Santa Pod News

Autosport International 2012 - Eurodragster.com - 17/01/2012

Santa Pod Raceway's General Manager David Lloyd-Jones brought up up to date with developments at SPR.

"We have installed lights in the shutdown area and I must thank Santa Pod Racers Club for their financial help. In light of a recommendation from the MSA we have put in a new and longer catch fence. Fencing from the end of the grandstand to 330 feet is now seven feet tall and the fencing has been replaced between 330 feet and scrutineering. There will be a new toilet block in the Family Camping area, just behind scrutineering, in time for the Easter Thunderball. We have also extended the Pod Shop with an area especially for racers' needs such as VP fuels, Lucas Oils, Ringers gloves etc."

"Although there is an extra day of Public Holiday on the Tuesday this year, the FIA Main Event will still take place on the Friday to Monday of the holiday weekend although the Tuesday will be used as a rain date if eliminations cannot be completed on the Monday. Whether or not the rain date is used racers and fans are welcome to stay at the track on the Monday evening and we will keep the bar open and put on a band. The offer of 20% off advance tickets for all 2012 events at Santa Pod is open until the end of January."

"Now that the rules allow Junior Funny Cars to run in Junior Modified we are having a Junior Funny Car built for hire. Although the Funny Cars can now run in Modified we will start a Junior Funny Car League if there is enough interest. All of the leading chassis builders are quoting ten thousand pounds for a Junior Funny Car plus about £1750 for the body. So either get one built, build your own, or talk to Santa Pod and if there would be enough of us can get together to place orders then maybe we could get a volume discount. If you are interested in Junior Funny Car then please contact Darren Prentice at Santa Pod.

"One of our jet dryers is currently working at the site of the Olympic Park in London. It us being used to bed in tarmac on the roads and other infrastructure such as anti-skid surfaces on footpaths and decorative finishing. Darren Prentice, Steve Horn and Martin Hill have been there for five weeks so far and will probably be there for another five weeks or so. We have set up a web site at www.surfacedrying.com with information about our services.

"Finally I would like to say a big Thank You to the Santa Pod Raceway staff, the Santa Pod Racers Club race officials and marshals, the racers, the fans, Eurodragster.com and the media, and everyone who puts in time and effort. Without your efforts and time, drag racing would not exist."

Chris Andrews said that this would be a development year for the F&A Top Fuel Racing team as it has been a few years since he has raced Top Fuel. "I have to re-acclimatise myself and the car has systems I've not used before", he said. "We're not going to expect to go out there and win the Championship immediately. We plan to contest the full FIA calendar and we will be testing before the FIA Main Event. We hope to be invited to the Easter Thunderball."

Another car making its début at Autosport International, having been delivered by builder Webster Race Engineering the day before, was Mark Todd's 1965 Pontiac GTO which will be contesting Topspeed Automotive Street Eliminator.

Semi-naked on the Santa Pod Raceway stand was the new Showtime Fuel Funny Car which driver John Spuffard said is scheduled to make its on-track deébut at Easter. "The chassis is from John Force's 2010 car", said Spuff. "The body is a state-of-the-art Mustang which is brand new - never raced or rallied! The only change to the motor is a setback blower."

Jet Funny Car pilot Martin Hill said that the Fireforce 4 Jet Funny Car is under repair after its crash in testing last year. "The body is done, and the chassis is currently in the shop", he said.

Thanks to Tog at Eurodragster.com for the report.

The “Shovin’ Chevvy” is reborn at Dragstalgia! - 17/06/11

It was way back in 1964 that top American drivers including “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, “TV Tommy” Ivo and Tony “The Loner” Nancy first thundered down the Tarmac at Blackbush Airport, in Surrey, to bring the sound and fury of professional drag racing to the thousands of horsepower-hungry motorsport fans that turned out for the 1st British International Drag Festival.

Unlike today, there was no electronic Christmas tree, or top-end win lights recording elapsed times and terminal speeds. Instead, a brightly-attired starter in a funny pointed hat flagged both competitors off the line, while the commentator informed spectators of the winning and losing ETs and speeds. And in those days few dragsters had starter motors, so they required a push to fire-up; hence the need for start cars.

