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Date: 31st January 2001
Headline: Screamin' Eagle to support AHDRA series
It has been announced that following on from the arrangement with the IHRA Nitro Harley series, the Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts division of Harley-Davidson are to support the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) by way of the `Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts series'.
At the end of the series, the top ten plate holders in the 14 AHDRA quarter-mile classes ranging from the Nitro Bikes through to stock Sportster XL and Buell classes will receive a cash bonus.
"The AHDRA Screamin' Eagle Challenge is part of our growing commitment to provide Harley owners and enthusiasts with great opportunities to race their Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles," said Mike Kennedy, director of Harley-Davidson Parts and Accessories. "In addition, I'm pleased to announce that this season's rider payout is the richest in AHDRA history. As the participation of our customers in motorsports continues to grow, we've increased our commitment. We look forward to our continued relationship with the team at AHDRA."
AHDRA events typically include a charity ride, bike show, extensive midway, quality food vendors and souvenirs.
"This is a dream come true for AHDRA," says Marty Tharpe, owner of AHDRA. "Our ticket gate sales continue to grow at a rapid pace, which tells us we are delivering the type of excitement Harley-Davidson enthusiasts are looking for. These events are of great value to Harley-Davidson enthusiasts and racing fans, as well as Harley-Davidson dealers around the country. We've been raising the bar in appearance and professionalism through growth and the caliber of competition of our events."
Date: 31st January 2001
Headline: Maltese Book of British Hit Singles
A new CD for King Racing's Roger Forsythe on the HRD label entitled `Plumbers Nightmare'. Featuring the Shadows, Bill Haley & the Comets, Prince for the scooter lovers, the Lightning Seeds, a dedication from Don McLean with Vincent, and with the well known musical flight consultant and provider of subdued lighting the one and only Mr Miller.
Falcon
Gossip comment:-
We read in NME that the special collectors edition contains the bonus tracks `Meteor Man' by Dee D Jackson and `Who put the Bomp' by the Viscounts.......
Date: 31st January 2001
Headline: AMA/Prostar Schedule for Professional Classes
AMA/Prostar has announced the Professional schedule for National events. For the 2001 season, Pro Modified, Pro Stock, Superbike and Streetbike Shootout will be featured at all eight AMA/Prostar National events including the newest National event, Dragfest in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Top Fuel will be featured at the 1st Gainesville event, Atlanta, Canada, Indy and the World Finals. Funnybike will be featured at all events except Atco. Streetbike Shootout will be ran at Atco in place of Funnybike and Top Fuel will be featured as an exhibition. For more information regarding the full schedule go to http://www.amaprostar.com
Date: 30th January 2001
Headline: Superbike Magazine article
Look like we're being spoilt! The latest edition of Superbike (March 2001) has an extensive four page colour article written as a result of a trip by Superbike journalist (sic) Wozza to the Prostar Finals in Gainesville in November, and centred around Larry McBride. The only problem is that it's so factually incorrect it's embarassing! Wozza talks about Methanol as the fuel, 1000 Kgs as a typical weight when it is in reality half that, and Chris Hand riding a Harley when he rides a 4 Cyl Puma! The list of errors is endless. The biggest crime, however, is that he neglects to mention that any Europeans were at that meeting, and despite fawning over Larry and the fuel bikes, makes no mention of last years event winner, and this years number one qualifier coming from England (Brian Johnson), or even last years shock winner in the first round against Larry competing at the meeting, Ian King.
Date: 30th January 2001
Headline: Sidewinder required
Hi, I crew for Paul Wing. I am going into 10.90 next season, but am exhaust pipeless!! I'm looking for a 4 into one sidewinder, Vance and Hines or similar. If anyone knows of anyone that might have one please let me know.
Thanks, Lizz McCarthy, email joan.graham@croucher69.fsnet.co.uk
Gossip comment:-
We hope you get one before the season starts. The King Racing team does not any early morning calls for one from Paul at the racetrack like the one for gloves at 6.30 am....
Date: 30th January 2001
Headline: Crew Chief Required
Tony Clark's crew chief Ian (yes dear, no dear, whatever you say dear) is quitting the team due to "family commitments". Therefore, Tony is looking for someone, preferably in the Berkshire area, to replace him. If you think you may be able to help please contact me for a chat.
Red Ken - Team Cooperized:- 0208-384-5921 or ken.cooper1@virgin.net
P.S. I am off to the States again on the 13th Feb to do some testing and race at the season opener in Gainesville so I am putting a shopping list together for anyone that needs anything bringing back. Contact me on the above numbers. Red Ken
Date: 30th January 2001
Headline: Help PLEASE!
Hi guys, I'm just an amateur, only started playing last year. I need some help, can anyone tell me where I can get a one piece glass bodywork for my Katana? It doesn't have to be that style, anything that I can chop to fit as cheaply as possible please. These dragbikes don't arf eat money!
Joe Aimes, email joe.aimes@virgin.net
Gossip comment:-
We assume you mean a standard Katana frame? There are bodies available for dragbike chassis', for example Prostock frames etc. What about something from a Superstreet Bike? Is Coll Rule still making bodies? Does anyone know? Surely someone has an old SSB body they can sell to Joe.
Date: 30th January 2001
Headline: Multilingual Psychol, who are you?
Supa Psychol, how clever of you to write in Maltese but did you really want us to know what you do with goats? Tickets to Malta now available, ring me on 01345 581 195
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 29th January 2001
Headline: Top Fuel Bikes at NHRA during 2001
British born, but US naturalized Top Fuel Bike star Chris Hand has informed us that the tentative schedule for Top Fuel Bike demos at NHRA meetings during 2001 includes Topeka, Indy, Chicago 2 and Dallas.
Date: 29th January 2001
Headline: Twas not me!
Spencer Tramm has asked us to point out that he is not the `Trencer Spamm' that posted the last gossip article regarding Darren Winnard. However, Gossip does know and will be looking out for the phantom gossip poster in the future - we have your IP address!
Date: 29th January 2001
Headline: Holland sells to Lancaster?
Dutch Dave informs us that Streetfighters Straightliners competitor Adam Lancaster has bought his British Championship winning Superstreet Bike for an undisclosed sum. Both Dutch and Gossip wish Adam good luck for the coming season.
Date: 29th January 2001
Headline: Max Banks 123 from 125......
Aprilia RS 125 doing a genuine 123 MPH!!! Full Arrows system, Gas flowed ports, larger inlet diameter by 2mm. Geared up by 2 teeth less on rear sprocket.
Max Banks - saucydevil69@hotmail.com
Gossip comment:- Sound like a max bank to us...
Date: 28th January 2001
Headline: The Falcon's still preying??
Glad to hear you're still with the program Bernie - after all Pit Lane Gossip would be a lesser vehicle without your esoteric convulutism and epea pteroenta?
Who's Brian Tozer? Did he ride Jindvick?
PS Still haven't received tickets for my Maltese cruise
Supa Psychol
Date: 28th January 2001
Headline: Oh Brother, where art thou?
What's happened to the vociferous Darren Winnard? Has he fallen off Wigan Pier?
Trencer Spamm
Date: 28th January 2001
Headline: Barcelona / Gardermoen
In the past Rico has organised the Barcelona event twice. They were both "invitational only" and just demo runs. Our team was part of this show once. Though traction is s***, there was a good number of spectators and a very good response.
Regarding Gardermoen, very good decision, Thank you!
Marius van der Zijden / Koedam Racing Holland
Date: 28th January 2001
Headline: Old fart??
All old farts called Neville or Roger had a Vincent and probably listened to Don Mcclean 'cause they thought he was singing about them.
Bernie Hepworth
Gossip comment:-
Maybe we shouldn't ask multiple Vincent owner (inc. Pegasus) King Racing Team Engineer Roger Forsythe what he'd like on the CD.......
Date: 27th January 2001
Headline: Pro Stock Harley rule changes
The NHRA have announced changes to the rules for Pro Stock Harley Davidsons. The maximum permitted capacity and weight break is now a massive 200 cubic inch, 3278 cc @ 600 lbs (from 160 cid, 2622cc @ 550 lbs). It also seems that they will now accept aftermarket cases with any angle of V between 45 degrees (std) and 60 degrees.
It is likely that the ACU will accept these changes for 2002, but may accept these rule changes for 2001 should any riders or teams make an application to the ACU co - ordinator Ian King on acu@kingracing.com
Date: 27th January 2001
Headline: Pro Stock rider falls....
Rob Geiger of NHRA.com just reported an incident that occurred during official NHRA testing at Houston today:
"A very scary moment occurred during one of the Pro Stock Bike runs. Newcomer Dennis Maranti, a computer programmer looking to break into the class, was executing some licensing passes when he separated from his Suzuki just after the scoreboard. Maranti had logged a 7.658-second lap at 177.81 mph and slid for several hundred feet before coming to rest against the guardwall. Fortunately, he suffered only minor injuries and was examined by an EMS crew and released. He later went to the hospital with friction injuries to both of his hands."
Gossip is aware that Dennis has been working on an all new Prostock HONDA, and was using the Suzuki to get his NHRA licence.
Date: 27th January 2001
Headline: Upcoming events!
At last, our Upcoming Events page has been updated for 2001. The only change needed is, as recently reported, the date for Gardermoen is now one week earlier.
Many thanks to Tom Ward and Andy Rogers for their help in updating the page.
Date: 27th January 2001
Headline: Dragracing in Spain?
One of our readers has asked us whether there is a dragrace series including bikes in Spain this year. As we are only aware in recent history of the events that Rico Anthes ran (runs?) in Barcelona, we could not answer him. Anyone else know?
Date: 27th January 2001
Headline: Bernies reply!
It's nothing to do with comments about the quiz thing - in fact I have been pleased with & amused by the response and at last have answers. Although I don't recognise the alias, perhaps they could enlighten me who they are as they obviously know me from on the buses. As I am laid up ill I have had a lot of time to mess about hence more postings. The Yorkshire heroes versus the over the hill pie munchers is the thing. It's like a school yard and if this is the 'bike thing' as you put it then so be it. It should be obvious to all that the Yorkshire racers are superior and if this is disputed by anyone Cannon will sit on them.
Gossip comment:-
Now that's more like it, so you are on the program after all! All us bikers are overgrown kids anyway (well that's what the women tell us).
Get well soon.
Date: 27th January 2001
Headline: Gardermoen
Gardermoen date change = HURRAY!
Mikael Malmberg - Sweden
Date: 27th January 2001
Headline: Come on Bern!
Sorry to see Bernie's post, doesn't he realise this could be the start of something interesting?
I look forward to seeing the 'grudge' (tongue in cheek) racing that is about to start in Funnybike. Surely he understands that this is all part of the off season benchracing that takes place in this sport.
Regards, Brian Tozer
Date: 26th January 2001
Headline: Norway UEM / FIA date change
We have just received the good news that after the furore surrounding the plan for the Norway round of the FIA / UEM Championship round to be two weeks after the Swedish round rather than the tradition of the following week, the date has now been confirmed in it's `old' date straight after the Swedish round.
We received the following mail with the news:-
"We are pleased to inform you that the Norwegian Drag Bike EC-round will be Organized for August 3rd - 5th, 2001 by the Norwegian Organizer : Norsk Dragracing Gardermoen (NDRG). E-mail adress for the Organizer: thor.larsen@ah.enitel.no
Med vennlig hilsen/ Best Regards Norges Motorsykkelforbund/ The Norwegian Motorcycle Federation"
Of course, this also applies to the FIA Car round that will be staged at the same event. This is good news for all th drivers and riders who were wondering what to do in the two weeks between the old dates.
Date: 26th January 2001
Headline: Bye from Bern.......
I commented some time ago that this could end up as a slanging forum. I now give up on it, Bye.
Bernie Hepworth.
Gossip comment:
Surely you can take the sly comments to your questions.........?
Seriously, you obviously haven't spent enough time around the bikes to be `with the program'! If you were you would understand that this is normal banter between our `chattering classes'!
Date: 26th January 2001
Headline: Turbo's treatment...
Drag Race photographer and crew uniform specialist Ian Turberville is the latest subject of a interview at popular US Dragbike site Stripbike.com.
Read all about Ian at http://www.stripbike.com/turboville.html
Date: 26th January 2001
Headline: Cheap Racing!!!
If you've always dreamt of being a racer but have never got close then Santa Pod Raceway near Wellingborough may well have the answer. The track regularly opens its doors to the public for a series of Run What Ya Brung public test days and this year the racing calendar starts earlier than ever.
You don't have to apply for a race licence, you don't have to stick on race numbers or tape over your lights, you don't even have to own a fast car or bike! Your mum's Fiesta or a street bike would do the job fine and most of the drivers who come along will be racing in normal road cars and bikes. Some, however, may have slight modifications or even be professional racers in their drag cars and bikes but don't worry, you won't be pitched against a 300mph Top Fuel Dragster!
The only thing you need to go drag racing at the famous Santa Pod Raceway is a valid UK driving licence, £8 for admission and a £10 signing-on fee. You'll be entitled to unlimited runs or as many as your nerves will allow! After each run you'll receive a personal performance print-out showing your reaction times to the start lights, quarter-mile and eighth-mile times, and eighth-mile and quarter-mile speed. If you really get hooked you could then apply for a competition licence and enter a street class at a proper race meeting because, don't forget, the RWYB days are how most of the professional racers get started.
RWYB days will be held at Santa Pod Raceway on the following Sundays:
January 28, February 11, February 25, March 11, March 25, April 8, April 29, May 20, June 17, June 24, July 15, August 5, August 19, September 2, September 9, September 30, October 14, October 28, November 4 and November 18
The venue normally opens at 8.00am with track runs starting at 10.00am-5pm. NB: Don't forget your driving licence! Helmets required for RWYB bikes and open top cars.
For further information call Santa Pod on 08700 782828 or email info@santapod.com
Date: 26th January 2001
Headline: Old farts quiz
There was a 'Neville Higgins' who rode a Vincent in the sixties, I'm unable to confirm the name of the bike!
Kelvin Fagan
Date: 26th January 2001
Headline: Wanted!
HELP! Anybody know where I can get a fibreglass body kit for a 1100 Katana used /new / whatever?!
Joe Aimes : joe.aimes@virgin.net
Date: 25th January 2001
Headline: War of the Roses......
Ah well, Mr. C. I don't think it's very nice and rather base of you to defecate all over that delightful Mr. King's web site by using personal derogatory insults, they only serve to enhance my perception of you as being a typical 'Sun' reader. The aforementioned article entitled "track cleaner" would have been perfectly understandable to anybody with a modicum of intelligence and an appreciation of the English language, so long as that intelligence was of a level higher than that achieved by an average 11 year old. Unfortunately I overestimated the level of your intelligence and therefore feel it only right and just that I explain briefly the subject / content of the offending article as simply as feasible using words with as few syllables as possible. It quite simply was a referral to your 'premature ejaculation' whilst racing the almighty Mr. Clark and your inability to 'stage it up properly' prior to said ejaculation. In other words you cocked it up. You only seem able to fanfaronade your personae and the adjectives subtle, demure and charming are ones best omitted. As is the explanation of a pseudonym to which you do not seem party to understanding. Championships are built on reliability, longevity, innovation and an ability to qualify higher than the bump spot and proceed further than the first round. None of which seem to figure largely in your race plan. The only consistency that you have achieved to this day is a uniform film of dust in your trophy cabinet!! Unfortunately I feel that my reply may also be wasted on an ignoramus of insurmountable proportions and would be grateful if you would ring Mark Hope in an effort to clarify my response.
Love "Yorkshire"
ps: How much does it cost to have the suspension on a Porsche uprated on one side and how much are the monthly payments?? BTW I don't live in Blackburn anymore, I've moved to somewhere rather more posh where the locals partake of 'alcohole'.
Ian Dales
Date: 25th January 2001
Headline: Danish Nationals 2001
The Danish Drag Racing season 2001 has been finalized as follows:
Danish Nationals 2001, 11-12 August, Vandel Dragway, Denmark.
The event will host a round of the Nordic Drag Racing Series with thefollowing classes: Competition, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, RealStreet and Junior Dragster. The bike classes are still to be finalized. Due to financial circumstances there will only be one event in Denmark this year. National Dragracing Club Denmark (NDCD) looks forward to meet drivers, riders and fans in Vandel.
Date: 25th January 2001
Headline: Watership Down?
Maltese competition licences are ten lire (16 quid). The qualifying requirements are the cash plus a bottle of wine and a rabbit for the secretary. The licence covers all classes.
Gossip comment:
What does the rabbit cover?
Date: 25th January 2001
Headline: Track cleaning opportunity
I understand Roger Lloyd Pack is interested in quoting for the works.
Anon.
Date: 25th January 2001
Headline: Quiz time clues
Does no one remember Neville?
Date: 24th January 2001
Headline: Rockerfeller RANTS!
Reference recent postings on gossip, I feel the need to SHOUT again. 1st point the hairy little s**t, the author of that article that nobody but him understood actually lives in Blackburn Lancashire not Yorkshire. Please do not tar us with that brush again, people who only come 3rd in their championships should probably look to their crew chief as a reason why they didn't win the title - can he actually be arsed any more?
Next as for keeping me on the bump spot bring it on boys, if you cant beat the fat bloke it's a bad state of affairs, and it will be harder this year as I've been spending large amounts of cash for 2001. 1st I've ordered a new Porsche, a WR400 Yam for keeping my hand in and all the local takeaways have had an increase in turnover since we got back from Gainsville as I need to get back to my race weight of 30 stone to give you guys a chance.
As for the bike, it's good enough to kick ass already.
We will be attending the MRE Sunshine nationals in March to fine tune every thing for this year so if anybody wants anything bringing home give me a call.
Regards to all, Cannon
Gossip comment:- We only know the Yorkshire Dales.
Date: 24th January 2001
Headline: Spy in Beirut dishing the dirt
I was in Beirut watching Pip gardening and from under a stone emerged one of the murkiest things from his past - Tony Howarth, fabled Walkden cash register expert. Pip is now indoors resting his ego.
