Fantastic progress for Petri Paljakka his first season in the class, which he started off with an event win at Alastaro. Can  Petri end the season in the same manner as he started? The performance level at the European Finals 2009 was faster than what we have seen so far this season. With a Peter Svensson running in the low 5.90´s, at a speed of 236 mph (380km), need I say more?



With that, Svensson was of course low qualifier at the same event 2009 followed by Ian King at 6.12 sec (that too incredibly quick). This time I expect a rider like Rene van den Berg, who did not make it into the field last year, to appear in a different light.

Finnish "one man show" and profile Jaska Salakari, who has doubled in Super Twin and Top Fuel Bike (and run quick at times, although not yet so consistent) is not entered at the moment.

Ian King, who sold his 2009 championship winner bike to Paljakka, is currently set with a temporary solution running Eric Muccignato´s (France) bike while it is on sale. King plans to return in 2011 with what is expected to be a new potential championship winner. King was out on track at Hockenheim two weeks ago and is entered at the European Finals.

The eliminations at the European Finals last year showed some non-consistency for most teams, and a rider like van den Berg who has shown steady "bracket" performance may well have an advantage this time if he can keep up the same pace like at Gardermoen.   



And let´s not forget UK based rider Steve Woollatt, who took the win at the Main Event in May at Santa Pod.

The fact Woollatt only runs in the UK means he can not expect a top ranking in the  championship this season (currently 9th), but if he won at Santa Pod in May, can´t he repeat it?

Well, I am sure he can but just this time Woollatt is up against riders like Ian King, Sverre Dahl, Peter Svensson and Petri Paljakka, who was not at Santa Pod in May. So it will be a tough call no matter what..

Kai Selkämaa started the season in a great way winning in Hungary and being runner up at the Main Event at Santa Pod, but has since not had much success. The question is if he can change the trend for this last event? And if he can´t will he still be the 2010 European Champion?

Because it is Kai Selkämaa who is currently in the lead of the championship with 190 points, followed by Van den Berg (178 points) and Paljakka (149 points). They are the top three contenders for the championship trophies with Svensson chasing from behind at 114 points. Some advancement in ranking can be made if Svensson top scores.

Some of the riders that was included in the Top Fuel Bike class in 2009 will be at Santa Pod, but running in the UEM Funny Bike cup- a rule change means riders like European record holder Rikard Gustafsson is not in Top Fuel Bike any longer. But visitors and online followers can of course still follow the action among the Funny Bike teams as well.

The European Finals event winner in Top Fuel bike 2009 was Peter Svensson with 6.08 sec. in the final defeating Sverre Dahl´s 6.31.. Both will be on site at Santa Pod and I believe both to have the potential to repeat and improve.

Don´t miss to check what some of the UEM riders and FIA drivers have to say about the last event of the season in the articles "Talking with racers"



Also prepare for the European Finals at Santa Pod by checking the championship points standings for the current ranking and the entry list (see separate links)



If not on site you can always follow the event coverage at Eurodragster.com Live reporting of what goes on at the track, webcam on site,  (changing view every minute), read the pit notes and check the extensive  photo gallery as the event is on its way. Excitement guaranteed!