2007 FIA European Finals
Sunday (eliminations)


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20:55

Today's pictures have now been posted; you can view them via the Event Index page. Simon has also posted his last set of pit notes, and Lex Joon has given us another Blog entry which you can access via the Eurodragster.com Home Page.

16:40

Martin Hill preceded the Sportsman finals with a 6.1639/268.24 in the Fireforce 3 Jet FC.

Sportsman final results

Super Pro ET: Spencer Tramm (8.79) 8.7799/151.92 def. Steve Johnson (7.27) 7.3380/167.89 red
Pro ET: Charlie Chivers (10.74) 11.0809/110.08 def. Paul Baynton (11.02) 11.1011/121.21 red
Sportsman ET: Hans Van Der Spek (12.32) 12.7012/103.87 def. Jacob Bailey (13.52) 13.0569/104.90 red
Super Comp: Martin Curbishley 8.9459/153.09 def. Paul Knight 8.9269/154.82
Super Gas: Stuart Doignie 9/.9211/148.99 def. Mike Bentley 9.8908/143.45
Super Street: Bob Lees 10.9586/123.97 def. Chris Kenny 11.0547/118.49
Comp Eliminator: Andy Frost (7.80) 8.0762/180.57 def. John Tebenham (8.26) 10.4898/87.36 red
Junior Dragster: Nick Mugridge (7.98) 8.0420/77.70 def. Anna Stanley (9.19) 9.1944/70.06

16:25

2007 European Champions

FIA Top Fuel Dragster: Urs Erbacher
FIA Top Methanol Dragster: Dave Wilson
FIA Top Methanol Funny Car: Freddy Fagerström
FIA Pro Modified: Micke Gullquist
FIA Pro Stock: Jimmy Ålund

FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike: Ian King
FIM/UEM Supertwin: Lorenz Stäuble
FIM/UEM Pro Stock Bike: Tom Tinndahn

Records set at the FIA European Finals

FIA Top Fuel Dragster: 4.703 seconds, Andy Carter
FIA Pro Modified: 6.110 seconds, Micke Lindahl
FIA Pro Stock: 6.781 seconds, Eero Knihtilä
FIA Pro Stock: 203.59 mph, Michael Malmgren

UK Fuel Funny Car: 5.139 seconds, John Spuffard
UK Fuel Funny Car: 278.42 mph, Leif Helander
MSA Pro Modified: 6.110 seconds, Micke Lindahl
MSA Pro Modified: 228.49 mph, Andy Robinson

16:15

Fuel Funny Car session 5 (left lane first):

Leif Helander 5.4661/256.87 def. John Spuffard 5.9500/173.85 DQ crossed centre line

Spuff away first 0.1259 to 0.3159, had the better sixty foot time 0.9470 to 0.9803, then the Showtime FC started to drift left, 3.6891/219.52 at half track for Leif to Spuff's 3.5881/173.85. Spuff's tyre tracks stopped at about 600 feet as he went closer and closer to the centre line, and then he took out the finish line timing reflectors and went into the left lane behind Leif. Word has it that Leif's retiring, if so then we hope that it doesn't mean that we don't see him at the track again - the place wouldn't be the same without him.

16:10

FIA NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified final:

Patrick Wikström 6.3862/222.73 def. Micke Gullquist 7.0708/144.69

Patrik's driver side window read Tommy Leindahl - Patrick and team had to cannibalise Tommy's driver side window after the incumbent blew off in the semi final against Mats Eriksson. Anders Envall tells us that the team made the call with two minutes to spare. Micke was away first 0.0902 to 0.1019, had the better sixty foot time 1.0138 to 1.0589, had the better half track 4.1218/162.98 to 4.1730 then there was a cloud of smoke from Micke's Chevy and that was all Patrick needed to get past and take the win by 0.6729.

16:00

FIA Top Fuel Dragster final:

Urs Erbacher 4.8171/291.90 def. Stig Neergaard 4.8797/308.52

Urs had to win to take the title and he took the title in some style. Urs away first 0.1548 to 0.2161, 0.8872 to sixty feet for Urs to Stig's 0.9060, 3.2602/255.57 for Urs at half track to Stig's 3.3199/252.45, smoke from both cars towards the finish line and a clean-up in Urs' lane. Stig's first four and 300 mph and Urs' title by 0.1239 seconds and two points! Congratulations Urs and congratulations Stig!

