Date: 30th November 2004
Headline: Dixie Hammers on UK tour?

Gossip:

Whilst on the subject of Top Fuel Harleys, Ian Turburville tells us that Karl Thiecke and his colleague Stefan are considering racing on the UK Supertwin or ACU tour for next season on their fabulous Dixie Hammer machines.

Date: 30th November 2005
Headline: Urs still on plan...........

Gossip:

Further to the Gossip we posted some months ago about 2004 European Top Methanol Funnycar Champion Urs Erbacher's plans to build a Top Fuel Harley, Ton Pels has confirmed that the plans are still on schedule with one of Urs' crew members riding it for him whilst he competes in the Funnycar for at least 2005.

Date: 29th November 2004
Headline: Power Racing Promotions

Gossip:

This coming saturday will see a meeting between the promotions company behind the FIA / UEM Championship, the sanctioning bodies championship co ordinators and the representatives of the European Championship classes.

Should any racers have items or issues that they wish discussed at this important meeting, please contact your representatives :-

Micke Kagered - Top Fuel Car

Michael Malmgren - Prostock car

Gittli Koller - Top Methanol Dragster

Dave Alexander - Top Methanol Funnycar

Ian King - Top Fuel Bike

Ronny Aasen - Supertwin

Roger Lyren - Prostock Bike

Anyone without contact details for their representatives can submit their issue by email to prp@kingracing.com or by submitting a Gossip Item whereupon the details will be forwarded to the respective representative.

Date: 29th November 2004
Headline: NAST AGM

Gossip:

A good time was had by all at the National Association of Supertwins AGM yesterday in Burton upon Trent writes Ian Turburville.

Chairman Don Irvine sorted out all the club business very efficiently and bid a fond farewell to retiring club treasurer Rodger Attaway, who formed the club in the early nineties, and secretary Sue Beneke who is jetting off to Australia to see her new grandchild. The usual awards were presented but the award for outstanding services to the club was named the Bernie Hepworth Trophy in remembrance to our lost member. It was then presented to the previous chairman of the club, Ian 'Rush' Carruthers, who held the position for eight years. A minutes silence was held for Bernie and a collection made for the hospice that looked after him in his final hours. Full report and all information on the club can be found at http://www.supertwins.co.uk

Date: 29th November 2004
Headline: SPRC Perpetual Awards week 2

Gossip:

From today votes are being taking for the second of the SPRC Perpetual Awards to be presented at the SPRC Dinner Dance on Saturday 5th February 2005.

This week's vote is for Best-Looking Bike. The SPRC Committee's shortlist for Best-Looking Bike is as follows, in alphabetical order:

Ronny Aasen Supertwin

Sandra Chaplain CSMA Motoring and Leisure Comp Bike

Les Harris Tilly III Supertwin Gas

Chris Hope Pinnacle Autocentre Pro Stock Bike

Steve Venables Super Street Bike

For a look at pictures and to place your vote, go to the Awards page which you can view by clicking HERE

Voting is per category, so if you voted for Best-Looking Car last week then you may vote for Best-Looking Bike this week.

The Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, was first awarded to Santa Pod Raceway's late Chief Marshal, Alex Brachtvogel, in 2001 to mark his outstanding contribution to Santa Pod Raceway and the sport as a whole. After Alex's death the trophy was named in his memory and continues to be awarded for contribution to drag racing.

There is no shortlist for the Alex Brachtvogel award. Nominations are invited for racers, race officials, track and safety crews, club officials, media, or anyone else who has contributed to the sport. Again follow the link to cast your vote.

Next week's category will be Most Professional-Appearing Team.

Date: 28th November 2004
Headline: Hogslayer's new home

Gossip:

Seen in Classic b Bike Magazine, T.C. Christianssen's Hogslayer bike being uncrated at the N.M.M as a new exhibit!

Brin

Date: 28th November 2004
Headline: Try me!

Gossip:

Just a note to say that if anyone is looking for a good deal on any parts I'm off back to the States on the 9th Dec. Contact me with your requirements for parts from MRE, MTC or Schnitz and I'll do my best to help.

I can beat any prices on MTC products. Try Me!

Ken Cooper tel: 07976 254999

email: kencooper1@blueyonder.co.uk

Date: 27th November 2004
Headline: Mosten Video

Gossip:

We'd like to thank Swedish Top Fuel Bike rider and all round good guy Peter Andersson Stroem for sending us a short video of one of the passes made by the King Racing Team at Denmark's 2004 Mosten Raceday.

Although the video stops short of showing rider Ian King falling off in the shutdown area, you can just see the 45 degree bend looming at the end of the video..........

Click HERE to download / view

As the video is quite a large file those without broadband or DSL may find it takes a little time to load!

Date: 27th November 2004
Headline: Drag Queens?

Gossip:

Further to Len Pagets news on drag racing on ITV...

The show is called "Hell for Leather" and it appears will only be shown in the Meridian area and should not be confused with the programme being shown in the ITV London area at the same time which is about drag queens!

Cheers,

`The Mighty' CP

Date: 27th November 2004
Headline: Turbo's Grotto!

Gossip:

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas? Surely not! I have reduced the price of just about everything I sell and put an extensive list on the web site. Just follow this link and all your problems will be solved:-CLICK HERE 

Please note that SIMPSON are having delivery problems of their much sought after pit and crew shoes. There are none available anywhere until January 2005. In the meantime I have been able to round up 2 pairs of crew shoes, UK sizes 6 and 7 and also some pro-pit shoes, as worn by all top-fuel teams. They are slightly sturdier than the crew shoe and have a protective rubber toe cap. I have UK sizes 7, 8, 9, 10. 

Also worthy of note, due to the increase in numbers nitro-bikes for next year I have just received a shipment of Sure-Shot sprayers, don't start your bike with anything else! 
Collectors note, I have some very desirable, Milestones 1/16 scale dragster replicas, including just one Vancil! As with the shoes, it's first come first served I'm afraid! Lots of bargains to be had anyway so take a look! 

TURBOVILLE 
CARLTON 
NOTTINGHAM UK 
+44(0)115 955 2963 
E-MAIL- sales 'at' turboville.com 

WWW.TURBOVILLE.COM the ultimate drag racing resource.

Date: 25th November 2004
Headline: Bernies funeral arrangements

Gossip:

Bernie's funeral is to be held next at 2.30 pm Wednesday 1st December at Huddersfield Crematorium in Fixby, Huddersfield Tel: 01484 223683.

To find the crematorium exit jct. 25 of the M62 signed Huddersfield, and follow the A62 to Fixby.

His family have requested donations to the hospice please :-Kirkwood Hospice, tel:01484 557900, 

website www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk

Date: 25th Novemeber 2005
Headline: Bernie Hepworth

Gossip:

We've just had a call from the guys at Hepworth Frame with the sad news that Nitro Supertwin rider and owner Bernie Hepworth passed away last night after a long battle with cancer.

Despite the debilitating effects of the bone cancer, and the effects of the treatment he endured, Bernie continued to find the time to race, work and tune the Methanol car in his second home, Malta.

Bernie will be remembered by all who knew him, through his car racing days, the Methanol Funnycar operation, and latterly his fabulous engine developments with his team on the Nitro V Twin. However, most will remember him for his gruff, matter of fact ways that belied his northern roots and hid the humorous, hard working and kind benefactor that was Bernie.

Bernie is survived by his wife Diane, daughters Sally and Karen, and his son Stephen. All of us here at King Racing wish to express our deep sadness at their loss, and that of his further family members, friends and crew.

We will post details of his funeral arrangements once they become known.

Date: 25th November 2004
Headline: Chris steps up!

Gossip:

Supertwin Top Fuel rider Chris Stebbings has made significant moves to wrest the STTF Crown from current champion Ian Turburville in 2005.

Whilst enjoying the AHDRA finals in Las Vegas, Dave purchased a beautiful low seven second Pro Fuel Bike with all the good Mc Clure and Schumacher parts, popped into the local trailer dealer to buy a vehicle to tow it away from Vegas, and is in the process of shipping it all the way to his home in Norfolk.

Furthermore, his current B Fueller (acquired from Steve Clutterbuck) is to return to the family to be ridden by Steves daughter Wendy (partner of Kawasaki Funnybike racer Tim Blakemore).

Good luck Chris and Wendy, looks like it could be a great season for STTF in 2005!

Date: 25th November 2004
Headline: Score One For The Racers!

Gossip:

New Jersey Withdraws Bill to Restrict Racetrack Operations

Legislation (A.B. 3425) that sought to unreasonably restrict the hours of operation of motor vehicle racetracks in New Jersey has been withdrawn from consideration by the State Legislature. The bill would have prohibited the operation of racetracks located within a one-mile radius of residential housing before 11:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, tracks could only have operated between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. These time restrictions would have made operating any race facility nearly impossible. The measure represented an attempt by a small group of New Jersey residents to silence racing without regard to racing enthusiasts and would have imposed a statewide, one-size-fits-all approach to racetrack control which ignored the significant economic and recreational benefits these facilities provide.

We will let you know if there is an attempt to bring this bill back for consideration in 2005. Thank you to all who helped keep racing alive in New Jersey.

Greg Guarinello

Date: 24th November 2004
Headline: Dragracing on ITV too!

Gossip:

I've been told by ITV television that on friday 3rd December at midnight there will be a a programme covering dragracing.

Len Paget

Date: 24th November 2004
Headline: UEM TFB and PSB on Sky now

Gossip:

Look out on your Sky channel programming as they are currently showing the Top Fuel Bike and Pro Stock Bike categories from the Euro Finals at Santa Pod.

Date: 24th November 2004
Headline: NHRA releases injected-nitro changes for 2005

Gossip:

In an effort to maintain parity in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Dragster category, the NHRA Competition Committee has announced a maximum nitromethane percentage for nitro-injected dragsters. Beginning in 2005, the nitromethane content will be restricted to a maximum of 96 percent.

"After evaluating various options to bring parity between blown alcohol dragsters and A/Fuel dragsters, the NHRA Competition Committee has established this rule amendment for the 2005 racing season," said Graham Light, NHRA Senior Vice President-Racing Operations and chairman of the NHRA Competition Committee.

In 2005, the nitromethane content will be restricted to a maximum of 96 percent for all non-supercharged, single-engine, nitromethane combinations.

"In reaching its decision, the committee understood the two differing combinations had developed an inequality in performance during the course of the 2004 season based on the raw data and consistency of the A/Fueler," said Light. "To help keep the parity between the blown and A/Fueler from separating further, the committee decided the best avenue was to cut the nitromethane percentage on the A/Fuelers for 2005."

Date: 24th November 2004
Headline: Big Race no more?

Gossip:

Brainerd International Raceway & Resort, the home of the unique Big Race for Dragbikes, is for sale.

Sports Resorts International Inc. is selling its motor sports facility in Minnesota comprising 650 acres of land, a 3-mile road course, quarter-mile drag strip, grandstands, campground, condo units and adjacent convenience store/gas station.

Apparently the motor sports facility lost $1.78 million in 2003 and through nine months this year reports a $979,320 loss. The company is citing a change to focus on its auto parts manufacturing business.

The motor sports facility - which from May through October holds spectator drag, road and motorcycle racing, including National Hot Rod Association events - has been a drag on the publicly traded company's finances the past few years. Sports Resorts wants to focus its efforts and resources in the $30-billion U.S. aftermarket accessories business.

But disposing of the track may be a tough task, according to one analyst who follows the motor sports industry.

Dennis McAlpine of McAlpine Associates in Scarsdale, N.Y., said motor sports is really two industries - the NASCAR and big speedway races that make money, and the smaller dirt tracks that offer racing on Friday nights.

"There are some that are doing NHRA races, and those are doing mixed at best," he said.

McAlpine said many tracks are for sale around the country, but "nobody's buying them."

However, the company plans to hold a similar schedule at the track in 2005 as it did in 2004.

Date: 23rd November 2004
Headline: NHRA PSB earners!

Gossip:

2004 NHRA PSB Rider Earnings

By Steve Klemetti

Date: 22nd November 2004
Headline: `Which Rubbers' revisited

Gossip:

Further to the post earlier from Carl Wadkin Snaith:-

Help!: what type of 'O' rings can be used with methanol fuel systems in drag racing? For example will Viton or EPDM survive if flushed through with petrol after each meeting? Also will they tolerate up to say; 50% nitro?

Due to the absence of replies we thought we'd help out:-

Fluorocarbon (Viton) - Petrol only

Nitrile (Buna -N) Alcohol or Petrol, NOT Nitro

Ethylene Propylene (EP or EPDM) Nitro or Alcohol, NOT Petrol

Date: 22nd November 2004
Headline: SPRC Perpetual Awards week 1

Gossip:

Once again Santa Pod Racers Club and Eurodragster.com are teaming up to give readers the chance to have input to the SPRC Perpetual Awards, which will be presented at the SPRC Dinner Dance on Saturday 5th February 2005.

For each of the 2004 season awards, the SPRC Committee has decided upon a shortlist for which votes can be submitted by E-Mail.

There are seven awards in all: voting commences this week with the award for Best-Looking Car and will continue over the next six weeks as each category is announced.

Voting for the Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy will also be open for the whole of this period (see below). The votes of Eurodragster readers will be taken into consideration when the SPRC Committee decides upon the winners.

To place your vote, go to the official SPRC Perpetual Awards page which you can view by clicking on the SPRC Perpetual Awards vote link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

The Alex Brachtvogel Memorial Trophy, for which votes are also now being taken, was first awarded to Santa Pod Raceway's late Chief Marshal, Alex Brachtvogel, in 2001 to mark his outstanding contribution to Santa Pod Raceway and the sport as a whole. After Alex's death the trophy was named in his memory and continues to be awarded for contribution to drag racing. There is no shortlist for the Alex Brachtvogel award. Nominations are invited for racers, race officials, track and safety crews, club officials, media, or anyone else who has contributed to the sport. Last year the trophy was awarded to Kjell Pettersson and David Lloyd-Jones of Santa Pod Raceway. Again see the official web page for more details or E-Mail your nomination to sprc.awards@btinternet.com specifying SPRC Alex Brachtvogel Trophy as the subject and your nomination in the body of the mail.

Next week's category will be Best-Looking Bike.

Date: 21st November 2004
Headline: King Racing in Custom Car Magazine

Gossip:

Once again the King Racing Top Fuel Bike has made the hallowed pages of a cult car magazine, page 53 of the December issue of Custom Car magazine to be precise.

This latest issue features another great dragrace pictorial from ace lensman Mark Gredzinski covering the 2004 Euro Finals at Santa Pod, England.

Date: 21st November 2004
Headline: Credit where credit's due!

Gossip:

The SPRC have made a gesture towards those racers who suffered at the hands of this years weather curtialed meetings.

Paula Marshall tells us that all racers who entered either or both of the UK National Finals and the Flame and Thunder Show, both at Santa Pod Raceway, are to receive a rainout credit of £20 per event. The credit can be offset against race entry to any event at Santa Pod in 2005, or against SPRC membership renewals.

"These credits are non-transferable and must be used by the end of the 2005 season", says Paula. "If a racer is not planning on racing next year then they should contact me for a refund. When sending in an entry form next season racers should please make a note on the form if they are offsetting their credits against the entry fee, so that I can cross them off my list of eligible racers."

If you have any queries then please contact Paula by E-Mail at paula.marshall@btconnect.com or call her on 01933 313625.

Date: 21st November 2004
Headline: 10.90 / 9.90 views sought

Gossip:

Avon Park International Racers Association and Santa Pod Racers Club are inviting feedback from UK 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike racers on the future of the two UK National Championship bike classes. Changes to one or both of the classes are a regular subject of off-season debate, and after discussion between the two Clubs the following options are being considered:

1. Keep 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike 
2. Change the index for each class, to 9.50 and 10.50 
3. Change the index for each class, to 9.50 and 10.40 (as is run in NDRS) 
4. Replace both classes with one dial-your-own Bike ET bracket with a range of 9.00-11.99

"Please E-Mail, post or fax your comments or suggestions either to Wendy Talbot or myself by 4th February 2005", says SPRC Club Secretary Paula Marshall. "It would help us enormously if you could give your race number and Club membership number as well as your name. Racers should note that this is not a vote: we are asking for constructive feedback, preferably from current 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike racers, before discussion takes place at the Riders' and Drivers' Meeting in February."

If you would like to send comments to either Paula or Wendy then their contact details are as follow:

Paula Marshall 
Santa Pod Racers Club 
PO Box 12 
Rushden 
Northamptonshire NN10 0ZU

E-Mail: paula.marshall@btconnect.com Fax: 01933 355558

Wendy Talbot 
Avon Park International Racers Association 
121 High Road 
Wortwell 
Harleston 
Norfolk IP20 0E

E-Mail: wendy@apira.org.uk Phone and Fax: 01379 740100

Date: 20th November 2004
Headline: Xtreme Wheels

Gossip:

Dear Sir,

Re: Xtreme Wheels International 05.

We have noted your concerns and would comment as follows:

The Xtreme Wheels Show was held Mid February this year and the 05 event has been advertised heavily at major drag race events and has had Media coverage since August this year. Santa Pod Raceway will also be attending the show. We hope the decision to hold the club's Riders and Drivers meeting on the same date will not cause too much inconvenience to those wishing to attend the show as it has received a large entry from racers that have confirmed to date.

Regards,

XTREME WHEELS INTERNATIONAL LTD - info@xwishow.com

Date: 20th November 2004
Headline: 74 racers at first Bahrain Drag Race

Gossip:

More than 5,000 spectators inspired top GCC drivers in the first ever Rumble In the Desert Drag Race last night at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.

The event, organised by E K Kanoo in co-operation with the Bahrain Drag Racing Club, comprised three categories and featured stiff competition among 74 drivers from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.

The event kicked off with Bahraini driver Ahmed Aryan driving his Honda Civic (type R) in the Street category which was for 'mild' modified cars with 34 in the fray.

The next category was the Super Street bolt-on in which 28 drivers took part, while 12 entrants competed in the Pro competition involving low-weight cars.

Bahrain Drag Racing Club general secretary Fahad Taqi said that of the 90 registered drivers, 16 were disqualified after failing to pass scrutineering procedures before the race.

"There were more drivers from Bahrain and GCC who arrived after the deadline for registration and we are disappointed not to have them with us tonight on this circuit. But we are delighted to host such an event for the first time at the BIC with this big crowd of motorsport fans boosting the event," said Taqi.

The excitement began earlier in the day with an auto show during which 100 cars took part, while 45 bikes participated in an amazing motorbike show. The car show featured six categories, while the motorbike event comprised 11 and each of the events were categorised according to the vehicles' specifications.

"The drivers came out fighting as the much-awaited Rumble in the Dessert marked the start of a new era for drag racing in Bahrain," said E K Kanoo acting director Ebrahim Kanoo.

"The event was everything the crowd expected and more. In the afternoon, the capacity crowd drooled over a fantastic line-up of buffed and gleaming cars in the auto show," added Kanoo.

"It was a fun day out for the family and an action packed speed extravaganza for the die-hard motorsport fan," said marketing administrator Mahmood Qannati.

Sponsors of the event are Batelco, Bapco, Bison Energy Drink, Al Ayam, Bahrain Tribune and proudly supported by Nissan, Kleeman, Khaleej Finance & Investments, Sparco, Sonax, Skoda, Michelin, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Porsche, Bin Hindi (TYRON), Volvo, Antera, Khan, BP, Blaupunkt, BP, Arabian Motors, Bahraini Cars.com, Gulf GT.com and Mathias Middle East.

