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King Racing Pit Lane Gossip
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King Racing Pit Lane Gossip |
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Date: 30th December 2001
Headline: To end the rumours
Here is the what is happening.
WHO WANTS NITRO?
Are you one of those guys or gals that wants to get into racing a nitro burning Harley then we have the deal for you!
We have everything for sale.... The bike and all of its spare parts, starter cart, the big truck and trailer, the tow bike. It can be bought as a entire unit or we can seperate. Special pricing is happening, first come first serve.
Copperhead Racing of NC will longer be racing. Due to health problems we will not be returning to the dragstrips in the future. We MUST SELL our ENTIRE race operation. This is a very sad day for us but it is a great *deal* for you!
It takes a special type of person to want to own or even ride a Top Fuel Harley and maybe that person is reading this.
We never thought that this day would come, as many of you racers that know us, know that we love racing!
God bless you all and we have had a great time racing with everyone in the past years, we will miss everyone.
Sincerely, Kellie Lent
http://www.copperheadracing.com
Information about the bike is at our website, we will be adding the information about the truck and trailer very soon.
Date: 29th December 2001
Headline: King Racing co rider??
Espied in the pits, Harry Stedman being measured up for a future ride on the King Racing Top Fuel Bike......
Date: 29th December 2001
Headline: For sale!
Brand new and unused:-
Genuine Suzuki Valve Spring Compressor - £40
110 Amp Leisure Battery for Caravan, Motorhome or Boat - £20
Submit Gossip reply, tel 07785 341099 (England) or e mail:- ian@kingracing.com
Date: 29th December 2001
Headline: Seperated at birth?
Did you see Keith Bartlett's double with Julian Clary? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 27th December 2001
Headline: Discussion Forum Launched
Despite reservations about hosting such a powerful vehicle for making our voice heard, we believe that those from the world of motorcycle dragracing can provide an excellent example to others in how such a tool can be used to further our sport.
As such, we request that no bad or profane language be used, and that the implications of your postings be considered before they are made. Slander or abuse of others will not be tolerated, and remember that those who administer and provide venues for our sport will be watching us.
We will remove access privilege to any persons who abuse the principles of the site, and as such, you must register before posting any topics.
If, in our opinion this forum becomes detrimental to the progress of dragracing, then we will have no hesitation in closing it down.
There are specific sections for motorcycles and related topics, but we welcome any of our four wheeled friends to take part or start threads as they see fit. We're all in this sport together!
Anyone who has suggestions as to how we can improve this forum, or would like specific sections added, should contact us by e mail or Gossip submission.
Date: 26th December 2001
Headline: Brian Johnson shock!
In a surprise press release, UK Top Fuel Bike rider Brian Johnson has announced that he is to delay his planned retirement in an effort to run the elusive 5 second pass that was so nearly in his grasp. He has extensively modified the `Imperial Wizard' and is confident that these changes will do the trick. Further news will follow in the New Year, but you can see an exclusive shot of the modified machine by clicking on:-
http://www.kingracing.com/images/contest/newbike.jpg
Date: 25th December 2001
Headline: Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to everyone involved in the sport. From a spectators view, thanks to everyone for the effort put in to make drag racing what it is. Good luck for next year and thanks to King Racing for the website. Enjoy the day.
Steve Carey
Date: 25th December 2001
Headline: Happy Christmas Everyone!
All of us here at King Racing would like to wish all our visitors and their families a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Be sure to keep visiting us every day over Christmas for the latest Gossip, Trivia and News from the world of motorcycle dragracing.
Date: 24th December 2001
Headline: Free Christmas giveaway
Many thanks for pointing at Tog's "Off Track Photo Collection" where I came across a picture called "wheel".
Thanks to Tog's crystal clear photography and the giant degree wheel it reveals all your speed secrets.
Now that I've finally got The Champ's timing, next year should be a "piece of cake".
Merry Christmas Ian!
Marius van der Zijden / Koedam Racing Holland
Gossip comment:-
So that's what the disc with the numbers on is for.........
Date: 24th December 2001
Headline: 2002 EVENTS AT SHAKESPEARE COUNTY RACEWAY
April 20th/21st - Season Opener Test & Tune
May 4th/6th - Obsession Motorsports (Provisional)
May 18th/19th - American Car Nationals
June 1st/4th - TBA
June 15th/16th - Obsession Motorsports (Provisional)
June 29th/30th - NSRA Nostalgia Nationals
July 13th/14th - British Mini Showdown
August 9th/11th - Bulldog Bash
August 24th/26th - Obsession Motorsports (Provisional)
September 7th/8th - NSRA Hot Rod Drags
September 21st/22nd - TBA
October 5th/6th - TBA
October 26th/27th - Bonfire Burn-Up Test & Tune
*Further dates to be added and published on www.eurodragster.com/apira & www.shakespearecountyraceway.com in the New Year.
Issued by Jeremy Cookson, Shakespeare County Raceway Press Officer
Date: 24th December 2001
Headline: Thanks all!
It's the end of the year and it's time to show our appreciation for the hard grafting team of men and women who have worked so hard during the year at Shakespeare County Raceway. So here we go..... Wendy and her crew in the Pit Office, Bruno and the FAST Team who keep the track in prime condition, the APIRA crew for Time Keeping, Marshaling and Pit Running, the Paramedics, the MSA and ACU Stewards and Scrutineers, Obsession Motorsports, NSRA and the BMC, Janet and John for the spotless toilets and showers, the Bar Staff, the guys on the Gate, Eurodragster, the Media, the band Straight-Up, all our sponsors and advertisers, the Comentators, track owner Anthony Hodges and everyone else who made it happen in 2001.... THANK YOU! See ya next year?
Jeremy Cookson
Date: 23rd December 2001
Headline: Bikers May Ball?
Two-wheel racers and fans will have an event catering exclusively to their tastes at Santa Pod Raceway on 10th-12th May 2002, says Fireforce Jet FC pilot Martin Hill.
"The Speedfreaks Ball is the first dedicated Bike event at the Pod for some years, and hopefully we will establish it as an annual event", says Martin. "The weekend will be primarily a Run What You Brung for all bikes, either pre-booked or entered on the day, with the chance to pick up trophies and prize money for the fastest in class.
"There will also be exhibition vehicles on and off the track, which at present include both Fireforce Jet Funny Cars, Pyromania the jet quad from Holland, Paul Bailey's Colossus Jet Trike, the Jet Go-Ped from Lee McBee, Top Fuel Bike, and the fastest eight Super Street Bikes. We hope to have more vehicles confirmed."
Martin say's that there will also be attractions off the track. "Hopefully we will have a local trials club with an outdoor area open to the public, along with club stands and traders, and a marquee with live bands and disco."
For more details contact Martin Hill by E-Mail at martin@fireforceracing.freeserve.co.uk.
Date: 23rd December 2001
Headline: Xmas offerings
Tog has posted on his personal web site `Tog's Drag Racing Page' the 2001 Off-Track Collection, a series of photographs taken in the pits and other off-strip locations throughout the season. There are fifty or so photographs - some humorous, some arty, and some downright weird. Check them out at http://www.togsdragracing.com/2001off-track, and if you don't have time to look at them all then Tog recommends that you go straight for the picture entitled "Trash"!
Sharkman has also updated his personal web site `Sharkman's Top End Tales' with video clips of this year's Cannonball final between John Spuffard and Lex Joon, Kim Reymond throwing a blower belt, and Leif Andréasson on a storming and far-from-straight 5.88 pass in his TMFC. There is also some new Windows wallpaper including shots of Pro Mod star Patrik Wikstrom and Andy Carter and Kim Reymond leaving the start line in their Top Fuellers. You can find Sharkman's site at http://www.eurodragster.com/sharkman.
Date: 23rd December 2001
Headline: Christmas Greetings
Merry Christmas and a Happy and successful 2002 to all at King Racing, and all our English friends.
Looking forward to see you next season.
Klaus Sarembe
Date: 22nd December 2001
Headline: Response to Top Fuel/Funny Bike Controversy
Further to our item on the 8th December regarding rumours of a merger of the Funnybike and Top Fuel class within Prostar, we now are in receipt of a statement from the sanction:-
"In response to the recent concerns for Funnybike, I would like to make the following statement:
Though there has been no official announcement as to what Prostar will do with Top Fuel and Funnybike for 2002, I would like to state our intentions. I have had conversations with many of the Funnybike riders and sponsors over the past several months and am actively seeking to resolve this matter one way or another.
This is not a problem that has occurred overnight. I have been voicing my concerns about the performance of FB for over two years. The problem is that we have too many classes and too high of an overall purse at each event, the tracks are getting very expensive and something has to change. I suggested running select classes at each event to reduce the purse. I have suggested combining Funnybike and Pro Mod or raising the pro entry fees to $250. I have asked what can we do to bridge the gap between Top Fuel and FB or slow down TF, but no support and no answers, only rejections to every suggestion.
It has come down to making some decisions and nothing is going to be a popular answer. I have to look at the facts. I delayed the 2002 rulebook because I had no answers going into the World Finals. At the World Finals there was only six FB’s that qualified in the six-second range. The #8 qualifier in FB would not have qualified in PM. The #15 qualifier in FB would have been the #28 qualifier in PM. The bump spot in PM was 7.04, the bump in FB 8.22. We had 22 FB’s and 31 PM’s. If the #26 qualifier in PM had entered FB, he would have qualified #13 in FB and raced on Sunday. We would be fools to even consider changing anything to do with PM.
Buy making any change to FB or discouragement of turbos, I’m pulling the rug out from under my own brothers feet. If it were not for FB, I would have never got involved in the sport. But, mistakes were made with FB rules years before it became my responsibility and those existing rules have caused FB to peak in their performance and ability to safely get down the track. I agree that there should be rule revisions for a new age Funnybike, but time is running out.
The main reason to consider combining TF and FB is to encourage FB riders to step up to Top Fuel. Whether you believe me or not, Top Fuel is the main reason spectators pay to see drag racing. I’m not saying they don’t come to see the other classes; but we can document the lower attendance at events without TF. It’s all about noise. Top Fuel is the only class with noise. We will do whatever we can to preserve the class. If something is not done now, in five year there may not be a Top Fuel class. We do understand that this is a sport supported by the racer, but income from the racers barely covers the purse. It is the spectators that cover the cost of the track and the expenses. Without the same or greater number of spectators, Prostar could not afford to race at the great tracks we enjoy today. And if we have to degrade the sport to race on unsafe outlaw tracks, then count me out.
Bill Hahn Jr. is asking for FB owners and riders to work with him on trying to develop real answers to our problem. Please take the time to contact him at eng@turbosystem.com and give him your advise on possible solutions.
Though we are going to print with the rulebook, I am still open to suggestions of how we can make the combination of TF and FB work. Please contact Bill so he can collect your ideas. I will then work with Bill and FB class sponsor Skip Dowling to see if there is a viable solution.
Thank you.
Keith Kizer - President, AMA Prostar
Date: 22nd December 2001
Headline: Response to New Licensing Procedure
In response to the recent concerns for the new licensing procedures, I would like to make the following statement:
I would like to begin by stating that the story from the current issue of MS&S that talks of new licensing procedures was in no way meant to stir up panic in the racing community. As a baseline we felt by grandfathering those who have raced with us this season would cover the majority of the current Prostar members. We will broaden the requirements to include those who raced in 2000 as well. Our intent is simple, to grandfather new license to those who have proven there ability to safely compete on the quarter mile. Everyone will receive a letter soon advising them of their status.
Safety has always been of the utmost concern of Prostar. We race primarily at the nation’s most prestigious facilities. We continually refine and establish safety standards that meet or exceed NHRA and insurance company standards. By insuring the riders safety we reduce accidents and downtime.
I ask that everyone be patient as we work together to find the right solution to ensure that those who rightfully deserve to be grandfathered into the new license procedure are accepted. We have listened to our racers regarding their concerns of too much travel this past season and have revised this year’s schedule to accommodate most members. The licensing concerns will also be met and I’m sure deemed satisfactory to current and future Prostar members.
To begin, we will postpone any new licensing requirements until August of 2002 giving us ample time to address all issues. Until that time, we will administer current policies and require new riders to race the first half of the season without a permanent license. At the first Gainesville event, we will not pursue any drag racing school prior to the event nor prevent any new racer from racing.
We are anticipating much stricter insurance regulations within the next year that will prevent many current motorcycle only events from running without stiff licensing procedures. We are trying to keep one step ahead of the insurance companies in the expected changes. Currently K&K Insurance will allow us to accept NHRA license, but that only covers a portion of our classes. The problem is that their procedures are just that, their procedures. We do not want to issue a Top Gas license to guy who got his NHRA license on a streetbike. NHRA license are for 7.50 and slower and 7.00-7.49. We are not questioning NHRA tracks ability to license a rider, just what kind of bike that license was intended for. Upon applying for an NHRA license, you have to surrender your original time slips. NHRA has the information on file leaving other sanctioning bodies without any paperwork. Unlike NHRA, Prostar cannot license racers efficiently with only two or three rounds of qualifying. To obtain an NHRA license, a racer can make their mandatory six runs at any NHRA sanctioned track.
Unlike NHRA, AMA does not require physicals. Our reason for asking a drag racing school to administer our licensing program insures that each new rider is qualified to compete by requiring short runs before full passes. Some previous crashes at events have been a result of a racer not making short shakedown passes before being allowed to run the entire quarter-mile. Each school bares the liability of insuring that each student is competent. To reduce the cost of most schools, Doug Foley is working with each facility to arrange an affordable licensing session the day prior to each Prostar event. The cost of the licensing session is less than a few hundred dollars, not thousands of dollars. So for the cost of a tune & test session, a racer can be licensed and prepare for the upcoming race.
However we decide to administer the new licensing, please give us the appropriate time to work this new system out. We appreciate your patients and supporting us in providing you a safer place to race.
Keith (Scooter) Kizer - President, AMA Prostar
Date: 21st December 2001
Headline: Ructions!
The announcement from Prostar that they are to require dragbike school licencing for certain riders is causing an uproar in the US, with many riders threatening to leave the sanction.
Date: 21st December 2001
Headline: Where is it now?
Many moons ago I remember seeing a "V"4 2000cc 2stroke (4 KX500 barrels on a custom crankcase)built by Paul Rose (I think?) doing some shakedown runs at North Weald (Classic Bike Sprint). I'm wondering what ever happened to the behemoth and how it ran on a good track. Anyone know anymore about it?
Ric, email: ric@aircooled-rd.com
Gossip commnet.
It was indeed a Paul Rose creation, with much assistance from John Clift. It followed on from a succession of two strock wonders, some double engined, some not. Over to you Paul!
Date: 20th December 2001
Headline: More wanted!
Wanted 2lb or 2.5lb nitrous bottles
Ring Roland on 01480 394358
Date: 20th December 2001
Headline: WANTED
Box trailer, twin axle. Internal Dimensions 8FT Long * 7Ft Wide * 6.6Ft high. Ian Warren ~ 01438 743102 E-mail ~ shytot@dargbike.com
Date: 20th December 2001
Headline: MOTORCYCLE TRAILER FOR SALE
Klinn 3 bike trailer, good condition, complete with loading ramp, lighting board and spare wheel. £160.00 ONO Ian Warren ~ 01438 743102 E-mail ~ shytot@dragbike.com
Date: 19th December 2001
Headline: Buell Becomes Official IHRA Sponsor
It has been announced that Buell motorcycles have become the "Official Street Bike" of IHRA, and sponsor of the Summit Super Series presented by Pontiac and Buell.
Beginning in 2002, The Summit SuperSeries presented by Pontiac and Buell will crown a true IHRA Sportsman (bracket) World Champion for the first time in drag racing history. In addition to a $150,000 prize package that includes cash and a 40th Anniversary Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, the world champion and winner in each of the five Summit SuperSeries divisions receive a Buell motorcycle.
Date: 19th December 2001
Headline: Press release from AMA Prostar
Known as the quickest sport on two wheels, dragracing redefines the word “speed” every year. I remember when Pro Stock was a nine-second class. Now 600s are in the nine’s and cruisers are in the ten’s. This has created an insurance nightmare for the new millennium.
Until now, a racer could show up to a national event unannounced and without any prior participation in a dragracing event and compete. We’d simply let them complete their license runs during qualifying. Now, with only two-rounds of qualifying at some events and fewer testing days available due to high cost of track rentals, gone are the days of racing without a license or training. We are now forced to conduct licensing procedures as other sanctioning bodies, such as NHRA, AMA, WERA, Formula USA, etc.
In roadracing, a racer must attend at least one school to improve their riding abilities, learn the rules of the track, and allow officials to observe their riding before any sanctioning body will consider their entry in a race. There are many roadracing schools in the U.S. who do an excellent job of training and re-training racers. There are several car dragracing schools that license anyone from bracket racers to Top Fuel racers. NHRA members can be licensed through NHRA member tracks, requiring six passes in front of an authorized NHRA official.
As we begin these new licensing procedures in AMA/Prostar it is important to note that this is, in the big picture, for the rider’s safety. In a dragracing school there is someone there to ensure that a rider can safely go 60’ before they are allowed to go 330’, then 660’, and so on. The problem up to now is that someone’s first trip down a track could be an eighth-mile pass on a Top Gas, car-tire bike, reaching very high speeds in a short distance without the slightest clue of what they are doing.
Currently we have three schools that have been approved to license AMA/Prostar racers. Doug Foley Drag Racing School, 800-485-4746, dougfoley.com; JT Engineering Drag Racing School, 732-424-1463, jtengineering.net; and Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, 888-901-7223, frankhawley.com. Doug Foley’s schools are held at numerous tracks around the mid-west and the east coast, while JTE Drag Racing Schools are held at Englishtown. Hawley’s schools for Pro Stock motorcycles are held at Gainesville, Florida.
Doug Foley is a NHRA Alcohol Dragster racer who has been a licensed instructor for five years. Doug also offers the Rickey Gadson Sportbike Drag Racing School, which is a two-day course for newcomers to the sport. To keep licensing cost effective, next year Doug will feature a one-day school at most AMA/Prostar events on the day prior to qualifying. Kawasaki Funnybike pilot Chip Ellis will be an instructor at those Doug Foley one-day schools.
The JTE School features former Pro ET Champion Mike Thyen as instructor. Mike is an extremely talented Sportsman and bracket racer who is famous for winning the AMA/Prostar Pro ET championship on a no-delay box bike. George Bryce, of Star Racing is the instructor at the Hawley School. At the completion of each school, riders who safely master the quarter-mile will be awarded a signed license application allowing them the right to compete in AMA/Prostar competition.
Currently there are three types of licenses but the new procedure will feature five license categories. A Class 4 license will be for Super Gas, 600 SuperSport, Pro ET or Street ET bikes quicker than 9.99. Class 3 is for Superbike, Streetbike Shootout, Top Gas and Super Comp. Class 2 Pro Stock. Class 1 Funnybike and Pro Mod. There will be a separate Top Fuel license.
All current AMA/Prostar riders who hold a class 2 or 3 license, and who have competed in at least two AMA/Prostar events in 2001, will be grandfathered into the new license procedure and issued new license and membership cards. Those who have raced with us in 2000 plus Class 1 and Top Fuel licenses will be issued on an individual basis based on previous performance. A motorcycle dragracing school will be required for all other licenses or upgrades to new licenses. Schools held prior to AMA/Prostar events will offer streamline license upgrades for riders requiring runs made in the presence of an instructor. This will also be an excellent opportunity for testing.
All new riders under the age of 18 will be required to have parental permission and complete a 2-day dragracing school. The minimum age to compete will be 12-years old on a 250cc motorcycle, with prior approval from AMA/Prostar on an individual basis. Ages 14-16 can compete at 9.99 seconds or slower.
The sport of motorcycle dragracing will be a safer place once each competitor has completed proper schooling. Though licensing may be a time inconvenience and moderate expense to new racers, it will be reassuring to the sanctioning body and the guy in the other lane to know that everyone on the track has the qualifications to compete safely. For more information regarding licensing procedures, please contact AMA/Prostar.
For information and costs of approved dragracing schools, please contact one of the above schools. Have a great off-season and safe racing.
Keith Kizer - President
Date: 18th December 2001
Headline: Thanks!
Just to let you know that the Physics Show at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge last Sunday went down well and thanks for the mention on kingracing.com and to those drag racing fans and racers who turned up.
We took a number of videos of drag bike and drag car racing with us which, along with the display, attracted quite a lot of interest from people who were not aware that drag racing took place in England - a number of whom said they would make the trip to Shakespeare County and Santa Pod Raceways in the New Year.
There were a number of free competitions with prizes such as Scalextric sets and radio controlled race cars nice Christmas presents if you were lucky - I don't know if any of our drag race friends got any - but I did see one or two tucking in to the free food and drinks.
We are currently organising some prizes for our free to enter competition which will be hosted on the thinkpinkracing.co.uk website after Xmas and will be open to racers and spectators. We will let you know when it starts.
Sandra Chaplain
Date: 17th December 2001
Headline: Pistols at Dawn?
Patrik, Just glancing back at your postings you posted the following: "SWT Racing's goal for 2002 is to break the landspeed record with the same Suzuki and that means that we are aiming to go 325mph...."
If you are aiming to go 325 mph for a landspeed record that would imply you are going after the motorcycle world land speed record of 322 mph. Not unless there is another open bike out there, that's going 322 mph?
I tell you what, I will make this public to anyone here listening. Every year on the Bonneville Salt Flats (Wendover, UTAH) there is a meet in August, third full week. I will challenge you too a duel of speed, our 1990 Kawasaki 1000cc ZX10 that holds a World Land Speed Record (MPS-F 1000cc) at 221 mph against your 410+ hp Suzuki Hayabusa. http://www.landracing.com/teamamo To add the kicker in this I Jonathan Amo / Landracing.com will pay your entry fee of $400 into the event. Do NOT consider this post as a bashing of you, your team, your bike, or your accomplishments but rather an international meeting of fast bikes, invitation to come on over and have some safe fast racing on the Bonneville salt flats. You bring it, I'll pay for you to race it at a sanctioned (SCTA) event where you will be able to compete for a World Land Speed Record. To give you a general ruling, you will have to forward me your actual cc of the bike and I will find the class you would fit in. To set a record you must be faster than the current speed in the class. The speed must be maintained for a measured MILE, then you again must back up this speed with another run over the same measured mile then the two are averaged. Let me know if you are interested.
Jonathan Amo email: webmaster@landracing.com
Gossip comment :-
Well, we are interested in the outcome!
Date: 17th December 2001
Headline: Credit where credits due???
Swedish Hayawhat?? I have been around in the world of speed for a couple of days now and it p****s me off when some individual belittles an achievement of someone else. Sorry Patrick, but I have a strong feeling that neither the Easy Rider Team, nor the guys that organise the land speed records trials, nor the Guinness book of records, nor me, nor another couple of billion people, nor the rest of the world, are intrested in what you think is a motorcycle land speed record or not. I think you should show a bit more respect fort he guys that did it. Not on paper, not on a computer, not on King Racing Gossip, but the real thing out on the Salt Flats. Many before you have have made the same mistake as you are making. First do it and than brag about it, don't do it before that time.
P.S. If one day you really do it, I will pay you the same respect as you should pay the guys who did it
Ton Pels - Team Zodiac, Holland
Date: 17th December 2001
Headline: Fer sale
For Sale Suzuki 1200 Turbo Bandit 1997 2800 miles, Black paint work, Mr Turbo system, F40 sandcast turbo, lockup clutch, S&S carb, MTC turbo pistons , water injection, 8" extended arm, reliable bike.
Best et 9.2 @ 157mph with no airshifter, have shifter to go with bike, ideal bike for straighliners topbike class, No2 in 2001 championship.
£5295 ono may px
Rick Stubbins email: turbopower@ntlworld.com tel 07771 756849 ask for Rik
Date: 17th December 2001
Headline: Never mind the quality, feel the........
Still got some good quality parts for sale. Go on treat yourself for Christmas:-
Helen Currans world famous 9.90 / s/street EFE chassis, everything there, MSD ignition & retard, nitrous, air shifter, star exhaust, pro-light, M600 upsidedowns, 6" rear wheel, lengthened GSXR swing arm. Just needs an engine to go racing. £1500 OVNO.
Schnitz Pro-mod all in one box. Contains ignition, progressive retard and nitrous control, ignition kill, pro-light output, 2 step, rev limiter. Suit any class bike. 6 months old £400
Schnitz Prgressive nitrous controller new £300.
MTC slider clutch just rebuilt by MTC, £450.
EFE big valve cylinder head, 31mm inlets 1mm over exhaust valves, ported excellent condition £450.
EFE 20mm pin cranksaft, polished rods, balanced, top quality, still in wrapper from Crankshafts Unltd. £350.
Taylor leads, Barnett clutches, dynojet kits, K&N air filters, engine breathers. Plus lots more odds and sods.Must clear.
Lots of standard EFE, Bandit & GSXR engine parts.
Engine building to a high standard.
Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to all at King Racing and all your web site readers.
Red Ken Cooper - Team Cooperized.
ken.cooper1@virgin.net 020-8384-5921.
cooperizedracing.com
Date: 16th December 2001
Headline: Sorry if we trod on your toes.....
Regarding my "gossip" over the speed we say we have performed or not - when we did this high speed test with our Hayabusa it was just a test, nothing else, we have never tried to claim that we have set a new world record, just that we have done a fast speed...
The "track" we used when we did this speed was in the beginning 2.5km with a very light corner in the end which we took at 180 - 185mph and after that a further 3.9km...
And I stil think that speed records set by a streamliner is a record set by a "car", regardles if it has two or four wheels, SORRY!!!
Regarding Cannon´s "gossip"...
I have been trying to get all the fast motorcycle riders in the UK to meet each other at the same time and track for a long time, and then we can say that Jack or anyone else is the fastest man with a MOTORCYCLE, NOT WITH A CAR, SORRY, STREAMLINER...
And finaly - regarding the wheelie record we have (approval by Gunness records), set in Sweden in 1999, is 201.3mph and nothing else...
I say, find a good place, a date, professional people behind it and some magazines or company who could finance this event and I / SWEDISH WHEELIE TEAM WILL BE THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And for the people around this world- I am sorry if I have stepped on your toes, it was not the intention, SORRY...
Warm regards from the man who just brags and never performs...
Patrik Fürstenhoff / Swedish Wheelie Team
Date: 15th December 2001
Headline: True World Records?
I am writing this in reference to the Hayabusa that claims to run in the 270's. I had an earlier email regarding the claims of how it was timed. Here are my credentials. I am the owner/webmaster (and current motorcycle land speed racer) of a "TRUE" land speed racing community who can claim world land speed records for speeds. These are not timed by the sometimes inaccurate timing lights for peak velocities, but by sanctioned timing equipment by the SCTA and FIA. The website is http://www.landracing.com . World Records that we run against take place on the Bonneville Salt Flats. You not only have to do it once, but you must also back this run up again then the two speeds are averaged, here is the kicker, speeds are taken OVER A MEASURED MILE. NOT a peak velocity. I will say to reach a speed as you may have, is very much a HUGE accomplishment. But the problem I have is the world record part. The fastest Hayabusa to date running sanctioned event is 220 mph average of a two way run.