15:55

FIA Top Methanol Funny Car final:

Dan Larsen 5.9290/245.85 def. Ulf Leaders 7.0757/147.10

A huge burnout by Dan, rolling most of the way to the finish line. Ulf away first 0.0881 to 0.1001, Ulf tried to drive through shake from thirty feet to about 250 feet, the IronCAD car turned hard right then left, Ulf gave it a good go before he backed off, Dan with a 0.9838 sixty foot and 3.9120/189.70 eighth took the win by 1.1347.

FIA Top Methanol Dragster final:

Dave Wilson 5.4921/257.22 def. Rob Turner 5.4850/254.41

Grumpy won this on a holeshot 0.1459 to 0.1960, all of Rob's incrementals were better but Grumpy had too big a lead off the start line and took the win by 0.0430.

FIA Pro Stock final:

Jimmy Ålund 6.8679/199.94 def. Eero Knihtilä 6.8412/201.70

Jimmy won the race and the 2007 FIA European Championship on a 0.0530 to 0.1369 holeshot. 0.9978 to sixty feet for Jimmy to Eero's 1.0050, Jimmy to half track at 4.4039/158.46 to Eero's 4.3919/159.60, and the win by 0.0572. Congratulations Jimmy!

15:45

Roger Goring preceded the Pro finals with a 6.1521/252.77 in the Firestorm Jet FC.

FIM/UEM Pro Stock Bike final:

Tom Tinndahn 7.1979/175.16 def. Martin Bishop 7.6042/172.40

Tom was ahead at every incremental point from RT of 0.0109 to 0.0587, through sixty feet 1.0911 to 1.1961, and half track 4.5539 to 4.8193 and took the stripe by 0.4541.

FIM/UEM Supertwin final:

Lorenz Stäuble 6.6061/208.12 def. Günther Sohn 7.8880/121.63

Lo away first 0.0850 to 0.0979, both racers straight down the middle of their lanes until Günther shut off at about 500 feet, Lo took the win by 1.2948.

FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike final:

Ian King 6.4449/191.46 def. Luigi Ferretti 6.6151/198.39

The Championship rode on the result of this race and it's Ian's Championship. Visible holeshot 0.1431 to 0.3048 and staying ahead all the way to take the win and the 2007 title by 0.3319 seconds.

15:20

Comp Eliminator eliminations round 2 winners: Andy Frost (7.80) 7.8080/183.57 bye (Dennis Habermann no show), John Tebenham (8.26) 7.8369/170.58 bye

Next up for a test pass was Krister Johansson in his injected-nitro Top Methanol Dragster. 1.0959 to sixty feet then off the throttle at about 150 feet, 9.2171/93.35.

15:05

Junior Dragster eliminations round 4 winners: Anna Stanley (9.21) 9.1971/70.00 bye, Nick Mugridge (7.97) 8.0091/80.93

Super Comp eliminations round 4 winners: Martin Curbishley 8.9410/153.49, Paul Knight 8.9442/148.99 bye

Sportsman ET eliminations round 4 winners: Jacob Bailey (13.00) 13.4253.95.53 bye, Hans Van Der Spek (12.32) 12.3751/104.12

Andy Carter followed Sportsman ET with a 7.1250/110.00 test pass in the Lucas Oil / Landmeco Top Fuel Dragster. 0.8300 to sixty feet, which is the second quickest Top Fuel sixty foot time I can remember seeing here at Santa Pod, and then off the throttle at 330 feet (2.2018).

Trackside conditions are 21.3 C, 54% humidity and 1012 mb of air, track temoerature is 29.0 C.

14:45

Super Gas eliminations round 4 winners: Stuart Doignie 9.9142/148.96, Mike Bentley 9.8729/144.28 bye

Super Street eliminations round 3 winners: Chris Kenny 10.8768/120.37, Bob Lees 10.8699/125.31

14:30

Super Comp eliminations round 3 winners: Jon Morton 8.8329/150.53 bye, Paul Knight 8.9668/148.98, Martin Curbishley 8.9430/153.49

Pro ET eliminations round 4 winners: Paul Baynton (11.02) 11.0382/121.20, Charlie Chivers (10.74) 10.7689/125.00

Super Pro ET eliminations round 4 winners: Spencer Tramm (8.80) 8.7863/151.39, Steve Johnson (7.30) 7.3600/159.46

Trackside conditions are 22.4 C, 52% humidity and 1013 mb of air, track temperature is 33.1 C.

14:20

Martin Hill followed up Pro Mod with a 6.1291/269.25 in the Fireforce 3 Jet FC.