Date: 19th November 2004
Headline: UK Riders and drivers meeting

Gossip:

Since our post yesterday regarding the announcement of the date for the forthcoming joint club's riders and drivers meeting we have received a number of mails from racers dismayed at the date clash with the dragrace based Xtreme Wheels show. Of major unhappiness was the statement that any issue for discussion at the meeting could only take place if the actual contributor was present, i.e. riders who had topics for discussion had to choose between show or meeting.

We'd like to say that we called SPRC secretary Paula Marshall who said that in this particular case they may accept topics without the racers presence due to the large amount of racers with vehicles on show at Xtreme Wheels, and the planned attendance of many.

It's still a shame, however, that in the `deadzone' between October 2004 and Easter 2005 that of the few dragrace oriented events staged that two have to clash!

Date: 19th November 2004
Headline: Drag Race Boots

Gossip:

Pro Race Gear of the US have now launched their website promoting their bespoker dragbike boots and helmets for the discerning racer.

To see their purpose made products log on to www.proracegear.com

Date: 19th November 2004
Headline: S&S Kosman Buell in Europe?

Gossip:

Whilst on the subject of PSB, George Bryce of Star Racing and G2 Motorsports has let slip that a team from Denmark have placed an order for an all new Kosman PSB Chassis to take one of his record breaking S&S V Twin engines......

Date: 19th November 2004
Headline: Nonsense?

Gossip:

Re: Shawn Ganns disqualification and his defence that it was `old' fuel. Every P/S bike team in the top 10 in points receives FREE of charge 2.5 gallons of C25 at every event. Not having fresh legal gas ready to put in the tank just doesn't make sense....

Joe Koenig

Date: 18th November 2004
Headline: Letter to all UEM Riders:

Gossip:

Dear Racers!

From August 19th to the 21st 2005 Hockenheim celebrates the 20th anniversary of it’s annual NitrolympX Drag Racing Event.

Unlike most other motorsports in Germany which have been losing spectators over the past few years the NitrolympX have continuously maintained spectator attendance of around 50,000 people over the race weekend.

For 2005 we have a big celebration programme scheduled and we want to once again present the best of European Drag Bike Racing and having hosted the UEM Championship Round in Germany now for many years we wish to continue in 2005.

Everybody in the Hockenheim Organisation is aware of the traction problem which we have with our new track and that is why I want to explain the background to the situation.

After the reconstruction of the Hockenheimring in 2002, the Drag Strip received a wider and smoother surface but unfortunately the wrong type of asphalt had been laid in mistake by the construction company.

The asphalt contains a lot of small stones but very little tar (bitumen), which provides a bad basis for any traction treatment. We have asked a lot of European experts in 2004 how to overcome this problem (including Kjell Petersson) but none of them have given us the right solution as to how to treat this asphalt.

In the meantime I attended the Drag Racing Commission Members Meeting in Indianapolis and took the chance to discuss our problem with all NHRA track experts that were available.

Firstly I spoke with Randy Robbins as to how they prepare the track. NHRA does exactly the same as what we did in Hockenheim using a 50 percent mix of methanol and VHT, using VHT track spot powder and dragging slicks over the track. This year in Hockenheim we used about 3,000 litres of VHT mix and 30 Formula tyres plus 12 Top Fuel slicks.

Then I spoke with Wayne McMurtry, who has experienced similar kind of problems on older NHRA asphalt tracks. He gave me the formula of a "tack coat" which they have been using to paint the track before putting VHT on it. Seemingly this treatment gave good results and brought back the capability of the surface to build up traction.

We have reached agreement with the Hockenheimring to apply this tack coat before starting track preparation with VHT. Although we expect that this will cure all or at least most of the traction problems for our race in 2005, we still must wait until Friday's first qualifying session to find out if our treatment has solved the problems.

We want all riders to know about this and to trust that we are doing all that can be done to achieve the best traction for record breaking performances.

But if the worst comes to the worst and the track is still not perfect, there is nothing more we can do during the race weekend. Then we need all the riders to do their best to work out the right tune-up for the existing traction and give the audience on Hockenheim's 20th Drag Racing anniversary their best performance possible.

We trust that the bike riders do want to work together with the Hockenheim Organisation and therefore we are willing to host a round of the UEM Championship in 2005 if we get positive feedback from the riders.

We have also invited Louie Murray (NHRA Safety + Medical expert) to assist and supervise the Hockenheim track personnel at the 2005 race.

Best regards,

Rico Anthes

Date: 18th November 2004
Headline: Dynospeed become official MTC dealer

Gossip:

I got back from Gainesville, Florida not long ago after watching the Prostar World Finals and a great week was had by all. Whilst over there I signed a deal with Tony Lang of MTC to become an official dealer and subsequently DYNOSPEED DEVELOPMENTS will be taking orders for the best sliders, lock up and multistage lock up clutches in the world, not forgetting their great range of pistons and big bore kits. There will also be trackside assistance for our customers, watch this space for some more exciting news from Dynospeed Developments for 2005.

Paul Watson

Date: 18th November 2004
Headline: 2005 Riders' and Drivers' Meeting

Gossip:

The joint SPRC/APIRA 2005 UK Riders' and Drivers' Meeting will be held on Sunday 20th February 2005 in the Kimberley Suite of the Diamonds Centre, otherwise known as Rushden and Diamonds' football ground, in Nene Way in Irthlingborough. The meeting will commence at 1:00 pm with a break at approximately 2:30 during which tea and coffee will be available for a small fee.

Items to be discussed include the 2005 UK National Championship (ratification of dates as well as Championship matters), event entry fees and prize funds, as well as Any Other Business.

"Racers are invited to submit items for the agenda", says SPRC Club Secretary Paula Marshall, "but please note that your item will only be discussed if you actually attend the meeting."

If you have any items for the agenda of the 2005 Riders' and Drivers' Meeting then please send them either to Paula Marshall or to APIRA Club Secretary Wendy Talbot at the following addresses by Friday 4th February 2005:

Paula Marshall
Santa Pod Racers Club
PO Box 12
Rushden
Northamptonshire NN10 0ZU

E-Mail: paula.marshall@btconnect.com

Phone: 01933 313625
Fax: 01933 355558

Date: 17th November 2004
Headline: I don't get it?

Bradders

Date: 17th November 2004
Headline: Get well soon!

Gossip:

We heard today that founder of the famous John Woolfe Racing emporium David Riswick had just been admitted to Papworth Hospital.

Get well soon Dave!!

Date: 17th November 2004
Headline: Thanks Yanks!

Gossip:

Having just returned from another exhausting trip to Gainesville and the follow up in Clearwater, the northern contingent would just like to express their gratitude to our american friends who provided food drink and entertainment. Many thanks to Jay for his hospitality at the track, to Frankie C and Richie for their excellent bar-b-que skills, Sandie, Reggie, Fred & Starr for entertaining us all and making sure we all had a ball. We saw some excellent racing as well by the way. See you all again next year.

Jane Meeke

Gossip comment - Come on Jane, fess up, do you own one of these muppets...........?

Date: 15th November 2004
Headline: It's Angelle....!

Gossip:

Angelle Savoie will have bragging rights for the entire off-season after taking out her friend and teammate Antron Brown for the third time this year when a trophy was on the line. The victory, the 35th of her career, was a walk-over as she left first, .013 to .032, and arrived first with a superior 7.036 at 188.09 mph to Brown's 7.141 at 184.67 mph.

The win was Savoie's fourth of the year, and this was her third final in a row. The victory also moved her around Brown into second place in the POWERade standings. Brown ended the year with a 2-4 record in final rounds.

"What a wonderful day, especially getting to race Antron in the final with our special paint schemes," said Savoie, whose bike was painted like a WWII tank. "I've been saying all weekend, 'Not bad for a girl on a tank.' The truth is we say thanks to the troops every time a camera is in front of us but the reality is that we can never thank our troops enough. They're the real heroes.

"I was feeling great until I heard I finished 38 points out of winning the championship. I know exactly where I gave it up when I lost to Andrew [Hines] in the first round in St. Louis. We'll get 'em next year."

The two U.S. Army Suzuki riders thrilled a large contingent of U.S. Army generals, colonels, and majors in attendance by successfully navigating their respective sides of the ladder to make it an all olive-drab final. Savoie beat Mike Berry, GT Tonglet, and No. 1 qualifier Chip Ellis, the later by .004-second. Brown took out Matt Smith, Craig Treble, and Mike Phillips.

This was the sixth final of the year for both riders. Overall, Brown has 25 finals to his credit while Savoie has 55 final-round appearances in 121 pro starts.

NHRA

Date: 15th November 2004
Headline: Not plain sailing..............

Gossip:

It should have been so easy. It should have been almost an afterthought for a team which has had a landmark season on the NHRA POWERade tour.

But instead of breezing into the Pro Stock Motorcycle field during qualifying for the 40th Auto Club Finals at Pomona Raceway, Andrew Hines had to sweat out the clinching of his first POWERade championship.

After sub-par qualifying runs on Thursday and Friday, Hines entered Saturday's action in the No. 14 slot and clearly in danger of being bumped out of the 16-bike field.

Had it happened, it would have left open the door for Antron Brown or Angelle Savoie to remain alive in the championship hunt. And on his first pass Saturday, Hines had his drive chain snap immediately after launching his Vance & Hines "Screamin' Eagle" Harley-Davidson, causing severe damage to the motorcycle's body, chassis, wheelie bars, and running gear while inflicting a painful leg and ankle injury to 21-year-old Hines.

At first, it appeared the team would be unable to repair the Harley in time to make its final qualifying pass, which could have resulted in Hines being bumped from the field. But in a turn of incredible good fortune, the Vance & Hines team had brought along their show display for the Manufacturer's Midway and was able to fit their race V-Rod with parts and pieces from their show V-Rod and made it to the line in time for the final qualifying session.

With his cobbled-together Harley, Hines calmly rolled to a 7.184/185.23 pass, nailing down the No. 12 slot and wrapping up the 2004 POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle championship. With his legendary father, Byron, joining in the team's celebration at the starting line, Andrew became the youngest champion in NHRA history and joins his brother, Matt, who won three straight titles between 1997 and 1999, as a PSB champ.

"The first thought I have is what an outstanding accomplishment for my dad (Byron) this championship is," said Hines. "He's been in this sport for a long time and he's won a bunch of championships but to take this program with Harley-Davidson and build it up to a championship level this fast is really something.

"I'm so happy that I'm the guy on the seat. I have an outstanding team around me. From my dad and my brother Matt, to Joe Vanderbrink, Greg Cope, Meredith Schultz, and Ray Veirs, I'd take this group over anyone. There isn't a better team in all of motorsports in my opinion. I'm really just another name on the Vance & Hines roster of champions.

"Harley is extremely happy with what we've done. I know they're already excited about next year and the year after that. Maybe we've started a new era of dominance by Harley-Davidson motorcycles. That would be awesome."

Bill Stephens covers the NHRA for ESPN and ESPN.com

Date: 15th November 2004
Headline: On a wing and a prayer?

Gossip:

Yet another approach to fuel bike aerodynamics from Perth, courtesy of Luke Nieuwhof at wadragracing.com :- click HERE

 According to our downunda mole, Ian Ashelford's blower Harley (developed with help from Charley Karling) is due to debut early next year.

Date: 14th November 2004
Headline: Bern's on the move

Gossip:

We heard that UK TF Harley rider Bernie Hepworth was moved from a hospice in Huddersfiled to Leeds during the week in an effort to stabilise his painkillers, but is suffering from a trapped nerve in his back.

All of us here at King Racing wish Bernie a speedy return to happier health.

Date: 14th November 2004
Headline: Say it ain't PO

Gossip:

It seems that Shawn Gann's disqualification was not due to power additive nor Propylene Oxide it wasn't too high octane, it was too LOW! The fuel he used was reputedly old...............

Date: 14th November 2004
Headline: Ellis locks up pole, Hines the title

Gossip:

The Pro Stock Bikes stole the show in the final day of qualifying for the Auto Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. Andrew Hines became the youngest champion in NHRA history when the 21-year-old successfully qualified his Harley-Davidson V-Rod in the field. At the same time, low qualifier Chip Ellis used a career-best 7.02 at 188 mph to lock up his second pole of the year.

Using the advantage of running first thing this morning when it was still relatively cool, Ellis zipped to a career-best 7.024 -- the fourth quickest pass ever -- at 188.38 mph to lock up his second Ringers Gloves $1,000 Low Qualifier award of his first four NHRA starts. The G-Squared S&S Buell V-Twin rider will take a decided advantage into his first-round match-up with Geico Direct Suzuki racer Karen Stoffer, who sneaked into the field in the last round with a 7.204 at 184.47 mph.

"I was surprised with that 7.02 run," Ellis said. "I was looking for a 7.08 or 7.09. As usual, the tune-up was right on and everything went like it was supposed to. It was the best run since I joined the team.

"Anytime you can be No. 1 is awesome. It doesn't matter whether it's NHRA or Little League, we're happy to get it. Tomorrow we forget about No. 1 and take it one run at a time. I'm going to try to cut good lights. The hope is to go four rounds."

The other big news of the day was Hines' title-clinching run in Round 4 where he posted a 7.184 at 185.23 mph. The run placed Hines 12th in the field and earned Harley-Davidson its first NHRA title of the modern era.

Outgoing POWERade champion Geno Scali stayed second on the grid with a 7.091 at 188.65 mph on his Trim-Tex Suzuki. U.S. Army teammates Antron Brown and Angelle Savoie, who are now locked in a heated battle for second place in the final standings, ended up third and fourth, respectively, with a 7.092 and a 7.111.

Shawn Gann, who is currently fourth in the standings, was disqualified from the event when his fuel failed to pass inspection.

By Rob Geiger

Date: 14th November 2004
Headline: G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS Day 3: Ellis officially No. 1

Gossip:

40TH ANNUAL NHRA AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FINALS POMONA RACEWAY (LA COUNTY FAIRPLEX) – POMONA, CALIF. NOVEMBER 11-14, 2004

Qualifying:

Session 1 Thursday: 7.063 seconds at 187.36 mph (# 1)

Session 1 Friday: 7.101 seconds at 185.97 mph (# 1)

Session 1 Saturday: 7.024 seconds at 188.38 mph (# 1)

Session 2 Saturday: 7.098 seconds at 188.15 mph (# 1)

Day 3: Ellis officially No. 1

Setting a track record in the opening round of qualifying on Saturday, Chip Ellis, aboard the G2/S&S/Star Racing Buell, took the No. 1 position at the NHRA Automobile Club of Southern California Finals.

Making a nearly flawless pass of 7.024 seconds down the Pomona Raceway quarter-mile, Ellis claimed his second top spot of his 4-race NHRA career with G Squared Motorsports (G2), owned by George Bryce and George Smith. His pass of 7.024 seconds is the fourth quickest in Pro Stock Bike history.

“I was surprised with that 02 run (7.02 seconds),“ said Ellis. I was looking for a 7.08 or 7.09. As usual the tune up was right on and everything went like it was supposed to. It was the best run since I joined the team.”

Since joining G2 at Indy and qualifying No. 1, where he became the first Pro Stock Motorcycle driver to take top honors in his first race, he also qualified No. 4 at Reading and No. 2 at Las Vegas.

“Anytime you can be number one is awesome. It doesn’t matter whether it’s NHRA or little league We’re happy to get it. Tomorrow we forget about number one and take it one run at a time. I’m going to try to cut good lights. The hope is to go four rounds,” said Ellis.

Ellis begins his quest for the Pro Stock Bike title today with eliminations for all classes beginning at 11 a.m. His opening round opponent will be Karen Stoffer, who qualified No. 16. Time is local Pomona time (PST) and subject to change at anytime.

Qualifying highlights for the NHRA Automobile Club of Southern California Finals can be seen on ESPN2 on Saturday (Nov. 13) from 10 p.m. until midnight. ESPN2 will also air same-day television coverage of eliminations from 6 until 9 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 14). ESPN2 will repeat the elimination show from 3-5 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 19). Television times are Eastern Time (ET) and subject to change at anytime. Check local listings.

G Squared Motorsports is pleased to be associated throughout the 2004 season with marketing support from Snap-On Tools.

Date: 13th November 2004
Headline: Ellis still on top

Gossip:

Without too much improvement by all the Pro Stock Motorcycle competitors in Friday's single qualifying session, Chip Ellis, aboard the G2/S&S/Star Racing Buell, maintained his hold on the top spot at the NHRA Automobile Club of Southern California Finals.

The G Squared Motorsports-backed bike, owned by George Bryce and George Smith, recorded an elapsed time of 7.063 seconds on Thursday and followed that up with a 7.101-second pass yesterday.

Running a new S&S power plant and a new tire for today’s session, Ellis, while pleased with the run, feels he has more for tomorrow.

“The guys at S&S have supplied the power, George Bryce and Ken Johnson (co-crew chiefs) have the tune up looking good and the driver did an okay job. Together it’s a winner,” said Ellis, who won the AMA/Prostar 600 Supersport Championship last weekend.

Date: 13th November 2004
Headline: Ultimate Nitrous Nozzle!

Gossip:

“The secret’s out,” said Tommy Bolton, builder and tuner of the world’s quickest and fastest gasoline powered motorcycle. His screamin’ yellow Kawasaki Funnybike laid down a 6.60 at 213 mph in the hands of Glen Nickelberry. “And this is what propelled us.”

Tommy was talking about the Speedtech Compact Liquid Force system, the ultimate in direct port nitrous injection. Created for precise distribution of nitrous and fuel for domestic and foreign, carbureted/EFI 4 cylinder motors, the Speedtech systems offer superior atomization and tuning by injecting precisely measured amounts of fuel and nitrous into each individual port with the Liquid Force nozzle. Horsepower levels are easily adjusted, by jetting at the nozzle, from 75 to 300 HP.

“It siphons the fuel out of the fuel nozzle, so it atomizes the fuel right then,” continued Bolton. “They were the talk of the Pro Mod pits in Gainesville (site of the recent AMA/Prostar World Finals).”

The liquid force nozzle has a much more port-shaped pattern that does not allow the fuel to wash down the port walls like it does with a fan-spray type nozzle. The Speedtech nozzle helps promote engine airflow rather than disrupt it. “It is very hard in a 90 degree nozzle to achieve a low pressure fuel draw that is predictable and consistent from nozzle to nozzle,” said Jason Sharp of Speedtech. “Our design provides this action in a repeatable fashion, with the v-notch in the fuel circuit to relieve any buildup of nitrous pressure at the tip of the fuel passage.

“With its one piece design, not having any type of tube is another area that benefits with repeatability. With a fuel tube in a 90 degree nozzle, if the length of the tube varies at all the vacuum draw on the fuel circuit is changed drastically.”

The Speedtech system provides an extremely atomized discharge by blowing the nitrous across the fuel channel, shearing the fuel without shutting off the fuel supply by having that notch in the fuel circuit, and maintaining a tight cone-shaped discharge—that is the key to the Liquid Force nozzle. These are the same Speedtech nozzles used by the Pro Mod Camaros of NHRA Las Vegas winner Shannon “The Iceman” Jenkins and Mike Castellana.

