off the trailer 7.73 @ 178mph in less than ideal conditions.
Date: 18th February 2000
Headline: Testing 1,2 3.....
Rumour has it that Funnybiker Barry Eastman (London), and Prostock riders Richard Gypp (Royston Vasey) and Dave Beck (Emmerdale) are testing at this weekends run what you brungs. If we hear of any interesting performances, we'll let you know.
Date: 18th February 2000
Headline: `Cannon' fires!
Chris `Cannon' Hannam (or should that be `Beretta' in view of the following news) wanted us to put his comments in print, throwing down the gauntlet to all us shandy supping southerners: -
`I would like to point out that as a weight watcher I have lost 4 stone already and will therefore be ready to destroy the southern contingent of bull******rs. We have a full program to run this year and will also be employing Promod rider Dave Beck for the FIM Competition bike round at the Santa Pod Main Event in May. We will, of course, be taking the world's fastest Suzuki Funnybike into the six second zone just to show the rest of the field how it's done (weather and track conditions permitting). We may beat some Top Fuel bikes as well, who knows? Mr Blakemore and co. had better hope that my willpower drops and I get back into the pie shop otherwise it's Goodnight Vienna, Hasta La Vista Baby.... Cannon
Well, follow that funnybikers.....
Date: 17th February 2000
Headline: Prostar announces new magazine
Huntsville, Ala. – AMA/Prostar announced today that a new publication, titled Motorcycle Street & Strip, will become their official publication, beginning with coverage of their first race of 2000 in Gainesville.
MS&S will be produced by GTTF Publishing, publishers of American Roadracing (Now American Road & Racing).
It will focus specifically on motorcycle drag racing and hot street performance. Further information will be available next week.
In addition to covering the AMA/Prostar series, MS&S will feature high performance streetbikes, profiles of industry leaders and competitors, and tech articles. Other series, such as NHRA, outlaw, regional events, and land speed racing, will be covered as well.
For those who are not familiar with the AMA/Prostar series, it is the largest all-motorcycle drag racing sanctioning body, involving over 5,000 competitors annually, in international, national, regional and local-levels of racing. Prostar is also the drag racing division of the American Motorcyclist Association, an organization involving over 240,000 members.
"It is our hope that through our support of MS&S that it will bring the sport of motorcycle drag racing to the mainstream motorcycle enthusiast," said Keith Kizer, AMA/Prostar President.
Date: 16th February 2000
Headline: News of the FIM Cranks.......
Seems like the FIM/UEM are getting their knickers in a twist regarding the stock oem cranks rule for Prostock bike. It's just been brought to their attention that standard new Suzuki cranks are getting like rocking horse, and could be a problem for runners in FIM/UEM Prostock bike. They have been advised to drop the stock cranks rule altogether. This will be mooted at the FIM Congress in Geneva in a couple of weeks time.
Date: 15th February 2000
Headline: News from the land of white high heels and shell suits.....
Bradley O'Connor of DynoSpeed Developments updated us on the latest news from Shazntraceland: -
Currently we are planning to field two bikes in Superstreet.One is last years bike which has been rebuilt with the GSXR motor receiving a 1371cc big block and some 41mm Keihin FCR's.The rest is the same spec as last years 8.4sec bike. We will continue with the Schnitz progressive although we did run 8.58sec on the TMC progressive. I'm still of the opinion that there is more to come from the chassis/clutch set up on this bike,we were weighting the bike in specific places last year and getting faster and faster. The second bike is a Suzuki Hayabusa. We had some early success with this bike last year when we beat the UK top speed record holding Busa from TTS three times and recorded on TV too. The bike ran consistent 9.4's hand shifting on a 58" wheelbase! There are still some unanswered questions on the fitment of gas to this bike and although I believe I was first in competiton with nitrous and fuel injection on this bike, the development cycle rolls on. I'm hoping to score some high 8's with this setup then maybe turn it up. Terminator Specifications: - T4 chassis 1371cc big bore G/flowed head and cams Star pipe 41mm FCR Carbs Nitrous system: TMC solenoids Shower head distribution blocks Big lines to soft plume foggers Schnitz progressive controller Dyna 4000 Pro ignition Rider:Mark Watkins(This guy could get a washing machine to run 8 seconds)
Hayabusa Specifications: - Standard chassis extended to 68" wheelbase and lowered Hi compression pistons std bore G/flowed head and cams Akrapovic system Modified Fuel injection Nitrous system: TMC solenoids Shower head distribution blocks Big lines to soft plume foggers Dyna 2000 ignition system Rider:Bradley O'Connor
Date: 13th February 2000
Headline: MRE goes CPE and PMFR
Dave Beck's love child, Jay Reagan of MRE, updated us on the news for their two machines for this year. As reported in an earlier gossip section, MRE will be running CPE power in the Pro Mod for this season, so expect Dave Beck to be even more competitive than in 99.
