GEORGIA ON MY MIND

Paul Marston as usual spent the second two weeks of October in the States on one of his bi-annual fact and parts purchasing trips to Florida. This time however Paul Marston was not accompanied by Drag Race Engineering Proprietor Gary Springford, business commitments at the shop meant that Gary had to pass this time. Paul Marston has sent in this report of what he found and how he spent his time. ‘Every time I visit the States it feels like you get a snapshot six months down the line on how things have progressed since your last visit to the racetracks of the Southern States, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, The Carolinas, and Kentucky. I have spent the past six years visiting twice a year, and am always surprised as to how quickly things change. The motors that are used in the upper Sportsman Classes just get bigger and bigger, 572ci BBC is an average size in Super Comp Dragsters with 170+ terminal speeds, these things are land based rocket ships. Silver Dollar Raceway in Georgia is a great ¼ mile Dragstrip and hosted the last Division Two Event of 07, there was for the first time I can remember not one Super Comp door car out of 70+ entries, they were all Dragsters. Doorslammers have now nearly completely disappeared from Divisional NHRA Super Comp classes. A far cry from the UK Super Comp Class from where you would obviously draw a comparison. These Dragsters are fast too, most of which are 4-Links (with rear suspension, the same as the Paul Marston Racing Ugly Stick Dragster) some very brave drivers run a slip joint chassis, that makes for a wild ride sometimes, you really have to be on your game to tame one of these babies, this to his credit is what our buddy Tony Morris drives. You may well ask why are the Doorslammers leaving Super Comp, the answer is very simple really, competitiveness. With the current level of competition at NHRA Events, it is perceived that you have to give yourself the very best chance of winning, the fastest, lightest, most stable racecar allows you to be more repeatable and more capable of driving the finish line at tremendous speed. You simply cannot do that as accurately and safely in a Door car, try standing on the brakes at 175mph in a door car and you will begin to understand why most people use 4-link Dragsters! Super Gas is no different evolution wise, although you do still see Chevrolet Vega’s and Monza’s there is a clear trend to larger and larger displacement lightweight roadster style entries. The Brogie Roadsters that began that trend having been slowly replaced with more swoopier and very attractive looking early and late model Camaro, Mustang, Cavalier and Corvette Roadsters. 555ci BBC being a popular Weapon of Choice, again with terminal speeds in the 160+ mph range. Even Super Street is seeing Racecars with terminal speeds approaching 150MPH for a Super Street Car?? Its pretty obvious to see that the Super Comp doorslammer drivers are now in Super Gas and the older Super Gas Cars are more plentiful in Super Street. This cavernous gap in choice for Doorslammers that opened up between Super Gas and effectively Pro Stock/Pro Mod obviously lead to the inception by local Track Operators (quick 16 or 32 Bracket races) and eventually adopted by the NHRA. Called Top Sportsman it fills the gap nicely between Super Gas and Pro Stock/Pro Mod. Doorslammer Teams can race on a Sportsman budget without having to use a Throttlestop and remain competitive. Top Sportsman is a Doorslammer only class with a 16 or 32 spot qualified field, you have to run a minimum of 7.99 and the field comprises of the fastest 16 or 32 Top Sportsman entries on the property. It runs as a bracket class on a Sportsman Tree with Full Electronics, which makes for close racing with some stunning machinery, it is a winner on all counts. What was absent from this NHRA Divisional Event was thankfully no big crashes, this has been of growing concern over the past few years, with competitors going faster and faster, the dice had been rolling and the wrecked car count was growing, it seemed to average 2-3 cars an event. This Silver Dollar Lucas Oil Divisional bucked the trend and will hopefully be the norm from now on. No-one who is a driver or a true race fan goes to the track to see some poor guy reduce a $130,000.00 racecar into scrap in one run. It costs a lot of time, money, sacrifice, bravery and dedication, mentally I always feel a little piece of what makes a driver dies when they endure a bad crash. That makes returning to the drivers seat a little more difficult for them, providing he or she escapes uninjured. It was good to catch up with all the Racers, a majority of which are the same anywhere really, real friendly, nice people who are totally committed to racing hard and having a great time doing so. The Silver Dollar Event was affected by rain from Wednesday to Saturday morning, but from Saturday the sun shone on the righteous and the 8.00am Sunday Morning Chapel Service in the Grandstand was greeted by a beautiful Sunny Georgia sky and a packed house! The event was completed, my good friend Steve Deatherage driving his JW Transmissions backed Super Comp Dragster, made it thru 5 rounds. Everyone else, Tony Morris, Scott Dickens, Tim Hutcherson, Mike Mixed Nuts, Mike Ruff and Scott Lamar, some went some rounds, others had a very early bath! Edmond Richardson was in town with Kurt Damron Senior and Junior of Undercover Chassis. Edmond needed to win Stock to take the World Crown and in Super Comp he needed to go 4 rounds to become World Champion for I think the 3rd time, which I believe has never been done before. Well this was not to be Edmonds day as he was eliminated in the first round in both classes, in Super Comp by his own team mate no less (Super Comp first round is random pairing in NHRA eliminations), that said Kurt Junior did go on to win Super Comp and for that matter also Top Sportsman as well. The level of competition is so good that even the very best can go out any round. Whilst at Silver Dollar I got with Brent the Goodyear Tyre dealer who looks after all the Southern Drag strips and placed our tyre order for 2008 and of course picked up the obligatory event t-shirt. That was all in the first week, the end of the second saw us at Orlando Speedworld and the Fastest Streetcar Shootout. With the World Famous Race rock Restaurant now sadly closed, the Fastest Street Car Cruise, normally held there was hurriedly moved to a Hooters some distance away. Although well (read overrun) attended with fans the racecar attendance was poor to say the least and the night was disappointing for everyone who managed to find the place, shame really because traditionally it’s a great night and all the Drag Race Brits in Florida to meet up to see who made it over this year. Prior to the Fastest Streetcar I decided I would only visit the track Friday, this actually turned out to be a really smart move as the event was washed out and abandoned Monday night, already a whole day late. This is not to say that there was not some stunning racing over Saturday and Sunday but it is true to say it was weather affected. Friday not only bought the best track action after a good walk around the pits, but with the extra grandstand seating amongst the long list of improvements that Speedworld has enjoyed, it really is looking good. There qualifying was very smooth too, plenty of track time with nearly no downtime, a start contrast to past years, it looked like most teams had their act together right off the bat. It was also good to meet up with some real good friends whilst there, Tony Morris’s sister Andrea and her husband Renne from Germany who were over visiting Tony and Lynn . For those who have yet to sample what is Drag Racing in Florida, you are missing a great time, for those who have been, see you there next year. In closing I must thank the following in no particular order, Vic Fera - Brevard Cylinder Head, Tony & Lynn Morris, Larry Nadeau – Pro Mod PT Cruiser, Everyone at ARTS Deli (The Best Cheeseburgers in Orlando and probably the World), Everyone at BLP who make the very best Drag Racing Carburetors in the World, Robbie at Automotive 1, all the Division 2 Race Teams.’