And as for your "Balls" comment, no the 322 mph was not in a car but a MOTORCYCLE streamliner. Which has only two wheels. It takes a "huge set" to run these streamliners across the salty course, then the fun starts when you weaving in and out of "ruts" made by other vehicles, or a simple 10 mph cross wind.
This is not a snipe at your accomplishment, but more towards the world record claims and validity of the timing equipment.
Jon Amo
owner/webmaster www.landracing.com
Date: 15th December 2001
Headline: Cannon's bragging rights?
Well it seems Patrick has a few folk fired up with claims of 272mph. As far as I'm aware he has been known to brag a little before actually doing the said event, but he does hold the world speed wheelie record set at Bruntingthorpe at 191mph and as I was there on the Saturday I did not see either Patrick or Gary Rothwell exceed 165mph timed through a trap of approx 20ft.
After speaking with nameless timing experts it appears it should not have been allowed as it should be 80ft to get accurate times as myself and Jack Frost had at Jurby.
But the fact remains on one of the runs the timming lights blew over and was just stood back up with no re calibration and this was a filmed event by Guinness
Then came Sunday and both Gary and Patrick stepped it up to the 190mph bracket, now I'm not saying the he has not done this but I find it hard to believe.
However,I know Patrick and having lent his own bike to Gary Rothwell to compete against himself at the record atempt shows the good character of the man and I would like to invite him over to england to compete against myself, Jack Frost and selected others on May the 18th and 19th at an invite only event for speed and wheelie attempts. Then we will all be there same time same place same lights and no excuses.
Best regards, Cannon - e-mail info@cannon-eng.co.uk
Date: 14th December 2001
Headline: Larry's collared
It has been reported that Larry 'Spiderman' McBride has broken his collarbone whilst mucking about on an ATV in the desert.
Apparently his quad overturned whilst taking a break from the AMA Champions Banquet in California.
Get well soon Larry.
Date: 14th December 2001
Headline: Petrol Heads - the Directors cut.......
We viewed a rough cut of the `Petrol Heads' programme featuring the King Racing Top Fuel Bike team yesterday.
It has some excellent footage, with some great interviews with racers such as Andy Newcombe, Paul King, Helen Curran, Matt Nixon, and some great footage of BJ, Neil Midgeley, Dave Beck, Shaun Branch amongst others.
The Chris Tombleson Starightline Racing Drag School (sic) is also featured, and cars even get in too - Barry Sheavills, Pat Talbot, Steve Green, and Gordon Smith amongst others.
The programme should be aired in the New Year.
Date: 14th December 2001
Headline: Streetbike records
With regards to the 272mph Busa, now I 'aint saying it isn't so but Kent Stotz's Blackbird (Worlds quickest streetbike) that develops over 450bhp holds the streetbike world speed record at 233.75mph (At least according to the side of his trailer!!)
There is a big difference between 233mph and 272mph!!!
Rich Fielding - email: Richf@spinfinderr.com
Gossip comment:-
Well, Patrik is or at least was an officially recognised World Record holder himself, so certainly has credibility. It's easy to call yourself a record holder without official sanction, but as Patrick has said, they will be doing it in conjunction with Guinness Records in the new year, so the doubters will have to believe it then!
Date: 14th December 2001
Headline: Sandra on show!
Thought you might be interested to know that Sandra has been invited to take her two bikes to the Institute of Physics Christmas Event this Sunday afternoon (16th December) held at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge.
In addition to the drag race representation will be Formula 1 cars past and present (including a Bennetton car), a jet powered scooter, interactive computer activities and a huge Scalextric track .
The presentations are by some of the worlds' leading authorities on the application of physics to 'speed' but the intention is not to baffle people as it is targeted at the general public.
Entry is free - see team news on the Think Pink Website for more details.
Best wishes
Roland Chaplain
Date: 13th December 2001
Headline: You better believe it!!!
To answer "I don´t bloody believe it" (Jon Amo)...
I can understand that Jon (and other people) have questions regarding the reliability of our speed, but when we did this high speed we used TWO different measuring instruments - timing lights and a radar gun from the Swedish POLICE department...
Our Suzuki Hayabusa is tuned by a company named- MC XPRESS - and they have fitted a huge TURBO, INTERCOOLER, cams + much more- the result is incredibly 418bhp on the back wheel...
We will do this again in the beginning of 2002 together with GUINNESS RECORD COMPANY and then make it official...
Regarding Jon Amo´s information about the landspeed record on two wheels, he had the right information but I think that is a record sat by a CAR - we will try to break that record with our "normal" Hayabusa, or at least get as close it can be done...
We will have pics, movies and information on our web site asap in January 2002 - http://www.swt-racing.com
Warm regards,
Patrik Fürstenhoff - Swedish Wheelie Team
Ps! Streamliners are for men and girls without any "balls" Ds!
Date: 13th December 2001
Headline: Interview with BJ
For those of you who have not yet seen it, Eurodragster have posted an interview with retired Fuel Bike rider Brian Johnson at :-
http://www.eurodragster.com/news/bj_december_2001.asp
Date: 13th December 2001
Headline: Not enough events?
Right guys and gals, I have spoken to a few riders over the past couple of days who have expressed an interest in riding at Streetfighter rounds.
Firstly there will be no ACU rounds run at Streetfighter events, but after speaking with Streetfighters supremo Trevor Duckworth, he is happy to talk about running classes to accomodate people in Prostock and Funnybike as there is already a provision for Comp bike, and Superstreet is actuallly Topbike.
To do this, the said meetings would have to be run at the Pod and SCR, both under negotiation at present, and Elvinton all of which are tracks suitable for all classes.
Streetfighters have nearly booked all there rounds so we need to be quick here, the idea giving yourselves more time to race with 4 ACU rounds and hopefully the Streetfighter meetings in between.
Should any of the dates clash then we could hopfully get the not so good tracks for Streetfighters on at the same time as the ACU so as not to lose any track time for the bikes that require a good track etc.
It was also metioned about a self generating prize fund at the said meetings where you would have the opportunity to pay your £75 entry and structure a prize fund on the level of entries or pay the normal £25 and race for the win. Let's face it, what we get as prize fund any way does not help a great deal - I mean are we really in it for the money? So I need to hear from all intersted parties in Superstreet, Comp, Prostock and Funnybike to get an idea who wants to race at these events.
This may be a great chance to get back to bike only meetings and also encourage some of the slower bikes to step up as we have all done and get the sport buzzing again.
Just to finish off, Trevor told me he has just spent £4000 upgrading the timing gear to now give 60ft times and it is his intention to have the best portable lights in the country, so come on people whats the feeling?
e-mail info@cannon-eng.co.uk
07775 501371 mob
01274 855886 wk
Date: 12th December 2001
Headline: TEAM TURBOVILLE 2002
Right, here is the skinny on my team 2002! When I packed up racing two years ago due to my redundancy I always intended coming back asap but with something faster and quicker. Now, my only interest is racing Harleys, nothing else, that is what I like. I don't want to race a quick motorcycle, just a quick Harley. I could keep throwing thousands of pounds at my gas bike and with a lot of time and work it should get down to a low nine. The seven inch tyred chassis and 114ci big-twin just won't take much more than that. To get into the eights would mean a very expensive new bike and a lot more tuning time and it would always have to be run at the max. Risking the inevitable damage.It would also give me a bike that is limited to one class only, supertwins top-gas. Nitro is always thought of as super expensive and dangerous but that depends on what you want to do with it! I will never be able to do a season of FIM in europe so do not have to run sixes, all I need to do is run low eights to have serious fun here in the UK. Running those times on a top-fuel Harley is easy, you can run real soft settings and last all season without major problems if you are careful. Nitro itself is no more expensive than VP race fuel, you just use a little more. I am sponsored for oil and parts so that is no problem. Now my main sponsor is S&S Cycle of Wisconsin and they gave me most of a new big-twin motor as a replacement for my gas motor. It was only 114ci again, too small for gas nowdays, but was stronger with McClure rods and pins, hyperformance cylinders, jims lifters etc. So I started looking around but decided to see what was for sale at the end of the FIM finals at the Pod. Turned out to be a smart move! My pal Svein Gottenberg had been looking around for me also and introduced me to his budy Ronny Aasen, from Norway. He had just gone the nitro route that year and was ready to move up to a serious 'overkill' powered bike so his present bike was for sale. It is a really pretty little 10" tyred bike, nothing fancy, no expensive american parts, all home made but running a brand new Bentec 2 speed and a new Bentec slider. I loved it! Fortunately for me he blew the motor at the finals trying to keep up with the big boys. A six pack of Bud and a few hours later we had a killer deal for us both. I gave him my spare motor and a reasonable wad of cash, he took it home to Norway and put it in his chassis with his fuel system, which just happened to be exactly the right size, and in the spring I nip to Oslo and take delivery of a brand new, running, top-fuel Harley!! I get a new bike built for me, he gets enough to pay for his new chassis, my sponsors get all the parts they gave my used on a better attraction! A win-win situation! I have kind offers of help from a couple of fuel teams on setting up and running fuel. I can run it soft at 85% or so and still run good enough numbers to be competitive in UK supertwins but can also qualify in ACU comp bike, funny bike etc. so am not so limited. Sean Higginbotham and Terry Dutton are keen to help once more as crew which is great. It is something I have always wanted to do and as anyone who has tried nitro will tell you, 'it's like nothing else and the ultimate drug', I just have to try some! It seems I have spread my desease as there should be at least four other nitro HD's running here next year to replace Ben. Should be big fun!
BIG THANKS must go to some good people for helping me realise this dream:- S&S CYCLE, JIMS PERFORMANCE PARTS, HYPERFORMANCE, RED LINE OIL, CUSTOM CHROME EUROPE, RIVERA ENGINEERING, KARL THIECKE AND WILLEM BEEN, BEN, FAST-CAT RACING, JIM MCCLURE AND TONY MATTIOLI, RUSH, RUNE FJELD, BRIAN UDALL, BARRY SHEAVILLS, TON PELS, AND JANE (well she didn't want me to do it!).
Date: 12th December 2001
Headline: I don't bloody believe it!!
READING YOUR WEBPAGE I'M A BIT CURIOUS ON HOW ONES CLAIMS TO HAVE WENT 272 MPH ON A HAYABUSA. WHAT KIND OF TIMING EQUIPMENT WAS USED TO RECORD THIS EVENT? AND HOW CAN ONE CLAIM THIS? THE FASTEST 2 WHEELED PISTON ENGINED VEHICLE EVER WAS AT THE BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS BY JOHN MINNONO RUNNING AN INCREDIBLE 258 MPH WITH A SINGLE ENGINED TRIUMPH ENGINE 3000+ CC. THIS WAS A 2 WHEELED PARTIAL STREAMLINED BIKE. HE SAYS HE IS GOING AFTER 325 MPH RECORD? WHAT RECORD WOULD THAT BE? THE ONLY RECORDS IN THAT RANGE FOR A MOTORCYCLE (FULLY ENCLOSED STREAMLINED) IS 322 MPH BY DAVE CAMPO'S RIDING/DRIVING THE EASYRIDERS STREAMLINER (WHICH WAS POWERED BY TWO HARLEY ENGINES) SETTING A TWO WAY RECORD.
CURIOUS, JON AMO
Date: 11th December 2001
Headline: 'TATTOOS @ TURBOVILLE'
Our favourite artist and crew uniform supplier, Ian Turburville, is to add a new string to his bow:-
"After mentioning to a friend that I used to be a custom painter of cars and bikes, he said ` Well that is just like tattooing and I own two tattoo shops, come down and take a look'".
It seems that the art is particularly appealing to Turbo, and will complement his already extensive range of skills. Apparently, it takes about a year of apprenticeship normally, but as Ian has artististic skills already he has a head start. Tattooing is a different world these days, cleaner, safer, and the designs are totally different now. Much more artistic and without the stigma it enjoyed for so long.
Turbo hopes to be available for said service in 2002, maybe even trackside, with a new race trailer planned to be kitted out so he can get it registered by the health authority as a mobile studio.
As he says, it should add a new dimension to saturday evening's in the pits!
Date: 11th December 2001
Headline: 272 mph on a Streetbike!
SWT racing have achieved an incredible 272.871 mph with a Suzuki Hayabusa Intercooled Turbo.
SWT Racing's goal for 2002 is to break the landspeed record with the same Suzuki and that means that we are aiming to go 325mph. We will also try to destroy our own world record for high speed wheelies with 217,526mph (350km/h+).
Swedish Wheelie Team Racing
email: swt_racing@hotmail.com
Gossip comment:-
Well done guys on a fabulous achievement. Keep us updated with your progress.
Date: 11th December 2001
Headline: Website of the week
Surf on over to the see what the founders of UK dragracing are up to:-
Date: 10th December 2001
Headline: Beck and Rog sacked?
We received a report of the performance of the MRE team at the Bradenton Snowbird Nationals.
On what is normally Dave Becks' ride, John Sachs piloted the bike powered by a 4V CPE OEM head engine put together by Jay Regan himself.
The result, after a string of 6.9 passes (with a quickest 6.93), was a final round win over Charlie Farrar......
Date: 10th December 2001
Headline: Mystery bike
So, we have decided the winner on speed of answer.
3rd Svein Gottenberg (Norway)
2nd Jules Boag (England)
1st Marius van der Zijden (Holland)
Marius also gave us a rundown on what happened to the bike:-
"A bike with a long and spectacular history. John Clift's `Chain Reaction' (he built it originally), later in the hands of Mark Pemble then Henk Geeve and finally Gerard Willemse.
After it's amazing 6,9's in Gainesville, it is now sitting retired in his workshop. Marius"
Gossip would have to say that it was a proud moment for Europe when Gerard ran his amazing six second passes at the Prostar Gainesville finals, especially when the Americans heard it was less than 1000 cc (the only equivalent bikes being the 2500 cc Nitro Harley twins).
Let's hope it comes out of retirement!
Date: 10th December 2001
Headline: Mystery bike
It seems that even the latest picture proved too easy for our readers, although Jules Boag may have given the explanation as to why it was so easy........
"Mystery comp??? Easy,if you click on picture it says clift.jpg, so I guess John Clift. 3 speed Miller gearbox, S24 injector, Magnusson blower, billet head etc. Only other person who used that setup was Mark Pemble.
Jules Boag"
Date: 10th December 2001
Headline: Vanorak?
Re Rod's bike and Bernie's admission, it was the van that did it for me too. I have unhappy memories of travelling in the back of it to the inaugural (only ?)race meeting at Bitteswell, and bloody uncomfortable it was. On the way home Rod did a detour to visit Pete Davis at Puma, can't say I was really happy about that, but I did need to get home!
Jim Broome
Date: 9th December 2001
Headline: Mystery Pic
With courtesy of Fuel Bike rider Peter Andersson Stroem of Sweden, we thought we'd run another competition.
Peter wrote and said:-
"Some pics from the old days, when there were more people from the Island who knew how to swim, and therefore dared to cross the canal"
We'd like to thank Peter, and hope he will swim across to the Pod this year, we'd love to see his bike over.
As the last competition seemed too easy for you lot, we chose something a little more obscure, at least for the younger readers.
Whose bike was this, in those days.......
Date: 9th December 2001
Headline: Insider trading?
Re the last mystery bike.
It was the van that gave it away. Both Rod and Chris had a thing about opera windows. I make windows for a living and sadly notice such things.
Bernie the glazer
Date: 9th December 2001
Headline: Missionary anyone?
Well done Helen - Girls on top!!!
Rat - TEAM PANTS HQ
Date: 8th December 2001
Headline: MotoSpeed to stock V&H gearboxes
Sweden's MotoSpeed has become an official distributor for Vance and Hines five- and six-speed gearboxes for Pro Stock and Pro Mod Bikes.
"We have the gearboxes in stock now", says MotoSpeed's Roger Lyrén, who supports six-time European Pro Stock Bike Champion Roger Petterson with engines. "For a quote please contact me by E-Mail at roger@motospeed.se or call +46 21 351925. I will also be attending all FIM/UEM Championship events in 2002 and will have spares in the trailer."
Date: 8th December 2001
Headline: Top Fuelling around with Funnybike!
It seems that the rumour in the US is that Prostar will merge the Top Fuel and Funnybike class into one eliminator again, much to the consternation of the FB riders.
Date: 8th December 2001
Headline: Mystery bike
It seems the mystery bike competition was a little too easy, with most entrants giving the correct answer. It must have been famous when it could be identified by the front end only!
Anyhow, notable answers were Henk Vink and Chris Stevens, however it was, of course, one of Rod Pallants LA Hookers.
Bernie Hepworth and Jim Broome get the prize for the first two correct answers, within seconds of the posting!
Date: 8th December 2001
Headline: Collis on Curran
Spoke to Fred Collis last evening and he commented on how well Helen performed at the school, saying she was clearly the best rider in attendance.
Now only if Mr. Charlie Farkwah can provide her with a machine capable of winning..........
Jay Regan
Date: 8th December 2001
Headline: 6 not 4!
Re Chris `Cannon' Hannam's comments re Helen, surely she can also race Paul's PS at the FIM/UEM rounds!
Jim Broome
Date: 7th December 2001
Headline: Cannon's fires!
Well, for what it's worth I'm going to have my say. It seems to me that everybody's having a moan at something or other instead of being positive.
The last thing we need at the minute is an 8.90 bracket meaning another prize fund to find from an already tight budget
Let's face it, most bikes could make the step up if they knew how, the problem being spending money on the wrong things. Take Grumpy's Bandit. A very nice example if I've ever seen one, but he wanted £7500 for it. But for £7500 I could build a Superstreet bike that would mix it with the top runners, no problem.
Just because Graham and Tony are running well they must have something special, I mean Grahams chassis was made by a builder for a bit of extra cash for Christ's sake! It just shows what you can do with a bit of enthusiasm and commonsense. The big advantage the Yanks have over us is track time and more money to prepare said tracks. I personally can't make my mind up whether the bikes need the cars or vice versa. I'm now going back to when Tony Huck ran the Ultimate Streetbike series. They were all bike meetings and used to attract big crowds, although the FIM rounds were often losers from what we heard. Maybe that's the way forward, I don't know, but Streetfighters is definitely attracting big numbers now. Unfortunately, there is a definite lack of organisation, and with only 1 good track to boast (Elvington) they are not going to attract the Funnybikes, Prostock and Super street. However, if they can get the good tracks and some organisation then I think the car meetings would fall desperately behind.
I personally would not be opposed to higher entry fees to get the tracks and conditions to a better level but the proposed 4 meetings is not enough, it makes me glad I sold my bike to Midgo, and feel sorry for him. And what about Helen Curran, she has saved like hell to attend the George Bryce Prostock school in the USA to learn for her new ride next year on the Paul Rose Motorsports Stocker only to find she has only 4 meetings.
Just going sideways a minute, well done Helen, you're a class act girl!
Getting back to it, maybe all the organising clubs should get together and form one organisation like Prostar in the USA and then run all the meetings. Surely then that would be better for the sport. Mind you, getting that off the ground would be fun but something definitley needs resolving.
As for UEM Prostock rules, well that seems to be a load of girls setting the rules to suit themselves. They should mirror the Prostar or NHRA rules in the States, or whatever is decided by the majority vote of riders.
On a final note, I don't think anybody is getting rich on drag racing in this country but one thing is for sure, whatever is done needs to be for the good of the sport and not suit the rich or poor man.
Regards, Chris `Cannon' Hannam.
Date: 7th December 2001
Headline: Angelle Curran?
Following in the footsteps (or leathers) of the most famous Pro stock bike rider in the world at Gainesville last week was Europes own Helen Curran.
After shelling out nearly $2000, she and six other (male) riders participated in the Frank Hawley Prostock School. Frank, Star Racing's George Bryce and Fred Collis were the tutors for the course, which covered both theory, psychology and on the track coaching.
Helen did not let us down with a stunning performance that finished with her top of the class after running a 7.75 sec et and a sixty foot of 1.14. What makes the performance even more remarkable was the fact that the bikes do not run auto boxes, and the shift light is only set for 1000 rpm changes between gears. Bryce remarked that her 7.75 pass would have been a 7.50 with a full auto.
Helen nervously awaits confirmation if she is to receive her NHRA licence as a result of her overall control of the machine.
Well done Helen!
Her partner, Red Ken Cooper, also shelled out nearly $300 to participate in the theory session only, hoping to pick up some of the psychological tips to beat Ian King in UEM competition for the first time.........
Date: 7th December 2001
Headline: Wanted
Wanted:
1) Hilborn 00 fuel pump
2) 9 x 15" wheel (pref with hub)
Contact Lorcan 01326 378123 daytime, or email lorcan@750turbo.com
Date: 7th December 2001
Headline: Promises, promises.
I will be out at Easter, definitely. I am just concluding a deal (hopefully) with a company whose data logger includes a GPS (global positioning system). Think how useful it could be. You could easily find which bit of the ploughed field at the end of the pod the bike is in!!!
Jules Boag
Date: 7th December 2001
Headline: Move the Easter Thunderball to Summer???
Could the April meet at SP not be changed to a later date?
As for running at the NSA / Straightliners events, I do attend the ocasional meet at Elvington(good track). The other tracks are just not up to it.
Mick Pitfield
Date: 7th December 2001
Headline: For sale
Yamaha R1 Nitrous Streetfighter. Run's 9.7's @ 150 mph. 200BHP, road legal, £5000 worth of extras, £4995 p/x welcome.
Also, Nitrous GSXR, Bandit engine, 200 BHP, runs 9.3's @ 153 mph. £3995 p/x welcome.
Tel 07980 293113 Bolton, UK
Date: 7th December 2001
Headline: Mystery bike
Brian Johnson has set a teaser for us by asking if anyone can name the rider of the bike parked next to his on the previous picture.
Date: 7th December 2001
Headline: Imperial Wizard Prostock Bike?
Does anyone have any photos of BJ's old pro-stocker "Imperial Wizard"?????
Rich Fielding
Gossip comment:-
You mean like this one?
Date: 6th December 2001
Headline: Shafted ?
I've been reading all the various comments made by people on 'Gossip' and in particular the quote 'being shafted by the money men'. I take exception to the comment. As 'Gossip' quite rightly points out a limited company's accounts are public records and are easily accessible to anyone who so wishes to look at the viability of a particular company. Perhaps once you have looked at their balance sheet you might have a better understanding as to whether huge monies currently are being made out of Drag Racing in the UK.
Both the APIRA and SPRC hold AGM's and their accounts are readily available to their members.
For the last 3 years we have been promoting drag racing events at SCR and, other than the two bank holiday events each year, the other permitted events have been running at a loss. I'm very tired of the continuing accusations that both the public and entrants are being ripped off. Anyone who has been to SCR as either a racer or spectator wouldn't need a A level in maths to realise that at the Sportsman's events the gate receipts are poor - you only need to look at the stands.
I can only speak for Obsession and SCR, no monies are made out of the entry fees. In fact, the way it is structured Obsession Motorsports 'props up' the prize monies at each event and at the larger events the Pro Classes are paid in full by the promoter. We have come to realise that the Pro Classes are needed if you are to attract both sponsors and spectators and if that doesn't work what happens next - perhaps someone will tell us?
We have been fortunate at SCR that we do have a good base of Sportsman spectators but this isn't enough. Whether we who love the sport like it or not, Drag Racing is a minority sport in the UK with the majority of population not having a clue what Drag Racing is. Why would a national TV company televise it when they know they would get good ratings from say a football match or F1, but wouldn't get good ratings for drag racing? Sorry, but its true. Promoters have to pay for any filming at a cost of anything from £5,000.00 to £15,000.00 per event. It doesn't take long before you realise that at some events you haven't the income coming in from gate receipts and something has to go - yes you've got it, filming. Obsession spent a small fortune on filming over 3 years and Duke marketed the video which was released. Only 175 videos were sold and the racers response was 'why buy it, I'm not on it' - I rest my case!
With Terry's health problems and the comments made we certainly don't like being branded with the same brush as others. The question has to be asked is it worth it!!
Tina Gibbs - Obsession Motorsports.
Date: 6th December 2001
Headline: Who needs a Prostock in SSB?
Following on from Grumpy's comments, a few points need straightening out. The reason my bike runs a Pro-stock motor, auto gear box & Pro-stock style chassis is, surprise surprise, - I raced in Pro-stock for seven years and built up a large amount of spares. If I was starting from scratch in Superstreet now I would build a standard chassis with suspension. The thing a lot of people don't realise about auto gear boxes is you can't shut off in anything but top gear without damaging them. That makes riding the bike very hard when you're on the back wheel at 140mph and all you can do is punch the next gear - ask Steve Venables about auto gear boxes he wasted a whole year trying to make his work!!
The secret of going quick in Superstreet is the progressive nitrous, a good clutch setting and a lot of hard work and track time. Have you ever heard myself or Tony Clark whinge about getting our asses kicked when Dave Holland or Mark Watkins were beating us on a regular basis - NO - and remember two things.... me and Tony both took 2 full years to be competitive in Superstreet and Tony does not have a Pro-stock motor, an auto box and has a standard loop chassis & he still kicked my butt this year!!
My advice to anyone wanting to race with us is do do it coz you love riding your bike flat out, work hard, be committed and don't expect to win in your first year. After all with only 4 rounds next year it should be half as cheap to run in 2002!
Regards Graham Dance
Date: 6th December 2001
Headline: Been there!
In reply to Dave Manning, I have been to the States. I have met Brock Davidson who runs the fastest Bandit in the world and I know they run 7's and I'm sure if you had $30,000 you too could own a 7 sec Bandit. What I'm saying is they have much bigger budgets, that's why T/F cars run 4.6 at over 300 mph and we don't. As to Straightliners, they seem to clash with championship rounds and they are all up north with bad tracks - not very inviting. If you look at the fastest Superstreet bikes in this country they are basically Pro stock bikes with a M/T tyre and nitrous - that's why I think it's time for an 8.90 class for real Streetbikes. But I may do some NSA / Straightliners next year - send me some info.
Grumps
Gossip Comment:-
No more brackets please, heads up Streetbike class needed.........
Date: 5th December 2001
Headline: Powerade Becomes New NHRA Series Sponsor
In a widely anticipated move, The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and The Coca-Cola Company's POWERADE brand today announced a five-year, multi-tiered agreement naming POWERADE as the title sponsor of the NHRA's prestigious 23-race national event series, which will be called the NHRA POWERADE Drag Racing Series beginning with the 2002 season.