Sportsman ET eliminations round 3 winners: Paul Herbert (13.30) 13.4819/94.96 bye (Lee Huxley no show), Jacob Bailey (13.10) 13.1121/103.61, Hans Van Der Spek (12.32) 12.3636/108.70

Comp Eliminator eliminations round 1 winners: John Tebenham (8.26) 7.8321/170.98, Andy Frost (7.80) 8.2629/182.21, Dennis Habermann (7.90) 7.8480/166.21

Junior Dragster eliminations round 3 winners: Anna Stanley (9.14) 9.2181/70.08, Nick Mugridge (7.90) 7.9841/80.77 bye, Rosie Hunt (10.86) 10.9578/57.18

14:05

FIA NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified eliminations round 3:

Micke Gullquist 6.1871/225.83 bye, Andy Robinson broke

The Championship came down to this semi final, and what a terrible way for Andy to lose the title as the Stude broke on the way back from the burnout. Micke took the bye: 1.0269 to sixty feet, 4.0338/182.25 at half track and your 2007 FIA European Pro Modified Champion. Congratulations Micke! Roger at track reported no clutch for Gus.

Patrick Wikström 6.5738/216.51 def. Micke Lindahl 6.7220/218.38

Micke away first 0.1039 to 0.1460 but then hit shake and had to pedal although his sixty foot was still 1.0891 to Patrick's 1.0542. The Camaro made a move to the right and Patrick got ahead whilst Micke was straightening things out. 4.2641/164.73 at half track for Patrick to Micke's 4.5150/174.42, the twins' Camaro was visibly catching up in the second half but Patrick took the win by 0.1061.

Trackside conditions are 22.5 C, 56% humidity and 1013 mb of air, track temperature is 33.8 C.

Simon has just posted his latest set of pit notes.

13:55

FIM/UEM Pro Stock Bike eliminations round 2:

Tom Tinndahn 7.1760/182.37 bye, Örjan Gustavsson no show

1.0832 to sixty feet, 4.5349/152.09 to half track and the 2007 Champion is into the final.

Martin Bishop 7.5840/172.55 def. Anders Abrahamsson broke

Anders' engine stopped off the line. 1.1850 to sixty feet for Martin, 4.8031/145.69 at half track and into the final against the new Champion.

13:52

FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike eliminations round 2:

Luigi Ferretti 10.6700/100.22 bye, Eric Teboul no show

Luigi idled down the track to save parts for the final. If Ian wins the next race then the Championship goes to the final round, if not then Luigi is Champion.

Ian King 6.6148/177.12 def. Neil Midgley 6.8191/192.99

Neil chose a good time to lay down a stormer but it wasn't enough, Ian took the stripe by 0.1642 and it's the final round for the Championship.

13:50

FIM/UEM Supertwin eliminations round 2:

Günther Sohn 6.5481/207.31 def. Hans Olav Olstad 6.7310/209.12

Günther away first 0.1209 to 0.2171, the bike was banged up on the wheelie bars for the majority of the run, 4.2651/175.78 at half track to Hans Olav's 4.4608/174.52, Günther taking the win by 0.2791.

Lorenz Stäuble 6.6590/211.97 def. Roel Koedam 6.6570/207.40

A superb race, Lorenz ahead all the way, 1.1320 at sixty feet to Roel's 1.1420, 4.3293 at half track to Roel's 4.3839. Lorenz' engine started to smoke at about 1100 feet and he got quite close to the guardrail in the shutdown area.

13:40

FIA Top Methanol Dragster eliminations round 2:

Dave Wilson 5.5258/243.36 def. Timo Habermann 5.8020/244.94 red light

Timo handed this race and his fifth consecutive FIA European Championship to Dave with a -0.0022 red light. 0.9831 to sixty feet for Grumpy, 3.6209/209.17 at half track and the number one plate again next year. Well done to Grumpy and all the Silverline team.

Rob Turner 5.4881/254.25 def. Peter Schöfer 5.6122/254.38 red light

Peter gifted this one to Rob by a huge -0.1732 cherry. The car looked to roll the beams very slightly when Peter went up on the revs and then off it went down the track. 0.8980 to sixty feet for Rob, 3.5761/206.59 to half track and lane choice against Grumpy in the final.

13:35

FIA Top Methanol Funny Car eliminations round 2:

Ulf Leanders 5.9659/241.85 def. Leif Andréasson 6.0388/233.39

This race won Freddy Fagerström the 2007 Championship, congratulations Freddy! Ulf away first 0.0620 to 0.1150, a much better sixty foot time 0.9709 to 1.0029, a brief pedal for shake, Leif looked to have a cylinder out on the left side but his half track time was not much worse than Ulf's at 3.9630 to Ulf's 3.9338, both cars looked to be going away at that point. Ulf took the stripe by 0.1259.

