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Date: 30th June 2002
Headline: AMA/Prostar - Norris Motorsports Cyclefest - Norwalk, OH
The UK's dave Beck finished qualifying the MRE Pro Mod in 11th place with a 7.190 @ 180.74 mph.
Final qualifying positions :-
Top Fuel Bike
1) Larry McBride - 6.264 @ 184.67
2) Chris Hand - 6.401 @ 189.18
3) Tommy Smith - 6.759 @ 173.18
4) Barry Van Hook - 6.908 @ 195.31
5) Larry Reynolds - 9.338 @ 123.78
Funnybike
1) Gary Clark - 6.693 @ 201.28
Pro Mod
Ashley Owens - 6.931 @ 194.35
Pro Stock
Todd Doege - 7.115 @ 191.00
Streetbike Shootout
Rickey Gadson - 7.881 @ 176.79
Date: 30th June 2002
Headline: ACU Summer Nationals
Congratulations to all our #1 Qualifiers at this weekend's British Championship round :-
Funny Bike:
Mike Chislett 7.398/175.36
Pro Stock Bike:
Chris Hope 7.530/175.73
Comp Bike:
Klaus Brinkmann 7.961/159.36
Super Street Bike:
Tony Clark 8.273/174.96
9.90 Bike:
Paul Hambidge 9.907/136.31
10.90 Bike:
Sandra Chaplain 10.919/125.24
Supertwin Fuel:
Jamie Millership 8.024/162.76
Supertwin Gas:
Ric Davies 9.781/131.44
Supertwin Modified:
Dave Bartz 10.046/136.08
Supertwin Street:
Les Harris 10.966/124.36
Date: 28th June 2002
Headline: Gardermoen entries
Dear Racers
Norsk Dragracing Gardermoen and Gardermoen Raceway have asked us to publish the invitation, entry forms and VIP Hospitality pack for the Norwegian round of the 2002 UEM European Drag Bike Championships held at Gardermoen Raceway on August 2nd-4th 2002.
The attachments are in the form of PDF file. You would need Adobe acrobat reader to open the files. Acrobat reader can be downloaded for free at: www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
You can download the entry form in English
BY CLICKING HEREYou can download the Hospitality document
BY CLICKING HEREIt should also be possible for you to download the documents at Svensk Dragracing's / Nordic Drag Racing Series website shortly: www.dragracing.se/nerladdning.html
If you cannot open the document or have a problem with down loading you have to contact Gardermoen Raceway direct to obtain your entry forms.
You would also need to contact Gardermoen Raceway if you would like to order Electricity to your pit bay and/or VIP/Sponsor tickets for your sponsors for this event.
Gardermoen Raceway PoBox 118 N-2051 Jessheim Norway
Tel: +47 95 05 79 00 Fax: +47 63 87 87 63 E-mail: erijacob@online.no Web: www.norskdragracing.com
Date: 28th June 2002
Headline: Website of the week!
Date: 28th June 2002
Headline: Happy Birthday Turbo
Turbo's reached his half century - CONGRATULATIONS!
Artwork Courtesy of Motorgraphic
Date: 26th June 2002
Headline: Prostar finals in Luxury?
Would you like to fly to the USA with the Stars? Fancy being pampered in seats big enough for Cannon and his wallet? You do, but can't afford the £4500 ticket to fly at the front of the plane? Well look no further. King Racing have such a British Airways return ticket travelling direct to Florida from Heathrow for the Prostar Finals in November for less than 25% of the face value. Yes, you can fly like a millionaire for £1000. If you are interested in treating yourself, contact us by submitting a gossip item, or at admin@kingracing.com
Sorry, first come first served!
Date: 25th June 2002
Headline: Top Fuel Bikes at Gainesville?
Oz based Top Fuel Bike rider Jay Upton, has been in contact to ask if any European TF teams are planning to make the trek to Gainesville this year.
Due to funding limitations, we are sure that the King Racing team will be unable to travel this year, but how about the rest of you??
Date: 25th June 2002
Headline: Norway on!
Some good news. Today, Thor Larsen has just confirmed that the race will be on as scheduled. They will also run the cars in the FIA championship if the FIA allow them. The Supplementary regulations will be sent out tommorrow according to Thor.
Please look at the homepage of Norsk Dragracing http://www.norskdragracing.com
Best regards,
Lars Andersson
Date: 25th June 2002
Headline: Sko Drag Festival
Dear Racers,
To whom it may concern, we are just sending a reminder that the last day to enter for the 2002 Sko Drag Festival at Mantorp Park, Sweden is next Monday July 1st 2002 at the normal entry fee.
If you need entry forms and FIA registration forms you should be able to down load the necessary documents from:
Mantorp Parks Website: http://www.mantorppark.com/evenemang/team_SkoUno.htm
or from Svensk Drag Racing/NDRS website: http://www.dragracing.se/nerladdning.html
If this doesn't work, please contact Mantorp Park direct:
Sko Uno Drag Festival 2002
Mantorp Park
590 17 Mantorp
Sweden
Tel: +46 (0)142 298850
Fax: +46 (0)142 298869
E-mail: info@mantorppark.com
Best regards. Kjell Pettersson
Date: 25th June 2002
Headline: Fluffy Shagged
Supertwins Topgas rider Dave 'Fluffy' Hirst is the latest in line to sport a 'Shaggyshack' makeover. His Yamaha RD 430 dragbike will be dressed in new clothes at this weekend's Summer Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. Says Dave, "It was about time the bike had a new lick of paint, and Shaggy was the obvious choice to do it. I've seen the job he did on Barrie Gregory's 'Purple Haze' bike, and his own 'Mystery Machine' colours, and couldn't fail to be impressed" He continues "That, combined with the great price he quoted, menat that the job was his!"
The eagle eyed among you may have noticed the bodykit out in it's preliminary form at Santa Pod's Midsummer Nationals, but this weekend will be the first outing for the finished article. Wondering what it looks like? Shaggy tells us "Fluffy by name, Fluffy by nature - this isn't your average paintjob - die hard flame and chequered flag lovers, check your sense of taste in at the gate!"
The Shaggyshack specialises in road and show bike refinishing, custom bodykits, polishing, chroming and more, all finished to a high standard at the best possible price. As Shaggy himself says "If it's not good enough for my bike, it's not good enough for yours!"
Nikki
Date: 25th June 2002
Headline: Charley located!
Thanx guys, Charley faxed me this morning so hopefully bits on way to me Now.
I've got one very ill V twin so not going anywhere right now………..
Berni
Date: 25th June 2002
Headline: Gamble on our van....
For sale. Reno (sic) Master 2 litre petrol van Y reg (1983). Part ply lined, tow bar, tie downs, tax, MOT, £600 ono.
We have just replaced the above with something larger so if you want to do the Swedish and Norwegian rounds of the FIM then we have room for you! The Reno will be at Santa Pod this weekend or phone 07802 874360
Shaun Branch, email: shaun@branchracing.net
Date: 24th June 2002
Headline: For Bernie
For Bernie :-
Karling phone +46 (8) 51011219
Fax +46 (8) 51400489
E mail: charley@karlingracing.com
Hey Bernie, hurry up otherwse you won't be ready for Finland.
Ton
Date: 24th June 2002
Headline: Civilisation?
Bernie! I think you have missed some important information! Sweden and Finland have celebrated Midsummer this weekend. Meaning the inhabitants in those countries are impossible to reach. They are are either sitting in the countryside drinking schnapps and eating herring, or curing a terrible allergic reaction to the herring the day after!
I am absolutely certain Anders will check his E-mail the very moment he arrives back to civilized areas!
Christer Abrahamson
Date: 24th June 2002
Headline: MRE Closeout Sale
Look on our For Sale and Wanted section by clicking on the Discussion Forum link at the top right hand of this page to view the latest sale items from MRE
Date: 23rd June 2002
Headline: Credit where credit's due
Have to pass on a BIG chunk of the credit.
You better be ready to ride that damn thing Friday Beck!! It has been a HELL of ride these last seven weeks since the fire, I've considered the 'ol 5 gallons of gas and a case of beer trick with the damn thing numerous times of late.....
I can't take all the credit. Actually, we would not have made it to Richmond or through this terrible month of testing without the superb effort of Andy Dawson. Andy has absolutely worked his butt off on the bike and has never let the problems get him down, he just comes back for more.
I do expect much better things at Norwalk this coming weekend and hope we can move up the Pro Mod food chain by a few spots !!
How 'bout that USA soccer team !!
Jay Regan
Gossip comment:-
Those Germans robbed 'em......
Date: 23rd June 2002
Headline: HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Urgently needed after theft at SPR Main Event. A new pit bike. If anyone knows where I can get a cheap Honda 70/90 step thru' or a 100/125 twist and go CHEAP. then please call me any time on 07818 404031.
Neil Diggens email: neil@gn-racing.co.uk
Date: 23rd June 2002
Headline: Anyone got this part?
Ian Turburville (Turbo) is looking for a flange / clamp for mounting a Kinsler 700 fuel pump - anyone got one?
Date: 23rd June 2002
Headline: Calling Charley Karling
If anyone sees or speaks to Anders Karling please inform him that he has E mail & fax from me - I need parts Urgently.
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 23rd June 2002
Headline: Seven O Joe's new paint
Pro Stock rider Joe Koenig's got a new paint scheme :-
Photo courtesy Stripbike.com
Date: 23rd June 2002
Headline: Long sets new mark
Joe Long was the man at the Rockingham Cycle Concepts Bike Fest this past weekend. Long took the win in the Schnitz Outlaw Pro Street series and set a new e.t. record for the class at 7.423.
Photo and story courtesy of Matt Polito - www.mattpolito.com
Date: 21st June 2002
Headline: Top man Jay and Team MRE
After talking with Jay about the Pro Mod bike, he now believes it is more ready to run than it's been all year. He has been working all the hours he could spare and then some in rewiring the bike and testing over the last 4 weeks.
The Upperton motor has survived all the testing they could throw at it and at the Sunshine dragstrip last night Jay was finally happy with the way it was all working and now thinks it is ready for the 1st qualifying pass at Norwalk Ohio next Friday.
After the Big Fire in Atlanta and all the work afterwards I now fully understand the word committment. Many a lesser mortal would have long since thrown in the towel But not Jay.
I would just like to ay a BIG thank you to Jay and the MRE team for their relentless work in fixing the bike, and only hope I can repay them with a riding performance they deserve next weekend.
Dave Beck
Gossip comment.
Way to go Team MRE - we'll be rooting for you next weekend.
Date: 21st June 2002
Headline: Well done boys!
Hey Kenny, I have an old turbo nitrous motor I bought of some chap a few years ago in a car park off the M25 along with some watches. I'ts clockwork - do you reckon I could wind it into you / Biffa?
By the way, well done to Nick for the win and .51 (how high was the wind???), Chris H for the mph, Becky for the .50 and Bish for a personal best (I believe.)
Ba$~#rds all of you - c you after my Eurodisney tour.......
Gossip comment :-
And good luck to Chris and you for waving the flag in Europe for us this year!
Date: 20th June 2002
Headline: Congratulations!
We'd like to extend Congratulations to Santa Pod Raceway's International Race Director Darren Prentice and his wife Nicola on the birth of their son Owen George Alex, who arrived yesterday, tipping the scales at a Pros Stock Bike ideal three pounds and six ounces.
Date: 20th June 2002
Headline: ACU Points updated
The latest ACU points positions and records have now been posted on our `ACU Championship' page on the left.
Date: 20th June 2002
Headline: Desperately seeking Jaska
If anyone has an e mail address for TF Supertwin rider Jaako Salakari, could they please let us know it by mailing to admin@kingracing.com or submitting a gossip item.
Date: 20th June 2002
Headline: Cooperized at Midsummer Nationals
Well, what an up and down weekend we had. Up being Tony Clark setting not 1 but 2 new records, well done mate. Up, Brian(Biffa) Bowen running his first 9 sec pass and Up, Helens new Pro-stock chassis being ready to race.
But Down, Biffa's 9 cost him a block and pistons (anyone got a turbo block and pistons for sale?). Down, being Helen trashing the gearbox because some twat at MSD put the hi and low limit sticker on the wrong way round (thanks for spotting that Dave). But a big WELL DONE must go out to everyone at SCR for a superbly run event and an awesome track.
Ken Cooper
Date: 20th June 2002
Headline: New bike pics
Gaareth Evans has just added 19 photos from the Mid-Summer Nationals to his excellent UK1320 photo page - all bikes, including all 9 of the Euro Serie Top Gas. He's also just uploaded the first part of the race report, again It's all bike classes.
You can find his site by clicking on http://www.uk1320.com
Date: 19th June 2002
Headline: Disbelief!
Keep your eyes open for the new Tesco's advert on TV. Look familiar?
Date: 19th June 2002
Headline: Nitrous in the helmet?
It seems Matt Hines is stirring the Pro Stock pot in the NHRA after accusing Angelle Savoie of Star Racing of running a Pro Mod in disguise........
Date: 19th June 2002
Headline: Records tumble
Jerry Cookson has reported that both event low ET and high mph at the Midsummer Nationals were set not by a car, but Funnybikes :-
Event Low ET: 7.256s (Dave Holland FB8)
Event Top Speed: 184.43 mph (Paul Knapp FB10)
He also reports that alongside Dave Becks new track record, the following were also set :-
PRO STOCK BIKE
7.506s Dave Beck (1500cc Suzuki) 16.6.02
SUPER STREET BIKE
179.28 mph Tony Clark (1500cc Suzuki) 15.6.02
EUROPEAN TOP GAS BIKE
8.099S Riccardo Giliberto (2595cc Harley Davidson) 16.6.02
SUPER TWIN MODIFIED
10.065s Dave Bartz (1760cc Harley Davidson) 15.6.02
140.19 mph Dave Bartz (1760cc Harley Davidson) 15.6.02
Congratulations to all!
Date: 19th June 2002
Headline: Summernationals entry still open
Entry is still open for the next UK Championship round, the Summernationals at Santa Pod Raceway on 29th-30th June. "Because the Mid-Summer Nationals and the Summernationals are close together, we have kept entry open until this Friday (21st June) to allow racers time to take stock after the Mid-Summer Nationals", says Santa Pod Racers Club secretary Paula Marshall.
Classes running at the Summernationals are Super Modified, the three ET classes, the three Super Classes, Junior Dragster, 9.90 Bike, 10.90 Bike, all ACU classes with the exception of Top Fuel Bike, VW Pro, VW Sportsman, and all NAST Supertwin classes.
Racers wanting to enter the Summernationals can contact Paula by phone on 01933 313625 or fax 01933 355558.
Date: 19th June 2002
Headline: Great Weekend at Shaky
I have to agree, it was a great weekend at Shaky. As some of you know, I've been kept out of things for a season or so and the doc says I'm not 100% yet, but to crew on my old iron head fueller and watch Rushy put the old girl in the winners circle putting in a 8.8 run on the way was therapy enough. Thanks to everyone who said hi, and it was good to see Terry back in full swing behind the bleach box. It really isn't just a sport we are involved in it's a community and it's great.
Cheers, Steve Clutterbuck.
Date: 19th June 2002
Headline: More Brits in UEM
Well it will be great if we can get more Brits to Europe as the Swedes seem really keen - they've tried to entice Chris over there with all sorts of incentives.
Unfortunately, due to finances (ie Chris being the only earner in our team), it is just out of our reach this year.
The Mid Summer Nationals proved a bit of a disappointment after the brilliant success at the Pod, but as it was only Chris' second full outing this year we weren't sad for too long! He ran a personal best and equalled his own SCR MPH record of 179.28, still only on his 1500 engine - Way to go Chris!!
The two more experienced Pro Stock Riders excelled this weekend and it was good to watch the final.
Thanks and praise go to Terry and Tina Gibbs and all the marshalls for their excellent efforts. The track was outstanding (so the lads tell me!).
Lynn Hope
P.S. As for the Hopes' having a "camp" - always thought it was more like "open house" and wouldn't want it any other way.
Date: 18th June 2002
Headline: Increase in prize money for Top Fuel Bikes at the NitrOlympics!
Rico Anthes has today announced an increase in the prize money for the winner and runner up of `Nitro Bike Thunder' - The Fuel Bike Challenge.
The Hockenheim Event - Highlight for all fans of Top Fuel Bikes, will be featured in a TV Production about the NitrOlympics in 2002, and filmed by their own professional Video-Team. The Programme will be provided free of charge to all interested Television Stations for broadcasting.
4 of Europes best Top Fuel Bikes have been invited to run against the best 4 Supertwin Fuel bikes, for a purse that can pay out up to a total Super Bonus of 2500 Euro's for the winner and 2000 for the runner up!
4 competitive runs are planned for the bikes, (2 runs saturday + 2 runs sunday, best 3 runs will be counted) for the invitees, and additionally other riders are allowed to enter the Cannonball competition to qualify also. All 4 runs will be used for the total qualifying time, allowing 1 run to be deducted. The rider with the best (lowest) total E.T. will get into the final of the event and race for the Super-Bonus.
There will also be a free practice session for all Nitro Bikes on Friday, so all teams can tune up their bikes for the 4 qualifying rounds on saturday and sunday.
All Nitro Bike Teams will be presented to the spectators at the Sunday Parade before the last round. The grand Nitro Bike Final will be run between the best STW-TF and best CB-TF
No UEM license fees and no entry fee payment is required for invited teams, and the prizemoney will be higher than for traditional UEM rounds because the invited teams will get paid the same as a UEM Runner-up would, plus the chance of earning the final round Super-Bonus. There should also be better exposure of individual team sponsors to media and spectators, due to more competition rounds for all riders and the on-track team presentation.
More info is available at info@dragster.de and by surfing to http://www.dragster.de
Non invited Nitro Bike riders should contact the e mail address as soon as possible should they wish to be considered for the competition.
Date: 18th June 2002
Headline: Dave Beck sets new SCR mark
A another fine achievement was made by Dave Beck in Prostock this weekend in resetting the track record with a fine 7.506 secs (backed up by 7.545).
Not having been on the the bike since Easter, he was a little rusty getting used to the clutch lever operation again (not a button like on the MRE Pro Mod).
He also had his work cut out without his longstanding crew chief Ian Dales (has he jumped ship to the Hope camp???).
Dave was using his 1500 cc motor as engine guru Roger Upperton is holding on to Daves new 1640 like a mother with a new baby (you've got to let it go sometime Roger - love Dave! )
Dave was experiencing some motor bogging as he dropped the clutch, but believes it was caused by an ignition box problem.
He concedes that Nick Pepper was more consistent all weekend, and cut a light and outrun him in the final, but lookout as in August he plans to prise that 1640 out from what he calls the wilderness of Rogers workshop in time for that race. He even threatened to try to make the Swedish round of the UEM to give the Swedish guys some more competition…………………
Date: 18th June 2002
Headline: Ab Fab!
What a fantastic weekends racing we just had at SCR. Thanks to everyone involved, and who says you need pro cars to have a great track!
Super Street bike was right on form. Congratulations to Tony for taking both ends of the record - you worked hard for it mate. Also outstanding times and personal bests for Matt Nixon, Karl Larcombe, Mark Fisher, and Pete Bellenie to mention but a few! The field is closing up nicely.
I must thank Len Paget for building my new engine and Fiona and Steve Moore for all their help and parts I begged off them. It was a weekend I'd not been looking forward to with no experienced crewand a new engine to install on Friday night but by the end of Sunday progress was made and a great meeting!
Now if I can make that clutch work for Santa Pod in two weeks time.......look out Tony!!!
Regards, Graham Dance
Date: 17th June 2002
Headline: Treble's third
Craig Treble claimed his third Pro Stock Motorcycle victory of the season and fourth of his career with a run of 7.212 at 184.04 on a Suzuki, when fellow Suzuki rider Antron Brown fouled at the start.
"Our bike was a little faster today," said Treble, who defeated Steve Johnson, Mike Berry and top qualifier Matt Hines to advance to the final. "I don't know what happened to those other guys, they seemed to slow down a little. We'll take the win."
With the win, Treble cut Angelle Savoie's series lead to 36.
Date: 17th June 2002
Headline: Well done Tone!
We are happy to confirm that Supertreet Bike rider Tony Clark has broken both the ET and MPH ACU / UK records at the Midsummer Nationals over the weekend, with backed up 8.146 secs and 179.28 mph.
Date: 17th June 2002
Headline: Jim's continues his run of bad luck
It seems Jim McClure is in the wars - he wasn't feeling well a couple of nights ago so Phyllis took him to hospital. They sent him home with medication, but returned back yesterday feeling unwell and has been admitted for Gall Bladder surgery today.
Get well soon Jim!
Date: 16th June 2002
Headline: Mid Summer Nationals Final results
Congratulations to all the winners at this weekends extravaganza at Shakespeare County Raceway, particularly King Racing crew man Nick Pepper who took the Pro stock event title, Tony Clarke who pulled some stunning times and speeds on his way to the Superstreet title, and Dave Holland who has overcome many and varied problems recently to bounce back with a win for Titanium International:-
European Top Gas:
Gunther Sohn 8.432/144.69 def. Peter Weimar 9.675/141.51
Funny Bike:
Dave Holland 7.492/171.76 def. Shaun Branch 7.571/176.47 red light
Pro Stock Bike:
Nick Pepper 7.608/176.41 def. Dave Beck 7.747/175.10
Comp Bike:
Jerry Collier 8.280/156.25 def. Andy Newcombe 8.969/136.36
Super Street Bike:
Tony Clark 8.206/177.17 def. Karl Larcombe 8.494/170.45
9.90 Bike:
Paul Morris 9.973/132.35 def. Jamie Sneddon 9.893/134.33 breakout
10.90 Bike:
TJ O'Brien 10.927/108.17 def. Glenn Randles 11.252/85.88
Supertwin Fuel:
Ian Carruthers 9.415/137.20 def. Jamie Millership 9.279/155.71
Supertwin Gas:
Ric Davis 9.611/131.96 def. Sefton Whitlock 9.880/131.96
Supertwin Modified:
Dave Bartz 10.278/139.32 def. TJ O'Brien 10.492/131.20
Supertwin Street:
Les Harris 10.933/130.06 def. Mark Earrey 11.170/131.20
Date: 16th June 2002
Headline: Jim McClure
I don't believe Jim did suffer a stroke. The docters suspect that a blood clot from an old injury got loose and temporarily blocked a vein in the brain. They got him to the hospital in time and gave him the right medicine. This dissolved the clot and all function came back within a couple of hours. He was discharged from the hospital (believe Sunday) and he drove his camper and trailer from Canada himself. Spoke to him last Wednesday and he was doing just fine and back to his daily routine.
Ton Pels
Date: 16th June 2002
Headline: Vance & Hines Sold
MAG, Inc. the parent company of White Brothers Performance Products, Kuryakyn USA and Progressive Suspension USA, announced today that it has acquired Vance & Hines Racing, Inc. of Santa Fe Springs, California.
Vance & Hines is one of the industry’s marquee performance brands, with a legendary racing history and a market leadership in performance exhaust systems. From their world-class 140,000 sq. ft. facility in Santa Fe Springs, California, Vance & Hines manufactures all of their exhaust pipes for Harleys, Cruisers and Sport Bikes. They currently produce over 250 different models of performance exhaust systems with an unequaled reputation for quality and innovation.
The company’s founders, the famous drag racing team of Terry Vance and Byron Hines are both remaining with the company in their current positions.
"I am excited to be a part of the MAG group as we work together to build the industry’s premier performance parts group. We have some very big plans for better product availability as well as growing our product offerings. All of which should come as good news to our customers," stated Terry Vance, who will continue his role as President of Vance & Hines and is now also a shareholder in MAG.
Byron Hines will remain as President of Vance & Hines Motorsports, the competition arm of Vance & Hines. Byron will remain focused on product development and the management of the company’s three drag race teams.
Date: 14th June 2002
Headline: Ken's bro?
It seems Ben Benekes emigration to Oz in order to escape Mr Cooper seems to have failed........
Date: 14th June 2002
Headline: IHRA- Grand Bend, Ontario results
Doug Vancil earned his second consecutive Canadian Nationals title, defeating veteran Ray Price in the final :
Final Qualifying
1. Steve Stordeur, 6.347, 217.39 vs. 8. Mark Revels, 8.534, 113.96
2. Johnny Mancuso, 6.442, 206.28 vs. 7. Jack Romine, 7.019, 163.28
3. Ray Price, 6.448, 214.79 vs. 6. Mark Conner, 6.702, 211.41
4. Doug Vancil, 6.457, 200.08 vs. 5. Mike Romine, 6.471, 215.46.
ROUND ONE
Steve Stordeur, 6.457, 214.69 def. Mark Revels, broke
Doug Vancil, 6.449, 206.42 def. Mike Romine, 6.682, 182.37
Johnny Mancuso, 6.492, 210.03 def. Jack Romine, 6.884, 170.22
Ray Price, 7.821, 150.50 def. Mark Conner, broke
SEMIFINALS
Vancil, 6.399, 208.42 def. Stordeur, 6.509, 215.51
Price, 6.538, 193.50 def. Mancuso, 11.093, 78.54
FINAL
Vancil, 6.427, 212.11 def. Price, 7.455, 147.88.
Point Standings
1. Doug Vancil, 556
2. Ray Price, 528
3. Steve Stordeur, 506
4. Johnny Mancuso, 441
5. Mike Romine, 405
6. Mark Conner, 338
7. Jay Turner, 232
8. Mark Cox, 204
9. Jack Romine, 70
10. Mark Revels, 69.
Date: 13th June 2002
Headline: Ben's report
Well how do I even start to describe the 35th Australian Winter nationals? Fantastic, unbelievable, outstanding I could go on and on…………
There were 465 entries this year with 10 Top Fuel bikes in the class I was entered in, mostly Harleys with 2 four-cylinder bikes running together in a class called “Top Bike”.
Other highlights were 7 top fuel cars including the Sainty’s 3 valve head fuel car banned by the NHRA (couldn’t have stood the embarrassment if it had beaten them I reckon!), 16 Top Doorslammers (Pro mod cars) all with BIG blown Alky motors, 41 modified bikes and a host of supporting car and bike classes!
The track is very good with exceptional traction but has a very disconcerting downhill run-off, which you can’t see until you’ve passed the finish line. Nice touches are the big colour TV screen so the people in the stands and on the bank can see right to the end of the run off, very cool and believe me there are a hell of a lot of people in the stands and on the bank not to mention the corporate boxes and start line club. Attendance was quoted at 35,000!
The sportsman classes have their qualifiers during the day when the temperature is higher, 28 degrees C, not bad for winter hey!
All the Group 1 racers (Pro classes) race at night, which is awesome. Temperatures had dropped to 22 degrees C with a track temperature of 25 degrees C, such a hardship! The wind also just disappears so after the burnouts, the smoke just sits there, not good for videoing but runs are very straight.
Our story started 3 weeks earlier when I got an email from Joe Edmunds of JE Racing asking whether I would like to ride his Demon Drivelines sponsored Top Fuel Harley at the winters. I of course said yes and headed north from Melbourne.
We did 2 passes at the Pro warm up the weekend before the Winternats to satisfy the ANDRA that I could handle the bike and get a license. This was followed by an intense few days prepping the bike for the big race.
I had the bike sounding fairly good but was not altogether happy and due to a lack of experience with 4 valve heads and twin injector bodies. I sent an email to the ever-helpful Johnny Vickers of Hawaya Racing in Louisiana who replied to say that I had got it fairly close but suggested a few important changes. A huge thanks to a very knowledgeable and helpful man!
I made all the changes suggested and it made a big difference as we promptly drove straight through the clutch on our first qualifier on Friday night! A problem was found with the clutch springs and a replacement set was given to us by “King” Kenny from the Attitude racing team – many thanks again!
More weight was added for the next session but due to many hold ups because of Top Leaker I mean Fuel cars dropping their guts all over the track we ended up with the evening being rained off! We lost the 2 scheduled evening qualifiers. We did however get an emergency qualifier the next morning but drove through the clutch again!
We had qualified last but we were in!! We had to race the blown nitro Yamaha of number 1 qualifier Craig McPhee in the first round. Loads more clutch weight was added and the race was on. Both bikes did long smoky burn outs and on the green I cut a good light to strap a hole shot on him! We also launched well for the first time of the weekend carrying the front wheel for 200 feet. The bike ran good until half track when it started to nose over, I pedalled it 3 times to take the win by a margin of 7 hundredths of a second!!
We were through to the semi’s at our first race! Our next opponent was Ian Ashelford from Attitude racing who had blown a motor in the previous round after breaking yet another primary belt (a problem he’d had all weekend), some more top leaker’s dropping oil and our electing to run as the second pair allowed him to make it to the start line just in time. Would you believe it, he goes and runs 7.1 to knock us out on the ONLY run he didn’t snap a belt all weekend. He snapped it again in the final!
I am not that disappointed though. After only 5 weeks in Australia I have competed in the 35th running of the biggest drag race event in Australia and come third!!!!! How good is that? We created a lot of interest and one of the upsets of the weekend by taking out the number 1 qualifier!
Joe Edmunds, the team owner was very pleased with how the weekend had gone and the tune up I had put in the bike with Johnny’s help so happy people all round!!
I have attached some pictures to show you the terrible hardships of racing in Australia as well!!
Enjoy
Ben
PS We have also tracked down Ken Coopers twin brother!! More on this soon!
Date: 12th June 2002
Headline: Mort's all fired up!
Ex Funnybike and Prostock rider Jon Morton's new Top Fuel bike has just turned a piston in anger this week. Bike builder and tuner Frank Brachtvogel started the bike up on Nitro a few days ago, and we look forward to Jon's long awaited TF Bike debut.
Date: 12th June 2002
Headline: Arlie's new blown bike
Arlie Becker, husband of Pro Fuel Harley rider `Girls Kick Butt' Kris, has now posted pictures of his new blown bike. It features a PRP engine of 4.75 Stroke X 4.6 inch bore dimensions.
Photo's courtesy of Gary Larsen and Dwight Drum
Date: 11th June 2002
Headline: Ben Down Under
Ex pat Ben Beneke qualified in 7th position at the Winternationals in Willowbank last weekend, and progressed to the semi finals after beating Craig McPhee on his Puma with a run in the 7.9 zone.
Date: 11th June 2002
Headline: McClure Felled by Stroke
Veteran Nitro Harley owner and rider Jim McClure suffered a stroke Thursday evening at the Grand Bend Motorplex while preparing his motorcycle for the 3rd annual Mopar Performance Parts Canadian Nationals.
McClure was transported to London University Hospital, London, Ontario, by ambulance, where doctors administered medication to reverse the effects of the stroke.
Initially, McClure lost movement on his right side, but after treatment he began regaining feeling and movement in his right arm and leg.
Doctors expect him to make a full recovery, but he will remain in the hospital for 72 hours for observation.
I'm sure that all of you would join us in wishing Jim a full and speedy recovery.
Date: 11th June 2002
Headline: Thanks from Bernie Hepworth
A word of thanks to all the guys who advised and helped us out at our first attempt at Super Twins. Very much apreciated
Thanks, Bernard
Date: 9th June 2002
Headline: New pics
Just a quick note to let you know that my FIA Main Event pictures are now showing at http://www.togsdragracing.com/2002fiamainevent. For the non-PC amongst us (I hope that's all of you) we have an exclusive picture of Porscha in the "...and finally" section.
Enjoy!
Tog
Date:
Headline: 9th June 2002
Just a quick note to let you know that my FIA Main Event pictures are now showing at http://www.togsdragracing.com/2002fiamainevent. For the non-PC amongst us (I hope that's all of you) we have an exclusive picture of Porscha in the "...and finally" section.
Enjoy!
Tog
Date: 9th June 2002
Headline: The gospel according to.........
What a weekend! This was the 1st Main Event that I have attended in years, probably 95 in my Superstreet days but there were some of the best races I,ve seen for a long time and that includes Stateside. 1st up was the magnificent 4sec 300mph plus runs by Andy Carter and Barry Sheavills - the ground shaking just shows what you're missing, absolutely awesome to see. What an NHRA meeting must be like must be mind blowing. 2nd up, Prostock, well done to all the boys you did us proud and Chris you need to take that aggression you showed in the semis and now go and kick Mr Beck up the arse then he will feel the pressure a little. He's had it his own way too long, then maybe you egg each other in the the 7.30s and leave the Swedes behind. You have one of the best tuners in Europe so lets get on with it god knows what will happen when sweet Helen gets to grips with the new bike so you do need to progress. Well done Chris and Martin great job. 3rd up a very well done to Neil Midgley who I feel is now starting to find the type of scary consistency and speed needed to dominate ACU funny bike and certainly mix it with the fuel bikes. The track at the weekend was great and for the 1st time we started to put some power back in to the bike, believe it or not we are still not using 50% of what myself and Tom Perry used when he ran consistent 6.7s. We definitely had our share of luck with the normally consistent Steve Woollat going up in smoke and Eric Teboul breaking although I do think we had the measure of Eric. But with Neil and Mike making consistent small changes the bike went quicker each pass. For the final I wanted to make a big jet change for the 3rd stage as I knew if we got it right we would run a low 7 or maybe a 6 who knows but again we made slight adjustments which worked very well and Neil did a superb riding job and pulled a good holeshot to lose 7.00 to a 7.20 by .06. You always think after the event if only I'd done this or that but believe me that bike is going back to the 6 sec bracket make no mistake. Having said that Ole Lund did a great riding job to stay with the bike and win, so well done to all it has to be one of my best meetings for ages and when your not riding it is normally very hard to accept but watch this space, the 200mph busa will be back.
Regards, Cannon
Date: 7th June 2002
Headline: Burn Down Bish.
A classic. Enough said.
Well deserved after Sundays hard work!
Nice to see Roger Upperton's hard work where it belongs. At the top.
Cheers Roger U.
Date: 7th June 2002
Headline: EURO GASSERS INVADE SHAKEYVILLE
They're back. This month's round two of the highly acclaimed Super Series drag racing championship for Sportsman racers at Shakespeare County Raceway, Stratford-Upon-Avon will echo to the thunderous sounds of the European Top Gas series of races for four stroke twin cylinder drag bikes at the tracks Mid-Summer Nationals, round three of the bikers whirl wind European tour.
"The attraction about Top Gas is that it offers an easy access and relatively inexpensive route into drag racing," commented series organiser Angela Wittenzellner. "This was clearly seen last year by the use of the different engine combinations, the most common being the big bore American Harley and the Italian Ducati."
Machines range from the exotic supercharged 'Zippers/Harley' of former champion and Shakespeare County track record holder Job Heezen from Holland (8.154s@166 mph), the turbocharged Ducati of Germany's Herman Jolink, and current European champion, Italy's Riccardo Gilliberto also Harley mounted, will be making the trip to the UK.
The dedication of these racers is phenomenal. They build state-of-the-art bikes that rival anything in America to put on a truly professional show. Expect an entry of between eight to twelve bikes at Shakespeare County Raceway but don't be surprised if the bump spot (the slowest bike to qualify) is in the eight second bracket. That's no mean feat for two cylinder gluping vast amounts of pumped gas!
