2009 Auto Trader Easter Thunderball
Santa Pod Raceway, 10th-13th April 2009
Sunday


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23:20

Simon has uploaded today's last set of pit notes, and we have also uploaded today's pictures. Because of the lateness of the hour we have posted a caption-free gallery but by way of compensation we have posted many more pictures than we usually would.

You can check out the pit notes and pictures via the event index page. If you don't see the updated pages then click on your Browser's Refresh button.

Tune back in the morning and we'll bring you the news from the final qualifying rounds and eliminations.

21:00

Session 2 of Super Street Bike started with one pair but conditions were no longer good enough so Race Director Darren Prentice and Chief Starter Ian Marshall called a halt for today.

Simon is working on more pit notes and Roger on today's pictures so stay tuned for those. In the meantime you can check out a video of Anita Mäkelä's return to Top Fuel Dragster at www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIa9IxspmOs.

20:55

Julian Webb followed the NFAA with a 7.3279/211.72 in the Split Second Jet Dragster. Next up was Martin Hill with a 6.4563/213.67 in the Fireforce 3 Jet FC.

Junior Dragster qualifying session 2:

Lisa Selles into #7 spot in the first pairing against Greta Arntzen Ingdal. Rosie Hunt was next up against Ivana van den Berg, 0.0314 good for #2 spot for Rosie. Clare Giles faced off against Matthew Seamarks, Clare up into #2 spot at 0.0294. Rhiannon Bellenie and Anna Stanley next, Anna's nice 0.0136 good for #2 spot pushing Clare down. Zak Johnson and Becky Evans were next on the line, 0.0089 from Zak put him into #2. Gabrielle McDonald and Charlotte Watts followed, Lottie up to #11 and Gabby staying in #1 with her earlier run. Petteri Liimatainen and Annalieze Gibb were next up, Annalieze's 0.0492 moving her up to #7. Joe Kellett and Josh Saunders followed, Josh up to #11.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
JUNIOR DRAGSTER                                                THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 09:19:50
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   14       J/MOD A  GABRIELLE MCDONALD   IRELAND                    DRAGSTER   480 CC      07.90   + 7.3200 + .0086  8.1100    81.47  
2   5        J/MOD    ZAK JOHNSON          CASTLEFORD  UK             DRAGSTER   350 CC      08.90   + 8.5279 + .0089  9.4179    70.30  
3   2        J/MOD A  ANNA STANLEY         CHEPSTOW  UK               DRAGSTER               07.90   +10.7302 + .0136 11.5202    58.94  
4   16       J/MOD A  CLARE GILES          FAREHAM  UK                DRAGSTER               07.90   + 8.5006 + .0294  9.2906    70.84  
5   8        J/MOD A  ROSIE HUNT           HIGHAM FERRERS  UK         DRAGSTER   480 CC      07.90   + 7.3118 + .0314  8.1018    81.02  
6   4        J/MOD A  MATTHEW SEAMARKS     RUSHDEN  UK                DRAGSTER               07.90   + 7.3306 + .0380  8.1206    70.30  
7   19       J/MOD    ANNALIEZE GIBB       UPMINSTER  UK              DRAGSTER               08.90   + 8.4685 + .0492  9.3585    69.32  
8   11       J/MOD A  REBECCA EVANS        BULKINGTON  UK             DRAGSTER   450 CC      07.90   + 7.5637 + .0731  8.3537    80.60  
9   898      J/MOD A  GRETE ARNTZEN INGG   NORWAY                     DRAGSTER               07.90   + 8.2003 + .0797  8.9903    52.72  
10  13       J/MOD A  LIAS SELLES          HOLLAND  NL                DRAGSTER               07.90   + 7.4661 + .0960  8.2561    80.54  
11  10       J/MOD A  JOSH SAUNDERS        LEWES  UK                  DRAGSTER   400 CC      07.90   + 7.2211 + .1022  8.0111    82.44  
12  3        J/MOD    JOE KELLETT          BOLTON  UK                 DRAGSTER   350 CC      08.90   + 8.0350 + .1117  8.9250    72.21  
13  15       J/MOD    CHARLOTTE WATTS      GIFFARD PARK  UK           DRAGSTER   275 CC      08.90   +10.9508 + .1150 11.8408    53.08  
14  12       J/MOD    RHIANNON BELLENIE    MARDEN  UK                 DRAGSTER   250 CC      08.90   + 9.8147 + .1570 10.7047    60.44  
15  23       J/S      PETTERI LIIMATAINE   FINLAND                    DRAGSTER               12.90   +16.6629 + .4207 17.9529    33.95  
16  100      J/MOD    IVANA VAN DEN BERG   NETHERLANDS  NL            DRAGSTER   350 CC      08.90   + 9.4893 + .5765 10.3793    60.34  
 Best R.T. was  GABRIELLE MCDONALD  + .0086
 Best E.T. was  JOSH SAUNDERS        8.0111
 Best MPH was  JOSH SAUNDERS        82.44
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

20:35

Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association qualifying session 2 (left lane first):

Tony Betts 7.5068/132.92 bye, Frank Bennett 9.4644/98.36, Bob Glassup 10.2683/92.84, Dave Grabham 8.4211/141.54, Paul Wratten 6.7350/192.84, John Wright 15.4066/66.37 bye

A brave run from Tony into the dark. Clutch dust visible even in the gloom, the car looking to go straight and then Tony backed off at about 800 feet. Nice burnouts for both Frank and Bob, then 1.0922 to sixty feet for Frank and a gentle 1.6132 for Bob, both racers feathering the throttle and hanging on as long as they dared. Next pair, the straightest burnout I've ever seen Paul do and it was in the dark! A tremendous run for Paul, 1.0039 to sixty feet and 4.3258/163.40 at half track, again a very straight pass for the dark conditions. 1.2052 to sixty feet for Dave and 5.3667/132.79 at half track. 1.6230 in it at the stripe. A sixty foot burnout for John, but instant spin and tyre smoke at the hit.

20:20

MSA Pro Modified qualifying session 2(left lane first):

Robert Joosten 6.2069/230.29, Henri Joosten 7.5723/134.42, Roger Moore 7.8736/179.18, Mats Eriksson 7.7534/192.74, Andy Robinson 7.1389/193.74, Graham Ellis 8.6278/176.96

0.0812 RT for Robert to Henri's 0.2637, 1.0436 to sixty feet to Henri's 1.0701, Robert was really on one, 4.0668/182.65 at half track and straight as you like whilst Henri's Chevy was moving left and right. Robert is on a UK Pro Mod speed record if he can back it up, well done Robert! 1.0476 to sixty feet for Mats, a pedal for shake and then back on it although the Crown Victoria was moving all over its lane and got close to the guardrail. 1.2379 to sixty feet for Roger, sounded like he had to pedal but was then back on the gas. Mats first by 0.7633. 0.0613 RT for Graham but then tyre spin, 1.8671 to sixty feet, 1.2313 to sixty feet for Andy but he had to pedal for shake. A couple more pedals for Andy but he got there a clear 1.3821 ahead of Graham who had to pedal a couple of times.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
MSA PRO MODIFIED                                               THROUGH ROUND # 2                              12/04/2009 20:19:09
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   2        PM       ROBERT JOOSTEN       NETHERLANDS  NL            CHEV CORVE 526CI       00.00    0.000 + .0812  6.2069   230.29  
2   3        PM       ANDY ROBINSON        TURGIS GREEN  UK           STUD COMM  522 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1343  6.7143   208.89  
3   5        PM       ROGER MOORE          CHELMSFORD  UK             DODGE VIPE 706 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1795  7.3717   193.58  
4   1        PM       PHILIP ENGLEFIELD    DORKING  UK                FORD COUPE 521 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1978  7.4126   185.72  
5   4315     PM       HENRI JOOSTEN        NETHERLANDS  NL            CHEVROLET  738 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2637  7.5723   134.42  
6   8        PM       MATS ERIKSSON        SWEDEN  SE                 F CRO VIC  521 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1256  7.7534   192.74  
7   606      PM       KEV SLYFIELD         VERWOOD  UK                WILLYS     526 CI      00.00    0.000 + .4243  8.6142   107.75  
8   4305     PM       GRAHAM ELLIS         WESTCLIFF  UK              SUPERBIRD  521 CI      00.00    0.000 + .0613  8.6278   176.96  
 Best R.T. was  GRAHAM ELLIS        + .0613
 Best E.T. was  ROBERT JOOSTEN       6.2069
 Best MPH was  ROBERT JOOSTEN      230.29
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

20:15

Top Methanol qualifying session 2 (left lane first):

Dave Wilson no time, Danny Bellio 8.3182/134.38, Steph Milam 7.7353/125.87, Dennis Habermann no time, Rob Turner 5.8567/224.24

A long burnout from Grumpy but it sounded as if the motor didn't want to stop and the Silverline car disappeared into the gloom as the top end crew sprinted to help. Spin off the line for Danny, 1.3416 to sixty feet, Steph's sixty foot time much better at 1.1444. It sounded as if Danny's FC was blackstriping most of the way and he shut off at half track, Steph had more grip and stayed with it to about 800 feet. Header flames again from Dennis, wouldn't like to guess why, timing maybe. A tremendous pass from Rob, 1.0719 to sixty feet, 3.8499/199.35 at half track and blasting a huge qualifying lead. Dennis' motor bogged off the line and he pulled over to the guardrail with the left bank burning merrily.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
TOP METHANOL                                                   THROUGH ROUND # 2                              12/04/2009 20:10:15
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   3        TMD      ROB TURNER           RUSHDEN  UK                DRAGSTER   463 CI      00.00    0.000 + .3053  5.8567   224.24  
2   2        TMD      TIMO HABERMANN       GERMANY                    DRAGSTER   464 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1502  6.2070   237.32  
3   271      TMFC     STEPH MILAM          CROWBOROUGH  UK            AVENGER    526 CI      00.00    0.000 + .6594  7.7353   125.87  
4   4065     TMFC     DANNY BELLIO         BELGIUM  BE                DODGE      526 CI      00.00    0.000 + .5768  8.3182   134.38  
5   7        TMD      DENNIS HABERMANN     GERMANY  UK                DRAGSTER   433 CI      00.00    0.000 + .3061  8.7446    98.28  
6   8        TMD      DEREK FLYNN          ALTON  UK                  DRAGSTER   433 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2581 13.4962    96.28  
 Best R.T. was  TIMO HABERMANN      + .1502
 Best E.T. was  ROB TURNER           5.8567
 Best MPH was  TIMO HABERMANN      237.32
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

20:00

Pro Fuel Shootout qualifying session 2 (left lane first):

John Spuffard 10.4198/86.69 bye, Jon Webster 9.6690/81.07, Thomas Nataas 12.9488/66.42, Anita Mäkelä 6.2769/147.70 bye, Gordon Smith 7.2187/148.16 bye

Risto didn't get started in time to pair off against Spuff so Spuff took the bye. 0.9119 to sixty feet and then shake, Spuff pedalled once and then got off the throttle. Looked like a little trouble starting Jon's motor but he made the date, backing up from his burnout pretty quickly so as not to keep Thomas waiting. 0.2082 RT for Thomas, Jon had the extra 0.35 to wait but still pulled a 0.0983 RT. 0.9231 to sixty feet for Jon and 0.9518 for Thomas, Thomas off the throttle for shake, Jon pedalled once then got off it. A nice burnout for Anita, a little consternation when she went to reverse but quickly sorted out. 0.9024 to sixty feet, shake kicked in at about forty feet and Anita pedalled briefly and stayed on it for another couple of hundred feet then shut off. 1.0498 to sixty feet for Gordon, staying with it to 330 feet in 2.7375, the Shockwave FC drifted to the right and Gordon pedalled a couple of times then shut off at about 700 feet.

