In Top Methanol Funny Car, reigning champion Ulf Leanders will get competition from Dan Larsen, who returned to form at the end of last season, and Leif Andreasson. A few weeks ago spectacular news came from Malta that Zmoke Z1 Drag Racing will enter two cars in this year’s championship. With sponsorship from PowerPlan Ltd, a subsidiary of John’s Group of Companies, Maltese rookie Chris Farrugia will drive the Dodge Stratus formerly campaigned by Leif Andreasson and the Swede will field a newly imported TMFC from the States.

There’s a new car too, also acquired from the States, for Arvid Grodem. And can Rob Turner surprise in his first Funny Car race after so many years in a dragster? From Belgium, Danny Bellio will enter his Dodge Charger again. The small, low-budget team did an excellent job last season, showing good speed but also plagued by bad luck. With more consistency Bellio can be among the frontrunners.