2009 Auto Trader Easter Thunderball
Santa Pod Raceway, 10th-13th April 2009
Monday


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22:20

We have now posted today's pictures, which you can view via event index page. Again because of the lateness of the hour we have posted a caption-free gallery. If you don't see the updated gallery page then click on your Browser's Refresh button.

21:00

Final results

Pro Fuel Shootout: John Spuffard 7.8948/107.35 def. Anita Mäkelä 5.1850/208.10 DQ
Top Methanol: Derek Flynn 5.7233/247.55 def. Rob Turner 13.8843/54.39
MSA Pro Modified: Henri Joosten 6.8959/204.25 def. Roger Moore 9.9797/89.01
Super Modified: Nigel Payne 12.0501/81.82 def. Tim Garlick left before lights ran
Super Pro ET: Bob Doyle (8.95) 9.0162/150.45 def. Steve Taylor (7.60) 8.4191/151.40
Pro ET: Keith Herbert (11.00) 11.1911/101.41 def. Jon Turner (11.35) 11.3979/119.74
Sportsman ET: Nick Gay (13.80) 13.8093/93.89 def. Lawrie Drysdale (15.63) 15.6817/86.12
Super Comp: Brian Pateman 8.9219/154.08 def. Jon Morton 8.9627/147.56
Super Gas: Jon Morton 9.8624/140.66 def. Stu Doignie 11.2026/102.03 red light
Super Street: John Grant 11.5470/103.78 def. Leigh Morris 13.8007/65.84
Junior Dragster: Rosie Hunt (8.00) 8.0326/80.44 def. Joe Kellett (8.98) 8.9888/71.17
Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association: Frank Bennett 6.6352/181.22 def. Tony Betts 7.4669/129.37
B&H Automotive/LA Racing Parts Street Eliminator: Colin Lazenby 8.2782/184.31 def. Jeff Meads 8.5633/163.57
Wild Bunch: Chris Hartnell (9.20) 8.9966/145.64 bye, David Rowlands did not start
VW Pro: Richard Merriman (12.99) 13.0674/103.11 def. James Hodson (10.97) 10.9434/120.35 breakout
VW Sportsman: Russ Weir (16.35) 16.4027/80.97 def. Mark Malone (18.21) 18.1580/69.76 breakout

Top Fuel Bike: Steve Woollatt 7.9745/122.18 bye
Pro Stock Bike: Ray Debben 7.8092/169.11 def. Len Paget 7.7394/143.82
Funny Bike: Gary Jones staged, bye
Comp Bike: Stu Crane 7.9971/171.03 def. Ivan Birch 8.0260/170.31
Super Street Bike: Garry Bowe 7.8817/181.27 def. Rich Stubbins 7.8343/184.93
9.50 Bike: Steve Coombs 9.6235/139.90 def. Richard Sawatzki 9.7666/140.28

20:35

Pro ET eliminations round 4 winners:

Keith Herbert (11.03) 11.0016/119.39, Jon Turner (11.30) 11.3802/119.46

Super Street eliminations round 3 winners:

Leigh Morris 10.8523/126.16 bye, John Grant 10.8555/137.23

20:30

Super Pro ET eliminations round 4 winners:

Steve Taylor staged (bye), Bob Doyle (8.90) 8.9778/150.95

VW Sportsman eliminations round 3 winners:

Russ Weir (16.35) 16.4183/72.43, Mark Malone (18.41) 25.6672/43.25 bye

Super Modified eliminations round 3 winners:

Nigel Payne 7.5462/182.07 bye, Tim Garlick 7.7142/172.35

Craig Gibbs in the semi against Tim instead of Andy Hone, which tends to imply that Fred was DQ'd last round for going below his chassis tag ET and Craig reinstated.

Super Comp eliminations round 3 winners:

Brian Pateman 8.9021/146.17, Jon Morton staged

20:10

9.50 Bike eliminations round 4 winners:

Richard Sawatzki 9.5636/131.70, Steve Coombs 9.5568/142.04 bye

Super Gas eliminations round 3 winners:

Stuart Doignie 9.9265/135.64, Jon Morton staged (bye)

Wild Bunch eliminations round 3 winners:

Chris Hartnell (9.20) 9.0319/146.12 bye, David Rowlands (9.50) 9.7532/143.39

20:00

VW Sportsman eliminations round 2 winners:

Lucy Matthews (23.77) 23.6615/56.36 bye, Mark Malone (18.41) 18.4624/57.27, Russ Weir (16.35) 16.5078/80.10

A delighted Lucy Matthews came up to Race Control to thank us for the £50 Eurodragster.com/Gold RV Perfect ET Award, which was much appreciated.

Sportsman ET eliminations round 2 winners:

Nick Gay (13.80) 13.9261/92.49, Lawrie Drysdale (15.58) 15.7343/86.96

Junior Dragster eliminations round 3 winners:

Joe Kellett (8.95) 9.0022/71.40, Rosie Hunt (8.00) 8.1396/7.74

19:55

Funny Bike eliminations round 2 winners:

Gary Jones 7.8732/167.23

Chris Hall failed to stage in his semi-final bye

Pro Stock Bike eliminations round 2 winners:

Ray Debben 7.8461/160.12, Len Paget staged (bye, Mark Smith no show)

Super Street eliminations round 2 winners:

Leigh Morris 10.9464/120.16, John Grant 11.0394/135.98 bye, Martyn Sanger 10.9926/112.69

Twenty one inches at the stripe in Leigh Morris' race with Neil Grant.

HKS Pro final

Leon Green 8.3425/153.58 def. Chris Impey 22.8186/55.89

19:45

Pro ET eliminations round 3 winners:

Neil Hunter (9.80) 9.9931/134.88 bye (Dave Nelson no show), Nigel Green (11.14) 11.3231/108.22, Keith Hertbert (11.05) 11.0414/118.77, Jon Turner (11.25) 11.4063/119.88 bye (Eddy van den Bos no show)

9.50 Bike eliminations round 3 winners:

Richard Beck 9.6060/144.25, Steve Coombs 9.9183/107.50, Richard Sawatzki 9.9160/119.56

Comp Bike eliminations round 2 winners:

Ivan Birch 7.7996/177.09 bye (Dave Peters shut off), Stu Crane staged (bye, Richard Gipp no show)

19:35

Simon has posted his latest set of pit notes, which you can view via the event index.

19:30

Super Modified eliminations round 2 winners:

Nigel Payne 7.6832/181.18, Tim Garlick 10.9671/78.82 bye, Andy Hone 7.4905/179.91

Andy Hone on a new class ET record (subject to his Scorpio being tagged below 7.50), nice one Fred!

Super Street Bike eliminations round 3 winners:

Rich Stubbins 7.6907/193.56, Garry Bowe 7.7729/182.74

19:20

B&H Automotive/LA Racing Parts Street Eliminator eliminations round 2 winners:

Jeff Meads 9.7678/162.34, Colin Lazenby 8.4155/182.81

Super Comp eliminations round 2 winners:

Brian Pateman 8.9672/153.58, Pete Cresswell 9.1190/128.33, Jon Morton 9.1600/130.55

0.0020 RT and twenty six inch margin of victory for Brian Pateman in his race against Paul Marston.

Super Pro ET eliminations round 3 winners:

Bob Doyle (8.99) 8.9976/143.30, Nick Good (6.96) 7.0515/177.70, Steve Taylor (7.60) 8.1400/159.48

0.0092 RT for John Everitt in his race against Bob Doyle.

19:05

Super Gas eliminations round 2 winners:

Jon Morton 9.9962/132.45, Frank Mason 10.0554/126.19, Stuart Doignie 9.9113/151.02

Junior Dragster eliminations round 2 winners:

Joe Kellett (8.92) 9.0321/70.95, Rosie Hunt (8.00) 8.0130/81.18, Annalieze Gibb (9.00) 9.3829/62.69, Rhiannon Bellenie (10.55) 10.5571/59.55

19:00

Sportsman ET eliminations round 1 winners:

Spencer Tramm (15.93) 15.8652/84.54 bye, Geoff Cowley (14.80) 14.7849/92.76, Nick Gay (13.69) 13.8682/94.89, Lawrie Drysdale (15.58) 16.0732/84.19

VW Pro eliminations round 1 winners:

James Hodson (10.90) 11.1053/129.75 bye, Richard Merriman (12.99) 13.2429/102.18

Wild Bunch eliminations round 1 winners:

Pete Yates (9.28) 9.4217/140.66 bye, Chris Hartnell (9.20) 9.231/129.80, Dave Rowlands (10.00) 9.7394/117.88

18:50

Martin Hill followed the NFAA with a 6.3760/250.35 in the Fireforce 3 Jet FC. Next up was Roger Goring in the Firestorm FC, 6.2063/253.25. A great pair of passes, well done guys!