This replaces the long standing arrangement made with the Winston RJ cigarette brand.
As part of the multi-year, worldwide exclusive agreement, POWERADE also will be the "Official Sports Drink of NHRA." In addition, Coca-Cola classic will become the "Official Soft Drink of NHRA" and DASANI will be the "Official Bottled Water of NHRA" for the sanctioning body which will enter its 51st year in 2002.
As part of the announcement, the NHRA and POWERADE also unveiled a significant purse increase in the year-end points fund, with the NHRA POWERADE Drag Racing World Champion in both Top Fuel and Funny Car receiving $400,000, respectively. The Pro Stock World Champion will receive $200,000, while the Pro Stock Motorcycle World Champion will receive a check for $50,000. In all, including year-end and top ten bonus programs, payouts for the four professional classes, from one through 10, will increase to more than $3 million.
This program brings POWERADE's total payout to NHRA competitors to $3,013,750 per year.
Date: 5th December 2001
Headline: Loss making?
Loss making ??? I would like to see where the money goes - do these companies (clubs) produce an annual report?? It appears that the meetings are well attended by the public and racers alike and given the level of entry fees, the amount passed over the bar, the number of paying trade stalls etc. Offset this against a total lack of decent facilities (I mean, how much does it cost to hose down a concrete trough once a year) where does the rest go? As for racers having to pay to have a shower at the Pod coupled with the state of the pit area surface, lets have some figures. We up North have had this moan from York for so long now than no-one with a fast bike dare race there. It seems that all these changes suit those who live on the doorstep. For me and a number of others it is a 360 mile round trip to the Pod and still we keep doing it for the love of the sport and the benefit of the owners of the tracks -- come on guys cut us some slack. Get on your soapboxes and do some proper marketing, lets see TV coverage (not of men and motors standard !!). Football gets countless millions for the sake of around 500,000 attendees each Saturday -- we only need a small percentage of that to get this sport on the calendar in the UK. Lets see some figures and lets see the evidence of an attempt to get the coverage which would lead to the income.
John Roberts
Gossip comment:-
Those who attended SPRC meetings in the past know that the club accounts are published. Those who wish to know the financial affairs of Trak Bak Racing (the SP promoters) can obtain them as they are published in the public domain. Have a look, and you may change you beliefs.
There seems to be a huge myth that Drag racing generates huge fortunes in the UK
Don't believe that there is a huge revenue from the gates in the UK. Even 10,000 people paying an average of £30 for two meetings a year does not keep a venue from operating at a loss over 7 months. And if you are operating with the small gate that SCR has, well you don't have to be a mathematician do you? Advertising costs, we all want to be on telly - but the promoter does not get paid for his videos, he's expected to provide them FOC and even then, they are not always willing to find airtime. Electricity, shipping in huge quantities of water, improvements to the facility, resurfacing every few years, the list is endless. The payout in prize money for Pro Cars and Bikes is substantial. Most has to come from the promoter, as the entry fee only just covers permits, insurance, and sportsman class prize money.
I have raced in the US with Prostar. Many years ago, they realised that they could not operate on gate income. So, instead of making the spectator pay, and of course make the crowd even smaller, they gain their income from entry fees.
To enter a UK meet, including four crew passes, costs us around £65.
To pre enter a Prostar meet costs $125 for the rider, plus £40 for every crew member. So, comparing like with like, and using approx $1.38 : £1, it costs £207!
Multiply this by 800 entries, and you get a figure of about £166,000 just on entries alone. For sure, the prize money is much better than here, but it's harder to win in such large classes anyway. Also, these are just bikes. The UK has to pay for prize monies for Pro cars and bikes.
At approx 200 entries at a UK meet, the income from entries is `only' £13,000 (compare with £166,000!).
So in the US, the racers are subsidising the spectators. In the UK, we riders and drivers subsidise nobody. Our entry fees are subsidised by external sources. Don't even begin to ask about entrance prices and costs of entering an NHRA meeting.
Anyone for a £207 entry fee??
Date: 5th December 2001
Headline: The Smiths latest release
Much,much more depressed. Why do we all spent so much time and money, then have nowhere to race?
I have already bought a fishing rod, think I'll go and join Frankie Brachtvogel......
Jules Boag
Gossip comment:- Not another excuse not to get out your Fuel Bike again Jules? Actually, Fuel Bikes have only lost one round. We could have had four if you wanted to chance the weather and track conditions at the end of September...
Just get it out in time for Easter (the bike not the rod...).
Date: 5th December 2001
Headline: More advertising?
I take it race meetings are making a loss due to a lack of paying public. You cannot attend a meet if you don't know about it or where the tracks are. I've spoken to people who didn't realise drag racing existed in Britain, especially on bikes. My point is that more needs to be spent on advertising on a broader base, ads in CC and SM are good but most of those readers are already aware.
May I suggest that some of the £10 increase in entrance fees is used for ads, even sending a poster to those who register a vehicle to put up at work, pub etc all helps.Then if more paying public attend meetings may make a profit. See you in 2002 (not often obviously).
Mick Pitfield
Gossip comment:-
The Santa Pod promoters always send a poster calendar of events to SPRC members once a year for that very purpose. More are always available from the Santa Pod office if you would like them.
Date: 5th November 2001
Headline: Proportion?
It seems that yet again that British sportsmen and women are being shafted by the money men. The number of rounds at both S.P. and S.C.R. has been cut because of losses. Why not try to get more people to attend events? How? Try to make it more attractive to families, off track activities for the kids etc. Reduce ticket prices to attract the less affluent fans and organise events to coincide with a possibility of good weather, ie JULY and AUGUST. On this years calendar there is a gap from the middle of June until the end of August. Fans no matter how loyal must get p****d off paying top money to sit in the freezing cold watching it rain. Also isn't it a little unfair on the racers not to have the opportunity to race in better weather? And race more than five times in the year? Am I alone in these views? P.S. If any riders feel like racing more often come and race with the NSA / Straightliners and it's only a £25 entry fee.
Andy Higham
Gossip comment:-
No one is being shafted by the money men, we're being shafted by the lack of money. You'd have to be isolated on a desert island not to know that the world economy is in a recession, and money is simply more hard to come by than ever before. Companies are laying off people left, right and centre, and proposals for money sponsorship for race meetings and programs are being met with retorts of `you must be joking'.
It's not just dragracing, people are losing their livelihoods, so let's get some sense of reality and proportion.
Date: 5th December 2001
Headline: What's it all about then?
So why all this consternation about the number of rounds and the changing of bracket classes? The ACU series is over four rounds which makes it easier financially to do the full series. If you want to do more racing then take in a few rounds of another series (European or Straightliners). Simple. As for Paul 'Grumpy' Watson asking for the bracket classes to be changed for the streetbikes, he claims that to run quick times and be competitive in Superstreet you need a ProStock chassis running a street tyre. S'funny that, because all the bikes running the sevens in the US (that he refers to) are running factory chassis with suspension... If you want to race in a Series that has a bracket class a bit quicker than 9.90 then come along to the Straightliners series - we have a 9.50 class... And we all know how quick your Bandit is Paul, you could even enter Top Bike with no breakout, if you can get in the low nines you'll be competitive.
Dave Manning
Date: 5th December 2001
Headline: Only 4 ACU rounds?
Does the reduction of ACU rounds to 4 mean de facto, that comp bike, super street et al will not be offered as classes at any of the other events? or Is it the case that these classes will (or may) be run at the non-ACU championship events but will not count towards ACU championship?
Roland Chaplain
Gossip comment:-
Only the non British Championship classes are planned to be run alongside the UEM classes at the Main Event and Euro Finals.
However, these classes may also be offered at non ACU events, but that is for the club / promoter to decide.
Date: 4th December 2001
Headline: Even more depressed......
I just thought I would add a few more words on the UEM Pro stock rule situation in the hope that someone somewhere who can influence the rule making process will actually listen to the views of a reasonable section of potential competitors, i.e. the UK Prostock racers! The ACU proposal clearly represents the optimum balance of capacities and weights to enable both 2v and 4v combinations to true maximum potential. In the 600lbs for all formula, they will both run to within 5 hundredths of each other, everything being equal. This is borne out by the NHRA and the Prostar records being very close with the 2v slightly ahead. The ACU record held by Dave Beck with a 4v motor is also slower than the current 2v UEM record, perhaps the 2v should actually carry the weight penalty (I jest!)?
In the ACU rules the 2v can also increase their size if they feel disadvantaged by having to race on equal terms. I feel that the way these rules have been recommended to the UEM ruling body for acceptance by an unelected [unelected by acu riders certainly] person is totally biased and unacceptable. Their adoption needs to be revoked and discussed properly before the promising UEM championship reverts to being a poorly attended Scandanavian benefit gig!
Yours p****d off, Nick Pepper.
Date: 4th December 2001
Headline: Depressed??
4 rounds ?! (...April usually rained off, so 3 rounds). We're not going to break many records next year then are we ?! And I thought drag racing was making progress in the UK - MORE FOOL ME !
Dave `Depressed' Bailey
Gossip comment:-
Making progress, not money.....
Date: 4th December 2001
Headline: Don't bracket Superstreet!
I ran in 10.90 bike, moved on to 9.90 bike, had enough of bracket racing and, because I wanted to go quicker, I then moved up to SS bike.
I do not want the class to be limited to a bracket otherwise I may just as well have stayed in 9.90. SS bike is for me the best class out there, come on all you people I went from 9.90 to SS and I do not have lots of money nor do I have any sponsors (well except for 'er indoors). I can't run as quick as some but I will keep trying, it's for fun after all, or supposed to be. And now to top it all off there may be only 4 rounds this year. I'll have to take up tiddlywinks for the other weekends……
Peter Bellenie email: peterbellenie@aol.com
Date: 4th December 2001
Headline: Funnybikes at UEM Rounds?
I'm in general agreement that Funnybike participation at FIM meets is good, enabling use of a well prepared track surface.
However, for this season it seems that 5 meets is all we will get for 2002!
Stewart Chamberlain
Date: 3rd December 2001
Headline: 2002 ACU Rounds halved
Due to problems caused by loss making race meetings at both Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceway, race calendars for next season have been pared down compared to the last few years.
Consequently, available rounds for the ACU UK Championship have also been affected. Although tentative at present, the 2002 calendar is pencilled in as:-
30th March - 1st April: Santa Pod
4th - 6th May: Shakespeare County Raceway
24th - 26th August: Shakespeare County Raceway
28th - 29th September: Santa Pod
All classes will feature at the four rounds except Top Fuel Bike that will not run at the final meeting.
It has also been confirmed that the proposal for Funnybikes to run in their own class at the two UEM rounds at Santa Pod will not be possible for this season at least.
Date: 3rd December 2001
Headline: Maybe..........
MAYBE 10.90/9.90 SHOULD BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH UP TO 10.00 AND 9.00 ET RACING - JUST A THOUGHT
JAMIE SNEDDOON email: JBS.PUREHORSEPOWER@AMSERVE.NET
Date: 2nd December 2001
Headline: Ryan to go Pro Stock
In a press release that should not really surprise anyone, it was announced that Ryan Schnitz has just signed a multi year deal with the Rob Muzzy run Kawasaki works team that includes plans to run a ZX12 in Pro Stock bike.
Date: 2nd December 2001
Headline: Las Vegas Race Rock
We've just been informed by one of our US friends that Elemer Trett's and the Hubba Hubba Blown Harley were both removed from LV Race Rock and are on their way back to Orlando.
Date: 2nd December 2001
Headline: Riders and Drivers meeting
Just read Fred's bit - I know how you feel mate - 3 1/2 hours on a 400cc in the p*****g rain!!!
Anyhow, I totally agree with Grumpy. The riders meet was a foregone conclusion and 9.50 was not even discussed properly. We need something between 9.90 and SS. Maybe 8.90, (although I think this will take too many people out of 9.90 and only leave a few in SS)or maybe there should be better definitions of what a SS bike really is.
RAT - TEAM PANTS - email: abbeyrider@nascr.net
Date: 1st December 2001
Headline: Tail wagging the dog?
I would like to thank Roger for his brief explanation and input for the proposals now accepted by the UEM for the Pro-stock weight-breaks that were forwarded by the Swedish Association.
I think that there are a few points that need clarifying and a history lesson may be in order.
Years ago the Americans proved the viability of a 2V 1500 over the 4V 1430 (and this was with an OEM head). Swedish answer, give the 2V OEM head a 5Kg advantage over the already proven to be slower 4V. Then take an already proven to be quicker 2V Vortex head and make it the same weight.
To cap the lunacy, try to justify adding an extra 15Kg to anything bigger than 1500cc by saying that it will encourage other engine manufacturers with 4V heads. When was the last time anybody saw a quick 4V Kawasaki in Pro-Stock?
These new "Swedish" rules serve to prove the point that they are directed at the man with plenty of Krona to spend at Freedom Motorsports, why else would the 2V Vortex weights stop at 1500cc, why no weight for over 1500cc. If the 2V is so disadvantaged why can't it be bigger in size?
Europe now stands more divided than ever when there are already a proven set of performance figures readily available from the U.S. indicating the relative performance of various engine configurations. These do not however tally with the proposals of the U.E.M. and one can only surmise that the tail is wagging the dog.
Regards, Ian Dales
Date: 1st December 2001
Headline: Riders and Drivers meeting
I attended the riders and drivers meeting last weekend and, like Fred Furlong, was very dissapointed with the way things were dealt with.
I always thought we discussed things there prior to decisions being taken. There seems no point in having these meetings if this is not the case.
Surely now that the commitee have decided for the second year that there will be NO 10.50 or 9.50 classes its time to bring in the 8.90 class just like the cars have.
Surely it was a great sucsess there, the gap between 9.90 and Superstreet is far too big now and before those people tell me what they run in the States - I know but, this is ENGLAND - we dont have their budgets. If it were the case why are we not running mid 7's, over here? You need a PROSTOCK chassis a PROSTOCK engine, put a street tyre on, auto box, NOS and you're there - STREETBIKE?
You see there is NO progression once you get to 9.90. If you want to be competetive you have to change your bike. I think there is a big interest in the 8.90 class and I feel both tracks should consider this for the year 2003 and I would be interested in anyones views.
Paul `GRUMPY' Watson.
Gossip comment:-
Actually, we've pointed out before that there is the Streetbike class still available for clubs to run. It is a heads up class of ACU Championship status, and was originally founded to provide a step between 9.90 and Superstreet. Since SPRC declined to run it, and York stepped out of the mainstream, it was finally dropped by the APIRA. However, the riders from that class basically moved to Streetfighters Straightliners and continued to enjoy low 9 second competition (Dean Williamson, Dave Buttery etc.)
Date: 30th November 2001
Headline: Pro Stock rules
According to Jackie Bryce of Star Racing, a 2v Vortex 2 motor that can run 7.15 makes 295bhp and a 1570 4v that can run 7.19 makes 305hp. The 2v also has a much broader torque curve.
Date: 30th November 2001
Headline: Pro Stock goodies for sale...........
Prostock bottom end, Falicon crank c/w knife rods, billet webs etc ,5 speed auto, prepped cases £1700, OEM Star 2v top end £800, Star 1570cc 4v PS motor, mint, ready to rock, 305hp, has run 7.1, ex Fred Collis. Complete less clutch £8000.
Contact nick@dragrace.fslife.co.uk or 07799585536. Okey Kokey, be quick before I change my mind again.....
Date: 30th November 2001
Headline: Pro Stock rules
You should also mention the difference in weight that should equate to around 10 - 15kg to equalise the power.
For example, a 2V aftermarket head is now 270kg and 4V +1500cc at 285kg. Maybe this should be 280kg, but we will see.
If you see the performance of a 1500cc 4V this year compared to the 2V, it was not so different. Then the weight difference was 10kg and now the difference is only 5 kg.
This will mean that there will be less difference with these configurations.
We maybe should make the rule 1570cc @ 280kg and 1640cc @ 285 kg, but the main thing is not to make big changes to the rules.
Regards, Roger Lyren
Date: 30th November 2001
Headline: FMS to be renamed V&H Motorsports
Effective December 1, 2001, Freedom Motorsports (the competition arm of Vance & Hines) will be renamed Vance & Hines Motorsports. With the renaming to Vance & Hines Motorsports, it will be easy for the consumer and fan to identify the competition side of our company.
Vance & Hines Motorsports will remain in Trinidad, Colorado and will be responsible for all aspects of drag racing competition and racing activities.
"Our initial plans for Byron Hines' move to Colorado were on a very small scale," stated Terry Vance, president of Vance & Hines Racing.
"However, with the expansion of our racing efforts in IHRA Top Fuel Harley-Davidson® and NHRA Eagle One and Screamin' Eagle Pro Stock teams, Byron and I feel it has become necessary to eliminate the current confusion regarding who Freedom Motorsports is and what their relationship is with Vance & Hines Racing."
Date: 29th November 2001
Headline: Want to buy the Orient Express Funnybike?
When we were in Las Vegas for the `Society Wedding' we were shocked to see that Race Rock was closing down, and they were planning to auction everything. So if you want a piece of memorabilia, go to:-
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/events/scottsdale/racerock.asp
You can even buy the Kizer bike, but it seems that Elmer Tretts Mountain Magic has been returned to the Trett family.
Date: 29th November 2001
Headline: No Swedish bias?
Regarding this change of rules, you mention that there is an advantage for 2V engines. This is not right, the 2V has got 5 more kg than 2001 rules and now the opening for 4V with bigger than 1500cc e.g. 1570 or 1640cc.
The difference between these different engines is about 20-30 HP, this is about 1.5 - 2 tenths in ET.
So the competition will be a lot better with this because otherwise all will go with big 4V engines.
The problem with that is you get only Suzuki 4V in the class, with our proposal this will be open for at least Kawasaki, Suzuki, and HD.
The other aspect is the racers that is "Bigger, Heavier will be more competitive".
The weight proposal for the +1500cc is a opening thing right now with 285 kg but maybe it is better with 280 kg. We don't know yet but will see after this season.
We feel that this will open up the class for more racers and the reaction has been very good also from racers I talked to from England.
We can discuss this more if you want, but the main thing is that we need to plan for the future to get more racers not make too much rule changes.
Regards, Roger Lyrén - President Scandinavian ProStock Association
Gossip comment:-
Thanks for your mail. However, we have yet to find any UK rider happy with the rule changes, despite the fact that larger engines are now allowed. They say that as the NHRA, Prostar and the ACU have a standard break of 272 Kgs for 2V and 4V (although NHRA do not allow bigger than 1430 for 4V), the UEM is way out of step in giving the 4V up to 20 Kg disadvantage.
Only one extra rider has said he maybe will join the tour next year, but after selling his `cheap' `mountain motor' 4V and buying an expensive NHRA 2V engine!
Date: 29th November 2001
Headline: Letter from Lars
After reading Ian King's home page I must make a small explanation.
The rule change was not made by the Swedish federation (SVEMO).
As an elected member of the UEM working group for Roadrace and Dragrace, I have the right to propose rule changes.
All this changes that have been done are made by myself and not the Swedish federation.
Lars Andersson
Gossip comment:-
The rule changes proposed by the ACU were made on behalf and after consultation with the UK Pro Stock riders.
Date: 28th November 2001
Headline: Common as muck?
It seems that blown Harleys are being built left, right and centre!
Arlie Becker, husband of Pro Fuel rider Kris `Girls kick butt' Becker, is building his own blown bike:-
Date: 28th November 2001
Headline: Thanks
Thanks Marius!
Stefan
Date: 27th November 2001
Headline: Twin Supercharged HD
After a 5 year building process we bring you the AMRA's First Twin blown V-Twin:
It features 142 Cubic Inches, Bore 4.25 X stroke 5.0, McClure Rods, Axtell Cylinders, S&S Flywheels, Delkron Cases, S&S Head Castings, 2 X 80" Magnachargers, B&J 3 speed, PMFR Wheels & Brakes, Front end Kosman, Tires Goodyear, Fuel Methanol Dual Nitrous & Gasoline System, Fuel Injection Hilborn & Kinsler, Ignition MSD MC4, Cams Andrews
Otto
Date: 27th November 2001
Headline: Shakespeare County Raceway Book planned
We are currently compiling a book about Shakespeare County Raceway and it's history. We know there are many interesting & funny stories out there. We want to keep it light hearted and interesting. We are looking for as many anecdotes, interesting history, funny photos as possible to document how we have got where we are today. We would like to hear from racers and officials past and present. If you can help please email a short synopsis of what you have to offer to satch@globalnet.co.uk or osmond.ewing@ntlworld.com
Include if you have any photos etc to go with it. We will contact you for the full story at a later date if your item is chosen - we are only interested in events that have happened at Shakespeare County, Avon Park, Long Marston Airfield!!!
Please make sure you include contact details in any correspondence. All contributions will be gratefully received.
Beth Satchell & Ozzy Ewing, Shakespeare County Raceway
Date: 26th November 2001
Headline: Funny for sale
Cambridge Motorcycle Breaker's David `Spike' Abraham has announced that his low seven second Kawasaki Funnybike is for sale. He will concentrate more on his interests in the Road Racing world, as he generates more business from that particular discipline.
Interested parties should contact Spike on 01223 560176
Date: 26th November 2001
Headline: Democracy?
After driving 4 hours to get to the riders and drivers meeting, I was disappointed to learn my proposal for 10.50 bike was thrown out before the meeting commenced.
What was the point of my 8 hour journey ?
Fred Furlong
Gossip comment:-
In the past, the purpose of the riders and drivers meeting was to discuss proposals prior to consideration. If this is not the case, then it does question the merit of such a forum. Anyone from SPRC care to comment on Fred's complaint?
Date: 25th November 2001
Headline: Riders and Drivers meeting
As thought, little of the new season is yet finalised. However, the provisional dates are:-
30th March-1st April: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
4th-6th May: Shakespeare County Raceway
1st-3rd June: FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway
15th-16th June: Shakespeare County Raceway
24th-26th August: Shakespeare County Raceway
6th-8th September: FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
28th-29th September: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
There may be an additional event at Santa Pod Raceway on 29th-30th June, but still unconfirmed. As reported earlier, the Cannonball looks like it is dropped for this season.
Other points arising:-
There will be no changes to the 9.90 and 10.90 indexes for next season.
Entry fees are to be increased by £10 next year to £75 for all classes to fund increased costs and improvements.
A £25 fine will be imposed on entries arriving after the closing date (fourteen days before the race).
Date: 25th November 2001
Headline: For sale
FOR SALE - GSX COMP BIKE, DYNA 4000 IGNITION, SHIFT MINDER AND RETARD. NO2, FLOWED HEADS AND AIRSHIFTER, APE LOCK-UP CLUTCH. ALL TOGETHER AND READY TO RACE NEXT SEASON, COMES WITH STARTER BOX AND STARTER, WILL RUN GOOD TIMES - EXCELLENT STARTER BIKE, NEW BIKE FORCES SALE. CREW AVAILIABLE TO HELP NOVICE. £6000. ALSO AVAILABLE CANNON ENGINEERING 3 SPEED MANUAL GEARBOX FOR GSX. £1000. POSSIBLE DEAL ON BOTH, INCLUDING FITTING GEARBOX INTO ABOVE BIKE. ALL ENQUIRIES TO EMAIL ADDRESS.
Cookie Email: cookster1661@hotmail.com
Date: 25th November 2001
Headline: AMA Prostar 2002 dates
The 2002 dates for the AMA Prostar Championship have now been confirmed:-
March 1-3 MRE Nationals Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL
April 6-7 Star Nationals Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, GA
May 4-5 Spring Nationals Virginia Motorsports Park, Richmond, VA
June 28-30 Fast By Gast Cyclefest Norwalk Raceway Park, Norwalk, OH
August 9-11 Pingel Thunder Motorcycle Nationals Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis, IN
September 7-8 Orient Express U.S. Motorcycle Nationals Atco Raceway, Atco, NJ
October 12-13 Schnitz Fall Nationals Montgomery Motorsports Park, Montgomery, AL
November 8-10 World Finals Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL
Date: 24th November 2001
Headline: Don't forget!
Remember that tomorrow will see the UK Riders and Drivers meeting.
Those of you that want your voice heard, particularly with the desire for Junior Drag Bike and the potential changes to the index classes for next season, should `get on their bikes' as Norm would say and attend.
Date: 24th November 2001
Headline: Funny old evening.......
The UK Funnybike riders are planning a `boys night out' tonight to discuss planned proposals they would like for the format of the ACU and UEM championship in the future.
Date: 24th November 2001
Headline: UEM Rule changes `biased'
According to the UK Pro Stock riders, they are incensed by the Swedish Federation driven changes to the UEM rules that although now allow larger capacity machines, are too favourably biased towards the already faster 2V machines, contrary to weight breaks both in the UK and the US.
Date: 23rd November 2001
Headline: Those elusive Fuel Bikes.......
Whilst King Racing were on their successful European Championship tour this season, we had an opportunity to see some fabulous bikes that never see these shores. One such example is the Top Fuel Yamaha of Sweden's Peter Andersson Ström.
It's a marvellous piece of engineering, featuring many home made parts including chassis, billet head, manifold and, we believe, cases. Although he suffered some problems at the Mantorp Park meeting, we have no doubt that it has the potential to be one of the fastest dragbikes in the world.
Date: 23rd November 2001
Headline: Trac T4 Pro Stock rolling chassis for sale
For sale:-
Trac T4 Prostock chassis, as used by myself in Super Streetbike.
Complete rolling chassis, less engine and electrics - £3,000.
Can supply engine to suit, as turnkey ready to race in 9.50 or 9.90.
Must make way for new bike?
0208 595 2169 or 07850 400507 (England).
Mark Watkins.
Date: 22nd November 2001
Headline: Website of the week?
Interested in dragbike racing in the land of many lamb? Check out the scene on http://www.dragbikenz.com
Date: 22nd November 2001
Headline: Funnies
I would like to run at these (UEM) events if possible without running against Fuel Bikes. I have done it in the past and its always fun.
This year there were, as in previous years, 3 events in May. If this event was made an ACU round then by this years schedule we would have 3 ACU rounds in one month. This may be too many in too short a time scale for the parts to survive and missing them would jeopardise your championship placing.
A proposal would be to include them for ACU but make less rounds count. or Move some of the other events to mid year (when it's sunny), although bank holidays tend not be available then. Or make an event for funny bike but not an ACU round (possible promoter problem).
Steve French
Date: 21st November 2001
Headline: 2002 ACU Rulebook
The 2002 ACU Rulebook is now posted on our ACU Championship pages.
Date: 21st November 2001
Headline: How does it feel?
How do it feel to race one of the fastest bikes in the world?
Avery E Robinson
Gossip comment:-
Expensive......
