Santa Pod News

Big Tops get better for Bug Jam and USC - 22/07/2010

The Santa Pod Raceway site just keeps getting better with the addition of two Big Top marquees at Bug Jam, this weekend, and USC in two weeks time.  This year though Santa Pod will be able to guarantee no more mud in the music marquee’s as both have now been fully tarmac’ed!  Having been plagued with wet events in previous years, Site & Event Director David Lloyd-Jones, wasn’t going to leave it to chance anymore.

David said “I’m please we’ve finally done this as in previous years it has turned into a swap in there.  Now, come rain or shine, the marquees will be mud free all weekend so everyone can enjoy the music without getting their clothes dirty”.

Another new addition to the site is the dedicated tarmac’ed disabled parking area opposite and new Pod Shop.  Now disabled guests can park close to the action and spectator banking with ease.

More information about Bug Jam and USC can be found at www.bugjam.co.uk and www.ultimatestreetcar.co.uk

Drag Racing on Channel 4 - 09/06/2010

A story on Top Fuel Dragsters is scheduled to go out on Channel 4 in the UK as part of "Mobil 1 the Grid", on Sunday 20th June at 7.55am and repeated later in the week.

American viewers can check SPEED Channel listings whilst those on mainland Europe should check their listings for Motors TV. Most European terrestrial stations run The Grid too, so people can look out for it in their TV listings if they don’t have Motors.

"Mobil 1 the Grid" is the world’s premier motorsport show, available in over 120 countries every week including Channel 4 who broadcast the show on a Sunday morning in the UK.  Every week Mobil1 delivers the very best motorsport action and features from the biggest race series around the world.

For more information and to view online from the end of this week visit www.grid1.tv.

Santa Rounds Up Alamo Rent A Car As New Commercial Partner - 21/05/2010

Santa Pod Raceway, the home of European Drag Racing is no stranger to quality machinery, but now, thanks to a commercial partnership with leading international car hire firm, Alamo Rent A Car, staff will be travelling around in a little more comfort than usual!

The deal sees the respected venue providing high-profile commercial banner and programme space to Alamo, as well as numerous other e-marketing benefits and hospitality opportunities. In return, the Santa Pod team will enjoy having the pick of Alamo’s ultra-modern fleet at their disposal during major events.

This new marketing initiative extends Alamo’s involvement in the world of drag racing. Earlier this year the company signed up to sponsor 11 year old Paige Wheeler, in her first drag racing season. Sponsorship from Alamo is giving her funding to attend the year’s UK events, branding and supporting her dragster, her safety gear and her crew team.

Commenting on the new partnership, Santa Pod’s Marketing Manager, Caroline Day said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with the team at Alamo. Not only are they providing a perfect solution to our transport problems on event, but better than that, they’re true enthusiasts, which means once we have sorted the corporate side of things, we all go and enjoy the racing!”

Andy Wheeler, International Business Services Director for Alamo commented: “Santa Pod is the ideal partner for us. Not only does it fit perfectly with our support of Paige in the Junior Dragsters, but with so much TV coverage and footfall, we think it’s a perfect place to showcase our brand.

“We think the ‘Pod staff will enjoy travelling ‘first class’ during the hectic show weekends, too!”

To further reinforce its support of drag racing, Alamo is offering a 10% discount on online rentals for all drag racing fans this year, helping even more people to experience the thrill and exhilaration of the sport. With a global network providing access to over 8,800 rental locations in 90 countries worldwide, and over 1,680 European locations, including at every major airport, Alamo offers a wide range of vehicles and optional extras for leisure travellers, making it the ideal partner for drag racing fans.

For more information on Alamo’s involvement in drag racing, please click to www.alamo.co.uk/dragster.

Bedford Schools' Grand Prix is on the fast lane to success - 18/05/2010

An initiative set up by the Bedford Borough Council, The Bedford Schools' Grand Prix, to promote young engineering talent has seen its first event run successfully last weekend at Bedford Autodrome.

Students from nine local schools were challenged to build their own electric cars, using one 240 watt electric motor and two 12 volt car batteries.  Santa Pod backed Sharnbrook Upper School produced a single seater type vehicle and entered into the gruelling four hour endurance race.

The whole event was run like a proper Grand Prix with Drivers’ Briefing and Scrutineering starting the day.  Once practice was over the race started with all nine schools and cars lined up on the grid.

In the early stages Sharnbrook were battling well with Biddenham and Wootton Upper Schools, until unreliability struck the car.  This unfortunately led to many technical woes, mainly struggling with an overheating motor.  However, the team of six drivers never gave up and crossed the line to a heroic cheer from the large group of spectators after the four hours.