PiranaZ to back PMR in 08

Paul Marston Racing are pleased to announce that along with all their sponsors and partners from 07 that they will be returning to the track in 08 having formed an alliance with hard-core race wear clothing and apparel manufacturer PiranaZ, as primary sponsor for 2008 and beyond. Throughout the season Paul Marston Racing will showcase PiranaZ race wear and apparel. Paul Marston Racing will continue their association with Paul Marstons Drag Race Driving School and Passenger Ride Experiences, Drag Race Engineering, CTM Performance & Machine, London Road Tyres, and all our great friends who have supported us over the years. PiranaZ is a Stateside based company, some race fans will know, offer much sought after clothing with attitude, a line that is completely unique in Drag Racing today. PiranaZ currently sponsor NHRA Pro Stock driver Mark Whisnant, who they have backed since 2001, when Mark drove in the NHRA Pro Stock Truck Championship. A lot of their new range of clothing is not drag race specific which is a major secret to their success, it has a hard edge attitude to living life on the edge, so is appealing to many extreme motorsport. This is PiranaZ first endeavor into the English market. PiranaZ would like to learn about the UK market and make sponsorship of a Drag Race Team work for their company. Paul Marston has a long association with the owners of PiranaZ, (the Paul Marston 4-Link Dragster being painted in PiranaZ colours and design for example) PiranaZ respected that commitment and started talking about putting something together with Paul Marston Racing at the beginning of the 2007 season. PiranaZ Z has recently launched a completely new image, they wanted to get away from the run of the mill T-shirts and apparel that you see at the racetrack, Their new look is raw and edgy. It is Hard-Core race wear for the Hard-Core Drag Race fan. The new look speaks for itself, and fits perfectly with the Paul Marston Racing image, our association is a good match. Paul Marston Racing had a great 2007 season and the whole team is looking forward to building on that success and hitting the ground running in an aggressive fashion in 2008. It is our goal to see PiranaZ backed Paul Marston Racing drivers visit the winners circle again in 2008 as we did in 2007. A decision has not yet been announced as to if another of the Paul Marston Racing Drag Racecars will be painted in PiranaZ colours. There are currently two candidates but Paul Marston is tight lipped as to which two they are or when a decision will be made, all we can say at the moment is watch this space. Paul Marston Racing are lucky enough to be able to offer a limited range of PiranaZ clothing and Apparel which fortunately does include some of their wicked decals. Details of which will be released soon, in time for Christmas, so if you are looking for a competitively priced, extra special Christmas present, that is truly unique, stay tuned to Eurodragster for where to find it. Due to the demand for PiranaZ apparel in the states, the next stock shipment is not due at present until March 08 so don’t miss out.

TALK THE TALK, WALK THE WALK

Further to the Press Release earlier calling for prospective Naturally Aspirated Super Modified competitors for 08. Paul Marston Racing are looking for a driver with funding or a sponsorship package in place to drive their Super Modified Vauxhall Calibra for the 08 season. Paul Marston had this to say ‘After discussing the Calibra and Super Modified with the whole PMR team, we felt that this was an exciting opportunity to offer a driver. The response to the call for new naturally aspirated Super Modified teams with the perspective rule changes is exciting and has stimulated interest without a doubt. Its about time Super Modified became recognised as the great class it is in its own right and not just looked upon as a feeder class/ stepping stone for the lucky few who are rich enough to afford Pro Modified from their own pocket. Paul Marston Racing would like to hear from any perspective driver who is interested in competing in Super Modified during the 08 season, Paul Marston Racing would supply full crew, logistics support and develop the performance into a hopefully competitive package. We already enjoy support from Drag Race Engineering (020 8597 9484) and CTM Performance & Machine (020 8592 1180) with the project, without their help and support we would not be able to offer this package, it really will be a joint effort. There are options for sponsors to have the Calibra painted in their colours, crew uniforms, etc. There is also the exposure that the filming and TV package accompanying Super Modified in 07 which hopefully will continue in 08 offers. Anyone interested please contact us and share your ideas and proposals, the sooner we know where we are going the quicker we can start to put the foundations into place needed for a serious heads up class like Super Modified. Contact us on office@pmracing.fsnet.co.ukn call Paul Marston on 07831 650230 or come see us in the pits at the National Finals at Santa Pod at the end of the month.’

NATURALLY ASPIRATED SUPER MODIFIED 2008

Paul Marston Racing have been in touch regarding the 2008 Super Modified season and the rule changes on the table currently being considered for the Naturally Aspirated Super Modified option. Paul had this to say ‘The Super Modified Association has over the past years heard plenty of Drivers and Teams say that they would run the Naturally Aspirated option in Super Modified if there was a little more of a concession made to this and a bigger weight break for an automatic transmission, which to be fair is the most common combo currently used in Sportsman Drag Racing Classes. Paul Marston Racing would like to hear from any and every team that would consider running Naturally Aspirated Automatic or Lenco in the 2008 Super Modified series that does not currently compete. The rule changes being looked at are the first revision to the rule book for three years and will be seriously considered at the Super Modified AGM, which will be held within weeks. The SUMO AGM will be held earlier than usual to allow the maximum time for teams to take advantage of these new weight breaks. I do emphasize that the proposed new rules are designed specifically to allow Naturally Aspirated Automatic competitors to become potentially more on par with the nitrous cars. This is no easy ticket, even with full implementation of the proposed changes you will not be instantly competitive with the Nitrous, Lenco teams that currently dominate SUMO. You will have to develop, just the same as the nitrous teams have. Ideally we need 4-6 new teams to all learn off of one another in the same way as the Nitrous, Lenco, combos have. It will take time but this is a real opportunity, if you have been considering, then this is the time to decide. Remember Super Modified also ran rounds at two non National Events, Big Bang and Bug Jam during 07. If there is enough interest in this exciting new development then Paul Marston Racing will hold an informal meeting of perspective new teams to answer any questions and gauge support for 08. Please contact Paul Marston on 07831 650230 or e-mail on office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk immediately or sooner, the meeting will be held before or at the National Finals, your cooperation would be appreciated.

SHAKESPEARE SUCCESS FOR PMR

Paul Marston Racing are justifiably proud of their drivers performance at The Open Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Our star of the show was a resurgent Dave Racing Snake Catton who, competing in Super Comp and Super Gas took the Whoopass Monza to the final of Super Gas. Loosing a very tight Final to the current class of the field Panther Racing’s Conrad Stanley. When asked Paul Marston had this to say ‘Yet another Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School Graduate in a Final, this is already easily our best, most successful year yet. The whole crew here at Paul Marston Racing are very very pleased for Dave Catton, its success that is richly deserved. Paul Marston was taken out by Conrad whilst driving the Whoopass Monza at the Summer Nationals in the Semi Finals, PMR made some changes to tighten up the Whoopass Monza and got to the Final this time. Panther Racing are a class act, but even they knew they daren’t leave anything on the table against Dave Catton, believe me anytime a driver is .006 on the tree you know he’s trying. David knew Conrad was tough, gave it his best shot and went .008 Red, there ain’t no shame in that for sure. How about that Whoopass Monza 8.85 @ 152 MPH all from a little Drag Race Engineering developed 477ci Big Block Chevy on a BLP Alcohol Carb and a JW Performance Converter, way to go! Add to that, it was the first time that Dave Catton had driven since the FIA Main Event in May, everyone in Super Comp and Super Gas better watch out this weekend, that is one bad Hombre!!’ Steve Bolton really had a baptism of fire with a new but suspect Rear Slick that oh so nearly put Steve Bolton’s beautiful Plymouth Scamp in the wall on his first pass when it rapidly deflated without warning. The offending tyre was taken to a local tyre shop that repaired the apparent rim sealing problem. On Steve’s next pass the tyre did the exact same thing and rapidly deflated whilst on a full pass, a driver’s worst nightmare. Upon removal of the slick and careful inspection Paul Marston discovered that the steel band in the bead was in fact broken. Steve Bolton would like to thank everyone at the track who helped out. Our special mate John Everitt and the Alien crew (well done and congratulations for reaching the Final of Super Pro) for the portable compressor. The absolute star, fellow Sportsman Mopar racer Jon Turner who lent Steve a Mopar Bolt pattern wheel so as we could recover the Plymouth Scamp from the end of the track and get her back to the Paul Marston Pit. Super Gas and Comp racer Johnny Morton for supplying a used pair of slicks so as Steve could continue racing. Jeff and Belinda Bull for the tyre Irons and Bead Breaking tool (once again Paul Marston would like to publicly say sorry for bending the hook on Mr. Bulls bead breaker). Everyone else who helped out and showed concern as to Steve Bolton’s plight, we really do have a great bunch of people in Drag Racing. Last but by no means least the Fire and Safety Crew at Shakespeare County Raceway who took care of Steve Bolton and took great care of his Plymouth Scamp, moving her without even chipping the paint Steve Bolton qualified and bowed out gracefully in round one of Pro, but never the less stayed right to the end helping out the rest of the team as they all went rounds. That is a team player ladies and gentleman, Steve Bolton and his Dark Destroyer are looking forward to the FIA European Finals, there is unfinished business to be taken care of – going rounds! Tethys, shoeing the Ugly Stick 4-Link Dragster went 2 rounds in Super Comp and had a solid weekend, really getting to grips with this exciting and revolutionary racecar. Due to the weather this year still yet to show its true potential, with such a bumper entry in Super Comp at the FIA European Finals. This combo of hi-tech Dragster and a driver with so much pure talent could prove deadly, watch out for it in the late rounds. So what of Grumpys Dodge? Well Grumpy driven by Mad Mick Howling in Pro and Super Gas suffered an extremely rare engine failure in first round qualifying Saturday morning, just on the hit. A cylinder wall fractured, caught the piston, stopped the Big Block Chevy dead and punched No's 3 & 4 crank journal right off of the crank, leaving the crank in three pieces. The motor we reckoned has done around 3,000 passes in the past six years so it’s lasted pretty well all things considered. The main thing is that both driver and racecar are safe and Grumpy did not oil the track. Due to the nature of the damage the block just needs a liner replacing then it will probably go again, along with a complete new rotating assembly of course! Oh and some new valves as well please!! Upon hearing of Grumpy`s plight Saturday evening by phone, in steps Drag Race Engineering Proprietor Gary Springford, commiserating Mick Howling, but promising Mick that Drag Race Engineering would have another bullet built and fitted into Grumpy ready for the FIA European Finals. That kind of gesture goes above and beyond anything other than doing what’s needed to get the job done, without the kind of support that Paul Marston Racing get from our great friends at Drag Race Engineering we would not be able to function at the level that we do, its just that simple. Gary Springford would like to thank Mick Howling for coming into Drag Race Engineering last Saturday to help and assist in the assembly of the new motor for Grumpy, once again teamwork works! Subject to how things pan out over the next few days, Paul Marston himself hopes to make a return to competition in Super Pro at the FIA European Finals driving the DRE backed Super Modified naturally aspirated Vauxhall Calibra. This is subject to everything going well and the last remaining work that the Calibra needs being done. Paul Marston has already said, ‘As long as Drag Race Engineering have the time and I personally feel comfortable and will be able to focus on driving and do not think that it will stretch the crew running my entry then you will see the DRE Calibra out there. I am and will always be a team player, so I will do what’s best for the team, that’s why I elected not to drive at Shakespeare County Raceway, you always have to look at the big picture. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of one. Special thanks once again to Gary Springford at Drag Race Engineering (0208 597 9484), the backbone of our operation, you need something done? This is the man to do it. Extra special thanks to all the great Crew at Paul Marston Racing, time and time again they prove that they are just the best. All our sponsors, London Road Tyres, Black Box London, Disco Equipment Hire, Drag Race Engineering, CTM Performance and Machine, JW Performance, BLP Products Inc, and all the rest of the gang who keep the faith. PMR are expecting a lot of Special Guests and Fans over the weekend, please come and say hi over the weekend, everyone is welcome. Do excuse us if we appear a little busy, especially Thursday and Friday, we do not go Drag Racing to lose!!