Date: 19th November 2001
Headline: Vesa's new mountain stocker
We came across Finland's Vesa Rautio at Gainesville who was in the process of buying Dave Lang's 1640cc Suzuki Pro Stock bike, in anticipation of changes to the UEM rules that will allow such a size of engine in competition.
Lang's beautifully presented Cope powered machine has already ran in the 7.20 bracket, and could be a force to be reckoned with, despite the severe weight penalty the UEM weight breaks demand.
Date: 19th November 2001
Headline: Been there, done that, etc...
Sorry for Corvin Latus and his two wheeled version of the "Chi Town Hustler", but the credits for such a project has to go to Sweden's Stefan Junerud who races such a bike already for a couple of years. Stefan's engine also finds its origin in the front part of a top fuel car. He made this combination work and races his beautifully prepared Supertwin with great success and even carried him to an European championship.
Marius van der Zijden / Koedam Racing Holland
Date: 19th November 2001
Headline: Awning mods required?
I don’t know if any other racers have had difficulty getting a company to make or modify tops and sides of their ez – up or pit tents without taking out a mortgage but I certainly have.
However, I have just found a company near Peterborough who have quoted a very reasonable price for modifying our ez-up.
If any racers therefore need an awning made to fit the side of their van, wagon or trailer etc., or need their existing ez-up or pit tent upgrading or fit windows or would like properly fitting sides or a roof let me know what you want and I can get you a quote.
They are used to making awnings for car, go-cart and motorcycle race vehicles and can either supply clip together metal frames or fit covers to your own frames.
Roland Chaplain, email: rpc1002@cus.cam.ac.uk
Date: 18th November 2001
Headline: A New Chi-Town Hustler...On Two Wheels
Corvin Latus, part of the old Chi-Town Hustler gang of south Chicago racers and innovators, built this one-of-a-kind, truly mind-blowing Top Fuel bike with some help from his Chi-Town Hustler friends Austin Coil, Wayne Minnick and Steve Farkonus. Latus, who obviously has too much time on his hands, evidently didn't get the need for nitro out of his system by the time the Chi-town deal went away. So the guy that Austin Coil credits with fabricating and building a lot of parts for the Hustler, turned his considerable talents and imagination to building the ultimate Top Fuel bike. Instead of utilizing the conventional two-cylinder, four-stroke Harley or a Japanese designed four-cylinder, four-stroke engine which usually power a nitro bike, Latus took the path less travelled. He built his own two-cylinder, four-stroke engine that is based upon the design of the most famous and successful engine in drag racing... the venerable Chrysler Hemi. The only real difference between Latus's Hemi and the one found in John Force's funny cars is the number of cylinders; Corvin's engine has two holes John's has eight. Once Latus decided to build this two-wheel nitro burner he told Coil of his plans and asked if he had some "junk" he could use for the project. Coil went to the aluminum "scrap heap," found an irrepairable, blown-up KB block with two undamaged front cylinders. Brad Anderson got wind of the project and sent him a cylinder head that had two good combustion chambers. The block is pretty state-of-the-art with the camshaft location being raised in the block for crank clearance. All the stuff you see on the front of a KB fuel motor such as gear drive, oil pump, etc. are on the block. The valve train and camshaft all have the same specs that are used in current Top Fuel engines and the crankshaft is just like what is used in most fuel motors, just not as long. After Latus had machined and fitted the heads and block to make basically one-fourth of an Austin Coil fuel motor, he then bolted on the rest of the parts which include a pair of mags, a 990 Enderle pump and barrel valve which feeds fuel to the 125 cubic inch Hemi through the same port, down, and hat nozzle set-up found on any modern fuel motor. Note the Latus custom-built injector hat on top of the 4-71 supercharger. The fuel/air mixture is delivered to the combustion chambers through a GMC 4-71 blower using a Latus-designed injector hat. An 11- inch Crower glide clutch is in place to handle the horsepower. It contains a single clutch-disc pack instead of the three-disc pack usually found in a can this size. Latus figures that will be enough but if more are required the can will take them. Latus's chassis was built using scrap aluminum that he found in salvage yards. It is a unique, three-piece modular chassis design for ease of maintenance. The engine is attached to one section and can be fired, warmed and worked on without the other two modules attached. The front forks, also salvaged off of a Japanese bike, and rear suspension bolt to the chassis module that holds the engine. With everything bolted together the nitro bike is a huge machine. Your reporter actually got into the seat and discovered that whoever drives this scooter has the cylinder head directly in his chest while his chin rests approximately on the injector hat and his butt is over the clutch can. It is not a machine for the weak of heart. Latus said that the bike's Hemi has actually been fired up a couple of times and the bike is, for all intents and purposes, ready for action. There are rumors of a garage fire resulting from early tests but that incident only lends to the mystique of the beast. The important thing is that it runs -- and runs on nitro. According to Latus there is no shortage of brave souls volunteering to drive this most unique of motorcycles. Latus figures that it would run about 250-mph in the quarter.
Words and photos by Jeff Burk
Date: 18th November 2001
Headline: Funnies
We are definitely in favour of the extra rounds and would like to see the Funnies have their own class.
We have competed against the fuelers for the two out of the last three years just to get extra track time. Hopefully all the other Funnybike teams will agree and support this proposal for the extra rounds, then it's down to the club and track to accept the proposal.
Regards
Gary & Dave - Jones & Friend Racing.
Date: 17th November 2001
Headline: Tony Lang's Top Fuel Bike
We heard at Gainesville that Tony Lang's 1999 championship winning Top Fuel Puma may be on it's way to a new owner.
Apparently, Larry Vanhoek, the guy who bought Keith Lynn's Funnybike, has placed a deposit on it and plans to put his son on the Funnybike.
We look forward to seeing the MTC machine out again where it belongs, on the track.
Date: 17th November 2001
Headline: 2001 AMA Prostar Champions
Congratulations to all the 2001 Prostar US Champions:-
Top Fuel - Larry McBride
Funnybike - Rob Giard
Pro Mod - Tom Miceli
Pro Stock - Todd Doege
Superbike - Mark Moisan
Streetbike Shootout - Kent Stotz
Top Eliminator - Matt Smith
Top Gas - Mike Konopacki
Super Comp - Bruce Sauer
Super Gas - Mark Coulson
600 SuperSport - Ryan Schnitz
Hot Rod Cruiser - Jon Cornell
Pro E.T. - Mike Konopacki
Date: 17th November 2001
Headline: Funnybikes at the UK UEM rounds
I think the proposal for Funnybike to fun at the UEM events would be a definite plus. It would give Funnybikes a chance to set a 6 sec ACU record at a well prepared track. I personally have always felt robbed of the chance to race at the big events, unless you run with the fuel bikes, which is not want any of the class wants to do, and as the best attended class with the exception of the slower brackets it should be put in the schedule.
Cannon
Date: 17th November 2001
Headline: Prostar Finals date change
The 2002 AMA/Prostar World Finals date has been changed to November 8-10, 2002.
Last week, the University of Florida re-scheduled their Homecoming weekend on top of the event. This would cause a major inconvenience in finding hotel rooms and make it nearly impossible to move freely in town and find available restaurants.
The good news is that it will place the event on the same weekend as this year and a hopeful repeat of the fantastic weather from last week.
Date: 16th November 2001
Headline: 2 more rounds for Funnybike?
We have had a proposal from a rider that the two UEM rounds at Santa Pod should also include an ACU Funnybike round due to their relative uncompetitiveness against the Top Fuel Bikes.
However, the final decision would lay with the track and club, and also riders should be aware that this could mean a ten round championship for the Funnies, with all rounds counting.
Before this proposal is submitted to the decision makers, we need to know if all the riders agree with this proposal.
Please submit a reply, which will remain confidential, to acu@kingracing.com as soon as possible.
Date: 16th November 2001
Headline: UEM Rule changes?
WE understand that the proposals from the ACU for changes to the UEM rules for next season were not accepted. However, all those made by the Swedish Federation, SVEMO were.
The biggest changes made were to Pro Stock bike, and the SVEMO proposals were:-
9.3.11 Engine
Three or four cylinder engines must retain stock crankshaft stroke if OEM is roller bearing. If OEM utilises plain bearing cranks, then is it allowed to change the stroke.
9.3.16 Weight limits
Change the weights in Pro Stock bike as follows:
2-valve DOHC (OEM cylinder head) 265 kg max 1500cc
2-valve DOHC (UEM approved cylinder head) 270 kg max 1500cc
4 or 5 valve 270 kg max 1430cc
4 or 5 valve 275 kg max 1500cc
4 or 5 valve 285 kg over 1500cc
2 cylinder / pushrod 250 kg max 3000cc
We should add that although we have heard they have been accepted by the UEM, that we have not yet had confirmation from the ACU yet.
Date: 16th November 2001
Headline: Jane's bits on offer
M.T.C. 1325 block & pistons piano wired liners, Roger Upperton big valve flowed head, Mikuni 40mm flatslides & push pull throttle + cables - 200 BHP on pump gas £1500.
Tony Law spider pipe £250.
GSX 1100EF raked frame with log book £250.
GSXR body kit (off turbo bike with slight damage) offers.
Other EFE parts for sale and wanted GSX 1100EF GSXR running gear custom paint 4 into 1 £2200 o.n.o
Phone 01757 212629 after 3PM ask for Jane
Date: 16th November 2001
Headline: Gast / Koenig engine stolen at Gainesville
A Suzuki GS Pro Stock Motor was stolen from Joe Koenig's Trim-Tex trailer on Sunday 2:00 pm at the AMA/Prostar World Finals in Gainesville, Florida.
The theft of the motor might have kept Paul Gast out of the Pro Stock final as he blew up a motor in the semis and the stolen motor would have been the likely spare.
The motor can be identified by milled fins on the lower case bottom and a flat billet oil pan. It also has the name "Chester" engraved into top half of the case. It has large epoxied Pro Stock ports with silver paint on the inside and outside of the head ports.
The motor has internal damage and is useless to anyone without proper repair.
"Please spread the word that I want Chester back," says Joe Koenig. $5000 REWARD for return of motor NO QUESTIONS ASKED"
Call: Paul at FAST BY GAST: 1-800-866-3880 OR Joe Koenig at TRIM TEX: 1-800-874-2333
Date: 15th November 2001
Headline: Kizer "Pro Stock for fun"
We chatted to Funny Bike legend and proprieter of Mr Turbo Terry Kizer after his fabulous 7.11 qualifying run on Harry Lartigues machine in Gainesville. He confirmed that this was a one off "just for fun" and that he had no plans for further races in Pro Stock bike....
Date: 15th November 2001
Headline: Paul Rose Motorsports on tour
After attending the NHRA meeting in Las Vegas, Paul Rose was also espied at the Prostar Finals in Gainesville at the weekend, acquiring parts for next seasons PRM assault on the ACU / UK Pro Stock championship.
It seems that his committment to his succesful race team concept is increasing, and we understand his star rider, Helen Curran, is to attend the George Bryce run Star racing Pro Stock bike school in a couple of weeks time.
Date: 15th November 2001
Headline: More pics.
Dragracing pictures by Stefan Boman from the 2001 season have now been posted on http://www.dragracing.se. There are some good bike pictures amongst them!
Christer - email: christer.abrahamson@swipnet.se
Date: 15th November 2001
Headline: JDB's
"and the appearance must resemble a mini Funny or Top Fuel Bike"...
but not weigh as much as the current UEM Competition Bike winner...
Dr. Ivan J. Sansom
Gossip comment:
Ha bloody ha.......
Date: 14th November 2001
Headline: Imperial Wizard sold?
There was a lot of interest in BJ's Top Fuel bike at the weekend, with at least one particular individual in the process of negotiating with him, so if any of you have an interest in buying it, contact him before it goes over the pond.
BJ can be contacted on 01344 625182
Date: 14th November 2001
Headline: Gainesville winners
The winners of the respective classes at the Gainesville finals were:-
Top Fuel - Larry McBride
Funnybike - Robert Giard
Pro Mod - Thomas Miceli
Prostock - Todd Doege
Superbike - Mark Moisan
Streetbike Shootout - Alphonso Thompson
Date: 14th November 2001
Headline: Angelle on the box
Jerry Cookson informed us that he had just finished watching Extreme Machines on the Discovery Channel featuring a 7 minute feature on Pro Stock bike rider Angelle Savoie. Look out for the repeat showing.
Date: 13th November 2001
Headline: Bits from the tits.........
A good night was had by all, courtesy of the trouserless wonder, Jay `Chip Butty' Regan.
A suite full of cocktails, and a bath full of beer supplied by the Safety Harbor entertainments manager kicked off the evening at Shephards on the beach at Clearwater.
Those guests who found the entertainment too tame for the evening then proceeded to the next stop, in the company of Mons Venus virgins Neil Diggens and Dave Brown.
Spanner and Ten Bellies were so impressed with the entertainment that one `tit butty' was not quite enough.....
The departure from the gentlemans club was delayed by Ten Bellies insistence that he'd found his natural home, whilst Cannon decided that as he had bottled from riding a fuel bike, that he'd blow all the money on a certain lady called Sharleen.
However, Mons veteran Dutch Dave enjoyed a pretty low key evening after spending enough to be part owner of the club the night before....
Date: 13th November 2001
Headline: News from the Netherlands
The Dixie Hammer, The bike ridden by Karl Thiecke for the Red & White Racing team, won 2nd place for best dragbike and 1st place for the peoples choice in the dragbike class this weekend at Motorsale 2001 in the Netherlands.
By doing so he won a B2 Products Super lift Bike lift, and a 250- 18 Tire form Avon Tire Co. and quite possibly a sponsor for next season. As for Willem Beens Really Big, Big Red Machine, It's still on schedule (and in this business that's saying a lot) and should have it ready for testing early next season.
You can visit the B2 web site at http://www.b2-products.nl
Karl Thiecke
Date: 13th November 2001
Headline: Popping Cannon?
Commiserations to BJ but.... we need to know whether Cannon has popped yet !!!?? Go for it Cannon, we've got to have some advantage next season in Comp bike.
John (CB19) email: suznjon@jroberts26.freeserve.co.uk
Date: 12th November 2001
Headline: Gainesville
Commiserations to BJ who lost in his first round to Ron Webb. Despite running a 6.33, it was not enough to beat Ron Webb who made a personal best of 6.19. The qualifiers BJ lost meant he had little to get a setting for the track.
Kent Stotz stunned all on his Honda Blackbird Streetbike with a 7.63 - street tyres and no bars!
Terry Kizer blew his chances of winning PSB when he red lit away a sure win 7.13.
More to come.
Date: 12th November 2001
Headline: It's Angelle!
Angelle Savoie cliched the NHRA 2001 Pro-Stock Bike Championship, running a 7.16 against Jay Matthews' 7.36 in the final. She had a .540 r/t against his .446.
Antron Brown lost in the first round to Joe DeSantis, with Antron running a 7.276 and Joe ran a 7.273. Joe had a .493 r/t and Antron's was a .552.
Congratulations to her and the Star Team!!!
Date: 12th November 2001
Headline: SPRC Perpetual awards
Gossip readers are being invited to submit nominations for the Santa Pod Racers Club Perpetual Awards for the 2001 season. SPRC's Perpetual Awards are presented annually at the Dinner Dance for various aspects of the sport which are not covered by the Championship trophies. The only criterion for nomination is that those involved must have competed at Santa Pod Raceway at least once in the 2001 season, with the exception of the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy which is also open to non-competitors.
Nominations are being accepted for the awards listed below. Please note that some awards are only open to car racers, and some only to bike racers, but we have made it clear where appropriate.
Most Promising Newcomer: Nominations are open to both car and bike racers. 2000 season winner: Phil Pratt (10.90 Bike)
Best Appearing Car: 2000 season winner: Paula Marshall (Highlander Supergasser)
Best Appearing Bike: 2000 season winner: Steve Ashby (9.90 Bike).
Most Professional Appearing Team: Nominations are open to both car and bike racers. This award is not just for a professional appearance on-track, but also for appearance off-track such as pit areas and support vehicles. 2000 season winner: Turner Racing (Top Methanol Dragster).
Paul Giddings Memorial Trophy: This bike-only trophy is awarded for carrying on through adversity. 2000 season winner: Ian King (Top Fuel Bike).
James Edgar Memorial Trophy: This trophy is awarded to the most outstanding crew member of the season, and is open to both car and bike crews. 2000 season winner: Mark Fossey (Crew Chief, Paul Willis' Pro Stock Bike)
Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy: This trophy, first presented to the late Alex Brachtvogel at this year's ceremony and now named for him, is awarded for outstanding service to the sport of Drag Racing. Nominations are open to racers, race officials, track and safety crews, club officials, media, or anyone else who has contributed to the sport.
Nominations should be E-Mailed to nominations@eurodragster.com.
Please ensure that: Where appropriate your nominations have competed at Santa Pod Raceway in 2001 and you have made it clear which nominations are for which awards.
All nominations will be acknowledged and will receive the consideration of SPRC.
Date: 11th November 2001
Headline: Bits from the pits
Well, into raceday and the bad news is that Dave Holland failed to make what turned out to be the quickest Pro Mod field in history, where bump on the 16 bike ladder was no less than a 7.04!!
Dave Beck's first qualifier proved to be his best, securing 12th spot with his 7.01.
Brian Johnson's first qualifier also proved to be his best, as a fuel leak causing him to be shutdown necessitated a frantic team of helpers comprising Ann Johnson, Ian King, Dave Schnitz, and Bill Hahn Jr. to make a restart at the back of the TFB's.
However, it was to no avail as a hot engine may have caused a lean condition that dropped a cylinder off the line.
His last qualifier was also terminated early by what seemed to be caused by a small leak in the manifold and a dislodged manifold baffle plate. Overnight repairs will see him in number three spot for the first round.
Run of the day was Funny bike legend Terry Kizer's shock 7.11 to take no. 1 position in Pro Stock on Harry Lartigues machine.
Cannon went on his diet last night (!) by sticking to a bar snack (the biggest in the world, we're sure. Posh and Becks were nowhere to be seen, the Devil got into Mr Upperton after one 42 oz. margarita too many, Jay kept his shorts on right up until the bar closed, and the night livened up upon the arrival of Irish Drag racer Fast Eddie Galvin.
Date: 11th November 2001
Headline: Hi to the Brits abroad!
Hello to you all Andy, Cannon the Hopes, Dave Beck and gang!!!!!Hope you are all having a fab time wish I was there....it's freezing over here. Good to hear you are sticking to your diet Cannon!!!!!!
Cheers Jayne Land xx
Date: 10th November 2001
Headline: Bits from the Pits
Ryan Schnitz stunned with a 9.77 @ 140 mph - on a 600cc Supersport machine! Remember, that the class only allows minor mods so it is basically stock.
Funnybike legend Terry Kizer is guest riding Harry Lartigues Pro Stock bike, the one campaigned by peggy Llewellyn in the NHRA series.
Despite qualifying at no. 2, Chris Hand completely snapped his crankshaft in half during the run.
BJ endured some valve damage during his 6.48 pass necessitating an overnight head removal.
Larry McBride changed an engine after firing up before his first qualifier and being concerned that it didn't quite sound right.
It was Cannon's 133rd birthday last night (the third this week)in the Lone Star grill, necessitating the supply of yet another complimentary Choc Fudge Sundae from the restaurant......
Date: 10th November 2001
Headline: News from Gainesville
Well, it's hot and sunny here and packed with Brits!
After one qualifying round of TF, BJ is currently no. 1 with a lazy 6.48.
In Pro Mod, Dave Beck cracked off a 7.01 to take no 5 spot before a fuel pump problem meant a top end rebuild after his second qualifier.
Dave Holland ran a 8.45 and is currently out of the field.
There are at least two further rounds of qualifying planned for tomorrow.
Date: 9th November 2001
Headline: FIM / UEM Championship 2002
Dates for the 2002 European Championship have now been pencilled in:-
1-3 June, Main Event, Santa Pod, England
5-7 July, FIA Event, Alastaro, Finland
26-28 July, Drag Festival, Mantorp Park, Sweden.
2-3 August, Drag Challenge, Gardermoen, Norway
6-8 September, European Finals, Santa Pod, England
Negotiations are still ongoing as to a round at Hockenheim, Germany for 2002.
Date: 9th November 2001
Headline: Riders and drivers meeting
UK racers are reminded that the annual joint SPRC/APIRA Riders and Drivers Meeting is now only two and a half weeks away. It takes place at the Diamond Centre in Irthlingborough on Sunday 25th November, starting at 1:30 pm and finishing at 5:00 pm.
If racers have any items which they wish to be added to the agenda of this meeting, then they should be posted or faxed by Monday 19th November to either Paula Marshall at Santa Pod Racers Club:
SPRC
PO Box 12
Rushden
Northamptonshire NN10 0ZU
Fax: 01933 355558
Or to Wendy Talbot at the Avon Park International Racers Association:
APIRA
121 High Road
Wortwell
Harleston
Norfolk IP20 0EN
Fax: 01379 740100
Date: 8th November 2001
Headline: Prostar Finals
Good luck to all our European riders competiting at the Prostar Finals in Gainesville this weekend. We hope to bring you news direct from the track, and maybe even something about BJ's search for that elusive 5!
Date: 8th November 2001
Headline: Final ACU Standings
The final ACU/UK Championship positions have now been posted on our ACU Championship section.
Congratulations to all those who finished in medal positions and enjoy your championship prize money, £500 for the winner, £300 for 2nd and £100 for 3rd place (paid in the new year).
Date: 8th November 2001
Headline: Postcard from America
Wednesday, 4:00pm
The Dutch Dave rent-a-ride roared to life today about noon, and Mr. Beck began to sulk because Roger was still Dillying about with the Beckster.
You may want to move your money over to the Holland camp if Dutch Dave's bad ticker can keep up!! It won't get any better after some Moet either!
Roger is still out there in the shop now and still doesn't have a single motor together. Beck left in disgust earlier due to the lack of progress on Roger's part.
The stinker showed up at the shop bright and early and actually was a good help on the Holland ride. He soon began to weaken due to a lack of food intake and after nearly passing out from famine he demanded to be taken directly to Hooters for a big plate of wings.
He is now resting comfortably on the shop throne awaiting the arrival of the Midgley.
Jay Regan
Date: 8th November 2001
Headline: JDB's
In junior drag bike can you clarify a point. The chassis, does it have to be built specifically for drag racing or can wheelie bars be fitted to a road bike? Also 11-16 years is a big difference in age and they can not ride bigger than 125cc or quicker than 8.90secs on the 1/8, but at 16 years old can ride anything from 10.90 to top fuel. Should 14-16 year olds be able to ride bigger or quicker to better prepare them if they wished to move on? Would they also not get bored riding the same times for 5 years?
Ken Cooper
Gossip comment:-
Although a standard chassis could be used, wheelie bars must be fitted, and the appearance must resemble a mini Funny or Top Fuel Bike. Look at the previous picture of Colton LaFons for the principle.
Date: 7th November 2001
Headline: Seeking Kwak part
Hi, I was referred to you in my search for the part in the enclosed photo. I am having great difficulty in finding this part due to its not being made by Kawasaki any more. It is for a 1975 900Z1. Clymers motorcycle manual calls it a "closed throttle stopper". Kawasaki gives it as part number 16042-005. Any help or advice you can give in finding this part is greatly appreciated. Thanks,
James McGee: mcgee@sprintmail.com
Gossip comment:-
Anybody got this part? Debben Performance?
Date: 7th November 2001
Headline: Tuesday morning update
The Beck entourage arrive promptly on schedule at Hooters Monday night. Cannon was in rare form, nearly consuming the 50 wing plate himself along with a couple pitchers of beer!!
Beck was very low key after his and Charlotte's first class upgrade on the flight over. The rest of the clan just looked beat from the trip, no exitement to report of yet.
It's now after 10 and there is still no sign of Dave & Roger who have got some SERIOUS work to do................
Jay Regan
Date: 7th November 2001
Headline: Junior Drag Bike for sale
We are going to sell Colton's Jr Drag Bike and Greg's Chevy Dually and wanted to pass the word around in case you know someone who may be interested.
If so, have them call us at +1 803-279-6569.
Thanks!
Julie La Fon
Date: 6th November 2001
Headline: Junior Drag Bikes
All the proposed rules for the 2002 season have now been ratified at the ACU, including class rules for Junior Drag Bike. We will post the complete new rules soon, but the JDB rules are as follows:-
JUNIOR DRAG BIKE (JDB) - A category for Junior riders to be run over 1/8th mile distance with the following restrictions.
Eligibility: to be run on an ET dial in basis.
Ages 8 - 10 are restricted to run 12.90 ET or slower.
Ages 11 - 16 are restricted to run 8.90 ET or slower.
Reserved for any motorcycles built to give the appearance of a Top Fuel Bike or Funnybike.
Requirement and Specifications:
1. ENGINE Ages 8 - 10 Restricted to 50cc automatic clutch.
Ages 11 - 16 Restricted to 125cc automatic or manual clutch
Engine: Any make, model or configuration permitted. Small engine modifications are permitted such as exhaust, air filter, and carburettor. Air Shifters: allowed.
2 SUSPENSION AND BRAKES Brakes: Front and rear mandatory (disc or drum). Suspension: Front suspension minimum size 27mm and minimum travel of 2 inches.
3 FRAME. Must be purpose built and of tubular construction. Rider must be able to reach all controls safely and place both feet flat on the ground. Wheelie Bars: Mandatory.
4 WHEELS AND TYRES Tyres: Slicks are permitted, any make or size. Wheels: Any make or size permitted.
5 BODY. Must have rear mudguard or body work extending past the rear axle. Seat: Must be securely attached so as to prevent the rider from sliding backwards.
6 STARTING. Electric, kick or off-board starters permitted. No push or roller starts.
7 RIDER Helmet: Full face. Refer to Helmet section of hand book.
FOR ANY OTHER CONSTRUCTION RULES REFER TO THE GENERAL RULES.
Date: 6th November 2001
Headline: Funny/Comp Bike Chassis For Sale
Anyone interested in buying a rolling chassis suitable for Funny bike or Comp Bike. Presently fitted with Kawasaki running gear but would easily take Suzuki. Comes complete with forks, wheels, air shifter, headers, wheelie bars, two fibre glass bodies, throttle, battery and electrics mounting plates etc. Just bolt your engine in and go racing. £1495 ono.
Ring Alan on 01249 655206 or 07773 771470
Date: 6th November 2001
Headline: Misspent youth?
SOMEBODY COME GET SOME! STREET TIRE, NO BAR & A PLATE!!! NAME YOUR P R I C E ?!!!!
VOUDOO
Date: 6th November 2001
Headline: Mid morning snack?
Monday 10:00am
Once again, the Stinker was spotted devouring yet another 12" Sub sandwich for breakfast. Two days, two big sandwiches.
Sunday afternoon was a training session of sorts as Cannon and Andy were both parked in front of the tele, trying to grasp the US version of football. Needless to say, they didn't much get it and really didn't care either.......