Qualifying after this session:

  1. Anita Mäkelä +6.6309
  2. John Spuffard +8.5105
  3. Jon Webster +12.1842
  4. Thomas Nataas +15.4083
  5. Risto Poutiainen +30.0936
  6. Gordon Smith +32.2187

Linda Thun Tønseth took a 9.0442/80.65 bye, 1.0700 to sixty feet and 2.6715 to 330 feet, off the throttle at about half track.

19:35

Top Fuel Bike qualifying session 2 (left lane first):

Ian Turburville 8.2233/189.73, Rene ven den Berg 7.3238/190.39, Steve Woollatt 8.0454/139.87

#1 for Rene and #2 for Turbo, 1.2489 to sixty feet for Rene with the tyre blackstriping a little, 4.8736/161.22 at half track. A languid 1.5905 for Turbo, 5.6431/148.53 at half track and a nice terminal speed. 1.1930 to sixty feet for Steve and the tyre started to spin, Steve feathered the throttle and then backed off at half track.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
TOP FUEL BIKE                                                  THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 09:21:35
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   4        TFB      RENE VAN DEN BERG    NETHERLANDS  NL            PUMA YAM   1342 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1925  7.3238   190.39  
2   1        TFB      STEVE WOOLLATT       GARSTON  UK                PBR PUMA   1327 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1514  8.0454   139.87  
3   3        TFB      IAN TURBURVILLE      CARLTON  UK                HARLEY     2800 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2215  8.2233   189.73  
4   52       TFB      JOB HEEZEN           NETHERLANDS  NL            ZOD S/TWIN 2850 CC     00.00    0.000 + .4725  8.8188   101.91  
5   14       TFB      ROEL KOEDAM          NETHERLANDS  NL            ZOD S/TWIN 1680 CC     00.00    0.000 +1.1346  8.8564   112.50  
6   8        TFB      CHRIS HANNAM         LEEDS  UK                  HARLEY V R 1998 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3711 13.4280    65.27  
 Best R.T. was  STEVE WOOLLATT      + .1514
 Best E.T. was  RENE VAN DEN BERG    7.3238
 Best MPH was  RENE VAN DEN BERG   190.39
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

19:30

Super Pro ET qualifying session 2:

Bob Doyle and Norbert Schneider first pair, Bob shut off for a fluid leak so Norbert took the bye, 8.6283 on an 8.50 dial-in good for #2 at that point. Pat Talbot and Ashley Bell next up, no change in 7.40 dial-in for Pat and no spin this time, 8.1412 and up to #8 from #16 whilst Ashley stayed in #3. John Morris and Jack Brewster followed on, a nice 0.0023 RT for Jack and up to #5 but John trumped him moving up to #2 with an 8.8083 on an 8.70 dial-in. A bye for Mark Bishop next and a huge, almost vertical, wheelie - the car just kept going up and up and got to nearly ninety degrees at about 200 feet. Put it this way, I could see his knees in the cockpit through the roof hatch. The car thumped down to the surface and then it was a case of getting stopped with no steering. Mark is just fine.

What are the odds - the Webster Race Engineering/Lex Joon Racing USA Tour 2009 webcam caught Mark at peak altitude:


First up after retrieval and clean-up were John Everitt and Nick Good, Concierge Bear on crewing duties for John. 7.99 dial-in for John and 6.85 for Nick. A nice 1.0126 sixty foot time for Nick and John up from #19 to #7 at that point, Nick backed off afer the tyres started to blackstripe. #1 qualifier Mark Flavell and David James next, Flav shut off for a fluid leak so David took the bye and a small move from #13 to #11. Clean-up from Flav and then Eurodragster.com sponsor Peter Walters paired up against Barry Giles. A nice 0.0043 RT for Barry and up to #3 spot, a PB of 8.3563 for Peter, well done Pete! Rick Cooke next up against Steve Taylor, Rick up to #6 and Steve up to #9. Bob Doyle and John Tebenham next to the start line, a great sideways burnout from JT, up to #2 with a 7.8488 on a 7.80 dial-in and Bob up from #16 to #9. Father and son next, Rod and Karl Harrison the numbers 19 and 18 qualifiers respectively. Karl stopped after the burnout and the race was on to get him out of the cae and sideline it before Rod got back to the start line. 7.6310 on a 7.50 dial-in and up to #7 spot. Vince Gibbs closed out this session in the Nosferatu Firebird, 7.15 dial-in and not in the ladder before this run. 1.0985 to sixty feet and shut off at half track.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SUPER PRO E.T                                                  THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 09:22:47
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   551      S/PRO    MARK FLAVELL         YARM  UK                   SAAB F/C   540 CI      07.20   + 6.4952 + .0314  7.2152   188.08  
2   710      S/PRO    JOHN TEBENHAM        GUILDFORD  UK              PROBE      2000 CC     07.80   + 7.0688 +1.9528  7.8488   171.49  
3   707      S/PRO    JOHN MORRIS          DESBOROUGH  UK             FORD PROBE 540 CI      08.70   + 7.9333 + .2833  8.8033   156.18  
4   2        S/PRO    BARRY GILES          FAREHAM  UK                DRAGSTER   540 CI      07.50   + 6.8720 + .0043  7.6220   176.79  
5   913      S/PRO    NORBERT SCHNEIDER    GERMANY                    VW CORRADO 620 CI      08.50   + 7.7783 + .2418  8.6283   159.00  
6   474      S/PRO    ASHLEY BELL          GUYHIRN  UK                AC COBRA   565 CI      08.80   + 8.0489 + .5782  8.9289   143.74  
7   307      S/PRO    ROD HARRISON         MANEA  UK                  DRAGSTER   540 CI      07.50   + 6.8810 +2.6848  7.6310   172.35  
8   1        S/PRO    RICK COOKE           STROUD  UK                 DRAGSTER   498 CI      08.10   + 7.4262 + .2012  8.2362   161.78  
9   543      S/PRO    JACK BREWSTER        BOURNEMOUTH  UK            FIREBIRD   535 CI      08.59   + 7.8881 + .0023  8.7471   156.09  
10  315      S/PRO    BOB DOYLE            BRAINTREE  UK              DAT 260Z   422 CI      08.85   + 8.1636 + .0314  9.0486   151.41  
11  426      S/PRO    STEVE TAYLOR         ADDLESTONE  UK             DRAGSTER   454 CI      07.60   + 7.1401 + .5211  7.9001   166.37  
12  475      S/PRO    JOHN EVERITT         WELWYN G CITY  UK          FORD T     555 CI      07.99   + 7.5507 - .2165  8.3497   168.43  
13  881      S/PRO    PETE WALTERS         SOMERSET  UK               DRAGSTER   377 CI      08.30   + 7.9696 + .2325  8.7996   141.15  
14  118      S/PRO    DAVID JAMES          COLCHESTER  UK             CHEVELLE   632 CI      08.90   + 8.7266 + .2323  9.6166   134.07  
15  340      S/PRO    PAT TALBOT           SANDBACH  UK               DRAGSTER   600 CI      07.40   + 7.4012 + .4182  8.1412   163.54  
16  604      S/PRO    RICK GARRETT         EPSOM  UK                  DOD DART   604 CI      08.99   + 8.8379 + .3607  9.7369   122.00  
17  221      S/PRO    JOHN ATKINSON        BRACKLEY  UK               GORTINA    540 CI      08.69   + 8.8583 + .2053  9.7273   149.45  
18  570      S/PRO    VINCE GIBBS          BRACKLEY  UK               FIREBIRD   572 CI      07.15   + 8.0615 + .2581  8.7765    98.81  
19  250      S/PRO    NICK GOOD            KINGS LYNN  UK             DRAGSTER   509 CI      06.85   + 8.2876 + .1868  8.9726   125.77  
20  308      S/PRO    KARL HARRISON        MANEA  UK                  FUNNY CAR              06.00   + 7.5893 + .9065  8.1893   153.65  
21  83       S/PRO    MARK BISHOP          WELLINGBOROUGH  UK         FIAT TOP   521 CI      08.60   + 7.6628 - .2363  8.5228   153.00  
 Best R.T. was  JACK BREWSTER       + .0023
 Best E.T. was  MARK FLAVELL         7.2152
 Best MPH was  MARK FLAVELL        188.08
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

18:25

Super Gas qualifying session 2:

Christer Uhlin and Paul Foote first to the line, #6 and #5 respectively after their 10.2-second runs. Jon Giles first-footing in the next pair, into #7 spot whilst in the other lane Stuart Doignie broke out. Pete Cresswell left before the lights ran so no time on the board yet, Frank just broke out. No changes for Conrad Stanley and Dave Day, Conrad breaking out. Steve Dunn's first run of the weekend was also a breakout. Breakout too for Jon Morton in the last pair whilst Stuart Morrice lost time to wheelspin and shut off.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SUPER GAS                                                      THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 09:23:50
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   1        S/GAS    CONRAD STANLEY       CHEPSTOW  UK               PONT FIREB 547 CI      09.90   + 8.9351 + .2293  9.9251   153.62  
2   461      S/GAS    DAVE DAY             SOMPTING  UK               CHEVY ROD  555 CI      09.90   + 8.9931 + .0494  9.9831   144.84  
3   365      S/GAS    MARK WHITE           HILLINGDON  UK             CHEV VEGA  355 CI      09.90   + 9.0072 + .4006  9.9972   120.75  
4   704      S/GAS    STUART DOIGNIE       MOULTON  UK                BMW        496 CI      09.90   + 9.0366 + .0174 10.0266   149.04  
5   402      S/GAS    PAUL FOOTE           SANDHURST  UK              FORD F100  540 CI      09.90   + 9.2187 + .3171 10.2087   133.68  
6   11       S/GAS    CHRISTER UHLIN       NORWAY  NO                 FAIRLANE   557 CI      09.90   + 9.2713 + .1175 10.2613   118.84  
7   424      S/GAS    JON GILES            FRIMLEY GREEN  UK          WILLYS     496 CI      09.90   + 9.4358 + .1893 10.4258   133.19  
8   2        S/GAS    FRANK MASON          KILLINGWORTH  UK           CHEV CORVE 510 CI      09.90   +13.1219 + .2158 14.1119    52.68  
9   1969     S/GAS    STUART MORRICE       LINDON  UK                 CAMARO     468 CI      09.90   +15.8536 - .0054 16.8436    72.47  
10  3        S/GAS    JON MORTON           BENSON  UK                 CHEV CAMAR 555 CI      09.90   + 8.9043 + .0601  9.8943   146.61  
11  4        S/GAS    STEVE DUNN           WOKING  UK                 CAMARO     598 CI      09.90   + 8.7986 + .2198  9.7886   144.72  
 Best R.T. was  STUART DOIGNIE      + .0174
 Best E.T. was  STEVE DUNN           9.7886
 Best MPH was  CONRAD STANLEY      153.62
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

18:20

Pro ET qualifying session 2:

Eddy van den Bos made his first appearance of the weekend in the first pair. Next up was Hans van der Spek, Antony Wilkins should have been in the other lane but was pushed back. Rick Denny and Neil Hunter in the next pair, a quick check under Neil's car before staging but all OK. A big move by Rick put him up to #3 spot at that point. Bob Molden took on Vic Amato in the next pairing, both into the standings after not getting runs on Friday. Charlie Chivers took on a returning Antony Wilkins next, Charlie into #1 at that point with a 10.7144 on a 10.70 dial-in, in the other lane Antony went up to #12 from #25. Jon Turner and Phil Toppin next, 9.0102 on a 9.00 dial-in put Phil into #1 whilst Jon moved up to #8. Dan Page in the Panic Firebird next up against Dave Russell in the Van With No Name, Dave's van starting to wobble at half track and he backed off. Carla Pittau next to the line against Dave Nelson, double breakouts and Dave's slingshot was moving about a bit in the second half. Mick Howling and Steve Bolton next, a move from #28 to #13 for Steve. K Moseley and Keith Herbert in a great-looking match-up, dual red lights but a move to #13 for Keith. Liz Malcolm and Steve Hudson next into stage, a big move for Liz from #12 to #4. Rick McCann up against Chris Hodgkins for the next pass, Chris ip from #27 to #17 and Rick up from #19 to #13. Sierra v Cobra next, Carl Burton v Billy Gane, two red lights and a move for Carl from #24 to #22. Next to the line were Nigel Green and Dave Cherrett, 0.0127 RT for Nigel, Nigel up from #19 to #14 whilst Dave backed off way early. Andrew Gibb next on a solo checking out Stripteaser, 11.99 dial-in and 14.9840 at the stripe good for #28. A quick clean-up and Lee Huxley was next out in the new Top Banana car, 10.20 dial-in and a 10.3721 good for #15.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
PRO E.T                                                        THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 09:24:44
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   700      PRO      PHIL TOPPIN          FELTHAM  UK                FORD T     470 CI      09.00   + 8.1102 + .1185  9.0102   140.15  
2   946      PRO      CHARLIE CHIVERS      CARTERTON  UK              CAPRI      455 CI      10.70   + 9.6444 - .0236 10.7144   126.81  
3   608      PRO      DANIEL WILLIAMS      FLORE  UK                  NOVA       555 CI      09.74   + 8.7889 + .2532  9.7629   139.72  
4   626      PRO      LIZ MALCOLM          HEMEL HEMPSTEAD UK         DRAGSTER   122 CI      11.03   + 9.9720 + .1003 11.0750   120.03  
5   731      PRO      RICK DENNY           PETERBOROUGH  UK           P F/BIRD   461 CI      11.44   +10.3530 + .0501 11.4970   119.40  
6   251      PRO      K MOSELEY            CLAPHAM  UK                DUSTER     498 CI      10.40   + 9.4201 - .4027 10.4601   128.23  
7   550      PRO      DAN PAGE             DIDCOT  UK                 FIREBIRD   427 CI      11.21   +10.1768 + .0288 11.2978   118.48  
8   48       PRO      MICHAEL HOWLING      KINGS LYNN  UK             DODGE DART 454 CI      09.80   + 8.9253 + .2025  9.9053   133.53  
9   648      PRO      JON TURNER           MAIDSTONE  UK              BARRACUDA  440 CI      11.20   +10.1870 - .0676 11.3070   120.03  
10  314      PRO      STEVE HUDSON         HERSHAM  UK                FORD 23T   350 CI      10.30   + 9.3914 + .4441 10.4214   127.49  
11  777      PRO      NEIL HUNTER          CHESTERFIELD  UK           CAPRI      446 CI      09.77   + 8.9178 + .1196  9.8948   135.52  
12  7        PRO      CARLA PITTAU         LONDON  UK                 CHEV CAMAR 434 CI      09.83   + 8.9828 - .0352  9.9658   133.92  
13  84       PRO      RICK MCCANN          LONDON  UK                 CAMARO     406 CI      10.50   + 9.5941 - .0279 10.6441   123.99  
14  315      PRO      NIGEL GREEN          SCARBOROUGH  UK            BEETLE     149 CI      11.08   +10.1364 + .0127 11.2444   118.76  
15  25       PRO      LEE HUXLEY           WORCESTER  UK              SIERRA     460 CI      10.20   + 9.3521 + .1714 10.3721   132.03  
16  542      PRO      KEITH HERBERT        HILLINGDON  UK             SPORT FURY 446 CI      10.98   +10.1233 - .0785 11.2213   118.83  
17  728      PRO      STEVE BOLTON         ROMFORD  UK                SHOGUN     510 CI      09.21   + 8.5855 + .2938  9.5065   139.71  
18  911      PRO      ANTONY WILKINS       WYMINGTON  UK              MORRIS MIN 468 CI      11.75   +10.8838 + .2599 12.0588   112.62  
19  587      PRO      CHRIS HODGKINS       EVESHAM  UK                DRAGSTER   383 CI      09.65   + 9.0175 + .0322  9.9825   136.76  
20  79       PRO      DAVE CHERRETT        WORCESTER  UK              FORD A VAN 440 CI      10.00   + 9.3771 + .0262 10.3771   123.00  
21  90       PRO      BILLY GANE           CHELMSFORD  UK             COBRA ROAD 461 CI      09.90   + 9.3850 + .0883 10.3750   130.18  
22  81       PRO      HANS VAN DER SPEK    NETHERLANDS  NL            CHEV PICK  350 CI      11.50   +11.0141 + .2887 12.1641   110.97  
23  306      PRO      CARL BURTON          COATES  UK                 SIERRA     4300 ROVER  11.20   +10.8662 - .1104 11.9862    96.72  
24  188      PRO      VIC AMATO            ST IVES  UK                MUSTANG    598 CI      09.68   + 9.5941 + .2547 10.5621   132.01  
25  782      PRO      DAVID RUSSELL        CHIDDINGTON  UK            MARINA VAN 540 CI      09.00   + 9.4618 + .2647 10.3618    94.78  
26  82       PRO      EDDY VAN DEN BOS     NETHERLANDS  UK            CHEV NOVA              10.40   +10.8775 +1.8111 11.9175   103.98  
27  205      PRO      BOB MOLDEN           LEEDS  UK                  PEUG 205   410 CI      10.00   +11.6498 + .1668 12.6498   111.43  
28  15       PRO      ANDREW GIBB          UPMINSTER  UK              MINI VAN   3800 JAG    11.99   +13.7850 - .1756 14.9840    97.64  
29  96       PRO      DAVE NELSON          NUNEATON  UK               SLINGSHOT  528 CI      10.99   + 9.6544 + .3397 10.7534   105.50  
 Best R.T. was  NIGEL GREEN         + .0127
 Best E.T. was  PHIL TOPPIN          9.0102
 Best MPH was  PHIL TOPPIN         140.15
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

17:55

Comp Bike qualifying session 1:

Nice 7.7663 for Stu Crane to set the benchmark for this session, the unmistakable form of Al Young in the other lane shut off early. Richard Gipp was next up with his first pass in Comp Bike, left before the lights ran. Phil Leamon and Ivan Birch in the next pair, some hesitation from Phil's bike and he almost crossed lanes, Ivan with a baseline 7.9753. Phil Crossley and a returning Nick Daniels next, 8.6640 for Shaggy. Sandra Chaplain up against Dave Peters in the final pair, nice pass for Dave at 8.0943 for third.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
COMP BIKE                                                      THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 17:55:46
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   3        CB       STUART CRANE         SHERINGHAM  UK             SUZ GSX    1428 CC     00.00    0.000 - .0268  7.7663   174.34  
2   1        CB       IVAN BIRCH           HANKHAM  UK                SUZ GSXR   1570 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1812  7.9753   160.67  
3   4        CB       DAVE PETERS          ULVERSTON  UK              SUZ GSXA   1327 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1971  8.0943   160.10  
4   17       CB       NICK DANIELS         LOUGHBOROUGH  UK           SUZ GSX    1327CC      00.00    0.000 + .3755  8.6640   154.09  
5   7        CB       SANDRA CHAPLAIN      ST IVES  UK                BUFF                   00.00    0.000 + .6161  9.2662   135.58  
6   6        CB       PHIL CROSSLEY        HEYSHAM  UK                SUZ GSX    1260 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1282  9.6413   150.00  
7   5        CB       ALAN YOUNG           WOKINGHAM  UK              SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2973 11.0920   105.12  
8   2        CB       PHILIP LEAMON        WORKINGHAM  UK             SUZ GSXR   1290 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3203 11.2987   103.31  
 Best R.T. was  PHIL CROSSLEY       + .1282
 Best E.T. was  STUART CRANE         7.7663
 Best MPH was  STUART CRANE        174.34
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

17:50

Pro Stock Bike qualifying session 1:

Jerry Collier against Len Paget in the first pair. A big holeshot for Jerry whilst Len had a bucking bronco ride off the line, Jerry was going great guns and then there was a graunching noise from his motor and fluid on the track. Thumbs up to Jerry for getting off the middle line in the shutdown area.