Liquid Force nozzles are $62.50 (US) each. Complete kits with stainless steel solenoids, stainless jets, aircraft quality lines, and CNC-machined aluminum distribution blocks are also available.

To order or for further information, please call Tommy Bolton at (405) 601-0809

TomBo Racing Engines & Performance Toyz 1205 S.E. 44th St. #2 Oklahoma City, OK 73129

This product release was prepared by Tim Hailey www.eatmyink.com

Date: 13th November 2004
Headline: More Govt. money for Oz tracks!

Gossip:

For those who have been wondering where everything's up to with regards to the new dragstrip in the ACT, we've just obtained a copy of a Media Statement that was released by Labor leader John Stanhope ...A key commitment in the policy is the promise to build a Canberra Dragway in the Majura Valley.... "The Government committed $8 million in the last Budget to fund the facility upon the identification of a site. Finding a suitable site in a jurisdiction the size of the ACT has been very challenging, but I am pleased we are now able to move forward on this important social and recreational project," said Mr. Stanhope. "I am now pleased to confirm that the Dragway will be built on either block 51 or 52 in the Majura Valley. And now that a site has been identified, we expect it to operational within 18 months," said Mr. Stanhope.

Courtesy Dragster Australia

Date: 13th November 2004
Headline: Hines nearing racing title

Gossip:

Andrew Hines can rest easy for now. The former Whittier resident, needing just to qualify for this weekend's Auto Club NHRA Finals at Fairplex to clinch his first Powerade Drag Racing Series title, pushed his way into the 16-bike field after two rounds of qualifying.

Hines, who was 21st on Thursday, rebounded on Friday and made a 7.202-second pass at 165.23 mph to move into 11th place. First-day No. 1 qualifier Chip Ellis remained in the top spot despite slowing to a 7.101.

Other top qualifiers after two rounds include Doug Kalitta in Top Fuel, Del Worsham in Funny Car and Greg Anderson in Pro Stock.

"Everyone keeps coming up to me and congratulating me, but we haven't done anything yet,' said Hines, who will more than likely have to improve his time during today's two qualifying sessions to make the field. "It's great to be qualified for now, but the pressure isn't gone.

"I'm concerned about race day and we need to step up and get ready for Sunday. I want to earn one more win before the season is over, and that's where the pressure comes from.'

Hines was one of a handful of racers who improved their elapsed times from Thursday, mainly because of hotter conditions.

Steve Ramirez

Date: 12th November 2004
Headline: Muzzy/Schnitz To Run A Buell in 2005

Gossip:

Rob Muzzy Racing is pleased to announce the re-signing of Ryan Schnitz for the 2005 racing season. Ryan has ridden for RMR since 2002 and in that time has won three AMA Prostar Drag Racing Championships, two in 600 Supersport and one this year in the new 1000 Supersport class. Ryan has also been an invaluable asset in the development of the Kawasaki ZX-12R NHRA Prostock motorcycle. Unfortunately, Kawasaki Motors Corp. has not chosen to continue their support of the ZX-12R Prostock Drag Racing program and therefore a further change is in order.

Rob Muzzy Racing is also excited to be able to announce that, starting in 2005 Team Muzzy with Ryan Schnitz will run the full NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle series with an S&S V-twin powered Buell Pro Stock Motorcycle. Rob Muzzy is no stranger to V-Twins, having been instrumental in the development of the Honda 750 Dirt Track Twin that won four Grand National Championships for Honda with Rickey Graham and Bubba Shobert aboard in the 1980’s.

Testing for the new Pro Stock team will commence in January and the first race for the team will be at the Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals, in Gainesville Florida, March 20, 2005.

Muzzys Performance Products will of course continue their thriving performance products business with continuing emphasis on components for Kawasaki, Honda Suzuki, and Yamaha sport and cruiser motorcycles. Also, Team Muzzy will continue to participate in selected drag racing events in 2005 with Ryan Schnitz aboard a Muzzy built turbocharged street bike.

Rob Muzzy and Team Muzzy would like to sincerely thank Kawasaki Motors Corp. in addition to all their current and past sponsors for their loyalty and support over the past 16 years, hundreds of races, and multiple championships. Racing is a sport of constant change and evolution and this move is significant in that process. Team Muzzy is actively seeking marketing partners to share this exciting new chapter in the Rob Muzzy Racing story.

Greg Guarinello

Date: 12th November 2004
Headline: Sinking, Rats, Ship???

Gossip:

The pitlane gossip at the weekend Prostar Finals was over Rob Muzzy and Ryan Schnitz dropping their innovative Kawasaki program to run a V Twin S&S Buell in NHRA PSB next season. Take a look at the news on www.VTwinPlus.com for more info.

It's not hard to see why as Chip Ellis ran a 7.063 at Pomona yesterday on the G2 entry......

Date: 12th November 2004
Headline: Gainesville pictures on line

Gossip:

Date: 12th November 2004
Headline: Koedam Racing winter changes

Gossip:

The European Top Fuel Bike Champions Koedam Racing do not plan to rest on their laurels over the closed season, team owner / rider Roel Koedam of Holland tells us.

In an effort to alleviate the sprague problems plaguing them last season they plan for an all new Owens spragueless gearbox, normally seen on TF Dragboats and some TF Harleys.

In addition, plans for another MSD Promag are in the pipeline to provide them with a twin Promag setup (they currently use a Mallory Supermag and an MSD Promag together) and an all new paintjob is hoped for to give the bike a new look.

We'll bring you further news on their progress as we get it.

Date: 12th November 2004
Headline: Make mine a double........

Gossip:

Now we know what Jay Vegas expects when he asks for a Captain Morgan and coke.............

picture courtesy of reggieshowersnaps

Date: 11th November 2004
Headline: Upton to do full US tour

Gossip:

Whilst on the subject of racers downunda we were told by Top Fuel Bike rider Jay Upton that he plans to leave his unique full bodied bike in the US and contest the complete US AMA Prostar tour in 2005.

Although very disappointing for fans of Top Bike in Australia, it will be a great boost for the TFB field in the US which has been struggling for numbers over the last year or so.

Date: 11th November 2004
Headline: Jonny Munn

Gossip:

We were contacted yesterday by legendary British Dragbike rider Jonny Munn who was John Hobbs team rider from the Hobbit team of the 1980's.

It seems that once a racer always a racer as Jonny tells us that he is now racing an 850 Norton Wasp sidecar outfit in the Australian vintage motocross championships.

Date: 11th November 2004
Headline: Dragracing on Channel 5

Gossip:

I don't know whether anyone can help but I have it from a very reliable source that the Drag Racing coverage on C5 this year (started this morning at 2.30am) was very near to getting a much friendlier viewing slot, maybe 11pm or 12pm and in fact still has a chance of being moved.

This would definitely be better for the sport at this time of night and should capture a much bigger audience.

Maybe we can put some pressure on them and help get it moved by sending an e-mail to customerservices@five.tv or telephone them on 08457 050505.

Alternatively, write to them at: Customer Services Five 22 Long Acre London WC2E 9LY.

Thanks,

Andy Carter

Gossip comment :
Thanks for that Andy. Come on guys, get writing!

Date: 10th November 2004
Headline: Travis Lummus Blitzes Rockingham and Vegas

Gossip:

Four time AHDRA Rivera/Primo Street Pro Champion Travis Lummus got back in the winner’s circle and back in the record books in a big way at Rockingham Dragway. Through much of this season, the Street Pro king has had to look on while others tore through performance milestones and collected winnings. But at his home track in Rockingham, Travis not only joined the 8 Second Club, he jumped deep into the 8.80’s with a new record 8.834. Travis and his Gene Lummus Harley-Davidson built and sponsored bike also set new 1/8th mile elapsed time and mile-per-hour records.

What accounted for the team’s jump in performance? “Cubic inches,” Travis said flatly. “My bike used to run 9 flat, and that’s just not cutting it.” So, Team Lummus engine builder Steve Allstadt put a whole new top end on the solid mounted EVO motor, boosting its cubes, and added a second S&S Super D carburetor. “It made a whole lot more power. We did a good job for a long time with one carburetor, though.”

Travis credits his dad Gene and Allstadt for tuning the whole new twin carb setup as quickly as they did. “Between my dad and Steve, they’re real slick on that. We get the tune to the track we’re at real quick, then it’s all about the clutch. And a little bit of ridin’.”

Final round runner-up Joe Sternotti, with the championship already in his pocket, rode out one of his big signature wheelies in the final. In the other lane, Travis nailed an .013 bulb and ran a 9.0 for the win. “It was real exciting and made us want to come back to the race track,” said Travis. “We’ve been really disappointed and had a lot of first round losses due to breakage. You can’t always help that.”

Two weeks after Rockingham, the Lummus team traveled out West to Las Vegas for the AHDRA finals. While Sternotti continued to wheelie like Evil Knievel, Travis’ primary competition proved to be G-Squared rider Chip Ellis. The two battled closely throughout qualifying in the thin Vegas air, with Ellis edging Lummus in the final round.

Going into the finals of eliminations with Lummus, Ellis had lane choice and the performance advantage. The G-Squared bike was the only Street Pro machine at that point that had run a 9.0 at Vegas. “We were fighting the clutch setup all weekend,” said Travis. “That track was really, really sticky and we just kept taking clutch out and taking it out ‘til we couldn’t take anymore out. We got a little bit of clutch management going, but it’s not perfect yet.”

The team’s computer showed the bike was jumping out of gear, so Gene made the decision to change shift forks. “That’s the reason the bike ran two 9.30’s,” said Travis. With the pressure on to make the call for the final, the whole team pitched in to change the forks in 10 minutes.

When the lights came down for the final in the dark of night, Travis got a visible jump on Ellis from the right lane. And when the win light came on in the right lane, it was obvious that Gene and Steve had done their jobs as well.

“That’s the best win of my life,” said Travis, glad to have proven himself against the rider that would win the NHRA Pro Stock Bike race at Vegas the very next Sunday. “That thing did a huge wheelie. I rode it for a long way and I thought that was it. Chip 60-footed me pretty good and had a wheel on me. But I rode right past him. The TV announcer (Brett Kepner) at the end of the track, he already had us beat, so it was good to talk to him about that.”

New class champion Sternotti was responsible for the increased competitiveness in the class for much of the year. “Joe’s done a helluva job this year,” said Travis. “He spent some money and went to some races and won some races. Our hats off to his team.”

Engine builder Steve Allstadt represented Team Lummus well at the AHDRA banquet, winning the prestigious Pro Wrench of the Year award.

Travis thanked S&S Cycle, Red Line Oil, Rinehart Racing, Works Shocks, Spyke, Pro Street Frameworks, Rivera Engineering and Screamin’ Eagle, Steve Allstadt and everyone at the Gene Lummus Harley-Davidson shop.

The next stop for the AHDRA and Gene Lummus Harley-Davidson Racing is at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida, March 5-6, 2005. Until then, Travis and the team wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

www.genelummush-d.com

Photo by Matt Polito at www.dragbikephotos.com

The Lummus Racing Report is prepared by Tim Hailey, www.eatmyink.com

Date: 10th November 2004
Headline: Hines eyes title, others rewrite history

Gossip:

Pro Stock Bike racer Andrew Hines has one thing left to do this season. He has to successfully qualify for the final race of the 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series on his Vance & Hines Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson V-Rod.

It sounds simple, but there is a lot riding on this lone task. If Hines qualifies for the upcoming 40th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, he will clinch the 2004 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Bike world championship. It would be the first for the 21-year-old Hines, who would become the youngest NHRA champion in history – breaking the current record set by his brother, three-time champion Matt Hines, who was 25 when he won his first world championship in 1997.

"Being able to take Matt's name off the record books just makes it more fun," the youngest Hines said. "We tease each other about it. But he's worked very hard on this team, so of course he wants me to clinch the title. Hines has qualified for the last 25 races in a row.

"What makes it even more exciting is our new motor. We have a great motor and if the weather conditions are right, we could set a record. Treble went 7.07 last year and if we have the same conditions, we could find ourselves in the six-second range. No matter what, it's going to be a great race."

Should Hines hold on and win the championship, it will be the first NHRA series title for manufacturer Harley-Davidson.

NHRA

Date: 9th November 2004
Headline: Limey Bash Uncovered

Gossip:

Last night saw the annual `sponsored by MRE' Limey Bash at Florida's famous Bricktown establishment.

A tired and emotional Dutch had to be dragged out of his pit despite his girly claim of being `shagged out' after a hard days fishing.

However, it appeared for a moment that Cannon would once again be refused entry at the club for the Tampa Bay hoi polloi when the ever youthful hokey cokey participant was asked for his ID left back in his luxury penthouse suite.

This was of little concern to the cute Two Lanes TJ who was agog at the array of the finest silicone jubblies this side of Nip and Tuck.

The 2 am turnout could not have come a moment too soon for Jay Vegas who shot off to Church to enjoy what he could only dream of in Bricktowns Silcone Valley.......

Plans for your humble scribe to slope of to bed early were thwarted when pocket rocket Fred Collis and Reggie Showers commandeered `Sexy Sandy's' tour bus and dragged our contingent including the Bolton Boys and their charming partners of to Clearwaters finest eaterie, the Waffle House.

Anyhow, a great time was had by all those who can remember it, and we await next years with eager anticipation.....

Date: 9th November 2004
Headline: UEM PSB weights

Gossip:

Re : UEM PSB weight debate.

It seems to me that after over two weeks of talking about the correct weight of a UEM PSB, only a few people can be, or are bothered about it. But as for Anders comments of changing the ACU rules to the same as UEM, why try and fix what is not broke as in the ACU - 6 events this year, 3 different winners and two races not finished due to rain?

As for me I am off to run the new Pro Mod bike Jay and I am building for next year rather than spend money going round Europe running on less the perfect tracks. Prostar Pro Mod for me every time, less money, less time of work and tough competition - what more could you ask for? However you might yet see me run in Top Fuel at 1 UEM race next year....

Dave Beck

Date: 8th November 2004
Headline: AMA Prostar Finals

Gossip:

Congratulations to all the winners at the weekend's finals, especially Tommy Sloan who won Top Fuel on his Harley with a string of consistent 6 second passes. Tommy was the underdog going in to the final against that man Larry McBride, but it seems the gremlins that Larry had suffered all weekend were still with him as his bike failed to fire on all four cylinders at start up before the final. He tried to rev the engine to clear the complaint a couple of times but to no avail. However, rather than shut the bike down he elected to try and run in an attempt to make a clean sweep of season victories, but Sloan's HD was just too much for Larrys' stuttering machine.

Notable performances from ex MRE employee James Rester in ProMod to take the event title, and Barry Henson who ran a staggering 7.25 in Streetbike Shootout.

On the subject of the SBS class it seems that tactics were the order of the day with at least two riders clearly electing to throw a sure win to allow the other rider to take the round......

On the Brit side, a sound performance saw Dave Beck proceed all the way to the third round, with his team making a great effort to make the call when a engine change meant a between round thrash make it.

Steve Venables made an extremely game attempt at his very first Prostar race. Although he lost the first round, he was very happy at the progress made over the last week, and the fact that he could not repeat the seven second performances are probably down to a rear shock change made between testing and the finals.

Regarding the chassis change, it seems unraked and 10" over arm is the way to go.........

Well done all!

Tonight see's the annual Limey Party at Bricktown where 1$ drinks are sure to go down well with the deep pocket short arm contingent.....

Date: 8th November 2004
Headline: Frank Williams at Prostar Finals!

Gossip:

Well not THAT one, but Billy Vose riding under a pseudonym. He was the rider of Rob Bush's NOS Busa in ProMod, and ran a staggering 6.95 with an almost standard engine and cylinder head, and a 10" tyre, in an old Prostock chassis! The bike even featured it's standard charging system. When we spoke to Billy he said that he was sure that his redlight pass was a 6.80 at over 200mph, and that he could build a Busa engine to win ProMod (with a proper tyre and chassis) for less than the cost of a Vortex cylinder head used by most of the ProMod runners.

Date: 8th November 2004
Headline: Torco Race Fuels Partners with ProNitro to Distribute Nitromethane

Gossip:

Torco Race Fuels, recently named as official race fuel of IHRA and the sponsor of the Pro Modified and Pro Stock Showdowns, has entered a multi year partnership with ProNitro to distribute nitromethane and racing gasoline at all twelve national Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series national events in 2005.

Torco Race Fuels is the largest independently owned producer of racing fuels through its brand and private label distribution. The Decatur, MI based company was founded in 1995 as a spin off of the highly successful Knoll Gas.

ProNitro, LLC was founded in February of 2004 by professional team owner Don Schumacher and longtime racing fuel distributor Jim MacMonagle as an alternative to rising nitromethane prices.

More information can be found on Torco Race Fuels’ official website at www.torcoracefuels.com or visit ProNitro’s website which can be accessed by clicking HERE

Date: 8th November 2004
Headline: Which rubbers?

Gossip:

Help!: what type of 'O' rings can be used with methanol fuel systems in drag racing? For example will Viton or EPDM survive if flushed through with petrol after each meeting? Also will they tolerate up to say; 50% nitro?

Carl Wadkin Snaith

Date: 7th November 2004
Headline: AMA Prostar Finals

Gossip:

Qualifying's over and at the Gainesville event and it's been an interesting route to the ladders for many of the racers.

Steve Venables was not quite able to repeat his fabulous pre event testing performance in Streetbike Shootout but still ended in 17th position in the 32 bike field with a creditable 8.00 pass.

In ProMod, Dave Beck put in some solid 6.9 second zone passes to end up in 7th position in the tough field.

In Top Fuel bike it seemed that ex pat Brit Jay Upton would upset the form book with a 6.25 pass that had him in #1 position heading into the final qualifying round after favourite Larry McBride had been plagued by an electrical problem for the first two rounds, and Chris Hand was getting a handle on his clutch setup after missing the first day of qualifying.

However, normal order was resumed after the third and final session when Larry's hardworking team changed every component on the bike before heading out and running his first ever 5 second pass at Gainesville with a stunning 5.97. Chris Hand also settled into second with an outstanding 1.00 sixty foot time and a 6.21 terminal. Jay was unable to step up on his earlier mark and so ended in third position.

We'll bring you further news of the other British efforts in the Ale House Nationals if we manage to overcome the press ban imposed by the largely married team........

Date: 6th November 2004
Headline: Ellis still surprised by first victory

Gossip:

Chip Ellis, the surprise No. 1 qualifier at the 50th U.S. Nationals in early September, showed last weekend the effort was no fluke.

Ellis, despite competing in just his third National Hot Rod Association Powerade Drag Racing Series event, tasted victory when he scored a win at the ACDelco Nationals in Las Vegas.

The performance even surprised Ellis, a two-time AMA champion.

"They say you have to pay your dues,' said Ellis, whose run at Indianapolis ended when he was unable to make an elimination pass during the first round because of a broken throttle cable. "It's unfortunate the way things happened at Indy. (But) this is sweet. I'm just overwhelmed.

"I didn't expect to win a race this season. I just wanted to win one round, and that was our goal (in Las Vegas). Let's come in here, win one round and then see what happens.'

Ellis did it in impressive fashion. He chopped down some heavy competition in Las Vegas, beating second-place Antron Brown in the second round before winning in the finals against No. 3 and three-time champion Angelle Savoie.