Hooter's tonight at 8:00 to greet the Beck entourage.
Date: 6th November 2001
Headline: The good ole days.........
I think the bike doing the burnout in the 2nd Elvington shot must have just run over the right foot of the bloke walking behind. How else would you explain such a horribly swollen foot?
Andy Holten: andyholten@dragbike.com
Gossip comment:
We're more concerned that Dave Houghton seems to be up against the Land Yacht towing a caravan in the other lane. I hope Dave got a good light as it must have been a tight race.......
Date: 5th November 2001
Headline: Jade Racing's new cubes
It is rumoured that Jade Racing's Jerry Collier is to give Martin Bishops ex Prostock Bike two stroke Kawasaki twin a new life in Supertwins in a leasing agreement.
Date: 5th November 2001
Headline: My Left Foot
We hear that an unamed UK Prostock Bike rider was involved in a fracas in a Stafford nightclub after sometime took a dislike to his mates toes........
Date: 5th November 2001
Headline: It's me, not Nigel!
It's me not Nigel at Elvington. Hope it was burn out smoke, if not the turbos goosed.......
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 4th November 2001
Headline: MOTORGRAPHIC LAUNCH WEBSITE FOR SPONSORSHIP SEEKERS
Drivers, teams and promoters seeking sponsorship have an exciting new resource with the launch of the Motorgraphic website at http://www.motorgraphic.uk.com
Founded in 1999, the Bristol based company draws on a wealth of professional disciplines, including design, PR and marketing, to offer a portfolio of integrated solutions that have been proven time and time again to add leverage and success to any sponsorship-seeking programme. Solutions that will help you build successful sponsorship relations, develop a dynamic fan-base, and put you and your team on the winner's podium.
Whatever your needs, whether it's a new team logo, a proposal for your next big sponsor, comprehensive PR support, or simply looking great at the track, Motorgraphic have the skills and resources to give you the winning edge.
To reinforce their own range of services, Motorgraphic have an established network of "preferred suppliers" who specialise in Print, Vinyl Graphics, Helmet Painting, Photography, IT Consultancy and Clothing Manufacture.
Motorgraphic can be contacted at - Internet: http://www.motorgraphic.uk.com; E-mail: info@motorgraphic.uk.com; Tel: +44 (0) 117 946 7052.
Date: 4th November 2001
Headline: Elvington Jules
The picture of Jules was definitely taken at Elvington, see the attached picture of Dave Houghton I took at the same location. The other pic is, I think, Nigel Patrick. I took these in 1980 as I remember, sorry to be a bit vague. Could you ask Jules to get in touch with me. I'm rehashing our web site http://www.thefang.co.uk for relaunch before Christmas and would like some info information on his earlier fuel bike.
Carl: fangmeister@thefang.co.uk
Date: 4th November 2001
Headline: Stinky sighted!!
Sunday 10am at the Beach Sandwich shop.........
A 12" ham and cheese pizza gone in no time!!
Jay Regan
Date: 4th November 2001
Headline: DRAG REVIEW 2001
I Just received my 2002 Powersports Video catelogue from Duke Marketing.
Looks like the annual Drag Review tape is back on again, but its not from the National Hot Rod Association! This years offering comes from the IHRA (International Hot Rod Association.
Available early January, the 180 min tape will feature a season's round-up from the Snap-On Tools IHRA trail from tracks that I bet you didn't know existed. Featured eliminators are the usual Top Fuel, Methanol Funny Car and Pro Stock categories, but the tape will also feature the Screamin Eagle Nitro Harley's; Quick Rod; Super Rod; Modified and Top Stock.
The tape will retail at £14.99 and will be available at the January Autosport Show at the NEC, England.
In addition to a wide range of drag racing video's, Duke Marketing can now offer a range of drag racing books, including American Drag Racing; Funny Cars; Vintage Drag Racing and Hot Rodding titles.
Check out their web site at http://www.dukevideo.com or request a catalogue by telephoning 01624 640000.
Issued by Jeremy Cookson Shakespeare County Raceway Press Officer
Date: 3rd November 2001
Headline: K & N FILTERS TO SPONSOR NHRA PRO BIKE CLASH
The NHRA announced at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center this week that K & N Engineering has signed a multi-year agreement to become the title sponsor for a lucrative race-within-a-race bonus program for Pro Stock Motorcycle competitors. The K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash will be contested during the prestigious Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park, Clermont, Ind., with television coverage provided by ESPN2. Riders started earning points for the 2002 K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash at the 2001 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. The eight riders accumulating the most qualifying points during the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash series, which concludes at the 2002 Colonel's Truck Accessories NHRA Nationals at Brainerd, Minn. (International Raceway), will earn a berth in the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash.
Riders will compete for a total purse of $50,000 in the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash in 2002: $36,000 is available for the Clash, while $14,000 in bonuses are awarded to the quickest Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifiers throughout the Clash series.
In 2004, K & N plans to expand the overall purse for the program, including a significant increase to the winner's share, making it the single richest race in Pro Stock Motorcycle history.
In 2002, the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash winner will receive $15,000. The runner-up will earn $5,000. The two semifinalists will earn $3,000 each. The four first round finishers will earn $2,500 apiece. Low qualifiers earn $1,000 at each of the 14 events in the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash.
The NHRA will award a $10,000 'double-up' bonus to any rider who can win the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash and the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.
Date: 3rd November 2001
Headline: Twas me!
In the words of Britney, 'Oops I Did It Again!'..........
I'm the one with the daughter that wants to race next year, and I'm the one that spoke to Santa Pod - but please, before everyone gets on the 'SP hate bikes' soapbox (and that includes you Mr Naylor my darling, much as I love you!!!) please note that this was a conversation I had with someone that answered the telephone at Santa Pod when I called, NOT an official press release!!!!
As far as I am aware it's just a formality before the Junior Drag Bike class is accepted, and Avon Park are almost sure to run it? I don't know about Santa Pod because I don't go there as much these days.
And bikes ARE being built, rightly or wrongly - I know of at least 2 people building them, and someone else has approached me to build me one too, although I don't think he's started yet....
I'm sure none of us wants to start a crusade on this one, but it does seem a little like one rule for one and one for the others - it strikes me that if Junior Dragster can run at Santa Pod RWYB (as I was informed they could), then why not bikes, official class or not - the RWYB isn't supposed to be about which class is or isn't offical, from my experience. (Unless someone just invented the 'how many mods can I stick on my Nova so I can run 17 seconds and impress all my mates in the supermarket carpark class......)
I think it's a great thing to encourage our youngsters to enter Junior Drag Bike, and I hope that Santa Pod runs the class (as well as all the other bike classes).
From a marketing point of view, the potential for sponsorship and publicity through running this class next year is phenomenal, and both Santa Pod and Shakespeare could benefit from this.
OK, off me soapbox now.
Apologies for stirring things up by making Ric mad!!
Nikki Pilkington
Gossip comment:-
Points well made Nikki, and thanks for clarifying the discussion. However, we still don't understand how anyone can be building a JDB when they don't know the class regulations yet!
Regarding the Junior Dragsters, the MSA approved them so they can be run at SP or SCR without fear of contravening their track licence. However, the ACU has not yet approved the JDB class, so running them before approval will risk the tracks licence to run bikes of any type.
Date: 1st November 2001
Headline: ACU medical requirements
Hi all,
Just a quick line before I pop over to Gainesville to spend lots of money. As we are all now receiving our licence renewals, has anyone noticed that there have been changes to the medical requirements (especially diabetics, which affects me). As it now appears that I have to take an additional medical, I might upgrade to an international licence at the same time.
Regards Neil
P.S.
To refer back to Stinkers comments on my holiday arrangements, what he doesn't know is that he's buying the first round at Jay's do....
Neil Diggens, email: neil@gn-racing.co.uk
Date: 1st November 2001
Headline: Review from the colonies
The first to arrive is just a few days away now, and I still can't believe the race is just a week away.
The Finals just won't be the same without the Gov'nr himself Ian King present. May I suggest an entry surcharge at the Pod & Park next year to assure him at least a plane ticket and drinking money for next years Finals??
With or without him though, a good time IS shaping up.
Mr. & Mrs. (Andy) Cannon are the first to arrive, Saturday night, so as to have a good week to tool around in his brand new 400bhp Ford Lightning truck that I've just took delivery of for him. You WILL NOT be able to miss Cannon this year, the truck is a beautiful bright red. It was only seven weeks ago at Atco that Mr. Cannon vowed to reduce his massiveness to a slim 25 stone and race in Pro Mod at the Finals on Rick Perry's last years bike. The result you ask? Too many pies and a constant 29+ stone !! Oh Mr. Cannon, you are very lucky that my bet with you was only a token one and not one where I would take your money !!
Beck In Love arrives next with his entourage, Monday evening. Mike Tyson ain't got nothin' on him!! At last count there were eleven FOD's (Fans of Dave) on his flight alone!! With Dave debuting the lovely Charlotte this trip it's pretty much a lock you won't see much of him at the Ale House.... Not to fear, he's brought some family assistance in the form of the "The Floss" to keep up the Beck hell raising tradition. And since she's left her better half behind you can be assured the "Becking Good Times" will be in full swing.
Dutch Dave is showing up to swing a leg over the Budster and is looking to out qualify his fellow countryman due to the lethal powerplant yours truly is building just for this event. That said, bet the farm on Beckum........
Don't expect to see much of Upperton either. He's got WORK to do, and lot's of it. The question begs though; Will the Devil in Mr. Upperton return again this trip ?? Only the Peco's Peachs know...
All right. Remember; drinks are on me from 5:30 - 7:30 at the Cabot TH-FR-SA nights whether you're staying there or not!
There is a deep sea fishing trip planned for O-dark-thirty Monday morning, those interested need to contact Dutch Dave for details and availability.
And finally, all King Racing Gossip readers are invited to my "British Bash" at the Shepards Beach resort on Clearwater Beach Monday evening. Festivities are set to commence around 3pm-ish
Prizes will be awarded for all those who "pull a bird", except you Cannon because YOU'RE TOO SEXY FOR YOUR CAR............
Boy, I hope I survive the next ten days.
Jay Regan.
Date: 1st November 2001
Headline: Junior Drag Bike
Just been speaking with a friend of mine who is getting a Junior Dragbike built for her daughter and heard some news which I find a bit bizzare. Apparantly Santa Pod want nothing to to with JDBs!
My friend lives a few miles from Santa Pod so it's obviously the first choice to go testing / practising. But Santa Pod think otherwise, they won't let them run there. First excuse was "they don't have driving licenses" which was countered with "neither do Junior Dragsters, but you let them run" "umm well, we got a special deal with the HotRod Association". "So do a deal for the bikes" "No, we don't want anything to do with them, they'll give us bad press" Some 8 year olds enjoying themselves is bad press? What resaoning is behind this you might ask...?
"It'll look bad if we're seen letting kids out on 50mph bikes"
Yeah right, but 70mph cars are ok. Bit of anti bike discrimination I think! Personally, I reckon that attitude sucks.
Do you or anyone else have anymore info regarding this and what the situation of the championship would be? Is it to be run only at SCR?
Ric Naylor, email: ric@aircooled-rd.com
Gossip coment:-
We must point out some facts before a discussion forms on JDB's.
Fact # 1. A JDB class has not yet been ratified by the governing board so it's a little premature for anyone to be either building bikes, running bikes, or planning to run the class.
Fact # 2. The rules as discussed at the Drag Race committee have not been published so we don't know how anyone can be building a bike yet.
Fact # 3. Neither Santa Pod NOR SCR are in a position to claim to be running or not running the class. We have not even heard if either tracks will be running bikes at all next season yet.
Fact # 4. SPR are correct that currently juniors cannot run at their test and tunes. The case is the same at SCR, any juniors are not meant to be run there in or out of permit i.e. at a test and tune.
Date: 31st October 2001
Headline: Congrats # 2
Congratulations to Doug Vancil who took the 2001 IHRA Championship on his awesome Vance and Hines machine.
We're not sure about the side pods though........
Date: 31st October 2001
Headline: Good luck
Oh yea, while I'm typing, good luck to Dave, Dave and Brian in Gainsville!
Shaun Branch
Date: 31st October 2001
Headline: ACU Gold stamps
Having been told for the umpteenth time last weekend by Shakespeare County Raceway scrutineers that I need a new helmet for next year, I thought I would investigate a little further about the validity of ACU helmet stickers. It appears that the single border ACU helmet stamps are acceptable for 2002 contrary to SCR scrutineers, if the helmet is in good condition and made of ACU accepted material it can be re-stamped for use in 2003. Is the ACU representitive (thats you Ian!)in possession of enough facts to be able to comment on this or give us any other relevant information? This information is in the ACU handbook, so why have I been given what appears to be inaccurate information from SCR. I do not want to spend £300 on a new lid if I don't need to, and I guess nobody else will either!
Gossip comment:-
The information you have given is correct. We don't know why the SCR scrutineers are misinformed, but we'll try to take it up with the officials concerned.
Date: 31st October 2001
Headline: Grumpy!
Maybe Mark Watkins should buy my bike - at least it won a championship and they both seem to have similar performance........
Grumpy
Date: 31st October 2001
Headline: No Copa till Feb
Due to some logistical problems culminating in a delayed container, the planned attendance of some of Europes top Drag Bikes at the meeting in Curitiba, Brazil, has been delayed until the next big meeting in February.
Date: 31st October 2001
Headline: Congratulations!
First of all, we wish to send our apologies for the sporadic nature of the postings in the last couple of weeks. We have been in Las Vegas for both the NHRA meeting, and to attend the wedding of King Racing crew man Marc Fossey to Nikki Clift.
The Vegas wedding was attended by John Clift, Mick Beaumont, Paul Rose, Nick Pepper (best man!), Gary Page, Martin Bishop, Ian King and their partners and various other luminaries from the world of dragracing.
We'd like to express our congratulations to Nikki and Marc and wish them all the best for a happy future together.
Date: 30th October 2001
Headline: And Dave too!
Re UK riders at Gainesville. I am pleased to say that Titanium International sponsored rider Dave Holland will also be there riding one of Jay Regan's bikes.
Regards,
Nigel - Titanium International Ltd
Date: 30th October 2001
Headline: Let's deal
PAINT SET 4 GSX1100E,STANDARD BLACK&RED WITH SEAT & BACK LIGHT 100 POUNDS ONO. BANDIT FRONT END 2 SUIT SAME BIKE MODIFIED YOKES READY 2 BOLT ON, 150 POUNDS
6" HAYABUSA BACK WHEEL COMPLETE, 125 POUNDS.
SET OF MIKUNI 36MM FLATSLIDES BRAND NEW IN BOX STILL WRAPPED 350 POUNDS ONO.
ALSO COMPLETE SUZUKI EF FRONT END 40 POUNDS & PACKET OF WINE GUMS (HARIBO'S)
ANYBODY INTERESTED IN MY SUPERSTREET BIKE (TERMINATOR) 4 A REASONABLE OFFER GIVE ME A CALL, (CHEAPER THAN GRUMPYS 9.90 BIKE) TURN KEY READY 2 RACE! CALL MARK WATKINS ON 0208 5952169 OR 07850 400507. LETS DEAL?
Date: 29th October 2001
Headline: Desperately seeking Shaun?
Shaun Branch ... please email me . ... kzsteve@yahoo.com
Steve
Date: 29th October 2001
Headline: It wasn't me........
Okay, all of you were right and I was wrong. Sorry Ian, I gave you wrong info. It was Elvington, not Blyton. The photos was marked incorrectly and I'm sticking to that weak if rather inplausible excuse. For those of you who want to know, yes I did fall off that bike as well. It was at the Pod or was it Avon Park..........
Juels `don't know where I am ' Boag
Gossip comment:-
Sound's a good excuse to me! Thank's for providing the definitive answer.
Doesn't change the winner though.......
Date: 29th October 2001
Headline: Surely not
The picture of Jules is Elvington - no doubt`s at all.
Bill Paley
Date: 29th October 2001
Headline: Touchy...........
Dear Mr McNiece and other such idiots, just for the record I was at Elvington for 1 reason alone and that was to do flyers to see how fast the bike would wheelie - to which we did 162mph on the back wheel. It was at this time I decided that this would not be enough power to do 191mph which is the new mark held by Patrick Furstenhoff. We were not there to do 1/4s but did you see the other riders on it, it was virtually unrideable? So how can you comment when I've wheelied faster than you go on a full 1/4 on you your old nails, and as it's already sold I think this speaks volumes don't you? Oh by the way, have you sold your's yet? Anyway, let's hope you 'aint sold it and you come out to race again next year in comp bike where you can put your money where your mouth is on the track. Bit ironic that eh!
Good day, Cannon
Gossip comment:
Sensitive? Moi?
Date: 29th October 2001
Headline: The lawnmowers fight back..........
Someone said: "some of us have it and most of you haven't". I think that someone has not got it either otherwise that particular someone would have known that Harley's are quicker! Check out bump spot times in both Europe (FIM) and the USA (Pro Star, NHRA and IHRA)
Ton Pels - Zodiac Racing Holland
Date: 28th October 2001
Headline: Cannon bottles?
Just to quickly let you know of my plans for next year, as some of you may know I have been interested in BJ's fuel bike for some time. However, after talking at length with Brian over this it is a step too far, for next year anyway. I felt the commitment both financially and time wise to be too much and also due to the lack of immediate crew I have decided to concentrate on my business.
I have, however, started a a project with Holeshot Racing's ex superstreet champion Jack Frost to build a Hayabusa turbo with around 400 to 500 bhp on tap. We hope this will allow me to have a crack at the world wheelie record, currently 191mph, and race in comp bike with slick and bars as per street bike regs in the US. This should be trouble free motoring hopfully and with addition of Brad O'Conner from DSD hoping to do the same it should be good fun. It will also allow me to assist Neil with his new bike and hopfully get the bike back where it belongs at the top.
Anyway, I must crack on as I've a lot to do before I go to the States next week to watch BJ run a 5 and drink large ammounts of beer.
Regards,
Cannon
Date: 28th October 2001
Headline: Competition
Thanks to Bernie and Cannon for support re the venue. The giveaway is the large concrete apron in the top left of the photo, Blyton has no such apron. Just to remind everyone, the NSA has been running classes for juniors for many years, with much success. It has been very popular as a stepping stone for junior riders.
Best wishes,
Tony Hodgson
Gossip comment:-
Thanks for the extar info. Regarding the Junior Drag Bike class rules, the proposed ACU rules are a hybrid of the US and the NSA rules, in order that the juniors will be restricted to small capacity engines.
Date: 28th October 2001
Headline: Kai to Nitro, Jaska's blown
Finnish Top Fuel Harley racer Jaska Salakari has sold his bike to Kai Selkämaa (former SSB racer). The team is planning a new supercharged bike for 2003. Jaska and crew chief Harry will be working with Kai next season.
Harry Raikkonen
Date: 26th October 2001
Headline: More a phut than a bang?
Is it for sale because its slower than a Harley? Well it was at Elvington! I guess it's like he said a short while ago on this column, 'some of us have it and most of you lot haven't' !!!. Ironic.....
Chris McNeice
Date: 26th October 2001
Headline: Will we be there soon?...........
Junior Drag Bikes?
As in small capacity or Junior as in kids?
MICK, email: mick@mick98.freeserve.co.uk
Gossip comment:-
Both..........
Date: 26th October 2001
Headline: Got GPS?
Do we know yet which UK racers are planning to go to Gainesville???
Also for a first timer can anyone give me some directions from I 75 coming from the south (Orlando)??
Thanks,
Rich Fielding
Richf@spinfinder.com
Gossip comment:
There are a lot of racers going to Gainesville, but only to spectate. As far as we know, the only ones racing are Dave Beck in Pro Mod, and Brian Johnson in Top Fuel.
Take te I 75 to Gainesville. If you are going to the motels and the Ale House meeting bar, then take the second exit, and you will see the bar and the hotels / motels.
If you are going straight to the track, then take the frst exit to gainesville airport. Follow the signs, go past the airport, and then take the first turn on the left just past the airport, and then an immediate right. Drive for a couple of miles and you will see it on your right (the track that is!).
Date: 26th October 2001
Headline: That'll be it then............
Me too I agree with Bernie, it's Elvington. There were a few trees at Blyton but they would have been behind Jules, to the right of the track. As I remember, it was open fields and the return road and I see no evidence of that Should Jules not know where he was at? Methinks gossip should check their facts, if only for peace of mind. Also, the Tony Hodgson that posted earlier is from the NSA northern section - if it is he should know.
That's all, carry on.
Regards, Cannon.
Gossip comment.
As Jules supplied the picture and the information, we have to take his version as correct! (although he may have bumped his head in the tumble at Santa Pod....)
Date: 24th October 2001
Headline: Sale of the Century?
With the need to pay some bills and finance next years engines I'm having a SALE SALE SALE.
Helen Curran's Superstreet chassis,with MSD ignition & retard, nitrous, air shifter,lanyard,pro-light,Ducati M600 upside down front end,lengthened gsxr swing arm, 6" rear wheel etc etc, just drop in a motor go racing. Offers around £1500.
New parts for sale. Schnitz Pro-mod Ignition & nitrous controller.Still sealed £600 Schnitz progressive nitrous controller £300 Hayabusa JE piston kit. Hi-comp, std bore, boxed £350. Dyna coils 2.2ohm. Boxed £50 Dyna S GS/GSX £50. Taylor HT wires purple x4 £15 Barnett kevlar clutch plates & springs GSX1100 RRP £110 only £60 Dynojet jet kits stg 1 Blackbird,CBR600f4, ZX-7R, YZF750. GSXR1100H-J stg 3. £50 each. K&N air filters. Blackbird, CBR600f4, ZX-7R.From £15. 1 set soft plume NOS foggers £100 Electric over air junior shifter £125. 20mm (EFE) 1260 piston kit 4 pistons 3 liners £200
Second hand parts. MTC slider clutch just rebuilt by MTC £500. 1428cc APE block £300 EFE head. 31mm inlets 1mm over ex valves.ported, ex cond £500. 20mm (EFE) crankshaft. polished rods, straight cut gear, balanced, un-used since rebuild still in wrapper £350. EFE clutch basket, new h/duty back plate,staight cut gear. £200. Loads of standard EFE engine parts. Stock Bandit head. Stock GSXR1100M head & barrels. Bandit crank & rods. GSXR1100H crankcases. Offers. Plus loads of odds & sods.
Call for a bargain 020-8384-5921 or ken.cooper1@virgin.net
Date: 24th September 2001
Headline: Dim and distant past
Looking at the photo of Jules again, I would say Elvington. I don't remember any woods in the background or a smooth surface at Blyton.
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 23rd October 2001
Headline: Kate Winslet?
Thanks guys, fame at last? I still think it was Elvington, having raced and attended many meetings at both venues over the past 30 years. But I will stand corrected.
Thanks again, good competition.
Gossip comment:
Jules, are you sure???
Date: 23rd October 2001
Headline: Cannon's garage sale
Bargain time again boys, I have for sale my turbo Bandit road bike. This bike has only just been finished, spec as follows:-
Mitsubihi blow thro turbo, Roger Upperton head, MTC pistons, GSXR clutch with MRE lock up, White Power rear shock and springs.
285bhp@14psi boost on unleaded pump fuel, this bike would either make a superb road bike or would devolop into a very quick superstreet bike running low 8's.
Anyone interested should call me on:-
work 01274 855886
mobile 07775501371
home 01132 299180
Regards Chris Hannam
Date: 22nd October 2001
Headline: Mancuso Takes Biggest Career Win
In the final round, before he even left the starting line, Johnny Mancuso won the first Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley Shootout, but he didn’t know he’d won until his competition delivered the news. When Mancuso removed his helmet to talk to the competition. Finalist Mark Conner said, “At the other end, Johnny didn’t know that I’d red lighted, and I wasn’t going to tell him for a little while, but I finally did.” Mancuso clocked his best reaction time of the round and won with a 6.651 at 202.36 miles per hour.
At the end of an incredible day for Team Mancuso, Johnny said, “I felt like the bike would run some where between a 6.50 and a 6.57. I knew he would be assaulting on the tree, but I felt like we had the performance advantage. Even giving up some on the starting line, I thought I could come around him. I cut what I thought was a pretty good light, but he still was ahead of me. I was catching him, going around him and my front end came way back up. I was hoping it would set down before the finish line because it was a really close race. At the end, I had the best E.T. I never noticed the win light in my lane. I discovered on the return road that he’d red lighted.”
Team rider Steve Stordeur kicked off the shootout with a shocker for the team and the class, red-lighting himself out of competition.
“I thought I saw the yellow light. When I hit the throttle and went past the tree I saw the red light. I don’t know why I redlighted. I thought I had him covered. I guess I got too anxious. I just screwed up. At least I did run another 6.49.That’s two 6.49’s and a 6.51. The bike’s running good. The rider just screwed up.”
Mancuso had defending World Champion, Jay Turner, in round one.
“When I talked to my brother in the middle of the week, and I told him I had Turner, he said, ‘Aw man. That’s too bad’, I said, yeah, for Jay. We just have been detonating the motor real bad all weekend. Finally, we found some things it seems.”
Mancuso won the round against Turner with a .023 margin of victory. Mancuso ran a 6.574 pass at 213.10 miles per hour in the win.
“We’re probably not going to do much to my bike besides service it and try to establish consistency. I figured I’d make him beat me. I’ve been guilty of making a lot of changes in anticipation of my competition stepping up. We decided we wouldn’t try to shoot ourselves in the foot anymore. Our numbers were good. The four bikes left in the shootout are all pretty equal. I’ll try to do my job, cut a good light and run it all the way though. We want to repeat and maybe improve slightly.”
The semi-final round of the shootout was the “extra” round of the day. Only four of the nine Nitro Harleys in Shreveport ran. With little to do in the Team Mancuso pit area, when the call came, they were ready mentally and mechanically. Mancuso made himself really earn the win.
“The bike kind of went to the left a little bit. I staged crooked. I tried to concentrate on pulling to the right as soon as I hit the throttle. I didn’t concentrate on keeping it wide open, so my clutch timers didn’t function until way down track. They kicked in about four seconds down track. That’s why we think it slowed down in ET and mph.”
Mike Romine had the better reaction time, in the second round of the Shootout against Mancuso, and led him until almost the eighth-mile, where the bikes were almost even. Then Romine’s bike shut off and Mancuso pulled through all the way to win the round at 6.574,/213.10.
Looking at the final, Mancuso was almost giddy.
“David will look at the lanes. If I can do my job and the motorcycle will do it’s job, we should be the first Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley Shootout winner. That means a lot to me since I was the first IHRA Nitro Harley Champion and I’m a Harley-Davidson dealer. We’re going to try to duplicate our semi-final run and run a good low 6.50 or a high 6.40. I think if the throttle is on the lock from the get go, we could win it.”