Jay was at PMFR last weekend with their other rider, Tom Perry, trying to finish up the all new Funnybike in replacement for the one purchased by our own Weight Watcher of the year, Chris Hannam. They hope to have it FedEx'd down to their HQ in Florida for next weekend in the hope of making the Prostar season opener in Gainesville. It sounds a really nice piece, Hahn Racecraft petrol injected with NOS injection, 14 x 31 rear tire, and a swoopy Katana body again. It will be all new so they expect some teething/shakedown issues before they realise their full potential.
Date: 13th February 2000
Headline: It's Furr!
It's now official, the first ever ADBA World Champion is Bill Furr of the US. A close side by side 6 second pass in the semis against Rob Van Geffen saw the Dutchman leave first, but Furr just edged it.
Semi Finals 1 Bill Furr .581 6.797 198.10 13 Rob Van Geffen .571 6.808 204.82
873 Ian Ashelford .473 7.172 178.14 7 Mark Connor .516 7.046 199.07
FINALS 7 Mark Connor .468 8.964 101.35 1 Bill Furr .528 6.902 192.06
WINNER - Bill Furr, ADBA Top Fuel World Champion
Date: 12th February 2000
Headline: Rob in semis!
After Charley Karling and Ton went out in the previous rounds, a fantastic showing to date has seen Rob Van Geffen of Holland through to the semis of the ADBA World Championships in Australia. He runs against Monique Koedams best friend in the penultimate round, Bill Furr. SF pairings: -
1 Bill Furr 13 Rob Van Geffen
873 Ian Ashelford 7 Mark Connor
Date: 12th February 2000
Headline: Tommy Smith plans a five!
Marty Kane reports that Tommy Smith will be coming into 2000 with the same engine they've been running in his former Elmer Trett-owned Top Fuel Bike. He is updating it with some new parts (B&J new style transmission, new multi-stage hydraulic clutch unit), and some much appreciated help from Steve and Larry McBride in the fuel system and tune-up departments.
"The bike should fly, I've just gotta get ready to be the second rider into the five's" said a joking Smith.
Date: 11th February 2000
Headline: Willis goes Promod
We hear that Paul Willis awaits the delivery of his all new Prostock bike chassis from the unlikliest of sources - Promod Car chassis fabricator extraordinaire Andy `Gus' Robinson. In a departure from the normal chassis solutions, Andy has agreed to build a chassis for Paul to ride for the coming season. It would seem that Andy's wild drive at Avon Park last season have not yet transpired to change Pauls mind (although the absence of a wing at the start of the run as well as at the end should result in a more predictable pass......).
Date: 10th February 2000
Headline: Seedings for the final ADBA round
As reported earlier, qualifying positions for the final of the three ADBA rounds is decided on points accrued from the previous two rounds of racing. Consequently there will be no formal qualifying for eliminations. The good news is that all the three Europeans have qualified in the top half of the field which poses a serious possibility for success. Clearly, if Roba dnCahrley can hold it together and on the track then they have an excellent chance of taking the title. Even TOn, who has not experienced the best of luck so far, can come good if it all comes together. Can't wait...... Qualifying positions as follows: -
1, Jim McClure, 227 2, Steve Moore, 187 3, Johnny Mancuso, 136 4, Rob Van Geffen, 131 5, William Hill, 127 6, Tom Pels, 126 7, Charley Karling, 112 8, Ken Kent, 85 9, Brett Jonas,82 10, Bill Furr, 68 11, Brett Stevens, 66 12, Ian Ashleford, 65 13, Mark Conner,63 14, Steve Little, 62 15, Greg Maclean, 62 16, Kim Leonard, 32 17, Joe Edmunds, 10
Date: 10th February 2000
Headline: Lies, lies and damn lies.......
Prostock veteran Len Paget has aked us to let it be known that the information supplied to us by our normally `reliable' sources regarding his Hayabusa engine plans are incorrect. Although he did consider this option, it no longer figures in any of his plans. In a not unconnected move, Steve Debben of Debben Performance would like it to be known that they were not the source of the incorrect information, and no grass of any description is on the Debben Performance premises. Hampshire Constabulary would also like it to be known that they are not planning a raid for class B substances on the premises either. Gossip are happy to set the record straight on these matters.....