"I wasn't nervous at all,' said Ellis, who made a 7.19-second pass in the final. "I kind of surprised myself by that. (Team owner George Bryce) told me in the trailer before we went up, 'People get real nervous first round and they get real nervous in the final, but all I want you to do is just do what you've been doing all day.'

"I tried not to look in the stands, and I tried not to worry who I was racing. I knew what my motorcycle was capable of, and if I just ride it like it is supposed to be ridden, the winning will come.'

Steve Ramirez

Date: 6th November 2004
Headline: Stolen Bikes

Gossip:

I read in an article you bought your bikes back from the same a*****es who "jacked" them from you in New Orleans. Just so you know we lost 6 one of kind choppers 2 trucks and 2 trailors.

Trucks and trailors found and 220 grand in bikes ...GONE!!!!! If the article is true I would have never had the same "one dog one bone" attitude, but thats just me. I know NOPD f***ed up a lot but when you got nothing to go on you can't do much. When you do have something to go on like some a****le making contact with you or you with him. Give the NOPD a call and they will have something to go on. Just so you know, a lot of bikes went MIA but as long as you got yours back I guess thats all that matters. Thanks for the help a****le!!!!!!

Alex Benitez - ElDUKE5029@aol.com

Gossip comment :- Errr, they weren't our bikes, we `just' reported the story! Hope you get your bikes back, and I guess it would be a good idea (if this post is real also) if the NOPD got in contact with the racers who retrieved their bikes dontcha think???

Date: 6th November 2004
Headline: Lids!

Gossip:

www.airbrushlijnden.com are your official dealer of Simpson, Arai and Bell race helmets. We also do special paint on helmets (for Jos Verstappen, Jan Lammers, Coronel etc.)

Harrold

Date: 5th November 2004
Headline: Steve raises the bar

Gossip:

Following the news we broke earlier this week of Steve Venables dip into the sevens, and the report on Eurodragster of his even mightier run of 7.69, we can confirm that the exceptional performances have not been achieved without a further dip into Steves' `Tantalus Vase' like wallet.....

Whilst in the hands of Barry Henson, Steve's bike has been reassembled with an all new chassis to cure the launch problems that have mystified him all year. Coupled with the undoubted power of his turbocharged engine, it seems Steve can now run a first half to match his top end charges. Way to go Steve!

Date: 5th November 2004
Headline: Prostar Finals

Gossip:

Well, Dave Holland and I arrived in Tampa last night fresh as daisies after benefitting from the delights of BA's new flat bed seats and so could enjoy a welcome meal at the Rockaway Grill in the company of Ken Cooper, Jay Regan, Australian racer Angelo Ganitis and PSB rider Reggie Showers.

We're just about to leave for the track now and will bring you the latest news and gossip as we get it.

Date: 5th November 2004
Headline: BFO Motorcycles Limited

Gossip:

Hi, I've been advised by a racer friend of mine to put a bit of gossip here - I've recently started a new company producing CNC machined components for all sorts of bikes - there's no standard parts list, everything is designed to the customer's specifications to suit his / her particular bike - essentially, if it can be machined, we can make it - find us at www.bfomotorcycles.co.uk.

Thanks! Steve Atkins

Date: 3rd November 2004
Headline: Seven Eighty One Steve!

Gossip:

Our thanks to Pete Bellenie for reporting that Steve Venables just ran 7.81 @ 185mph on his street tyred ZX12 in practice @ Gainesville - no slicks no wheelie bars.

Way to go Steve!!

Date: 3rd November 2004
Headline: Happy Birthday Tina!

Gossip:

Congratulations to King Racing supporter Obsession Motorsports' Tina Gibbs on reaching one of those unmentionable milestones in her life. Have a great one from all of us here at PLG!

Date: 3rd November 2004
Headline: UEM PSB Weight Breaks

Gossip:

When rules are made you have to assume that you are in Shangri-la, the absolute best of the best in all circumstances, otherwise you have to make index based weight limits based on performance. And I don't think we are heading that way.

There are at least 2 engines in Europe which have the capability of +330BHP, what will happen when and if these engines are running on a proper setup @ 275kg? I can tell that they will fly faster then Roger P has gone so far by a long way! The fastest 1/8 mile in speed in Europe has been set by Vesa Rautio in Germany @ 153.13 mph (246 km/h) on a 1640 @ 285kg, with a 60 foot of 1.20. Says a lot doesn't it?

I think that everybody knows that money is one major factor when we decide to get into this game, but hey, it's the same for everybody! That's why different configs are allowed so you can choose the direction most suited for each individual, but if you can't generate the BHP within the specific configuration don't blame the rules for that.

You say you are closer to Prostar, but we that far from NHRA? If you have different rules in the ACU I'm afraid it has nothing to do with European Rules, maybe you should adopt the FIM/UEM rules in the UK.

Anders Larsson

Date: 3rd November 2004
Headline: Groovy!

Gossip:

I've heard 2005 Harley's are going to have (stock) 7mm triple grooved valve stems.

Amanda - Manley Valves

Date: 3rd November 2004
Headline: NHRA announces major rule changes for 2005

Gossip:

Prior to releasing the 2005 NHRA Rulebook, NHRA is announcing a summary of notable changes for 2005.

Supercharger dimensions

NHRA has expanded its explanation of the acceptable dimension for a Roots-type supercharger for use in E.T., Advanced E.T., Comp (Altered and Pro Modified), Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Funny Car, and Top Fuel. The maximum size of an acceptable supercharger is a GM 14-71 with a 22 1/4-inch case length, 11 1/4-inch case width, and 19-inch rotor length. The maximum rotor diameter is 5.840 inches, including the fixed stripping. The case must be one piece with removable front and rear bearing end plates, and the rotor must be contained within the one-piece case. The inlet and outlet cavity in the front bearing plate is restricted to a maximum of one inch deep, measuring from the face of the bearing plate to the back of the cavity. The maximum overdrive limit has been decreased to 1.50 for the Roots-type supercharger.

Other rule changes:

Top Alcohol

Beginning Jan. 1, 2005, a fire-extinguishing system meeting SFI Spec 17.1 will be mandatory on all Top Alcohol Funny Cars and on Top Alcohol Dragsters where the driver sits behind the engine or on those that have an enclosed cockpit. For Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars that compete at national events, all flexible-pressure oil lines must use a factory-crimped connection and be pressure-tested and labeled. All testing must be done hydrostatically for a minimum of 30 seconds at 750psi and be labeled to indicate date of test and tester identification.

An engine-oil retention pan is mandatory in Top Alcohol Dragster. It must be constructed of minimum material, .050-inch aluminum or .040-inch carbon fiber/Kevlar. The design must extend one inch forward of the lower pulley and must extend past the crossmember under the pinion flange. The pan may be no wider than the outside edge of the bottom framerails and must extend to the top of the upper framerails. The pan can be either a one-piece design or constructed as to be sealed to retain oil. It must have a minimum four-inch bulkhead in both front and rear. Both applications must be coved toward the oil pan to assist oil in staying within the confines of the bulkheads.

For Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, a transmission consisting of an aftermarket torque converter and an aftermarket planetary transmission, with a three-speed maximum, and an electric-only transbrake is permitted. The unit must be NHRA accepted and is required to use an aftermarket SFI Spec 29.1 flexplate or a solid-steel converter driveplate, an SFI 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3 titanium flywheel shield, and an aftermarket SFI 4.1 one-piece transmission shield.

Pro Stock Bike

Beginning in 2005, all moving engine components are restricted to aluminum, steel, iron, titanium, or other conventional alloys. Carbon fiber, Kevlar, ceramics, composites, beryllium, and other exotic materials are prohibited.

Pro Stock

As of Jan. 1, 2005, the fire-extinguishing system must meet SFI Spec 17.1 requirements. Also, the driveshaft tube must be a minimum three-inch diameter and must be one piece or welded together; bolt-together construction is prohibited. The driveshaft tube must be constructed of minimum .083-inch-wall-thickness 4130 steel material for a three-inch diameter; a four-inch driveshaft tube must be constructed of minimum .125-inch-wall-thickness 6061 T-6 aluminum material.

Top Fuel and Funny Car

The use of cast engine blocks will be prohibited in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, and all flexible oil-pressure lines must use a factory-crimped connection. Top Fuel and Funny Car will also be limited to a maximum of six clutch discs.

For Funny Car, the front and rear wheelwell must maintain an OEM radius and contour and be accepted by NHRA at the time of body approval. The parachute mounting box must also be accepted by NHRA prior to competition.

To help assist the NHRA Safety Safari, for 2005, Funny Car bodies must be removable from a rear-release mechanism that must be accessible in the taillight panel area. For acceptable design, operation, and installation, contact NHRA Technical Services.

Top Fuel will be required to a have a steel front-spindle assembly made of minimum 4130 steel. The two-piece deflector plate must be attached using a minimum of four 5/16-inch Grade 8 bolts. The rear roll-cage shroud must be constructed from minimum .080-inch titanium and attached using three 5/16-inch Grade 8 bolts per side and to the rear bars with a minimum two 5/16-inch Grade 8 bolts. All bolt heads must be 1/2-inch hex-style head.

The Credentials section includes the minimum e.t. and mph standards needed for license applicants in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Bike, Top Alcohol Dragster, and Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Under Race Procedures, as a clarification, a contestant cannot drive more than one car in the same category at the same event, nor can one vehicle be used for multiple entries at NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, and Summit Racing Series Finals events. This multiple-driver restriction can be modified or eliminated for E.T. classes at NHRA member track

Date: 2nd November 2004

Headline: UEM PSB Weights

Why cant we be like Prostar, 600lbs up to 1570 and 615 for a 1640, if you need to keep quoting what happens in the States let's do it like them.

Lets face it a lot of people in Europe do not get the most out of their set up and should go much faster. From what I can see the people who ran quick spent time on the dyno. I have run quick on a small budget but to step up to the 7.20's is big money ask yourselves why there are not more Brits in the European series then ask why is there one set of rules for ACU and one set for FIM/UEM. It seems silly to me, at least the ACU rules are close to the states.

Take Steve Johnson, 1500 2v nhra raced at Prostar still ran 7.1's took on the 1570's and the 1640's same day same track if what your saying is true he should not  even have qualified. Lets look at the norm not the exception.

Paul Watson

Date: 2nd November 2004
Headline: Fuel Twins Recovered

Gossip:

Apparently another of the V Twin race bikes stolen in Louisiana has been recovered.

Joining the Top Fuel bike of Tracy Kile, DJ Johnsons was returned but not the Hot Street Buell of Kevin Neff nor their support equipment.

Date: 2nd November 2004
Headline: Eaton Blowers?

Gossip:

First of all many thanks and congratulations to Ian and his team for continuing to run this web-site - I find it great value and entertainment in keeping up to date with everything that's going on.

Now a question: does anyone have any experience/thoughts on using an Eaton M45 blower as fitted to the BMW (sorry!) Mini Coopers? I have some ideas but would welcome any advice.

All the best to everyone, and hope to be back out as soon as time & working to increase UK airspace capacity allow!

Date: 2nd November 2004
Headline: Steel Pony Express VII Turns Into STEAL Pony Express!

Gossip:

Long known as a party town it was only fitting that New Orleans would latch on to the biker lifestyle in a big way. Events like the Louisiana Biker Expo and Steel Pony Express afforded motorcycle enthusiasts with the ultimate party town to hold the ultimate biker party. 

Participants from all over the country showed up to listen to the music of Blood, Sweat and Tears, Big N Rich and Lynard Skynard after a day of touring through the arena grounds of the University of New Orleans. There they were able to take in the sites of the hundreds of vendors and motorcycle companies. In fact the celebrity appearance list looked like a who's who in the custom motorcycle industry. The list included such luminaries as Jim Nasi, Russell Mitchell, Roger Bourget, Paul Yaffe, Dave Perewitz, Joe and Jason Martin, Cyril Huze, Jeff Nicklus, Jesse Rooke, Wild Bill, Ivy Trosclair, Jr. & III, Chica, Vince Doll and Jerry Covington.The weather was perfect; the crowds were huge what could go wrong?

Plenty!

In what was supposed to be one of the last great biker weekends prior to the winter season turned into the nightmare to end all nightmares. An estimated 30 - 40 custom and racing motorcycles and 5 - 10 trucks and trailers were stolen in what may yet turn out to be the most infamous weekend in all of motorcycling history. Why, you ask are the numbers listed estimates? Well due to the cavalier attitude of New Orleans' "finest" and the fact that they have refused to return phone calls placed by this publication we have had to work from information we have uncovered through phone calls and personal contacts. We haven't made any headway with the show promoters, Scooter Promoters, L.L.C. either. 

What we do have though is contact with two of the many motorcycle owners who were victimized at the event and their accounts. One thing we have to caution you about is that this is an ongoing situation. One with no end in sight and much of what is revealed here has been "whitewashed" in order to hopefully allow some of the victims to recover their property. 

Our first victim was nationally ranked Top Fuel racer Tracy Kile. Kile was returning from the AHDRA World Finals in Las Vegas to his home in Pennsylvania when he detoured to New Orleans. When asked why Kile said, "I was supposed to meet a potential sponsor for my racing program at the Steel Motorcycle Express show." Naturally the promise of sponsorship drives racers almost as hard as the promise of a good time slip so off he went. Tracy said, "We checked into a reputable hotel with security in what appeared to be a good part of town." However, when he went to get his truck the next morning, not only was the truck and trailer missing, so too was his Screamin' Eagle/Hannum's H-D number one plate holding top fueler. Also in the trailer were the top fuel bike of Don "DJ" Johnson, which is ridden by Drums Brancaccio, and the "Slave No More" '96 S1 Buell race bike of Kevin Neff.

To say that Kile was miffed would be an understatement. Upon returning to the front desk to report the theft the woman in charge called the NO police and had to tell them that an irate man was in he lobby in order for them to show up. When they did arrive the police attempted to arrest Kile for being irate. "If the lady at the desk had told them it was for a theft report they would not have responded," remarked Kile who could see his future in the racing rapidly disappearing on the horizon. "We spent seven years accumulating all we owned and now we cannot afford to replace it," mused Kile. 

Meanwhile in another hotel Dave Perewitz, well-respected designer and fabricator, from Cycle Fab had troubles of his own. "I went to my truck and saw that someone had cut through the cables that attached the bikes together. In fact they used a hacksaw to do it so you know they had to spend some time on the premises," noted Perewitz. "The area my truck was parked in was well lit, the hotel had security and security cameras. However when the security cameras we checked the tape from the timeframe of the theft was blank." 

At first these were thought to be isolated incidents but reports of more and more thefts continued to flood in during the day. The number of vehicles involved and the fact that most were taken from supposedly secured areas made even the most optimistic onlooker skeptical. 

What was particularly grating was the lack of cooperation from the local police. The fact that they have multiple vehicle thefts daily and four murders per day to deal with made this low priority. Well it wasn't low priority to Tracy Kile who had seven years of blood, sweat and tears in that bike or to Dave Perewitz who had sold the recently completed motorcycle the week before and was taking it back to his shop to do some extra work the new owner asked to have done. 

So what were they to do? Wait for the local police to find time or turn into sleuths themselves? What they did was to put feelers out to any and everyone in the area that may be able to help. What they found out was to say the least a surprise. It seems, and this is not completely substantiated, that this was a well planned out event. Undertaken by what was described as heartless, hardened criminals working in conjunction with hotel security and a waiting underground of motorcyclists looking to score a ride for a fraction of the cost of building one. It was reported that motorcycles were being offered for sale for as little as $2,500 cash. Well below the replacement value of some of these fully customized machines. 

At one point the truck and trailer belonging to Kile was recovered intact but the contents of the trailer were nowhere to be found. But again, on their own, the Kile team was able to make contact with the thieves, negotiate a settlement and recover the three race bikes and the starter carts. Everything else that was in the trailer, spare parts, pit bikes, tools, computers, etc. we lost to the marauders. While not happy, Kile was at least buoyed in the fact that he would be able to race next year. "We have a lot of things to replace, and some of what we lost is irreplaceable, but at least I can race. After seven years this would not be how I wanted to end my career." 

Perewitz, on the other hand has not been as lucky. As of this writing the motorcycle has not been recovered. "We were close yesterday," said Dave, "But we still don't have it back. I will tell you one thing though, it will be a cold day in hell before I come back to this show!"

Greg Guarinello

Date: 1st November 2004
Headline: Who needs two days qualifying..........

Gossip:

It seems even the shock exclusion of Chip Ellis on the G Squared entry V Twin was not enough to stop them when they qualified their machine 2nd with a 7.131 @ 182.58 behind the Factory V Twin of Andrew Hines who carded a 7.130 @ 182.21.

However, nobody would have predicted that Ellis would go on to win his first NHRA event after such trials early in the weekend, but he did just that!

Ellis also put one over on one of Bryces earlier proteges when he beat three-time series champion Angelle Savoie in the final with a 7.191 at 179.92 mph to Savoie's 7.255 at 177.49 mph. Savoie tried her best, leaving with a .032- to .059-second headstart, but Bryce's horsepower kicked in at the tope end and Ellis was able to ride around her for the win.

"Things are looking good," Ellis said. "The team gave me a great bike, and I needed it because it seems like I was late all day, but the bike would carry me. The team deserves the credit for this win.

"I've been fast here on a Funny Bike. I think we went 229 mph on this track, so I felt comfortable out there. The big difference with racing in the NHRA is the huge amount of fans and the big-time media coverage. I'm overwhelmed by it all. I've got people pulling me this way and that. It's crazy. I guess I'll just need to keep winning and get used to it.

"I wasn't really that nervous, which kind of surprised me. Just before the final George pulled me aside and said that people usually get nervous in the first round and the last round. He told me just to do what I do and not think about it. I knew my motorcycle was capable and I just blocked everything else out."

On route to the final Ellis beat Chip Hunter, Antron Brown, and Shawn Gann for his first NHRA trophy.

At the same time, Savoie continued to add to her growing CV as this was her 54th career final in 119 races, beating Michael Phillips, Mike Berry, and GT Tonglet on the way.

The POWERade championship has yet to be decided as leader Andrew Hines bowed out in Round 1 but still holds a 117-point advantge over Antron Brown with only 138 points left on the table for Pomona.

Date: 1st November 2004
Headline: Rosey sells up!

Gossip:

Hi chaps, just back from sunny Spain – 6 days, 6 blokes and 5 kids, what fun……

After major thought and regret I have sold the flats, houses, yard and office to a property developer and have decided to scale down my operation.

This decision results in the sale of all but one of my race bikes, but we will continue to support Tim Blakemore and Shaggy for the 2005 season.

This decision has been taken for health reasons, as you may knowme body is not firing on all cylinders, neither’s me brain……… I’ve been told to do something about it or I can’t ride a Top Fuel Bike in 2006, so down to the clearance of me last bike, the Prostocker :-

1570cc Upperton / Beck engine, Trac Chassis, MSD Ignition, Multi stage clutch, RacePak.

The engine has done 30 passes and has just been refreshed by Roger. It has run 7.71 / 170 mph with novice Tony Clark in his first season. It will run 40’s with an experienced jockey.

Runs straight and reliably - that’s why we won the No 1 plate this year thanks to Dave, Roger, Ritchie and some luck.

This bike can be yours for only £12,000 (€17,000) or £10,000 without the RacePak. We would be willing to help run the bike in 2005 if required.

Pictures can be found on Annie’s website.