With their slick professional appearance and impressive on track performances, the European Top Gas Association has voted the rounds at Shakespeare County Raceway as THE best events of the series.
Shakespeare County Raceway has been chosen as a round of the European Championships on three separate occasions, and everytime the tour rolls through the gates the racing has been an instant hit with the racers and fans. In fact, the European racers are no strangers to Shakespeare County Raceway being the original venue for their UK tours in the early nineties when the raceway was formerly known as Avon Park.
This year, teams from seven European/Scandinavian countries will contest an 8 round series taking in five different tracks including England's Shakespeare County Raceway. The first round at Husum, Germany last month saw current champion Riccardo Gilliberto take the number one qualifying position in 8.879 seconds. The overall winner of the 12 bike eliminator was Germany's Axel Scifert. Both were riding supercharged gas burning Harley Davidson 'Hogs'.
Super Series/Mid-Summer Nationals also includes rounds of the ACU/UK Drag Bike Championship for Funny Bike, Pro Stock Bike, Comp Bike and Super Street. Street legal 9.90 and 10.90 bikes are also included on the programme in national event competition.
The National Association of Supertwins continues to run its championship with event promoters Obsession Motorsports. Unlike their European counterparts the UK Supertwins have four classes of twin cylinder bikes competing from street legal machines to all out nitro burning Top Fuel monsters. So, from screaming two-strokes to thundering Harley's every kind of twin cylinder bike will be on display at the Mid-Summer Nationals.
Additionally, close to 200 amateur drag racers will be competing in a variety of sportsman eliminations for round two of the Super Series and round four of the National Championship. Racer parking begins Friday 14th June. Qualifying for all classes will commence 15th June at 10.00 am and final eliminations will start Sunday at 11.00 am.
Admission to the Super Series Mid-Summer Nationals is £15.00 Saturday, £18.00 Sunday and £25.00 for a full weekend pass. Ticket information can be obtained from Obsession Motorsports on 01483 236262.
Located 6 miles south of Stratford-Upon-Avon on the B4632, Shakespeare County Raceway is easily accessible from junction 15 of the M40 A46, a primary north-south route through the county of Warwickshire.
For further information please call Obsession Motorsports on 01483 236262
Jerry Cookson
Date: 7th June 2002
Headline: Last chance!
After a truly great weekend at the Main Event I have just one Doug Vancil/Vance & Hines ltd. edition, die cast, drag bike left. This is the last scale replica of the quickest Harley on the planet left in the whole of europe. First come....vancil@turboville.com I also have a pro-stock style starter and battery cart for sale now as I got a new one with my bike. Congrats to Charlie, Ton, Barry, Chris, Neil, Bernie, and all who put on a tremendous show! Turbo http://www.turboville.com
Date: 7th June 2002
Headline: TEAM VIP arrives in force at AHDRA Norwalk, Ohio.
AHDRA Buckeye Nationals June 8-9, Norwalk Raceway, Norwalk Ohio
Team VIP consisted of three Harley-Davidson racing champions in February of this year, Steve Moore, Joe Perry and Drew Proffitt, but efforts by Sondra Alan and Riley Proffitt increased the team membership. Mike Fitzgerald of MAVRIK Racing, Rick Cathcart of Fujimo Racing, Susie Wevodaus of A Breed Apart Racing, John (OJ) Marinelli of Ground Zero Racing and Greg Alan of Rascals Racing have joined the VIP team.
<<< JOE PERRY >>>
First-To-Last-Media aims the spotlight on Joe Perry of Acme Racing. The stalwart supporter was vocal.
"ACME Racing is preparing for the one of the more popular stops on the circuit at the track of IHRA Headquarters in Norwalk where they take racing seriously," Perry said. "We have seen their Friday program run until four AM Saturday morning and have heard stories of programs running round-the-clock to get the event finished. Did we say serious? We are hot for action as we are leading the national points in the Super Sport Class and second in the Screamin Eagle Performance Parts class. With the support of our fine partners who help make this all possible, we know we are "Racing with the Best" and look forward to the great racing at this facility."
SPONSORS
VIP WIRE, Vanson, Redline Oil, Energy One Mfg, RK Racing Chain, Millennium technologies, The Wax Shop, Uniforms Unique, MRE, PitBull Motorcycle Stands, Zero Gravity, Sprocket Specialists, Jagerrod, MagnaCor, Mickey Thompson Tires, Dyna Performance Electronics, StripBike.com, Acme Lawn and Yard
Read more about Joe Perry on StripBike.com with links to Zoomster.com
Date: 6th June 2002
Headline: What a weekend!
What a weekend for UK prostock bikes, Chris and Martin did us proud (don't think Martin made any Swedish friends though). Shame Chris Tombleson wasn't fully fit (bad back) and I just ran out of engines to change!
Still there's always Finland …….
Richard Gipp
Date: 6th June 2002
Headline: Burn down 2?
As an avid Pro Stock Bike fan I would like to express my thanks to Martin Bishop and Roger Petterson for bringing USA style burn downs back to Pro Stock Bike racing in the UK. This really let's us spectators share in the tension the racers go through in this fantastic class, and what a bonus to get an all BRITISH final on Jubilee day, just goes to prove that when we get a level playing field British Pro stocks can kick arse with the best of them
Way to go Chris and Martin!
Steve Clark, e mail: steveipaq@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 6th June 2002
Headline: Burn down?
From a spectators perspective, great to see a classic Pro Stock burn down.
Martin Bishop and Roger Petterson really brought USA racing to the Pod this Weekend.
Allan Jones, email: Alanjones@hotmail.com
Date: 4th June 2002
Headline: European Championship round 1
Well, a great weekend of racing, but not so good for the King Racing camp who suffered a succession of broken drive belts. Roel Koedam also suffered at least one belt, alongside a gearbox sprag failure.
A big shout goes out to Top Fuel rookie Nils Ole Lund of Norway on the ex Dahl machine who took the event win in Comp Bike, Chris Hope who took a popular win in Pro Stock bike, and Charley Karling who run a fabulous 6.36 on his blown HD.
Date: 4th June 2002
Headline: Transporter for sale
Mercedes 410 H reg. cd player, int lights, int wheel arch conversion, false floor with rubber matting, undersealed. Very well maintained. £2000 ono
Raf
01642 641865 / 07973 104441 (UK)
Date: 31st May 2002
Headline: Gone racin'
We're off to the first round of the European Championship at Santa Pod this weekend.
Good luck and a safe race to all.
Date: 31st May 2002
Headline: Cheeky!
Just a note for some of the riders and pilots of bikes and cars alike. Check out this site http://www.feel-the-noise.com
There are some great photo's taken by Anni and Bob, and well worth taking a look.
I think they have even caught you in motion this year Ian!!
Regards
Chris Powell - Woollatt Racing
Date: 30th May 2002
Headline: Vanson at Main Event
If any riders are interested in discussing race leathers, or being measured up for new leathers after that summer season diet, the world's leading leather company Vanson are to attend this weekend's Main Event, and can be located at the King Racing transporter.
Date: 30th May 2002
Headline: Got a Jackshaft?
If any of the European T/F Harley teams have a jack shaft about 450mm long with clutch spline to fit an early Harley hub fall on their foot while packing to come over this weekend, please don't put it back on the shelf bring but bring it with you. I will be there with cash (yes I'll have some for you as well Brian…….)
Cheers, Steve Clutterbuck
Date:
Headline: Got a spare 450mm Jackshaft?
If any of the European T/F Harley teams have a jackshaft about 450mm long with clutch spline to fit an early Harley hub fall on their foot while packing to come over this weekend, please don't put it back on the shelf bring but bring it with you. I will be there with cash (yes I'll have some for you as well Brian…….)
Cheers, Steve Clutterbuck
Date: 29th May 2002
Headline: Help!
This is not gossip. I been lookin all over for A set of Lake injectors I need four HELPPPPP
John Garrett Tel : 001- 609-641-9392 (US)
Date: 29th May 2002
Headline: King Racing's new clothes!
European and British Top Fuel Bike Champions King Racing are pleased to announce the addition of House of Kolor (UK) and Wackyshack Paint Shop as partners in their race effort. House of Kolor are the leading supplier of custom paint finishes, and Wackyshack are fast developing as one of the UK's leading custom paint shop's for many automotive applications.
King Racing team principal Ian King said " We are extremely honoured to have these prestigious companies join our race effort. House Of Kolor are unsurpassed in their products, whilst the quality and skills of the Wackyshack artists complement the essence of what our team is all about. The fact that Wackyshack use and recommend House Of Kolor finishes is the icing on the cake. We look forward to a mutually enjoyable and beneficial relationship in the future."
House Of Kolor (UK) Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 1302 710350 Wackyshack Paint Shop Tel: +44 (0) 1487 833029King Racing are proud to also be supported by associate sponsors
Goodridge (UK) Ltd, Vanson Leathers, Murdoch Racing Enterprises, North Herts Engineering and Royston Signs and Graphics.Tel: + 44 (0) 7785 341099
Fax: + 44 (0) 1763 852707
E mail: press@kingracing.com
Website www.kingracing.com
Date: 28th May 2002
Headline: Prostar issue Top Fuel license
AMA Prostar have begun to issue new Top Fuel licenses to riders based on their previous performances.
Those riders who wish to compete the class, and have not shown previous qualifications will not be granted a license and will be required to obtain one prior to taking part in eliminations that can be obtained by running faster than 6.99 secs during solo qualifying runs, or by attending an approved dragracing school with their bike.
Date: 28th May 2002
Headline: New TF Harley
Dark Side Racing have unveiled their stunning new TF Harley featuring Top Gun cases, Bob Brooks AFT Multistage clutch + Cannon, home made fuel and clutch managment as on their Dragsters and Funnycars :-
Date: 27th May 2002
Headline: Hockenheim NitrOlympics is go!!
Entry applications are now being taken for this year's Hockenheim NitrOlympics, that will feature an all new wider track, dedicated dragrace launch areas, and grandstands. Further good news is that prize monies have been increased, and like last year there will be a Pro Bike challenge for Prostock and Funnybikes, and with a prize fund!
Invited entries are based on last year's entrants, and others who wish to race must apply to the race organisation as indicated.
Drivers-Info:
The entry-forms for the NitrOlympics will be sent out next week. All event information is now available at http://www.nitrolympics.de
Attention!
Entryforms will only be accepted from the race secretary in ORIGINAL form!! Therefore do not send copied entry-forms.
What to do if you are NOT on the Invitation List ?
We do require some more information about the team performance and outfit to decide any invitational entries. Please send us a photo from team and vehicle together with a short performance / carrier information and your postal mailing address.
Our mailing address is:
Drag Racing, Postfach 1245, 63202 Langen, Germany
e-mail: info@dragster.de
The Race Secretary will decide if your entry request can be accepted and the entry-form will be sent to you by mail.
See you in Hockenheim!
Date: 27th May 2002
Headline: ACU Points posted
The latest ACU UK Championship points positions have now been posted on our ACU Championship page (left).
Date: 26th May 2002
Headline: Top Fuel Bikes at Topeka
Second run out for the fuel bikes, Larry went 6.86 152 (with clutch problems) against Ron Webb with a 6.42 at 206.99.
Chris Hand went 6.62 at 212 against Tommy Smith with a 6.57 at 201.
Date: 26th May 2002
Headline: Bernies progress
Unfortunately things did not go quite as planned at the test day. We had intended to do three progressively quicker and further runs. Sunday dawned very windy with heavy rain showers. As we brought the bike out for the first run we found a brake problem and had to spend hours chasing around the countryside looking for parts. We did not get out until 4pm and were only able to make the planned burnout and launch to familiarise me with the lack of the other two wheels. This went OK for me so roll on next weekend.
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 26th May 2002
Headline: Top Fuel Bikes at Topeka
Top Fuel bikes are performing at the NHRA meet in Topeka this weekend.
On their first pass, Larry McBride had problems, 6.44 at 169, but had a 3.9 8th at 193!
He ran Chris Hand who went 8.16 whilst blowing the tyre away.
Tommy Smith went 6.64 against Ron Webb at 6.67.
Date: 25th May 2002
Headline: Two Twins and a Four
We understand Charley Karling and Bernie Hepworth have made an appearance for testing at the private test weekend at Santa Pod on their TF Harleys, along with Anders Larsson on his Pro Stock bike.
Date: 25th May 2002
Headline: Desperately seeking H
If Andy `H' Smith is reading this could he please e mail Ron at Dragracers@ntlworld.com
Date: 25th May 2002
Headline: Vancil's time slips
Courtesy of Jim McClure, we thought you might be interested in seeing and comparing Doug Vancils new record runs on his V&H TF Harley:-
6.278 6.286
60ft
1.094 1.070330ft
2.761 2.771660ft
4.087 @ 184.32 4.112 @ 182.621000ft
5.264 5.2831320ft
6.278 @ 204.60 6.286 @ 220.51As can be seen, he lifted early on the first run, and had a problem around 330 ft on the 2nd run.
Date: 23rd May 2002
Headline: Ben's a hired gun
Hi Guys,
Here is the hot news off the presses from "Down under"
We have been here for about 3 weeks now doing the visiting relatives and dragracers in the various towns on our travels. A lot of fun and some very interesting people and bikes. We are currently heading north up the East coast of Australia, started in Melbourne and finishing in Brisbane. We only have 2 weeks to do this in instead of 3 now because:
I'VE GOT A RIDE AT THE CASTROL WINTERNATIONALS!!!!!!! The biggest race in the Australian season! June 7th - 8th- 9th
I received an email from Joe Edmunds of JE Racing asking if I would like to ride his 2600cc Overkill engined Weekend frame fuel harley at the winters as he cannot due to work commitments, would I ever!!!! Silly question really!
You can keep up with how we are doing at these sites: http://www.willowbank-raceway.com.au/ http://www.cacklingpipes.com (news and discussion board pages)
We will be testing the weekend before and doing our 2 observed passes. ANDRA the local race sanction has been most helpful with licencing, 3 month Group 1 licence is free to International visitors.
I am really looking forward to this and am obviously hoping to do well for JE Racing.
Will keep you posted
Ben
Date: 23rd May 2002
Headline: Sverre can't make Santa Pod.
We just heard this sad news from Norway's Sverre Dahl :-
"I have been working to finish my bike before the start of the season but we are not able to attend the Main Event. We have made a lot of modifications to the bike and the time is running away too fast. We will be ready for the race in Finland and we hope we can do some fast runs later this year.
Are the any Top Fuel bike’s planning to go to Finland?. My homepage is also redesigned and has been moved to :- http://www.rdbk.no/tf
Gossip comment :-
As far as I know, no one else is planning to go to Finland this year. Unfortunately, we would love to go again as we enjoyed it so much, but cost and time pressures aare prohibitive this year.
Date: 22nd May 2002
Headline: Svein's new site
Norwegian Supertwin Top Fuel racer Svein Gottenberg has a new domain for his Fastcat Racing website :- http://www.tfharley.com
Date: 22nd May 2002
Headline: Greece news
National records were established in many classes last weekend in Tripoli airport once again, as the weather was perfect and the racers seem to have taken control of the conditions and the high elevation. Filippos Papafilippou pulled two extraordinary 9 second runs on his gasoline fueled Lotus Esprit, and pleased the numerous and patient spectators once again. Once again the faster gas bikes were fighting the bumpy surface during mid 8 second 150+ mph runs. Next race will take place deep in the summer heat,let's hope it is not as hot as last years 40+C days.
Zman
Date: 21st May 2002
Headline: Rear wheel for sale
Due to a new sponsorship deal, we now have a Performance Machine beadlocked 14" Rear wheel and hub for sale, c/w selection of 630 sprockets, twin ISR Calipers and carrier, and disc. All as used on our Top Fuel bike, and capable of running + 200mph and stopping again!.
£500 ono for the lot.
Submit gossip item or e mail sales@kingracing.com
Date: 21st May 2002
Headline: Evenin' all
STG3 rider Nick 'Shaggy' Daniels puts out a plea to riders and drivers in the Rushden / Santa Pod area to keep an eye out for a stolen Italjet 50cc mini-motorbike, as seen recently at the Speedfreaks Ball.
The one off, customised kiddie's bike was stolen from girlfriend Nikki's house sometime during the day yesterday, Monday May 20th.
Says Nikki; "Last week someone tried to break into my car and steal it, but didn't manage to - they obviously decided to finish the job. They broke into the house through the patio doors, went straight for the bike, taking nothing else and causing no damage"
The bike is chromed and polished and finished in a very distinctive purple check - it also has orange side panels and stickers promoting 'The Shaggyshack'.
There will be a reward for it's return, and anyone with any information should call Nikki on 07733 007641.
Says Nikki; "The bike was a Christmas present for my daughter, and is priceless. Shaggy and I spent a great deal of money, and many hours of time, to make the bike the best it could be, and we'd like it back!"
Date: 21st May 2002
Headline: You might as well stay at home.......
Well, it's now official, the big boy just got faster. This weekend at Woodbridge airfield near Ipswich, myself Jack Frost and Greg White, all on Holeshot turbo Hayabusa's were the only 3 bikes to top 200mph. The best was Jack at 230mph with a flying 1/4 average of 218mph, 4.12 seconds then Greg with 4.45 sec average then my good self running an exact 200mph, 4.50 sec flying average with a calculated top speed of 208mph. This was with a blown head gasket at 1000ft into the 1/4, but who cares, I'd done what I set out to do. The daft thing was I hit the rev limiter in top gear and was ready to fit a smaller rear sprocket which I am totally convinced would have given me a higher average and 220mph top speed. But with winds exceeding 25mph any records that were broken would not stand so with that in mind we packed up and went to the bar. Sunday came with nice weather but the wind got up again and made it impossible for Jack to beat his own record of 222mph average, I however, was forced to the touch line as no head gasket was a problem - the bike resembled more of a water feature than a 400+hp monster. I must have run too much boost at the SCR meet as we were over 30 psi boost which is way too much for a Busa, especially as it already makes 400 @ 20psi. Hopefully things will change as we now have a 4 stage progressive NLR waste gate and two step module to the set up of the bike so methinks some testing is requied to fine tune everything. Hopefully the 1/4s should then come down and if Jack decides to ride Superstreet at the next Super Series as I'm on holiday the rest of you might as well stay at home but well see.
Regards, Cannon
Date: 20th May 2002
Headline: Vancil sets new mark, but it's Mancuso at Amalie.
Johnny Mancuso defeated Ray Price for the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson win, his first of the season.
In qualifying, current Nitro-Harley world champion Doug Vancil of Albuquerque, NM set a new IHRA E.T. record with a 6.278 pass.
"It definitely feels good to break the record, but the scary thing is that it's only going to get broken again. Probably, soon," said Vancil.
The previous record was set by 64-year old Ray Price two weeks ago at the K&N Nationals.
"The team works real well together and it finally came together. I've said all along this motorcycle is one of the most consistent out there; it's almost like a bracket bike. I always felt that if I could get past the first round, we would win.
"Doug's (Vancil's) numbers were fantastic all weekend. But in racing, it's about consistency and we were able to put it all together."
Price leads the Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson point chase 348 to Vancil's 280.
Date: 20th May 2002
Headline: It's Brown!
Local favorite Antron Brown picked up his first victory of the year and gained some redemption over Craig Treble, who had beaten him twice earlier this year in winning at Englishtown.
After both riders left with identical reaction times, Brown simply inched ahead for a 7.118-second win at 192.63 mph in front of Treble's 7.155 at 183.92 mph.
"Englishtown is awesome. To win here at home is too much," said Brown of his 10th career victory and first at this track. "This place has been a little tough on me, probably because I try to hard. I set the record here last year and then got a red-light on Sunday. It feels awesome to get over that hump and win here. "We didn't even know if we would be racing this weekend until a few days ago. We don't have a sponsor right now and my friends at Fun Center Motorsports in Bensalem, Pa., stepped up and covered our expenses so we could race here. Now we'll take our winnings and make it to one more race but we need a sponsor big time. I have a huge engine bill at Vance & Hines".
Throughout the day, Team 23 rider Brown made a strong bid for the title sponsorship he's seeking with impressive 7.1-second wins over Joe DeSantis, Shawn Gann, low qualifier Angelle Savoie, whom he beat with a .407 to .449 holeshot, and Treble.
Treble atoned for his first-round exit of a year ago at his title sponsor's race -- his only Round 1 ouster of the 2001 season -- with a respectable runner-up finish here today. The Matco Tools rider posted a 7.18 opposite Scott Lewis, a 7.12 against a red-lighting Geno Scali, and a 7.14 versus Reggie Showers to get to the finals.
Savoie received a bonus of 20 POWERade points for her national record elapsed time of 7.049 seconds recorded Saturday. The extra points barely kept her in the lead by 11 points over Treble.
Date: 19th May 2002
Headline: Bargain!!
Want to keep all your dragrace data with you at all times?
Brand new and unused 2Mb Palm V PDA with hotsync cradle for sale with following extra's included:-
Total cost over £500, for sale at only £200 ono.
Remember, all are absolutely new and unused!
Submit gossip item or e mail sales@kingracing.com
Date: 19th May 2002
Headline: Vancil heads field!
Doug Vancil heads up one really quick field at Cordova. Replicas of this, the quickest Harley in history, will be available at the MAIN EVENT, Santa Pod, from Turbo as per our earlier post. Well done Doug and Julie!
CORDOVA, Ill. - SUMMIT FastNews - Saturday night, Final order after 4 rounds of qualifying in Screamin Eagle Nitro Harley at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, 6th annual Amalie Oil Summer Nationals:
1. Doug Vancil Vance & Hines '00 Weekend 6.278@ 217.95
2. Johnny Mancuso Mancuso H-D '00 Weekend 6.392 221.49
3. Steve Stordeur Mancuso Racing '01 Weekend 6.460 214.55
4. Ray Price Ray Price H-D '02 Dixie 6.466 220.15
5. Joe Scatella '01 Weekend 6.992 190.70
6. Mike Romine Chromatic Inc '01 Weekend 7.273 166.25
7. Mark Conner Jim McClure Racing '01 Puppet 7.411 159.70
Date: 19th May 2002
Headline: Storming Stockers!
The class of the weekend so far has to be the NHRA Prostock bikes in Englishtown, with 3 bikes finishing qualifying in the 7.0's and with the #16 bump an astounding 7.27!
Angelle set a new record with a 7.04 backed up by an earlier 7.11, Geno Scali ran a fabualous 7.143 @ 186.43, and Dave Feazell ran a 7.43 on his privateer `conventional' (i.e. not factory special V&H V Rod) Harley!
Date: 19th May 2002
Headline: Top Fuel HD for sale
Remember the awesome limited edition, die-cast, replica of Doug Vancil's 'VANCE & HINES' top-fuel Harley? Well Turbo has just sourced the last four in Europe. There will be no more available after this and he will have them with him at the Main Event at Santa-Pod, 1st-2nd. June. You had better move fast if you want one (and if you have seen one in the flesh you WILL want one) so contact Ian through his web site at:- http://www.turboville.com
He will also have his sample collection with him for anyone wanting team uniforms, seems he is also kitting out the press with shirts these days!
The two top-fuel Harley videos from Duke (as featured on his site) will also be available from him at the weekend and amongst other things he has just become the UK dealer for SURE-SHOT re-fillable spray cans. Those are the American made originals as used by all the top-fuel teams to start their cars and bikes. They can be used to spray almost anything and you fill them yourself then charge them with compressed air so they are environmentally friendly!
You will find Ian skulking around the top-fuel bikes, Barry Sheavills camp or in the media centre, he's the one in the very loud orange and black Harley racing shirt.
Date: 19th May 2002
Headline: Seen the light?
Angelle's just gone 7.112 - now thats what being light does. Oh dear.....
Berni
Date: 18th May 2002
Headline: Vancil leads TFHD qualifying at IHRA Cordova
Nitro Harley
1. Doug Vancil, 6.434, 217.95;
2. Johnny Mancuso, 6.438, 200.35;
3. Ray Price, 6.530, 220.15;
4. Mark Conner, 7.411, 159.70;
5. Steve Stordeur, 8.411, 106.36;
6. Mike Romine, 8.936, 158.15;
7. Joe Scatella, 23.286, 23.73.
Date: 18th May 2002
Headline: Angelle No. 1 in Englishtown
Savoie led all Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifiers, logging the quickest run at 7.205 seconds, 184.93 mph on her CVEC Racing Suzuki.
Date: 18th May 2002
Headline: Screamin Eagle to sit out Englishtown
After an early season filled with expectations and discovery, the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock Bike drag racing team is focused on applying the knowledge gained towards a future qualifying effort. With this goal in mind, the team has chosen to continue testing and will miss this weekend’s Matco Tools Super Nationals in Englishtown, NJ.
“We know where the team is at competitively and we know what it will take to reach our goal of qualifying,” said Mike Kennedy, director of marketing for Harley-Davidson Parts and Accessories. “We now want to take this time to implement the technical data and knowledge gained from early in the season in preparation for a qualifying effort. The team remains focused and confident of the program’s potential to become competitive in the NHRA Pro Stock Bike series.”
Date: 18th May 2002
Headline: Right place, right time!
Professor Ivan Sansom sent us this great shot he took last weekend of the King Racing machine at the exact time that the blower belt broke due to fuel system maladies. You can just see the belt starting to unwrap from the drive pulleys :-
Date: 18th May 2002
Headline: Wanna crew on a Funnybike team?
Help Needed!!!
Having fixed my bike I now need some help for the race meeting at SCR on 15th and 16th of June.
Sensible replies only to Neil Diggens on +44 (0)7818 404031 or e mail neil@gn-racing.co.uk
Date: 18th May 2002
Headline: Drag Bikes at the BMF
Scoot along to the biggest bike event of the year, the BMF Rally at Peterborough this weekend, where Santa Pod have a stand promoting Dragracing. Amongst others, Sandra Chaplain has her bike on display in it's impressive new Wackyshack paintwork.
Date: 17th May 2002
Headline: Dale's back in the saddle
Hey, I have some good Top Fuel news.... Dale Nungesser was back in the saddle this weekend at Wichita International Raceway here in Kansas. He made a couple of shake down passes and I think even made an short 7.50 pass. We are so glad to see him back after the Denver crash. We have a Truett and Osborne race memorial weekend. I'll try to let everyone know how he did.
Mitch (I ride a rice burner but love all motorcycles) Brown
Date: 17th May 2002
Headline: Turbo's Picture of the Day!
http://www.draglist.com/Pictures/POD-May-2002/POD-051602.htm
Date: 17th May 2002
Headline: Thanks Martin!
Thanks to Martin Hill for a great weekend at the Speedfreaks Ball and I hope it was a success.
I had a great time running a pb on my street legal Hayabusa 8.89 @ 165 but not without cost, torching a head... But then there wasn't many Superstreet guys that didn't suffer some damage.
Never mind, great weekend - thanks!
Dave Smith
Date: 17th May 2002
Headline: Mystery bike
The picture of the Lancia bike without transmission used to be the drag bike of a guy called Tonnie Claes from the Netherlands.
I met him many times in the old days when I was dragracing myself.
Regards,
Frans Souverein
email: fotorifra@zonnet.nl
Date: 17th May 2002
Headline: PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT - Fast Facts!
Here’s a press announcement to all teams, drivers and riders. We’re on the look out for some fun, gripping and outrageous facts about your drag racing activities. No, not about late-night paddock antics – more about how you’ve turned your car into a mobile Union Jack (thanks Mr. Bradford), how you’re racing to raise money for charity, you’re going to debut a brand new bike or car, you’re breaking a record or how you improve your reactions by playing on a PS2.
What’s it all for? We are sending stories to the national newspapers, local TV and papers to secure coverage for the Main Event and for drag racing.
And the media loves stories about mad men and mad women and their racing machines. If we can put your story in print it could be good for your sponsors and for a laugh and we can let more people know that they should come to Santa Pod to watch drag racing!
What do we need? If you think you’ve got a story that could appear in the Sun to your local newspaper let us know the following:
Your name and team
Your car/bike and class
Your phone number and where you live
What your story is – 5-10 lines to give us a feel if we can place your story.
This could be your ticket for 15 minutes of fame so get your thinking caps on and send your juicy stuff to info@santapod.fsnet.co.uk.
NB: Don’t forget that a press/media day is planned for Weds May 29th and will concentrate on pre-event publicity with invitations to National, Regional and Local TV and Press. We are looking for cars and drivers to perform demos for a few hours (great testing opportunity!) and especially those who can take a journalist/passenger down the strip to scare them witless! A contribution towards expenses and some FREE tickets will be considered to those who can make it and your race vehicle may be left at Santa Pod until the weekend if this helps!
Contact me direct (Caroline Day) on (08700) 782828 or via info@santapod.com
Date: 15th May 2002
Headline: Dodgy "ol" valve guide??
Though things didn't point in that direction in the first place, it turned out twas a dodgy oil ring that fooled us. Sorry that we couldn't perform in our usual way during the Speedfreaks Ball.
Marius - Koedam Racing
Gossip comment:-
All we know is that when the early year teething troubles are sorted it will fly!!
Date: 15th May 2002
Headline: Bears new frame finished
My new rolling chassis is now completed. Check it out on Zane's web site http://www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk
As usual, any observations or comments gladly receieved
Cheers, Steve Clutterbuck
Date: 15th May 2002
Headline: Shaggyshack news
Supertwins Top Gas rider Nick 'Shaggy' Daniels is celebrating AND commiserating after a great time at the Speedfreaks ball this weekend.
Says Shaggy "With the bike being new, and only getting a couple of runs in last week at the Spring Nationals, I wasn't sure how things would go this weekend. So you can imagine how happy I was when I ran a personal best of 10.68 on the Staurday , followed by another best of 10.5 on Sunday."
Unfortunately when Shaggy went back down to the start line to see if things could get even better, he discovered that the gearbox had been damaged during the previous run, with 2 teeth from first gear rattling around in the bottom of the gearbox!
Not to be disheartened, he completed the demo runs on the "back up" bike - a 50cc Italjet that had been sprayed and refinished to advertise The Shaggyshack.
Unfortunately the pass was so slow that the timing system gave up on him (reports that his girlfriend Nikki was tempted to give up on him too are as yet unverified) although it provided amusement to spectators and fellow racers alike.
Plans for the foreseeable? Nick tells us he'll be fixing the gearbox and then stripping the entire engine in preperation for the Summer Nationals, as well as respraying the bodykit of fellow STG rider Dave "Fluffy" Hirst - another ShaggyShack paintjob to watch out for!
Nikki Pilkington
Date: 15th May 2002
Headline: Aasen's new TF HD
The recent Test & Tune at Gardermoen brought much bike news!
5 Supertwins were testing and at least two were new to me!
Also a new rider on the Excalibur Top Fuel Bike Nils Ole "Nissen" Lund (ex Öivind Dahl machine).
I also took some pictures of Ronny Aasens new "side by side" machine :-
Christer Abrahamson
Date: 15th May 2002
Headline: Latest contender for PR Motorsports?
Here's a nice Honda Cub running 13.5 seconds quarters at 98 mph :-
http://www.dragster.gr/images/Shows_Races/020428Tripoli/moto/106-0679_IMG.jpg
Zman
Date: 13th May 2002
Headline: Wassup?
The King Racing Top Fuel team had a torrid time at the Speedfreaks Ball whilst trying to dial in their new fuel system. Despite getting to the end of the track three out of the four passes, it was never under full power.
Roel Koedam also hade some early season problems that seem to be related to a dodgy valve guide.
Rob Van Geffen elected to sit out the competition despite having made the long trip, due rheumatism in his hand resulting from an old injury. It was felt that his safety would be compromised until he received treatment.
On the other hand (no pun intended), Steve Woollatt, Ton Pels and Joey Bon made some impressive and crowd pleasing runs over what turned out to be a great weekend for all. We hope that the message from those who did attend will be spread and more people will attend the weekend's fun and festivities for the event planned in 2003.
Thanks to Martin Hill and his team for putting on such a great bike weekend.
Date: 13th May 2002
Headline: Top Fuel Harley, 1971 vs 2001
http://www.draglist.com/Pictures/POD-May-2002/POD-050902.htm
Date: 13th May 2002
Headline: For Sale!
Lots for sale
F reg Renault Master diesel high top long wheel base van, real nice nick. I've wrangled for hours about selling this van because it's a good one last owned by the fleet maintainence manager so every thing it needed it got. Six seater (aircraft seats), insulated & lined, over night diesel heater, bench shelving, tow hitch, coin dot flooring with aircraft tiedown system. Everything in ex nick and I will put new MOT on it for who ever buys it. £2000.
Nitro, 100 % £23 per gal, 98% £21 per gal
Complete primary set up for Harley, front & rear pulleys, clutch basket & hub top hat with bob weights 3 clutch packs 4 X 3"belts £500.
53 year old blond oh, no forget that one, could come in handy…..
Tel 0117 9470213. or e mail steveclutterbuck@yahoo.co.uk
steve clutterbuck
Date: 10th May 2001
Headline: Speedfreaks Ball
Well, we're on our way to sunny Santa Pod for the weekends Speedfreaks Ball. We hope to see you all, and for those of you who have never seen Slammin Sammy Miller in Vanishing Point, well you've just got to go!
Date: 10th May 2002
Headline: Not Helen, Angelle, Ceri but Vicki???
Ceri I think Vicki Farr was the first woman to win a national event in Pro-Stock, way before Angelle.
Details here: http://www.dragbike.com/news/03-00/031900e.htm
Lorcan Parnell
Date: 10th May 2002
Headline: AHDRA on Speedchannel
The AHDRA Phoenix race visited by Dave Despain will be airing on Tuesday May 28th.
Joe Perry
Date: 10th May 2002
Headline: Larry "Spiderman" McBride blisters world motorcycle record
again
Larry "Spiderman" McBride and team raced their Top Fuel Kawasaki motorcycle to incredible world record elapsed times and speeds during the recent AMA Prostar Spring Nationals, at Virginia Motorsports Park, in Richmond Va.
5.895 @ 238.22 mph backed up by a 5.923 @ 243.59 mph
"Unbelievable," Larry McBride said. "It feels great. Sponsors pay me to win races and records are a plus for sponsors. It's a plus for everybody on Sunday afternoon. No one had to wait. It was back to back fives within two hours."
McBride, a Newport News, Va., resident was on home turf at the Richmond track. Perhaps familiarity and travel time was a factor, but he calls the result: "Awesome!"
"Tony Williams and the track personnel did a phenomenal job on the race surface," Crew Chief, Steve McBride said. "Our team is great. I don't have to work on the bike as much. Rolland Stewart and Dane Harris do a wonderful job so I can focus more on the computer data. No one can ride this bike unless everyone puts in 110 percent. It's our motor and driver combination that gets results. Larry is a bad butt, the best rider on the planet. He's in an exclusive club of one."
McBride added that the numbers seem to favor the Mickey Thompson tire. He also mentioned the 6.00 ET was a test pass. When asked how he tuned the engine for these blistering runs, McBride said, "We tickled it a little bit."