Dave Catton

A very big well done to Dave Catton for coming runner up in Super Gas at the Open Sports Nationals at Avon Park!!

Mary Poppins

She drifts in, and goes away again, but is always there for Max, Aaron, and Tyler.................

What a Star..... Nanny Extraordinaire.................. LUCY, you are a Star!!!!! (and makes pretty good sarnies too, and good with a hoover!!)

BUG JAM 21. PMR SUMO REPORT

PHOTOS FOR THIS ENTRY WILL FOLLOW....... With the summer break halfway thru, PMR have been in touch with an update on what's going on. Bug Jam 21 saw Paul Marston Racing debut their naturally aspirated DRE and CTM backed Super Modified Calibra, their first entry into a head-up class. Paul takes up the story ‘In true heads-up/whatever it takes style I finished assembling the 555ci Big Block Chevy that powers the Calibra at around 9.00pm Thursday night and fired it up. Went through the usual loose and leaks checks, took her up to temp, shut it off, finished off, rang DRE proprietor Gary Springford let him know how it worked out and what issues we still had, then I went home to bed. Many thanks to Mark at DRE who stayed late so as I could finish up and locked up after me. Gary assured me on the phone that everything would be done for when I arrived back Friday morning and it was, that’s teamwork my friends. Friday morning I loaded up the DRE Calibra and set off for Bug Jam 21. We watched it rain for two days, all of Friday and most of Saturday, but hey we are in England after all!! The Friday RWYB would have helped us get all the small stuff out of the way so as the Saturday qualifying runs could start the build process to enable us to begin to put a very basic motor tune together, realistically we needed 10 passes. As we know, this never happened due to the weather, so the only qualifier Saturday evening produced a first for me. I pulled round into the water spun the tyres, started my rolling burnout and then went for the brakes and there weren’t any! Yes I could not stop, so I decided to get off the track as quickly as I could, Andy Chilton was in the other lane and I did not want to spoil his run, I drove down the track to first exit, shut off, could not make the turn safely(still going too fast) so fired up and went to the end exit on the track, again could not safely slow down to make the turn so I turned right and headed towards the farm along the farm track until the Calibra eventually rolled to a halt. Then we had to push it all the way back to the pits, meanwhile the heavens opened and the whole crew got drenched doing so (sorry Guys). The problem was a failed brake rod, our acting crew chief Sefton Whitlock took the bent item home and made a nice new straight one ready for Sunday, - What a Nice Man!! Sunday dawned and we spent our three allocated qualifiers doing what we wanted to do Friday, first attempt I shut it off after the burnout, the Calibra was leaking fluid, Sefton cured a water leak and we managed to tag on the back of the class (what a great crew we have at Paul Marston Racing), ran a planned 1/8th mile shutoff/checkout pass. With such a short turnaround (in real terms under an hour after being weighed and towed back) all we had time for was a valve lash check, then back out for second qualifier, This time a full pass, this netted an 8.48ET @ 151 MPH with a misfire from the 1/8th, 10mph down on our PB but what I expected. Again quick turnaround, a plug check, timing check and rotor phasing with the crank trigger, with all this done we really barely made the session, running nearly flat last, again all and full credit to the crew, it really was a great effort. A small improvement 8.43ET @ 153 MPH, so a very small step in the right direction, still a misfire from the 1/8th on. That was that for qualifying, now first round elim's, a little more time, a whole hour! After discussing it with Sefton and the two Mick’s we decided a jet change would be a reasonable move. On consulting with a our US based BLP carburetor expert Tony Morris and Gary at DRE we were all in agreement on what to try. Bizarrely it was not a performance improvement we were looking for, it was an attempt to isolate what was causing the 1/8th onwards misfire. Well this was successful as come first round against the NO1 qualifier Andy Kirk, the problem was much worse, confirming what direction we needed to go in. In summary it was the beginning of our campaign in Super Modified, the DRE Calibra got down the track every time, nothing got broke, we know which direction we need to be heading, we lost in exactly the round we knew we would, - the first!! Special thanks go out to the following people in no specific order, Gary Springford at DRE for all the help, support, hard work, friendship and belief. Charlie Mahoney at CTM who produces some of the best quality head work and development there is, once we have the motor and chassis figured out, the performance will become apparent. The great sponsors, business associates and partners that we have, without you guys this could not happen. All the Paul Marston Racing Super Crew, Acting Crew Chief Sefton Whitlock, Grumpys Dodge Shoe Mick Howling, Mick Pussey and Leigh Hemsil, plus of course DRE Proprietor Gary Springford and Tony Morris from BLP our American Fuel System and Carb Specialist. Last but not least Eurodragster for excellent Event Coverage and Nigel, Julian and all the people at Nitro FM for keeping it looking positive in less than ideal conditions.