18:35

Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association final

Frank Bennett 6.6352/181.22 def. Tony Betts 7.4669/129.37

Congratulations to Frank and Luke Bennett and the Relentless team on a new best for the car. 0.9652 to sixty feet and 4.1777/165.15 to half track.

18:15

Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association 3rd/4th place run-off

Dave Grabham 9.2715/84.08 def. Joe Bond 12.7298/48.66

Smoke from Dave's altered just before half-track and a hard move to the right, oil under the slicks most likely. Dave just kept it in his lane; Joe saw him coming and shut off.

Oil was found in Dave's lane which confirms our thoughts on the cause of the wild ride of Freddy's Revenge.

17:58

Top Methanol final

Derek Flynn 5.7233/247.55 def. Rob Turner 13.8843/54.39

Derek away first 0.1127 to 0.1627 but Rob made that up in the sixty foot time 0.9206 to Derek's 1.0067, a puff of smoke from Rob's motor at about 200 feet and that was the end of his run. 3.7888/205.70 at half track for Derek with the motor of the Gold RV dragster smoking but Derek stayed with it and took the event win, well done Derek! Some clean-up work in Derek's lane after the race.

17:53

Top Fuel Bike final

Steve Woollatt 7.9745/122.18 bye

1.0962 to sixty feet and then the rear slick started to shake. 4.5987/142.08 at half track by which time Steve had already feathered the throttle and he shut off altogether at about 800 feet as The Dealer made a move to the right.

17:50

MSA Pro Modified final

Henri Joosten 6.8959/204.25 def. Roger Moore 9.9797/89.01

Roger steered away from the Tree in the burnout this time, either that or he went out of shape in the other direction. Henri away first 0.1193 to 0.4730, Roger was out of it at that point as the Viper hesitated and was misfiring, a cloud of smoke at half track but nothing found on the track. 1.0710 to sixty feet for Henri, 4.4681/159.48 and the event win, well done Henri!

17:40

Pro Fuel Shootout final

John Spuffard 7.8948/107.35 def. Anita Mäkelä 5.1850/208.10 DQ

A big RT advantage for John even with the 0.35 head start 0.1204 to 0.2267, 0.8888 to sixty feet for Anita to John's 0.9468, Spuff's tyres started to shake at about sixty feet and the FC made a big move to the left at about half track and he got off the throttle. Anita got to half track at 3.2899/249.39 and then the Atomic Chicken made a move to the right and clipped the 990 foot reflector and Anita shut off at that point and wrenched the car straight. Anita to the finish line first by 2.2535 but disqualified for hitting the reflector. Still a tremendous return to the track for Anita and that's going to be one big decision to be made in the Mäkelä/Haapanen household about who drives in the FIA Championship this season.

17:35

Pro Fuel Shootout 3rd/4th place run-off

Jon Webster 7.9917/95.20 def. Thomas Nataas 9.3187/80.04

0.1913 RT for Thomas, 0.1041 for Jon on the 0.35 second handicap. Thomas to sixty feet in 0.9292 and Jobn in 0.8982. Jon hit shake at about fifty feet and had a good go at pedalling, Thomas pedalled and wasn't getting off the throttle for anything until the Batmobil turned hard left and even Thomas got off the pedal at that point.

17:30

Comp Bike eliminations round 1 winners:

Stu Crane 7.8860/170.34, Richard Gipp 8.2096/152.54, Ivan Birch 7.7379/172.95, Dave Peters 8.2001/159.53

Richard Gipp parted company with his bike just past the finish line. Word from the top end is that Richard was conscious and alert after the accident and that the medical team were taking all the usual precautions before taking him to the Medical Centre.

17:00

9.50 Bike eliminations round 2 winners:

Aaron Sparks 10.8385/130.15, Richard Sawatzki 9.5832/130.88, Steve Coombs 9.5291/134.03, Wayne Saunders 9.7904/137.73, Richard Beck 9.6289/144.77, Steve Ashby 9.3266/147.67 bye

Funny Bike eliminations round 1 winners:

Gary Jones 8.0490/166.08 bye (Dave Bailey no show), Kev Charman 7.3605/174.39 bye (Tim Blakemore no show), Chris Hall 6.9373/189.64 bye (Mike Olie no show)

We think a PB for Kev Charman but even if not then a cracking pass anyway, well done Kev!

Pro Stock Bike eliminations round 1 winners:

Len Paget no time bye, Dave Beck 7.3423/172.94, Ray Debben 7.8967/165.45 bye (Jerry Collier no show), Mark Smith 8.2766/138.54

Mark Smith's first competitive outing in PSB and he wins in the first round, well done Mark! A bang and a cloud of smoke from Mark's motor at the top end, track checked and found to be OK, hopefully no damage.

Trackside conditions are 16.5 C, 51% humidity and 29.74 inches of air, track temperature is 19 C.

16:40

Super Street Bike eliminations round 2 winners:

Rich Stubbins 7.6170/191.22, Steve Venables 7.4160/196.16, Garry Bowe 7.7520/180.63, Brad O'Connor 7.7490/189.60

16:35

Super Pro ET eliminations round 2 winners:

Bob Doyle (8.80) 9.0865/150.51 bye (Pat Talbot no show), Nick Good (6.98) 7.1269/159.49, Rod Harrison (7.50) 20.3655/35.79 bye, Steve Taylor (7.80) 8.1161/158.29, Rick Cooke (8.20) 8.2390/157.74), John Everitt (7.98) 7.9855/167.20 bye

Nick Good beat Barry Giles by one foot and three inches in the second pairing.

16:25

Pro ET eliminations round 2 winners:

Dan Williams (9.62) 9.6857/141.04, Jon Turner (11.25) 16.010/119.13 bye (Phil Toppin shut off), Dave Nelson (10.00) 10.6089/85.81, Eddy van den Bos (10.40) 10.7459/122.33, Rick McCann (10.60) 10.6494/108.02, Keith Herbert (11.09) 11.0749/118.22 bye, Nigel Green (11.14) 11.1716/115.72, Neil Hunter (9.70) 9.9445/134.04 bye (Liz Malcolm no show)

16:15

Super Street eliminations round 1 winners:

Neil Grant 11.0723/119.54, Leigh Morris 10.9360/119.56, Nick Griffin 10.9636/121.36, John Grant 11.3729/118.91, Martyn Sanger 11.0326/120.07

Lots of oil from Bob Lees' Mustang in his race against Nick Griffin, no word yet on what happened.

VW Sportsman eliminations round 1 winners:

Lucy Matthews (23.77) 23.7702/56.16, Luke Stevenson (14.70) 15.0155/80.05, Mark Malone (18.41) 18.4882/69.21, Martin Ayton (14.80) 14.7585/94.23, Russ Weir (16.35) 22.0411/66.14 bye

A Perfect ET for Lucy Matthews in the first pairing, Lucy now £50 off courtesy of Eurodragster.com and Gold RV, well done Lucy!

15:45

Super Modified eliminations round 1 winners:

Craig Gibbs 7.7847/174.27, Tim Garlick 7.6254/173.07, Nigel Payne 7.6229/180.54, Belinda Bull 7.7760/175.56, Andy Hone 7.9749/125.55 bye

A round win for Belinda Bull on her first Super Modified outing, well done Belinda!