The quickest and fastest motorcycle man on the planet 'First in the Fives' 'First in the Two Forties' 'The only Frequent Flier in the Fives and Two Forties'
Larry is ever grateful >> "I thank Pingel Enterprise, Trim-Tex, Drag Specialties-Parts Unlimited, Redline Oil, and Triton Corporation and all my sponsors for being on board and allowing me to set national records and race with their products."
SPONSORS
Pingel Enterprise, Trim-Tex Drywall Products, Drag Specialties Parts Unlimited, RedLine Synthetic Oil Corp., Muzzys Proformance, Triton Corp ( Kool-Bak), Web Cam, Kibblewhite Precision Machine, Vanson Leathers, Performance Machine, Kawasaki USA, Belt Drive Ltd, Street Competition, Dayco Belts, Trac Dynamics, Simpson Race Products, Nitrous Express, APE, EK Chain, Arias, R&D Springs, Autolite, MSD, Protect All, Whipple Industries, TSP , Cometic Gaskets, B&J Transmission, Carolina Cycle, L.A. Sleeve, Nology Engineering, Mickey Thompson Tires, and Corbin Seats.
Read more about Larry and team on StripBike.com with links on Zoomster.com.
Date: 9th May 2002
Headline: Domains for sale
Ever wanted your own unique dragrace related website domain name?
We have a number of domain names available for sale :-
www.topfuel.tfwww.nitro.tf
www.puma.tf
www.dragster.tf
www.dragracing.tf
www.h-d.tf
www.harleydavidson.tf
www.dragbike.tf
www.dragbikes.tf
www.supertwins.tf
www.dragbikes.tv
Contact sales@kingracing.com if you are interested.
Date: 9th May 2002
Headline: More Tripoli pictures
Over 300 pictures from the Greek dragraces are now posted at http://www.dragster.gr at the following link http://www.dragster.gr/events/events020428_TripoliDragster.htm
Don't attempt to read the text, it will give you a bad headache. Just click the numbered links. The first 20 pics are generic, next are the cars and then the bikes.
Z Man
Date: 9th May 2002
Headline: Thanks all!
US Top Fuel Bike rider Chris Hand has asked us to thank all who took the time to vote for TF Bike as a favoured class on the recent NHRA poll.
Date: 9th May 2002
Headline: More on the move
It seems that the dragbike fraternity is doing it's best to address the imbalance caused by the flood of immigrants into the UK as John Williamson has announced that he has closed his RMD Harley operation and plans to move with his family to the sunnier climes of Spain. We wish both him and Martin Peck all the best for the future.
Date: 9th May 2002
Headline: Martin down under
It seems that European fans of Martin Peck and his unique Top Fuel style Funnybike may have to travel a long way to see them in action in the future as emigration to New Zealand is planned in the near future.
Date: 9th May 2002
Headline: Paul Rose Mortorsports
It is rumoured that following on from the stunning success of the PRM team at SCR at the weekend, that they plan on branching out their activities into other forms of sports. Both Don King and Frank Maloney are known to be following their activities with keen interest.
Date: 9th May 2002
Headline: Hold on, Ceri was first!!!
Congrats to Helen on winning the Pro Stock class at the weekend, but I have to inform
you that she is the third female in line to win a National event as I won an ACU event in
July 1995 at Avon Park, the year before Angelle's 1st win (Reading in 1996 I think).
Mind you, Helen did it earlier in her Pro Stock career than I did!
Seriously though, well done Helen and may you have many more wins, great to see the lads
getting stuffed!!
Ceri Visick
Date: 8th May 2002
Headline: Motorcycle News feature Dragbike Shock!!!
There is an impressive two page colour centrespread feature on Harley Drag racing, and in particular the V Rod,in today's edition of Motorcycle News.
Date: 8th May 2002
Headline: Centenary Sam
Roland Chaplain, husband of 10.90 Bike rider Sandra has informed us that there is a feature on the `Pink 'Un in this month's (centenary) edition of Streetfighters Magazine.
Date: 8th May 2002
Headline: Money for nothing!
Dave Beck, Pro Stock Bike rider and proprieter of Dave Beck Raceparts has worked out a deal with PR Factory Store for £50 contingency money to be paid to the winners of the ACU Funnybike and Prostock classes at all events this year, provided they are using a Racepak bought from Dave Beck.
The first winner of this contingency was Dave himself after his win at Santa Pod at Easter.
Date: 7th May 2002
Headline: Springnationals results
Congratulations to all the winners at the weekends Super Series meeting. Of special note was Helen Curran's inaugural win in Prostock bike on the Paul Rose Motorsports entry, believed to be only the second woman to win a National meeting in the class (after Angelle Savoie).
Top Fuel Bike:
Steve Woollatt 6.795/201.79, was unopposed
Pro Stock Bike:
Helen Curran 8.206/148.03 def. Martin Bishop broke
Funny Bike:
Neil Midgley 19.029/29.88 def. Tim Blakemore broke
Comp Bike:
Phil Leamon 8.917/152.03 def. Chris Hannam 10.173/138.89
Super Street Bike:
Tony Clark 8.656/166.05 def. Karl Larcombe 8.788/157.89
9.90 Bike:
Jamie Sneddon 9.971/130.43 def. Ian Warren 10.194/138.46
10.90 Bike:
Darren Winnard 10.873/128.94 def. David Warren broke
Supertwin Gas:
Ric Davies 9.837/128.21 def. Sefton Whitlock 9.990/122.62
Supertwin Modified:
Nigel Mason 10.761/130.06 def. Dave Bartz 22.009/30.47
Supertwin Street:
Les Harris 11.416/123.97 def. John O'Sullivan 12.369/104.17
Date: 7th May 2002
Headline: Prostar Virginia curtailed
It seems that the Prostar Virginia meet was blighted by rain that meant eliminations could not be completed. Of not was a stunning run by Larry McBride of 5.89s @ 238 mph!
Remaining riders in eliminations:-
Top Fuel
CHRIS HAND v LARRY MCBRIDE
Funnybike
Gary Clark v Chip Ellis
Pro Mod
Ashley Owens v Louie Grist
Pro Stock
Joe Koenig v Paul Gast
SB Shootout
Kent Stotz v Rickey
James Lauer v Alphonso Thompson
Date: 7th May 2002
Headline: Prostar Virginia Final Qualifying
Top Fuel
1 LARRY MCBRIDE 6.004, 237.25
2 TOMMY SMITH 6.445, 205.04
3 CHRIS HAND 6.655, 208.65
4 NORBERT KUTZERA 6.739, 214.76
5 ROBERT "ZIGGY" STEWART 7.010, 202.09
6 CHAD COX 7.328, 180.28
7 SHAWN GARRIGAN 8.069, 122.22
Funnybike
1 GARY CLARK 6.637, 201.25
Pro Mod
1 ASHLEY OWENS 6.716, 194.74
Pro Stock
1 JOE KOENIG 7.029, 186.05
Streetbike Shootout
1 RICKEY GADSON 7.794, 184.93
Date: 3rd May 2002
Headline: Gone racin'
We're now off to sunny (!) Shakespeare County Raceway for the Springnationals meet where we hope to debut our new machine. Paintwork isn't ready yet, so it'll be pretty plain, but at least we'll get a chance to iron out any of the bugs that major changes bring.
We'll try and post over the weekend, but if we do not manage to do so, we'll be back on Tuesday.
Date: 3rd May 2002
Headline: Angelle's new Sponsor
Angelle's new sponsor has been revealed as CVEC, manufacturers of parts for racing remote control cars (basically two strokes on Nitro). Must be big money in the US!
Date: 3rd May 2002
Headline: Spragless Transmission
For all those TF riders blighted by sprag failure, Bob Malloy has informed us that Scott Owens has a new spragless transmission with just about any ratio you want.
Tel: 001-559-539-2925
Date: 2nd May 2002
Headline: NHRA Fan Poll results: Favorite classes
The results of NHRA.com's weeklong fan poll on class favorites has been tabulated, with NHRA's original three professional classes still the clear leaders. NHRA.com visitors were asked to assign a ranking from 1 to 14 for NHRA's 12 points-earning classes (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Bike, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street) and two exhibition classes (Pro Mod and Top Fuel Bike).
Of the total points calculated from the nearly 10,000 votes that were cast, NHRA's two fuel classes were neck and neck, with the Funny Cars narrowly outdistancing their nitro-burning brothers in the Top Fuel class by the slimmest of margins, 10.7 percent to 10.6 percent.
The Pro Stock class, which over the last two seasons has shown unequaled parity and close competition, was a close third place with 10.1 percent of the total votes.
NHRA's two supercharged methanol-burning classes -- Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car -- like their fuel-burning brethren, were separated by the narrowest of margins in fourth and fifth places, with TAD just .03 percent ahead.
NHRA's new exhibition class, Pro Mod, finished sixth, just ahead of Pro Stock Bike. In the pure Sportsman-racing categories, the wheels-up action of Super Stock narrowly edged the variety of Comp eliminator. Top Fuel Bikes were next in popularity, followed by the balance of the Sportsman classes.
Watch NHRA.com soon for another fan poll.
Funny Car 10.78%
Top Fuel 10.62%
Pro Stock 10.19%
Top Alcohol Dragster 7.58%
Top Alcohol Funny Car 7.55%
Pro Mod 7.46%
Pro Stock Bike 7.02%
Super Stock 6.80%
Comp 6.64%
Top Fuel Bike 5.93%
Stock 5.45%
Super Comp 5.03%
Super Gas 4.91%
Super Street 3.98%
Points values were assigned to all rankings 1-14. Percentages listed reflect the percentage of points earned of the available TOTAL, not the actual total of people who voted for the category or for that category’s position in the standings.
Date: 2nd May 2002
Headline: Springnationals
Tina Gibbs of Super Series organisers Obsession Motorsports has been in touch with some final information regarding this weekend's Springnationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. Terry Gibbs is still recovering from surgery and so is unlikely to be at the venue, and so Tina is asking for racers' extra help in ensuring that the event goes smoothly.
Pit layouts are available at the gate when racers arrive. "With an entry of 240, pit space is going to be very tight, even though we will be using the overflow pits", says Tina. "Please adhere strictly to your pit space allocation and don't take up space which you don't need. Anyone not observing this will be asked to move."
Tina also tells us that extra lighting has been placed in the pits, over and above the usual strip of lights down the middle of the area. Scrutineering starts at 4:00 pm tomorrow (Friday).
Monday's minute's silence for the late Paul Willis has been rearranged. Originally scheduled for 10:45 on Monday morning, it will now take place immediately before the first round of Pro Stock Bike on Monday morning.
Finally, a TV crew will be in attendance on Monday, and racers are asked that their vehicles and crew are presentable at the start line.
Date: 1st May 2002
Headline: Class reps
Whatever happend to the class reps after they were elected - I never heard anymore. This is not a dig just a general enquiry.
Mick Pitfield.
Date: 1st May 2002
Headline: Twas not me
With regard to the recent posting requesting ACU Funneybikes at the Main Event, although this is an accurate representation of my veiws I did not submit the posting.
Being realistic the classes will not be changed this year so consequently I have entered in the UEM Competition class. I hope this will allow the bike to perform to its potential and scare any flagging Fuel Bikes!
Neil Midgley
Gossip comment:
We've traced the IP address from where the post was made in order that we can identify the imposter. We just do not understand why it was made under your name.
Date: 1st May 2002
Headline: Dragrace in Greece
The weekend at Tripoli Military Airfield once again enjoyed a big turnout of more than 150 racers and 12000 spectators and produced a great show despite the 700 meter altitude and strong sidewinds. However, the conditions did not allow for good times and caused at least a couple of cone-hitting incidents by the funnybikes, one of them knocking the 1/8 mile light and almost sending it flying into the crowd. Nevertheless, the organisers put on a nice tight schedule despite the technical difficulties encountered with the brand new Portatree setup, and at the end of the weekend everybody had a smile on their face. The race had coverage from both local and a national TV channel that helped in drawing more attention to the fast growing sport,with rumors of a permanent dragstrip by 2003 being discussed by officials and sponsors. Next race is due on the 18th of May, again in Tripoli. Maybe the faster cars have got the tune up corrected for the altitude by then?
Pictures by Ilias Vathias
Panagiotis Zarifopoulos (Zman)
Date: 30th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
To my Icon and work colleague - you will be very dearly missed by myself and your work mates even though you were hard work to work with. You are and always will be the top man in Pro Stock and Funny Bike. You gave me the inspiration to build several of your bikes and you gave me 110 percent feedback which gave me all the knowledge to build whatever you needed, but that still wasn’t enough for you. Whatever we produced you wanted more and the only regret was I couldn’t produce the power - sorry mate.
From all your mates from TVR POWER life will not be the same without you - good night and God bless ‘TOPMAN’
Dom
Date: 30th April 2002
Headline: Funnies at UEM
I would be in favour of the inclusion of an ACU funnybike class at the Santa Pod FIM rounds.
This would allow us onto the best prepared tracks in the UK without the need for an international licence and to have the chance to progress through eliminations without relying on fuel bikes making mistakes.
Regards
Neil Midgley
Date: 29th April 2002
Headline: European TF Bike riders in NHRA?
On behalf of the European Top Fuel Bike riders, I'd like to ask you all a favour.
The NHRA are evaluating the interest in the current exhibition classes (which includes Top Fuel Bike) with a view to expanding the class OR deleting it.
With this in mind they are conducting a poll in which people can vote for their favourite classes by ranking them in preference from 1 to 14. They are really interested in how the TF Bikes and Pro Mods stack up against their traditional classes, so if these classes are to have a larger future in the NHRA, then please click on the link below and at least vote our class near the top of preference (1 or close!).
An expanded class will mean that the Europeans will have more chance of being invited or able to enter a class in which they have a good chance of winning, one of the few opportunities for the Europeans to show their world class abilities.
Thanks for voting!
http://www.nhra.com/2002/polls/favclass/pollform.asp
Date: 29th April 2002
Headline: Roy's Rental Uniform Service And Ray Price Racing
Ray Price, Raleigh, NC performance at Virginia Motorsport Park was truly dazzling last weekend, but savvy race fans saw much more than a performance increase.
The entire team persona was enhanced by the new team uniforms provided by Roy's Rental Uniform Service in Cary, NC. Joe Slifer, general manager of Roy's Rental Uniform Service has wanted to work with Ray Price for some time. "This season the timing was right, Chris Haddock, General Manager at Ray Price Harley-Davidson and the entire race team made this a great project and opportunity for Roy's Rental Uniform Service."
Ray Price, "We are very excited to work with a local company with a proven track record. I feel that we are the best appearing team at IHRA. When you look good, you perform well. AND not only does the team look great, but the uniforms are very comfortable and that's important under the pressure and heat of a track environment. Roy's Rental Uniform Service has really gone all out to provide us with great looking uniforms. They are in the process of providing us pit uniforms as well, making us the first Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley team to have more than just team tee shirts in the professional pit area."
Date: 29th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
I have been struggling to find the right words over the past week, this is the second gentleman drag racer that we have lost on recent years......why?
Paul, Julie, Jaime, Jemma I am sorry I could not be there for you last Wednesday, you will always be in my thoughts.
Shaun Branch.
Date: 29th April 2002
Headline: Scooby's New Coat
Supertwin Top Gas fans won't recognise an old favourite when he comes out to play this season.
Nick "Shaggy" Daniels, who took the number 3 plate last season, has made the most of the winter, changing the chassis and bodywork of the Yamaha 350 LC bike.
What will be remembered as a yellow and purple bike featured on many a website and in most major bike publications, will be unrecognisable at Avon Park next week.
Says Shaggy "New season, new number, new look! It's important not to let things get staid and predictable, so as well as changing a lot of the technical features of the bike, I felt a new look was called for too! Scooby's back, and raring to go!"
While he's not telling us what the colour scheme is, he assures us it will be 'in yer face' enough for use to recognise him.
As anyone that knows Shaggy will testify, this is one to watch out for
Date: 27th April 2002
Headline: Our Dad
Firstly I'd like to thank everyone who helped me support Jamie and Jemma by attending Paul's funeral on Wednesday, and secondly I'd like to share with everyone a poem that the children wrote for their dad, but understandably couldn't read it at the funeral :-
Love From Above
I know you will always love me, And I will always love you, No matter where you are, No matter what you do, I know you will always love me.
Love from above is the best type of love you could ever have, Love from above is the love you will never forget, Never ever forget, That special love from above.
Love from above, It may be silent, But you can always feel it, And it is very warming.
Do you ever get the feeling of love from above? You know when you've got it, Cause you feel different, I'm sure we've all got that different feeling.
I know you will always love me, And I will always love you, No matter where you are, No matter what you do, I know you will always love me.
I'm very proud of the way they're coping at the moment, and I know that their dad would be too.
Thank you to everyone for your support.
Julie, Jamie & Jemma Willis XXX
Date: 27th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
It is with great sadness and regret that we ask you to post this at all. It is always a very sad and tragic loss when someone so young and talented is taken by such an awfull ilness. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Paul's family, children, and many friends.
With fond regards Steve and Chris - Woollatt Racing
Date: 27th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
The family of Paul Willis would like to thank everyone who attended Paul's memorial service, or sent wishes, by e-mail, letter or personally. A special thank you also to everyone who donated, some considerable amounts of money have been given to Cancer research in Paul's name.
A personal thanks from me to all at the service for supporting me and the family on the day... God bless you all... Paul Baggott.
Date: 27th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
Another sad loss, he will always be remembered as a champion in every way.
Condolences to his family. This is my favorite picture of Paul, a magic moment at Gainesville, he so nearly beat Angelle!
Regards, Ian Turburville
Date: 27th April 2002
Headline: Nitrous Pit Bike
Dave Friend, of the FRIEND & JONES funny bike team has been playing with the scooters at work, the result is scary! A 100mph, nitrous boosted twist & go!
http://www.sccc.co.uk/Vivacity/Speedfight/Elyseo/Trekker/Looxor/our_spedfight_x-race.html
Watch out in the pits next meet!
Turbo
Date: 27th April 2002
Headline: Greek Dragrace Preview
Greek dragracing is moving south this weekend for the second race of the season, once again at the military airport of Tripoli in the heart of Pelloponese. Record crowds are expected as the north vs south rivalry hasn't settled any accounts during the first race mainly due to the bad weather that discouraged a lot of racers from Athens to make the 1200km round trip to Serres a month ago. The ten second street monsters from Thessaloniki are coming in big numbers to compete against the 700 hp Lotus, Lancia Integrale and Escorts of the capital's record holders. Once again the motorcycles are restricted to a sprint race as the concave surface of the runway is giving the 12" slick bikes a tendency to move towards the barriers and only a narrow section in the middle allows for a straight run. Maybe it is time for a proper racetrack to be built, taking advantage of the 300 days of sunshine Greece gets every year? The local authorities have taken one step further this year by throwing a big feast at the main square of the city saturday night, with a car show and live music to welcome the racers and fans.
Panagiotis Z - White Line Cycles
Date: 27th April 2002
Headline: Previews wanted
Good evening folks, I hope that you are well.
This is the latest in Eurodragster's occasional series of begging letters! We would be interested in receiving previews for next weekend's Super Series Springnationals, if you have the time. Anything you like from what you've done on the vehicle since the Thunderball or over the off-season as appropriate, new paint, new sponsors, new crew, how you think you'll do at Shakey, whose butt you're going to kick - we'd love to hear about it.
I know that you are busy people so as usual no problem if you don't have the time, we'll be back next race.
Many thanks
Tog
Eurodragster News Editor tog@eurodragster.com
Date: 26th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
It is with great sadness that I learned today of Paul's death and I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family. Paul was an inspiration to us all.
Godspeed Paul.
Martin Bishop & all at mbmotorsport
Date: 26th April 2002
Headline: Power News
Hi Everyone !
Here's the newest Power News:
http://www.mototuneusa.com/super_sonic_nozzle.htm
Also, I'll be photographing the opening round of the Scandinavian Open Series in Anderstorp, Sweden on May 4th and 5th !! The photos and stories will be an upcoming feature on Mototune USA.
I want to invite everyone from Sweden, Norway and Finland to take the road trip to Anderstorp !! The racing's going to be 100% wild, and I'll bet there will be a few high velocity ported super-fast bikes there too ;)
Have a cool day !
Sincerely,
Pat McGivern
~MotoMan
Date: 26th April 2002
Headline: Very Strange
GO TO:- http:/www.turboville.com for new pages coming soon featuring our new clothing range for lovers of 'HOT RODS & HARLEYS' also POSTERS, VIDEOS, UNIFORMS, CD-ROMs, BIKE PARTS, ART, TATTOOS and more!
Follow this, you should end up at a very strange page indeed! :-
http://www.turboville.com/turbo-7/green%20cube/3dcube.htm
Date: 25th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
It is with great sadness that we learned about the passing of Paul Willis. We have known Paul for many years and always saw him as one of `the good guys'. In the last couple of years we have learned to know another Paul too, one with an enormous willpower that, in spite of his terminal illness, would not give up and lived his life the way he wanted till the last moment. It was a pleasure and an honour knowing him.
Our sincere condolences, love and sympathy go to Julie, Jamie, Jemma and all of his family.
Marianne and Ton, Monique, Bert and Nikita Annemieke and Vincent
Date: 25th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
Very sad to hear the news about Paul Willis, he was a great ambassador to the sport of dragracing and will be sadly missed.
Barry Holland & Family (Team Flyingdutchman)
Date: 25th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
Deepest sympathy to all Paul's family, especially Jamie and Jemma.
It was a privilege to have finally raced against him after watching from the side line for so many years. Goodbye and God Bless to one of the best.
Chris, Lynn, Alex and Mark Hope.
Date: 25th April 2002
Headline: Wanted!
Wanted, jackshaft for high gear Harley. 18" length min, clutch side to fit Harley hub.
Also, fuel cut off valve for injection system
Steve Clutterbuck
email: steveclutterbuck@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 25th April 2002
Headline: Speedfreaks Ball
After speaking with Martin Hill it seems that there has been a very slow response from the Pro classes. This seems a good opportunity to race on a good track so who's going? We need to get our entries in asap, should be good.
Best regards,
Cannon
Date: 25th April 2002
Headline: Bad Boys
Just letting you know that I have just posted the first part of last weekend's Test and Tune at SCR. There are also posted 2 photos of young Scott Collier from Jade Racing running his first Run up the 1/4 mile in the bike section.
Regards,
Bill Sly
Date: 24th April 2002
Headline: S&S Fuel Line Recall:
Discontinue the use immediately of the black fuel line, supplied with our carb kits since September. A official statement will be posted on our web site shortly. http://www.sscycle.com
Date: 24th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
Paul - it was a privilege to have known you since the BDRA days. A quiet, shy young man with a big heart. We will never forget the pleasure you have given us out on the track. Our thoughts and prayers are with Julie, his children and all his family and friends.
Yvonne, Steve, Spencer and Kirstie Tramm
Date: 24th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
CROSSFIRE car racing team would like to offer our sympathies to the family of Paul Willis.
Although I didn’t know him personally , he was still a racer in the drag scene so he was one of us , R.I.P
Rob Faulkner
Date: 24th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
Well what can you say that hasn’t already been said or thought. Paul you were a gent and a true icon of our sport, you will be sadly missed, r.i.p mate.
Cannon
Date: 22nd April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
A little man with a lot of heart ! the day Paul died a part of me died too. Racing for me will not be the same now Paul has gone - I will miss you mate
love Marc F
Date: 22nd April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
To help secure Paul's children's future a large collection of race parts ie chassis, engine parts, pit bike, bodywork, etc are being sold to raise funds. Also included are snap on boxes and an extensive tool selection. To find out how you can help his children by buying bargain priced items just E- mail dom@tvr-power.co.uk. An inventory of sale items will E- mailed back. Your support would be appreciated.
Date: 22nd April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
Very sorry to hear the sad news about Paul, he will be sadly missed by everyone, we're sure.
Unfortunately, Pro stock has lost a great rider, who achieved much within his short life.
Deepest sympathy to his family and all who know him.
Gavin & Nicola Dunstan (MB Motorsports)
Date: 22nd April 2002
Headline: Gloating?
Hi Guys and Gals, First instalment in the travels of Ben and Free. We are on route to Australia but have stopped off in Thailand for a bit of R&R. Took a short flight down to the Island of Koh Samui, wow this place is fantastic! Hotel room on the beach costs 9.60 pounds a night ($13.50) with aircon and meals start at 80p ($1.20), I just hate that!!! Beaches are beautiful and sea is lovely and warm. Thoroughly recommend a stop off here to all of ya! Almost forgot, 1 hour of all over Thai massage costs 1.8 pounds ($2.50) here, damn but I feel better! More soon with pictures and movies!
Ben and Free
http://www.full-force-racing.com
Date: 22nd April 2002
Headline: Not only in England!
The finals of IHRA Richmond is postponed until June 1st
Date: 21st April 2002
Headline: IHRA Virginia final qualifying
Ray Price runs his personal best and the second quickest time ever:-
1 Ray Price, 6.374 219.04
2 Johnny Mancuso, 6.472 208.59
3 Steve Stordeur, 6.502 211.49
4 Doug Vancil, 6.579 203.95
5 Mark Conner, 6.614 206.54
6 Mark Cox, 6.618 206.45
7 Mike Romine, 6.861 195.90
8 Jay Turner, 7.048 173.58
Not qualified
9 Bill Furr, 7.189 162.88
Date: 21st April 2002
Headline: Amendments to the directions to Paul's funeral
We received some modifications to the directions to the crematorium:-
`Take 2nd exit, following sign for city centre, then follow signs for hospital, first island Shell garage on right, turn right there and it's along that road'
Date: 21st April 2002
Headline: Lepers?
I don't know if it's me or does nobody want to watch Superstreet bike?
As a collective we spend many thousands of pounds on racing at every meeting yet this year we seem to be shafted. I've just received my entry for the Main Event. NO SSB at the European finals NO SSB at Hockenheim which many of us attend at great effort and expense NO INVITE. Yet they still run the slower classes 10.90 / 9.90, junior dragster, street car etc. at all of these events. Maybe cancel Top Fuel since the slower classes must appeal more to the promoters.
Dave Smith
Date: 20th April 2002
Headline: Au Revoir, Ben and Free
Guys and Gals,
We are packed, the race bike and house stuff has gone and we leave today.
To everyone in the UK and USA, its been great knowing you all and thank for all the help over the years.
Good luck to the lot of ya, and hope to see some of you down under some day!
To everybody in Australia, YEEEHAAA!! here we come. We will try to meet up with as many of you as possible on our travels to Brisbane via Perth and Melbourne. Then on to house hunting before the race bike arrives.
Regards
Ben and Free
Date: 20th April 2002
Headline: Paul's funeral arrangements
Paul's Funeral will be on Wednesday the 24th April at 2.30 pm. All welcome.
The location is :-
Exeter and Devon Crematorium.
Topsham Road
Exeter.
Junction 30 M5 towards town centre, 2nd exit over first island past Shell garage, first right Topsham Road.
Donations to Cancer Research are preferred to flowers.
Any further information can be sought from Paul's brother in law, Paul Baggott, who can be contacted by e mail at p.j.baggott@btinternet.com
Date: 20th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
Paul was one of the nice guys in the pits, who always spared time for everyone who wanted to speak to him.
Paul was a very hard racer and was always a pleasure to watch on one of his 200% runs.
All of us at Manor Racing are very sad about Paul's passing and we send our deepest sympathies to his family, Paul will be sorely missed from the world of Motorcycle drag racing but at the same time we are proud to have known him.
David Warren
Date: 20th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
There are times that one wishes it's just gossip, unfortunately the truth is sometimes still the unexpected.
We will always remember the immaculate preparation of his bikes - he showed us all how to do it properly.
Judging by Jamie's efforts, he will follow in his fathers footsteps in the sport he loved so much.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Julie, Jamie, Jemma and all the family.
Paul will be missed.
Marius van der Zijden on behalf of Koedam Racing Holland
Date: 20th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
We from Sarembe-Racing are very sad to hear that Paul had passsed away.
We offer our sincere condolences to his family.
Klaus Sarembe
Date: 20th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Pauls family and friends. He WILL be missed by many.
Ken Cooper, Helen Curran and Team Cooperized
Date: 20th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
Although it was well known within our close knit racing community that Paul was suffering from terminal cancer, when the time came and he passed away it was still a shock to me.
When Paul was given the bad news a few years ago, he faced it in his way, just got on and acted (and raced) as if nothing was wrong. In fact, it was only up until last year that the disease started to get a real hold of him, and it became clear that the pain was too great to bear despite the heavy doses of painkillers prescribed and he had to give up his passion, motorcycle dragracing. Even up until that point, if you were in the other lane, you would never have known that he was also racing to beat something else apart from you, such was his will to win. Even when clearly in much pain, my typical thoughtless question of `how are you' was always met with an enthusiastic `great, feeling really good!' He just did not want people to feel sorry for him.
I first met Paul when he worked at NCK Racing in Coventry, and avidly followed his exploits in Funnybike and Pro stock bike. I never really knew how he managed to race the European Championship in both Competition Bike AND Pro stock at the same meetings. However, he undoubtedly made good his ability whilst regularly taking home money from both class funds to make him the closest we had to a professional racer at the time!
However, I only really came to know Paul when the two of us served together on the BDRA, and subsequently the Streetbike Drag Club committees. What was clear from the start was his absolute knowledge of both the sport and the unfortunate politics that manifest the background. He did not suffer fools gladly, and yet was always ready to help out another racer, whether it be from the engineering standpoint, loan of parts, or just plain advice. His shyness was often mistaken for arrogance, but Paul was certainly not arrogant, just a shy racer of few words when in the company of those that he did not know very well.
Well, now he's gone, leaving many happy memories for those that enjoyed his company.
My thoughts are with those of his family he has left behind, particularly his young children Jamie and Jemma. I hope they are proud of their dad for he certainly will be proud of their courage right now.
Ian King
Date: 18th April 2002
Headline: Paul Willis
It is with deep regret that we have to bring you the news that Paul Willis has died after many years of battling with cancer.
Paul, who was employed as the manager of the engine tuning division by the sportscar company TVR, was best known for his exploits over the years in Pro stock bike, but was also one of the UK pioneers of the Funnybike class.
Paul is survived by his parents, his sister, his wife Julie, and children Jamie and Jemma.
All of us King Racing would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Details of the funeral arrangements will follow shortly.
Date: 18th April 2002
Headline: Want Nitro?
I have a quantity of nitro for sale, approx 4-5 gallons of 100% same for 98% £23 per gal 100% £20 for 98% - will bring to Shaky on Sunday. Took a look at Spiderman's new tubes - looks o.k but mabye should have had Zane build it !!!
Cheers,
Steve Clutterbuck - email: steveclutterbuck@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 17th April 2002
Headline: Fireball XL6!
Whilst we're on the subject of engine fires, the UK's Dave Beck also experienced a big fire on his MRE Pro Mod machine that destroyed the back half of the bike. It is thought failure of the NOS fuel line caused the fire. Jay `Firestarter' Regan is currently repairing the considerable damage.
Date: 17th April 2002
Headline: Fireball XL5!
Brian Johnson has posted a video on his site showing the extent of the massive fireball that engulfed Jimmy Brantley whilst riding the Imperial Wizard. BJ explains that Jimmy expects to be back out for Indy. Go to the gallery and then videos section to download or view the explosion.
Date: 17th April 2002
Headline: Santa Pod hospitality
The Main Event is nearly here, we have one month left to take bookings for Hospitality at Santa Pod.
We are already filling up and would advise you to take advantage of your racer discount as soon as possible.
"Santa Pod is quite unlike any other corporate day out. It's a fun, relaxed day and the racing is exhilarating.your guests will love it!"
David Rothschild - NetCall Telecom (sponsors of Turners Racing)
For your information, the deadline for booking hospitality at the "Main Event" is Friday 17th May 2002.
If you would like to book your hospitality package or require further information, please contact me in the Santa Pod office on
+44 (0) 1234 782828 or via email at kelly@santapod.fsnet.co.uk
Kind regards
Kelly Ingall - Santa Pod Raceway
Date: 16th April 2002
Headline: For sale!
Kawasaki Z900 Super Street Chassis. ZX10 Style Bodywork. Spondon 320mm Floating Disc. Sprint Steering Damper. MSD Ignition. Taylor Leads plus other bits ... Offers in the region of £450.00.
RAF (01642) 641865 m 07973 104441
Date: 16th April 2002
Headline: Check it out
Check out http://www.turboville.com soon for a well overdue site update. More info will be available for the team uniforms, bike pit-covers, classified ads, graphics and a selection of thousands of great posters!!
Date: 16th April 2002
Headline: STOP PRESS!
In case you didn't know there are two videos available that are absolutely the best Drag bike features available. Number one is the ADBA top-fuel, world championships. Held in Australia in 2000 over three ronds, it features simply the best racing footage ever of the worlds greatest Harley drag racers and is an absolute must have for any drag racing fan. The other is the IHRA 2001 review. Whereas the NHRA only feature pro-stock bike, the IHRA feature the very cream of the top-fuel Harley racers which results in some very close and exciting racing for big money. This excellent tape also features all the best in dragsters, funnys, pro-mods etc. and is well worth owning. Both tapes are available in UK format from http://WWW.TURBOVILLE.COM for just £14-99 plus postage. e mail sales@turboville.com
Date: 15th April 2002
Headline: Helpful BJ da man!
Jim Brantley said he over revved the engine in Gainesville after breaking a drive belt and the neglect of not looking at the engine may have resulted in the piston pin breaking in the bike at Atlant. Man, that's the biggest fireball I have ever seen in Top Fuel Bike. What's great is he wasn't hurt at all. He sure impressed me the way he rode that bike, and Brian had a real good tune up on it that's for sure. Look out Spiderman, here he comes! I just can't say enough about Brian Johnson and his helpfulness to anyone that will ask. This man sure knows what he's doing in Top Fuel bike.
Steve Pleasant - Pleasant Racing
Date: 15th April 2002
Headline: Carbon Fibre Busa bodies for sale
Pro stock / mod rider Dave Beck is selling high quality lightweight carbon fibre pro stock hayabusa body kits.
Tel: 01948 871 264, mobile 07771 652 139 (UK) or e mail beck.racing@virgin.net
Date: 15th April 2002
Headline: Treble first for the second time to total three.......
Craig Treble picked up his second win in a row and the third of his career in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category at the NHRA O'Reilly Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park. Treble's Suzuki was quicker than Geno Scali, running a 7.246 at 184.37 to Scali's Kawasaki 7.322 at 179.33. The two wins puts Treble solidly in the first place in the NHRA POWERade points standings.