Dan Larsen 5.8198/246.17 def. Freddy Fagerström 5.8291/249.69

Freddy's first race as Champion and he...er...comes second. This race was all Dan, 0.1391 reaction to Freddy's 0.2029, Dan had the better sixty foot time 0.9749 to 0.9789, Dan to half track at 3.8269/194.89 to Freddy's 3.8600/198.24 and first to the last beam by 0.0731.

13:30

FIA Pro Stock eliminations round 2:

Eero Knihtilä 6.7812/202.57 def. Jonas Dantanus 6.9218/194.89

Jonas away first 0.0840 to 0.1349 but then it was all Eero. 0.9971 sixty foot to 1.0348, 4.3523/160.68 to half track to 4.4449/158.46, Eero first at the stripe by 0.0917 and another European ET record backed up by this morning's run, well done Eero!

Jimmy Ålund 6.8690/199.95 def. Michael Malmgren 6.8180/202.65

Jimmy takes another step towards the 2007 Championship race on a holeshot: 0.0309 to 0.0999, a much better sixty foot time 1.0031 to Michael's 1.0202, Michael had the better half-track 4.3859/160.23 to 4.4059/158.60 and Jimmy first by 0.0180.

Eero v Jimmy in the final, if Jimmy wins then he is Champion plain and simple. If Eero wins then unless Jimmy sets Low ET Eero is Champion.

13:20

FIA Top Fuel Dragster eliminations round 2:

Stig Neergaard 13.2659/61.12 bye, Tommi Haapanen did not start

Interesting bit of gesturing between Stig and a crewman as he started the car, the crew guy held up one finger, Stig raised a questioning finger by way of reply and then waved his hands - he would have shrugged his shoulders had he not been strapped in. All then became clear as Tommi's car stayed in front of the Barn, the car never started. Stig didn't do a burnout but did a sixty foot squirt of 1.0731 seconds. Björn Sundqvist tells us that Tommi's starter motor failed.

Urs Erbacher 5.6459/233.26 def. Thomas Nataas 5.9230/163.61

Very close at the start line, 0.1630 to 0.1669 in Urs' favour, 0.8900 to sixty feet for Urs to Thomas' 0.9100, going great guns to 300 feet when it was synchronised tyre smoke. Both drivers tried pedalling, Urs' dragster turned right, Thomas' blower belt came off and there was a huge ball of flame, Urs stood back on the throttle and shot past Thomas, taking the stripe by 0.2810.

It's Urs v Stig in the final, if Urs wins then he is Champion by two points or else Lex is Champion.

13:00

Fuel Funny Car session 4 (left lane first):

John Spuffard 5.1680/274.06 bye

A very nice pass, blackstriping the length of the lane, 0.9459 to sixty feet, 3.5279/237.01 to half track and backing up yesterday's 5.139 for a new UK Fuel FC ET record, this speed is backed up by yesterday's 284 mph blast for a new UK speed record, well done to Bob, Spuff and the team.

Leif Helander 5.5948/278.42 def. Gary Page 5.8729/191.52

Shortly after Gary's FC left the line cylinders went out on the right side, it eventually cleared but Leif was way out in front. Leif got to half track at 3.7349/219.52 to Gary's 3.7741/223.90, The Pennzoil FC was all over its lane and Gary was pedalling in the second half, Leif went straight down the middle of his lane and set a new UK Fuel FC speed record backed up by yesterday's pass, well done Leif! Oil was found in Gary's lane.

12:40

Super Gas eliminations round 3 winners: Mike Bentley 9.9094/143.68, Stuart Morrice 9.9628/137.15, Stuart Doignie 9.9561/148.37 bye

Super Street eliminations round 2 winners: Chris Kenny 10.9649/118.37 bye, Bob Lees 11.0430/115.69, Nick Griffin 10.8988/108.18, Neil Grant 11.0659/129.00

12:35

Pro ET eliminations round 3 winners: Paul Baynton (11.02) 11.1098/117.79, Neil Hunter (10.00) 10.1130/134.77, Charlie Chivers (10.72) 10.8522/121.87, Brian Huxley (10.55) 10.5900/120.66

Super Pro ET eliminations round 3 winners: Ashley Bell (8.66) 8.7812/137.69, Spencer Tramm (8.77) 8.7949/148.63, Steve Johnson (7.30) 7.3048/180.19, Barry Giles (7.60) 7.6801/173.02 bye

12:10

FIA NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified eliminations round 2:

Patrick Wikström 6.3387/223.86 def. Mats Eriksson 6.3553/222.57

Another superb race, Patrick away first 0.0471 to 0.0928, Mats had the better sixty foot 1.0360 to 1.0617, very close on the half track times with Patrick's 4.1458/178.01 to Mats' 4.1474/176.22 and Patrick there first by 0.0623.

