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Date: 31st October 2002
Headline: Paul Rose Motorsports in 2003
Rumour has it that popular team owner and philanthropist Paul `Getty' Rose's PR Motorsports are to step out of their Prostock Bike program for the 2003 season in favour of support for 2 teams running in the Funnybike and Top Fuel classes. Watch this space.....
Date: 31st October 2002
Headline: Funnybike changes
Following on from the proposals for the ACU Championship made two seasons ago, and the possibility of rule changes in Prostar for 2004, it seems that Swedish Funnybike riders may change their rules to allow aftermarket cases and seperate gearboxes for the Funnybike class in the future.
Date: 31st October 2002
Headline: King of the Rocketmen
http://www.nhra.com/2002/news/october/103003.html
Knowing Sammy as we all did, his sense of fun, and his many run ins with the American Drag racing establishment, which led to his adopting Santa Pod Raceway as the site of his greatest racing achievements, how fitting is it that NHRA.com are attributing their news of Sammy's passing to Eurodragster.com? Somehow, I think Sammy would have approved.......
Jon Crawford
Date: 31st October 2002
Headline: Angelle Fast Facts
- With her third NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championship, Angelle not only ties Matt Hines for the most consecutive titles in Pro Stock Bike, but also equals drag racing legend Shirley Muldowney's mark for most championships by a female competitor.
- Last weekend’s win was the 28th of Angelle's career (and sixth of the 2002 season) and second at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
- Angelle's 28 wins are the most by a female competitor in NHRA history.
- This is the first time Angelle has won three consecutive races in her career.
- Angelle has led the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle standings following 43 of the last 54 national events, dating back to the beginning of the 1999 season. She has been ranked first or second an amazing 60 of the last 64 events, dating back to the fourth event of 1998.
- Angelle has won 24 of her last 58 national event starts, has appeared in 32 final rounds and owns a 160-34 (.825) elimination round win record during that span. In that same period, she has also recorded 26 low qualifier efforts.
- Angelle's .782 (219-61) elimination-round win percentage is the best among all active drivers.
Date: 30th October 2002
Headline: Slammin Sammy, RIP
With courtesy to Tog at Eurodragster, we are very sorry to hear that legendary rocket car pilot Slammin' Sammy Miller has died.
Apparently, Sammy was killed in an accident yesterday whilst working in the Texas oilfields for his company Applied Force, and that the incident was unrelated to any of his own work.
In 1984 Sammy recorded a pass of 3.58 at Santa Pod Raceway which still stands as the absolute ET record anywhere on the planet.
We last saw Sammy in action at the Motorcycle dragrace event the Speedfreaks Ball at Santa Pod Raceway in May of this year, starting a comeback in typically spectacular fashion.
Sammy's influence was not only in the car field, as he was involved in the peroxide rocket bike programs of both the late Henk Vink and more recently, Eric Teboul.
Sammy is survived by his five children. To his children, and to all of Sammy's family and friends, King Racing send our very deepest sympathies.
For a full obituary, please see Tog's report on http://eurodragster.com
Date: 30th October 2002
Headline: Angelle Savoie and the Mohegan Sun Racing team hit the jackpot
At Sunday's final eliminations of the AC Delco Las Vegas Nationals, Star Racing took home both the national event win and the 2002 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle championship, which they accomplished in dramatic fashion, defeating rivals Craig Treble and Matt Hines in the semi-finals and final.
Coming into Las Vegas with a 173-point lead in the POWERade championship standings, the Star Racing team knew the title was in their reach. However, despite the temptation to count points, Angelle and crew simply focused on one thing - winning the race.
After qualifying second, Angelle opened eliminations against Karen Stoffer in a rematch of the Reading final. Running the second quickest pass of the round, Angelle's 7.308-second effort easily eliminated Stoffer, who slowed to an 8.855 elapsed time. In the second round, Angelle paced the Pro Stock Motorcycle field with a 7.293-second elapsed time to defeat Geno Scali. This set the stage for a dramatic semi-final, as Angelle would face rival Craig Treble, her closest pursuer in the points, and the only competitor with a chance to catch her in the championship chase. The picture was now perfectly clear - a win by the Star Racing entry would give them an insurmountable points lead, and their third consecutive championship. Throughout the season, Treble had been a worthy adversary, scrapping to stay in contention. However, this time the contest was over before it even started, as Treble left the starting line two hundredths of a second too soon, handing the automatic win, and in essence, the championship to Angelle, whose winning 7.288-second elapsed time gave her lane choice over Matt Hines in the final.
With the championship in hand, Angelle and the Mohegan Sun crew now looked to cap off the weekend with their sixth win of the season. However, they faced a tough assignment, as they would be facing long-time rival Hines, who had qualified in the No. 1 position. Once again, Angelle and the Mohegan Sun crew were ready for the challenge as she used a lightning-quick .408 reaction to leave the line three hundredths of a second ahead of her opponent, and used her quickest pass of the day at 7.247 seconds, with a top speed of 183.99 mph scoring a hole-shot win over a hard-charging Hines, whose 7.218-second pass at 190.65 mph was not enough to overcome Angelle's starting line advantage.
Date: 30th October 2002
Headline: Thanks from Paul Rose Motorsports!
Firstly, thanks to all who helped us this year – Banger, Scary Jane and Hubby Dave for their hospitality, Dave Beck, Roger Upperton, Al Cook, all the staff and crew at Santa Pod and Avon Park (sorry to hear about Terry and Tina – a major loss but good luck), all the workshops, Mark Dent, Richie, Viv and anyone else I’ve neglected to mention. Without all of you I could not have gone out to play!
Secondly – IT’S PARTY TIME! To celebrate 30 years of “what the f*** was that” (see Rod Pallant….), on Saturday 7th December, at London Road Head Office near Heathrow. Everybody welcome, we’ve got a live band, food, drink etc. If you want to stay bring your caravan or motorhomes, but if you’re quick there are 4 flats up for grabs for the night. Bring videos, CD’s bottles what have you. Come on, make the effort, ring for more info!
Paul Rose tel: 01784 251941 or mobile 07714 282504
Date: 30th October 2002
Headline: Unmissable……….
Looking forward to Saturday’s Flame and Thunder event, Denmark's Finn Asserbo is planning to make some test and tune passes on his Top Fuel bike. France’s Eric Teboul is confirmed as attending on his awesome Hydrogen Peroxide Rocket Bike, and Michael Kooy of Holland on his spectacular Jet engined Quad. In the ET brackets bike class, Richard Gipp and Sarah Jane Head are mixing it on their slick tyred bikes with the index specialists – whoops…… Don’t miss it!
Date: 30th October 2002
Headline: PRM Sale of the Century
Helen Curran’s ProStock bike. Trac chassis, Upperton Engine. 50 Passes, all as new - only £6950
ProStock rolling chassis, bars and body - £2000
Comp Bike rolling chassis, bars and body – run 7.9 secs - £2000
Funny Bike rolling chassis (John Clift) – 20 passes - £2300
Pro 4 Ignition + Handset, new in box - £500
Second hand NOS 4 cylinder kit c/w/ bottle - £300
Second hand MRE Airshifter kit complete - £100
Second hand MSD 1 Ignition c/w coils - £100
Will part exchange any road bikes for the above.
Paul Rose tel: 01784 251941 or mobile 07714 282504
Date: 29th October 2002
Headline: King Racing on TV
The King Racing team were yet again the subject of a TV documentary this year with the screening of `Dangerous Drivers' on UK Horizons last night.
Gossip comment :- Who, me, dangerous........?
Date: 28th October 2002
Headline: Want Carbon?
Dave Beck and Al Cook have announced that they will soon be adding to their range of carbon fibre products.
Alongside their existing high quality Carbon Fibre Prostock Hayabusa, ProMod and Funnybike bodies will be a new Suzuki TL1000 kit, and trick Suzuki 4V, and 2V Vortex Cam covers also in Carbon Fibre.
Contact Alan Cook E mail COOKGSXR@AOL.COM or Dave Beck beck.racing@virgin.net with your requirements.
Date: 28th October 2002
Headline: Desperately seeking
Can someone post or send me Per 2 speed Bengtsson’s e mail address please?
Thanks, Bernie H.
Gossip comment :- bentec@bentec.net
Date: 27th October 2002
Headline: Owt fer nowt
Ooop’s, I nearly forgot, of course I am having the customary retirement sale. The quality items included in this are:-
starter cart / Optima batteries / Pingel remote starter, Trac dynamics chassis, fully loaded datalogger, Leyland Roadrunner race transporter (sleeps 4), bike lift, 3 metre X 6 metre ez up c/w all sides, Toshiba colour laptop, 48 mm Lectrons, 1500cc block and pistons, Dyna download lead.
Give us a call if owt takes your fancy.
see ya soon
chris Tombleson e mail: CJTPRO4@AOL.COM
Date: 27th October 2002
Headline: Tumbledsome to quit
Hello Dragracing buddies everywhere, I’ll keep this short, but thought I would let you all know that after a lot of careful thought and consideration I have decided to hang up my faithful old Simpson and retire from the glitzy world of Prostock bike dragracing.
This is mainly to concentrate on work throughout 2003, but I also feel that for the level of commitment needed, the returns just do not stack up.
I hope for everybody in the UK and the rest of Europe that things are about to change and the racers start to reap the results they deserve both financially and get attention and recognition they deserve from the promoters and media. We are all working very hard to achieve the same goal, I know!
I will carry on with some small involvement during the coming season in the role of crewchief for Richard Gipp, and will be in charge of a total revamp of his prostock machine during the winter months. The good thing about that being I’m using his money!!!! He has purchased my 1570 engine which is also going through a winter loving programme at my expense, and Richard is currently on 2 bottles of scotch per day prior to a 3 month drying out session starting Jan 1st. This will be followed by an alcohol ban at race meets during 2003, otherwise we will all be fighting!!!!!!! JOKE??
The other thing I would like to say is that it was suggested I be the UK prostock bike rep. I’m afraid I will be declining the offer, but would like to propose either Chris Hope or Martin Bishop for this position. However, as I am no longer a rider maybe you will have other people you may want to propose. Either way a decision has to be made quickly I feel and I suggest it’s done on this Gossip column?
Finally a big thank you to all of you out there who make the sport so enjoyable, it really has been a gas. Thanks also to my family for enjoying it too, cos if they didn’t I guess I would have been retiring even sooner.
See you all soon with a remote starter in my hand, and no I ‘aint kipping in Gipps green van!!!!!!!
Chris Tombleson
Gossip comment :-
Sad news indeed for British and European dragracing in light of Chris’ commitment to flying the flag abroad. However, we understand his decision, and can only join him in hoping that thing’s improve for us in the future. Godd luck in your endeavours on the Sinwear Team…………
Date: 27th October 2002
Headline: How come?
Dave Earl of Trac Dynamics was posed a question regarding his use of aluminium for the new Apex frame.
Question:-
“It is my understanding that an aluminium frame must weigh the same as a mild steel frame to be as strong, and must weigh more to be as strong as a chrome moly frame... is my understanding wrong?”
Answer:-
“You are correct in a basic sense. If you take a 1 foot piece of 1" aluminium tubing and compare it to a 1 foot piece of 1" c/moly tubing, the c/moly tubing will in fact be stronger. However, the benefits of aluminium are in the entire structure and design of the chassis. With aluminium we are able to eliminate many sections of pieced together tubing and replace them with "one piece" sections of billet, resulting in a much stronger section. We are also able to utilize much larger extruded sections, such as our 3 1/4 by 1 5/8 rectangular sections which we have had made bridged in the centre. This is not possible out of steel. These are same techniques used by the OEM'S to manufacture their production frames, except they use cast instead of billet. Therefore, you are right to the extent that if we were to try to copy a current c/moly frame design out of aluminium, piece by piece, it would not be as strong. Therefore the entire design needs to be different.
Date: 26th October 2002
Headline: THE NEXT GENERATION IS HERE!
Chassis meisters Trac Dynamics have now announced their latest chassis, the all new ALUMINIUM Apex frame. It is believed that the chassis will cost around $3900 unpolished :-
NOW AVAILABLE FROM TRAC. THE ALL NEW APEX ALUMINUM RACE FRAME, A REVOLUTION IN CHASSIS DESIGN, THE NEW APEX UTILIZES SUPER STRONG BILLET REAR AND MID SECTIONS COMBINED WITH OUR EXCLUSIVE BRIDGED EXTRUDED RECTANGLE ARM SECTIONS TO GIVE YOU THE ABSOLUTE STRONGEST AND LIGHTEST FRAME EVER!
INCORPORATED FUEL CELL
FULLY HEAT TREATED TO T6 CONDITION
28mm AXLE "STANDARD"
EASY ENGINE ACCESS
1 PIECE BILLET REAR SECTIONS
EXCLUSIVE 3 1/4" BRIDGED EXTRUDED TUBING
SUPER STRONG BILLET CENTER SECTION (MACHINED FROM 17" X 16" SOLID T6 BILLET)
OUR LIGHTEST FRAME EVER 10lbs. LESS THAN OUR T4!
AVAILABLE FOR: SUZ GS ENGINES, KAW KZ ENGINES, KAW ZX12 ENGINES, KAW ZX11 ENGINES, SUZ HAYABUSA ENGINES, SUZ GSXR ENGINES.
Date: 26th October 2002
Headline: Get well soon Jim
Colleen Mattioli has reported with the sad news that Jim McClure is ill in hospital with an unknown ailment. He was admitted to hospital on Monday, the day after the IHRA finals and is still in there. They have been running tests & scans but cannot discover what is the problem as of yet. Apparently, he's been sick for several weeks now but progressively getting worse, losing over 15 lbs. in weight and suffering a lot of stomach pain.
Colleen has suggested that anyone who wishes to send cards or letters should do so to him at :-
Jim McClure
#3707 Rochambeau Drive
Williamsburg,
Virginia 23188
USA
Date: 26th October 2002
Headline: Puerto Rican Championship ATV's to Exhibit at AMA/Prostar
Subsequent to our scoop last week on the exhibition Quads to be run at the Prostar Finals, Prostar have now confirmed our story :-
Following an unsurpassed season at Puerto Rico International Speedway, also known as Salinas Speedway, the point leading, 4 wheel ATV's were invited to exhibit at the most important drag racing event for motorcycling enthusiasts in the USA.
This ATV category was first introduced at Salinas, Puerto Rico back in 1996 with only three tracks in attendance and only then the machines were limited to participating in sand drags.
Since that time, the country has embraced the sport and the racers have adapted to using techniques found on well prepared drag bikes. The racers watched and then adapted, wheelie bars, slicks, air shifters, headers, nitrous oxide, and alcohol. The following year of it's introduction these machines were producing 7.90 E.T.s in the 1/8 mile. With 200 plus participants the ATV's had their first points championship this season at Puerto Rico International Speedway, and they played a key role as part of the Salinas Annual Motorcycle Day. This years performances have produced 5.48 E.T. @ 126 mph on the foreign tracks. Sixteen ATV teams from Puerto Rico have been invited to take place in a special 16-bike ATV exhibition at the World Finals. This show is going to be a great surprise for all the fans attending the AMA/Prostar World Finals this year. The re will also be 16 additional teams from Puerto Rico that will compete in the Dynatek Pro ET Series, on the prime quality American asphalt of Gainesville. The Puerto Rico teams will be the only racers participating in the 4 wheel exhibition and this is not going to be a class or event in AMA/Prostar or the World Finals.
Date: 26th October 2002
Headline: Helmet Cams
Marion Ford, long known for his work building, tuning, and racing sportsman class bikes in the north east of the US, is now venturing into the multimedia world with the addition of Helmet Cams.
"I was not going to offer this service till I knew it was right" says Ford, "FBR has worked with various methods and equipment and have come up with a reliable package to offer the racers." Ford is referring to FBR making available Helmet Cam packages for racers to rent at the AMA/Prostar World finals in Gainesville Florida, Nov 10-12.
The package will consist of a small lightweight body pack and a miniature helmet mounted camera. The camera will record all aspects of the racers burnout, staging, and track run, and store the data in the body pack. When the racer returns the pack to the FBR trailer, the info will be downloaded and saved for the racer to keep on tape or disk.
The body pack method eliminates all problems associated with the wireless cameras used in the past. "With wireless cameras, the signal needs to be transmitted from the helmet cam pack to a receiver/recorder located in a trailer off-track, this leads to interference from timers and engine electronics" says Marion. Worse yet, wireless cameras have been known to interfere with delicate ignition electronics and cause inconsistent runs.
The Helmet Cam may be useful for racers to see the path that the bike is taking down the track, to see where they are paying most attention, hear engine sounds and shift points, or for just plain fun.
For $45 per day, FBR will set you up with the needed equipment and get you going. Once triggered, the camera will record with no intervention. Meaning you can keep your mind on racing. The camera will do the rest.
FBR will have television monitors on site where you will be able to see cameras in action and review your run if you would like. Stop by the FBR trailer in Gainesville, or visit http://www.thefbrshop.com to contact them and reserve a system.
Date: 25th October 2002
Headline: Wizard to be a Suzuki?
We spoke to Brian Johnson yesterday who gave us a summary of Jimmy Brantley’s comeback ride on the Imperial Wizard Top Fuel bike after the engine explosion that all but destroyed the bike.
The Alabama meeting was unsatisfactory in terms of performance, but unsurprising as the bike had to be rebuilt from the frame up. The first problem related to a faulty Waterman fuel pump causing premature wear. The pump had been sent back for reconditioning after a fitting had been smashed off in the fire. As this race was its first use it was to say the least disappointing after paying to have it checked and tested by the manufacturer.
A quick trip to the McBride pit with a fistful of dollars soon secured a spare one which was duly fitted.
However, despite a none too shabby 1.09 60 foot time, the bike failed to haul down the track due to problems with the clutch timer system (it does not start affecting performance to any great extent until after the 60ft mark). The clutch problem has been found and was due to a faulty sensor and is now fixed.
Moving forward, Brian has identified that to run with or surpass Larry McBride’s currently untouchable performances they need more comparable equipment. Unlike most of the Europeans who run with a capacity of around 1300cc, Larry runs over 1500cc, and utilises a 2 Valve purpose built head.from Ward Performance. The Imperial Wizard (as per the King Racing setup) uses a more fragile 4 Valve assembly, and Brian believes 2 Valve and big capacity is the way to run a 5 and keep everything as low maintenance as possible.
Of course, this change involves a significant amount of money. New engine cases with Suzuki cylinder spacings are under construction in the Puma workshops as we speak (to accommodate the Suzuki head configuration), and cylinder head(s) are to be ordered soon. Ancillary items like a new inlet manifold will also have to be considered, all in all a very expensive move, but as in any motorsport what isn't?
Date: 25th October 2002
Headline: Conspiracy of pressure sellers
Have you checked out www.justcoverit.com what a megga idea!
Brian - email: sheddyturner@aol.com
Gossip column :- I think we've got the picture........
Date: 25th October 2002
Headline: Bespoke bike covers
I have just come across the following website and thought some of the readers of your Gossip column may be interested:
Jim Broome
Date: 25th October 2002
Headline: Badboysimagin pics posted
Bill Sly has now posted the bike pictures taken at the Euro Finals at Santa Pod.
Click here to see more!
Date: 24th October 2002
Headline: Swedish Pro Stock rule change proposals
Proposal of rule changes in the 2003 FIM/UEM PSB class, from the Swedish federation :-
RR09 .3.11 Engine Manufacturer of the engine will determine the make of the bike. The engine must be of a type specifically designed and manufactured for a production motorcycle. Any modifications to the main engine cases are not allowed, except for repair purposes. Two cylinders and two-stroke engine crank and cases may be changed. *Aftermarket crankshaft is accepted, stroke my be changed.
9.3.16 Weight limits
2-valve DOHC with aftermarket cylinder head must be fitted with UEM approved cylinder head.
* Proposed changes
Anders Larsson
Date: 24th October 2002
Headline: Sub 6.5's aim for John Leret Racing.
Way to go Jan Egil K.!
We love to race that little chimney sweeper.....
Marius - Koedam Racing
Date: 24th October 2002
Headline: Department of corrections
Jon Leret Racing from Sweden??????
Last time I looked in my passport I was from NORWAY..
Gossip comment :-
You must be confused............
Date: 24th October 2002
Headline: Angele heads to Vegas
Angelle Savoie's 2002 season has been turbulent to say the least. Despite being the defending NHRA Pro Stock Bike champion, the 32-year-old New Orleans resident has had to deal with her share of unexpected difficulties throughout the season. It's been a rough few months lately, but her record-setting title run can help put the season in perspective. Savoie will try and become the second female in NHRA history to win three championships when she competes at this weekend's second annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. With 12 of 14 Pro Stock Bike races completed, Savoie enters Las Vegas with a 173-point lead in the POWERade standings over her closest competitor, Craig Treble. If she leaves Las Vegas ahead of Treble by 139 points or more, it's over. Savoie will have earned her third consecutive Pro Stock Bike championship, tying her with Top Fuel legend Shirley Muldowney for the most series championships earned by a female competitor.
Savoie's performance in 2002 has been nothing less than dominant. She has amassed a 36-7 record during eliminations, upping her career won-loss record in eliminations to 215-61 for a .779 winning percentage. She has five wins in seven final round appearances and has not lost in the first round since 1999 at Brainerd, Minn., an NHRA-record 45 straight events. Despite the success, Savoie's 2002 season has been marred by the acquisition and then the abrupt loss of a title sponsor, and accusations about her performance from several other Pro Stock Bike competitors. Savoie could become the ninth NHRA racer to win three consecutive professional titles and would join rival Matt Hines as the only riders to do it in the two-wheel category.
Date: 23rd October 2002
Headline: Trett Interview
We have got the first part of Fast Times magazine up on the web.
There is a link from http://www.aperaceparts.com or direct at http://www.aperaceparts.com/fasttimes.html
We are starting out with what we call "Vintage Fast Times". These will be reprints of articles we did in the print versions back in the eighties.
The first thing up is an interview with Elmer Trett in 1986 just as he broke into the 6.60 zone.
Enjoy.
Jay Esbach
Date: 23rd October 2002
Headline: Jon Leret Racing prepare for 2003
After a very good comeback season for Jon Leret Racing, we are now making a few preparations for the 2003 season.
Since we have had problems with the overall gear ratio (266mph at 10000rpm) due to a non adjustable rear wheel, Gunnar at Blåkulla frames in Sweden is making a new rear section of the frame with an adjustaable rear wheel to provide us with a more correct gear ratio. He is also making us a new stainless steel exhaust system, as we had to repair the old one in between nearly every round.
Per Bengtsson at Bentec in Sweden is going to put on a 2-stage system for our clutch and he is also fitting a bigger sprag in his so far very well working gearbox, our's originally from 1991.
We have a billet cylinder in production by Dave Branch at a very reasonable price, and I am also going to put in larger valves in my billet head. Hopefully, this will bring us below 6.5 secs but then again you never know!!
Hope to see you all out racing next season, in particular the Top Fuel Bikes!
Jan Egil Kongsrud - Jon Leret Racing, Norway (not Sweden..........)
Date: 23rd October 2002
Headline: Mark Cox Racing Rocked 'em at The Rock with First IHRA Victory
The IHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts 7th Annual World Finals this past weekend at Rockingham Dragway will go down in the history books for the Mark Cox Racing Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson team as they won their first-ever Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series event. "Our consistency paid off and we had some things go our way," said rider/owner Mark Cox. "It was our last chance to pull off a win in an IHRA race this season and we did it! It was good to win at home, our home track, and great for our sponsor, Bojangles."
The team dropped off the truck and ran a 6.45 ET in first round qualifying, putting them in the number two qualifying position early. Eventually, Mark Cox Racing qualified fourth with their consistent numbers. Previously this season, Cox had made it to eliminations six times in IHRA races and in five of those races lost in the first round. Rockingham proved to be a new game for Mark Cox Racing. In the first round of eliminations, Mark faced Johnny Mancuso for the first time this season, beating him with a 6.537 ET at 167.55 mph. Round two of eliminations placed Cox against Steve Stordeur, who had beaten Cox in the "Shootout". Cox got sweet revenge with a win over Stordeur, running a 6.951 ET at 167.16 mph.
For the finals, Cox came up against Ray Price for only the third time in 2002 IHRA competition. They had the identical reaction time of 0.440. Cox gained six one-hundredths of a second by the 60-foot mark and continued to pull ahead, beating Price with a 6.691 ET at 167.05 mph and a .0635 margin of victory, approximately 19 feet. "We've been running real well," added Johnny Vickers, builder and tuner of the Mark Cox Racing jackshaft bike. "We're not always the fastest, but we're consistently fast. This weekend the competition had to run their best to beat us and that helped force them to make mistakes. It's good to get this victory."
"We met our goals for this year, " added Cox. "We ran in the 40's with a jackshaft bike and have the first jackshaft high-gear bike to ever win an IHRA race. We had our personal best time this weekend of 6.44 ET at 209.30 mph. Although we didn't win the Shootout, we had a good qualifying effort and put ourselves in the position we wanted to be in for the race. The bike was really performing well at the low end, although our top end MPH still needs improving. We had our best one-eighth mile time, a good ET, but not necessarily a high mile per hour speed."
Sponsor Bojangles participated at the Rockingham Dragway with their chicken mascot on-site. Additionally, Mark Cox signed autographs for the fans during the weekend.
"We plan to build a new bike for 2003," said Cox. "We developed a very good relationship with Bojangles, which we hope to continue. Next year we may possibly give a run for the points race."
Mark Cox Racing gives a big thanks to their 2002 sponsors, including: Bojangles' Restaurants, Cross Roads Harley-Davidson, Wilkesboro HOG Chapter, AlliedSignal/Autolite, Barnett, Buell, Gates Rubber Company, Hawaya Racing, High Performance Coating, JIMS, LeBleu Bottled Water, Mac Brown Chevrolet, Performance Machine, Red Line Oil, Renegade, S&S Cycle, Simpson, Trailers of the East Coast, Tsubaki, Vanson Leathers and WTQR.
Date: 23rd October 2002
Headline: Ray Price Racing - Runner Up at Rockingham
Ray Price Racing, wrapped up its 2003 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series season with a wonderful IHRA CARQUEST World Finals weekend.
Price set a new track record at Rockingham Dragway at 219 mph. Price ran his personal best of 6.33 seconds in the ¼ mile. The team ended the season in third place in Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson class year end points, in the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series.
Price was runner up at the IHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts World Finals at Rockingham Dragway. Price drew the winning name for the Birthday Buell Blast Drawing, making Darrel Stolz one very happy Canadian. Needless to say it was an action packed weekend for Ray Price Racing.
More to come as the dust settles.
Special thanks to Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Raleigh H. O. G., Buell, Performance Machine, Ultra Pro Machining, Autolite Sparkplugs, Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Roy’s Rental Uniform Service, PRP/MSD Ignitions, ThermoDynamic/Reactor Power Cell, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Simpson Race Products, UZ Engineering, Copperhead Graphics, Sunoco, Gates Rubber Co., Advance Design Leathers, Hargis Consulting, DME Racing, & Brown and Miller Racing Solutions.
Date: 22nd October 2002
Headline: Larry's number 1 plate
Larry 'Spiderman' McBride clinched the No.1 plate, the AMA Prostar Top Fuel Bike championship, last weekend at the AMA Prostar Fall Nationals at Montgomery Motorsports Park, in Montgomery Alabama. Frequent winner McBride will take his crown to the World Finals in Gainesville, November 8-10.
Best Qualifying time 6.081 ET @ 224.83 mph
Final round eliminations 6.696 ET @ 162.33 mph
Date: 22nd October 2002
Headline: FJ Yamaha goodies for sale!
FJ billet block c/w fitted liners, O ringed, 85mm bore. Never used £350
Also, set of billet rods from BHP for FJ, never used £250
Contact Michael Beaumont ;- mebeau@hotmail.com
Date: 22nd October 2002
Headline: Noonan's new record
Following on from our piece on John Noonan's run on his Busa at Bonneville, we can confirm that he backed it up for a new record of 242.888 mph. On the back up run he hit 246.394 at the 4 mile marker.
Date: 22nd October 2002
Headline: Wizzo
I just finished reviewing the PROSTAR, MRE SUNSHINE NATIONALS, video by top-fuel champion, Brian Johnson's WIZZERAMA production company and was pleasantly surprised.
It is very professionally made, covered all the pro classes at the event from several angles, has good interviews, an informed commentary, excellent graphics, even adverts and is a great addition to any race buff's collection. This is Brian's first full production and as such he should be applauded for it. I know the subsequent tapes will get better and better so get in touch with Brian in the UK or Schnitz Racing in the US for your copies now.
Contact details can be found by clicking the 'VIDEOS' button at http://www.turboville.com along with details of other drag-bike videos and books. They make the ideal xmas gifts for the drag-nut in your life!
Turbo
Date: 22nd October 2002
Headline: So just who is Karen Stoffer?
Let's have a look at the newest sensation on the POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Stoffer has enjoyed high speeds and high performance for most of her life. The 38-year-old began drag racing on a motorcycle in 1990 when she earned "Rookie of the Year" honors at Los Angeles County Raceway . The idea of beginning 2002 with just four Pro Stock Bike events left in the season was not the intended plan for Jonco Motorsports. However, an unfortunate incident in February forced the team to regroup. "I was testing in Gainesville on my first full run when equipment failure had me parting from the bike after running 183 mph," Stoffer said. "Thankfully, I escaped with minor injuries. "For the sake of conditioning, I returned to Sportsman racing five weeks later. I had a multitude of emotions running through my mind the first time out after the accident. Anxious, apprehensive, attentive, aware, and that's just the 'A's. However, when it came time to let the clutch go there was no hesitation. "I had spent those previous five weeks analyzing what had happened. I had enjoyed a perfect safety record for 12 years and arrived at the conclusion that the accident was just that, an accident. In testing before Indy and even back in Gainesville, I remember thinking to myself the first time I went down the track, right as I crossed the finish line I said, 'Okay Karen, this is where it happened,' and seconds later I made the turn off, the pass was over and I put it all behind me. I have moved on, however, I have gained renewed and enormous respect for my safety equipment." The accident was a distant memory by the time Stoffer reached the Reading final to become one half of the sport's first all-female Pro Stock Bike final. Savoie and Stoffer's tilt also held the distinction of being just the second all-female final round in NHRA history. The first occurred 20 years ago when Shirley Muldowney beat Lucille Lee at the 1982 event in Columbus, Ohio. Stoffer's match-up with Savoie in the finals at Maple Grove Raceway was not the first time the two made drag racing history nor was the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis Stoffer's first NHRA national event. She actually made her Pro Stock Bike debut alongside Savoie and Stephanie Reeves at the 1996 Mile-High Nationals in Denver. After that, it would be six years before she would join the tour again after striking a deal with Doug Johnson and Greg Cope to ride their Jonco Motorsports/Cope Racing Suzuki.
"I consider there were 27 elite and experienced participants in the Pro Stock Bike field and we come away runner-up in our second event. Wow. Angelle has a sticker on her bike that says 'Silly Boys, motorcycles are for girls.' She pointed it out to me when she knew we were going to race in the final. We laughed and gave each other a high-five. That was great.
"It was exciting racing Angelle in the final, not only because she is the reigning champion but due to the history we have together. We were introduced at Frank Hawley's Drag Racing school in 1995 and we have been friends since. We also debuted together in Bandimere along with Stephanie, which earned us another notation in the NHRA archives. Now, together we get to document another fact in the history books as the first time two women meet in a Pro Stock Bike final. Honestly, I can't wait to do it again but I'm sure there are some guys that will have something to say about that."
Courtesy NHRA
Date: 21st October 2002
Headline: Top Fuel in MCN
In the current weeks edition of Motor Cycle News (issued Wednesday 16th), there is a double page colour article on Larry `Spiderman’ McBride.
If you want to buy it, hurry as the new edition comes out this Wednesday and old copies on the shelf will be destroyed.
Date: 21st October 2002
Headline: Quads at the finals?
Prostar have announced that they plan to feature a demonstration class of dragracing quad bikes at the finals in Gainesville. It's thought that these machines will lead to a bigger audience and future wider appeal for dragbike racing.
Date: 21st October 2002
Headline: Cox wins at the Rock
Results of eliminations in Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual CARQUEST Auto Parts World Finals:
(W) Steve Stordeur (Mancuso Racing '01 Weekend) 0.510 6.430 219.19, (L) Jamie Emery (A&W Mobile '00 Dixie) 0.514 6.719 193.24
W) Mark Cox (Bojangles '00 Weekend) 0.459 6.537 167.55, L) Johnny Mancuso (Mancuso H-D '00 Weekend) 0.477 (Broke)
W) Ray Price (Ray Price H-D '02 Dixie) 0.548 6.344 213.43, L) Mark Conner ('01 Puppett) 0.512 8.644 147.12
W) Mike Romine (Chromatic Inc '01 Weekend) 0.495 6.522 213.27, L) Doug Vancil (Vance & Hines '00 Weekend) 0.517 7.466 125.65
Results for Elimination Round 2
(W) Mark Cox (Bojangles '00 Weekend) 0.467 6.951 167.16, (L) Steve Stordeur (Mancuso Racing '01 Weekend) 0.500 12.939 60.40
(W) Ray Price (Ray Price H-D '02 Dixie) 0.583 6.387 219.26, (L) Mike Romine (Chromatic Inc '01 Weekend) 0.473 6.589 206.16
Results for Final Round
(W) Mark Cox (Bojangles '00 Weekend) 0.440 6.691 167.05, (L) Ray Price (Ray Price H-D '02 Dixie) 0.440 6.754 205.32
Date: 20th October 2002
Headline: Final qualifying for IHRA @ the Rock
Doug Vancil took this years championship crown following his final qualifying position.
Final order after 4 rounds of qualifying in Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, Seventh annual CARQUEST Auto Parts World Finals:
1. Steve Stordeur Mancuso Racing '01 Weekend 6.326 221.52
2. Ray Price Ray Price H-D '02 Dixie 6.331 219.83
3. Doug Vancil Vance & Hines '00 Weekend 6.411 211.66
4. Mark Cox Bojangles '00 Weekend 6.440 209.39
5. Johnny Mancuso Mancuso H-D '00 Weekend 6.467 211.89
6. Mike Romine Chromatic Inc '01 Weekend 6.522 207.11
7. Mark Conner '01 Puppet 6.632 213.37
8. Jamie Emery A&W Mobile '00 Dixie 6.664 202.97
--------- Not Qualified ---------
9. Joe Scatella '01 TMR 6.962 191.08
10. Jay Turner Team Bulldog '98 Dixie 6.984 178.83
11. Robert Stewart '01 Ziggy 7.053 153.91
12. Steve Moore '98 Dixie 7.136 190.5
Date: 20th October 2002
Headline: Harley Shootout final result
In the final of the Second annual Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson Shootout at Rockingham it was an all Mancuso team affair with the team owner taking the win over his hired gun, Steve Stordeur:
(W) Johnny Mancuso (Mancuso H-D '00 Weekend) 0.467 6.467 208.10, (L) Steve Stordeur (Mancuso Racing '01 Weekend) 0.451 8.820 102.78
Date: 20th October 2002
Headline: Deal of the Year!!
For sale - Mark Pointer's Superstreet bike. Includes spare motor. Both engines built by Roger Upperton, 1 with 12 passes & 1 unused. Full pro-mod spec. This bike will run low 8's or better... best of everything £10,000 no offers. Comes with rev-store data logger, spare wheel and choice of auto or manual gearboxes - contact Graham Dance for full spec on 07850 704631 or E Mail gsign@dial.pipex.com P.S. Bike will take wheelie bars and 10" slick if required!!
Date: 20th October 2002
Headline: NLR Set new world mark
Thought you guys may be interested in this, it was posted by Sebastian of NLR......John Noonan and his NLR powered turbo hayabusa sets the record with 240.39mph . Here is the skinny on the pass: -
At the 2.25mile mark he was at 220mph at the 3 mile mark he was at 231mph at the 4 mile mark he was at 240.39 he then rolled off the throttle to make sure he was in 6th gear and reaplied the gas. 234.968 at the 5 mile mark.
Congrats John for the outstanding performance and incredible riding. NLR powered intercooled turbo busas now hold the mph records both on the east and on the west. To top it off he did it on salt! He said it was the ride of his life and is now sitting and enjoying a cold one celebrating . NLR....power source for the most powerful and fastest streetbikes in the world.
This was on salt guys!!
Brian Tozer
Date: 20th October 2002
Headline: APIRA Press release
We have just received the following updated statement from Avon Park International Racing Association Club & Race Secretary Wendy Talbot on behalf of the club and Shakespeare County Raceway track owner Anthony Hodges:
"First of all we would like to thank all racers, their sponsors together with the race tracks marshals and officials for their continued support at Shakespeare County Raceway in 2002. The season has been a fantastic success for all concerned with many personal bests being performed. We will be continuing to run drag racing events at Shakespeare County Raceway in 2003 and look forward to their continued support at these events.
"The APIRA and Shakespeare County Raceway has every intention of carrying out its full calender of events in 2003 which will include three mainline drag race events in May, June and August for Sportsman racers in all classes. We will confirm, in due course, if these will include rounds of the National Championship series. These will also include rounds for the ACU Drag Bike Championship and will be published in the coming weeks. Shakespeare County's lifestyle dates ie: NSRA Hot Rod Drags, Nostalgia Nationals and British Mini Showdown will also run as normal; dates to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
"We would like to express our thanks to Terry & Tina Gibbs of Obsession Motorsports for bringing the Super Series championship and its format to Shakespeare County Raceway over the past five years, and we wish them all the best in the future.
"Just to remind everyone that our final event of the season takes place in two weeks time for the tracks annual 'Bonfire Burn-up' (November 2nd/3rd). The track will be open for two full days of Run What You Brung, Time Trials, fireworks and bonfire, together with the final encounter for the Wild Bunch nostalgia series.
On an important note, all drivers and riders wishing to take part must produce a valid DVLC licence or MSA Competition Licence before signing on. Admission to the event is £10 per person per day or £15.00 for a weekend pass. Children under 16 FREE. Track fee is £10.00 per day or £15.00 for the weekend for unlimited runs at Shakespeare County Raceway's famous quarter mile strip."