ROUND ONE
Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.336, 181.67 def. Terry Kizer, Suzuki, foul
Mike Berry, Suzuki, 7.337, 183.00 def. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.439, 188.67
Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.209, 184.98 def. Thomas Miceli, Suzuki,
foul
Angelle Savoie, Suzuki, 8.599, 105.99 def. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, broke
Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.229, 189.68 def. Reggie Showers, Suzuki, 7.387, 182.23
Matt Hines, Suzuki, 7.237, 190.48 def. Blaine Hale, Suzuki, 7.440, 171.90
Geno Scali, Kawasaki, 7.277, 186.61 def. Chris Reuter, Suzuki, foul
Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.222, 188.81 def. Brian DeLong, Suzuki, 7.518, 181.89
QUARTERFINALS
Savoie, 7.203, 186.56 def. Berry, 7.324, 184.45
Scali, 7.270, 184.65 def. Hines, 7.264, 186.20
Treble, 7.232, 184.77 def. Brown, foul
Johnson, 7.344, 179.37 def. Gann, foul
SEMIFINALS
Scali, 7.254, 188.25 def. Johnson, 7.366, 181.25
Treble, 7.285, 174.46 def. Savoie, 7.259, 185.74
FINAL
Treble, 7.246, 184.37 def. Scali, 7.322, 179.33
Current Points - NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Craig Treble, 229
2. Angelle Savoie, 174
3. Shawn Gann, 134
4. Geno Scali, 126
5. Steve Johnson, 125
6. Matt Hines, 113
7. Antron Brown, 110
8. Mike Berry, 106
9. Reggie Showers, 104
10. Terry Kizer, 64.
Date: 15th April 2002
Headline: Website update
Bill Sly has posted his Thunderball 2002 photos on http://badboysimagin.com
Date: 15th April 2002
Headline: NHRA Houston Pro stock final qualifying
1. Shawn Gann Gann Speed Airtech Suzuki 7.185 192.58
2. Angelle Savoie Star Racing Suzuki 7.190 191.05
3. Antron Brown Herrman & Sons Suzuki 7.209 187.08
4. Matt Hines Eagle One Suzuki 7.226 190.78
5. Geno Scali Lake Mortgage Kawasaki 7.235 188.04
6. Craig Treble Matco Tools Suzuki 7.260 187.36
7. Mike Berry MB Precision Suzuki 7.284 186.00
8. Steve Johnson K&N Filters Suzuki 7.294 182.16
9. Terry Kizer Suzuki 7.320 182.75
10. Michael Phillips Suzuki 7.339 186.61
11. Thomas Miceli Winning Combo Suzuki 7.339 181.32
12. Chris Reuter Robertson Cycle Suzuki 7.340 179.40
13. Blaine Hale Hired Gun Suzuki 7.344 180.79
14. Reggie Showers PDI Prosthetic Design Suzuki 7.350 183.62
15. Joe DeSantis Privateer Suzuki 7.353 187.94
16. Brian DeLong Brian DeLong Racing Suzuki 7.357 183.52
Did Not Qualify
17. Sam Hurwitz Old Time Garage Suzuki 7.371 183.94
18. Scott Lewis Suzuki 7.380 185.61
19. Greg nderdahl Innovative Racing Suzuki 7.400 186.64
20. John Smith 7.403 186.10
21. Fred Camarena RaceGirl Suzuki 7.465 180.19
22. Connie Cohen C.C. Rider Suzuki 7.526 177.04
23. Hector Arana Lucas Oil Suzuki 7.541 170.73
24. David Feazell Harley 7.553 174.59
25. Redell Harris No Limit Suzuki 7.608 177.49
26. Lloyd Straus Baxter Motorsports Suzuki 7.809 179.88
Date: 15th April 2002
Headline: HD at NHRA Houston
It seems the V&H V-Rod is no longer the fastest V-Twin in NHRA history as David Feazell rab an impressive 7.553 @ 174.59 on his stock cased HD.
Date: 15th April 2002
Headline: Qualifying for AHDRA Roswell
Fuel bikes restricted to 1/8th due to marginal shutdown area:-
Round One Qualifying
JIMS Top Fuel
#8Dave O’Hara 4.767 162.63
#5113Steve Ruggerio 4.773 152.05
#15Tommy Sloan 4.795 167.76
#52Chaz O’Neill 4.874 141.67
#210Joe Timmons 4.929 142.40
#9Steve Huff 5.043 144.61
#7Ron Houniet 5.073 110.57
#380Doc Hopkins 5.113 137.54
#32Jack Romine 5.237 124.69
#7777Steve Forrester 5.239 141.37
#46Bucky Varrone 5.589 117.25
#709Griz Robinson 6.142 90.02
Pro Fuel
#1Tim Kerrigan 4.75 159.55
#15Tommy Sloan 4.772 156.15
#19Mike Lehman 4.844 181.49
#2Chris Streeter 7.709 58.81
#71John Martin 10.323 41.55
Pro Stock
#1Tom Bradford 7.786 167.96
#6Dale Raudenbush 8.152 157.53
#4John Hammock 9.368 157.30
#153Dano Manderfeld 17.824 40.39
Date: 13th April 2002
Headline: The Queen's new clothes?
We just received some spy shots of Angelle's bikes in it's new colours. Sponsor is as yet, unamed, but those colours look remarkably like those sported by the RaceGirl machines......
Date: 13th April 2002
Headline: Larry McBrides new TF Harley
Here's a few pics of Spiderman's new HD. It has a 96 inch wheelbase, 14 inch tyre, "OVERKILL" engine and the same multi stage clutch as is in his T/F Blown bike.
Puppet
Date: 12th April 2002
Headline: Oh Hokey Okey Cokey
Another change of plan, we will be now be having our farewell p**s up in the Duke Of York, Devonshire Road, Chiswick on the 13th.
Below is a link to a map of where it is located:
See you there!
Ben
Date: 12th April 2002
Headline: A proper Harley.........
http://www.maximumsled.com/intros/BLADE2003/2003_venom.asp
Date: 12th April 2002
Headline: Larry sets new record
When Larry 'Spiderman' McBride won half of the Two Race Weekend at the AMA Prostar Star Racing Nationals at Atlanta Dragway in Georgia on his Top Fuel Kawasaki, he doubled his AMA National Record records by running 243.28 mph to reset the one of 235 mph held by the late great Elmer Trett.
This adds to the et record he already holds at 5.969 secs.
Date: 12th April 2002
Headline: V Rod to miss Houston
It seems GT Tonglet and the V&H team will be skipping Houston to work on some `problems' on the factory HD Pro Stock bike
Date: 12th April 2002
Headline: Stotz runs 7.645 @ 192.33 on a Honda Streetbike!
Kent Stotz's Honda once again won in the Streetbike Shootout battle of the factory turbos. No one really cam close, and he ran a storming 7.645 at 192.33. The closest was Rickey Gadson who ran a 7.869 at 188.31 on his new ZX-12.
There seems to be a lot of unhappiness between the turbo teams and the nitrous guys which culminated in an angry mob converging on the Stotz camp. Amongst their complaints numbered charges that Stotz and Gadson were given unfair help to achieve the minimum height rule and still the continued dissatisfaction with Kent using a two-step.
Date: 12th April 2002
Headline: Sturgis Bike Rally to be site of $10,000.00 World Championship
Burlington, NC…Sturgis Dragway and American Cycle Entertainment are proud to announce that the world V-Twin championship will be a major player in the Sturgis activities this year. The event will showcase the World’s Best Harley Davidson Top Fuel racers at the Sturgis Dragway. Qualifying for the World Nitro Championship will be held on Monday to determine the 8 bike field for Tuesday’s World Nitro Championship and the winner’s purse of $10,000.00. This event will be part of the Sturgis Nationals which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday August 7 and 8.
The four-day event will offer a total cash prize of over $57,000.00 and will feature the best Harley Davidson drag racers in the world. Whether you are a racer or fan, plan now to attend for your Sturgis Experience. It’ll be a keeper! For More Information, contact ACE at 336-229-4277 (phone) 336-227-4630 (fax) or visit homepage: http://ace2002.topcities.com
Date: 10th April 2002
Headline: Want to be a Royal Purple dealer?
Royal Purple, the world's leading supplier of high performance oils (particularly for race oils) are on the lookout for new dealers in Europe.
If you are interested in becoming part of their new dealer network, please e mail us on sales@kingracing.com or submit a gossip comment for further details.
Date: 10th April 2002
Headline: National Sprint Association website
The new NSA webmaster is none other than Lorcan Parnell
Membership forms, entry forms for NSA sprints and Regs are now all available on the site.
Date: 10th April 2002
Headline: Nitro Snowmobile!
My pal at S&S races a nitro-snowmobile! Well they are in Wisconsin. Anyway, he sent me this info on the new V twin snowmobile, check it out, it's totally insane, I want one! I'll bet the Scandinavians will love this! Turbo
http://www.maximumsled.com/intros/BLADE2003/2003_venom.asp
Date: 9th April 2002
Headline: Points posted
The latest points positions in the ACU UK Championship have been posted on our ACU Championship page.
Date: 9th April 2002
Headline: Imperial Wizard Fireball
After running a PB 6.48 earlier at the Atlanta Prostar meet on the ex Brian Johnson Top Fuel bike, Jimmy Brantley had a major incident when his engine exploded in a major fireball. Apparently, he dropped a cylinder on the pass, and further into the run the motor must have suffered hydraulic catastrophe, resulting in a destruction of the engine, and a fireball that destroyed various other components and fire damage to the bodywork and his leathers.
Our commiserations to Jimmy, and we hope we will see him out and running again in the near future.
Date: 9th April 2002
Headline: Mod Pro Stock Co operation!
A European Car-Bike co-operation! European Pro Stock Bike Champion Roger Pettersson is going to share the same main sponsor, Veidec, with Pro Mod`s Håkan Nilsson. They will also have "a flow of information"!
Read more at http://www.dragracing.se
Christer Abrahamson
Date: 8th April 2002
Headline: Prostar Atlanta
In the first round of eliminations at the Prostar event in Atlanta, the UK's Dave Beck lost to another MRE sponsored rider, Rick Perry :-
W PERRY .478 7.038 176.49
L BECK .484 9.432 105.39
Winners for the categories were :-
Top Fuel
Larry McBride 0.525 6.239 206.45 bt. Ron Webb 0.577 6.252 221.71
Funnybike
Robert Giard 0.507 6.825 202.73 bt. Jerry Lownsberry 0.468 6.933 194.83
Pro Mod
Ashley Owens 0.421 6.878 196.53 bt. Louie Grist 0.467 6.862 193.16
Pro Stock
Todd Doege 0.427 7.093 195.68 bt. Billy Vose 0.428 7.187 189.90
Formula Superbike
Jim Carroll 0.472 8.143 164.25 bt. Phill Davis 0.481 8.386 159.59
Streetbike Shootout
Kent Stotz 0.430 7.645 192.33 bt. Rickey Gadson 0.349 7.869 188.31
600 SuperSport
Ryan Schnitz 0.540 9.692 138.90 bt. Chip Hunter 0.404 9.980 135.96
Hot Rod Cruiser
Rick McWaters 0.548 10.004 132.36 bt. Terry Reed 0.633 10.227 132.75
Top Gas
Kenny Dermanelian 0.431 8.173 155.72 bt. Tony Mullen Broke
Super Comp
Chris Maclaurin 0.422 8.951 149.02 bt. Mike Konopacki 0.437 8.936 147.07
Super Gas
Steve Johnson 0.428 10.101 122.96 bt. Tony Gilliam 0.455 9.866 125.01
Pro ET
Mike Konopacki 0.541 8.884 147.55 bt. Bruce Sauer 0.474
Street ET
Mike Harris 0.581 9.486 143.78 bt. Debbie Knebel 0.519 10.439 133.54
Date: 8th April 2002
Headline: KERKER TO SPONSOR NHRA SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE CHAMPIONSHIP
The National Hot Rod Association have signed a multi-year agreement with SuperTrapp Industries to be the exclusive sponsor of NHRA's Sportsman Motorcycle category. The NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series, held in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, will allow sportsman motorcycle competitors in select NHRA Divisions the opportunity to compete for divisional championships and an invitation to the prestigious NHRA Kerker King of the Coast competition. "We're very pleased to announce this exciting program for our sportsman motorcycle competitors," said Len Imbrogno, NHRA director of sportsman racing and member tracks. "For the first time in the history of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series we will offer a championship points structure for motorcycles. We're certain the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series will prove to be a great feeder system for our Pro Stock Motorcycle category in our NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series."
The NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series will be contested in four NHRA Divisions (4, 5, 6 and 7), offering an overall purse of $7,400 to be paid to first, second and third place finishers in each division.
In the NHRA Kerker King of the Coast competition, the top four riders from each of those divisions will compete for the title during the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in November. The winner of the special all-star invitational race will earn $1,000, and the runner-up will receive $500.
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, SuperTrapp Industries is a global manufacturer and exporter of performance exhaust systems for motorcycles, ATVs and automobiles under the SuperTrapp and Kerker brands.
Date: 7th April 2002
Headline: 3rd Member wanted
Hello everybody, hope you had a nice winter.
Is there anybody out there who would like to race in the Euro rounds in Sweden, Norway and Finland, with a Prostock sized bike? I have recently purchased a transporter that will carry 3 racebikes, myself and Ricky G are already confirmed. We ideally need a 3rd person to help with travel costs,anybody interested?????
Go on, come and race where the bump spot is in the sevens not double figures!!! (only joking!?!?!)
Anyway if you are this person, give me a call.
Regards to all,
Chris Tombleson email: sales@straightlineracing.co.uk
chris Tombleson
Date: 7th April 2002
Headline: Need a wheel
Can anyone help? I need a lightweight 18" rear wheel, width 5" or 5.5". Something like a Dymag would be fine but must be in excellent condition. Please e-mail me if you can assist.
Cheers,
Pete le Gros email: peter.legros@ntlworld.com
Date: 7th April 2002
Headline: Results of rainout
This weekend saw the held over race at Atlanta after the rain out at the Gainesville meet :-
Results
Top Fuel
W - Tommy Smith .570 7.299 173.09, RU - Larry McBride .542 7.442 150.01 (#1 Qual. - Larry McBride 6.266 221.72)
Funnybike
W - Jerry Lowensberry .466 7.160 178.59, RU - Chip Ellis .465 7.858 190.70 (#1 Qual. - Chip Ellis 6.828 214.31)
Pro Modified
W - John Sachs 6.87, RU - Louie Grist 6.94 (#1 Qual. - John Sachs 6.884)
Date: 6th April 2002
Headline: Get well soon Terry!
I'm sure all our readers would like to join King Racing in wishing Obsession Motorsports promoter Terry Gibbs to get well soon after a major operation a few days ago.
Terry is currently recuperating, and his family hope he can leave hopsital in a few days time.
Date: 6th April 2002
Headline: Wind out awing anybody?
For sale
Wind out Fiamma awning 3m x 2.4m with sides and front, came off a long wheel based transit. £180.00. 01622 831826
Oh and of course curtains.
Peter Bellenie
Date: 6th April 2002
Headline: Gipp Gopsel
I thought it wasn't a bad weekend apart from the cold and wind. Still, it kept my shandy cool.
Well done to Paul Rose and Helen - what a debut, we 'aint seen nothin' yet I bet.
I myself wasn't too upset with my performance - seems the oil change on the old maintenance free Pro Stock bike upset it a little. Still, it gives me some time to check the tappets and tyre pressures before the next meeting!
Richard Gipp
Date: 5th April 2002
Headline: TF Supertwin Rider needed
Whilst we're on the subject of the Speedfreaks Ball, we're on the lookout for another Nitro Twin to join the Nitro Shootout. If any rider wishes to participate, please contact us on sfb@kingracing.com, or submit a gossip item. We can then discuss the detail.
Date: 5th April 2002
Headline: Speedfreaks latest
Martin Hill, organisor of the Speedfreaks Ball has made some announcements regarding the forthcoming extravaganza:-
"There will be a limited amount of hard standing pit space for bikes", says Martin. "If any registered racer would like to enter the event and secure a pit space on the hard standing then please book your tickets in advance from the Santa Pod Raceway office omn 08700 782828, because late entries may have to be located in the public area on the banking side."
Martin would also like to hear from any class or group of bikes wishing to organise themselves into a qualifying and eliminations ladder. If you are interested then please E-Mail Martin at martin@fireforceracing.freeserve.co.uk.
For the latest news on the Speedfreaks Ball including ticket prices, check out the official web site at http://www.speedfreaksball.co.uk.
Date: 5th April 2002
Headline: Jules ripped.......
I might be doing a lot less racing this year than I was planning as my ex - friend has disappeared owing me a large amount of money, in fact all the money i had. I am still detemined to race somehow, all I need is a job.....
Jules Boag
Date: 5th April 2002
Headline: Performance Machine Update
Dealer Update - April 2002
1) The PM website continues to grow and improve, this time we have added a Bike of the Month section! We invite you to send in photos and a bio of your wildest PM bejeweled bikes to be featured on the PM site! We will run your pics for a month and even send you a PM shirt to say thanks!
2) PM is caught in the Web! Performancemachine.com has also experienced some amazing growth over the past 90 days and is now informing and entertaining over 100,000 users per month! Our complete wheel line, brake systems, as well as discs, pulleys and sprockets are featured with part numbers, retail pricing and high-resolution photos. Also look for new behind the scenes videos, wallpapers and even a few of our show bikes for sale!
3) Mirror Mirror, on your bike… Did you know we have a new billet mirror? Damn strait, in addition to our Contour custom mirrors we now have a larger touring version. Both styles are design matched to our Contour Hand Controls and are available polished, chrome or black anodized.
Performance Machine, Inc.
6892 Marlin Circle
La Palma, CA 90623
tel 714-523-3000
fax 714-523-3007
http://www.performancemachine.com
Date: 3rd April 2002
Headline: Top Fuel Bike riding Boy Scout eats three Shredded Wheat shock..........
The latest edition (May) of the UK magazine Performance Bikes features a four page colour article on King Racing's Ian King.
Penned in PB's own inimitable style, Ian is steeling himself for the inevitable mickey taking......
Date: 3rd April 2002
Headline: Chris Hand to distribute Revstore dataloggers in the US
Hand's Performance is very pleased to introduce the Tracecraft line of data loggers to the U.S. market. The Tracecraft Revstore has been developed in the U.K. with R&D work done on Brian Johnson's fuel bike as well as other top racers on that side of the pond. We feel that the Revstore datalogger offers world class quality with a cost that is attractive even to the racer on a budget. Base units are available with up to 16 channels that are easily upgradable for even more inputs and a number of sensors can be ordered to tailor a system to a racer's specific requirements.
• Simple upload procedure
• Clean, easy to read graphs
• Overlays & Maths Channels
• Timing Ticket markers
• Realtime display
• Realtime playback
• User-configurable Data sheets
• User-friendly sensor installation
• Calibration Wizard
For more information, contact: Hands Performance and Machine, Inc.
Phone: 205-221-3802
Internet: http://www.handsperformance.com
Date: 3rd April 2002
Headline: Trac ing towards PRM
A little bird tells us that a well known Super Street rider's Trac chassis may be finding a new home in the shape of PRM's Pro stock effort.........
Date: 3rd April 2002
Headline: Joe Perry of ACME Racing and Team VIP Head West
Joe Perry of ACME Racing and Team VIP will make the trip to the AHDRA (All-Harley-Drag- Racing-Association) Rivera Engineering Primo-Belt Drives Arizona Bike Week Nationals April 6th & 7th at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix, Arizona, and the following week to the AHDRA Alien Nationals in Roswell, New Mexico for an opportunity to race with the best-in-the-West.
Joe Perry, a Kingsport, Tennessee resident said, "I've been very lucky to have had the chance to meet a lot of great folks and racers, and I am looking forward to renewing those friendships and meeting the people that I've only been able to talk to on the web.
Also some great news :- Dave Despain with Speedchannel has accepted an invitation from ACME Racing to attend the event and ride the team bikes down the track. This is very exciting for us and will hopefully get some much needed exposure for the AHDRA! The racers and fans already know what an exciting and wonderful sport this is and with the help and hard work of networks like Speedchannel and others a lot more fans and racers can be reached. This is truly "AMERICAN THUNDER".
Joe looks back and forward :-
"Under windy conditions in Bradenton, my bikes "Bully & Special Blend" were in top form and ready to stretch their legs! Maybe a little too ready! Special Blend was making her first appearance in the Super Sport class and she performed outstanding with the Runner-Up in her first outing. Bully can hold his own in the largest index field but he has to rely more on jockey error and this time I let HIM down and went out in the second round of the SEP class. We made a few points and rounds and, all-in-all, we are very pleased with our start of the season.....Looking forward to Phoenix and Roswell."
ACME Racing's Sponsors: Team VIP (Virginia Insulated Products), Redline Oil, Uniforms Unique, Vanson Leathers, The Wax Shop, MRE, Mickey Thompson Tires, Dynatek, Millennium Technologies, Sprocket Specialists, RK Chain, Pit Bull Motorcycle Stands, Energy One, Jagerrod, Magnecor, Stripbike.com, Zero Gravity ACME Lawn & Yard Co.
Read More about Joe Perry on StripBike.com. Safety Net Plus Inc. operates Zoomster.com and Racebizz.com
VIP Wire (Virginia Insulated Products) adds… Racers are invited to submit their resumes to Team VIP. (As VIP Team member Joe Perry says, "Show em what you've got"!!) Send to Team VIP, Dominion House, 923 Cumberland St., Suite 101, Bristol, VA 24201-4103.....
Date: 2nd April 2002
Headline: Easter Meeting round up
Congratulations to all the finalists of the Easter meeting at Santa Pod:-
Pro Stock Bike: Dave Beck 7.790/167.40 def. Nick Pepper 8.024/167.13
Funny Bike: Shaun Branch 7.793/166.40 def. Chris Hall broke
Competition Bike: Klaus Brinkmann 8.168/158.35 def. Tim Whetton 10.839/97.05
Super Street Bike: Graham Dance 8.495/169.73 def. Mark Fisher 9.135/152.88
9.90 Bike: Paul Valentine 10.025/128.60 def. Mark Hammond 10.380/126.92
10.90 Bike: Glenn Randles 10.998/123.56 def. Darren Winnard 10.964/126.30
A particular shout goes out to Jerry Collier on the Jade Racing Nitrous H2 Kawasaki who ran a 8.48 @ 152 mph, Paul Watson who ran a 8.88 and 8.87 in his first run out in Super Street on his Bandit, and Klaus Brinkmann who came all the way from Germany to run a PB in Comp Bike of 8.09.
Date: 2nd April 2002
Headline: Pro stock rumours.........
We've heard that Angelle Savoie's new sponsor is not one company but rather a conglomeration of backers that George Bryce has put together, and that the bike will be blue and orange. Competition Plus had speculated the Dallas Cowboys as the backer, but with those colours, how about the Denver Broncos?
Also, now Don Prudhomme has been reported as purchasing the Shawn Gann team, what other car teams may now be interested in acquiring a Pro stock bike team?
Date: 30th March 2002
Headline: Funny for sale - going Top Fuel!
Where can I get a set of Suzuki puma cases and crank?
I have lots of funnybike parts for sale - building a top fueler, and have a complete bike ready to go, runs low 7's at 185, all the best parts, $12500.00 US
Gossip comment:-
Call Pete Davis at Puma on 011 44 1788 822849. He sells finished finished cases with a finished billet crank for under $3500
Steve Pleasant email: speed200@dragbike.com
Date: 28th March 2002
Headline: Top Fuel Motorcycles, Circa 1971
Picture of the day
Date: 28th March 2002
Headline: Wassup?
What happened to all the gossip - it's 2002!
I'm a Funnybike racer in the US and ran in Prostar in 2000. I just love hearing from you guys and would love to race over there sometime.
If there's anyone there e mail me at speed200@dragbike.com
Thanks, Steve Pleasant
p.s. watching the coverage of Santa Pod on ESPN TV was great - we can't even get that much coverage of dragbike racing in the US. Way to go guys - you're showing us up. The road to success is always under construction!!!
Date: 28th March 2002
Headline: TURBO-CHARGED GRAPHICS
Well-known drag racing designers John Andrews and Ian Turboville have joined forces to bring racers and their teams a range of professional products at sportsman prices for the 2002 season. High quality team shirts, hero cards, marketing proposals, photography and illustration are just five of the tightly co-ordinated services on offer from the sport's most experienced exponents of digital graphics and sponsorship acquisition. With a combined client list that reads like a "who's-who" of European drag racing, Ian and John fully understand the needs of racers and can provide solutions to fit any budget. "Our philosophy is simple. If you look like a professional, you'll be treated like a professional and it won't cost you an arm and a leg" Ian will be spreading the word at The Pod's Easter Thunderball this weekend, and the pair will be out in force at The Super Series Spring Nationals, 4th - 6th May at Shakespeare County Raceway. For further information just visit Ian at http://www.turboville.com or check out some samples on John's Motorgraphic website at http://www.motorgraphic.uk.com
Date: 28th March 2002
Headline: Star Racing's new sponsor
We understand that in the next couple of days, Star Racing will announce that they have a major sponsorship that will keep Angelle Savoie and the Star Racing Suzuki Pro Stock Bike on the track for at least the next three years. While the company has not been announced, we understand that the deal is done and we look forward to the official announcement later this week.
Date: 28th March 2002
Headline: Two Stroke only class?
Fast By Gast is considering a two stroke only class, Super Eliminator style, to be run at possibly one or more of the Bracket Bash races this summer (Rochester, NY - Norwalk, Ohio - and Budds Creek, MD). If they're going to back this class they need to know if there is support for it. I'm trying to collect the names of racers that would be interested in participating to pass along to FBG. We need to know by the end of this week to get things rolling. You can email me at dqprd@hotmail.com with your name and what tracks you would be able to attend and I will forward them to FBG.
Thanks,
Dave Pecararo (Bianco/Pecoraro Racing)
Date: 28th March 2002
Headline: New Hokey Cokey member.
TF HD rider Ben Beneke told us that he has had a change of plan regarding his impending move to Oz :-
"we are not moving to Melbourne but to Brisbane. Due to the weather you can race in Brisbane all year round, and we found out the track in Melbourne will not be finished until 2003"
Good to see that Ben's got his priorities right!
Date: 27th March 2002
Headline: Eurodragster Perfect Light Award
Eurodragster have announced that their Perfect Light Award is to run again in the 2002 season.
Starting at this weekend's Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway, the first racer at an eligible event to record a perfect Reaction Time, 0.400 or 0.500 as appropriate, in either qualifying or eliminations - not open practice - wins a minimum of £50.
If the Perfect Light money is not won at an event, then £25 is added to the pot for the next race. If the money is won, then the Perfect Light fund is reset to £50 at the next event.
The Perfect Light Award is open to any racer in any class, and will be awarded at any Championship race from which Eurodragster is reporting. At present the list of eligible events is as follows (others may be added):
Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
Springnationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway
Midsummernationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
Fallnationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
Date: 27th March 2002
Headline: Knecum runs 234mph on a Hayabusa
The Larry Forstall owned, Steve Knecum piloted NLR turbo equipped Hayabusa, ran 225, 230, 225, 230, 229, & 234 after a gear change, at the e.c.t.a land speed trials at the maxton monster mile.
Built and Prepared by Steve Knecum, the bike made 404 at 18 lbs to rear wheel & 260 lbs of torque. Look for it to go 240 in the near future. But we did not get there easy, we had our share of blown off injectors, no progressive boost, so leaving the line with 18 lbs was interesting I could smoke the tire at will, all the way into 6th gear if I wanted to. I would like to thank Seb at NLR and Larry Forstall's check book for making this happen!! See you at Maxton next month, our Goal is 240? Big horse power, big brakes and big .......
Steve Knecum
Date: 26th March 2002
Headline: Mystery machine
A correspondent in the Netherlands has sent the attached photo of a bike spotted recently, and wondered if I could identify it.
He thinks the engine may be from a Lancia, transmission of the bike is missing. Anyone got an idea?
Regards,
Carl Wadkin-Snaith.
Date: 26th March 2002
Headline: Tog's gone digital
Tog of Tog's Drag Racing Pages has just posted some pictures from the weekend's Run What You Brung at Santa Pod Raceway. TDRP has gone all-digital for 2002 and this was his first outing with a new digital camera. For this year he has also changed to larger pictures - 800x600 where previously he sized pictures at 640x480. Let him know what you think.
You can find the RWYB pictures at http://www.togsdragracing.com/rwyb020324
Some great snaps of Helen Curran's debut on the Paul Rose Motorsports Pro stock bike too.
Date: 25th March 2002
Headline: Event Results: IHRA Rockingham
Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, 32nd annual Holley Spring Nationals
Nitro Harley
Final Qualifying
1 Steve Stordeur, Goshen OH, '01 Weekend 6.355 207.72 207.72
2 Ray Price, Raleigh NC, '01 Dixie 6.455 209.10 209.10
3 Jay Turner, Whitsett NC, '00 Dixie 6.463 209.52 210.28
4 Doug Vancil, Albuquerque NM, '00 Weeke 6.537 211.00 211.00
5 Johnny Mancuso, Houston TX, '00 Weekend 6.573 209.46 209.46
6 Mark Cox, Yadkinville NC, '00 Weekend 6.586 189.55 189.55
7 Mark Conner, Canyon Lake TX, '01 Puppet 6.615 206.99 206.99
8 Mike Romine, Sturgis MI, '01 Weekend 6.741 201.64 201.64
------------ Not Qualified ------------
9 Bill Furr, Orangeburg SC, '00 Dixie 6.761 197.33 197.33
Eliminations
First round
Steve Stordeur, 6.463, 209.56 mph, def. Mike Romine, 19.746, 60.56 mph
Ray Price, 6.577, 196.67 mph, def. Mark Conner, 10.900, 75.71 mph
Jay Turner, 6.505, 208.65 mph, def. Mark Cox, 7.435, 130.22 mph
Doug Vancil, 6.487, 200.20 mph, def. Johnny Mancuso, 13.229, 63.59 mph
Semifinals
Vancil, 6.639, 208.26 mph, def. Stordeur, 6.638, 210.18 mph
Price, 6.535, 211.39 mph, def. Turner, 6.867, 202.30 mph
FINAL
Doug Vancil, 6.636, 198.52 mph, def. Ray Price, 7.439, 161.30 mph
Date: 25th March 2002
Headline: 6.8 second twin museum exhibit!
Gerard Willemse of the Netherlands informs us that he will be donating his fabulous blown Nitro Puma Triumph for display at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, UK from April.
Gerard, who stunned all at the Prostar Finals in Gainesville a few years back when he turned in passes in the 6.8 second range with his sub 1000 cc machine, says he is pleased to see it in the in the location made famous as the home of Triumph Motorcycles.
The machine, which has a history starting with John Clift, and culimated in utilising Gerards skills in tuning to performances never dreamed of at it's inception, was a familiar sight on the FIM Supertwins circuit.
We have to say that we are disappointed that we will not see it turn a wheel in anger at the track again!
Date: 25th March 2002
Headline: MRE Closeout sale
Jay Regan of MRE is having a big sale of racing parts. Check out the `For Sale and Wanted' section of our Discussion Forum for a full list.
Date: 25th March 2002
Headline: More V Rod pics
More interesting pictures of the Prostock V Rod:-
http://www.vanceandhines.com/pages/VRDrag.html
Date: 24th March 2002
Headline: I thank you!
A big thank you to Lee at Steelheart Engineering for staying up all of friday night to do a mod to my chassis.
I dropped the bike off to Lee at 7pm friday night and thought we would be at it Sat and possibly Sunday. Saturday morning at 8am I got a call from Lee to tell me he had some good news, he had finished the mods. He had stayed up all of Friday night with the help of Gary so that I can race at easter.
THANK YOU Lee and Gary. Pete Bellenie
Date: 24th March 2002
Headline: Body for sale
Kawasaki ZX-11 pro stock body never used. price 7000:- SEK
Torbjörn - email: tztransport@euromail.se
Date: 24th March 2002
Headline: Steve Stordeur Does 6.30's Again! 6.355
Screamin Eagle Nitro Harley Final Qualifying IHRA Holley Spring Nationals Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC
1. Steve Stordeur 6.355
2. Ray Price 6.455
3. Jay Turner 6.463
4. Doug Vancil 6.537
5. Johnny Mancuso 6.5736.
7. Mark Cox 6.586
8. Mark Conner 6.615
Story after the team comes down from the clouds!
Nina Henderson
Date: 23rd March 2002
Headline: Another special offer!
Following the success of our amazing NHRA 2 PC game offer, we can now bring you the next in the line of genuine Valusoft PC games at an extraordinary price.
We have limited copies of the fabulous AMA Superbike Game feturing chassis tuning, engine tuning, variable weather conditions, customisable rider attire, all the official AMA Superbike tracks and manufacturers machines, and the possibility to race others over the internet. So for all of you bike fans out there, rush us your cheques for only £10 inc. postage anywhere in Europe - yes, less than HALF the price than available through normal retail channels.
Hurry though, we have limited supplies - first come first served. E mail us at sales@kingracing.com to secure your copy.
Date: 23rd March 2002
Headline: Krol returns to Top Fuel Bike
Ron Krol's KROL CYCLE Racing Team returns in 2002 with a brand new and unique supercharged and nitro-burning Suzuki after almost 10 years away from the top levels of Motorcycle Drag Racing.
After 5 years of development, the machine features a RaceVisions (Puppet) chassis with the engine placed far forward and low in the frame to maximize weight transfer.
The supercharger and intake system are behind the engine which displaces 1350cc using cast iron engine cases with a roller-bearing crankshaft and rods.
The cylinder head is a 4-valve GS1100 casting with common TFB modifications and Ron Krol's expertise in cylinder head development and porting.
The KROL CYCLE Racing Team are awaiting the return of warm weather to their Northeast Ohio location before testing can begin.
Date: 22nd March 2002
Headline: BJ's progress
In a test session after the Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, Jimmy Brantley completed his first 6 second pass on the Imperial Wizard whilst under the tutelage of BJ himself. He ran a 6.90sec pass at 173mph after clicking it off shortly after the 1/8 mile.
Later, he managed to keep the throttle on all the way through (on a VERY soft setup) to clock up his first 200mph + pass with an ET of 6.93secs @ 201mph.
Date: 22nd March 2002
Headline: Jay's new cases
Ex pat Brit, Jay Upton, is now sporting some gorgeous new billet cases, crank, sump and barrels on his Triumph Fuel Bike courtesy of Oz engineers BDG:-
Date: 22nd March 2002
Headline: Les Harris revealed!
Les Harris, the 2001 Supertwins Street Champion STS1, was duly honoured at his local pub when everyone turned up wearing a Drag Racer T-Shirt with his picture printed on it.
We told you we would go to the motorcycle press Les !!!
Kev Caine
Date: 21st March 2002
Headline: New TF HD
Surf over to http://www.top-fuel-racing.com/projects/bike8.asp to see a new TF HD under construction in the land of Mounties
Date: 21st March 2002
Headline: Elmer Trett Gets Inducted Into The International Drag Racing
Elmer Trett, the Dean of Motorcycle Drag racing, was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame tonight at a banquet held at the Gainesville Sheraton in Gainesville, Florida.
Trett, Inducted by Top Fuel/Funny Car racer Jim Head and nominated by journalist Greg Guarinello became the first motorcycle racer inducted into the prestigious Hall. The event was attended by a who's who of Drag racing spanning all 50 years of the sport.