Date: 24th January 2001
Headline: Malteaser
How do make a Maltese Cross?
Take away his competition licence!
:-) Kelvin Fagan
Date: 24th January 2001
Headline: Unanswered Questions
I knew about the paper tiger but didn't want the prize. Don't avoid this subject. Who rode Jindivick ?? C'mon Psychol & Fagan, give me the answer!
Bernie@home
Date: 23rd January 2001
Headline: Patent track cleaner.......
After frenzied calls from various Funny bike riders looking for names, we've been asked to reveal the the author of the aforementioned article is a certain Prostock Bike crewchief who goes by the pseudonym of `Yorkshire'.........
Date: 23rd January 2001
Headline: We're comin after ya Big Boy!
Mike Chislett reported on the progress of his ex Paul Willis, ex Martin Peck, ex Augy Harrison Funnybike. He explained that he was in the process of lightening it up with a better front end and wheel with a target of keeping Cannon in his place i.e. on the bump spot....
Date: 23rd Januaray 2001
Headline: Puma Engineering's Pete Davis article
I have had a talk with the publisher of Bike magazine and they told me that the article on Pete Davis will not be in the next issue. I was told that this article is likely to appear in the April issue, maybe later.
Regards, Ton Bijaart, Holland
Date: 23rd January 2001
Headline: Who wants to be a Maltesonaire?
Well done Kelvin your knowledge of the golden oldies is excellent but only two answers Falcon? - 'You are the weakest link - Goodbye!' Kelvin can now look forward to his trip around the Santa Pod Pleasuredome accompanied by Big Nora from Wellingborough.
Supa Psychol
Date: 22nd January 2001
Headline: Pete's plans
Tog of Eurodragster reports that UK Super Street Bike racer Pete Bellinie has made a start on his new Super Street Bike after selling his previous mid-eight second SSB to a team in Holland. "The bike is progressing slowly, very slowly!", says Pete. "I now have all the main ingredients to have the frame builder make a start, even an engine. I didn't know how hard a Hayabusa engine is to get hold of, a six hundred mile round trip to a place called Burscough eventually produced one. The Dave Shultz body kit arrived back from the USA in the Brian Johnson's container, thanks to BJ and Ian King. The frame is being built by Lee at Steelheart Engineering - it will be the prettiest frame out there and hopefully the quickest, although not this year. It would be nice, but it should still be very competitive. I've got lots of expensive electrics to play with as well!"
Date: 22nd January 2001
Headline: Chilean Goodyears
Tommy Smith, rider of the ex Elmer Trett Top Fuel bike has commented as to the ongoing problems with slick tyres Goodyear moved production from the US to Chile:-
"I talked to the Goodyear rep a couple of days ago who attends all of the NHRA events. He informed me that as of November they had changed the manufacturing process involved with the Chilean 1702's. He sounded very confident that this should cure the ill's of these tyres. We had them out of round by as much as 1/4" and even had one that was going to take over a pound of lead just to balance out. We haven't had any with varying circumference side to side but I have seen several of them out there. We were just lucky in that respect."
Tommy Smith - Top Fuel
Date: 22nd January 2001
Headline: Now back in Yorkshire, rain in Malta
Supa Psychol, I'll also only try answer two as I don't want the prize either. Jus Blue - Mr Warne, Locomotion Mr Lloyd Kimber - now happily retired and alas no more Plaxtons to mutilate.
The Falcon.
Date: 22nd Janauary 2001
Headline: Malteasers
Here are the answers to the latest quiz, and I still have all 3 lifelines!!:-
John Lloyd rode 'Locomotion', Ted Dunmow rode 'Paper Tiger', Mick Warne rode 'Jus blue'
Kelvin Fagan
Date: 22nd january 2001
Headline: Brentwood show
Eurodragster webmaster extraordinaire Tog counted two bikes at Brentwood at the weekend, Ken Coopers Hirebusa and Paul `Grumpy' Watson's bike.
Grumpy was at the show and all the time Tog was there he doesn't think he saw him on his own - he was doing sterling service talking to visitors.
Well done Paul!!!
Date: 22nd January 2001
Headline: Gary Clark Patent Track Cleaning Machine.
Rumour has it that Gary Clark was stunningly overwhelmed by the performance of his latest innovation recently tested at Gainesville, Florida. Although he later had to confess about the limited use, and restriction to first round application only [after deeper analysis he also commented that it could not be relied upon to perform under those circumstances either]. On reflection the total outlay for importing the rig did not come anywhere near to justifying the improvement in performance but has since stated that the loan of any such future equipment from the UK would be gratefully acknowledged. However, the cost of running the track cleaner and associated crew would have to be met by other funny bike teams but this may not be possible as the aforementioned track cleaner may only be available for use at future events in the Top Fuel class where it is rumoured to have even greater cleaning potential. (Stink on!)
Date: 21st January 2001
Headline: Maltese quiz
Come on Falcon, details on 2 riders must be worth at least a 7 day break for two (on half board basis) in a quality hotel in Malta!
Here's a little Malteaser for you and your fellow members of the Kimber-Smith Coach Refurbishment Association Inc.:-
Who rode: Jus' Blue; Locomotion; Paper Tiger? First prize for getting them right is a guided tour of Santa Pod Raceway Pleasuredome.
Supa Psychol
Date: 21st January 2001
Headline: New Dragbike.com partnership
Following on from the tragic death of Dragbike.com owner Marty Kane, it has been revealed that the site and it's assets (inc. those of sister site racepages.com) had been willed to Prostar owner Keith 'Scooter' Kizer. Subsequently, Scooter has formed a partnership with photographer Matt Polito and web expert Scott Valetti to run the popular site.
Date: 21st January 2001
Headline: This week's 'dish the dirt' on Pip
He was on telly as well - in 'Run around with Mike Reid' (the former Eastbenders publican). More next week.
Spy in Beirut
Date: 20th January 2001
Headline: That's ma boy!
Hi there in the UK! My name is Frank Burdynski. I'm the proud father of John Burdynski, the #1 plate holder in SS/Buell in the ADBA. Do you fellas race any Buells over there in the motherland and if so we're curious about your times and speeds. We also wonder if you fellows ever might come racing here in the colonies? My son has raced in the 2000 world series of racing in Australia last February - placed #2 there I think. It's such good fun to compete in another country and we both (son and I ) look forward to watching you chaps race someday....hopefully over here in the colonies. Thanks for being a part of (our) sport.
With admiration, Frank John Burdynski - eviltwinracing@aol.com - We'd love to hear from you...thanks! again
Date: 20th January 2001
Headline: Maltese quiz
Dear Super Psychol,
Ian Ashwell; mmm very good but one rider needed for the holiday
Invalid carriages, seawater and Blackpool! must have been a friend of Kimber Smith
The Falcon
Date: 19th January 2001
Headline: Maltese quiz answers 2
e Satan - Ridden by Ian Ashwell until his demise then bought by Bill Fish (of Vinvalid fame - Vincent engine fitted to an invalid carriage chassis) who rode it at the Blackpool sprint (where he was last seen pouring seawater on the clutch to cool it down!). He had the engine upgraded by Derrick Chinn (or Ian Messenger - can't remember which one - Alzheimer's kicking in) but then flogged it to a museum so I believe.
Now do I qualify for a free holiday in Malta?
Supa Psychol
Date: 19th January 2001
Headline: Maltese quiz answers?
Right, wrong, wrong. What Xmas??
Date: 19th January 2001
Headline: In out, in out.......
News from the hokey cokey brothers is that the sale of Richard Gipps Prostock bike is now looking uncertain so he may be back this year. Richard is said to be a little disapointed as he'd just bought the wallpaper and the new p.c. was on order as was the coservatory. He still needs to sell one of his three engines to fund this year's racing so anyone wanting a Pro stock motor can contact him on UK 01553 674381 or talk to his hokey cokey mates at Straightline Racing on 01553 811855
Date: 18th January 2001
Headline: Lookin' good?
http://www.turboville.com are pleased to announce that, alongside our extensive range of polos, T's, jackets, caps, trousers etc., we can now offer superb quality, pro-team crew shirts in small numbers, to any design!
Normally, manufacturers require a minimum order of 30 shirts! These start at £30 each or £28 each for six and over, boy are they worth it! They are custom made for us in hard wearing, heavy-weight, poly cotton, any colours, piping, checks, appliques, even epaulettes like the F1 teams. Embroidery is extra and can be quoted for on submission of artwork, origination costs are £8 per thousand stitches (average cost for a left chest design is around £40, then a couple of quid for each such embroidery) it is all worth it! The Turboville.com team received sponsorship out of all proportion to its performance soley due to the fact that they made the effort and investment in looking good. We now have the backing to go fast and win! It works! The press will love you, the promoters will love you and your potential sponsors will get a very positive image of you. Customers so far this month include Ian King and Barry Sheavills. There is not much time to the first meet so contact us now for a quote. We can send you all you need via e-mail or snail-mail! Remember these garments are custom made for you so they take a little time, don't wait!
turboville@tesco.net
Date: 18th January 2001
Headline: German dragracing.
Dear Reader,
I am not really sure about what will be the future of drag racing in Germany.
Hopefully something comes together in a way described by PePe Calwer. Some of you are involved in this sport for long, long time and some of you used to race on German tracks. Let me describe the view of a German bike racer. I started as an active drag racer in 1994. Before this, I was a fan of drag racing for a very long time. I try to use facts (numbers):
1994 - my first drag race as a rider was at Drachten(NL). In competition bike we ran an A and a B pool field. At Zeltweg (Austria) we had 26 entries in the class. A-pool for FIM Championship with 8 bikes and a B-pool field for another 8 bike field was set up. One week later at Hockenheim we had 29 entries for Competition Bike and a full Pro Stock Bike field. At those days you could watch 8 fuel bikes and an international group of Comp- and Funny Bikes. Since then the number of particpants in the FIM classes have decreased every year. Take a look to the result lists of the FIM championship for the last 4 or 5 years. How many Germans are involved? Why do we not have dozen's of Pro Stockers, Funny's and Comp`s? How do you tell a newcomer that he has to go to other countries if he wants to start drag racing in one of the Pro Classes? To be honest, the biggest "race" in Europe is no longer a race for the Pro classes. It is an invitational show event. Yes you can go very fast at Hockenheim and you can have a lot fun there and you may enjoy a nice weekend there. But is this one event worth the effort to build and maintain a Funny Bike and hold together a complete race team? Racing means competition, therefore you need events and tracks AND competitors. To get these enthusiasts you should present an attractive sport with an interesting environment. And, I request the toilets for my sponsors and business partners I like to invite to a race. If you want to attract more spectators to find a financial backup you must apply for comparison of your sport with other attractive sport events. And they all have toilets!!!
Still hoping for more speed,
Thomas Joswig - TJ Funny Bike racing
E&M PP Frankfurt/Main
Gossip comment:
We believe that the decreasing fields in FIM / UEM competition is more down to travel / prize money. As you know, a few years ago the prize funds were halved at the request of the then promoters of events, and an entry fee was levied that had not been in place before. It is just not financially viable for the vast majority of riders to travel to all venues, especially the Sweden, Norway and Finland events (for central Europeans) and to Santa Pod and Germany (for the Scandanavian based) without assistance for ferry costs / fuel costs that have increased dramatically over the last couple of years. Also, the old A pool B pool system at least ensured that twice as many racers could make the long trip and have a cahnece of making eliminations. It's a long way to go not to race!
That apart, we do see your perspective on the German scene which is an issue in itself.
Date: 18th January 2001
Headline: Maltese quiz answers?
Dragwaye - Dave Lecoq Satan - Alf Hagon Jindivick - An Australian?
Weight? After xmas its anyones guess!!
Kelvin Fagan
Date: 17th January 2001
Headline: NitrOlympics and the European Championship
We heard from Rico Anthes yesterday who corrected us on the point that Keith and he had the discussion over the FIM/ UEM Championship. It was, in fact, Kjell Pettersson who discussed the topic with Rico. It was a mistake on Gossip's part as Keith had indeed said it was Kjell and not he. We're happy to set the record straight!
Rico explained that he had discussed the possibilities for the return of the Championship to Hockenheim in the future, but it was a shame that this discussion had not taken place by December last year as it could have saved the round for 2001. As he has already printed over 120,000 flyers and mailed a press release regarding the 2001 Nitro Challenge, it has passed the point of no return for this year. He finished by saying `Sorry racers, don't blame me'.
So, the possibilities for a return of the Chmapionship to Hockenheim is not ruled out for the future, and we're pleased to hear that the parties involved are looking for a way forward.
Gossip would like to thank both Rico and Keith for their contributions to this discussion topic, and for keeping their options for the future open.
Date: 17th January 2001
Headline: Crisis, what crisis?
Hello everybody, this is Peter Calwer, - live from the German crisis-zone....
The solution is not clear, no contact to headquarters, only a handful of old (very old!) dragracers hold position in their wheeliebarchairs, Hockenheim is under heavy fire, but... there, on the horizon, the Cavalry to rescue us!! Damn it's only a public race, -- we will fight 'till our last piston, we will never surrendaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAA . . . . (end of joke)….
Referring to your gossip "German crisis".
I don't think that German dragracing is in something that could be called a "crisis". At the moment we have a situation, better described as "strong evolution" or "new movement". We were never nearer to an "official German Championship" (legitimized by the DMSB) than at the moment.
It is a fact that dragracing in Germany has not the same rating as in England, but both countries scenes are very different. In Germany, we have on one side a group of teams, celebrating dragracing as a family-event, with a Saturday night barbeque as the weekend's highlight, big mobile-homes, shiny chrome racecars, and confident, if nothing breaks, clean toilets and electricity are more important than a perfect timing-system and a well prepared track. They like to found little clubs, and be the chief of it. For these, the current situation is warm and tender.
On the other side we have a growing group of racers, not interested in club-politics, motivated by speed, fighting for better conditions (on tracks, not on toilets) and more professionalism. These teams (as opposed to group A) also race outside Germany (remember, 8 kraut-SSB's at last years finals at the 'Pod). They now try to cooperate with the promoters and organisations, with the target of giving dragracing the rating of a "serious sport" (a lot of spectators in Germany consume dragracing as a show like wrestling or robotwars). Most of the promoters are willing to cooperate, 'cause they see, that these are the teams that are bringing the action to the track.
Referring to "no young blood and same old faces", my point of view is as long as you can become "official German skateboard champion" or "official German Kart champion" but not "official German Competition Car (for example) -champion" it will be hard to find "Young Blood". Otherwise, we will have four new teams in German SSB next year, some new junior-dragsters, and I heard something about two new comp-cars ( I have no information about the other classes). You can see that there is a basis for a future.
At the moment it seems, that the "Right Stuff" comes together, to create that future.
Hopefully, Peter Calwer / Thurmayr Dragracing & DragsterRacing.de
Date: 16th January 2001
Headline: German crisis?
Several of our friends in German have contacted us expressing their concerns over the state of our sport in that region. Despite having the largest population of all the central European countries, the largest attendance of any Dragrace in Europe, and has a healthy interest in motorsport, it does not have a commensurate number of dragracers, whether bike riders or car drivers. The number of dragracing names from Germany can be counted on one hand, and they feel that the sport may decline in that country even further. They do not see the young blood coming through, and only ever see the `old' faces. This is not a complaint in relation to recent discussion over the NitrOlympics, but is actually in support of dragracing at that venue (and others in Germany) in the future. They want to know what other peoples views are on the matter, if anyone can suggest a solution, and if anyone else cares.
Date: 16th January 2001
Headline: Maltese quiz?
Golden oldie quiz from Malta:-
Who rode:
1) Dragwaye
2) Satan
3) Jindivick
Tie breaker: Guess my weight???
Date: 16th January 2001
Headline: Bikes at Brentwood
This year's Brentwood show features quite a few dragbikes on display. The Brentwood Show is at the Brentwood Centre within a few minutes' drive of the M25 and the A12.
The Show is open from 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm on Saturday, and from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. Admission is £8.00 for adults, £3.50 for children, and a special family ticket is available for £20.00 which admits two adults and up to three children. For more details check out the official Brentwood Show site at http://www.brentwoodshow.co.uk or E-Mail essexpromotions@aol.com.
Date: 15th January 2001
Headline: FIM / UEM Championship
Keith Bartlett contacted us to update us on the latest in the FIM/UEM Championship situation. He explained that a meaningful conversation had taken place between him and Rico regarding possibilities for the Championship at Hockenheim in the future. Although a round there was not possible for this year, it is not completely ruled out for the future as both he and Rico Anthes were looking at ways to accommodate their respective needs.
Regarding series sponsors for this year, he is not yet in a position to make any sound announcements, but is confident that news will be forthcoming in the very near future.
Date: 15th January 2001
Headline: Sshhh!!!
A spy from Yorkshire in Beirut sent us this covert message:-
Gardening is Pip's new vocation. And now a dubious thing from Pip's past - GANNON! More next week.............
Date: 14th January 2001
Headline: Famous relative shock!!!
We've just been shocked by the revelation that Channel 4 `Lost Gardens' presenter Anne-Marie Powell has a famous celebrity brother, none other than Funnybike rider and tuning guru Pip Higham. We understand that she kept this surprising revelation quiet whilst climbing the rungs of the showbusiness ladder for fear of being accused of using her famous sibling's name as an unfair advantage in her quest for stardom. We fear that celebrity publicist Max Clifford may entice her to sell stories of sleazy going's on Pip's past.
Lost Gardens can be viewed on Thursday's at 8.00 p.m. on Channel 4.
Date: 14th January 2001
Headline: Screamin Eagle confirms
Following on from our news posting last year of the Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts sponsorship of the IHRA Nitro Harley Davidson class, Anne Paluso, Marketing Manager for Screamin Eagle just verified this news :-
"We are very excited to continue our long-term relationship with the IHRA. We are proud to increase our support of these professional racers and help IHRA put on one of the greatest shows in motorsports."