SUPER MODIFIED MAKEOVER FOR PMR/DRE CALIBRA

The Super Modified bound Paul Marston Racing Vauxhall Calibra, backed by Drag Race Engineering was recently debuted at the FIA Main Event. At the Main Event the chassis tag needed to be re-certified as Super Modified legal, the Calibra had not run for a few seasons and there had been updates chassis wise in the rulebook, it was a small concern, but Hauser Race Cars build a good product with an eye on the future, the chassis was perfect. The PMR Calibra is presently back in the Drag Race Engineering (020 8597 4575) workshop, being prepped for its debut in Super Modified competition. As most people know the Super Modified Category has been with us for some time now, it’s a heads up Doorslammer Class. Fastest racecar wins with a reasonably simple set of rules which are supposed to be designed to allow nitrous and naturally aspirated entries to compete on a level playing field. The Drag Race Engineering/ CTM backed Vauxhall Calibra of Paul Marston Racing has already been scaled (Weighed) at DRE and meets the weight criteria of Super Modified very well. Next step is the inspection of the motor by the Tech team, its tagging and sealing as Super Modified legal, they need to verify the cubic inch of the motor as it directly relates to what the PMR Vauxhall Calibra should weigh, valve size and port height also needs to be checked. It’s a race against time to have all this done; it’s a very busy time of year for Super Modified Tech inspectors Geoff Martin and Mark Norton as they are also the MSA Chassis inspectors for the whole of Drag Racing. They are doing their level best to fit us in before Bug Jam, its going to be a major setback to Paul Marston Racing if we have to take the motor to Santa Pod in pieces. It will be a totally untried combination, we would at least want to have fired the motor up at DRE prior to setting off to what will be a hard weekends racing, with an extremely steep learning curve for everyone at Paul Marston Racing. Paul Marston Racing is under no illusion when it comes to Bug Jam and Super Modified. Principal Crewman Sefton Whitlock explains ‘All Paul Marston Racing can realistically look to achieve at Bug Jam is qualifying and making first round, if we do that I will be happy. Having personally raced bikes heads up, I know it’s a different level of commitment. That said, I feel we are ready for this kind of challenge. It will be tough, Super Modified is an established class with some very professional teams, and I have not seen any real weaknesses in the top drivers, which is only right and proper. The Drag Race Engineering Calibra is running the naturally aspirated option; I know Gary Springford and Paul Marston have been working with CTM and their contacts in the States regarding the motor. That said, in my opinion there needs to be some pretty reasonable and fair rule changes made for the 08 season to level the playing field and for us to remain in the class. Because at the moment the naturally aspirated option is just not competitive, in six years of competition a naturally aspirated Super Modified has never won anything. Paul Marston Racing would like to attempt to change that statistic, it won’t happen this year, some serious rule changes are needed before that could ever happen’ When asked about the motor development Paul Marston had this to say ‘The power plant that Paul Marston Racing have selected for our Drag Race Engineering backed Vauxhall Calibra is based on a Pro Series Scott Shafiroff 555ci Big Block Chevy, although the heads came fully ported they will be sent down to CTM so as under Charlie’s direction the valve seats can be re cut as he wants them and the heads checked over. There is only so much that you can get from a 40+ year old conventional factory head design, rulebook porting limitations and a limited engine size, but Paul Marston Racing will be doing their level best to close the gap between ourselves and Nigel Payne, the top naturally aspirated Super Modified competitor. That’s a realistic goal. As to chasing the nitrous cars forget it! Nigel and his team have put a tremendous effort into the development of their motor, again a 555ci Big Block Chevy and have run regularly in the 7.90 to 8.0 range with a PB in the high 7.80’s, it really is a fantastic achievement. But despite all Nigel and his teams hard work and their pioneering spirit, the Sticky Situation Super Modified Naturally Aspirated 1953 Corvette still trails the Nitrous Super Modified entries by on average 3/10ths.’ So if you are at Bug Jam stop by to see if we made it and say hi, its going to be a great weekends racing, the weather is pre booked too! It goes without saying that Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School owe a huge debt of thanks to a lot of people to have gotten this far. It is our first venture into heads-up competition, none of this would be possible without the support of an absolutely first class crew and drivers, they are as professional and dedicated as you could ever want. Santa Pod Raceway for their faith and belief in us, their support has been our cornerstone, our business partners and sponsors. Gary Springford’s Drag Race Engineering, CTM Performance and Machine, Chrysler UK, ChryslerCard, MAC Tools, London Road Tyres, Black Box London, Disco Equipment Hire, Custom Car, American Car World, Tony Morris at BLP, JW Transmissions, all our American NHRA Div 2 friends and all the others, you know who you are. The UK National Championship Drag Race Teams who have made Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School feel so welcome and respect what we do and why we do it. Last but by no means least Eurodragster you are irreplaceable.

SUMMER NATIONALS SUCCESS

Paul Marston Racing had a most productive and successful outing at the SPRC Summernats. Arriving early on Thursday evening to join the queue outside the main gate was a good move and set us for the weekend. But firstly everyone at Paul Marston Racing would like to express their thanks and gratitude to all the Santa Pod track crew who never gave up and got the job done. The weather has certainly played its part this season and without the hard work and dedication of Darren Prentice, Ian Marshall, John Cross, startline crew, fire crew, the list goes on, the event would not have happened. At Paul Marston Racing, fielding five entries for the Summer Nationals, there was plenty to celebrate. Firstly Gary Springford had another outing in the Hulk Shogun, ably supported by Dave Catton wearing an Incredible Hulk fancy dress costume. This was quite a revelation as we always had DC penciled in as a quiet retiring, responsible type, after all he is a Senior Airline Pilot, Manchester based. Obviously painting himself in green paint has a strange effect, similar to that of the Hulk! On seeing a Hulk sitting in Hulk Shogun Gary Springford DRE Proprietor was for once speechless, we are still not sure if it was because Dave Catton was dressed like the Hulk or the fact that he had hair!. Gary capped his weekend with a still untested racecar by going two rounds in Pro ET. Steve Bolton had one of those weekends, with a new transbrake button fitted to his Plymouth Scamp. A small mistake with the button gave Steve a red light in the first round, this did nothing to help his points tally in Pro ET, as prior to the Summernats, Steve was leading the National Championship. We will just have to wait and see how bad the damage is. Steve, ever the sportsman took it on the chin and is looking forward to the next event. Tethys in the Ugly Stick Dragster fared about the same, electing to run just one class at the Summer Nationals, the Dragster was awesome, but after an unusually slow reaction time, Tethys day was done in the first round of Super Comp. Disappointing but Super Class racing in the UK has evolved and become so competitive that a small mistake on the start often leads to an unrecoverable position, better luck next time my friend. Mick Howling, driving Grumpys Dodge enjoyed success double classing in both Super Gas and Pro ET. In Super Gas Mick went two rounds, taking the win in round one against Steve Wells. Bowing out in the second to a resurgent Brendan Clancy, in a classic Super Gas doorslammer matchup. Mick Howling went even further in Pro ET taking out Darren Hulkes in his beautiful Blown Camaro in round one, Carl Burton in the English Rose Sierra in round two. Finally falling in the third round to a peculiar startline occurrence that rewarded Mick Howling with a cherry and his day was done. Paul Marston, standing in for usual Whoopass Monza driver Dave Catton, who was busy Hulking It Up. Paul Marston, again same as Mick Howling double classed in both Pro ET and Super Gas. When asked Paul said ‘One shot qualifying actually suited me as I have not driven the Whoopass Monza for nearly a year and not competed in Super Gas for nearly eight years, it made it a drivers race in both classes. Super Gas was great fun, it’s a real tough class, always has been, I got a bit lucky and got to the semi finals with the Whoopass Monza finally behaving itself and starting to show its true potential. I was more than happy with the performance of the Monza, we now have a firm handle on it, the 60fts were comparable with Grumpys Dodge for consistency. In Pro I went to the Quarter Finals and succumbed to one of those nasty red lights, every racer hates them. This one was entirely my fault I was just a little too keen, shame really as I thought I had my best chance in Pro, the one shot qualifying worked against me in this case. It’s a very fast reacting car and I just had not had time to pick my spot on the tree, on my qualifier the motor stumbled going on the chip so my reaction was 1.2 seconds! In the first two rounds of elimination in Pro my lights were way slow, I knew I had to tighten up, so I took a shot and it was too much. But with the kind of success we had over the weekend I really could not complain. So now it’s the Summer break, all efforts are now on the Calibra in preparation for Bug Jam and its entry into The Super Modified Wars. It’s currently in the Drag Race Engineering workshops ready for its upgrades and tagging for Super Modified. As ever a big thanks to all the hard working Paul Marston Racing Crew, without you guys it simply could not work, especially Lizz McCarthy who crewed up till she had to leave for her flight to Ireland Saturday afternoon and Drag Race School driver in training Simon who was on video camera duties all weekend. Special thanks to Tony Morris over in Orlando Florida for Tuning and settings advice over the weekend, especially the help he has given Tethys with the Dragster setup. Sponsors Drag Race Engineering, CTM Performance & Machine, Black Box, London Road Tyres, JW Performance, BLP and all the others, plus all the fans that stopped by to say hi over the weekend.