Other inductees included Connie Kalitta, Darryll Gwynn, Pat Foster, Jerry Baltes, Roger Gustin, Steve Reyes, Jerry Verhuel, Kenny Safford and Steve Evans.
Accepting the Induction on behalf of Elmer were his wife, Jackie, his daughters Gina Lang and Kelly Thomas and his son Mike Trett. Also in attendance were Top Fuel rider Chris Hand and his wife Sharon. After a warm reception from the predominately automotive crowd, Jackie Trett thanked all of the people who worked to see that Elmer received this honor, Don Garlits as curator of the museum and the fans who Elmer thrilled during his years of racing. As she was leaving the podium, Jackie told the assembled crowd how proud Elmer would have been to be honored on this, his birthday!
Greg Guarinello
Date: 21st March 2002
Headline: PROSTAR FEATURES ON BBC TV
How many drag bike fans caught last nights 8 minute feature of the 2001 Prostar Finals from Gainesville, Florida on the BBC - that's BBC Choice? Not many I bet.
The 8 minute feature formed part of 'Mary Anne's Bikes', a regular weekly show which travels the globe for biking stories and hosted by Radio 1's Mary Anne Hobbs who is a keen biker herself. The 30 minute show goes out late in the evening, but only on BBC Choice!
The coverage was rather good with some interesting camera angles and infects. There were interviews with the boss of Prostar, Angelle Savoie, and the 'Spiderman' Larry McBride. The only down side was with the number of Brits in attendance, no one got an interview. The programme also featured World Superbikes from Japan, Bike Trails in India, and Birmingham's Tattoo Festival.
Missed it, well you've got a second chance this Saturday (23rd) early Sunday morning at 1.15am to 1.45am on BBC Choice. The drag bikes are first up.
Issued by Jeremy Cookson - Shakespeare County Raceway Press Officer
Date: 20th March 2002
Headline: Free coies of National Dragbike Monthly
We have one hundred or so free copies of the new magazine devoted to Motorcycle Dragracing to give away.
To apply for your free copy, click onto the `Discussion Forum' button on the top right of this page, register for taking part in the forum (if you have not already done so) click on the `General' forum, and there you will find a thread headed National Dragbike Magazine.
Post your name and address, or for those who do not want their address online, then just your email address, and we will post you a copy free of charge, anywhere in the world.
Sorry, but only requests made this way will be accomodated.
Date: 20th March 2002
Headline: Latest porting series item ready
Hi Everyone !
The 3rd part of the Intake Porting Series is here:
http://www.mototuneusa.com/the_2007_superbike.htm
Have a Cool Day !
Sincerely, Pat McGivern
~MotoMan
Date: 20th March 2002
Headline: Fredrik Johansson
We're sorry to hear that this terrible disease took away the life of fellow racer Fedrik Johansson. He left us much too soon.
Our sympathy goes to his relatives and close friends.
On behalf of Koedam Racing, Marius van der Zijden.
Date: 20th March 2002
Headline: Waterman wanted
Looking for a used Waterman or DSR "00" fuel pump. Also, for the Harley guys, we are an official ROWE USA Dealer for ROWE USA parts and rebuilding supplies. For the Vintage guys: We are a aftermarket supplier for the Honda SOHC 750 engines built from 68'-82'. http://www.mdcmotorsports.com
Date: 20th March 2002
Headline: Photo plea
New STG team Serpent Racing will be unveiling a new website in the very near future, and a plea is going out to all photographers that have pictures of the rider, Barrie Gregory, the crew, Paul Bartlett and Adrian Hines, or the 'cheerleaders', Viv Hutchinson and Mandy Bartlett, in or out of clothes, on or off the track ...
Nikki Pilkington, designer of the website says 'The site is looking good, with plenty of content, but not enough pictures - i'm looking for pictures from Barrie's Jade Racing Days, snapshots from when he was Harlequin Racing, and any other pics anyone may have in digital format.'
Pictures can be sent to Nikki by email to lemonkitten@ntlworld.com
Date: 18th March 2002
Headline: Treble 1st
Craig Treble took the Pro Stock Bike title at the 33rd annual Mac Tools Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, the third of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Treble earned the second win of his career, the first since his rookie season of 1999, as the Pro Stock Motorcycle class opened up its first of 14 events for the season. Treble's 7.248 pass at 184.17 on his Matco Tools Suzuki beat the defending Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, Angelle Savoie, and her pass of 7.262 at 184.52 on her Star Racing Suzuki.
Date: 18th March 2002
Headline: Last chance for RWYB
RWYB on March 24th is the last chance for racers to test @ Santa Pod Raceway before the Thunderball.
Santa Pod Raceway is holding the next RWYB/Public Track day on 24th March. This will be the last chance for regular drag racers attending the Easter Thunderball Event on the March 30th -1st April (see: http://www.santapod.com) to test at Santa Pod Raceway before the start of this year British Drag Racing, National Drag Racing and ACU Drag Bike Championships. It will also be the last chance for the contestants in the annual Pro Fuel shoot-out to test before the event. Who will be there or not is uncertain at the moment but we expect some of the racers to turn up. But the day will not be limited to regular racers only it will also be open to all regular and new Run What Ya Brung'ers as well. Santa Pod Raceway will be sprayed with VHT Trackbite for this day to help the racers to set up for their assaults in the various Championships. Racers that are planning to attend this day should leave their messages for Ian Marshall on Tel: 01933 313625 or Email paula@sprc.fsnet.co.uk before Wednesday March 20th for him to have sufficient Marshall cover in place.
Gates opens at 8am and racing starts approx. 10.00am. Gate prices are £8 per person, all kids under 16 are free and if you want to race your vehicle the charge is £10 to run down down the famous 1/4-mile strip. However, you must bring a valid driving licence. Racers have to meet all safety standards for their class. For more information please visit RWYB page on http://www.santapod.com or call Santa Pod Raceway on 08700 782828.
Date: 18th March 2002
Headline: Fredrik Johansson
Funny Bike, NDRS and the European dragracing community have lost a good friend. Fredrik Johansson left us all on Tuesday. Cancer took his life way too early. He was well known as a great friend and racer. Fredrik was always a colourful guy even though he was no friend of big words. It is a great loss for the sport and for all the dragracing fiends that Fredrik made through the years. We would like to explain our deepest sympathies to his family.
Christer Abrahamson - http://www.dragracing.se
Gossip comment:-
All at King Racing would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Fredrik's family and friends.
Date: 18th March 2002
Headline: Ben's bike
Here's the link to pictures of the latest work I've been doing on my race bike.
http://www.picturetrail.com/nitrohd
Choose the latest pics album.
Thanks to all those who have helped as usual and let me know what ya think.
Time to pack it into a box and send to Australia now.
Ben Beneke
Date: 17th March 2002
Headline: Toys and Prams?
Rumour reaches us of a possible split in the ranks of one of the UK's Premier dragbike teams after disagreement with the team principal at the SP RWYB today......
Date: 17th March 2002
Headline: Not this time
V&H missed out on becoming the second HD to qualify at an an NHRA race this weekend.
The Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson motorcycle, driven by GT Tonglet turned in a time of 7.596 at 171.51 to finish outside the top 16.
"My dad has been working on the Harley program for about a year," Matt Hines said. "It's nice to see that program running because that was a big distraction for us. That Harley has a lot of promise. That bike has only about 10 runs on it and I think it is going to qualify as soon as Houston."
All was not lost for the V&H team as Matt qualified #1 and set new track records in the process on his Suzuki.
Date: 17th March 2002
Headline: Win Anders' helmet
Eurodragster are running a competition with the prize of Pro Stock Bike racer Anders Larsson's distinctive 2001 crash helmet. http://www.eurodragster.com/news/news.asp?Story=mar16#mar16
The closing date is Sunday 7th April.
Date: 16th March 2002
Headline: Errr, what are you doing there?
http://www.stripbike.com/gator2.html
Date: 16th March 2002
Headline: Vance & Hines Pro Stock Bike
There is a good article online on the V&H bike, written by Bob Frey:-
http://www.summitracing.com/stories/NHRA-SUMMIT/20020315-112211-0.htm
Date: 16th March 2002
Headline: Help!
HELP! THIS IS MY FIRST SEASON RACING IN 9.90 BIKE.I AM RE BUILDING STEVE ASHBY'S OLD BIKE STREET LEATHAL.THINGS ARE GOING WELL BUT....I NOW NEED SOME HELP.THE BIKE IS NEARLY FINISHED I NEED SOME TECHNICAL HELP WITH THE TIMING AND NITROUS SYSTEM. IS THERE ANYONE IN THE SUSSEX AREA WHO CAN HELP A NEW RACER.PLEASE CAN YOU CONTACT ME A.S.A.P. SEASON LOOMING!
PAUL HOLLWAY - email: paulhollway@sparksdirect.com
Date: 16th March 2002
Headline: Gatornationals qualifying
After two qualifying rounds of Prostock Bike at the NHRA Gatornationals, the Vance and Hines Harley V Rod of GT Tonglet stands just out of qualifying with a 7.67 @ 167. At the same time, Matt Hines set both ends of the track record with a 7.156 run at 193.85 on his Vance & Hines Eagle One Suzuki to lead the way in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class in the season opener for the category.
Date: 16th March 2002
Headline: Dragbike Magazine now available
Following our news item a few weeks ago, Turbo has written to remind everybody that the all new, all drag bike, monthly magazine is now out. You can get your subscriptions from:-
http://www.nationaldragbike.com
Just mention that we sent you!
Date: 16th March 2002
Headline: National Championship back on!
Santa Pod Racers Club and Avon Park International Racers Association are pleased to confirm that an eight-round National Championship is taking place in 2002. The dates are as follows:
30th March-1st April: Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway
4th-6th May: Springnationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
1st-3rd June: FIA Main Event, Santa Pod Raceway
15th-16th June: Midsummernationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
29th-30th June: Summernationals, Santa Pod Raceway
24th-26th August: Fallnationals, Shakespeare County Raceway
6th-8th September: FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
28th-29th September: UK National Finals, Santa Pod Raceway
Date: 14th March 2002
Headline: Speedfreaks ball website up and running
The Speedfreaks Ball web site is now up and running at http://www.speedfreaksball.co.uk. The site, run by Fireforce and Drag Torque webmaster Dave Nelson, tells you everything you need to know about the event at Santa Pod Raceway on 10th-12 May. Featured are a competitor run-down (including videos) for the Fuel Bike, Super Street Bike and Junior Dragster Shootouts, together with details of the Exhibition vehicles, RWYB, Custom Bike Show, other attractions such as live bands, ticket prices and booking details, and more.
Date: 14th March 2002
Headline: 10.90 / 9.90 Bike
Those of you who have an interest in the future of 10.90 and 9.90 bike should follow the following link and add your views before decisions are made by the powers that be that may not be in your interests: http://kingracing.community.everyone.net/commun_v3/scripts/thread.pl? MessageID=5424708&NodeID=321313&view=standard
Date: 14th March 2002
Headline: Zane the frame
OO-ER, impressive stuff from Zane, can't believe he has never done a bike before. Looks like we have got our own budding 'Puppet'
http://www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk/bear_chassis2.htm
Turbo
Date: 14th March 2002
Headline: Suzuki prostock parts for sale
Complete rolling Prostock Kosman chassis, ex Dave Schultz, incl.DYNA computer, vaccum pump, battery plus lots more parts. Price £9500
Complete top end 1500cc 4valve, incl.44 mm Lecton carbs, new pistons, new valves, rocker arms. Best time 7,57 / 280km/h. Price £2000
Crankshaft £600
Clutch hub, lockup MRE £600
5-speed auto V&H gearbox £1000.
Mail molles.racing.team@telia.com or call +46 70 594 4475
Tomas Molin
Date: 14th March 2002
Headline: Pipe still wanted!
Has anyone got a Pro Pipe (V & H or Star etc) for sale? Must be chrome and in good condition. Cash waiting!
Rat - abbeyrider@nascr.net
Date: 14th March 2002
Headline: Prostar sell Dragbike.com
We hear that Dragbike.com & Racepages.com is now owned by VP Internet (Matt Polito and Scott Valetti). Apparently, Prostar President Keith `Scooter' Kizer decided that he wanted to focus his efforts on Prostar and the web site was a distraction.
Date: 12th March 2002
Headline: Connor in for Mattioli
Just got of the phone with Jim McClure. He confirmed Mattioli was blown of the bike by a strong side wind whilst he was testing a bike for a friend. He had some "minor" injuries but is recovering from concussion. It will stop him racing for at least a couple of months i.e no rider for the Jim McClure racing team for this time. The latest news is that Mark Conner will race the McClure for the rest of the season.
Ton Pels
Date: 12th March 2002
Headline: No JDB link?
The link Turbo posted on the gossip page regarding Junior Dragster leads to a 404 ....... Any chance of finding out the correct address and posting it? Thanks!!
Nikki
Gossip comment:-
We understand that the site has now been pulled for undisclosed reasons. We suggest you contact Rush at NAST for further explanation.
Date: 12th March 2002
Headline: Ben's off at last!
Okay, okay enough with the clapping and cheering, we are finally leaving England for sunnier shores - Australia!!. I am excited and sad all at once and the next five weeks are going to be hell, 23 years is a long time and I have so many good friends I am dreading saying goodbye to.
We leave on the 19th of April, for those of you in England, drinks at the George (Chiswick roundabout - London) on the 13th for Free's birthday and our leaving do.
Ben and Free
Date: 12th March 2002
Headline: Going ballistic?
FOR SALE TO ANY BUDDING HD RACER:-genuine army, ballistic body-armour, shaped kevlar chest pad. Just slip it into a suitable vest and add some metal re-inforcement and you are safe from exploding nitro motors. Only £35 plus postage, which is a mite cheaper than buying a $600 vest from the USA.
Date: 11th March 2002
Headline: Well done Petrol Heads!
Just watched the Petrol Heads program. Might encourage a few more people to come and have a look.Well done to all concerned.
Mick (behind with the bike as usual) Pitfield.
Date: 11th March 2002
Headline: Shocking!
I am a USA inventor of electric machines and am building a 2.5 megawatt 295in. dragster. I believe it will go 5 secs. @ 260plus mph. This is possible with special batteries and motor/controls, see http://www.nedra.com I am attempting this event late summer.
Best regards, Electriclouie
Date: 9th March 2002
Headline: Miller time!
It has now been confirmed that US rocket legend Sammy Miller is to make a return to the track at the Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway in May. Slammin' Sammy holds the absolute drag racing world record at 3.58 seconds, a feat which he achieved with the Vanishing Point Mustang at Santa Pod in 1984. It last ran in 1994 and has now been refurbished, and Sammy plans to test the car at the Speedfreaks Ball with a view to further appearances if testing proves successful.
Hydrogen Peroxide of suitable purity has been sourced without the catalyst poisoning
stabilisers that have seen many other peroxide rocket vehicles founder. For anyone who has
never seen this astonishing car run - come and see it, it may be the only time you will
ever see a peroxide rocket run again.
Meanwhile the plans for the rest of the Speedfreaks Ball are continuing apace. "The event is gathering momentum so we should be in for a decent weekend!", says organiser Martin Hill.
The Speedfreaks Ball takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 10th-12th May. The event features a Fuel Bike Shootout, Super Street Bike Shootout, Bike-only RWYB, the Fireforce Jet Funny Cars, Jet Trike, Jet Go-ped, Junior Dragster exhibition, live entertainment, trade stands, Custom Bike Show and more. Advance weekend tickets at £20 are available on 08700 782828, with gate admission £25 for the weekend and £15 for Saturday or Sunday.
Date: 9th March 2002
Headline: Junior dragbike
THE JR DRAG BIKE WEB PAGE IS AT:-http://www.turnertech.co.uk/juniors.htm
ANY INTERESTED PARTIES CAN CONTACT RUSH AT:-
rush@supertwinshq.freeserve.co.uk
JUNIOR drag bike racing is brand new in the United Kingdom, and because of this events in 2002 will be limited to demonstration runs during selected events at Shakespeare County Raceway, near Stratford upon Avon. There are already plenty of bikes in construction, should be good safe fun!
Turbo
Date: 9th March 2002
Headline: Speedfreaks ball
Is the Speedfreaks ball an all come all run affair or are there any competitions running? The last I heard was from Graham D who said invitation only - what's occurring?
Bradders
Gossip comment.
The theme of the meeting is a Run What ya Brung, with prizes for the best or fastest Suzuki, Yamaha etc.
There are two exhibition classes for the bikes, the Nitro Challenge with a Cannonball style shootout between the Fuel Bikes and the Supertwins, and a field of Superstreet bikes. The thought behind these two classes is the have the two ends of the heads up spectrum. Both of the fields are by invitation, and I understand Graham D is handling the Superstreet invitees.
However, anyone can bring their bike, road or race, pay and run in the RWYB, and enjoy the festivities.
Date: 9th March 2002
Headline: Body wanted
Does anyone have a 1 piece bodykit for sale, preferably EFE.
Please call Andy on 07786 936787
Date: 8th March 2002
Headline: Jr. Dragbike?
Is there any jr dragbike this year anywhere?
Thanks
Mark
Date: 8th March 2002
Headline: ACE is ace!
My friend that went to the ACE race said it was a great time and no muss or fuss, just race!! They also had perfect weather conditions which helps everyone. The Bradenton race had at least 30mph winds and alot of blowing sand. Results soon.
They have a temporary website at:- http://ace2002.topcities.com/index.html
Turbo
Date: 7th March 2002
Headline: Speedfreaks Ball
Date: 7th March 2002
Headline: EVER THINK YOU WERE LIVING IN THE WRONG PLACE?
You all know last weekend was supposed to be the MRE/PROSTAR 'SUNSINE' nationals at Gainesville, most of you know it was also the AHDRA "Bike Week Nationals' season opener at Bradenton and that next weekend is the Gatornationals at Gainesville. BUT! did you know that in the middle of this week, Tuesday and wednesday, it was the first ACE race at ORLANDO? If you went to the practice days for these events it means you could attend world class bike racing events seven days a week, it didn't matter that the MRE bash was rained off as there was Bradenton just down the road! Now that's what I call a vacation, I wonder how many of the brit-pack over there went to those races? Anyway, for those who didn't know ACE is a new organisation formed by previous AHDRA boss Dane Miller and Jim Turner formally of Piedmont Drag Strip. They have come up with a new format for Harley drag racers and launched it in the middle of bike week at the Bithlo track. A clever move as all, the top Harley racers were already in the area and there was a good purse up for grabs. The track has just had a $40,000 lazer surfacing job to make it as smooth as marble.This event has a $37,000.00 cash purse posted with $5,000.00 going to the Winner of Top-Fuel while paying $750 for 1st round in a sixteen field payout. These events will be run on 1/4 and 1/8 mile tracks with more focus going toward 1/8 mile races for more intense competion and securing a good comfort level of safety for all the racers. ( I think they mean that some of the available tracks will be less than adequate for six second runs) Pro Classes will be combined to funnle monies together for more recognition and reward for the winner. A.C.E. does not require a membership to be eligible to race. If running in the Pro Classes one must have current Pro licenses with A.H.D.R.A., A.M.R.A., I.H.R.A. or N.H.R.A. There are 4 Sportsman classes paying Big Money for everyone else to participate in. It would seem ACE are filling the void left by the demise of the ADBA. How will they fare? We watch with interest! I will post results as they come in to me
TURBO
Date: 6th March 2002
Headline: Report from down under
Just to let you know, Jay Upton had some good times, but also some bad during the weekend of the Marlows Westernationals at the Kwinana Motorplex, Western Australia.
His first qualifier saw him break yet another belt, as had happened on the last four runs. Things were not looking good. However on the next run, the bike went like a rocket to half track, were he pedalled (throttled?) it to the 1000' mark, shutting off for a 6.97. In the opposite lane West Australian Ian Ashelford went 6.96 on his Top Fuel Harley.
The next pass saw Jay slow to launch, but once again the bike flew to half track, recording 660' figures of 4.30 and 182 mph (that speed matches 6.2 second Top Doorslammer passes!!!) before shutting off again to glide through for a personal best 6.78, and a top qualifiers medallion. In the other lane, Ian Ashelford also improved, running a 6.85 @ 199 mph.
Race day saw a round one solo for Upton, where he ran hard to the 330' and shut off. The semi finals saw Upton smoke the tyre before the 60' beams, get off it, let the bike settle, then hit it again and shut off at the 1000' beam yet again for a 7.88, but here it all went wrong as the bike veered towards the concrete barrier, Upton climbing off before the bike hit, then sliding as the bike continued riderless into the sandtrap. Jay was alright to begin with, but was later taken to hospital. Damage to the bike was limited to bodywork and an injector hat, lucky for a 170 + mph incident! Hope to see him back soon.
Luke Nieuwhof
http://www.wadragracing.cjb.net
Date: 6th March 2002
Headline: Tales of the unexpected?
Dutch Top Fuel Bike rider Roald Dogge has a new website. Check out :-
http://www.purpleprincessracing.nl
Date: 6th March 2002
Headline: Bikes on TV
At last, TV coverage for the bikes, yippee! Thought the FIM / UEM coverage on channel 5 the other week was quite good - made an exciting 30 mins despite a couple of editing cock-ups. Isn't Anders Larsson a star!
Check out http://www.stripbike.com/ahdra33.html for all the latest shots from Bradenton. There is some really good stuff there. Look out for Mike Romines new fuel injection system, Jr. drag bikes, nice candid shots in the pits and even a shot of Joe Perry who is asking about team strip from me!! That Gary is getting better all the time with his camera! Well done lads!
There is an update on the AHDRA site on the condition of the downed racers. Seems the car boys got jealous and one decided to do the hospital thing at Orlando the same weekend! Think I'll take up dominoes!
Turbo
Date: 5th March 2002
Headline: Dragbikes on TV!
Starting today Tuesday 5th March on the Discovery Home and Leisure channel (digital channel 133), is a revolutionary new series covering motorcycle sport. Each episode focuses on a different sport and tonight's two part programme features dragracing at Santa Pod.
Although primarily focused on the bikes, and in particular European and UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Ian King, there is some excellent footage of cars.
Alongside Ian, the programme features interviews with Matt Nixon, Helen Curran, Andy Newcombe and Paul King, Ian Marshall and Keith Bartlett. On track bike footage includes Neil Midgley, Martin Bishop, Dave Beck, Brian Johnson. For the car fans, great footage including Steve Green, Dave Wilson, Gordon Smith, Pat Talbot and Martin Hill to name but a few.
The Dragrace programme is due to be featured as follows:-
Tuesday 5th March - 22:30 GMT
Sunday 10th March - 14:00 GMT
Tuesday 26th March - 15:00 GMT
The full programme schedule is as follows:-
1) Hillclimbing + test 1915 Indian 5/3/02 @ 22:00, 9/3/02 @ 14:00, 25/3/02 @ 15:00
2) Drag Racing 5/3/02 @ 22:30, 10/3/02 @ 14:00, 26/3/02 @ 15:00
3) Motocross + 2001 Ducati Monster 12/3/02 @ 22:00, 16/3/02 @ 14:00, 27/3/02 @ 15:00
4) Scooters + test 1956 BSA Golden Flash 12/3/02 @ 22:30, 17/3/02 @ 14:00, 28/3/02 @ 15:00
5) Speedway + test 1970 Yamaha FS1E 19/3/02 @ 22:00, 23/3/02 @ 14:00, 2/4/02 @ 15:00
6) Vintage Run + test 1920 James 19/3/02 @ 22:30, 24/3/02 @ 14:00, 3/4/02 @ 15:00
7) Trackday + test 1950 Vincent Rapide 26/3/02 @ 22:00, 30/3/02 @ 14:00, 4/4/02 @ 15:00
8) Bulldog Bash + test 1930 Brough 26/3/02 @ 22:30, 31/3/02 @ 14:00, 5/4/02 @ 15:00
9) Sidecar Racing + test 1912 Wilkinson 2/4/02 @ 22:00, 6/4/02 @ 14:00, 8/4/02 @ 15:00
10) Trials + test 1974 Ducati Desmo 2/4/02 @ 22:30, 7/4/02 @ 14:00, 9/4/02 @ 15:00
11) Supermoto + test 1959 Honda 9/4/02 @ 22:00, 13/4/02 @ 14:00, 10/4/02 @ 15:00
12) Sandrace + Minimoto + test 1924 Scott 9/4/02 @ 22:30, 14/4/02 @ 14:00, 11/4/02 @ 15:00
Date: 5th March 2002
Headline: SUPERTWINS RACE DATES REVISITED…
Ian `Rush' Carruthers, fresh from being the ONLY bike rider to attend the APIRA AGM (!), sent us this clarification regarding the NAST race dates for the 2002 season:-
"IT SEEMS THERE HAS BEEN SOME CONFUSION REGARDING THE 2002 RACE DATES PUBLISHED LAST WEEK, SOMEWHAT PREMATURELY. I HAVE PERSONALLY SPOKEN TO ALL PARTIES INVOLVED AND CAN CONFIRM THE FOLLOWING:
ROUND ONE. 4, 5, 6th MAY SUPERSERIES SPRING NATIONALS (SHAKESPEARE COUNTY RACEWAY)
ROUND TWO. 15, 16th JUNE SUPERSERIES MID-SUMMER NATIONALS (SHAKESPEARE COUNTY RACEWAY)
ROUND THREE. 29, 30th JUNE SUMMER NATIONALS (SANTA POD)
ROUND FOUR. 24, 25, 26th AUGUST FALL NATIONALS (SHAKESPEARE COUNTY RACEWAY)
ROUND FIVE. 28TH, 29th SEPTEMBER FINALS (SANTA POD)
N.A.S.T ARE ALSO PLEASED TO BE SUPPORTING THE SPEEDFREAKS BALL AT SANTA POD ON 11, 12th MAY.
WE WILL, AS ALWAYS, BE EXHIBITING AT MANY OF THE UK'S TOP BIKE SHOWS".
RUSH - NAST CHAIRMAN
Date: 4th March 2002
Headline: National Championship back on?
There are moves to reinstate the UK National Drag Racing Championships for Super and ET classes, Junior Dragster, 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike. Speaking at the Avon Park International Racers Association AGM yesterday, Super Series organisers Terry and Tina Gibbs revealed that a meeting is trying to be convened in the next fortnight between APIRA, Santa Pod Racers Club, promoters and track owners.
Subject to the outcome of this meeting, the format of two of this year's three Super Series events at Shakespeare County Raceway will be changed. The two three-day events, the Springnationals in early May and the Fallnationals in late August, will see National and ACU-class qualifying on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday, with an all-in car bracket to run on the Monday to support that day's British Fuel FC Championship and MSA Top Methanol Championship eliminations. The format of Monday's bike competition is yet to be decided. 9.50 Bike and 10.50 Bike will be run alongside their .90 equivalents, subject to a minimum entry of eight in each class.
If the Super Series events form part of this year's UK Championships, then in addition to the UK National and ACU classes the Wild Bunch, Super Street Rover, Outlaw Anglia, National Association of Supertwins and European Top Gas classes will also be run. If the Super Series events do not form part of this year's UK Championships then class structures could be changed.
Other main Super Series points from yesterday's meeting were that entry fees will be £75 in 2002; that ticket allocations remain the same; and that the Junior Dragster pits are possibly to be moved. The layout of the pits is to be reviewed. In anticipation of large entries, racers with more than their allocation of vehicles in pit areas will be asked to remove them. Refusal to co-operate will result in exclusion from meetings.
Thanks to Tog for the report
Date: 4th March 2002
Headline: TOLD YOU SO!
Like I said, Bradenton was where the action was going to be this weekend and it was! It just doesn't get more exciting than this. If you know the racers involved in this first round you will appreciate the drama that must have taken place in a packed weekend of the finest bike racing! Finals are in - Robert `Ziggy' Stewart Takes JIMS Top Fuel Honors and First AHDRA Win!
With 300 plus entries at the Florida Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Bike Week Nationals the Finals are complete.
*Stan Verheijen was injured earlier and is in surgery for injuries on his hand. He is reported to be doing well.
*Tony Mattioli was released from the hospital yesterday, and he and Colleen are spending time with Jim & Phyllis McClure before returning home.
*William Hostetler was injured in ET competition, and will be released in the morning with a broken finger and road rash.
We wish all of them a speedy recovery!
JIMS Top Fuel
Robert Stewart 4.478 @ 161.78 bt Mark Conner 9.587 @ 46.22
Pro Fuel
Chris Streeter 4.525 @ 158.53 bt Tim Kerrigan 4.715 @ 161.17
Pro Drag
Chuck Jones 5.009 @ 137.63 bt Scott Truett 5.060 @ 142.22
Pro Stock
Tom Bradford 4.846 @ 139.21 bt Dirk Higgins 4.847 @ 139.36
Joker Machine Modified
Mark Pendergrass 6.642 @ 102.47 bt Mike Lazano BROKE
Turbo
Date: 4th March 2002
Headline: What a great night!
We've just returned from Birmingham after enjoying the 2001 Super Series Awards dinner along with around 200 others dragrace enthusiasts. As ever, a great night was had by all, and full marks to Terry and Tina Gibbs for all their hard work in putting on such an occassion.
It was a good night for the King Racing team when they were awarded the Best Appearing Bike trophy to follow the SPRC award received last month. However, even this award was surpassed when King Racing rider Ian King received the overall Super Series Sportsman of the Year Award for his efforts in futhering dragracing over the last season.
Date: 4th March 2002
Headline: Jean Yves Funny for sale
My Funnybike is now for sale to fund my new project:-
Really fresh engine with new complete big block, gear box, cylinder head... plus spares and starter cart. Last raced at Gainesville.
Ready to run very low sevens (with better rider?)
A good bargain : 17,500 euro (double invested)
More information from:
Date: 4th March 2002
Headline: Bern gets ready
Well after much delay and two aborted attempted visits including having the plane door fall of at Manchester Airport, yesterday I went to collect the bike complete with all the spares and equipment from Willem at the Hells Angels HQ in Amsterdam. The deal is that Willem's new ride isn't ready so he is initially to be our crew chief and advisor on riding and tuning the red device until his new gadget is ready. As I haven't raced a bike for quite some time we will have to start out in my usual reserved manner at the test day and see what happens. As it is a tried and tested ride and should be somewhat quicker than my road HD it's all down to me now. If I get on OK and can licence then it's the Main Event the following weekend.
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 4th March 2002
Headline: Casualty Nationals........
Looks like Spring Break takes on a whole new meaning this year!! Joining Karen Stoffer, Paul Wyatt and Tony Mattioli in hospital is Dutch ace Stan Verheijin who has also taken a top end spill at Bradenton. Jay is doing his bit in Australia but lets just leave it at that eh guys and keep it 'shiney side up' from now on. Mark Connor has now rushed down from the cancelled Sunshine Nats. to join the carnage at Bradenton where the pro classes are being restricted to 1/8th mile runs due to the wind. Follow the action at:- http://www.ahdra.net/whatsnew.html
Turbo
Date: 4th March 2002
Headline: Marty joins Stephanie
Joining ex Pro stock bike rider Stephanie Reaves on four wheels is also Marty Ladwig:-
http://www.summitracing.com/stories/PR-DRAG/20020227-084002-0.htm
Date: 3rd March 2002
Headline: Upton OK
Update on Jay Upton who crashed at over 178 mph after winning the Semi Final of Top Bike - Jay is back in his pit surveying the damage to the bike. He says the damage is minimal to the bike and some minor cuts and bruises to his person. The team is already working oput the plan to get the bike running again.
Date: 3rd March 2002
Headline: Upton crashes at Kwinana
After proceeding to the semi final stage, it appears Jay crashed his machine into the armco in the shutdown area. Emergency crews were attending the scene, but no further news as of yet.
Date: 3rd March 2002
Headline: Upton head's qualifying
At the Westernationals inAustralia's Kwinana Motroplex, ex pat Brit Jay Upton is making steady progress on his TFB and heads qualifying in the Oz version of Competition bike, Top Bike:-
1) JAY UPTON TRIUMPH - NITRO SUPERCHARGED 6.780
2) IAN ASHELFORD TOP FUEL HARLEY 6.853
3) MARK ASHELFORD HARLEY DAVIDSON 7.926
4) BRETT JONAS HARLEY DAVIDSON 7.952
5) DENNIS GRANT NITRO HARLEY 8.862
6) CRAIG MC PHEE PUMA YAMAHA 13.323
7) BRETT STEVENS HARLEY DAVIDSON 26.473
Date: 3rd March 2002
Headline: Bernies REALLY done it this time.........
Ex Funnycar driver / owner / crew chief Bernie Hepworth has now taken delivery of Willem Been's big red six second Harley. We hope to hear Bernies plans for racing the machine in the very near future.
Date: 3rd March 2002
Headline: Gainesville Prostar rained off!
Due to excessive rain and the forecast, the AMA/Prostar Sunshine Nationals have been cancelled. 3rd round qualifying will be completed at Gainesville Raceway, with 1st Round Eliminations scheduled for Friday, April 5th in Atlanta.
More details as they are available.
Don't we all just love these near spring races!
Turbo
Date: 2nd March 2002
Headline: Mattioli falls
AHDRA Season Opener March 1, 2002
Tony Mattioli decided to help a friend sort out his bike during Friday’s tune and test at the AHDRA season opener in Bradenton, Florida. The much-talked-about bike of Sam White became Mattioli’s “jarring” begin to the season.
It is reported:- “His elbow is broken. The only problem that we know of right now is that he continues to ask questions over and over. He was unconscious for a short time.” Coordinating a helicopter ride to the hospital, medical, track and AHDRA staff were ensuring that Mattioli would receive proper attention.
Date: 2nd March 2002
Headline: Good evening, take II
Some of the group did not end the party until 4am when the previously unmentioned newcomer we'll just call the "Pointer Sister" jumped in the outdoor pool in 32^ weather sans ALL clothes, egged on by the only person in the group over 29.99 stones.
Needless to sat there were a few VERY hung over Englishmen this morning. You'll also be glad to hear that all pants were kept on throughout the night. Cannon turned the tables around and graced me with the birthday pudding while I assumed all the rucous was to be for him.
Had any of you been to the Pod today you'd know how we felt here in G'ville; brutal headwind and I don't ever think it got out of the 50's, absolutely miserable....
Roger, with all morning to finish putting the motor together for our scheduled qualifying pass, managed to stroke it all the way until the very last second by trying to use all of his hung over, old world craftsman skills. It was only for the outstanding efort of Al "KYDA" Cook that we even made the round.
Dave blasted off to a 1.11 2.94 4.46 pass and then as it drifted toward the centerline he forgot to correct, got scared, let off, then back on to a 7.07 to land us around third in the field. He managed to wreck a piston as well and that warranted a full thrash led by "KYDA" and his long lost cousin "SCHOOLY" from the Pakistani region of North Carolina, thay make quite a pair......
Back in the nick of time for round two of qualifying, the track would not hold our desired settings and we spun the tire to a 1.13 2.96 4.49 lap that Dave managed to hold straight and true to a 7.02 at a booming 196 mph.
The good news was the the motor came back healthy and again we were in the top 4 of the round.