Jeremy Cookson
Date: 20th October 2002
Headline: SPRC Dates confirmed
Santa Pod have now released confirmation of their major event calendar for 2003 :-
Easter Thunderball 19th-21st April
Big Bang (VW event) 3rd-5th May
FIA Main Event 24th-26th May
Summer Nationals 28th-29th June
Bug Jam (VW event) 18th-20th July
FIA European Finals 5th-7th September
Santa Pod Finals 27th-28th September
Flame and Thunder Show 1st November
Date: 19th October 2002
Headline: It ain’t over ‘til it’s over – The final Challenge
for Team Mancuso
Yogi Berra once said, "It ain’t over ‘til it’s over!" That’s become Team Mancuso’s mantra going into this weekend’s final challenge - a chasing of a championship that seems to just elude their grasp. From his hometown headquarters in Houston, TX, Johnny Mancuso contemplates the 800-lb.gorilla ahead: "Winning it may be improbable, but not impossible," insists the Team owner. "Steve Stordeur and I have consistently run as fast as anyone out there, so we know we can hold up our end - but some strange things have to happen for us – not to us to win the title." Strange he says. Yes, strange indeed, since rival Doug Vancil is certainly not used to not qualifying in IHRA events, or – even stranger - going out in the first round. But that’s exactly how weird it has to get for Steve to fulfill the championship aspirations of his team. So folks, it really ain’t over ‘til it’s over.
In this final confrontation of the season, Team Mancuso will need more than the speed, skill and passion that have carried them this far. They need a bit of luck - specifically, bad luck for the other guy. "It’s hard to imagine, but after winning the #1 qualifying spot eight times and winning four Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley races, Steve will have to run the table to even have a chance," Johnny says. "If you told me back in March we would have this kind of record, I’d have been making some more room in the trophy case." With everything hanging in the balance, the team is still remarkably positive and relaxed. "We’ve worked hard all year and are proud of what we’ve accomplished," Mancuso reflects. "But there’s still more to do to make this season a success…we will all reach a little deeper and win come Sunday."
Though much of the focus is on Stordeur and his run at the championship, the Team has other goals as well. Johnny is less than one round out of third place in the points race so, to ensure two of the top three Nitro Harleys are the orange and white ones from Houston, he has to out-point Ray Price in these finals. Also on the line this weekend is the title Mancuso holds as the first and only winner of the Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley Shootout. He won the inaugural in Louisiana last year and must defend at Rockingham, a track where he has celebrated many great moments during his years of racing Harleys. The winner will be decided during qualifying, with the finals at Saturday evening’s "Night of Fire". It’s come down to this. The fickle finger of fate often rules supreme and in this business, strange things can happen in both lanes. So, standby Yogi and you, too, proverbial fat lady because it truly ain’t over ‘til it’s over.
The Mancuso Racing Team of Steve Stordeur and Johnny Mancuso is sponsored by: Arias Pistons, Autolite, Ballistic Bikewear, Barnett, Diamond Cut Jeans, Dynatek, The Gates Rubber Company, Greg Good Race Heads, JIMS, Lincoln Electric, Mickey Thompson Race Tires, The Minute Maid Company, Motion Pro, RC Components, Red Line Oil, Vanson Leathers, Victory Valves, VP Fuels, Weekend Frame Co., YUASA Batteries and Mancuso Harley-Davidson.
Date: 18th October 2002
Headline: When the light turns green
Following on from our item reference the dragrace publications, Turbo has informed us that he now has copies of `When The Light Turns Green' in stock.
If anyone wants a copy he will have them for sale at the Fireworks meet at Santa Pod
Date: 18th October 2002
Headline: Website of the week
http://www.banditmachineworks.com/gallery.htm
Date: 17th October 2002
Headline: Karling pit bike stolen.
Sweden's European Supertwin Top Fuel Champion Anders 'Charley' Karling had his Uddeholm-sponsored Drag Bike on display at the Interplas 2002 show in Birmingham, England earlier this month, writes Stefan Boman. During the display the team's trailer was parked outside Charley's Hotel. On the night of 4th-5th October somebody broke in to the trailer and stole hand tools and the team's pit bike. Whilst tools can be replaced, the pit bike was more of a team member. It was bought new in 1986 and since then has been towing the drag bike at race tracks all over Europe as well as Australia and the USA. Any information would highly appreciated by the team and will be rewarded if it leads to the return of the pit bike.
The bike is a 1986 Honda Z50R minibike and has chrome finish on frame, tank and fenders. VIN no #JH2AB020CGS710551. It was stolen outside the King's Court Hotel, Kings Coughton, Alcester, Warwickshire. If anyone has any information then please contact the local police on 0121 712 6044, call Charley on +46-8-708 112 190, or E-Mail charley@karlingracing.com
Date: 17th October 2002
Headline: Or..............
FJ Blocks.
Alternatively give Dave Branch Engineering a ring (01865 872783 - UK) and get a billet FJ block machined for around 400 quid!!
shaun@branchracing.net
Date: 16th October 2002
Headline: Racevisions move
Chassismeister Jim `Puppet’ Ditullio has now moved to a new shop and all the machines are up running.
First project on the bench is a is a new T/F bike owned by Mike Dryden to be ridden by Canadian, Geoff Pollard
Date: 16th October 2002
Headline: FJ Blocks
According to Joe Kennerson in the US, FJ1100 / FJ1200 die-cast big blocks are now for sale. Engines up to and beyond 1500cc's are now possible. They are made in the USA and there is no minimum order quantity For more details contact Pro Chassis Racing on +1-814-786-9764.
Date: 16th October 2002
Headline: Dragracing Tome
I just received some news from one of my publishers, WHITEHORSE PRESS, in the states. They have a great catalogue of bike books and videos etc. as well as some parts and accessories. They let me know that they have just released the new book from Tom Murphy called 'When the Light Turns Green', A handbook for motorcycle drag racing! There is a nice shot of Fred Collis on the Star Suzuki at night adorning the cover and a wealth of information inside. Tom is one of their most prolific authors and has written many knowledgeable books on the subject of fast bikes and racing. Also from the same people came a new touring book called 'Odyssey to Ushuaia' by Andres Carlstein. Now I am not particularly into touring but this book, which tells the epic story of three mates who decide to ride from New York all the way to the southern most tip of South America, is extremely well written and entertaining. You can get them and lots more from http://www.whitehorsepress.com This is the review http://www.whitehorsepress.com/onlinecatalog/sections/proddata/WLTG.htm
Turbo
Date: 16th October 2002
Headline: VIVA LAS VEGAS....NITRO STYLE!
The stakes are high as the AHDRA prepares for the final event on the AHDRA 2002 National Points Tour, October 19th & 20th. The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be the place to witness tire smoking,fire breathing 200 mile-per-hour nitro burning Harleys conquering the quarter mile.
Three nitro classes, Modified gas bikes, Pro Stock, Street bikes, junior dragsters and more, all competing for National Championship titles and the largest purse in AHDRA history, $60,000! The action gets underway early when Las Vegas Harley-Davidson hosts the AHDRA Kick Start Party, Thursday October 17th, 5-8pm, with race bike displays, live entertainment and a special live radio remote from KOMP 92.3. On Friday, October 18th, JIMS USA is back with the Annual JIMS Rolling Bones Party at the Harley-Davidson Cafe. AHDRA race bikes will be on display and ready to fire up right on the strip! The fun starts at 8pm.
Saturday, the Screamin' Eagle High Stakes Shoot-Out leads off the racing action at high noon.Harley riders, meeting AHDRA requirements can enter for a chance at the $15,000 purse. The lucky winner will take home a cool, $12,000 cash, and runner-up takes $3,000. Interested participants should call the AHDRA office to register or sign up on site, no later than 9am Saturday morning. Racers take the track at 3pm for qualifying at the JIMS Las Vegas Nationals presented by Las Vegas Harley-Davidson as racers from the East and west compete for a spot in Sunday's elimination's.
Friday, Gates open at 2pm, for test and tune beginning at 4pm. Saturday and Sunday, gates open at 8am, racing starts at Noon. Admission to the JIMS Las Vegas Nationals presented by Las Vegas Harley-Davidson is $35 for the weekend and one -day passes are $25. H.O.G. members receive a $5 discount at the gate and children under 12 are admitted free. Discount tickets are available at area Las Vegas Harley-Davidson dealerships.
ItÕs the ultimate in Motorcycle drag racing, October 19th & 20th, at the JIMS Las Vegas Nationals presented by Las Vegas Harley-Davidson, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway!
For more information, contact AHDRA at 336-924-2095 or visit www.ahdra.com.
Date: 15th October 2002
Headline: Furr's 60-Degree Mining Reveals Gold Dust in Sacramento
From the outside, watching the team working diligently, constantly, it seemed he had nothing but problems. Internally, his stress couldn't have been higher. The first two outings seemed one problem after the other. By the end of two race weekends, Bill Furr's new 60-degree motor not only looks good, it's internally polishing nicely into the gem he'd hoped to create. We ran it 7 times at Rockingham and 6 times here in Sacramento. Here's the really important part. Though it threw several belts and survived other mishaps, it never hurt the rods, the crank, or the pistons. When we took it apart after the second round Sunday, we learned that it took out the outside Timken bearing on the left side. That's all. That's not what made him lose the second round of competition at Sacramento. Read on for the rest of the story. Furr surprised the Nitro Harley world by debuting his new 60-degree motor at AHDRA's Rockingham Finals. He simply qualified and raced, revealing little about the development that had occurred over the previous eleven months. Frustrated by misinformation that made it's way to the internet after what he'd considered a successful outing in Sacramento, Furr opened the information doors. We chose to leave earlier than planned for Las Vegas and enter the Fun Drags at Sacramento. We probably should have looked at the motor better than we did after racing at Rockingham. Remember that it stripped teeth off of the belt on that second round pass. On the very next pass in Sacramento, it went 300 feet and stripped the belt again, still running 4.39 though that happened 3.9 seconds into the run. I thought that maybe that happened because it was an old belt. So the next pass I put a new belt on. I had it too fat on that run.It shut off and went a 7.09, which qualified me fourth. On that pass, we had a 4.36 1/8th mile time. For the third qualifying pass, the clutch cannon had some air in it. After the burnout, the clutch cannon was out. Knowing better but not doing so, I tried to leave the starting line. It took all the teeth off of the front and rear sprocket but it didn't hurt the jackshaft or the rear axle. We worked Saturday night to fix everything. The oil looked fine and the oil pressure was great. Then, Sunday morning we went out for test and tune and pulled the teeth off of another belt. Furr then took a moment to remind himself of a few lessons. When you're under power, driving down the racetrack, and a belt goes, then the motor revs up high in RPM's. Without a load on the motor, it will flood itself and bang. That's when the most damage can happen. That's what happened in Rockingham and here in Sacramento. Amazingly, we've made all of these parts stronger and most of them can take it. We're also putting a lot more heat into the belts with the clutch set-up that this engine requires. At this time, that's what we believe is causing the teeth to be stripped off of the belts. First round eliminations at Sacramento, Furr won, but not without penalty. We have a new burnout leanout valve that we put on the bike Friday night. It opens a bypass to lean the engine so it doesn't get too much fuel. It keeps the motor from getting fat, shutting down and costing us the pass. Since it was something that we'd just put on the bike, I made a mistake and didn't pull it out. We won with a 7.30. That's when we fist saw something in the oil. I knew it was Timken bearings. The motor rolled over and the pressure was good. We didn't have time to change the motor. We'd do that after the second round. But the third round never happened for Furr. In round two against Ken Kent, Furr described what happened. At one point five seconds into the run, a fuel line loosened and we completely lost fuel pressure. I coasted to the first turnoff. It didn't look good. But at the end of the day, the damage was much less severe than it appeared. All it did was take out an outer Timken bearing on the left side. And apparently, it happened in Rockingham. Then in Sacramento, when it banged on that first pass, it banged huge. The team disassembled the motor, reviewed the situation and prepared parts for shipment back to Orangeburg Cycle Monday morning. Tim Kerrigan's Red Line Oil team member Doran, a Sacramento resident, shipped it Monday to South Carolina. Calling the shop on Monday morning, Furr told Bob O (who has worked on 'his baby' for almost a year), about the outing. We had a 1.1060-foot on both sides of the racetrack. Nobody else came close to that. With a 250 gear, that's great. We've put a Hammer 45-degree motor in now for our display at Las Vegas Harley-Davidson on Thursday for the Kick Start party. Take a look at those parts and call me. Ship them to Vegas and we'll race the 60 at The Strip at Las Vegas
Like the Sacramento miners searching for gold, Furr is breaking new ground and unsure of where it will lead. His lack of information to his peers and fans is simply to avoid misinformation and making any unproven claims. Obviously invested in his belief that the 60-degree motor has more promise than anything in the past, he'll continue his dig for gold. In five days, hopefully a new vein will be hit.
Bill Furr is sponsored by Belt Drives Ltd., Dusty Roads Custom Bike Rings, Performance Machine, Nology Hot Wires, Pingel Enterprise, Autolite, Dynatek, Paughco and Orangeburg Cycle Racing.
Nina Henderson
Date: 15th October 2002
Headline: Desperado Racing, Inc. and Mad Dog Racing Team-up.
With Desperado Racing Team's tuning prowess and a 2003 Racevision chassis, 175 Overkill engine, twin mag ignition, and A.F.T. fuel car clutch, the Desperado and Mad Dog teams expect big results in 03. Both teams are currently testing.
Date: 15th October 2002
Headline: Lozano prepares for NHRA H-D Pro Stock Bike.
Mike Lozano of San Antonio , TX will begin testing his new P/S bike this weekend at his home track in San Antonio. Mike's ultimate goal is to make an all out effort to qualify for competiton in NHRA's Pro Stock Bike class. Lozano recently picked up his new rolling chassis and is ready to fire the S&S based 160 c.i. electronic fuel injected engine and head to the burnout box. The joint effort of Mike Lozano & Weekend Frame Co.'s John Storace resulted in a Pro Stock "Harley" that is quite different than most of the bikes you presently see in P/S. From Lozano's trick dual EFI throttle bodies to the molded polyethylene fuel and oil tanks, the project was a "clean sheet of paper" design. The massive 1-1/4 tube chromoly frame tips the scales at 43 lbs, a few pounds heavier than the norm, but extensive use of carbon fiber and other weight saving measures like titanium hardware and formed sheet metal equipment trays knocked the total weight back to an acceptable level. Lozano is optimistic about the bike's potential, as is Storace, but neither were willing to offer up performance predictions.
Date: 15th October 2002
Headline: AMA/Prostar Schnitz Fall Nationals - Finals
TOP FUEL FINAL
WIN Larry McBride, Poquoson VA .554 6.696 @ 162.33, LOSE Ron Webb, Anchorage AK .554 7.670 @ 120.16
FUNNYBIKE FINAL
WIN Gary Clark, Des Moines IA .466 6.763 @ 198.58, LOSE Chip Ellis, Columbia SC .409 Crossed Center Line
PRO-MODIFIED FINAL
WIN Ashley Owen Decatur AL .473 6.780 @ 196.37, LOSE Steve Drake Xenia OH .481 6.944 @ 192.84
PRO-STOCK FINAL
WIN Todd Doege Shakopee MN .454 7.241 @ 184.38, LOSE Michael Phillips Baton Rouge LA .399 7.301 @ 183.71
Date: 14th October 2002
Headline: 2003 ACU Championship at SCR
Subsequent to the recent press release from Obsession Motorsports, we have received much e-mail from racers worried about the 2003 race season. I would therefore like to put some racers minds at rest with respect to the Championship for next year.
“The ACU UK Dragbike Championship has always been an independent, standalone series and as such, is not directly affected by the sad decision by Terry and Tina to step away from SCR for 2003. We will be working with APIRA and Anthony Hodges (as we have in the past) to run rounds of the championship at the venue. The APIRA have submitted dates for rounds of the ACU Championship to the ACU, and we can confirm that those dates have been accepted. The APIRA have also confirmed that these rounds will be run in 2003 despite the Obsession decision. At the same time, I personally am very sad that Terry and Tina have made this decision as the improvements in standards that they have bought to SCR and the events they have staged there are beyond question. I only hope that the new promoters at the venue will continue the high standards set by Obsession, and Terry and Tina in particular.”
Ian King – ACU / UK Dragracing series co ordinator
Date: 14th October 2002
Headline: Desperately seeking
Does anyone know the telephone number of R&D transmission/gearbox people in Florida?
If so, please email me at mebeau@hotmail.com, or submit a gossip item answer
Thank you, MB
Date: 13th October 2002
Headline: AMA/Prostar Schnitz Racing Fall Nationals Final Qualifying
Due to rain, most classes only had two qualifying sessions.
TOP FUEL
1 LARRY MCBRIDE, POQUOSON VA 6.081 @ 224.83
2 RON WEBB, ANCHORAGE AK 6.413 @ 218.12
3 CHRIS HAND, NAUVOO AL 6.608 @ 201.74
4 TOMMY SMITH, ALABASTER AL 6.754 @ 191.89
5 JAMES BRANTLEY, ESTERO FL 9.81 @ 179.66
Funny Bike
1 GARY CLARK DSM IA 6.723 @ 198.23
2 TRAVIS DAVIS, DOUGLAS GA 6.977 @ 192.34
3 CHIP ELLIS, COLUMBIA SC 6.978 @ 193.05
4 TOM PERRY, VENICE FL 7.131 @ 191.69
5 PERRY HOLLIE, FARMINGTON HILLS MI 10.782 @ 118.40
Pro Mod
1 ASHLEY OWENS, DECATUR AL 6.813 @ 194.51
2 CHARLIE FARRAR, HENDERSONVILLE TN 6.923 @ 189.99 3 STEVE DRAKE, XENIA OH 6.934 @ 192.06
4 MIKE CAPUTO, TOLEDO OH 6.998 @ 190.51
5 STEVE SMITH, ERSOLATHE KS 7.025 @ 187.77
6 JOHN SACHS, LOXAHATCHEE FL 7.027 @ 185.41
7 RON HOLT, EDISON NJ 7.050 @ 188.87
8 JACK YOUNG, CINCINNATI OH 7.120 @ 184.50
9 NIKIE CORLEY, JACKSONVILLE FL 7.152 @ 185.87
10 DARIAN GUILLORY, EDWARDSVILLE IL 7.501 @ 136.03
11 BERNARD JOHNSON, COLLEGE PARK GA 9.683 @ 86.60
12 TOBY TROYER, URBANA OH 14.505 @ 47.36
13 DAVE BECK, CHESHIRE ENGLAND 15.606 @ 79.31
Pro Stock
1 FRED COLLIS, AMERICUS GA 7.146 @ 185.03
2 GENO SCALI, PALANTINE IL 7.166 @ 187.11
3 TODD DOEGE, SHAKOPEE MN 7.196 @ 183.56
4 DEAN FRANTZ, MEDINA OH 7.243 @ 182.62
5 JOE KOENIG, GLENVIEW IL 7.309 @ 185.75
6 MICHAEL PHILLIPS, BATON ROUGE LA 7.343 @ 182.26
7 ERIK RYDER, METARIE LA 7.404 @ 177.13
8 DEAN FRANTZ, MEDINA OH 7.414 @ 181.78
9 KEITH FREEMAN, WASHINGTON IL 7.563 @ 169.49
10 MASA YOKOTA, VALENCIA CA 7.780 @ 166.97
11 ROB BOND, PEORIA IL 7.796 @ 163.04
12 CRAIG GREAVES, ADDISON IL 10.291@ 75.10
13 RON CLARK JR, COLUMBIA STATION OH 13.022 @ 78.41
Date: 12th October 2002
Headline: Pro Stock Parts??
Both Nick Pepper and Martin Newbury have various Pro Stock related bikes and items for sale if you are looking to step up your program for 2003. Click on the Discussion Forum link at the top right hand side of this page and look under `For Sale and Wanted'.
Date: 12th October 2002
Headline: Underkill
Whilst we are on the subject of fast HD's, Jim McClure has announced that he is getting ready to start production on a small version of the popular OVERKILL billet engine used in many a Nitro HD. If you are interested, he can be contacted on + 1 757-566-0544
Date: 12th October 2002
Headline: Wanna make your HD quicker??
Do you seek more HP from your Harley? Well, surf over to :-
http://www.cycledoctor.com/JohnsonArticles/Jet.html
Date: 11th October 2002
Headline: OBSESSION MOTORSPORTS WITHDRAW FROM SCR
We have just received the following Press Statement from Terry and Tina Gibbs of Obsession Motorsports, organisers of the Super Series :-
"It is with regret that Tina and I will no longer be involved in Drag Race meetings at Shakespeare County Raceway. It is not a decision we have taken without a lot of soul searching, the problems with my health has in no way influenced our decision. We have been involved at the track for the last five years and we have both found it very rewarding but now feel we have gone as far as we can go at SCR. We both believe that we have more to offer the sport and hope that we will be given that opportunity to do so.
"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the racers, the marshals, officials and sponsors without all of you the Super Series would not have been the success it has been.
"We will be retaining the Super Series name within the UK and are pursuing various alternatives which we hope will allow us to continue promoting Drag Racing.
"We have every intension of holding our annual Super Series Dinner and Dance where we will honour our 2002 Super Series Champions. As soon as we have made definite arrangements we will be sending out the necessary paperwork.
"Again many thanks to you all for some great and entertaining racing."
Date: 11th October 2002
Headline: Wanna be crew chief?
HELP! Anyone out there fancy crewing for a superstreet bike (turbo & nitrous bandit) for the 2003 season. If so - pleeeeese contact me. Rat 01793 705905 or abbeyrider@nascr.net
Date: 11th October 2002
Headline: Clark the Mod
Brian Johnson sends us the news from the pits at Prostar Alabama that Funnybike supremo Gary Clark has his six second bike for sale for $50,000.
Gary apparently plans to run in Pro Mod for 2003 with a petrol turbo machine already proving 600HP on the bench.
Date: 11th October 2002
Headline: Obsession withdraw from SCR.
Terry and Tina Gibbs of Super Series organisers Obsession Motorsports have announced that they are to stop organising race meetings at Shakespeare County Raceway.
For the full story, go to http://www.eurodragster.com
Date: 11th October 2002
Headline: SPRC Champions announced
Congratulations to the winners of this year's SPRC Bike Championships:-
Pro Stock Bike: Nick Pepper
Funny Bike: Tim Blakemore
Comp Bike: Klaus Brinkmann
Super Street Bike: Graham Dance
9.90 Bike: Steve Ingham
10.90 Bike: Darren Winnard
Date: 11th October 2002
Headline: Desperately seeking
Anyone got a telephone number for the photographer, Richard Heeps? Submit a gossip article or e mail ian@kingracing.com if you know.
Thanks!
Date: 11th October 2002
Headline: Going to Gainesville?
Who's going to Gainesville ?
Call me. 07901 854373.
Steve French
Date: 10th October 2002
Headline: Congratulations Nick!
Before I put the dust sheets over the 7.30 Pro stock bike for the winter, there is 1 job left to do - peel off the number 1 plate and hand it over to new and worthy Champ Nick Pepper (I hope he will not sell his bike and still come out to defend his title next season).
I have enjoyed having somebody on my heels to race again! with two wins each for us this season with the margins of victory .003 and .002 being the closest !!
Of course, I hope I don’t have to run two rounds less than the winner again in 2003……
Now back to that damn Pro Mod!!
Yet again, faithful MRE crew member Andy the limey has cut off all the burnt bits and rewired it with Jay from front to back and it is going to make the Alabama race this weekend. All that is left to do now is to build the motor. The cranks are back from Falicon all shiny and new, the Margarita King (Upperton) has got 3 sets of cases ready and checked out the heads and deemed them AOK !?
We will stay @ the track Friday night so as to have as many hours as possible to build the motor for the first qualifying session on Saturday.
Jay only has the on board fire extinguisher to fit and we should be back in the sixes!!!!!!! Only crew member Cookie will not make the trip as he is getting his Pro stocker ready for November and cannot spare the time !!
Dave Beck
Date: 10th October 2002
Headline: UEM Proposals
May I be the first to put into print some proposed rule changes for UEM Prostock Bike in preparation for the 2003 UEM Championship?
1:-The 1570cc 4-valve engines should be allowed their own weight break of 280kg, between that of the 1500cc and 1640cc 4-valve engines.
2:-The 1500cc 2-valve engines with after-market heads should have their weight break increased from 270kg to 275kg, thus matching that of the 1500cc
4-valve engines. The potential of the 2-valve engine has now been proven on both sides of the Atlantic beyond all doubt and as such, should have no weight advantage over a 1500cc 4-valve of equal displacement.
I hope these comments generate some discussion and that a unilateral voice can be heard within the newly formed European Prostock Bike Association before the closing date for UEM rule changes.
My only other comment is that it should be compulsory to enjoy yourselves.
Many thanks to all marshals and staff at both Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceway for their hard work and dedication over the last season, all your rewards are listed on the Records page!
You never know I may even do it again next year, or should I sell it?
Regards,
Chris Hope.
Date: 10th October 2002
Headline: TIT’S UP
As you may have read on the KING RACING discussion forum, the American magazine 'National Dragbike Monthly' seems to have folded already after only two issues. Don't be too hard on editor Kevin Smith though as publishing is becoming an increasingly difficult business world-wide! This month has also seen the demise of the UK's only 'All Harley' magazine HOG-DOG (formerly SUPERTWINS) as the publishers have decided to put the title up for sale. That doesn't leave a lot of places for us poor old hacks to push our drag-racing articles. Consensus is that all the different 'special interest' subjects that used to be covered by magazines are now serviced more adequately by web-sites, also the price of paper and printing is becoming prohibitive! It's not all doom and gloom though as two Harley drag racers have recently set up their own tuning shops, Karl Thiecke in the Netherlands and Brian Udall in the UK. More info later but for now check out:- http://www.hogbitz.com WWW.TURBOVILLE.COM (hoist by my own petard?)
Date: 10th October 2002
Headline: Desperately seeking
Anybody know any contact details for Chris Hall? Please contact me on 07976963036
Steve Ingham email: tktt@ukonline
Date: 10th October 2002
Headline: Joe on TV
Hey Everybody,
Drew Proffitt and Joe Perry may be on another national television program!!! "Inside Drag racing" will be aired on ESPN II at 6:00pm Wednesday night Oct. 9. Please try to watch the show to support 2 of Team VIP and AHDRA racers.
Thanks, Sondra
Date: 9th October 2002
Headline: Piston broke?
In need of a piston. Paul Wing is in need of a Cosworth 80mm turbo piston, the only piece of the jigsaw he now needs after blowing up at the finals.
Please email peterbellenie@aol.com or phone 01622 831826 if you have or know of one.
Thanks, Pete
Date: 9th October 2002
Headline: KRISTINE AND ARLIE BECKER JOIN THE US AIRFORCE
Northcoast Thunderbikes is pleased to announce this one day event at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, October 16th from 11 am to 1 pm. The Reality Motorsports/Thunderbikes Racing Team will be involved in a membership drive for an on-base NCO Club. In effect, joining the Air Force! Both of us come from Army backgrounds so this should prove to be quite an adventure! Kristine will be on hand for pictures with the troops and to sign autographs. Arlie and Rob will be on hand to fire up the "Wildkat", the 150 cubic inch V-Twin drag bike that Kris rides. Although no match for the fire power the Air Force has on hand, we think they will enjoy getting up close and personal with the dragster. In addition to the photo's and autographs, the AHDRA has graciously donated some t-shirts and some event passes for some of the lucky new or renewing members. Thunderbikes is pleased to be a part of this event as we support our troops during this critical time. This is our way of saying thanks to the United States Military. In addition to Reality Motorsports and Northcoast Thunderbikes, Kris and Arlie would like to thank our associate sponsors: Eastside Harley Davidson, S & S, Vanson, Tomcat Construction, Kirkland Life Chiropractic, Lanstat, Inc. United Distributors, General Business Printing and www.krisbecker.com. Thank you for your continued support of our team and our race effort but most important thanks to the United States Air Force and Nellis Air Force Base for this opportunity to show our troops that we support their tremendous effort. Thank you.
Kris and Arlie Becker
Date: 7th October 2002
Headline: AHDRA Rockingham Results
Final Results Rockingham
JIMS Top Fuel
Ron Houniet .495 6.766 201.25**, Mark Conner .371 9.912 89.23 (foul)
HD Afterparts.com Pro Fuel
Tim Kerrigan .949 7.376 152.66**, Chris Streeter foul
Pro Stock
Tom Bradford .492 7.565 165.31**, Dale Raudenbush .447 7.628 171.08
Kresto Pro Drag
Ken Wright .629 8.097 155.26**, Gabe Larkins .671 8.402 151.83
Joker Machine Pro Modified
Cliff Dwy .485 8.395 154.26**, Mike Lozano .481 8.531 146.40
Spyke Street Pro
Doug Morrow .677 9.316 140.11**, Nick Gonatas .606 9.411 139.66
Pro Gas
David Feazell .544 7.438 171.10**, Bill Adorno .371 13.218 61.26 (foul)
Rivera-Primo Super Gas(9.90)
Billy Leonard .559 10.015**, Shawn Vantucci .504 10.114
Nonpareil Super Sport(10.50)
Ronnie Fensick .522 10.546**, Allen Nusbaum .690 10.562
Performance Corner Super Eliminator(10.90)
Bruce Croneberger .490 11.612**, Mike Fitzgerald .444 11.684
SEP (11.50)
John Martin .463 11.529**, Jim Van Fleet .529 11.458
Andrew ET
Troy Thiem** (w), Dan Degood (r/u)
Hayes Jewelers Junior Seniors
Joey Talbott .626 10.00 10.393 59.57**, Zach Watts .863 10.63 10.413 59.68
Blackfoot Racing Junior Juniors
Kaylee Raudenbush .852 15.30 15.505 40.38**, Billy Rowe .901 13.50 13.404 39.75
Date: 6th October 2002
Headline: AMRA Qualifying
Final qualifing order for AMRA Summer Shootout at Beech Bend, Bowling Green, KY :-
Top Fuel
Mike Romine 6.86 198.26
Mike Kirkpatrick 7.15 170.47
Joseph Coursey 7.16 197.39
Dale Nungesser 7.18 190.70
Roland Gibson 7.36 177.18
Greg Hartman 7.62 154.12
Andy Wisner 8.61 108.44
Rich Crouthers DNQ
Date: 5th October 2002
Headline: Bournas burns out.............
Here's what happens when the safety crew are creeps and the organizers don't care. Watch the brave marshall running away as Panagiotis Bournas is burning... Also note the Coffee Frape in front of the (dry powder) fire extinguisers...
ZMan
Click on :-
http://www.whitelinecycles.dragbikecentral.com/images/bournasonfire1.jpg
http://www.whitelinecycles.dragbikecentral.com/images/bournasonfire2.jpg
http://www.whitelinecycles.dragbikecentral.com/images/bournasonfire3.jpg
http://www.whitelinecycles.dragbikecentral.com/images/bournasonfire4.jpg
http://www.whitelinecycles.dragbikecentral.com/images/bournasonfire5.jpg
Gossip comment :-
Sorry, we can't post pictures right now. We assume this event happened in Greece?
Date: 5th October 2002
Headline: Antron Brown to Finish Season with Lucas Oil
Lucas Oil announced its new role as primary sponsor for Pro Stock Bike rider Antron Brown and Team 23 Motorsports at the ACDelco NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals.
Date: 5th October 2002
Headline: eurodrag expanded
Thanks to Andy Marrs for pointing out that Erwin Raets, the guy who's taken over http://www.eurodrag.com from Tommy Nilsson, has expanded his database a bit and it now includes just about everything form the meetings including bikes.
Date: 5th October 2002
Headline: Spanking good time?
Well what was my first year in drag bike racing like "THE BOG'S DANGLE BITS". I want to thank you all for a great year,I have never met such a bunch of absolute lunatics in my life and I WILL be back for more next year. so watch out for O' BRIEN the BIGGER, LOUDER, BADDER, FASTER, IRISH DRAG RACING TEAM.
SPANK YOU ALL VERY MUCHO
T.J. O' BRIEN
Gossip comment :-
Glad to have you with us TJ! Sorry, can't post your pictures as we're in China right now, but will get em on when we're back.
Date: 5th October 2002
Headline: MPS Classifieds
Hi Racers,
Just wanted to let you all know that we now have free motorcycle racing classified ads at our web site. The URL is http://www.mpsracing.com . While you are there please don't forget to enter the Tether Kill Switch drawing. You could win one just like, Bob Bonjione of Deming, NM, did last month! We also have a complete online catalog of our motorcycle racing products. Thank you for your time.
Dan Rudd
Date: 4th October 2002
Headline: Latest ACU Championship points and records posted
We have now updated the final championship points and records. Click on the ACU Championship button on the left to view the details.
Date: 4th October 2002
Headline: British Champions confirmed
The points have been totalled and the medal positions confirmed :-
Top Fuel
1) Steve Woollatt
2) Ian King
Funnybike
1) Neil Midgley
2) Tim Blakemore
3) Dave Holland
Pro Stock
1) Nick Pepper
2) Dave Beck
3) Chris Hope
Comp Bike
1) Klaus Brinkmann
2) Jerry Collier
3) Andy Newcombe
Superstreet
1) Graham Dance
2) Tony Clark
3) Mark Fisher
All champions will be invited to collect their trophies and prize monies from the ACU Championship dinner on the 18th January 2003.
Date: 4th October 2002
Headline: NAST Championship
Congratulations to the medal winners in this years National Association of Supertwins championship :-
Supertwin Fuel:
Jamie Millership - 565 pts
Ian Carruthers - 355 pts
Dave Witts - 210 pts
Supertwin Gas:
Ric Davis - 3090 pts
Sefton Whitlock - 2140 pts
Andy Smith - 1310 pts
Supertwin Modified:
Dave Bartz - 1505 pts
TJ O'Brien - 1050 pts
Nigel Mason - 795 pts
Supertwin Street:
Les Harris - 3085 pts
Mark Earrey - 2070 pts
Dave Jones - 1930 pts
Date: 3rd October 2002
Headline: ACU Rule changes
The ACU / UK Drag Race rules committee sat yesterday at ACU HQ in Rugby, and discussed various rule change proposals. There was very little to discuss, but the following rules changes were made.
In Pro Stock Bike, as long as fuel injection is fitted by the OEM to the actual engine being used, then any type or size of open loop injection can now be used (i.e. it is no longer restricted to the actual OEM injection fitted).
In Junior Drag Bike, and engine configuration can be used (no longer restricted to just 4 stroke singles and twins).
It is no longer permissable for a rider to push his bike over the finish line to take a race win (although he can roll over the line under the momentum of the bike and rider without engine power).
When ET brackets or dial your own indexes are used, then you are deemed to have accepted the index as shown on the timing lights if you go into stage.
Date: 3rd October 2002
Headline: Records tumble!
The National Finals saw a host of pb’s and new championship records set.
Neil Midgley set a new et record for Funnybike with a 6.948 backed up with a 7.016. If he'd have run 2 thousandths quicker the 7.016 wouldn't have been enough!
In Comp Bike, Phil Brachtvogel set a new et record of 7.049 backed up by a 7.107. Ian King ran faster than the existing mph record of 180.0 but failed to back it up.
In Pro Stock Bike, Chris Hope set a new et record of 7.404 backup by a 7.445 and Dave Beck a new mph record with a 178.44 backed up by a 178.02. Dave's 7.371 needed a 7.445 but he only had a 7.449 which in turn would have only backed up a 7.375 ! Chris's 181.73 needed a 179.91 but he only had a 177.67.
We are indebted to Timing Guru Andy Marrs for providing us with the timing data.
Date: 3rd October 2002
Headline: Well done boys
Well done to Dave Beck and Neil Midgley for 2 amazing runs. A 6.9 for Neil in the funnies and 7.3 for Dave in the stockers - just what the crowd go for and didn’t we know it. My fellow fans really loved it and so did the crews from what Isaw.
After a few 7 second passes the best really was saved till last! It was a real bummer Neil overpowered in the final, I'm sure it would have been another 6. Dave Beck was there a month ago and so was I. According to the gossip he was having trouble with his carbs last time and after his final performance this time those 7.3's were long awaited. These lads continue to lead the way and bring the sport forward keep it up and see you next season.
TJ.
Date: 3rd October 2002
Headline: 'onest guv
It’s bargain time again people. I have decided to sell my race trailer, it is 18ft x 6ft and was totally refurbished in march this year with chequer plate flooring, work bench and new lightweight ali back door. It has 4ft x 2ft6" internal drop down workbench, 4 new tyres and with brand new oven, hob fridge and sink and was totally rewired and has its own battery charging system. It is totally self contained, the seating area turns into a double bed and storage units are under the seating, it also comes with state of the art Pingel wheel chocks for your bike and pit bike. This trailer is well built and does not have condensation problems in winter and is well up to any job. It used to carry Ken Colmans super gas car.
Priced to sell at £3750 ono tel 01274 855886 wk, 0777 5501371 mob, e-mail info@cannon-eng.co.uk
Cheers, Cannon
Date: 3rd October 2002
Headline: Reminder....
Just to remind people that I have put a load of parts for sale on the for sale side of the discussion page on this web site. Please give generously.
Ken Cooper
07976-254999 ken.cooper1@virgin.net
http://www.cooperizedracing.com
Date: 2nd October 2002
Headline: Who's the daddy now?
Well, where to start after such an awesome weekend with pb's being smashed? Firstly though I think it has finally sunk in - 6 SECONDS WA HEY! What can you say, the effort that Neil has put in to the bike and his ability to be methodical and calculated is awesome and has finally come to fruition.
There were people that said that this bike would not work even for me, although those rumours stopped after winning the first meeting. The bike has constantly proved its pedigree and although it was built in the USA it still has to be set up and maintained over here. If most of you knew how much of the power we are not using it would scare you. The fact that Neil has done the job that I tried to do gives me a great amount of satisfaction, the boy done good although I never had any doubt whatsoever. However, it does get frustrating at times when your plans go pear shaped, but one of the big things that helped us this year was the fitting of the Racepak computer, which is when things turned around and we could get reliable data to tune from. This is definitely one area I fell down in as I would tune by the seat of my pants and hope for the best. Working with Neil this year has been an experience and I feel I have also learnt a lot. I'm now sure that we can go to Gainesville and run in the 6.7s with the big boys now we have a good base setting.
Cannon Engineering and myself personally are proud to be involved with Neil and the team with the fastest funnybike in Europe, and as far as I'm aware still the fastest Suzuki funnybike in the world @ 6.78 secs. Hopefully this will be bettered in November but we will see.
There were also some awesome times by the complete funnybike field, Tim with a 7.03 how close is that, Ken with 7.07, just awesome, Dave Holland with a string of low 7.2s and not blowing the motor. Then there's Mr tight Shaun Branch 1.078 60ft and 7.23 - outstanding for the home grown compressor, big up also the Neil Diggens for the consistent 7.4s - get that new chassis and you'll be on em mate!