MAIN EVENT SUCCESS FOR PMR

Paul Marston Racing enjoyed a most successful FIA Main Event at Santa Pod. Paul Marston explained ‘The weather was pretty much a foregone conclusion according to the internet weather sites, although you do try to ignore them, Friday Saturday was actually better than was forecast by most but Sunday and Monday never changed, it was going to be wet!

Paul Marston Racing marked a new landmark at the FIA Main Event in entering six Drag Racecars and nine entries, a really tall order, our biggest car count yet. Paul Marston Racing are proud to say that although stretched a little on Friday, the team coped very well, the pit crew, the backbone of Paul Marston Racing were very professional and rose to the task. The drivers also tried their best to not cause any problems themselves by keeping temperatures down and doing as much between round maintenance themselves to help share the load on the pit crew. When asked Pit Crew Co-ordinator Sefton Whitlock said ‘Its Mad Fridays that always stretches us and probably quite a lot of teams, it’s a real challenge for everyone, with so many qualifying sessions on the same day. It becomes a race in itself to keep the Paul Marston Racing Drag racecars turned round fast enough for their next session, in particular Grumpys Dodge, the Ugly Stick and the Whoopass Monza, each of which were double classing. But everyone works together to make it happen, it might look like organized chaos, that’s because it is!!’ With just two qualifying sessions on Saturday it was a far more relaxed affair. Tethys in The Ugly Stick 4-Link Dragster had a very solid outing, with both Tethys and The Ugly Stick displaying good consistency and a real handle on perfecting the Throttlestop in Super Comp. With the weather in mind both Gary Springford, proprietor of Drag Race Engineering and Paul Marston decided that we would treat the event more as a test and tune, with Gary bringing his beautiful alcohol injected Hulk Shogun in Pro and the DRE backed Super Modified destined Vauxhall Calibra that Paul Marston would be driving in Super Pro. Both Shogun and Calibra are still in early development stages, National Event conditions seemed the perfect opportunity to iron out some bugs, taking the ominous approaching weather into consideration. This does seem to have been the correct tactic and both Shogun and Calibra ran personal bests, Hulk Shogun with an effortless 9.77 @ 118mph and the Calibra with a 8.33 @ 162mph. Mick Howling driving Grumpys Dodge in both Super Gas and Pro ET had another solid outing with both Driver and Racecar being the picture of consistency. A special thanks goes out to Mick for all the enthusiasm he brings and also for always being the first up in the morning, you cannot keep a good man down. Dave Catton double classing in Super Gas and trying his hand in Pro in the Whoopass Monza was fighting an inconsistency that we now think has been identified and believe been since rectified, we will have to wait until the Summer Nationals presented by Santa Pod Racers Club at Santa Pod Raceway to find out. Steve Bolton in the Dark Destroyer Plymouth Scamp is still top of the pile in the Pro National Championship. Increasing his cushion to a little over 200 points from Carla and Rick in their Heaven and Hell Camaro, not much, but no harm done to Steve’s Championship aspirations. Still along way to go, the Summer Nationals marks the mid point in the 07 National Championship season, to be competitive against the very best teams in Pro and all the other Sportsman Classes is a level that thru hard work the drivers at Paul Marstons Drag Race Driving School who compete with us have reached. To be consistently competitive, qualifying well and going rounds is our next goal here for our drivers at Paul Marston Racing; we need to extra work hard on that. In our third season of competition with our more seasoned drivers, its good to see a maturity evolved, an unspoken confidence, a more businesslike approach, their knowledge and experiences being passed on to our new crop of rookie drivers who are currently crewing with us whilst going thru the Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School. After all that’s where every single one of us started, its what the Drag Race School is all about really, providing a stepping stone for our Drag Race stars of the future. Anyone who has the ambition to race with us or who just needs some advise, stop by at a National Event or contact PMR thru the link on Eurodragster, come and discuss your ideas, from a Passenger Ride, half day driving experience to a turnkey racecar.

Our continual thanks goes to Santa Pod Raceway for their belief in what we do, to Drag Race Engineering (020 8597 9484) for their support, Shakespeare County Raceway for finding the Grumpy Bike, The Wild Bunch crew of Ram Raider for the safe return of Paul’s Grumpys Dodge pit bike – Thank you, Black Box London, CTM Engineering (020 8592 1180), London Road Tyres, Custom Car, ACW, and all our associate sponsors, friends and of course the fans. A special thanks to everyone at Eurodragster, we owe you BIG!

SHAKESPEED SUCCESS

Paul Marston Racing were extremely pleased with the initial results obtained from their latest addition to the Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School fleet their Super Pro/Super Modified Drag Race Engineering backed Vauxhall Calibra at Big Bang last weekend. Performing just three passes with just the last pass being anywhere near a representative one, a 8.42@ 162mph was even better than PMR had hoped for. When asked Paul Marston had this to say ‘Firstly I must thank Gary Springford and all the guys at Drag Race Engineering for all the hard work that went into getting the Calibra finished in time for this weekend. The DRE Calibra rolled out of the workshop at around 7.30pm Friday night to be loaded up for Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway. Proprietor of DRE Gary Springford was scheduled to attend but business commitments prevented him from joining us on Saturday. Gary was sorely missed but a fellow Pro ET entry needed his motor building ready for the Springspeed Nationals at SCR this coming weekend, so it was a no brainer really, Pro ET racers look after one another and Gary did just that. The Calibra is a great Racecar to drive, we have only just scratched the surface, it ran better than PMR expected which is great, that said, it was a handful to drive and needs more work before entering National Event competition. So reluctantly PMR has withdrawn the Calibra from the Springspeed National Event, we will not take a racecar to an event knowing it needs work, unless there are extenuating circumstances. PMR always work towards taking racecars that are ready and prepared, unfortunately the Calibra is not quite there, we knew that we were pushing it a bit but with the Big Bang just a week prior to Springspeed we figured it was worth a shot, its just not quite ready, it will be at the FIA Main Event no problem. Most probably we will test at the performance Vauxhall weekend’ Meanwhile Grumpys Dodge starring Mick Howling in Super Gas and Pro ET, The Ugly Stick 4-Link Dragster starring Tethys in Super Comp and Super Pro, The Whoopass Monza starring Dave Catton contesting Super Gas, The Dark Destroyer Plymouth Scamp staring Thunderball National Event winner Steve Bolton in Pro ET and DRE Proprietor Gary Springford returning to Pro ET again sharing the hot seat and Co-starring in the Whoopass Monza, along with all the supporting PMR crew, will be attending Spring speed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway this coming weekend, be there or be square!

JUST HOW FAST WAS THAT??

Paul Marston Racing were extremely pleased with the initial results obtained from their latest addition to the Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School fleet their Super Pro/Super Modified Drag Race Engineering backed Vauxhall Calibra at Big Bang last weekend. Performing just three passes with just the last pass being anywhere near a representative one, a 8.42@ 162mph was even better than PMR had hoped for. When asked Paul Marston had this to say ‘Firstly I must thank Gary Springford and all the guys at Drag Race Engineering for all the hard work that went into getting the Calibra finished in time for this weekend. The DRE Calibra rolled out of the workshop at around 7.30pm Friday night to be loaded up for Big Bang at Santa Pod Raceway. Proprietor of DRE Gary Springford was scheduled to attend but business commitments prevented him from joining us on Saturday. Gary was sorely missed but a fellow Pro ET entry needed his motor building ready for the Springspeed Nationals at SCR this coming weekend, so it was a no brainer really, Pro ET racers look after one another and Gary did just that. The Calibra is a great Racecar to drive, we have only just scratched the surface, it ran better than PMR expected which is great, that said, it was a handful to drive and needs more work before entering National Event competition. So reluctantly PMR has withdrawn the Calibra from the Springspeed National Event, we will not take a racecar to an event knowing it needs work, unless there are extenuating circumstances. PMR always work towards taking racecars that are ready and prepared, unfortunately the Calibra is not quite there, we knew that we were pushing it a bit but with the Big Bang just a week prior to Springspeed we figured it was worth a shot, its just not quite ready, it will be at the FIA Main Event no problem. Most probably we will test at the performance Vauxhall weekend’ Meanwhile Grumpys Dodge starring Mick Howling in Super Gas and Pro ET, The Ugly Stick 4-Link Dragster starring Tethys in Super Comp and Super Pro, The Whoopass Monza starring Dave Catton contesting Super Gas, The Dark Destroyer Plymouth Scamp staring Thunderball National Event winner Steve Bolton in Pro ET and DRE Proprietor Gary Springford returning to Pro ET again sharing the hot seat and Co-starring in the Whoopass Monza, along with all the supporting PMR crew, will be attending Spring speed Nationals at Shakespeare County Raceway this coming weekend, be there or be square!