Screamin Eagle, a division of Harley-Davidson, and their partnership with the IHRA provides a $19,000 purse at each of 11 Nitro-Harley Davidson national event races and a $90,000 season-ending championship points purse fund that guarantees $35,000 to the world champion.
New to the program is the $22,000 Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley Shootout at a yet undetermined location. The Shootout pays $8,000 to win, with $5,000 awarded to the runner-up.
Beginning with the 2001 season, the class will be known as Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson's. The commitment creates the biggest, most lucrative motorcycle drag racing competition program in the United States.
Date: 13th January 2001
Headline: Mr Angry?
After reading on your site about the article on Jay Upton's Puma in this month's Streetfighters magazine I rushed out and bought a copy. Well, It made my blood boil! Some of the statements are a load of old BS. The most outrageous statements have been made by the writer, a certain Rick McDowell. Firstly, the impression is given that the concept for the bike and it's creation was down to Jay Upton, when anyone from our neck of the woods in Coventry knows that it was devised and built by NCK Racing's own Graham Nash, with some ideas from Alan Jeffries, secondly, it started life as a Kawasaki - it seems to have metamorphosed into a Triumph along the way! Thirdly, and worst of all, a ridiculous claim is made about riders bodies lifting at speed on dragbikes, and the fact that his `good friend' Elmer Trett was killed in this manner, namely sucked off the bike due to this effect!!! I only hope Jackie and Gina (Trett) don't read this BS. Finally, again impression is given that due to Elmers death the bike was built by Jay in his honour - c**p, I remember Graham selling it long before and for someone to claim glory for themselves in the false name of the great man's death is appalling. I suggest Streetfighters check their facts before printing such drivel.
Dave Evans - Coventry
Gossip comment:- We don't think you can criticise Streetfighters as to certain inaccuracies as they could not be expected to know. Also, how do you know that riders bodies do not lift at 290 kmh - we can't remember reading your name as having ridden a bike at that speed (although we do agree that Elmers death was never due to being `sucked off' the bike). Although we accept your points on the creation of the bike, certainly the jellymould style body and the air clutch were not ideas of Graham's or supplied with the bike when it was sold.
Date: 13th January 2001
Headline: Turbo's clearout!!
RACE BIKE / TRANSPORTER/STREET BIKE. I really do not want to do this but unforseen circumstances mean I have to sell up, so if someone wants a bargain this is it.
Harley Davidson, top-gas drag bike. 114ci big-twin engine by S&S, all the best internals, Jims, Arias, Crane etc.R&D pro-cut special 5 speed race transmission, Rivera primary set up with complete Bandit lock up, sintered clutch, all wrapped in a very light chrome moly chassis sitting on magnesium wheels. PM billet brakes and controls , Special multi-stage rev-limiter and ignition etc. Chrome moly wheelie bars and furr type starter etc. etc.Spare slick and parts. This lot cost about £20,000 to put together and will definitely run mid nines and quicker. Must go so £12,000 ono gets the lot, optional turbocharger kit available! Will take street Harley in part exchange!
Harley Davidson 1980 FL Electra Glide rolling chassis and new rev-tech 4 speed transmission, panhead look styling, just add the motor of your choice. Will make a lovely street bike, includes log book and many new parts accumulated for the project, only £4,500 the lot.
COACHBUILT, FORD TRANSIT MK.2 CI MOTORHOME, 1979. Taxed and tested until Feb. 2001, low mileage, recently fitted 2.5di diesel engine, 5 speed transmission, so economical I use it as daily transport, will cruise at 70mph. Upgraded suspension. It has a rear door and special alloy loading ramp with anchor points inside. My Harley comp bike fits inside no problem (not included) along with the rest of the tools, spares, starter cart etc. toys and my family! Sleeps 3 in comfort. Fitted with 3 way fridge, cooker, hot and cold water, heater, toilet, TV, radio/cassette, 12v/240v hook-up, wind out side awning, freestanding rear awning which doubles the size of the living area and takes the bike overnight. It has a solid chassis, new wings and always passes it's MOT. If you are fed up roughing-it in a tent and trailer this is for you. It's a bit tatty round the edges but then it is 21 years old! I will take £3,500 for it, no offers, they hold their value! contact:- ian@turboville.com
Date: 12th January 2001
Headline: New watercooled Porsche engined Harley!
In this weeks Motor Cycle News there is a feature and some covert pictures of the latest Harley Davidson under test in Germany. Why Germany you may ask? Well, it seems that Porsche have been contracted to design the all new engine featuring watercooling, double overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder and a unit construction from a gearbox perspective. Sources in Stuttgart report that the 1000cc version will push out around 135bhp - similar to the Honda VTR1000 SP1. Should provide an interesting possibility for Prostock Harley in the future.
Date: 12th January 2001
Headline: Bright spark?
It seems that in striving to ignite the huge amounts of Nitro being pumped through Holland's Ton Pels' amazing Nitro Twin, he's resorting to good old fashioned magneto's in favour of the current ignition of choice, Dyna, like his fellow racer and countryman Rob Van Geffen. However, running a magneto is not such an easy task as on a 4 cyl machine, or even a Japanese twin due to the 45 degree V angle (Japanese ones are, in the main, 60 degree). Consequently you have to run a pair of mags and sacrifice the other 3 (or 7) firing terminals that have to grounded. Consequently, you end up only using one of the firing terminals per cylinder per mag!
Date: 12th January 2001
Headline: More dragbikes in the media!
It seems we're being spoilt this month with features on dragbikes in the mainstream motorcycle press. Following on from the excellent coverage afforded by BikeSport News (see earlier postings) the latest issue of Streetfighters Magazine (February 2001) have a two page colour feature on ex pat Brit Jay Upton's Australian based Top Fuel Puma. Check it out!
Date: 11th January 2001
Headline: Dragrace show groupies spotted.......
The 2001 Autosport International show started today in Birmingham, England and amongst the trade and press day visitors were a veritable throng of personalities from the world of dragracing, both past and present. Amongst those spied by our underground reporter were Ian King, Keith Bartlett, Kjell Petersson, Paul Willis, Alan Jeffries, Tony Huck, Steve Burns, Steve Murty, Barry Sheavills, Michael Malmgren, Tony Betts, Werner Brueckle, Geoff Hauser, Anthony Billington, Paul Willis, Rob Turner, Paula and Stan Atkins, Dave Holland and that was just in the bar........
Drag vehicles were also reasonably well represented with bikes from Chris Hope, Dave Beck, Dave Holland, Ade Woolams, and Jerry Collier espied alongside cars such as Michael Malmgrens AC Delco sponsored Pro Stock car and Tony Betts Fuel Funnycar.
Date: 11th January 2001
Headline: For sale!
TEAM PURE HP HAS ONE VERY TIDY GSXR1100L FOR SALE / PX 10.90 / ROAD USE. MET/BLUE,PRO PIPE,EXTENDED ARM ,HAS RUN 10.20 NO GAS PX EFE OR £2500 JAMIE SNEDDON 0976 956860 / 01536 510199
Date: 11th January 2001
Headline: More ace snaps
Ace US photographer Matt Polito has just launched his new website. The Dragbike section contains great shots of Euro contingent Ian King, Chris Hannam, Jean Yves Vetsch and Brian Johnson at the Prostar Finals in November. View Matt's site at:-
Date: 10th January 2001
Headline: European Championship
Keith Bartlett, CEO of Trakbak Racing the promoters of Santa Pod events, and holders of the commercial rights to the FIM / UEM Championship, called us today to let us know that although news about the series has not been forthcoming yet, expect an announcement very soon. As you all have heard, he has been negotiating with potential series sponsors and so far, it has been a long slog. He asks for our patience, and promises us any news as soon as it breaks.
Date: 10th January 2001
Headline: Bikesport News
Rush out and buy this weeks copy of Bikesport news (issued yesterday) for a multipage article and pictures from this years ACU British Championship and the National Association of Supertwins (NAST) Championship. If you can't get a copy from your local newsagent, call 01332 204545 with your credit card number, speak to Baz, and get a year's issues for only £37.50.
Date: 9th January 2001
Headline: Hockenheim revisited
I've just been reading up on this years Hockenheim event. It sound's good but I'm not sure where I stand. We are a low budget Fuel Harley team, just my daughter my son & myself. Last year we went to Hockenheim and loved it but the bike was well out of sorts, we didn't really get on top of it all year. Rico actually said to my daughter that he thought we should be going quicker! If I'm reading it right this year you have to be invited, but on the other hand there seems to be more than one way to run a Fuel Harley at the meeting. How can I find out if we can race there? By the way, at last we have a new bike coming together another. It's another Fuel Harley but it won't be ready for this year - still scouring the world for used bits!
Have a good new year and a great season, Steve Clutterbuck.
Gossip comment:-
We understand you can enter the meeting as normal, even as an `uninvited' racer. If you qualify in the field of eight, you will earn either the 4-6 place run money or the 6-8 (only the 4 invited racers get the top run money). See you there!
Date: 9th January 2001
Headline: Jade Rave!!
Osmond Ewing has informed us that Jerry and Sharron Collier will be holding their rescheduled annual end of season bash this Saturday 13th January, all invited. Contact sharron@jaderacing.com for further details.
Gossip comment:- All including Paul Rose?
Date: 9th January 2001
Headline: Klaus S and Klaus B
Klaus Sarembe has informed us that both he and Klaus Brinkmann will not be competing in Superstreet at all this season. Klaus B will be running his Superstreet Bike with a 9"x 15" wheel and wheeliebars. Klaus S will be running his Superstreet Bike engine from this season, with many modifications to his chassis to enable the use of a 11"x15" wheel . They hope to compete in the FIM / UEM Championship (and Hockenheim) along with as many races in Germany as possible. They also hope to go to the Prostar season opener in Gainesville in March on a shopping spree!
Date: 8th January 2001
Headline: More dragbikes in the media
Whilst we're on the subject of dragbike racing in the media, we hope you are all subscribing to Bikesport news, the weekly newspaper that puts Motor Cycle News to shame with it's unabashed pictorial stories and coverage of the UK and European dragike scene. In an issue to be printed soon, a review and pictures of the 2000 ACU / UK Dragrace Championship.
Date: 8th January 2001
Headline: Puma in print
Look out for a forthcoming issue of UK monthly magazine `BIKE' where Top Fuel engine wizard Pete Davis (Puma Engineering) is the subject of an article.
Date: 8th January 2001
Headline: Eh oh,eh oh...
Thanks Dave! It's nice to be missed, but this year I think I will be popping round to yours with my Ovaltine! Then perhaps I can be up early enough to get the bike prepped!
c ya @ the races! Chris `Tellie Tubbie' Tombleson
Date: 8th January 2001
Headline: Too many Beck's?
Yes, it's great to hear that Chris is back next year....... Anyway, Dave Beck in the bar - how would he know? He's either in bed or laid on the Avon riverbank!!!!! - say no more....
Mark `Dope' Hope
Date: 7th January 2001
Headline: IDBA 2001 Schedule released
The IDBA have now released their 2001 schedule. View at:-
http://www.dragbike.com/news/01-01/010601a.htm
Date: 7th January 2001
Headline: Eh oh Telly Tubby Tombleson!
Good to hear that Telly Tubby Chris has nearly finished his bike. He has been missed on the track and more so @ night in the bar !!!
Dave Beck
Date: 7th January 2001
Headline: More on strips in Sweden
Further to the story about the new Drag Strips in Sweden, I was recently working near Hallstavik, and the groundswell of enthusiasm for the project in the area is enormous. Speedway is very big there, and the American car culture has to be seen to be believed. The guy I was speaking to at my customers factory had a 12 second Camaro, and he was on the organising committee for the new track, so fingers crossed!!
Jon Crawford
Date: 6th January 2001
Headline: Aussie ANDRA Top Bike latest
Perth’s Ian Ashelford had another perfect event at the third round of this season’s Australian Top Bike Championship, repeating his Adelaide success with a maximum 110 points from the Castrol Summer Championships event in Queensland last Saturday night. Ashelford again took the Attitude Racing Harley into the six second zone on his way to meeting Brett Stevens in the final.
Stevens had sorted out the drive problems that plagued the Jack Daniels Harley in Adelaide, and while the body of the bike still showed signs of the chain damage, a top qualifying 7.21 proved everything else was in order.
1998 Top Bike Champion Craig McPhee made the trip down from Townsville and put his Puma Yamaha into second place with a 7.45, ahead of Ashelford in third on 7.48. Jeff Smith was next on 7.57, followed by Steve Kitchen’s turbo Kawasaki and Dave Boreham’s Suzuki on 7.72 and 7.88 respectively.
The Sydney based Harley of Craig Bonwick took seventh and Garry Thomas rounded out the field on his Suzuki.
Thomas improved by over a second in his first round match with Brett Stevens, but his 7.80 still trailed the black Harley’s 7.34 across the finish line. Smith won his match with Steve Kitchen and a 7.86 from McPhee’s Yamaha was too good for Bonwick’s improving 8.17. In the last pairing of the first round, Ashelford unleashed a 6.98 at 196.25 miles per hour to put Boreham out and take bonus points for Low Elapsed Time and Top Speed.
Smith hit handling problems against Stevens in the semi final and was forced to back off, while Ashelford continued to show his dominance with a 7.14 win over McPhee. The two championship leaders faced each other in the final, and a consistent 7.01 from Ashelford was too good for Stevens’ slowing 7.75. Ashelford now leads Stevens by 15 points going into the next round, which is now scheduled for the Westernationals at the new Kwinana Motorplex near Perth on March 3rd and 4th. Ashelford should be hard to beat with the hometown advantage.
2000/2001 AUSTRALIAN TOP BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 17/12/00
Ian Ashelford, WA - Harley Davidson - 260
Brett Stevens, QLD - Harley Davidson - 245
Jeff Smith, QLD - Harley Davidson - 165
Steve Kitchen, QLD - Kawasaki - 160
Garry Thomas, QLD - Suzuki - 160
Craig McPhee, QLD - Yamaha - 140
Graeme Morell, VIC - Harley Davidson - 120
Craig Bonwick, NSW - Harley Davidson - 100
Mark Ashelford, WA - Harley Davidson - 40
Dave Boreham, QLD - Suzuki - 40
Brett Jonas, WA - Harley Davidson - 20
News report courtesy of ANDRA
Date: 6th January 2001
Headline: Grumpy's news
Just thought I would let you know what's been happening in the garage over the last few months. The Bandit remains 1216 but now with an MTC lockup clutch, new paint and graphics, single seat, longer braced swinging arm from NWS, polished wheels and thanks to my new sponsor's HIGHPOWER NITROUS and DYNOSPEED DEVELOPMENTS I'm hoping to run an 8.9999 by the end of the SEASON. However, I will still race in 9.90 without the gas. I'm sure my time in Pro Mod will stand me in good stead. Also, hopefully the possibility of a new sponsor tba soon. The bike will also be apearing at the BRENTWOOD RACING CAR SHOW, see you all there.
Paul `Grumpy' Watson
Date: 6th January 2001
Headline: Yet another Swedish track?
Regarding the Gossip on a new dragstrip in Sweden, I can tell you that there are two projects going on in Sweden intended to include dragstrips. One is Viking Raceway Park located in a litle town called Hallstavik about 100 kms north from Stockholm, the other project is located in a town called Enköping as you mentioned in the earlier Gossip. So if all goes the way we want we will have two new dragstrips in Sweden in a couple of years. I have heard that the race track in Enköping will even be to Formula One standard. Neither of the race tracks have begun building yet.
Mikael Holmberg - Sweden.
Date: 5th January 2001
Headline: Room at the Inn?
King Racing Top Fuel would very much like to compete in this years FIM / UEM Dragbike Championship with our Top Fuel Bike. All these rounds are run in conjunction with the FIA European Championship.
Unfortunately, transportation costs for our bike are prohibitive at this stage. We are therefore looking for any car or bike teams that plan to compete in all of this years FIA European Championship rounds that have room in their transporter to take our bike with them in return for a financial (or other!) contribution. We would not, of course, require transport for the British rounds. We would be willing to tie up with any European based team, not just a British based one, and do not require any personnel transport, just our bike and some ancillaries. For any teams able to consider our request, please contact Ian King on +44 (0) 385 341099, e mail ian@kingracing.com or make a gossip submission using the page link.
Thanks! Ian King
Date: 5th January 2001
Headline: For Sale
For sale, Dave Hall's 9.90 GSXR, SB82.
GSXR 1100L 1990, t&t in mint condition. Engine, 1216 big bore, gas flowed head, 40 mm carbs, K&N's Harris twin ovals, plus more extra's than a Swedish sauna. Includes full NOS Nitrous kit. Best e.t. 9.7 secs with gas, best without gas 10,29 secs @140 mph. £3,350 o.n.o.
Call Dave Hall on 0208 989 3252 or mobile 0956 961114.
Date: 5th January 2001
Headline: Thank's Rico!
Thank you to Rico Anthes for inviting Superstreet bikes back to Hockenheim for 2001.
It was my first year there in 2000 and what a fantastic weekend it was.
Here's hoping to an excellent weekend out there this year! Many thanks,
Pete Bellenie - Superstreet Bike rider.
Date: 4th January 2000
Headline: Hockenheim full details
The full press release regarding the 2001 NitrOlympics which includes the prize structure and the Nitro Challenge Invitees has been posted on our site. Just place your cursor over the following link and double click:- http://www.dragbikes.ndirect.co.uk/hockenheim00.htm
Date: 4th January 2001
Headline: Hockenheim latest!