Just to change classes, well done to Helen Curran, Chris Hope and Dave Beck for the storming power of the Upperton race engined stockers. Truly the fastest tuner in Europe bar none. Just for the record, the head on midgos bike was a spare Roger knocked up over the weekend for me 2 years ago. Lastly, well done to Steve Venables on the Kawasaki Superstreet bike running a string of mid 8s the best being 8.41 and with a stormin 142mph at the 1/8 mile. Watch out G, he's comin to get ya!
Great weekend , great weather and a great track, as for me I'm off bog hopping in Wales and then knuckling down to some work and get ready for the trip to the States in November where I'm sure the nervous tension will again be on my case. I might even lose a few pounds, hmmmmmmmm
Best regards, Cannon
Date: 2nd October 2002
Headline: AMA/PROSTAR TO HONOR IDBA MEMBERSHIPS
The sport of motorcycle drag racing took a hit on Monday with the news of the International Drag Bike Association (IDBA) closing its doors. The staff of AMA/Prostar would like to expresses our sadness and concern. AMA/Prostar President, Keith Kizer issued this statement soon after hearing the news on DragBike.Com, "I wish wish Leigh Ann the best of luck in her endeavors. The Lee family gave a lot to the sport of motorcycle drag racing and that commitment will never be forgotten.". When asked about how the racers would react to missing a portion of the racing season, Kizer added "In compensation to the loyal IDBA family, Prostar would like to honor the remainder of each IDBA member's membership."
The grandfathered memberships will allow the racers to enter in the remainder of this years season with AMA/Prostar, as well as any races in 2003 that fall under that persons continued expiration date. This will include the upcoming Schnitz Fall Nationals in Montgomery, Alabama on October 12-13, and The World Finals in Gainesville, Florida on November 8-12. To qualify, IDBA members, who have never been a Prostar member, can simply mail Prostar a photocopy of their current IDBA membership card. Prostar will honor the membership and grandfather the license for the remainder of the membership up to one year. The new Prostar member will also receive motorcycle drag racings only publication, Motorcycle Street & Strip for the remainder of the membership. To take advantage of this offer, racers must notify the Prostar office directly by December 31, 2002.
For More Information Contact: www.amaprostar.com AMA/Prostar Headquarters P.O. Box 18039 Huntsville, AL 35804 Phone (256) 852-1101 Fax (256) 859-3443
Date: 2nd October 2002
Headline: Old man done good
DAD What can I say? Truly amazing weekend for the Hope "camp". Just like to say well done pop's, seems you can do it!
You've done what no one else as ever done on a 1500cc 4-v motor this side of the Atlantic! And smashed the "old" ACU record. Shame about the wind on the Sunday or the mph would have been "yours" too!
We arrived at the meeting hoping to run a 7.4 but never anticipated running a 7.404 at 181 mph. What a way to end the season. Shame bout the red light, which handed the win to Dave, but never mind winning isn’t everything – All the 40’s were enough - the hard work paid off!
Well done mate, Mark Hope
Date: 2nd October 2002
Headline: More Florida Fun!!
Any interested parties wanting to attend either the Bucs/Vikings game the Sunday prior to the Finals or the Bucs/Panthers game the Sunday after the Finals can feel free to come on over to the pregame tailgate party with yours truly and try to scalp tickets in the parking lot as both games are sold out. Come one, come all, study up on your American Football!! Big Fun.........
Jay Regan email: MRERACE@aol.com
Date: 2nd October 2002
Headline: Joe Perry hopes to rock at AHDRA Rockingham
Joe Perry, Acme Racing and Team VIP stalwart, takes his quest for championship points and his Buell motorcycles to the AHDRA Rockingham Nationals at Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, N.C., Oct. 5-6.
Perry's fervor for Harley-Davidson racing is obvious and relentless, his track deeds are frequent and his words are often many…"Go to 'The Rock' and disappoint somebody," Perry said. "That somebody is any other racer we happen to meet."
The season may be winding down, but Perry's words are rolling… "Acme Racing is focusing on the upcoming Rockingham race with just one goal in mind…the AHDRA National Championship. Recent cancellation of the Delmar, Del. race hurt at this point in the season with so many racers within striking distance of the No.1 plates in many classes. That's racing. You learn to accept the good with the bad. We have a plan for that. Take the good with the bad."
Perry sends a big thanks to Team VIP (VIP Wire) for their 2002 support and to Brainerd International Raceway for its part in perhaps one of the greatest motorcycle drag racing events now in the planning stages for July 2003.
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, and JIMS
Read more about Joe Perry on RaceBizz.com as well as StripBike.com with links to Zoomster.com.
Date: 1st October 2002
Headline: IDBA Closes its Doors
TO: IDBA Current members and potential Memphis participants
FROM: Leigh Ann Min, IDBA President
It is with great sadness that I pen this memo announcing the closing of the International Drag Bike Association (IDBA) effective September 30, 2002.
This twenty-seventh (27th) season of motorcycle drag racing concludes with this years points champions and top ten plate holders.
These riders earned their championships and top ten rankings in serious competition and the closing of the IDBA, as a company, does not diminish their accomplishments and success these riders have earned.
A number of members have expressed an interest in purchasing event win, runner-up and #1 qualifier plaques individually, since the event revenues have not been able to support this event related expense. I have asked permission from our awards supplier to include their phone number so that anyone who wishes may contact them directly to purchase a plaque and/or championship trophy at reasonable prices. Call Jan at Classic Trophy, (260) 483-1161.
I wish you well and continued enjoyment of a great sport, motorcycle drag racing.
Date: 1st October 2002
Headline: Seeking Phil
Regarding the 17th Sept message for someone looking for a Phil Brachtvogel picture. Try http://www.ukdrn.co.uk/80/8029.htm
Martin Wilson
Date: 1st October 2002
Headline: Awesome!
Well what an awesome weekend's racing at the Nat Finals! More records and PB's being broken than you could shake a stick at.
Congrats to Neil Midgley on his 6.94 pass, Shaun Branch for his 7.23 PB, to Tim Blakemore for his 7.03 PB and taking the win and to us for our 7.07.
Time now to prep the bike ready for the trip to Gainesville for the World Finals and to raise some much needed dosh to finance the trip, hence the huge list of parts for sale on the discussion forum / for sale side of Mr King's wonderful site (beer you owe me, IK...).
Red Ken Cooper - Team Cooperized, www.cooperizedracing.com
Date: 1st October 2002
Headline: BULLDOG BASH 2002 ON TV!
Europe's biggest biker rally - the Bulldog Bash - gets its first prime time TV slot tomorrow evening (Tuesday 1st October) on Granada Men & Motors cable and satellite channel.
Filmed by Peach TV at Shakespeare County Raceway the 25 minute stand alone show features the best in Bulldog action from the drag strip, custom show and, of course, the unforgettable evening entertainment.
Tomorrow nights airing goes out on GM & M at 6.30pm till 7.00pm followed by a repeat showing on Wednesday 2nd October at 8.00pm. Subsequent repeat showings will be announced in due course.
On the subject of TV programme's Sam Green from i2i Television has been in touch to say that 'Dream Machine' a motoring programme due to be screened on Channel 5 later this month, and featuring drag racing from Shakespeare County Raceway's Super Series Spring Nationals, has been postponed until February 2003.
You may remember i2i Television were present at the meeting recording a round of the Custom Car Street Eliminator and the Super Modified's. Sam has promised to keep us up to speed when the show is due to hit our screens.
Jeremy Cookson
Date: 30th September 2002
Headline: Well done boys!
Congratulations to everyone in Funny bike at the weekend who ran personal bests. Of course a huge well-done to Neil for his first of hopefully many 6 second runs. Having crewed for Neil all year we know how hard he has worked and how many meetings he's done to achieve the first 6 second run in England. Congratulations mate, looking forward to Gainesville. We would also like to extend our congratulations to Graham Dance on another No 1 plate. It's even sweeter when you have to work for it!!!.
Heather Bond
Date: 30th September 2002
Headline: Well done Neil
Congratulations to Neil Midgeley on the 6 second run what a scorcher! Good luck at Gainesville
Roland and Sandra Chaplain
Date: 30th September 2002
Headline: Well done Pop's!
Look's like a years work has finally paid off with tuning the 1500. I think that is the fastest 1500 4 valve in Europe now - great weekend!
Thanks to the Santa Pod crew as the track was awesome all weekend.
Also, well done to Neil Midgley and crew on the MRE funny bike with the UK's first 6 second pass.
Great weekend! Alex Hope
Date: 29th September 2002
Headline: British FB's close on target!
After Saturdays qualification of the last British Champ's round, could't be but cheering them (Funny Bikes) considering last years performance. Now the pats are on it!
FB in Britain has really stepped a giant step considering to the bests and last years. This is really very nice thing to happen 'cause all the years TFB guys of Britain have had been at the top lewel worldwide. But now Funny Bikes are coming closer; so much the Brits never thought (believed) before the season, so close they haven't been in Europe (Funny Bike) since Juha Hillman won the Competition Bike Championship in '90 with his ex-Orient / Terry Kizer FB.
But nice to see, today boys are driving so much quicker Juha did on FB. ... ;) ...
Cheers, Asko Määttä
Date: 29th September 2002
Headline: Congratulations!
We have great pleasure in announcing the marriage of two of our long standing APIRA officials; Janet Nobes and Wayne Schreier. Janet and Wayne finally made the announcement during last weekend's 'Donny In The Park' event at Shakespeare County Raceway which left race officials speechless.
After 15 plus years of stress and strain they are finally tying the knot at Gretna Green, Scotland on Friday 5th October. I'm sure that everyone connected with APIRA will be aware of Janet and Wayne responsiblties, but just in case you aren't aware Janet looks after the event running of the tracks Portatree timing system and Wayne is head of the tracks Tech Crew which we owe them both a great deal of thanks for their time and commitment. Without their involvement the track cannot function.
>From everyone involved with Avon Park International Racing Association, Fire & Accident Safety Teams and Shakespeare County Raceway we send Janet and Wayne, and not forgetting little Junior tech person Chris, all our love and best wishes for the big day and many more to follow.
Date: 29th September 2002
Headline: More rockets
More rocket bikes, in this case a US/Mexican venture. Check out this complete illustrated how to: http://www.tecaeromex.com/ingles/sar-i/rbi.html
Carl Wadkin Snaith
Gossip comment:-
This is a site from a good friend of King Racing, Juan Manuel Lozano. His company will even make you personal rocket back packs to order!
Date: 27th September 2002
Headline: Gone racin'
We're just about packed and ready to travel to Santa Pod for what will be our last race event of the year.
We're hoping to iron out some of the curious maladies that have been affecting our performances this year.
We believe the problem is fuel related, and so we are richening up the system for our first pass.
At the same time, we are running a new North Herts Engineering fabricated blower drive to replace the one that failed during the last two meetings. The old one had a 3/4 inch spline that was twisting due to the forces imparted through the blower belt.
It's possible that this was caused by detonation due to lack of fuel. When the engine detonates it can momentarily try to run backwards, thereby imparting huge twisting forces. This is the classic reason for broken drive and blower belts, hence our thought patterns on the root cause.
Anyhow, we're going to try it out, and if it fails, it MUST be the clutch.........
or maybe the magneto, or maybe......
Date: 27th September 2002
Headline: News and Gossip
Remember to keep your news, gossip and reports coming in to us here. We have a tremendous number of readers from the US and Australia in particular who are only interested in Bike news, and so come to this site exclusively for Euro dragbike news. If you don't post with us you will not be heard or seen!
Remember, anything however trivial is acceptable, as long as it is dragbike related, or related to the people in dragbike racing.
Date: 27th September 2002
Headline: Senator Gipp?
I think Richard Gipp should be the Pro Stock rep as he races both FIM and ACU and so will be up to speed with all the goings on.
Dave Beck
Date: 27th September 2002
Headline: Limey Lap Dance Limo?
Re the 3rd annual Limey party, please book your own Limos this year to avoid disappointment or overcrowding on the bus !!!!!
Dave Holland
Date: 27th September 2002
Headline: Who was the fastest??
There's a debate going in the General section of our discussion forum regarding a question posed by Finnish rider Asko Maataa.
He asks `What are the quickest times and fastest terminal speeds with gasoline & turbo (no nitrous) configuration of any class of motorcycle dragracing?'
Answers so far have ranged from John Ivarsson through Terry Kizer to Neal Lane. If you think you know, join in.
Visit the forum by clicking on the link at the top right of this page.
Date: 26th September 2002
Headline: Limey Party
The 3rd annual Limey Party is on again this year. I've decided to throw it at the Rockaway Grill on the beach, kickoff around 3pm Monday afternoon. Come one, come all, come Rosey!!
See you there,
Jay
Gossip comment :- Bath tubs full of beer and girls again, we'll be there......
Date: 26th September 2002
Headline: Pro Stock Bike rep?
ANY UK PRO STOCK BIKE RIDER WHO WISHES TO ACT AS A REP FOR THE CLASS PLEASE MAKE THEMSELF KNOWN SO WE CAN GET TOGETHER (AT UK FINALS, OR ON HERE) TO SORT OUT WHO'S DOING IT IN 03, (WE CAN TRAVEL TOGETHER TO CUT COSTS) AND WHAT CHANGES IN THE RULES WE REQUIRE B4 WE SPEND THE MONEY.
RICHARD GIPP
Date: 25th September 2002
Headline: Barry Van Hook Update
After experiencing a horrifying high-speed crash on his top fuel motorcycle during a test session prior to the AMA/Prostar Pingel Thunder Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park, Barry Van Hook is making progress in his recovery from the injuries sustained after traveling close to 200 mph when he came off and has now had the pins taken out of his foot.
Former owner of the bike, 5 time Prostar Champions Tony Lang, believes that the tyre spun a little when Barry changed into high gear and that drifted him toward the centre line. At the top end Tony believes from watching the video that Barry's foot came off the foot peg making it impossible for him to steer the bike properly. Barry tried to lean his body to correct it like he would have on his former Funnybike ride, but made a bad situation worse.
They think he came off about 60 feet before the finish line - and recorded his quickest time of 6.58 at 196 mph - on his back!
His injuries were thankfully minor in spite of the speed. His right foot and two small toes were broken. On the left foot all the bones forward of the ankle were broken. The right ring finger was broken and he got road rash on both arms and left knee.
According to Barry, the bike is in remarkably good shape. The front end got ripped off and the frame is probably trashed. Everything that was contained inside the frame and not sticking out is in pretty good shape. The motor is in good shape and the blower turns over. The right side of the motor ground down a bit.
Barry does plan to race again but probably needs a replacement frame.
All of us at King Racing wish Barry good luck in his return to the track!
Photo courtesy Matt Polito
Date: 25th September 2002
Headline: The Dutch are coming!
After the fun that the Dutch Sportsman riders had at the Euro Finals, it seems we can't keep them away. No less than 6 riders have entered for the finals, with four in 9.90 and the other one each in Superstreet and 10.90. Welcome back guys!
Date: 25th September 2002
Headline: ACU UK Finals preview
Looking forward to the final round of this year's ACU UK Championship, no-one can say that next weekend will be an anticlimax. Although two class crowns have already been settled, no less than ten money-paying medal positions still remain unresolved. Despite the hardships suffered as a result of the slowdown in the economy, a remarkable 67 riders have challenged for this, the biggest drag bike series outside the USA.
Funny Bike is arguably the class of the season. Going into the final round, less than the points of one round of eliminations cover the top four positions. Make no mistake, Neil Midgley, Shaun Branch, Tim Blakemore and Dave Holland all have their eyes on the crown and no one can predict who will come out with the honours. Midgley should have the edge on his proven six-second MRE machine, but can he keep up his late-season consistency? Branch has consistently broken his own PB this year, and the blown-alky combo seems to be both consistent and reliable. Both Blakemore and Holland have proven low-seven second pedigree, but is it enough?
Class veteran Nick Pepper has sewn up the Pro Stock Bike Championship already on his rapid Straightline Racing entry, but who will fill the other two medal positions? Martin Bishop has shown he now has the combination necessary, and Chris Hope's erratic performances to date should not overshadow the potential of his riding skills nor his awesome engine power. Even Dave Beck's failure to show at two of the rounds to date (due to his US riding commitments) have not left him out of the running for the silver medal position. Class rookie Helen Curran should not be discounted either, as the new Trac chassis has given her the confidence to nail the PRM Motorsports machine to a podium finish.
History was set at the last round when German Competition Bike racer Klaus Brinkmann became the first non-UK rider to pick up a Championship crown. But who for the other positions? Jerry Collier looks favourite on his unique three-cylinder nitrous Kawasaki two stroke machine for silver, but both Andy Newcombe on the ex-Nash Riceburner Funny Bike and Philip Leamon are in line for a shout.
Ahh, Super Street Bike. Just when it looked like past champion Graham Dance would be left in Tony Clark's tyre tracks in the hunt for the crown, he ups the ante and moves within twenty points of the class leader for an exciting climax to this season's chase. Mark Fisher looks reasonably safe in the bronze medal position, but Karl Larcombe has a slim but possible mathematical chance of usurping him.
Date: 24th September 2002
Headline: Czech Supertwin
One of the more unusual entries in the Supertwin class at this year's NitrOlympics was the Czech rider Tomáš Sulek's Boxer twin.
Featuring a diametrically opposed 1400 cc Sulek engine with DOHC 4 Valve heads, the bike is supercharged through a pair of SU carburettors, and run's on methanol. Horsepower is estimated at around 300 Hp.
You can see more about dragbikes in the Czech republic by clicking on www.dragster.cz
Thanks to Jan Sulek for the pictures
TEAM : SULKAR Drag Racing Team
Chef : Tomáš Sulek, Manager : Lucie Marecková, Mechanik : Jaroslav Sulek, Jirí Kánský, Kontakt : Placice, Hradec Králové
Date: 23rd September 2002
Headline: King Racing join Mortsport at Finals
Ian King has now joined Phil Brachtvogel as Top Fuel bike entries at next weekend's UK finals.
King, who suffered a succession of mechanical problems in recent meetings, hopes to find the root cause of his disappointing performances, whilst Phil and Frank Brachtvogel are to continue fettling Jon Morton's machine for his return to the track next season.
Date: 23rd September 2002
Headline: Motorcycle Street & Strip Expands
Motorcycle Street & Strip magazine has announced that, for 2003, it will increase production from six issues per year to eight. Through March, April, May and June the magazine will be a monthly, and a bimonthly during the other months of the year. MS&S will continue to feature expanding coverage of AMA/Prostar, MIR Superbike Showdown, Texas Shootout , and expects to add coverage of other series in 2003. As always, MS&S welcomes and encourages drag racing teams, tracks, and related companies to use the magazine as a promotional resource.
E-mail text to: editor@mssmag.com, and images to: beth@mssmag.com. Call for more information or snail-mail requirements: 562-856-8475.
In its continuing effort to grow the sport of drag racing and to promote professional drag racers to a broader audience, MS&S will continue featuring stories of interest to the urban-performance enthusiast, mixed with its coverage professional drag racing. MS&S also welcomes editorial contributions from drag racers.
Date: 23rd September 2002
Headline: Showers parts with crew chief Schultz
Reggie Showers, owner/rider of the Prosthetic Design Suzuki Pro Stock Suzuki, has announced today that he and crew chief Brian Schultz have parted company, effective immediately.
"Brian has a family and a new baby on the way, and the demands of racing on the NHRA POWERade tour have been great, so we decided to part company following the Reading race," said Showers, who is currently ranked seventh in the points standings.
"Brian and I have talked at great length about our future together, and we've mutually decided that this is the best decision for both of us at this time. We have five weeks off before the next race in Las Vegas, so that gives me time to re-group and prepare for the end of the season. "I want to stress that this is was a mutual business decision and that it has not affected our friendship," Showers continued. "Many times, when teams make personnel changes, they will say that they wish each other the best, even though that might not be the case. In this instance, it really is true. Brian has become a very close friend over the past two years, and he's welcome in my pit area at any time." Schultz, the son of late six-time NHRA Pro Stock Bike champ Dave Schultz, began working with Showers' Prosthetic Design, Inc., team in 2001 and guided him to the first top ten finish of his career. Under Schultz, Showers also recorded a career-best elapsed time of 7.16 seconds and a best speed of 190.22 mph.
"This is a tough game out here and I have sponsors to answer to and those sponsors demand results," said Showers. "My business is racing and our commodity is speed. Right now, I'm more determined than ever to finish this year strongly, and to be successful in the future. I am a pretty dedicated individual and when I put my mind to something I usually make it happen."
Showers is currently searching for a new crew chief and expects to make an announcement prior to the upcoming ACDelco NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas.
Date: 21st September 2002
Headline: Funny(bike) rumours
OK, let's kill all the rumours flying around, and give everybody the straight poop.
Number One: Funnybike IS NOT going away in 2003. In fact, there will be no change for Funnybike at all in 2003.
Number Two: We are working hard on revisions to the rulebook that will most likely eliminate Funnybike as a competition class in 2004. It is slow going, because the implications to our bike owners, to our racers, and to Prostar are significant. We want to be very careful not to make an entire class of equipment obsolete with the stroke of a pen. We DO want to make sure we give our current Funnybike owners and racers somewhere to go - the ability to migrate to another class of competition without insurmountable obstacles.
We are working hard with owners and racers who would be affected by a change in the rules, and have accomplished two rounds of collaborative planning. We plan on accomplishing another round of planning, with representatives from ALL the competition classes that might be affected. This significant change for 2004 should be published BEFORE the 2003 season begins. Watch for the news on the AMA/Prostar web site, and in Motorcycle Street and Strip, around the first of the year.
Why is this happening? The answer is actually pretty simple, and has just two components.
First, we have too many classes to execute a full event over a two-day weekend, with allowances for disruptions (oil-downs on the track, or unfavorable weather). In the last few years, we have added 600 Supersport, Streetbike Shootout, Hot Rod Cruiser, and Formula Superbike to our classes of competition. These have been the categories of competition that have drawn the most interest from competitors, fans, and sponsors. While we have some great Funnybike teams, their number has dwindled, and they just donÕt generate the amount of participation or interest that we used to see in the past.
Second, and very closely related, is our need to generate more interest among fans. Before an event, we got a lot of calls asking if Top Fuel bikes will be running at the event. We NEVER get similar calls about Funnybike. One of our overt goals, then, is to encourage Funnybike teams to participate at the Top Fuel level of competition, and expand the number of entries in the Top Fuel field. The effort in careful rule revision is to make that upward transition as easy as possible, and to provide an environment where we see real competition, not just a lot of passes.
It's slow going, but we are trying to do it right, and to include the teams (who have participated with us for years) in the decision-making process. If you hear a rumor, don't just pass it along - check it out. We will give you straight answers to straight questions, and also let you know when a firm answer isn't quite developed yet - like now, when the final answer on the future of Funnybike isn't quite worked out.. We will also give you plenty of time to adapt your own racing efforts, and not jerk you around with short-notice changes.
Hang in there with us. We're trying to make our sport better for everyone.
Keith Kizer AMA/Prostar President
Date: 21st September 2002
Headline:
To celebrate the launch of their range of dragbike videos, Wizzerama are running a competition to win a complete set of eight videos from this season's Prostar Championship, worth over £100.
All you have to do is be the first person to mail us correctly predicting the winners of the Professional Class ELIMINATIONS at the Prostar Finals in Gainesville, Florida this November. If you need help in formulating your replies you can view the current points positions at www.amaprostar.com/Pointsmain.asp
So submit a gossip reply or mail us with your predictions to videos@kingracing.com of the winners of the following Professional categories:-
Top Fuel BikeFunnybike
Pro Mod
Pro Stock
Formula Superbike
Streetbike Shootout
Good luck!
Date: 21st September 2002
Headline: Prostar Video Review
We just got our hands on the first video in the series of 2002 Prostar videos produced by Brian Johnsons Wizzerama Productions.
We can report that it's the best example of a Dragbike racing video we have seen to date. Featuring excellent footage and commentary from the season opening MRE Nationals from Gainesville, Florida, the video is for sale now in the US through Schnitz Racing, and in Europe direct from Wizzerama themselves who can be contacted by e mail at video@dragpix.com, or by tel / fax on +44 (0) 1344 625182
Date: 21st September 2002
Headline: Sputnik
Hello everybody. After many discussions with Santa Pod, I can confirm that I will be there at the Flame and Thunder meeting in November on my ROCKET BIKE. Maybe we will run a record breaking 5 second pass?
Gossip comment :-
Great news Eric. For anyone who has did not see the bike run in Hockenheim, you're in for a treat!
Eric Teboul
Date: 21st September 2002
Headline: Level playing field?
I would like to add to Richard Gipps comments. Get a level playing field next year and I will bring my toys out to play.
Dave Beck
Date: 19th September 2002
Headline: Looking for Mickey
URGENTLY WANTED - Does anyone have a Mickey Thompson street tyre (MCR2) for sale - or even a good part worn - TST do not have any at this moment - If you can help please ring Steve on 07970 768899
Regards, Fiona Moor
Date: 19th September 2002
Headline: Grease Monkey Koedam
Comment on the Koedam racing update - Marius, if you let the driver do too much work on the bike at a race, there is no suprise that everything is not working.........
Jan Egil Kongsrud - Leret racing
Gossip comment :-
Roel, work on his bike ??? Ha Ha
Date: 19th September 2002
Headline: Pro Stock for sale
For Sale: Pro Stock Suzuki
1998 D&G chassis w/ 95 GSXR body/fairing. airbox. PMFR wheels and front end.
1570 BPM 4v motor
Dyna electronics w/ complete datalog.
Complete and ready to race over here at the Finals in November.
15,000.00 USD (FIRM)
Best ET 7.59 (only 1.14 60" time)
In need of "Mr. Clutch" himself !!
Finals rental for 3000.00 USD
Serious purchaser should consider sending a junk bike out in the Midgley container to discard over here and bring this bike back to the UK in place of it after racing it here in November and March. Contact Cannon for all container details and cost. Winter storage of bike at MRE included in purchase.
Date: 19th September 2002
Headline: Level playing field
With regards to your question "what happened to the UK riders" on the 13th September, I don't know about everyone but Branchy was going well (considering he had the top end off between nearly every run).
Me and Chris, no excuses, we're just slow but then again we have to carry thirty pounds more than some and the same as 1640's so when are the rules up for a review cuz we would all like a level playing field next year!
Richard Gipp
Gossip comment :-
I suggest you get together with Roger Lyren and the other members of the EPSBA and thrash out some proposals on UEM rule changes.
Date: 17th September 2002
Headline: Phil Brachtvogel pic wanted
We're looking for a picture of Phil Brachtvogel on the `old' TF Bike, the one with the BIG clutch can / primary drive cover. Anyone got one?
Date: 17th September 2002
Headline: Going, going...............
The highest offer we have had for the luxury Business Class return air ticket to the Prostar Finals in Florida in November is £450.
If anyone has a final bid to make for the ticket valued at nearly £5000, please let us know asap, or the ticket will go to the current high bidder!
sales@kingracing.com
Date: 17th September 2002
Headline: Koedam Racing update
We spoke to Marius, crew chief for the Euro Final winning Koedam Racing TF team on their current state of play. Marius explains :
"We have a lot of work to do on the bike (making & changing sleeves, rebutton the old pistons & repair work on the head" "We saved the bike all weekend of the Finals because of the very, very, VERY old pistons. We were concentrating on a race win rather than setting a (personal) record. On Sunday we had clutch bearing (cannon) problems and on the last pass the #3 exhaust valve seat had moved so much in the cylinder head that it was spitting raw fuel whilst idling in stage (as you probable noticed). On top of that the clutch cannon didn't move at all, so the whole pass was done on only the first clutch stage." "I just completed my list of what to do this winter. Oh boy what a list! We will be mainly concentrating on keeping our act together and make sure that we are better prepared for next year. I still believe that the set up we havet at this moment is capable of running .........very low numbers."
Date: 17th September 2002
Headline: Women rule, men drool.............
History was repeated for only the second time in history at the 18th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, Reading, PA when Pro Stock bike featured an all girl final.
No surprise that Angelle Savoie made the last round, but when class rookie Karen Stoffer joined her - a marketing dream!
Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pa. has provided Angelle Savoie with two historic moments in her illustrious seven-year NHRA career. The first came in 1996 when the talented Louisiana native scored her first national event win in only her fourth professional start. The second came during Monday's running of the rain-delayed Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, when Angelle defeated Karen Stoffer in the second all-female final in the fifty-two year history of the National Hot Rod Association.
"I'm really proud of Karen and her team for the great job they did all weekend," said Angelle. "It shows the world what you can do if you put your mind to it. To have two girls in the final was absolutely awesome, and I'm glad the Mohegan Sun Suzuki came out the winner."
However, even before Angelle had reached the momentous final, it had been a great weekend for the Star Racing team. On Friday, they debuted the colors of new primary sponsor Mohegan Sun, and with representatives of the Uncasville, Conn. gaming resort on hand, carried them to the second position in qualifying.
"I love our new Mohegan Sun colors, and it was great to take them to the winner's circle in our first race together," detailed Angelle. "We had a couple people come down from Uncasville for qualifying, and seeing their excitement really motivated us. I know we're looking forward to returning the favor and going up to see them."
Persistent rain showers on Sunday prevented the Star Racing team from even leaving their pit, but they wasted no time in taking care of business once racing resumed on Monday morning. Facing rookie Keith Dennis in the opening stanza, Angelle left the starting line first and ran a elapsed time quicker than that of the No. 1 qualifier (and low for the round) to advance to the quarter-finals.
Although Steve Johnson handed the Mohegan Sun Suzuki the automatic win by red-lighting, Angelle's 7.180-second elapsed time was once again quick in the category for the round, and gave her lane choice for her semi-final match-up with Antron Brown.
Brown was up to the challenge, gaining a slight advantage at the starting line, but it would not be enough, as Angelle improved upon her first round effort with a 7.167-second, 185.66 mph pass, which was quickest of the event, to reach the historic final against Stoffer, who had aided Angelle's POWERade championship charge by eliminating Craig Treble, her closest points pursuer, in the second round.
The final round may have added another line in the NHRA history books as the first all-female final in twenty years, but unfortunately for the many fans in attendance, the race was over before it really began. Stoffer, trying to overcome the Star Racing entry's performance advantage with a quick reaction time, left the starting line nine thousandths of a second too early. This gave the well-deserved win to Angelle, who now has a virtual stranglehold on the POWERade championship.
"I'm excited any time we win, but today I was little more emotional because of everything that was involved," stated Angelle. "First of all, I was excited to race Karen in the final. We went to drag racing school together, and to meet her in the final was awesome.
"I also knew that if we won, we'd just about clinch the championship, which is even more special this year after everything we've gone through. After I saw Karen's red light, I thought about it all the way down the track. I'm so proud of my Star Racing team. I knew they had given me another winning bike, and I really felt good on my Mohegan Sun Suzuki all weekend."
Finally, Angelle had some special thoughts to share with the large crowd who had come out on Monday to watch the completion of final eliminations.
"I spoke to the fans standing around the winner's circle after the race and thanked them for coming back out to watch us race on Monday," explained Angelle. "It's boring to win without the fans, and they made today even more special. They gave Karen and I a tremendous ovation before the final, and that meant a lot to both of us. I know there might be some unhappy bosses, but we were really glad they were here."
Date: 16th September 2002
Headline: Thanks FBG!
A huge thank you to Paul Gast of FBG who took our burnt up Pro mod carbs and returned them to Jay at MRE looking like new - and has not charged us for the repairs!
Jay already has the cranks over @ Falicon for repair and is now working on re - wiring the bike for the next race.
Roger is working on 3 new sets of crankcases for me and working on the heads.
Thank you to everybody who has helped and showed us support in our hours of need
Dave Beck
Date: 16th September 2002
Headline: AMRA Bunker Hill Indiana results
Courtesy of Dick Boxell :-
Top Fuel
R1
Mark Connor (W) 4.57 at 150.54, Bye
Kirkpatrick 5.64 at 94, Roland Gibson (W) 4.86 at 139.01
Mike Romine (W) 4.94 at 131, Jim Susnak (sp) 5.60 at 136.35
R2
Mark Connor (W) 4.55 at 151, Roland Gibson 4.94 at 112
Mike Romine (W) 5.12 shut off, Bye
Final
Mark Connor (W) 4.62, Mike Romine 5.20
Connor wins Romine has had trouble with the right lane all weekend. Connors bike is for sale!
Pro Fuel
R1
Mike Mulderink (W) 4.97 at 135, Jim Fontan 5.45 at 128
Joe Olson (W), Rob Tillison
Gary Stroud (W) 5.14 at 134, PF 1072 5.60 at 115
Roh Mickley (W) 5.32 at 122, Bye R2
Mulderink Leaves before tree, Mickley (W) 4.82 at 135
Stroud Goes red, Joe Olson (W) 5.86
Final
Joe Olson 5.30, Mickley (W) 5.12
Olson light up the tire as soon as the clutch starts to bite.... New 1/8 mile Prostock record set then reset.
Date: 16th September 2002
Headline: Team McClure Announces Sponsorship with Alamo City Harley-Davidson
Team McClure, the speed-concoction of legend Jim "Da Judge" McClure, 19 time Harley-Davidson Top Fuel drag bike champion, and expert racer Mark Conner became more potent than a constant revving of an "overkill engine" recently. Hal, the Alamo City Harley-Davidson dealer in San Antonio, Texas, loves motorcycle drag racing and has decided to fund the team of Jim McClure and Mark Conner for the 2003 season.
"We're going for the gold," McClure said. "My deal is to prepare the bike. Get it there and get it running good. What Mark and I have done this year is great and now we get to do more. This gives me something I've never had before, a full time sponsor. If it weren't for Hal, I couldn't race next year. We all get along together and that helps. We are going to put on a good show next year." Mark Conner stresses they plan to finish the season by gaining as many points as possible in the IHRA Top Fuel Harley-Davidson class and then concentrate on building the new bike during the off-season. Conner expects to incorporate innovative designs in the all-new Weekend Frame chassis with a 2003 "Overkill" engine. The new bike will stay at McClure's shop for maintenance. Conner isn't as talkative as he is confident, but the skilled rider had a couple words about the new Alamo City Team McClure venture. "Watch out!" Conner said.
JIM 'DA JUDGE' McCLURE…HARLEY-DAVIDSON HISTORY IN ACTION SPONSORS :-
Rivera Engineering, Primo Products, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson, Southside Harley-Davidson, F&S Harley-Davidson, Performance Machine, Axtell, Autolite, Vanson Leathers, and Goodridge USA. Visit our First-To-Last-Media Web site www.RaceBizz.com for more information on Team McClure. Also, Team McClure is but a click away at JimMcClure.com.
Date: 16th September 2002
Headline: Thanks!
Firstly, many thanks to all that helped me over the weekend of the Euro finals.
My new PB of 7.55 was the highlight of a good weekend. I hope that Neil Midgley will be able to run the 6 he deserves before the bike goes stateside.
Just to confirm, that my chassis is for sale, £1000 or near offer, will come complete with front end, old rear wheel and wheelie bars.
Call 07818 404031, or see me at the Pod next weekend.
Neil Diggens
Date: 16th September 2002
Headline: Rain forces Monday completion
After just 13 pairs of cars made it down Maple Grove Raceway during Sunday's scheduled elimination action at the 18th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, NHRA officials finally pulled the plug on the day's rain-plagued activities.
Racing will now resume at 10:30 a.m. Monday morning.
Date: 15th September 2002
Headline: Squashed tomato's........
Gossip goes that the chairman of King Racing Entertainment Ltd. celebrates his 41st birthday on Sunday September 15th.
In other words: Happy Birthday Ian from the whole Koedam Racing gang.
Gossip comment :-
Thanks guys and gals, but did you have to give SO much information about my elapsed time??
Date: 15th September 2002
Headline: Desperately seeking Dave Bailey
I am trying to get hold of Dave Bailey (SS Bike) - can anyone help. Contact me at abbeyrider@nascr.net, or 01793 705905. Cheers - Rat
Date: 15th September 2002
Headline: What a weekend
What a weekend at the Pod. First I'd like to say well done to both Neil's on the Funny bike's who ran personal bests, and secondly to Bish who seems to have got a handle on the clutch deal he was struggling with.
On the last pass it seems that the bike snapped a cam chain and dropped a couple of valves after the 'old dog' (pops) had just rolled off. We didn't find this until Wednesday when it was time to do a leak down, so it's yet another rush to make the next meeting.
A 7.4 would be a nice end to the season with the baby 1500 motor until the big motor comes out to play next year. Should be some awesome times and races next year when all on par.
Just like to say thanks to all the Santa Pod crew who ran the meeting like clock work cosidering all what went on - great job.
See you all at the last meeting where we will be out with all super soakers squirting!!!!
Alex Hope PSB # 2
Date: 15th September 2002
Headline: ACU Rule change
I suggest we ban electric over air shifters in Pro stock as it is so easy to cheat and have the bike auto shifting.
Dave Beck
Gossip comment:-
Your concerns have been shared in the past hence the following wording in the rulebook :-
"Where the gearshift is air and/or electrically assisted, all wiring and switches for this system must be separate from the main wiring harness, and must be readily identifiable, traceable and accessible for inspection by the Scrutineer. Except where clearly part of an ignition kill device, any part of the wiring in the gear shift system which, in the opinion of the Scrutineer, passes through, or is connected to a closed control box or unit of any type, will be grounds for disqualification."
However, the ACU believes that this ruling is sufficient to stop cheating of the type you have concerns with.
Date: 13th September 2002
Headline: European Championship Final Positions posted
We've now posted the final points positions for the FIM / UEM Championship. Follow the link at the left of the screen and click on `points'.
For this years championship, Sweden and Norway tied for medals with 4 each, and one for Holland.
What happened to the UK riders???
Date: 13th September 2002
Headline: Website of the week!
Download this following link for how not to perform stunts!It takes a few moments, but it's well worth it :-
http://www.neonsins.com/home/Moto1-320.wmv
Date: 13th September 2002
Headline: Pro Stock Bike Association
Hi to all Pro Stock Bike Racers, and thanks for a good meeting at Santa Pod.
This was the first one for the European PSB Association and there were about 20 persons attending. However, there are probably more racers that want to be a part of this organisation aand so e-mail me with your name, address, phone no and e-mail address and I will reply to you with a contact list for all the racers who are signed up.
You can e-mail me at roger@motospeed.se
Thanks again for a great weekend at Santa Pod, I think we showed that PSB has a top level of competition.
Regards, Roger Lyrén
Date: 13th September 2002
Headline: PR Motosports job application
What are you paying Paul, BEER and FAGS or just BEER? And are riggers ok, aint got no slippers! Do I need a passport?