Date: 9th February 2000
Headline: Trick bits for sale
In the absence of a classified ads column, we've decided to advertise a couple of goodies that have become excess to King racings requirements namely: -
Yamaha Chappy 80cc Monkey bike, excellent roadworthy condition, can be locked in low gear for heavy duty towing, now a collectors item - £275.
Revstore 10 Channel Datalogger from our Fuel Bike - £500 ono.
Date: 8th February 2000
Headline: The end for ACU Competition bike?
At the end of last year, we saw the sad sight of just four Comp bikes racing in their class. With the rumours that most of those (Ken Cooper, Chris Hall and Stephen French) will be moving into the higher profile Funnybike class, it may signal the end for the `orphans'. It seems that with more people building bikes to a particular class regulation, this catch all class may be nearing the end of it's life. We'd like to hear from anyone who plans to race ACU Competition Bike this season in case we've read the situation wrongly.
Date: 8th February 2000
Headline: McBride on a Harley?
It was recently noted that Top Fuel Bike rider Larry McBride and Nitro Harley pilot Mark Conner have agreed to swap rides in the US later this year. It would appear, however, that the agreement was struck during one of those legendary Aussie barbies, and so it may just have been drink talking.......
Date: 7th February 2000
Headline: Prostock news # 3
We have it on good authority (well from a grass at Debben Performance anyway) that the Fred Astaire of the startline, Prostock stalwart Len Paget, is completing an all new Suzuki Hayabusa engine for Prostock bike for this season. In a radical switch away from the `old generation' GSX engines, Len hopes to release the undoubted power advantage that can be gained from the newer engines, but keeping the lighter cases and crankshafts in one piece could be the biggest challenge.
Date: 7th February 2000
Headline: ADBA World Series Points
With one round of the ADBA World Series in Australia left, the points standings for the top eight are as follows: -
McClure 227 Moore 187 Mancuso 136 Van Geffen 131 Hill 127 Pels 126 Karling 112 Kent 85
Date: 6th February 2000
Headline: Lynes lines up a full season
Steve Lynes reports that after bad luck last year, he plans to return to Prostock bike with a vengeance for 2000. Sporting what is fundamentally a Star engine and a Dyna 4000 ignition (at last!) he plans to step up his performance for the coming season.
Date: 6th February 2000
Headline: News from the Willem Been camp
Karl Thiecke, past Fuel Harley pilot and current crew chief for Willem Been reports that Willem was also refused entry to Australia a few years ago when he tried to attend the funeral of a friend. He tried the services of a lawyer, but got nowhere. They don't see a problem with the U.S. for next years World Championships and plan to focus on the coming FIM/UEM championships to once again qualify. As Karl so eloquently put it `it seems the Immigration laws in the US are a little less insane'.
Date: 5th February 2000
Headline: McClure wins again!
Wildcard entrant Jim McClure took win number two at the ADBA World finals round 2. Despite impressive showings in qualifying for the Europeans, the eliminations saw various problems negating their earlier promise: - WILLOWBANK RACEWAY TOP FUEL ROUND 1 # Rider Reaction E.T. MPH 21 JOHN MANCUSO 0.486 6.722 205.95 Fantastic run - off the end of the track though, stepped out of it and the bike into tyres but rider oK 3841 KEN KENT 0.487 7.398 191.00 3 TON PELS 0.565 7.203 177.24 Kent had problems, Pels takes a good win 13 ROB VAN GEFFEN 0.520 7.037 195.57 516 STEVE LITTLE .608 9.677 88.20 Little's wheelie bar came apart 6 STEVE MOORE 0.530 7.177 175.99 649 BRETT STEVENS 0.594 7.703 167.79 A great run by Moore, he takes the win 4 ANDERS KARLING 0.610 6.953 188.99 98 GREG McLEAN 0.555 8.21 149.7 What a pass by Karling - cuts the throttle early 873 IAN ASHELFORD 0.458 7.290 185.80 2795 JIM McCLURE 0.475 7.013 171.95 The Judges bike just cleaned out and ran 1 BILL FURR 0..524 29.167 14.13 1651 BRETT JONAS 0.560 7.752 167.35 Strong take off from Furr but run developed problems 45 WARREN HILL 0.689 