Pics form Shakespeare

I think this is a cracking photo!! The Monza doesn't need too much introduction, but Gary was the first one in the 8's with it!!

Mick is going from strength to strength!!

Thanks to Peter Donaldson for these ones, awesome!!

Ugly run!!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1871846921077788599 Thanks to Tet for this one, and the on board video camera!!

Scamp generates Photographers interest!!

Steve Boltons Plymouth Scamp is getting photographed quite a lot of late. These two pics are taken by Gwynn at www@slimboyfat.co.uk Many thanks, they are brillant!!

Piccies from the Thunderball from Ferret

DRE STEP UP SPONSORSHIP

Paul Marston Racing are very proud to make a major announcement regarding longtime sponsor and business partner Drag Race Engineering. When asked about their increased commitment Gary Springford, proprietor of DRE (020 8597 9484) had this to say. ‘With the time involved with ordering the parts needed to repair the Pro Stock motor in the PT Bruiser that lost a rod at the Easter Thunderball, I knew Paul Marston was up against it time wise. It simply gonna take too long to get the parts made, most of the season will be over before I can get the motor back in one piece. I also agree with Paul that replacing the motor is a waste of time, the motor is not badly hurt enough, it’s just the ordering time and the fact that we only have a six month season over here. Drag Race Engineering was looking to raise their profile in Sportsman Drag Racing, let people know what my company can do. Paul needed a ride so DRE will be principle sponsor of the Pro Mod Vauxhall Calibra that Paul acquired over the winter from Mick Cheley. The Calibra is in the Drag Race Engineering workshops at the moment having its 555ci Chevrolet Big Block fitted and will hopefully be ready for the opening event at Shakespeare County Raceway 5-7th May. I have seen how hard Paul Marston has worked over the past couple of seasons helping other drivers, he even gave up his seat in the Whoopass Monza at the end of last season so as I had a shot at the National Pro title. I am simply repaying the favor by having my company Drag Race Engineering get this Calibra together so Paul Marston has a ride for the rest of the season in Super Pro’ When asked to comment Paul Marston had this to say ’Firstly I must thank Gary Springford for this incredibly generous deal. I am humbled and most grateful. It’s true the Pro Stock motor in the PT Bruiser is going to take time to put back together and it’s absolutely the worst timing for such a major breakage. With the Paul Marston Drag Race Driving School so busy, there was not an available ride for me. I was looking at crewing for the next 3-4 months!! The ex Pro Mod Calibra was scheduled for later during the season, a project for the Summer break, but as Gary Springford suggested, it just makes sense to bring it forward. As previously reported on Eurodragster eventually Paul Marston Racing would like to eventually compete in Super Modified with this car. This would be Paul Marston Racings first venture into heads-up racing and to have backing from an associate who brings expertise to the table, it makes for a strong foundation for a team. If all goes to plan the Calibra will appear at Shakespeare in the same paint scheme as when Mick drove it last, after the event the Calibra will be delivered straight to the painters in a race against time to have it debut at the FIA Main Event, competing in Super Pro resplendent in the specially designed Drag Race Engineering paint scheme’ Paul Marston Racing would like to express their thanks once again to Drag Race Engineering for investing in their future and seeing the potential marketing opportunity that UK National Event Drag Racing offers today.

Thanks to ......

Big thanks to Gwynn at www.slimboyfat.co.uk for the awesome pictures of Steve racing the scamp, Thanks a lot!!

Paul Marston was once again back in the hot seat of the PT Bruiser competing in both Super Pro and Comp Eliminator. Paul qualified No2 off the trailer in Super Pro and No1 in Comp Eliminator, slipping down to 9th in Super Pro and No2 in Comp. Unfortunately unbeknownst to most during eliminations in Comp the PT Bruiser kicked no8 rod at around 1200ft which pitched the Bruiser sideways at around 150mph thru the finish line. Paul managed to save the Bruiser and bought her to a safe stop. Luckily the breakage remained inside the motor and did not oil the track. When asked Paul had this to say “Firstly I must thank the Safety Crew at Santa Pod, they do such a great job, obviously I am bitterly disappointed at loosing the motor, especially after consulting the Aluminum rod manufacturers over the winter to confirm that I was well within their recommended safety limits, as we all know ally rods are lifed. But to be told you are easily fine for the whole of the 07 season and then go on and loose the motor at the very first event, frankly sucks. However I didn’t loose the car, the damage seems repairable and I guarantee you it will be rebuilt with billet steel rods or I will be doing strange things to myself with a wasps nest! Due to it being a Pro Stock motor it could take a while to get the parts – I have already been quoted up to 2-3 months delivery for the rods!! going 1.10 60ft, that’s just awesome. The Whoopass Monza runs 8’s and Grumpys Dodge was running down into the 9.40 zone. 2007 is going to be a great year”I am very proud of Steve Bolton; this is a guy that until he went thru the Paul Marston Racing Drag Race School had never even driven down a Dragstrip and two years later Steve is standing on the top step accepting his event winner’s trophy, fantastic. In fact all the drivers did exceptionally well, the 4-Link Dragster was awesome, just a little 477ci big block

Mick Howling was once again on top form with his debuts in Super Gas and Pro, Qualifying No 3 in Super Gas with a 9.9018, facing eventual event winner and fellow PMR driver Steve Bolton in the 3rd round in Pro where an axle failure put paid to a very promising start to the 07 campaign. Mick is very much looking forward to the next event at Shakespeare County Raceway. Gary The Razmus Springford and Dave Racing Snake Catton were sharing the drive in the Whoopass PMR Monza, competing in Pro and Super Gas respectively. With some refinements to the Whoopass Monza still untested from last year, there was some anticipation as to what it could or would do; the Monza certainly has a lot of character! Well it rewarded us with its first ever naturally aspirated 8 second runs, which pleased Drag Race Engineering Proprietor and driver Gary Springford immensely.

Paul Marston Racing are also exceptionally pleased with the debut of their brand new 4-Link Dragster, with Tethys at the controls the Dragster competed in both Super Pro and Super Comp. There were a few early teething problems but after qualifying No3 in Super Comp and No 12 in Super Pro Tethys went 2 rounds in Super Pro to cap off a rather solid debut performance of a great Dragster, the UK’s and probably Europe’s first 4- Link Dragster and a pretty handy driver who did and excellent job.

PMR KICK OFF THE SEASON WITH EVENT WIN!!

Paul Marston Racing kicked off the 2007 season in style with yet another event win from none other than Steve Bolton and his Mighty Mean Big and Black 1972 Plymouth Scamp in Pro. Not only was this Steve’s first National Event win, but it was the first event to see the new wheels up monster launching wheelies. This was all due to its visit to Paul Marston Racings No1 business partner Drag Race Engineering (020 8597 4575) and the installation of a new custom built torque converter and some extra chassis tuning tweaks at DRE and then the track at the Easter Thunderball by Drag Race Engineering proprietor Gary Springford. Our hat goes off to Rick and Carla Pitau for making it to the final after breaking their No1 engine on Friday, but Steve Bolton’s killer .002 light sealed and secured victory. Once again Pro Et delivered some of the most watch able, competitive and memorable bracket racing, in front of a large and appreciative Easter Crowd, everyone at PMR would like to congratulate Steve Bolton on a job very well done. Steve Bolton is the third PMR driver to score an event victory, for Paul Marston Racing to hit the ground running is a great confidence booster for the rest of the team and bodes well for the forthcoming season.

4 - LINK DRAGSTER DEBUT FOR P.M.R.!