The eventual winners were Mark Rutherford Upper School who completed 143 laps specially-designed Thurleigh Circuit.  Next year’s event is already being planned and aims to build upon the success already enjoyed.

Rushden Powerfest - 11/05/2010

Santa Pod’s Powerfest. Putting The ‘Rush’ In Rushden!

If you’re a motorsport fan - or just want to see something a little out of the ordinary, make sure that you make your way to Rushden town centre at 2pm on the 22nd of May - for the Rushden Powerfest!

This unique celebration of outrageous machinery parades through the town centre in order to promote the FIA Main Event which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway between the 28th and 31st of May. It’s a high-octane mix of powerful cars, motorbikes and dragsters pounding the tarmac in an unadulterated celebration of all things fast and loud!

David Lloyd Jones, Santa Pod’s General Manager commented ‘This is our little way of saying thanks to the local community and giving everybody the chance to see the simply incredible machines that race at Santa Pod Raceway. Last year's Parade of Power event in Wellingborough was a great success as a real family event, so we thought it would be fun to hold something similar in Rushden. This year, being the events first, we're hoping for good weather and to draw a good crowd so that we can do it again in future. It’s one not to miss!’

The event will feature dragsters, motorbikes and other machines parading through Rushden town centre. The route will be around the one way system in town from Duck Street, to Rectory Road, down Skinners Hill and back around again, avoiding all speed bumps. Martin Hill’s Fireforce 3 Jet Car will be making a special guest appearance in the static display along with Santa Pod Raceways own Top Fuel Dragster and Merchandising trailer.

Before and after the display, you will be able to find a selection of these monstrous machines on display in the High Street as a section of this will be closed off for the duration of the day.

Drivers will start their engines at 2pm, so make sure you get into town early to get a spot right near the front. Some of these cars have literally 1,000’s of horsepower, so you do not want to miss the action!

Orchard Place Car Park will also be closed all day. We are sorry for any inconvenience but please make alternative arrangements.

Immediately after the Powerfest, Santa Pod Raceway will be gearing up for Europe’s most exciting Drag Racing season opener; The FIA Main Event! This hugely popular, televised event is the first round of the prestigious European Drag Racing Championship and features the largest race entry and most packed Motorsport event anywhere in Europe! Over 250 teams, and 16 race classes make this event unrivalled for both the quality and quantity of racing. Make it a date in your diary now! Friday 28th to Monday 31st May.

Terry Grant Launches Stunt School - 04/05/2010

Worldwide legendary stunt man Terry Grant has launched a brand new experience at the Pod – The Terry Grant Stunt Academy.  Thousands of people have watched the man himself in action but now it’s their turn to J-turn and donut cars, and even have a go at the best of all tricks, driving on two wheels!

Terry visits the Pod many times each year to wow audiences with his amazing skills and ability to do things with cars which shouldn’t be possible.  However, Terry has always thought that there was a huge gap in the market for a stunt driving experience and that it simply wasn’t being catered for.  Something he wanted to change.

Terry says “I’m really pleased to have teamed up with Santa Pod, now we can offer something really unique which no one else really does.  We will have full and half day experiences open to anyone who wants to have a go”.

The experience will take place during week days and weekends, starting from June.  Full instruction, vehicles and safety equipment will be supplied along with top hospitality throughout the experience, plus prizes for the winners of each activity.

Terry went on to say “We are aiming to make this a high quality day out for individuals and businesses.  There are too many people out there doing ‘experiences’ in some field somewhere with no back-up.  With my expertise and Santa Pod’s facilities this will be a fantastic day out people won’t forget”

More information can be found at www.santapod.co.uk/dr_stunt_school.php . Prices start from £199 for a half day and £299 for a full day.  Bookings can be made by calling 01234 782828.

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Need for Speed SHIFT - 23/07/2009

The Need For Speed Drifting Championship has been taking place this year with huge success and we were lucky enough to be invited along to the round at Brands Hatch to catch a sneak preview of the game. Electronic Arts have announced that Need for Speed(TM) SHIFT, the all-new authentic racing game in the Need for Speed series, will hit stores in the UK on September 18 2009. Need for Speed SHIFT brings a true driver's experience to some of the world's most iconic racing tracks, including the storied Brand's Hatch in the UK. The game also features the largest roster of high-performance cars in Need for Speed history including race cars such as the Pagani Zonda, Porsche 911 GT2 and Lotus Elise.

