Tommi Haapanen, Sandro Bellio, Andres Arnover and Jimmy Ålund leaders after the first day of qualifying for the European Finals
Tommi Haapanen is the provisional number one qualifier in Top Fuel with a great 3.89 second ET after the first day of qualifying for the European Finals, the fifth and final round of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship at Santa Pod Raceway in England. In Top Methanol Sandro Bellio is in the lead after day one, while Andres Arnover stormed to a great 5.78 seconds to take the lead in Pro Modified. In Pro Stock Jimmy Ålund once again claimed the provisional number one qualifying position with 6.62 seconds.
It was a great first day of qualifying for the European Finals at Santa Pod Raceway. The weather was great, the track as usual in excellent condition and it was an action packed program with many exciting runs and great ETs, witnessed by a large number of enthusiastic fans.
In the Top Fuel category Tommi Haapanen stormed to a great 3.89 seconds on his second run of the day. The Finn, competing in his first race of the year in the FIA European Championship, already surprised on his first run with 3.98 seconds.
With the 3.89 second run Haapanen took over the lead from Susanne Callin. The Slick Tricks Racing driver from Sweden recorded a great 3.96 seconds on her first run and finished the first day of qualifying in second position.
Championship leader Duncan Micallef recorded 4.75 seconds on his first run of the day and is the provisional number three qualifier, with Hockenheim winner Jndia Erbacher in fourth position.
In Pro Modified Andres Arnover impressed with two great runs. On his first run the driver from Estonia recorded 5.82 seconds, to improve that ET on his second run to a stunning 5.78 seconds. Arnover, the number two in the championship, is the provisional number one qualifier after day one.
Michel Tooren impressed on his second run with a new personal best in his new Camaro. The Pro Dutch Racing driver recorded 5.882 seconds.
Championship leader David Vegter is close behind with 5.889 seconds from his second run, after the Dutchman had to shut off his engine after the burn out of his first run.
Jere Rantaniemi, the number three in the championship, is the provisional number four qualifier with 5.899 seconds. With three of the top four driver from the championship in the top four qualifying order after day one, Saturday qualifying will be even more exciting. Bobby Wallace is the last driver with a 5-second run (5.95 seconds) and the driver from the UK is in fifth position. But also behind the top five it is extremely close with Andy Robinson (6.01 seconds), John Tebenham (6.03 seconds), the number four in the championship Stian Rusånes (6.035 seconds), Bruno Bader (6.07 seconds) and Fredrik Fagerström (6.09 seconds). With cooler weather on Saturday, there will be major improvement possible.
In Top Methanol Sandro Bellio stormed to a great 5.55 seconds to claim the provisional number one qualifying position.
Tony Bryntesson is not so far behind, with Silvio Strauch in third position. There were some problems for championship leader Jonny Lagg as the driver from Sweden is in fourth position.
In Pro Stock it was once again Jimmy Ålund who claimed the provision number one qualifying position with 6.62 seconds. With qualifying for the event, Ålund secured the 2024 FIA European Pro Stock title, the 13th in his career.
Robin Norén came close to the new champion with 6.66 seconds, while Stefan Ernryd claimed the number three position with 6.71 seconds. Michael Malmgren, the 2023 champion, is the provisional number four qualifier.
Qualifying for the European Finals at Santa Pod continues on Saturday.
Qualifying results: https://santapodresults.com/2024/European%20Finals/
Photo gallery (will be updated later): https://www.dragracingeurope.eu/fiaedc/round-5-santa-pod-sept-5-8/
Text and photos: Remco Scheelings