Hockenheim News - (an official statement from the organizer). Important information for all bike riders competing for the UEM Bike Championship: There will be NO European Championship Round in 2001 at the Hockenheimring. The reason is a new contract between the UEM and a commercial company that takes the Television Rights of the 3 Top Bike classes away from the event promoter to a third party. This would NOT allow us, as event promoter, to supply Satellite or Public Television with any video material about the 3 classes of the UEM Championship. Needless to say all Television Stations are mainly interested in the big bike and car classes. We had already informed the UEM Jury President Bulscu at last years round that Hockenheim would not accept giving away the TV Rights. We also had offered the UEM the possibility to keep the Hockenheim round in the calendar by making an exception and leaving the TV Rights with the event promoter. This exception had been made with event promoters of other Bike Championships in the past. The UEM did not agree to our proposal, so consequently we had to cancel the UEM round. We are not happy about this solution, especially as Hockenheim had been one the first events to run Peter Janssen's Bike Euro Series and later FIM European Championships. We also had been the first promoter to pay equal prize money for both the Super Twin Top Fuel and Competition Bike classes two years before the FIM put the prize money of these two classes on the same level. In Hockenheim we always believed that better prize money would create better competition, because racers can buy parts with money. Therefore, we will again make a step towards a new racing format that pays better prize money (50% more than UEM) to the riders and gives more performance runs and excitement for the spectators. The NitrOlympics 2001 will still be an official FIM registered Bike Event and the following bike categories will be run:
Modified Harley (national)
Super Street Bike (EU open, EURO-SSB-Series)
Super Twin Top Gas (EU open, Top Gas Series)
Competition Bike + Super Twin Top Fuel (EU + Int. Invitational Nitro-Bike-Challenge)
PS: Pro Stock Bike riders, we are not locking the doors for your class in Hockenheim, if there is interest from enough teams for an 8-bike-field, we can talk. Please let us know.
"Nitro Bike Thunder" - the big Challenge for Fuel Bikes, a new Hockenheim Event-Highlight for Super Twin Top Fuel and Competition Bikes that will be featured in our TV programme about the NitrOlympics in 2001, produced by our own professional Video-Team. The programme will be provided (free of charge) to all interested Television Stations for broadcasting. Following the good experiences that we have had over the last 2 years with the Cannonball style competition in Top Fuel and Funny Car classes, we have also created a Cannonball format for the Nitro Bike classes. We will invite 4 Top Teams of Super Twin Top Fuel that will be guaranteed 425 DEM per run (2 runs Saturday + 2 runs Sunday, best 3 runs will be counted). Additionally other riders are allowed to enter the Cannonball competition to qualify for 250 DM and 150 DM per run. All 4 runs will be used for the total qualifying time, allowing 1 run to be deducted. The rider with the best total E.T. will get into the final of the event and race for the Super-Bonus. Also invited are 4 Top Teams of Competition Bike (Nitro) class that will be guaranteed 425 DEM per run (2 runs Saturday + 2 runs Sunday, best 3 runs will be counted). Additionally other riders will be allowed to enter the Cannonball competition to qualify for 250 DM and 150 per run. All 4 runs will be used for the total qualifying time, allowing 1 run to be deducted. The rider with the best total E.T. will get into the final of the event to race for a Super-Bonus. All Nitro Bike Teams will be presented to the spectators at the Sunday Parade before the last round. The grand Nitro Bike Final will be run between the best STW-TF and the best CB, paying a Super-Bonus of 2.000 DM to the Winner and 1.000 DM to the Runner-up.
The benefit for bike riders:
No UEM license fees and no entry fee payment for invited teams.
Prize money will be better than in UEM rounds because all invited teams get paid same as the UEM Runner-up, plus the chance of earning the final round Super-Bonus.
Better exposure of individual team sponsors to media and spectators, due to more competition rounds for all riders and on track team presentation.
Theoretically, more than 8 teams could enter in each class and try to qualify for the Nitro Bike Final. After they have made their 4 qualifying runs, the total calculation will tell which of those teams are the four "best of the non-invited". The rest of the entries will not receive any prize money, but at least had been participating on the Saturday and Sunday rounds, being a part of the programme and not having to sit in the grandstands after unsuccessful qualifying. There will also be a free practice session for all Nitro Bikes on Friday, so all teams can tune up their bike for the 4 qualifying rounds on Saturday and Sunday. There is also a benefit for the spectators: Getting to see more side-by-side competition runs on Saturday and Sunday, a constant excitement until the grand Nitro Bike Final. Need more Info? Please respond to info@dragster.de
To all bike riders best of luck for the New Year and a successful racing season - see you in Hockenheim (maybe) !
Rico Anthes
Date: 4th January 2000
Headline: ACU UK Championship dates
Well, apologies for the delay's in posting the dates, but they have been due to uncertainty within both major track operations over the new season plans. Even now, after discussion with Terry Gibbs it is unsure whether a full season of racing will occur at Shakespeare County Raceway. We all need tp pull together and show both organisations that running all bike classes at their meetings can be both a profitable but above all, gratifying experience. Non adherence to pitting requests, whiners who can't see beyond the end of their own race bike, startline slowcoaches and those who fail to see the commercial and future implications in not meeting the expectations of a paying crowd all reflect on our ability to make bikes a `must have' at all meetings. Please bear this in mind when competing this year, whatever the venue.
All dates include all classes except those marked with an asterisk * where Top Fuel bikes will not be attending:-
April 14th - 16th Santa Pod
May 5th - 7th Avon Park
May 19th - 20th Avon Park*
June 16th - 17th Avon Park*
June 30th - 31st Santa Pod
August 25th - 27th Avon Park
September 22nd - 23rd Avon Park*
October 6th - 7th Santa Pod*
Please note that all dates are subject to change!
Date: 4th January 2000
Headline: Comp Class Klaus (and Klaus)
Popular German Superstreet riders Klaus Sarembe and Klaus Brinkmann have announced that they will be competing in the Competition Bike class during 2001. Details are sketchy at present, so it is not known if they plan to run their existing machines sans wheelie bars, or whether extensive modifications are planned.
Date: 4th January 2000
Headline: Norwalk Raceway Park Adds "Superbike 10k Payday"
Norwalk, OH - NRP will co-host a new event that will pay the largest purse in independent motorcycle drag racing history, on September 30, 2001. The "Superbike 10K Payday" will be co-sponsored by stripbike.com, presented by Fast By Gast, and will pay out a guaranteed purse of $23,400, with $10,000 going to the winner. Gary Larsen and Dwight Drum, proprietors of stripbike.com, and Paul Gast owner of Fast By Gast, anticipate that hundreds of bike racers from all over the US will travel to Norwalk for the new event. Qualifying and eliminations will be run via the popular "Run What Ya Brung" format, with virtually any motorcycle that passes safety inspection eligible. Scaled prize money will be paid to all contestants who qualify for the 64-bike elimination field, depending on finishing position. In addition to Sunday’s main event, there will be a Saturday night $2,400 Gambler’s race open to bike riders, with $1,000 going to the winner and other prize money being paid to all 16 qualifiers in amounts determined by order of finish. Race rules will include allowance for approved electronic starting devices at both Saturday and Sunday events. Bill Bader, Jr., proprietor of NRP, proposed the idea to Gast, Larsen and Drum recently, and all agreed that such an event is a natural. Larsen and Drum’s popular full-service stripbike.com site acts as a central communications point for riders and fans all over the world and currently features news, results and point standings for the AMA Prostar, ADBA, AHDRA, IHRA, and NHRA racing circuits. In addition, chatrooms, a bulletin board, and classified ad sections are featured, along with photographs and rider profiles. The highly successful site has been online for two years. Gast has been an active and nationally noted motorcycle figure since the mid-’60s, and grew up with Larsen in Grand Island, N.Y., where they combined to build Gast’s first successful racing bike
Date: 3rd January 2001
Headline: ACU Class representatives
In line with the request by APIRA and it's officers for class representatives to be appointed for the bike classes, and after proposals made by riders, the following ACU Class representatives have been appointed for the 2001 season:-
Top Fuel: Ian King
Funnybike: Neil Diggens
Prostock Bike: Chris Hope
Competition Bike: Martin Peck
Superstreet Bike: Graham Dance
The conditions under which they will operate is they will be responsible for co ordinating their class, and providing a conduit for information sharing between club officials and class runners at all venues where an ACU British Championship meeting is taking place. They are there to help officials and riders alike, and so criticism of their performance should be directed to the ACU Co - ordinator Ian King, and not the representative themselves. They are taking on the role in order that we can keep dragbike racing at the Shakespeare County Raceway facility, so bear in mind that without them you may not have a track to race at. Ian King would like to thank them all for accepting their nominations.
Date: 3rd January 2001
Headline: Don't panic Mr Mainwaring…..
Hockenheim - Don't panic yet. If nothing can be worked out between Rico and Keith, then Rico will run The Nitro Bike Cannonball instead of the FIM CLASSES. I don't know about the other bike classes, but I am sure the Nitro Bike Cannonball is not the only bike class that is going to run.
Ton Pels - Zodiac Racing, Holland
Date: 3rd January 2000
Headline: A postcard from America
Hello and Happy New Year from the USA!
Steve Simmons: ssthecowboyway@hotmail.com
Date: 3rd January 2000
Headline: Latest Terminator on general release
FOR SALE:
Trac T4 Prostock rolling chassis for sale, currently used in Superstreet. "Terminator" currently house's a GSXR motor but also takes GSX engines. Complete with bodywork, brakes, steering damper, Kosman third bearing support, all bracket fitments, off board starter and trolley, everything to go. Cost 12,000 Dollars , sell for around £4,000.
Also, my spare GSXR nitrous motor, all the best bits, has run 8.4 with gas and 9.1 without. Any inspection welcome, £1,500.
Mark Watkins: terminator@bun.com Tel: 0208 595 2169
Gossip comment: There you go Richard, and it's not any old crap......
Date: 2nd December 2000
Headline: Any old crap?
Well, what can I say? Hockenheim off, the highlight of last year, my first trip there, what a place , what an experience, what an 'effin long drive (ever been lost in Brussels?). But it was worth it just to be there. Hope people aren't giving you too much greif Ian because you are still going (should make your Puma V8 that's for sale more attractive though!) Anyway I'm after a chassis suitable for Prostock Complete roller if possible but anything will do. Because I can't give it up - I've cut down on the fags and whisky though! But I will probably be running with one of my spare engines either in Prostock if I can find a suitable chassis or Superstreet with my old chassis from when I used to in the old Ultimate Streetbike series. After all, what's the point in carrying on spending the thousands of pounds ever year to get the best gear? I could run any old piece of crap, qualify, and get a few byes into the final when all the high tech stuff's got a computer glitch or electrical problem or even blown itself up because the rider wanted to go fast as he/she could to get a good position and a good et/mph. But there you are, sour grapes make the best wine. Richard Gipp - Tel 01553 674381 or fax on 01553 679398
Gossip comment:-
Well that's the Superstreet Champion sorted for 2001 on his `any old crap'....
Date: 2nd January 2000
Headline: Doug Domokos RIP
We just heard the sad news that stunt rider and daredevil, Doug Domokos, 44, known as the “Wheelie King” was killed on November 26th, not on a motorcycle, but in an ultralight aircraft accident. Apparently, a tear developed in the wing and sent him crashing back to earth. Over the course of his 22 year career Domokos thrilled audiences with his ability to pull a wheelie virtually anywhere, some of his most impressive events included a wheelie around the observation deck of the Empire State Building and up & down San Francisco’s famous curlicue, Lombard ST. Another distinction for Doug was that he held the “Guinness Book of World Records” mark for the longest wheelie – 145 miles. He was also a familiar attraction at many dragrace meets around the world. Besides his feats of daring, Domokos was known for his crusades against drug abuse and the belief that given alternative activities, youth will remain drug free.
Date: 1st January 2001
Headline: Pepper to take it easy
Entertainments mogul and part time proprieter of tuning emporium Straightline Racing, Nick Pepper, has announced that despite plans to campaign a whole season of Prostock Bike, he will only attend selected meetings during 2001. For the other meetings he plans to continue as food and drink tester for the King Racing Top Fuel team..........
Date: 1st January 2001
Headline: Wittstock website
From the same newsdesk comes mention of the fact that ECO Raceway Wittstock in Germany has launched a new website in preparation for the 2001 season. Promotor Jörg Schwan promise an exciting season which includes Top Fuel. The new website can be found at http://www.motorsport-gegen-rechts.com
Date: 1st January 2001
Headline: New Swedish Dragstrip?
From the desk of Quarter Mile newsmakers comes news that by 2002 Swedish drag racing could benefit from a new multi-dollar raceway. That's the promise made by developers of the proposed Viking Motorsports Park and oval track complex. The site earmarked for development by ex Swedish Fighter pilot Bo Fallbrink, lies 30 miles west of Stockholm, near the city of Enkoping. If the bid is succesful, Viking Motorsports Park will join the UK's Rockingham Motor Speedway and the Lausitring in Germany as Europe's premier oval sports arena's. In addition to a state-of-the-art drag strip, the complex will include a 3-mile Formula 1 circuit, a 1.5 mile banked oval, rally and karting centre, and a driving school designed by Tom Barnard; a British designer responsible for the Silverstone paddock layouts, the Mondello Park International circuit in Ireland, and the much talked about Silverstone oval. According to a press statement 'the drag strip should be a big draw because Sweden boasts of being the most entusiastic nation for the sport outside the US'.
Date: 1st January 2001
Headline: HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!
All at King Racing and Gossip would like to wish all of you and your families a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Date: 31st December 2000
Headline: Hockenheim
Before blaming anyone let's establish what happened. The only reason for Hockenheim no longer being a championship race is the sale of the TV rights for the UEM Championship. Who sold the television rights? This may come as a suprise to you, but we did. Not "we" personally, but "we" through the people that represent us or should represent us (whatever way you want to look at it), the UEM/FIM. They probably felt it was the best thing for the sport. I think differently, but in two years from now I will tell you who was right.
Ton Pels (Zodiac Racing)
Date: 31st December 2000
Headline: Euro Superstreet Series under threat?
What a difference a year makes! After last year's unqualified success of the European Superstreet Bike Challenge with three rounds (and 3 different winners) we are now faced with the Hockenheim round also being an invitational Cannonball type event thus denying a German round (unacceptable due to half the total entry and all the sponsors being German & no other tracks being suitable), and Santa Pod's European Finals meeting being at this moment unlikely to host Superstreet Bike at the event. Things do not look hopeful for the future of the championship. On the bright side, interest from the Super Series at S.C.R. is looking promising with a final date to be confirmed. However Peter Calwer and myself are worried about the situation and only hope it can be resolved!
Regards, Graham Dance - Superstreet Bike
Date: 31st December 2000
Headline: Under the Weather?
Ahhh, the Australian Summer Nationals. Visions of a sun drenched race track, 200 mph Fuel Bikes, Harleys, Stockers and girls, and its raining.... Yes folks, it rained so hard at Willowbank Raceway that ANDRA officials had no alternative but to cram qualifying and eliminations into one day. That's 350 Aussie petrol heads competiting in one hectic day from 8.00 am till the small hours of Saturday night.
News from the desk of Quarter Mile Newsmakers.
Date: 31st December 2000
Headline: Harleys dominate Top Bike Round in Oz
Ian Ashelford capped off a great win in the second round of the 2000/2001 Australian Top Bike Championship in Adelaide before Christmas with a 6.97 e.t. from the Attitude Racing Harley Davidson. Championship leader Brett Stevens put his Jack Daniels Harley into the top qualifying spot before a broken chain in the next session caused him minor injuries. Ashelford took second spot, followed by current Australian Champion Jeff Smith. Ashelford opened eliminations with an easy 8.66 over Greame Morrell's 10.23. Nearly all the Queensland racers faced each other in the opening pairings, with Gary Thomas and Jeff Smith making it through to the semi finals. As top qualifier, Stevens took the bye, which was just as well as the Jack Daniel's Harley broke another chain. Steven's wasn't so lucky in his semi, going out to the Suzuki of Garry Thomas with another broken chain. Thomas's 7.92 was his quickest time of the day and put him in a reasonable position for the final against Ian Ashelford, who's 8.06 beat a slowing Jeff Smith. Ashelford dominated the final run of the evening with an outstanding 6.97 pass over Thomas' 8.83. Round Three of the series takes place at Willowbank Raceway this weekend (Dec 29th-30th) as part of the Castrol Summer Champiosnhips.
2000/2001 AUSTRALIAN TOP BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Brett Stevens (Harley Davidson) 165 pts
2. Ian Ashelford (Harley Davidson) 150 pts
3. Steve Kitchen (Kawasaki) 120 pts
4. Gary Thomas (Suzuki) 120 pts
5. Jeff Smith (Harley Davidson) 105 pts
FROM THE DESK OF QUARTERMILE NEWSMAKERS
Gossip comment:- For those not familiar with Australian Dragbike classes, Top Bike is the premier class, a sort of competition bike with Top Fuel Bikes, Harleys and Funnybike type machines all running side by side.
Date: 31st December 2000
Headline: Wish you were here?
Chris Tombleson really has the right idea. You, ship it to the States run regularly, learn a foreign language and it seems to rain a whole lot less. All my car stuff is in Malta where we have to night race cos it's too darn hot in the day. But I must confess to having been rained off three times in the last 8 years, aren't we unlucky?! But if it's hot beers 50p a bottle and they have a bar in the pits. The rules are a little different from here and amount to one A4 page to cover all classes. The track record is 6.02 so it's a fair track and this on alky with 80% humidity @ 38C. Chris Hampson and Pip Higham went out there a few years back and gave an excellent showing but the drag bike thing has never really caught on although bikes are popular on the roads and very expensive to buy at around 60% more than here. Pip inserted a 'Pro stock' into someone there but I haven't seen it for a couple of years. The injection I referred to originally came from Nigel Patrick from one of his experiments and is a mechanical thingy - not the gadget Pip's intending for the Kosman. Wish I was in Malta now as it's 18C & sunny.
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 30th December 2000
Headline: Scrapheap challenge
By the look of postings on a couple of Discussion Forums on US Dragbike sites, it seems that the Discovery Channel has just screened the edition of the programme featuring Andy Robinson and Brian Johnson at Avon Park earlier this year. However, the title in the US doesn't seem to have the same cachet as the UK one - `Junk Yard Wars'.....