Out on the strip today you’ll see a 1957 Chevy Bel Air driven by Dave Hughes presented as a tribute to another ’57 that famously served as an official start car for the six meetings nationally that formed that first International Drag Festival. The ’64 Drag Fest car was owned by then British Hot Rod Association treasurer Pete Bartlett, who today lives in France with his wife Erica. Like Dave’s machine, Pete’s Chevy was a black and white two-door V8 that also ran in competition in addition to its duties as a “Shovin’ Chevvy” (as it was dubbed at the time).

Pete’s Chevy was also a stock 19-second entrant in the “Over 3,000cc Touring Car” class, while Dave’s re-born tribute car is a blown 461-inch big-block beastie, street legal, and potentially capable of knocking 10 seconds off that time. Even nostalgia can’t stop evolution!

The car will be on hand at Dragstalgia on the 16th/17th July to help start any cars that need a push!

Lego Santa pod - 01/05/2011

At the recent Main Event here at Santa Pod it was brought to our attention that someone had constructed a miniature model of the venue. 6 Year old Adam McDavitt has 2 big passions, Drag Racing and Lego. When you put the 2 together it doesn't come as much as a surprise when we found out that Adam had actually built this fantastic replica of his favourite place out of lego. Adam attended the event so we can only hope that he had a good time despite the weather.

Shelley Pearson to race at Santa Pod’s Autotrader Easter Thunderball - 14/04/2011

Shelley Pearson, the UK’s fastest female racer, has confirmed that she will be attending Santa Pod’s popular Autotrader Easter Thunderball between the 22nd and 25th of April. Not in an exhibition capacity this time however, but as a fully fledged racer!

Pearson, who rocked the sport last year with a record licensing run of just 4.98 seconds, at an incredible 278 mph, will be lining up against many of her childhood heroes in only her third full outing in her 8,000 horsepower ‘Top Fuel’ car.

‘Easter at Santa Pod has always been one of my favourite events!’ she explained. ‘But this year, it’s going be simply massive. I can’t wait to compete with so many of the sport’s legends and I’m hoping that I can maintain my form and put in some good times for the team and the fans. I am hugely grateful to Rune and Lindsey at RF motorsport for giving me the opportunity to pilot their Top Fuel dragster at my favourite strip.

Campaigning under the ‘West Ten Motorsport’ banner, Shelley and her partner Kevin, who will also drive the ex-Thomas Nataas Mustang Fuel Funny Car, will be joined by Shelley’s father as crew-chief for what all are hoping will be the ultimate family day at the races.

For more information on Santa Pod, or the Easter Thunderball, please click to www.santapod.com or call the track on 01234 782828.

Beechwood Park School's South East Regional Results - 04/04/2011

Many congratulations to the team, 'Hot Fuel,' from Beechwood Park School in Hertfordshire on winning the South East Regional Final of the Toyota Technology Challenge which was held at Duxford Imperial War Museum last week. Their challenge was to design and build an environmentally friendly solar powered model vehicle which illustrates the idea of a car of the future. The vehicle must be capable of harnessing solar energy, storing it and releasing it under controlled conditions and include recycled or recyclable components or materials within its design. Santa Pod have sponsored the young team of budding engineers for 2011 with their solar powered dragster and since their last visit to us, they have made a number of changes to their car which has resulted in it being the fastest this year so far!!

We are looking forward to seeing the team again at the Easter Thunderball and to catch up on the progress they have made so far. We wish them all the very best for the Finals which will be held on 21st May!

Santa Pod Raceway Announces Partnership with Phoenix Personnel - 04/04/2011

Santa Pod Raceway is delighted to announce its latest new partnership with Phoenix Personnel Limited. Based in Northamptonshire, the company has been around now for 6 years, with a combined knowledge of the driving industry of about 30 years and specializes in supplying class one and two drivers to many blue chip logistics companies.

