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!!)
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
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.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
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.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
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!
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.
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