15:35

B&H Automotive/LA Racing Parts Street Eliminator eliminations round 1 winners:

Alex McIntosh 9.8803/140.69, Mark Todd 9.7940/133.98, Jeff Meads 9.3695/148.07 bye (Moose Hollingworth no show), Colin Lazenby 8.6016/181.28 bye

A round win for Mark Todd on his first Street Eliminator outing, well done Mark! In the other lane Mats Andersson clocked a superb 0.0708 RT. A nice RT for Colin Lazenby too, 0.0394 in his bye run.

Super Comp eliminations round 1 winners:

Paul Marston 9.1840/145.65, Shaun Lathan 9.6546/139.83, Brian Pateman 8.9696/154.12, Paul Letchford 9.0652/132.07, Pete Cresswell 8.9744/140.74, Jon Morton 8.9251/138.95

Trackside conditions are 18.1 C, 46% humidity and 29.77 inches of air, track temperature is 24.5 C

15:20

Super Gas eliminations round 1 winners:

Frank Mason 10.0111/133.67, Jon Morton 10.2792/118.93, Jon Giles 10.3749/133.19, Stuart Doignie 10.3061/108.65, Steve Dunn 10.1085/124.45, Conrad Stanley 9.8991/154.10 bye

Jon Giles won his race with Dave Day by 0.0001 seconds or 0.21 inches!

Junior Dragster eliminations round 1 winners:

Annalieze Gibb (9.00) 9.5722/65.50, Rhiannon Bellenie (10.40) 10.6209/59.22, Rosie Hunt (8.00) 8.0389/78.09, Zak Johnson (9.30) 10.2987/67.22 bye (Lisa Selles shut off), Joe Kellett (8.92) 8.9911/71.06, Becky Evans (8.35) 8.5980/65.50, Grete Arntzen Ingdal (7.90) 7.9051/80.11, Josh Saunders (7.90) 7.8526/82.20

Simon has posted today's first set of pit notes, which you can view via the event index page.

15:05

Martin Hill followed Top Methanol with a 6.3093/254.53 in the Fireforce Jet FC.

Top Fuel Bike eliminations semi-finals:

Rene van den Berg broke (bye)

A great burnout for Rene but then he shut off and was pushed back.

Steve Woollatt 8.9895/90.31 bye, Ian Turburville no show

No sign of Turbo so another bye. 1.1514 to sixty feet, a little shake and then off the throttle at about 330 feet. Steve need only stage in the final to take the event win.

14:55

Top Methanol eliminations semi-finals:

Rob Turner 5.4841/255.02 def. Dennis Habermann 12.0940/64.90 DQ

Dennis away first 0.0897 to 0.2361 but that was the last chance he had. 0.9069 to sixty feet for Rob to Dennis' up in smoke 1.4026, Dennis pedalled and the Uni Fit dragster started to make some serious about its lane, almost up on two wheels as it turned hard left and then crossed the centre line. 3.4928 at half track for Rob and into the next round by 6.4635 even had Dennis not been disqualified.

Derek Flynn 5.6138/243.65 def. Timo Habermann 5.7151/250.78

Timo couldn't get reverse and had to be pushed back which meant that Derek had a long wait, would the car run out of fuel? 0.0732 RT for Timo to Derek's 0.1659, 0.9475 to sixty feet for Timo to derek's 0.9906. Derek was on the hunt and got to half track in 3.7161/211.46 to Timo's 3.7414/197.97 and took the win by 0.0086 or three feet and two inches!

14:45

MSA Pro Modified eliminations semi-finals:

Roger Moore 7.3424/189.58 def. Andy Robinson 12.5550/68.30

Roger Moore just about had the Viper up on two wheels in the burnout, only just missing the Tree. A tremendous 0.0472 RT for Andy to Roger's 0.9382. 1.0684 to sixty feet for Andy to Roger's 1.1996 then Gus' tyres started to shake and smoke and the engine started zinging. Andy tried to drive out of it but got off the throttle way before half track. Roger clocked 4.7671/154.10 at half track and took the stripe by 4.3216.

Henri Joosten 11.1517/63.35 bye, Graham Ellis shut off

Graham shut off before stagging, not obvious from here what the problem was. 1.0392 to sixty feet for Henri, wheels up for a long way, a quick pedal and shut off at half track.

14:30

Roger Goring followed 9.50 Bike with a 6.2299/251.95 in the Firestorm Jet FC.

9.50 Bike eliminations round 1 winners:

Shaun Spiers 10.3412/100.57, Richard Beck 10.0866/139.35, Richard Sawatzki 9.7812/140.38 bye (Steve Whiting no show), Wayne Saunders 9.7230/132.07, Phil Pratt 9.7151/119.87, Steve Coombs 9.4923/140.66, Aaron Sparks 10.3905/133.27, Fred Furlong 9.7257/121.13, Steve Ashby 9.7579/132.08, Andy Haley 10.1268/115.59, Augy Harrison 9.5293/145.66

Good news from the Medical Centre is that Mark Winder is quite OK, just winded. Well done to the track and medical crews who were there so quickly.

14:20

Super Street Bike eliminations round 1 winners:

Steve Venables 7.4812/195.33, Graham Balchin 7.8703/188.02, Richard Stubbins 9.6480/190.38, Scott Baldwin 7.8761/181.26, Mark Watkins 8.0928/178.39, Brad O'Connor 7.7863/191.39 bye (Paul Hambidge no show), Chris Reed 7.9394/185.71, Garry Bowe 10.6225/88.01

14:10

Super Pro ET eliminations round 1 winners:

Barry Giles (7.50) 8.0677/135.93, Pat Talbot (7.99) 8.0092/163.44, Bob Doyle (8.80) 9.0927/150.52 bye (Karl Harrison shut off), John Morris (8.70) 8.8435/140.17, Nick Good (6.95) 7.0413/183.49, Ashley Bell (8.75) 8.8784/129.70, John Everitt (7.98) 8.0531/160.62, Steve Taylor (7.60) 7.8729/163.57 bye (Mark Bishop no show), Rod Harrison (7.50) 7.8267/144.17, Rick Cooke (8.00) 8.2718/159.40

Pat Talbot's dragster disappeared into a huge cloud of smoke in the shutdown area. Nothing found on the track so hopefully nothing untoward. Not looking promising for Mark Flavell whose engine cut out on the burnout and left a trail of oil on the staging area. Steve Taylor through his first ever competitive round, well done Steve!

Trackside conditions are 18.8 C, 46% humidity and 29.80 inches of air, track temperature is 23.7 C.

13:20

Pro ET eliminations round 1 winners:

Keith Herbert (11.20) 11.1177/118.19, Phil Toppin (9.00) 9.0203/132.89 bye, Rick Denny (11.41) 11.4731/117.22, Eddy van den Bos (10.40) 10.4839/125.36 bye (Carla Pittau broke), Dan Williams (9.63) 9.7381/127.55, Mick Howling (9.90) 10.0749/127.13, Nigel Green (11.20)12.0004/81.76, Dave Nelson (10.00) 11.1129/97.70, Dave Cherrett (10.00) 10.2069/114.88, Steve Hudson (10.22) 10.2902/115.33 bye (Vic Amato shut off), Rick McCann (10.60) 10.7617/106.25, Jon Turner (11.25) 11.3277/119.74, Neil Hunter (9.80) 9.8719/128.95, Liz Malcolm (11.00) 11.0643/118.77, Dan Page (11.24) 11.4080/119.11

12:55

Julian Webb followed the NFAA with a 6.9363/226.48 exhibition pass in the Split Second Jet Dragster.