Big Tops get better for Bug Jam and USC - 22/07/2010 - Read Article
Drag Racing on Channel 4 - 09/06/2010 - Read Article
Santa Rounds Up Alamo Rent A Car As New Commercial Partner - 21/05/2010 - Read Article
Bedford Schools' Grand Prix is on the fast lane to success - 18/05/2010 - Read Article
Rushden Powerfest - 11/05/2010 - Read Article
Terry Grant Launches Stunt School - 04/05/2010 - Read Article
Top Gear Magazine visits the Pod - 21/04/2010 - Read Article
Santa Pod goes West! - 20/04/2010 - Read Article
Santa Pod Get Fuelled Up By VP Racing Fuels - 07/04/2010 - Read Article
New Pod Shop to open this weekend! - 31/03/2010 - 31/03/2010 - Read Article
Santa Pod Partner with Permatex For 2010 - 30/03/2010 - Read Article
Santa Pod’s season-opener starts with a bang! - 23/03/2010 - Read Article
Motorsport Endeavour - 09/03/2010 - Read Article
Autoglym Continues as ‘Pod Lane Sponsor Until 2014! - 13/01/2010 - Read Article
NEC Autosport International Show – Jan 16th-17th 2010 - 23/11/2009 - Read Article
American Auto Barn Ltd - 12/10/2009 - Read Article
Fantastic Auction On Nitro FM at the 2009 FIA European Finals - 04/08/2009 - Read Article
Need for Speed SHIFT - 23/07/2009 - Read Article
Predicted sizzling summer will be bad news for car - 30/06/2009 - Read Article
Fast & Furious DVD - 24/06/09 - Read Article
New TV Show - 16/03/09 - Read Article
Death Race Competition - 07/01/09 - Read Article
Go Motorsport - 10/09/2008 - Read Article
Drag Racing USA with Grandstand Motor Sports - 21/05/08 - Read Article
Kings of Nitro - 21/05/08 - Read Article
Drag Slick Summer Sizzler From Toyo Tires - 20/05/08 - Read Article
Chop Shop - 06/02/2008 - Read Article
Ripspeed X - 18/01/2008 - Read Article
Don’t Wreck the Ride - 07/01/2008 - Read Article
Autosport Competition - 07/12/2007 - Read Article
NEC Autosport International Show Jan 10-13 2008 - 06/12/07 - Read Article
RWYB at Santa Pod Raceway - 31/07/07 - Read Article
Drag Racing’s Heritage Research - 16/05/07 - Read Article
Main Event Hospitality Prize Draw - 19/04/07 - Read Article
New Trip To America announced - 27/02/07 - Read Article
Driving Force - 29/01/07 - Read Article
MSA British Drag Racing Championship - 23/01/07 - Read Article
2007 Sponsors - 08/01/07 - Read Article
Autosport International Show - NEC 11th-14th January 2007 - Read Article
Webster Sets New Record at JapShow Finale - 08/10/06 - Read Article
Parade of Power - 01/09/06 - Read Article
British International Motor Show - 28/06/06 - Read Article
Power Tool Drag Racing - 31/05/06 - Read Article
Main Event - 30/05/06 - Read Article
More Site Improvements - 22/05/06 - Read Article
Santa Pod Raceway's Fan Guide 2006 - 05/04/06 - Read Article
Charity Auction - 17/03/06 - Read Article
Santa Pod at Xtreme Wheels - 27/02/06 - Read Article
Track Improvements - 21/02/06 - Read Article
More Site Improvements - 03/02/06 - Read Article
Lane Sponsors - 24/01/06 - Read Article
Looking forward, looking back - 19/01/06 - Read Article
European Finals Rain Off Values - 12/09/05 - Read Article
Parade of Power - 03/09/05 - Read Article
Santa Pod Developments - 30/08/05 - Read Article
A Dream Come True - 17/07/05 - Read Article
Additional Saturday Night Special - 13/07/05 - Read Article
Cash Machine - 16/06/05 - Read Article
Pod Improvements - 25/05/05 - Read Article
Pod Shop Reopening - 24/05/05 - Read Article
Testing and Promotional News - 23/05/05 - Read Article
Santa Pod Developments - 29/04/05 - Read Article
Ripspeed Donny Show - 11/04/05 - Read Article
VolksWorld Show - 04/04/05 - Read Article
Jet Car sets world record at Santa Pod Raceway! - 27/03/05 - Read Article
Santa Pod & CruiseSport Announce Partnership - 07/03/05 - Read Article
Charity Endurance Go Kart Race - 07/03/05 - Read Article
No Monster Truck Mayhem at Summer Nationals - 05/03/05 - Read Article
New Saturday Night Special Announced - 02/03/05 - Read Article
Xtreme Wheels Show - 21/02/05 - Read Article
SantaPod.com re-launched! - 07/02/05 - Read Article
Santa Pod Racer's Club Dinner Dance - 05/02/05 - Read Article
Santa Pod Developments - 04/02/05 - Read Article
Autosport International - 17/01/05 - Read Article

Drag Racing News

For all the latest news from the world of Drag Racing visit www.eurodragster.com.