Richard Gipp
Date: 12th September 2002
Headline: Steve's new bike update
Great Saturday up at the Pod catching up with people. Per brought along the missing piece of the jigsaw - my jack shaft. Spot on Per - thanks!
The main point to this email is Zane has updated his bootsoop site to show my `how to do it yourself' body job. Check it out, it just might give some people the confidence to give it a go themselves.
More updates as we go along - remember this project is to get a 7 sec fuel harley on the track for around £7000.
Cheers, Steve Clutterbuck
Date: 12th September 2002
Headline: MRE Atco report
After blowing a motor in testing on friday night, the MRE team worked hard to make the first qualifying run of the the weekend, only to do more damage.
The bike left hard but had a devastating crank / crankcase blowup @ 400 ft out that caused oil and fuel to ignite. It developed into a big fire and cut through the rear brake line and with oil all over the front wheel the bike took a lot of stopping.
However, with the Atco fire crew and Jay's trusty pit bike now fitted with fire fighting equipment (after the Atlanta fire ) the fire was soon dampened down. We decided not to fix the bike for Sunday as we needed to spend time working out just what caused such a big blow up.
Team MRE will rewire the bike and build a new motor in time for the next race In Alabama mid Oct.
It goes without saying we ALL had to go and drown our sorrows at the nearest bar !!!!
Dave Beck
Date: 12th September 2002
Headline: What a weekend
Well, what a great weekend of racing with personal bests run by Martin Bishop, Chris Hope and of course, our own Midgo on the funnybike. After speaking to Jay and looking at the Atco 1/8 mile time we would have had low et for the meeting with the exception of Larry McBride who again stunned with a 4.018 et. I did not realise how well we had done but with a 1.09 60ft 2.84 330ft and 4.36 1/8 at 161 mph we would without doubt have run into the 6.90s and maybe 6.80s.
However, with track differing slightly run to run and with 4 bad qualifying runs we just had nothing to tune on. But the 7.11 and the 7.01 are just the warning shot for what will eventually be achieved - a number 6 on the board at the end, and all this with the spare motor as well, but we are well established as the fastest funnybike in the UK and now look to set the record in national competition, hopefully with a 6, hmmm.
Now we have to move forward to the finals at the end of the month where it is sure to be a thriller especially if it doesn't rain. It would suit us fine as we can keep the bike in good shape for the trip to the USA in November, but with Dave Holland and Tim Blakemore back on top form who knows? Reliability may play a big part in the proceedings, then there's that man Mr Branch lurking as well (sorry for bumping you Shaun - NOT……) but everybody has a great chance with 1 round covering the top 4 , may the best man win.
I'ts off to the USA for two meetings, Nov finals and the Season opener at Gainesville. The container will be loaded at Neils work on the 3rd October and will return in late March 2003.
We have a space left, so if you want to go and race let me know asap.
On a last note, the turbo Busa is still up for grabs at £9500 so come on people, it's a bargain - get yer money out.
Cannon
days 01274 855886, mobile 07775 501371 (UK).
Date: 12th September 2002
Headline: FIM / UEM Championship Finals
The FIM / European Finals was once again a great event, with the weather holding out just long enough for the finals to be completed. It went to the wire, and two new European champions were appointed for 2003:-
Final results:-
FIM/UEM Top Fuel Comp Bike: Roel Koedam 6.64/211.83 def. Sverre Dahl 6.70/171.77
FIM/UEM Supertwin Top Fuel Bike: Anders Karling 6.68/203.79 def. Per Bengtsson 6.79/202.24
FIM/UEM Pro Stock Bike: Øivind von Essen 7.48/177.41 def. Roger Pettersson 7.75/145.30
2003 Champions
Top Fuel Comp - Sverre Dahl, Norway
Supertwin Top Fuel - Anders Karling - Sweden
Pro Stock - Oivind von Essen - Norway
Congratulations to all!
Date: 12th September 2002
Headline: Mark Cox Racing Consistent at New England Dragway
Mark Cox Racing continued to show their consistency at last weekend's 7th Annual Amalie Oil Nationals at the New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire.
"We're getting so close," said rider/owner Cox. "We keep stepping our program up. We continue to run good low numbers and put ourselves in a position to win." Right off the truck, the Mark Cox Racing jackshaft Harley ran a 6.484 ET at 205.88 mph. The team never turned a time slower than a 6.56 until the second round. A sure record for the Mark Cox Racing team, no jackshaft bike has ever run in the 40's. This feat garnered the team a lot of attention, including a television feature on TNN that is scheduled to air next month.
During the second round of the race, Cox came up against Steve Stordeur, who was the number one qualifier and ultimate race winner.
"We rolled the dice and made adjustments before the semi-final round, knowing we'd either gain an extra tenth, or we'd lose it," stated Cox. "We knew if Steve faltered, we could still take him out. Unfortunately for us, we slowed down a tenth and he won the round. We really needed Stordeur to stumble and he didn't. They have a good package and can run numbers anywhere they go.
"We know that we can put ourselves in a position to win," said Cox. "We are continuing to make a lot of progress with the high-gear set-up. Many people have taken notice of why we're going the way of the jackshaft bike and the consistency we've proven. We really want to pull off an IHRA win this year."
Mark Cox Racing will hit the track again September 27-29 for the IHRA race at Budds Creek, Maryland. Following that will be back-to-back races at Rockingham on October 4-6 for the AHDRA Nationals and October 18-20 for the IHRA finale.
Mark Cox Racing wishes to thank their 2002 sponsors, including: Bojangles' Restaurants, Cross Roads Harley-Davidson, Wilkesboro HOG Chapter, AlliedSignal/Autolite, Barnett, Buell, Gates Rubber Company, Hawaya Racing, High Performance Coating, JIMS, LeBleu Bottled Water, Mac Brown Chevrolet, Performance Machine, Red Line Oil, Renegade, S&S Cycle, Simpson, Trailers of the East Coast, Tsubaki, Vanson Leathers and WTQR.
For more information about Mark Cox Racing go to http://www.markcoxracing.com
Date: 11th September 2002
Headline: Star in Hog Dog
Thank's to Turbo for pointing out that there is a three page piece on George and Jackie Bryce and the Star racing street class Harley drag-bike in the latest issue of HOG-DOG magazine.
Date: 11th September 2002
Headline: Well done Neil
I'd just like to congratulate Neil Midgeley and his crew (Mike Vickers and H) on the superb numbers they ran at the weekend.
I have to say that early on in the season, I doubted if Neil would ever get the bike to run right after watching some of his early passes but you have proved me and many others wrong. WELL DONE MATE.
Paul Knapp
Date: 11th September 2002
Headline: For Sale
Funnybike, GSX 1570, Clift chassis, 5 speed auto, MSD 3 ignition, O ringed block, Trickett head, 10" rear, new body, NOS. Turnkey and race ready - £6,000, or split: rolling chassis £2,500, Engine £4,000.
Pro Stock rolling chassis - ex Martin Bishop, best et 7.9, 10" rear. Just put your engine in and win. £2,500
17" RC Components wheel without hub - £175
Ex Star Racing GS1100 replica. Ran 8.20 in 1984. All tech tickets and papers, with stock engine. Run's 10's all day, nice history, only £2500. Will split, rolling chassis £1500.
5 speed 1-2-3 Auto complete. Fit and run, £250
Will part exchange road bikes at sensible prices on all the above.
Contact PR Motorsports, 01784 251941 or 07710 319883 (England).
P.S. Crew required for 2003 season. Must be reliable and cheap to run and prepared to wear slippers.
Date: 11th September 2002
Headline: MRE in Atco
Basically, things haven't gone too well for the team!!
Both engines have blown up; the second one doing so in spectacular style on Saturday morning with a ferocious fire starting and burning out the brake lines, amongst other things.
Consequently, the bike was very difficult to control, but Dave managed to bring it to safety, and the fire trucks quickly moved in; and Jay thanked him for managing to maintain control and prevent any further damage to the bike.
Dave and the rest of the MRE team would like to thank the ATCO fire crew for their prompt help in a situation that no racer wants to find themselves in.
On a lighter note, I have been assured that the whole team are up for a big night out tonight, and Mother Upperton is back in his rightful place with the team, rather than languishing in a Sangria stupor in Spain, and, I'm sure, is in dire need of some American hospitality!!!
They won't be at the next race, as they will all be at Jay's shop fixing the sick parts, but hope to be at the finals in Gainesville in November; and Dave, Rog, and the rest of Dave's crew will be at the next ACU round here, with the 1640 and all guns blazing !!
That's all I know for now;
Charlotte
Date: 10th September 2002
Headline: Turbo's banquet review..........
You should have seen Charlie at the banquet, amazing!! He and Christian were wearing fancy dress, got pissed farts and never stopped dancing all night!! Way to go Karling Racing! (Victoria was very well behaved of course). Sverre Dahl was just a very happy man and hugged his trophy all night. Jon Loret was double lubricated but what's new, he was beating himself up all night for that cherry. Strangely his giant crew man, Obelix, was sober as a judge! Ronny Aasen got so drunk he was found out for the count in the middle of the track, with a broken shoulder, sometime in the early hours after taking a short cut over the wall!! Big thanks must go to the Zodiac and 'de Haas' teams for brilliant hospitality over the weekend, they had Grolsch beer on draught and a professional bar man (thanks Sjoerd of team 'Scalp Screen') in their pit! It was good to see Rob van Geffen back and on form with Gerard helping out. Jaaska, Harry and Kai were also on good party form and had their great new billet heads, cylinders and clutch units with them which were very impressive and reasonably priced too! Jamie Millership seemed to enjoy his first outing with the big boys despite hurting his motor, he'll be back! Little Nikki seemed to enjoy her first finals immensely and was last seen sitting on grandad Ton's bike laughing and clapping. Too much else happened over the weekend to recount, it was a wild show! If fast Freddie raced a bike I would be very, very, scared. He is just way out there on the edge, awesome!
Turbo
Date: 10th September 2002
Headline: For Sale.....
1 five speed Pro Stock transmission set up by R & D . Brand new. £1850
1 Falicon billet clutch basket .Brand new . £500
Contact Dave on 01948 871264
Date: 10th September 2002
Headline: Joe Perry's long road quest for AHDRA championship points
Joe Perry, Acme Racing and Team VIP stalwart, takes his quest for points on an extensive road trip this month. Don't try this at home, even if you don't want to be home.
In early September hop aboard a Harley-Davidson FLH and drive through pelting rain from Bristol, Tennessee to Bradenton, Florida. Pick up a new truck rig for Willie Hershberger and return to Tennessee to load Hershberger's and Perry's Harley-Davidson racing bikes. Then drive to Portland, Oregon for the AHDRA Northwest Nationals at Woodburn Dragstrip. Compete in the AHDRA event for championship points Sept. 7-8 and then load up again and drive to Delmar, Delaware for the AHDRA Delaware Nitro Nationals at US 13 Dragway on Sept. 14-15. Are we tired yet? Compete for more championship points and then load up again and drive home to Bristol, Tennessee. Talk about coast-to-coast-to-coast.
Perry's fervor for Harley-Davidson racing is obvious and relentless, something implied by the greatest brand name known to the US, but Perry's deeds often exceed his words. One of Perry's favorite words "Awesome."
Perry also sends a big thanks to Brainerd International Raceway for its part in perhaps the greatest motorcycle drag racing event now in the planning stages for September 2003.
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, and JIMS
Read more about Joe Perry on RaceBizz.com as well as StripBike.com with links to Zoomster.com
Date: 8th September 2002
Headline: Team Mancuso’s Desire to Win
As qualifying for Friday’s evening session was posted at the Mickey Thompson display in Epping, New Hampshire, Steve Stordeur and Johnny Mancuso continued the #1, #2 pattern for Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley. Mancuso smiled as he said, “We didn’t really hurt anything, except for ruining a couple of tires. We finally got Steve’s bike down the track, sp everything’s going pretty smooth.”
Mancuso topped qualifying over the reigning champ with a 6.428/219.12. “It was a thrilling ride. Two different photographers found me after the round to report that my bike carried the front wheel all the way through the quarter-mile. They said there was a huge cloud of smoke past the finish line when the front wheel came down. Though that’s cool and fun to ride, it costs us e.t., making the track a full bike length longer.” Teammate Stordeur posted a pitiful 18-second pass limping through the quarter-mile. The team spent the afternoon putting the spare motor in.
In the evening round, Stordeur was the only competitor to improve and he moved up to first, bumping the boss. “His bike still didn’t pull all the way through, but he had a 4.13 eighth-mile, and that’s good. I’m disappointed that none of us ran all the way through in that round. In good air, we struggle. But give me really hot and humid air and we can probably run real low thirties.” Stordeur ran a stellar 6.389 at 205.98 miles per hour, setting the track record. “My bike had a lot better 60 foot and 330 foot time that round. I felt it nose over and drop the front wheel down. Then it picked the wheel up at the gear change and ran through the quarter-mile with the wheel back down” Mancuso didn’t mind the bump to second when he laid down a 6.44 pass. His round one number kept him second.
This weekend, Team Mancuso must go for it in a big way. A win is required for Stordeur to take over the points lead. That, and the leader must fail early. “ We have no indication of engine problems from today. The spare motor is in Steve’s bike and appears to be happy. I’m thinking about dong the very best I can do. Steve doing the best he can do. We’ll let it fall where it falls. I am not thinking about anything other than letting the bikes improve and go forward.” With obvious immense pressure on himself to tune well and Stordeur to perform well, Mancuso will attempt to set everything aside and think only about the race at hand.
Qualifying Saturday at New England Dragway is scheduled for noon and seven p.m. Holding their qualifying positions, winning rounds and a final round appearance will help the points. Instead of being flustered by the big picture, Mancuso and team will take it one victory at a time.
The Mancuso Racing Team of Steve Stordeur and Johnny Mancuso is sponsored by Arias Pistons, Autolite, Ballistic Bikewear, Barnett, Diamond Cut Jeans, Dynatek, The Gates Rubber Company, Greg Good Race Heads, JIMS, Lincoln Electric, Mickey Thompson Race Tires, Motion Pro, RC Components, Red Line Oil, Vanson Leathers, The Minute Maid Company, Victory Valves, VP Fuels, Weekend Frame Co., YUASA and Mancuso Harley-Davidson.
Nina Henderson
Date: 5th September 2002
Headline: Sonny Barger
Many of you will have seen the recent screening of the Sonny Barger biography on Sky TV. Well, don't forget the man will be at Santa Pod this weekend signing copies of his new book so be sure to go and meet the legend.
He will be situated in the big white trailer, parked in the motorcycle park behind the spectator banking.
After the finals he is off to Germany to another book signing and to meet US troops and their families in Wiesbaden before returning to his US tour.
Tell him I sent you!
Turbo
Date: 5th September 2002
Headline: 3 Speed for sale
FOR SALE: 3 speed Orient Express transmission Suzuki GS1100 / 1150 Complete with forks and drum, used but in good shape. 1500.00 USD
Jay : e mail: MRERACE@aol.com
Date: 5th September 2002
Headline: Yes Mum!
Just want to wish everyone a good, fast, safe weekend and remind all racers,
1 - PUT YOUR PIT BIKES AWAY AT NIGHT!!! Seven bikes were stolen at the Main Event even though some of them were locked and chained!! Same goes for generators and tools, there is a gang of low-life scum in Rushden who see us as easy pickings and they got away scot free last time! They will try again!
2- Any racers who use 'Sure Shot' spray cans remember I am the UK distributor and have re-build kits with me should you need them.
3- I will also have just a few of the ADBA Championship videos with me along with my photo CD's and shirt samples etc. Now is a good time to think about next season's race uniforms, not two weeks before Easter!
4- Check out the Santa Pod shops for a vast new range of clothing and accessories including flame shirts and some new bomber jackets with the Dragster, Nitro-Harley or the Nitro-Snake on the back. Also lots of cool kids stuff at great prices.
See you all there, TURBO
Date: 5th September 2002
Headline: Change of plans but everything turns out OK for Zman & Yla
Panagiotis Zarifopoulos (Zman) will not be competing in the Eurofinals with the Paranoid Racing's nitrous Buell S2. A series of events such as the cancellation of two more Greek racers participation and Fil competing with the newly acquired Super Gas Ford Sierra that is already in the UK left Zman and Yla (wife and mechanic) facing a huge transportation cost that made the whole trip impossible.
However, thanks to Ken Cooper and his Cooperized Hirebusa, and with the help of Race-Pro the Greek promoters who are backing the Greek effort, they will still have a chance in experiencing the Santa Pod surface. They will be on board the mid nines machine, even if they have entered the 10.90 class, but with a total cost that is manageable and much less strain on them (driving 3,000+ Kilometers and such).
"We have never raced brackets before and I am more interested in absorbing all I can from the race procedures than anything else. With a track being seriously planned for 2003 in Greece as we speak, we need to obtain experience to bring back to Greece to the other racers and to the organisers from a racers point of view. We could run the bike in 9.90 easy, but with a field this size and our lack of experience of the bike, we propably would not make Sunday as there is a chance for the eliminations to begin on Saturday. We want to thank Ken and the whole Cooperized team for hosting us at such a short notice and Race-Pro for aiding in transport and accomodation. We are looking forward to be with our european friends once again and hope the weather treats us nicely and that we have a great time there."
Panagiotis Zarifopoulos
Date: 4th September 2002
Headline: BS
Yes Jan, but it is always the woman who is doing the shopping..... see ya thursday and bring sunshine from Norway.
Monique Koedam
Date: 4th September 2002
Headline: Dragbike Video launch
Wizzerama Productions, the brainchild of ex Top Fuel bike rider Brian Johnson, has announced the release of the first of their series of video productions. The video's, featuring action from all of the eight rounds of the 2002 Prostar series, will be available in NTSC and PAL format's. They will be distributed in the US by Schnitz Racing, and in Europe orders can be sent by e mail to video@dragpix.com, through his website www.brianjohnson.co.uk, or by tel / fax on +44 (0) 1344 625182
Date: 4th September 2002
Headline: Don't forget my shag...
Leaving today (Tuesday) for the Euro Finals at Santa Pod. I hope the weather and track are going to be good!
Seee ya all,
Jan Egil Kongsrud - Jon Leret Racing
P.S. Roel Koedam, if you see this, please remember to buy me some Dutch tobacco.
Date: 4th September 2002
Headline: Bowen Promoted
It has been announced that Team Cooperized's Brian (Biffa) Bowen has been appointed Team Operations Manager to help with the day to day running of the London based organisation. Team owner, Red Ken Cooper said at yesterday's press conference "Brian is a natural organiser and people person. This will allow me more time to concentrate on the bikes and engine development side of things".
Roughly translated into English, that means that Ken's a lazy a***......
Date: 3rd September 2002
Headline: Top Fuel Bike Results From Indy
Final Top Fuel Bike exhibition run results from the NHRA US Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park :-
Larry McBride 6.05 @ 232, Ron Webb 6.30 @ 211
Mike Romine 7.51 @ 127, Doug Vancil 6.37 @ 215
Chris Hand 6.41 @ 211, Tommy Smith 9.28 @ 93
Date: 3rd September 2002
Headline: Angelles Big Go win
At the Powerade Drag Racing Series, 48th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indy, Angelle Savoie took the event win over Shawn Gann :-
Angelle Savoie (Star Racing Suzuki), 0.443, 7.232 @ 183.39 bt. Shawn Gann (Gann Speed Airtech Suzuki), 0.447, 7.263 @ 184.22
This is Angelle Savoie's 41st final round appearance, 6th of this season, and 4th at IRP where she was looking to repeat as the U.S. Nationals champion. This is the 4th time Gann and Savoie have met in a final round, Savoie having won the 3 previous encounters. They have met 10 times in eliminations, Savoie with an 8-2 overall advantage.
This started out almost dead even. Savoie steadily pulled ahead after the 330 foot mark, even as her bike moved toward the centerline on the top half of the track.
Angelle Savoie Margin 60ft(0.021), 330ft(0.017), 660ft(0.031), 1,000ft(0.037). MOV: 0.0359 seconds (approximately 10 feet).
Date: 3rd September 2002
Headline: Stormin' Lorcan
Team Parnell Racing broke the 200mph barrier at the weekend on their near-stock ZX12R. Lorcan Parnell went 200.8mph in the flyinq quarter mile and 201.8mph in the flying kilometre. Keith Parnell also went 199.4mph in the flying quarter - not bad for a pensioner! Runs were at the Classic Bike sprint, RAF Woodbridge.
Date: 3rd September 2002
Headline: Cannon's Busa down in price
Cannon just called to tell us that his stunning Turbo Busa has had it's price reduced to a bargain £9,500. Foe further detail click on the discussion forum above right and look in the for sale and wanted section, or call him on tel 01274 855886 (wk) 07775 501371 (mobile) or email info@cannon-eng.co.uk
Date: 3rd September 2002
Headline: Woollatt out of Finals?
Chris Powell, Crew Cheif for Steve Woollatt's Top Fuel ike, has reported some sad news :-
"This Sunday we have been attending a meeting at North Weald Drag Strip just doing a couple of shake down passes before the Eurofinals ready for the repeat performance of the spectacular runs at the Fallnationals.
It is with great regret that we have to inform all our fans and supporters that due to irrepairable engine damage we are having to withdraw our entry from the Euro finals and call it a day for this year.
We carried out all the usual maintenance before making the two demo runs, but after just the first burn out we had oil, smoke and debris coming out of one exhaust header.
We rushed the patient back to the workshop where we undertook major surgery but all this effort was to of no avail.
It would seem that the step up we made for the 6.5 and 208mph pass took its toll on the engine. We just cannot undertake the repairs to the pistons, liners rods and head in the time remaining.
We are so disappointed not to be able to turn the bike out for the meeting as we just know with the huge field and number of fuel bikes at the Euro Finals it will be a great weekend.
Both Steve and myself will still be attending the meeting and supporting Darrens charity auction with our offer of crewing any time next season at Santa Pod.
We would like to pass on our thanks to Bikes of Brighton, Born to be Wild Paintwork P.E.S.T, G Max Fuels , and Fibre glass Solutions this year for their continued support and look forward to having them with us again next year. If any other company or individual would like to be involved with the ACU Championship winning bike for next year please feel free to contact me at any time."
Date: 3rd September 2002
Headline: Blue mountain?
Come on Santa Pod, wake and up smell the coffee! 35 riders in 9.90 and you didn't have the track time for Superstreet bikes?
Paul Watson
Date: 3rd September 2002
Headline: Monday Top Fuel Bike Results From Indy
Top Fuel Bike Exhibition Results for Monday from the NHRA US Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park :-
Larry McBride 5.96 @ 229, Doug Vancil 6.34 @ 212
Mike Romine 6.71 @ 187, Tommy Smith 7.58 @ 138
Chris Hand 8.44 @ 107, Ron Webb 6.71 @ 159
Date: 2nd September 2002
Headline: Final Qualifying for Pro Stock at Indy
Pro Stock Bike points leader Savoie will begin her quest for her fourth victory of the season and second in a row at today's (Monday) race from the No. 1 position.
This is the seventh time this year the B&M Million Dollar Drag Race-sponsored rider has earned the $1,000 K&N Filters low qualifier bonus.
Savoie will now try to erase the forgettable .597-second reaction time she had in the first round of Saturday's K&N Pro Bike Klash and ride her superior bike to IRP's winner's circle.
"Ever since they made us use [the NHRA AutoStart system] that starts the seven-second timer when one of the bikes stages, I've let myself get rushed and it's totally thrown me off," Savoie said. "That's what happened in the Klash. I went in before I was ready and I wasn't focused on cutting a good light. "The best thing to do, and what I've decided to do now, is go through my pre-race routine before I ever even turn on the first [pre-stage] light because I probably take a little longer than most people to get ready. I didn't do that before because I didn't want people to think I was playing dirty. Now I've decided I don't care. I've been racing long enough that people know I don't play games."
The 32-year-old Savoie will open against Greg Underdahl, who kept his Fast Lane Sports bike in the 16th spot with a 7.363 at 182.11 mph.
Matt Hines was impressive Sunday, shrugging off the heat and setting a track speed record under less-than-desirable conditions. His 7.219-second, 190.51-mph pass also moved the Eagle One pro into second place on the final ladder. Hines will start race day opposite Fred Camarena of the Race Girl camp.
No. 5 qualifier Craig Treble, who won $15,000 in the K&N Pro Bike Klash Saturday, will try to earn a $10,000 double-up bonus by winning the U.S. Nationals in the same weekend
1. Angelle Savoie Star Racing Suzuki 7.152 185.64
2. Matt Hines Eagle One Suzuki 7.219 190.51
3. Shawn Gann Gann Speed Airtech Suzuki 7.227 184.09
4. Geno Scali Lake Mortgage Kawasaki 7.296 185.72
5. Craig Treble Matco Tools Suzuki 7.301 181.89
6. Reggie Showers PDI Prosthetic Design Suzuki 7.303 182.40
7. Antron Brown Herrman & Sons Suzuki 7.305 186.18
8. John Smith Anoka-Ramsey Sports Suzuki 7.308 180.00
9. Andrew Hines Suzuki 7.309 183.15
10. Karen Stoffer Suzuki 7.311 181.67
11. Joe DeSantis Privateer Suzuki 7.315 182.13
12. Scott Lewis Suzuki 7.316 180.40
13. Mike Berry MB Precision Suzuki 7.318 183.67
14. Steve Johnson K&N/Snap-On Tools Suzuki 7.319 181.11
15. Fred Camarena RaceGirl Suzuki 7.336 180.02
16. Greg Underdahl Innovative Racing Suzuki 7.363 182.
Date: 2nd September 2002
Headline: Finishing places at the finished Finnish finals........
The Finnish Finals went as I had bet.
Juha Hillman wonComp Bike with his ex-Terry Kizer / Orient Express Suzuki Funny Bike (as I said / bet on Friday!).
Petri "Kalix" Kalttonen, Vaasa, Finland, made the race as the race should be. He was driving for the first time quicker and faster than his 9 sec. gas-Harley :-
First pass, 7.6 and a string of similar times all weekend. You must remember that the TF Harley he rode is actually 10 years old technology so it can't go much quicker no matter who's riding it. In the final,what I was afraid of and waiting for happened. The primary drive broke, so Hillman had an easy win and due to the points earned at the race he also won the Finnish Championship for Funny / Competition Bike. Congrat's! His fuel system was good but the NOS side not as good as it should be ......
Kuutniemi's testing with the Olds Cutlass TMFC went the same way it started to go on Saturday, tyre shakes and when not, immediately smoking the tyres.
But we learned a lot. Should I say "we" because this was my last race tuningchim. I am now concentrating on riding my Funny Bike mid September. And after that, building up totally new Pro Mod Bike for the next season.
Cheers, Asko Maatta
Date: 2nd September 2002
Headline: Got a used slick??
Re finals:- any pro-stock etc. racers with a used 15X10" (29 ish) wide slick for sale that I could buy for my HD could they let me know and bring it to the finals please?
Thanks, Turbo
mailto: slicks@turboville.com
Date: 2nd September 2002
Headline: Top Fuel Bike Results From Indy
Top Fuel Bike Exhibition Results from the NHRA US Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park :-
Saturday Evening
Larry McBride 6.06 @ 228, Doug Vancil 6.50 @ 199
Mike Romine 6.56 @ 204, Chris Hand 6.54 @ 205
Tommy Smith 7.61 @ 134, Ron Webb 6.42 @ 217
Sunday Afternoon
Chris Hand 6.75 @ 202, Larry McBride 6.07 @ 225
Mike Romine 6.81 @ 166, Tommy Smith 6.64 @ 198
Doug Vancil 6.57 @ 185, Ron Webb 6.45 @ 210
Sunday Evening
Chris Hand 6.57 @ 180, Doug Vancil 7.25 @ 132
Ron Webb 6.51 @ 209, Mike Romine 9.90 @ 83
Larry McBride 6.18 @ 236, Tommy Smith 6.81 @ 196
Date: 1st September 2002
Headline: The World's newest Top Fuel Bike / Mortsport test update
Pictures and report of test with Jon Morton's new Top Fuel bike courtsesy of Tog at Eurodragster.com
"Last pass was meant to be 1000' but Phil got off it early, this is planned to be 1000'.
A wipe of the front tyre...Frank walks forward...beckons Phil...short, sharp burnout and we're beginning to chew on the nitro fumes up here in Race Control.
The bike leaps forward to the line...
1.06 reaction 60 foot 1.170 330 feet 3.050 Eighth 4.605/156.38 1000 feet 5.993 Quarter 7.43/148.50
Very straight pass. "
Tog
Date: 1st September 2002
Headline: Mortsport test update
Second pass, another excellent burnout and a very straight half-pass, 7.79/122.83. A lot harder tune-up by the sound of it but not on the throttle for so long.
Tog
Date: 1st September 2002
Headline: Team Mortsport test!
Live from Race Control.
Phil Brachtvogel is testing Jon Morton's new Top Fuel bike at the Santa Pod RWYB today.
Great burnout from Phil Brachtvogel, race control full of tear gas though!...
...tiptoes up to the line...
1.254 sixty foot 4.854/147.77 eighth 6.278 thousand foot 7.79/137.52
The bike drifted a little left but Phil had it covered, a little hesitation in the engine note at about half-track and Phil was off it by 1000'
Nice one Phil!
Thanks for the report from Tog.
Date: 1st September 2002
Headline: Pro Stock Qualifying at Indy
Order after 3 rounds of qualifying in Pro Stock Motorcycle at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 48th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals:
1. Angelle Savoie Star Racing Suzuki 7.152 185.64
2. Shawn Gann Gann Speed Airtech Suzuki 7.227 184.09
3. Matt Hines Eagle One Suzuki 7.263 185.43
4. Geno Scali Lake Mortgage Kawasaki 7.296 178.21
5. Craig Treble Matco Tools Suzuki 7.301 181.52
6. Reggie Showers PDI Prosthetic Design Suzuki 7.303 182.40
7. Antron Brown Herrman & Sons Suzuki 7.305 183.05
8. John Smith Anoka-Ramsey Sports Suzuki 7.308 177.25
9. Andrew Hines Suzuki 7.309 181.11
10. Karen Stoffer Suzuki 7.311 181.67
11. Scott Lewis Suzuki 7.316 180.40
12. Mike Berry MB Precision Suzuki 7.327 181.28
13. Steve Johnson K&N/Snap-On Tools Suzuki 7.334 180.84
14. Fred Camarena RaceGirl Suzuki 7.336 180.02
15. Joe DeSantis Privateer Suzuki 7.343 181.13
16. Greg Underdahl Innovative Racing Suzuki 7.363 182.11
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Michael Phillips Suzuki 7.363 181.35
18. Thomas Miceli Winning Combo Suzuki 7.375 181.35
19. Matthew Smith Suzuki 7.402 177.35
20. Sam Hurwitz Old Time Garage Suzuki 7.418 179.52
21. GT Tonglet Harley 7.457 175.64
22. Chris Reuter Robertson Cycle Suzuki 7.476 174.26
23. Connie Cohen C.C. Rider Suzuki 7.477 172.96
24. Wesley Wells Kawasaki 7.480 178.87
25. Rob Short Short Racing Kawasaki 7.487 173.96
26. Reggie Cole Team Excel 7.506 176.14
27. Joe Koenig Suzuki 7.510 169.76
28. Brian DeLong Bullfrog Suzuki 7.526 177.63
29. Redell Harris No Limit Suzuki 7.526 171.18
30. Lloyd Straus Baxter Motorsports Suzuki 7.540 173.61
31. Tommy Grimes Jr Suzuki 7.670 176.49
32. Matt Guidera Buell 7.976 162.88
Date: 1st September 2002
Headline: Treble's dream season continues with Klash title
Adding to an incredible season that has already included four national event victories, Craig Treble rode his Matco Tools Suzuki to a $15,000 victory in Saturday's K&N Filters Pro Bike Klash.
Treble, who scored wins in Gainesville, Houston, Columbus and Sonoma this year, survived an upset-filled day to beat first-time finalist Mike Berry's MB Precision Suzuki in the final round, 7.30 to 7.36.
"I'm floating on a cloud right now," said Treble, who is just the sixth rider to win the Klash in its 12-year history. "I don't want to wake up from this dream. The money is great, but the prestige and the honor of winning this race are what's really important to me. There are only six people who have won this race in 12 years, and I know I'm in some pretty stout company."
Treble's weekend did not start off on a positive note as he missed both of yesterday's runs when his bike experienced transmission problems. With no data to tune from, he and crew chief Calvin Aswege elected to use the same setup they had used two weeks earlier in Brainerd for their first-round match against former Klash winner Antron Brown. The bike responded with a 7.30, and Treble did his job on the starting line with a .405 to .459 holeshot over Brown, who lost despite a 7.27.
"Missing those two runs last night hurt us bad," said Treble. "We had to take our best guess in the first round, but we managed to hit it pretty good. I also thought it was necessary to push the Tree a little against Antron, and obviously it was."
Brown wasn't the only pre-race favorite to fall early -- Angelle Savoie and Matt Hines were also upset in round one. Savoie, who entered the event as the No.1 seed in the eight-bike field with her Star Racing Suzuki, gave up more than a tenth of a second on the starting line to Geno Scali's Kawasaki and could not make up the difference. Hines gave up nearly a tenth to Berry and could not reel him in despite a solid 7.26.
Round two featured a rematch of the Brainerd final with a different outcome. Treble, with the better reaction time, turned the tables on Geno Scali, taking a narrow 7.30 to 7.30 victory over the Pete Briggs-owned Kawasaki.
"Geno had one coming to him after what he did to me in Brainerd," said Treble. "Our bike made a decent run, but I think it could have run a little quicker. We got to the final, though, and that was all that mattered to me."
After two-straight 7.30 runs, Treble wasn't afraid to make changes before the final.
"We changed gears and carburetor jetting and our clutch settings," said Treble. "I know that if you take Mike Berry lightly, you will get bit. It was no surprise to me that he was in the final, and the way he's running, I'm sure he will be there again. In the final, I squeezed the hell out of the clutch lever because I didn't want to red-light, and it worked out for me."
Berry, one of the class' most improved riders this year, did not reach the final by accident. Though he was just the seventh seed in the field, he used solid riding to upset Hines and defending Klash champ Shawn Gann in the first two rounds.
"It wasn't like I was killing the Tree, but it was good enough to get to the final," said Berry, who is one of the few remaining Pro Stock Bike racers who still builds his own engines and acts as his own crew chief. "Craig and I are just two old bracket racers, and it's pretty neat to race him in the final."
Treble's win makes him eligible for NHRA's $10,000 double-up bonus should he win Monday's U.S. Nationals title, but he admits that he has a lot of work ahead of him.
"Winning the U.S. Nationals would be the ultimate thrill, but we need to make sure we win rounds," said Treble. "Matco wants a championship and I'm going to work hard to get it for them."
Date: 1st September 2002
Headline: Fallnationals
A couple of great pictures from Ivan Sansom, one of the history making side by side 7.4 second Pro Stock pass as Nick Pepper overcame Dave Beck, and the other of Neil Midgley's Funnybike win over Tim Blakemores tyre shaking pass - look at Tim's rear tyre!
Date: 1st September 2002
Headline: Finnish Finals report
Kalix and Kuutniemi driving 500 meters instead of ¼ mile!
A great number of spectators today at the Finnish Finals saw driving skill rarely seen. TMFC driver Jarmo Kuutniemi started it on his third pass with wheel spin and bad shake so bad that the front fasteners of the engine broke.
Petri ”Kalix” Kalttonen continued with TF Harley. He drove with a spinning tyre all the length of the quartermile, and even had to lift his foot to avoid hitting the 330 ft cells. His best time for today was 7.6 secs. When asked about the pass Kalix said he had no brain at all as he cruised ona 500 meters pass on a 400 meter track. So, that’s it......
Jaska Salakari broke the studs of the front drive pulley on every pass, but still leads qualification with a 7.3 sec. pass.
Cheers, Asko Maatta
Date: 1st September 2002
Headline: NHRA Indy report
There are 6 Fuel bikes here, Saturday 1 pass only :-
R Lane Chris Hand 6.54 at 205.72, L Lane Mike Romine 6.56 at 204.51 (W)
Both bikes get down the track in good order. Mike Romine got a small holeshot win, and carried the wheel full track in Harley fashion.
R Lane Ron Webb 6.42 at 217.60 (W), L Lane Tommy Smith 7.61 at 134.91
Ron comes down from the frozen north to make a good straight pass. Tommy Smith smokes the tire about 40 ft out.
R Lane Doug Vancil 6.50 at 199.55, L Lane Larry McBride 6.06 at 228.77 (W)
Doug had a 2 to 1 exhaust pipe installed.
They are supposed to get 2 more passes on Sunday.
As reported here earlier, GT is here with the HD Prostock and his 1st pass was a 4.49, but he hasn't made a complete pass since.
Both Matt Hines and Angelle get hole-shotted and LOSE in the first round of the bike Klash.
Joe Koenig is also here but hasn't made a good pass yet.
Karen Stoffer is here again on the JonCo bike.
Matt Smith/Walt Timblin are here running Prostock bike.
Angelle ran a 7.15 in the last qualifying session.
There are 2 more qualifiers scheduled for Sunday.
Dick Boxell
Date: 31st August 2002
Headline: V Rod at NHRA Indy
GT Tonglet ran an off the trailer 7.490 @ 175.46 on his V Rod Harley at Indy.
Date: 31st August 2002
Headline: Dragbikes in FHM Magazine!
The subject line says it all really... can't attest to the worthiness of the piece as I only caught a glimpse of it this morning on the way into work - but looked okay from what I saw..........
Ivan J. Sansom
Gossip comment:-
Erm , the girls or the dragrace article?.......
Date: 31st August 2002
Headline: Only qualified fields!
I am with Chris and Steve on this one, stay with the professionalism of qualified fields.
Shaun Branch.
Date: 31st August 2002
Headline: Finland news
On the bike side, Friday Aug 30th was kind of a ”weird” day for Finnish bike drag racing.
First, Petri ”Kalix” Kalttonen cruised the ex-Raikkonen Top Fuel Harley in his first pass to a respectabe 7.69 at only 169 mph and to lead qualification. And that happened on soft tune up with only 92% nitro. The bike was fat from the start and went fatter towards the end. Still a very good time for a kind of old bike and totally new rider!
Secondly, it seems this race will be a Finnish TF Harley champs race (instead of being actually a Comp Bike race) as Jaska Salakari is riding his old bike. Burnouts were Jaska-like, long and thundering (the bike, not Jaska as usual) but he had primary belt problems on the run, so no time to mention.