First after the clean-up were Paul King and Ray Debben. A straight baseline pass for Ray whilst Paul's bike popped and spat out flame at the hit, Paul stayed on the throttle although the bike sounded very reluctant. Great to see Herman van Driel on back track, Dave Beck in the other lane, Dave into #1 spot with a 7.9981 baseline pass to 9.2648 for Herman. New boy Mark Smith up next, nice looking pass, 8.1440 and I find it hard to believe that the guy is a PSB rookie!

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
PRO STOCK BIKE                                                 THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 17:49:49
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   1        PSB      DAVE BECK            WHITCHURCH  UK             SUZ        1655 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2653  7.9981   170.35  
2   9        PSB      MARK SMITH             UK                       SUZ        1640 CC     00.00    0.000 + .4090  8.1440   160.76  
3   5        PSB      RAY DEBBEN           RINGWOOD  UK               KAW ZX12R  1500 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2627  8.1593   138.12  
4   2        PSB      LEN PAGET            TOTTON  UK                 SUZ GSXR   1640 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3355  8.5286   167.80  
5   8        PSB      HERMAN VAN DRIEL     NETHERLANDS  NL            SUZ GSXR   1570 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2584  9.2648   151.01  
6   4        PSB      JERRY COLLIER        CHESTERFIELD  UK           SUZ TL     1570 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1604  9.3016    97.73  
7   6        PSB      PAUL KING            POTTERS BAR  UK                                   00.00    0.000 +1.3956 11.5590   146.60  
 Best R.T. was  JERRY COLLIER       + .1604
 Best E.T. was  DAVE BECK            7.9981
 Best MPH was  DAVE BECK           170.35
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

17:25

Funny Bike qualifying session 1:

Gary Jones and Kev Charman in the first pair, Gary rolled the beams and Kev shut off early, sounded like the motor was on the rev limiter in the second half. Mike Olie all the way from Holland in the left lane and Chris Hall in the right lane, looked like a checkout pass for Mike and 7.0270 for Chris which is going to take some beating. Dave Bailey doubtless piling on the nitrous in the next pair against Tim Blakemore, tyre chattering for Tim off the line which robbed him of ET, 7.3576 for Dave with a 1.1941 sixty foot good for second spot.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
FUNNY BIKE                                                     THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 17:27:38
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   1        FB       CHRIS HALL           EARLSWOOD  UK              SUZ BUSA   1816 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2337  7.0270   186.51  
2   5        FB       DAVE BAILEY          RAINHAM  UK                SUZ        1500 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2016  7.3576   160.12  
3   4        FB       KEV CHARMAN          WOODFORD HALSE  UK         SUZ GSXR   1500 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2421  7.7903   139.05  
4   2        FB       TIM BLAKEMORE        BRISTOL  UK                KAWASAKI   1200 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3002  7.9602   148.05  
5   12       FB       MIKE OLIE            NETHERLANDS  NL            SUZ GS     1425 CC     00.00    0.000 + .5181  9.5759   131.25  
 Best R.T. was  DAVE BAILEY         + .2016
 Best E.T. was  CHRIS HALL           7.0270
 Best MPH was  CHRIS HALL          186.51
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

17:05

Roger Goring followed the NFAA with a superb 6.1952/254.66 in the Firestorm Jet FC. And that's with the old afterburner, you wait 'til he fits the new pipe!

Sportsman ET qualifying session 1:

Right-lane running to start the session whilst a clean-up took place in the left. A breakout for Ian Jackson to start the session. Geoff Cowley next to the line, 14.8325 on a 14.70 dial-in. Lawrie Drysdale next, also breaking out. Nick Gay dialled in 13.89 and clocked 13.7178 for another breakout. Tethys followed on, clocking an unfortunate -0.0007 RT, red light so no Eurodragster.com/Speedflow money. Ralph Young next, 13.1562 on a 13.10 dial-in. Spencer Tramm closed the session with a 17.0620 on a 15.93 dial-in.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SPORTSMAN E.T                                                  THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 17:04:45
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   442      SPORT    RALPH YOUNG          LATTON  UK                 CORVETTE   5700 CC     13.10   +11.8462 + .2286 13.1562   105.62  
2   495      SPORT    GEOFF COWLEY         EVESHAM  UK                CAMARO     350 CI      14.70   +13.3535 - .0640 14.8235    92.84  
3   92       SPORT    TETHYS               HARROW  UK                 CHEVI      362 CI      13.89   +12.8630 - .0007 14.2520    96.40  
4   61       SPORT    SPENCER TRAMM        CALDECOTE  UK              VW POLO    1800 CC     15.93   +15.4690 + .0943 17.0620    88.31  
5   517      SPORT    LAWRIE DRYSDALE      BRACKNELL  UK              CAMARO     5000 CC     15.70   +14.0402 - .0642 15.6102    87.30  
6   763      SPORT    IAN JACKSON          BRACKNELL  UK              CAMARO     362 CI      13.89   +12.3671 - .1347 13.7561    96.60  
7   716      SPORT    NICK GAY             SOUTHAMPTON  UK            METRO GTI  1800 CC     13.89   +12.3288 + .1043 13.7178    99.14  
 Best R.T. was  SPENCER TRAMM       + .0943
 Best E.T. was  RALPH YOUNG         13.1562
 Best MPH was  RALPH YOUNG         105.62
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

16:50

Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association qualifying session 1(left lane first):

Paul Wratten shut off, Tony Betts 13.0189/63.05 bye, Dave Grabham shut off, Joe Bond 8.0425/116.85 bye, Paul Wratten no time, Dave Grabham shut off, Frank Bennett 8.1320, Jim Usher 11.8437/65.75, Bob Glassup 7.4498/181.37 bye, John Wright 10.5006/82.88 bye

Paul shut off after his burnout and was pushed back. Tony took the bye, 1.0184 to sixty feet and shut off. An aggressive burnout for Dave to Joe's gentler effort with new parts to bed in. Dave was ordered to shut off for a fluid leak so Joe took the bye. 1.0633 to sixty feet with the altered heading left, just missing the 330 foot reflector then crossing lanes right on half track, staying on the power for some reason and taking out both half track reflectors, still staying on the power, taking out the 990 foot marker and then back into his own lane and finally shutting off.

Paul and Dave back after the clean-up, great paired burnouts. Dave was again ordered to shut off before staging, Paul took the bye. 0.9931 to sixty feet and then shake pushed the car into the right lane, Paul stayed on the throttle in the right lane past half track. There must be some secret about staying on the throttle after crossing lanes which I don't understand since now two racers have done it...maybe it's easier to get a car straight under power or maybe the car would move more violently if shut off abruptly. I'll get Simon to ask next time he is in the pits. Next pair and Jim staged way off his burnout tracks. 1.1173 to sixty feet for Frank and 1.1672 for Jim, a nice cloud of clutch dust for Jim and he shut off at about 300 feet. Frank stayed with it audibily feathering the throttle. A proper Fuel Altered crossed-up burnout for Bob. Word before the pass was that Bob was going for a second gear launch and indeed Bob's crew held up two fingers before he staged. 1.1120 to sixty feet, the car going right by the right guardrail at 330 feet but Bob stayed with it, 4.7759/148.16 at half track, guiding it back to the middle of the lane, nice run! John closed out the session with a bye in Chaos, the first run since the car was repaired. A nice burnout, looked to me like John spotted the last photographer (who happened to be Roger) and got off the burnout there. 1.0404 to sixty feet, the altered started to drift to the right and John got off the throttle at about 250 feet.

Trackside conditions are 11.3 C, 93% humidity and 29.88 inches of air, track temperature is 11.7 C.

16:35

Simon has posted today's first set of pit notes, which you can view via the event index page.

16:15

Pro Fuel Shootout qualifying session 1 (left lane first):

This year's Pro Fuel Shootout is running on an against-index basis. Top Fuellers are running against an index of 5.00 and Fuel Funny Cars 5.35, and should a TF and Fuel FC meet at any point then the Fuel FC will get a 0.35-second head start. Two qualifiers are scheduled today and one tomorrow, then the two quickest cars against index after qualifying will contest the final in the afternoon.

Thomas Nataas 13.1595/66.20, John Spuffard 8.7907/165.97, Risto Poutiainen 15.0936/74.77 bye, Jon Webster 12.5152/64.30 bye, Anita Mäkelä 10.3540/90.16 bye

Nice burnouts from both, Showtime looks great in its new colours. Showtime pushed towards stage as the habit has become. Thomas away first 0.2028 to 0.3685, a great 0.9673 sixty foot time for Thomas and then he was off the throttle. 1.0579 to sixty feet for Spuff and the tyres were already shaking by that time. Spuff got off the throttle then gave it another squirt in the second half. A planned half-pass for Risto, some work on the idle before staging. The tyres spun up into egg shape and boiled at the hit, the dragster hardly moved and made sixty feet in 2.0783, Risto was long off the throttle by then. Three attempts at starting for the McDonald dragster, the motor stayed lit on the third attempt. A nice controlled burnout for Eurodragster.com sponsor Jon on his return to Top Fuel, this run planned for a launch. 0.4161 RT, 0.9071 to sixty feet. High revs on the burnout for Anita on her return but very nicely controlled. A tremendous 0.8911 to sixty feet with the tyres shaking slightly from sbout twenty feet, the tyres started to light just as Anita got off the throttle.

No sign of Linda Thun Tønseth or Gordon Smith in session, both should get a 25-second penalty but as I type Linda is in the collection area.

Linda Thun Tønseth shut off, bye

Linda came round at 16:15 and pulled a nice burnout but was then shut off before staging. Word from Race Officials is that Linda is running in exhibition this weekend and will not be participating in the Shootout.

