Antti Horto is the young and rising star of Finnish Top Fuel racing. Horto went through the traditional ranks of drag racing to step up to the Formula 1 of drag racing, Top Fuel in 2011. “I started in Junior Dragster in 1995 and stepped up to Super Comp when I was 16 and Competition Eliminator when I was 18.” The young Finn doesn’t tell he was Finnish champion in both classes and also drove the Eagle Racing two seater dragster for many years. “My uncle started Eagle Racing in the ’80 and Janne Ahonen was one of the drivers a few years ago.” In 2011 Horto earned his Top Fuel licence in one of Rune Fjeld’s cars and was number one qualifier in his second Top Fuel race! Last year Horto impressed even more as he only did four races, was in the final twice and was the number four in the FIA European Championship. “Both finals rained out, so I had to wait another year for my first win.”

That did not take too long, as Horto now started his season at the Main Event and took everybody by surprise by winning this first race of the year. From third qualifying position the Eagle Racing Motorsport driver defeated Stig Neergaard in the semi-finals on a holeshot, to take the win in the all Finnish final over Anita Mäkelä with his best run of the weekend, a 4.15 seconds.


On the podium at Santa Pod - Horto and Mäkelä

Follow Horto and Mäkelä during the FHRA Nitro Nationals via the live  web-TV or the Eurodragster.com coverage. FHRA:s website: www.fhra.fi

 
“That first win felt so good, really unbelievable”, says Horto, still with a big smile on his face. “The car is from Rune Fjeld and although not the youngest, it’s so good and consistent. I feel great in it.” Except crewchief Tony Pearson the whole Eagle Racing Motorsport crew is Finnish. That this combination is a proven winner could be seen in round two of the FIA European Championship at Tierp Arena. Another number three qualifying position, now in a stunning 4.07 seconds, a quarter final win in 4.09 seconds, to loose against Thomas Nataas after traction problems in the semi-final. With his home race at Alastaro to come, Horto is the number two in the championship, only six points behind leader Nataas. “Alastaro is a special race for us. It’s our home race and so many friends, family and sponsors will be there live at the track.”

Horto is sponsored by Eagle Racing Motorsport, Aubox, AH-Projekti Oy, Dolicap and Ammattilehti.fi. “After that number four last season, the title was our goal for this year and after the Main Event win, we know we can do it and win that championship. We have the intention to do all races this year but as usual, that depends on funding. I’m absolutely sure I want to be in Top Fuel for many years to come, this is only the beginning.” So Finnish Top Fuel future looks good!