Funny Car Cup

The 2022 season will see the return to track action for the ever-popular Nitro Funny Cars. Competition will take place over 4 rounds at Santa Pod Raceway, we’ve dropped the European element from the previous name and rebranded the series as the Funny Car Cup. Taking part this year will be 4 Brits: Ashdown, Chapman, Phelps, and Kent, with the addition of Swede, Patrick Pers. There is also a surprise for later in the season when West Ten Motorsport field a second car, driver to be confirmed.

2024 Events:

2024 Points:

Driver R1 R2 R3 Bonus Total
Kevin Kent 250 250 72 100 672
Steve Ashdown 122 176 224 100 622
Patrik Pers 77 80 58 100 315
John Hale 0 0 115 0 115
Jason Phelps 16 0 0 0 16
The Teams
Kevin Kent
Kevin Kent
Kevin Kent
West Ten Motorsport
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Engine Size: 500ci
PB: 4.279s @ 286mph
Steve won the Funny Car Cup in 2023.
Steve Ashdown
Steve Ashdown
Steve Ashdown
The Undertaker
Dodge Charger SRT
Engine Size: 500ci
PB: 4.18s
Steve won the Funny Car Cup in 2022.
Patrik Pers
Patrik Pers
Patrik Pers
Dodge Charger
Engine Size: 500ci
PB:
Patrik will be travelling from Sweden to race.
John Hale
John Hale
John Hale
One Bad Texan
Toyota Camry
Engine Size: 500ci
PB: 4.48s
New team for 2024!
Jason Phelps
Jason Phelps
Jason Phelps
Gladiator
Toyota Camry
Engine Size: 500ci
PB: 4.762s
The Gladiator team were 3rd in 2023.
Kevin Chapman
Kevin Chapman
Kevin Chapman
Thermoreg
Ford Mustang
Engine Size: 500ci
PB: 4.48s
Kevin won the Funny Car Cup in 2019.
Past Champions

2024 Champion - Kevin Kent
2023 Champion - Kevin Kent
2022 Champion - Steve Ashdown
2019 Champion - Kevin Chapman

What are Funny Cars?

Funny Cars originated in 1960s America when venturesome drag racers began merging nitro-burning dragster powertrains with passenger-car bodies and created an instant sensation. Originally dubbed Factory Experimentals, their altered wheelbases and protruding engine parts made them look ‘kinda funny’, commentators said, and the description stuck. The emphasis lies firmly on ‘funny peculiar’, not ‘funny ha-ha’.

Modern Funny Cars still share the same engines as Top Fuel Dragsters, nitromethane-fuelled powerplants packing an 8,000-horsepower punch. Funny Car bodies sit on tube framed chassis and hinge at the back to allow access to the engine and drivers seat, their composite-material bodies might nowadays bear just a slim resemblance to the production cars on which they are modelled, but production-car bodies are not designed to hit 300mph in five seconds flat from a standing start. Channelling such groundshaking force through a short wheelbase makes a Funny famously hard to handle – the racetrack may be straight but the cars often have other ideas.

Racer Profile

Steve Ashdown - Ready for the win in 2024!
Meet Steve Ashdown, a formidable force in the world of drag racing and the 2023 Funny Car Cup runner-up. As we gear up for the 2024 season, Ashdown is poised for an even more electrifying performance, armed with significant upgrades and strategic investments.

Mechanical Enhancements: Steve Ashdown has spared no effort in elevating his racing game. The introduction of a new 8-stand clutch promises enhanced control and performance on the track. This crucial upgrade is anticipated to be a game-changer, allowing Ashdown to attack the track with far more targeted precision.

Technological Advancements: In the realm of funny car racing, staying ahead requires not only power but also cutting-edge technology. The Undertaker team recognizes this, and for the 2024 season, Crew Chief Dave Bryant has revamped the computer system on the car. This enhancement aims to optimize every aspect of the cars performance, ensuring a seamless fusion of power from the drivetrain to the track.

Strategic Preparedness: Acknowledging the unpredictable nature and heavy toll that nitro racing can take on engines, Ashdown has taken strategic measures to secure a competitive edge. Investing in three spare motors for the season demonstrates his commitment to overcoming any challenges that may arise on the track, providing a swift response to unforeseen circumstances.

Sponsor Spotlight: Behind every successful racer is a team of dedicated sponsors, and Steve Ashdown is no exception. Flexi Waste Environmental Services, Ashdown Bulk Haulage, and Marked Improvement Headlight People stand proudly in support of Ashdown's pursuit of victory. Their unwavering commitment and support contribute significantly to Ashdown's ability to compete at the highest level.

Anticipating a Funny Car Cup win: With these enhancements and the steadfast support of his sponsors, Steve Ashdown is set to carve a remarkable path in the 2024 Funny Car Cup season. As the engines fire for the first round at the Festival of Power and the competition intensifies, watch out for Ashdown as he strives for the top spot, fueled by determination, cutting-edge technology, and the support of his valued sponsors.

Stay tuned for the exhilarating journey ahead as Steve Ashdown aims to leave an indelible mark on the drag racing circuit in 2024!

Steve Ashdown
Steve Ashdown
Steve Ashdown
Steve Ashdown

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