Wild Bunch qualifying after session 2:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
WILD BUNCH                                                     THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 12:55:04
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   9        WB       PETER YATES          BRISTOL  UK                SLINGSHOT  355 CI      09.33   + 8.3980 + .4520  9.3310   142.00  
2   95       WB       MARK RICHARDSON      READING  UK                ALTERED    355 CI      09.45   + 8.5232 - .3264  9.4682   138.16  
3   44       WB       DAVID ROWLANDS       READING  UK                ALTERED    431 CI      09.50   + 8.5732 + .2412  9.5232   142.43  
4   3        WB       CHRIS HARTNELL       STOKE GIFFORD  UK          SLINGSHOT  377 CI      08.95   + 8.2760 + .2296  9.1710   146.13  
5   35       WB       DICK SHARP           BRIDPORT  UK               AUSTIN A35 428 CI      10.00   +12.0664 + .9580 13.0664   105.05  
 Best R.T. was  CHRIS HARTNELL      + .2296
 Best E.T. was  CHRIS HARTNELL       9.1710
 Best MPH was  CHRIS HARTNELL      146.13
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

12:40

Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association qualifying session 3 (left lane first):

Tony Betts 6.5085/221.84 bye, Paul Wratten shut off, Dave Grabham 8.4105/169.11, Joe Bond 7.2353/187.26, Bob Glassup shut off, Frank Bennett 6.9050/184.32 bye

Paul was shut off before staging for a fluid leak so a bye for Tony and a very good-looking pass. 1.0088 to sixty feet, 4.2200/157.87 at half track and that was after a pedal as Venom made a move to the right. A huge speed and plenty left in there yet I'd say. Dave away first 0.1191 to 0.1343, Freddy's Revenge made a sharp move to the left and I think crossed the outer boundary. 1.0858 to sixty feet for Joe, then it was a bit of a pedalfest as both were going out of shape. Joe got the better of it, 4.6421/150.95 at half track and first to the stripe by 1.1600, but his altered got very close indeed to the guardrail at the top end. Bob shut off before leaving the collection area so Frank took a bye, 1.0604 to sixty feet and 4.3939/156.77, a couple of pedals but still into the sixes and plenty left.

12:30

Pro Fuel Shootout qualifying session 3 (left lane first):

Thomas Nataas 11.1369/62.12, Risto Poutiainen 5.8252/157.88, Jon Webster 9.0046/82.23, John Spuffard 9.8989/88.66, Anita Mäkelä 5.3759/211.01, Gordon Smith 6.5696/167.79

Much better conditions for the Fuel cars today. Thomas in stage a long time before Risto moved in to pre-stage. 0.1977 Rt for Thomas and 0.9326 to sixty feet, Risto waiting the extra 0.35 seconds and then a 0.2153 RT, 0.9326 sixty foot time for Thomas and 0.8850 for Risto. Thomas hut shake at sixty feet and was off the throttle after 330 feet. A pedal for shake for Risto, 3.3579/219.65 at half track but the Bad to the Bone dragster made a move to the right and Risto shut off after half track. The 'old' body back on Showtime. 0.1463 RT for Spuff, Jon had the extra 0.35 second wait and pulled a superb 0.0934. 0.9470 to sixty feet for Spuff and 0.8874 for Jon, Spuff in shake and off the throttle by 330 feet by the look of things, Jon stayed with it a little longer but was off it by half track. A bit of consternation getting Anita out of reverse. 0.2241 RT for Gordon and 0.3164 for Anita, 0.8586 to sixty feet for Anita to Gordon's 1.1211, the Shockwave FC looking very gentle to sixty feet. Anita's dragster started to haze the tyres towards half track, a brief pedal and 3.5118/238.73 at the eighth to Gordon's 4.1067/176.86.

Qualifying after this session:

  1. Anita Mäkelä +6.9888
  2. John Spuffard +13.0594
  3. Jon Webster +16.1888
  4. Thomas Nataas +21.1952
  5. Risto Poutiainen +30.9188
  6. Gordon Smith +33.4383

It's Anita v John for the Pro Fuel Shootout title.

Linda Thun Tønseth took an 8.6421/85.38 bye in exhibition at the end of the session, shut off at 330 feet.

12:15

Top Fuel Bike eliminations round 1:

Rene van den Berg 7.2339/201.44 bye

Chris Hannam destroyed a clutch in qualifying so Rene had a bye. 1.1704 to sixty feet, blackstriping his lane a little, 4.8119/159.60 at half track.

Steve Woollatt 9.9102/118.37 bye, Roel Koedam shut off

Looked like cylinders out for Steve on the burnout. Roel was shut off for a fluid leak and Steve dodged a bullet as the slick went up in smoke off the line and again it looked like a cylinder was out.

Ian Turburville 8.1533/193.23 def. Job Heezen 8.4889/164.20

Turbo away first 0.1837 to 0.2615, 1.2081 to sixty feet for Job and 1.5543 for Turbo, lots of smoke from Job's bike and he feathered the throttle which gave Turbo all the chance he needed to get in front. Job got off the throttle and on again but Turbo was way in front and took the stripe by 0.4134.

12:05

Top Methanol eliminations round 1:

Rob Turner 6.1735/203.36 bye

Rob on a bye for #1 spot but planning to go for it anyway. The car crept off the line as the 1.3196 sixty foot time betrays, Rob hit it about fifty feet out and clocked 4.0821/200.54 at half track.

Dennis Habermann 5.6623/250.91 def. Danny Bellio 5.8854/244.96

What a tremendous race! Danny away first 0.1914 to 0.2004, 0.9597 to sixty feet for Dennis to Danny's 0.9693. Danny drove through shake and the FC drifted right between 330 feet and half track giving Dennis the advantage. Looking side by side towards the stripe, Dennis there first by 0.2141.

Timo Habermann 5.6688/253.22 def. Dave Wilson 5.9197/257.96

A quick check of the track and off we went again. A cursory burnout from Grumpy and the usual long smoker from Timo. Timo was in stage for a while as Grumpy edged forward, Timo's dad Werner was on his way to talk to Chief Starter Ian Marshall as Grumpy went in to stage. 0.1570 RT for Timo to Grumpy's 0.4924, Timo quicker to sixty feet 0.9305 to 1.0487, Timo driving through shake for about 159 feet as the dragster made a move to the right, 3.7463/202.96 to half track for Timo to Grumpy's 4.0221/202.41. Grumpy was visibly pulling Timo in towards the finish but Timo took the stripe by 0.5863.

Derek Flynn 5.5760/250.89 def. Steph Milam 7.3808/165.95

Derek visibly away first 0.4964 to 0.7021. 1.0122 to sixty feet for Derek to Steph's 1.1577 then Steph had shake to contend with as Derek was on a hot one, 3.7301 at a huge 212.93 at half track, Steph was off the throttle by half track and Derek took the stripe by 2.0105.

11:45

MSA Pro Modified eliminations round 1:

Trackside conditions at the start of the session were 17.2 C, 53% humidity, 29.83 inches of air, track temperature also 17.2 C.

Henri Joosten 7.2149/189.60 def. Bert Englefield 7.6717/152.03 DQ

Bert away first 0.1158 to 0.1877, Bert with the better sixty foot time 1.0735 to 1.0991. Bert hit shake and pedalled, the Coupe trying very hard to cross the centre line every time he hit the throttle. Henri's Chevy moved to the right of its lane, but he pulled it back gently and got there first by 0.3849; just behind him Bert crossed lanes and punted both top end timing reflectors into next week. Henri was there first by 86 feet and Bert DQ'd himself by crossing lanes anyway.

Roger Moore 7.9396/174.95 def. Mats Eriksson 14.7590/53.81

A big Hello to Lena Perés who is tuned in from Borlänge. Roger away first 0.1270 to 0.1295, Mats with the much better sixty foot time 1.0301 to 1.2264. Mats hit appalling shake which we felt up here and shut off, a little shake for Roger but he stayed with it and goes through to round 2.

Andy Robinson 6.8824/225.80 def. Kev Slyfield 8.5032/148.06

Andy away first 0.152 to 0.2395 then it was a shakefest as the sixty foot times of 1.2160 (Andy) and 1.2185 (Kev) revealed. Kev pedalled a couple of times and shut off as the Willys moved around its lane, Andy pedalled and the Stude picked up, 4.6820/173.00 at half track and taking the strip by 1.7051.

Graham Ellis 6.7019/222.50 def. Robert Joosten 8.0346/223.16

Great RTs of 0.0714 for Robert and 0.0994 for Graham, 1.0236 sixty foot time for Graham to Robert's up in smoke 1.5282. Graham pedalled for shake and the Superbird picked up its skirts and went, a nice straight pass, 4.4567/170.89 at half track and taking the stripe by 1.3047 as Robert shut off at half track.