Jane Smith, Company Director, explained “Phoenix Personnel Limited and I have a great team around me who many in drag racing already know; Carole Ismail (Branch Manager) and Emma Humphreys (Business Development Manager & CPC Trainer). We have always encouraged our clients to visit Santa Pod on many VIP days and have an excellent relationship with the venue and the great team. Carole and Emma always manage to spend their marketing budget in the correct areas and Santa Pod is now one of them with the newly erected Phoenix Personnel billboard. Santa Pod Raceway has proved to be most beneficial to our company, as we have many class one drivers who have been attracted to us from there. We have also signed 4 new clients we meet at different meetings throughout the season in 2009/2010.”

For more information about Phoenix Personnel and the services they offer, visit their website www.phoenix-personnel.co.uk.

All News Items

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Autosport International - 17/01/05

Santa Pod brought drag racing into focus at the Autosport International Show at Birmingham 's NEC at the start of January. Santa Pod hosted a superb line up of race cars which attracted a fascinated audience all weekend. On the stand was Andy Carter's championship-winning Top Fuel Dragster, Martin Hill's Fireforce Jet Car, Sandra Chaplain's Comp Bike, and our Nitro Funny Car, and Junior Dragster showcars. The reception our stand received was fantastic, and we hope to see these new faces at the Pod in 2005.

