Dennis Nilsson, Sandro Bellio and Mats Eriksson leaders after the first day of qualifying for The Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway

Dennis Nilsson raced to the number one qualifying position in Top Fuel at the first day of qualifying for The Main Event, the first race of the 2023 FIA European Drag Racing Championship. In Pro Modified Mats Eriksson stormed to a great 5.83 seconds to take the lead. In Top Methanol reigning champion Sandro Bellio was once again the quickest with a great 5.53 seconds and is the provisional leader after day one.

The conditions were great at the first day of qualifying for The Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway, the opening round of the 2023 FIA European Drag Racing Championship. Sunshine, cool air and a perfect track made it a great first racing day of the 2023 season. 

In Top Fuel Dennis Nilsson is the surprise leader after two qualifying runs. The driver from Sweden recorded 4.37 seconds. This was not the quickest run of the day. Jndia Erbacher crossed the finish line in a great 3.92 seconds, but because the Swiss driver hit the timing blocks at the finish line, she was disqualified.

Susanne Callin, from Sweden, had some traction and engine problems but still recorded 4.55 seconds and is the number two qualifier after day one.

Stig Neergaard, from Denmark, is the provisional number three qualifier after two runs. Former champion Duncan Micallef and Ida Zetterström suffered traction problems at the start line and are in fourth and fifth position.

Qualifying in Pro Modified was close and exciting. On his second run of the day Mats Eriksson stormed to a great 5.835 seconds to take the lead.

Michel Tooren, from The Netherlands, surprised on his fist run of the day with 5.87 seconds, a new personal best and at the end of the day the provisional number two position.

Multiple champion Michael Gullqvist took over the number three spot on his second run with 5.885 seconds. Marck Harteveld is the number four qualifier with a new personal best of 5.889 seconds. With Andres Arnover, Bobby Wallace, Bruno Bader and Wayne Nicholson there were no fewer than eight drivers with a qualifying run in the 5-second zone. Reigning FIA European champion Jan Ericsson and runner-up David Vegter had traction problems and are in 13th and 12th position after day one.

In Top Methanol reigning champion Sandro Bellio stormed to a great 5.53 seconds on his second run of the day to claim the provisional number one qualifying position.

Linn Fløysvik was good as well and close behind with 5.58 seconds. Silvio Strauch suffered severe traction problems but the driver from Germany is still in the number three position.

Text and photos: Remco Scheelings

More photos from The Main Event can be found at:
https://www.dragracingeurope.eu/fiaedc/santa-pod-raceway-england-may-26-29/

For all Main Event results:
https://santapodresults.com/2023/Main%20Event/Final/

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