Pro Alloy customer and British Top Fuel Bike rider Ian King secured the second European Championship title of his career in front of his home supporters at the final round of the FIA/UEM Dragracing Championships in Santa Pod, England.
However, the final round of the European tour was also marred by the same type of weather that resulted in early termination of the previous three events. The hardworking track staff and officials spent many hours attempting to dry the track and it seemed that this round was also one that would fail to see the event through to a conclusion. But their hard work paid off and the Professional classes would see finals run just before the 9.00 p.m. curfew on Sunday.
For King, the event started well enough with a 6.39 second pass good enough for number two qualifying position despite the run being his only full pass of qualifying in the wet conditions. Points accrued from attempting a qualifying pass were enough to ensure the title was his, and King could look forward to the finals with comfort and the chance to test new performance upgrades without the fear of lost points.
However, it was not to be as the first round saw King throw a supercharger drive belt after a tricky cool track and aggressive clutch settings saw King on and off the throttle in an attempt to keep the slick tyre hooked up to the track. His opponent, fellow countryman Gary Jones, took full advantage of King slowing to a stop ahead of him and drove past to take the round win. Jones’s success continued throughout the event and he deservedly took the event title.
King said:-
“I’m overwhelmed at winning our second European Title, especially in front of my home supporters and in a truly International series that boasts the strongest field of Top Fuel Bikes in the world. It’s been a long and difficult season, not least of which was due to the unbelievable weather that we’ve all had to suffer for the last four events.
I must pay tribute to the SPRC and Track officials who put in so much effort this weekend to see the event through to a conclusion. It shows what can be done with hard work and perseverance, against all the odds.
For our team, this is the culmination of a tremendous effort by my close knit team of crew and sponsors who, despite the lows of the last three years, had faith in our abilities to return to the top again.
I can’t thank any of them enough, Mick Beaumont, Chris Powell, Martin Brookman, Nick Pepper, Debbie King and Marc Fossey - they all contributed above and beyond the call of duty. And as for our sponsors and associates, words fail me. The best products on the market, the greatest help afforded to us and the results speak for themselves. New track records, more events won than anyone else in the class, numerous number 1 and 2 qualifying positions, frequent new personal bests. Thanks to all of you – this title was won by you too. It’ll be great to run with all of you and the Number One plate again in 2006.”
With the 2005 European Top Fuel Bike Championship won King plans to attend the ACU/UK National Finals where tests with the all new Puma billet cylinder head are planned, followed by a long trip to Bahrain as an invitee of the Bahrain International Circuit for an FIA/UEM Invitational event in November, a precursor to a first ever round of the European Dragracing Championship to be held at the prestigious Middle East facility next March.
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King Racing’s next event is the European Finals at Santa Pod, England on the 1st and 2nd October.
King Racing are proud to be supported in their 2005 campaign by:
Mickey Thompson Tires, Gates Power Transmissions, Performance Machine, Pinnacle Autoparts, Wackyshack Paintshop, Turboville.com, RSG Customize, House of Kolor UK, Murdoch Racing Enterprises, Goodridge UK, Vanson Leathers, White Line Cycles (Athens), Cometic Gaskets UK, Aerotek Fasteners, Straightline Racing, Pixeleye Design, Web Camshafts, Mark and Jackie Hawkins, Ivan Sansom and Rose Hughes, Kath Taylor, Obsession Motorsports and Pro Alloy Motorsport.
Any companies or individuals who wish to be involved in the King Racing 2006 race effort can contact us at admin@kingracing.com, by telephone on +44 (0) 7785 341099 or by fax on +44 (0) 1763 852707. Visit King Racing at www.kingracing.com
CONGRATULATIONS to Pro alloy customer Ian King for taking the 2005 European top fuel bike chamionship