Andy Robinson 6.2384/220.45 def. Norbert Kuno 10.1600/111.15

Another crucial Championship race. Andy moved first 0.0587 to 0.0730, first to sixty feet at 1.0241 to Norbert's 1.0527, Norbert hot shake at the Tree, the Avenger made a move to the right and Norbert shut off as Andy disappeared into the distance.

Micke Lindahl 6.1211/222.57 def. Bruno Bader 7.2269/213.23

Bruno hit shake off the line and it was all over for him. Micke hit some shake off the line but stayed with it, another three-second eighth mile at 3.9900/184.49 and backing up yesterday's 6.110 for a new ET record, well done Micke!

Micke Gullquist 6.2331/225.02 def. Robert Joosten 7.5048/213.24

Micke strapped a 0.0889 to 0.1122 holeshot on Robert, Micke to sixty feet in 1.0169 to 1.1508, Robert hit shake and eventually had to back off as the 'Vette headed for the centre line.

Andy Robinson v Micke Gullquist in the next round, that will be the Championship decider.

Roger Goring followed Pro Mod with a 6.1404/256.71 in the Firestorm Jet FC. Today is Roger's birthday, Happy Birthday Roger!

Trackside conditions are 19.8 C, 70% humidity and 1013 mb of air. Track temperature (at least before Roger ran) 24.1 C.

12:00

FIM/UEM Pro Stock Bike eliminations round 1:

Tom Tinndahn 7.2211/182.18 def. Fredrik Fredlund 7.5991/169.76

Fredrik away first 0.0529 to 0.1358 but from then on it was all Tom, 1.0901 to sixty feet and 4.5760/151.64 to half track and taking the stripe by 0.2951.

Örjan Gustavsson 7.6901/156.29 def. Anders Larsson 9.0111/96.35

A big start line advantage for Anders 0.0160 to 0.1038, very close sixty foot times 1.1483 for Anders to 1.1451 for Örjan, Anders' engine expired in a cloud of smoke at half track and &OUml;rjan took the win by 1.2340.

Anders Abrahamsson 7.2959/181.26 def. Len Paget 7.6978/173.25

Len got away first 0.0410 to 0.0870, Anders was catching him up by 330 feet 3.0249 to 3.1988 and pulled away all the way down to take the win by 0.3559.

Martin Bishop 7.6562/172.32 def. Anders Jakobsson 7.4863/175.11

Martin on his third engine of the weekend. A massive holeshot for Martin 0.0818 to 0.5288 and it was a holeshot win, all of Anders' incrementals better but not enough to catch up, and there was 0.2771 in it at the stripe.

Winning the next round will win Tom Tinndahn the Championship.

11:50

FIM/UEM Top Fuel Bike eliminations round 1:

Eric Teboul 7.1372/179.91 def. Steve French 7.3570/177.92

A daylight holeshot for Steve, 0.1221 to Eric's 0.3029, Eric's bike had a cylinder out and sounded to be labouring, 4.5721/160.67 at half track to Steve's 4.6929/151.90, some smoke from Eric's engine and then a ball of flame. Eric got there first but faces a big job to make the next round.

Luigi Ferretti 6.5440/206.50 def. Rikard Gustavsson 6.5993/206.19

Rikard lost fire twice before his burnout, Luigi waited patiently whilst Rikard came back from his burnout in record time. A tremendous race then, Rikard away first 0.2418 to 0.2429, 1.0523 to sixty feet to Rikard's 1.1282, 4.2480/175.78 at half track for Luigi to Rikard's 4.2862/173.69 and Luigi took the stripe by 0.0542. Personal Bests for both, well done guys! I think that's the best drag bike race I've ever seen.

Neil Midgley 8.7050/162.47 def. Steve Woollatt 8.7571/127.56

This was the bike equivalent of a pedalfest. Neil visibly away first 0.1448 to Steve's 0.1978, both then had problems and were on and off the throttle, Steve stabbed his throttle towards the top end, I am guessing to try to keep ahead of Midgo without hurting anything, but Midgo passed him and took the stripe by 0.1051.