You can follow the threads on the following links:-
http://forums.dragbike.com/discus/messages/8/4783.html?978149327
http://www.stripbike.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000234.html
Date: 30th December 2000
Headline: Dragbike videos?
Has anyone any idea where I can get a decent Drag Bike video? I have some Santa Pod video's etc and American Drag Racing videos but I have to sit through hours of Pro stock cars etc for a brief glimpse of the bikes if lucky.
Tony Bott
Gossip comment:- The only recent Dragbike video that I'm aware of is the tape of the ADBA Finals in Australia that featured Euro riders Ton Pels, Rob Van Geffen and Charley Karling. Of course, it only features Harleys but it's a good video nonetheless. It's available from Zodiac racing themselves who I'm sure will take a credit card order :- http://www.zodiac.nl
Date: 30th December 2000
Headline: Hockenheim
I understand you loud and clear Bernie, won't be using the nitro though. Red Ken probably has the right idea, I might as well ship the bike to the States and race there instead where we gasoline burning, boring, closest racing (ahem?....Ed) ,well engineered bikes are appreciated. Never mind the blinkin long drive to Hockenheim anyway.
p.s. I don't need the injection I just sold it to Pip....
Happy New Year To You All (Race promoters included..................)
Chris Tombleson - Straightline Racing
Gossip comment: Let's not get this whole FIM / UEM thing out of perspective. It's only one round dropped, there's still five others to go for and so it should be cheaper for all to compete in. Also, it was not so long ago that Hockenheim also dropped out of the Euro thing for a couple of years - hopefully Rico will bring it back again.
Date: 30th December 2000
Headline: Garage Clearout to raise funds
Honda CBR1000FH front end complete less tyre £250.00
Orient Express type 3-speed to suit Z1000 motor. 3 passes since re-build. inc o/p shaft (set for 12" tyre) spare selectors etc £750.00
1260cc big bore kit c/w 10:1 pistons, still serviceable £300.00
Malllory/BHP 4 cyl mag, suits Kawasaki £250.00
Please Call 07818 404031 or e-mail Neil Diggens:- neil@gn-racing.co.uk
Date: 30th December 2000
Headline: WANTED!!!
7"x17" rear wheel to suit an EFE based bike.
Funnybike chassis and 10" rear wheel
Chris McNiece:- chris@camracinguk.com
CAM RACING U.K.:- http://www.camracinguk.com
Date: 30th December 2000
Headline: www.camracinguk.com
Chris McNiece, proprieter of Cam Racing UK, tuning and parts specialist and co sponsor of the King Racing effort at this years Prostar Finals has launched his new website at:- http://www.camracinguk.com
Date: 29th December 2000
Headline: Site improvements?
You asked for comments on Kingracing.com; I know I am biased since Eurodragster have a small role in helping to administer the site but even without this involvement I would still think that this is one of the best drag bike sites around.
There aren't many other sites around, car or bike, where you can for example easily get to the rules for your particular class, with timely updates - next season's rules are already in place. Credit is due to Ian for understanding what his readers want.
For reasons which long-term readers of Eurodragster would understand I would advise a long and hard think about a discussion forum. They often descend into slanging matches, experience with other sites around the world would tend to indicate that in the end they always get taken over by one loony or another, and the forum moderator risks threats of legal action and other types of abuse since he or she is nominally responsible for that forum's content. Believe me, I know!
The other thing to be borne in mind with forums is that in some quarters they are, rightly or wrongly, seen to reflect the state of the sport. Drag racing in the UK at least has never been without its politics and disagreements and a forum full or arguments and bitching may not give a very good impression. The opposing argument of course is that getting everything out in the open for discussion is a good thing. I guess it's a case of whether you think dirty washing should be aired in public. I suspect that a racer, a fan and a prospective sponsor would have differing views on this.
I agree with those who have said that a Classified section would be a good addition to Kingracing.com. It has been pointed out that the Swap Meet on Eurodragster gets little use by Bike racers but I don't know what we could do about that, apart from plug it to death which would soon get readers logging out in their hundreds. Since Kingracing.com is widely known and respected amongst the Bike fraternity, racers may be more keen to post their ads here. I would say, post them on both sites! We at Eurodragster work closely with Ian in any case, so we would have no problem in plugging this site: at the moment, and long may it continue, the major European web sites work very well together. We all get on well and plug one another and help one another out, and even though we all like getting the scoop there is little or no professional jealousy or other bad feeling. So if Kingracing.com extended its brief then we'd all be out here applauding rather than worrying about lost business. The more stuff there is out there for racers and fans the better.
Other suggestions for Kingracing.com would be to install the Photo Gallery and Links. But as others have pointed out this is already a very nicely-designed and easily-navigated site so any additions would be icing on the cake.
Tog - Eurodragster
Date: 29th December 2000
Headline: Hockenheim revisited
I feel this problem will never resolve itself. It's the way business works. There are people I would NEVER deal with in business whatever the profit. It's unfortunate for the racers but the promoters put their (sometimes) money on the line and it's their decision how they run the events. If I had to make the same decision I would go with Rico and shove the FIA deal as far as it will go. Long poles with the other Bernie are neccessary. Look what's happened to the FIA car fields, where have they gone???????? Yep, if you've got a Pro stock type of thing then best try some nitro if you want to visit Hockenheim. Pip's got a new injection set up for sale- bolts straight on he says. Smells better than VP. May cause sleepless nights and external con rods. I will now wear my flak jacket. Fire away
Taaraa - Bernie
Date: 28th December 2000
Headline: Hockenheim - wot mugs we are!!
Well boys and girls, it would seem that arguably the ultimate FIM dragbike round has been erased from our souls! How does everybody feel about that? I must admit, apart from my old mate Red Ken and Branchy everyone else seems to have taken it smack on the chest. I personally not only think it's very sad, but also pathetic that two of the most important people in European dragracing cannot come to some sort of compromise to carry on this now traditional round of the Euro championship. So now it seems that because my state of the art, all new $40,000 Prostock motorcycle does not burn nitro I won't even get an invite? Is this correct?
Personally I enjoy racing at the venue and would probably still race there even if it is not a Euro round. However, I guess it just reiterates what worthless pawns we all are. Once again, dragracing politics take a driving seat, f**k the rest of us! I fully take onboard the complications of this dragrace sorry, `business agreement', but why is it always at the racers expense? I have just taken a year off to enable me to compete in the full Euro series. Without Hockenheim it will obviously be cheaper, but somehow it seems like a lot less fun. I guess it ain't the fault of anyone in particular but it's sure put a damper on something I have been waiting a year to do.
P.S. Come back Tony Huck all is forgiven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.P.S. Let's hear some more comments from Gossip readers, freedom of speech and all that !!!
Chris Tombleson - Prostock Bike
Date: 28th December 2000
Headline: Changes to this site
I personally think that both a Discussion Forum & For Sale section would be a good ideas to add to this site. This is the site for us bike racers, to stay up to date with what is happening in the UK / Europe race scene. I know there is a bike / parts section on the Eurodragster site but it does not seem to be used too frequently by many bike racers. At the end of the day the decision is what the majority would like to see. I'm sure you will make the correct decision, as to what would be beneficial to an already excellent website.
Regards, Dave Friend
Date: 27th December 2000
Headline: Herman on tour
Herman Jolink is to take both his old and new Ducati dragbikes on an exhibition tour in Germany and Holland over this winter. The Herman Jolink Dragracing Team will be present at major motorcycle events held at:
13th Jan: Phillipshalle, Dusseldorf, BRD (n.b including a demo if good weather conditions)
20th Jan: Hessnhallen, Giessen, BRD
27th Jan: Messehallen Buga Gelände, Magdeburg, BDR (inc demo, weather permitting)
3rd Feb: Mai Markt Halle, Mannheim, BRD (demo, weather permitting)
17th Feb: Halle Gartlage, Osnabruck, BRD
24th Feb: Sport - und Congreshalle, Schwerin, BRD (demo, wetaher permitting)
1-5th March: Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, NL
24-25th March: Schutzenhof, Paderborn, BDR
Date: 27th December 2000
Headline: The beast........
We understand that Václav Hutla has now completed his new 3050 cc engine. Last week he and the casting master Alexander Kopecký tested it on a dragstrip and it ran smoothly.
Date: 27th December 2000
Headline: Well it's OK but.......
I think your site's basically OK as is and is the best European bike thing around. Maybe the parts for sale thing might be good if there is sufficient material to justify it's existence. The swap meet on Eurodragster doesn't seem to get used much for some reason, maybe because if you don't have a good look you don't see it, I'm not sure.. From what I've seen of bulletin boards / discussion forums I feel they are badly used and can get into a slagging match. Your site as is could do with more input from the racers but are they willing to submit stuff and are you willing to handle it all?
Regards, Bernard @ Borg Bros Racing
Gossip comment:-
Thanks for the feedback Bernard. We're not sure if there is enough interest in a Discussion Forum just for European dragbike racers, but I suppose we will never know without trying it. We know what you mean about slagging matches but we're much more reserved in Europe aren't we?......
Regarding racer input to Gossip, we could always handle more so keep sending items in, however small or trivial they may seem. You'd be surprised at how much interest there is.
Date: 26th December 2000
Headline: Wanna be famous???
Do you want to buy one of the most interesting Dragbikes in the World? Do you want to become famous in the world of Dragbikes overnight? Well, consider this nearly finished project:-
Puma chassis (the same design as our current fuel bike)
Puma engine 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 spares)
HD nuts and studs
Puma fuel injection and throttle bodies
Pace oil pump
Enderle fuel pump
Mallory Supermag Magneto
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. King Racing cannot afford to run the two bikes and work commitments mean there is not enough time anyhow. If you want an extraordinary bike at an absolutely bargain price please contact us. It already has generated an enormous amount of interest with potential sponsors and show organisers so if you want to EARN money out of your dragbike programme this may be the only way to do it. 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!) Please NO time wasters.
E mail: sales@puma.tf or contact us through admin@kingracing.com
Date: 26th December 2000
Headline: What should we do??
Over the pasy few months that we have been in existence, we've seen this site grow in terms of interest. We've also received a fair amount of criticism, most constructive. We'd therefore like to ask you what you would like us to do to improve our site. We have some idea's, such as a For Sale section, and maybe a Discussion Forum (aka Bulletin Board). However, we're not quite sure what would be for the best. Please send us your idea's and or comments on the possibility of a dedicated Discussion Forum.
Date: 25th December 2000
Headline: HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!
Well, it's that time to thank all of our readers a very happy Christmas, and thank all of you for visiting us. Keep your gossip coming - we never close!!
Date: 25th December 2000
Headline: What a star
Ian Turbeville, crew shirt supplier to the stars, numero uno embroidery designer, ace dragrace photographer and HD racer is less known for one of his other talents, website design! He's just finished his latest project, helping out AHDRA and ADBA Prostock champion Dirk Higgins and his partner Holly with their website.
Dirk's gas bike ran an incredible 7.4, no mean feat. Ian met him and John Miller years ago at Moroso and they have been friends ever since. Dirk was crew for Greg Beckman's Pro stock team, but when he and John went their own way Dirk went to the drag race school at Gainesville with Fred Collis and they both became overnight sensations. Fred was working for Jay (MRE) Regan at the time and George (BPM) Babor who has his own unit next to MRE's in Clearwater taught him how to do a burn out on a car tyre bike right in the parking lot outside the MRE unit! Greg went onto Top Fuel HD but whilst trying to get a handle on it had a bad explosion at Sturgis which blew him off the bike just like Jim McClures scary indident.
View Dirk's site at: http://www.homestead.com/racerdirk/page.html
See Ian's remarkable range of services at http://www.turboville.com Support him when you need your crew shirts, embroidery, photo cd's or talk to him about your ideas - he's by far the best value on the market.
Date: 25th December 2000
Headline: Fangmeister seeks fotos
Does anyone know the whereabouts or have static photos of John Charlton's Norbar Tools VW fueler and Brian Chapman's Vincent?
Thanks, Carl Wadkin-Snaith
e mail: fangmeister@thefang.co.uk
Date: 24th December 2000
Headline: Cheap Leathers!!
Ian King has a set of green white and black two piece Frank Thomas leathers for sale at the bargain price of £100 including postage to any destination. As he is 5'10" tall (short?), with a wasp like waist of 33", they should fit anyone cloned from a Dolce and Gabbana model.....
contact Ian by replying to Gossip, or e mail him: ian@kingracing.com
Date: 24th December 2000
Headline: Erik gives Rotor another chance
Erik Bijlaart, the pilot of Mazda RX7 Rotary engined competition bike has just decided to give the rotary engine combination another chance. After visiting Pete Davis of PUMA Engineering there were ideas of using a V8 Top Fuel engine. Erik spent a lot of time talking to Roald Dogge and his own team members, but Erik still wasn't thrilled by the ideas. A visit to Eamon Hurley, the former rotary engine dragracer brought the answer, but most of all the thrill back to build a new rotary machine.
The team wants to thank all people concerned for all their help and support to make this decision.
Visit their website at http://www.dragracer.co.uk
Date: 24th December 2000
Headline: Breaking GSX EFE Engines
I have two GSX1100 EFE motors that I am breaking. If anybody needs parts please call - also new parts in stock ready to ship.
Dave Beck - beck.racing@virgin.net
Date: 24th December 2000
Headline: Anyone got a Sprintex 82 - S for sale?
Has anyone out there got a Sprintex 82-S supercharger new or used for sale? I need one for our new Streetfighter dragbike.
Happy Christmas and new year from Les and Peter Hills, see you racing in the new year.
Peter Hills :- e mail: ianhunter@thenimrod.fsnet.co.uk Cheers!
Date: 23rd December 2000
Headline: Cannonball Hockenheim
As far as I know, the idea is to invite the Top 5 of the 2000 FIM rankings of both Supertwin Top Fuel and Competition Bike (there will be travel/prize money). Both classes will run a separate Cannonball competition and the final will be between the best of both classes. If the riders in the the Top 5's do not come, they will move further down the ranking with their invitations. However, this is only what I've heard "through the grapevine", so don't quote me on this.
I would also like to comment on Gossip's comment saying that "we hoped that Rico would see through the 'problem' and find a way to do what was best as a sport, and not just for show".
In my personal opinion it is not at all fair to put this on Rico's plate. Rico has been running the biggest dragrace in Europe for years now. This does not come about without investing serious amounts of money and therefore taking considerable risks. It is therefore only natural that he wants to keep all rights to his OWN EVENT.
I believe that this is exactly what happened a few years ago with the FIA classes, so I don't know why everyone is suddenly so surprised that this is now happening with the FIM classes as well (as a matter of fact, in Mantorp last year, Ton already expressed his concern about this).
I don't think we should try to put the blame on someone, because in my opinion no one really is to blame here. Both Rico and Keith might have started out many years ago as "just" dragrace enthusiasts, but by now both are (and have to be) business men making business decisions. Unfortunately they both have different interests, but we can't expect them to base their decisions on whether or not we are such nice "guys" that don't like to lose an FIM round (although I fully agree with everyone that it is truly a big loss to our championship).
The fact is, that the Hockenheim race will survive without running an FIM round and the FIM Championship will survive without having the Hockenheim race as a round, so I don't think there's very much anyone can do about it.
Monique Pels - Team Zodiac
Gossip comment:-
Thanks for the `rumours' Monique, could be an interesting format!!
Regarding the rights or wrongs, it is a loss to our sport when a decision not to run a championship round is founded on issues that fall more in the arena of personal differences rather than purely business ones. We understand the decision a couple of years ago to cease holding FIA rounds was also more due to these differences than business reasons.
But we also commend Rico for his excellent Nitro Olympics and his abilities to promote such an excellent meeting, and understand his reasons for choosing an alternative to a FIM round.
However,we should also remember that many riders may now not get the chance to race at Europe's biggest race.
Regarding the `other' party, we also commend Keith Bartlett for striving to achieve a series sponsor for the FIM championship, and the additional monies it would bring to help alleviate some of the costs of competing (maybe by way of extra travel money as received by the Supertwins at the Euro Finals this year). Only by guaranteeing full access to the commercial side of the events can he motivate a third party to put money into the bikes.
So, there is the catch 22. Keith needs to be able to guarantee the FIM sponsor advertising at the meet, Rico has to consider the needs of the sponsors of the Nitro Olympics. We stand by our comment that it's a shame that the needs of these two key players could not be accommodated together. After all, succesful dragracing benefits both!
Date: 23rd December 2000
Headline: Diggens gearbox woes
I thought I'd drop you a quick note to wish all racers a very merry Christmas and hopefully a good 2001.
As you may be aware, I have been trying the 4-speed Weismann gearbox with very poor results (raced twice, broke box twice).
After speaking to Chris Weismann it has been decided that we will revert to the Weismann 3-speed for 2001. Apparently Chris believes that using a lock-up, instead of a slider, may be causing the problems.
However, if anyone has an MTC slider for Kawasaki Z motor for sale we may stick with the 4 speed.
See You All in 2001!
Neil Diggens - Funnybike
Date: 22nd December 2000
Headline: Norway / Sweden Euro Rounds
Following on from the sackload of mails we have received from riders on the subject of the two week gap between the rounds in Sweden and Norway, we have had it confirmed that these are indeed the dates. Apparently, the Nordic Top Fuel tour and a big Offshore Powerboat event have contributed to the need for a change to the optimal date.
Date: 22nd December 2000
Headline: Mr Angry.......
With Hockenheim now not being an FIM round and Sweden and Norway being 2 weeks apart, I have to ask myself is the championship even worth pursuing? Why bring my bike back from the States? For a 5 round FIM championship of which 90% of people don't do Finland, to do Sweden and Norway would prove very expensive so thats 3 races. European Championship!?
Red Ken Cooper.
Gossip comment:-
Good, that's one less from the competition.....
Date: 22nd December 2000
Headline: Hockenheim confirmed
Despite rumours to the contrary, we have it on good authority that the Hockenheim Nitro Olympics will be staged over the days 17th - 19th August 2001.