Qualifying after this session:

  1. John Spuffard +3.4407
  2. Anita Mäkelä +5.3540
  3. Jon Webster +7.5152
  4. Thomas Nataas +7.8095
  5. Risto Poutiainen +10.0936
  6. Gordon Smith +25.0000

16:10

MSA Pro Modified qualifying session 1(left lane first):

Henri Joosten 11.4455/64.14, Robert Joosten 10.0562/96.39 Mats Eriksson 9.7447/109.32, Roger Moore 7.3717/193.58, Kev Slyfield 8.6142/107.75, Andy Robinson 6.7143/208.89, Graham Ellis 9.3841/182.81, Bert Englefield 7.4126/185.72

1.0834 to sixty feet for Henri, great for these conditions, then shut off at about half track. 4.8293 RT for Robert and tyres up in smoke, 1.5900 to sixty feet and then a pedal, another attempt and then squeezing the throttle open and closed until about half track. Mats' tyres up in smoke at the hit, 1.7705 to sixty feet and a long pedal. 1.2363 to sixty feet for Roger, a gentle pass but good for #1 spot at that point. Kev got sideways in the burnout but missed the Tree. Andy away first 0.1343 to 0.4243, 1.0431 to sixty feet to Kev's 1.1913, Kev's Willys started to use up its lane and there was smoke from his motor at half track. Andy drive through shake and used up most of his lane but blasted into #1 spot. Great burnouts from Graham and Bert, the revs going very high for Bert. Graham rolled the beams on the two-step, a hesitation off the line, 1.9405 to sixty feet with the tyres smoking. Bert's tyres shook but he still made sixty feet in 1.0736, a brief pedal and staying with it most of the way.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
MSA PRO MODIFIED                                               THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 16:15:22
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   3        PM       ANDY ROBINSON        TURGIS GREEN  UK           STUD COMM  522 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1343  6.7143   208.89  
2   5        PM       ROGER MOORE          CHELMSFORD  UK             DODGE VIPE 706 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1795  7.3717   193.58  
3   1        PM       PHILIP ENGLEFIELD    DORKING  UK                FORD COUPE 521 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1978  7.4126   185.72  
4   606      PM       KEV SLYFIELD         VERWOOD  UK                WILLYS     526 CI      00.00    0.000 + .4243  8.6142   107.75  
5   4305     PM       GRAHAM ELLIS         WESTCLIFF  UK              SUPERBIRD  521 CI      00.00    0.000 - .0873  9.3841   182.81  
6   8        PM       MATS ERIKSSON        SWEDEN  SE                 F CRO VIC  521 CI      00.00    0.000 + .0873  9.7447   109.32  
7   2        PM       ROBERT JOOSTEN       NETHERLANDS  NL            CHEV CORVE 526CI       00.00    0.000 +4.8293 10.0562    96.39  
8   4315     PM       HENRI JOOSTEN        NETHERLANDS  NL            CHEVROLET  738 CI      00.00    0.000 + .4651 11.4455    64.14  
 Best R.T. was  MATS ERIKSSON       + .0873
 Best E.T. was  ANDY ROBINSON        6.7143
 Best MPH was  ANDY ROBINSON       208.89
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

16:00

Top Fuel Bike qualifying session 1(left lane first):

Rene van den Berg 10.4190/109.85, Steve Woollatt no time, Job Heezen 8.8188/101.91, Chris Hannam 13.4280/65.27, Ian Turburville 8.8511/178.49 bye, Roel Koedam 8.8564/112.50 bye

Not a lot of smoke from Steve's slick in the burnout. On the green Steve's motor cut almost at the hit, vapour from the exhausts betrayed a broken drive belt. 1.6177 to sixty feet for Rene as he feathered the throttle then squeezed it on and off all the way down. Job was ready to stage before Cannon moved forward for his burnout with a race official gesturing him to get going, Chief Starter Ian Marshalled Cannon to make a short burnout. 1.2172 to sixty feet for Job, 1.3423 for Cannon, Cannon off the throttle at about 300 feet with vapour from the exhausts, Job was going great guns for the conditions to about 500 feet then shut off. Popping and banging from Turbo's motor as he pulled forward for his burnout, all OK by the look of things. A laboured-sounding run although I am guessing everything backed down for the conditions. 1.7177 to sixty feet and 6.0858/137.40 at half track. A diagonal black stripe across the staging area from Roel's burnout but then high, high header flames. 1.4136 to sixty feet and 5.2396/138.63 at half track, the header flames went orange and Roel shut off at half track.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
TOP FUEL BIKE                                                  THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 16:11:25
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
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1   52       TFB      JOB HEEZEN           NETHERLANDS  NL            ZOD S/TWIN 2850 CC     00.00    0.000 + .4725  8.8188   101.91  
2   3        TFB      IAN TURBURVILLE      CARLTON  UK                HARLEY     2800 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3407  8.8511   178.49  
3   14       TFB      ROEL KOEDAM          NETHERLANDS  NL            ZOD S/TWIN 1680 CC     00.00    0.000 +1.1346  8.8564   112.50  
4   4        TFB      RENE VAN DEN BERG    NETHERLANDS  NL            PUMA YAM   1342 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1784 10.4190   109.85  
5   8        TFB      CHRIS HANNAM         LEEDS  UK                  HARLEY V R 1998 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3711 13.4280    65.27  
 Best R.T. was  RENE VAN DEN BERG   + .1784
 Best E.T. was  JOB HEEZEN           8.8188
 Best MPH was  IAN TURBURVILLE     178.49
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

15:40

Top Methanol qualifying session 1 (left lane first):

Steph Milam 8.4397/103.73 bye, Rob Turner 9.1148/161.84, Dave Wilson 19.0512/53.67, Derek Flynn 13.4962/96.28, Dennis Habermann 8.7446/98.28, Timo Habermann 6.2070/237.32 bye

A gentle launch for Steph, 1.2628 to sixty feet. I didn't hear any gear shifts and the engine sounded to be misfiring, Steph was I guess off the throttle shortly after the eighth. A long burnout for Rob in the colourful Turner Racing car, Grumpy going just as long in the Silverline dragster and coming back from the burnout very quickly. Grumpy away first 0.3132 to 0.3832, but then the Silverline car's tyres blazed and it almost stood still, creeping to sixty feet in 2.0228. 1.5334 to sixty feet for Rob but then bad shake, a long pedal and then squeezing the throttle open from about 330 feet onwards. Dennis rolled to a halt at half track after his burnout, a more reserved affair for Eurodragster.com sponsor Derek. Orange flames from the right side of Dennis' motor as he pulled forward to stage and a huge sheet of flame from Derek's left bank as the tyres smoked up and the car stayed where it was. Dennis pedalled and squeezed the throttle open again, a gentle pass for his first outing. A two hundred-foot burnout for Timo, rolling to a halt at half track. 0.1502 RT, 1.1025 to sixty feet and a brief couple of pedals, the dragster moving around its lane a little but clocking 4.1878/191.91 at half track and into #1 spot at the stripe.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
TOP METHANOL                                                   THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 16:01:30
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   2        TMD      TIMO HABERMANN       GERMANY                    DRAGSTER   464 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1502  6.2070   237.32  
2   271      TMFC     STEPH MILAM          CROWBOROUGH  UK            AVENGER    526 CI      00.00    0.000 +1.3647  8.4397   103.73  
3   7        TMD      DENNIS HABERMANN     GERMANY  UK                DRAGSTER   433 CI      00.00    0.000 + .3061  8.7446    98.28  
4   3        TMD      ROB TURNER           RUSHDEN  UK                DRAGSTER   463 CI      00.00    0.000 + .3820  9.1148   161.84  
5   8        TMD      DEREK FLYNN          ALTON  UK                  DRAGSTER   433 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2581 13.4962    96.28  
6   5        TMD      DAVE WILSON          FARNBOROUGH  UK            DRAGSTER   421 CI      00.00    0.000 + .3132 19.0512    53.67  
 Best R.T. was  TIMO HABERMANN      + .1502
 Best E.T. was  TIMO HABERMANN       6.2070
 Best MPH was  TIMO HABERMANN      237.32
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

15:05

VW Pro qualifying after session 1:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
V.W PRO                                                        THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 14:45:51
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   1        VW/PRO   JAMES HODSON         WHITTLESEY  UK             VW GOLF    1840 CC     10.90   + 9.8841 + .4820 10.9741   131.33  
2   32       VW/PRO   PHIL NORMAN          THORNTON HEATH  UK         BEETLE P/U 2332 CC     12.50   +11.5273 + .3263 12.7773   102.98  
3   321      VW/PRO   RICHARD MERRIMAN     BIDFORD ON AVON UK         BEETLE     2459 CC     12.99   +12.1658 + .0563 13.4648   103.21  
 Best R.T. was  RICHARD MERRIMAN    + .0563
 Best E.T. was  JAMES HODSON        10.9741
 Best MPH was  JAMES HODSON        131.33
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

VW Sportsman qualifying after session 1:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
V.W SPORTSMAN                                                  THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 15:05:05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   36       VW/SP    LUKE STEVENSON       ROTHWELL  UK               VW GOLF    2800 CC     14.60   +13.3793 + .1667 14.8393    93.80  
2   163      VW/SP    RUSSELL WEIR         GILLINGHAM  UK             KARMANN G  1914 CC     16.05   +15.2864 + .0532 16.8914    80.05  
3   20       VW/SP    DEAN CLATWORTHY      WITNEY  UK                 VW BEETLE  1776 CC     17.10   +19.9388 + .1354 21.6488    59.53  
4   77       VW/SP    MARTIN AYTON         CROYDON  UK                SCIROCCO   1984 CC     14.60   +13.0410 + .1312 14.5010    94.78  
5   69       VW/SP    BRETT MANN           COVENTRY  UK               VW TYPE 3  1598 CC     21.00   +18.6705 + .0987 20.7705    62.95  
6   8        VW/SP    MARK MALONE          COVENTRY  UK               VW T/SPORT 2056 CC     18.45   +16.1876 + .1538 18.0326    69.11  
7   797      VW/SP    LUCY MATTHEWS        NEWMARKET  UK              VW SQUAREB 1600 CC     24.00   +21.1796 + .3844 23.5796    56.34  
8   97       VW/SP    ABI TETHER           BUCKINGHAM  UK             VW GOLF    2800 CC     15.80   -53.6732 + .4660 -5.36716    90.07  
 Best R.T. was  RUSSELL WEIR        + .0532
 Best E.T. was  ABI TETHER          -5.36716
 Best MPH was  MARTIN AYTON         94.78
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

Next up is the first round of the Pro Fuel Shootout.