Thirdly, The best is still to come on Saturday and Sunday as there will be ex- European Champ Juha Hillman with his now tuned up ex Kizer/Orient Suzuki Funny Bike (I made a fuel system last week, it hasn’t been better since the early 90’s). I’d still bet on him, have a look at the Discussion Forum.
Cheers,
Asko Määttä
Date: 31st August 2002
Headline: Team Mancuso’s 6.37 Norwalk Mistake
Savoring a dripping chocolate vanilla swirl ice cream cone after the semifinal victory, Steve Stordeur had a distinct idea how his day would end at the notorious IHRA Sunoco World Nationals. It was his third final of 2002; his fourth World Nationals of his career. The guy he would face had struggled through the day. Stordeur had slammed quick and fast numbers on the scoreboards all day. He went into the final with lane choice. The competition hadn’t run the right lane all day and that’s where they would put him. Remembering their own day, they knew that everyone would step up for the final.
Qualified second and third, Team Mancuso knew that first round victory would put Mancuso against Stordeur in the semi-final. The path to the final appeared to be a no-brainer until the boss lost round one due to incredible tire spin on his seven second run. There was major disappointment, but still hope with Stordeur in the semi’s. He’d had the only six-thirty of competition Sunday, winning round one with a 6.358 at 219.15. That pass eventually became low e.t and high miles per hour of the event.
There was no ‘gimmie’ for Stordeur in the semi-final. He rode away with victory on a 6.421 at 213.64, a .285 margin of victory though the competition took a slight starting line advantage by .011. "I got out of it early because it was pulling the front end up through the lights. With the wheel up, it makes the track up to six feet longer and slows down the e.t. I rolled off easy so it wouldn’t bounce and we’d be in the final for sure."
Thinking toward the final, to savor a cold beer at the end of a very hot and humid day, Stordeur’s heavy concentration to have a great reaction time may have been his worst enemy. "I’m trying to stay focused. Hopefully, we’ll repeat a thirty and we’ll beat him again. I have to stay close so I don’t let him get out of reach in the points chase."
In the final, Stordeur did as he foretold and ran a 6.373 at 212.83 miles per hour. Doug Vancil had a 6.641 at 184.50. But Stordeur lost with a red lighting .269 reaction time. Both Stordeur and Mancuso claim the blame.
Here’s how it happened: After the final burnout, Stordeur went to the line. In a unique gesture, Mancuso moved Steve’s bike, twice, ‘straightening’ his alignment down the quarter-mile. "Nobody has ever done that to me – moved or picked up my wheelie bars. When he first moved me, it felt so strange I thought the transmission was coming out of it. Then I looked around and saw what he was doing. My brain was trying to cut a good light and I was already overanxious when I went to the line. I don’t know what happened. Until this weekend, I’ve never tried to guess the light but that may have happened. It was a very ugly run. Especially since we would have outrun him, even if I’d cut as slow as a .480 light. It was just an important race and I panicked." Mancuso was just as hard on himself. "I can’t tell you why I did that. I just saw something different and thought I was correcting. I really messed up."
Truly a team effort at winning cost the team. Certainly, anger flew for the first few moments, but both Stordeur and Mancuso shoulder the responsibility. "Instead of being 31 points up, we’re 71 down. Not only are we going to have to really do well these next three races, Vancil’s gonna have to stumble. Though he has in the past, nobody’s capitalized on it."
Team Mancuso races next at the IHRA Nationals in Epping, NH September 6 – 8. Steve Stordeur sits second in points. Johnny Mancuso is fourth.
The Mancuso Racing Team of Steve Stordeur and Johnny Mancuso is sponsored by Arias Pistons, Autolite, Ballistic Bikewear, Barnett, Diamond Cut Jeans, Dynatek, The Gates Rubber Company, Greg Good Race Heads, JIMS, Lincoln Electric, Mickey Thompson Race Tires, Motion Pro, RC Components, Red Line Oil, Vanson Leathers, The Minute Maid Company, Victory Valves, VP Fuels, Weekend Frame Co., YUASA and Mancuso Harley-Davidson.
Nina Henderson
Date: 30th August 2002
Headline: Congrats!
Congratulations to all the 2002 Super Series Champions:-
Top Fuel Bike: Steve Woollatt
Pro Stock Bike: Nick Pepper
Funny Bike: Neil Midgley
Comp Bike: Klaus Brinkmann
Super Street Bike: Tony Clark
9.90 Bike: Paul Morris
10.90 Bike: TJ O'Brien
Supertwin Fuel: Jamie Millership
Supertwin Gas: Rich Davies
Supertwin Modified: Dave Bartz
Supertwin Street: Les Harris
Date: 30th August 2002
Headline: Me too!
I agree with Steve French and Chris Hall. Don't go back to all run fields. Let us fight to qualify, it makes you try harder! And if you are too slow to qualify you would only go out in the first round anyway if it was all run first round.
Pete Bellenie - SS bike rider
Date: 30th August 2002
Headline: No all run!
I probably stand to gain most from an all run situation (997cc and only just getting into the 10,s) and I am against it. OK the wait as 1st alternate for no shows is a bit nailbiting but thats the way the cookie crumbles. Leave the rule as is for me.
John Roberts
Date: 30th August 2002
Headline: Injected?
Sitting in the SLR office I can say the congrats email was from neither of us here, but it was well said. With the rule changes for 03 we agree that any injection can be used but only on an injected bike. As to all qualified fields, we are against that proposal. The number one qualifier deciding which pairing place they wish to run is OK by us however.
When is the date for euro rule changes???
Date: 30th August 2002
Headline: No to all run
I agree with Chris & Steve - qualified fields must remain. We in Superstreet often have 17 or 18 bikes and all run fields would make us run 5 rounds of eliminations in a single day which I'm sure would not be popular with riders or promoters.
Graham Dance
P.S. Have you seen the points in Funny Bike - awesome can't wait for the final round!!
Date: 30th August 2002
Headline: High hopes
I hope: quote "any kind of injection" will not mean NOS !!!
Dave Beck
p.s. When I get my new motor to run on all four cylinders it should be real fast.
We had a carb problem on number 4 cylinder all weekend and it would run out of fuel @ around 900 ft. The 7.46 I ran out of session on Sunday was a full tenth faster than the 7.46 I ran @ Santa pod last year !!!
Date: 30th August 2002
Headline: I oppose!
re:-acu proposals.
What does the following mean?
All bike fields to revert to an `All Run' format (i.e. all qualified).
If that means that we revert to all run fields as opposed to qualifying for an 8 or 16 bike field - then I oppose the proposal strongly!
Dave Bailey
Gossip comment :-
Thant's exactly what it means!
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: Latest UK Championship points posted
We've now posted the latest ACU Championship points positions. Click on the link on the left.
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: FIM / UEM Class Changes
An interesting discussion thread has been started in the General section of our discussion forum suggesting changes to the class format for the Supertwin and Competition Bike formats. Click on the link above to see / participate.
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: Million Dollar Race to sponsor Star Team for Indy
The Star Racing team and their rider, current POWERade Pro Stock Bike points leader Angelle Savoie, have a reached a one-race sponsorship deal for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals with George Howard, the promoter of the B&M Million Dollar Drag Race.
"I have always tried to advertise the Million Dollar Race at the U.S. Nationals," said Howard. "I've been friends with [Star owners] George and Jackie Bryce for a long time and when they recently announced that they had lost their primary sponsor, I decided to give them a call."
The B&M Million Dollar Drag Race, which is scheduled for Oct. 10-13 at Memphis Motorsports Park, is the world's richest E.T. race. The event annually attracts over 400 of the nation's best sportsman racers. The main event has paid as much as $235,000 to a single winner.
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: Tommy Smith's new TF Bike website
Owner / rider of one of the ex Elmer Trett Mountain Magic Top Fuel Bikes, Tommy Smith has just launched an impressive new website at:-
http://www.tommysmithmotorsports.com/
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: Blast's from the past
Alan Curran has let us know that he has just posted the third page of motorcycles on http://www.TheAccelerationArchive.co.uk
This page includes, amongst others, a three-engined Triumph powered bike, a positive fleet of Henk Vink's 'Big Spenders', Marion Owens and Ken Annesley from the USA, an early version of 'The Dealer' and, last but not least, the first outing of Brian Chapman's 1000cc Vincent 'Super Mouse'.
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: ACU Rule changes.
Objection to All Run Bike Fields. We have swapped from qualified to all run and back to qualified which is where it should stay. The problem with all run is the pairings for short fields can pair up number 1 & 2 in a round earlier than the final. This should not happen. The reasons sent before to get "qualified" fields should be used and re-read as they are still valid in the argument. This year has seen an increase in the number of bikes in Comp, Funny, & Prostock. I like the fight to race, maybe they like it too. Don't change it again !!!.
Steve French
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: When can we see it?
Will we be able to see Jon Morton`s new Fuel Bike in action at the Euro Finals????
Jan Egil Kongsrud
Gossip comment :-
I'm sorry, but the bike will not be out at the Euro Finals. The plan is to test this Sunday at the Santa Pod RWYB, and then for it to be ridden at the Santa Pod Finals meet in October.
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: No to all run fields
NO NO NO NO NO.......... Not all run fields. Certainly not for Funny bike. We have to qualify properly and race proper eliminations. None of this tacky rubbish where number 7 qualifier gets a bye in the semi's and number 1 races 2. No. Please NO ALL RUN FIELDS !!!!
Chris Hall
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: For Sale!
For Sale:-
1 used Dyna 4000 SP ignition with new wiring loom and coil £300
1 new Schnitz progressive advance unit £350
1 used Schnitz progressive advance unit with clean bill of health from Schnitz £300
Dave Beck - 07771 652139 (mob) or 01948 871264 (eves) UK.
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: Great Weekend at Shaky
I've just enjoyed a great weekend at Shakeys even though I was bike less. In answer to the subject belts, belts, belts, not only did Ian have a belt throwing time so did Jamie on his fuel Harley. Our new bike is on 8mm poly's and I'm starting to panic. Do these belts go with such regularity or what?
The old chain primary on my b fuel Harley didnt give us a moment of trouble, is there a reason for the belts going i.e, clutch heat or on off track grip ? Someone let me know the score.
I thought it was nice to see Terry not only looking good but to see him stood side by side with Keith.
Both guys do a great job in their own way but if they work together they could put our sport and facilities right up there where it should be.
Cheers,
Steve Clutterbuck
Gossip comment.
Belts can break for a variety of reasons, on off the throttle, slick track, other engine problem, lean condition, detonation etc. However, console yourself with the fact that Tony Lang used to run consistent low sixes with only an 8mm HTD.......
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: Congrats!
Congrats to Dave Beck and Nick Pepper on what must have been the quickest ever Pro stock head to head seen in this country. Dave ran a time of 7.447 wwhile Nick ran a 7.491, winning the race with his quicker reaction time.
Meanwhile Martin Bishop ran 179mph pass before his chain broke and he was forced to change sprockets!
Great to see this class showing such great runs, keep it up guys!
Anon (maybe from Straightline Racing??)
Date: 29th August 2002
Headline: Team Zodiac Report
After 2 problematic days of qualifying in Mantorp, Ton & Vincent discussed the qualifying passes one by one and came to the conclusion that the small changes they made did not give the expected results. The engine needed a more drastic change to the injection system to get more power. Therefore they made bigger changes than ever before...
In the first elimination on Sunday this resulted in a personal best of 6.63 secs @ 335.99 kmh. The speed of 335.99 was 5 kmh more than the existing top speed record but needed to be backed up within 1 %. In the second round Ton defeated Per Bengtsson with a 6.66 secs @ 336.45 kmh (209 mph). The new speed record was set!!
In the final round Ton met reigning European champion Charley Karling from Sweden. Ton had been the strongest Supertwin rider all day, but holding the bike in stage he felt the front brake going away. As the Mantorp run-off area is the shortest in Europe (less than 550 mtr) his first thought was to kill the engine at the start line but he decided to do a half pass in case Charley had problems or could not do a full pass. Ton had a better light and left the line hard. At mid track he was still in the lead but had to shut off the engine and Charley came storming by and took the win.
We were however very happy with the results in Mantorp and the new European speed record (although the latter only lasted for 6 days when Charley reset the record again at Gardermoen).
After the success in Sweden, the next two races were less fortunate for the Zodiac team. At Gardermoen and Hockenheim the team coped with numerous mechanical problems, e.g. broken rocker arms, faulty new tyre, broken chain, broken primary belt, broken starter motor, broken sprockets etc.
In spite of all these mechanical problems, Ton still made it to the semi-finals in Gardermoen and came second in the Supertwin Cannonball Challenge at Hockenheim, barely missing the final of the Nitro Bike shootout between Supertwin Top Fuel and Competition Bike.
After interpreting some of the computer data of the Hockenheim event, Ton & Vincent decided they will start out with an overdrive unit on the fuel pump (18% overdrive) at the European finals. Let's see where that brings us...
At the European finals we hope to get back on track and translate the power we found in Sweden into low E.T.'s and high terminal speeds again instead of breaking parts and going "all over the track" due to a faulty tyre. We would like to end this season with good results!
Zodiac Dragracing would like to thank their sponsors: - ZODIAC Performance Products for Harley Davidson - SUPERTRAPP Performance Exhaust Systems - ACCEL Performance Ignitions - ARLEN NESS Quality Motorcycle Products from California Craftsmen
Also a special thanks to Piet Mom for sending us a video of our personal best run at Mantorp: http://www.zodiac.nl/dragrace/video.htm
Date: 28th August 2002
Headline: Performance Machine rear wheel for sale
A change in plans by the buyers of the wheel and caliper that the King Racing team sold a few weeks ago means that it is once again for sale.
The wheel is a Performance Machine beadlocked 14" Rear wheel and hub, 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.
Contact Barry Eastman on 0208 844 0249 (days) or 01932 571307 (eves) in the UK.
Date: 28th August 2002
Headline: ACU Rule Changes
Please note that the deadline for all changes to the ACU / UK Rules for 2003 must be notified to me (Ian King) by the 1st September.
So far, proposed changes are:-
For Pro Stock Bike, any type of injection to be allowed.
All bike fields to revert to an `All Run' format (i.e. all qualified)
Number one qualifiers to be able to choose at which point they run their pair in the first round
Please e mail me with proposals or objections to current proposals at rules@kingracing.com or submit a Gossip item. Objections can be dealt with and posted without naming, but I must be informed of the objectors name first.
Date: 28th August 2002
Headline: Another Top Fuel Bike in the UK
It's lloking good for Top Fuel bike in the UK in 2003.
In addition to Jon Morton's bike being out on the track for the new season (and currently under test), it has been confirmed by UK rider Steve Carey that he has put down a deposit on Roald Dogges Puma Kawasaki `the Purple Princess'.
Steve Carey, who last rode some years ago, has acquired the machine that was originally built a few years ago by the UK's Russell Cook, but acquired and finished by Dutch rider Roald. Roald enhanced the original package by the addition of an ART style multistage clutch and a Phil Baimbridge supplied 2V Billet head.
Equipped with a Sprintex blower, the bike is more than capable of low six second runs.
Date: 28th August 2002
Headline: Charity Auction
Darren Prentice now has items donated by John Force, Dave Wilson and Andy Carter. The page will be updated often and can be found at http://www.eurodragster.com/news/2002charityauction.asp Get your bids in!
Date: 28th August 2002
Headline: Rockets!
After reading the gossip regarding Eric Teboul and his bike, I thought you might like to visit the following site which I chanced upon recently. This topic fascinates me and after seeing Slammin' Sammy I can't wait to see Eric.
Go to: http://www.tecaeromex.com
Regards to all,
Chris McNiece - http://www.camracing.co.uk
Date: 28th August 2002
Headline: Stoffer and Jonco Team up for Indy
Karen Stoffer and the Jonco Motorsports Cope Racing Suzuki have enjoyed two successful test sessions in Gainesville over the last thirty days.
After rebuilding last seasons bike and going with a light female rider, Crew Chief Greg Cope said it is like starting from a clean sheet of paper.
The team's Kosman chassis has been fitted with a new TL 1000 Suzuki body from Air Tech. “The combination of our new Cope engine and changes in the way we use ballast looks really promising to everyone,” said team owner Doug Johnson. In fact, I am excited about Indy and getting back to Racing. Karen and her husband Gary travel from their home in Minden, NV to meet the Florida based team at NHRA events. Having both raced motorcycles for years they are now focused on Karen’s riding skills and their dream of competing in Pro-Stock Bike. Indianapolis is as good as it gets for a place to make dreams come true!"
Date: 28th August 2002
Headline: Charley's Tullinge win
Charley Karling wrapped up the Swedish Super Twin championship with a win at Tullinge Raceway (outside of Stockholm) a couple of weekends back, with a win in the final round over Per Jern (right). Erik Nilsen (left) finished third in the championship.
Ivan Sansom
Date: 27th August 2002
Headline: Belts, belts, belts............
King Racing's Ian King left Shakespeare County Raceway with a substantial bill for Gates Polychain belts after breaking two blower belts and one primary drive.
First qualifying runs proved to be difficult with King overpowering the track just off the launch pads on Saturday. As the big cars had yet to make some passes and lay down some substantial rubber, this was anticipated. Next pass saw King's engine lean out after the burnout due to a failed pump drive. For the final qualifying session, crew chief Michael Beaumont took some clutch out, but tyre shake and an on and off throttle conspired to break a blower belt in the run.
In the final, King edged ahead of the number one qualifier Woollatt for what seemed a certain win only for his Puma to shed both it's blower and primary belts, allowing Steve through for a great 6.5 second win.
Subsequent examination of the King Machine found a bent blower drive that was probably damaged in the earlier tyre shaking and belt throwing qualifier. It is thought that the primary drive failure was a result of this drive malfunction.
The King Racing team hope for better luck at their final event of the season, the Euro Finals at Santa Pod.
Ian King would like to thank his team for the event of Michael Beaumont, Marc Fossey and Nick Pepper for their sterling support, and Terry and Tina Gibbs and all of the APIRA and SCR crew for providing a hugely enjoyable event.
Date: 27th August 2002
Headline: Fallnationals
The 2002 Fallnationals benefitted from bumper fields and almost completely rain free conditions, and saw three new ACU championships secured one race early.
Steve Woollatt took the Top Fuel crown back from current holder Ian King, Nick Pepper secured the Pro Stock title despite losing the final to Chris Hope, and history was made when Klaus Brinkmann became the first non UK based rider to become a British Champion in Competition Bike. Well done to all the three, and all the other class event winners:-
Top Fuel Bike: Steve Woollatt 6.595/208.33 def. Ian King 12.479/62.07
Pro Stock Bike: Chris Hope 7.606/173.08 def. Nick Pepper 7.663/168.54
Funny Bike: Neil Midgley 7.356/177.17 def. Tim Blakemore 8.825/101.58
Comp Bike: Klaus Brinkmann 10.044/78.67 def. Andy Newcombe broke
Super Street Bike: Graham Dance 8.435/157.89 def. Mark Fisher 8.803/166.67
9.90 Bike: Paul Morris 9.942/129.31 def. Mark Hammond 9.781/141.07 breakout
10.90 Bike: TJ O'Brien 11.044/112.22 def. Glenn Randles 10.944/112.22
Supertwin Fuel: Jamie Millership 7.586/175.10 was unopposed
Supertwin Gas: Rich Davies 9.775/131.20 def. Sefton Whitlock 9.901/127.48
Supertwin Modified: TJ O'Brien 10.455/127.48 def. Dave Bartz 10.647/124.65
Supertwin Street: Les Harris 10.813/125.00 def. Dave Jones 11.185/120.32
Date: 27th August 2002
Headline: TENTATIVE PROSTAR 2003 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Please note that all these dates are tentative and subject to change until track and NHRA schedules are finalised:-
Feb 28 - Mar 2 MRE Nationals, Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL
April 5-6 Star Nationals, Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, GA
May 2-3 Spring Nationals, Virginia Motorsports Park, Richmond, VA
May 31- June 1 TBA Nationals (This date will be booked if Montgomery is not renewed), Inaugural St. Louis or Bristol
June 27-29 Norris MotorSports Cyclefest, Norwalk Raceway Park, Norwalk, Ohio
August 8-10 Pingel Thunder Motorcycle Nationals, Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis, IN
September 6-7 Orient Express U.S. Motorcycle Nationals, Atco Raceway, Atco, NJ
October 11-12 Fall Nationals, Montgomery Motorsports Park, Montgomery, AL
November 14-16 World Finals, Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL
ALL DATES ARE TENTATIVE UNTIL TRACK & NHRA SCHEDULE IS CONFIRMED
Date: 27th August 2002
Headline: Largest Dragbike Meet in History?
An announcement has been made by Brainerd International Raceway to present the largest motorcycle drag racing event in history.
Brainerds' President Mr.Bill Singleterry made the announcement on August 26, 2002 that the the Brainerd International Raceways' World Championships will be held September 1-7, 2003.
In making the announcement Mr. Singleterry said that the dates are tentative pending a 2003 schedule review being made now "We are looking to present the best ALL Motorcycle Drag Racing venue held to date, BAR NONE!!! With the American Icon Harley Davidson celebrating their 100th Anniversary and with motorcycle drag racers competing on a local level at practically every race track in the country we felt that the time had come to hold this event. We have a 1000 acre facility here with activities and conveniences suited to the whole family... And to back it up we are offering a guaranteed purse that approaches $150,000."
That's not a typo... It says $150,000 in purses.
More will be revealed about this race with a soon to be released website with rules postings and such. In the meantime feel free to contact the following fellow racers with any questions you might have.
Joe Perry at jothekid@webtv.net http://www.acme-racing.com
Jordan Cruz at captcruz@bellsouth.net
Date: 26th August 2002
Headline: Romine Brothers Friday Lift and Separate
Racing a two-bike team is more work and more thinking, as well as more money and more time. But Mike and Jack Romine wouldn’t trade it for anything in the World Nationals.
Sweltering heat kept the team dripping after round one qualifying. Any movement took the humidity out of the air and onto their face, clothes, and tools as they worked diligently to prepare for the Friday Nitro Jam.
Mike Romine put himself solidly in the eight-bike field with a 6.563 at 188.91. Obviously not running through the top end with a less than two hundred miles per hour, Mike’s motor went fat before the thousand foot mark. To date, a 6.56 hasn’t been kept out of the field. Romine will have Saturday rounds to fine-tune his top end power. In the final Nitro Harley pair down the Norwalk quarter-mile during the day round, Jack had a great run going. But his bike began drifting to the left, so he lifted out of the throttle to stay in his lane. Still, the younger brother Romine ran a 6.786 at 194.38 to qualify fifth after the round was complete.
The Friday night round was simply a temptress to undermine the stamina of the team. A few last minute modifications due to conditions send the team to the staging lanes at the last minute, only to be held for a moment, then sent sprinting beside the track in front of the grandstands back to the pit area. Through drizzles, they put both the Nuclear Tomato and the Flyin’ Banana in the transporter. Then the bottom of the sky fell out, making the once-pit area a mini-lake to watch reflections of the lightning in.
Only one position separates the brothers, which means should Jack defeat his first round competitor and Mike win his round, they wouldn’t run against each other until the final round. For the Romine team, that would make for a satisfying year as well as race.
The entertaining aspect of this event for Jack is that his jackshaft bike is qualified six-hundredths below the quickest jackshaft bike in IHRA. His Norwalk Experience is an opportunity to change that record. With the tuning help of the Chromatic team’s Rex Harris and the consistency of the Flyin’ Banana he’s riding, he just may make that change in the record books. Meanwhile, brother Mike stretches for the six-forties.
Separate but similar goals bring the Chromatic team to the line again Saturday at 2 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. for the Pro rounds. That’s IF the rain will cease long enough to let the IHRA/Norwalk teams dry the track and shoot ‘em through the quarter-mile as quickly as possible.
Chromatic’s Mike Romine is sponsored by Andrews Products, Saddlemen, Silkolene, Autolite and Romine Racing. Jack Romine’s Flyin’ Banana is sponsored by Competition Distributing, Chromatic, Autolite and Romine Racing.
Nina Henderson
Date: 26th August 2002
Headline: Team Mancuso Suited for Racing
Suited for racing, standing in the staging lanes ready for the Friday Nitro Jam at the renowned IHRA Sunoco World Nationals, Team Mancuso watched the rain make it’s way up the quarter mile to the starting line. Sent back to the Nitro Harley Pits as the rain went from drizzle to downpour, the round was certainly cancelled. Steve Stordeur’s sleeping pill would be his 6.377 at 215.27 number one qualifying position. The chaser was the boss’s 6.524, 208.65 number two.
Johnny Mancuso was a mix of excitement and melancholy at the day’s results. “We basically underestimated what the track would hold and what the bikes wanted today during the first round of qualifying. We took some power away from Steve’s bike due to the hot and humid conditions. We thought it would a solid forty or a little better - real good for this weather. As it turned out, the air was much worse than we anticipated and the bikes could have stood a lot more power and clutch. I know this sounds contradictory, but we have a great terrible-conditions tune-up that has worked for us in the past. So, for this evening’s session, we hopped them up. Now, we’ll make a change for Saturday’s 2 o’clock round.”
Friday was as much about what couldn’t happen as what did happen. Rain dominated the thoughts of all competitors. Finally, it owned them as they stood in the rain grilling under awnings. Mancuso was still relaxed and trying to see the sunny side. “It’s always good to be one and two, even if it’s after the first round on the first day.”
Should they hold their positions as they hope, Team Mancuso will earn their third one-two qualifiers of the season at IHRA Nationals. Opposite sides of the ladder is their goal, so that each bike has a chance to make it to the final without racing against a team member before. And given their final round history at the World Nationals, all energy will be working toward that goal.
The Mancuso Racing Team of Steve Stordeur and Johnny Mancuso is sponsored by Arias Pistons, Autolite, Ballistic Bikewear, Barnett, Diamond Cut Jeans, Dynatek, The Gates Rubber Company, Greg Good Race Heads, JIMS, Lincoln Electric, Mickey Thompson Race Tires, Motion Pro, RC Components, Red Line Oil, Vanson Leathers, The Minute Maid Company, Victory Valves, VP Fuels, Weekend Frame Co., YUASA and Mancuso Harley-Davidson.
Nina Henderson
Date: 24th August 2002
Headline: European Pro Stock Bike Association
Hi all Pro Stock Bike racers. If there is enough interest I think we should try to start a European PSB Association.
Here in Sweden, we already have this, but we could open this up for all of Europe. We have to organise ourselves to enable the class to expand even more.
I would like to propose a meeting at the European Finals on Saturday evening, so please contact me at Roger Pettersson's VEIDEC Racing Trailer, or send me an e-mail with your comments.
Regards, Roger Lyrén: e mail: roger@motospeed.se
Date: 24th August 2002
Headline: Finnish TF-Harley racer Jaska Salakari to race his ex bike at Alastaro.
The bike is now back in Helsinki in the Vision Cycle shop and Jaska and Harry will repair it for finals - we are hoping some big numbers! We at J&J Racing also like to thank DB-team Selkämaa to give us chance to ride and also thank our sponsors for that race: X1-R lubricants, Apollo Materials oy, Autotek,Vision Cycle and J&J Racing.
Harry Räikkönen
Date: 24th August 2002
Headline: Ian to retire
It is with sad regret that Manor Racing announces the retirement of Ian Warren. Ian has to retire due to a recent injury that will mean an end to Ian’s racing career, which has spanned 28 years, and is no longer able to continue racing in the sport that he loves and enjoys.
Ian has enjoyed the highs and the lows of drag racing. Ian has won many meetings that include the 1998 European Finals, 1998 and 1999 Super Series finals, and what must have been one of the most weirdest race win’s at the October Meet when Jaimie Sneddon’s lanyard come out at ½ track while leading by a mile, but Ian was lucky to win due to a massive wheelie on the start line and he would not had any chance of winning if it was not for Jamie’s misfortune. Ian has also won and come runner up in the SPRC and APIRA Championships. The lows include the two-year absence from racing due to a badly broken and shattered leg. Ian’s main regret is that he will miss the good competition and will not be able to go head to head with Jaimie Sneddon on another balls out race, sod the time index eh Jamie?
There is good news on the horizon, Ian is not giving up completely but will manage the team alongside his wife Angie, and also the team shall have a new rider on Ian’s 9.90 bike, alongside Ian’s son David, who will carry on racing the 10.90 bikes. Manor Racing will announce the new rider at the European Finals but I am sure he will carry on the winning ways.
I would like to say thank you to all the competitors past and present and officials from both SPRC and APIRA for the memories and happy times while racing.
Yours truly,
Ian Warren, Team Manor Racing
Date: 24th August 2002
Headline: Gone racing!
Well, we're now packed and about to leave for the Fallnationals at Shakespeare County Raceway. We're going to post the latest news and gossip right now, and hope to post over the weekend. If we cannot, we'll be back on Tuesday with all the news and gossip from the pits. Good luck to all who are racing over the weekend!
Date: 23rd August 2002
Headline: Pro Mod bike rental(s)
I have decided to offer my spare Pro Mod(s) for rent at both the Prostar World Finals in November as well as the Snowbird Nationals (Bradenton, FL) in December. Interested parties please contact me via phone only.
Jay Regan, MRE
Tel 727-791-1321
Date: 23rd August 2002
Headline: Eric Teboul's Rocket ship.
Indeed there is a resemblance between Eric and Henk Vink's bike.
Eric's Rocket bike was made with the same experts that were involved in Henk's original bike. The body is by Jos Schurgers, and chassis by Nico Bakker. It differs only in details e.g. the valving and a slightly more powerful "engine".
Maybe the most important difference is the rear wheel / tyre combo. While Henk used a car type, Eric uses a motorcycle tyre which makes the bike a lot more controllable. With the runs of the late Henk Vink still in mind, I'm deeply impressed by the seemingly easy run results.
Marius van der Zijden - Koedam Racing, The Netherlands
Date: 23rd August 2002
Headline: Get well soon!
We just heard from Asko Maatta who apologised for the lack of promised news from Finland. However, he had a good excuse as he was in hospital. He leaves this weekend, so get well soon!
He plans, however, to tune Kuutniemi's FC at the Finnish Finals in Alastaro, and reports that Petri "Kalix" Kalttonen (whose bike Asko rode a year ago at the Nitro Nationals) is going to test ex-Harry Raikkonen's TF Harley too
Date: 23rd August 2002
Headline: Ray Price Racing Prepares For Norwalk
Claude Langlois of Belle River, Ontario was our lucky winner from the Toronto race. Drawn from over 300 entries in the Ray Price Birthday Buell Blast Give a way, Langlois will now be in the final drawing at the CARQUEST Auto Parts World Finals at Rockingham, NC, in October.
Price and team are now preparing for one of the biggest events in the Hooters IHRA Racing Series, the Sunoco World Nationals at Norwalk Raceway Park. Price currently holds the track miles per hour record at Norwalk with 220.87.
The team will arrive early to participate in the Thunder in the Streets downtown Norwalk on Weds evening, August 21st from 4-10. Thursday's pre race activities include a special guest appearance for Price and team at Liberty Harley-Davidson in Akron, OH from 2-4 with a live radio remote. Friday and Saturday will be qualifying and on Saturday Ray Price will be host for the Liberty Harley-Davidson Nitro Pit Party. The Sunoco World Nationals eliminations will be on Sunday, August 25th.
Special thanks to Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Raleigh H. O. G., Buell, Performance Machine, Ultra Pro Machining, Autolite Sparkplugs, Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Roy's Rental Uniform Service, PRP/MSD Ignitions, ThermoDynamic/Reactor Power Cell, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Simpson Race Products, UZ Engineering, Copperhead Graphics, Sunoco, Gates Rubber Co., Advance Design Leathers, Hargis Consulting, DME Racing, & Brown and Miller Racing Solutions.
Date: 22nd August 2002
Headline: BIG BOYS’ TOYS
Innovative motorsports design company Motorgraphic have been commissioned by one of the world’s leading die-cast model manufacturers to produce a pit full of new race transporter designs featuring some of the UK’s top drag racing teams. The highly detailed 1:64 scale collectibles will be available from November and retailed globally in 2003.
Motorgraphic boss John Andrews revealed that the project has now reached the pre-production stage and will be ready for catalogue shots next week. "The new range will feature at least three teams along with other formulas outside of drag racing," he said. "We are very excited with this opportunity to promote British drag racing to a much wider audience and plan to expand on the concept over the coming months".
Motorgraphic specialise in the production of sponsorship proposals and other related material for the motorsports industry. Their clients include race promoters such as Obsession Motorsports Ltd and the BRSCC along with numerous drivers, riders and teams.
For further information on Motorgraphic, visit their website at www.motorgraphic.uk.com or call on +44 (0) 117 946 7052.
Date: 22nd August 2002
Headline: NMRA Flyer
Date: 22nd August 2002
Headline: Henk / Eric
I was interested to read the piece about Monsieur Teboul's rocket bike and the fact that it may be visiting Santa Pod for the European Finals - fingers crossed on that.
However, if it does it may not be for the first time. The picture you published bears a striking resemblance to the late Henk Vink's 'Big Spender' bike which first appeared at Santa Pod on 28 August 1983. Henk received a little 'tuning' advice from rocket man Slam'n Sammy Miller and certainly got the bike into the sixes.
Please see the attached pic which will definitely be appearing on my web site at a later date :- http://www.TheAccelerationArchive.co.uk
Gossip Comment:-
Thanks for your mail Alan. Despite the resemblance of the two machines, we can confirm that Eric's is an all new bike. It is also now unlikely that he will be at Snat Pod for the Euro Finals, but may be there for the Flame and Thunder show in November.
Date: 22nd August 2002
Headline: Surprise guest at Santa Pod
There will be a surprise guest at the European Finals, Santa Pod raceway, on the 7th. and 8th of September! Legend, movie star and one of the founders of the Oakland chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, Ralph 'Sonny' Barger! He will be flying in from Pheonix, Arizona and doing personal book signings from 10-1pm and 3-6pm each day. All are welcome to come and meet the man and buy a signed copy of his books. Sonny Barger is the number one spokesman for the outlaw biker life. His New York Times bestseller Hell¹s Angel was an exhilarating history of his experiences with the world¹s most notorious motorcycle club. Now the Angel spreads his wings even wider to bring us rousing, moving, wildly entertaining true life stories of his renegade brothers and sisters in black leather and their relentless pursuits of liberty, individuality, and the `ultimate ride'
http://sonnybarger.com/nav_book.html
http://sonnybarger.com/tours.php
Turbo
Date: 21st August 2002
Headline: Desperately seeking.........
We are urgently seeking pictures of the King Racing bike in action sporting it's ne paintwork (Purple with the Orange / Yellow flashes).
If anyone has said pictures, and in particular a 3/4 front (in photo parlance), we'd love to hear from you.
Date: 21st August 2002
Headline: First auction lots announced.
Santa Pod Raceway's International race Director Darren Prentice has, as promised, written with details of the first items to be pledged for the auction which he and wife Nicola are organising at the FIA European Finals to benefit the baby unit which cared for their son Owen.
"We are very grateful to everyone who has already pledged items for the auction", says Darren. The first lots are as follows:
Crankshaft from the North Herts Engineering Fuel FC (donated by Mark and Jackie Hawkins and the North Herts Engineering Fuel FC team)
Successful bidder and a friend to become part of the Fireforce Jet FC crew for a day at the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway in November (donated by Martin Hill and the Fireforce team)
NHRA Drag Racing 2 computer game and Vanson Leathers Polo shirt (two items as one lot, donated by Ian King)
VIP Family ticket for the Flame and Thunder Show at Santa Pod Raceway in November (donated by Santa Pod Raceway)
Limited-edition 'Bill Sherratt Night Launch' print, large Showtime Fuel FC polo shirt, and two Snap On Tools t-shirts (four items as one lot, donated by Showtime Racing)
Limited-edition pencil drawing signed by the team, large Showtime Fuel FC polo shirt, and two Snap On Tools t-shirts (four items as one lot, donated by Showtime Racing)
1/64 die cast models: Kenny Bernstein 1979 Chelsea King Plymouth FC, Tom Hoover 1998 Pioneer Dodge FC, John Force 2000 Castrol GTX Ford FC (three items as one lot, donated by Andy Grant)
There are a lot more items to come but bidding is now open on the above.
What do to if you want to bid: send an E-Mail to bids@eurodragster.com specifying Auction Bid as the subject of the mail. State clearly for which lot you are bidding, and the amount of your bid in GBP. A list of items and the latest bids will be posted periodically.
What to do if you want to donate items: Darren and Nicola would be very grateful indeed for further donations. If you would like to donate an item then please send an E-Mail to auction@eurodragster.com with details.
Date: 21st August 2002
Headline: A Kawasaki at last!
Geno Scali earned his first NHRA Pro Stock Bike victory at the weekend with a 7.277 run at 183.05 on his Craftsman Tools Kawasaki. He beat Craig Treble's 7.295 at 185.59 on his Matco Tools Suzuki to become the first person to ride a Kawasaki to a win since 1992.
"My crew chief Pete Briggs has been involved with racing for years and he has always been with Kawasaki," Scali said. "Well, at the beginning of the year, we said we wanted to get into the (special bonus race at the U.S. Nationals) the K&N Klash and we wanted to win a race and be able to get that Wally trophy that we all dream about."
Scali has been racing with the NHRA since 1995. He joined with Briggs just before the season started.
"My whole focus is around racing and that is the same for Pete," Scali said. "I don't want this to be just a one race thing, I want to make sure this happens again."
The next NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event is the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park, Aug. 28- Sept. 2.
Date: 21st August 2002
Headline: European Finals Banquet
Dear All
The closing date (23rd August) for ordering your tickets for the European Finals Banquet at Santa Pod Raceway is approaching quickly.
If you haven't ordered your tickets already, do so now as we have to assume that you don't want to miss the Drag Race party of the year.
Trophies will be given out to the winners of:
2002 FIA European Drag Racing Championship
2002 NDRS Bilsport Pro Mod Series
2002 UEM European Drag Bike Championship
2002 Nitro Funny Car Championship
After dinner and the Trophy presentation, Car Wash with Jenson De Groover and his dancers will entertain you all night long.
Call Santa Pod Raceway to obtain your order form on Tel: +44 (0)8700 782828 Fax: +44 (0)1234 782818 Email: info@santapod.com
Date: 21st August 2002
Headline: Frogs in Space?
The most outstanding run by a motorcycle at the NitrOlympics was not by a Top Fuel bike, but rather a rocket!
French Top Fuel bike rider Eric Teboul debuted his all new Peroxide Rocket propelled vehicle - and how.
After planning to `only' run an eighth mile, he clicked it off between that point and the 1000 ft mark, and despite `only' running 178.85 mph on the quarter, the ET was 6.196!