Date: 21st December 2000
Headline: Mystery man?
We hear on the grapevine that an ex car racer is considering acquisition of one of the Adam Hewitt nitro twins.
Date: 21st December 2000
Headline: Hockenheim disappointment
It looks like our trip to Hockenheim in 2000 was well timed as it may well be the last chance the bikes get to race there, once again it is political 'B*****s' that has ruined a good weekends racing for many people. Racing at both FIM rounds (instead of just one and going to Hockenhiem) at Sweden and Norway would have been a good alternative until, as Kenny pointed out they were scheduled two weeks apart! Can Gossip advise as to what Rico and Ton describe as a 'Nitro Bike Cannonball', will the alky and nitrous bikes still be able to enter? Will any one actually bother to turn up to a non championship round in Germany? Or will there be substantial prize money to attract racers. Shaun (disappointed) Branch
Gossip comment:- We also share your disappointment as we hoped that Rico would see through the `problem' and find a way to do what was best as a sport, and not just for show. However, we at least understand the problem and hope that his plan is succesful for him. As to who the invitees will be and what bikes, watch this space.
Date: 20th December 2000
Headline: A message from Marty Kane's sister.
On behalf of my mom and the Kane family, I wanted to extend a huge thanks to everyone who sent cards, contributions to Robby's account, flowers, and phoned and visited during the last two weeks. We feel like we've gotten to know so many of my brother's friends that we hadn't had the chance to meet or know in the past. Sorry it took these circumstances to get to know you. But we are so grateful Marty has so many wonderful friends, and we are glad this site is continuing through Scooter Kizer, as my brother wished it to. I can be reached at enorris@dslextreme.com, if anybody needs to contact the family. God Bless, Ellen Kane Norris.
Date: 20th December 2000
Headline: Say it aint so...........
After recent postings on Gossip, and some thinking I have decided to put everything up or sale. So if there's anybody out there who wants to go Funnybike racing this is the best Europe has to offer:-
The ex MRE Suzuki 1425 turbo nitrous bike, best eighth 4.32 @ 172mph best quarter 6.78 @ 206 mph. It has a state of the art PMFR chassis and every thing has been gone through and checked and is ready for the 2001 season. Spares include 1 brand new 1425 spare motor, spare turbo, 3 speed box, Dyna 4000 with retard, Schnitz Funnybike box, new big block and pistons, new skulled head by Roger Upperton, basically everything you need to go racing for a season.
But why you may ask. Well it is my intention to race Funnybike in 2001 and sell at the end of the year but if someone out there is interested then for a price I would sell early.
Bike ready to race £17500
Bike and spares £23000
It will be slightly cheaper at the end of the year if we get that far. However, the reason for this sale is that for some time I have been talking about Top Fuel Bike. Some people agree and some disagree but this is something I would like to do, finance and bike sale permitting, so if anybody out there is interested give me a call. Tyre kickers, skint dreamers and general tosspots need not apply.
Work 01274 855886
Home 0113 229 9180
Mobile 07775 501371
All telephone numbers based in England.
Date: 19th December 2000
Headline: Hockenheim Cannonball?
I've just had word that from Rico Anthes that, like expected, there won't be an UEM/FIM race at Hockenheim in 2001. Rico did not want to give the television rights of his Nitro Olympics race to Keith Bartlett. Right or wrong, I think this is a big loss for the European racers and the championship itself. He confirmed that instead of the UEM/FIM race he will put on the First Nitro-Bike Cannonball.
Ton Pels
Date: 20th December 2000
Headline: Why oh why?
Why have they put the Norway and Sweden dates 2 weeks apart,when traditionally they've always been a week apart?
Many people will now have to decide which meeting to do as it would not be practical to hang around in Norway or Sweden for 2 weeks or return home to make the journey again in 2 weeks time. This is surely going to affect the turn outs to these meetings. I for one am gutted as I was looking forward to doing both meetings as they are both FIM rounds but the the extra expense will be a huge hole in a very tight budget.Sort it out FIM.Very Red Ken (Cooper).
Date: 19th December 2000
Headline: The future for Dragbike.com
I'd like to inform you all that despite your concerns, Dragbike.com will never die. I apologize for the delay in responding, but I have just arrived home today after being in California. Marty's friend, Tim Sieger, my brother Terry and I loaded up all things necessary to continue Dragbike.com along with all of Marty's photos last week. Chip Ellis and I rented a van and have now brought them to Alabama.
Marty left me a note asking for me to assemble a team to continue where he left off. It was very important to him that Dragbike.com never die. I am working with Scott Valetti and Matt Polito to do just this. We will have Dragbike.com back on line by the end of the week. I have appointed Robby Kane, 18 mos. old (Marty's son), as my little Vice President of Dragbike.com. He will become an owner of the business and his trust fund will directly benefit from the proceeds.
Scott, Matt and I will be looking for much help in continuing this site. Marty did the jobs of at least a dozen people. There is no way that the three of us will be able to maintain this site by ourselves.
Keith Kizer - President AMA Prostar
Date: 19th December 2000
Headline: Prostar name change?........NOT!
Dear all, Cycle News (US) misquoted a press release by AMA announcing the U.S.Drag Racing Championships and our new affiliation with AMA Pro Racing. That is the name of the series, but the AMA/Prostar name and logo are not going anywhere.
Look at it like this, "Winston Drag Racing" with an NHRA logo beside it. That is what we have done and are seeking a series sponsor like Chevy Truck is the sponsor for the U.S.Motocross Series and the U.S.Superbike Series. It's a marketing strategy not a name change.
Keith Kizer - President AMA Prostar
Date: 18th December 2000
Headline: The 2000 ACU British Dragbike Championship
Once again, the ACU / UK Championship fulfilled all expectations with a nail biting championship from beginning to end. With ten rounds staged at two of Europe's premier dragstrips, Santa Pod in Bedfordshire and Shakespeare County Raceway in Warwickshire (formerly Avon Park Raceway), five classes were competed for by a total of 82 riders from ten different countries underlining it's claim to be the biggest dragbike championship outside of the US.
Adding to the above statistics is the fact that 5 new British records were set in three different classes, Superstreet Bike, Prostock Bike and Top Fuel Bike.
Top Fuel Bike
The King's of the sport, these truly awesome 1000 horsepower machines proved that, despite the relatively good safety record for dragracing, that those who ride them are a special breed. This was clearly illustrated with the tragic loss of experienced rider and ex Motor Cycle News journalist Chris Hampson during an early season meeting at Santa Pod. Brian Johnson, fresh from winning the AMA Prostar (USA) World Finals meeting in Gainesville in November 1999, was early season favourite along with Ian King, also brimming with confidence after eliminating US star and the world's first 5 second pass holder Larry McBride at the same meeting. However, despite their obvious performance advantage, consistency was the key and multiple championship winner Steve Woollatt made a good showing at all rounds to take the championship from under Johnson's nose, with King a close third. Despite the disappointment of failing to take the title, Johnson made up for it by resetting both et and mph records at 6.308 seconds and 217.09 mph.
Funny Bike
2000 was looking to be a little unexciting race with past champions Mike Vickers and Tim Blakemore sitting the season out whilst new bikes were under construction. However, with heavyweight Chris 'Cannon' Hannam entering the fray with his MRE Suzuki imported from the US, we could not have been more wrong. Despite inconsistent showings from the Bradford based gear specialist, some low seven second pass underlined the threat, and allowed him to attain second spot in the championship. Benefiting from his newfound form, Coventry's Paul Knapp made an impressive run on the ex King Racing Methanol Suzuki, despite missing the season opener, to finish in third position. The championship, however, belonged to Nitrous Suzuki runner Chris Hall, who at last found a consistently reliable combination to stay in front to the championship crown.
Prostock Bike
With 1999 champion Paul Willis missing rounds due to illness, and past champion Dave Beck also a part time contributor whilst running Pro Mod class in the US Championship, the class looked wide open. Chris Hope, on the ex Straightline Racing machine, and with the assistance of cylinder head guru Roger Upperton, looked to be the favourite for the crown. However, veteran Southampton rider Len Paget asserted himself with the world's first Hayabusa bodied machine to take first spot, pushing Hope into second. Beck showed what could have been by taking third spot, despite making only half of the available rounds, and resetting both et and mph records in the process.
Competition Bike
Early season participation was disappointing, with few of the established riders taking part. However, the entrance of past Funnybike rider Martin Peck with his newly constructed and innovative Nitrous Puma machine added sparkle to what could have been a disastrous year for the class. Whilst Peck experimented, Barry Holland took the title, with SPRC champion Tim Whetton flying into second at the end of the year closely followed by Dave Wells.
Superstreet Bike
Despite it's streetbike based nature, Superstreet did not fail to impress. With the added excitement of point's double headers with the newly established European series, a good contingent of foreign participants attended some of the rounds. From the off, however, ex Prostock rider Graham Dance made his mark with the tuning advice of Prostock rider Len Paget. Dance built an unassailable lead with Team Cooperized's Tony Clark following him into second, and Essex boy Mark Watkins taking third spot. Dance also reset the seven year old et record to top off an incredible year.
Date: 18th D
Headline: I rest my case m'lud.
Is this the Paul Rose that used to ride around on two kettles ??
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 18th December 2000
Headline: Where can I help make Ton rich?
Hi Bernie,
Thanks for wanting Zodiac parts on your Dyna. Fortunately, we have a number of good dealers In the UK. Let me know the area you live in and I will give some names. You can mail this to ton@zodiac.nl
Date: 17th December 2000
Headline: Free Zodiac ads.....
Ton,
Which of the Zodiac dealers would you recommend I use in England - I want some stuff for my Dyna?
p.s. I sold my Funny car to Lex - now there's an enthusiastic guy !
Date: 17th December 2000
Headline: An exception to the rule?
Paul Rose is the exception that confirms the rule. It is my strong belief that the one that can explain Paul Rose still has to be born and if and when this person is born, will become suicidal immediately after he explains Paul.....
Date: 16th December 2000
Headline: Got any photos or video from Gainesville?
Top Fuel bike rider Brian Johnson is on the search for any video footage or still photographs take at this year's Prostar Finals at Gainesville that he can use for a compilation video album. He wants ANY items of any bikes, not just himself or fuel bikes. He will, of course, be willing to meet any administrative costs involved. Contact BJ on:-
brianj@btinternet.com
Date: 16th December 2000
Headline: Consulting Doctor Pels
Dear Bernie,
Glad to be of help. If there are any more things, mentally or physically that you nor your doctor can explain let me know and I will find the most logical explanation. Like the famous Freud said "Many, if not all problems of the mind and body are related to one's early childhood or present toys"
Ton Pels - Zodiac Racing Holland
Gossip comment:- Ton, can you explain Paul Rose then?
Date: 15th December 2000
Headline: FIM / UEM Championship dates
Some of you may have seen the provisional dates for the 2001 FIM / UEM European Drag Bike Championships. We need to point out, however, that these are subject to change, particularly the Hockenheim dates that may not happen (as reported on these pages earlier). This is why we have held off from announcing them. However, the provisonal dates are:-
Round 1: Santa Pod Raceway, UK, 26-28 May 2001
Round 2: Alastaro Circuit, Finland, 8-10 June 2001
Round 3: Mantorp Park, Sweden, 27-29 July 2001
Round 4: Gardermoen Raceway, Norway, 10-12 August 2001
Round 5: Hockenheimring, Germany, 17-19 or 24-26 August 2001
Round 6: Santa Pod Raceway, UK, 14-16 September 2001
Date: 15th December 2000
Headline: That's why then....
Ton has just solved a problem. My brain runs the same `miss miss bang bang' way and I thought it was caused by tyre shake in the Funnycar - must be my HD Dyna Sport to blame!
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 14th December 2000
Headline: Shocking challenge
Can you let Electric Louis know that the Zodiac team accepts his challenge. Since he is challenging us, I presume he pays for the trip (we will pay for our own meals!!). We prefer the new Las Vegas Drag Strip but Sacramento Strip will do. He better be prepared, FULLY CHARGED and NO HIDDEN WIRES. By the way, my pacemaker has been taken out. They discovered that if one has been involved in Harley's for more than 25 years one's heart takes over the rhythm - Bang, Bang, Miss, Miss, Bang, Bang, Miss, Miss, Bang, Bang, Miss, Miss.
Ton Pels - Zodiac Racing Holland
Gossip comment:-
We assume it would have to take place in the US as it must be 110V and also the plug would not fit in the socket over here.....
Date: 13th December 2000
Headline: Marty Kane RIP
Today we laid to rest our friend Marty. The service was attended by hundreds of friends and relatives. Marty's sister, Ellen, spent endless hours working on the "Powerpoint presentations" and setting up the music. Her husband, Robert, did the video work that helped make it a very heartfelt service. We will use the same program for the service in Florida. Thank you for all the flowers, photos and words. It made the service so special. God's speed Marty!
Keith Kizer - President AMA Dragracing
Date: 13th December 2000
Headline: Hockenheim
"Approx 2 weeks ago I had Rico Anthes (Promoter of the Nitro Olympics, Hockenheim) on the phone. He told me that if he can not come to an agreement on the TV rights he will not organize a round of the European Championship. Instead of that he is planning to do the first `Canonnball Race' for motorcycles. From what I understand this will be by invitation only. There will be travel / qualifying money for those invited, money per round (win or lose) and prize money for the winner and runner up. All this still has to be confirmed as he prefers to do a round of the FIM / UEM championship. Although I like the idea of a Canonball for motorcycles, I hope, and I think many other racers with me, Rico and Keith can come to some agreement and there will be a championship race at Hockenheim. Maybe both can meet half way?"
Ton Pels - Zodiac Racing
Gossip comment:-
Compromise? Surely not.........
Date: 13th December 2000
Headline: Are friend's electric?
I would like to challenge the Zodiac to a 1/4 mile drag race - and I will be totally electric. Check out NEDRA in USA - I am part of it. Let's look at a cool Idea!
Louie Finkle - electriclouie@aol.com
Gossip comment:- As long as the wires don't interfere with Ton's pacemaker - good idea!
Date: 13th December 2000
Headline: Wanna break your ankle?
I have two second hand Nitrous kits for sale. Both are of the NOS type and can be yours for only £300 each - bargain!!!!!!
I also have an ATC80 3 wheeler for sale - perfect pit bike £250. Brad, DynoSpeed
0208 500 5770 (England)
Date: 12th December 2000
Headline: Better put in back in then.......
Having been Competitions Committee Chairman for a season or two and on the Executive Committee of the BDRA as well as other posts, I think I've done my bit for now so you can keep the tickets for the riders & drivers meeting, Thanks.
And a bloody awful Christmas to you too
Jim Broome
Date: 12th December 2000
Headline: Another flatlander learns the hokey cokey.....
Millionaire Prostock Bike rider Richard Gipp asked us to pass this on:-
"It's all up for sale, Trac chassis 1570,1500,1292 motors and spares, even the van and pit bike!
Opening at £15k for roller and a motor the sky's the limit - if you want it all how big's ya wallet?
Live from (somewhere near) Norwich its the Sale of the 'effing Century!
contact 01553 674381 (England)
Date: 12th December 2000
Headline: Prostar to change name?
Cycle News have made the following announcement:-
AMA Pro Racing has announced the next step in the evolution of the AMA/Prostar drag-racing affiliation. AMA/Prostar will team up with AMA Pro Racing in 2001 to form the AMA U.S. Drag Racing Championship, according to the AMA.
"We are honored to announce the AMA U.S. Drag Racing Championship and proud to be in the company of other AMA Pro Racing U.S. Championship series," said Prostar President Keith Kizer. "I am excited to be involved in the direction that AMA Pro Racing is taking motorcycle racing."
The new series will not affect class structure or the three basic levels of the Prostar program - Professional, Sportsman and E.T. (elapsed time) - that accommodate racers from the all-out factory-backed professional to the hobby racer. The Professional level includes the astounding 240-plus mph Top Fuel class plus the traditional Pro Modified, Pro Stock, Superbike and the now-popular Streetbike Shootout classes. The Sportsman level includes the Top Eliminator, Top Gas, Super Comp, Super Gas, 600 SuperSport and the all-new, Yamaha-sponsored Hot Rod Cruiser classes. E.T. classes, based on bracketing of elapsed-time performances to create handicap starts, is broken down into two classes Pro E.T. and Street E.T. - and forms the backbone of drag racing events.
"Keith Kizer has done an incredible job of marketing and growing Prostar over the past decade and we will utilize his expertise as we continue to commercially develop our growing stable of motorsports properties." said AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth.
The immediate added value will be the ability to create multi-faceted events combining the strengths of several AMA Pro Racing U.S. Championship properties, such as the 2001 Houston Cyclefest April 20-22. The Houston Raceway Park will combine the AMA U.S. Drag Racing Championship and AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championships to give fans a weekend full of race action.
"In creating more events like the Houston Cyclefest, AMA Pro Racing will increase exposure in major markets for our sponsors, promoters and racers," continued Hollingsworth. "The success of combination events such as the World Superbike and AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship weekend at Laguna Seca in 2000 and the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days/AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship week-long event at Mid-Ohio is obvious. Our combined event at Laguna Seca, the Honda International Superbike Classic, is the most highly attended motorcycle racing event in the U.S. and that attendance rivals many other types motorsports events worldwide."
Date: 11th December 2000
Headline: ACU / UK Champions Banquet
For those lucky winners of the ACU British Championship this year, please put the 20th January 2001 in your diaries as this is the scheduled date for the annual prizegiving dinner dance. Invitations to follow soon, and details of the venue.
Date: 10th December 2000
Headline: FIM / UEM dispute?
It seems that although rounds of the European Championship have been confirmed in England (2), Sweden, Norway and Finland, it seems that a German round at Hockenheim remains uncertain. Keith Bartlett, CEO of Trakbak Racing, promoters of Santa Pod events, has the commercial rights to both the FIA and FIM/UEM championships. Unfortunately, it seems that despite applying for a round, Rico Anthes, Top Fuel dragster driver and promoter of Europe's biggest Drag Race the Nitro Olympics, insists that he should retain the commercial rights for his own event. We can only hope that the two parties can reach an amicable agreement as it will be a loss to dragbike racing and the Nitro Olympics should Hockenheim not hold a round.