Paul Marston Racing are very proud to announce that their new Drag Racecar to be unveiled at the Easter Thunderball, Santa Pod Raceway, is their very first Dragster, adding the Paul Marstons Drag Race School fleet. Not only is it their first Dragster but it is the very first 4-Link Dragster to run in the National UK Championship. 4-Link Dragsters have competed in the States in National Events since their invention some 12 years ago but this is the first to arrive in England. What makes a 4-Link Dragster so special? Paul Marston explains:- ‘Firstly let me explain exactly what a 4-link is, its basically exactly what is says, it has a 4-link suspension system that attaches the axle to the racecar as opposed to your traditional Dragster which solid mounts the rear axle, you would call it a Hardtail or in some cases they are slip-jointed chassis but not suspended, only a 4-link is a true suspended Dragster. The addition of the suspension system which incidentally is exactly the same setup as say what is underneath your typical tube chassied Doorslammer IE the Bruiser makes a 4-link Dragster on average a little longer at around a 243 inch wheelbase and due to the hardware naturally a little heavier compared to a Hardtail. So what are the advantages? Well firstly drivability, they can handle a lot of horsepower and offer very consistent repeatability. Secondly you do not see 4-links affected by changing track conditions like a Hardtail Dragster, they are a lot more forgiving. Thirdly and most importantly for Paul Marstons Drag Race School, they are considered the safest, smoothest, most manageable, most forgiving, easiest Dragster to drive. 4-link Dragsters act in a unique way when braking too, they load the rear tyres the exact opposite to a Hard Tail, making them very predictable and stable when in the braking zone, a very important consideration for competitive Bracket Racing. This also sees Paul Marstons Drag Race Driving School able to now offer Junior Dragster drivers a progressive path from Junior Dragster to the full scale version, this is something that Paul Marston Racing thought important to the future development of our great sport of Drag Racing.’ Easter sees the debut of “Ugly” the 4-Link Dragster, sporting Paul Marston’s officially designated NHRA Super Comp race number S/C 803 with Tethys competing in both Super Comp and Super Pro ET. Tethys along with Paul Marston both hold current NHRA Super Pro Dragster Licenses. Tethys having earned his last year at Frank Hawleys Drag Race School at Gainesville. Testing by Paul and Licensing runs by Tethys will, weather permitting be completed before the Easter Thunderball. Just about everyone at Paul Marston Racing has had a hand in the concept, design, construction and assembly of “Ugly” a sincere thanks goes out to Gary Springford (My Dad), Gary’s Dad, Fireman Sam (Andy), The Crewchief, Sefton Whitlock, Liz Mcarthy, Tethys, Robin Banks, Ferret, Mick Pusey, Anthony Middleton, Steve Bolton, Mick Howling, Dave Catton and all who sailed in her! As you would expect there is already interest in Ugly the 4 Link Dragster, which also sports some very cutting edge technology on board, be prepared for something that looks completely different too, its totally unique. Sporting another Danny Klein paintjob, its an awesome looking piece. It’s a state of the art full US spec competitive 4-Link Super Pro Dragster. Mark my words, UK Sportsman Drag Racing will never be the same after other competitors see just what this baby can do. Any enquiries on construction of your very own 4-Link Dragster and all enquiries for booking Drag Race Driving courses in the 4-Link Dragster, full one or two day courses only, for Experience, Teaching, Licensing or National Event Competition please call Paul on 07831 650230 Office 020 8597 4575 or E-Mail on office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk

The America Trip!!

Paul Marston has just returned from his latest fact finding and parts buying trip to Florida, Paul Marston Racing has been in touch to let us know how the trip went. Having attended the final Lucas Oil 06 Division 2 Event in October at Silver Dollar Raceway, Reynolds, Georgia. Paul Marston once again caught up with the Lucas Oil Division 2 Sportsman Racers as they contested the first event of their 07 schedule, at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida. Being this was the opening event, all the familiar faces were there, including for the first year as official NHRA Classes, Top Sportsman & Top Dragster, this exciting new development has been run in IHRA for a few years now, but debuted in 07 with NHRA in Division 2. Top Sportsman (Doorcars) & Top Dragster run as two separate classes but share the same rules. Fastest 16 or 32 car fields qualify (16 or 32 depend on car counts), this sees Top Sportsman (Doorslammer) competitors ET’s qualifying in the 7 second zone and lower, Top Dragster low sevens to low six second zone. Its an exciting pair of classes to watch and fills the void that was growing between Super Comp and Super Stock/Comp Eliminator/Top Alcohol Dragster/Top Alcohol Funnycar, the latter three now becoming vastly expensive, prohibitively so to most Sportsman Racers. Plus with the virtual non existence of Doorcars nowadays in Super Comp (there was only one at Bradenton in a field of 60+ Dragsters), it gives fast doorslammers their own class, a stepping stone to Pro Mod, like our own Super Modified. Paul Marston was crewing for Tony Morris in his Super Nice state of the art BLP backed Undercover Super Comp Dragster that Paul Marston drove here at Bradenton in the 5-Day Best of Both Worlds Event in 05. Since Paul Marston last drove the BLP Dragster, Tony has upgraded the power considerably, following the current trend to fit more and more powerful big inch motors in these Throttle stopped Rockets, the Dragster now sports a 565ci BBC, running 8.90 @ 170+ mph. Bradenton Motorsport Park Florida, home to both the Drag Strip and the Valdosta Motor Speedway for all the oval racers, has always had a proud reputation for having probably the fastest flattest Dragstrip in Florida; it too has had some upgrades since Paul Marston last drove there. Firstly the entire track has been resurfaced, along with being widened and now has a concrete retaining wall both sides all along the whole Quarter, extending into the shutdown area. Tony Morris was by his own admission, little ring rusty due to not having sat in or even seen his Dragster since last November. The BLP Dragster has been enjoying the hospitality of Dave Hartman in the Hartbeat Racing Engines Racecar trailer, Dave had recently sold his own Dragster, Tony Morris and Tim Hutcherson having dissolved their racing partnership at the end of 06, Tony sold his share of the operation to Tim. They still remain good friends but their racing plans did not coincide, so the parting was inevitable. Dave Hartman was still going to the races but with an empty trailer, mainly to help set-up his customer’s new engines and provide trackside support for existing customers, with accommodation built into the trailer for Dave and his wife. Tony’s racing partner for 07 Joe Holerfeld is still putting his combo together so the rig for both Dragsters is still not ready, Joe was however crewing with Tony also. All of this has not affected Tony’s performance, Tony was killer on the tree and the BLP Super Comp Dragster was right on the numbers. Prior to Fridays time trials Tony had to get the Dragster re-certified by the tech inspectors, after which it is now legal to 6.00 sec. Then back to the pits, the usual oil change, clean up, tires, warm-up, check the weather station in readiness to put down some runs. Two time trials Friday, one TT Saturday all went well with the Dragster running ----- ----- ----- ----- on Friday and ----- Saturday morning. There was a cold front moving thru over Friday and Saturday so the weather was more akin to our Easter Event than the usual Floridian climate, but the racing was awesome. Saturday saw something new, first round for Super Comp, this development is the NHRA’s attempt to get the eliminations started earlier, probably taking into account the running of Top Dragster and Top Sportsman. For 2007 alternating between all the Sportsman Classes, two will on rotation, run their first round on Saturday, the other class this time was Super Gas. Between Tony Morris and Paul Marston they read the track conditions and wind well, Tony Morris did an excellent job of driving and ran a .00 on the tree and an 8.90 at the sharp end – Good Job!! That left us in the show for Sunday so Tony, Joe and Paul set off to the Hotel then out for dinner, being it was Saturday night and we were out a little late (6.30pm), everywhere was packed but we got in at Cracker Barrel, Tony’s favorite, so it was home style cookin tonight. Sunday dawned and with a strong tail wind the eliminations played out, Joe reluctantly left lunchtime he had some pressing business to take care of, more on that soon. late Sunday afternoon Tony once again did a stellar job in second round after his opponent went red, running thru with a ------. This was of course after the stars of the show Top Alcohol Dragster, which incidentally saw the debut of Ashley Force’s replacement in the Darien & Meadows A-Fuel Dragster Lindsey Wood. Followed by Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Top Dragster, Top Sportsman and the rest of the Sportsman Classes. Unfortunately the wind and cold temperatures were wreaking havoc on the Top Sportsman Class with three crashes in two incidents, in the latter it took four hours to get the track operational again, by this time it was late Sunday afternoon, the writing was on the wall that the event would not complete on Sunday, for as soon as the sun went down the temperatures would plummet. So Tony Morris and Paul Marston had to leave Bradenton undefeated at close of play Sunday, Dave Hartman of Hartbeat Racing and Competition Engines must be sincerely thanked for his hospitality over the weekend. Dave Hartman’s work commitments at the shop meant that staying for Monday was not on the cards, but I think he was genuinely more upset than Tony and Paul were. Tony Morris was tickled pink that both he and the BLP Dragster had done so well and been so competitive. Both Tony Morris and Paul Marston had things to do Monday but when you are still in you are in, this was just one of those occasions where it simply was just not meant to be, it pays to accept defeat graciously sometimes and not torture yourself, it achieves nothing. The Gainesville Divisional was the following weekend and Tony was pumped, plenty to bring to the table for that one. With the Bradenton Event done, there was just time for Paul Marston to make sure that everything that had been ordered had arrived, place the last minute orders and to chase anything missing, prior to the scheduled Thursday departure, just the usual really. Once again as a fact finding mission Paul Marston reported that the trip was very worthwhile, this time focusing on Data Acquisition, Weather Stations and Throttle Stops for the most part along with Alcohol Tuning in different weather conditions. On the Technology front Paul Marston bought back two pieces of equipment that will be firsts in the UK, both of which are available from Paul Marston Racing. Paul Marston Racing will debut these clever and exciting pieces on two of their Racecars at the Easter Thunderball. On the subject of the Drag Racing, Paul Marston reported that he could not possibly be happier for Tony Morris and what he achieved, Paul said. `I take no credit for Tony Morris’s performance, he was simply awesome, however I do take comfort that I did not do anything to hamper him!!’ Paul Marston can happily report that Tony Morris attended the second Division 2 event last weekend where Tony qualified in the No8 spot after first round and went four rounds, which is Tony Morris’s best ever start to a Super Comp Divisional Title quest. Paul Marston would like to thank the following, everyone who are Paul Marston Racing, we could not do this without such a great bunch of people, Tony Morris, Bo Laws, Joe Hilerio, Rob Beagle, Joe Holerfeld, Sharon and all the guys at BLP, makers of just the finest Carburetors and Fuel Systems on the Planet, thank you for your hospitality, Eric Secaur from JW Transmissions, Robbie at Automotive One your one stop speed shop, Dave Hartman of Hartbeat Racing Engines, Steve and Ro Deatherage, Edmond Richardson, Charlie Owens, Peter Biondo, Kurt Damron Undercover Chassis, Peter Farrell Racedata Inc, Bradenton Motorsport Park. Last but not least all the rest of the fellow Division 2 Drag Racers at Bradenton.