Part exchange welcome, road bikes / motorhomes w.h.y, credit cards accepted and finance can be arranged.

Please, genuine enquiries only, no one with the name of Iva - Dingle – Satoley need apply.

Well I’m off to Gainesville, be back on November 13th – give me a ring when I’m back on 01784 251941 or 07710 319883.

Thanks,

Paul Rose – Paul Rose Motorsports

Date: 1st November 2004
Headline: UEM PSB weights

Gossip:

Is the track preparation / conditions the same on a Prostar event compared to the NHRA? Hardly! What would happen if a Prostar legal bike would attend on NHRA meeting, do you honestly think that the power advantage would not show?

Is the power output in a 2-valve configuration different compared to the 4-valve, is the possible 315BHP on a 2-valve "stronger" or more "powerful" than the possible 330-335BHP on a 4-valve?

Personally I don't think you can actually blame the rules for being low on BHP, or can you? The rules DO NOT state how you should set up an engine package to get the most out of specific engine capacity/ccm.

Can someone post a fair explanation why a possible power advantage of approximately +20 BHP should be scaled equal?

Anders Larsson

Date: 1st November 2004
Headline: Fred's Pride

Gossip:

Unconfirmed reports of Fred’s return to Blighty have been calculated as coinciding with Mardi Gras (Gay Pride Week) in Brighton. All of the leather clad handlebar moustached slap heads have been pining for the return of that full moon over Brighton, with tales of a `solid performance’ from the one man show. “He certainly got a good piece of Brighton Rock” claimed on young jockey. Well when I left him he seemed done for but after a second wind ‘thirsty marlin style’ it saw him escorted to the Pink Flamingo Club in Kemptown Brightown for a night of Amyl Nitrate and KY. Little wonder that the 8am start turned to 11am and the ill effects showed quite heavily on the big man. “come soon, come again” they cried.... You look out Fred, the English are coming... Lock em up, rest up and well done Cinderella..........

Date: 1st November 2004
Headline: Wayne's World Class

Gossip:

Hello to All and Happy Halloween!

I just got back from land speed racing. Had a good weekend where Scott Guthrie (Guthrie Racing) let me make the one pass needed on my old race bike (that I sold to him two years ago) to clinch the Points championship. The bike also won the points championship last year with me riding it.

I set six new national records on Rich Yancy's (Yancy Racing) Turbocharged Hayabusa, two of them personal bests, 242, 245, two at 246, 248 and 249. I wasn't able to set a new record over 250, but I was officially timed in the second set of timing lights (they average the 1st and 2nd speed traps) at 250.55 miles an hour. That gave me my double "A" license which allows me to drive anything at any speed in any land speed sanctioning body. I helped prep and tune the bike for my teammate Lee Shierts (who is Jockey sized) to set the absolute unlimited world record for open wheel motorcycles at 256.3 miles an hour. Overall, a good weekend and a nice way to end the season.

Best Regards, Wayne

Date: 1st November 2004
Headline: SCR add date

Gossip:

Following discussions we had with SCR promoter Lee Childs regarding our readers disappointment at the dropping of a round at SCR on the provisional calendar, we are very happy to report that he has been able to secure a further date at the Warwickshire venue for the 18th 19th June, providing an opportunity for a six round ACU Championship across the two venues of Santa Pod and Shakespeare County Raceway.

Date: 1st November 2004
Headline: Congrats!

Gossip:

Well done to the boys at Eurodragster in being awarded Svensk Dragracing's `Eagle Award' for their contribution to the sport of European Dragracing.

Date: 31st October 2004
Headline: AHDRA DRAG BIKES STOLEN HELP NEEDED

Gossip:

Racing equipment owned by Tracy Kile, Don “DJ” Johnson and Kevin Neff of “Slave No More” Clothing were stolen as they were being transported from the AHDRA Finals in Las Vegas. The truck and trailer, owned by Kile, was stolen from a hotel parking lot in New Orleans, Lousiana. The trailer contained the Montgomery County Harley-Davidson Top Fuel bike ridden by Kile, DJ’s American Cycle Fueler ridden by Larry “Drums” Brancaccio and the “Slave No More” '96 S1 Buell bike.

The truck and trailer were recovered with the trailer emptied of race bikes and support equipment

If there is any information available please contact Tracy Kyle (267)664-0721, DJ at American Cycle (609)-259-2447 djtopfuel@aol.com Kevin Neff (757)647-2119 kevin@slavenomore.com or Larry Brancaccio at (973)667-8504.

No questions asked

Shawn Kool - Kompetition Ain't No Sissy Racing

Date: 31st October 2004
Headline: Facts or conjecture?

Gossip:

Maybe it's time to point people in the direction of the facts regarding pro-stock performances.

Based on the results from this years Gators and MRE events at Gainesville, the performances of the 1640 4v and 1500 2v motors are now quite similar. The only notable exception being Todd Doege who runs a large 1730 4 valve, so let's discount him. Seeing as how the events are held quite closely together is a good comparison for track and weather conditions, although when looking at the weather reports the NHRA event had worse air than the Prostar event.

Some of the competitors attended both events but returned similar performances, although the same engine package cannot be guaranteed for each event, it would have been a 1500 2v for the Gators. The qualifying ladder in Prostar is an even mix of what appears to be both configurations.

As each series moves off on it's individual tour, it seems harder for the Prostar bikes to improve or maintain their performance, the NHRA bikes on the otherhand only drop off at high altitude or adverse weather/track conditions and manage to remain reasonably consistent throughout. This is perhaps where the notion that the 2 valves are quicker comes from. Maybe the Prostar series suffers from the track prep where the NHRA bikes benefit from running with cars, although Mr. McBride does not seem to suffer at some tracks where the stockers do?

I'm pretty sure that both packages run on the same track on the same day would be extremely close in terms of performance, the mph indicates that. The Prostar bikes have closed the gap on the NHRA bikes which a few years ago did, without a doubt, have a performance advantage.

George Bryce is probably quite correct in his power assumptions that you would need an extra 20-25 hp to do what has been done in certain Prostar races, that is what would be expected with an increase from 1640 to 1730 given that Byron Hines was the perpetrator (allegedly) of said performances.When Fred and Angelle ran together (Fred on his 1640) on the Star bikes, who turned in the better performances? Same tuner, same track, same day. That was some time ago and I believe that difference has now been reduced.

There now, more than ever before, seems little credence in keeping the advantage that the 1500 2 valve package dictates under the current rules. For years this has been unfair, paving the way for the large budget teams to railroad their way across Europe with a performance advantage that is quite disturbing to see, especially when there have been working groups / committees set up within the body itself to help regulate the fairness of the class.

It's amazing, as Paul has stated, that so many opinionated people involved within the class have had so little or no involvement at all in this issue, prepared instead to spend all year whinging and whining rather than directing the future course of the class. It's time to put up or shut up. Make your feelings known in a positive manner or prepare for the onslaught of the 250Kg V-Rod.

Ian King and Lars Anderson sit on the rules committee of the UEM. It's time the riders / owners petitioned these members to sort out this problem in a fair and democratic manner that reflects their wishes based on performance fact, not a series of rules derived from speculative conjecture.

Ian Dales

Date: 31st October 2004
Headline: Misinformed?

Gossip:

Re A Tuner Speaks out.

May he have been misinformed?

Below is a extract from the expected 2005 Prostar rule book (info from Dragbike.com):-

AMA/Prostar announces 2005 Changes - Pro Stock rules originally slated to have engine size reductions will remain at 89mm for 2005 as competition this season was very even with the NHRA Pro Stock bikes.

For more information concerning these and other class rules visit the Prostar website after November 9th at www.amaprostar.com

Chris Hope

Date: 31st October 2004
Headline: Hines should wrap it up

Gossip:

Should 21-year-old Andrew Hines outscore Antron Brown by eight points this weekend, he will add more history to the NHRA annals with his first Pro Stock Bike championship. Much more.

It will be the fourth title overall for the Hines family, tacked onto the three straight bike championships won by Andrew's older brother, Matt, from 1997-99, making them the most successful brother act in NHRA's 53-year lifespan. It will be the first such championship for Harley-Davidson, which entered the NHRA's PSB ranks with a full factory effort only two years ago. And Andrew would become the youngest racer in NHRA history to win a POWERade title.

The Harleys have been winless since the St. Louis race in June, due mainly to the 40-pound weight penalty imposed by the NHRA at that race. Clinching the championship this weekend would go a long way in easing the frustrations the Vance & Hines team has dealt with over their four-month slump.

Bill Stephens

Date: 31st October 2004
Headline: Bryce sits it out

Gossip:

As one of the all-time great Pro Stock Motorcycle team owners and tuners in NHRA history, George Bryce has just about seen it all.

But Friday, a new wrinkle was thrown his way. At the 4th AC Delco Nationals at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Bryce was informed by NHRA officials that his G-Squared Motorsports Buell, co-owned by partner George Smith and piloted by Chip Ellis, would be ineligible to participate in qualifying in either of Friday's two sessions. Why?

Because of a little-known NHRA rule stipulating that any professional team which competes or tests within seven days of a national event at that event's venue is barred from competition until seven days have elapsed. Since Bryce and his team raced at the AHDRA event at The Strip last weekend, they will have to wait until Saturday to make their first qualifying attempts for the AC Delco Nationals.

"We didn't realize exactly how that rule worked," said Bryce. "I thought you couldn't rent the track and do testing prior to a national event. We even sent out a press release last week saying we were going to the AHDRA race to show our NHRA wares to attract potential buyers and by competing, hopefully attract potential sponsors for 2005.

"We were successful on the track and took deposits on several NHRA combinations. But when we got here this weekend, it was a big surprise to me that they weren't going to let us qualify today. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day. We served our time today. We've learned from it. Now, we'll move on."

But Bryce can ill-afford to lose two sessions in the manner in which he did Friday. The NHRA imposed a 40-pound penalty on all Harley-powered motorcycles in June, slowing down the two-wheeled domestic machines which were dominating the numerous Suzukis which have long ruled the PSB category.

Bryce opted to park his Buell for several races until ready to return with a motorcycle better adjusted to the extra weight, and losing two sessions on a rules infraction has decreased the amount of data ordinarily compiled during qualifying.

With two sessions scheduled for Saturday, and a very tough PSB entry list battling for the 16 available slots, Bryce and his G-Squared crew will have to hit their setup early on and hope their day off Friday doesn't prove too costly.

Bill Stephens

Date: 30th October 2004
Headline: PSB WEIGHT BREAKS

Gossip:

My take on this issue is that aftermarket cases only be accepted for the Harley clone v twins. I think that the weight for oem 2 valve fours should stay at 265kg, 270kg for 1500cc 2 valve, 270kg for 1570 4 valve and 275kg for 1650 as they have a 10% displacement advantage. Billet V twins (Harleys?) as NHRA at 280 kg

Ray Debben

Date: 30th October 2004
Headline: UEM PSB - Tuner speaks out

Gossip:

On a different note, re: the annual bickering on Pro-stock weight breaks, it looks to me that not all the riders could take advantage of a lower weight break anyway. As regards engine power outputs, not many riders have the necessary equipment and expertise to properly set up a 340hp four valve. It seems to me the only reason that we should even the playing field is because they are better than we are.

Instead of complaining we ought to raise our game up to their level. With some effort and finance it can be done. Look at Muzzy with their 1425cc 4 valve, they are qualifying the thing, that's a feat in itself. You will say that they have the money to do it, but 1425cc!! We can run 1500cc at the same weights as the 2 valvers. There is absolutely no reason why a 1500cc four valve cannot be made to compete with the 2 valvers with the proper set up. Prostar are addressing the issue with a 1570cc top limit to the 4 valvers to give the 2 valvers a chance. Gast is already running 7.10's with his, in a couple of years they will have to reduce it again as the 2 valve development has about peaked.

Roger Upperton

Date: 30th October 2004
Headline: Oooer missus.............!

Gossip:

Re: Jay braces himself, if the night out at the DOLL HOUSE is anything to go by, I'm sure that the COACH will not figure too strongly in said lady's thoughts....

Rog

Date: 30th October 2004
Headline: Turbo on the move

Gossip:

Please note!!!! From 1st. November 2004 we will be moving our entire operation to our new address! After that date the Baggy's, 308 Carlton Road address will no longer be in use.

This will be more efficient as everything will be under one roof from manufacture to sales and supply.

Thanks, Ian Turboville

TURBOVILLE 
93 VALLEY ROAD 
NOTTINGHAM NG4 1NG UK 

+44(0) 115 955 2963

E-MAIL- sales@turboville.com

visit us at WWW.TURBOVILLE.COM

Date: 30th October 2004
Headline: Mallory Mag service?

Gossip:

Can anyone advise me on a reliable source to service my Mallory sprint magneto in the UK please?

Thank you, Justin - email Jusso@aol.com

Date: 30th October 2004
Headline: GirlRacer Magazine is here!

Gossip:

Featuring Modified Cars, Mainstream Motoring and Motorsport - GirlRacer Magazine takes car culture and lifestyle to new places, new heights.

Girlracer Magazine will be launched in Early 2005.

Date: 30th October 2004
Headline: Unique special for sale

Gossip:

Transformer 3 - Formerly known as 'T2' GSXR1100K powered Street/Drag bike.

Adjustable rake/ride height, big tube frame from CDS tube and structural aluminium castings. Rake is adjusted in moments and is shown at approx half way mark. Mappable electronic fuel injection by RTD and Jenvy dynamics. Many trick parts. Also available with twin headlamp Beckni fairing + GSXR1100L mudguard.

Numerous trophies.

Offers around £4500

01763 838058 / 07901 656164

Date: 29th October 2004
Headline: Amazing?

Gossip:

It never ceases to amaze me, all year we talk about such matters as PSB weight breaks and when you ask for comments only a couple of people speak up! as I see it the general feeling from all the British riders is that there should be a big change in the weights and NO aftermarket cases.

I'm not convinced about the power issues stated by Anders but thats another issue. So come on all you PSB riders even if you don't do Europe vote for the people who do.

Paul Watson

Date: 29th October 2004
Headline: UEM PSB Weights

Gossip:

Fair comparison please, don't compare a 2004 year 2-valver with a 2000 year 4-valver, that's not quite relevant.

A year 2004 1640CC 4-valver from V&H, Ex. Cope-Race Engine and Ward Performance all have between 330BHP and 335 BHP.

Anders Larsson

Date: 28th October 2004
Headline: Dragracers wanted to disprove myth about cornering.....

Gossip:

Santa Pod Raceway's Race Director Darren Prentice is gauging interest in a kart race for charity. The event would take place in January or February of 2005.

"The race would be a three-hour endurance with half an hour to practice and qualify for grid placing", says Darren. "It would consist of teams of five and cost about £250.00 per team. About £60.00 of each team's entry would go into a pot. The team with the most laps on the board at the end of the three-hour race would win a cheque for their chosen charity.

"To make it a little more interesting I will be throwing in a couple of tasks along the way. For example, each team must make a minimum of eight pit stops for driver changes, and the odd fuel stop as well. There will be cash fines for anyone who is blackflagged or anyone who receives a thirty-second stop/go penalty - all fine monies go into the pot.

"The karts are twin-engine pro karts and capable of up to 60 mph. All safety equipment will be provided but feel free to bring your own helmet and firesuit if you wish. The track is 850 metres long and is an MSA national track with a fully-computerised timing system. You can take a look at the course at www.whiltonmill.co.uk

If you would like to register your interest then please drop Darren a line at darren@sprcrd.fsnet.co.uk

Date: 28th October 2004
Headline: Jay braces himself........

Gossip:

We've got just about a week left before the great invasion, and everything is shaping up nicely.

Pretty much the same show this year, we've got Gunster and Frankie C doing the cooking so all you Pit Lane Gossip faithful be sure to come on by and get something to eat and drink.

The Ale House floor show will only be presented Friday and Saturday night so be sure not to miss it. Rumor has it that a pack of Clearwater's finest single ladies are scheduled to attend this gala event so brush up on the English charm boys !!

The Monday night after festivities will again be held at Bricktown here in Clearwater as the liver is an evil thing and must be punished !!

Some of the attendee's are staying down on the beach, Shepard's and the Econo Lodge are the two most often mentioned places I've heard being booked. There's also some cheaper dig's here in town if anybody need's 'em as it is off season so don't pay too much!!

Anybody needing any assistance, can call, email or fax me directly at the shop and I'll try to help.......

This year's featured establishment is the Pro Shop Pub in downtown Clearwater, right on the way to the beach. If you stop in and mention that you are a mate of multi time patron Dave Holland and you're over from England for the race, the first one's on the house! Just be leary of anybody coming up behind you asking if you'd like your stool pushed in........

Breaking News!!! There is an unconfirmed local rumor today that a certain single, English friendly, Clearwater female has been swept off her feet by the Coach and will not be quite the fixture of this year's star studded show as she has boasted all year long, stay tuned to this channel for futher updates on this story.

Jay

Date: 28th October 2004
Headline: Italian view on UEM PSB

Gossip:

Hello to all. I am writing on behalf of all the Italians taking part in the PSB Class in the UEM Championship next year. They have asked me to express their points of view about next year rules.

We all completely agree with what our friend Chris has stated on this discussion forum. The only requested addition would be from Mr Chinarello who has asked to be able to run aftermarket throttle bodies (as already used in AMA Prostar) and to race with the weight corresponding to his engine displacement(1400cc).

For the rest of us we think that it's time that the 4 valves get a chance to have their word in the Championship.

Davide Ricci , Natale Giuliano, Samuele Spiga, Remo Nasci, Luigi Chinarello and VM Drag Racing, Whiterace.

Thanks!

Date: 28th October 2004
Headline: UEM PSB Weights

Gossip:

Re Pro Stock Bike Weights.

In Anders' comments GB3 states that Fred's 1640 made 320bhp and Angelle's 1500-2 valve made 310bhp, today he says the 1500-2 valves make 315bhp. It all seems pretty close to me. So why a weight break at all?

Was Geno's 00 motor a 1640? Maybe a touch larger I think.

Chris Hope

Date: 27th October 2004
Headline: What's the weather forecast for Christmas?

It's coming to that time of year again where we scratch our heads looking for that ideal Christmas present for the serious dragracer.

Well, we're happy to say look no further as we have just received our latest consignment of the impressive Kestrel Weather Stations. The Kestrel® Tracker is the next generation of weather monitoring. Used by the people who rely on the data for their lives - pilots, aerobats, baloonists, mountaineers etc. You can now measure EVERY major environmental condition, easily and accurately, right in the palm of your hand.  The chart mode allows users to recall and graph up to 250 measurements, along with the date and time of storage.  Just leave in your pit bay for the weekend setup to take readings at regular intervals. Even set it up to `wake up' and turn off! When you come to fill in your log, just look at graph view. No longer forget to take readings! Density altitude, Barometric Pressure, Altitude, Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed, Wind Chill, Dew Point, Wet Bulb, and Heat Index... all in one pocket sized instrument.

No more WW2 altimeters that cannot measure the only real measurement that matters - density altitude. Throw away those dinosaur rip off `Drag Race' stations and use the one used by those who depend on accuracy for their life, and for much less money! 

Date: 27th October 2004
Headline: UEM PSB Weights

Gossip:

This is a statement from Star Racing's George Bryce made in November 2003. It's a bit old, but I can assure you that not many 2-valvers have more then 315BHP in the engine dyno as of today. As usual, comments are welcome.