11:25

Sportsman ET qualifying session 2:

Nick Gay and Spencer Tramm first out, #7 and #4 respectively before this run. Spencer into #1 with a 15.9775 on a 15.93 dial-in. Tethys and Geoff Cowley next up, tethys up to #3 from #4 and Geoff down to #4 from #3. Ian Jackson and Ralph Young followed, 0.0362 RT for Ralph and Ian up to #6 from #7. Lawrie Drysdale rounded off the session, blackstriping with the right tyre to about 100 feet but moving up to #5. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SPORTSMAN E.T                                                  THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 11:21:51
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   61       SPORT    SPENCER TRAMM        CALDECOTE  UK              VW POLO    1800 CC     15.93   +14.3845 + .1286 15.9775    83.20  
2   442      SPORT    RALPH YOUNG          LATTON  UK                 CORVETTE   5700 CC     13.09   +11.8333 + .0362 13.1423   105.28  
3   92       SPORT    TETHYS               HARROW  UK                 CHEVI      362 CI      14.16   +12.8039 + .1158 14.2199    96.45  
4   495      SPORT    GEOFF COWLEY         EVESHAM  UK                CAMARO     350 CI      14.78   +13.3821 + .1640 14.8601    92.38  
5   517      SPORT    LAWRIE DRYSDALE      BRACKNELL  UK              CAMARO     5000 CC     15.58   +17.7550 + .2074 19.3130    83.60  
6   716      SPORT    NICK GAY             SOUTHAMPTON  UK            METRO GTI  1800 CC     13.69   +12.2875 + .1191 13.6565    98.55  
7   763      SPORT    IAN JACKSON          BRACKNELL  UK              CAMARO     362 CI      13.74   +12.2791 + .1172 13.6531    97.89  
 Best R.T. was  RALPH YOUNG         + .0362
 Best E.T. was  RALPH YOUNG         13.1423
 Best MPH was  RALPH YOUNG         105.28
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

Next up is today's first Pro session with MSA Pro Modified.

11:20

B&H Automotive/LA Racing Parts Street Eliminator qualifying session 2:

Alex McIntosh and Jeff Meads first out. Jeff's tyres spun up at the hit as did Alex's tyres then there was a lot of smoke from Jeff's Pop towards the end of the track. No changes in standings for either. Oil was found in Jeff's lane.

One very quick clean-up later Mats Andersson and Mark Todd paired up, Mark taking #4 spot at 10.2429 moving Mats down one place to #5. Colin Lazenby next alongside Bill McDermid. Spin off the line and pedal for Colin, 0.0453 RT and a 0.0707 for Bill. 8.5405 for Colin to consolidate his #1 spot. David Murdoch next up, the engine sounding unwell with backfires and misfires. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
STREET ELIMINATOR                                              THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 11:15:47
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   56       S/ELIM   COLIN LAZENBY        STRILING  UK               210 SEDAN  706 CI      00.00    0.000 + .0453  8.5405   185.06  
2   504      S/ELIM   JEFF MEADS           EASTWOOD  UK               FORD POP   565 CI      00.00    0.000 + .0566  8.8542   164.16  
3   22       S/ELIM   ALEX MCINTOSH        AMPTHILL  UK               MUSTANG    540 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1225  9.9640   140.65  
4   406      S/ELIM   MARK TODD            ALTRINCHAM  UK             FIREBIRD   406 CI      00.00    0.000 + .6314 10.2429   133.25  
5   472      S/ELIM   MATS ANDERSSON       GLOUCESTER  UK             OPEL GT    396 CI      00.00    0.000 + .5340 10.3398   128.66  
6   1969     S/ELIM   BILL MACDERMID       BYFLEET  UK                CAMARO     454 CI      00.00    0.000 + .0707 10.5610   115.28  
7   460      S/ELIM   JON HOLLINGWORTH     STOCKPORT  UK              CORTINA    501 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2708 10.8390    96.82  
 Best R.T. was  COLIN LAZENBY       + .0453
 Best E.T. was  COLIN LAZENBY        8.5405
 Best MPH was  COLIN LAZENBY       185.06
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

11:00

HKS Pro qualifying after session 2:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
HKS PRO                                                        THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 10:50:58
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   7        HKS PRO  LEON GREEN           MILTON KEYNES  UK          TOYOTA     3000 CC     00.00    0.000 + .5187  9.6218   159.52  
2   620      HKS PRO  CHRIS IMPREY         HUNTINGDON  UK             MAZDA RX7  2600 CC     00.00    0.000 + .4672  9.7202   117.88  
 Best R.T. was  CHRIS IMPREY        + .4672
 Best E.T. was  LEON GREEN           9.6218
 Best MPH was  LEON GREEN          159.52
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

VW Pro qualifying after session 2:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
V.W PRO                                                        THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 11:01:58
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   1        VW/PRO   JAMES HODSON         WHITTLESEY  UK             VW GOLF    1840 CC     10.90   + 9.8841 + .4820 10.9741   131.33  
2   32       VW/PRO   PHIL NORMAN          THORNTON HEATH  UK         BEETLE P/U 2332 CC     12.50   +11.5273 + .3263 12.7773   102.98  
3   321      VW/PRO   RICHARD MERRIMAN     BIDFORD ON AVON UK         BEETLE     2459 CC     12.99   +12.1658 + .0563 13.4648   103.21  
 Best R.T. was  RICHARD MERRIMAN    + .0563
 Best E.T. was  JAMES HODSON        10.9741
 Best MPH was  JAMES HODSON        131.33
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

VW Sportsman qualifying after session 2:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
V.W SPORTSMAN                                                  THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 11:02:11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   163      VW/SP    RUSSELL WEIR         GILLINGHAM  UK             KARMANN G  1914 CC     16.35   +14.7369 + .1008 16.3719    80.27  
2   97       VW/SP    ABI TETHER           BUCKINGHAM  UK             VW GOLF    2800 CC     15.50   +13.9765 + .0223 15.5265    90.45  
3   49       VW/SP    CHRIS BRAY           REDDITCH  UK               VW GOLF    1984 CC     15.70   +14.2202 - .0508 15.7902    87.56  
4   36       VW/SP    LUKE STEVENSON       ROTHWELL  UK               VW GOLF    2800 CC     14.60   +13.3793 + .1667 14.8393    93.80  
5   8        VW/SP    MARK MALONE          COVENTRY  UK               VW T/SPORT 2056 CC     18.10   +16.5434 + .1618 18.3534    68.90  
6   797      VW/SP    LUCY MATTHEWS        NEWMARKET  UK              VW SQUAREB 1600 CC     23.45   +21.4339 + .1897 23.7789    55.81  
7   77       VW/SP    MARTIN AYTON         CROYDON  UK                SCIROCCO   1984 CC     14.45   +13.3620 + .4814 14.8070    93.60  
8   69       VW/SP    BRETT MANN           COVENTRY  UK               VW TYPE 3  1598 CC     20.50   +18.9334 + .4452 20.9834    61.91  
9   20       VW/SP    DEAN CLATWORTHY      WITNEY  UK                 VW BEETLE  1776 CC     20.90   +19.5860 + .1865 21.6760    58.91  
 Best R.T. was  ABI TETHER          + .0223
 Best E.T. was  MARTIN AYTON        14.8070
 Best MPH was  LUKE STEVENSON       93.80
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

10:50

Funny Bike qualifying session 2:

Mike Olie and Tim Blakemore opened the session, a nice 1.1843 sixty foot time for Tim but then the Kawasaki's motor shut off. Mike's bike sounded to be misfiring; no changes in standings for either. A long trail of fluid in Tim's lane necessitated a clean-up.