14:45

9.50 Bike qualifying session 1:

Richard Beck first up on a solo after Steve Whiting broke, 9.6012 off the trailer not at all bad. Ed Smiley and Phil Pratt next, side-by-side 9.5s with a great 9.501 from Phil almost taking the Eurodragster.com/Gold RV money. It's going to go by today. Shaun Spiers and Julian Harris next, Shaun left before the lights ran and Harry's Bandit stopped dead off the line. Danny Cockerill and Wayne Saunders side-by-side into #2 and #3 spots respectively, whoever called Danny a rookie? Paul Coombs and Mark Winder next, #7 and #6 respectively. Steve Coombs and Andy Haley followed, 0.092 RT for Andy and a nicely judged 9.5294 for Steve good for #2 at that point. Martin Walker and Fred Furlong next, 9.5244 for Fred taking #2 spot from Steve. Augy Harrison and Dave Hall followed, Fred's #2 spot lasted one pairing as Augy went second on 9.5222. Jemma Venables' first competitive run next, Mark Hales in the other lane, Jemma there first and into #13 spot despite a 0.8-second deficit in RT. Steve Ashby soloed next, into #13 ahead of Jemma. Pete Austin next on a solo, sixteenth with a gentle pass. Next was Stewart Ashby who went past the start line after his burnout, a cheerful word from starter Ian Marshall and Stewart backed up, then into #19. Last in 9.50 Bike was Thomas Lynskey, a new name to us, an twenty four-second observed run.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
9.50 BIKE                                                      THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 14:43:32
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   8        SB       PHIL PRATT           RUSHDEN  UK                SUZ GSXR   988 CC      09.50   + 8.5517 + .1633  9.5017   124.46  
2   7        SB       AUGY HARRISON        MARKET DEEPING  UK         SUZ EFE    1135 CC     09.50   + 8.5722 + .1456  9.5222   148.04  
3   2        SB       FRED FURLONG         YEOVIL  UK                 SUZ GSXR   988  CC     09.50   + 8.5744 + .2122  9.5244   145.21  
4   214      SB       STEVE COOMBS         WESTCLIFF N SEA UK         SUZ GSXR   1216 CC     09.50   + 8.5794 + .2326  9.5294   141.54  
5   500      SB       DANNY COCKERIL       BASILDON  UK               SUZ BUSA   1340 CC     09.50   + 8.5879 + .2293  9.5379   148.04  
6   4        SB       WAYNE SAUNDERS       LEWES  UK                  SUZ BUSA   1340 CC     09.50   + 8.6141 + .2100  9.5641   150.02  
7   604      SB       EDDY SMILEY          RIPLEY  UK                 SUZ GSXR   1216 CC     09.50   + 8.6497 + .4540  9.5997   138.50  
8   692      SB       RICHARD BECK         NORTHAMPTON  UK            SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     09.50   + 8.6512 + .4714  9.6012   144.77  
9   52       SB       MARK WINDER          PRESTON  UK                SUZ GSXR   1316 CC     09.50   + 8.7929 + .7037  9.7429   151.02  
10  6        SB       ANDY HALEY           ANSTEY  UK                 SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     09.50   + 8.7948 + .0927  9.7448   143.38  
11  218      SB       PAUL COOMBS          HADLEIGH  UK               SUZ GSX    1260 CC     09.50   + 9.0262 + .2288  9.9762   132.80  
12  528      SB       AARON SPARKS         TEMPLECOMBE  UK            SUZ GSXR   988 CC      09.50   + 9.2379 + .1812 10.1879   135.59  
13  367      SB       STEVE ASHBY          DARTFORD  UK               SUZ GSX    1216 CC     09.50   + 9.4128 + .1765 10.3628   138.62  
14  295      SB       JEMMA VENABLES       DOWNTON  UK                SUZ GSXR   1000 CC     09.50   + 9.4942 +1.4544 10.4442   121.47  
15  82       SB       DAVE HALL            WANSTEAD  UK               SUZ GSXR   1216 CC     09.50   + 9.5501 + .2231 10.5001    96.19  
16  398      SB       PETER AUSTIN         PRESTWOOD  UK              KAWASAKI   1198 CC     09.50   + 9.6543 + .3954 10.6043   138.60  
17  3        SB       MARTIN WALKER        BENFLEET  UK               SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     09.50   + 9.9135 + .1530 10.8635   124.03  
18  369      SB       MARK HALES           SIDCUP  UK                 SUZ GSXR   1127 CC     09.50   +11.5502 + .6631 12.5002   108.53  
19  368      SB       STEWART ASHBY        BROMLEY  UK                KAW GPZ    1200 CC     09.50   +11.8591 + .2620 12.8091   114.77  
20  1        SB       RICHARD SAWATZKI     MINEHEAD  UK               SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     09.50   +11.9285 + .1790 12.8785    87.13  
21  612      SB       JULIAN HARRIS        NORTHAMPTON  UK            SUZ BANDIT 1216 CC     09.50   +16.8469 + .7936 17.7969   135.35  
22  584      SB       THOMAS LYNSKEY       BARNET  UK                 YAM R1     1000 CC     09.50   +23.3268 +1.7926 24.2768    35.90  
 Best R.T. was  ANDY HALEY          + .0927
 Best E.T. was  PHIL PRATT           9.5017
 Best MPH was  MARK WINDER         151.02
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

HKS Pro qualifying session 1:

Chris Impey dropped fluid after the burnout and was pushed back, Leon Green took the bye, a 12.3923/132.54 checkout pass.

14:30

Super Street Bike qualifying session 1:

Richard Hann against Graham Balchin first pair, Richard's first season in SSB. Blackstripe off the line for Richard but a very nicely-judged run for Graham for #1 spot at that point. Brad O'Connor and Steve Venables next up, Ven lost a lot of time to tyre spin but a nice 7.7100 for Brad good for #2 at that point. Next up Dave Smith and Jamie Sneddon, Jamie still on his old bike whilst his new bike is being prepared. Jamie's Blackbird threw the air filter on launch and into #3 spot at that point with a 7.8506. Mick Templeman and Rich Stubbins on the start line next, we understand that Rick is on a spare motor after damaging his primary bullet in testing but this motor good enough for #1 at 7.5805 at a big 192.95. Our German visitor Thomas Granica next, alongside Steve Wood. A good launch for Thomas and then drifting left towards the guardrail, #5 after this run and Woody #8. Paul Hambidge next out of the bleach box alongside Graham Dance, you can't miss G in his new leathers. G lost some time to wheelspin but almost chased Paul down in the second half. Stefan Schnarwiler up against Mark Watkins in the next pair, a nice pass for Mark, 7.8763 good for #5 at that point, a baseline pass for Stefan. Scott Baldwin now carrying race numbers after anonymity last weekend, Steve Mead in the other lane. Scott into the sevens and Copperhead into the low eights after problems following last weekend's testing. Chris Reed and Garry Bowe closed the session, Chris' bike hesitated off the line whilst Garry went straight into the sevens.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SUPER STREET BIKE                                              THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 14:32:01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   3        SSB      RICK STUBBINS        SCUNTHORPE  UK             SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2207  7.5805   192.95  
2   2        SSB      GRAHAM BALCHIN       WINCHESTER  UK             KAW ZX12   1200 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2210  7.6887   181.25  
3   12       SSB      BRAD O'CONNOR        COLCHESTER  UK             SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1802  7.7100   187.37  
4   15       SSB      JAMIE SNEDDON        CORBY  UK                  HON B/BIRD 1100 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3051  7.8506   186.46  
5   6        SSB      MARK WATKINS         DAGENHAM  UK               SUZ GSXR   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .5124  7.8763   190.39  
6   7        SSB      GARRY BOWE           WIGTON  UK                 SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2481  7.9174   176.32  
7   4        SSB      SCOTT BALDWIN        NEWCASTLE  UK              SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2111  7.9825   184.32  
8   19       SSB      THOMAS GRANICA       GERMANY                    SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2453  8.0560   179.91  
9   33       SSB      STEPHEN MEAD         WEDMORE  UK                SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2496  8.3391   171.63  
10  5        SSB      DAVE SMITH           LEISTON  UK                SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .4402  8.4409   181.34  
11  32       SSB      PAUL HAMBIDGE        HIGHWORTH  UK              KAW ZX12R  1199 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2341  8.5370   176.40  
12  1        SSB      STEVE VENABLES       DOWNTON  UK                SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .0962  8.5665   182.69  
13  8        SSB      GRAHAM DANCE         WROXHAM  UK                SUZ TLR    1500 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3194  8.7852   170.97  
14  21       SSB      STEVE WOOD           SOMPTING  UK               SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1882  9.0973   162.38  
15  31       SSB      STEFAN SCHNARWILER   SWITZERLAND                SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2465  9.3963   152.54  
16  11       SSB      CHRIS REED           SOUTHEND ON SEA UK         SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2532  9.4128   185.00  
 -- ALTERNATES --  ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES --  ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES --
17  24       SSB      RICHARD HANN         YEOVIL  UK                 SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3782  9.5465   154.63  
 Best R.T. was  STEVE VENABLES      + .0962
 Best E.T. was  RICK STUBBINS        7.5805
 Best MPH was  RICK STUBBINS       192.95
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

14:20

Super Modified qualifying session 1:

Tim Garlick and Paul Mander first pair, a big burnout from Paul then a nitrous burp off the line, Paul hung on a second and nailed it again and both front wheels went up, the Arrow moving about its lane whilst Timmy G went straight as you like and into #1 spot at that point with a great pass. Craig Gibbs and Andy Hone next, Craig's Camaro went left off the line and got quite close to the rail, Craig stayed with it to about half track whilst Fred went straight and into #1 spot. Tim Mugridge and Nigel Payne followed, nice burnouts by both, shaky launches and pedals for both racers, a long pause and then both hit it again. Belinda Bull next on a solo, her first competitive outing in Super Modified. Tyres up in smoke at the hit and then it sounded as if Belinda had problems shifting gears at about half track. Rob Smallworth last on a solo, a little tyre spin off the line and a very gentle-sounding pass.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SUPER MODIFIED                                                 THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 14:18:14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   203      SM       ANDY HONE            CHESHUNT  UK               SCORPIO    461 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2030  7.6094   177.70  
2   240      SM       TIM GARLICK          SOUTHMINSTER  UK           CORTINA 3  350 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1126  7.6421   175.71  
3   95       SM       BELINDA BULL         COLCHESTER  UK             CHEV S10   565 CI      00.00    0.000 + .0677  8.9159   173.06  
4   68       SM       TIM MUGRIDGE         MYTCHETT  UK               CAMARO     480 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2416  9.2969   155.70  
5   69       SM       CRAIG GIBBS          BASINGSTOKE  UK            CAMARO     489 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1494  9.3668   109.31  
6   1962     SM       NIGEL PAYNE          CHAWSTON  UK               CORVETTE   532 CI      00.00    0.000 + .0726  9.7390   175.64  
7   55       SM       ROB SMALLWORTH       GARSTON  UK                BEL AIR    481 CI      00.00    0.000 +1.6292 10.6468   104.93  
8   76       SM       PAUL MANDER          ICKLEFORD  UK              PLY ARROW  436 CI      00.00    0.000 + .3256 10.7777   169.70  
 Best R.T. was  BELINDA BULL        + .0677
 Best E.T. was  ANDY HONE            7.6094
 Best MPH was  ANDY HONE           177.70
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