After a week delay, Mancuso’s Saturday at the IHRA Finals will keep his nitro pilot light burning. He goes into the record books as the first Shootout Winner and first IHRA Champ, all flying the Harley-Davidson dealer colors.
“It’s probably one of the biggest wins I’ve ever had. I don’t mean to sound unappreciative when I say this, but winning the championship compared to this was really melodramatic. That year, we went into Epping with a points lead. We lost first round with a bad break, but the only one who had a chance of catching us also went out first round, which locked me up as the champion before we even got to the Finals. This, was a great day racing Harleys.”
The Mancuso Racing Team of Steve Stordeur and Johnny Mancuso is sponsored by Arias Pistons, Autolite, Ballistic Bikewear, Barnett, Dynatek, The Gates Rubber Company, Greg Good Race Heads, JIMS, Lincoln Electric, Mickey Thompson Race Tires, RC Components, Red Line Oil, Vanson Leathers, VP Fuels, Weekend Frame Co., and Mancuso Harley-Davidson.
Courtesy Nina Henderson
Date: 22nd October 2001
Headline: Jade Racing Website Update
Utter the words Two Stroke Drag Racing to anyone, and I bet one of the names they will mention is Jerry Collier and or Jade Racing. Names that put the fear of god into most two stroke twin riders.
Jade Racing were established way back in 1993 when Jerry, who was running the ‘so called’ Pro-Porting Bike, got fed up with people using the Pro-Porting name, after Jerry had won a race or two. The bike was actually Jerry’s own machine and after he had finished working for Harry Barlow of Pro-Porting fame, Jerry formed Jade Racing. The Jade part of the name comes from Jerry’s Goddaughter Jade.
With Jade Racing expanding to a two bike team (Rick Davis STG2) and dominating The National Association of Supertwins Top Gas Series; it was decide that the original and excellent Jade Racing web site designed and maintained by Sharron Collier, needed to be freshened up to reflect Jade Racing’s supremacy when it comes to Two Stroke Drag Racing.
So in stepped Wizzard Technical Designs, the people responsible for creating the new Shakespeare County Raceway website. This was no easy task especially with Jerry and Jade Racing being the current World Record Holders for the Quickest RD400 slick and wheelie barred naturally aspirated bike. The Jade Racing web site certainly had a lot to live up to.
After a few set backs and a complete re-design from the original concept the Jade Racing website is now complete and ready for your viewing. The website has as much information about Jade Racing that you could possibly want, including an excellent history page and the team members’ profiles. The content on this site will be regularly updated from the Jade Racing team to ensure that this web site keeps you in touch with the news about the current World Record Holding, Two Stroke Twin Drag Bike Team.
Wizzard Technical Designs can be contacted by e-mail: info@wizzardtechnicaldesigns.co.uk
Date: 22nd September 2001
Headline: Pro Stocker for sale
Pro-Stock Bike Suzuki GSX 1295cc, 16 valve titanium, 44mm lectron, VHR 5 speed automatic, Trac Dynamics, RC components wheels, Dyna 4000, computer on board, Falicon crankshaft, MTC 79mm pistons, Vacumn, MTC Multi stage lock-up. Engine prepared by Cope Racing - best ET 7.46 at 175mph by Dave Schultz at Gainesville
Bike visible in France - 23'500 euros
Antoine Coupiac email: antoinecoupiac@yahoo.fr
Date: 20th October 2001
Headline: Supertwins site updated
The National Association of Supertwins web site has been completely reworked with a modern look, complete with a bar. Drop in and have a look and feel free to send any (helpful) comments to me!
Mik Porter
Date: 20th October 2001
Headline: Lorcan's Kawa for sale
For Sale
Lorcan's (Parnell) comp bike/sprinter frame, rear end and wheel.
Includes: Kawa 750 turbo frame modified for single seat and struts. Will take most big Jap motors and has airshifter mount, Dzus fastener tabs for bodywork and alloy tank with AN fittings. JMC Pro-street swingarm with built-in air tank, adjustable twin shock/strut mounts, wheelie bar mounts, footrest mounts, battery box and nitrous bottle holder. CMA 18 x 6" 3-spoke wheel with part-worn MT 7" slick, narrowed disc, stainless torque arm and Kawa sprocket carrier. Includes Kawa pattern 12mm offset front sprocket.
Has run 8.6 @ 160+mph. Chuck in a motor and a front end and go and have some fun!
£600 ono for the lot - will split if enough enquiries.
View at:-
http://www.btinternet.com/~lorcan.parnell/frame1.jpg
http://www.btinternet.com/~lorcan.parnell/frame2.jpg
http://www.btinternet.com/~lorcan.parnell/frame3.jpg
lorcan@750turbo.com
day 01326 378123, mobile 07977 467092
Date: 19/10/01
Headline: Mystery rider competition
Apologies for the delay in announcing the winner to this who, what, where competition:-
We had many entries, most who were wide of the mark. The only people who got the rider correct were BJ, Tony Hodgson, Marius van der Zijden, Bernie Hepworth, Mark Fossey and Nick Pepper.
However, no one got the venue, and Tony came closest with the date so he becomes our winner!
It was, in fact, Fuel Bike rider Jules Boag on his 1500cc supercharged Alfa Romeo engined bike, at an NSA sprint at Blyton airfield in 1981.
Date: 18th October 2001
Headline: New index included
As mentioned earlier, a new 10.50 index has been included in the ACU 2002 rules (to join the 9.50 included from last year).
This will enable clubs to run this index if they so wish. However, it does not imply that any clubs WILL adopt the new index, so it is up to riders to discuss this with the officers of their particular clubs.
Date: 18th October 2001
Headline: ACU Rule changes
At yesterday's ACU Rules meeting, changes were agreed for next seasons championship.
It was agreed that Junior Drag bike rules would be included in the 2002 handbook. This will enable clubs to run these classes should they so wish, although there is no gaurantee it will happen.
If Emergency Qualifying Times (EQT's) are needed due to less than 75% of the riders having qualified, then the subsequent ladders would be all qualified, that means no one will be out of competition.
Fuel injection of any type will be legal for Pro Stock bike, as long as the original engine had injection as standard. However, the injection must be of the open loop type, and no changes to fuel metering can be made by an ECU during the run.
There are some small changes to the prize fund that ensure that the final fund for a class better reflects the number of actual competitors.
Date: 18th October 2001
Headline: ACU Final Points update
Unfortunately, we are still not yet in a position to post the final ACU Championship points.
Due to Paula Marshall's happy event, the paperwork has been delayed. As soon as we have the official documents from SPRC we will post them.
Date: 18th October 2001
Headline: Index change
Yawn....Index Change rears its head again.
I agree with Ken. If you really want to get the indexes changed, the only way is to vote with your feet and turn up at the riders and drivers meeting (Jamie and very few others did last year). Don't waste your time with petitions in the pits or over the web, been there and done that last season, all to no avail. Any rider who wants a change turn up and be counted at the meeting, if you don't show it will be assumed you don't give a s**t either way.
Darren Winnard: darren@battandbrown.co.uk
Gossip comment:
Obviously, petitions and web surveys can work - you will see that 10.50 has been included in the ACU handbook for next year.
However, it only gives clubs the OPTION to run this index. Ad Ken and Darren said, it's up to you to make representations to your clubs before and at the meetings to persuade them that it is really for the good of the sport and not just for the desires of a particular rider or riders.
Date: 17th October 2001
Headline: Clem Johnson
Glad to see Steve C. enjoyed the Clem Johnson photo. Here is another with the man himself, for your interest. Note the lack of rear slick (this was 1964 so the soft walled slick had yet to appear at the drags). And although not visible in the photo, the bike had no seat either. Johnson just rode on the bare frame "Well how sore can you get in 10 seconds?" he simply remarks.
I hope there is enough detail in the photo for everyone to study. More blasts from the past to follow.
Jim Smith
Photo by Walt Mahoney
Date: 16th October 2001
Headline: ACU Rule proposals
A proposal has been received from Ian `Rush' Carruthers of NAST for the inclusion of rules for Junior Drag Bikes.
A similar proposal has also been mooted by Ian King so at least two voting members will be in agreement!
Date: 16th October 2001
Headline: Bikes on the box
We've received details from Keith Bartlett's Trakbak Racing on the forthcoming schedule for television coverage for this years UEM European Championship. As ever, schedules are subject to change, but the plan is as follows:-
2001 European Championship 
FIM/UEM - Round 2 - Finland
Sky Sports 1 - 21/10/01 - 08.00
Sky Sports 2 - 21/10/01 - 12.30
Sky Sports 2 - 21/10/01 - 16.00
Sky Sports 3 - 22/10/01 - 17.30
Sky Sports 2 - 23/10/01 - 17.30
FIM/UEM - Round 3 - Sweden
Sky Sports 3 - 11/11/01 - 10.00
Sky Sports 2 - 11/11/01 - 16.30
Sky Sports 2 - 11/11/01 - 24.00
Sky Sports 2 - 13/11/01 - 14.00
FIM/UEM - Round 4 - Norway - TBA
FIM/UEM - Round 5 - Santa Pod (UK) - TBA
All times are, of course, British time.
Date: 15th October 2001
Headline: On yer bikes!
Every man and his dog has always got something to say about this rule or that rule, or `I think this or that should be changed'.
However, it's easy from the comfort of a chair in front of a computer. How many of you actually attend the meetings, how many of you actually get of your comfy chairs to make the time to go? NEXT TO NONE!!!
I did not attend a single meeting over the last year because I got p****d off with being an almost lone voice speaking for the bikers. If you want changes attend the meetings.
I also would like to see some changes for next year, like 16 year olds not being allowed to do anything but 10.90 for a year to gain experience. My own daughter wishes to do 10.90 the end of next year and I have told her thats all she will be doing until she has some experience.
I also think 10.90 should stay and that we should encourage people with smaller capacity bikes to enter dragracing. Most 750cc and some 600cc bikes can run 10.90 nowdays.
Have a nice day.
Red & now Late, Ken Cooper.
Date: 15th October 2001
Headline: Kai Selkamaa report
Finnish rider Kai Selkamaa of DB-Team Selkamaa became the first rider from that country to win the Super Pro Street Bike class of the Nordic Pro Street Cup.
Going into the final round in Landskrona, Sweden they laid in 3rd place, but the Championship was theirs after running the three quickest passes and the highest ET.
Over 300 competitors from the Nordic countries took part in this years cup, consisting of six rounds in Sweden and Denmark.
In the FHRA Finals in Alastaro, Kai improved his own World Records in Super Street / Super Pro Street with a backed up 7.908 and 304.6 km/h (189.27 mph).
Next year, Kai plans to run in Super Twin Top Fuel.
The DB-Team Selkamaa would like to thank sponsors Nokia, Continental, Spiegler, Makitorppa, Radiolinja, Kopteri, Lollo, Fani-lehti, FAW-design, RM-Heino, Sanser Oy, Neste, Rileco Consult AB and KM-Dackservice.
Date: 14th October 2001
Headline: You don't want to do it like that......
It would appear that the Top Fuel Harley frame builders currently in vogue (Puppet, Weekend etc.) have got it all wrong:-
Date: 13th October 2001
Headline: Lost pics??
Great to see that photo from Jim, I wish I could find some of my old photos but so far fruitless search - I've moved around so much over the years god knows were they are.
Anyhow, if you look closely at the head set of the frame you will see it's a casting - the frame seemed to have lots of cast lugs and I'm sure the frame was quite revolutionery for it's time, and am almost sure it was alloy. I'm off to the All Harley Drags final in Vegas with the crew next week Arlie Becker,& Rick Bailer are letting us help out with the bikes so we should hopefully learn a thing or two about running an injected bike for next year (project X) If i can access your site from somewhere I'll try to send some sort of report but cant promise'.
Cheers, Steve C.
Date: 13th October 2001
Headline: Nitro Mafia?
As most people know there are a few of us planning to go top-fuel Harley next season. I have lots of connections in the States for this type of bike so would like any one else planning to go this route to contact me and we can exchange and source parts a lot cheaper by forming a 'UK Nitro Mafia' to cut shipping costs etc. Also remember restraint straps are mandatory and ballistic vests are highly recommended. Would all interested parties contact 'NITRO@TURBOVILLE.COM'
Date: 12th October 2001
Headline: Index changes requested
NATIONAL 10.90 BIKE PROPOSAL. IS IT ABOUT TIME WE CHANGED THE INDEX OF OUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TO 10.50 AS PER THE STRAIGHTLINERS? I FEEL WE SHOULD BE KEEPING UP WITH TIMES AS BIKES ARE MUCH QUICKER NOWADAYS.
LETS HEAR YOUR VIEWS BEFORE THE UK RIDERS MEETING ON SUNDAY 25 NOV.
SEE EURODRAGSTER NEWS 1st OCT FOR VENUE.
FRED FURLONG 10.90 or 10.50 BIKE RIDER.
Date: 11th October 2001
Headline: ACU Rule change proposals
Propose that the current Pro Stock rule be adapted to allow any type or size of Fuel injection to be used on an engine if injection is fitted as standard.
Len Paget
Date: 11th October 2001
Headline: ACU Rule change proposals
After a discussion with all the 9.90 riders at Santa Pod, we propose a change from the 9.90 index down to 9.50 secs.
Jamie Sneddon
Gossip comment:-
Actually, the possibility to run 9.50 is already there. As it is not an ACU Championship class, it is up to the organising clubs to change their index class to the lower level. We'll disuss it with SPRC and APIRA, but it would be much more conducive to your cause if interested parties would attend the joint club riders and drivers meeting.
Date: 11th October
Headline: Need a brain
I need a pair of carbs for a 1982 Kaw GPZ1100. I would also be interested in the brain for the fuel injection.
Stephanie and Robert Fields - srfields2@home.com
Gossip comment:-
I assume you want to replace the jinjection with carbs, and you mean a set not just a pair. If so, we recommend a set of Keihin or Mikuni flatslides. They can be sourced from MRE in Clearwater, FL or APE in Burbank, CA.
Date: 10th October 2001
Headline: Angelle runs an '0 !
Angelle Seeling ran a fabulous 7.099 @ 185.84 mph to defeat Steve Johnson (7.168 @ 184.98 mph) in the final of the NHRA meet at the weekend.
Date: 10th October 2001
Headline: Bike pics
Hi guys,
Hope all is well. Just letting you know that I have updated http://www.badboysimagin.com with Super Series 5 and the bike part of UK National finals.
The rest will be updated as soon as I return from Germany. Having the gremlins in the old computer isn't helping.
Regards, Bill Sly
Date: 10th October 2001
Headline: Whoa Okey Okey Cokey.........
Just thought I'd drop a quick line about some stuff for sale .....
Precision Engineering Prostock bike, complete less engine, carbs and computer - as run at the Euro finals.
Also Star 2 valve oem Prostock engine less clutch, may split!
I'm not giving up already - just scheming for next season.....!
Nick Pepper - nick@dragrace.fslife.co.uk
Date: 10th October 2001
Headline: UK Winternationals?
Firstly, congratulations to Tony Clark on winning the ACU Championship. A good competitor who pushes you every time you race him and a worthy champion. I raced as hard as possible in the last three rounds and it was still not enough - well done mate! Although the weather did not play a part in deciding the outcome of the championship (my rapidly dying engine did) the question has to be asked what are we doing racing in October when we don't have a single race between early July and August Bank Holiday which is our traditional brief English Summer? I don't believe the promoter makes money, (correct me if I'm wrong!), the entry is poor from the racers, the spectator level was non existent and this particular meeting has not reached a final round in at least 2 years. Most racers I spoke to would like more racing in the middle part of the year and the European Finals to be the last points scoring round of the year - so how about it?
Regards, Graham Dance
Date: 9th October 2001
Headline: Bomb making ?
We've been reading on various discussion sites in the US that in light of the recent terrorist attacks, the F.B.I. has contacted many of the Top Fuel teams asking them to contact the agency if someone tries to purchase nitromethane. Reportedly nitromethane is a key ingredient when mixed with fertilzer to make bombs. Apparently, when Timothy McVeigh created the bomb that destroyed the Alfred Murrah building, it included nitromethane that was purchased at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas.
ANFFO, a blend of Ammonia Nitrate Fertilizer and Fuel Oil, is also used for a lot of commercial blasting. It is relatively safe to handle and is effective. It comes in plastic bags like sand bags, and needs high tech caps to set it off. Nitromethane has been reported to be used as a accelerator and power booster with it.
Date: 9th October 2001
Headline: UEM Pro Stock Rules
After seeing the latest NHRA results there are two bikes running into the 7.0's.
This should add more weight to the argument for the current FIM rules being changed to help the 4 valve motors.
If there is any extra weight to be added it surely must go in the direction of the 2 valve motors rather than the current proposals of weighing down a 4 valve motor more!!
Dave Beck
Date: 9th October 2001
Headline: ACU Rule proposals
The ACU book states that bikes run the "professional ladders". Also it shows quantity of bikes and the fields they actually run off, i.e. 6-8 bikes run an 8 bike field. I assume this to mean an 8 bike ladder, i.e. 1 & 2 get byes in the first round. All that needs to be done in the rule book is to remove the ambiguity between field size and ladder used. In brief, we only ever use 4/8/16 & 32 bike ladders depending on the field size breaks already used.
Steve French
Gossip comment.
The main issue is that professional ladders are used and were used in the 6 bike Pro Stock field. But as the championship runs on a progressive ladder system (as does the National Club Championship and the UEM European Championship), the byes are paired in first round.
The change needs to be a away from progressive ladders. The argument from the tracks are that it entails a change in the operating procedure on the track timing software every time an ACU class is run in between non ACU.
Date: 8th October 2001
Headline: Champions!!
We are now happy to confirm the 2001 ACU British Champions:-
Top Fuel: Ian King
Funnybike: Tim Blakemore
Pro Stock: Dave Beck
Competition Bike: Helen Curran
Super Street: Tony Clark
Congratulations to all of you, who will be invited to the ACU Presentation Awards dinner to receive your trophies in the New Year.
Date: 8th October 2001
Headline: ACU Rule changes
Futher to this weekend's wind affected ACU Finals round, the 6 riders who made eliminations of Pro Stock bike were dismayed to find themselves the subject of the vagaries of the progressive ladder system, with Dave Beck, the no. 1 qualifier, running the no. 6 qualifier, not getting a first round bye as thought.
Dave has requested that the progressive ladder system be dropped in favour of the `old' ladder where byes occur in the first round, not subsequent rounds.
Date: 8th October 2001
Headline: she was a showgirl.....
Jose from Brazil sent us details of the Curitiba event website in Brazil:-
http://arrancada.pr.vila.bol.com.br/Another of our south American readers sent us details of his dragracing site:-
Date: 7th October 2001
Headline: at the Copa.....
Top crew chief Marius van der Zijden of Koedam Racing sent us this link to the track at Curitiba in Brazil referred to in yesterday's gossip posting:-
Date: 7th October 2001
Headline: The Barn Job!
Dear Ian,
Having read Steve Clutterbuck's story in Pit Lan Gossip about 60's US rider Clem Johnston and his Vincent, I wondered if you (or Steve) would be interested in this:-
The article stood out because a Yank riding a Vincent isn't something you see everyday... and then lo and behold Steve Clutterbuck goes and mentions the very same guy on your website.
It was also nice to see several 60's British drag bikes featured amongst all the magazines I bought... Alf Hagon being our first rider to get the American's attention.
Anyway if you would like the full feature on Clem Johnston (or Alf Hagon etc), just let us know, I'd be happy to scan in the whole article if you are interested.
May I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your excellent website, fantastic looking bike, and of course your big Championship wins this year.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Smith
Gossip comment:-Dear Jim,
Thank you very much for the submission. Please keep these sort of articles coming, and we'd be very interested in any scans you could send us of articles about dragbikes, particularly from the `good old days'!
Date: 6th October 2001
Headline: Her name was Lola......
Preparations are currently underway for a container of Europes top race bikes to travel to....... Brazil!
A container will be loaded in Holland next weekend containing the Top Fuel machines of European and British Champion Ian King of England, Roel Koedam's 6.2 second Puma, the Nitro Harley of Ton Pels and the Blown Nitro Harley of Rob van Geffen all out of Holland, and the Italian Riccardo Giliberto's 7 second Pro Stock Harley.
The superb blown gasoline Top Gas Harley of Holland's Job Heezen is already in the South American country promoting the forthcoming events.
The bikes will feature alongside Rico Anthes' new ex Amato Top fuel Dragster, Britain's Gary Page driving the Anthes Alcohol Benz Funnycar, and we believe Switzerland's Peter Beck in his Top Fuel dragster.
On the exhibition vehicle front there will be the entertaining Jet Quad bike and a Jet car.
The schedule planned is a two day event at a purpose built quarter mile dragstrip in Curitiba on the weekend of the 24th and 25th of November, followed by demostration runs in the famous Samba Drome in Rio de Janeiro the following weekend.
Most drivers, riders and crew will be enjoying the delights of the Copacabana inbetween the two weekends......
The purpose of the visit is to promote dragracing in Brazil and hopefully turn the general public in this huge country onto our sport.
Date: 5th October 2001
Headline: ACU Rule suggestions
Well, since we're all on about rule changes, how about a 900lb min weight limit for funny bike for a start? Just kidding, don't want you all shitting yer sen......... On a brighter note it would appear that my talents with the aid of Mr James Regan have made it to the photo of the week on www.dragbike.com - by eck some of us 'ave got it and most of you lot 'avent.
On a lighter note, project turbobandit is nearing completion and on running in on Jack Frosts dyno.
Made 196bhp at 6000rpm so that looks good for some guest appearances in superstreet or comp bike next year, especially if Brad O'Connor gets his slick and barred 'busa working.
And as for Neil Diggens going to pick up a Vortex - what a load of babble!
Messers Diggens and Brown are going to frequent the pancake and pie shops that the USA has
in abundance and will also be partaking of some relief in the Tampa area - please feel all
you like titty bars - good on yer guys you will love it.
See you all at the track
Regards, Cannon
ps still have new in box gs1150 mtc big block with 18mm pin 1425cc turbo pistons and power
ring head gasket £offers as I don't want to be skint in luxury in November.
Date: 4th October 2001
Headline: ACU Rule suggestions
ACU RULES
EMERGENCY QUALIFYING - There was a meeting this year (SS3??) where qualifying positions
were determined entirely on EQT's. As a consequence, we had non-qualifiers in funny bike
based purely on previous performance (or lack of). Would it be feasable (or desirable) to
make a rule change that says - "When qualifying positions are determined by EQT's,
then fields will be all-run"...
Chris Hall
Date: 4th October 2001
Headline: Neil in a Vortex?
Date: 4th October 2001
Headline: Sorry!
We'd like to apologise to our readers over the lack of posts recently. We've been having intermittent fualts due to our host server. They assure us they are working on it and that the problem will be rectified soon
Date: 2nd October 2001
Headline: Oil Painting?
Hello, after returning from an enforced stay in hospital (oil pipe failed on my EFE and painted the front tyre with oil on a 40 mph roundabout - bugger!), I'm told Jane's come off. What happened, Jane? hope you're O.K. and make a speedy recovery.
ALSO STILL BREAKING COMP BIKE, COMPILING LIST - EVERYTHING AVAILABLE SO PLACE YOUR ORDERS NOW BEFORE THE RUSH !!!
CALL CHRIS 01772 465090 - LEAVE MESSAGE AS I CAN'T MOVE TOO QUICKLY AT THE MO.
Chris McNiece
Gossip comment:-
All of us here at Gossip wish both Chris and Jane a speedy recovery.
Date: 2nd October 2001
Headline: ACU Rule changes
There will be a Drag Race meeting at the ACU in a couple of weeks time, where proposals to changes in the UK rules will be discussed and voted on.
Consequently, now is the time to make your proposals known in order that they can be discussed openly prior to final ratification.
If you have any proposals regarding the rules, the way the championship is run etc. please let us at King Racing gossip know in order that they can be considered for inclusion in the 2002 Rules.
Any proposals would be best considered by submitting a Gossip item for public debate. This would enable all sides of any ensuing discussion to be considered before presentation to the committee.
The actual voting committee will be made up from the Chairman (ACU Road Race Committee member) and a representative from each of the organising clubs, track owners, the event promoters and the British Cahampionship co ordinator.
Date: 2nd October 2001
Headline: Last ever Turbo CD!
OK, as you know I have produced those great CD rom's over the years, each containing around 300 great action photos and candid portraits of the world's greatest motorcycle drag racers, with sounds and video on some! Well number 7 is finished now but I am afraid this will be the very last one. They are just too expensive and take too much time to produce. They were a labour of love, a love of the sport of motorcycle drag racing. I hope you enjoyed them if you bought one or two. I am taking a break from journalism to concentrate my efforts on my Top-Fuel ride next year!
Please consider buying this, the last one of the series, at the special price of just $15 / 10 Pounds! It features the whole of the UK 2001 season including the FIM rounds at Santa Pod, Super Series at Avon Park, the Dutch National finals at Drachten and more!
You can view them on your computer, print them at 10X8 in good quality, e-mail them, put them on web sites, manipulate them, make graphics from them, anything! It's like having the negatives of the original shots from all those races! There are six other CD's still available at this price containing shots from all over the world including Gainesville, Orlando, Moroso and Lakeland in the USA. Why not buy all 7 for just 50 Pounds or $70?
Please send cash orders to me at:-
Ian Turberville
20 LEES ROAD
NOTTINGHAM
NG3 6HB
England
Tell me which CD's you want, make sure to include your address with the cash and add $5 postage from the USA or Europe, or 2 Pounds postage in the UK.
I will send your CD by return.
Ian
Date: 30th September 2001
Headline: Too late!
Brian Johnson has informed us that, due to a lack of response for his offer of places in a container travelling to the Prostar Finals in Gainesville, he has decided to crate up his bike and travel alone. A great opportunity missed!
Date: 30th September 2001
Headline: Latest British Championship points posted
The updates points tables for the ACU UK Championship have now been posted on our ACU Championship pages.
With one round left to go, it seems only Superstreet will go to the wire, with last years Champion Graham Dance snapping at the heels of Tony Clark.
In the other classes, those with unassailable leads are:-
Top Fuel - Ian King
Funny Bike - Tim Blakemore
Pro Stock - Dave Beck
Competition Bike - Helen Curran
Congratulations to all, but the number two and three places are still all to play for!
Date: 29th September 2001
Headline: Gainesville container
It's going to be your last chance soon to take advantage of Brian Johnson's plans to travel to the Prostar Finals in Gainesville.
If anyone would like to go, contact BJ on 01344 625182 or e mail: brian.j@btinternet.com
Date: 29th September 2001
Headline: Misuse?
