Duncan Micallef, Sandro Bellio, David Vegter and Jimmy Ålund number one qualifiers at Summit Racing Equipment Internationals

Although there were several improvements on day two of qualifying for the Summit Racing Equipment Internationals at Tierp Arena, three of the four Friday leaders remained in the number one position. Thus Duncan Micallef is the number one qualifier in Top Fuel with 3.791 seconds, David Vegter in Pro Modified and Jimmy Ålund in Pro Stock and they will lead their respective categories into Sunday’s eliminations of round three of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship. Top Methanol was the only class with a new leader after day two as Sandro Bellio stormed to a great 5.50 seconds to take over the lead from Jonny Lagg.

It was another great day of racing at Tierp Arena for the Summit Racing Equipment Internationals, round three of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship. Perfect weather conditions and a great track made it that the numerous spectators in the packed grandstands saw many good and spectacular runs.

In Top Fuel Duncan Micallef, from Malta, suffered traction problems on his first run of the day and tyreshake on run two. As a result the DM Motorsport/RF Motorsport driver couldn’t improve his new personal best from day one, the stunning 3.791 seconds at 517 km/h being a new European speed record. Susanne Callin, from Sweden, improved to a great 3.88 seconds but remained in second position.

In Top Methanol Sandro Bellio had a perfect day with two great runs. The driver from Belgium stormed to a great 5.50 seconds to take over the number one qualifying position from Jonny Lagg.

The Swede recorded a quicker ET as well, but it was not enough to remain in the number one position.

Johnny Oksa suffered engine damage on day one, but bounced back with a 5.57 seconds to take over the number three position. Tony Bryntesson didn’t improve his ET and dropped from second into the number four position.

In Pro Modified there were several improvement, but there was no change in the number one position. With his Friday ET of 5.842 seconds David Vegter remained the number one qualifier, this third ‘pole position’ in a row this season.

There was a major improvement for Andres Arnover, from Estonia. The number fifteen qualifier from yesterday stormed to a great 5.845 seconds to claim the number two position. Mats Eriksson couldn’t improve his Friday ET of 5.861 seconds and dropped one position.

Roger Johansson was one of the most consistent drivers on Saturday. The Swede improved to 5.862 seconds, only 0.001 second short of the number three position.

There was also an improvement for Andreas Arthursson (5.87 seconds), but due to Arnover’s improvement, the Swede dropped one position and finished qualifying in fifth position. Åke Persson (5.93 seconds, sixth) and Michel Tooren (5.94 seconds, seventh) were the last drivers with a 5-second run. Stian Rusånes improved to 6.00 seconds and is eight, with Peter Kunc ninth. With the top ten close together, the 16-car field will see an exciting elimination.

In Pro Stock Jimmy Ålund remained the number one qualifier. The driver from Sweden improved to 6.54 seconds and remained undefeated.

Stefan Ernryd was not able to improve his ET but the 6.62 seconds from Friday qualifying was enough to claim the number two position. Robin Norén came close to the number two position with his 6.63 seconds, but the Swede remained third.

There was an improvement for Richard Sundblom. With his 6.67 seconds the driver from Finland jumped into the number four spot and changed positions with Christian Sagelv. Michael Malmgren had problems again and the reigning FIA European champion finished qualifying in eight position.

Eliminations for the Summit Racing Equipment Internationals at Tierp Arena will start Sunday morning.

Text and photos: Remco Scheelings

For all qualifying results: https://www.dragracing.eu/results.asp

For photos of the Summit Racing Equipment Internationals see the gallery on:
https://www.dragracingeurope.eu/fiaedc/round-3-tierp-arena-aug-8-11/