Ian King 7.6271/122.33 def. Steve Carey 9.0869/87.54

Ian away first 0.1479 to 0.3540, the better sixty foot time 1.0942 to 1.1379, Steve's bike started to fishtail and aim for the guardrail and he shut off. Ian then hit problems and shut off and it was a momentum race to the strip which Ian took by 1.6659.

11:30

FIM/UEM Supertwin eliminations round 1:

Günther Sohn 6.6029/198.26 def. Ian Turburville 7.8622/160.71

A big holeshot for Turbo 0.1768 to Günther's 0.2821 but Günther was making up the lost ground by sixty feet, 4.2998/175.75 at half track to Turbo's 5.0743/170.91, Turbo shut off at about 1000 feet and Günther went through.

Hans Olav Olstad 6.6778/238.03 bye, Petri Kalttonen no show

A storming run for Hans Olav, 1.1738 to sixty feet and 4.4489/176.46 to half track, a huge terminal speed but one suspects that that was a front wheel put down in the traps.

Lorenz Stäuble 6.6278/207.74 def. Joachim Riemer 10.0060/79.93 red light

A -0.0891 red light for Joachim handed Lorenz the 2007 Championship, congratulations Lo! 1.1421 to sixty feet for Lo, 4.3540 to half track and just missing the reflectors on the finish line, crossing lanes after the stripe as Lo's bike was intent on going right.

Roel Koedam 6.6730/208.51 def. Per Bengtsson 6.9559/202.69

Some consternation around the front of Roel's bike before staging but all OK in the end. Roel away first with a storming 0.0959 to 0.2210 and everything went his way on this run, 1.1370 to sixty feet to Per's 1.2351, 4.3690/173.12 at half track to Per's 4.5930/167.35, taking the stripe by 0.4080.

11:20

FIA Top Methanol Dragster eliminations round 1:

Dave Wilson 5.4590/258.76 bye

Grumpy got the bye for his #1 spot. 0.9351 to sixty feet, 3.5729/209.49 at half track, a nice straight pass which should guarantee lane choice next round.

Timo Habermann 5.7439/245.84 def. Paul Ingar Udtian 7.3772/107.66

0.0618 reaction for Paul to Timo's 0.1010, the much better sixty foot time 0.9353 to 1.0001, the Islanders dragster started to move for the centre line then there was a bang at about 400 feet and that was the end of Paul's race. Timo at half track in 3.7539/198.33 and first to the stripe by 1.5941.

Rob Turner 5.4860/255.55 def. Krister Johansson 6.3921/234.28

A big holeshot for Krister 0.0699 to 0.2450 but then it was all Rob, 0.9210 sixty foot time to Krister's 1.2079, 3.5781/206.35 at half track to Krister's struggling 4.3871/189.71, Rob first to the finish by 0.7310 and a new PB ET, well done Rob!

Peter Schöfer 5.6211/253.12 def. Derek Flynn 9.5680/75.90

Derek's last chance at a five this weekend and your reporter had a stake in this one as he will be growing a ponytail if Derek doesn't make it. A wait before staging as a puddle was found on the track but the track crew did the usual lightning job. Derek threw it away with a -0.3992 red light and it also sounded as if the blower panel went. 0.9480 to sixty feet for Peter, 3.6938/201.93 at half track.

11:05

Simon has just posted the first of today's pit notes.

10:55

FIA Top Methanol Funny Car eliminations round 1:

Ulf Leanders 6.0630/233.02 def. Jarmo Kuutniemi 11.8427/75.64

Ulf got away first 0.1120 to 0.3231, Jarmo's car hesitated off the line and his race was over. Good thing too for Ulf, as his car had cylinders out on the left side all the way down, 0.9868 to sixty feet and 3.9671/185.66 to half track, 5.9908 win margin.

Freddy Fagerstrom 5.9021/248.72 def. Danny Bellio 11.3022/80.60 red light

Danny outdid Freddy with his burnout, rolling past half track. Danny rolled the beams for a -0.28181 red light, 1.0199 to sixty feet for Freddy and 3.9220/195.71 at half track, a little move to the right at about 250 feet but nothing to worry about.

Dan Larsen 5.9972/236.74 def. Kjell Sjöblöm 6.0390/223.26

Dan the first to leave by a country mile 0.0849 to 0.2339, driving through shake just after sixty feet 0.901 to Kjell's 0.9752, Kjell's FC was bouncing and smoking but he stayed with it, Dan went straight down the middle of his lane and took a daylight win.