Anders Larsson

"Angelle and I ran 7.04 at Englishtown in 2002...it was our best front half, a 4.48 and our best back half too, 2.56. We only had 306 on the engine dyno. BUT, the air that day was 200 below when she ran the 04! That run is still the NHRA record. Fred ran a 7.05...same track, same bike, same team, same lane, same day.....one year later (2003). We ran 4.49, front, 2.56 back. We had almost 309, at home on the engine dyno. The air was great at Englishtown this year too, but it was trying to rain the whole time. I did not dyno the bike on our dynojet dyno same day...but when I do it is close to 280 rwhp. We make right at 310 now....on the engine dyno...this is with 1500cc with 2 valves (2003). Our 1640, that we used to win the Prostar championship in 2000 had about 320...engine dyno. It should have gone in the sixes....but no air, no track, like we had in Englishtown."

"Geno ran 7.00 in 2000 ft of air!!! If he could run that same run where we ran our 7.04 and our 7.05 (Englishtown)....same time....same air, it could have been a 6.89!!!!!!!! If he goofed up a little, it still would have been a 6.95!!! When Geno ran the 7.00, Fred and I were going lots of 7.15s...with our 310 hp 2v 1500. We were running only 2.59 back half?s....Geno was going 2.51....2.52."

"You guys, this takes, 20 to 25 more hp .....so I think his 1640 4 valve would make 335 to 340 on our engine dyno." //GB3

Date: 27th October 2004
Headline: Roger's Sale of the Century

Gossip:

End of season sale, all parts new unless stated otherwise:-

1 MTC 1640 Suzuki Pro-Stock piston kit £450.
Blank 36mm titanium inlet valves 5.5 stem £48
Blank 30mm titanium exhaust valves 5.5mm stem £48.
Big gear Pro-stock/Pro-mod transmission, 2.41 low gear £1250.
GS1100 lock-up clutch £200.
Falicon 750 primary gear set £200.
Wiseco GSXR/Bandit 1245 kit £300.
Wiseco GSXR/Bandit 1216 kit £300.
Wiseco 1104 cc kit for ZZR1100 £280.
4 cylinder m/cycle nitrous kit £425.
Schnitz 2-dial progressive controller £125.
Nice used 5lb nitrous bottle £85.
Nice used 10lb nitrous bottle £100.
M/T Pro-stock 10" tyre £130.
M/T MCR2 shootout tyre £125.
NOS 02101 Big Shot nitrous system 400hp, £325.
NOS 05101 Super powershot nitrous system, £275.
Nitrous Express universal EFI system, £300.
Big valve GSXR1100 head with cams used, £625.

Call on mobile 07962-013190, or 0113-2390231

Roger Upperton - roger@uppertonrace.fsnet.co.uk

Date: 27th October 2004
Headline: Beachy Head

Gossip:

I just got back from Weston Super Mere beach race where I finished 176th out of 1000 riders - what a race! Now that's over I can get back on with dragracing, cu all soon ?????

Len Paget

Gossip comment :- Congratulations but drop the slicks and get some knobblies on next time Len........

Date: 26th October 2004
Headline: Pro Stock Harley weights.

Gossip:

I agree entirely with Anders' comments. If Pro stock Harleys are to run in Europe then we must abide by the NHRA weight breaks adopted for this type of engine.

The NHRA have more of an insight into the development work ongoing with the billet Harleys and are in a better position to ascertain their potential.

250kg for cast heads and 280kg for billet heads it must be.

They are already allowed to use billet cases and billet heads unlike any other engine configuration.

They can run low 7.0s at 280kg in the USA against the 1640-4 valves running 7.1s at 273kg. What would they run at 250kg?

If things are not changed at the next meeting regarding the weight breaks we have in place (Billet Harleys and 1640-4 valves), the class may be on the verge of becoming a sham.

Chris Hope

Date: 26th October 2004
Headline: Steve Moore shows off his neat Nitro Harley and helps a friend along the way

Gossip:

Steve Moore may ride a Harley that belches nitromethane and may get up to his elbows in grease turning the wrenches on a Top Fuel car for part-time Hooters IHRA Drag Racing competitor Joel Collins, but when he’s home the web is where he likes to hang out. Moore, a veteran rider from Spartanburg, SC., admits the Internet is his place to find out the latest in racing news.

Last year one website caught his eye and he’ll readily admit that he’s become a fan of it. VtwinPlus.com is a Harley-Davidson and custom bike oriented publication published by CompetitionPlus.com. Admittedly VtwinPlus.com is on Moore’s favorite places as is CompetitionPlus.com.

“I’ve spent many hours at Tommy Mauney’s shop and this is how I first found out about VTwinPlus.com,” Moore said. “I’ve read CompetitionPlus.com for years and I knew that if they were going to head into the custom bike market that it was going to be neat. This is going to be a good deal for everyone that likes Harleys. I am very happy to be one of their readers.”

Moore wants to get the word out about the site. He’s worked out a program that will partner his racing endeavors with VtwinPlus.com during his Nitro Harley exhibition at the Bethesda Softworks IHRA World Finals in Rockingham, NC., and possibly beyond.

Moore admittedly has won so many races that it is sometimes difficult to keep track of his number. What he can remember is scoring the 2001 AHDRA World Championship and finishing among the top five point earners for eight consecutive seasons. He’s also credited with being the seventh Nitro Harley ride to exceed 200 miles per hour. Moore finished fourth while racing a tour in Australia.

VtwinPlus.com debuted in December of 2003 as part of the vastly growing CompetitionPlus.com network. Veteran motorcycle journalist Greg Guarinello edits the up and coming publication and is assisted by up and coming photographer Daron Gray.

VtwinPlus.com can be accessed at www.vtwinplus.com

Date: 26th October 2004
Headline: Suzuki GS1100 heavy duty clutch hub for sale

Gossip:

Stock GS1100 basket on 750 ratio straight cut gear with billet backing plate, heavy duty die springs and oversize chrome moly rivets. Rivets welded in place and whole unit balanced. Labor done by Falicon. Used, but in excellent shape - $300.00

The gear alone "racers" for that much, this whole thing would be about $550.00 racer new.....

Date: 25th October 2004
Headline: Straightliners reduce index

Gossip:

Following the Straightliners series successful reduction of the vintage 10.90 and 9.90 indexes to 9.50 and 10.50 a couple of years back, series organiser Trev Duckworth has informed us that they are to move the indexes further for the coming season to accomodate further improvements in performance of standard road going machines. The new indexes will be 9.30 and 10.30, to run alongside their 11.30 and 12.30 index classes.

Date: 25th October 2004
Headline: Reflection of Cast vs Billet heads in Prostock HD configuration.

Gossip:

As the rules state you are allowed to run a Harley with a capacity of 3000cc (i.e. 180Ci) on any kind of engine base, cast, billet etc.

I personally think this is a bit funny when the NHRA are scaling the Harley (billet version) to 615LBS (aprox 280kg) as of today.

What's the general opinion regarding this? Would it not be a fair solution to have the rules set for a cast vs. billet version, same like the aftermarket heads the 2-valves have today ; 250kg if you are running a Cast configuration on a Harley and 280kg if you are running a Billet configuration.

Comments?

Anders Larsson

Date: 24th October 2004
Headline: Pro Mod Flatlanders

Gossip:

I have it on good information that a 6 sec Pro mod bike is headed to the flatlands, the Kings Lynn weightwatchers group have been booked for the riders pre race preparation.

It's strongly rumoured that the bike will race under the handle of the 'Silver Fox' anon!

Nick Pepper

Date: 24th October 2004
Headline: Beck sale!

Gossip:

For sale!

1) Big Gear 5 speed auto box just checked out and magnafluxed ready to run with hd bearings drum and modified fork £850

2) 1 new 4 cyl NOS kit £490

3) 1 new GSXR lock up clutch £190

4) 1 new EFE hd clutch back plate re build kit £95

5) 1 new Falicon 750 ratio crank gear £85

6) 1 new Carbon fiber TL 1000 Pro stock body kit £2400

7) Any tuning part you need call or email + 44 (0) 1948 871 264 or email beck.racing@virgin.net

Date: 24th October 2004
Headline: Got NOS?

Gossip:

For sale 5lb nos bottle £100.

Paul Watson E-mail: paul@dynospeed.co.uk

Date: 22nd October 2004
Headline: Cannon joins the Hokey Cokey crew....

Gossip:

Whilst we are on the subject of bikes for sale, the shock news is that Chris `Cannon' Hannam is willing to sell his fabulous Puma Suzuki Top Fuel bike for the bargain basement price of £35K.

Complete with two Sprintex superchargers, two clutches, two gearboxes, spare bottom end and a myriad of other spares this hardly ridden state of the art machine is a snip.

Grab it before he changes his mind..........

Chris can be contacted by telephone on +44 777 5501371 or submit a Gossip item and we will put you in contact with him.

Date: 22nd October 2004
Headline: For sale!

Gossip:

The Big CC Racing / Rick Stubbins Turbo/Nitrous Katana. Superstreet bike with a genuine 400 to 450bhp on tap. Multi stage boost control, Progressive nitrous control, 1500cc GSX engine freshly rebuilt. T3/4 turbocharger. Able to convert back to street use as an option. This bike is the fastest Top Bike in Straightliners history with a 8.30 1/4 at Elvington & also holds the track record at Jurby IOM. 180mph terminals. Has run fastest so far at the Pod in its first season of 8.2 1/4 mile. The bike has much much more scope to go quicker still. This is the cheapest route to be genuinly competitive in Superstreet or even dominate in Straightliners Top Bike class.

For sale at £7500. Offers are naturally not invited....

Sean Mills E-mail: sales@bigccracing.com

Date: 22nd October 2004
Headline: Maiden Bahrain drag race is set 

Gossip:

The first drag race in Bahrain is set to be flagged off on November 18 at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). The event is being organised and supported by E K Kanoo, the local Toyota distributors, who promote the growth of motor sports in the Kingdom.

The excitement will begin at noon with an auto show. An array of prestigious and exotic cars from across the Gulf will be on display. Some fantastic cash prizes are also on offer for all the participants of the auto show.

Spectators can also take part in the auto show by casting their votes in favour of their favourite looking car in the 'peoples choice' category.

Just before the main event an awards ceremony is scheduled and the winner will drive home with a brand new Toyota xA. Every person entering the BIC with a ticket is automatically entered into the draw.

The evening excitement will start at 7pm and will go on late into the night. The night concludes with an individual drag and will be followed by the main drag race.

Application forms to take part in the drag race or the auto show can be downloaded from www.bahrainicars.com or www.gulfgt.com. Completed forms with a registration fee can be submitted at the Toyota F1 Centre in Manama.

Ticket prices are for the full day event is BD5 for adults and BD3 for children and are available at the Toyota F1 and accessories centre, Toyota Sitra showroom and the BIC ticket outlets at various shopping malls.

The event is sponsored by Batelco, Bapco, Arabian Motors, Al Ayam and Bahrain Tribune and supported by Gulf GT and Bahraini Cars, Khaleej Finance & Investments and exhibitions from Sparco, Kleeman, Sonax, Skoda, Michelin, Nissan, Porsche, Volvo, Antera, BP, Blaupunkt and Kahn. For more information contact the Toyota F1 & Accessories Centre on 17262262, extension 124.

The Gulf Daily News

Date: 21st October 2004
Headline: "Setting the salt on fire"

Gossip:

On October 16th 2004 John Noonan of JE Pistons set the World Land Speed record in the 1,650cc APS-BF (Altered Partial Streamlined Blown Fuel) class during the annual Bonneville World Finals. The Top timed speed reached on his 2001 Suzuki Turbo Charged Hayabusa street bike was an amazing 253.152 miles per hour! This speed was the average speed held for a mile and not just measured over a 132' timing trap like at other land speed venues.

John reached a top speed of 256 mph on the on-board GPS system before the end of the 4th mile when the charge tube blew off.

This fantastic 250+ mph run also earned John his coveted "AA" license, this makes John only the third person in history to achieve this tremendous feat at the big salt dyno in 55 years of Bonneville racing on a sit-down motorcycle.

The average speed was a new World record @ 246.818 miles per hour! This Top speed record is the fastest in any of the motorcycle classes to date other than the fully enclosed Streamliners at the Bonneville salt flats located in Wendover Utah.

All of this was done on OEM street tires, OEM style AIRTECH bodywork, and a stock chassis other than an extended stock swing arm with 4"-7" swing arm extensions from SPENCER CYCLE.COM.

This is John's third year at Land Speed Racing and he already has set over 9 world records in the three yearly SCTA sanctioned racing event's he has entered at Bonneville. ( all records were set at speeds greater than 215 mph ) and 5 records at El Mirage Calif (racing in the dirt) with the fastest record being 232.311 mph.

John also holds the fastest record ever for a NON-streamlined (no bodywork) motorcycle at speeds over 220 mph done at El Mirage in the California desert dry lake bed in October -04 This record is faster than any other open non streamlined bike classes at any of the Land Speed venues Worldwide.

John's crew consists of his girlfriend and crew chief Michelle Derwin.

Sponsors include Hanks Fire Service, Hank, JE Pistons, Carrillo Rods, AIRTECH Bodywork, MDR fabrication, Carpenter CNC Race Heads, Millennium Tech Cylinder Plating, APE RACE parts, WEB CAMS, Worldwide Ceramic Bearings, TTS racing, SATO Racing, Velocity Racing Turbo Systems, SPARKPLUGS.COM, Orient Express, PATRICK RACING, Tiger racing, Cometic Gaskets, AFAM chain and Sprockets, CYCLEMALL.NET, and Motorhead Performance,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fastest Busa Period 256 mph GPS
Worlds Fastest Timed over a mile 253+mph
Fastest Open wheel record at Bonneville 246.818MPH
Fastest record on a naked bike 220.320mph!
Fastest Dirtbike in the world 232.311 mph! El Mirage
AA license holder!

Date: 21st October 2004
Headline: ACU Rules Meeting

Gossip:

Yesterday saw the annual rules meeting for the Drag, Sprint & Hill Climb Committee at ACU House in Rugby.

Although well attended by the Sprinting and Hill climb disciplines, there was a poor turnout from the drag racing fraternity with no track or promoter representatives in attendance and only one club representing their members in the form of APIRA officials Wendy Talbot and Ozzy Ewing. They joined ACU Series co ordinator Ian King in a series of lively discussions regarding the 2005 rulebook.

The APIRA asked if there was any reason why 9.50 and 10.50 indexes could not be adopted in their National Championship. It was explained that there was no reason why this could not be so, but it is a club decision and for agreement between the SPRC and APIRA as to whether it should be run.

The question of the need for a doctor and paramedic team was raised, and the chairman agreed to discuss this with the medical board and insurers.

The rules regarding awarding of bonus points for low et and high ts and the assembly of the qualifying ladders in the event of a race distance being shortened due to adverse weather conditions were clarified and will be in next years handbook, as will the distribution of residual prize monies in the event of early curtailment of a race meeting.

Finally, attendees were reminded that there will be an ACU Clerk of the Course / Stewards seminar on the 21st November and the 5th December. Anyone who wishes to take part in these seminars should contact their club secretary or Rowena Perks at the ACU directly.

Date: 21st October 2004
Headline: Big Jessey TFHD for sale!!!!!

Gossip:

Everything you need to Race a Top Fuel Harley Next Year!!!!! Package Price of $89,500 / OBO Includes:

One Top Fuel Bike that runs in the 6’s at speeds of 210 plus. Has a 175 C.U. PRP Motor, 2-Speed Owens Trans, Updated Race-Pack Computer, Bill Furr Dixie Frame, Raced for two Seasons in the AHDRA, FLAWLESS BIKE and ready to RUN!!!

One Complete Spare Motor: PRP Motor, 12 passes, 175 C.U. One Complete Spare 2-Speed Owens Trans: 22 Passes One Complete Spare Rim and Tire w/Brake Disc & Hub Set-up for rear w/new 14 inch slick Complete Set of Injectors and Complete Set of Cams Equipment to measure Fuel and Percentages 1 Starter Cart Complete

Will consider all offers, you can view some pictures at http://groundpoundersracing.net see bike listed as “Yvonne”. I also have Tune-Up info for various national tracks and will help buyer with any team needs, etc.

Call: 775-782-6391

Email: Santoridevelop@aol.com

Ask for Jessey

Date: 20th October 2004
Headline: Not for Wrongens

Gossip:

For sale - Mercedes 709 ex Snap On van. Tail lift with extension ramp suitable for lifting Funnybike or similar. 240v power points throughout and 240 inverter, lights, racking, workbench etc.

Recently plated with regular maintenance by a fleet commercial company. A trustworthy race van!

£4000.00 ono. "Wrongens" need not apply.

Dave Holland - tel: 07860 839 055 or email : dave@holland6021.freeserve.co.uk

Date: 20th October 2004
Headline: Paging Neil Midgley!

Gossip:

I am trying to reach Neil Midgley.

I live in Washington DC in the US and I have been researching the Midgley family. Can anyone help me reach Neil please or get Neil to contact me.

Many thanks

Peter Midgley - email : pmidgley@earthlink.net

Gossip comment: As long as you are the wealthy side of the family with an interest in dragracing I'm sure Neil will be in contact like a shot.........

Date: 19th October 2004
Headline: Grumpy's year

Gossip:

Well my second season in pro stock bike didn't start too well with a new business to run and no time to get the bike ready and I ended up missing the first 2 meetings. However, I wanted everything right before I came to the track.

We had a 1640 this year but still with the old head so I wasn't sure how it would perform having run a best of 7.63 last year. We went to the Main Event to debut our new paint by MATT HEDGER of AIRSTREAM and we could not have expected such a start to finish 2nd running consistent 7.6s against the likes of Roger Petterson was awesome.

The next event was SCR but although running ok we found a small problem and the engine was out and taken home by DAVE BECK who sorted the problem very quickly.

Summernats came next and we were confident we had found the problem the bike - it went quicker each run and started with my first 1.10 sec 60ft and a new P.B of 7.53, qualifying No.1. Things were going as planned when the meeting was brought to an end early due to high winds - shame.

At the next one at SCR I qualified 2nd to Dave Beck runnning another P.B of 7.45 @ 177 and we were starting to get a handle on it now and won the meeting.

The Eurofinals went ok but had trouble with changing things around for the extra 30lbs of lead I had to put on and the weather wasn't playing ball either.

This only left the NAT finals where we qualified 2nd with a 7.706 to BISH's 7.702 (well done mate) then came the rain.

So in all not too bad for possibly my final year and if we had made the first 2 meets the championship may have been very different but this year was about personal goals which I can say I achieved them all.

There are a few people I have to thank because without these people it would not have been possible, MATT of AIRSTREAM for an AWESOME paintwork, Dave and Charlotte BECK for all their help and hospitality throughout the year, to my crew KEV who worked so hard this year and KIM (Pixie) who has relentlessly worked so hard in making this team successful.

As I look at the points now I think what might have been had I made all the meets and it leaves me wondering if I should still retire or maybe just have a year off? The bike is still up for sale though so anyone interested please contact me at DYNOSPEED DEVELOPMENTS on 0208 500 5770

p.s. get well soon SCARY x

Paul Watson

Gossip comment :- Well done Paul, some great performances this year and all we can say in answer to your question is keep racing!