Had we managed our first pass front half coupled with our second pass second half I may very well be talking about the provisional #1 qualifier. Better we're not though, that feat may have lead to some trouser dropping later tonight.....
I have no idea what anyone in any other class ran; You, like I will have to rely on this forum to find out what else is happening here - I was shocked to read (here) this morning that a girl was riding the Cope Racing Pro Stocker and that she'd crashed in testing.
Off to the Ale House for Take II..........
Jay Regan
Date: 2nd March 2002
Headline: Gainesville Friday Qualifying
TOP FUEL
1) LARRY MCBRIDE 6.503 @ 221.72
2) BARRY VAN HOOK 7.091 @ 162.51
3) TOMMY SMITH 7.377 @ 172.61
4) MARK CONNER 7.448
5) JAMES BRANTLEY 7.671 @ 119.55
6) NORBERT KUTZERA 7.831 @ 120.83
7) CHRIS HAND 9.852 @ 81.71
8) RON WEBB 17.859 @ 35.00
FUNNYBIKE
1) CHIP ELLIS 6.847 @ 203.75
2) ROBERT GIARD 6.868 @ 200.57
3) TRAVIS DAVIS 7.178 @ 185.45
4) KEITH LYNN 7.309 @ 177.40
5) JERRY LOWNSBERRY 7.597 @ 156.93
6) MARC OLIVER 7.693 @ 163.69
7) PERRY HOLLIE 7.743 @ 192.06
8) WILLIAM VAN HOOK 7.827 @ 175.91
9) WENDEL DOUTHAT 8.068 @ 174.35
10) RANDY RANDOZZO 8.239 @ 162.33
11) TOM PERRY @ 9.206 @ 137.40
12) JAMES GUYTON 10.434 @ 70.54
13) ROBERT GIARD 10.459 @ 82.39
PRO MOD
1) LOUIE GRIST 6.983 @ 189.19
2) RON HOLT 7.007 @ 186.76
3)? 7.015 @ 188.67
4) DAVE BECK 7.024 @ 196.59
5) LEE MCCRACKEN 7.074 @ 185.18
6) RICK PERRY 7.130 @ 190.75
7) CHARLIE FARRAR 7.152 @ 175.60
8) STEVE DRAKE 7.195 @ 183.78
9) JACK YOUNG 7.218 @ 180.57
10) KEVIN CHAMBERLIN 7.225 @ 186.45
11) JOHN SACHS 7.230 @ 164.47
12) NIKIE CORLEY 7.249 @ 181.56
13) MIKE CAPUTO 7.259 @ 178.85
14) GLENN FRANKLIN 7.309 @ 177.76
15) RANDY STEVENS 7.343 @ 179.06
16) JAMES RESTER JR 7.394 @ 163.36
17) NATHANIEL WRIGHT 7.407 @ 170.26
18) TERRY WYNN 7.505 @ 173.81
19) BERNARD JOHNSON 7.571 @ 133.49
20) STEVE SMITHERS 11.489 @ 63.78
21) BILL VOSE
PRO STOCK
1) TODD DOEGE 7.114 @ 190.47
2) JOE KOENIG 7.193 @ 183.41
3) PAUL GAST 7.199 @ 186.76
4) DEAN FRANTZ 7.294 @ 180.94
5) TOMMY GRIMES 7.381 @ 184.19
6) CARY PHALEN 7.382 @ 176.53
7) CRAIG ADAMS 7.399 @ 180.79
8) CRAIG GREAVES 7.459 @ 177.83
9) CHARLIE FARRAR 7.583 @ 173.94
10) JOHNNY BOND 7.962 @ 157.78
11) ROD BOND 8.062 @ 163.36
12) KEITH GRAY 8.472 @ 115.48
13) RUNE LIEN
Date: 1st March 2002
Headline: Gainesville testing
Ryan Schintz went 9.57 @ 139
Chip Hunter went 9.85 @ 136
Keith Lynn went 6.87 @ 176
Chip Ellis went 6.83 @ 215
Angelle Savoie went 7.16 @ 190
Joe Koenig went 7.18 @ 189
Craig Adams went 7.27 @ 184
Karen Stoffer went 7.30 @ 183.
However, Karen Stoffer, riding Greg Cope's bike, fell from her machine in the shutdown area.
Apparently, on her first pass, she new Simpson she was wearing rode up on her face and blocked her vision... so she shut it off. They fitted the helmet a little better, pulled on the chin strap a little more and sent her off on her second pass. Everything was fine until she crossed the finish line and began to slowly relax out of her tuck. The helmet once again rose up and completely blocked her vision. The bike got onto the wide Busa bellypan and high-sided pitching her off. She suffered lots of bruises, a broken finger that needed some surgery to repair, and a scraped chin.
Date: 1st March 2002
Headline: Gary's gone funny again.......
King Racing beer tester Gary Page has been confirmed as the driver of King Racing sponsor North Herts Engineering's Top Fuel Funnycar.
Last year's driver, US based Norm Wilding, has cited business committments as the reason that he will be unable to undertake driving duties for this season.
Date: 1st March 2002
Headline: Barry Van Hook
As reported earlier, Barry Van Hook has been testing the Top Fuel bike he purchased from the five time champion Prostar Chmapion Tony Lang this past weekend. During testing at Orlando Speed World on Sunday and Monday he made numerous 60 foot launches, and ran in the 4.5 second range at almost 170 mph on the de-tuned machine.
"Running to the 330 was easier than I thought," said Van Hook.
"After that the front wheel kept coming up and up. It really got my attention."
Van Hook said he was so pleased with the results he plans on running the bike in qualifying at Gainesville this weekend.
Date: 1st March 2002
Headline: Good Evening from Gainesville!
21:00 Thursday; Good evening from Gainesville. The invasion arrived Tuesday night some 12 deep. One hitch; forgot to wait at the airport for newcomers Shaun Branch & Sam, tour director Beck and lodging co ordinater Upperton in too much of a haste to get to Hooters for the obligatory first night in.
Cannon was fresh as a daisy (or as fresh as he could be after 12 hours of travelling) courtesy of sitting at the front of the bus. Good to see Pete's Polishing back in the fold too. Poor Branch; He had no idea where to go! No address, no phone number, no kidding!! Magnetic pull took him just a couple doors down from "church" to a sleazy (but very cheap) Dale Mabry hotel for the night. Wednesday dawned cold and windy, but some things never change as Cannon made sure to polish off a full 12" sandwich B4 10:00am as the troops showed up to prep the bike. Dave was hell bent on testing at our local eighth mile that night and stomped his feet until he got his way over my objection to the severe (40^) cold that night. With "clutch master" Cannon, Al "KYDA" Cook, Pete and Shaun's help we got out to the track for a lap. Now you've got to remember; Dave's never been to this track and it's dark and cold. Fearless; he saddles up and away we go. The track was like a Shite Muslim if you know what I mean but 'ol Becky blasted off to a 1.11 2.92 4.42 @ 156.80 !! Not too awfully bad for a first lap. Roger took the head off today for inspection, deeming it "fit as a butchers dog" so we're looking for a 6.92-6.94 tomorrow off the trailer. Only notable I saw in today's massive test session was Tom Perry on his new Alky injected Funnybike blow the cases apart big time on it's maiden voyage. Stay tuned to this channel for more news as this gala event unfolds......... Off to the Ale House; I'm sure somebody will want to see my undies in a few hours!!!!!!
Jay Regan
Date: 1st March 2002
Headline: A Beautiful Mind
Brantley's times - not really, cos he shut off at 3.10 secs, which, going by BJ's data on an average run, would put him at about 160mph when he clicked off & would roll through quite easily at 4.6 secs.
All sound's OK for the Wizard!
Neil Smith
Date: 28th February 2002
Headline: Hmmm......
Brantley went 4.60 - 1/8 subtract 1.5sec??????? Blimey thats on a world record pace of 3.10.......
Ian Rotten - USA
Date: 28th February 2002
Headline: 10.90 - 9.90 Bike
We've just added a new page to the website, http://www.wordweaver.co.uk to cover the 10.90 - 9.90 bike season, the idea being to help us all get a bit more exposure. If you are running in either of these classes and want to make the most of this oppotunity get your info to us, the more we get the better the page. We shall be posting results and pics after each round, To make sure you get a mention drop us a line at wordweaverracing@yahoo.com
Date: 28th February 2002
Headline: AHDRA
Well the AHDRA have got a new owner, a new web-site, and some great sponsorship for the season opener at Bradenton this weekend. RED LINE OIL, JIMS, S&S, RIVERA, have jumped straight in with some serious backing for the racers and join an unbelievable list of sponsors who will post a contingency fund we could only dream of over here. Check out all the action at http://www.ahdra.com This is where the serious action is going to be and it's gonna be good!
TURBO
Date: 27th February 2002
Headline: Brantley's progress
We spoke to BJ today who confirmed that he and Jimmy Brantley had left the Orlando track and resumed testing at Gainesville. Barry Van Hook had stayed on at the Orlando venue with Tony and Gina Lang, but Jimmy preferred the more northerly venue for testing.
So far, Brantley has recorded a best 60 foot of 1.08, and an eighth mile of 4.60 @ 130 mph (clicked off 1.5 secs before the eighth), but had yet to post the six required for competition at the weekend's season opener. Today saw very cold conditions, too cold for testing, so they are spending more time familiarising Brantley with the maintenance requirements.
They hope to resume testing tomorrow.
Date: 27th February 2002
Headline: Desperately Seeking Bill Sly
Could Bill Sly of Badboysimagin contact me by email or phone regarding some pictures from last year. Office Phone 0121 789 5764 email:nhoskison@tiltd.co.uk Thank you
Nigel Hoskison
Date: 27th February 2002
Headline: Rat's mate needs a pipe
Does anyone have a chrome 4 into 1 race pipe to suit a GSX1135 - Vance & Hines or similar. It's for Paul Newman, but since he doesn't do phones please call Rat on 01793 705905 daytime.
RAT - TEAM PANTS email: abbeyrider@nascr.net
Date: 26th February 2001
Headline: Mystery rider competition
No winner this time, with Carl Wadkin Snaith coming closest by guessing it was an Italian bike.......:-
Rider: Roel Koedam
Bike: Moto Guzzi 250 4 cylinder
Year: 1986
Place: Uden
Thanks to Marius of Koedam racing for the picture of the slimline version of the Dutch Fuel bike rider!
Date: 26th February 2002
Headline: Stephanie Reaves onto 4 wheels
Ex Pro Stock Bike rider Stephanie Reaves has been selected by GM Racing to drive Chevy Cavalier's sport-compact racing entry in the NHRA Modified class during 2002.
"We've been working with Stephanie for a long time hoping to find an opportunity that would work for both her and GM," said Josh Peterson, GM Racing program manager. "When we started the front-wheel drive project we needed someone with experience that would make the Cavalier competitive when it counted - on the racetrack. Knowing Stephanie and her background, and the enthusiasm she has to make this program successful gives everyone at GM Racing a great deal of confidence in her ability to get the job done."
1n 1995 Reaves became the first woman to earn an AMA Pro Motorcycle license. In 1996, teaming up with six-time Winston champion Dave Schultz, Reaves became the first woman to earn an NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle license. Qualifying for that year's Mile-High Nationals earned her the recognition of becoming the first woman to compete in an NHRA national event in Pro Stock Bike. She finished 10th in the Winston points standings in 1997.
Reaves said:-
"I think the GM sport-compact program is going to get the attention of the younger crowd, and when kids see how well the Cavalier performs on the racetrack, then hopefully that's what they'll want to buy. People identify themselves through their vehicles, and by doing this I think we'll enhance the image of the Chevy Cavalier as a sporty car that's fun to drive."
Date: 25th February 2002
Headline: King Racing V8 Fuel Bike sold!
It was announced this morning that the unique Puma V8 Top Fuel bike owned by King Racing's Ian King has now been sold.
Britain's leading motivational speaker and business guru, Ron Holland, has been named as the buyer, and plans to complete the project in the very near future.
Holland has a history of drag and sprinting stretching back to the 60's, and is said to be `excited' at the prospect of riding the machine.
Date: 25th February 2002
Headline: BJ's travels
BJ is back in the US helping Jimmy Brantley acclimatise himself with the Imperial Wizard. The weekend's planned test at Orlando got delayed due to rain, and BJ and Jimmy move onto a private test session at Gainesville today. Ther will then be one more chance for them to run two six second passes, what we understand to be the prerecquisite for entry to the class at the Prostar opener next weekend.
Date: 25th February 2002
Headline: Box trailer for sale
Would any one like to buy a nice shiny box trailer? It measures 10' x 5' 1" x 5' 11" on the inside so there´s plenty of space for a race bike and tools. Take a look at the pictures attached. I´m selling it for £1,750.00 so if you're interested call me on 07771 908 650 or 01530 274143 (UK) after 6 o'clock. If you fancy taking a closer look then we are just off the M42 Jct 11 near Ashby De la Zouch.
Simon Stubbings
Telephone: +44 (1530) 274143
Fax: +44 (1530) 274143
Mobile: +44 7771 908650
Email: sstubbings@perceptron.de
Date: 23rd February 2002
Headline: Supertwins Championship
Some of you have contacted us after noticing we have removed the earlier press release relating to the 2002 championship. It seems it's issue by the parties involved was a tad premature, with some venues yet to confirm participation. We suggest if you need further details contact contact NAST Chairman Rush Carruthers at Rush@SuperTwinsHQ.freeserve.co.uk, or NAST Secretary Sue Beneke at NitroSue@NTLWorld.com
Date: 23rd February 2002
Headline: Sko Uno Drag Festival 2002
Mantorp Park, Sweden, July 25th-28th, a round of the FIA European Drag Racing Championships, the FIM/UEM European Drag Bike Championships and the Nordic Drag Racing Series.
In an aim to provide a better race event we have decided to extend the 2002 Sko Uno Drag Festival to four days. We felt this change will benefit sponsors, media, visitors and all racers attending the event. With growing interest from racers, media, spectators and supporting companies for the event we feel very optimistic about the future. We believe this investment in the event will mark the next stage of the growth of the Drag Festival event and of Drag Racing in Sweden and Europe.
The other news is that in the aim to improve only pre-entries will be allowed. Scheduling of an event of this size is difficult enough without not knowing the actual numbers prior to race day. By instigating this change we feel that we should be able to have a better show and make all involved parties enjoy the event even more.
There will still be a deadline for normal entry at normal entry fee (June 24th). But the alteration from previous years is that racers can enter late (by approval) but subject to a late entry fee until the Friday (July 19th) the week before the actual event.
We hope that all participating parties will welcome these changes and we look forward to seeing you and / or working with you all at the event.
Best regards
Fredrik Bernshed and Kjell Pettersson
On behalf of Mantorp Park and the Organisations committee for the 2002 Sko Uno Drag Festival.
Entry forms, supplementary regulations and other information about the Sko Uno Drag Festival will be posted on http://www.dragracing.se and http://www.motorevents.com in the future, so make sure that you are visiting these sites regularly.
Please contact Mantorp Park for information about Media Pass application, Hospitality package, trade spaces, tickets or any other queries regarding the event.
Mantorp Park
590 17 Mantorp
Sweden
Tel: +46 (0) 142 298850
Fax: +46 (0) 142 298869
Email: info@mantorppark.com
Web: http://www.motorevents.com
Date: 23rd February 2002
Headline: 2002 Streetfighters HP Shootout
This year's Streetfighters/Big CC Horsepower Shootout will take place on the last weekend in July with Streetfighters Magazine once again joining forces with Sean and the lads at Big CC Racing in Wokingham.
To tempt you along we're offering to give up £500 to the owner of the most powerful (privately-owned bike) to turn up on the day. That's right, we're giving away five hundred good English pounds just for running your bike on the dyno ...
There are four (fairly self-explanatory) classes for privately-owned bikes:
Normally Aspirated
Nitrous
Turbo
Unlimited (turbo/nitrous/supercharged/whatever)
with trophies for the winners in each class, plus that whopping £500 for the most powerful bike of the day.
And there's also now a new prestigious 'Trade' class which is open to all tuning/dyno shops in order to allow them to show off their skills too.
For more info on that, please contact Sean on 01189 776744.
All bikes entered must have a valid tax disc and/or a current MoT certificate to prove (ahem ...) that they are 'street' bikes.
Entry is free and is run on a 'first come, first served' basis, so we recommend that you prebook your place.
Send your entry, with a brief description of your bike, to:
Ultimate Horsepower Shootout
Streetfighters
The Isis Building
Thames Quay
193 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SG
And get yourself booked in!
Dave Manning
Date: 23rd February 2002
Headline: Medecine Hat to compete in UEM Championship?
Having watched the UEM round from Norway on TV, can I ask the question of the producers "Who the f**k are Medicine Hat, and why not show a taster of Comp Bike instead?"
Alan Delisle
Date: 22nd February 2002
Headline: Busy Ben
Look's like Ben Beneke's been busy:-
http://www.stripbike.com/beneke.html
Date: 22nd February 2002
Headline: Websites of the week
Two other sites worth looking at courtesy of Marc Fossey:-
http://www.streetdreamz.com and http://www.streetbikeshootout.com
Date: 22nd February 2002
Headline: Almost Gainesville!
Yes...in a very short few days......nitro, clutch, rubber , VP16 smells will again mingle with the Marlboros and various beers, throw in some french fries, hamburgers, greasy bacon, eggs not done right and I think we have a start to the season (not to mention the non maintained restrooms smell....)
'Bout time!
Gary Larsen
Date: 21st February 2002
Headline: Mystery rider competition
It's that time for another competition - but we're pretty sure that it'll stump most of you despite the rider being very well known today....
Who, What bike, When, and Where?
Date: 21st February 2002
Headline: M R E used Cams for sale
CAM 385-25-IN NEW MEGACYCLE GS1100/1150 INTAKE CAM. 390" LIFT, 252^ DURATION @ .040" $130
CAM 385-85-EX NEW MEGACYCLE GS1100/1150 EXHAUST CAM. 420" LIFT, 256^ DURATION @ .040" $110
Contact MRERACE@aol.com
Date: 21st February 2002
Headline: N.W.K 3 SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSIONS
Can't afford a Weismann? Need one for a Suzuki?
AIR OPERATION VIA LOW AMP SOLENOID
BAR MOUNTED SWITCH OR ELECTRONIC SHIFT SYSTEM
NO GEAR LEVER
NO SHIFT DRUM OR FORKS
THE ABILITY TO BACK OFF POWER WITHOUT DAMAGING THE GEARBOX
EXTERNAL IDENTIFICATION OF GEAR POSITION
30-40mm SHAFT SIZE FOR MAXIMUM STRENGTH
DOUBLE WIDTH OUTPUT SPROCKET SPLINES
FITS SUZUKI,KAWASAKI AND YAMAHA
GEAR RATIOS TO SUIT YOUR APPLICATION
TEL-ANDY 01827 718385 OR EMAIL Mickpinthegroove@aol.com
Date: 20th February 2002
Headline: Funnybike for hire
Paul Rose Motorsports also announced from their lavish Twickenham HQ that their Suzuki Funnybike will be for hire for the 2002 season.
For a price of £350 per meeting, PRM will supply the bike, spare engine, race mechanics and pit crew - all you have to do is turn up with your helmet, leathers and licence and race.
Interested parties should contact Paul Rose on 01784 251941, or e mail PRM@kingracing.com
Date: 20th February 2002
Headline: Paul Rose Motorsports to sponsor Carter
In a press release from Paul Rose Motorsports today, it was announced that Superstreet rider Tony Clark will be supported for the 2002 season by the multifaceted PRM organisation.
Date: 20th February 2002
Headline: Girl's kick butt!
Look's like Fiona Moor will be back in Super Street this year.
Fiona, who has been out for a number of years bringing up a young family, is well remembered for her 8 second passes on her GS based machine.
Look out guys!
Date: 19th February 2002
Headline: Superstreet ramblings
WELL SAID CANNON !
I've sorted loads more possible clutch settings for this year (as opposed to the 2 settings I had before - '9.90' and 'wheelie!'), and a data recorder to record what I miss as I hurtle down the track with my eyes shut. I'm also going to start with less power than usual, but can build up to just under 400bhp when I'm happy with the launch. That reminds me - must get that spare engine sorted, ready for the other one melting (more overtime required)......
I laugh at all my 8.7 second et's! Roll on 8.0 !!! (ok - 8.6 then...)
Dave (No.4 again) Bailey
Date: 19th February 2002
Headline: Abuse
Reference CANNON'S comments on power managment,I couldn't of said it better myself.
Preparation and Planning Prevents P**SPOOR Performance - it's time to start thinking lads not abusing the power.
Steve Foster
Date: 18th February 2002
Headline: Surely not
The real news?
http://www.btinternet.com/~quartermileracing/eurodragster.htm
Date: 18th February 2002
Headline: Pre-Main Event private test.
Santa Pod Raceway are still taking bookings for a private test day planned for the weekend before the FIA Main Event. The test day, which has become an annual fixture, is this year planned for Saturday 25th May provided that there is enough interest from teams. A regular Run What You Brung takes place the next day, Sunday 26th May.
Teams planning to attend this test day are asked to contact Santa Pod Raceway as soon as possible either by E-Mail at test@santapod.fsnet.co.uk, or by Fax for the attention of Kjell Petterson at 01234 782818 (from outside the UK +44 1234 782818). Only pre-bookings will be accepted, and teams are asked to contact Santa Pod by 2nd April.
Date:
Headline: Cattle Class
Nice pictures of one cool truck and I have to say whilst sat here in my luxury office that I know that the man with large tinged Y fronts would not let you bunch of wasters near it, but sitting in it was bad enough. I did, however, wonder why the seats STANK so much with a combination of the stinker farting in it and you lot just getting in - especially Neil the bastard. I can now confirm it as a registered British vehicle, and have taken great delight in wiping the smile off several hot hatch drivers faces. Hell, I may even wind up the boost and race it - who knows? But thanks anyway guys.
Oh, by the way, I will not be taking up 2 seats on this next trip as I will be 1st class all the way, but I'll be sure to send the traveling peasants in the cheap seats some champagne back. Shame you're not coming Dutch - free champagne!
Ah one more week 'til the hot sun again.....
Cannon
Date: 18th February 2002
Headline: Wannabee's??
Just received my entry form for the 1st Round of Super Series @ SCR on 4-6 May. Come on all you 10.90 / 9.90 National wanabees, have a go and tick the 10.50 or 9.50 box when you enter.
Fred Furlong
Date: 18th February 2002
Headline: Superstreet Ramblings?
Re the superstreet ramblings and the comments made, firstly not many of you will know this but Ian Dales went 8.39 back in 92 with a chassis same as GS and with a 1260 aspirated GSXR engine that made 210 crankshaft horsepower. Now I know Ian doesn't weigh more than a bad visit to the toilet by the big stinker after a night on the wings from hooters, but the bike was set up and run with checks of clutch management and computer and this was a clear case that power to weight works. G, by his own admission, only claims 280 hp and he has gone 8.1.so where's the problem guys? I watch superstreet as it is one of my preferred classes, but there are bikes out there that will run at the top if the time and effort was put in to data recording and good clutch settings etc. I do however feel that the big horse power is needed to run in the 7 sec bracket but a good rider ,clutch management and a good UEM track will be the key.
The bike that I am now building will be a good example as to what is required. If I can get Jack Frost to do a few meets, then we can work at it but as we will be running 400+hp, then its down to power management.
As most of you know my funnybike ran 7.33 with me on but I know with timing slips alone we could have run a 7.0, this from a bike that has run 6.7s. Neil Midgley will vouch it is down to using the power you have in the best managed way to suit the tracks you are racing at, so methinks a bit less whingeing and a bit more thought into bike and race set up.
Cannon
Date: 17th February 2002
Headline: Jack O'Malley Dies
Jack O'Malley, hailed by many as a forefather of dragbike racing, has died of a heart attack at the age of 49.
Alongside the likes of Terry Vance, Byron Hines, Russ Collins and Eraldo Ferracci, O'Malley was one of major innovators of motorcycle drag racing.
Started in 1973 in Freeport, New York, Orient Express became one of the leading aftermarket companies.
In 1997, he sold it to long time employee Skip Dowling. More recently, O'Malley owned a motorcycle dealership in New York called Orient Express Motorsports.
O'Malley's innovations include his billet automatic transmission and advances in turbocharging, ably demostrated by Terry Kizer in the seat of the famous Suzuki Funnybike.
O'Malley is survived by wife Allison and children Ryan and Taylor.
Date: 17th February 2002
Headline: The Pie Truck
Following the first glimpse of the Pie Truck, Cannons much talked about new pick up, I feel now is the time to reveal how said truck was `run in' for the purpose of entry to England as a `used' item......
On our last day in Clearwater following a Gainesville weekender, and with Cannon safely on his way home occuPIEing seats 11A AND 11B, there was just enough time for lunch and some shopping before departure for Blighty. After a luxury luncheon at `Landry's' of Oysters and Lobster there was still time for some Pie Truck testing.
Firstly, the top speed run - `Plenty' - the only thing between us and the big mph was the rusty tinge in Jay's oversized Y fronts...
`Traction Control' - left to `Neil the Bastard' - big failure, tyres blown away on the launch....
`Tyre Wear' - another failure....
`Air Conditioning Efficiency' - I took care of that one - still not good, but I'm sure the oysters were off.....
Finally - `Quality and Feel of Interior against your skin' - ah, very nice.....
Thank's for the first test Cannon - Dutch Dave, Neil the Bastard, Ten Bellies and Spanner say a big `had her' to the Pie Truck.....
Date: 17th February 2002
Headline: Wrong points?
re Superstreet bike SuperSeries winners 2001.
Second place man has been confirmed by the organisers as Graham Dance - not myself, as indicated on the website and your postings.
I think Graham knows, but then again, maybe not.
Thanks, Dave Bailey.
Gossip comment:-
Hi Dave, we were going on the final points listings on the Super Series website that gave you as 2nd!
Date: 17th February 2002
Headline: Not the last word??
Hey Paul I am not going to turn this into a slanging match. If you had 150 bhp on a strong bottom end then stick a pro mod gas kit on which could give you 200bhp - hey presto 350bhp.
Pete Bellenie
Date: 17th February 2002
Headline: Streetbike or 8.90 to kill Superstreet?
In reply to Grumpys accusation that your budget needs to be large to go fast, maybe he has missed Tony Clarks achievements. Tony has no reload motors (£10k in the van), no data loggers(£2k with sensors), no multi stage carlos fandango Dyna 4000 ignition (£1100 for all the parts). What he does have is rider ability i.e. he's a great rider and a great team / setup guy in Ken Cooper. If you keep on bleating that you can only go fast if you have 'considerably more money than the others have' then nobody will enter the sport, as there will be absolutely no skill involved - just wallet thickness.
I don't wish to butter up my buddy Watkins but he is the eternal washing machine rider (he would probably get one of those down the strip in 8.3 seconds too!). Mark took Guy Chamberlain's Superstreet bike that I had bought for £2200 with a STANDARD (that's rods too) GSXR motor in, added a set of flat slides (£300), a 1216 bigbore KIT (£375), and a progressive controller(£400). My best time on the bike was 9.00 @ 165mph. Watkins 8.5secs @ 166mph. That's skill boys! Start learning how to ride and not to moan. I should go on to add that Mark did go on to spend a considerable ammount of money' and only went 2 tenths quicker!
A move to 9.5 will probably be a good idea but I think 8.9 or Streetbike may kill off Superstreet, its kinda like inventing a class to suit ya time.
Having said all of this I'd like to mention that for those with big budgets my number is 0208 500 5770! Bradders
Date: 17th February 2002
Headline: Looking good.....
Ian,
It's OK to be jealous.
Just going to have a look at ianking.com now....
Oh no! It doesn't exist!
Andy Holten
Date: 16th February 2002
Headline: I really love you Helen.......
If you are interested in seeing how good Helen Curran looks on a Pro Stock bike, surf to http://helencurran.com and click the link under the photos to see pics of her at the Frank Hawley drag race school last year. There are also some sneak previews of the Paul Rose Racing machine she will be riding this year in the photo gallery at http://www.cooperizedracing.com ...Enjoy!
Andy Holten
Date: 16th February 2002
Headline: Grumpy's retort
To reply once again to Pete Bellenies comments,I am VERY well aware that BROCK runs 7's. But I, as well as most people here, don't have his budget. You must surely know by now how much it would cost to build a GSXR engine to produce 350hp + and propel 500+lbs bike up the quarter. Thats why you went and got a state of the art chassis built - you see its all about power to weight, and also it's better to have 15-20 bikes running low 9's high 8's than 4 bikes running 8.4 and quicker. You only have to look what happened to Pro mod cars to see what happens when performance = progress - how many Pro mod cars did you see last year? NONE this is not just Grumpy moaning but a valid point from a lot of 10.90 and 9.90 racers. THEY feel they have no way to move up to SS as it's TOO big a jump. However if you would like to ADVISE me on how to get my bike to run 7's I would be grateful as to getting the power down. I thought 1.48 60ft was ok better than most Superstreeters......
Paul Watson
Date: 16th February 2002
Headline: 9.50 fer me!
With reference to Stan and Grumpys comments, 9.50 is the way to go as far as I am concerned because this will close the gap between the bracket racers and SS. And lets face it, anyone can buy a 10.50 bike off the shelf these days, so we will still get beginners starting in 10.50. BUT - I think the rules for SS need looking at as well. Sorry Grumps, but Im not sure about this ride out malarky - my bike was not built for the road - and anyway, what a waste of valuable drinking time after the racing!!!! Thanks v much to the gossip comment, now I know where to be and when - cheers -
Rat TPHQ
Date: 15th February 2002
Headline: Lack of courtesy?
As per our recent post about prize winners at the Super Series dinner, we have been disappointed to hear that many riders who finished in the top two positions have not bothered to buy tickets, and have not even extended the courtesy of sending their apologies:-
"After a poor turnout from the bike contingent last year, it is very important that all first and second placed riders make the effort to attend to collect their trophies this year. If we expect Obsession to provide races for us this year, we should reciprocate by supporting them.
Winners and runners up in all classes were:-
TF - Steve Woollatt & Ian King
FB - Tim Blakemore & Ken Cooper
PS - Dave Beck & Chris Hope
CB - Helen Curran & Andy Newcombe
SS - Tony Clark & Dave Bailey
9.90 - Jamie Sneddon & Paul Watson
10.90 - Darren Winnard & Steve Templeman"
Bearing in mind the fragile situation we find ourselves in this year, it should not be beyond the wit of anyone to think about the impact of either not attending, or at least not sending a note or e mail to say they cannot attend.
We have been warned......
Date: 15th February 2002
Headline: Great Class...YES.
To pick up on Paul Watson's point re Streetbike. I totally agree there needs to be a class between 9.90 and S/Street for people to progress to, and it should be street based with similar rules to 9.90 and indexed to 8.90 or so to keep a lid on costs. Also there must always be a 10.90 / 50 class to bring people like ourselves into the sport in the first place, some of whom would go on to higher levels. If there is no entry level class in 10 years time there won't be anybody to ride Top Fuel etc.
There needs to be debate but more importantly there needs to be a decision made and stuck to so we can all plan for 2003 and ahead. I know everybody in the bike ET part of the pits has a view on this, so let's hear it. If you want change then say so, if you don't then say, either way make your voice heard. There is an opportunity for change and we either take it or lose it.
Dave Stanley
Date: 15th February 2002
Headline: SPRC Championship?
Will there be a SPRC Championship for 10.90 bike this year and if so how many rounds will it consist of? I would also urge anyone wishing to try 10.50 to enter the three rounds at SCR.
Fred Furlong
Gossip comment:-
As per our previous reply to RAT - Team Pants, there will be 10.90 and 9.90 at SPRC and hence an SPRC championship. The rounds will at their Easter, Main Event, Summer, Euro Finals and SPRC Finals meets hence five rounds.
Date: 15th February 2002
Headline: Moaning?
Paul Grumpy Watson - Stop moaning about SS bike! You have a bike that is capable of running seven second runs - Brock did it in the States, you just have to get the power down on the track. It's not all about money or sugar loads of power it's about setting the bike up properly to gain the most out of the power you have and put it on the track. I don't have an ex Pro stock bike, I have built a new bike with suspension. I haven't done very well on it yet but I do intend to. I could get it mot'd and taxed with stop lights etc. but I didn't build it for the road I built it for the strip, so I for one would not want to go on a cruise. Perhaps it would be good to bring in a streetbike class, but how long before the 10.90 riders complain that the quick boys in that class are too fast and they can't compete. I think 10.50 and 9.50 is a better way to go and its a bit nearer SS, but then you can run that anyway.
Peter Bellenie
Date: 15th February 2002
Headline: BIG BRACKET?
NO OFFENCE TO RICH BUT WHY WOULD A PRO STOCK OR COMP BIKE TEAM BE INTERESTED IN A BRACKET CLASS? YOU MAY AS WELL JUST BUILD A BIKE TO RUN 9.4 SECS - CHEAP BUT BORING. LEAVE THE SLICK TYRED CLASSES AS IS
CHEERS
MICK (COMP BIKE).
Date: 15th February 2002
Headline: Racers Hospitality Support at Santa Pod
Dear Racer
I hope that your preparation for the coming season is going according to plan. We would like to take this opportunity to inform you that Santa Pod Raceway are now reserving hospitality bookings.
We have Racers Hospitality Support Packages for the two UEM / FIA Rounds here at Santa Pod Raceway available now.
FIA Main Event - Saturday 1st,Sunday 2nd & Monday 3rd June 2002
European Finals - Friday 6th,Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September 2002
This is a perfect way for your sponsors and business partners to attend the race meeting in comfort and style, and let us look after them for you!
If you book in tables of 10 you will have your own reserved table for your guests, but we accept groups from 2-200 people.
The closing date for the "Main Event" is Friday 17th May 2002.
If you would like to book your hospitality package or require further information, please contact me in the office on +44 (0) 1234 782828 or via email at kelly@santapod.fsnet.co.uk.
Kind Regards
Kelly Ingall
Date: 14th February 2002
Headline: Great class?
STREETBIKE now what a great class and not as bradders said for the SS boys to step back, but for street legal bikes. I would be quite willing to take a trip around Rushden just like the custom car boys on my bandit - how about the rest of the Superstreet boys, I wonder how many could? This is what I was saying before about the ex Pro stockers, let's face it even BRAD on his busa with 300hp can only run 8.7 - hardly competitive but it is a streetbike. So come on all you 10.90 and 9.90 riders here's your chance - nothing gets done at the riders and drivers meeting so if you want this next year you have to sort this out now or things will stay the same.
Paul Watson
Date: 14th February 2002
Headline: Big bracket?
I have always wondered why there wasn't a sportsman dial-in class for bikes. I would be interested in running in a bracket of say 8 - 9.4 seconds. I think that the streetbike classes i.e. 10.90 and 9.90 should stay and perhaps riders from Pro-stock, Superstreet and Comp bike running in the sportsman class with anything goes. This would give riders the opportunity to run good e.t.'s without spending the huge amounts needed to remain competitive in other classes.