Reigning Champion Chris Hall and Gary Jones first after the clean-up, a remendous 6.9223 for Chris to consolidate his #1 spot and a much improved 8.8163 put Gary in at #5. Kev Charman next up, the engine started to labour at about half track and Kev shut off. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
FUNNY BIKE                                                     THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 10:43:25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   1        FB       CHRIS HALL           EARLSWOOD  UK              SUZ BUSA   1816 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1498  6.9223   187.37  
2   5        FB       DAVE BAILEY          RAINHAM  UK                SUZ        1500 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2016  7.3576   160.12  
3   4        FB       KEV CHARMAN          WOODFORD HALSE  UK         SUZ GSXR   1500 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2421  7.7903   139.05  
4   2        FB       TIM BLAKEMORE        BRISTOL  UK                KAWASAKI   1200 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3002  7.9602   148.05  
5   6        FB       GARY JONES           SELSEY  UK                 SUZ BUSA   1428 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2225  8.8163   162.95  
6   12       FB       MIKE OLIE            NETHERLANDS  NL            SUZ GS     1425 CC     00.00    0.000 + .5181  9.5759   131.25  
 Best R.T. was  CHRIS HALL          + .1498
 Best E.T. was  CHRIS HALL           6.9223
 Best MPH was  CHRIS HALL          187.37
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

Pro Stock Bike qualifying session 2:

Len Paget first to the line and straight into #1 at 7.3940, Paul King didn't make it to the line. 7.8827 for Ray Debben and into #2 spot, in the other lane Herman van Driel left before the lights ran. What could Dave Beck to in reply to Len Paget? 7.8045 good for #2 spot but the motor didn't sound happy. Mark Smith next, #4 going in to this run, the bike hesitated off the line losing Mark some time. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
PRO STOCK BIKE                                                 THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 10:48:20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   2        PSB      LEN PAGET            TOTTON  UK                 SUZ GSXR   1640 CC     00.00    0.000 + .8847  7.3940   177.83  
2   1        PSB      DAVE BECK            WHITCHURCH  UK             SUZ        1655 CC     00.00    0.000 + .4588  7.8045   176.44  
3   5        PSB      RAY DEBBEN           RINGWOOD  UK               KAW ZX12R  1500 CC     00.00    0.000 + .4513  7.8827   158.48  
4   9        PSB      MARK SMITH             UK                       SUZ        1640 CC     00.00    0.000 + .4090  8.1440   160.76  
5   8        PSB      HERMAN VAN DRIEL     NETHERLANDS  NL            SUZ GSXR   1570 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2584  9.2648   151.01  
6   4        PSB      JERRY COLLIER        CHESTERFIELD  UK           SUZ TL     1570 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1604  9.3016    97.73  
7   6        PSB      PAUL KING            POTTERS BAR  UK                                   00.00    0.000 +1.3956 11.5590   146.60  
 Best R.T. was  JERRY COLLIER       + .1604
 Best E.T. was  LEN PAGET            7.3940
 Best MPH was  LEN PAGET           177.83
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

10:15

Comp Bike qualifying session 2:

Al Young and Stu Crane first up, the #7 and #1 qualifiers before staging. A move for Al, #7 up to #5. Phil Crossley and Phil Leamon next to the line, Phil C's bike drifting to the right whilst Phil L moved up from #8 to #4. Reigning Champion Ivan Birch next up, the bike sounded to be misfiring and Ivan's earlier time was still good for #2. Nick Daniels and Dave Peters next, Dave took a bye in the end as Shaggy's starter motor failed. Dave's bike sounded as if it were misfiring. Richard Gipp and Sandra Chaplain next up, Richard up to #4 and Sandra up to #7. Nick Daniels got started and put in a 9.2923 so his earlier pass held. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
COMP BIKE                                                      THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 10:18:09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   3        CB       STUART CRANE         SHERINGHAM  UK             SUZ GSX    1428 CC     00.00    0.000 - .0268  7.7663   174.34  
2   1        CB       IVAN BIRCH           HANKHAM  UK                SUZ GSXR   1570 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1812  7.9753   160.67  
3   4        CB       DAVE PETERS          ULVERSTON  UK              SUZ GSXA   1327 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1971  8.0943   160.10  
4   21       CB       RICHARD GIPP         KINGS LYNN  UK             SUZ GSXR   1640 CC     00.00    0.000 + .5204  8.2869   168.49  
5   2        CB       PHILIP LEAMON        WORKINGHAM  UK             SUZ GSXR   1290 CC     00.00    0.000 + .0744  8.4740   156.23  
6   17       CB       NICK DANIELS         LOUGHBOROUGH  UK           SUZ GSX    1327CC      00.00    0.000 + .3755  8.6640   154.09  
7   7        CB       SANDRA CHAPLAIN      ST IVES  UK                BUFF                   00.00    0.000 + .7151  8.8344   157.86  
8   5        CB       ALAN YOUNG           WOKINGHAM  UK              SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3272  8.9425   147.56  
 -- ALTERNATES --  ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES --  ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES --
9   6        CB       PHIL CROSSLEY        HEYSHAM  UK                SUZ GSX    1260 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1946  9.0598   152.03  
 Best R.T. was  PHILIP LEAMON       + .0744
 Best E.T. was  STUART CRANE         7.7663
 Best MPH was  STUART CRANE        174.34
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

Trackside conditions are 15.6 C, 70% humidity and 29.83 inches of air, track temperature is 14.2 C.

10:05

Super Street qualifying session 2:

Chris Kenny and John Grant first to the line in this session. 0.0505 RT for John and 10.9162 to consolidate his #2 spot. Mark Watkins and Neil Grant next to stage, Neil up to #3 with a 10.9252. Nick Griffin and Martyn Sanger next, Martyn improving his #1 spot and Nick moving up to #4. Dave Cherrett and Bob Lees next up, Dave breaking out and Bob appearing to have problems. Leigh Morris closed out the session improving his ET but staying in #5 spot. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SUPER STREET                                                   THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 10:04:06
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   138      S/ST     MARTYN SANGER        SHAFTESBURY  UK            MUSTANG    351 CI      10.90   + 9.8123 + .0768 10.9023   121.14  
2   162      S/ST     JOHN GRANT           KEYNSHAM  UK               FORD 100E  460 CI      10.90   + 9.8262 + .0505 10.9162   136.08  
3   337      S/ST     NEIL GRANT           BRISTOL  UK                ZEPHYR     454 CI      10.90   + 9.8352 + .0577 10.9252   134.07  
4   404      S/ST     NICK GRIFFIN         BOURNEMOUTH  UK            CHEVELLE   489 CI      10.90   + 9.8493 + .2137 10.9393   122.03  
5   569      S/ST     LEIGH MORRIS         NUNEATON  UK               JAGUAR E   3800 JAG    10.90   + 9.9043 + .0827 10.9943   120.24  
6   271      S/ST     CHRIS KENNY          BRISTOL  UK                FORD POP   355 CI      10.90   +10.0782 + .0382 11.1682    89.52  
7   666      S/ST     MARK WATKINS         LONGLEVENS  UK             280 ZX     461 CI      10.90   +10.3794 + .0354 11.4694   123.73  
8   409      S/ST     BOB LEES             REDFIELD  UK               MUSTANG    474 CI      10.90   +10.4216 + .0901 11.5116   126.19  
9   79       S/ST     DAVE CHERRETT        WORCESTER  UK              FORD A VAN 440 CI      10.90   + 9.7917 + .0556 10.8817    97.85  
 Best R.T. was  MARK WATKINS        + .0354
 Best E.T. was  DAVE CHERRETT       10.8817
 Best MPH was  JOHN GRANT          136.08
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

10:00

Super Modified qualifying session 2:

