Wednesday, May 23, 2007
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 So reluctantly PMR has withdrawn the Calibra from the Springspeed National Event, we will not take a racecar to an event knowing it needs work, unless there are extenuating circumstances.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!!
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!!
Friday, April 20, 2007
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.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Thanks to ......
Big thanks to Gwynn at www.slimboyfat.co.uk for the awesome pictures of Steve racing the scamp,
Thanks a lot!!
Friday, April 13, 2007
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.
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. 
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
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.
Monday, February 05, 2007
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.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
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.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
New photographer to us!!
Check out www.racing-green.co.uk Andrew Bamford is the owner of this site, and too like the others has some cracking photos, not just of us, but everyone.
Nice guy, and has given us permission to use his pics as and when!
This is a photo of the "hairy" race between Paul in the Bruiser and John Everitt in the Alien!!!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
LOOK WHAT SANTA BOUGHT!!!!!
Paul Marston Racing are very proud to announce the unexpected but most welcome addition to its stable. The ex-Mick Cheley Pro Modified Vauxhall Calibra, which arrived just last Saturday at the Drag Race Engineering workshops.
Firstly Paul Marston would like to extend his personal thanks to Gary Springford for taking the time off of work to accompany Paul up to Birmingham to collect the Calibra. And to Mick Cheley for his hospitality, honesty and frankness in describing his beautiful Drag Racecar. Mick who has virtually owned the Calibra from new and wanted to see it go to a good home, I believe Mick was pleased to see that it will still be seen at the racetrack and not lay for years in a lock-up somewhere. Paul Marston did however admit that Paul Marston Racing do not at this moment have any definite plans for the Calibra at this stage.
Paul Marston explained ‘This quality of racecar does not come up often in England, so when it does I believe you have to seize the opportunity. For us here at Paul Marston Racing we now have another Hauser built chromoly 25.1 Racecar that is legal to compete in any sportsman class, but not just that, it could be the basis of a competitive racecar in Super Modified, which would be Paul Marston Racings first venture into a heads-up championship class.
Anyone who has the funding and/or sponsors and wishes to find out more about this exciting new challenge, call us here at Paul Marston Racing. We have already looked at the rules and feel that with the combo we think would have the best potential, the Calibra fits the class exceptionally well. Naturally it would understandably take a while to become competitive, there are some exceptionally good teams currently competing in Super Modified who we all have the utmost respect for, to become as good as they are would take time. But having the right tools for the job from the offset plays a big part, that is what Paul Marston Racing now have with this Vauxhall Calibra, it has run sevens, handles exceptionally well, would be right on the money weight wise, was exceptionally well looked after by its owner and crew and PMR bought it turnkey.
If you think you would like to possibly share in this exciting new venture or alternatively would be interested in driving this fantastic Drag Racecar in Super Pro, Super Comp or Super Gas, in any class this racecar is an awesome prospect please contact Paul Marston Racing on 0208 597 4575 or 07831 650230 or office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk
Monday, December 11, 2006
DOUBLE INTENSITY!!!
Paul Marston Racing drivers are hoping to step up their Championship bids by double classing in the 07 season. This has only now become a possibility due the expansion
Of the Paul Marston Racing fleet.
Dave Catton, driver of the Whoopass Monza approached Paul Marston with the idea of expanding the amount of seat time that the drivers could now potentially enjoy. Dave is hoping to contest two classes Super Gas and Super Comp during the 2007 season.
Tethys who will be driving our latest addition to the line-up, details of this new racecar will be announced shortly, is also looking at potentially competing in two classes as well. Tethy’s attended and graduated Frank Hawley’s Drag Race School in Gainesville Florida earlier this year and is looking to accelerate his racing experience by competing in two classes
Gary Springford proprietor of Drag Race Engineering (0208 597 9484) is also considering running in two classes in his Injected Big Block Chevy powered Hulk Shogun during his 07 campaign. Garys choice is yet to be decided but the likely two classes would be Pro ET and Super Gas.
Paul Marston is also considering the option but would probably use two different racecars in two different classes. The PT Bruiser in Super Pro and a second Racecar in Pro ET most probably as it is without doubt one of the most exciting classes in UK Sportsman Drag Racing to compete in.
This would see PMR along with the new and exciting additions to the driving squad for 2007 a potential entry of up to ten.
With Paul Marston Racing drivers being able to now double class in the same Racecar. We hope this will result in an improvement in rounds won percentages, National Event wins and points earned for the National Championships.
There is still some space left for anyone wishing to join our drivers line-up, we are always ready to welcome new talent and make sure that they have exactly the same opportunities as everyone else, parity is always a top priority. Paul Marston Racing can be contacted on Office 020 8597 4575 Mobile 07831 650230 or E-Mail office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk
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