But more staggering were the eighth mile numbers - 3.927 @ 207.59 mph!
Eric hopes that the organisors of the Euro Finals will be interested in him bringing the bike for demo passes as he would like to run his first 5 second pass at Santa Pod.
Date: 20th August 2002
Headline: Thanks!
Where do I start? Well, what a weekend! Special thanks to all my friends and crew for their help and support over the weekend, and to Richard Stubbings (Stubby) for a great race in the final. The memory of a win in Hockenheim will last me a lot of years. Again thanks for the oustanding support from the others.
Dave Smith
Date: 20th August 2002
Headline: Congratulations!
Once again, the bikes provided some great competition at the NitrOlympics.
Per Bengtsson took the Nitro Bike challenge with a win over the four cylinder entry of Roel Koedam who overpowered the track in a big way, despite running a low Nitro percentage and a soft clutch.
In the Pro Bike class, Switzerland's Peter Bossert took the win on his Nitrous Funnybike over a game showing by Sweden's Roger Petersson on his Veidec Pro Stock machine (who ran a string of impressive 7.4's with his normal weight). The Paul Rose Motorsports Pro Stock bike of Helen Curan also impressed, with her taking 3rd spot. Partner Ken Cooper suffered a suspected hairine fracture of his leg after the exhaust pipe blew off his Pro Mod bike, lodging them underneath the engine and preventing him steering away from contact with the wall.
Super Street was an all British affair with a great performance from Dave `Big Fluffy' Smith to just overcome Richard Stubbings, and Tony Clark taking a 3rd as well.
Date: 20th August 2002
Headline: NitrOlympics 2002
Well, we're back from our annual pilgrimage to the biggest dragrace in Europe, and what a weekend it was. Blazing sunshine, an all new track and a large and appreciative crowd.
We spent the first night enjoying a party to celebrate Rico Anthes and Rune Fjeld's 50th birthday. The theme was very Brazilian, with copious quantities of Cuba Libre and frozen strawberry and lemon margarita's being enjoyed by all. Despite the difficulty of actually getting to the bar due to the APIRA FAST team annexing that particular part of Europe, we consoled ourselves with the great food on offer.....
It was then down to work. In an attempt to improve the performance of the King Racing Top Fuel machine, the skeleton crew of event crew chief Marc Fossey and his wife Nikki helped to fit a new Enderle barrel valve in replacement for the `old' McGee item.
Then it was Nitro tuning wizard Gerard Willemse and Supertwin rider Rob Van Geffen's turn to put their considerable talents into tuning the new setup.
A few calculations later, Ian King was seen to be adapting the fuel delivery nozzles and the return pills in readiness for the first warm up.
And what a difference when the engine fired up! The old crispness was back, and the machine barked as only a top fuel bike can when running correctly. Clearly the engine was running more power than ever before, and the fuel combination in conjunction with the new Waterman pump was doing what we had planned at the end of last season.
So, it was to the track next for the first of 4 planned runs.
However, we had not anticipated the combination of new found power and a `green' track. At the hit of the throttle the tyre broke away, and the throttle was rolled and the bike gently cruising through for a slow mid seven that surprisingly put us in the lead going into round two.
Hoping for an improving track, we left the clutch and fuel settings the same, and swapped lanes, only to blow the tyre away again.
We backed off the clutch for the third run, but still not enough, with the unloading of the engine throwing the blower belt after the 60 ft mark.
For the final run we took 50% of the primary weight off the clutch, but this time we went too far with the clutch never locking up on it's way to another mid seven.
One more run would have seen us with a handle on the right clutch for the new track, but it was not meant to be.
This meant we would not make the final, but it was never part of our plan when embarking on the trip.
And, we were happy. With the help of Gerard and Rob we had regained the power lost, and are now looking forward to the Fallnationals next weekend where we hope Bruno and his able crew will be able to give us the track that will enable us to lay down the power we are now making.
I'd like to thank Rico and his crew for once again providing a fantastic spectacle, the FAST team for their attention to our safety, Marc and Nikki for their hard work, Roel and Marius from Koedam Racing for the clutch advice, Ton and Marianne Pels for being such fine hosts, Monique Koedam and baby David for the entertainment (and the great food), the Best Western hotel for the cigars, and last but definitely not least, Gerard and Rob for their great help.
Date: 20th August 2002
Headline: 562 HP Busa!
At a test and tune session involving NLR's brand new 2nd generation Race Turbo Hayabusa, the bike managed to produce 562HP, and 300 ft / lbs. of torque @ 30PSI. If they can somehow keep both wheels on the ground, and the back tire on the rim, we should see some amazing numbers from that machine. Despite theses numbers, Sebastien has said that they have another 10PSI of boost to play with………..
Date: 20th August 2002
Headline: Think Pink Competition
To commemorate Jubilee year and as a thanks to all the drag racing fans and racers for all the support over the years, Sandra and the Team at Think Pink Racing are running a free competition on their website.
The prizes are varied, some courtesy of the team and others of our sponsors. They include: Think Pink race jacket, baseball hats; Buffs, Goodridge brake line kit, Loctite products; plus Vouchers for: High street shops; Velosport motorcycle spares; Hyperbolt anodised aluminium bolt kits; SubZero clothing; website hosting; tickets for events at Shakespeare County Raceway and Santa Pod Raceway and many more.
As we have a number of prizes and plan to introduce more between now and the end of the season, we will make more than one draw. The competition is easy to enter and open to everybody.
Love Sandra and the Team
Date: 20th August 2002
Headline: Thanks
Thanks for all the helpful e mails regarding the Suzuki Frenzy this weekend.
I believe that the media people managed to contact those riders concerned. We at feel-the-noise.com are not involved with Suzuki or the event organisation other than taking photos for them. But if any of you are going to the SCR, pop up and say hello to Anni, who knows, she may even take your picture!
Bob and Anni http://www.feel-the-noise.com
Date: 20th August 2002
Headline: New APIRA Website
Well it’s finally here, 6 months in the making and endless late nights the new Avon Park International Racing Association website, finally breathes life.
With a new APIRA logo from John Andrews – Motorgraphic, and APIRA now in their tenth year; it was decided that a fresh look website for their anniversary would be a fitting gesture. The fate of the new website lay very much in the hands of resident Shakespeare County Raceway webmaster Ozzy Ewing and Press and Publicity Officer Jeremy Cookson, who first decided that the website should add value to any Drag Racing enthusiast. This has been achieved with interactive forms and a new racers database is planned towards the end of the season allowing each racer to update their ‘Commentators Sheets’ and have a look at their timing data on-line.
All in all this is a very special website and would not exist if it were not for the original programmers from http://Eurodragster.com who hosted and developed the original APIRA website, to which we thank. And all that’s left to do now is follow the link and enjoy your surfing experience with the new APIRA website.
Kind regards – Ozzy Ewing / Jerry Cookson
Date: 20th August 2002
Headline: Star Racing have new sponsor
The rumors began several months ago surrounding the sponsorship situation at Star Racing, home of two-time and defending NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Angelle Savoie.
According to the stories circulating amongst the racers, Savoie's primary sponsor, CVEC, makers of exhaust systems for radio-controlled model vehicles, was unable to continue delivering the necessary funding for the team to compete. Furthermore, there was talk that team owner, George Bryce, was supplying money from the team's coffers to remain on the tour.
This week, Bryce and Star Racing announced that CVEC was, indeed, terminating the deal that was forged at this year's Southern Nationals in Atlanta. "When we originally signed CVEC as our primary sponsor, we felt there was great potential in the program which could greatly benefit both organizations," Bryce said. "They have a quality product, and we have proven ourselves as effective corporate representatives. It really came down to bad timing. Their goal of bringing a motorcycle exhaust system to the market relied heavily on the participation of outside investors, which have yet to materialize. "Therefore, we have decided it would be best to go our separate ways. We are in the process of negotiating a settlement, which will allow both companies to move forward. In this manner, they can take the time to further research their planned expansion, while the Star Racing team can concentrate on finding a new, long-term corporate sponsor, as well as winning the POWERade championship."
Then, late Wednesday, Bryce announced a new sponsor, Retail Fixture, L.L.C., a Racine, Wis.-based retail display manufacturer, will sponsor Savoie's Suzuki this weekend at Brainerd, Minn., and then shift to an associate sponsor for the remaining four bike events. Should a primary sponsor not sign by Labor Day weekend, Retail Fixture would jump up to that spot for the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
The company's founder, Curt Woodward, is no stranger to motorsports. In addition to owning and sponsoring a stock car in the American Speed Association, he scored top-10 points finishes in two years of competition in the AMA ProStar Series.
Prior to his previous involvement with Star Racing, Woodward also participated in the NHRA's Pro Stock Motorcycle division as both a driver and team owner. "I've always been a Pro Stock Motorcycle, Star Racing and Angelle fan," Woodward said. "When I found out recently that they were having difficulties with their sponsorship program not coming along as they had hoped, I offered my assistance."
Savoie currently leads the points and is hoping to become only the second rider in the category's history to win three consecutive titles. Matt Hines won championships in 1998-2000.
Date: 14th August 2002
Headline: NitrOlympics
Well we're off to one of the events of the year, the NitrOlympics at Hockenheim, Germany.
We're due to take part in the Nitro Challenge, but various fuel system related woes do not bode well for success. Anyway, it's a great party, and we're looking forward to meeting up with all our friends from Holland again.
Date: 14th August 2002
Headline: Attention all Top Fuel Bike riders
Is there anybody interested in starting a European Top Fuel Bike Association?
I know that this has been talked about before, but I will bring it up again. Maybe, we could try to race together at a couple of races next year that are not a UEM round. If we could offer an 8-bike field of Top Fuel Bikes I think, with some work, that we could get some sponsors for this. Please let me know what you think, and we can also talk some more about it at the World Finals at Santa Pod.
Best Regards, Jan Egil Kongsrud - Jon Leret Racing
e mail: d-engine@online.no
Gossip comment:
I think it's a good idea to consolidate our aspirations, as the UEM Championship is not necessarily providing the return for our endeavours that a world class field deserves. The financial rewards are now half what they were over 5 years ago, and the Competition Bike class seems to have been downgraded by the organisers. Coupled with the lack of TV interest for the class during last year, maybe we need to look outside of the box.
Maybe ship all the bikes to the US and run the Prostar tour???
Date: 14th August 2002
Headline: Downright liberty?
Firstly, well done to Dave on the Pro Mod Bike, and I enjoyed the preview of the forthcoming Avon Park (sorry Shakespeare County Raceway) event.
Well, Euro Disney tour was an experience! I had hoped to do better, but we had a few problems (enough said).
So what's going on with this Suzuki Frenzy? No one here was invited to attend! And what's this rumour about appearance money? Why (no disrepect Martin) has Mr Bishop been invited / paid to attend? And why has Nick Pepper, title leader and a 7.50 performer not even been asked? We (Chris Tombleson and I) spent a great deal to do Europe, the competition was glad we made the effort and said so, and we get back home without an invite to the party - whats going on?
Oh, and did you know the T.V company wanted £450 from each Prostock team to put them on the programme! Apparently, special coverage, team interviews, and more (bit late in the year for that, or what? Maybe he had a big bar tab to pay off, or did he visit the Russian tent at Mantorp?) We need to know the answers......
Richard Gipp
Date: 14th August 2002
Headline: 4th round of Finnish Championship next weekend at Motopark.
I will not be racing either of Baldie's Guns (#1: Harley gasser or #2: Suzuki Funny Bike) 'cause I'm on my duty with Jarmo Kuutniemi's TMFC. Jarmo broke the chassis last Autumn but it is now repaired. On my side (fuel, ignition, tune-up etc.) the car is ready to fly to new records. The car has new engine combination with screw charger, dry sump, 4-stage fuel timer, refreshed dual mags etc.
Jarmo is planning to race next year at least some of the European Championship races if not the whole series. But he's gonna do that nearly without my tuning help, 'cause I'm racing myself with the bike(s). Anyway, we'll be in co-operation, nearly as two teams combined as one on the tour.
I'll keep you updated about the bike (Funny Bike and Super Street Bike) results from the track each evening.
Regards,
Asko Maatta.
Date: 14th August 2002
Headline: Cannon's Indy Review
Well as you will all have heard, I made the trip to Indy for a couple of reasons, firstly to enjoy the weekend's festivities (and boy what a weekend - the best for some time now but I will elaborate later), and also because it would seem that there are a few funnybikes for sale.
1st up was Keith Lynn's turbo / nos Kawasaki, 2nd up was ex champion Gary Clark's alcohol injected funnybike. It is rumoured he wishes to go Top Fuel, and this was confirmed by his crew chief Rick Stetson. Thirdly, and as reported by King Racing, I had very promising lengthy discussions with Steve Rice about the works Kawasaki funnybike. Things still have to be talked about, but there is a lot of kit to go with said bike, and the whole package is more than interesting, further updates will be posted as things progress.
Now onto the good stuff about the weekend. Well I could reveal all but I won't but needless to say, the man with the large white Y fronts played a massive part as normal with his excess drinking etc. Friday night was definitely a blast as alsorans, schooly and puppy (aka Rhodney, crew chief to Tom Perry) were very damaged with the latter spending 2 hours talking down the big white telephone. They were all truly in a mess, and it was up to yours truly to keep the British end up and see off all contenders, which was no problem. One of the funniest things being that I had to sleep on the rollaway (camp bed to us) as schooly had got back to the room 1st and decided he would change beds as he was truly damaged, but remarkably everybody was up early and off to the track. We also made a quick stop at McDonalds to top up the stinkers reserves which proved to be a good move (that good I made him drive through again…….)
Back to the racing, the MRE bike ran great all weekend with very minor changes. Things were looking good up to the 2nd round where we had record holding Ashley Owens who had not run quicker than 7.08, but he stepped it up and ran 6.85 to our 6.95. Totally unbeatable, especially as he ran a .414 light and then would you believe it lost the next round with a 7.08! We just did not have the luck. The 2 most impressive things for me was seeing 3rd alternate Charlie Farrar winning the meet with a string of 6s the best being 6.82, and last but not least it was worth the trip just to see Spiderman run a 5.97 - absolutely awesome. A great end to a good weekend with the exception of my good friend Barry (Van Hook) totaling his fuel bike. Having spoken to him before I left, he was full of life and talking of next season, I look forward to his return.
Quote of the weekend has to go to Dave Beck while crying into his Coors light over his 10 FREE wings at Hooters on Sunday night after the rabble had parted. We were served by a very nice young lady called Ashley, Mr Beck piped up and said that as he had been (following text deleted by order of the editor………..)
Regards, Cannon
Date: 14th August 2002
Headline: Sean Mills, The Guru of HP
Sean Mills, owner of Big CC Racing, has been posted by Mr Turbo as `the guru of HP' to congratulate him on his achievement as he now owns the title of producing the highest level of hp ever produced on a draw thru turbo system.
His machine generated 422.7 bhp at the rear wheel of his Spondon Katana Street bike.
Congratulations!
Dom Trickett
Date: 14th August 2002
Headline: Stordeur Drives Away With Canadian Win
Two weeks after holeshot city dimmed Team Mancuso’s one-two qualifier Minute Maid sparkle and splash, the team is redeemed with incredible performance and victory in the end. Stordeur won his third IHRA National in Canada with an impressive 6.30 at 221.85 miles per hour.
Both Stordeur and Mancuso were hot on the tree Sunday, clocking better reaction times than the competition. In the final, Stordeur took the points leader by .017 at the line and expanded the advantage to a .103 margin of victory at the finish line. Mancuso said, "We just made the decision to go for it. We tried to step it up. Everything we tried must have worked."
During qualifying, the Nitro Harleys never race at what would be the semi-final and final eliminations times. They usually run at noon and seven p.m. As the environmental and track conditions change at the end of race day, a tuning change is often a guess, or stab in the dark, at what the bike can do with those changes. This race, Mancuso guessed right.
Semi-final action featured a Stordeur win with a 6.43 at 208 miles per hour. He never looked back, even though the competition had troubles just past half track. ‘The boss,’ Johnny Mancuso, raced the points leader and launched first by three hundredths, but the twelve-hundredths difference at the finish line made Mancuso’s 6.48 at 212 retire him to tuner for the final. Stordeur lost final round lane choice. In the end, it didn’t matter.
Celebrating their fourth IHRA victory of 2002, Mancuso praised his teammate. "Steve did his job on the starting line. We both got Douggie (Vancil) on the lights. This is the second time Steve has won from the number one qualifier spot. That’s tough to do. We couldn’t be more pleased."
Looking back at the competition numbers for 2002, Team Mancuso continues to be on the cutting edge. The days of winning with 6.60’s are over. The Rockingham opener was the last one we saw. Only two 6.50 finals have appeared. The majority of finals have been 6.40’s, but 6.30’s continually creep up in finals and throughout competition. Fortunately, Team Mancuso is in the comfort zone and making strides toward the 6.20’s with Stordeur’s 6.30 final. "We’d like to have shaved one one-thousandth off of that final but we don’t want to be greedy. This win was incredible," Mancuso momentarily lamented. But then, racers always want quicker and faster. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be there.
The Mancuso Racing Team of Steve Stordeur and Johnny Mancuso is sponsored by Arias Pistons, Autolite, Ballistic Bikewear, Barnett, Diamond Cut Jeans, Dynatek, The Gates Rubber Company, Greg Good Race Heads, JIMS, Lincoln Electric, Mickey Thompson Race Tires, Motion Pro, RC Components, Red Line Oil, Vanson Leathers, The Minute Maid Company, Victory Valves, VP Fuels, Weekend Frame Co., YUASA and Mancuso Harley-Davidson.
Nina Henderson
Date: 13th August 2002
Headline: Wanted!!!
Anni & Bob Valders of http://www.feel-the-noise.com have been asked by the promoters of this weekend's Suzuki Frenzy to contact the following riders:-
Helen Curran
Rachel Pattison
Sandra Chaplin
Can they contact Bob asap on: bob@valders.freeserve.co.uk
Date: 13th August 2002
Headline: Wanna go to Gainesville
in style?
Further to our offer of a luxury full business class return ticket to Florida in November for the Prostar Finals, we've just been informed that the individual who wanted it can not now travel.
Consequently, this £4,500 ticket is up for sale again - BEST OFFER SECURES!
So, if you want to travel in comfort, in the company of the rich and famous, in a seat wider than Cannon's behind, and with food and drink that would not be out of place in a 4 star restaurant, contact us and make an offer!
Date: 13th August 2002
Headline: ACU Rule changes
It's now come to that time of year where the ACU / UK rules and regulations are considered for adoption in the 2003 season.
If anyone has any changes they would like to see for next season, please submit a gossip item to us or e mail acu@kingracing.com
Date: 13th August 2002
Headline: Help
Joeri de Haas has contacted us on behalf of Fuel Bike rider Joey Bon who suffered crank damage at his last meeting.
They are struggling to locate a Puma FJ crankshaft in time for the next meeting, and are looking to repair it.
If anyone has any experience with welding or chroming conrod journals, can they please contact Joeri by e mail on: Haas@WT.TNO.NL
Date: 13th August 2002
Headline: FOR SALE.
New project forces reluctant sale of this immaculate racebike.
Trac Dynamics prostock dragbike, ex Matt Hines, Roger Petterson euro championship winning machine. CHASSIS, Trac Dynamics, body 1994 gsxr, RC component wheels, Performance Machine brakes, fully loaded Dyna ignition and datalogger inc 4000, remote display, clutch slip upgrade, G meter(airbox pressure),EGT exhaust gas analysers, oxygen sensors etc.
Engine fresh this year, 1570cc, Ward 4v head, Orient 5 speed(reconditioned last winter), new crank 11 passes only, V&H spider pipe, 48 Lectrons, 300bhp plus, laying 5th in euro championship @ the moment. Best time this year so far 7.62 @ 178.63 mph @ a weight of 642lbs.
Can be viewed at euro finals or before at Straightline Racing. Can be purchased at end of track after euro finals!!!
Contact Chris Tombleson on 0777 4924067 (UK), or e mail: cjtpro4@aol.com
Date: 13th August 2002
Headline: Van for sale
Amendment to advert placed on 4th June. Selling Mercedes race van, lots of work done on it.
Give me a ring for full details - £1450 ono
Raf - 01642 641865, mobile 07973 104441 (UK).
Date: 13th August 2002
Headline: Keeping Up with Ray Price Racing in August
Every time we think we have Ray Price Racing under control, things just start popping up. August was supposed to be a restful month, just 2 races, ACDelco Canadian Nationals at Toronto Motorsport Park, Aug. 9-11 and Norwalk’s famous Sunoco World Nationals, Aug. 22-25th… BUT!!! That was before we found out that Ray Price was voted as one of the four finalist in the Car Craft 35th Anniversary All-Star Drag Racing Team, add a trip to Indy for the Banquet at the Downtown Marriott, Aug. 29th.
Then, add another night on the road for the AC Delco Canadian Nationals in Toronto, for a guest appearance to Hooters, 280 Adelaide St. W in downtown Toronto on Weds, August 7th. Media Day on Thursday at the Toronto Motorsports Park, August 8th and qualifying Friday and Saturday, racing on Sunday, back to Raleigh on Monday. Then surprisingly, a weekend at home.
The team leaves for Norwalk Raceway Park on Tuesday, August 20th after a series of corporate meetings at the Ray Price Harley-Davidson in Raleigh. August 21st, Price will be at the Thunder in the Streets, downtown Norwalk at the IHRA’s hometown celebration. Thursday August 22 Media Day at the track and then a personal appearance at Liberty Harley-Davidson in Akron, oh yeah, then the racing thing for 3 days. And remember Price won the rained out Stanton race at Norwalk last year and was runner up for the Norwalk Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson race.
As the season begins to wind down, Price still maintains 3rd spot in the toughest Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson field ever. He is only 137 points out of first place and 71 points from 2nd.
To clean up some loose ends from July, our winner for the Ray Price Birthday Buell Blast pit bike from Leicester, N.Y. is Ben Carver, Sturgis, Mich. Carver will receive a Ray Price merchandise kit in the mail and tickets to the CARQUEST Auto Parts World Finals in Rockingham, N.C.
As our supposedly quiet month is winding down, the entire team will go to Indy for the Car Craft banquet and Awards ceremony. So, are you all rested up and ready for September?
Special thanks to Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Raleigh H. O. G., Buell, Performance Machine, Ultra Pro Machining, Autolite Sparkplugs, Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, Barnett Tool & Engineering, Roy’s Rental Uniform Service, PRP/MSD Ignitions, ThermoDynamic/Reactor Power Cell, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Simpson Race Products, UZ Engineering, Copperhead Graphics, Sunoco, Gates Rubber Co., Advance Design Leathers, Hargis Consulting, DME Racing, & Brown and Miller Racing Solutions.
Mary Lou Brewton
Date: 12th August 2002
Headline: Charity Auction
Santa Pod Raceway's International Race Director Darren Prentice and his wife Nicola are to organise an auction at the FIA European Finals to benefit the baby unit which cared for their son Owen after his early arrival.
"We would like to say a very big Thank You to every one who has sent us cards, presents and E-Mails for Owen", says Darren. "He is now at home after being in the special care baby unit for seven weeks. He is doing well and putting on weight. It was a very difficult time for us both, but with your encouragement and good wishes we now have our bundle of joy at home.
"So while I am on this subject I would like to announce that at the European Finals I am going to hold an auction during any downtime to raise money for the special care baby unit. If any race teams would like to donate items, for example autographed caps, T-Shirts, jackets, so that I can get John Price and Graham Beckwith to auction them, then please E-Mail me via auction@eurodragster.com.
"The money will go to a truly worthy cause. As items come in I will post a list so that people can put in reserve bids."
Date: 12th August 2002
Headline: ACU Preview
Ken Cooper has asked us to point out that Tony Clark is riding a Team Cooperized machine, and that Paul Rose Motorsports are `only' a sponsor. We have edited our report to reflect this, and apologise to Ken for the unhappiness caused.
Date: 12th August 2002
Headline: Barry Van Hook
Josh Helvie, who was a witness to the Barry Van Hook incident, gives his observations:-
"VanHook was doing a burnout. Bike launched hard and sounded like it was on a great pass. I see him going toward the center line and then you see him come off the bike. Not sure what happened. Bike flipped and you could see it all from the starting line. The IRP crew did a great job getting to him right away. AMAZINGLY, he was walking around but had a lot of road rash. I saw him in a golf cart and his right arm was completely bandaged.
I've never heard a race track go so silent so quickly. He seems to be just fine."
Thanks for your report Josh.
Date: 12th August 2002
Headline: Prostar Indy 2002
Following on from the report from Charlotte yesterday, we can confirm that Dave Beck continued his fine performances with a 6.974 @ 186.87 in the first round, and a 6.956 @ 185.40 in the second that, unfortunately, was not good enough to beat a stunning 6.850 @ 195.86 by Ashley Owens. Charley Farrar went on the win the class.
In Top Fuel, the absence of TF rookies Barry Van Hook after his terrifying accident, and Jimmy Brantley after his explosion earlier in the year resulted in a slim field of four, McBride, Hand, Smith and Canadian Geoff Pollard.
Pollard was unable to make the first round, and McBride soloed to a fabulous 5.973 @ 228 into the final.
Hand joined him in the final wherupon he lost to the favourite McBride who ran a 6.022 @ 229.99 against Hand's game 6.305 @ 204.12.
Chris Hannam would have been pleased to see Chip Ellis win Funnybike with a string of 6.8 second passes as he had made the trip to discuss an acquisition with Steve Rice over the works Kawasaki Funnybike.
Date: 12th August 2002
Headline: Dave Beck's superb performance
Due to the Bulldog Bash, we were unable to post an interim report on Dave Beck's progress at the Prostar meet in Indy that had been kindly sent by his fiancé Charlotte:-
"They ran a brilliant 6.97 yesterday (Friday) which qualified him in second place. Jay went to celebrate and ended up getting in at 6am this morning, in, as you can imagine, a rather sorry state! Schoolboy has had to spend most of the day in the truck nursing a very painful hangover, which is in fact so bad that he can't even speak it hurts so much!! Sounds like they had a really good time, but it's probably best to not enquire too much what they got up to !
Today they ran a 6.99 which was the fastest run of the session, so fingers crossed that things continue to go well, in the final round of qualifying this pm (Saturday) and of course, tomorrow !
Mother Upperton will, I'm sure, be annoyed that he is in Portugal whilst the bike is doing good, and let's hope that no parts get hurt, (and of course, no people get hurt), so he's not needed whilst he's sunning himself and drinking Sangria !
Hope that's kept you up to date - if I find out anything more I'll let you know"
Gossip comment:-
Thanks Charlotte, and I'm sure it's merely a coincidence that such a fine performance was made in the absence of Roger…………..
Date: 12th August 2002
Headline: We're back!
The absence of postings in the last couple of day's has been due to our annual showing at the Hells Angels England and Wales Bulldog Bash at Shakespeare County Raceway.
As usual, the event was excellent, with a massive funfair, rave tent, and this year's entertainment featuring, amongst others, Gary Moore and also The Pretenders.
On the track, there was some notable performances from Ken Cooper on his comeback after a layoff from a back injury, and Karl Larcombe who set the fastest time by a Super Street bike.
The Fuel bikes were represented by Jamie Millership on his ex Furr Southern Rock 2, Steve Woollatt and Ian King.
Unfortunately, a combination of persistent rain and a `Smax event' led to only one pass being completed by Steve and Ian.
A relatively slippery track led to King blowing the tyre away on his one and only pass, and Woollatt breaking his blower drive mechanism.
King Racing would like to thank HA England and Wales, and in particular Dicko and his wife Sarah for arranging the drag race show (including, for the first time, Dicko in his ex Smax Smith Astral Projection Methanol rail).
Date: 11th August 2002
Headline: Van Hook Crashes Top Fuel Bike
According to Prostar, Barry Van Hook crashed his Top Fuel bike during Thursday's Test and Tune session at the AMA/Prostar Pingel Thunder Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park.
Van Hook, a Top Fuel rookie who previously competed in Funnybike, came off his bike just prior to the finish line when the bike `washed out' and tipped to the right. The scoreboards read 6.58 seconds at 192 mph. Van Hook received generally superficial wounds but had to have surgery to his foot. The motorcycle, which brought Tony Lang to five Top Fuel championships, was destroyed.
King Racing wish Barry a speedy return to the track.
Date: 7th August 2002
Headline: Winnebago racer's dinner postponed
The Winnebago Top Fuel Motorcycle team would like to announce that the Winnebago racer's dinner originally set for this weekend at the Prostar Indy race has been postponed until the World Finals in Gainesville Fl.
We regret any problems caused by this change. We would also like to remind Prostar members who own Winnebago and Itasca motorhomes to please register your coach, regardless of year or model with Winnebago motorsports asap.This is necessary for participation in the contingency program as well as admittance to the dinner at the finals.
There will be upwards of $15,000 in prizes available at the dinner this year,so don't miss it!
To find out how to register with Winnebago Motorsports please call 800 643 4892 ext. 2 to speak with Kim who will get you up to speed on this easy process. You can also phone Chris Hand at 205 221 3802 for info or e-mail us at hpmrne2k@aol.com.
Thank you and best of luck to you all this season.
Chris Hand, Redneck Express Racing
Date: 7th August 2002
Headline: Preview of the ACU / UK Motorcycle Dragracing Championship Round
5
Shakespeare County Raceway, 24th - 26th August 2002
The 2002 August Bank Holiday weekend at Shakespeare County Raceway is the stage for the 5th and penultimate round of the biggest motorcycle dragracing championship outside of the USA, the ACU / UK Championship. Over 50 of the UK's top racers are expected at the event featuring all 5 classes, and headlined by the ground shaking 1000 Horsepower Top Fuel motorcycles.
Top Fuel
Going into the final round of this particular class, Steve Woollatt leads current double European and UK champion Ian King. Despite King's technical superiority on the King Racing Puma, his new fuel system and lack of track time this season could see Woollatt's consistency through to another UK Championship crown. The meeting could also see the debut of dragrace veteran Jon Morton on his stunning new Puma Suzuki.
Funny Bike
This class has turned out to be the choice of 2002 with an ever-increasing field, and personal bests being set on a regular basis. It's also wide open, with Dave Holland on his Nitrous / Petrol Suzuki GSXR entry tied for first position with the Blown Methanol burning Suzuki GSX entry of Shaun Branch, and a further 4 riders with possibilities to take this year's championship crown.
Pro Stock Bike
With Chris Tombleson and Richard Gipp concentrating on the European Championship, it has been left to the third member of the Straightline Racing team, Nick Pepper, to hold the fort - and how he has. With two straight event wins going into this round on his Star Suzuki GSX, he holds an almost unassailable lead over the following three contenders for the silver medal, Martin Bishop, class rookie of the year Helen Curran, and Dave Beck who has only attended two events to date due to his US race program.
Competition Bike
Interestingly, a non British licence holder leads the championship at this point, with popular German rider Klaus Brinkmann on his Petrol Nitrous Suzuki GSX with a healthy lead over class rookie Jerry Collier on his unusual two stroke three cylinder Petrol Nitrous Kawasaki H2. Mathematically, Philip Leamon and Andy Newcombe could take the silver medal position, but it will need an outstanding performance over the last two rounds for this to occur.
Super Street Bike
The favourite class for the wheelie brigade due to the lack of wheelie bars, over twenty riders have been competing for the ever popular entry level class in 2002. The Team Cooperized entry of past UK Champion Tony Clark is in a familiar position at the head of the pack, with the Suzuki GSX of ex Pro Stock rider Graham Dance chasing what may be an insurmountable lead. With Mark Fisher some 300 points behind Dance, and Matt Nixon over 400 points behind Fisher, don't bet against the top three positions remaining the same through to the end of the championship.
Date: 7th August 2002
Headline: European Records updated
We have now updated the FIM / UEM Championship records again after Charley Karling set new records for quarter mile ET and MPH at the Norway round on his blown nitro Harley, displacing Ton Pels recent ET record set at Sweden on his injected nitro Harley.
Once again, all the records are held by English and Swedish riders, Ian King, Brian Johnson, Anders Karling and Roger Petersson.
Click on the link to the Championship page on the left to view.
Date: 6th August 2002
Headline: UEM/FIM European Championship points posted
We have nwo posted the latest championship points after Gardermoen.
Click on the link on the left to view.
Date: 6th August 2002
Headline: Gardermoen summary
After a wonderful weekend in plenty of sunshine is it now time to look forward to the final in England.
We had a very nice weekend and from the weather point possibly too nice. The track was in excellent condition maybe the best in Europe. In Super Twin, Anders "Charley" Karling set new records in both time and top speed. He had an excellent run late on Saturday with a speed of 356 km/h but that one was not backed up. Per Bengtsson won the class event with an excellent time of 6,6 sec.
In Competition Bike, the Norwegians really are back. Sverre Dahl ran some very good passes, but now Jon Leret's come back he has now two wins out of a possible two. Jon is running 6.5's as if it was nothing. Pro Stock Bike resulted in an unexpected final between Öivind von Essen and Vesa Rautio - the Swedish dominance is broken. Öivind was the lucky winner and made it two victories for Norway at Gardermoen. 4 bikes ran 7,4's in qualifying, but maybe was it was too warm for the Pro-stock bikes and that was the reason that we did not have a new record.
The Final at Santa Pod will be the race to decide who is Champion in all classes except Super Twin where we can already predict the winner.
Lars Andersson
Date: 5th August 2002
Headline: European Championship - Norway
As usual, the track at Gardermoen produced some excellent times and speeds at the weekend's European Dragbike Championship round, and an astounding second win on the trot for Norway's Jon Leret after some years away from the track on his Fuel Bike. Congratulations are extended to all the number one qualifiers, and class winners:-
TOP QUALIFIERS
Top Fuel Competition (TFC) - Sverre Dahl (Norway), 6.284 @ 229.04 mph
Top Fuel Supertwin (TFS) - Anders Karling (Sweden), 6.457 @ 215.09 mph
Pro Stock (PS) - Vesa Rautio (Finland), 7.415 @ 179.91
CLASS WINNERS
TFC - Jon Leret (Norway) 6.584 @ 215.09 beat Sverre Dahl (Norway) stopped
TFS - Per Bengtsson (Sweden) 6.663 @ 205.85 beat Anders Karling (Sweden) 10.994 @ 74.57 mph
PS - Oyvind von Essen (Norway) 7.490 @ 180.40 mph beat Vesa Rautio (Finland) 7.453 @ 178.01 mph
We'll post the latest points positions when they are fully ratified.
Date: 5th August 2002
Headline: We're back!
The King Racing team of Ian King, Michael Beaumont, Marc Fossey and Nick Pepper and their respective families are now back from a couple of weeks of drunken debauchery masquerading as a family villa holiday on the Costa del Sol in Spain, raring to go for the forthcoming Bulldog Bash, NitrOlympics, Super Series and Euro Finals.
We'd like to apologise for the sporadic nature of the Gossip Page over the period, but it's difficult typing with a bottle of San Miguel in one hand and a jug of Sangria in the other..........
Date: 4th August 2002
Headline: Mark Connor's rodeo ride.......
Oop's, that was close........
Date: 4th August 2002
Headline: Joe Perry brings 'American Thunder' home to AHDRA Bristol,
Tenn.
Team VIP stalwart Joe Perry of Acme Racing joins Harley-Davidson racing champions, top fuel rider Steve Moore and junior rider Drew Proffitt, for the AHDRA "Thunder in the Valley Nationals" at Bristol Dragway August 10-11 in Bristol, Tenn.
When asked what makes the Bristol track special, team rider Joe Perry found one big word, "Awesome!" Perry had other words too. "It is by far the most modern drag racing facility on the planet with a lot of racer-friendly amenities: an all paved pit area, modern concessions, a bath house with 60 showers where you never have to wait."
Bristol is also the home track for Team VIP and ACME Racing. A mere 12 mile drive to a prominent track is a luxury few racers have. Perry tests and competes at home. "When the tour comes to town it is a special experience," Perry said. "It's a boost to be surrounded by all of your family and friends while racing."
Perry is also a booster for North East Tennessee. "Visitors have great destinations just a short motorcycle ride away," Perry said. "Blue Ridge Parkway, Smokey Mountain National Park, Deals Gap, Gatlinburg. It's all here."
Joe invites visitors and locals to experience the earth-shaking "American Thunder" at the "Thunder in the Valley" event at Bristol, Tenn. It's big thunder without hot lightning.
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, and JIMS
Date: 2nd August 2002
Headline: Website of the week
http://www.TheAccelerationArchive.co.uk
Date: 31st July 2002
Headline: UEM Points updated
Due to our absence for holiday, Tog has kindly updated our website with the latest FIM/UEM Championship points. Click on the link on the left to view the new positions.
The weekend also saw a new speed record set for the Nitro burning Supertwins with Ton Pels running 336kph (208.78mph) and backing up with a 335kph run (208.15mph).
Congratulations to Ton and the team from all of us at King Racing.
Date: 31st July 2002
Headline: Big CC Big HP!
Big CC had their horsepower shootout at the weekend, inviting all traders to compete with each other.
The hosts won the event with a suck through turbo, one stage of nitrous, This was a 1216 cc GSXR turbo nitrous with our own turbo and manifold. It made 422.7 bhp at the rear wheel and we backed her up with a second run. Is this the worlds highest bhp suck through turbo street bike? We rode this bike down to the local pub on Saturday evenings after the event…..
Dom Trickett
Date: 31st July 2002
Headline: Jay's chute
As far as I'm aware, Jay has been running the chute for a couple of years without much in the way of problems - the shutdown areas of some of the Australian tracks are short and, in common with Santa Pod, often start at the transition from sheltered by spectator stands/banking into an open flat area. Jay's now also got two thin strips running vertically down either edge of front end of the body to help with airflow management and straightline stability.
BTW, Ton Pels 6.6s sound mighty impressive...