BUSY PRE SEASON SCHEDULE AT PMR

Paul Marston Racing have been in touch to give us an update on their Pre Season Progress. With Grumpys Dodge nearly ready to depart the Drag Race Engineering workshops after a very comprehensive major service along with some more refinements and improvements. Next on the list will probably see the arrival of the Insanity Vega for upgrades in just about every department, replacement engine with a bigger more powerful unit, a completely new suspension and braking system all round, rear end gear ratio change, brand new wheels all round, the list goes on and on. The Insanity Vega will probably see DRE Proprietor Gary Springford start his quest for the Pro title with this exciting little car. Gary’s own mount the Hulk Shogun, debuted only last year is still under development. Having been recently fitted with a Big Block Chevy that is finished off with just the most beautiful Crower Stack Injection system you have ever seen on a doorcar. This kind of system can be tricky to set-up, hence after discussion between Gary and Paul it was decided quite wisely to elect to open Gary’s campaign in a known racecar as opposed to an unknown quantity. When asked Gary, proprietor of Drag Race Engineering said "The Crower Injection system was entirely my idea, I’ve always wanted one, to me visually this also gave the car balance, its gonna be real fast too!! These systems can be notoriously difficult to set-up, I have no qualms in knowing I will get it right, when Paul and myself visited the States last October I spoke to Joe Hollerfeld at BLP (Bo Laws Products Inc) Joe is their Fuel Pump specialist and very kindly went out of his way to introduce me to a number of racers at the Nostalgia meet at South Georgia Motorsports Park who run the exact same system. Paul, Tony Morris and I visited the event one sunny Sunday afternoon and met Joe there. So I am confident I can make the Crower Stack System work really well, but over here in England we are in winter time, realistically I need at least two good warm testing sessions to get it how I want it. On top of that running alcohol, the chances are Easter will still be pretty cold, I just don’t know how the Crower will react to the cold, its actually not that cold in Georgia surprisingly!! I came so close to having a shot at the Pro ET title last year, you need to be nearly perfect to stand a chance, it is just such a competitive class with so many good teams. I want the confidence of knowing the car I am driving at the Easter Thunderball will do what I want, I need to start scoring points at the very first event. So instead of rushing and forcing the issue, I will start in a known quantity the Insanity Vega and enter Hulk Shogun when I am satisfied that its right. I am not starting this season with one arm tied up me back, I want the title, so I will give myself the best opportunity I can. The only thing the Insanity Vega needs is more horsepower and a little less weight, that’s my specialty, I have built a bracket bomber of a motor, it’s a combo that Paul Marston and I have been working on for a while, now is the time to test it. All the replacement lightweight parts for the suspension and braking system are off the shelf stock items and just need fitting. I am looking forward to the Easter Thunderball and Pro ET, it is truly one of, if not the toughest class in Sportsman Drag Racing today and I can’t wait!" With Paul off once again to sunnier climes, Gary who incidentally is our hero at the moment along with everyone else at Drag Race Engineering. As they have all collectively given up smoking as of 1st Jan 07, admirable idea, just a little more lively atmosphere in the workshop than usual then!! Meanwhile whilst Gary and the guys will work their magic on the Insanity Vega, Paul will be back in Florida on another parts buying trip just in time for the opening Division 2 Event at Bradenton Florida, crewing for Tony Morris and his BLP backed Super Comp Dragster and Dave Hartman of Hartbeat Racing Engines with his Super Comp Dragster. Paul Marston is also looking forward to seeing all the other drivers in Division 2, its like a home from home for him now! Despite Paul being away at a crucial time in pre season preparation one of the advantages of having a big team is there are plenty of hands to pitch in and help out when there is lots to do. All the PMR drivers, Gary, (who incidentally will be collecting his SCR Track Championship runner up Trophy in Pro this coming weekend at the awards dinner) Mick Howling, Tethys, Dave Catton and Steve Bolton are looking to build and capitalize on last seasons results, becoming more competitive. Conditions permitting testing will begin mid March in preparation for the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway. Paul Marston Racing would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors, Drag Race Engineering, Black Box London, London Road Tyres, Chrysler UK, Chryslercard, especially Santa Pod Raceway Management and all the startline crew for all their support and belief in us, we could not do this without them. Shakespeare County Raceway for your cooperation and understanding. Eurodragster for a contribution that is an essential part of Drag Racing’s Past, Present & Future. Last but be no means least the Paul Marston Racing Family (Crew) you do so much and make all the drivers look so good, we could never thank you enough, Lizz McCarthy you are always in all of our thoughts we all wish you a full recovery. Gary Springford would like to personally thank everyone at BLP, Joe Hilerio, Tony Morris, Joe Hollafeld, Rob Beagle and the Nostalgia Drag Race teams at South Georgia Motorsports Park that were all so helpful.

OVAL EXPO SUCCESS AT ARENA ESSEX

Last weekend saw the second Oval Racing Expo at Arena Raceway Essex. With attendance and entries up the event was judged a great success. The usual bracing weather did nothing to dampen enthusiasm, brisk business was done by the traders and the Racing Junk swap meet had plenty to offer. The Drag Race display went down very well during our two slots on Sunday, with a whole load of event schedules for both Santa Pod Raceway and Shakespeare County Raceway. Paul Marston Racing saw plenty of old faces who have not been to the dragstrips for a while who are now coming to see how our great sport has progressed these past few years. Special thanks go out to Ray Tucker and his crew for entertaining the crowd with his beautiful AMS Oil backed Blown Corvette that currently competes in the Real Steel Street Eliminator and to the Andrew Gibbs, Sandy Gibbs and the Family for bringing down their Junior Dragster for display in the Marguee on the Drag Race Stand and Kirsty Gibbs for the live demo on the track. The promoters of the event have already indicated that they would be looking to increase the Drag Racing side of the Oval Expo next year. So on behalf of Paul Marston Racing and crew I would like to thank the Rolling Thunder Show for inviting us to attend their Oval Racing Expo and look forward to attending next years show.