Rich Fielding
Gossip comment:_
Although an all in one bracket could be an idea, the problem does not lay with the slick tyred classes, but with the street tyred ones. This is where there is concern amongst the riders at the performance gap between indexes and the fastest SS bikes.
As an aside, if you had an all included bracket, why would you not include the 10.90 and 9.90 bikes in it too?
Date: 14th February 2002
Headline: R. Norvegicus and confused
Anyone who knows me will know that I am easily confused, so could somebody please just send me a list of dates, places and which class I am supposed to be running in at each meet. After the SPRC meeting, I decided to move up to SS, (because the bracket racing was supposed to stay at 9.90), and I was only going to do 9.90 when there was no SS class. Now we have got 9.50 too, so I've now got 3 classes to race in - confused - no s**t sherlock!
Rat - Team Pants
Gossip comment:-
If your chosen class is Superstreet, then the ACU Championship is for you, and is run on the following dates:-
30th March - 1st April Santa Pod
4th- 6th May Avon Park
15th - 16th June Avon Park
29th - 30th June Santa Pod
24th - 26th August Avon Park
28th - 29th September Santa Pod
As all three Super Series events are ACU, and they are the only track to run the 9.50 class for this season, then the only events where SS will not run will be at Santa Pod for the Main Event, European Finals and the SPRC Finals at the end of September. So, in summary, you have six SS events, and three 9.90 events.
Date: 13th February 2002
Headline: Prostock engine for sale
Larsson racing is selling:-
The 7.50 sec Prostock engine "Raptor" used in 2001.
Complete engine with 5-speed V&H auto gearbox, less exhaust system, carbs, clutch and clutch hubs.
The engine is fitted with new crank, new engine case, new piston-rings, new valve springs, new serviced head. The engine is ready to race!
Put on carbs, exhaust system and clutch and you are ready to fly.....
Price £3300
Interested, send an e-mail to alracing@telia.com or call +46 70 268 06 11
Anders Larsson
Date: 13th February 2002
Headline: Sportsman classes
The option 3) (Streetbike class) is a good idea and much better than 8.90, but how long do you think it will take for the usual suspects, Dance, Clark, Pointer, Venables, Watkins etc, to get a grip of a slightly different chassis setup and start running mid to low eights again. We'll be loading em up with weights next for going too fast and adding points of a second for being ugly and fast (this obviously doesn't include Watkins ,who as we know is a babe magnet). Isn't it about time us slllooowww boys started to catch up, instead of trying to slow em down.
Bradders
Gossip comment:-
Nooooo, the idea is not to slow anyone down. Streetbike would not replace Superstreet, it would be a class between the fastest index class (9.90 or 9.50) and SS. It would be a haven for the slower SS bikes and the faster index ones. Messrs Dance, Clarke et al would still be in SS (unless they wanted to step back).
Date: 13th February 2002
Headline: Sportsman classes
Streetbike class sounds a good idea (they'd do well at the Bulldog too) though I see the wheelbase max is only 1600mm as opposed to 1730mm (63" / 68") which may need mentioning.
So would 9.90 bike be slow enough for new entrants (assuming 10.90 is out the window)? Especially in the case of people new to bikes, as mentioned by Red Ken last year.
Difficult, isn't it? personally I'm all for more ACU recognised classes.
Back to the 9.90 being slow enough for 'learners'... depends on the bike I suppose, something long with not much power (130bhp say)is loads easier and safer to do 9.90 on than a short wheelbase, high power (170-200bhp!) bike - believe me (I'm sure Dave Hall agrees, though Andy Haley on his Kawa H2 might not)!
Also, 'streetbike' class will give people an idea of the cost involved in running a non-bracket class before they dive into 'Superstreet bike'.
Roll on the new season ! I can't wait (better put the bike back together I suppose)!
Dave Bailey
Date: 12th February 2002
Headline: Sportsman classes
Subsequent to the announcement that there would be no National Championship for the Sportsman classes for 2002, we have received numerous mails and telephone proposals for the future format.
Basically, it has raised the issue of the gap in performance between the fastest index class (9.90) and the quickest of the Superstreet bikes (low 8 seconds).
There are various scenarios that could be considered, but the most important thing to consider is that at least one club has little room for additional classes, and in fact, the pressure has been on them to reduce the number of classes overall.
Consequently, this would result in any new classes substituting for an existing one.
So, if there was a need to bridge the gap between the Index classes and the faster Superstreet bikes, hypothetical solutions could be:-
1) Change existing indexes from 10.90 and 9.90 to 10.50 and 9.50
2) Drop the 10.90 class, and substitute a 8.90 class
3) Drop the 10.90 class, and substitute the `old' Streetbike class as in the ACU rulebook (similar to Topbike at Streetfighters, generally capable of low 9 secong high 8 second passes).
4) Drop all index classes in favour of a dial your own index with handicapped tree.
The benefit of scenario 3) is that the Streetbike class, as a heads up class, would be a fully recognised ACU British Championship class, and would benefit from the status afforded it, and an additional end of season prize fund (currently £500 winner, £350 runner up and £150 for third).
All of these are hypothetical scenarios for discussion and we must stress that none are planned by any club at this time.
Let's get the discussion going in order that we can fully explore a realistic, fair and applicable format (even if it is the status quo) for proposal for the 2003 season.
Date: 12th February 2002
Headline: Clarke’s preseason testing
Tony (Mr Superstreet) Clarke narrowly missed disaster at Saturday’s dinner dance and trophy presentation.
Whilst demonstrating the technique of pulling wheelies he crashed and burned his dining chair into the Armco. Tony had managed to incline his chair to an unbelievable 146.54 degrees (a new national record) before his luck ran out.
Although he wasn’t wearing protective clothing he was not seriously injured, (luckily he didn’t land on his wallet).
However, there were casualties, his Yorkshire pudding suffered a compound fracture of the crust and one of his roast potatoes and a carrot were cut and bruised.
A benevolent race team who were in the vicinity at the time and who were almost struck by an airborne parsnip have offered to fit Tony’s chair with wheelie bars for his next post-dinner demonstration.
Mr Chumley-Warner
Date: 12th February 2002
Headline: APIRA WORK PARTY DETAIL
Over indulged over the Winter break? Looking for something to do to get back into that Summer trim ready for the 2002 Drag Racing season at Shakespeare County Raceway? Then why not book a place at the Shakespeare County Spring Break Fitness Centre for a weekend of exercise and fun!
The Fat Club it ain't but we're looking for a volunteer work force to get Shakespeare County Raceway back into shape after a winter of freezing and rainy conditions.
The APIRA Fitness Training schedule includes all the usual pre-season duties; launch pad scraping, armco painting, building maintenance (Wheelchair facility, Race Control, Pit Office & Track Shop). Your instructor Bruno has plenty for you to do. Work parties have already started and will continue every weekend up until the first Super Series event in May.
Bruno also wants to add that there will be a Marshal's meeting during the Easter break (March 29th/April 1st). Food and hot/cold drinks will be laid on during the working day. The weekend also includes an informal 'bring your own' barbeque at FAST HQ Saturday and Sunday evenings.
All marshal's who consider they have a position for the 2002 race season at Shakespeare County Raceway MUST attend and bring with them last years 'Track Pass' and 2 passport size photos. If you do not attend we must consider that you have no intentions of working at Shakespeare County Raceway this season.
For further information contact Bruno Sanderson-Brown on 0121 556 4140 or E-mail: fastbruno@netscapeonline.co.uk.
Date: 11th February 2002
Headline: Index classes at Super Series events
Whilst talking to people at the SPRC Dinner on Saturday night, it was clear that many Sportsman racers were disappointed at the demise of the National Championship for this season.
The message was clear, they hope that the two organisations can get together and ensure that for 2003 they can have a series that can be sold to their sponsors of National stature.
At the same time, they were unclear about the actual index classes to be run at SCR, with some under the misapprehension that 9.90 and 10.90 had been dropped in favour of 9.50 and 10.50.
To reiterate, it is planned for the existing (.90) classes to remain, and for the new (.50) classe to be offered and run should there be enough to form a field. The benefit to riders is that they will be able to test proposed indexes and see if it is for them. At the same time, they can compete in two championships as before, i.e. the SPRC and APIRA series.
Remember, the APIRA AGM is planned for the morning after the Gala evening. At this time, you will have the opportunity to discuss your points with the club and promoter. Order your tickets now!
Date: 11th February 2002
Headline: Desperately seeking Roland!
I'm trying to get hold of Roland Chaplain as he had a 9" back wheel for sale, or if anyone else has one please contact me as a friend of mine needs one asap.
Hope you all had a good weekend at the SPRC do. Zane's well into the new frame, updates on bootsoop racing site. I will soon be putting secondary write ups, covering parts I buy and changes & mods to make them work (also costs….)
If anyone wants to comment or ask anything about the project please drop me an email.
Steve Clutterbuck
Gossip comment:-
Well Roland, where are you?
Date: 10th February 2002
Headline: King Racing win Best Appearing Bike
Ian King of King Racing would like to thank all of those that voted to make the King Racing Top Fuel bike winner of the Santa Pod racers Club best appearing bike category for the 2001 season. Of course, winning such an award is not possible without the collective efforts of the team and our sponsors. In winning this award in particular, we would like to thank House of Kolor UK for providing what are, without doubt, the best custom paint finishes on the market, Simon Butterworth of Image Paintwork for his fabulous skills at custom painting, Ian Turburville for the crew uniforms and embroidery, Royston Signs and Graphics for the vinyls and signage, and Vanson Leathers for the superlative race leathers.
House of Kolor UK - 01302 341788 http://www.houseofkolor.com
Image paintwork - 01763 245927
Turboville - 0115 955 2963 http://www.turboville.com
Royston Signs and Graphics - 01763 245578 http://www.customize.co.uk
Vanson Leathers UK - 01822 835809 http://www.vansonleathers.com
Date: 10th February 2002
Headline: SUPER SERIES PRE-SEASON GALA EVENING & AWARDS
The social event of Obsession Motorsports year, the Super Series Pre-Season Gala Evening & Awards Ceremony taking place at the Claredndon Suite, Edgbaston, Birmingham is just 3 weeks away on Saturday March 2nd.
Organisers would like to remind all racers, teams and fans that booking forms must be completed and returned by next Tuesday February 19th. If you're one of the lucky winners or runners-up and you can't be present on the night, please can you inform Obsession Motorsports at superseries@eurodragster.com.
Just to remind everyone, the evening starts at 7.00pm followed by the awards ceremony, raffle, and then a disco until 12.30am. There is a choice of three-course menus or vegetarian option.
Tickets are £22.50 per person.
Special rates are avilalble at two hotels within walking distance of the Clarendon Suite. They are the Quality Hotel on 0121 454 6621 and the Comfort Inn on 0121 454 8071. Quote "Two-day function at Clarendon Suite" to get the special rate.
Further details can be obtained by calling Obsession Motorsports on 01483 236262.
And don't forget, the APIRA AGM will be taking place at the same venue on Sunday 3rd March at 12.00 noon.
Date: 9th February 2002
Headline: SPRC Dinner
Well, we're just off to the annual SPRC bash. We'll be back tomorrow with any news of drink induced shenanigans......
Date: 9th February 2002
Headline: New riders site
Comp bike rider Barry Holland and his 10.90 bike riding son Nick now have their own web page:-
http://www.flyingdutchmandragbikes.co.uk.
Date: 8th February 2002
Headline: New TL1000 tested by Star Racing
Apparently, George Bryce and Star Racing recently tested the new Suzuki TL 1000-R Pro Stock Motorcycle in Gainesville, Florida, that Angelle Savoie will ride in the forthcoming NHRA rounds.
Angelle was unable to attend the tests as her flight was cancelled due to bad weather over Atlanta.
Ex - Prostar Pro Stock Champion Fred Collis actually did the testing on the new bike featuring a Kosman chassis and AirTech body work.
Fred made a best pass of 7.16 with a 1.07 60 foot time. The bike makes it's competition debut at the NHRA Gatornationals on March 15th-17th at Gainesville.
Information courtesy www.starracing.com
Date: 8th February 2002
Headline: Rich Fielding's Competition Bike
We'd like to thank Rich for sending us a picture of his mystery vintage Pro stocker that he plans to race in Comp Bike this year - looking good Rich!
Date: 8th February 2002
Headline: Mystery Bike and Rider competition
Seems that the latest quiz posed by Ivan sansom caught you all out with not one answer coming even close. Look's like the PC game is safe till next time:-
Who? Geoff Matthews
Name of bike? Divine Madness
Powerplant? Blown CB750 SOHC
Date? June 1981
Location? Long Marston Raceway bike pits.
Date: 7th February 2002
Headline: Sportsman classes
As mentioned in the previous article, APIRA will not be running the inter club national championship at the Super Series events. However, they will be running the existing 10.90 and 9.90 classes as a club championship and 10.50 and 9.50 classes too if there are enough entries. So, if any of you wish to take advantage of this trial format, please register your interest with the APIRA asap.
It does require a reasonable level of support for the classes to run, so it will probably need a minimum of 8 riders per class for them to run.
Now is your chance to try and see if this index is the right one for you, or if you want to prove the need for these `new' indexes.
Date: 7th February 2002
Headline: Super Series
As you may know, Obsession Motorsports have declined to run the inter club National Championship for this season.
However, it means that they will now be able to fit another round of the ACU British Championship into their second meeting, resulting in an 6 round championship:-
30th March - 1st April Santa Pod
4th- 6th May Avon Park
15th - 16th June Avon Park
29th - 30th June Santa Pod
24th - 26th August Avon Park
28th - 29th September Santa Pod
Date: 7th February 2002
Headline: Europeans on US TV
Follwoing on from coverage of the Pro Stock bikes and Supertwins UEM Championship on Sky Sports and Swedish TV, Speedvision in the US aired coverage of the Finland and first Santa Pod round last night and caused quite a stir amongst US dragbike fans, starved of such racing on the box. They were amazed that the European Championship got air time, when they struggle to get air time for their own series!
As we explained to them, a lot of effort over the last two years, and many tens of thousands in costs by TV rights owner Keith Bartlett led to a contract with said channel. TV does not come about unless you put this sort of money and effort in.
The same programmes are also scheduled for Fox 10 in Australia, and also a French channel.
It's a shame that due to cost constraints the Competition Bike class does not feature in the run of 5 half hour programmes.
Date: 7th February 2002
Headline: Yellow? Who me?
Yellow Metal Running in Comp Bike... I'll get me coat !!!
John Roberts
Date: 6th February 2002
Headline: Fox Mulder Nationals?
OK, how about this then, a new date and venue for the AHDRA, it's true!!
April 13-14
Alien Nationals
Roswell Dragway - Roswell, New Mexico
Perhaps we will find out what's in 'hanger 13' at last!! But will it pass tech and run the numbers? Beam me up Scotty!
Turbo
Date: 6th February 2002
Headline: Hooters moment.......
http://www.mototuneusa.com website of the week?? You bet!!
Be sure to check out the babes.....
Marius - Koedam Racing
Date: 6th February 2002
Headline: Yellow Metal
Just looked at the pics of the Yellow Metal alky bike,looks ace, well done guys, if it goes as well as it looks hope your not running in the comp bike class.
Regards,
Mick Pitfield (comp bike).
Gossip comment:-
Yup, Comp Bike!
Date: 6th February 2002
Headline: More V Rod Stocker detail
Some more information on the V&H V-Rod Pro Stocker from an article in Cycle World magazine ( March 02 ). Motor is 160 cu inch 2 valves per cylinder V twin. Bore & Stroke = 4.75" x 4.50". Crankcase machined from a 275 pound lump of billet now weighs in at 38 pounds. A 4340 steel crank with single crankpin has side by side plain-bearing con rods. Titanium valves are 2.50" Inlet and 2.125" Exhaust. Each cylinder has 2 x 10mm spark plugs. Cams are located just under the heads keeping the pushrods as short as possible ( 7.0" ). Cams are housed in oil baths. Comp. ratio = 16.2:1. 2 x Holley 950 Commander fuel injectors feed the beast. Power output is expected to be 340h.p. at 8500 rpm. A 5-speed box drives a 10.0" slick. Rider will be 18 year old "GT" Tonglet. Harley Davidson have diverted funds from the old VR racing venture into Drag Racing.
Jonny Lane
Gossip comment:-
Thanks Jonny!
Date: 5th February 2002
Headline: Yellow metal snaps
As promised, Bob Brooks supplied us with pictures of the Yellow Metal blown Alky bike, shortly before firing up where "all the alterations to the clutch and fuel system that I did last week worked out great. The motor is sounding much sharper. Roll on Easter!"
Thanks Bob:-
Date: 5th February 2002
Headline: Teboul on Top Gear?
Well, not quite, but a picture of the French Top Fuel Bike rider on his Peroxide Rocket Bike in the February issue of Top Gear Magazine.
Date: 5th February 2002
Headline: Website of the week!
The website of the week title surely has to go to this one - anyone for head porting?
http://www.mototuneusa.com/homework.htm
Date: 4th February 2002
Headline: Pete's funeral
We have now received details of Peter Walker's funeral. It is to be held at Kettering Crematorium at 2:15 pm this Wednesday, 6th February.
Peter's family have asked that no flowers be sent, but donations in lieu can be sent to:
Toby Hunt 34 The Square Earl's Barton Northamptonshire NN6 0NA
Cheques should be made payable to Toby Hunt Donations Account, and should be accompanied by a note stating that the donation is in memory of Peter Walker, plus the name of the donor.
Date: 4th February 2002
Headline: Sverre's new cases
Following on from our piece on Norwegian Top Fuel bike rider Sverre Dahl's new billet cases, here are some spy pics:-
Date: 4th February 2002
Headline: More Dragbikes in the press
Following on from the articles on Angelles Savoies Star bike, Larry Layes Turbo Hayabusa and Terry Vance's Top Fuel foray in the February issue of Cycle News, the March issue also features an in depth article on the new Vance and Hines Pro stocker, including a picture on the front page.
For those of you who cannot locate a copy in the local shop, contact the Magazine Man on 01270 878080 or e mail magazines@themagazineman.co.uk who will be happy to sell you copies of both (or either!). Just remember to tell them where you read about them!
Date: 3rd February 2002
Headline: More spec on the V&H HD Pro Stocker
It has been reported that the engine has pushrods that are 7" long, 2.5" intake and 2.125 exhaust valves with lift of .945 at the valve. The bore is reported to be 4.75" and the stroke to be 4.5" giving 160 cubic inches with a 16.2 compression ratio. It seems the whole motor, heads, crankcase, cylinders and crank are all CNC machined out of solid blocks of material.
Date: 3rd February 2002
Headline: Holland to return
Barry Holland, 2000 ACU Comp Bike British Champion, has informed us that he is to return this season in the same class on an ex Ray Debben Prostocker - on nitrous!
Barry, who works for TWR on their Arrows F1 engines alongside his son who works on their Indy Lights program, plans to share the costs with his son who has a Z1000 based machine for the 10.90 class.
Date: 3rd February 2002
Headline: Koedam Racing on display
Marius of Koedam Racing has informed us that their Top Fuel Puma will be on display at Holland's biggest motorcycle exhibition the "Motorbeurs Utrecht" on the 21st - 24th February.
It will be at the booth of their sponsor "DAKOTA" http://www.dakota-industry.de & http://www.dakotashop.de
Date: 3rd February 2002
Headline: Race goodies fer sale!
Just a few more things I've run across this week..........
USD USED-0802 SCHNITZ PNC-101 NOS CONTROLLER (JUST BACK FROM SCHNITZ, BRAND NEW BOARD INSTALLED AND UNIT TESTED BY DENNIS HIMSELF 01/02) $300
PIK K1259 WISECO 10.25:1 KIT FOR SUZUKI GS1150 1260CC / 78MM. INCLUDES PISTONS, RINGS, WRIST PINS, CIRCLIPS, HEAD GASKET AND CYLINDER SLEEVES, BRAND NEW IN THE BOX. $300
PIK P1259 WISECO 13.5:1 KIT FOR SUZUKI GS1150 1260CC / 78MM. INCLUDES PISTONS, RINGS, WRIST PINS, CIRCLIPS AND HEAD GASKET. BRAND NEW IN THE BOX $250
PIK K1202 WISECO 10.25:1 KIT FOR 83/84 GPZ1100. 1200CC / 76MM, INCLUDES PISTONS, RINGS, WRIST PINS, CIRCLIPS AND HEAD GASKET, BRAND NEW IN THE BOX $200
PIK P1290 WISECO 13.5:1 KIT FOR SUZUKI GS1100 1290CC / 79MM. INCLUDES PISTONS, RINGS, WRIST PINS, CIRCLIPS AND HEAD GASKET. BRAND NEW IN THE BOX $250
PIK P1322 WISECO BLANK DOME KIT FOR SUZUKI GS1100 1325CC / 80MM. INCLUDES PISTONS, RINGS, WRIST PINS, CIRCLIPS AND HEAD GASKET, BRAND NEW IN THE BOX $225
OIL COOLED GSXR1100 BIG BLOCK KIT WISECO R1216 PISTON KIT. 1216CC / 81MM, INCLUDES PISTONS, RINGS, WRIST PINS, CIRCLIPS, HEAD GASKET AND FINISHED BIG BLOCK, ALL BRAND NEW $700
CAM WEB-60-092 WEB CAM #110 GRIND .395" LIFT, 256^ DURATION @ .050" LIFT, DROP-IN STREET / STRIP CAMS. BRAND NEW SET $225
Jay at MRE:-
MRERACE@aol.com
Date: 2nd February 2002
Headline: Quiz
Our latest picture quiz comes courtesy of Ivan Sansom:-
Who was the rider?
Name of bike?
Powerplant?
When?
Location?
The FIRST person who gets ALL of the questions correct wins a copy of the superb motorcycle racing PC game, AMA Superbike.
But only if all are correct!
Date: 2nd February 2002
Headline: Swedish Steel ready to defend Championship
Reigning European Supertwin Champion , Anders “Charley” Karling of Täby, Sweden is defending his championship in the colours of Uddeholm Tooling, whose High Performance Steel products are used in a lot of his bike's fabrication.
Charley who works as technical consultant, constructed the 700 hp + powerplant in his own workshop with Uddeholm supplying him with materials. Engine block, crankshaft, connecting rods, piston pins, cylinder heads, cylinders and engine brackets are some of the major parts fabricated out of Uddeholm High Performance Steel products and Alumec. This, together with the fact that other major parts such as the frame (UCC/Karling), front end (Öhlins forks), brakes (ISR Brake Technology), clutch and transmission (Bentec), are Swedish made, makes the bike a true “Swedish Steel” product.
During the 2001 season the bike was top qualifier in all European Championship events winning two, setting a new European record, and winning the championship. The bikes best performance of running 0 - 216 mph in 6.48 seconds puts it number six in world performance ranking. Notable in this performance chart is that the world record is only one tenth of a second quicker (6.38) and that all five quicker bikes have been running at top performing racetracks in USA which are believed to provide better racing conditions than the European tracks.
Charley was born 1953 and started riding motorcycles in the late 60's. He participated in his first dragrace in 1985 riding his street Harley-Davidson. In 1989 he was one of the racers to found the new Super Twin Top Fuel Bike class and has been competing in it since then. His racing career have been crowned by five Swedish championships, three European championships and numerous event wins, one of them in USA when he won the All Harley Nationals in Indiana 1993. During February 2000 he was one of three Europeans to take part of the first Top Fuel Harley World Championship. The race was held in Australia and invited the top performing bikes from the European, American, Canadian and Australian racing series. During the event he ran the quickest side by side race ever to take place in Australia when going 6.76 against Johnny Mancuso running 6.74.
Charley is ably assisted by his crew of Christian Merlid, Viktoria Karling & Carina Dahl
Date: 2nd February 2002
Headline: Pete Walker tributes page
A tribute page for ACU Scrutineer Pete Walker has now been set up on http://www.eurodragster.com/sprc
For those wishing to post a tribute, please send them to petertributes@eurodragster.com
Date: 1st February 2002
Headline: Snaps of the new V&H Pro Stock Harley
Further to our piece on GT Tonglets ride on the new Vance and Hines Pro Stock bike, we
can now bring you these pictures courtesy of Pee Wee Byrne. 
It appears that the front head and rear head are symmetrical, with fins on one side and not the other. There is a jackshaft that runs between the cylinders to drive one set of cams and push rods one side of the motor and one set on the other side. The push rods must be inside the head and it looks like they used a gear drive from the crank to the clutch basket so if that is the case then the motor would turn in the conventional direction.
Date: 1st February 2002
Headline: A letter from the NHRA to Pro Stock riders
Dear Pro Stock Motorcycle teams,
This letter is to inform you that NHRA has accepted the Holley Performance Products Commander 950 ECU for use on Harley- Davidson motorcycles only.
This rule change is effective immediately. This will allow the Harley- Davidson motorcycles to use the electronic fuel injection for the entire 2002 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season beginning with the classes' season-opener at the Mac Tools Gatornationals, March 14-17.
Absolutely no modifications are allowed to the above-mentioned accepted system. There are no restrictions or limitations to the size of the venturi or fuel injector that can be used with this system.
Any other company/racer that would like to have a fuel injection system accepted must meet the requirements (which are available from NHRA Technical Services) and it must be submitted for final acceptance to NHRA Technical Services.
Should you have any questions or discussion, please call eilher myself at NHRA headquarters or Bob Blackwell at +1 816 795 6127.
Danny Gracia
National Technical Director - NHRA
Date: 31st January 2002
Headline: Brantley's first ride
Brian Johnson flew out last Thursday to meet up with Jimmy Brantley and start the
process of getting him used to the Top Fuel bike he acquired from BJ. 
Immokalee Regional Raceway in Florida was hired for testing, and Brantley completed three 1/8 mile starts. The first launch was kept soft, progressively getting harder and faster.
It is planned to next test at Orlando, a week prior to the Prostar season opener at Gainesville. It is also expected that Barry Van Hook, who bought Tony Lang's bike, to attend the same session in anticipation of competing at Gainesville.
Date: 31st January 2002
Headline: Pete Walker
We received the sad news yesterday that Santa Pod Racers Club motorcycle scrutineer Pete Walker had passed away after a short illness. Pete had become a regular figure at Santa Pod over the years, and was known for his cheerful demeanour. All of us at King Racing would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Pete's family and friends. Details of his funeral will follow soon.
Date: 31st January 2002
Headline: Pre-Main Event private test.
Santa Pod Raceway plan to run a private test day on the weekend before the FIA Main Event. The test day, which has become a regular fixture, is this year planned for Saturday 25th May provided that there is enough interest from teams. A regular Run What You Brung takes place the next day, Sunday 26th May.
Teams planning to attend this test day are asked to contact Santa Pod Raceway as soon as possible either by E-Mail at test@santapod.fsnet.co.uk, or by Fax for the attention of Kjell Petterson at 01234 782818 (from outside the UK +44 1234 782818). Only pre-bookings will be accepted, and teams are asked to contact Santa Pod by 2nd April.
Date: 30th January 2002
Headline: Vance & Hines Pro Stock Bike
Despite rumours that Tony Mullen would ride the new V&H Prostocker, HD have confirmed that GT Tonglet is to be the new jockey. Click on the following for the latest news:-
Date: 28th January 2002
Headline: Elmer inducted into Hall of Fame
On March 14 in Gainsville, Florida, the late Top Fuel Bike legend Elmer Trett will be inducted into the Don Garlits International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. The national televised ceremony will be held in conjunction with the NHRA Gatornationals.
Joining Elmer will be such drag racing legends as Connie Kalitta, "Jet Car" Roger Gustin, Darrell Gwynn, Pat Foster and several others.
Elmer is the only motorcycle drag racer ever inducted into the hall of fame.
Elmer's widow Jackie will be accepting the posthumous award.
For more information, click on: http://www.garlits.com/html/elmer_trett.html
Date: 28th January 2002
Headline: Want to become a scrutineer?
Due to some health problems for current bike scrutineer Pete Walker, Darren Prentice is looking for someone to join their team. Full training will be given.
If anyone is interested in becoming a key part of Santa Pod's team, please e-mail Darren at darren@sprcrd.fsnet.co.uk
Date: 27th January 2002
Headline: NHRA Dragracing 2 bargain!!!
King Racing have some genuine new copies of this latest PC Game for sale.
On it you can race the entire NHRA Circuit against the sports best drivers, take control and tune your dragster or funnycar for varying tack and weather conditions, and race against your friends and drivers from all around the world via the Moto1.net racing network.
You can even download images of some of the current UK Funnycars to race - The Showtime Car, the North Herts Engineering car to name but a few!
These are priced to sell at less than half the current published price.
We have a limited number at £10 including postage to anywhere in Europe!
e mail us with your order at admin@kingracing.com , or submit a gossip item.
Sorry, first come first served!
Date: 27th January 2002
Headline: King Racing V8 on the web!
Carl of the excellent Fangmeister website has informed us that he has now added the King Racing V8 Top Fuel bike to his section on V8 motorcycles. Click on the link to view the page:- http://www.thefang.co.uk/v-8s.htm
Date: 27th January 2002
Headline: Race parts for sale
MRE have some bargain used parts for sale:-
0222 CAM MOTION G7 EXHAUST CAM, EXCELLENT CONDITION - $100
0223 GS1100/1150 SLOTTED CAM SPROCKETS $20.00
0701 NITROUS EXPRESS PIRANHA FOGGER NOZZLE SET (4) $100
Mail us admin@kingracing.com with your interest.
Date: 26th January 2002
Headline: Sverre's new engine
Norway's fastest Top Fuel bike rider, Sverre Dahl, informed us that he is currently constructing some new cases out of billet for this season's campaign. We will publish some pictures of the impressive items in a few days time.
Date: 26th January 2002
Headline: Apologies
Just to send my apologies up front for not attending the Superseries dinner dance
I will be in the USA with Dave `I supply endless drag race gossip' Beck to watch and support him when he gets his 1st round dismissal as normal…..
But, who knows, things may change, he might send us some good gossip!
So apologies to Terry and the Obsession crew, I would have liked to be there to see Red Ken pick up the pot that I gifted him by dropping out of the series.
Well done to all, best regards, Cannon
Date: 26th January 2002
Headline: Junior Dragbike for sale
Anyone looking for a jr dragbike? Pocket rocket (new) with wheelie bars, race ready.
Will be at all AHDRA events until sold. If interested please email Rick at jeepdoc@esper.com
Date: 24th January 2002
Headline: Super Series Presentation Evening
If you want to attend the Super Series dinner dance and have not yet received a booking form then please contact Obsession Motorsports on 01483 236262.
Tickets are priced at£22.50 per head and bookings need confirming by February 19th.
The Clarendon Suites are situated off Hagley Road (2 Stirling Rd.) in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and although the suites do not have accomodation, there are many hotels within easy walking distance and the following hotels have offered special rates:
The Quality Inn (0121 454 6621) The Comfort Inn (0121 454 6621)
Please quote "Two day function at Clarendon Suites" when booking your reservation for the special rate.
After a poor turnout from the bike contingent last year, it is very important that all first and second placed riders make the effort to attend to collect their trophies this year. If we expect Obsession to provide races for us this year, we should reciprocate by supporting them.
Winners and runners up in all classes were:-
TF - Steve Woollatt & Ian King
FB - Tim Blakemore & Ken Cooper
PS - Dave Beck & Chris Hope
CB - Helen Curran & Andy Newcombe
SS - Tony Clark & Dave Bailey
9.90 - Jamie Sneddon & Paul Watson
10.90 - Darren Winnard & Steve Templeman
We hope to see you all there.....
Date: 24th January 2002
Headline: Website of the week
One of our young supporters, Harry Stedman, now has his own website. It contains some great pictures taken by Harry himself.
You can view his site by clicking on:-
http://harrysdragracingpage.freewebspace.com
Date: 24th January 2002
Headline: Charley's new clothes
FIM/UEM European Supertwin Champion Anders 'Charley' Karling has announced his new primary sponsor, Uddeholm, who manufacture and refine metal, under the trade name of `High Performance Steel'
Uddeholm have been an associate sponsor for some years and most of the bike is made from their line of products including engine block, crank, rods, piston pins, heads, cylinders, engine brackets and frame.
The bike will be on display at the motorcycle trade show at the Stockholm Fair on 24th-27th January, and during the following weekend at the Swedish World Championship Rally where Uddeholm are the event's major sponsor.
You can view Charley's bike in it's new livery by clicking on:-
http://www.eurodragster.com/news/020101-large.jpg
Date: 23rd January 2002
Headline: Mullen to ride HD?
The rumour circulating at present is that Tony Mullen has been lined up to ride the new Vance and Hines Prostock Harley.......
Date: 23rd January 2002
Headline: Mullen to ride HD?
Date: 23rd January 2002
Headline: Nitro Bikes confirmed
Look's like the Nitro Challenge planned for the Speedfreaks event at Santa Pod in May is shaping up well, with Ian King, Steve Woollatt and Roel Koedam taking on the HD's of Ton Pels, Rob Van Geffen and Charley Karling.
Date: 21st January 2002
Headline: ACU calendar (almost!)
We just heard from Santa Pod Racers Club who have confirmed that they will be running a meeting on the 29th and 30th June this year. It will include ACU classes (but no Top Fuel) and maybe Supertwins.
To be known as the Summer Nationals it replaces the Cannonball Event for 2002.
Terry Gibbs has also confirmed the Super Series calendar. Two of the events will be ACU classes, but the third (June) is still provisional.
Consequently, the ACU Calendar for this year is:-
March 30th-April 1st: Santa Pod (TF Bike round)
May 4th - 6th: SCR (TF Bike round)
June 15th - 16th: SCR (to be confirmed)
June 29th - 30th: Santa Pod
August 24th - 26th: SCR (TF Bike round)
September 28th - 29th: Santa Pod
Date: 21st January 2002
Headline: Bellyful?
It seems the gossip page is filled every day with something about how fat Cannon is or isn't or what his last meal was , can we just get back to drag racing gossip instead of something that would be better displayed on slimmers UK
Dave Beck
Gossip comment:-
Send us your news and gossip and we'll gladly banish Cannon to www.slimfast.com
Date: 21st January 2002
Headline: Alcohol's for drinking…………
Does anyone have any knowledge of setting up 4 cylinder Jap engines on injected methanol?
Roland Chaplain, email: rpc1002@cus.cam.ac.uk
Gossip comment:
Well certainly Gary Clarke seems to have good handle on it (with a Turbo), and Bill Hahn Jr or Senior should be able to help. Can anyone out there in Europe help?
Date: 21st January 2002
Headline: Big Bear in Zanes House
If anyone is interested Zane is now posting updates of the new chassis for my bike. This will run on to a complete step by step build up of the bike plus parts as I acquire them from various sources. Most will be used or home made and the target is to get a Fuel Harley on the track for under £8,000 and turn a 7 sec pass!
Click on http://www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk then look for `Bears chassis'
Steve Clutterbuck
Date: 20th January 2002
Headline: British and European Champions honoured
Last night saw the British and European champions honoured at British Motorcycle Sports premier shindig, the ACU Awards ceremony.