Date: 10th December 2000
Headline: Gissa job
Just a quick note to let people know that I am taking on work now that I am back. I am building engines on a quality not quantity basis and will take on building nitrous systems until I return to the States in February, so first come first served. I am also still operating the dyno for anyone who needs it. I have learnt a great deal over this last year with regards to making reliable horsepower with nitrous, so if you wish to take advantage of this please call.
Tel 0208-384-5921
E-Mail. ken.cooper1@virgin.net
Red Ken Cooper (Team Cooperized)
Gossip comment:-
As builder of the fastest nitrous engine outside of the US we think that customers should be queueing up outside Ken's abode over the Christmas break - wanna go fast? see Red Ken!!
Date: 9th December 2000
Headline: A message from Marty Kane's sister Ellen Kane Norris
A memorial for Marty has been finalized. Pastor Brent Houston, chaplain of Motor Racing Outreach will preside over the services. If you want to memorialize Marty in a special way during the service, please contact Ellen Kane Norris via email: Norris_rec@msn.com. Scooter will be with the Kane families over the weekend, and can also be reached via this email address.
When: Tuesday, December 12, 2000, 1:30p.m.
Where:
Whittier Area Community Church 8175 Villaverde Drive Whittier CA, 90605 (562) 945-4500
Directions: In Whittier, travel North on Colima Avenue from Whittier Boulevard. Travel East on Mar Vista and North on Villa Verde. You will see the church signs on the corner of Colima and Mar Vista.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to The Marty Kane Memorial Foundation to benefit Robby Kane. Make checks payable to Martin Robert Kane and send to:
20th Century Fox Federal Credit Union Attention: Robert Norris 10301 W. Pico Blvd., Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90064
Thank you from Marty's family.
Date: 9th D
Headline:
A memorial for Marty has been finalized. Pastor Brent Houston, chaplain of Motor Racing Outreach will preside over the services. If you want to memorialize Marty in a special way during the service, please contact Ellen Kane Norris via email: Norris_rec@msn.com. Scooter will be with the Kane families over the weekend, and can also be reached via this email address.
When: Tuesday, December 12, 2000, 1:30p.m.
Where:
Whittier Area Community Church 8175 Villaverde Drive Whittier CA, 90605 (562) 945-4500
Directions: In Whittier, travel North on Colima Avenue from Whittier Boulevard. Travel East on Mar Vista and North on Villa Verde. You will see the church signs on the corner of Colima and Mar Vista.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to The Marty Kane Memorial Foundation to benefit Robby Kane. Make checks payable to Martin Robert Kane and send to:
20th Century Fox Federal Credit Union Attention: Robert Norris 10301 W. Pico Blvd., Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90064
Thank you from Marty's family.
Date: 9th December 2000
Headline: Busa goodies for sale
We have the following parts for the Busa for sale:-
1. Billet ignition cover.This allows you to run a Dyna 4000 or 2000 and the Schnitz Pro Street controller. Includes pickups and rotor, £200
2. A set of 41FCR's will suit Busa,ZZR11 or ZX9R, £500.
Brad - DynoSpeed Developments -
Date: 9th December 2000
Headline: Great site!
`I'd just like to say "great website" and keep up the good work! It is a great source about European motorcycle dragracing and a big help in my work as motorsport journalist in Sweden. I often need to check out dates, results and records for all FIM classes and always find what I am looking for at King Racing. I just wish there were an equal good site about cars as well.
Best Wishes,
Stefan Boman, Sweden'
Gossip comment:-
Dear Stefan, thanks for your kind words. We hope to build on what we have for the coming season. If anyone has any requests for what they'd like to see on this site, please let us know. We have some ideas, but we need your input. We hope to post details of the coming season's FIM and ACU championships in the next few days too.
Date: 9th December 2000
Headline: Winner of the Mystery Photo competition
We now decided the winner of the latest `name the personalities / Bike / Year competition':-
http://www.mg.maestro.dial.pipex.com/dragracing/bootsie-chapmans.jpg
Despite many entries, most could not answer the question in it's entirety. However, former BDRA officer Jim Broome provided the most `complete' answer:-
`Young Mr Chapman (Ivan?), Allan "Bootsie" Herridge (Snr), and Brian Chapman from about 1980 with Brian's Vincent "Mighty Mouse" or was it "Super Mouse". Regards Jim Broome'
A free ticket to next years joint SPRC / APIRA riders and drivers meeting is winging it's way to you in reward - congrats......
Date: 8th December 2000
Headline: A message from AMA Prostar President Keith `Scooter' Kizer
As you can imagine my life has been total chaos in the last 36 hours. Debbie and I have been travelling all day and I'm on my way to Marty's moms house. I cannot put into words what I'm feeling right now. As you all know, Marty was my best friend, but more a brother to me. There are a lot of unanswered questions, but right now I want you to remember Marty. There may or may not be a memorial service next week in Los Angeles, but we are definitely planning a memorial service at Gainesville in March. In regards to trust funds, dragbike.com, etc. Please know that these will be taken care of, but please give us time to get these things in order. Dragbike.com is Marty's legacy and please trust that it WILL continue. Please do not send flowers. I'll be in touch soon.
Scooter Kizer - President AMA Prostar
Date: 8th December 2000
Headline: Marty Kane
I would just like to express my sympathies to the family and friends of Marty Kane. Marty was one of the people I contacted when I needed Drag Bike racing news from across the water to use in Quick Times. Marty was always helpful and eager to know what we were up to on this side of the pond. Always a joy to talk to - regards Ozzy (Quick Times Racing News editor).
Date: 7th December 2000
Headline: Marty Kane
The Dragbike world is still reeling from the news that Marty Kane, dragbike.com proprieter and Prostar official, has taken his own life. It seems that he shot himself in a park near his mothers house in La Habra where he used to take his infant son for walks. He was apparently depressed at the recent break up of his marriage, loss of a business, and a recent motorcycle accident. Despite this, he was at the recent Gainesville finals, and whilst chatting to the King Racing team showed no sign of the turmoil it seems he was suffering. His site is the most popular dragbike specific site in the world, and his talents, especially as a journalist, webmaster and photographer will be sorely missed.
Date: 6th December 2000
Headline: Marty Kane
We've just received the shock news that Dragbike.com webmaster, and Prostar race director Marty Kane, has been found dead. Early reports have been that he has taken his own life, but these reports are subject to verification by the authorities. Marty had recently celebrated becoming a father, although a recent seperation from his wife, and injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident were known to have been troubling him.
Date: 5th December 2000
Headline: Ann - Britt Karling
Charley Karling has asked us to let you all know the following funeral details for Ann - Britt:-
`The funeral is taking place in:
Täby Kyrka
On the 19th of December at noon (12.00).
After the funeral you all are invited to join us for refreshments.
Täby Kyrka is a very nice church built in the 11th century. It is located just a half mile from where we live here in the old part of Täby. Täby is located 20 km north of Stockholm.
Charley, Viktoria and Christian.
Date: 5th December 2000
Headline: Goodies for sale!
For sale, GSXR engine bits, also suit Bandit motor.
Brand new set of Carrillo rods, £400.
Ape block with pistons (1290) o'ringed, c/w head gasket - ready to install (new) £400.
Gas flowed head (120 cfm) std valves, 3 angle valve job, APE springs, titanium retainers, head skimmed 20 thou. £350 ono.
V&M gas flowed head with cam caps but no valves, takes std valves £125.
Lock up clutch with cover £100.
Complete 1127 motor in good cond. £500.
GSXR G7 G9 cams £100.
6 inch busa back wheel, complete with tyre, hub, sprocket and disc, £150.
Phone 0208 595 2169 (England)
mob: 0850 400507 (England)
Mark NO2 Watkins.
Date: 4th December 2000
Headline: Herman's Factory Ducati support!
Jeremy Cookson of Shakespeare County Raceway sent us this correspondance he'd received from Piet regarding Supertwin racer Herman jolink's latest projects:-
`Herman had some delays with his new bike, but he was in Germany and took it to Oschorsleben, showing it during the Superbike races. The people from the factory invited him over to Bologna, to meet them after their Brands Hatch race. So he did and they gave him 3 used 1998 Superbike engines. So with his new bike still not finished he/we are already planning another dragbike, based on the 4valve-engine(s). At the moment he is in Germany again. He takes his new project with him everywhere he goes, so he can keep working on it. His mechanic Diethmar just moved his shop, and last weekend they had their official opening, so with that behind them they can speed things up now. At the moment Herman is doing the wiring, while Diethmar is cutting valve-seats. Yesterday he phoned and said they hope to start it up this year...Supercharged(Eaton), 1200cc(stroker) bevel-drive Ducati with mechanical (Mercedes) fuel injection. Next week Herman will return to his home in Doetenchem, and to contimue to work on it from there. He can also take it to his sponsor Startwin (who made the prototype for the spaghetti-swingarm for the Mike Hailwood evoluzione Ducati, and Herman's frames). Now for the new new bike, the engine doesn't leave room for stroking, so Herman decided it will be a superlight dragster with four carbs, no blower. He already picked up a Honda racer front end for it.'
Piet Mom
Date: 3rd December 2000
Headline: Apathy?
Depsite this years discussion over the desire to change the index classes for bikes in the National Championship, it seems once again that where the bikes are concerned, apathy rules. Only a handful of bike riders turned up to the joint SPRC / APIRA riders and drivers meetings to vote on changes to our sport in the UK for 2001. A proposal to change the index class from 9.90 to 9.50, after requests by many riders during this year, fell like a damp squib after it was pointed out that only two affected riders were present. Despite ACU series co ordinator Ian King forcing a vote, the motion was not carried and the status quo remains. We can only assume from the poor turnout of riders that everybody is happy in the British dragbike racing world!
Date: 3rd December 2000
Headline: We're on at Shakespeare County Raceway!
All racers breathed a sigh of relief today when Super Series promoter Terry Gibbs confirmed that after discussion with various parties he has found a way to continue the popular series through the 2001 season. However, due to problems relating to the environmental curfew, and balancing the needs of the racer and paying public alike, the format may change for next year, particularly for three day meetings. Five meetings for ACU British Championship bikes could be added to the three on the table for Santa Pod, resulting in an eight round series. However, and again due to time constraints, it is possible that there may no longer be rounds of Superstreet bike at the two joint FIA /FIM meets at Santa Pod as there has been for the last two years.
Gossip comment:-
Good news indeed! A huge vote of thanks should go to Terry and Tina Gibbs in particular, in face of the unwarranted abuse they and their family received after the time problems experienced at the August meeting this year. A big shout for Anthony Hodges and family too for continuing to support our sport at their venue. Rumour has it that Anthony was spied at the NHRA meet at Pomona a few weeks ago giving their track equipment the once over......
Date: 2nd December 2000
Headline: Triton Corp./Koolbak Sign with Spiderman
Newport News, VA: Larry McBride will be attending the AMA Banquet in Las Vegas, NV, Dec. 8th ; joining the Larry Spiderman McBride Racing team, a new sponsor, Triton Corporation manufacturer of the Koolbak support belts for motorcycle riders and active lifestyles ..
Barrett Kane, President of Triton Corp (West Linn, OR) signed with McBride Racing as a sponsor for the 2001 season. McBride, "We are very pleased to have Barrett's company with us for next season. They make a great comfortable product "
Kane says, "We are very excited about being a part of McBride Racing. We've been in business 17 years. Six years ago we patented our current back support, it's breathable and guaranteed for 3 years. Although we generally target sporting applications, any one with lower back pain is a potential customer."
Koolbak joins McBride's premium sponsors 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.
Barrett Kane
http://www.koolbak.com 800 653 8285
Larry "Spiderman" McBride
www.larrymcbride.com, 757-599-5236
Date: 1st December 2000
Headline: Ann Britt Karling
We've just heard the very sad news that Ann Britt Karling, wife of Blown Nitro Harley rider Anders `Charley' Karling, and mother of Viktoria, died in Stockholm, Sweden, yesterday morning after a long illness.
Ann - Britt was known for her devotion to her family and the Karling Racing Team, and was a familiar sight at meetings all over Europe.
Gossip and all at King Racing would like to offer our deepest condolences at their loss to Anders, Viktoria, Christian and Ann-Britt's other family and friends.
Date: 1st December 2000
Headline: Nein to 8.90 for Daisy?
Due to work commitments I will be unable to attend the (SPRC and APIRA riders and drivers) meeting on the 3rd Dec. I would appreciate if you could voice my opinion regarding 9.90 & 9.50. I agree with pushing the limits from 9.90 to 9.50 because I don't think there is an expense issue. To run in 9.90 on my GSXR I had to fit nitrous and ran 9.7, I have since run 9.50 on the same bike with a bigger jet size which was in the original kit. For me to run 8.90 I am looking at major costs to compete and feel this is out of my range, but I could continue to compete in 9.50 as a high majority of 9.90 riders could. If it comes to a vote then please vote 9.50 for me.
Thanks, Steve 'Daisy' Dyer
Date: 1st December 2000
Headline: Hot Chrissie Presents
GOOD WASN'T IT? Here is my short version for you:-
PROSTAR FINALS 2000:-
It was a really good fun time this year and the MRE / UK thing is working really well. Clearwater is like a second home to us all now as there is a regular bunch of us who reside there every November.
All our guys did really well and were appreciated by the racers and crowd alike. We also all partied like gooduns and the locals (George) were getting seriously worried about the growing Brit invasion but seemed to take it all in good spirit.
If you want to see all the action you will have to buy the Cd from WWW.TURBOVILLE.COM or from MRE. It features lots of shots from the 2000 finals and makes an ideal xmas gift at only £15 or $20 inc. p&p. Also available are the previous 3 CD's and of course those fabulous paintings that were the 'must-have' item in the pits this year. There are also lots of paintings of UK racers available! You can get a deal on all 4 CD's. A full version of the goings on will be published in 'SUPERTWINS' and 'STREETFIGHTERS' magazines in the new year.
Regards, Turbo http://www.turboville.com
PPPS The Harley event of the year, ROSCOES OL' TIME DRAGS', which was supposed to happen the weekend after Gainseville at Lakeland Raceway, was unfortunately rained off! It will be re run on Jan 7th. If you've never been to it GO it's a real hoot! If you have never seen the OUTHOUSE DRAGS your life is just not complete!
Date: 30th November 2000
Headline: The return of the mystery photo!
It's been some time since we last ran a mystery picture competition, so wait no longer - who are all these characters, when was it taken, and what bike is it? The URL provides part of the answer, but not all.
http://www.mg.maestro.dial.pipex.com/dragracing/bootsie-chapmans.jpg
Thanks to Kelvin Fagan for supply of the image.
Date: 30th November 2000
Headline: BJ's ramblings
Not be outdone by fellow interviewee's Ian King and Chris Hannam, BJ himself is the subject of an interview on Eurodragster. Read his views at:-
http://www.eurodragster.com/news/bj.asp
Date: 30th November 2000
Headline: BJ's pics from the pits
Just to let you know there are some pictures from Gainesville on BJ's site at http://www.brianjohnson.co.uk/gainesville.html Most are of Brian, but a couple of the other Brits are there too. There will shortly be a video clip of his 6.101sec run too!
Neil Smith
Gossip comment:-
Just `a couple of the other Brits' eh!
Date: 29th November 2000
Headline: Red Ken thanks you!
We to would like to thank everyone for their help and support at Gainesville, and were very pleased to have qualified in Promod. After running four 7.1s in a row I have put the bike into storage in Florida and we will be going back in Febuary to do some more testing and race again at Gainsville. The race is the MRE Sunshine Nationals at the begining of March 2001. After that I will be bringing the bike back to do the FIM European Championship.
This year's racing has obviously been very expensive to me personally, for me to continue at the same pace and level I MUST obtain some sponsorship. If anyone can help or has any good leads for someone (or has any inside information on company's budgets) please contact me. We have acheived a lot this year and would like to continue in 2001.
Red Ken, Team Cooperized.
ken.cooper1@virgin.net
Gossip comment:-
Well done Ken in making a tough field in Gainesville. Good luck in your quset for sponsorhip - the King Racing team know's how difficult it is to raise funds to support their efforts. I have some inside information on company budgets for you - they rarely stretch to support dragracing!!
Date: 28th November 2000
Headline: Cannon Racing Gaimesville Team Report
First and foremost I have to thank everybody that not only gave me their support but the Brits presence this year really boosted all the racers morale. This for me has to be one of the most humbling times of my racing carreer, even I was speechless because when you have all the crowd supporting you shouting your name in a different country it’s mind blowing. I personally was on a 3 day high but I’m just p****d off that myself and the bike didn’t do what we were capable of. It all started on Thursday (late), most of our stuff had been unloaded by the rest of the Brits as we had a couple of drunks in our party this weekend and they refused to get up. Finally we got ready and went to tech where we were met with some `does that fat bloke really ride that bike’ type glances. However, several of them found out I can do a bit even when I’m perfoming like a sick pig. But I have to say that the pressure I felt on my first run was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had ! To do that coupled with racing Gary Clarke in the 1st round.1st run the bike was not working well - it was running rich or so I thought. We did our normal launch then it backfired but we got down the track. I was not happy but after some advice from the big stinker (Jay) we thought that the no2 was not pulsing correctly. Therefore we set it up to run timers with no progression. This did something as we went 7.49 but I was still having trouble with the bike running on the turbo. After checking the computer we found that I once again had dropped a clanger as the 1st shift was perfect at 1.6secs into the run and why I shifted to 3rd at 1.9secs I don’t know but this would have been a good thirty at least. Next up was the nighttime match up of the master and the pupil - we ran Tom Perry on his new bike. We figured that with Tom having problems we could beat him - how wrong can you be! This was the 1st time I had settled down and was ready for a race, I cut a .460 light to toms .519 and ran a best ever 60ft 1.154 to Toms 1.159. I could feel I was on a flyer when the threads in the wastegate stripped. Bang! Major backfire and we lose by 7.96 to 7.89. We fit spare turbo clips and rubbers as required - this sorts all our running problems. The bike had been leaking air from somwhere Sunday morning and after some words of advice from Tom not to get fazed and run my own race - the bike was running great and if Gary went to the wall and we ran clean maybe we can win. It was all a dream, I redlit big time, the bike left like a bull on heat but I’d forgotten we had no progressive and blew the tyre away but it went on the bars at mid track as like never before but we lost and broke the crank cases around the output bearing – s**t happens - all that was left was to party on at Shepperds on Monday night as already reported. Everybody had a good time and got drunk but the big stinker was under strict instructions that if he wanted to go to Mons Venus he had to be a good boy so that left the drunken Brits to get even worse. It was so bad that at the end of the night the father figure of the King Racing team was so drunk that he could not find his auntie’s house and proceeded back to the beach to knock me out of my drunken pit to ask for lodgings. Unfortunately there was no room at the inn so off they went again in the hope of finding that unlocked door.