Nigel Payne and Tim Garlick first, big tyre spin for Nigel off the line but he moved up from #6 to #4 with his 9.2163. Paul Mander and Simon Farmer followed, a great 7.7679 for Paul good for #3 and a new PB, well done Paul! Simon's 'stang hesitated off the line but he got a time on the board and went into #9 at that point. Andy Hone and Craig Gibbs next, Fred into #1 at 7.5504 and Craig up from #7 to #4 with a 7.8459. Rob Smallworth and Tim Mugridge followed, #8 and #7 respectively before they staged. Shake for Rob and spin for Tim, Rob up to #5 and Tim down to #8. Belinda Bull closed out the session with a bye in the pick-up, 0.0385 RT and into #3 spot with a great 7.6908. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SUPER MODIFIED                                                 THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 10:02:22
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   203      SM       ANDY HONE            CHESHUNT  UK               SCORPIO    461 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1194  7.5504   179.90  
2   240      SM       TIM GARLICK          SOUTHMINSTER  UK           CORTINA 3  350 CI      00.00    0.000 + .1126  7.6421   175.71  
3   95       SM       BELINDA BULL         COLCHESTER  UK             CHEV S10   565 CI      00.00    0.000 + .0385  7.6908   175.05  
4   76       SM       PAUL MANDER          ICKLEFORD  UK              PLY ARROW  436 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2084  7.7679   175.70  
5   69       SM       CRAIG GIBBS          BASINGSTOKE  UK            CAMARO     489 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2198  7.8459   172.28  
6   55       SM       ROB SMALLWORTH       GARSTON  UK                BEL AIR    481 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2327  8.2719   171.05  
7   1962     SM       NIGEL PAYNE          CHAWSTON  UK               CORVETTE   532 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2092  9.2163   179.91  
8   68       SM       TIM MUGRIDGE         MYTCHETT  UK               CAMARO     480 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2416  9.2969   155.70  
9   661      SM       SIMON FARMER         WILTSHIRE  UK              MUSTANG    461 CI      00.00    0.000 + .2943 12.2483   124.83  
 Best R.T. was  BELINDA BULL        + .0385
 Best E.T. was  ANDY HONE            7.5504
 Best MPH was  NIGEL PAYNE         179.91
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

9:50

9.50 Bike qualifying session 2:

Steve Whiting and Shaun Spiers first up, no changes in their standings. team mates Richard Beck and Phil Pratt in the next pair, nice 0.0968 RT for Phil but no changes for either. A big move for Rich Sawatzki in the next pair, #22 to #9. A back-over wheelie for Mark Winder off the line, a thumping landing but the safety crew were there with Mark before his bike had stopped sliding down the track. Mark was taken to the Medical Centre to be checked out.

Paul and Steve Coombs first on the re-start, no changes to their standings. Dave Hall and Augy Harrison next up, 0.0704 RT for Augy and a move from #19 to #15 for Dave. Jemma Venables and Julian Harris followed, Harry up from #23 to #18. Wayne Saunders and Danny Cockerill next to stage, the #6 and #5 qualifiers respectively before the lights ran. 9.5972 for Wayne but no shanges in standings. Aaron Sparks and Fred Furling next in an all-Furlong Tyres pairing, Aaron #19 and Fred #3 before the Tree ran and no changes at the finish line. Last up was Thomas Lynskey, staying in #24 spot. 

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
9.50 BIKE                                                      THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 09:52:42
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   8        SB       PHIL PRATT           RUSHDEN  UK                SUZ GSXR   988 CC      09.50   + 8.5517 + .1633  9.5017   124.46  
2   7        SB       AUGY HARRISON        MARKET DEEPING  UK         SUZ EFE    1135 CC     09.50   + 8.5722 + .1456  9.5222   148.04  
3   2        SB       FRED FURLONG         YEOVIL  UK                 SUZ GSXR   988  CC     09.50   + 8.5744 + .2122  9.5244   145.21  
4   214      SB       STEVE COOMBS         WESTCLIFF N SEA UK         SUZ GSXR   1216 CC     09.50   + 8.5794 + .2326  9.5294   141.54  
5   500      SB       DANNY COCKERIL       BASILDON  UK               SUZ BUSA   1340 CC     09.50   + 8.5879 + .2293  9.5379   148.04  
6   4        SB       WAYNE SAUNDERS       LEWES  UK                  SUZ BUSA   1340 CC     09.50   + 8.6141 + .2100  9.5641   150.02  
7   604      SB       EDDY SMILEY          RIPLEY  UK                 SUZ GSXR   1216 CC     09.50   + 8.6497 + .4540  9.5997   138.50  
8   692      SB       RICHARD BECK         NORTHAMPTON  UK            SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     09.50   + 8.6512 + .4714  9.6012   144.77  
9   1        SB       RICHARD SAWATZKI     MINEHEAD  UK               SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     09.50   + 8.7186 + .0671  9.6686   141.19  
10  5        SB       SHAUN SPIERS         BOURNEMOUTH  UK            SUZ BUSA   1299 CC     09.50   + 8.7717 + .2124  9.7217   143.81  
11  52       SB       MARK WINDER          PRESTON  UK                SUZ GSXR   1316 CC     09.50   + 8.7929 + .7037  9.7429   151.02  
12  6        SB       ANDY HALEY           ANSTEY  UK                 SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     09.50   + 8.7948 + .0927  9.7448   143.38  
13  3        SB       MARTIN WALKER        BENFLEET  UK               SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     09.50   + 8.8436 + .0674  9.7936   142.89  
14  398      SB       PETER AUSTIN         PRESTWOOD  UK              KAWASAKI   1198 CC     09.50   + 8.8644 + .3521  9.8144   149.01  
15  82       SB       DAVE HALL            WANSTEAD  UK               SUZ GSXR   1216 CC     09.50   + 8.9268 + .1746  9.8768   146.13  
16  218      SB       PAUL COOMBS          HADLEIGH  UK               SUZ GSX    1260 CC     09.50   + 9.0262 + .2288  9.9762   132.80  
17  367      SB       STEVE ASHBY          DARTFORD  UK               SUZ GSX    1216 CC     09.50   + 9.1083 + .2184 10.0583   143.37  
18  612      SB       JULIAN HARRIS        NORTHAMPTON  UK            SUZ BANDIT 1216 CC     09.50   + 9.2046 + .2242 10.1546   137.32  
19  528      SB       AARON SPARKS         TEMPLECOMBE  UK            SUZ GSXR   988 CC      09.50   + 9.2379 + .1812 10.1879   135.59  
20  295      SB       JEMMA VENABLES       DOWNTON  UK                SUZ GSXR   1000 CC     09.50   + 9.4942 +1.4544 10.4442   121.47  
21  313      SB       STEVE WHITING        WISBECH                    SUZ GSXR   1370 CC     09.50   +10.8620 + .3517 11.8120   105.26  
22  369      SB       MARK HALES           SIDCUP  UK                 SUZ GSXR   1127 CC     09.50   +11.5502 + .6631 12.5002   108.53  
23  368      SB       STEWART ASHBY        BROMLEY  UK                KAW GPZ    1200 CC     09.50   +11.8591 + .2620 12.8091   114.77  
24  584      SB       THOMAS LYNSKEY       BARNET  UK                 YAM R1     1000 CC     09.50   +11.9325 + .7662 12.8825   120.58  
 Best R.T. was  RICHARD SAWATZKI    + .0671
 Best E.T. was  PHIL PRATT           9.5017
 Best MPH was  MARK WINDER         151.02
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

9:20

Super Comp qualifying session 2:

Trind Wanvik and Steve Wells first out in this session, #5 for Trond whilst Steve got off the throttle after the launch and idled through. Mark Fairhurst and Brian Pateman next pair, a nice 0.0042 RT for Mark and into #3 spot whilst Brian moved up from #11 to #2. Paul Marston and Frank Mason next to the line, would you believe Frank broke out by eight ten-thousandths! No change for Shaun Lathan and Dave Day in the next pair. Next up Dave Catton and Paul Letchford, #7 and #12 before the Tree ran, Paul up to #5. Jon Morton and Pete Cresswell followed, 0.0151 RT for Pete, Pete up from #10 to #6. 

