TOP METHANOL DRAGSTER

The dragsters (all in the hands of very skilled teams) are consistent and reliable performers at any track and under most circumstances, a fact the audience appreciate. At this point it looks like this season is going to see a decrease in number of contestants in the class and most certain the number that run a full championship. 

Absent for the start of the season, last years champion Maltese Monty Bugeja and runner-up Chris Polidano also Malta. The Habermann brothers Dennis and Timo, which have been consistent and well perfoming the last years have declared they decrease their involvement in the championship due to technical regulations not working in favour for the type of combination they run (the class allow as well blown alcohol and nitro injected combinations). Unaware of the details, the fact the Habermann´s are missing  is a pity and loss for the class.     


2012 Top Methanol Dragster champion Monty Bugeja

Good news is that Johnny Lagg, Sweden has acquired Krister Johanssons A/Fuel car and will drive it with Krister as Tuner. Johansson retired after the Scandinavian Internats at Tierp last august and we are happy to see his continued involvement outside the drivers seat, which is no doubt benefit the class at a time when it is most needed. However Lagg is not entered at Main Event.

But this exciting new driver is..
New English driver Tethys will pilot Dave Wilson's A/Fuel car at Main Event. While having acquired a license at Frank Hawleys  drag racing school in the US, he is unknown on the European methanol scene, and yet to be figured out by everyone. No doubt team Wilsons tuning skills and a great car will come in handy when establishing himself in the class.  

Paul-Ingar Udtian (who we watched license running in Top Fuel at last years European Finals) will drive the Islanders TMD at the Main Event. However it is  new lady driver Brigitte Bremnes who will drive it at the rest of the rounds. We will make sure to come back with more on that in a forthcoming edition.

We expect to see Finnish driver Esko Raisvuo participate at the event in Finland and possibly Sweden and hope that Peter Schöfer and crew from Germany will appear at some of the events also this year.


The Wilson dragster to be driven by Tethys.  


The Islanders Racing Dragster - piloted by Paul Ingar Udtian at Main Event


Krister Johansson - car sold to Jonny Lagg

TOP METHANOL FUNNY CAR:



Stephanie Milam UK (pictured above),  is back after a season of absence 2012 due to injury after an unfortunate bumpy ride in the funny car. Steph will be competing at the two Santa Pod events and is eager to try out the new surface at Main Event. 

I think it is no coincidence three of the new drivers come from the Pro Modified class into Methanol Funny Car. It would seem like a natural choice and perfect next step if you have the wish for such.. Similar technology, but lighter and faster cars and seemingly (from what I have been told) a blast to drive. Which I gather a Pro Mod car would also be of course. No matter the reasons it is great to see as much as four new (or almost new) young drivers enter the class this season!

Gareth Ellis, UK - Have already been out on track license running at Santa Pod. The car was acquired from Dan & Joan Larsen, who are assisting Ellis to get set and sorted. Dad Graham is well established in the Pro Mod class.

Adam Flamholc, Sweden - doubles in methanol funny car (the car is an ex Frank Manzo car) as well as running and currently leading the US ADRL series in Pro Mod. A lot of flying back and forth for Adam and a few of the mechanics, but we are of course thrilled to have them back in the FIA championship after last year was devoted to racing in the US only.

Johnny Oksa, son of funny car veteran Jarmo Kuutniemi who sadly passed away after at period of illness last year, will continue in his dads spirit and we wish him, mum Elisabeth and the rest of the crew the best of luck. Johnny plans to license run at Tierp Arena during the EDRS Nationals May 10-11th.

Brothers Jonnie and Johan Lindberg (read about them in the separate article also!) - Jonnie Lindberg completed his license last season and ran a stunning 5.59 sec/422 km/h at Tierp Arena last August. That put him as second quickest in Europe already at the first event of competition, after Europe´s quickest and reigning champion Leif Andréasson. Leif´s car was sent to the US over the winter to fit a new body and he also participated and qualified 5th quickest at season opening NHRA event at Pomona with a fine 5.62 sec run. Unfortunately, the oil pump broke and put an end to team Andréassons further competition already at the first round of eliminations. Andréasson not entered for Main Event. But these drivers are.. 

TOP METHANOL FUNNY CAR
Currently entered for Main Event:

Jonnie Lindberg, Sweden
Johan Lindberg, Sweden
Rob Turner, UK
Jurgen Nagel, Germany
Gareth Ellis, UK
Stephanie Milam, UK
Adam Flamholc, Sweden


Jürgen Nagel - skilled and consistent veteran

Expected to join the championship at the Sweden Internationals at Tierp Arena in mid-june are Swedes Jonas Staflund and Mikael Larsson. Larsson says - We plan to participate in all FIA-events except for Main Event (we are unfortunately booked for another event). NitrOlympx and European Finals are still preliminary, but we intend to go there. We have a new paint scheme on the car this year and some new fine sponsors, for instance Mr. CAP and Hydroscand. Q8 Oils is still onboard together with a number of local companies. The car is black with orange stripes this year.
 
To join at the 2nd round of the championship is also the main plan for Leanders Bros, driver Ulf and brother Jörgen who somewhat surprisingly are missing at the Main Event entry list. With both engines from last year sold and no engines complete yet and delays in delivery of parts, the chance is remote they will be able to make a late entry.

Arvid Grödem, Norway hesitant to what extent he will run this season, we of course hope the team will be able to make a few appearances on track. The word is that Danny Bellio (Belgium) is joining the championship at a later stage, but that still remains to be confirmed as the firm plan for champion Andréasson this season.

We are in for a thrilling season of methanol drag racing, stay tuned for a report after Main Event!


Ulf Leanders 


The Lindberg paint scheme - two identical looking cars, how stunning will that look! Read more in the separate article in this edition.

Reliable and well performing UK based Rob Turner & crew plans for all events except Finland.


Turner