At the showpiece event, where champions of all motorcycle disciplines were honoured, Helen Curran, Tony Clarke and Ian King received their ACU Trophies, whilst Ian also received his European Trophy.
Date: 10th January 2002
Headline: French fags?
Phil Drake? Is that Phil "The flying fag-end" Drake? Fat bloke with the Gitanes bike? I remember you...
Lorcan Parnell
Date: 20th January 2002
Headline: Jest?
I hadn't realised that this site was used to slight it's users. I shall treat the entry by Mr Drake with the contempt it deserves.
Cannon --- did I see an offer cleverly disguised in your comments ??? Any help would be very welcome.
John Roberts
Gossip comment:-
Lighten up guys, you should take Phil Drakes post in the spirit it was posted - in jest!
Oh and Cannon cleverly disguising? Now that must be a joke.......
Date: 20th January 2002
Headline: DOLE RACER
John Roberts had a job until being made redundant recently through no fault of his own, and I'm sure will gain a new position in the near future. I think John is well aware that running a Drag Bike is easier when in gainful employment.We were having a joke hope you were Mr Drake, otherwise you may look a right Charlie.
Regards, Mick Pitfield: Mickinthegroove @aol.com
Date: 19th January 2002
Headline: Upton breaks, but wins award
Ex pat Brit, Jay Upton broke against Craig McPhee's Puma in the semi's of Top Bike at the ANDRA Nationals is Australia.
Craig McPhee went on to win the event, but Upton's 6.83 second run remained fastest time of the class, an Oz type of Comp Bike, that is dominated by Top Fuel bikes, Nitro Harleys and some Funny's.
However, Upton won the event `Best Engineered Award' - Congratulations to him and his team.
The other ex pat Brit, Steve Read, fared better by winning the Top Fuel Dragster class - well done Steve!
Date: 19th January 2002
Headline: Dole Racing
Perhaps Mr Roberts could improve his chances if he got himself a job....
Phil Drake
Date: 19th January 2002
Headline: Bottles for babies, Blowers for racers
Ah Cannon, I told you years ago a supercharger was the way to go!
Shaun Branch
Date: 19th January 2002
Headline: Pimpman?
Nice picture of the the truck and wots all this about Pimpmobile, I can't get me bitches in that!
And as for you John me old fruit you would do better taking some riding lessons as no amount of turbo or no2 will do you any good, this isn't sprinting ya know......
Regards, Cannon
Date: 19th January 2002
Headline: Playstation Dragracing
For those of you (like myself) who have been waiting for a dragrace game to come to the Playstation console your wait is over, kind of.
The people at Bethesda Softworks ("Burnout" & "Championship Burnout" for PC) have released the title "IHRA Dragracing" for the PS1. I got mine the other day @ Electronics Boutique for $9.99. If price is any indication of quality I can tell you that the graphics and the game play are a little corny. You can race sportsman cars all the way up to top fuelers. But the good news is they are releasing a new version for the PS2 on March 15. I'm sure without a doubt that the PS2 version will be up to our dragrace standards. Now we can get our race on even when it's raining, ( or snowing for us up here in the north east US).
You can check it out at http://www.bethsoft.com.
Reggie Showers
Date: 18th January 2002
Headline: Brits head the Oz Top Fuel pack
After three rounds of qualifying in the 2002 ANDRA Nationals in Australia, ex pat Brit Jay Upton leads qualifying in Top Bike (like our Comp Bike) with what we believe to be his fastest times ever on the ex Graham Nash Top Fuel Bike project:-
1.099 60ft, 2.794 330ft, 4.333 @ 150.81 1/8th, 5.726 1000ft, 6.836 @ 199.38 1/4
By the way, another ex pat Brit heads Top Fuel Dragster, Steve Read with a pass in the 4.9 second zone.
Date: 18th January 2002
Headline: Spiderman's pursuit of speed
We spoke to the quickest and fastest rider on Earth last night, Larry `Spiderman' McBride, about his plans for the coming season.
Not content with current 5 second performances, his plans for the coming season include all new Freedon Motorsports (Vance and Hines) Cylinder Heads to replace the current Vortex II items, an extra plate over his current three plate clutch to give him more slip control on marginal surfaces, and Carbon Fibre bodywork to save some weight over his current aluminium items.
Date: 18th January 2002
Headline: Transport share?
I'm looking to either share transport costs or hire space on another rider/driver's transport to get my Pro-stock bike to all the euro rounds this year. Call 01553 674381 or 07879 804973 or contact Straightline Racing
Cheers! Richard Gipp
Date: 18th January 2002
Headline: Almost as skint as Red Ken......
Dont believe a word of it (dole racer), I've heard talk of Big Valve heads being purchased by said person and a nos kit being made up as well. Gordon Brown pays bloody well these days eh John......
Mick, email: Mickinthegroove@aol.com
Date: 18th January 2002
Headline: Little Red........Ford?
Some of you may wonder what the fuss was all about regards Cannon's new Pimpmobile. Well, courtesy of BJ and Neil, we bring you a pic of said Supercharged Ford Lightning snapped in the pits at Gainesville:-
Oh, and it's not towing a U Haul.......
Date: 17th January 2002
Headline: Dole Racer?
Cannon's Diet.
Cannon, you can still park in the mother and baby slot and WALK in to buy those gutburgers !!!
Please, we (I) need all the help I can get this season as there appears to be a massive number of people threatening to come out in Comp bike this year with blown this, alcohol that etc. What chance have I got with 996cc normally aspirated and on the dole !!!
John Roberts
Date: 17th January 2002
Headline: Streetfighters dates
As promised here are the provisional dates for the Straightliners series - although they're provisional it does look likely that they will stand:-
March 31st - York Raceway
April 14th - Elvington
May 4-5th - Crail, Scotland
May 11-12th - York Raceway
June 16th - Elvington
June 29-30th - Donington
July 7th - Elvington
July 19-21st - Jurby, Isle of Man
August 11th - East Kirkby
August 26th - York Raceway
September 8th - Elvington
October 13th - Elvington
As you can see there's twelve rounds, with the points from the best 10 rounds to count. The weekend at Donington is a track day on the Saturday (although we'll have to wait & see how many of the 9.50 and Top Bike boys go out for a play...), with a 'do' in the evening, followed by the drag racing on the Sunday on the Melbourne straight and underneath the Dunlop bridge, where there's that big crest...
Dave Manning
Date: 17th January 2002
Headline: Insurance Salesman
Thanks Jim,
Sorted with some flux it always make things run smoother…………
Bernie
Date: 16th January 2002
Headline: Imperial Wizard sold!
UK Top Fuel Bike rider Brian Johnson has announced that the Imperial Wizard is now sold and on it's way to it's new owner, Jimmy Brantley of Fort Myers, Florida.
Some of you may remember the name as the guy who originally committed to buying the King Racing Top Fuel Bike last year before pulling out at the 11th hour.
Brian reports that Brantley's riding experience still only stretches to a Suzuki Hayabusa - so look on his face at the end of the first run should be interesting!
As part of the deal, BJ will be attending selected meetings in the US to tutor and tune the bike, and we also understand that his skills are in greater demand with another US based rider asking for his help.
Europe's loss is the USA's gain with both Barry Van Hook and now Brantley bolstering the class with proven low six second machines.
Good luck BJ!
Date: 16th January 2002
Headline: Lars Andersson
We heard from the UEM Drag Race Co ordinator, Lars Andersson that he was not in the best of health right now after suffering a heart attack. He hopes to be back on his feet soon, but he may not be able to commit as much to his role this year.
I'm sure all of you would like to join us at King Racing in wishing Lars a speedy return to good health.
Date: 16th January 2002
Headline: Cannon's on a diet !!
Once he picks up the Lightning he will no longer be able to go through the drive-thru at McDonalds !! Most people would not see this as too big a deal but, when you consider the massive number of trips his Royal Stinkship makes thru the Golden Arches, this could be the key to his finally getting under the 30 stone mark!! Phenomenal !!
Jay
Date: 16th January 2002
Headline: Dead Parrot returns?
At last we have fired up the rebuilt Yellow Metal. Only a few minor problems but nothing a couple of a days machining won't cure!!! Hopefully we will be out for Easter at the Pod either in Comp or Funny Bike, not sure which yet. I've only got to paint the bodywork, build wheelie bars and finish milling the front wheel now. The bike is similar format to that which we ran before i.e. blown injected alcohol with a dry slider clutch. We are now using the ubiquitous Suzuki having retired the Kawasaki. See you at the Pod! Now where's that Monty Python Sings cassette gone??????
Bob Brooks
Gossip comment:
We look forward to the return of Bob's unique machine.
Date: 16th January 2002
Headline: Bad Boy's (never sad boys……..)
Just writing to let you know that after a lot of problems I have got the site up and running again. I have updated with Bike photos from the European Finals, Flame & Thunder from the Pod, and the Bonfire Burn-up at Shakey with over 120 photos.
All the best for 2002!
Regards
Bill Sly http://www.badboysimagin.com
Date: 16th January 2002
Headline: Winnebago Insurance
Bernie, check out the following: http://www.adrianflux.co.uk/index.htm Not sure whether they do Winnie's, but they do most other things. I insured my motorhome/camper and my Yank through them so there is some hope!
Jim Broome
Date: 16th January 2002
Headline: Stopping the fast boys.
I read the article about funny bikes & fuelers having to merge (or not). It said about the difficulties in stopping the ever faster bikes. Well maybe I'm way off base, but how about the combo of slightly wider front wheel, bead lock rear wheel (most run this anyway} plus an ABS system with front rear balance pressure? Could this be an option open for comment - not rude or I'll set my daughter on you……
Cheers, Steve Clutterbuck
Date: 15th January 2002
Headline: Beck & Co. testing in Florida
Dave Beck tested the MRE Pro Mod over the weekend at Bradenton Morosports Park and notched his first six second pass in over a year. Quite a bit of excitement was packed into the 70 hours the boys were actually on the ground. Beck arrived Thursday night along with usual suspect Upperton and some fresh meat in the form of Al "Kyda" Cook and Graham "just call me G" Dance. Testing looked out of the question as Gainesville, Sunshine and Bradenton all had reported being closed. Nontheless, the boys assembled Roger's latest 2v Vortex top end Friday after a quiet start to the weekend Thursday night at the Palm Harbor Ale House. During the Hooter's big lunch Friday afternoon, the call came in from Bradenton that a Pro Mod car had rented the track for Sunday and we could test as well for the measley sum of $200.00 !! The bike was fired off Saturday and actually sounded quite good. We packed it up and got everything ready to go so as to be able to sit down at the Dogwater Cafe for the big Tampa Bay Bucs playoff game. Unfortunately, the lousy Buc's lost and we were forced to go for a late night outing at church. Saturday night ended quiet, but late, at nearly 4am!! Sunday dawned a marvelous day. Everyone was looking like S**T but we headed off to Bradenton better late than never. Beck blew the rust out of the both the rider and the bike to a great 7.01 at 184+ mph right off the trailer. After some adjustments to the bike we came out and ran a 6.99 at only 168 mph after Dave was forced to shut off early due to a slipping clutch!! The 1000' time was 5.78 compared to a 5.88 on the 7.01 !! Upon inspection after the run, the oil pump gear had shattered and caused the massive clutch slip late in the run. We decided to call it a day and after packing up it was time for the normal Beck show of "rush to the airport" with just over an hour to make the airport from the track........ Things do look promising for the season opener at Gainesville just seven weeks away.
Jay
Date: 15th January 2002
Headline: Insurer for Winnebago's?
Anybody got a recommendation for an insurer for Winnebago's? All the ones up here have never even heard of one.
Either post on here or E mail me please,
Berni - email: bernie@hepframe.fsnet.co.uk
Date: 15th January 2002
Headline: For Sale!
FOR SALE! My old bike stuff. Black leather bike jacket, childs size 36. £20
White, Blue & Pink Shoei Jet-X Helmet sixe x-small, 53-54 cm. For Jet ski / Motorcross. Never been used. £30
Blue & White kids O'Neal Motorcross trousers size 26, 8-10 yrs £10
Puple & Blue kids Wulf motorcross trousers size 24, 6-8 yrs £10
Blue & white body armour £5
White purple & blue Axo top with padded arms, size medium £5
Blue & puple Wulf top size 32 £5
Blue Wulf motorcross boots hardly used size 4 £15
White open face helmet size x-small 53-54 cm £5
Yamaha TZR 50 1991 Jap import Race Replica unrestricted £300
Jemma Cooper, email: ken.cooper1@virgin.net or call 020 8384 5921
Date: 14th January 2002
Headline: 70's throwback?
Your 'umble scribe, Ian King, is the subject of the latest team feature on Eurodragster. Click on the link below to laugh at the Lionels.......
http://www.eurodragster.com/news/features/king_racing.asp
Date: 14th January 2002
Headline: A.P.I.R.A. AGM CALLED
Following yesterday's news concerning Obsession Motorsports Trophy Presentation Night, the Avon Park International Racers Association's annual AGM for all club members and marshal's has been called for Sunday March 3rd, at the Clarendon Suite, Edgebaston, Birmingham starting at 12.00 midday and breaking for tea/coffee at 2.30pm. This follows on conveniently from the Super Series Presentation.
This is your chance to vote on important issues that affect you, the club members. So if any A.P.I.R.A. member have any points of interest they wish to be discussed should contact A.P.I.R.A. Club & Race Secretary Wendy Talbot, 121 High Road, Wortwell, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 0EN. Tel/Fax: 01379 740100 or e-mail wendy@shakespearecountyraceway.fsnet.co.uk. Everyone is welcome but non-members cannot vote.
Issued by Jeremy Cookson Shakespeare County Raceway Press Officer
Date: 13th January 2002
Headline: New Dragbike only magazine!
Well guys (and gals)... here you go. After the longest two and a half months of my life, I am pleased to announce that my company, Premier Publishing, will be releasing a new magazine in late February called National Dragbike Monthly. To the best of my knowledge, this is our sports first magazine that will dedicate 12 issues a year totally to the sport of motorcycle drag racing.
The magazine will be comprised of race coverage, bike features, bike build-ups, rider profiles, shop tours, new product releases, pro and sportsman columns, and more.
To date, if we include NHRA divisional races... there are more than 125 events that we would like to include in our 2002 race coverage.
We welcome you to visit our website, it gives many more details and should answer most of the questions you may have (release dates, subscription info, contact info, etc.). Please stop by our forum and let us know what you think. The website address is...
http://www.nationaldragbike.com.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the races!
Kevin Smith
Date: 13th January 2002
Headline: Where is it?
Hi Guys,
Joey Bon and I watched the foto contest regarding BJ's old bike with quite some interest; as you might know Joey Bon is racing BJ's old bike these days. He is quite anxious to know where the bottom fairing of the bike (as shown in the picture) has gone to. If anybody knows please let us know.
Kind regards
Joeri de Haas and Joey Bon
Gossip comment:-
Well, as I assume that Henk has told you he never had it, it's over to Roger, Mark or BJ - any idea's?
Date: 13th January 2002
Headline: ECS Engineering Supermag V for TF HD's
According to ECS Engineering, they have finally solved the problem of making a magneto work on a Harley Davidson. Through an extensive R&D aand test programme between ECS Engineering in North Carolina and BCR Engineering in California, they claim to have solved the problems of timing-speed-vibration.
Apparently, the secret is a drive adapter that bolts on the end of the magneto that solved the problems of timing and speed at which the mag is turned on a HD. By solving these two problems they have got a handle on the vibration problem too. This is now claimed to give the most reliable and hottest ignition system for fuel racing. It is claimed to be THE ignition to put HD's in the 5.90 bracket!
SUPER MAG V - Price: $2600
For more information contact:
ECS Engineering
PO Box 358
268 Bowlin Rd.
Bessemer City, NC 28016
Phone/Fax: 704-629-9686
Internet: www.ecs-eng.com
Date: 12th January 2002
Headline: New For Sale and Wanted Section
We now feature a For Sale and Wanted section on our Discussion Forum. Just click on the link on the above right, register, and post your own smalls!
Date: 12th January 2002
Headline: Prostar Re - evaluates New License Procedure
If you have read my recent article in Motorcycle Street & Strip regarding a new licensing procedure, you might be wondering if I have lost my mind! I will admit we grossly underestimated the number of experienced racers our original grandfathering policy would have left without a license.
Please accept my apology if that announcement caused you any concern or despair.
We have put those plans on hold and ask that you be patient with us as we reevaluate how this program can be administered while still allowing experienced racers to be grandfathered into the new licensing program.
If you compete with Prostar in 2002 prior to the implementation of a new policy, and hold a current license or complete the former licensing procedure during an event, you will not be affected by any new procedure. The intent of any new program is to ensure a safer racing environment with the reassurance that you as a racer do not have to worry about your competitor's ability to race safely.
I do strongly encourage those lesser-experienced members who do not currently hold a license and wish to compete in the future to attend one of the Doug Foley, JT Engineering or Frank Hawley drag racing schools. Any of these schools can issue Prostar license or upgrades for the appropriate classes. Doug Foley will conduct special (non-school) Prostar licensing sessions at select Prostar events for your convenience. Call 800-485-4746 or see their website at http://www.dougfoley.com.
We will keep you informed as to any future changes. Thank you for your patience and we look forward to seeing you at the races.
Keith Kizer
Date: 12th January 2002
Headline: SUPER SERIES PRESENATION NIGHT CONFIRMED
As posted in yesterday's Gossip, Obsession Motorsports have confirmed that the Super Series Presentation & Pre-Season Gala Night will be staged at the Clarendon Suite, Edgbaston, Birmingham on Saturday March 2nd to honour the 2001 champions. According to Jerry Cookson, the evening commences at 7.00pm till 12.30am.
Although the Clarendon Suite caters for functions only, there are plenty of good quality Hotels within easy walking distance (2 minutes from the Quality & Comfort Inn's with ample car parking).
If a company, racer or individual would like to offer draw prizes can they please contact Obsession Motorsports direct on the number below. All registered racers will recieve full details in the next few days, but for immediate information call Obsession Motorsports on 01483 236262.
Date: 11th January 2002
Headline: Super Series Dinner Dance - on!
We chatted to Terry and Tina Gibbs at the Autosport show yesterday. Although he could not yet confirm the Super Series programme for next year yet, they had just booked a venue and done a room deal with some hotels for the Super Series Dinner Dance. Let's all endeavour to book tickets for this event as without our support it may not happen. We need as many people in attendance as possible. Full details will follow soon.
Date: 11th January 2002
Headline: Autosport Show
At the Birmingham show yesterday, I chanced upon luminaries from the dragbike racing past in the shape of Graham Nash (ex NCK) and Richard Albans (TTS). On Richard's stand he had an amazing open wheel race car featuring two Hayabusa engines, tuned and modified by TTS.
Date: 11th January 2002
Headline: Street legal Top Fuel Bike!!!
We thought we'd seen it all, BUT thanks to Jay Eshbach of APE....
Here are photos of John Combs street legal Top Fuel Bike (it runs on petrol). Apparently he rides the bike as much as 200 miles on some days in Southern California:-
Date: 11th January 2002
Headline: Tony Lang's Top Fuel Bike
It's now been confirmed by Prostar that the final purchase of the MTC Top Fuel Bike by Barry Van Hook is now complete. Small modifications have been made to the bike, including lengthening the handlebar, to better accommodate the new rider and Van Hook plans on keeping the bike in Florida at MTC with planed test sessions in February. Van Hook's eyes are on a possible debut at the Prostar MRE Sunshine Nationals in Gainesville. "We will see where we are after I get a little time on the bike," said Van Hook. "I do not want to hurt the class by showing up to a race before I am ready."
Van Hook came to prominence after buying Keith Lynn's 6 second Funnybike last year. He's also quite a striking figure due to his size.
Date: 10th January 2002
Headline: Angelle in Cycle World
Look out for the February issue of the US magazine Cycle World. It features a great article on Angelle Savoie and Star Racing.
Date: 10th January 2002
Headline: Garage sale continues!
DYNA 4000 Pro (single plug) with coils £250 ono
Mallory/BHP mag to suit Kwak £200 ono
Honda CBR100FH complete front end less tyre £200 ono
Many other bits tel +44 07818 404031
Neil Diggens email: neil@gn-racing.co.uk
Date: 9th January 2002
Headline: The incredible shrinking leathers……….
Now the licence bit's sorted, thanks to Ian. Problem 2 My leathers appear to have shrunk. Who is the best for a new set in the UK ? Advice welcome please, either on here or E mail me.
Thanks, Bernard
Gossip comment:-
Well, I know I'm biased, but undoubtedly Vanson are the best in terms of quality and value for money. They are dragrace supporters, and support some of the UK teams, so please support them. They plan to attend at least one of the UEM rounds with a stand this year too.
If you go to their website you can see all the colours (inc. metallics) and styles, and also view other peoples race designs if you are in need of some ideas.
Vanson in the UK is headed by Simon Green, and he can be contacted at:-
Vanson Leathers
Baytree Cottage
Albaston
Gunnislake PL18 9AL
Tel : 01822 835809, Fax : 01822 835811
Email: vansonuk@hotmail.com
Website: www.vansonleathers.com
Date: 9th January 2002
Headline: Blow, don’t suck!
Hilborn alcohol turbo injection setup for GSX Suzuki, ex Nigel Patrick. PG150 pump, injectors, throttle body assembly, barrel valve etc. plus comprehensive book of words compiled by Nigel.
Also: set of OTT big bore headers with choice of 2 [0.6 & 0.7] Rajay exhaust housings and SS banana pipe.
Also: new SS Martek Hi-flo waste-gate for above.
Also: B.H.P. remote coil magneto.
All the above stuff is absolutely mint, price is negotiable, also much more GSX stuff, from a circlip to a complete Pro-Mod motor.
Phone: Pip on 0161 703 9536, or 07970 622650, or E mail: piphigham@hotmail.com
Date: 9th January 2002
Headline: Licensing
Just reading Bernie's comments on FIM/UEM licences, a question popped up. The UEM licence is classified as an european non championship licence, and would not be of use for International events. I may be wrong, but that's the impression that the ACU gave me when I spoke to them in November. As we have seen in the past, you need to find the correct person to speak to at the ACU as not everyone has the correct info. Sorry if this confuses the issue.
Regards, Neil Diggens
Gossip comment:-
It looks like you have misunderstood the license form. The FIA / UEM licence is ONLY a championship license, so you need to apply for one of these if you want to race in the UEM Championship.
There are two grades of FIM licence, one championship, and one non championship. These, as pointed out earlier, do not generally apply to us. We can use normally use our ACU licence should we wish to race in a European country that is not a round of the UEM championship (with ACU permission in the form of insurance cover from them), but some federations do not allow this licence. In that case, you must have a non championship international licence.
Date: 9th January 2002
Headline: Nitro Wars?
I just read that Bernies going V twin hunting. I know of three other Fuel Harleys well into construction around the country. I am involved in two of them plus my own new bike is taking shape. This can be followed on the bootsoop web site starting shortly. Looks like it could be looking up for twin cylinder nitro wars !!
Steve Clutterbuck
Date: 8th January 2002
Headline: To ECG or not to ECG
I have rung the ACU this morning and spoken to Alex Humphreys. She says she has spoken to other staff there on my behalf and that if you want an FIM licence you have to have the ECG done as it's the FIM not the ACU who insist on it. Who is right here. The ACU have been wrong before as you well know. I need an urgent decision on this as I am about to buy my flight tickets to go V twin shopping! I have tried twice to do the tests to renew my Funny Car licence and can't run for long enough to get a true reading as my knee gives way, nothing else. I no longer have a UK licence for cars so the Funny avenue is finished. Must sort this quickly.
Bernie Hepworth
Gossip comment:-
The key to this is FIM licence and UEM licence.
You need an FIM licence for true sanctioned World championships (GP's, WSB, Trials etc), but you only require a UEM (European) licence for all other International events. Consequently, you need a UEM licence for Drag Racing, not an FIM one. There is NO ECG requirement for UEM licence applications. When making your application you should indicate UEM licence application.
However, anyone who really needs an FIM licence for a non - dragrace requirement, can still get a waiver by application as described in our earlier post.
As the ACU stated, it is not them who have this requirement, but the FIM. You do not need it for a ACU British Championship class either.
If you need further clarification, Margaret Greenfield is the person who supplied this info.
We look forward to seeing you out racing - no more excuses!
Date: 8th January 2002
Headline: Prostar to Keep Funnybike as Separate Class in 2002
After a long debate and earlier announcement of combining Top Fuel and Funnybike, Keith Kizer, President of AMA/Prostar, officially announced today that Funnybike will remain as a separate class for the 2002 season.
The idea behind the combining of the classes was originally conceived to reduce the number of Professional categories. With Top Fuel as Prostar's premiere attraction, Prostar also features Funnybike, Pro Modified, Prostock, Formula Superbike (formerly known as Superbike) and Streetbike Shootout. The inclusion of the last two classes as professional categories has increased the time needed for Pro qualifying rounds to up to three hours at most events and has raised the combined professional purse to excessive levels.
In reviewing what to do about the problem, it appeared as though reducing the number of professional categories was the only solution. Factory participation and audience appeal ruled out cutting either of the two newest pro classes.
In June of 2001, Prostar announced that it would combine Funnybike and Pro Mod due to the close proximity of their elapsed times and speeds. That idea was quickly dismissed because the high number of entries and close competition in Pro Modified did not warrant penalizing a class that was functioning properly. The only other option was to omit Funnybike or combine it with Top Fuel, with the obvious problem being the one-half second difference in elapsed times.
After struggling for months on what to do, Kizer has decided to allow Funnybike to run as a separate class but will reduce the qualified field to a maximum of eight and reduce the purse to match the Pro Mod purse. In addition, Kizer will ask Funnybike and Top Fuel teams to form a rules committee and establish a set of rules by the end of the 2002 season that would allow TF and FB to be combined. The goal is simple, says Kizer, "The bikes must make lots of noise, go safely straight down the middle of the track and run in the mid six-second 220 mph range."
Kizer went on to say "Low six-second, 240 mph passes, currently ran by the elite of TF, are becoming dangerously too fast to stop at most facilities. The tracks are not getting longer and the ability to stop a one thousand pound motorcycle running 230 mph is becoming increasingly difficult."
Kizer says that if a plan is presented to him by the end of the year to accomplish this goal, he will keep the FB class until the new combined class debuts in the spring of 2004.
Rule changes will be made this season in Orient Express-sponsored Funnybike class which will allow more radical engine combinations similar to that of Top Fuel.
Date: 8th January 2002
Headline: Rich's mystery bike
Could Rich Fielding's new bike be Les Praters old 1000J Stocker? Maybe Jon Morton will know.
Dave Friend
Gossip comment:- sounds possible, we'll get a picture from Rich and show it to Les or Jon.
Date: 8th January 2002
Headline: Perceptive
Quote of the year so far goes to my missus, on my weight gain over xmas - "you are going to have to put a supercharger on that bike to try and keep up with everybody else now" Thanks for your interest Sam!.
Shaun Branch
Gossip comment:-
Hmmmm. If Sam has a white stick it could be a bit of a giveaway, and explain some other things………..
Date: 8th January 2002
Headline: Old git?
On the UEM licence renewal form it now says that us old gits have to have a stress related ECG done. If that's correct then that's me done as I can't run - I have a bad knee due to me not being any good at trials riding. Ah well darts it is then ! Or can I use my Maltese licence ? Any ideas ?
Bernie Hepworth
Gossip comment:-
Don't panic. It's correct that riders over 50 who wish to apply for an International (UEM / FIM) licence are normally required to have a favourable result of an `exercise tolerance electrocardiagram'. However, riders who are unable to take part in this type of test due to circumstances should as Bernie's, should submit a letter with their completed application explaining why they could not do so. The ACU doctor will then decide if an alternative health test should be undertaken.
Date: 7th January 2002
Headline: New Comp Bike
It looks like Rich Fielding will be running in Comp Bike in the newar future. He's just picked up a new bike, located with the help of Tim Blakemore.
It was descibed to him as a old "Z" pro stocker which may have been owned by BJ, however, he thinks it actually may have been an ex Barry Eastman machine
Apparently it is a Z1000J bodied drag bike, 8" wide rear tyre and wheelie bars etc fitted with the earlier 1428cc pro stock type engine.
We look forward to seeing Rich out on the machine soon!
Date: 7th January 2002
Headline: Ceri's Pro Stock garage sale!
Garage clearout; complete rolling chassis, ideal Super Street or above, ready to go, also V&H 1327cc GSX engine, as yet unused chassis with rear hub and adjusters, starter trolley and batteries. Also odds and ends; 20mm suzuki crank unused since rebuild, 40mm Lectrons, EFE crankcases 1xused and 1xunused, + consumables - g/box bits, clutch bits etc - length of ally bronze for Skulling a head, loads more, Monkey bike,
Phone for details 02380 898155
Ceri or Ross
Date: 7th January 2001
Headline: Pro 1 case price reduced!
We've just heard that the Pro 1 case price is to be reduced to $2290.00 US after cost reduction measures were introduced into their production process.
Date: 6th January 2001
Headline: Steve Dawson Aftermarket cases launched
The New Pro1 GS Cases are now finished and should be available from March 1 reports Guy Caputo. Steve at Instalfab has been busy all year working on these works of art for you racers who have been dying to have the ability to build a 2100cc motor.
The new Pro 1 cases will take the same crankshaft, transmission, clutch assembly and oil pump as original without any modifications. They come with all bolts supplied including 3/8" chrome-moly case main studs. The cases are bored to a standard 3.46" however they are capable of being bored out to 3.75". With this and a stroker kit, the capacity of an engine is increased to 2100cc. Steve says that “one of the concerns I've heard is the extra weight caused from the strengthening of the cases, however the actual weight will be only 2 lbs above stock.”
The retail price of the cases will be $2,900. And as of today They plan to have the production models available at the end of March.
The cases will be sold through FAST BY GAST:-
Order Line: (800) 866-3880
120 Industrial Drive - Grand Island, New York 14072
Phone: (716) 773-1536 - Fax: (716) 773-7509
e mail: sales@fastbygast.com
You can view pictures of these cases by clicking HERE
Date: 5th January 2002
Headline: Jaska's new crew!
New Baby born!!!
On January 3rd Finnish top fuel HD racer Jaska Salakari and his girlfriend Mape had a new baby boy - 3420g and 52cm.
All congratulations can be sent to salakari.racing@kolumbus.fi
Harry Räikkönen
Gossip comment:-
Congratulations to Jaska and Mape from all at King Racing!
So it's not true that those big Nitro Twins turn you into a Jaffa!
Date: 5th January 2002
Headline: Where is it now?
On an earlier post, Ric Naylor asked:-
"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?"
Anyhow, we located a picture of it from Turboville for those of you who have never seen it. It was piloted by current PRM rider Dave Knight:-
Date: 5th January 2002
Headline: Picture Quiz
The correct answers to the recent picture quiz are:-
Motorcycles Unlimited (Orange Crush) Imperial Wizard, ridden by BJ. It was 1986, and the two other characters were Dennis Priddle and Stu Bradbury. It was, of course, Rod Pallant's van, and the nickname from the early days of Motorcycle Weekly (later to become Motorcycling Weekly) was the Green 'Un.
As mentioned by Shaun, the rolling chassis was sold to Mark Pemble who slotted the offset Yamaha engine in it. It was then ridden by King Racing crew man Roger Forsythe, then Henk Geeve of the Netherlands and is now piloted by another Dutch rider, Joey Bon. We believe the chassis was originally built in 1975!
Date: 4th January 2002
Headline: Super Series Update
We've just got off the phone with Terry Gibbs, Super Series promoter.
He informed us that the saeson details are still yet to be finalised due to various factors outside of his control including his health problems, but he hopes to be able to make an announcement at the end of next week.
On another note, he mentioned that they were still looking for a suitable venue for the Super Series Dinner Dance, planned to take place around the end of February in the Midlands.
Date: 4th January 2002
Headline: Black Arai Visors for sale - CHEAP
I have for sale 20 genuine Arai black visors to suit Quantum, RX7 etc. at only £35 each.
Call or mail me your requierments
info@cannon-eng.co.uk
wk 01274 855886
mob 07775 501371
Date: 4th January 2001
Headline: Mystery quiz
We've had a wide range of answers to the latest quiz, but no one answered all the questions completely. Consequently, we've selected those answers closest. Correct answers tomorrow:-
What bike is it? Imperial Wizard. Who rode it? Brian Johnson. When? 1988. What was the nickname of the motorcycling paper sponsoring it? MCW. Who are the three characters near the bike? BJ, ?, Dennis Priddle. Who owns the van on the right? Rod Pallant.
Jim Broome
Imperial Wizard fresh from winning the no 1 plate in the states, BJ, 1985 Whit bank holiday at the pod, Rods van, Brian, Dennis Priddle and a mystery man!
Nick Pepper
Though I never saw the bike in this outfit (i.e. with this bodywork), I do know some of the answers. It is the former bike of B.J. when it was still equipped with a Kawasaki engine. Today it has a Yamaha engine and is in the hands of Joey Bon. Though hardly recognisable (because of the flat tummy….) the guy on the far left of the picture was the owner (B.J.) Again it's Rod Pallant's van on the picture.
Marius - Koedam Racing
It is the Motorcycles Unlimited Ahlfelt bike. Owner Bram Jansen (Brian Johnson in English). The other two guys I don't know. Van with boat windows can only be Rod Pallant's.
Ton Pels
You don't need to be a really old git for this one! I guess this is BJ's original fuel bike, also ridden by Mark Pemble, Roger Forsythe, Henk Geeve and now Joey Bon? BJ is on the left, I have no idea who the bloke on the right is, and having studied the picture for a while would still have to take a wild guess who the chap in the middle is....John Charlton? The van on the right is Rod Pallant's and the year............can I phone a friend? 1986. Have you noticed Brians sideburns are the same today as they were then! Tim does that dyno make Suzuki's go fast too?
Shaun Branch
Date: 3rd January 2002
Headline: Wanted
Wanted
Turbo wastegate (hi flow).
TEL Mick 01204 452641.
E mail: Mickinthegroove@aol.com
Date: 3rd January 2002
Headline: Picture competition
Now, time for another picture competition. Some of the questions are very easy, but:-
What bike is it?
Who rode it?
When?
What was the nickname of the motorcycling paper sponsoring it?
Who are the three characters near the bike?
Who owns the van on the right?
Date: 2nd January 2002
Headline: Discussion Forum
Whilst we're talking about photo's, click on thr Discussion Forum at the top right and have a look at the wide range of Two Stroke photos being posted by our friends over the pond!
Date: 2nd January 2002
Headline: Sorry!
We'd like to apologise for the lack of postings over the last few days. Scant Gosiip submissions, and a major program underway to finish our Photo Galleries have been the blame.
We hope to launch our extensive galleries within the next few days - watch this space!
Date: 2nd January 2002
Headline: Turbo Tim?
What's this all about then Tim?
Date: 1st January 2002
Headline: Happy New Year!
We'd like to wish you all a very Happy New Year from all at King Racing!
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