7.432 192.22 7 MARK CONNOR 0.462 7.686 151.11 Great lite from Connor but Hill came up with huge power change ROUND 2 21 JOHN MANCUSO No show 3 TON PELS .790 Pels was lucky to have the single run - needed to be towed off track 13 ROB VAN GEFFEN 10.00 6 STEVE MOORE .453 7.633 150.24 Rob Van Geffen never left the line and Moore put together a solid run. 4 ANDERS KARLING .556 9.791 86.84 2795 JIM McCLURE .448 6.860 193.22 Karling breaks a timing belt while in the other lane McClure puts together a another patented great pass 1651 BRETT JONAS .641 12.624 62.22 45 WARREN HILL .819 7.709 168.6 Jonas had Hill covered from the start but then developed problems ROUND 3 3 TON PELS 6 STEVE MOORE .535 8.466 136.99 Ton's problem is terminal for the night - a broken cam lobe. Steve Moore lets us see some some tyre smoke then eases on down with a smooth run. Is this an action replay? 2795 JIM McCLURE .490 6.994 188.05 45 WARREN HILL .656 7.381 189.55 Hole shot and off for the win - the Judge! in the final again. Can Steve reverse the result from last week? FINALS 2795 JIM McCLURE .462 7.010 195.57 6 STEVE MOORE .503 7.227 168.16 The M&M Show of Moore & McClure go side by side right out to about the 660ft line. Once there, McClure seems to be making better use of the power and bangs home win No 2. Adelaide, here we come.... WINNER - JIM McCLURE
Date: 5th February 2000
Headline: Yesterdays ADBA qualifying at Willowbank
Top Fuel Qualifying
Round 1
21 JOHN MANCUSO 6.855 205.76 1 BILL FURR 6.962 196.68 13 ROB VAN GEFFEN 6.983 199.38 6 STEVE MOORE 7.017 181.82 3 TON PELS 7.321 169.17 3841 KEN KENT 7.419 186.26 873 IAN ASHELFORD 7.509 183.45 2795 JIM McCLURE 7.532 167.60 7 MARK CONNOR 7.554 154.96 649 BRETT STEVENS 7.680 168.86 516 STEVE LITTLE 7.766 171.76 1651 BRETT JONAS 7.849 141.51 45 WARREN HILL 7.876 185.11 98 GREG McLEAN 8.801 122.88 4 ANDERS KARLING 9.241 97.40
Round 2
21 JOHN MANCUSO 6.749 205.57 4 ANDERS KARLING 6.764 200.89 1 BILL FURR 6.952 196.25 13 ROB VAN GEFFEN 6.983 199.38 6 STEVE MOORE 7.017 181.82 45 WARREN HILL 7.045 195.99 873 IAN ASHELFORD 7.171 189.79 3 TON PELS 7.321 169.17 3841 KEN KENT 7.419 186.26 2795 JIM McCLURE 7.427 173.54 7 MARK CONNOR 7.481 151.77 649 BRETT STEVENS 7.680 168.86 516 STEVE LITTLE 7.766 171.76 1651 BRETT JONAS 7.849 141.51 98 GREG McLEAN 8.490 144.14
Date: 4th February 2000
Headline: Calder Park qualifying
We've just received notification of the qualification lists for last weeks round. The great news as can be seen was that all the Europeans qualified within the top five out of eighteen positions! We await the news of this weekends round with bated breath.
Calder Park World Series Top Fuel Qualifying Bike Name Best Run Best Run Top Run ET MPH MPH 21 JOHN MANCUSO 6.827 201.61 201.61 4 ANDERS KARLING 6.901 204.26 204.26 13 ROB VAN GEFFEN 6.948 200.49 200.49 2795 JIM MCCLURE 6.991 197.15 197.15 3 TON PELS 7.024 195.77 195.77 649 BRETT STEVENS 7.219 179.53 179.53 6 STEVE MOORE 7.228 186.6 186.91 45 WARREN HILL 7.321 195.43 195.43 873 IAN ASHELFORD 7.388 188.56 188.56 1 BILL FURR 7.404 184.46 184.46 3841 KEN KENT 7.681 192.47 192.47 2845 KIM LEONARD 7.743 171.26 171.26 98 GREG MACLEAN 7.759 157.42 157.42 7 MARK CONNER 7.787 149.92 149.92 1651 BRETT JONAS 7.829 159.29 159.29 516 STEVE LITTLE 7.834 170.42 170.42 2688 JOE EDMUNDS 7.981 170.58 170.58 987 PETER PEARCE 8.847 97.32 97.32
Date: 4th February 2000
Headline: Caldaer
Calder Park World Series Top Fuel Qualifying Bike Name Best Run Best Run Top Run ET MPH MPH 21 JOHN MANCUSO 6.827 201.61 201.61 4 ANDERS KARLING 6.901 204.26 204.26 13 ROB VAN GEFFEN 6.948 200.49 200.49 2795 JIM MCCLURE 6.991 197.15 197.15 3 TON PELS 7.024 195.77 195.77 649 BRETT STEVENS 7.219 179.53 179.53 6 STEVE MOORE 7.228 186.6 186.91 45 WARREN HILL 7.321 195.43 195.43 873 IAN ASHELFORD 7.388 188.56 188.56 1 BILL FURR 7.404 184.46 184.46 3841 KEN KENT 7.681 192.47 192.47 2845 KIM LEONARD 7.743 171.26 171.26 98 GREG MACLEAN 7.759 157.42 157.42 7 MARK CONNER 7.787 149.92 149.92 1651 BRETT JONAS 7.829 159.29 159.29 516 STEVE LITTLE 7.834 170.42 170.42 2688 JOE EDMUNDS 7.981 170.58 170.58 987 PETER PEARCE 8.847 97.32 97.32
Date: 4th February 2000
Headline: News from down under.