Ivan Sansom
Date: 31st July 2002
Headline: Grumps retort
In reply to Furby, last year was my first year in a bike championship and I didn't realise that s/s entered 9.90 for those events until it was too late. Thankfully it did not affect the outcome of the championship, however at the Main Event I knocked out the no. 2 man in the championship at the time. My point was if you don't make your feelings known things wont change, but if everyone is happy for s/s to enter 9.90 then great, I can do both.---- SB1
Grumps
Date: 31st July 2002
Headline: Romine’s Double Whammy in Michigan
Mike Romine’s history of winning two classes in one event has been referred to as a Double Whammy. The Nuclear Tomato, his NitroHarley or Top Fuel bike, along with his Flyin’ Banana Pro Fuel bike have toured the USA entering and winning both classes in one weekend, making for an ecstatic weekend of racing Harleys. But the inaugural IHRA Nationals at the incredible US 131 Raceway Park was as different a Double Whammy as Romine has experienced in his 18-year racing career. There’s no doubt that the home-track advantage can easily turn into a heavy-obligation situation if you let it. But Romine seemed to have a handle on it. He spent Thursday at Media Day telling local media the distinctions of Nitro Harley and the show people could expect to see, from one of ‘them.’ A local. Friday qualifying was practically uneventful, save for the loss of brake power and his ride into the sand pit. Joined by his brother Jack to fill the field and take advantage of two bikes to learn about the racetrack and the power at hand, certainly ‘busy’ would describe Romine’s Chromatic team. Saturday qualifying placed Mike Romine fourth and his brother Jack seventh, the team settled into the heavy rain with a cylinder to replace and maintenance to do. Solidly in the show, Romine is always optimistic that anyone can win. In Michigan, Romine had the added confidence of his brother, the blocker, on the ‘other side’ of the eliminations ladder, meaning they would not run each other, if they continued winning, until the final round. Combined with Mike’s 1000-foot times, still letting off of the throttle to ensure the brakes didn’t fail again, the team went confidently into Sunday eliminations. After round one, though, Mike didn’t feel much like talking. "It broke the transmission and I don’t know what else. We’ve never had any transmission problems before. The brakes felt good. We just set it up the way it ran the 6.58 in qualifying. You always think what if, but you know, that’s why we race." Notice the present tense in Romine’s words.
The team takes their time doing regular maintenance and packing while enjoying the ‘family picnic’ atmosphere at this ‘home’ IHRA event. Packing, because both bikes ended their day in round one. Jack, ever smiling, is just happy to be there. "We’re still a ways off with the Banana. It’s right where we want it to be in the first 1/8th mile. We ran 4.35 on three of the five passes. But we haven’t been able to get enough fuel out of it to make it pull the last half of the track. We worked on that this last run." Jack’s "new" to the team, having only worn the Chromatic/Competition Dist. yellow once this season. "The motorcycle itself is what you would call FUN to ride. Every time I come back I don’t have somebody looking at the computer saying, ‘you shifted too early or too late,’ because I don’t have to shift. It’s what we call a ‘jackshaft’ bike. One gear. Because of that, it’s so much lighter than the others. It feels like a bike of six or seven years ago. Even with the wide tire, it seems like I don’t have to work so hard to ride the bike." Ease, combined with familiarity makes the ride a fit for Jack. "With Mike and Patty, I guess it feels like old times." Jack rode the Homewood Harley-Davidson bike in 2001. "The main benefit to this ride is that I feel like Mike and I are kind of on the same wave length for tune up and how the bike should be set up. But then, most of the things I’ve learned over the years I’ve learned from Mike. I’m racing for in AHDRA is pretty laid back. There’s no more stress there than here. I have to work a little bit more because here we have a lot of help with Rex and John and Patty and Daren, Rocky Mann here this weekend. Plus, with the IHRA time frame of only two rounds a day in qualifying, I get to hang out here and learn a lot from Rex (Harris) and what they’re trying to do on the red bike." Though Jack rode the bike in Michigan, he’s fully aware that the next outing will not be his. "Mike goes to Sturgis, South Dakota next week – the World’s Largest Motorcycle Rally and Races with the World’s Largest Payout for Nitro Harleys. I think in this air, with those three 4.35 eighth-miles, we’ve learned a lot. So when Mike goes to Sturgis next week, he’ll be riding the yellow bike. That’ll help him out a lot with the tune-up to make him a major contender." Jack will ride the bike next in Norwalk, Ohio for the IHRA World Nationals. The Chromatic Team deflated for only a moment, with four chances to race in win in the next month. The Wizard, Rex Harris, summed it up nicely. "We overcame plenty of obstacles here and walk away with the knowledge that we have a winning tune-up. That’s winning a lot for a new set-up in one season. With the upcoming events, we’ll have a chance to use that knowledge and work toward the winner’s circle." Mike Romine’s Nuclear Tomato is sponsored by Chromatic, Andrews Products, Ross Pistons, Autolite, Silkolene Twin Power, Saddlemen and Romine Racing. Jack Romine’s Flying Banana is sponsored by Competition Dist, Chromatic, Autolite and Romine Racing.
Nina Henderson
Date: 30th July 2002
Headline: Wanna race in Gainesville??
The never ending quest for traction and the proposed rule changes to Prostar Funnybike have convinced me that the ex MRE Funnybike should return home to Gainesville this november.
Any fellow racers who wish to expand their racing (and social !) experiences and are interested in sharing shipping costs can contact me at work 01206 862616 or mobile 07880 704829 (UK)
Neil Midgley email: neil@vectoracing.fsnet.co.uk
Date: 30th July 2002
Headline: Jay Upton Airborne ??
It seems that Jay Upton is trying to run a (brake) chute on his fuel bike (see article at http://www.amaprostar.com)
I don't want to start up a discussion about this subject, the following is merely a safety warning.
Some 7 to 10 years ago Dutch Top Fuel Harley racer Alex Verwilst already tried this with the very same Stroud chute. Though we in Europe are (unfortunately) also familiar with very short run off areas, I doubt if this a safe development. On the Dutch Harley it made the bike unstable and very sensitive to side winds. I would like to see Jay deploying his chute at Santa Pod with the wind coming from the right hand side after the banking. And what about the G-forces they can create?? Cars (with two & bigger chutes) are able to create more G's during braking than they do on the actual run. Remember, you they are strapped in and on a bike it's just how strong your muscles are to prevent your body from flipping over the handlebars.
Not my kind of experiment, be very careful!
Marius van der Zijden - Koedam Racing
Date: 30th July 2002
Headline: Romine Lands in Michigan Quick Sand
It’s expected for the ‘local’ favorite to struggle at their ‘home’ national event. Between family, friends and national competitors visiting, it’s easy to get distracted from the task at hand – qualifying for and winning a race. But Romine seems to have a better handle on managing distractions.
Until the Friday night Nitro Jam Qualifying.
At the end of the three quarters of a mile of pavement, there’s a sand trap. 14 inches of sand mixed with pea gravel is where stray race vehicles go when stopping under power is not an option. Romine’s Nuclear Tomato dove into the sand on his second qualifying pass. “After I crossed the finish line I started on the brakes. I pumped it and pumped it and it wasn’t slowing down nearly as quick as it normally does. Finally, I knew I was going in, so I just looked for the flattest spot and aimed it there.” Romine and the bike were both fine. “I wasn’t going fast when I hit the quick sand. About 25 or 30 miles per hour. But it dug in deep. It got filthy dirty.” And Romine loathes dirty. “We’re cleaning the heads to ensure that it didn’t suck any dirt into it.”
The hometown pressure isn’t bad, to Romine. “We’re qualified in the sixties, which I would think should keep us in the field pretty good. I may be wrong and the field will be the first field in Nitro Harley with a 6.50+ bump.” Romine ran a 6.741 at 198.47 round one with a 120-degree track temp mid-day. As the day cooled minimally, Romine’s modifications were minimal with significant results. His 6.603 at 208.17miles per hour in the second round placed him fifth. “We picked up fourteen-hundredths from the first round, so we made a big jump. It still is not leaving the line as strong as we need it to for the good numbers. I think we ran a 4.34 1/8th mile but we need to be in the low twenties. If it will run a 4.24, it’ll run a 6.50. We just need to pick up the eighth mile. I think Rex (‘The Wizard’ Harris) was pretty scared of the track tonight as hot as it was. It was I think 120 degrees. Hopefully it won’t be as hot tomorrow night.”
Mike’s brother Jack is running the Competition Inc. Flyin’ Banana as a team effort in Nitro Harley at selected events this year. “The first pass Jack ran a 6.79, which is the best that bike’s ever run. Since it’s a high gear pro fuel bike, that’s a good run. Jack’s more comfortable with it now. The team made a couple of changes on the bike, but it shut off at the top end. Otherwise it should have run another 6.70 or 6.80. I’m not worrying about the yellow bike. We’ll just have to step it up a bit a little bit at a time.”
Less than two hours from home, significantly close to the gorgeous US 131 facility in Martin, Romine will have a buzzing pit area all weekend. Friday, there was a constant 10 family member count within earshot. More than 40 Sturgis, MI customers and friends stopped by. Saturday, there’ll be in excess of 100 making Romine Racing ‘home base’ at US 131. “The majority will come up Saturday. They asked which day would be the best day to come. Of course, the Saturday Night of Fire is the best night to watch.”
Romine’s agenda is full for Saturday. Be hospitable. Stay focused. Stop. Stay out of the quicksand. Mike Romine’s Nuclear Tomato is sponsored by Chromatic, Andrews Products, Ross Pistons, Autolite, Silkolene Twin Power, Saddlemen and Romine Racing. Jack Romine’s Flying Banana is sponsored by Competition Dist, Chromatic, Autolite and Romine Racing.
Nina Henderson
Date: 28th July 2002
Headline: European Championship Round 3
Congratulations to all the winners of the UEM round in Sweden this weekend, in particular Jon Leret of Norway who returned to competition with his Top Fuel bike and won his first meeting after a few years away from the track!
Pro Stock
Roger Petersson - Sweden
Supertwin
Anders Karling - Sweden
Competition Bike
Jon Leret - Norway
Date: 28th July 2002
Headline: IHRA Nitro Harley final order
Final order after 4 rounds of qualifying in Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, 21st annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Northern Nationals:
1. Steve Stordeur Mancuso Racing '01 Weekend 6.448 214.83
2. Johnny Mancuso Mancuso H-D '00 Weekend 6.529 210.77
3. Doug Vancil Vance & Hines '00 Weekend 6.532 210.93
4. Mike Romine Chromatic Inc '01 Weekend 6.581 208.17
5. Mark Conner '01 Puppett 6.603 189.28
6. Joe Scatella '01 Weekend 6.788 206.23
7. Jack Romine Competition/Chromatic '00 Wee 6.792 188.46
8. Ray Price Ray Price H-D '02 Dixie 6.858 189.95
--------- Not Qualified ---------
9. Joe Timmons '00 Dixie 6.999 190.57
10. Mark Cox Bojangles '00 Weekend
Date: 26th July 2002
Headline: Fisch's new record
Wolfgang "Fisch" Dorsch from "Bernie's Dragracing Team Wetzlar/Germany" is the first german rider in the street-harley class in the 10.3sec !!! On sunday morning at Drachten he shocked everyone when he roared down the track on a bye run and the clocks stopped at 10.371sec / 127mph, this was just the backup run for the 10.452 sec / 127mph of saturday evening. The old German record was 10.691sec / 119mph from 2001 (held by him also). The bike is a BUELL S3 with 90cu, no nitrous, no bars and no slicks.
Wolfgang is a good friend of current S.E. AHDRA Champ John Burdynski.
Bernd Schoenherr - Owner of Bernie's Harley Davidson & BUELL Dealership, Wetzlar/ Germany
Date: 26th July 2002
Headline: Not vocal?
Grumpy wasn't so vocal about the Euro Finals last year when racing his 9.90 bike so please dont knock us now you have chosen to move on to SuperStreet.
Furby
Date: 26th July 2002
Headline: Maltese Cross?
We haven't finished machining the cars new billet heads yet and the cranks are sat here in my office so when I get there it's all to put together in 33 C plus heat in 3 days with a gang of excited kids to work with. You've seen 'em in action.
The Maltese will work all night and day to get ready but they are much younger than me.
We hadn't planned to race it this year to do Alf Hagon impersonations instead. So it's all last minute, and it won't go so well anyway as the air temp will be around 35 C+, the track 50 C+ and the humidity in the 90s. At least they have a bar in the pits with cold beer at 50p a bottle.
What I want to know is who recommended Bill Furr for V twin bits. Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! He now says UPS have the bits, they say Orangeburg who. ?? Who's lying ?
I was really really lucky not to have had a huge engine explosion with the rear cylinder. Within a millisec, If I hadn't shut off when I felt something racing Per Bentthingy - Kaboooooooom !
4 now Bernard
Date: 26th July 2002
Headline: TFHRA Extends Invitation to Harley Racers
Incredible traction, TV exposure, racing in front of full grandstands, and the intense competition are the main attractions for competing in IHRA Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson. To many Harley drag racers, it's the penultimate experience, the desired goal, the Mecca of the racing experience. Until now, that level of competition has seemed unattainable to many. At January's meeting of the Top Fuel Harley Racers Association Board (TFHRA) of Directors, an opportunity to compete at that level in a one-race entry was created. Each team must have proved to be consistent in their six-second, quarter-mile performance. They must be professional in appearance, and participate fully for the entire event. TFHRA President, Johnny Mancuso, (left) the Board, and members are extending an invitation to teams that meet the criteria of membership. The teams may compete at one event in 2002 without commitment of full season participation or TFHRA dues. Mancuso stated, "It's expensive to run this series because of the level of performance that is required. That level means you may break a lot of parts, and still not qualify. But you'll be pushed to perform better, and have a better opportunity to do so, with the incredible traction racing behind cars provides, and the information that is shared at these events is greater, because we're all invested in putting on a great show as motorcycle racers." The invitation is extended to an already elite list of nitro racers: Robin Gauthier, Ron Houneit, Steve Huff, Ken Kent, Tim Kerrigan, Dave O'Hara, and Robert (Ziggy) Stewert. Any additional teams that meet the criteria, and are not already TFHRA members, may contact Johnny Mancuso to discuss an invitation. "The IHRA Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson series is serious business to the teams that compete, " said Mancuso. "Though we currently have more than 20 members, we have 12 committed to participating this 2002 season. For an eight-bike field, that means mid-six second runs averaging 200-plus mile per hour. These invitees have all done that. To qualify in IHRA, you have to do that consistently. To win, you need consistency and luck. I and the rest of the committed members look forward to the added excitement of new competition." For further information, contact Johnny Mancuso at: jmancuso@mancuso-hd.com or call (713) 880-5666.
Date: 24th July 2002
Headline: Thanks, but I'm on holiday.........
Thanks for the offer Svein but the list is long and I have now entered our dragster in top alcohol in Malta now so I'm going south instead to the sun Good luck at the races.
Bernie
Date: 24th July 2002
Headline: Kai's advantage?
Finnish Supertwin Top Fuel Bike racer Kai Selkämaa thinks that running over the eighth-mile may work to his advantage at Mantorp Park this weekend, says Kaija Kohtala of DB Team Selkämaa.
"After our relatively satisfying performance at Alastaro we are going into Mantorp very confident", says Kaija. "In spite of the fact that this is our first season in Supertwin, we really aim to be placed at least sixth in the FIM/UEM European Championship.
"In the first place our main goal is to gain experience of the nitro bike in general, but we’re already taking the whole series very seriously in order to get as good position as possible in every event. Kai tested and qualified very well at Alastaro. We believe that there is a lot of potential in our bike even though our best time there was as quick as 7.71. The data showed afterwards that the throttle wasn't opened more than seventy per cent during the run. Unfortunately the rain spoilt Sunday's elimination and we actually made very few runs there.
"We believe that we’ll do well at Mantorp, especially because we know that Kai records very good reaction times, and therefore he is quite eager to try the eighth-mile. Besides that, we also can pay full attention to adjusting the clutch, with other things we haven't had much time to do that yet. As usual, it’s been busy!
"We also hope to have better luck this year. Last year we competed at Mantorp on our Super Street Bike Suzuki, and we had to run almost the whole event with three cylinders due to a broken carburettor. Despite that we got into the final.
"We haven't changed the Supertwin bike since Alastaro, but we are now better provided with parts than earlier on in the season. Thanks to our new sponsor ST-Koneistus from Ylöjärvi, Finland, who are supplying us with a lot of new spare parts."
Date: 24th July 2002
Headline: Power News
Hi Everyone !
Sorry about the delay of Power News ! The traffic to Mototune USA has grown 10X in the last 4 months and we needed to move to a bigger server. Thanks for your support & patience ! There are a lot of new racing pages to check out ... Here's the newest Power News: http://www.mototuneusa.com/success_stories.htm (Spanish versions are at the bottom of the page)
In May I went to Sweden and photographed the races. In addition to all the racing pix, there's a very innovative Superbike tech invention that I think you'll be interested in: http://www.mototuneusa.com/sweden.htm
Also in May I covered the AFM Sears Point races, and there are 5 pages of photos, as well as some ideas for getting sponsors & promoting roadracing: http://www.mototuneusa.com/california_--_sears_point_afm_roadracing.htm
There's a very cool team in Venezuela which I'm now helping with engine development. They've sent me some great photos, and I've made a new page about the wild roadracing action in South America: http://www.mototuneusa.com/venezuela.htm
I'm heading over to Europe again to cover 2 roadraces these next 2 weeks ! I'll be at Karlskoga in Sweden for the Scandinavian Open this coming weekend (July 27th and 28th)... and then Waaaay up north to Mo i Rana, Norway to the coolest racetrack in the world ! ( It's on the Arctic Circle !!) I hope to meet many Power News fans there, and of course I'll be showing the photos of the racing and other points of interest from these countries on upcoming features on Mototune USA. Have a very cool day !
Sincerely, Pat McGivern
~MotoMan http://www.mototuneusa.com
Date: 23rd July 2002
Headline: We'd like to help
Hi Bernie,
What parts do you need? If we can help, mail me (we want you to come to Scandinavia!)
Svein Gottenberg
Gotten@tfharley.com
Date: 23rd July 2002
Headline: Roger's ready!
FIM/UEM European Pro Stock Bike Champion Roger Pettersson and the Veidec Racing PSB team are ready for this weekend's Sko Uno Drag Festival at Mantorp Park having finished work on their new chassis. The new bike had its first outing at the Nitro Nationals at Alastaro and impressed even on early-shut-off passes.
"We started 2002 with the same bike as last year because the new R1000-02 Trac Dynamic was not ready", says Crew Chief Roger Lyrén. "We got the frame on 19th June, and had to do a lot of work on the chassis so we didn't have the chance to test before Alastaro. We worked day and night to get it ready, and on Saturday's first qualifier we made a half pass just to see how bike handled. It was very stable, except for the brakes - they felt soft, so we decided not to make any full passes until it was perfect. On the second pass we ran 7.50, which was very good, and on the third pass a 7.49 - this still on full throttle for 350 metres! Now we knew that we could go fast with this chassis, we didn't even adjust anything, we just went on the base set-up we started with. Sadly the rain stopped the race for us on Sunday, but this is summer in Scandinavia - sometimes there is rain.
"We are very excited about Mantorp because the Pro Stock Bike class has really stepped up this year, I think because we have supported many other racers and because of Motospeed's good relations with Byron and Matt Hines at Vance and Hines Racing who helped us to get good engine parts and go fast. There are racers who have stepped up this year such Oivind von Essen who ran 7.35 with a Motospeed engine, Anders Larsson running 7.35 with Kenneth Stromberg's 2001 Motospeed engine, Chris Tombleson, and other racers too.
"We will run the same engine as we used in Finland, but for Norway we hope to get the new engine ready. It will have a Vance and Hines six-speed gearbox so hopefully we can break last year's record. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw runs in the high 7.2s from some riders before the end of the season.
"I am very excited about the Mantorp and Gardermoen races and I can't wait to go racing there!"
Date: 23rd July 2002
Headline: SPRC Website updated
The Santa Pod Racers Club web site at http://www.eurodragster.com/sprc has now been updated with Word versions of the entry forms, supplementary regulations and other documentation for the FIA European Finals
Date: 23rd July 2002
Headline: Blame?
I have just received my entry form for the European finals and once again we have the choice of 10.90 or 9.90. So to all of the 9.90 and s/s who didn't voice your opinion you only have yourselves to blame. I would have thought there would have been more 9.90 people saying their piece as it affects their championship. Still, unlike the Main Event I won't be testing for 8's I will be in 9.90 mode.
GRUMPS SB1
Date: 23rd July 2002
Headline: For Hines, no harm on foul
Matt Hines of Trinidad had a feeling of relief, and it could not have come at a better time or place. And a red light helped. Racing on his home track at Bandimere Speedway in the 23rd Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals, Hines snapped a losing streak Sunday that went as far back as last year. The three-time National Hot Rod Association season champion in the Pro Stock Bike division defeated the reigning champ, Angelle Savoie, for his fourth Mile-High title. Savoie was attempting to win her third consecutive title at Bandimere, which would have tied her with Hines for the division record on Thunder Mountain. But her red-light foul at the starting line ended her bid. "It feels great to win, it's been over a year," said Hines, whose previous victory in an NHRA national event had come at Englishtown, N.J., on May 20, 2001. "To come out here and actually see a win light for once is awesome. It's about time. To come out here, be competitive and qualify second (by a thousandth of a second) was fine. The bike worked fine all week." Hines was facing Savoie for the 19th time in a national event final and pushed his edge to 11-8. They have split 28 encounters overall. "I felt like I was killing the (starting light) all day long, even though the reaction times might not have shown it," Hines said. "I popped the clutch in the final and saw her out there; I figured it was the normal deal with her. I looked down the track and saw the win light and thought, 'Ho, ho.' " Savoie was making her 40th final-round appearance in a national event, her fifth this season. She posted the track record of 7.560 seconds on her 2001 Suzuki in qualifying, but couldn't make the mark hold up for another title. "I know we gained points on everyone but Matt this weekend," Savoie said. "I'm proud to make it to a final on a less-than-perfect day. I knew my lights had been a little off all day, so the red light in the final was a simple matter of my trying too hard. "We put in a new engine (Sunday), and despite having issues with every run, still made it to the final. We had a couple of incidents with the bike not going straight. I realize this track has a crown if you get out of the groove. I tried to avoid it, but couldn't." Hines, the No. 2 qualifier, opened by beating Greg Underdahl in the first round. He defeated Littleton's Mike Berry in the next round in a battle of Colorado riders, then nipped Craig Treble, who is second in season standings, in his semifinal. Savoie reached the finals by beating Jay Matthews, Reggie Showers and Antron Brown. Andrew Hines, Matt's younger brother, made his Pro Stock Bike debut and qualified No. 8. He went out in the first round, losing to Showers, the No. 9 qualifier.
Scott Stocker, Rocky Mountain News
Date: 23rd July 2002
Headline: Turner halts Furr's run
The AHDRA completed the eighth stop on the 2002 National point¹s series at Maryland International Raceway on July 6th & 7th, Budds Creek, MD. Sunny skies and typical warm temperatures greeted racers and fans at the Mid-Atlantic Nationals presented by All American Harley-Davidson and Harley-Davidson of Frederick, but there was plenty of cool action on the quarter mile strip.
Orangeburg Cycle's, Bill Furr lent a hand in the pre-event hoop-pla at Friday's Harley-Davidson of Frederick Kick-Start party with his JIMS Top Fueler in tow. Furr rolled into the Frederick facility after a full morning of test runs at MIR in preparation for the weekend¹s competition, which has landed him the trophy for three consecutive years. The steak came to a halt when Jay Turner of Whitsett, NC showed up with the tune-up needed for the Top Fuel prize.
Turner qualified in the #1 spot with a 6.822 and scored the Top Speed honors with a 200.95 mile-per-hour pass. With veterans on the roster such as Robert Stewart, Tak Shigematsu and Bill Furr, it was an unlikely final round appearance for Top Fuel newcomer, Russ Hildenbrand (#7 qualifier) He rattled the competition with a round one 6.944, ousting #2 qualifier, Tak Shigematsu of Japan. It was Sonny Michalowski of Ft Lauderdale, FL loading the trailer in round two after Hildenbrand¹s 7.113 to Michalowski¹s 7.239. Hildenbrand got the early advantage with a .529 light, but it wasn't enough to stop Turner and Team Bulldog who pulled through with a 6.808/191.97mph finale to Hidlenbrand's 7.152/194.16 pass.
The HDAfterparts.com Pro Fuel competition brought back a drag racing favorite when Tony Mattioli made a first time appearance since his accident at the AHDRA season opener in March. Mattiloli was in his element when he came along to turn the wrenches on Sam White¹s Pro Fueler, which happened to be the bike Mattioli was riding when the accident occurred in Bradenton, FL. A bittersweet return for Mattioli was capped off when White captured the win at Maryland International Raceway, a first for the Columbia, SC rider. Serving up the challenge for White was #1 qualifier, Mike Lehman of Palm Beach, FL. Lehman numbers were impressive coming into Sunday's elimination¹s with a 6.778 Low E.T. and a 195.31 Top Speed, but White was able to overcome a slower .551 reaction time with a 7.060 to Lehman's .527/7.103 in the final. Lehman had the bye in round one of eliminations after John Cislak of Indian Orchard, MA crashed at the big end in qualifying, suffering a severe compound fracture to his leg. Cislak was released and is recovering at home.
Dale Raudenbush and the Old Glory Race team took a first Pro Stock win home after defeating #1 qualifier, John Hammock in the final. Hammock upset #2 qualifier, Dirk Higgins for the final round bid, but encountered problems in the water box forcing Raudenbush to cruise solo for a 7.664 victory.
Thanks to the staff at MIR and promotional contributions from participating sponsors, this year's Mid-Atlantic Nationals presented by All-American Harley-Davidson and Harley-Davidson of Frederick finished with bigger gate numbers and plenty of winner's circle smiles. For more on the action at Maryland International Raceway or the 2002 AHDRA Points Series, log on to http://www.ahdra.com.
Maryland-Final Results
JIMS Top Fuel
Winner-Jay Turner .542, 6.808, 191.97 R/U- Russ Hildenbrand .529, 7.152, 194.16
Pro Stock
Winner-Dale Raudenbush .557, 7.664, 169.78 R/U-John Hammock Broke
H-D Afterparts Pro Fuel
Winner-Sam White .551, 7.060, 185.05 R/U-Mike Lehman .527, 7.103, 189.84
Courtesy Dragbike.com
Date: 22nd July 2002
Headline: Sverre's suffering
It seems that Norways fastest bike rider, Sverre Dahl, is still suffering big end bearing problems with the `Sunshine Express' Top Fuel bike, and is exploring causes that seem to centre around oiling issues.
Date: 22nd July 2002
Headline: Bern's sojourn off too!
Unfortunately the Scandanavian visit is off due to being badly let down by the usual thing, non arrival of parts from the USA. At our first event we did a lot of engine damage and consequently had to order a lot of parts, the only thing to arrive is the crank parts from Anders Karling - thank you Charlie for that. As for the rest, I now find out they haven't even sent them ! Too busy they say…………. Arghhhhh !!!!!
Bernie Hepworth
Date: 22nd July 2002
Headline: Asko's Drag Festival off
Finnish racer Asko Määttä has announced that he will not be racing what he refers to as his "old/new Funny Bike" at the Sko Uno Drag Festival. "I'll be testing the bike in Finland", says Asko, " because I don't believe in testing at real races."
Asko has an action plan for this season, and for next. "Practicing on a faster bike is my main goal for this season", he says. "Next year I can race seriously for the UEM Championship. In the longer term I would like to beat the 6.3 I ran in a Top Methanol FC, of course on a different - nitro - bike."
Asko explained the 'old/new' tag he applies to his Funny Bike. "The bike is a former Finnish Championship winner and record holder, and also a Drag Festival winner at Mantorp Park in the 1980s. I have updated the engine and chassis and it now has the best turbo available!"
Date: 19th July 2002
Headline: Mort's all fired up!
We're happy to bring you the news that Jon Morton fired up his all new Top Fuel Puma last a few days ago for the first time. All seemed good, and he now plans for some testing before hopefully entering the next Super Series round at SCR.
Date: 19th July 2002
Headline: Bulldog Bash 2002
It has now been confirmed that both Ian King and Steve Woollatt will be putting in exhibition passes at this years's Bulldog Bash organised by Hells Angels England.
Date: 19th July 2002
Headline: Euro SSB
Hello,
this is Peter ("pay-pay") Calwer. Maybe some of the ssb - racers remember me, (I was involved in the organisation of the first euro-ssb in 2000). Firstly, I'd like to say one thing: I never lost interest in the euro-challenge, but in 2001 I really did not have the time to do it again. The challenge was a great thing for me, but it took all (and a little bit more) of my free time, and it didn't pay my rent (it was never planned as a "commercial thing").
Now I read on the gossip page that the challenge is "on his last feet", and I think that's a sad thing. However, maybe there is a chance to reanimate it.
Helpful things for this project were the website we had, with more than 7.000 visitors in just 10 months (not so bad for a small dragracing-site), and the support we got from eurodragster.com, and especially from sharkman with his unforgettable Drachten report.
We also tried to give every racer the feeling "to be part of a big thing" with trophies, prizemoney, "memorable photos" and diplomas. For the racers it was also a great feeling, I think. On the one side it was pure competition, on the other side we had a lot of fun together in the pits . . . just remember the first round in Drachten: before eurochallenge the Netherlands always were wasted, when Brits and Germans met there. . .(tasteless joke???)
i can make an offer: if Graham and Pete have the power to try it again for 2003, I will support them with their own (good-looking) euro-ssb-website, trophies and diplomas (like in 2000). I will do my best to find some prizemoney, and I try to motivate every ssb-racer I know to participate.
At last: sorry for my terrible English (I took the liberty to `improve' the text a little - Ian), but I hope you understand what I mean.
That's all - GO FAST BE SAFE
Peter Calwer - email: pp@calwer.de
Gossip comment:-
Well, maybe an offer the SSB racers can't refuse. It's going to be tough, however, as it's not `on it's last feet', it died last year!
Date: 19th July 2002
Headline: Cheating Prostockers?
http://www.competitionplus.com/07_17_2002/cheatin.html
Date: 18th July 2002
Headline: Santa Pod Euro Finals
The Santa Pod Racers Club web site at www.eurodragster.com/sprc has been updated with invitations, entry forms and supplementary regulations for Sportsman racers and Junior Dragsters for the FIA European Finals in September. There are also Hospitality forms and an application form for post-race Banquet tickets. The files are Adobe Acrobat files at present, MS Word versions will be added shortly.
Date: 18th July 2002
Headline: Fangster
New engine for 'The Fang', team to leave Supertwins shock horror?
Have a look at http://www.turnertech.co.uk/3d_v-10.htm
Carl Wadkin-Snaith
Date: 17th July 2002
Headline: Rob's Dodgy?
TF rider Roald Dogge has confirmed that he has hung up his racing leathers for now and will concentrate on taking over the crew cheif role for fellow Dutchman and Blown Top Fuel Harley guru Rob Van Geffen.
Rob, the popular rider of the innovative machine built using his own engines, will make a welcome return to the track for the first time this year at the weekend's European Championship event at Gardermoen in Norway.
Date: 17th July 2002
Headline: Interview with Matt Hines
http://www.extremegarage.com/dragracing_nhra/articles/hines_interview.htm
Date: 17th July 2002
Headline: Team NLR run a Seven
Team NLR Suzuki have become the first team racing a Hayabusa based Shootout bike to run in the seven second zone. Rider Larry Laye ran 7.971 at 184.39 at an NMRA event at Sacramento, laying claim to the worlds quickest Hayabusa.
According to NLR, The key to the bike's performance is the combination of the NLR Race Turbo system and NLR Boost control. "Power is nothing without control," said NLR's Sebastien Domingo (originally born in Sweden), "This bike makes 475 rear wheel horsepower, 325 ft lbs of torque. But we have never run that much power on the track because the rear wheel won't hold it. Our boost controller applies the power smoothly without spikes or harsh transitions. We run four stages of boost. We tried almost every boost controller and nothing worked like we wanted it so we built our own. This was only the second race with it."
Date: 17th July 2002
Headline: Team Mancuso Admits Winning Feels Good
Narrowing the points gap was the secondary goal of Team Mancuso Sunday in New York. Of course, winning the race was the optimal goal. At the IHRA season’s halfway mark, Team Mancuso met their goal. Steve Stordeur won his way through the final and stepped up to second in points. Mancuso went two rounds and is fourth. When Mancuso qualified fourth and Stordeur first, they knew a semi-final meeting was the preferred first round outcome. While many wondered if Mancuso would put into place team orders, the decision had already been made. "The quickest bike should go to the final to face the second quickest bike of the event. That means we’ll race for it," said Mancuso. Saturday night Johnny Mancuso had a tough decision to make. He’d qualified with a multi-stage fuel system working on his bike, but not as he’d desired. To bypass it and run six-forties and possibly thirties or keep it like it is and continue to work toward super-power for the end of the year, was his question. Sunday morning the team made the change to bypass. Mancuso didn’t want to allow anyone to gain any more points on him. With plenty of time to execute and wait for the first round at noon, the team calmly waited in the heavy humidity. Stordeur’s bike actually was tuned down to deal with the corrected altitude of 3346 feet and a track temperature of 119 degrees. In first round eliminations he amazed even himself, lighting the scoreboard with a 6.370 at 217.18 miles per hour. David Fitzhugh celebrated on the starting line. Yes, a thirty that day and top speed of the meet was worth it. Stordeur said, "I didn’t expect it to be a thirty in this heat. I was moving around and spinning the tire so I thought it was a .50. I was thrilled."
Then they lined up the boss. The bike Mancuso raced was in the same situation. Tangles with technology had both riders guardedly hopeful. Mancuso didn’t win the reaction time contest but made his way further down the quarter-mile under power than he had that weekend. Mancuso’s best run of the weekend won the round at 6.533 and 213.32 miles per hour. "I thought it was a much better run than that," said Mancuso. "But then, I haven’t felt it pull all the way through in a while. It was a decent run in the heat of the day. Steve’s run was phenomenal." Instantly, an all-Mancuso semi-final was prepared. "The only team orders were, win," said Mancuso. "Right now, Steve’s bike is the quicker bike. I certainly would like to better that and be the one in the final, but the other bike in the final won’t be laying down for us to win. We’ll have to earn it. For me to tell Steve to take a dive would be unintelligent. The only thing that’s gonna bother me at this point is if he goes out there and trees me. He hasn’t been stellar on the lights this weekend." Stordeur instantly reminded Mancuso that he’d had one good light. When the chips fell, Mancuso had called it right, right down to the tree. Mancuso had his personal best reaction time of the weekend at .491, but Stordeur had stepped up to a .465. Mancuso’s more aggressive tune-up went fat early in the ride. Stordeur won with a smooth 6.587, 190.96 miles per hour and held lane choice for the final. Stordeur sat solidly second in points before he ever saw the green light. Still he went for the win with a .444 reaction time .021 ahead of the competition. By the halfway mark Stordeur was being reeled in but they ran out of racetrack. Stordeur won by about nine feet with a 6.455 at 213.31 miles per hour. The only thing he could say at the end of the day was, "it sure did feel good to beat him." As the accomplishments stack up, Stordeur’s qualified number one at four of the six IHRA nationals. Team Mancuso’s won three. This weekend, Stordeur earned low e.t. and high miles per hour. The charge for the championship begins in two weeks. And, right now. Mancuso left Buffalo, New York for Milwaukee, Wisconsin Monday morning. Harley-Davidson dealers had their first look at the 100th Anniversary motorcycles this weekend while Mancuso raced. He attends the new model dealer meeting and discuss racing with the dealer group that supports the Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson class in IHRA. With a huge smile on his face.
The Mancuso Racing Team of Steve Stordeur and Johnny Mancuso is sponsored by Arias Pistons, Autolite, Barnett, Diamond Cut Jeans, Dynatek, The Gates Rubber Company, Greg Good Race Heads, JIMS, Lincoln Electric, The Minute Maid Company, Mickey Thompson Race Tires, RC Components, Red Line Oil, Vanson Leathers, Victory Valves, VP Fuels, Weekend Frame Co., YUASA and Mancuso Harley-Davidson
Nina Henderson
Date: 17th July 2002
Headline: Expletives Under the Romine Helmet
Data gathered revealed the solution had been found for the Chromatic Nuclear Tomato’s multi-stage fuel system gremlin. Guarded celebration and hope peeped into the Mike Romine pit are Saturday night here and there. Sunday, the team was ready. De-tuned for the power the Nuclear Tomato had strength to utilize, the clutch set-up stepped down a bit and the fuel system dramatically reduced. It was a pseudo-educated stab in the dark. At the finish line after first round, there were definitely expletives under Mike Romine’s helmet. With the stab, they’d missed. “It tried to go,” Romine explained as if praise helped the feelings of the motorcycle within earshot. “I don’t know if it spun the tire at the starting line or not. But it kicked to the left and headed to the wall. I had to let off. It wasn’t the track. It was hot but not that bad. We just missed it. Had we gone straight, it would have been a decent run.” As if the data taunted him, Romine refused to be discouraged. Romine had the reaction time advantage by .019. “I did everything right going down the track, but letting off and pointing it back toward the finish line took time that we couldn’t afford.” Romine ran a 7.062 at 184.65. Harris, the Wizard, confirmed the results. “I’ll just say we were unlucky when the bike skated toward the wall. What we learned last night proved to be good when we downloaded the data. Had he not had to lift, it would have been a good race.” Romine’s His best of the weekend was his one solid qualifying pass on Friday.
“We’ll go to the Michigan race in two weeks ready for our first IHRA win” The US 131 track is the closest IHRA event to home in Sturgis. “And my brother Jack will be riding the Flyin’ Banana there, so we’ll have a two bike team for these guys.” Tire spin is all clutch and fuel. That’ll be the focus of the team over the next 10 days. Don’t be surprised if you hear rumors of the team testing in the duration. As the local Nitro Harley team, Romine and team will be guests at Media Day Thursday in Martin. If testing doesn’t consume his time, Romine’s going car shopping. “I’ve always wanted a ’32 or ’34 roadster. But I’ve always spent my money on some kind of racing.” Doug Vancil will spend his down time in Sturgis at Romine Racing. Together, they’ll attempt to find the perfect fit for Romine. “If anyone has one, preferably red with flames, they should contact me. 616/651-9081.”
Mike Romine’s Nuclear Tomato is sponsored by Chromatic, Andrews Products, Ross Pistons, Saddlemen, Autolite and Romine Racing
Nina Henderson
Date: 17th July 2002
Headline: Price Fights To Recapture Winning Combination
Ray Price Racing was plagued with problems before they left Raleigh, N.C. for the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series race, in Leicester, N.Y. The team was delayed by almost 2 full days chasing chassis issues but at the 14th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Empire Nationals at New York International Raceway it was the clutch and computer that caused the problems.
After qualifying 2nd with a smoking 6.432 ET at 212.31 mph, Price's computer seemed to "go away" making tuning much more difficult for the eliminations on Sunday before a packed house in western New York. The team worked late into the night to ready the bike. But in the first round of eliminations, Price's Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson faltered at mid track and Price went back to the trailer to sign autographs for the remainder of the day.