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SUPER COMP                                                     THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 09:32:55
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   2        S/COMP   JON MORTON           BENSON  UK                 CHEV CAM   555 CI      08.90   + 8.0126 + .1146  8.9026   150.02  
2   9        S/COMP   BRIAN PATEMAN        WESTCLIFF  UK              PON FIREBI 540 CI      08.90   + 8.0360 + .0617  8.9260   154.63  
3   1        S/COMP   PAUL MARSTON         ROMFORD  UK                DRAGSTER   477 CI      08.90   + 8.0573 + .1330  8.9473   157.89  
4   167      S/COMP   MARK FAIRHURST       MILTON KEYNES  UK          DRAGSTER   355 CI      08.90   + 8.0710 + .0042  8.9610   154.11  
5   24       S/COMP   PAUL LETCHFORD       ABBOTS LANGLEY  UK         CAMARO     509 CI      08.90   + 8.0746 - .0068  8.9646   156.22  
6   3        S/COMP   PTE CRESSWELL        SHARNBROOK  UK             MUSTANG    598 CI      08.90   + 8.0830 + .0151  8.9730   153.06  
7   461      S/COMP   DAVE DAY             SOMPTING  UK               CHEV ROD   555 CI      08.90   + 8.0987 + .0633  8.9887   151.01  
8   1444     S/COMP   TROND WANVIK         NORWAY                     PONT FIREB             08.90   + 8.2099 + .2345  9.0999   136.86  
9   44       S/COMP   DAVE CATTON          CRANAGE  UK                MIT SHOGUN 510 CI      08.90   + 8.2356 + .0910  9.1256   141.54  
10  456      S/COMP   SHAUN LATHAN         NETHERFIELD  UK            VAU CALIBR 461 CI      08.90   + 8.4979 + .1676  9.3879   143.80  
11  298      S/COMP   STEVE WELLS          NORTHAW  UK                POP P/UP   4800 ROVER  08.90   +11.7636 + .1604 12.6536   136.45  
12  5        S/COMP   FRANK MASON          KILLINGWORTH  UK           CHEV COR   510 CI      08.90   + 8.0096 + .0836  8.8996   151.02  
 Best R.T. was  MARK FAIRHURST      + .0042
 Best E.T. was  FRANK MASON          8.8996
 Best MPH was  PAUL MARSTON        157.89
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

Super Street Bike qualifying session 2:

Graham Dance and Dave Smith first in this session, G up to #10 and Dave up to #8. Richard Hann and Thomas Granica next, no improvment for either. Steve Wood and Stefan Scharnwiler followed, Stefan up to #14 from #15 and Steve going from #14 to #15. Steve Mead and Paul Hambidge next up, Paul up to #10 from #12. Garry Bowe and Scott Baldwin next up and Garry up to #2 with a 7.6883, nice one Garry! Graham Balchin and Brad O'Connor followed, a great 0.0717 RT from Brad but both stayed in place on the ladder. Mark Watkins and Mick Templeman next, Mick with no time on the board before this pass, 7.9668 good for #7 for Mick as Mark shut off and moved over to the side of his lane. Rich Stubbins and Chris Reed next, Bois outside the ladder as he went to stage, 7.6612 for Rich and 7.8129 for Bois put him into #5 spot. Eurodragster.com sponsor Jamie Sneddon and Steve Venables next to the line, 7.8236 at a big 193.67 for Ven which put him into #6. 

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                                                Easter Thunderball 2009. Santa Pod Raceway. England   
                                                              TSI RACENET SYSTEM
                                                                QUALIFYING LIST
SUPER STREET BIKE                                              THROUGH ROUND # 2                              13/04/2009 09:31:58
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CAR #    CLASS    DRIVER               HOMETOWN                   CAR MAKE   ENGINE      INDEX    OV/UN   R.T.    E.T.    M.P.H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   3        SSB      RICK STUBBINS        SCUNTHORPE  UK             SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2207  7.5805   192.95  
2   7        SSB      GARRY BOWE           WIGTON  UK                 SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1480  7.6883   184.32  
3   2        SSB      GRAHAM BALCHIN       WINCHESTER  UK             KAW ZX12   1200 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2210  7.6887   181.25  
4   12       SSB      BRAD O'CONNOR        COLCHESTER  UK             SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1802  7.7100   187.37  
5   11       SSB      CHRIS REED           SOUTHEND ON SEA UK         SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2411  7.8120   188.74  
6   1        SSB      STEVE VENABLES       DOWNTON  UK                SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2081  7.8236   193.67  
7   15       SSB      JAMIE SNEDDON        CORBY  UK                  HON B/BIRD 1100 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3051  7.8506   186.46  
8   6        SSB      MARK WATKINS         DAGENHAM  UK               SUZ GSXR   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .5124  7.8763   190.39  
9   22       SSB      MICHAEL TEMPLEMAN    BOLTON  UK                 SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3464  7.9668   175.63  
10  4        SSB      SCOTT BALDWIN        NEWCASTLE  UK              SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2111  7.9825   184.32  
11  5        SSB      DAVE SMITH           LEISTON  UK                SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1886  8.0552   184.96  
12  19       SSB      THOMAS GRANICA       GERMANY                    SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2453  8.0560   179.91  
13  32       SSB      PAUL HAMBIDGE        HIGHWORTH  UK              KAW ZX12R  1199 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3832  8.2194   179.08  
14  8        SSB      GRAHAM DANCE         WROXHAM  UK                SUZ TLR    1500 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3818  8.2682   167.18  
15  33       SSB      STEPHEN MEAD         WEDMORE  UK                SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .2496  8.3391   171.63  
16  31       SSB      STEFAN SCHNARWILER   SWITZERLAND                SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .4326  9.0610   173.61  
 -- ALTERNATES --  ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES --  ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES -- ALTERNATES --
17  21       SSB      STEVE WOOD           SOMPTING  UK               SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .1882  9.0973   162.38  
18  24       SSB      RICHARD HANN         YEOVIL  UK                 SUZ BUSA   1300 CC     00.00    0.000 + .3782  9.5465   154.63  
 Best R.T. was  GARRY BOWE          + .1480
 Best E.T. was  RICK STUBBINS        7.5805
 Best MPH was  STEVE VENABLES      193.67
-------------------------------------------------- END OF TSI RACENET SYSTEM QUALIFYING LIST -----------------------------------------

9:00

We'll be starting in a couple of moments but the qualifying order this morning is Super Comp, Super Street Bike, 9.50 Bike, Super Modified, Super Street, Comp Bike, Pro Stock Bike, Funny Bike, HKS Pro, VW Pro, VW Sportsman, Street Eliminator, Sportsman ET and Wild Bunch.

A big Hello to Shaun Ward and his colleagues of 63 Sqn RAF Regiment who are on service in Afghanistan. Good to hear from you Shaun and stay safe.

8:00

Good morning and welcome from Santa Pod Raceway for our coverage of the 2009 Auto Trader Easter Thunderball in association with American Car Imports.

The Webster Race Engineering/Lex Joon Racing USA Tour 2009 webcam is on-line and is posting a picture every sixty seconds.

Finally it's a nice day here at Santa Pod. High cloud and the sun breaking through regularly, the track looks just awesome and we're set for a great day's action. Trackside conditions are 11.1 C and rising, 91% humidity and dropping, and 29.80 inches of air.

The usual raceday Hello to our US correspondents Ed O'Connell and Kathy Hileman who are tuned in from Rye, NH. Hope all is well at the Institute, guys, and just think it's only a few weeks until we see you. Hello also to Andrea Kloss and Gittli Koller who are tuned in from Germany, and to joint Eurodragster.com webcam sponsors Lex and Gerda Joon who are behind their VDU in The Netherlands.

We would very much appreciate it if people would stop stealing images from our webcam and photo galleries and posting them on other web sites, forums and Facebook. It's bad enough that you are stealing from us anyway but doing it without crediting the source is additionally shameful. We work very hard to deliver all this information so we have the right to expect it to be viewed at its origin rather than stolen. Don't make us send Kirstie round to you.

Steve Warner, who drives the Two Seater Dragster, has asked us to say a big Thank You to everyone who helped to repair the dragster's transmission after it broke in the pits. Have a big pat on the back guys. Not such good news from Funny Bike racer Dave Bailey who has gone home after torching a cylinder head. Sorry to hear that Dave and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Racing is due to start at 9:00 with the completion of the second round of Sportsman qualifying and then we're into eliminations and the Pro Fuel Shootout. Stay tuned and when the wheels start turning we'll start posting.


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