Date: 19th October 2004

Headline:  

Gossip:

A new and unique company have been launched on the internet recently offering those hard to find parts for mainly 70's and 80's motorcycles. The company was established on a goldmine of parts found on forgotten dusty shelves in fomer motorcycle emporiums and trading over the last 30 years. They will be adding to their site constantly and promise to save you money and solve some of those difficult searches for old parts.

All parts are NEW, some Old, but that's the good part. They have gaskets, V&H exhausts, carbs, filters, pistons, rings, brake lines, sprockets, all for the Big 4 Jap bikes and Harley Davidson at terrific prices.

Click on the logo above or HERE to take a trip into the goldmine!

Date: 19th October 2004
Headline: Last chance!

Gossip:

The ACU Rules meeting is this Wednesday at ACU House in Rugby so get your proposals in asap!

Date: 19th October 2004
Headline: UEM PSB proposals

Gossip:

In addition to the proposal from the ACU PSB riders regarding weight breaks, we have also received a proposal for lifting the restriction to modified OEM parts only for throttle bodies to aftermarket injectors.

Date: 18th October 2004
Headline: Greg answers your Nitro questions.......

Gossip:

By Greg Zyla

Q: Greg, I saw in your paper that nitro now costs $35 a gallon. I thought it was way cheaper. What happened? Also, why does nitromethane produce so much flame out of the exhaust headers at full power? Jimmy K., e-mail from Shamokin.

A: Jimmy, what happened was that I gave a price for a one-gallon container, which runs about $35 delivered. However, top fuel and funny car teams don’t buy one-gallon containers, they buy by the 55-gallon drum. Currently, the professional drag racing teams are paying about $900 for a 55-gallon drum, which comes out to about $16.50 per gallon. These teams buy from a supplier here in the states for use in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) racing. However, over in the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), they are allowed to use nitro that is produced in China and costs as little as about $8 per gallon via the 55-gallon drum. As for the flames, the flame front does not move as quickly in nitromethane as it does in gasoline, meaning that there is not enough time to burn all the nitromethane in the cylinder when the engine is running at high RPM. When the exhaust valve opens, still burning nitromethane actually flows out through the exhaust pipes. That is why funny cars and dragsters “produce lots of flame and fire from their exhaust pipes, making the show even more exciting. Nitro basically is burning when it is emitted from the exhaust valve, and continues to do so resulting in those great, 15-foot flames. Thanks for your question.

Extract from Shamokin News, PA, USA

Date: 17th October 2004
Headline: UEM PSB Rules

Gossip:

I agree with Chris. The weight breaks in UEM PSB are too far apart and it seems stupid to have 1 set of rules for ACU championship and another for FIM/UEM. I have heard the arguments from both sides but you only have to look at the state of the championship so far. It's not a jealousy thing but if I have to stick on 30lbs of lead to race FIM/UEM then its not going to encourage me to race in Europe. Surely it's better to have a larger entry in PSB and closer racing than to have one team constantly setting new records (taking nothing away from the Veidec team they have been awesome).

If this is to continue I think UEM PSB will decline in numbers.

Paul Watson

Date: 16th October 2004
Headline: UEM PSB Rule change proposal

Gossip:

Well it's that time of year again, so I suppose we should go through the ritual of trying to level out the weight breaks for UEM Prostock bike.

With the 1510cc NHRA two valve engines now running 7.01s (Angelle at Maple Grove) and the 1650cc Prostar four valve engines only running mid 7.10s it is now even more difficult to justify the additional weight carried by the 1650cc four valve engines over their 1510cc two valve counterparts.

Bearing in mind that all of the quickest passes in Prostar were made on 1720cc plus machines, and we in the UEM are limited to 1650cc, now must be the right time for the 4 valvers to go on a diet!

Over the last 2/3 years that I have raced in the UEM championship it has become apparent that the 2 valve motors of Roger Petersson and Anders Larsson are far superior to the 4 valve engines of the other competitors, even taking into account that their ability and tuning skills are well in advance of the majority of other teams.

Discussions regarding the use of aftermarket crankcases were carried out during the year, In my opinion this is just another added expense. There are plenty of Suzuki/Kawasaki cases still around. Shaun Branch has proved that aftermarket cases break too. To insert the use of aftermarket cases into the rules merely opens the door for the use of NHRA V Rods etc. An expense that 99.9% cannot afford. The majority of people that I spoke to were against the use of aftermarket cases in Prostock for this very reason.

My proposed weight breaks would be as follows:-

* 2-valve DOHC (OEM cylinder heads) 265 kg max. 1510 cc (Deleted as these are no longer used within the class)

* 4 or 5 valve 265 kg max. 1300 cc (Deleted as engines of this size are no longer used)

* 2 (UEM approved heads) 4 or 5 valve 270 kg max. 1580 cc ( This incorporates the 1510cc 2 valve and 1570cc 4 valve engines under the same weight limits)

* 2, 4 or 5 valve 280 kg max. 1600 cc (Deleted, as no longer required due to the above amendment)

* 2, 4 or 5 valve 275 kg max. 1650 cc (Weight reduced to 275kg)

* 2 cylinder / pushrod 250 kg max. 3000 cc (weight and cc's to match the NHRA rulings)

* 2 cylinder 220 kg max. 1000 cc

* 2-stroke 220 kg/n²o allowed max. 1000 cc

Additional weights for fuel injection and approved aftermarket heads to remain as per last season.

This should at least give us some close racing instead of the usual one horse procession.

Regards, Chris Hope

Gossip comment :- Thanks for the proposal made after discussion and on behalf of the UK PSB riders.

We'd like to hear the comments of other riders, particularly those running 2V engines (or planning to do so).

Date: 15th October 2004
Headline: Not Friendly anymore?

Gossip:

Calling Dave Friend!

Does anyone the contact details for Dave, as the phone number I had to call him now comes up with 'no longer available' and I need to talk to him regarding some ideas we came up with for the bike....(plus pay him for the bits he brought to the track for me!)

Cheers,Shaggy..

e mail: nickdaniels2003@yahoo.co.uk

Date: 15th October 2004
Headline: Motorcyclist ready for ride of a lifetime

Gossip:

To call it a motorcycle doesn't do it justice. It's simply not your average bike. At 11 feet long and harnessing 1,200 to 1,500 horsepower, compared to the 150 horsepower of a street bike, this custom-made motorcycle will reach 100 mph in less than three seconds and is capable of speeds well over 200 mph.

It will compete in quarter-mile drags in the American Motorcycle Association Prostar Top-Fuel category, a wide-open class consisting of the fastest bikes in the nation.

Jones resident John Alwine, 47, is a major player in the creation of this monster bike.

"Oh, she's gonna go," Alwine said. "It's a straight-line, go-fast motorcycle."

He's part of a team that includes racer Geoff Pollard, of London, Ontario; his brother Greg Pollard; and Mike Dryden, of Hannah City, Ill. Alwine's son Chris also has helped with various aspects of the project.

Two years in the making, and representing an investment of more than $100,000, the drag bike, or strip bike, could be unveiled at a Nov. 5 race in Gainesville, Fla.

Recently the bike had been started but not yet ridden. Alwine found a bad bearing in the clutch, which set the first test drive back a week or so.

He said building a bike of this caliber can be tedious and often is full of problems and setbacks.

"One missed loose bolt could kill that driver," Alwine said. "You've got to be thinking like that."

Geoff Pollard, at 5 feet 4 inches tall and 140 pounds, is smaller than the average 6-foot, 220-pound Top Fuel racer. Pollard has never raced a Top Fuel motorcycle before, though he did well with Funny Bikes, one class under Top Fuel bikes.

"Sometimes I question my sanity," Alwine said. "It's hard work, but I love it."

"It's been a lot of work, time, miles and anxiousness," Geoff Pollard said. "But this team is the best assembled, in my opinion. We gel really well."

The team members are aided by their wives and children, who also gather every weekend in Alwine's garage and travel around the country to support the men's racing interest.

While Geoff Pollard is somewhat new to the Top Fuel category, Alwine is no stranger to these speed bikes. He and good friend Tony Lang crafted a similar machine in 1992 and won five consecutive national championships in the 1990s.

Lang and Alwine gained recognition as top contenders in the racing scene and "a lot of bragging rights," Alwine said. When Lang retired from racing in 1999, the men sold their famous motorcycle to a man in Montana, and Alwine thought he was done with the sport.

That was until the day in 2002 when he got a phone call from Dryden, who wanted to build a motorcycle worthy of competing at the national level in the Top Fuel category.

"I knew of John and Tony, and I always liked what they had done," Dryden said. "When John said he'd give me a hand, that was my green light."

Since then, they've spent weekend after weekend in Alwine's garage, crafting a monster machine.

Courtesy of Hometown South

Date: 14th October 2004
Headline: UEM, ACU rule changes

Gossip:

We wish to inform you that the annual UEM and ACU Rules committee meetings are planned over the next couple of weeks.

Please forward your suggestions regarding class and organisational matters for discussion to rules@kingracing.com or by submitting a Gossip item.

Please indicate if you wish to have your proposals openly debated on these pages with your submission.

Date: 14th October 2004
Headline: SCREAMIN’ EAGLE DRAG TEAM ADVANCES TO SEMI-FINALS IN READING

Gossip:

Andrew Hines Stays on Top in Pro Stock Bike Points Race

 – Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines drag racing team riders GT Tonglet and Andrew Hines qualified for the Sunday Pro Stock Bike elimination rounds at the 20th Annual Lucas Oils NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway. Hines advanced to the semi-final round of eliminations and now holds a 131-point lead in season points with two Pro Stock Bike events left on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series schedule. The event at Maple Grove Raceway took place this weekend after being postponed by rain on its original starting date, Sept. 16.

“We made it as far as the semi-final round again today, but the Screamin’ Eagle team has stayed consistent all season and it’s consistency that wins championships,” said Hines. “I’d sure like to take home another win this season, but we leave Maple Grove with the points lead and that’s what matters right now.”

Four rounds of qualifying on Friday and Saturday pared a field of 25 riders down to 16 qualifiers for Sunday eliminations. Hines qualified in third position with a run of 7.089 at 193.57 mph, the fastest speed posted during the event. Tonglet qualified 14th with a 7.179/187.96 run. Antron Brown led all qualifiers with a 7.057/187.57 pass.

The order of qualifying forced Hines and Tonglet to face off in the first round of eliminations. Tonglet was first off the line with a 0.038 reaction time to 0.062 for Hines, but Hines throttled his Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod to a run of 7.168/187.21 to beat Tonglet’s 7.897/127.94.

In round two, Hines (7.140/187.99) defeated Karen Stoffer (7.199/178.61) to advance to the semi-final round for the sixth consecutive event this season. Hines (7.149/191.05) lost to Angelle Savoie (7.053/190.19) in the semi-final. Savoie (7.018/191.29) defeated her U.S. Army teammate, Antron Brown (7.047/184.35), to take the win in the final round.

“The Screamin’ Eagle team won some rounds and kept Andrew out front in points,” said Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso. “We’ve faced some challenges this season but Byron Hines and his crew have stayed steady and we keep getting closer to that championship.”

With two Pro Stock Bike events left on the schedule, Hines leads Brown by 131 points for the season championship. After 13 of 15 rounds, Hines has 1,114 points, followed by Brown with 983 points. With her win at Maple Grove, Savoie moves up to third place with 938 points, followed by Shawn Gann with 871 and Craig Treble with 842 points. Tonglet is sixth with 726 points.

The next Pro Stock Bike event on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series is the 4th Annual AC Delco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, Oct. 28-31, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas.

Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin' Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin' Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.

The Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Bike team is sponsored by Dunlop, Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned, Matco Tools and S100.

Date: 13th October 2004
Headline: Finally……Its Here!!!

Gossip:

NO MORE FITTING OR WIRING HASSLES

NO MORE VIBRATION PROBLEMS

For years the Lectron carb has been one of the best drag racing carbs available, but with the 4 into 1 cable arrangement they are also the hardest to fit a reliable Wide open Throttle Switch…….UNTIL NOW!!!

Easy Fitment: Simply remove the old round cable adaptor and replace with the slimline MPE adaptor WOT activation to suit the popular MPE Data Aqcuisition system WOT 40 Amp switching for Nitrous activation.

WOT .5 Amp power activation to suit such things as Nitrous activation on ignition systems like the Schnitz Pro2 and other popular systems.

The non contact electronic switch isn’t affected by vibrations like a mechanical switch The new Slimline MPE throttle cable adaptor and Adjustable Non-Contact WOT switch solves these problems. Designed as a simple replacement item, the MPE WOT switch solves most problems and can also do away with unreliable relays for nitrous operation as well.

Contact us at sales@mperacingonline.com

Date: 12th October 2004
Headline: Eric and Leslie plan 2005 UEM season

Gossip:

We heard from Eric Muccignato, the new French owner of the ex - Brian Johnson Top Fuel Bike `Imperial Wizard'.

Eric, who resides in the south-west of France currently takes part in the French championship on a 1500 cc ProMod nitrous Suzuki alongside his 16 year old daughter Leslie who also takes part in the championship. Last week she was confirmed as finishing sixth in the 2004 standings.

They both plan to participate in at least one or two races in the 2005 European championship.

Welcome Eric and Leslie!

Date: 12th October 2004
Headline: C'mon girls, write in!

Gossip:

Hi Folks - this is directed to the female racers, but you men-folk could help too. I received an e-mail from a guy stationed at Mt Home Air Force Base in Idaho. His challenge is this: looking to get 100 autograph's from FEMALE RACERS to convince a female co-worker that a lot of women race.

Here is part of his e-mail. I hope you can help - we have the opportunity to convert her to "race fan."

"She says the reason she won't watch motorsports is due to the fact there are limited women racers. She bet me I couldn't get even 100 autographs from women racers. Well, I like a challenge."

It goes on to say that if he wins, she will go the races with him. Let's show 'em what we got, ok?

Write to me and I will give you his address, unless I get permission to print it on the internet.

Thanks to all racers (boys & girls) - this is world-wide, I know there's some hot chicks in the UK as well as all over the US. Thanks in advance.

My e-mail is arliekris@aol.com

Kris Becker

Date: 11th October 2004
Headline: Cannon in chains

Gossip:

UK Top Fuel bike rider Chris Hannam's stated objective to set a new track record at Elvington at the weekend was thwarted after he snapped a chain just off the line on his one and only attempt.

Date: 11th October 2004
Headline: Slow load?

Gossip:

Not really gossip, just a question - has anyone else noticed how slow the gossip page is to load recently? Even with broadband it can take upto 2 minutes.

Ian Yarham

Gossip comment :- Hi Ian, apologies to you and all of our other readers experiencing this problem. It's probably due to the large volume of pictures we have posted recently, and we need to edit the file. Unfortunately I am travelling in China and will not return until next weekend when I will hopefully fix the problem. Thanks for your patience!

Date: 10th October 2004
Headline: ANDRA East Coast Nationals pictorial

For a comprehensive pictorial from ace photo journalist Ivan Sansom click HERE

Date: 9th October 2004
Headline: Grumpy sale

Gossip:

END OF SEASON SALE, DSD PRO STOCK BIKE, 1640 UPPERTON MOTOR, HAS RUN 1.10 60FT, 7.45 @ 177MPH, £15,000

MONZA 1400S CARAVAN, VERY GOOD CONDITION, £469.

2KW GENERATOR £150.

1998 TRANSIT, SEMI HI TOP, LWB, VERY CLEAN, REGULARY SERVICED, £3,650

Paul Watson - e mail : PAUL@DYNOSPEED.CO.UK

Date: 9th October 2004
Headline: Greek dragracing domain dispute

Gossip:

My name is Elias Vathias and for the last four years I was the owner of the www.dragster.gr domain name. I was also the first owner - ever - of this domain name! A few days ago the Greek National Committee of Telecommunications gave this domain name to another owner.

I will lodge an appeal with a higher court, but beside the result of this appeal, I would like to inform you that I move my site to a new domain name www.dragnews.gr.

Our team made great efforts the last four years to promote and help the development of the Greek Drag Racing. We will keep on towards this direction. In our effort to protect our work we also enabled the www.greekdragster.com domain name.

We would be obliged to you if you updated your links to our new domain name, and remove your reference to the www.dragster.gr domain name. If it is possible, we would appreciate if you would also make a small announcement for this issue, so that people could find us and distinguish our site and work from the new domain name owner.

Best Regards, Elias Vathias

www.dragnews.gr

www.greekdragster.com

Date: 9th October 2004
Headline: Wanna build a Top Fuel Harley??

Gossip:

Due to a change in Turbo's race plans for next season he not only has his Blue bike for sale as advertised here a couple of days ago, but also the basis for a new machine. He has the following items for sale at the bargain price of only £5900 :-

Ronny Aasens beadlock back wheel and axle with new 11" MT slick, 114ci billet Schumaker/Furr motor complete with fuel injector and exhausts, Jaz fuel cell, 2 sets of motor plates for Bentec, B&J or jackshaft, beautiful modified Aprilia USD front end with Astralite wheel, disc, caliper etc. and an oversize rear FX style glass mudguard. All anyone has to do is take it all to Jon Webster and he will make a chassis.

Contact Ian through his website at www.turboville.co.uk

Date: 9th October 2004
Headline: Win £1000 at the Flame & Thunder Show

Gossip:

Santa Pod Raceway has added some extra cash to the prize fund for the two bracket classes at the Flame & Thunder Event. With this extra cash the winners of the Bike and Car bracket will go home with £1000 each. To enter the event click visit HERE and download the entry forms.

The Flame & Thunder Show is taking place at Santa Pod Raceway on Saturday November 6th and the line-up will feature among others:

Top Fuel Dragsters
Fuel Altereds
Rocket Bike
Jet Vehicles
Wheelie Car
Stunt Riders and Drivers
Tractor Puller

Spectator tickets start from £8 in advance. To book tickets please call Santa Pod Raceways ticket hotline between 8.30am and 6 pm Tel: 01234 782828.

For more information visit www.santapod.com

Date: 9th October 2004
Headline: Latest update on Bernie Hepworth.

Gossip:

We heard from Bernies friends and family that the operation on Monday was a success.

He now is the proud owner of two 9 inch pieces of flat steel bar bolted to his spine. He has already managed to walk a small amount & is looking forward to many hours of physiotherapy.

It may be a while before he is break dancing again but he will be back.....

Bernie would like to extend his thanks to all of those who sent him good wishes.

Date: 9th October 2004
Headline: How fast?

Gossip:

How Fast are you hoping to go?

Tony Nicosia

Gossip comment :- Hi Tony, we're honoured to have such a legend posting on our site. In answer to your question all Top Fuel Bike riders aspire to running in the 5 second zone and I guess that's our aspiration before we retire.........!!

Date: 8th October 2004
Headline: Bo says it is so!

Gossip:

Swedish Prostock Bike rider Bo Thorselius has sent us pictures of his stunning new 2 stroke dragbike under construction at Dave Klock (Klock's Metalcraft) comapny.

He hopes to have it ready for test runs at Gainesville in the Spring. Looking great Bo!

Date: 8th October 2004
Headline: Bargain Nitro Bike for sale!