14:10

Super Comp qualifying session 1:

Trond Wanvik had a good look at the Tree on launch, Pete Creswell's Mustang also got a bit lively off the line. Brian Pateman had two goes at a launch after rolling the beams first time. Deep Stage foul for Shaun Lathan and and in the other lane a near-perfect run for Jon Morton, a fantastic run off the trailer for #1 spot. Steve Wells and Paul Letchford next, Steve launching and then idling, a nice straight run for Paul but a breakout. Dave Catton next on a solo in Hulk Shogun, looking comfortable in his new ride. Paul Marston next up in the Ugly Stick dragster alongside Frank Mason whose gearbox had to be repaired after his Super Gas run on Friday. 0.0836 for Frank to 0.0846 for Paul, smoke from the Ugly Stick and a quick track check whilst Frank was four ten thousandths wrong side off a perfect run. Last pair in this session were Mark Fairhurst and Dave Day, a nice pass for Dave into #2 spot.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SUPER COMP                                                     THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 14:10:06
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   2        S/COMP   JON MORTON           BENSON  UK                 CHEV CAM   555 CI      08.90   + 8.0126 + .1146  8.9026   150.02  
2   461      S/COMP   DAVE DAY             SOMPTING  UK               CHEV ROD   555 CI      08.90   + 8.0987 + .0633  8.9887   151.01  
3   1        S/COMP   PAUL MARSTON         ROMFORD  UK                DRAGSTER   477 CI      08.90   + 8.1318 + .0846  9.0218   158.44  
4   167      S/COMP   MARK FAIRHURST       MILTON KEYNES  UK          DRAGSTER   355 CI      08.90   + 8.1356 - .0075  9.0256   153.57  
5   1444     S/COMP   TROND WANVIK         NORWAY                     PONT FIREB             08.90   + 8.2099 + .2345  9.0999   136.86  
6   44       S/COMP   DAVE CATTON          CRANAGE  UK                MIT SHOGUN 510 CI      08.90   + 8.3296 + .0701  9.2196   140.82  
7   456      S/COMP   SHAUN LATHAN         NETHERFIELD  UK            VAU CALIBR 461 CI      08.90   + 8.5167 + .0194  9.4067   145.19  
8   3        S/COMP   PTE CRESSWELL        SHARNBROOK  UK             MUSTANG    598 CI      08.90   +10.3447 + .1063 11.2347   150.00  
9   298      S/COMP   STEVE WELLS          NORTHAW  UK                POP P/UP   4800 ROVER  08.90   +16.6016 + .2205 17.4916    96.88  
10  5        S/COMP   FRANK MASON          KILLINGWORTH  UK           CHEV COR   510 CI      08.90   + 8.0096 + .0836  8.8996   151.02  
11  9        S/COMP   BRIAN PATEMAN        WESTCLIFF  UK              PON FIREBI 540 CI      08.90   + 7.9794 + .9511  8.8694   155.75  
12  24       S/COMP   PAUL LETCHFORD       ABBOTS LANGLEY  UK         CAMARO     509 CI      08.90   + 7.9621 + .1920  8.8521   156.78  
 Best R.T. was  SHAUN LATHAN        + .0194
 Best E.T. was  PAUL LETCHFORD       8.8521
 Best MPH was  PAUL MARSTON        158.44
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

Trackside conditions are 11.7 C, 93% humidity and 29.91 inches of air, track temperature 14.0 C.

14:00

B&H Automotive/LA Racing Parts Street Eliminator qualifying session 1:

A long burnout for Colin Lazenby in the first pairing, spin off the line but a couple of pedals and a nice straight pass from about 200 feet on. A flash and bang for Moose Hollingworth in the next pairing, nothing found on the track so hopefully all OK. A nice wheelie for Jeff Meads in the next pairing, the Pop describing a long curve down the track, in the other lane Bill McDermid put down a solid baseline. A couple of observed runs next, Mark Todd on a burnout and launch and Dave Murdoch likewise on his first outing in the very pretty Willys.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
STREET ELIMINATOR                                              THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 14:00:19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   56       S/ELIM   COLIN LAZENBY        STRILING  UK               210 SEDAN  706 CI      00.00    0.000 + .0528  8.6300   184.21  
2   504      S/ELIM   JEFF MEADS           EASTWOOD  UK               FORD POP   565 CI      00.00    0.000 + .0566  8.8542   164.16  
3   22       S/ELIM   ALEX MCINTOSH        AMPTHILL  UK               MUSTANG    540 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1225  9.9640   140.65  
4   472      S/ELIM   MATS ANDERSSON       GLOUCESTER  UK             OPEL GT    396 CI      00.00    0.000 + .4880 10.7331   126.82  
5   1969     S/ELIM   BILL MACDERMID       BYFLEET  UK                CAMARO     454 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1873 10.7767   117.88  
6   460      S/ELIM   JON HOLLINGWORTH     STOCKPORT  UK              CORTINA    501 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2708 10.8390    96.82  
7   406      S/ELIM   MARK TODD            ALTRINCHAM  UK             FIREBIRD   406 CI      00.00    0.000 +1.2265 16.0336    72.03  
8   33       S/ELIM   DAVID MURDOCH        LARKHALL  UK               WILLYS     540 CI      00.00    0.000 +1.0577 23.4326    39.91  
 Best R.T. was  COLIN LAZENBY       + .0528
 Best E.T. was  COLIN LAZENBY        8.6300
 Best MPH was  COLIN LAZENBY       184.21
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

13:55

Wild Bunch qualifying session 1:

Eurodragster.com sponsor Ed Yates very close to the Eurodragster.com/Gold RV Perfect ET Award, 0.001 off dial-in. A nice big wheelie from Chris Hartnell. Next up was Dick Sharp on his first pass in the rebuilt Dorset Horn, a nice-looking run for Dick and all set to give it some wellie in the next pairing.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
WILD BUNCH                                                     THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 13:54:00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   9        WB       PETER YATES          BRISTOL  UK                SLINGSHOT  355 CI      09.33   + 8.3980 + .4520  9.3310   142.00  
2   44       WB       DAVID ROWLANDS       READING  UK                ALTERED    431 CI      09.50   + 8.5732 + .2412  9.5232   142.43  
3   95       WB       MARK RICHARDSON      READING  UK                ALTERED    355 CI      09.45   + 8.6483 + .3907  9.5933   141.57  
4   3        WB       CHRIS HARTNELL       STOKE GIFFORD  UK          SLINGSHOT  377 CI      08.95   + 8.2760 + .2296  9.1710   146.13  
5   35       WB       DICK SHARP           BRIDPORT  UK               AUSTIN A35 428 CI      10.00   +12.0664 + .9580 13.0664   105.05  
 Best R.T. was  CHRIS HARTNELL      + .2296
 Best E.T. was  CHRIS HARTNELL       9.1710
 Best MPH was  CHRIS HARTNELL      146.13
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

13:50

Junior Dragster qualifying session 1:

Matthew Seamarks briefly #1 qualifier at 0.0380 until the next pairing when Gabrielle McDonald took over with a very nice 0.0086 RT for her first pass of the year. New paint too on the Panther Racing JD, Anna Stanley into #4 at that point. Grete Arntzen Ingdal backed off way early on her pass, we guess not wanting to go under the 7.90 limit for JMA. Annalieze Gibb and Josh Saunders next, a huge red light for Josh and Annelieze #7 at that point. Joe Kellett and Lisa Selles next, Lisa staged pointing at about 200 feet and dad committing a Blue Line violation so that run will be pulled I guess.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
JUNIOR DRAGSTER                                                THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 13:48:49
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   14       J/MOD A  GABRIELLE MCDONALD   IRELAND                    DRAGSTER   480 CC      07.90   + 7.3200 + .0086  8.1100    81.47  
2   4        J/MOD A  MATTHEW SEAMARKS     RUSHDEN  UK                DRAGSTER               07.90   + 7.3306 + .0380  8.1206    70.30  
3   11       J/MOD A  REBECCA EVANS        BULKINGTON  UK             DRAGSTER   450 CC      07.90   + 7.5637 + .0731  8.3537    80.60  
4   898      J/MOD A  GRETE ARNTZEN INGG   NORWAY                     DRAGSTER               07.90   + 8.2003 + .0797  8.9903    52.72  
5   5        J/MOD    ZAK JOHNSON          CASTLEFORD  UK             DRAGSTER   350 CC      08.90   + 8.5578 + .0838  9.4478    71.17  
6   2        J/MOD A  ANNA STANLEY         CHEPSTOW  UK               DRAGSTER               07.90   + 8.8707 + .0911  9.6607    68.73  
7   3        J/MOD    JOE KELLETT          BOLTON  UK                 DRAGSTER   350 CC      08.90   + 8.0350 + .1117  8.9250    72.21  
8   19       J/MOD    ANNALIEZE GIBB       UPMINSTER  UK              DRAGSTER               08.90   + 8.2376 + .1258  9.1276    70.19  
9   12       J/MOD    RHIANNON BELLENIE    MARDEN  UK                 DRAGSTER   250 CC      08.90   + 9.8147 + .1570 10.7047    60.44  
10  13       J/MOD A  LIAS SELLES          HOLLAND  NL                DRAGSTER               07.90   + 7.3265 + .3973  8.1165    80.84  
11  23       J/S      PETTERI LIIMATAINE   FINLAND                    DRAGSTER               12.90   +16.6629 + .4207 17.9529    33.95  
12  100      J/MOD    IVANA VAN DEN BERG   NETHERLANDS  NL            DRAGSTER   350 CC      08.90   + 9.4893 + .5765 10.3793    60.34  
13  16       J/MOD A  CLARE GILES          FAREHAM  UK                DRAGSTER               07.90   + 8.2781 - .0489  9.0681    71.84  
14  15       J/MOD    CHARLOTTE WATTS      GIFFARD PARK  UK           DRAGSTER   275 CC      08.90   +10.1221 - .0495 11.0121    58.09  
15  10       J/MOD A  JOSH SAUNDERS        LEWES  UK                  DRAGSTER   400 CC      07.90   + 7.0491 - .1306  7.8391    83.67  
 Best R.T. was  GABRIELLE MCDONALD  + .0086
 Best E.T. was  JOSH SAUNDERS        7.8391
 Best MPH was  JOSH SAUNDERS        83.67
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