Autosport International 2012 - Eurodragster.com - 17/01/2012 - Read Article
The “Shovin’ Chevvy” is reborn at Dragstalgia! - 17/06/11 - Read Article
Lego Santa pod - 01/05/2011 - Read Article
Shelley Pearson to race at Santa Pod’s Autotrader Easter Thunderball - 14/04/2011 - Read Article
Beechwood Park School's South East Regional Results - 04/04/2011 - Read Article
Santa Pod Raceway Announces Partnership with Phoenix Personnel - 04/04/2011 - Read Article
Santa Pod and NISMO Competition.com Partner for the 2011 Drift and Race Season - 29/03/2011 - Read Article
Draper Tools Signs as Official Tool Partner to Santa Pod Raceway - 28/03/2011 - Read Article
New Primetime Comedy Show, Calling all Couples! - 25/03/2011 - Read Article
Santa Pod Continues With Permatex For 2011 - 10/03/2011 - Read Article
FireForce 4 - The New Recruit - 18/02/2011 - Read Article
Toyota Technology Challenge in partnership with Rapid - 16/02/2011 - Read Article
Alamo becomes Official Car Rental Partner of Santa Pod Raceway - 14/02/11 - Read Article
Autoglym Continues as ‘Pod Lane Sponsor throughout 2011! - 19/01/2011 - Read Article
First 2011 Terry Grant Stunt Academy Dates Released - 06/11/2011 - Read Article
Club RWYB Event on Sunday 6th March 2011 - 14/01/2011 - Read Article
Santa Pod Offer Great New VP Race Fuel Deals - 06/10/10 - Read Article
Big Tops get better for Bug Jam and USC - 22/07/2010 - Read Article
Drag Racing on Channel 4 - 09/06/2010 - Read Article
Santa Rounds Up Alamo Rent A Car As New Commercial Partner - 21/05/2010 - Read Article
Bedford Schools' Grand Prix is on the fast lane to success - 18/05/2010 - Read Article
Rushden Powerfest - 11/05/2010 - Read Article
Terry Grant Launches Stunt School - 04/05/2010 - Read Article
Top Gear Magazine visits the Pod - 21/04/2010 - Read Article
Santa Pod goes West! - 20/04/2010 - Read Article
Santa Pod Get Fuelled Up By VP Racing Fuels - 07/04/2010 - Read Article
New Pod Shop to open this weekend! - 31/03/2010 - 31/03/2010 - Read Article
Santa Pod Partner with Permatex For 2010 - 30/03/2010 - Read Article
Santa Pod’s season-opener starts with a bang! - 23/03/2010 - Read Article
Motorsport Endeavour - 09/03/2010 - Read Article
Autoglym Continues as ‘Pod Lane Sponsor Until 2014! - 13/01/2010 - Read Article
NEC Autosport International Show – Jan 16th-17th 2010 - 23/11/2009 - Read Article
American Auto Barn Ltd - 12/10/2009 - Read Article
Fantastic Auction On Nitro FM at the 2009 FIA European Finals - 04/08/2009 - Read Article
Need for Speed SHIFT - 23/07/2009 - Read Article
Predicted sizzling summer will be bad news for car - 30/06/2009 - Read Article
Fast & Furious DVD - 24/06/09 - Read Article
New TV Show - 16/03/09 - Read Article
Death Race Competition - 07/01/09 - Read Article
Go Motorsport - 10/09/2008 - Read Article
Drag Racing USA with Grandstand Motor Sports - 21/05/08 - Read Article
Kings of Nitro - 21/05/08 - Read Article
Drag Slick Summer Sizzler From Toyo Tires - 20/05/08 - Read Article
Chop Shop - 06/02/2008 - Read Article
Ripspeed X - 18/01/2008 - Read Article
Don’t Wreck the Ride - 07/01/2008 - Read Article
Autosport Competition - 07/12/2007 - Read Article
NEC Autosport International Show Jan 10-13 2008 - 06/12/07 - Read Article
RWYB at Santa Pod Raceway - 31/07/07 - Read Article
Drag Racing’s Heritage Research - 16/05/07 - Read Article
Main Event Hospitality Prize Draw - 19/04/07 - Read Article
New Trip To America announced - 27/02/07 - Read Article
Driving Force - 29/01/07 - Read Article
MSA British Drag Racing Championship - 23/01/07 - Read Article
2007 Sponsors - 08/01/07 - Read Article
Autosport International Show - NEC 11th-14th January 2007 - Read Article
Webster Sets New Record at JapShow Finale - 08/10/06 - Read Article
Parade of Power - 01/09/06 - Read Article
British International Motor Show - 28/06/06 - Read Article
Power Tool Drag Racing - 31/05/06 - Read Article
Main Event - 30/05/06 - Read Article
More Site Improvements - 22/05/06 - Read Article
Santa Pod Raceway's Fan Guide 2006 - 05/04/06 - Read Article
Charity Auction - 17/03/06 - Read Article
Santa Pod at Xtreme Wheels - 27/02/06 - Read Article
Track Improvements - 21/02/06 - Read Article
More Site Improvements - 03/02/06 - Read Article
Lane Sponsors - 24/01/06 - Read Article
Looking forward, looking back - 19/01/06 - Read Article
European Finals Rain Off Values - 12/09/05 - Read Article
Parade of Power - 03/09/05 - Read Article
Santa Pod Developments - 30/08/05 - Read Article
A Dream Come True - 17/07/05 - Read Article
Additional Saturday Night Special - 13/07/05 - Read Article
Cash Machine - 16/06/05 - Read Article
Pod Improvements - 25/05/05 - Read Article
Pod Shop Reopening - 24/05/05 - Read Article
Testing and Promotional News - 23/05/05 - Read Article
Santa Pod Developments - 29/04/05 - Read Article
Ripspeed Donny Show - 11/04/05 - Read Article
VolksWorld Show - 04/04/05 - Read Article
Jet Car sets world record at Santa Pod Raceway! - 27/03/05 - Read Article
Santa Pod & CruiseSport Announce Partnership - 07/03/05 - Read Article
Charity Endurance Go Kart Race - 07/03/05 - Read Article
No Monster Truck Mayhem at Summer Nationals - 05/03/05 - Read Article
New Saturday Night Special Announced - 02/03/05 - Read Article
Xtreme Wheels Show - 21/02/05 - Read Article
SantaPod.com re-launched! - 07/02/05 - Read Article
Santa Pod Racer's Club Dinner Dance - 05/02/05 - Read Article
Santa Pod Developments - 04/02/05 - Read Article
Autosport International - 17/01/05 - Read Article

Drag Racing News

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