I am not sure if I am mis-using this gossip page, but if there is anyone reading this that can give me any info on McBride's dragstrip in Michigan (I think), I would be grateful. Thanks
Adam McBride, email: NOVA8980@aol.com
Date: 28th September 2001
Headline: Slander?
Maintenance free prostock bike???
what a slur - I changed the oil at the start of the year, renewed the chain when the washing fell on the floor and I may polish it next year!!!
Richard Gipp
Date: 28th September 2001
Headline: Food For Thought
It is very interesting to read the recent posts regarding UEM prostock engine sizes.
It does however seem to be apparent that the parties involved in the discussions have forgotten the original concepts that lay behind those formats.
When the weight breaks for the class were introduced many years ago, this took into account the rules that were relevant then. No external modification to cylinder heads was allowed and this gave rise to a generation of superior 4 valve technology over 2 valve.
As the NHRA encouraged the modification externaly of cylinder heads to increase the performance in line with Pro-stock car, the 2 valve began to win back some favour.
Subsequent further rule changes have now resulted in a hybrid cylinder casting that outperforms all current 4 valve. If the 4 valve was a better proposition they would have developed that, even though this would have resulted in a slightly smaller engine.
The undisputable fact is that we now have 2 valve 1500 cc engines outperforming 4 valve 1640/70 cc engines. The R+D is central to NHRA(2 valve) and 4 valve technology seems to be treated as a " thing of the past"?
I think that the recent performance increases in 2 valve technology negates the need for any weight advantage, especially in the case of the Vortex/ Ward heads. Of course there is the cost aspect, but shouldn't the class be looking to encourage new participents and turn the present travelling Swedish roadshow into a properly contested European championship.
Surely there is a need to simplify the weight breaks into possibly three main areas:-
Old style 2 valve
4 valve
2 valve Vortex/ Ward
The old head should be the lightest, the Vortex the heaviest.
To put that into some form of context, imagine how fast a 1640 2 valve NHRA Pro-stock bike would be. I think this leaves no doubt on the fact of who is the poor relation in this case and should be the recipient of a weight advantage.
Regards
Ian Dales
Date: 28th September 2001
Headline: Big Red Machine for sale!
Willem Been is selling his supertwin Top Fuel "BIG RED MACHINE" to make way for his "REALLY BIG RED MACHINE" which he hopes to have ready for the 2002 race season.
The bike has been almost totaly redone after the big bang earlier this year, and is one of the most consistent bikes running, having qualified for every race entered for the last 3 years, and has qualified twice for the World Championship. For more information on this bike you can view the ad at http://www.turboville.com, or contact Willem at: been81@zonnet.nl
Karl Thiecke
Date: 28th September 2001
Headline: UEM Pro Stock Rules
The only real proposals I could offer would be the following:-
Remove the 1430cc limit and move the other weight breaks up one level.
i.e.:-4 and 5 valve 270kg upto 1500cc. (This keeps them on par with aftermarket 2 valve heads)
4 and 5 valve 275kg upto 1570cc.
4 and 5 valve 280kg over 1570cc.
This way the older OEM 2 valve heads still have a 5kg advantage over the later 4/5 valve and WARD 2 valve heads.
It also allows ACU championship competitors to run their 1570cc motors, but with an added weight deficit. (This will save a lot of time rebuilding engines between the different championship rounds when time is tight. - We can't all afford 2 engines you know).
If anyone is brave enough or rich enough to run and maintain a 1640 motor they should carry an extra 5kg.
Regards,
The proverbial Prostock Bridesmaid, Chris Hope.
Date: 28th September 2001
Headline: UEM Pro Stock Rules
Regarding proposals, every country can send in their proposals. Just because we have sent ours doesn’t mean that you guys are prohibited to send yours.
Anders Larsson
Date: 27th September 2001
Headline: Wanted!!
WANTED FOR Z1000 MOTOR - TURBO BIG BLOCK. TEL: 01204 452641
E MAIL: mick@mick98.freeserve.co.uk
Date: 27th September 2001
Headline: UEM Pro Stock Rules
Regarding the Prostock rule changes, it seems as if we are too late if the proposals have already been put forward!
For my 2 pence I personally think a 5 or 10kg difference between the 2 and 4 valve 1500+ motors would be fairer for a year and then parity or a reduction every year until they are equal.
After all we wouldn't want to take all the trophies in the first year (not that I will make the weight) but this disparity between the 2 & 4 valves and 1500+ being banned and now heavily weighted is a major factor in the European Championships being an almost exclusive one nation cup for a little too long - not good for the sport the sponsors or promoters.
Even so, I think next year will be good for Prostock bike in the U.K. and UEM series as more Brits will attend the U.K. rounds even if they have to put on weight and with the rumours I've heard about possibly another four Stockers in the U.K. series next year, one of them being Helen Curran (who I'm sure will go well).
I'm sure she'd also like to race the UEM rounds (better start eating now though or you'll be under weight...)
Anyway, enough maudlin, myself and Chris T and maybe Nick P intend to race UEM next year, funds permitting, and if any Prostocker wants to go sharing a lorry for 2002 now's the time to speak up !
Call me on 01553 674381 or 0787 9804973. Any sponsor wanna pick up the tab???? call too!
P.S. I also have some stuff to sell to finance 2002 - GSXR 750 wn standard vgc £2600, GSXR 1216 hybrid tatty but quick £1995, ex 80's stocker chassis and bars used in superstreet early 90's £995, Yamaha 350 LC £500, GS1238- run 10.0s £2000, XS650 special (basket case, ideal winter project for bearded man who used to have one like that when this was all fields) £500 bye!
Richard Gipp
Date: 27th September 2001
Headline: UEM Pro Stock Rules
By the way, the last post was from Nick Pepper!!!
Date: 27th September 2001
Headline: UEM Pro Stock Rules
I just thought I'd add my tuppence worth to the Prostock rule discussion.
Whilst I think that the most fair set of rules around at the moment are the ACU rules as Dave as pointed out, I can also sympathise with your thoughts Anders.
Surely an ideal compromise would be to keep the 4 valve weight at 611 lbs, at the same time allowing the bigger bore motors with stock stroke as suggested in the Scandenavian proposals. You could still have the lighter weight for the older OEM 2 valves to keep the older combinations in the frame and the new Vortex motors have their 11 lbs advantage.
Let's keep talking to get something worked out!
p.s. well done Richard Gipp! Back in the 7.7s with the amazing maintainence free Prostock bike!
Date: 26th September 2001
Headline: Boris Murray
Reminiscing again - sorry!
When I saw the peice on Boris Murry, I said out loud - "ha yes! I watched him a few times" and the family did a formation fxxk off and I was alone in the house....
But listen, I've got to tell you this tale.
It was 1969 or 70 at, I think Erwindale. I was working on Leland Kolbs aa/fd rail. Back then after a run you lined up at the water hole to cool the block down. Anyhow, as I stood there Clem Johnston walked by and asked if I was the English guy working on Kolb's rail. Yeh, I said. He told me to say hi to Alf Hagon when I got back home and to tell him that I'd seen the barn job run.
Clem's bike was a blown Vincent with an alloy frame if I remember - a very famous bike back then as so was the Murry & Cook bike. Well, a while later one of Kolb's crew said to me that Clem's about to go. I'm not sure who it was against though Joe Smith comes to mind. Anyway, both bikes left the line ok but then Clem's bike spat him off right against the fence not six feet away from me and when Clem stood up he found himself looking straight at me.
Well there were lots of things I could have said to him but I decided to say nothing and pretend I didn't notice and walked back to the pits.
Well that's it, sorry for my ramblings, but there you go!
Steve Clutterbuck
Gossip comment:-
Keep 'em coming Steve!
Date: 26th September 2001
Headline: UEM Prostock rule change?
Dave,
If you turn the clock back for one year, there was a debate about fuel injection. At the time, you (along with others) were not too keen on making changes. So why now?
We could read all over the site that you were running the numbers with a 1500cc setup, so why would we need changes? Well, you tell me.
I mean, you were going faster than me but you didn’t show up at any UEM event last year. Your comment was 'come and race me here in the UK'. Why??
If we exclude the Hockenheim events, I haven’t seen any of you guys out there, except for Chris Tomblesson (it was really nice to see you out there Chris), for the last 4 years, so what are the guarantees to see you out next year? I personally would like to have 16 bike fields on every race to make things more interesting.
This is not aimed to you in person (don’t kill the messenger), but the facts are:
We are running almost the same numbers (myself and a good friend named Chris Hope) in the UEM championship with 4-valve engines @ 1500cc compare to the 2-valves engines.
I believe that NHRA can't be compared with Prostar. If Prostar teams had the same budget as the teams in NHRA, they would run under 7 seconds by now, by far!! If they invested the same amount of money in 4-valvers, the 2-valvers wouldn’t stand a chance, but that's my opinion.
I mean volume always increases the BHP and the advantage on a 4-valve compared to a 2-valve engine would be too great if set the volume free.
But I agree that we need to look at the rules for the engines, and so we have.
Everybody should be able to compete, but with fair rules.
We have sent a proposal to UEM for the next year (Ian King also received it) as follows:
RR09 .3.11 Engine
Manufacturer of the engine will determine the make of the bike. The engine must be of a type specifically designed and manufactured for a production motorcycle. Modifications to the main engine cases are not allowed, except for repair purposes. Two cylinders and two-stroke engine crank and cases may be changed.
3- or 4 cylinder engines must retain stock crankshaft stroke if OEM is roller bearing. If OEM utilizes plain bearing cranks, then stroked cranks are permitted.
RR09 .3.16 Weight Limits Minimum weights of bike and rider equipped with:
2-valve DOHC (Standard Cast cylinder head) 265 kg max. 1500 cc
2-valve DOHC (UEM accepted aftermarket cylinder head) 270 kg max. 1500 cc
4 or 5 valve 270 kg max. 1430 cc 600 LB
4 or 5 valve 275 kg max. 1500 cc 611 LB
4 or 5 valve 285 kg over 1501 cc and more 633
2 cylinder / pushrod 250 kg max. 3200 cc 555 LB
2 cylinder 220 kg max. 1000 cc 490 LB
2-stroke 220 kg/n²o allowed max. 1000 cc 490 LB
Best Regards,
Anders Larsson
Date: 26th September 2001
Headline: Woody?
Be sure to check out http://www.bikerchix.co.uk. Click on 'Hot Pics 8' and Bulldog Bash 2001 pages 1/2/3/4. I'll let the pixs tell the story. Enjoy....I know I did.
Jerry `Got Wood' Cookson
Date: 25th September 2001
Headline: Get well soon Jane!
Jane get well soon after your spill at ss5,see you out next season.
Congrats to Helen on wining the COMP BIKE championships,and good luck in PRO STOCK next season.
From Mick and the IN THE GROOVE comp bike team.
Date: 25th September 2001
Headline: Remote starter wanted
WANTED REMOTE STARTER CASH WAITING CALL ME ON 07803 961397 (England).
PS, GET WELL SOON! JANE HEAD ALL THE BEST GEN & KEV {K KELD MC}
Date: 25th September 2001
Headline: Greetings from Slovakia
HELLO KINGRACING!!!!!!!! ------------------------------ MY NAME IS TOMMY-36 YEARS. IM YOU FANATIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE,SEND MY PHOTOS AND SOUVENIRS,PLEASE!!!!!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND BEST WISHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU FAN TOMMY.
TOMMY BALOGH PIESTANY SLOVAKIA ---------------
Gossip comment:- er.... yes!
Date: 24th September 2001
Headline: UEM Prostock rule change?
After talking to a number of Pro stock racers @ the final round of the Super Series last weekend , it would seam that most would like to run in the UEM championship , but are unhappy with the current advantage of running a 2 valve motor against a 4 valve (which most UK racers run).
If you take NHRA and Prostar as a rule for performance;
A NHRA 2 valve motor 1500 cc can run down to 7.0 to 7.1 with a 600 LB weight break on a regular basis.
A 1640 cc 4 valve Prostar motor can run 7.1 to 7.2 with a 600LB weight break.
The UK racers would, it seems, like a change to the current rule to allow the 4 valve 1640 to compete on a level footing with the current 1500cc 2 valve with a 600LB weight break for all motors.
By taking this rule change on board for the 2002 season the UEM championship would become a true European championship rather than just a 1 country title race.
Dave Beck
Gossip comment:-
Well, what do the other Pro Stock riders think, especially those from Sweden?
Date: 24th September 2001
Headline: For sale!
Competition bike, 7" slick and bars, 1500cc, best of everything, nos, Upperton head, progressive box, dyna, cope, 1-2-3-auto, mre, Schnitz, FBG,megatrons, etc.Ring for full spec and price. WILL BREAK IF ENOUGH INTEREST - PLACE YOUR ORDERS, EVERYTHING IS A1 CONDITION AND HARDLY USED.
01772 465090 Ask for CHRIS. LEAVE MESSAGE IF NO ANSWER. MIGHT SWAP FOR LATE MODEL 'BUSA
Date: 24th September 2001
Headline: V&H on the cheap??
WELL, as predicted the Doug Vancil, scale model, drag bikes, sold out at the finals and then someone saw a Dutch magazine that said they were only £60!! Well that was a mis-print and the magazine in question has got in big trouble over it. Apparently they are nearly £200 in Holland and Motorcycle Storehouse has now decided not to sell them! I will get a few more in to meet orders from the finals and may get a few extra so if you want one this will be your very last chance before christmas at the usual price of £159 + carriage. E-mail me if you want one, believe me, if you have seen one you will want one:- VANCIL@TURBOVILLE.COM PS The McClure prints have also now all gone.
Date: 23rd September 2001
Headline: Super Series results
Courtesy of Eurodragster, the Super Series 5 results as follows:-
Funny Bike: Tim Blakemore 7.641/170.45 def. Steve French broke
Pro Stock Bike: Dave Beck 7.571/174.41 def. Chris Hope 7.748/166.67
Competition Bike: Helen Curran 8.100/147.06 def. Lee Baxendale broke
Super Street Bike: Graham Dance 8.720/164.23 def. Matt Nixon 8.804/155.18
9.90 Bike: Pete Cameron 9.940/138.04 def. Paul Valentine redlight
10.90 Bike: Dave Stanley 10.915/113.06 def. Fred Furlong 10.998/123.63
Supertwin Fuel: Dave Witts 10.423/119.37 def. Ian Carruthers 12.404/115.67
Supertwin Gas: Jerry Collier 9.702/10.861 def. Dave Hirst 10.861 119.36
Supertwin Modified: Lynn Mason-Roe 10.513/136.78 def. Simon Hodgson 10.755/133.90
Supertwin Street: Les Harris 10.886/124.99 def. Brian Udall 11.424/117.19
We'd also like to send our best wishes to Sarah Jane Head who suffered some injuries after parting company with her ex Cannon, ex Turner machine.
Date: 23rd September 2001
Headline: Mattioli explodes!
During his second qualifying pass at the IHRA Autumn Nationals in Rockingham, North Carolina, ‘Da Judge, Mattioli’s Jim McClure motorcycle exploded in a fantastic spectacle in the right lane pulling qualifying to a grinding halt as his competitors held their gaze at the finish line to be assured of Mattioli’s survival.
After a normal burnout, Mattioli performed as he and McClure had agreed after watching numerous competitors spin the tire on launch. He rolled into the throttle and prepared to shift. The motorcycle’s belt broke 2.35 seconds into the run. The engine’s temperature went up to 1800 degrees before it broke the lines in two. The rear cylinder broke away from 8 7/16th Grade 8 Studs and blew off along with the head and two Kevlar triple layer engine restraints removing the backbone of the chassis as it took Mattioli for yet another fantastic ride this season. Mattioli said, “Oh boy.”
After all of his Top Fuel car peers and the entire Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley class made their way by the pit to pat him on the back and share their thanks that he not only survived but literally walked away from the pass, Mattioli gathered his thoughts. “I’ve had a hell of a day. They were having a problem here with the track so we were delayed. After they got things running again, we were watching the cars and seeing everyone in the right lane get better and better. Pro Stock was looking good. Then Vancil went out and smoked the tire ahead of me. Jim and I decided to half throttle it, get it going god and then open it up. I was just ready to shift then the belt broke and it exploded.” McClure interrupted with, “You did a fantastic job half-throttle-ing it. There aren’t many people that can do that.” Mattioli continued. “When it blew up, I went right up in the air. It sat me up straight. I just grabbed a hold of the bars and coasted it to the side and leaned it against the wall. I looked down and saw everything missing and said, ’oh boy.’ With all of that safety stuff, that’s what saved me.”
Totally unguarded, Mattioli tells it like it is. “It scared the hell out of me. I’m gun shy. When Jim got down there I said to him, ‘you have to make me a rear engine dragster.’ The IHRA Safety PTS crew said, ‘Not you, again.’ It’s a miracle that I made it through it. We’ve gotta be nuts. Crazy gear heads. It makes me think. When I was leaning against the wall down there, it made me ask myself, ‘What am I doing?’ But I love it too much.”
The reality of the explosion is that it could not have been prevented. It was just a freak accident. “The belt broke and the motor revved and nothing can hold that. I’m amazed. That’s all I can say. Anybody that looks at this and sees it knows that I could have been a dead man.” His wife Colleen added, “I thought it was over for us buddy. I was scared. I saw you come up and come back down. First I screamed. Then I went to see about you.”
McClure was amazed, as well. “It’s just one of those things that happens. When I saw the cylinder fly in the air I thought, he’s gotta be hurt. He just went on down the track. I knew when he didn’t fall off of the bike that he wasn’t hurt bad, so I felt good then. I just tried to get down there and hope he wasn’t hurt. And he wasn’t. He was talking, told me he was fine, that nothing was broken. I just give thanks that he wasn’t hurt.”
McClure is no stranger to accidents or explosions. He crashed in March in Orlando, was the first to experience an engine explosion on a Nitro Harley and watched Mattioli crash on his bike this year in Orlando. “After the accident this year, I’ve never had flashes. But I have about the engine explosion. I would be dead asleep and it would just BOOM. Wake me up. It’s probably happened a dozen times. Then when you’ re awake you just don’t know whether you’re blown up again or not. That’s a terrible, terrible, terrible feeling. I didn’t have that here watching Tony run. I know how many safety things we have on the bike and I know how strong those things are. It was just such a surprise seeing that cylinder fly off of there. We have two straps on the bike and it blew both of them in two.”
At this point, after Friday qualifying in Rockingham, McClure hesitates to even talk about the championship chase, but he does when asked. “This puts a huge damper on the championship chase. Hopefully, we won’t go too far out of it.” Exactly one week away, there is another IHRA National Event in Maryland. ‘Da Judge cannot be repaired and it was just too early to ask Mattioli. McClure added, “I don’t know whether or not he wants to ride his own bike next week. We’ll have to wait and see. There’s always another year. He survived. I know his arm is bruised up. He would probably ride tomorrow if his bike was here, but I would rather that he didn’t. Now, that’s not an option. Tomorrow or the next day we’ll decide about Budd’s Creek.”
Mattioli was quick to ensure that everyone know how grateful he is for their support as well as their concern. “I tell everybody, I’m all right! And thanks to all of my sponsors for making things that work and for sticking with us. We’re not done.”
Jim McClure’s Nitro Harley ridden by Tony Mattioli is sponsored by Rivera Engineering, Performance Machine, Red Line Oil, S & S Cycle, Primo Products, Accel Ignitions, Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson, Southside Harley-Davidson, F & S Harley-Davidson, Axtell, Vanson Leathers and Jim McClure’s Master Performance.
Nina Henderson
Date: 22nd September 2001
Headline: Auld Lang Syne
Well done Ian and all your team. Fantastic achievment, well done!
We had a great day at SP on Saturday, seeing old friends (Rod Pallant, Mick Beaumont, Paul Rose, Roger Forsyth to name but a few).
Thanks for the web-site, it really is a great way for us all to catch up with news and keep in touch. Congrats again.
All the best
Pete le Gros (Sledgehammer Super-Single. May be small but still thrashing away!)
Date: 22nd September 2001
Headline: For sale!
FOR SALE :-
GRUMPY'S BANDIT. 1216 best of everything, MTC lockup clutch, DYNA 2000 etc, HIGHPOWER progresive nitrous system, one off paintwork.
Has run 9.7 no gas & 9.1 @ 160 with gas will run 8's easy - offers over £7500
Tel. Paul 01702 470889 or 07711 670197 (England)
Date: 22nd September 2001
Headline: Championships
To Ian & crew - Congratulations for the "double". See you next year!
Svein Gottenberg / FastCat Racing - Norway
Date: 22nd September 2001
Headline: Championships
Congratulations on Your championship. We will come out next year to try to beat You!
Jan Egil Kongsrud, Jon Leret Racing - Norway
Date: 21st September 2001
Headline: Michigan Madman!
Following on from our link to the article on Boris Murray, check this one out on legend EJ Potter:-
http://www.nitronic.com/madman/index2.html
Date: 21st September 2001
Headline: Junior dragbike anyone?
Winners Circle Motorsports has in stock a race ready w/engine rolling chassis @ $2999.00. This bike has been run once and checks out perfect. It will be on display and ready for delivery at the semdra race at Douglas, Ga. the weekend of 9/22/00. If you are interested in getting your Jr. into drag racing motorcycles please contact me thru my web site http://www.winnerscirclemotorsports.com
Danny Thompson
Date: 21st September 2001
Headline: Championships
Congrats on the championships. Very tickled for you and the team. Would have written earlier but things here are very strange to say the least. Going to Rockingham this weekend for IHRA Nitro Harley's.
Ray Price has been running very well, except for that pesky red light in Epping. Sounds like several teams here are going to be changing riders, will keep you posted.
Congrats again, Pray for peace, but prepare for chaos.
Always, Mary Lou Brewton, USA
Date: 21st September 2001
Headline: Championships
Congratulations for the Championship Ian. The team and you worked hard for it and earnt it! Hope to se you and the team in next years Championship.
Best regards, Sverre Dahl, Norway
Date: 21st September 2001
Headline: Championships
Dear Ian and team, Congratulations on your two championships this year. Well done!
Purple Princess Racing, Brenda & Roald Dogge Holland
Date: 21st September 2001
Headline: Championships
Congratulations to all the team members for the double. Also,for the excellent party saturday night, enjoying what was propably the best food we ate while in England.
Panagiotis,Yla
White Line Cycles, Athens-Greece
Gossip comment:-
Nice to meet you! We hope that one day we can all race at a UEM meeting in Athens.
Date: 20th September 2001
Headline: The great Boris Murray
For anyone interested in Fuel Bikes, you must follow the following link to read about the great Boris Murray - check out the no wheelie bar smoking wheel in the air run - what a star!
http://www.draglist.com/stories/SOD%20Sep%202001/SOD-091301.htm
Date: 20th September 2001
Headline: Prostock/Superstreet bike for sale
Racing research chassis, choice of engines (1327 or 1260) wheels for superstreet and/or prostock; auto or manual gearboxes; new Schnitz ignition/controller; too much to list email for details.
Roland, email: roland@thinkpinkracing.co.uk
Date: 20th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Well done Ian & crew.
Great season for you, also good to see Brian going out with a couple of euro records under his belt, not too much that guy hasn't done in his time.
p.s. if Steve Woollatt is tuned in give me your phone number, Iv'e lost it!
Cheers, Steve Clutterbuck
Date: 20th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Dear Ian & team,
Congratulations on your championships. It probably must have scared you when you went (surprisingly) out in the first round and we went on to the finals. The decision for the European championship went "down to the wire" as they say.
With BJ running so strong and we not able to give an answer to our tire shaking problems, we realised that we had only a theoretical chance. The outcome of this race handed you your European championship, which is well deserved. So you see, all the hard work (like late nights in Norway)paid off.
Also I like to say thank you (& the ladies) for the very well organised 40th birthday party.
Marius / Koedam Racing Holland
Gossip comment:-
Thanks for your mail. Yes, it was down to the wire as you say, and your team performances at the weekend were exceptional. We thought we had lost it when the gearbox failed in the first round, but as you say, thank goodness we tried to make rounds earlier in the season when we thought we should not bother - a lesson to our team for the future.
Date: 20th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Congratulations to Ian and the team, just one question... How are you going to top this next year?
Regards Dave & the Streetfighters team
Date: 20th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Ian,
Congratulations on the double, well done.
Mark, Alex, Lynn and Chris Hope.
Date: 20th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Ian, We have just heard the news that your team have become UK Top Fuel Champion and European Top Fuel champion as well.
What an achievement in the competitive Top Fuel world. We were already impressed by your performance the last few years and believe the double of this year is well deserved.
Congratulations to you and your team.
Thanks again for keeping the motorcycle drag racing world up to date with the latest news (gossip).
Hope to see you again next year.
Regards, Erik, Dirk and Ton Bijlaart - Bijlaart Drag Racing, The Netherlands
Date: 20th September 2001
Headline: One for the Zodiac team......
A mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a Harley, when he spotted a world-famous heart surgeon in his shop.
The heart surgeon was waiting for the service manager to take a look at his bike. The mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hey Doc can I ask you a question?" The famous surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic working on the motorcycle.
The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So Doc, look at this engine. I can open it up, take valves out, fix'em, put in new parts and when I finish this will work just like a new one. So how come I get a pittance and you get the really big money when you and I are doing basically the same work?"
The surgeon paused, smiled and leaned over, and whispered to the mechanic...
"Try doing it while it's running!"
Regards, Mark
Date: 20th September 2001
Headline: Championships
To Ian and the team, Congratulations on the UEM Comp bike title! You deserve it.
Regards, Eddie Corr
Gossip comment:- We should also take this opportunity to congratulate Andy and your team on the FIA Top Fuel title - against the odds!
Date: September 20th 2001
Headline: Championships
Congratulations on both championships - well deserved, excellent turn-out and consistent. Well done to you and all the team.
Kindest Regards, Dom Trickett - TVR
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Final European Championship Positions
We've now posted the final European Championship positions and Records for 2001. Just follow the link to the FIM Championship on the left of your screen.
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Midgley on the MRE
Well, it's now official - I can confirm that Nei Midgley has now bought the ex MRE Funnybike from me and will be taking over the ride from SS5.
He will have ex UK Funnybike champion Mike Vickers as his crew chief and I will be attending in an advisory position as well as backing Neil.
It's both myself and Neil's intention to put the bike back were it belongs - deep into the 6 sec zone and with Neil giving ex rider Tom Perry 90lb in weight this should not be a problem.
So you've all had it easy for the last couple of years but now the going gets tough. I personally would like to see a 6 sec European record and consistent 6 sec passes but that is now down to Neil and Mike so I'd like to wish Neil the best of luck, and as for the rest of you its goodnight Vienna and hasta la vista baby…..
On a different note, I would like to thank all of my crew - most of what we have achieved would not have been possible without them. It has been a hard year for me personally at work and they have kept the motivation going at times so thanks guys.