Gossip:

Ian Turburville has announced the sale of his Supertwin Top Fuel championship winning bike :-

PICTURES AND FILM HERE  : - www.turboville.co.uk/turbo-7/team.htm

The S&S Sure-Shot is the perfect bike for anyone wanting to move into Top Fuel Harley Davidson drag-racing! The chassis was made in Norway originally and was bought from Ronny Aasen who started his career on it as did Svein Olaf Rolstad. It is a 84 inch mild steel 3 rail chassis, has a Suzuki front end, 11"rear slick on a racing wheel with a new hub, axle and bearings. It has new spockets, brake pads and 630 drag chain from Pingle. The alloy drag bars have ART billet grips and ISR billet cotrols. The transmission is a 2 speed BENTEC with a 3.5" Bentec 'BIG' clutch and pulley, the best in the world. The motor is a 114ci S&S special application Big-Twin, It has S&S racing flywheels with 1.5" weld in pin for the McClure rods, Arias pistons, Rev-Tech heads with new valves, springs and guides, JIMS lifters, blocks, roller rockers and moly pushrods. It has Hyperformance cylinders, and a Kinsler big pump fuel injection system with four nozzles and a Red Shift cam. Ignition is the state of the art Dyna 4000 HDTF nitro which fires four plugs at a time and is very safe.It is very reliable and uses just a third of a gallon of fuel per run and 500cc of oil! To be on the safe side I have only run it on 70% nitro but have settings to run it on 95% which would result in a low seven second pass if you dare!

The asking price is just £12,000 sterling OBO which includes the starter cart and batteries, stands, spare slicks, plugs, belt, etc. and enough information, oil and nitro to get you going. It is a very cheap and easy bike to run and we have not only had lots of fun with it but won the UK championships!! Why sell? Well we have gotten the bug now and are moving up to a more serious bike, 96" chassis with a 142ci motor, a big commitment!

Just e-mail Turbo through his website at on www.turboville.co.uk if you are interested, you won't regret it!

Date: 7th October 2004
Headline: Dutch Daves Starr sign................

Gossip:

The people at the "Pro Shop Pub" would like to wish Dave Holland a very Happy Birthday (the women think he is quite a "Show Stopper").

Let me ask you, "Have you, ever been to a Gay Bar?"

Starr Light

Date: 6th October 2004
Headline: ACU Champions

Gossip:

We are delighted to confirm the final top 3 positions in the 2004 ACU UK Dragbike Championship, the largest competition of it's type outside of the US :-

Top Fuel Bike

1) Steve Woollatt 
2) Steve Carey 
3) Ian King

Funnybike

1) Neil Midgley 
2) Paul Knapp 
3) Dave Bailey

Prostock Bike

1) Tony Clark 
2) Dave Beck 
3) Richard Gipp

Competition Bike

1) TJ O'Brien 
2) Phil Leamon 
3) Vaughan Foster

Superstreet Bike

1) Graham Dance 
2) Steve Venables 
3) Mark Fisher

The full points tables can be found by clicking HERE.

Congratulations to all, and good luck for the 2005 championship!

Date: 6th October 2004
Headline: Turbo Champ!!

Gossip:

Well, what a wash-out the National Finals were! It rained all weekend and we only got one run in and that was a disaster! A plug lead came off on the line, then it got out of shape so I clicked it at 100ft. Still, I got high speed of the meet and the points from that put me well in the lead so I am now officially 'Top Fuel Supertwin' champion of Great Britain and get the number 1 plate for next year!! Thanks everyone for the support and good wishes I received all year and we will keep you informed on the progress of my new bike, Mr.Spokehead, as it progresses. I urgently need a buyer for this seasons bike and the whole turn-key operation is for sale at a very, very, reasonable price. It is the perfect starter bike for anyone wanting to move to nitro Harley. It is easy to run and tune, cheap to maintain and the most fun you'll have with your clothes on all year. E-Mail me at ian.cragg@btconnect.com for details.

 I couldn't do any of this without the help of:- S&S Cycle, JIMS, Red Line Oil, Custom Chrome, Zodiac, Rivera Engineering, Pro-Mod Engineering, Santa Pod Raceway, Milwaukee Sprayer, Aasen Racing, Sprint Dampers, King Racing and Rune Fjeld Motorsports. 

Thanks to Eurodragster for the coverage, the photo's and keeping us all in the loop!

 Ian Turboville STF1
TURBOVILLE 
308 CARLTON HILL 
NOTTINGHAM NG4 1GD UK 
+44(0) 115 940 1140

visit us at WWW.TURBOVILLE.COM

Date: 5th October 2004
Headline: Euro TF at Prostar?

Gossip:

Are any UK or European TF riders planning to make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca (aka Prostar World Finals) with their fine iron steeds?

Jay Upton

Gossip comment :- Hi Jay, unfortunately no Euro Nitro bike riders will be racing at the Prostar finals this year, although I at least plan to attend as a mere spectator!

Date: 5th October 2004
Headline: Memphis Blues Nationals

Gossip:

Congratulations to Top Fuel Bike rider Chris Hand for running a new PB 6.187 @ 208.84 mph, and to ProMod roder Dave Beck for qualifying 5th with a 7.00 and progressing all the way through to the semi finals at last weekends Prostar race at Memphis.

Date: 5th October 2004
Headline: New Nitro Harley World mark

Gossip:

Mike Romine ran an outstanding new Nitro V Twin world best with a 6.260 @ 221.23 during the Harley demo at the NHRA Joliet meeting last weekend.

Date: 5th October 2004
Headline: Chassis Dynamometers

Gossip:

"NOW AVAILABLE"

Chassis dynamometers at realistic prices direct from manufacturer, no distributor mark-up.

www.dynapro.co.uk

Mark Dent     E-mail: sales@dynapro.co.uk

Date: 5th October 2004
Headline: JFR Australian East Coast Nationals Report

Gossip:

After an eventful couple of weeks leading up to the AC Delco East Coast Nationals, the JFR team were out in force led by Chris “Jacko” Jackson on his new Top Fuel Harley that has been named “Pure Pork”.

Pure Pork only arrived at 3.30 pm on Thursday afternoon and required the fitting of a different front wheel to take the required twin disc brakes as well as a general checkover. What we found was that Al Simon (the original owner in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, USA) had built a very well thought out race bike, and Johnny Vickers (Hawaya Racing, Louisiana) had also done a very good job in converting the bike from its original carburetted Nitro setup to the latest injected Nitro setup. Despite a minor electrical problem that the crew soon sorted out, Jacko made one pass during qualifying that netted a nine second time slip. This was good enough to qualify him and Pure Pork seventh in Top Bike. In the first round he was unfortunate enough to meet up with one of the finalists who ran a 6.90 pass while Jacko improved on the bike’s earlier performance with an early shutoff 8.44 at 153.35 mph (246.78 kmh). The potential of this bike has Jacko and all of the team very excited.

Our original Top Fuel Harley “Never Assume” has been over at LA Cycles for a while and they impressed a lot of people with the improvements that they have made. Cow, Craig and the LA Cycles crew put a lot of hours into finetuning the package and were rewarded with ET’s in the 7.7 and 7.8 region with speeds between 185 and 190 mph (298 to 305 kmh) during qualifying. Craig won his first round race with Dennis Grant running 7.96/189.63 mph. Craig was beaten by Brett Stevens in the second round but ran an improving 7.82/186.51 and beat his opponent off the startline.

Mitch Jackson qualified third in Modified Bike with a best pass of 9.85 on “The Handbag” which made him the quickest Harley in the bracket by a large margin. A huge redlight in the first round ended Mitch’s day early.

Simon Rasic showed real consistency during qualifying on the Blue & White bike, running a best of 10.29 placed him third in the field. A broken selector in the gearbox in the first round gave Simon an earlymark.

Steve Taylor qualified 13th in Modified with a new PB (Personal Best) of 11.689 at 112.48 mph (181 kmh). In his first round race against eventual bracket winner Rick Hay, Steve’s perfformance slipped and he was beaten fairly and squarely.

Jake Jackson qualified the J&C Mowers Junior Dragster second with a 9.27 at 70 mph (113 kmh). He won his first round race against Jeremy Paine before breaking out in the second round with a 9.24.

Aimee Rasic drove one of the JFR Junior Dragsters into 13th qualifying position with a 10.94 and had the misfortune of coming up against finalist Sam Panetta in the first round. Even though she lost that race, Aimee was still walking around smiling at the end of the day.

Mick Withers

Date: 4th October 2004
Headline: Get well soon Bernie

Gossip:

We heard the bad news today that U.K Supertwin top fuel motorcycle rider Bernie Hepworth will be out of action for the foreseeable future.

He has suffered a spinal collapse & is paralysed from the waist down. This problem has occurred due to the Multiple Myeloma he was diagnosed with 13 months ago.

He will be undergoing a spinal reconstruction operation on Monday 4th. October at the Leeds General Infirmary, after which it is hoped that he should regain the use of his legs again.

Those of you who know Bernie can expect him back in due course.

Our very best wishes Bernie, and we look forward to seeing you back in moaning condition at the track asap!

Date: 4th October 2004
Headline: MRE Team Race Report

Gossip:

As I sit in the Atlanta A course Crown Room delayed until a (hopefully)1:15 AM takeoff, I figure I better get a race report in before Beck and his professional publicist get their jaded report in to the office..............

The team arrived at Memphis after our promising semi-final outing at Indy with cautious optimism, hoping to put together back to back round winning outings for the very first time since the Upperton 2v motor program came on board. Dave got an early start once again Friday morning, working diligently as always, going over the bike from stem to stern, deeming it ready to test once the delayed arrival of your's truly and crew chief extrodinare Royal "The Suntan Superman" Fears finally arrived at the track. Royal, not quite the frequent flier, mistakenly headed to the Northwest ticket counter early Friday morning rather than the Delta his was scheduled to fly with. Full blame for the miscue must fall on the shoulders of yours truly as all of Mr. Fears written documents had Northwest all over them. No blame whatsoever should be considered for Mr. Fears, who, when contacted by radio at 6:45 AM for his 7:35 AM scheduled departure, the ever cool, calm and collected Mr. Fears expressed no concerns about having less than 50 minutes to departure in today's high security world of air travel even though he had yet to leave his house.

Note to the Editor; News Flash #1 uncovered on the rental car bus in Memphis from elderly African American women bus driver;

`God repaying Bush Brothers for throwing presidential election via Florida vote count debacle by slamming state with multiple hurricanes this year! You heard it hear first folks.........'

Where was I?

Test pass straight as a die, producing an effortless 6.95 to give the team the green light to head down to Beale Street in search of Elvis.

News Flash #2; The only thing bigger than the chocolate filled waist line on bike pilot Beck just got pumped up some more. His ego went off the chart as Prostar's newest racing vixen, the sexy mama Holly Safari, meeting up with the team at the Dragon Breath Saloon for a few too many, commented that she was shocked that Dave was actually the pilot; She thought he was only the crew chief because she's never seen him doing anything else other than slave away on the bike...........

Helmet no longer fitting............

Crown Room closing, they're throwing me out, more too follow soon.......

Big Daddy

News flash #3; Elvis found at 2:30 AM by well endowed, soft spoken, part time crew member, Tennesean Tip Draffen.........

Date: 4th October 2004
Headline: UK Finals rained out

Gossip:

The UK Drag Race Finals at Santa Pod was rained out today whilst still in the qualifying stages.

The track crew did an excellent job in trying to get the track back in dry condition, but the rain was persistent and they had to call it a day.

Despite the end to the weekend, the King Racing Top Fuel Bike team did not come back empty handed after securing third place in the ACU UK Championship by virtue of qualifying number one with an early click off 6.75, and garnering enough points from qualifying number one and taking low ET and high MPH bonus points to leapfrog Italian rider Antonio Ferretti into the final championship medal position. 

Date: 4th October 2004
Headline: Got an injector block??

Gossip:

I'm looking for a second hand Hilborn injector block for a Kawasaki as below :-

If you have one please e-mail me:-

t.geeve1@chello.nl

Cheers, Henk Geeve

Date: 1st October 2004
Headline: Gone racing!

Gossip:

Well, we're off to the UK Finals at Santa Pod. Hope the weather holds out, and good luck to all! We'll be back on Monday.

Date: 1st October 2004
Headline: ACU UK Finals Preview

Gossip:

Santa Pod Raceway in England is the stage for the final round of the ACU (UK) Dragbike Championship this weekend. Although not `to the wire’ for the title in some of the classes, the results of this weekend will prove the decider in many of the top three award positions

Top Fuel Bike

Steve Woollatt and Steve Carey are already firmly confirmed as number one and two respectively. However the third and final medal position is to be fought between UK rider Ian King and up and coming Italian Antonio Ferretti.

Funnybike

Neil Midgley’s record breaking performances have put him into an unassailable position, but 2nd and 3rd positions still open to Paul Knapp, Dave Bailey, Stu Chamberlain and Dave Holland but with the last two sitting it out it seems Knapp and Bailey will go home with a coveted UK Championship medal position.

Competition Bike

`Two Lanes’ TJ O’ Brien leads by a relatively comfortable margin but last years champion Phil Leamon has a chance if TJ has a disastrous weekend. Vaughan Foster also has a slim chance of the title but would have to reset the ET and MPH records whilst winning the event to do so. Second place is, however, within his grasp depending on O’Briens and Leamon’s showing.

Prostock Bike

Tony Clark, Dave Beck, Richard Gipp and Paul Watson all have a shout for the top three positions, but as Beck is unavailable due to the pending Memphis Prostar round they all have a great chance of the title with a consolation medal to the remaining two.

Superstreet Bike

With Graham Dance firmly in the title lead it will take a miracle for Steve Venables to catch him (although mathematically possible). However, Mark Fisher and Richard Stubbins can challenge the might of the Venables Kawasaki so it should make for a great finals weekend.

Good luck to all in contention!

Ian King – ACU Championship co ordinator

Date: 1st October 2004
Headline: AHDRA Pictorial

Gossip:

CLICK HERE

Date: 30th September 2004
Headline: Charley up and running!

Gossip:

We heard the good news from Charley Karling that he is now up and walking about after suffering a broken ankle and some internal bleeding subsequent to his contact with the wall at the Euro Finals.

Date: 30th September 2004
Headline: DRAGSTER.GR  MOVED TO DRAGNEWS.GR

Gossip:

We would like to inform you that our new "home" is www.dragnews.gr

The ownership of our old address, www.dragster.gr is claimed by someone else and until the final settlement of this issue, we invite you to honor us by visiting us to our new address, the new home page of Greek Drag Racing: www.dragnews.gr

Best Regards, Elias Vathias

Date: 30th September 2004
Headline: Swiss Augy.......

Gossip:

“Racing a drag bike is like making love to a beautiful woman. You lavish her with attention yet her behaviour is unpredictable and defies logic. You spend all your money on her and countless hours tending to her every need. Just occasionally you get to don your leather gear and ride her but just when it starts getting really enjoyable it’s all over. Finally you spend hours telling anyone who will listen about those few magical moments.”

Swiss Augy Harrison

Date: 29th September 2004
Headline: Happy Birthday Sandra and Mark!!

Gossip:

It's an expensive time with regards to buying presents in the King Racing camp right now as team members Sandra Pepper and Mark Hawkins both celebrate their birthdays - have a good one both of you!!

Date: 29th September 2004
Headline: Sprinting and moving but not tight!

Gossip:

I would just like to set the record straight that the reason we are not at the finals is that we are moving Cannon Engineering to our brand new purpose built premises. We plan to close thursday afternoon and start the mammoth task of shifting the 26 machines and and tooling etc. I can confirm that it is not the £17.56p for the new sprocket that is worrying me it is the mere exorcising of the demons that we can actually make the said front and rear sprockets currently under production. So you can stop worrying Ian you are safe for another weekend.

Move and sprockets permitting I will be attending the Streetfighter finals at Elvington on the 10th October to see if we can get the stall speed up on the clutch and hopefully try for a 7 second track record pass as this will be the 1st ever outing of a top fueler at the event and should get some good publicity. The concrete track is pretty good and has lots of run off so we should be ok I hope.

So good luck to all at the weekend and if it goes anything like last year then we may see some new records and well done to Midgo for locking up yet another and 3rd on the trot Funnybike title. Is this a 1st has it been won 3 times on the trot before? One for the pundits there!

Well gotta get on as you girls and boys will be getting ready to play some of us have work to do, oh b........ks

Good luck and regards

Cannon

Date: 29th September 2004
Headline: Jaskas new machine

Gossip:

Just arrived home from a little dragracing get together down in southern Sweden where we had Team Jaska Salakari in place to further sort out his all home grown 60-degree DOHC blown nitro motor. All of the design and manufacturing is done in Jaskas shop and the home grown part also includes the chassis work which Jaska seems almost more happy with than with the motor.

In all it's simply an amazing piece of work with attention to detail rivalring any one-off build I've ever seen which includes a few of the most serious US and Euro two-wheel Hot Rods around. Of all the major engine components only crank, rods, pistons are OEM (OK, valves, springs, piston rings & other obvious small piece hardware are shelf products) and even the cams are designed and ground at Jaskas shop. The compressor is based on a Swedish Autorotor/Opcon unit and the transmission is of course :¬) a Swedish Bentec piece. No surprise, Jaska and the whole team are a serious but freewheeling crew with a very open attitude toward the details of the bike and life in general.

This was only the third outing of the bike and at an 1/8-mile track this time. No full run but Jaska pulled off a nice sequence of three consecutive (consecutive!) runs with the 60-footers at 1.12, 1.08 and the last at 1.10 which I think is a very decent and consistent showing considering that it's a brand new one-off personal shop built engine design sitting in a brand new one-off chassis that is very far from shook out. Not sure the nitro mix for the last run but the first ones were at the mid 80s level.

The two last runs threw belts and the first and only "all" working run with a shutoff after 2.4 seconds had Jaska idling across the line at 5.07. The major problems for Team Salakari has been the power output which has made for exploding clutches and belt problems but burnouts and launches are very solid and arrow straight.

My own problem is that I've turned track announcer when at these local events so I can't do any on-track shots but I managed to get in some night shop pit pics. Quality is lacking a bit due to leaving my tripod at home and such...

Them pictures be at harleydrags.com/foto/jaska

There are some interesting movies as well but they are big and as my webservers being in my own non-carrier domain and on a standard MS machine I have to spend a minute or two getting a handle on how to put'em up without choking the whole neighbourhood but will get back on that.

Regards,

PiPPi

Date: 28th September 2004
Headline: All that glitters.............

Gossip:

I have a Lola car chassis in my shop that needs welding.. It's welded with some type of Bronze rod. The weld looks gold and I need to know what it is...??

"HELP!"

Pup - Race Visions

Gossip comment - Hi Jim. It's almost certainly Nickel Bronze weld. This type of joining is, according to experts such as Puma Engineering, a preferred method for welding 531 tubing due to it's similar tensile strength. With this process you can also create a proper fillet thus a stronger joint than conventional Tig welding. Apparently some key WW2 US fighter planes used this method to cojoin the tubes in their framework.

Date: 28th September 2004
Headline: Steve joins Steve on the sidelines

Gossip:

It looks like neither of the UK TFB Steves will make competition at the fortcoming UK Finals. Steve Woollatt is awaiting delivery of a new set of pistons, whilst Steve Carey's blackened crank needs grinding after spinning his big end bearings into toast at the Euro Finals.

Depite being pretty much ready to go, Cannon also plans to sit out the meeting after deciding to save himself £20 by making a new drive sprocket in his workshop rather than buying one from a shop like everyone else............

Previous Gossip