So I will now shut up as I’ve only just returned and I’m completely knackered, and if anybody is thinking of racing in the States they should go for it.
p.s. we even got interviewed by http://www.stripbike.com - that should be amusing.
Best regards, Chris `Cannon’ Hannam
Date: 27th November 2000
Headline: Nice body?
Whilst talking about Gainesville, spied in the container returning from Gainesville with the European bikes were two swoopy new Hayabusa bodykits from Beasley Fiberglass destined for Pete Bellenie's Superstreet and Dave Holland's Promod bikes.
Date: 27th November 2000
Headline: Old, me?
Hi Ian, nice photo on the http://www.dragbike.com photo of the day. We all thought it was about time to get it up, but the question is at your age can you keep it up till the end?
p.s. well done in Gainesville, shame about the draw.
Chris Powell - Woollatt Racing
Date: 26th November 2000
Headline: Check this out
Check out PHOTO OF THE DAY on http://www.dragbike.com
Well done Ian
Fred Furlong - Furlong Tyres
Date: 26th November 2000
Headline: What the H**k?
Ex British Dragracing supremo and current organisor of meets at North Weald airfield, Tony Huck, called us yesterday to mention that he was on his way to a editing session with the producers of Transworld Sport (the Channel 4 show) to provide expert (sic) commentary for upcoming coverage on their programme of a meet at Sears Point in California. Seems there's life in the old dog yet! (sorry Tony!).
Date: 26th November 2000
Headline: Buy yesterday's Telegraph!!
Following on from the full colour half page picture of Frank Pedregon's crash with Scotty Cannon at Pomona in the Daily Express a couple of weeks ago comes a great three page article on the meeting in yesterday's Daily Telegraph (Saturday November 25th). The journalist was a certain Andrew English who was apparently a dragracing virgin until that meet. It is an excellent piece, both informative and humorous at the same time, and promotes the sport very well indeed. Not only that, but at the end of the same motoring section there is also a seperate profile and interview on this years newly crowned Prostock bike champion, Angelle Seeling. Let's hope that we can all capitalise on this priceless coverage.
Date: 25th November 2000
Headline: What's the attraction at the Cabot Lodge Hotel?
Well, we just got back from Gainesville, Florida. We went to support Cannon, but 'cos there was a few more Brit teams, we supported them as well. You have to when you are surrounded by Americans....... It was a top weekend's racing, and nice to have a chat to the King Team in the free bar at the Cabot. They may not remember us 'cos, like I said, it was a free bar.... Good to see all the Brits doing well abroad!
Miff Stubbs & Martin Clitheroe, see ya next year again....
Gossip comment:-
Of course the King Racing team remember you in the free bar at the Cabot. The only problem is, they don't remember seeing you anywhere else - did you ever leave the confines of the bar?
Anyway, all the Europeans, especially the Brits, were very pleased with the fantastic support they received from the travelling supporters and would like to thank all of you for spending your hard earned cash to be there. We all look forward to seeing you all there again next time.
Date: 25th November 2000
Headline: Tricked 'Busa
Update on our latest project in action, we've taken our busa out to 1585cc, 8.5mm longer stroke, shorter rods, and a blow through turbo. We are hoping to achieve 450 hp, then apply 50/60 hp of nitrous to compete in the Daytona horsepower shoot-out at the end of March 2001.
Regards,
Dom Trickett & Big CC Racing
Date: 25th November 2000
Headline: McBride Captures AMA/Prostar Top Fuel Championship
Newport News, VA: Larry McBride captured his 2nd Top Fuel Championship at the AMA/Prostar Finals held at Gainesville, Fla. on his Top Fuel Puma Kawasaki.
McBride and team went to Florida knowing they only needed to qualify and make one round. Although Larry said, " We weren't really on our game this weekend. We burned up three tires which is unheard of but the air was tremendous and we were making tons of horsepower. We were pretty pleased with qualifying 2nd with a 6.168 ET at 216.19 mph. Brian Johnson of England ran 6.101 ET at 225.22 mph to take the #1 spot. Our best run of the weekend was a 6.12 ET at 226.30 in the 2nd round against Tommy Smith, Alabaster, AL. In the final I blew away the tire, it wasn't a pretty run but we'll take a little luck when all else fails."
Next on McBride's calendar is the AMA Banquet in Las Vegas, NV, Dec. 8th.
McBride proudly represents Pingel Enterprises, 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.
Larry "Spiderman" McBride www.larrymcbride.com, or 757-599-5236
Date: 24th November 2000
Headline: Wanted!
I'm looking for a Gold Label Vance & Hines competiton only pipe, better known as the spider pipe. New or used in good condition.
Contact: HHerb999@aol.com
Date: 24th November 2000
Headline: Sverre's not Reisten's !
Norbert Kutzera's bike is not a Reisten bike but was a Sverre Dahl machine. However, Reisten is the crew chief for Sverre.
Regards,
Peter Stroem
Date: 22nd November 2000
Headline: Why no real Fuel Bikes at Pitea?
Hi!, I am an 18 year old dragracing fan from Sweden. I live in a town called Piteå.
The best class in dragracing is of course Top Fuel, in bikes the same!
Well, in Piteå there is only one event that is something to see, and it's the Midnight Sun International, with the Nordic Dragracing Series and Top Fuel Tour. But there is one thing that I miss there and that's the Top Fuel Bikes.
The last time Top Fuel Bikes ran there was 1998 I think. The drivers were Sverre Dahl, Peter Svensson and Jan Larsson. Sverre was in an accident there, but he was okay!. So I would like to have some real Top Fuel Bikes there (the Super Twin Top Fuel class is on the event), but I miss the "real" nitro bikes! I want you guys and all the others Brian Johnson, Eric Teboul,Roel Koedam, Sverre and Öivind Dahl to come and give the public what they want!! Of course it's all long way to travel, I understand that. Well, good luck in the 2001 season King Racing!
I have a question: I would like to see what Norbert Kutzeras dragbike look's like. Do you know where I can find it on the net?
See you on the track guys!
Martin Westerlund
Gossip comment:-
Thanks for your words Martin, we're glad you are a fan of Top Fuel bikes. Regarding racing in Sweden, we'd all love to come over and race more often in the Nordic countries, but it is always a question of cost. In fact it costs us more to travel to sweden to race than it does to travel with the bike to the US!! Maybe if enough people wrote to the promoters of the Pitea meetings asking for Top Fuel bikes, they may consider making a contribution to the enormous costs of travelling (as the Santa Pod promoters do for Nordic racers).
Regarding Norbert, we don't believe he has a website yet, but we do have a flyer from him with the photo of his bike (ex Stefan Reisten) with it's new paint scheme that we'll send you if you mail us with your address.
Date: 21st November 2000
Headline: That's all folks!
Well, the racing's all over for another year with the completion of the Prostar World Finals yesterday.
Stunning marks were set such as the 7.040 sec et by Antron Brown on his Prostock bike, Gary Clark's stunning 6.451 on a FUNNYBIKE, and Bill Vose's 6.756 on his ProMod.
Brian Johnson left disappointed after a rare mechanical problem that was discovered too late to repair before his semi final against Chris Hand. The run could have turned in his favour but the mechanical problem ended the race early for him.
However, last night saw the Jay Regan rememberance party in Clearwater (well we remembered him around the bar before our host let us down by an early departure). however, the Brits and Kiwis in attendance did their best to drink the bar dry and only left the bar after security insisted it was time to go. Probably for the best as Cannon was getting hungry (again), and a dance floor packed with drunk dragracers from Europe was not a pretty sight...
Date: 20th November 2000
Headline: One left!
Despite valiant first round attempts by the Europeans, only veteran Brian Johnson remains in the field. Despite a personal best 6.67 secs and a much earlier reaction on the lights by Ian King, BJ came past him at three quarter track to take the win. Another personal mark was set by Ken Cooper with a 7.11 in Pro Mod, but again not good enough to take the win.
Rain stopped play for the day after the first round, and so the eliminations have been carried onto today (Monday).
Date: 19th November 2000
Headline: We're in (just!)
Desperate stuff this racing business! BJ runs a 6.10 and #1, Ian King gets in at number 8 despite a series of annoying mishaps, Cannon's gone down a storm and qualified at # 16, Jean Yves Vetsch is in too as is Ken Cooper in Pro Mod. But, Dave Beck failed to make the show as did Norbert Kutzera. So, can King dispose of the number 1 qualifier to repeat his performance of last year when he won against McBride? I don't think so!
Date: 19th November 2000
Headline: Revs Hotclutch speaks!
My god, people going over to the colonies racing with Johnny foreigner,and Bernie Hepworth having a go, it makes my blood boil. Muriel, pass me my leathers, there's work to be done here methinks. (Stuff 'em Ian, g'luck)
Pip Higham I mean Revs....
Date: 18th November 2000
Headline: Bloody ACU.......
Unfortunately when you ring a body such as the ACU you have to accept that the person you speak to is competent to handle the matter in hand, particularly as I was offered to her and she was not the initial contact and certainly seemed sure of what she was saying. Unfortunately time has pased by and most of the good stuff for sale has gone and I have reinvested the money in my business and cannot now get at it. I am really p****d off about all this and I thought the RAC FIA sucked. As for the future, who knows ? Don't try give the ACU a hard time they have skin like a rhino, just concentrate on what you are at. Good luck for the weekend, Stick it up 'em
Regards, Bernard Hepworth
Date: 18th November 2000
Headline: Rabbit, rabbit......
Hi, I am from Guatemala and the news are: for first time there's motorcycling drag racing. I have a vw rabbit 1,900cc and I always get 1st place in my group. Bye
Jose Antonio Merck Rios
Gossip comment:-
Thanks for stopping by, Jose. Glad to hear that Guatemala has motorcycle dragracing now - keep us updated on the bikes in your country.
Date: 18th November 2000
Headline: Don't forget!
Don't forget to tune into Channel 4 at 6pm this Sunday (19th November)to see the Scrapheap Challenge Grand Final. See the Megalomaniacs and Brian Johnson take on the Brothers in Arms and Andy Robinson in a contest to build a dragster out of scrap.
Hope you enjoy it
Daz Cross (Team Trax and the Megalomaniacs)
Date: 18th November 2000
Headline: Prostar Finals qualifying day one
Due to the enormous number of bikes here, getting through qualifying is a struggle. Consequently, yesterday saw only one round of Pro qualifying. So far, the European contingent have had a day of mixed fortunes. Dave Beck had a dreadful first pass due to engine problems. Ken Cooper was cock a hoop with his first pass that reset his own personal best - it looks like the time spent in Jay Regans MRE over the last few weeks has provided Ken with some hot tuning tips. Jean Yves Vetsch ran a superb pass almost all of the way to the end with his wheel in the air, but clicked it off before the finish line. Norbert Kutzera flew in from Germany yesterday with his whole family in tow, but ran a troubled pass, as did Chris Hannam who bunny hopped all the way down the track, resplendant in his all new dayglo Scott leathers. Ian King was on a good pass until he threw a blower belt at three quarter track, and Brian Johnson set his stall early with a cracking off the trailer first pass. Larry McBride's pass was disqualified when he drifted acroos the centre line on a low six second run.
Top Fuel Bike:
Brian Johnson #1 6.263/221.67
Ian King #4 6.964/198.50
Norbert Kutzera #7 8.027/192.14
Funny Bike:
Jean-Yves Vetsch #7 7.447/152.05
Chris Hannam #10 8.319/125.19
Pro Mod Bike:
Ken Cooper #5 7.153/187.38
Dave Beck: not yet qualified
Date: 17th November 2000
Headline: Prostar Finals update
So the bikes are unpacked, the tune ups are in and we're just about ready to start qualifying! The weathers good so far, and it's looking that the bikes will be awesome this year. There is no clash with an NHRA round this year so it's expected that all the big hitters in Prostock bike will be here - Star, Freedom etc - Byron Hines and co are out to get revenge on George Bryce and Angelle after they took this years crown.
Top Fuel bike looks tough with not only 9 conventional bikes entered, but also the entry of 5 more six second Top Fuel Harleys - could have been a 16 bike field, but alas 8 bike only. We'll report back after todays qualifying.
Date: 17th November 2000
Headline: It's sunny!!
You've hit a cool patch of weather here in Florida .. it looks like Saturday will be particularly cool, so you may even need one of your standard UK tune-ups to run successfully!!
Mark
Date: 17th November 2000
Headline: Bernies TF problems
I spoke to a number of people at the ACU by phone and ending up with a most helpful lady called Margaret who rang me back three times over three weeks with responses to my questions about relicensing and stated that she had put my questions to committee and the outcome is that you have to start 'at the bottom'. I objected to this stating that this cannot be done in drag racing unless you spend a couple of seasons doing so and that I did not want to race at a lower level. She stated that there was no other way. It has always in my experience been of little use arguing with the ACU, motorcycle racing survives despite not because of them. I fully apreciate the comment about immediately stepping onboard a 1000hp bike but a lot of people are unaware that I sprinted and drag raced bikes for 20 years before the cars and have ridden a car tyre bike as I have had a 1325 turbo Suzuki Funnybike built by Pip at VBS. Brian Johnson and the Brachtovogels can confirm this (I raced them when they had the Norton). I have a lot of experience of fast tricky things having driven and owned Pro Mod, Funny car and Alky dragster and still drive in Malta. I actually do know what I am doing, I have not been on my roof as some revered drivers. I've had my say and expect this to be the end of it, no comments, nothing.
Gossip comment:-
I'm sorry Bernie, but we have to make comment. We will take this up with the ACU as the lady you spoke to did not take anything up with the dragrace committee as none of any of the members are aware of your approach. It is important that we get to the bottom of it as we want more Top Fuel bike riders, not less, and we are angry if you were given this wrong information. We also stand by our comments on jumping on a 1000 hp machine without any bike riding experience, but it was not mentioned to apply to you as we are aware of your past history and do not question your capabilities. We hope you reconsider a TF bike project again in the future, and bear in mind that you do not have to start at the bottom, you can `start at the top'! If we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us - especially if you have problems at the ACU.
Date: 14th November 2000
Headline: Gone racin'
Well, our bags are packed and the taxi's waiting - we're off to sunny Gainesville for the Prostar World Finals. Although our gossip postings may be a little less frequent over the next few days, rest assured that we will continue to keep you updated with what's happening (and what's not!) in our sport. Keep those items coming in, and look out for the European performances in the Finals. Byeee!!!
Date: 14th November 2000
Headline: Jay's problems with the ANDRA
It seems that ex pat Jay Upton continues to have problems with the authorities in Australia, the ANDRA, over his experimental streamlined Top Fuel Bike. It seems that the ANDRA have decided that the body is illegal, despite no specific ruling that it has been found to contravene. An exasperated Upton is fighting to complete his sponsorship agreements because of the situation being so unclear. It seems that Jay is being penalised for wishing to break new ground.
Date: 14th November 2000
Headline: Becks on / off / on Pro Mod ride!
The sale of the bike has been called off, Beck's back in the saddle for the finals!
He doesn't even know it yet, he's in for a surprise when I meet him at Hooters this evening!
Jay Regan
Date: 13th November 2000
Headline: Scrapheap Challenge
Tune into next Sunday's scrapheap challenge where you will see the screening of the Scrapheap Challenge Final, with UK Top Fuel Bike rider Brian Johnson, and Chassis Wizard Andy Robinson in star roles!
Date: 13th November 2000
Headline: Bernie to race TF Bike?
According to Eurodragster ( http://www.eurodragster.com ), UK racer Bernie Hepworth, who currently works as a tuning adviser on Mario Borg's Top Methanol Dragster in Malta, has had his plans to race a Top Fuel bike in 2001 stopped at an early stage by a licencing problem:-
"I wanted to run a Top Fuel Bike but the ACU say that you have to start at the bottom again and work up", says Bernie. "I used to sprint and drag race bikes for twenty years before I started with the cars, in fact I believe I still hold records for sprinting.
"I've spent the money on something else and will spend next season as I did this year, if someone wants a hand I will assist."
Gossip comment:-
Bernies claims are completely incorrect, and we don't know who on earth he spoke to. There are absolutely NO requirements for ANY previous dragracing or even motorcycle riding experience! In fact, there are also NO requirements for licensing runs, as there are in the car classes (i.e. launch, 60ft etc.)! We'd like to hear directly from Bernie over this `problem'. We spoke to the ACU who also said they had not had a request of this type as far as they know.
The last thing that the ACU would want to do is to discourage a racer. However, it does seem slightly ludicrous that anyone without even motorcycle experience can jump straight onto a 1000 hp bike and race in full competition, but that's the fact.
Date: 12th November 2000
Headline: Marshall's marshalling?
We understand that Santa Pod and sometime Shakespeare County Raceway Chief Starter Ian Marshall, is partaking of startline duties at this weekend's NHRA meeting at Pomona.
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: 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.
