UK TOP SPORTSMAN 2012 AT THE MOPAR EURO NATIONALS
The most exciting new heads-up doorslammer class returns to Santa Pod Raceway in 2012 at the Mopars 27th - 29th July. The second UK Top Sportsman shootout is being held at the prestigious Mopar Euro Nationals. When asked, Paul Marston had this to say ‘On behalf of Jeff Bull and myself I must offer our heartfelt thanks to the Mopar Euronats Committee for helping us out with a date. Santa Pod’s management had really tried to find us a summer break date but being that they already have probably the busiest and most successful drag strip on the planet, it was no easy task. Nevertheless Jeff and I really appreciate the efforts of David and James at Santa Pod. UK Top Sportsman needed a date in the summer break, logistically with most teams it’s the only time they can all assemble. Upon hearing of our plight the Mopar guys immediately got in touch to see if they could help out. Both Jeff Bull and myself were bowled over with the offer, as holding UK Top Sportsman within the Mopars is a perfect compliment. A heads up no rules doorslammer class at the biggest, most established and best muscle car show on the calendar - Perfect!
The inaugural running of Top Sportsman at Dragstalgia last year proved to be an enormous success, with 24 teams on the property to fight it out. There was some stunning and thrilling racing, big upsets and personal bests recorded. With cars from eight different series and classes from around the country slugging it out, it really was a who’s who from where’s where. For 2012 it should be very interesting to see who shows up this time around.
The format will stay virtually the same as 2011, two races over the three days. Heads up eliminator, .400 Pro Tree, one shot qualifying, 16 car field. Also the exciting opportunity to experience heads up bracket racing, .400 Pro tree, one timed run then straight into eliminations, with a first round buy back. For more details of how it all works please refer to the website
www.topsportsman.co.uk
Other than safety, there are no rules. This is not an MSA event, it is an outlaw event, all you need to race is a driving license, same as a rwyb.
No weight breaks, no cubic inch limit, you want to use 4 turbos and a 3 stage nitrous system, that’s fine by us. This is one event where you run what you brung and hope you brung enough. Last years heads-up final was a classic North v South showdown between the No1 & 2 qualifiers a Street Eliminator Turbo Mustang and a Super Modified Chevy Pick-up driven by a girl! If you want a share of the purse of the richest doorslammer race on the calendar, this is the one. There was over £5,000 cash and trophies to be won last year, this year should see the same. Jeff and I believe in sharing the wealth amongst the competitors, in 2011 over half the competitors shared in the prize fund. Being that we are both racers we know how much it costs to race, by spreading the prize fund, is our way of showing our appreciation.
As with last year, we need the race teams that are thinking of coming along to register their interest by simply communicating with Jeff Bull through the Contact Form on the Top Sportsman website or Paul Marston on
pmracing@fsmail.net
We are very pleased to be running the Top Sportsman Competition at the Show. Not only will this provide the track with some really quick cars over the three days it will also give the spectators a taste of some real heads-up racing. Hopefully this will add to the excitment and increase the numbers on the track as the last couple of years have seen a woefull decline in Strip Action. We feel this is a positive step to keep the show fresh and with 22 hours of track time available over three days there will be plenty of enough time for everyone.