At this time I cannot say what my future plans are but this is not the end as I have been offered Rick Perry's Promod for Gainesville in November and then we will see what next year brings and what finances are available to me.
Who knows, I may even get my a**e on a fuel bike yet, watch this space.
Best regards, Chris (cannon) Hannam
Gossip comment:-
We'd like to wish Neil every success on his new ride, and look forward to Cannon showing us he's not all mouth and trousers about how easy Fuel Bike riding is......
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Congratulations to all of you from King Racing, well done !
Regards from Sarembe-Racing, Germany
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Congratulations on your championships and records Kingy. Good job well done! : )
Thanks for keeping the website going too. I know it's unpaid and all that, but it is very much appreciated - I check it every day.
Regards, Lorcan http://www.750turbo.com
Gossip comment:- Thanks, and just keep coming back!
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Ian,
Great finish!. Congratulations for securing the UEM/FIM Championship.
Best wishes, Thomas Joswig, Germany
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Ian,
Congratulations with your twin success - you and your crew did a tremendous job!!!!!
Greetings, Erik Bijlaart, The Netherlands
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Championships
We looked at the result about the races this year, congratulations for this !
See you, Eric Teboul, France
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Congratulations to Ian and all of the team on a great double. Hard work and determination pay off. Hope to see you in Ireland in 2002. Good luck.
Mel Nolan, Ireland
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Congratulations old man and everyone in the King Racing Team on becoming UK & EURO Top Fuel Bike Champions. Well done Ian!
Fred Furlong, 10.90 Bike
Gossip comment:-
Ian's only 40..........
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Championships
CONGRATULATIONS, WELL DONE! YOU EARNED IT! OLD RUISLIP SAYING, " NOWT IN NOWT OUT "
ALSO WELL DONE TO THE CREW MICK, NICK, MARK, ROGER & BANGER.
ROD & ANNE PALLANT
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Congratulations on the Euro Championship Ian. Also the runs that BJ put in this weekend, new speed and ET for Europe TF Bike, why in hell does the guy want to retire? Age no problem look how old Elmer was and still competing!
Once again well done to all that competed (not only the winners) at the Euro Finals.
Brian Tozer
Date: 19th September 2001
Headline: Championships
Hello Ian, greatest congrat's about your European Championship!!! You shouldn't have kept all of us waiting to the final round. So it wasn't this time on your own hand but who could've bet against BJ's win. So, that's it, many congrat's to you and the King Racing team!
Cheers, Asko Maatta, Finland
BTW, next summer at Alastaro I owe you a couple of beers.
Date: 17th September 2001
Headline: The Double!
2001 British and European Champions 
Finally we can celebrate - the King Racing Top Fuel Bike team are now both UK Top Fuel Champions and European Top Fuel Competition Bike Champions - the first time a team has ever held both titles in the class at the same time. They also hold two new European Records, set over the eighth mile track at Mantorp Park in Sweden.
After qualifying third with a 6.52, Ian King saw his Euro chances take a knock when a failing gearbox sprag in his first round run saw him ready to pack up early. However, the nearest contenders Sverre Dahl (Norway) and Roel Koedam (Holland) failed to make up the advantage King had held due to earlier event performances.
The King Racing team of rider Ian King, crew chief Michael Beaumont, Mark Fossey, Mark King, Roger Forsythe and Nick Pepper were jubilant at their first European Title, well deserved after a long and tiring season.
King Racing would like to thank their sponsors without whom this marked achievement would not have been possible:-
Goodridge (UK) Ltd
North Herts Engineering
Rofor Engineering
Image Paintwork
Royston Signs and Graphics
Vanson Leathers
Paul Scott
Thanks all!
Date: 13th September 2001
Headline: King Racing at the Finals
Since the final round of the UK Championship, we've been working on a new 14mm primary drive system for the Finals, after our temporary repair for SS4 proved to be unsuitable for belt longevity.
Chris `Cannon' Hannam at Cannon Engineering made the bulk of the pulley system, whilst Mark Hawkins at North Herts Engineering provided the finishing engineering and the idler pulley system. The problem for us at the European finals will be that we took advantage of the possibility to speed the clutch up and give us more control on it's capabilities. However, this will mean that we will lose all of our settings with the `old' ratio, and could prove a problem with only qualifying available to change arm weights and timer settings.
In addition, the fuel pump speed will also be increased which could mean that our fuel system will need adjusting
Look's like the Championship's Roel's for this year..........
Date: 13th September 2001
Headline: Latest ACU Championship postings
The latest points are at last posted. You can see them by clicking on the ACU Championship link on the left.
Date: 12th September 2001
Headline: BJ at SPR Press Day
Top Fuel rider Brian Johnson is running at today's European Finals press day at Santa Pod. It will give him a chance for some extra testing after the time spent altering his bike to accommodate a new Waterman fuel pump, and to test the changes made to his fuel system as a result of the time spent on the fuel bench.
You can get updates on his performance by clicking on:-
http://www.eurodragster.com/santapod/live/2001fiaeuropeanfinals/reports/pressday.htm
Date: 12th September 2001
Headline: Chris Hand launches new website
US based Top Fuel Bike rider Chris Hand has launched his new website.
The popular `Conductor' of the `Redneck Express' has been present on the scene for some years now, and a lot of people are not aware that he was, in fact, born in England.
Click on the link to view his site:-
http://www.handsperformance.com
Date: 12th September 2001
Headline: Star Racing plan V Twin Pro Stock debut
Jackie Bryce of Star Racing gave the following news on their V Twin Stocker project:-
"We are planning on running our V-Twin Pro Stock bike in Reading, now rescheduled for Oct 5-7. It will be our S&S powered V-Twin "Harley". We still have bugs to work out but we wanted to run it before the season was over"
Date: 12th September 2001
Headline: Last shopping days before Xmas
PLEASE NOTE :- I have arranged for a few Vance & Hines Top-Fuel Harley, drag bike replicas to be delivered to me at the finals so if it's a Christmas present you're after (for yourself!!) then better see me quick at SANTA POD this weekend. I will be on the HOT ROD 'T's stall in the trading area with lots of other lovely goodies including the very last Jim McClure print!! If you want team uniforms for next season then come and see me there also. See you all at the track,
Ian Turboville
Date: 11th September 2001
Headline: European Championship Finals Preview.
This weekend see's the final round of the 2001 UEM European Dragbike Championship at Santa Pod Raceway, England.
Actually, none of the classes have been won yet, so it should be an exciting climax to the season that has seen rounds already in England, Finland, Sweden and Norway:-
Top Fuel Competition Bike
New British Champion Ian King has 28 points more than Roel Koedam of the Netherlands and 45 more than Norway's Sverre Dahl. Koedam has to win the event and King to lose the first round to change the situation. Sverre has a theoretical chance but then must he establish new records and qualify better then 5 places before King. If King wins the first round then Koedam will probably take the silver place over Dahl if he makes it to the second round.
Top Fuel Super Twin
Anders “Charley” Karling of Sweden currently leads, but cannot claim the title just yet. The gap from him to no. 2 Per Bengtsson of Sweden and no.3 Ton Pels of The Netherlands is very small. If Karling wins the first round then he will he be the Champion this year. But if he loses then both Bengsston or Pels can win if they win the meeting. One possibility is for Karling to establish a new record for both Top Speed and ET and also be the no. 1 qualifier. 1st to 3rd position will be guaranteed as Karling, Bengsston or Pels, but whoever is eliminated first out of the latter two will finish as no.3 in the championship.
Pro Stock Bike
Roger Pettersson of Sweden will be the winner as soon as he has passed technical inspection. His advantage before Kenneth Strömberg also of Sweden is big and he also will assume 2nd place after inspection as will Anders Larsson in 3rd place as soon as he passes. But if any of the Swedes do not come to the race then there will be changes to the final positions.
Date: 11th September 2001
Headline: B2 Products sponsor Been
Willem Beens "Big Red Machine" dragrace team is proud to announce that B2 Products of Ede, The Netherlands, has been added to his growing list of sponsors for the 2002 race season. B2 Products produce the very popular B2 bike lifts which are available at most Zodiac dealers. We would also like to report that our bike is ready and that we will be at the Finals this weekend. We are looking forward to seeing our fans and fellow racers.
Karl Thiecke
Gossip comment:- Great news for the Been camp. Just make sure that when you next do your back in lifting your obese motorcycle that you consider purchasing one of the B2 lifts - recommended by all serious dragrace teams!
Date: 11th September 2001
Headline: Red Beck's?
After qualifying sixth at the Prostar meet this weekend, UK rider Dave Beck showed that even he can redlight when he threw away the first round with a `previous' light.....
Meantime, Ryan Schnitz stunned with a 7.79 pass on his Streetbike - no wheelie bar!
Date: 11th September 2001
Headline: ORIENT EXPRESS U.S. MOTORCYCLE NATIONALS RESULTS
PRO MODIFIED
Ashley Owens .477 7.054-191.46, Steve Drake .377 7.033-199.73
PRO STOCK
Todd Doege .425 7.136-192.44 , Paul Gast .433 7.337-184.43
SUPERBIKE
Mark Moisan .583 8.013-178.02, Mike Iantorno .588 9.965-97.32
STREETBIKE SHOOTOUT
Ryan Schnitz .481 7.797-183.69, Rickey Gadson .428 10.088-89.94
600 SUPERSPORT
Ed Krawiec .411 10.119-135.41, Chip Hunter .554 9.999-136.86
TOP ELIMINATOR
Terry Adams .545 7.445-181.79, Steve Wood No Show
TOP GAS
Stacey Raymond .407 8.218-162.18, Mike Konopacki .421 8.215-162.27
SUPER COMP
Bruce Sauer .456 8.918-149.45, Mike Konopacki .434 8.942-146.46
SUPER GAS
Mark Coulson .450 9.916-124.95, Karl Kraengle II .485 9.997-117.58
PRO ET
Rob Schenz .515 8.916-146.91, Jerry May .495 8.868-151.43
STREET ET
Nigel Ogle '90 Suz .657 9.077 152.52, Ronnie Reece '99 Kaw .514 9.729-137.08
HOT ROD CRUISER
Rick McWaters .560 10.894-122.28, Jon Cornell .630 10.852-123.94
Date: 10th September 2001
Headline: Bazza's out again.
Barry Eastman was out testing on his CBX Funnybike at the weekend's SPR run what you brung. Although he did not dip back into the sevens, he ran a string of stout low eight second passes.
Date: 10th September 2001
Headline: Puma Beach Buggy?
Whilst on the subject of Puma, Pete tells us that he's currently working on a set of lightweight billet crankcases that will end up as a Yamaha V8, using OW top ends, for use in a racing beach buggy type vehicle. Apparently, it is estimated the machine will produce in excess of 300HP.
Date: 10th September 2001
Headline: Larry's cranky!
Puma's Pete Davis is busy in his workshops preparing a new crankshaft for the five second man - Larry McBride. Apparently, after suffering an ignition hiccup on the line, the billet steel item actually snapped completely in half!
Date: 10th September 2001
Headline: Shirtlifter Nationals
Congratulations to Dave Holland and his Titanium International sponsors for their win in the motorcycle class at the weekend's prestigious Brighton Speed Trials.
Date: 9th September 2001
Headline: Where are they now? # 2
Following our success of the first `where are they now' items, we'd like to know the weherabouts and news on Steve `Sam' Sykes.
Sam won the ACU UK Championship in the mid 90's on his quick Superstreet Suzuki Katana.
Not only was it quick, but it was always immaculately turned out.
So if you know where he is and what he's doing now, let us know.
Date: 9th September 2001
Headline: Larry's numbers at Indy
Larry McBride and the Spiderman team took their Top Fuel Kawasaki Motorcycle and world records to the center of World Motorsports ...Indy …Again!
Several weeks ago Larry and team won at the AMA Prostar Pingel Thunder Nationals. This time 'The 'Spider' participated in the 500th NHRA US Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park and thrilled the crowds with exhibition runs. 'Five-Second' Larry ran these numbers…
"First Pass: 6.14ET@228mph. 1.06 60 ft.,212.90 1/8 mile. Soft set-up wanted to stay consistant, race the track, not set records. Second Pass: 6.24 @234. Short numbers were off, testing new clutch pack and hat. Third Pass: 6.34@224. "We had a problem" 192 in the 1/8th Fourth Pass: We went back to the old clutch pack and hat, added 2 per cent nitro, ran a 6.04 @231. Ran 193 in the 1/8th at a 3.97 front half, 2.078 back half. The 5.89 run was a 1.999 back half. "
Courtesy Dwight Drum - Stripbike
Date: 8th September 2001
Headline: California Dreamin'
Ol' California Dreamin' now belongs to Gary Coule. Gary, who I first raced with in the Streetfighter days, now crews for me whenever possible. (He'll be at the European Finals) The bike is still intact, sporting a Star top end and new Katana one off bodywork. The bike may resume it's racing life in Pro Stock next season, although this will depend solely on work commitments.
Chris Hope
Date: 8th September 2001
Headline: Where are the points??
Hi Ian, I know that I had a crap weekend at Super Series 4, but why havent the points been posted yet
Regards Neil
Neil Diggens - G&N Racing
Gossip comment:-
We're still waiting for the ladders from the APIRA. We understand that Wendy Talbot is in hospital for an operation, so we'll have to wait until she's up and about again.
Date: 7th September 2001
Headline: Goodies!!!
PLEASE NOTE:- I have just one limited edition, signed print of Jim McClure left and no Vance and Hines scale drag bikes. I may re-order a few drag bikes soon but if any one wants one they will have to order in advance and send me a deposit to secure it. Also I have a big collectable, a brand new! un-registered, limited edition, 1999 BUELL WHITE LIGHTENING, this is the real carburated one, absolutely stunning in pearl white with white frame and wheels, all re-call work done, all duties paid. They just don't make them this pretty any more or quite so crazy! If you fancy a Buell you won't find better and it should appreciate! Includes lots of brand new accessories not fitted, OFFERS PLEASE! All enquiries to WWW.TURBOVILLE.COM please (go to the stop press page) thanks, Ian Turboville
Date: 7th September 2001
Headline: Busa bits for sale
I have the following goodies for sale:
1 set of Dymags (gold) for a Busa but they will fit TL1000,GSXR750 etc £750
1 set of Yoshi cams for a Busa £400
A number of Busa clutch centers between £100-£200 (a must for consistent lauches)
1 Busa Nitrous kit includes Power Commander 2 £550 (210bhp,inc asp power, but upgradeable to 300bhp kit for £350)
Ring Brad at DSD 0208 500 5770
Date: 7th September 2001
Headline: I'm here!
Hi!
I was browsing through the King Racing website for the first time tonight and i came across a 'Where are they now'.........page with my name on it!!!!
Thanks for the 'virtually unbeatable' plaudit, made me smile!!!!
For an update ol' California Dreamin' was sold to a gentleman from north of the border whose name escapes me at the mo. Has anyone seen or heard the ol' girl??? (be nice to know).
After winning both the Comp bike championships in '96 (it was an extremely hard year for the team Myself, Pete Mattin & Gary Pomfret) and as pressure at work was mounting, I decided to quit while I was ahead and concentrate my efforts at work (Automotive Design Studio Manager at Lotus Cars). In '99 a lil' girl by the name of Olivia graced our presence and we haven't looked back since!!!!!!! (she loves motorcycles!!).
I still have my ZZR1100 which I use most of the time, or did until a few weeks ago, whilst at a trackday at Cadwell Park on a Duke 748, got a bit cocky and came off at Charlie's, broke shoulder blade, broke two ribs, punctured my right lung and made a mess of my right lil' finger!!!!! (Plonker)
I miss Drag Racing and all that goes with it immensely and would jump at the chance to be involved in the sport again, though couldn't afford the time (or money) to start again. Gonna try and get down to the finals on Sunday.
Cheers! Martin Caviccioni
Date: 6th September 2001
Headline: Pro Mod for sale
Just to let anyone who doesn't know that my Pro-mod complete rolling chassis is up for sale for £6000 ono .I need to sell this to be able to buy the new Koenig low boy chassis for next season. Anyone interested should contact me at ken.cooper1@virgin.net or 020-8384-5921.
The bike can be seen on http://www.cooperizedracing.com.
Also after a disastrous time at the SS4 where we broke 2 engines due to a wiring fault I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Dent at Dent Engineering, Roger Upperton (cylinder heads) and Rod (rebores and honing). Thank's to their help I should hopefully have an engine together for the European Finals at the Pod.
Red Ken Cooper - ken.cooper1@virgin.net
Date: 6th September 2001
Headline: Paul's Slick experience
I just had to let you know about my great day out with PAUL ROSE RACING. Last Sunday I spent the day with PAUL ROSE and his crew Richie, Kim, Lee and not forgetting Baldrick.
As a treat to myself I wanted to have a try on a Comp bike - you know slicks
and wheelie bars. Thanks to PAUL ROSE RACING I got my chance. PAUL started me off on a small 7" slick bike no 2 step and no wheelie bars, I managed 10.3 then 9.96 - so different from my street bike.
Later on we progressed to Richies 10" slick comp bike including 2 step and wheelie bars. After completing my burnout I nervously approached the lights wondering what its going to be like launching off a 2 step, it was an Experience I wont forget in a hurry, then trying to steer it as PAUL had instructed me. Apart from a couple of missed shifts, a run of 11.4 was made followed by a 9.95 then 9.71.
This was a fantastic day, I learned so much. Thanks to all at PAUL ROSE
RACING!
If anyone is interested in hiring any of his bikes they can contact him on 01784-251941
Paul Grumpy Watson
Date: 6th September 2001
Headline: That's where he is!
In response to 'where are they now #1' on 1st September, Martin Caviccioni is the design / styling studio manager at Lotus cars now. Except that right now he is unfortunately recovering from a road bike accident. He was on a ZZR1100. We had a beer and a chat about racing a while ago and he looked like someone who wouldn't need much encouragement to get back on a race bike. But, he is a Dad and Husband now so he is a responsible man, well as responsible as you can get for a comp bike rider (!). Asides, Peter Mattin who worked on Martin's race bikes also worked at Lotus but has now left and moved to the Isle of Man.
Eddie Corr - Crew Chief, Carter Motorsport Top Fuel Dragster
Date: 6th September 2001
Headline: WHICH BIKE WEEKEND - PRESS RELEASE
Shakespeare County Raceway would like to advise that the Which Bike Weekend scheduled for October 6th/7th has been cancelled. The raceway will be openfor business however as a Test & Tune/Run What You Brung Speed weekend for both cars and bikes - all are welcome. The raceway's final Test & Tune Weekend, the Bonfire Burn-Up scheduled for October 27th/28th also goes ahead as planned.
For further details, please call APIRA Club & Race Secretary Wendy Talboton 01986 788114 or E-mail wendy@shakespearecountyraceway.fsnet.co.uk.
Issued by Jeremy CooksonShakespeare County Raceway Press Officer
Date: 6th September 2001
Headline: Entry list changes
There have been some changes to the Euro Finals entry list:-
UEM Comp Bike: D13 Antonio Ferretti added
UEM Supertwin TF: T1 Stefan Junerud added, T24 Erik Nielsen
Date: 6th September 2001
Headline: Euro Finals entry list
The official entry list for the FIA European Finals, to be held at Santa Pod Raceway on 14th-16th September, is now available courtesy of Paula Marshall of Santa Pod Racers Club.
On two wheels, all of the UEM classes are well-subscribed with Comp Bike showing fifteen entries, Supertwin Top Fuel fourteen, and Pro Stock Bike ten. 9.90 Bike has a huge twenty entries.
You can view the European Finals entry list by clicking on the Santa Pod Raceway web site at http://www.santapod.com.
Date: 4th September 2001
Headline: Dealer bags an Ace
Steve Woollatt and his Dealer Top Fuel Bike are to star at the relaunch of the new Ace Cafe and restaurant tonight, Tuesday 4th September.
The legendary North Circular Road, London based cafe, will also feature other motorsports related vehicles, so if you fancy a good night out, drop in for a plate of egg and chips......
Date: 4th September 2001
Headline: Comp Bike Condiment?
Those perusing the entry list for the UEM FInals at Santa Pod may be surprised to see Pro Stock bike rider Nick Pepper entered in Competition Bike.
Basically, his bike is currently legal for ACU UK rules, but not the UEM rules which lag behind them somewhat in terms of alignment with AMA Prostar.
Although Nick plans to comply with the UEM rules for 2002, he is treating the Pod meeting as a shakedown for his new combination.
Date: 4th September 2001
Headline: More Hayabusa parts for sale
One new stock cylinder, never used, with pistons..... £550.
Phone Anders Larsson @ +46 70 268 06 11, E-mail alracing@telia.com
Date: 3rd September 2001
Headline: Rob's plastered..........
We understand that Dutch Top Fuel Twin rider Rob van Geffen hit the timing lights at the weekend's Dragten Nationals in Drachten. Apparently his foot is now in plaster, and we will find out tonight if he will make the Euro Finals at Santa Pod.
Get well soon Rob!
Date: 3rd September 2001
Headline: Final qualifying positions Pro Stock bike, Indy
CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Final order after 5 rounds of qualifying in Pro Stock Bike at the 47th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals:
1. Angelle Savoie, Team Winston GSXR, 7.127 @ 189.87
2. Antron Brown, Herrman & Sons GSXR, 7.189 @ 186.12
3. Shawn Gann, Gann Speed Airtech Suzuki, 7.194 @ 184.80
4. Craig Treble, Matco Tools GSXR, 7.200 @ 184.72
5. Matt Hines, Eagle One GSXR, 7.220 @ 185.79
6. GT Tonglet, GSXR, 7.238 @ 185.84
7. Reggie Showers, PDI Prosthetic Design GSXR, 7.267 @ 183.72
8. Todd Doege, Cope Racing MN, 7.268 @ 188.54
9. Joe DeSantis, Privateer GSXR, 7.317 @ 180.26
10. Chris Bostick, GSXR, 7.323 @ 182.62
11. Geno Scali, Lake Mortgage GSXR, 7.328 @ 181.81
12. Greg Underdahl, Innovative Racing GSXR, 7.333 @ 180.98
13. Mike Berry, MB Precision Suzuki, 7.339 @ 184.52
14. Steve Johnson, K&N Filters GSXR, 7.341 @ 184.17
15. C.J. Smith, Pete Briggs Racing Kawasaki, 7.364 @ 177.65
16. Sam Hurwitz, Old Time Garage GSXR, 7.370 @ 177.04
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Brian DeLong, Brian DeLong Racing GSXR, 7.382 @ 181.28
18. Chris Reuter, Robertson Cycle GSXR, 7.387 @ 176.67
19. Ron Ayers, Mac Tools GSXR, 7.395 @ 181.59
20. Rob Short, Short Racing ZX7R, 7.420 @ 184.65
21. Blaine Hale, Hired Gun ZX11, 7.433 @ 179.76
22. Connie Cohen, C.C. Rider Suzuki, 7.451 @ 177.56
23. Reggie Cole, Team Excel Suzuki, 7.474 @ 174.68
24. Neil Jacobs, Mohawk Automotive Racing Kawa, 7.610 @ 169.85
25. Dennis Mirante, Innovative Racing GSXR, 7.629 @ 174.59
26. Mike Kovacevich, GSXR, 7.641 @ 169.93
27. Bruce Dickson, Pennzoil ZX7R, 7.820 @ 170.79
Date: 3rd September 2001
Headline: Prostar changes it's clothing rules
Following the problems highlighted with the illegality of US Dragrace leathers with European requirements, AMA Prostar President Keith Kizer has announced that there will be changes to the US rules for 2003.
Although we are only so far aware that the footwear rules will be stricter, and that a back protector will be compulsory, it is believed that double layers of leather on potential contact points will also be implemented.
Date: 3rd September 2001
Headline: Top Fuel Bikes at Indy
Dick Boxell has provided another report on the Top Fuel Bikes at NHRA Indy. It's interesting to note that Doug Vancil on the Vance and Hines HD is also running with his 4 cylinder compatriots:-
"Sunday at about 11:00 Indiana time
Chris Hand Left Lane 6.43 @ 231, Doug Vancil Right Lane 6.59 @ 208.8
Dan Butters Left Lane 6.47 @ 212.2, Tommy Smith Right Lane 6.57 @ 198.4
Larry McBride Left Lane 6.24 @ 235.4, Ron Webb Right Lane 6.54 @ 213.6
I am unable to attend Monday so this is all I will be able to report."
Thanks Dick!
Date: 2nd September 2001
Headline: TL problems?
Has anyone running a Suzuki TL1000 on the strip run into gearbox problems? A friend's road bike has destroyed 3rd gear twice.
Carl: webmaster@turnertech.co.uk
Date: 2nd September 2001
Headline: NHRA Indianapolis
We are indebted to Dick Boxell for bringing us news from Indy:-
"Friday's passes were cancelled because of rain.
Saturdays passes:
Tommy Smith Right lane 6.79@173, Dan Butters Left Lane 6.73@193
Looked like clean passes but when we got back to the pits Tommy's bike was just going back together, and he was setting the timing.
Ron Webb Right Lane 7.16@134, Chris Hand Left Lane 6.48@216
Chris's bike blew junk out of a exhaust pipe and same as Tommy's bike was buttoning it up as we left about an hour ago.
Doug Vancil Right Lane 7.87@178, Larry McBride Left Lane 6.14@228
Vancil immediately went up in smoke recovered and tried to save the pass. McBride just WENT.
Vancil is also testing some intake scoops on the injectors.
One pass Sunday two possible Monday.
Also, Shawn Gann won the PSB shootout over Antron Brown."
Date: 1st September 2001
Headline: Where are they now? # 1
Over the years many faces have come and gone from the dragbike scene. Some never made a mark on the sport, but many did. However, some real stalwarts have seemingly disappeared from the scene entirely, so we'd like to start a `Where are they now' feature in the hope that anyone who reads this column and knows where they are now can let us know.
So, #1 is Martin Caviccioni. Martin was virtually unbeatable on his Suzuki Comp Bike in the late 90's. Where is he now, and what is he doing?
Date: 1st September 2001
Headline: Hayabusa Lock Up for sale
For sale MTC multi stage lock up for Hayabusa....£650.00 as new.
Phone Pete Bellenie 01622 831826, Email peterbellenie@aol.com
Date: 1st September 2001
Headline: Thanks Terry and Tina - The Chain letter.....
I would just like to pass on a well deserved thank you to Terry, Tina and all the hard working crew at Shakespeare County Raceway for last weekend's meeting. Good weather, excellent racing and a touch of socialising. What more can one ask for. Thank you all and well done again from all in Prostock Bike.
PS. Congratulations to Dave Beck and Ian King on clinching your resective championships, and yes it is nice to be back in the game. Chris.
Gossip comment:-
We'd like to echo Chris' comments!
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