13:40

Super Pro ET qualifying session 1:

Big tyre spin for Jack Brewster, more or less a rolling burnout to sixty feet. An intended burnout to sixty feet for John Atkinson in his first competitive outing in Super Pro. Spin for both John Atkinson and John Morris then blue smoke from John A's motor at half track, nothing untoward by the look of things. A 200-foot burnout for John Everitt before his pass against Mark Flavell, a tremendous pass for Flav, 7.2152 on a 7.20 dial-in and into #1 spot at that point. Norbert Schneider up next, he told us yesterday that he wanted one more pass before he gave it full power. Wheels-up launch and a breakout 8.5260 on an 8.74 dial-in. Nice paired burnouts from Dave James and Vince Gibbs, the Firebird now in matt black. Tyre spin and a bang at the hit for Vince and the car stopped at 100 feet, Dave drove through tyre spin 9.5585 on an 8.80 dial-in for Dave betrays the spin. Nick Good next on a solo, spin off the line and a move to the left, Nick pedalled a couple of times. Mark Bishop and Rick Garrett both in their first full seasons in Super Pro, a big burnout from Rick. PB for Mark, 8.5228/153.00 on an 8.60 dial-in, well done Mark! A breakout but the team won't be bothered. Rick into #4 spot at that point. Ashley Bell sounding to feather the throttle a little as the Cobra strayed to the right but still good for #4, in the other lane a straight pass for Rick Cooke into #3 at that point. Solo run for Eurodragster.com sponsor Pete Walters, the tyres didn't strike on the burnout but a great baseline pass, 8.7996 on an 8.30 dial-in. Steve Taylor next in the Black Magic rail, the engine rebuilt after yesterday's problems. Bad shake off the line, a pedal and back on the throttle, probably half a second lost there. Barry Giles and John Tebenham next, Barry's dragster almost standing still at the start of the burnout. 7.9830 on a 7.82 dial-in for JT and into #4 spot at that point. No throttle response in the burnout for Rod Harrison, brief burnout for Pat Talbot. Tyre spin off the line for Pat and she backed off at about 100 feet, Rod more or less idled off the line. Karl Harrison next, the engine shut off before the burnout waiting for the two idling dragsters to clear the track. A solo for Karl on his first run in competition with the Funny Car and his final observed run.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SUPER PRO E.T                                                  THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 13:40:56
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   551      S/PRO    MARK FLAVELL         YARM  UK                   SAAB F/C   540 CI      07.20   + 6.4952 + .0314  7.2152   188.08  
2   543      S/PRO    JACK BREWSTER        BOURNEMOUTH  UK            FIREBIRD   535 CI      08.56   + 7.7681 + .7067  8.6241   157.27  
3   474      S/PRO    ASHLEY BELL          GUYHIRN  UK                AC COBRA   565 CI      08.75   + 7.9429 + .2982  8.8179   144.63  
4   710      S/PRO    JOHN TEBENHAM        GUILDFORD  UK              PROBE      2000 CC     07.82   + 7.2010 +1.6985  7.9830   164.04  
5   1        S/PRO    RICK COOKE           STROUD  UK                 DRAGSTER   498 CI      07.90   + 7.5280 + .1840  8.3180   161.62  
6   881      S/PRO    PETE WALTERS         SOMERSET  UK               DRAGSTER   377 CI      08.30   + 7.9696 + .2325  8.7996   141.15  
7   426      S/PRO    STEVE TAYLOR         ADDLESTONE  UK             DRAGSTER   454 CI      07.60   + 7.4821 + .5687  8.2421   165.40  
8   604      S/PRO    RICK GARRETT         EPSOM  UK                  DOD DART   604 CI      08.99   + 8.8379 + .3607  9.7369   122.00  
9   118      S/PRO    DAVID JAMES          COLCHESTER  UK             CHEVELLE   632 CI      08.80   + 8.6785 + .5504  9.5585   147.98  
10  707      S/PRO    JOHN MORRIS          DESBOROUGH  UK             FORD PROBE 540 CI      08.70   + 8.6885 + .0403  9.5585   152.42  
11  340      S/PRO    PAT TALBOT           SANDBACH  UK               DRAGSTER   600 CI      07.40   + 7.6020 + .3311  8.3420   161.82  
12  221      S/PRO      JOHN ATKINSON      BRACKLEY  UK               GORTINA    540 CI      08.69   + 8.8583 + .2053  9.7273   149.45  
13  315      S/PRO    BOB DOYLE            BRAINTREE  UK              DAT 260Z   422 CI      08.99   + 9.1708 + .0914 10.0698   135.11  
14  250      S/PRO    NICK GOOD            KINGS LYNN  UK             DRAGSTER   509 CI      06.85   + 8.2876 + .1868  8.9726   125.77  
15  308      S/PRO    KARL HARRISON        MANEA  UK                  FUNNY CAR              06.00   + 7.5893 + .9065  8.1893   153.65  
16  913      S/PRO    NORBERT SCHNEIDER    GERMANY                    VW CORRADO 620 CI      06.00   +11.4757 + .4840 12.0757    94.27  
17  307      S/PRO    ROD HARRISON         MANEA  UK                  DRAGSTER   540 CI      07.50   +23.2453 + .8317 23.9953    40.62  
18  2        S/PRO    BARRY GILES          FAREHAM  UK                DRAGSTER   540 CI      07.55   + 6.7651 + .0241  7.5201   239.77  
19  475      S/PRO    JOHN EVERITT         WELWYN G CITY  UK          FORD T     555 CI      08.10   + 7.2229 + .0278  8.0329   168.32  
20  83       S/PRO    MARK BISHOP          WELLINGBOROUGH  UK         FIAT TOP   521 CI      08.60   -53.6794 - .2363 -5.36785   153.00  
 Best R.T. was  BARRY GILES         + .0241
 Best E.T. was  MARK BISHOP         -5.36785
 Best MPH was  BARRY GILES         239.77
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

13:10

Super Street qualifying session 1:

Here we go then! If truth be told we were all beginning to lose hope a little but it's come good and we're finally racing.

Mark Watkins the first to get away today, a couple of elevens with Nick Griffin. The traditional first-run breakout for Dave Cherrett whilst in the other lane a nice 0.0836 from Leigh Morris. A pair of Grants next, a great 0.0174 RT for John Grant and a great 10.9366/137.66 for #1 spot at that point. 0.0382 from Chris Kenny in the next pair and in the other lane Martyn Sanger into #1 at 10.9125/120.71. New colours for Bob Lees, the Mustang now dark red.

Don't forget about the over/under bug in the standings below, TSI Timers in the USA are on the case.

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SUPER STREET                                                   THROUGH ROUND # 1                              12/04/2009 13:11:03
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    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   138      S/ST     MARTYN SANGER        SHAFTESBURY  UK            MUSTANG    351 CI      10.90   + 9.8225 + .0695 10.9125   120.71  
2   162      S/ST     JOHN GRANT           KEYNSHAM  UK               FORD 100E  460 CI      10.90   + 9.8466 + .0174 10.9366   137.66  
3   569      S/ST     LEIGH MORRIS         NUNEATON  UK               JAGUAR E   3800 JAG    10.90   + 9.9399 + .0836 11.0299   120.51  
4   271      S/ST     CHRIS KENNY          BRISTOL  UK                FORD POP   355 CI      10.90   +10.0782 + .0382 11.1682    89.52  
5   404      S/ST     NICK GRIFFIN         BOURNEMOUTH  UK            CHEVELLE   489 CI      10.90   +10.1061 + .1962 11.1961   100.32  
6   409      S/ST     BOB LEES             REDFIELD  UK               MUSTANG    474 CI      10.90   +10.4216 + .0901 11.5116   126.19  
7   666      S/ST     MARK WATKINS         LONGLEVENS  UK             280 ZX     461 CI      10.90   +10.4788 + .1919 11.5688   125.17  
8   337      S/ST     NEIL GRANT           BRISTOL  UK                ZEPHYR     454 CI      10.90   + 9.7470 + .1875 10.8370   136.45  
9   79       S/ST     DAVE CHERRETT        WORCESTER  UK              FORD A VAN 440 CI      10.90   + 9.5706 + .3016 10.6606    99.44  
 Best R.T. was  JOHN GRANT          + .0174
 Best E.T. was  DAVE CHERRETT       10.6606
 Best MPH was  JOHN GRANT          137.66
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

Trackside conditions at the start of the session were 11.0 C, 96% humidity and 29.91 inches of air. rack temperature is 12.2 C

12:35

Super Street and Super Pro ET are being called to the pairing lanes, stay tuned.

11:40

Well folks this will hopefully be the defining moment of this weekend. The rain radar shows us clear now, the rain is moving from the bottom of the picture to the top and there is no rain approaching from the south as far as the radar goes, which is into France:


The track crew are out doing their thing and it is visibly brightening. Trackside conditions are 10.5 C and 29.88 inches of air; humidity on the next update as the sensor is saturated. Stay tuned.

9:00

Good morning and welcome from Santa Pod Raceway for our coverage of the 2009 Auto Trader Easter Thunderball in association with American Car Imports.

The Webster Race Engineering/Lex Joon Racing USA Tour 2009 webcam is on-line and is posting a picture every sixty seconds.

Same situation as yesterday unfortunately, it's a bit damp here but the rain has at least stopped and the weather people tell us that things should improve later this morning until the end of the event.

A big Thank You to Grace Roaf who kindly brought us up some delicious Easter cakes yesterday. As you'd expect they were eaten pretty quickly.

Stay tuned and as soon as there are any developments we'll let you know.


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