Price left for meetings in Milwaukee, Wi., and will meet the team at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Weds. for the 19th Annual HOG Rally and the Kickoff for the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Open Road festivities.
Special thanks to Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Raleigh H. O. G., Buell, Performance Machine, Ultra Pro Machining, Autolite Sparkplugs, Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, Barnett Tool & Engineering, Roy's Rental Uniform Service, PRP/MSD Ignitions, ThermoDynamic/Reactor Power Cell, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Simpson Race Products, UZ Engineering, Copperhead Graphics, Sunoco, Gates Rubber Co., Advance Design Leathers, Hargis Consulting, DME Racing, & Brown and Miller Racing Solutions.
Mary Lou Brewton
Date: 16th July 2002
Headline: Congratulations!
We'd like to send our congratulations to Finnish rider Asko Maatta and his new wife who tied the knot yesterday.
Date: 16th July 2002
Headline: Purple Princess for sale
Dutch Top Fuel bike rider Roald Dogge has informed us that his bike is still for sale, although there is some interest from Antonio Ferretti of Italy. Anyone who would like to negotiate with Roald is aked to e mail him at dodgy@planet.nl
Date: 16th July 2002
Headline: Desperately seeking starter!!!
Can anyone lend or sell me a off-board starter motor capable of starting a pro-stocker???
Rich Fielding
Richf@spinfinder.com
Date: 14th July 2002
Headline: Congratulations!
Congratulations from all of us at King Racing to Antony Billinton of G Max Racing Fuels and Lisa Smart of Santa Pod's timing crew who tied the knot in Kettering yesterday.
Date: 14th July 2002
Headline: Final Qualifying for IHRA Empire Nationals
Final order after 4 rounds of qualifying in Screamin' Eagle Nitro Harley at the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, 14th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Empire Nationals at Leicester, NY:-
1. Steve Stordeur Mancuso Racing '01 Weekend 6.426 214.89
2. Ray Price Ray Price H-D '02 Dixie 6.432 212.31
3. Doug Vancil Vance & Hines '00 Weekend 6.451 215.98
4. Johnny Mancuso Mancuso H-D '00 Weekend 6.558 213.92
5. Mike Romine Chromatic Inc '01 Weekend 6.714 196.72
6. Mark Conner '99 Weekend 6.860 206.61
7. Joe Scatella '01 Weekend 7.165 199.55
8. Tommy Sloan '01Sloan 7.755 143.06
Date: 13th July 2002
Headline: Picture of the day
http://www.draglist.com/Pictures/POD-Jul-2002/POD-071202.htm
Date: 13th July 2002
Headline: Zodiac Website
The Web Site of the Zodiac Top Fuel Harley Drag Race Team has recently been moved and has a new URL.
If you're a webmaster, we kindly request you to update your links section (if applicable) to one of the following URL's:
Also, the Web Site of the Zodiac Company has been completely renewed. Check it out at: http://www.zodiac.nl
Thank you very much and best regards,
Monique Pels
Date: 13th July 2002
Headline: Team Mancuso’s "Orange Bandits" Make it Official with
Minute Maid Sponsorship
Leicester, N.Y. - When Team Mancuso was coined "the Orange Bandits" by Competition Plus’ Bobby Bennett, Johnny Mancuso had no idea the name would lead to juice. This week, Minute Maid’s Fred Arnold delivered a sponsorship check to Mancuso making the affiliation official. The six Orange Bandit team members will pour Minute Maid in their tanks. These six-second, two hundred twenty mile per hour Team Mancuso Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harleys near the 100% mark when the nitro is measured. But the 100% real fruit juice of Minute Maid will be the pour of choice at the races. "I can’t tell you how pleased we are to become the first motorcycle racing team to promote Minute Maid products in the United States. The Minute Maid and Harley-Davidson success stories parallel on many levels." Mancuso’s not shy about his Texas heritage. "With the Houston Astros playing in Minute Maid Park and our team traveling all over the USA promoting Minute Maid, I can gladly say ‘it’s a Texas thing.’ I look forward to Fred and his friends from The Minute Maid Company attending some drag racing, too, and seeing the fun that racers and fans alike have in a high performance way."
The world’s largest marketer of packaged fruit juices sports affiliation isn’t limited to Minute Maid Park however. Minute Maid is the official fruit juice of the Olympic Games and is also a major sponsor of the United States Olympic Team. "I’m excited about Harley-Davidson racing and the increased exposure it’s getting. Minute Maid brand products meet the health and wellness demand of those consumers, too. Just as a good start off the line is so important in racing, a good and healthy start to the day is just as critical." Arnold continues, "As a Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider myself, I admire the accomplishments and professionalism of Johnny’s team and look forward to being a part of their success this year."
As the team orders new Minute Maid uniforms and prepares logos for placement, they’ll be racing in the IHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts Empire Nationals at New York International Raceway Park. "We’ll be sporting our new duds in Michigan, but we couldn’t wait to let everyone know about this exciting affiliation." In 2001, Team Mancuso rider Steve Stordeur crossed the finish line in New York breaking the 6.4-second IHRA barrier at 6.38 seconds. "When we’ve gone extremely quick in the past, we haven’t made it to the winner’s circle. Now, a year later, we’ve done our homework and are ready to have it all if the weather and track conditions will cooperate with us." New York International is known for it’s smooth surface and long stopping area. The IHRA team always prepares a sticky track ready for record-setting performance. "We’re not at the top in points, but a win could make a big difference. This event puts the championship race at the half-way mark and it’s still anyone’s game." Team Mancuso qualifies Friday and Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m. IHRA Eliminations, ‘The Dog Fight" begin Sunday at noon.
In 2002, Team Mancuso has won two of the five completed IHRA national events, with seven to go. The mid-season stretch is where Mancuso’s winter R&D will reveal itself. While many teams have hope for New York, Mancuso has expectations. Mancuso won the inaugural IHRA championship and has been close enough to taste it in the two following years. "With a company like Minute Maid aboard, Hooters as the IHRA series sponsor, two ready motorcycles and plenty of spares, you can count on my team going for it."
The Mancuso Racing Team of Steve Stordeur and Johnny Mancuso is sponsored by Arias Pistons, Autolite, Barnett, Diamond Cut Jeans, Dynatek, The Gates Rubber Company, Greg Good Race Heads, JIMS, Lincoln Electric, The Minute Maid Company, Mickey Thompson Race Tires, RC Components, Red Line Oil, Vanson Leathers, Victory Valves, VP Fuels, Weekend Frame Co., and Mancuso Harley-Davidson.
by Nina Henderson
Date: 12th July 2002
Headline: DRAG BIKES ON TV
Last Sunday on Sky Sports saw the FIA Methanol Show (Dragster & Funny Car) go to air from the first round at Santa Pod. This weekend its the turn of the FIM Drag Bikes to show sports arm chair enthusiasts what drag bike racing is all about. The first screening of the 25 minute show goes out on Sunday 14th on Sky Sports 3 at 10.00am, followed by repeat showings (still on Sunday) at 2.30pm on Sky Sports 3; 6.00pm on Sky Sports 3; 9.00pm on Sky Sports Extra and 11.00pm on Sky Sports 2.
Jerry Cookson
Date: 12th July 2002
Headline: Purple Princess to Italy?
We hear on the jungle drums that Antonio Ferretti of Italy has bought Dutch Top Fuel rider Roald Dogge's `Purple Princess'
Date: 12th July 2002
Headline: Tommy Smith's TF Calendar
Tommy Smith has reported his remaining Top Fuel fixtures as:-
August 9-11 Pingel Nationals Indianapolis, In.
August 28-Sept 2 US Nationals Indianapolis, In.
Sept. 7-8 Orient Nationals Atco, N. J.
October 12-13 Schnitz Nationals Montomery, Al.
November 8-10 World Finals Gainesville, Fla.
Date: 11th July 2002
Headline: Sko Uno Drag Festival
Dear Racers,
Just a reminder to all the racers that are planning to attend this year's Sko Uno Drag Festival held at Mantorp Park, Sweden on July 25-28 and hasn’t entered the event yet. The final date for late entry if accepted is approaching quickly so we would suggest that you make sure that you send your entry this week.
The last date for late entries if accepted is Friday July 19, 2002.
No entries will be taken on the day of the event.
To obtain necessary forms please visit the following web pages:
http://www.mantorppark.com/evenemang/team_SkoUno.htm
http://www.dragracing.se/nerladdning.html
If this doesn’t work contact Mantorp Park direct on :
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
Date: 11th July 2002
Headline: Nitro Nat's pictures
Some Nitro Nat's pictures etc. can be found at http://briefcase.yahoo.com/asko_maatta
There are also a few spy pictures of Jaska's new four valve DOHC TF Harley heads.
Cheers, Asko
Date: 11th July 2002
Headline: The rain in....... Greece?
Seems like all that rain from Finland finally made its way down to Greece with a little ice to top things up. Brave Zman rescued the little MODENAS bike from one of the rivers that emerged in downtown Athens on Tuesday afternoon, as this pic clearly shows, just when it was on a collision course with the FXR. Then he lost the bet on starting it with the first 5 kicks and bought everybody a beer.
Date: 11th July 2002
Headline: Embarrassing!
I take it by European SSB organisers you are referring to myself and Pete Bellenie. Well all I have to say is you can't have a European Series without Europeans!! That is the reason we no longer have a series. You can't go to Terry Gibbs and Santa Pod for a round after only one foreign rider turns up like last year. I know because I did and most embarrassing it was too!
Graham Dance
Gossip comment:
No, I am referring to the original German organisation that dropped it as mentioned in the comment on Pete's mail.
I agree regarding the embarrassment of lack of foreign interest in the Euro round at Avon Park. As you know, I was instrumental in negotiating with both tracks to run the Euro SSB rounds, and so I was also embarrassed by the turnout!
Date: 11th July 2002
Headline: A Shame.
It is a shame that the European SSB series has not carried on. One of the reasons was because we could not run our European SSB finals at the European finals in September 2001 and we could not entice the Germans etc. over here for the finals at Avon Park. I would be willing to try and organise another series but I know the Europeans will only come over for the big events, and we are not invited, or could we be?
Pete Bellenie
Gossip comment:
As far as we can see, the reasons why the European SSB series ceased was because once the German riders (lets face it, it was Anglo / German in the main) had their own German National series, they were not interested in coming anymore, and the German organisation lost interest in the Euro series and dropped it. Both you and Graham valiantly tried to keep it going, but it became clear that it was only of interest to the UK riders.
We also would like to reiterate that all the ACU classes are dropped at the Main Event and Euro Finals, so it's not just SSB losing out!
For your interest, the last time that the Euro Finals was an ACU only round for SSB in 1999 (rather than a Euro series / ACU double header), the number of riders who entered was the lowest of all the rounds that year. Only 9 entered which was nearly half the number of most of the earlier rounds that year.
Date: 10th July 2002
Headline: Oh Hokey Hokey Cokey
Out again? 4 sale Suzuki prostock bike, 1570 star motor, currently leading the acu series, best of 7.51 @ 177, @ 634lbs, will go a lot better with a normal size rider. Selling complete with full spec datalog and all set up details, help given if wanted. Will px road bike? £14k ish. 07799 585536, 01553 811855.
nick@dragrace.fslife.co.uk
Nick Pepper
Date: 10th July 2002
Headline: New Datalogging Guide
Prolific UK motorsport book publisher Haynes has issued 'Competition Car Data Logging', a new, 192-page, hardback guide by Simon McBeath. The £19.99 book explains how to design and install a data-acquisition system, and how to interpret the data and use them to improve performance, with over 150 illustrations. http://www.haynes.co.uk
Date: 10th July 2002
Headline: Shame
The last time the Super Street Bikes ran at the FIA European Finals was in 2000, and according to Eurodragster's coverage of the event twenty four SSBs put in qualifying passes. This was of course the last round of the European SSB Challenge which ran that year.
Tog
Gossip comment:
Yes, it's a shame the organisors of the European SSB series lost interest as it improved attendance no end over the non Champisonship status events tried before.
Date: 10th July 2002
Headline: Flatlanders back from Finland
Just got back from Finland yesterday, long trip 9 days in all, all for one day of qualifying! But it was worth it, the track was very slick on the launch but once you got into second and hooked up the stockers flew. If only the weather had been kinder I think everyone would have run P.B.s and new records would have been broken more than once. I personally equalled my P.B. on my spare motor 10kg over weight with between 10 and 40% leak down on the motor! I'ts a shame that only myself and Chris Tombleson were the only stockers representing the U.K. we could kick some serious if any of us got a sponsorship deal like the rest of the european teams. So now that Pepper's got one hand on the trophy how about making Sweden / Norway you guys/gals? Anyway thanks to C.T. at Straightline for giving me the opportunity to go, Roger Lyren for his hospitality, Richard Green for crewing (two bikes) and my sponsors (oh I have none……..) Lookin forward to Sweden hopefully with more power, courtesy of Mr Upperton and the value of the Pound
Richard Gipp
Date: 10th July 2002
Headline: Roach
Have to agree with grumps, after a very hard year building and sorting a superstreet bike, in the mistaken belief that I could race at all the major events, I am seriously asking myself if it was worth it. Anyone got any fishing rods for sale?
Shaun Jones
Gossip comment
We should point out that it was known last year that SSB would not run at the European Events, so it should not really come as a surprise now!
Date: 10th July 2002
Headline: Ray Price Racing Prepares for New York
Leicester, N.Y. - Ray Price Racing is prepared for battle. Going into the 6th IHRA race on the tour, the team has done some re-engineering that will produce positive results. According to Price, "We’re ready. The changes we made needed to be done before we were at Richmond, but there was no time for the work to be done right. I believe we should see improvement in the handling which has been causing us problems."
Price and team will leave Raleigh late Tuesday on its way to the CARQUEST Auto Parts Empire Nationals in Rochester, NY. Price will be making a special guest appearance July 10th for the Children’s Miracle Network at Golissano Children’s Hospital at Strong to visit some of the patients from 2-4 pm. From 5-9 pm, Ray Price Racing will be the Gates Wal-Mart SuperCenter, located at the corner of Chili Avenue and Howard Road for a fund-raiser for the Children’s Miracle Network with other selected IHRA race teams.
Thursday, July 11th, Ray Price Racing Team will be on display in downtown Rochester at the Blue Cross Arena for IHRA Media Day from 11:30- 2:00 p.m. Following Media Day activities, the team leaves for Leicester’s New York International Raceway Park for the 14th Annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Empire Nationals.
Price is anxious to come back to Leicester. "The fans of the central NY area are just wonderful. They really understand and appreciate our technology in the Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley-Davidson Division. They make it fun to compete at such a great facility. We would like to invite our fans to come by our pit area and purchase the newly released 65th Birthday Tour tee-shirt, which we have specially priced at $12 as a present to our fans. While you’re there, ask for the 65th Birthday Tour sticker and sign up to win our Birthday Buell Blast." And we wouldn’t be able to compete if it weren’t for our wonderful sponsors. Special thanks to Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Raleigh H. O. G., Buell, Performance Machine, Ultra Pro Machining, Autolite Sparkplugs, Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, Barnett Tool & Engineering, Roy’s Rental Uniform Service, PRP/MSD Ignitions, ThermoDynamic/Reactor Power Cell, JIMS USA, Mickey Thompson Tires, Simpson Race Products, UZ Engineering, Copperhead Graphics, Sunoco, Gates Rubber Co., Advance Design Leathers, Hargis Consulting, DME Racing, & Brown and Miller Racing Solutions.
Mary Lou Brewton
Date: 9th March 2002
Headline: Seeking Cometic Gaskets
We're seeking the telephone number for the Cometic distributor in the UK. Anyone got it? Please submit a Gossip reply if you have.
Date: 9th July 2002
Headline: Latest ACU and UEM / FIM Championship points posted
We have now posted the latest European and UK Championship points. Click on the relevant links at the left of the screen and follow `points'.
Date: 9th July 2002
Headline: Raining cats and dogs
The Friday was totally rained off but a nice Saturday with many personal bests and people under the existing records promised for a nice Sunday.
Anders "Charley" Karling posted some very good times and in Prostock Öivind von Essen went under and Anders Larsson was 1/1000 from the record, so it did look very fine. Pro Stock was very exiting with many new riders and bikes, this would be very nice at Mantorp.
But we woke up to some rain and clouds. Around 2 o'clock the rain almost stopped and they started to dry the track, but then there were some small showers at at 4 we realised it was impossible to get a safe track again so the race was stopped.
Lars Andersson
Date: 9th July 2002
Headline: No blame
Dear Spencer, I have noted your comments regarding VWDRC's lack of attendance at SCR. I would like to respectfully bring to your attention the following: When I first started Super Series events back in 97 the VW representives approached me regarding rounds at my events they were whinging about Santa Pod Raceway and asked if I could give them five rounds. I obliged as it was mutually beneficial for both parties concerned.
After supporting them for two years I received a phone call from Dave Southcombe that VWDRC didn't want to do more than one event with Super Series at SCR as they preferred to do more at SPR, a decision made by the VWDRC committee and members. Obviously one event out of a five Super Series Championship was no use to a promoter/co-ordinator, so VWDRC have no one to blame but themselves.
I trust this now puts the record straight.
Terry Gibbs
Date: 9th July 2002
Headline: SSB @ Finals.
As another one of paying sector, I too would like to see the Superstreet bikes at the finals, would it REALLY be to much to have one more class??
Jugsy
Date: 9th July 2002
Headline: Respec'
With all due respect Spencer we are complaining that we are an original ACU class, have been there for nearly 20 years, and to be dumped for slower classes to run is not fair. And to be honest the public dont watch 10.90 Junior dragster and some of the other slower classes - they are an excuse for a burger break. The only fair way is to limit the classes at such events to the top 10 for an 8 field that way you have the best of all.
Dave Smith.
Gossip comment:-
Superstreet are not the only ACU class missing from the Finals - remember ther are no others, Funnybike, Comp or Pro Stock. If anyone want's to race in a class it's the Index classes or the UEM (that brings additional License and medical costs). A few years back, when the Superstreet class was run as a non Championship round the attendance was very poor which gave the impression that riders were uninterested in one off (non championship)events.
Date: 8th July 2002
Headline: Fuel Bikes at US Nationals
The NHRA US Nationals at Indianapolis looks good for the Fuel Bikes with Larry McBride, Chris Hand, Ron Webb, Dan Butters (of Canada), Tommy Smith and Doug Vancil (on the V&H Harley) entered.
Date: 8th January 2002
Headline: Good idea?
Good idea Mr Dance, I concur. I'll Suggest the usual plan of Top Ten running an 8 bike field (say I, as I slip towards the bottom of said group...)
Dave Bailey
Date: 8th July 2002
Headline: SSB at finals
The reaction of racers and general paying public would seem to indicate without a doubt that Superstreet bike is much missed from the Main Event & European Finals. I have also spoken to SPRC commitee members who are also in favour of running us. I know the problem at these two events is too many sportsman entries which is why Superstreet Bike was dumped by Santa Pod Raceway but there has to be a fairer way of choosing who races at which events. One idea is to cap the entries of each class depending on championship positions so everyone has to work for their entry to the European Finals. I know this idea will provoke an angry response but at the end of the day you will have closer racing of more quality and a chance to see Superstreet bikes on record setting pace on the best prepared track of the year.
Regards Graham Dance
Date: 8th July 2002
Headline: You were lucky........... (cardboard box in't middle of road etc.....)
You think you Super Street racers have it bad well the Volkswagen racers have it just as bad (maybe even worse). They support Bug Jam, which most of us know is the largest revenue earner for Santa Pod in the year and then don't get to run at the Main Event or European Finals and like you guys have to move into another class. The other downside is we have no rounds at SCR so our last round (of just 6 rounds) is at the Flame and Thunder in November!!!
Spencer Tramm - VWDRC
Date: 7th July 2002
Headline: Alastaro finally cancelled
Raining again.
4 pm it started to rain again so the UEM Championship race at Alastaro is finally cancelled.
Asko
Date: 7th July 2002
Headline: Alastaro rain, now stopped!
Despite the weather forecasts of rain all day, Asko Maatta reports that it has stopped suddenly, the track dryer is out, and they hope to commence racing at 3.30 Finnish time.
Date: 7th July 2002
Headline: SSB at Finals
As a member of the paying public I would love to see SSB in the world finals. Surely to omit such a much improved, not to mention dedicated class is a gross oversight. 10.90 and 9.90 are fine i'm sure, if your into that kind of thing, but the SSB boys have worked hard to get where they are and deserve the recognition. I'm sure that their money for entering all the other events during the year is taken gladly. Come on, play the game or the 9.90 field could be the biggest in world history.....
Mark Wiseman
Date: 6th July 2002
Headline: Qualification results UEM Finland.
Today the weather was fine. We were supposed to have four rounds but due to several small oil downs we had only three rounds:-
COMPETITION BIKE
1 Sverre Dahl, Finstadjadet 6.420, 353.27
2
Pasi Alakunnas, Rovaniemi 7.156, 311.153
Nils Ole Lund, Skedmokorset 7.156, 308.434
Tapio Virtanen, Vaasa 9.028, 237.325 Matti Kivilahti, Vantaa
9.611, 211.196
Asko Määttä, Jyväskylä 10.305, 213.09SUPERTWIN
1
Anders "Charley" Karling, Täby, Sverige 6.483, 296.312
Per Bengtsson, Klippan 6.599, 342.083
Ton Pels, Mydrecht 6.796, 318.894
Svein Gottenberg, Lillestroem 7.708, 245.705
Kai Selkämaa, Tampere 7.719, 253.796
Ronny Aasen, Gressvik 8.006, 274.637
Stefan Junerud, Gislaved, Sweden 8.316, 209.76 PRO STOCK1
Öivind von Essen, Spydeberg 7.356, 294.572
Anders Larsson, Tyresö 7.398, 288.753
Roger Pettersson, Skärholmen 7.496, 285.854
Vesa Rautio, Espoo 7.564, 279.725
Chris Tombleson, Norfolk 7.626, 283.336
Richard Gipp, Kings Lynn 7.764, 264.987
Janne Ahtiainen, 8.671, 179.018
Terje Lindberg, Kolmården 9.281, 233.12
Regards, Asko Määttä
Date: 6th July 2002
Headline: Finland
So, Friday went by without a wheel turning in anger due to rain, but a good time was had by all in the Bike pits when the organisors laid on a Hog Roast for all the participants.
We'll bring you the news as we get it from our spies Asko Maatta and Chris Tombleson.
Date: 6th July 2002
Headline: Public Apology
After threats of physical harm from the principal of Team Cooperized, we wish to retract the story referring to Ken Cooper's hair dye.
As everyone could see, it was not Salmon Pink but more a shade of Strawberry.
The Editor.
Date: 6th July 2002
Headline: Alastaro update
Good morning from a sunny Alastaro track.
Yesterday went, raining all day, but today it's sunny. I've heard that the Pro classes are racing four rounds today. I'll be back in the evening with the best results.
Asko Maatta
Date: 6th July 2002
Headline: The further Adventures of Ben and Free - Part??.......
Sorry for the delay in updates but things have been flat out with house hunting. We have found a place and signed on the dotted line as they say, 2.5 acres in Pinjarra Hills on the west side of Brisbane and with a big stand-alone steel workshop/garage! Just had building and pest inspection come back A-OK which is a relief, and all financial bull s**t is sorted so we are now just on a countdown until we can move in. Also got the seller to agree to have 3-phase power installed to the workshop as well, as a condition of purchase - Bonus!
We visited a race fabrication shop while in north Brisbane and by chance have found a race bike for Free. It is a Suzuki GSX11000 EFE in an altered chassis with slick and wheely bar! I know its not a Harley but she was born in April - This will become clear as you read further down.
We are now heading north up the coast for a few weeks to kill time until the house is ours and we can move in so we may only have patchy internet access for a while.
Our latest adventure started with a bang literally! Free was driving as came around a bend on the Bruce Highway to find a wooden pallet in the middle of our lane. We had an idiot up our arse and a car next to us so nowhere to go! We hit it dead on and smashed it, had to pull over to remove bits of wedged planking from underneath the motor home and found that we couldn't turn the engine off! A bit of wood had taken out all the electrics and we were buggered! We limped to the next town about 20 miles away with no overdrive working on the gearbox and found an auto electrician who traced 1 broken wire and had it all fixed in no time for $25 - top bloke!
We have another more serious problem though, which will not go away. People in other motor homes and campers are waving to us all the time. This is most annoying as we are not normal people like them and it is really starting to piss Free off! We have tried just giving them a 1 fingered salute but its not helping. New plan is for whoever is not driving to drop their trousers and moon them as we go by! Will keep you posted as to results.
We are currently on the Sunshine coast (love that name!) and have already stopped at under water world in Mooloolaba (try saying that when you're drunk) to educate ourselves as there are a lot of poisonous things in the sea. I have come to the conclusion that its bloody dangerous over here. If it swims, floats or just sits there its probably deadly! It's a real bugger as the water is crystal clear. I'm not even going to start telling you about the spiders, snakes and saltwater crocs! I will share one gem though, they have a cane toad over here that secretes an hallucinogenic substance all over its body so if you touch or pick one up that's it you're tripping! Some people actually look for them and lick them for the effect - these people need help!
We are currently in a little place called Rainbow beach. Fantastic place a little off the beaten track but well worth it. Second night here we bumped into another top fuel harley drag racer from Brisbane, weird enough but it gets better. His birth date is exactly the same as mine - 29th June 1965! It gets better, a top fuel harley drag racer in Perth also shares this date and another top fuel harley drag racer in Melbourne shares the date but not the year! This is now conclusive proof that if you were born on the 29th June you were born to race fuel Harleys! This is only the ones we know of, there must be more!
I have also discovered a most excellent practice in the local Bar. They have a happy hour from 5 till 6 - fairly normal, but from 4 till 5 they have "Toss the Boss" This is brilliant! You order your drinks and then for each drink you call heads or tails as they flip a coin. Get it right and the drink is free, how good is that? I only paid for 1 out of 3 drinks - superb!
I now need to explain about Bogans, Hoons and the practice of hooning! In Australia a certain spectrum of people are known as bogans. The nearest comparison would be rednecks in the states! These people normally drive around in "utes" (pick up truck to you and I), normally a ford or a Holden with much rivalry between the 2 makes. They tend to go "hooning" around a lot as well. Hooning is driving around in your V8 ute with the music loud and spinning the tires regularly, dragging from the lights and revving the engine loads! At this point, please note the picture attached of frees car! I am beginning to wonder.
Free has just pointed out that we are a bit of a contradiction. We are a slightly bogan couple traveling around an a $70,000 motorhome! I prefer to think of ourselves undercover counter intelligence bogans fighting wisdom and original thought where ever we find it!
Free also made a new purchase on the way north - UGG boots! These are normally found only in Australia and New Zealand and seem to involve turning a lamb inside out to go on each foot! Seriously, they are sheepskin soft boots with the wool on the inside and free reckons they are like walking on clouds and very warm.
We are going to continue north tomorrow towards Bundaberg home of the infamous "Bundy" rum and then on to Mackay and the Great Barrier Reef.
More from the traveling hill billies soon.....
Ben and Free
Date: 5th July 2002
Headline: Not instead of.............
RE Euro Finals
Superstreet by all means but not at the expense of 10.90 or 9.90.
Fred Furlong
Date: 5th July 2002
Headline: Superstreet at Finals.
We also would love to race in Superstreet at the finals after going to the finals the last two years with other racers that competed in the 9.90 sec class.
We and other Dutch teams would love to come over to race the finals.
Redbaron dragracing Viep Bloemen email: M.Bloemen@railinfrabeheer.nl
Date: 5th July 2002
Headline: Superstreet at Finals
Just my two pennyworth as one of the paying public ...
Having attended Gainesville last year and watched the interest and excitement created by this class, I just don't understand why it's omitted. Watching 10.90 bike, followed by 9.90 just doesn't work for me. But Messrs Clark et al running low eights is at a different level altogether.
For my £2,500 (or whatever the World Finals entrance fee will be this year) I'll take SSB please.
Steve, email: stephen@nutrinnovator.com
Date: 5th July 2002
Headline: SUPPORT EXTENDED FOR SPORTSMAN DRAG RACERS
Obsession Motorsports, organisers of the Super Series drag races at Shakespeare County Raceway, Stratford-Upon-Avon would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you for the recent support shown by Oil Control Ltd for their forthcoming event in August. Oil Control's contribution along with John Andrews of Motographic (0117 946 7052) and RCS Printing (0800 132 692) have helped along way with Obsession Motorsports advertising campaign for the Super Series Fallnationals, and is very much appreciated.
"Phil Evans, Oil Control's Managing Director has been a great supporter of Sportsman racers for many years and his help last year plus his renewed support is like a breath of fresh air," says Terry Gibbs. "This year we have had to stand alone, but we will get through the year. I don't know what the future holds, so the input we have received is greatly appreciated." "This is great news for Sportsman racers," echoed Super Series Press Officer Jeremy Cookson. "Often over looked, Sportsman drivers and riders form the backbone of the sport here in the UK, some of which have graduated up the ladder to the Professional classes. "Sportsman racing offers a wide range of affordable classes and sports a varied selection of vehicles from fast street legal race cars to extremely quick dragsters and altereds, and the racing's always close. I can throughly recommend a walk to the top end of Shakespeare County or Santa Pod to see just how close some of the racing really is," concluded Jeremy.
Oil Control Ltd is the UK subsidiary of the Italian Oil Control Group and is a major supplier of hydraulic valves to the mobile equipment market and the construction machinery industry. The company maintains extensive stocks of valves at its Coventry, England factory and is able to supply standard components at short notice. Additionally the company has a modern 3-D CAD department and can design and manufacture custom valve assemblies for particular applications. Oil Control also manufacture compact power packs for the tail lift industry. So whatever your particular needs contact Oil Control Ltd on 024 766 35711. With the Top Fuel Dragsters, the Formula One of drag racing, headlining the Fallnationals, the event carries a full supporting programme of Sportsman qualifying and eliminations counting towards National, Super Series and ACU drag car and drag bike championships. An expected entry of over 250 sportsman and amateur drag racers are expected at Shakespeare County Raceway, all of whom will be competing in 20 or more classes of UK drag racing. So sit down, tune in and be prepared to be entertained at Shakespeare County Raceway on August 24th/26th.
Ticket Prices: Saturday 24th - £15.00, Sunday 25th - £18.00, Monday 26th - £20.00, Saturday & Sunday: £25.00, Sunday & Monday: £30.00, Full Weekend: £35.00, Children under sixteen go FREE!
Grandstand Seats FREE, Pit Access FREE, Parking FREE.
Ticket Info Line: 01483 236 262.
Date: 4th July 2002
Headline: Superstreet at Finals
Agreeing with Grumpy, I for one would love to have a Superstreet bike field at the Euro finals at the Pod in september. I have never understood why we are not welcome anyway!
Peter Bellenie
Date: 4th July 2002
Headline: Superstreet at Finals
I'm with you Grumpy, this is the second year we have been dropped in favour of slower and lesser supported classes i.e. 9.90, junior dragster for [christ sake] and now they have brought in yet another class - Super Modified.
I think we have been dumped on from a great height - we support the lesser meetings, we race the Speedfreaks ball, many of us go to Hockenheim at great expense.
So come on Santa Pod, how about a bit of gratitude for the people that really put an effort in.
Dave Smith
Date: 3rd July 2002
Headline: Finnish Hot Rod Association site are now also in English!
Now the FHRA web site has an English version; so waiting for UEM/FIM Championships at the Alastaro circuit you can for example have a look who's gonna race there; visit at http://www.fhra.fi
Don't mention 'bout some Finnish words there, the main thing will be clear, I think. And maybe results from the track (I don't know if they are updating, anyway I'll try to send you some information each evening).
Asko Maatta, Baldie Racing
Date: 3rd July 2002
Headline: Superstreet at Finals?
Well done Helen and all of Team Cooperized excellent performance and not forgetting COOKY well done on your 7 mate.
On a personal note, are all the superstreet boys and girls happy that there is NO S/S class at the Euro Finals? Are you all happy to run 9.90? As I said before, it seems stupid running S/S in 9.90 and upsetting their championship - there must be 20 S/S bikes who would love to race at the finals the biggest event of the year. Surely something could be done or am I the only one who thinks this it's about time people aired their views? Who knows, we may even get somewhere.
Paul Watson
Date: 3rd July 2002
Headline: Thanks!
Just a line to say thank you to all the racers and crew who offered and gave their help to Dave Holland and Team T.I.L to enable us to race this past Sunday after wrecking the engine on Saturday.
As most people know, watching Dave work on an engine is almost like seeing Stevie Wonder try to re-arrange a Rubik's Cube. So thanks once again to Ken Cooper, Neil Midgeley, Chris Hall, Cannon, Neil Diggens, Dave and Shaun Branch and anyone else who helped during Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Nigel Hoskison
Date: 2nd July 2002
Headline: UEM Finals Entry Forms
Dear Racers
Please find attached the Invitation, Supplementary regulations, Entry form and Invitation to the Santa Pod Banquette for this years FIA European Finals held at Santa Pod Raceway on September 6th-8th, 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
BY CLICKING HEREYou can download the racers hospitality forms BY
CLICKING HEREYou can download the Banquette forms
BY CLICKING HEREYou should also be able to download these forms shortly at: www.eurodragster.com/sprc/subpages/forms.htm
Please note: You will not be able to enter by e-mail, all entry forms should be sent either by Fax or Post to Santa Pod Racers Club (SPRC) before August 7th, 2002.
SPRC PO Box 12, Rushden Northants NN10 0ZU England Tel: 01933 313625 International +44 1933 313625 Fax: 01933 355558 International +44 1933 355558 Email: paula@sprc.fsnet.co.ukWe are looking forward to seeing you here at Santa Pod Raceway
Best regards
Santa Pod Racers Club & Santa Pod Raceway
England
www.eurodragster.com/sprc www.santapod.com
Date: 2nd July 2002
Headline: Ken coming out soon?
It seems Team Cooperized leader Ken has benefitted from a recent makeover at a health farm. The Botox injections have smoothed out his furrowed brow, and he's taken years off his half century with a nice salmon pink hair tint. Look's like the boys in Funnybike will have their backs against the wall when Ken comes out again....
Date: 2nd July 2002
Headline: Big Brother
A discussion was held in the "Team Cooperized" camp this weekend on the eviction of Helen and Paul Rose from the "Team Cooperized" van and awning as rumour has it that Kenny is making a comeback.
Please can you vote on whether to evict Helen or Kenny from his own caravan.
Davina Rose will be counting the votes.
Date: 2nd July 2002
Headline: Congratulations Helen!
I would just like to congratulate Helen on her brilliant riding job the weekend in quite bad weather conditions, running 7.79 in only her first meeting with the bike running properly. Can't wait to get new sprockets, computer, airbox and vac pump on the bike so she can really go and kick the boys arses!!
You have done all of us proud.
Marc Fossey.
p.s. Also well done to Al Cook on running 7's at a meeting instead of a RWYB.
Date: 2nd July 2002
Headline: Calling BJ
If BJ is tuned in please e mail me with your full address as I don't seem to be meeting up with you.
Cheers, Steve Clutterbuck email: steveclutterbuck@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 1st July 2002
Headline: Prostar Norwalk Final Rounds
Top Fuel
Larry McBride 6.116 @ 208.52 def Chris Hand 6.501 @ 214.72
Funnybike
Chip Ellis 6.826 @ 200.26 def Gary Clark 6.773
Pro Mod
John Sachs 9.099 @ 149.1 unopposed
Pro Stock
Paul Gast 7.110 @ 190.14 def Joe Koenig 7.236 @ 186.36
Formula Superbike
Jim Carroll 8.012 @ 167.63 def Ryan Schnitz 8.481 @ 155.6
Streetbike Shootout
Rickey Gadson 7.803 @ 186.07 def James Lauer 8.634 @ 153.37
Date: 1st July 2002
Headline: Congratulations!
After a successful weekend's sportsman racing at Santa Pod, run by the SPRC for it's members, we'd like to congratulate all the winners in the ACU UK , NAST and SPRC Championships.
In the British Championship it seems Paul Knapp should have won Funnybike, but lost on a Mike Chislett holeshot, Nick Pepper built what may be an unassailable lead in the Pro Stock Championship, Helen Curran ran a stunning 7.794 / 165.30 first round pass on her Paul Rose Motorsports Pro Stock bike with it's new Trac Chassis, Klaus Brinkmann made up for Germany's defeat in the World Cup final by whupping the Brits, and underdog Mark Fisher showed his mettle in taking out favourite Graham Dance :-
ACU / UK CHAMPIONSHIP
Funny Bike: Mike Chislett 7.577 / 167.01 def. Paul Knapp 7.510 / 171.37
Pro Stock Bike: Nick Pepper 7.693 / 169.92 def. Chris Hope broke
Comp Bike: Klaus Brinkmann 8.087 / 157.07 was unopposed (Jerry Collier broke)
Super Street Bike: Mark Fisher 8.794 / 158.11 def. Graham Dance 11.573 / 70.97
SPRC CHAMPIONSHIP
9.90 Bike: Steve Ingham 10.061 / 130.70 def. Paul Morris 10.077 / 131.41
10.90 Bike: Lewis Honey 10.951 / 113.85 def. Sandra Chaplain 10.686 / 124.75 breakout
NAST CHAMPIONSHIP
Supertwin Modified: Dave Bartz 10.260 / 132.81 def. TJ O'Brien 10.931 / 126.06
Supertwin Street: Mark Earrey 11.027 / 127.41 def. Les Harris 11.121 / 122.42
Supertwin Gas: Ric Davies 9.941 / 125.81 def. Sefton Whitlock 10.184 / 121.38
Date: 1st July 2002
Headline: ACME Racing team prepares for AHDRA Budds Creek
Joe Perry of the Acme Racing team and Team VIP gets ready to run in the AHDRA Mid-Atlantic Nationals at Maryland International Raceway Budds Creek , MD, July 6-7.
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 the ever-vocal and loyal supporter Joe Perry of Acme Racing. After the Norwalk event ACME Racing decided to take some time to fine-tune their machines and make some adjustments for running in the Screamin Eagle Performance Parts class.
"We were down on power with one of our bikes and needed some time to find the source of the power loss," Perry said. "A team decision to not run at the events where the indexes were being adjusted too much was helpful. Results at Denver show that we made the right decision. The majority of races were won by a double breakout. Also, with the Bristol event next on the schedule at our home track we had the opportunity to find our gremlin and get dialed in for that race at the same time. We are looking forward to getting on the Budds Creek track and showing some fireworks! As always we would like to thank all of our fine partners and fans for their support!"
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
