Peter Svensson and his team Kendall took command already during the first qualifying session where Peter ran 3.95 sec / 321.05 km/h (almost 200 mph) and a new personal speed recod on the eight mile, before a white cloud came from the bike. Svensson off the throttle but stopped the clock at 6.02 sec on the quarter mile, took the lead and held it throughout the qualifiactions.

Ian King and crew brought their Championship lead into the event knowing this would be their toughest test so far this season facing high performing Kendall Racing team of Peter and Sören Svensson (who had tested the maiden track a few weeks earlier). In addition, as described by team King, the Gulf Oil – Grand Prix Originals machine is still in the early stages of development, with the Tierp event only being the third ever for the new bike, naturally the tuning and setup potential has not been fully explored yet.

Jaska Salakari doubled in Top Fuel Bike and Super Twin at this event. He qualified 6th and was to meet Svensson in a quarter-final, however had to withdraw due to engine damage. Svensson who had set up the bike safe for the run knowing Salakari as a tough opponent, ran a fine 6.04 sec/370 km. Adjustments to add power to the engine for the bye run Svensson had in the semi-final resulted in a slightly slower but still extremely good 6.05 sec run.

Ian King, who won over Peter Andersson-Ström running a 6.37 sec in the quarter finals was then up against Sverre Dahl, and on paper that looked like a close match (Dahl took out Paljakka first round while running 6.34 sec). However it was King´s 6.31 sec that beat Dahl´s 6.47 and King qualified to meet Svensson in the final.

Svensson and crew had prepared the bike when they got the word King had  withdrawn. With no time for changes team Kendall and Peter Svensson kept the set up and the run resulted in an incredible 6.006 sec at a speed of 354.56 km and while dropping a cylinder (!) The team stated their air reading just before the final indicated 3000 and team Kendal with rider Peter Svensson was very content with the win and performance at the state of the art Tierp Arena. King informed his team found that a tyre had blistered in the semifinal. In addition they had a concern with slightly lower oil pressure readings which could not be checked properly in the short time span between the semfinal and final, leaving them no option but to withdraw from running the final against Svensson.

King was however happy for the runner up position, as well as having qualified second quickest and set a new best for the bike. Ian King and the Gulf Oil team also extended their points lead in the championship. King enters at the next and fourth championship round at Alastaro in Finland, while winner Svensson sits out and joins the championship for round #5 in Norway.

Paljakka and Salakari at their home track Alastaro might be worth watching out for!

Peter Svensson


Ian King before and during a run..
New bike for King who ran personal bests over and over for this bike and we expect there is still has to come


Ian King on track


Petri Paljakka, Finland is the 2010 champion. His 2011 season has not started that great

One of King´s qualification runs ended in the gravel trap when he was unable to make the bike come to a stand still as normal. It could have, but luckily did not stop his further competition at the event.   

Read team King and Svensson´s own race reports by clicking the links!

Race Report Ian King - Team Gulf Oil

Race Report Peter Svensson - Team Kendall