Leif Andréasson 5.9411/197.20 bye, Steph Milam no show

Steph suffered engine damage on yesterday's field trip. A great-looking pass to start with, 0.9500 to sixty feet and 3.7709/195.72 at half track, then at about 1000 feet the blower burst panel let go and the relief panel flew into the air.

Trackside conditions are 19.9 C, 71% humidity and 1013 mb of air, track temperature is 24.3 C.

10:45

FIA Pro Stock eliminations round 1:

Jonas Dantanus 6.8780/200.20 def. Magnus Hansson 6.9081/199.05

Magnus got away first 0.0800 to Jonas' 0.0830, Jonas had the slightly better sixty foot time 1.0110 to 1.0111, Magnus' car started to drift to the left but he stayed with it, Jonas' just had more and got there first by 0.0271.

Jimmy Ålund 6.8321/200.07 def. Micke Callin 7.0288/199.26

Jimmy really stamped his authority on this one, 0.0699 reaction to Micke's 0.1050, 0.9902 sixty foot time to 1.0648, 4.3769/159.07 at half track to Micke's 4.5479/156.87 and taking the stripe by 0.2318. There is more to come too since Jimmy took the long way round, moving to the left of his lane and then back again.

Michael Malmgren 6.8071/202.47 def. Kenneth Söderström 7.2479/167.84

Kenneth got away first 0.0870 to Michael's 0.1620, Kenneth's Grand Am drifted left towards the guardrail and made a hard move right as he straightened it out. Michael was at sixty feet at 1.0211 and half track at 4.3861/160.68. There was a puff of smoke from Kenneth's Grand Am at about 100 feet and he shut off, Michael there first by 0.3658.

Eero Knihtilä 6.7972/202.70 def. Jan Palmqvist 18.5422/42.97

A long burndown before this one. Jan got out first 0.1148 to 0.2439, Jan hit vicious shake and that was the end of his race. 1.0061 to sixty feet for Eero, 4.3661/160.61 to half track and the first 6.7-second pass on European soil, backed up by Eero's qualifying pass for a new ET record, well done Eero!

10:30

FIA Top Fuel Dragster eliminations round 1:

Tommi Haapanen 4.8919/203.03 def. Jöran Persåker 5.2458/254.66

Jöran got away first 0.1290 to 0.2130, the Persåker Speed Shop dragster had the wheels up and climbing past sixty feet at 0.8530 to Tommi's 0.8740. Tommi took the long way round, moving to the right and then left again towards half track at 3.2949/247.34, Jöran at half track in 3.5359/230.84. J&oum;ran shut off at about 1100 feet and Tommi went all the way through to take the stripe by 0.2699 and a new PB speed, well done Tommi!

Urs Erbacher 4.9410/274.69 def. Micke Kågered no time

A visible holeshot for Urs 0.1670 to Micke's 0.3040, Micke hit huge shake off the line and shut off, Urs got to sixty feet in 0.8838 and was shaking at that point, a quick slap of the pedal and he was off and running, 3.3009/251.55 at half track and off the throttle at about 1100 feet. Micke's dragster idled down the track, it sounded as if the engine didn't want to lean out and the Bahco Express drew to a halt just before the finish line with the engine still running.

Thomas Nataas 4.8471/304.07 def. Lex Joon 4.8972/312.41

Today's first critical Championship race. Lex carrying no less than four Eurodragster.com stickers. Thomas away first 0.1259 to 0.1358, Lex with a big advantage at sixty feet 0.8620 to 0.8850, the cars were side by side then Lex had to pedal, Thomas then got the advantage at half track 3.3880/253.17 to 3.3462/251.27, there was a flash of flame from the MPM Oil car at about 1100 feet and Thomas was there first by 0.0600.

Stig Neergaard 7.0937/180.09 def. Andy Carter 7.3621/106.29

Attention now turned to Andy, how far could he go towards the Championship? And the answer is no further. Very similar reaction times, 0.1600 for Andy to 0.1650 for Stig, 0.8510 to sixty feet for Andy and then a pedal at about 200 feet, Andy was off the throttle by half track 3.7287/150.23, looked like a blower belt from here, Stig was at half track at 4.1828/131.54 then he realised that Andy was no longer under power and he stabbed the throttle and got past Andy, first to the stripe by 0.2634.

The Urs v Thomas semi-final will decide this year's Championship.