About the race this weekend at WillowBank, Peter Salmon of the ADBA made a prediction. "This weekend, I’d say the air will be more suited to what the American’s know. I’d say we’ll see Johnny (Mancuso) and (Bill) Furr excel this weekend. In Adelaide, it’s back into McClure and Kenny’s corner. It’ll be a really good race. The top speed in Australia is currently held by Swedens Charley Karling, with Rob Van Geffen on the other blown bike not far behind. Everyone on the tour is anxiously awaiting a decision by the Australian government about allowing Canadian Champ Ron Houniet into the country. An attorney was hired and a second request for entry was placed. Houniet may actually be able to arrive on Saturday, get in two qualifying passes and be in eliminations. No action of this type has been known to have been taken by Holland's Willem Been who was refused entry for the same reasons, membership of the Hells Angels. Next years ADBA World Championships are scheduled to take place in the US. It will be interesting to see the stance taken by US immigration with members of back patch clubs.
Date: 3rd February 2000
Headline: Prostock news # 2
Paul King, owner of the unique ex Byron Hines OWO1 Yamaha Stocker, is nearing completion of his home brewed Billet cylinder head for use in the coming season. Paul who keeps himself busy as a Private Investigator when not racing, is looking into valve angles before hitting the finish button on his mill.
Date: 3rd February 2000
Headline: Prostock news
Chris Tombelson of Straightline Racing received delivery of his new Ward Vortex head a few days ago. The Vortex head is the one used by EVERY NHRA Prostock bike (or so the ad said!)in current competition. Unfortunately, this does not come cheap and little change is left out of $5000. Larry McBride recently changed to a Vortex head on his Puma Fuel Bike and immediately stepped up to the 5 second zone that immortalised him. Ward bought the old MTC head pattern and tooling from Tony Lang, developed it on a little, and hey presto, it's the head to have again. Chris will mate the engine to his recent rolling chassis acquistion from Paul Gast and hopes for great things. Better keep off the Mars bars too eh Chris?
Date: 1st February 2000
Headline: Blakemores funny
Tim Blakemore reports that his 2000 season Kawasaki Funnybike is nearing completion. Sporting an all new chassis fabricated in the workshop of ex racer Dave Branch, and with an MTC head, Tim is expecting great things for this season. It looks like wrenching the Funnybike crown from him will be an onerous task for 2000.
Date: 1st February 2000
Headline: Karling calls in.....
CHARLEY KARLING, FOLLOWING THE MELBOURNE ADBA RACE Monday, January 31, 2000 The Karling Racing team is very exited about being here in Australia. Just the opportunity to meet all the nice people in dragracing is worth the effort of coming here. Our local hosts as well as ADBA is taking excellent care of us and provide the best possible service. Everything is well organized and the racing is great. We did some minor changes to the bike before we left Sweden and they all turn out the way it was expected. We are only one of two blown bikes in the event and we were afraid we would run in to shortage of time between rounds as we run one day events. Our blown engine needs some extra service compared to the injected ones but even this turned out well. To be second qualifier in this starting lineup was over our expectations. Running the highest top speed of the event shows we got the power to give our competitors a good race for the championship. We lost in the second run due to lost traction at half track. This also happened to the number one qualifier, John Mancuso, in the same lane at the same spot so it seem like the track was a bigger problem then our performance. We are now looking forward to race at Brisbane and no repairs are needed prior to the event. The local weather is far from European and it will be a new experience to tune the bike for this. Finally, I would like to point out how great this championship is for our sport. It boosts interest and prestige for our own series back in Europe as well as dragracing in general. Anders "Charley" Karling
