19/05/03 : Thanks once again to everyone who made it to Elvington yesterday for the third round of the X-Race UK Championship and some more drag racing. It was a good day despite the ever-changing weather which put a slight "dampner" on things, and that dreaded head wind didn't help matters at all. But despite the wet and windy conditions everyone did better than the last round at York Dragway and I think there is something to be said for the 'grippy' surface at Elvington. Towards the end of the day, the wind dropped and Paul Melici was able to knock a few tenths of a second off his previous best therefore putting him in first place in the Street Class. Andy Pearson came second after just one run before the 'big bang' (yep his engine went bang). Myself, I came third but about half a second down on my previous best at Elvington which can be attributed to the wet and windy conditions at this meeting. Joe Elliott was once again racing against himself in the Sprint Class and yet again came up with the fastest times of the day in the 14 second bracket. A few new faces were to be seen at this meeting including Kevin Jones from Sunderland on his splendid custom Runner (a future Twist & Go feature bike) and Mark Shirley who's normally found racing at BSSO meetings could be found competing on a 70cc Zip in the same class as Darren Blackburn. Check out the official X-Race UK website for a full race report and the all the results (to be uploaded this week).
 
The next X-Race meeting (Round 4) will take place at East Kirkby in Lincolnshire on 6th July (which is again another Straighliners round). So if you're up for it, see you there.

14/05/03 UPDATE: Dragsters on TV... Finally, that video footage from ITV's excellent "Revved Up" series and Bravo TV's "How To Blow A Billion" can now be downloaded for your viewing. If you missed the above programmes then check 'em out. I might add though that the quality of the .avi's had to be sacrificed so as to avoid being bandwidth intensive but hopefully this will make the files a bit speedier on download time for those of you who ain't got broadband. Anyway, have a look in the new 'Video' section which you'll find in the Gallery.
 
More drag racing, here's a reminder that it's Round 3 of the X-Race UK Championship this Sunday 18th May. And this time round we're at Elvington which is one of the better surfaces where everyone seems to come up with their quickest times. If you've not taken part before feel free to come along and see what it's all about. For full details about X-Race, check out the official X-Race UK website. Directions to Elvington are as follows:
 
Elvington is located in North Yorkshire. From the south, get onto the M1 northbound, take the M1/A1 link near Leeds onto the A1, leave the A1 and onto the A64 following signs for York, heading towards Elvington up the A64 you will see blue road signs for 'Air Show', exit the A64 when you see the second blue sign. Leave the A64 then go straight ahead at the roundabout and turn right down the B1228. Elvington airfield is on your right approximately 2 miles down the B1228.
 
Elvington Airfield is located at Halifax Way, Elvington. YO4 5AU

07/05/03 : A new scooter riders association has been set-up in an attempt of becoming "the voice and resource for today's scooter riders" and the association is called Sprint Scooter Riders Association.
 
This new association is currently the only all make scootering organisation in the UK that offers to provide members with a wide range of services and benefits. So what does "Sprint" offer its members? Simon Birkett, the man behind "Sprint" said the following:
 
"The Sprint Scooter Riders Association aims to offer a comprehensive rider and enthusiast package to both the traditional scooterist and the riders of new scooters, by combining the skill and knowledge of the staff, all of whom are scooter enthusiasts, with that of the top scooter dealers in the country." He went on to explain, "we offer our members a range of relevant services including a Members Advice Line, Accident Support Services, Scooter and Parts Locator as well as discounted services from associated organisations including; Breakdown Recovery, Insurance, Finance, Rider Training and History and Condition Checks."
 
Sprint currently have some of the countries leading scooter dealers associated with them who are prepared to offer members both discounts and privileges. Furthermore Sprint have apparently forged deals with other organisations including household names suchs as Carole Nash Insurance and the R.A.C. in order to attract members. Sprint are currently offering all this for £20 per year.
 
For further information check out the Sprint website or give them a ring on 0870 4296 103.
 
If you do join though, make sure you mention Italjet Dragster.com, cheers.