10:05

FIA NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified eliminations round 1:

Bruno Bader 16.6150/57.17 def. Micke Nord 9.2508/96.98

Micke threw this away with a -0.2419 red light. Bruno's rear slicks went up in smoke at the hit and he got off the throttle and idled through. Micke hit shake too and was off the throttle by 300 feet but it was to no avail anyway.

Norbert Kuno 6.2560/225.02 def. Urban Johansson 6.5400/222.76

Norbert is on fire this weekend, a PB on just about every run. Norbert away first 0.0740 to 0.1500, Urban had the better sixty foot time 0.9979 to Norbert's 1.0480. Urban pedalled for shake at about 150 feet and that was enough for Norbert to get out in front and take the stripe.

Mats Eriksson 6.3970/222.74 def. Gordon Appleton 6.6371/214.40

Gordon away first 0.0588 to 0.0979, Mats had the better sixty foot 1.0409 to 1.0613, both cars weaving left and right all the way down, the Green Goblin making some serious moves towards the top end but Mats stayed with it and took the stripe by 0.2010.

Patrick Wikström 6.4870/224.15 def. Marc Meihuizen 6.7709/197.26

Patrik had this won by about 100 feet, away first 0.1138 to 0.1401 ang although Marc had the better sixty foot time 1.0149 to 1.0592 the Business Coupe made a move to the left and ran along the centre line. Marc took a very long way round, Patrick went straight as you like and got there first by 0.3102.

Micke Gullquist 6.1562/227.39 def. Roger Johansson 10.9688/86.06

A huge holeshot for Roger 0.0801 to 0.2339 but then the shake nightmare returned as the 1.1798 sixty foot time shows. Roger pedalled once but the Mustang wasn't having it. Micke went straight as you like, 1.1052 to sixty feet and 4.0032/181.37 at half track and a new European ET record of 6.156, well done Micke!

Andy Robinson 6.2380/219.60 def. Bert Englefield 6.8710/203.46

Andy just away first 0.1388 to 0.1430, storming sixty foot time 1.0002 to Bert's 1.0351. Andy drove through shake, the Stude making a move to the left at about 300 feet but he stayed with it through half track at 4.0590/178.71 and took the stripe by 0.6372.

Micke Lindahl 6.1930/220.34 def. Ian Bishop 7.1328/192.30

This was all Micke: 0.0880 reaction to Ian's 0.1080, 1.0190 to sixty feet, 4.0410/181.37 at half track and first to the stripe by 0.9598.

Robert Joosten 6.2810/227.10 def. Niclas Andersson 6.4560/210.11

A great race! Niclas away first 0.0580 to 0.1641, Robert with the better sixty foot time 1.0367 to 1.0451, 4.1050/178.35 at half track to Niclas' 4.1820/173.69. A slight move to the left for Robert at 600 feet but he stayed with it, off the throttle a touch early and the chutes out in the traps, taking the win by 0.0689.

Trackside conditions are 18.4 C, 75% humidity and 1013 mb of air, track temperature is 21.2 C.

9:00

Good morning and welcome from Santa Pod Raceway. It's race day, the final day of the 2007 FIA and FIM/UEM European Championships, and we're here to bring you all the news in association with American Car Imports.

The Webster Race Engineering/MPM Oil webcam is on-line and posting a picture every sixty seconds, and will be on-line twenty four hours a day until the track closes this evening.

The weather has completely turned and that's going to throw everyone a curveball. It's misty and grey, although the sun is trying to break through. Trackside temperature right now is 15.1 C, humidity 86% and air pressure 1013 mb. Track temperature is 16.7 C.

The traditional raceday Hello to our US correspondents Ed O'Connell and Kathy Hileman who are tuned in from Rye, NH. Hope you are having a good weekend guys and that you are enjoying the coverage. Hello also to Viveca Averstedt who is also tuned in from the USA, and to Sharkman who is tuned in just down the road - hope you are doing OK buddy. Finally a big Hello to our good buddies Erik Zettervall and Christer Abrahamson who are tuned in from Sweden. Christer will be pleased to hear that the 50 SEK is now with Nettan and to be honest it was a real privilege to lose the money to such a stunning pass.

We have as ever had a lot of appreciative comments about the coverage for which many thanks. Right now we're not really in a position to reply but rest assured that your comments have been read and we are very grateful to those who took the time to write.

We have the presentation of #1 qualifiers at 9:15 and then we start with the first round of FIA NDRS Bilsport Pro Modified at 9:30. Stay tuned and as soon as the action starts we'll bring you the results. Our good buddy Andy Marrs is going to keep an eye on the Championship points in real time and will let us know throughout the day.


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