Jndia Erbacher, Jonny Lagg, David Vegter and Jimmy Ålund number one qualifiers at Hockenheim
It was a great second day of qualifying for the NitrOlympX at the Rico Anthes Quartermile of the HockenheimRing, round three of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship. Friday leaders Jndia Erbacher (Top Fuel) and Jimmy Ålund (Pro Stock) remained in the number one position, but in Top Methanol Jonny Lagg took over the number one spot, while in Pro Modified David Vegter was a dominant force and claimed the number one position.
As predicted after Friday qualifying, there were numerous improvements on day two of qualifying for the NitrOlympX and many changes in the qualifying order in almost all four classes. Thus the numerous fans in the grandstands had enough to cheer about and they had a great day with fast, quick and spectacular runs at the Rico Anthes Quartermile of the HockenheimRing.
Jndia Erbacher recorded 4.23 seconds, a slight improvement compared to the 4.24 seconds the reigning FIA European champion recorded on day one. It was enough the claim the number one qualifying position, although yesterday’s numbers two and three improved their ETs as well, but it was not enough for them to claim the number one spot.
Liam Jones improved his ET to 4.42 seconds and remained in the number two position, while Susanne Callin improved to 4.47 seconds and remained in the number three position. Callin had a bad engine explosion on her last run of the day and the damage to the car is probably too much to be repaired in time, so it is unlikely that Callin will be back for tomorrow’s eliminations.
In Pro Modified David Vegter stormed to a great 5.855 seconds on his first run of the day to take over the number one qualifying position from Mats Eriksson. Vegter proved his great form by recording another 5.858 seconds on his second run of the Saturday.
Eriksson improved his ET to 5.87 seconds but dropped into the second qualifying position. There was a major improvement for Friday’s number three, Michel Tooren, as well.
The Dutch driver recorded 5.915 seconds and remained in third position. Jere Rantaniemi improved his ET to 5.940 seconds but still remained in fourth position. Andres Arnover recorded exactly the same ET, 5.940 seconds, and jumped from the seventh into the fifth qualifying position.
The driver from Estonia was the last one to break the 6-second barrier. Marck Harteveld, the number two in the championship, improved his ET to 6.02 seconds, but dropped one position and finished qualifying in sixth position, with Bruno Bader seventh.
Top Methanol finished qualifying with another leader as well. Jonny Lagg stormed to a great 5.30 seconds to claim the number one spot. Tony Bryntesson, the leader after day one, suffered some problems and was not able to improve his ET and dropped into the number two spot.
Home favourite Jürgen Nagel finished qualifying in third position, with Silvio Strauch fourth and Sandro Bellio fifth.
In Pro Stock there were numerous improvements and the qualifying order changed several times. In the end it was once again Jimmy Ålund who claimed the number one spot, but the reigning champion needed his last run of the day to record a great 6.61 seconds to jump from the third position into the lead.
There was also a major improvement for championship leader Robin Norén as the Swede recorded a great 6.667 seconds to jump from the sixth position into the number two spot.
Michael Malmgren improved his ET as well and the 6.67 seconds handed the Swede the number three spot. Because Simon Ekengren, Stefan Ernryd and Lasse Britsmar all broke the 7-second barrier, Friday’s number three, Henry Riehl dropped into the number seven spot.
Eliminations for the NitrOlympX will start Sunday morning.
For all qualifying results:
https://www.tw-sportsoft.de/NitrolympX_2025_403250/TW_ON_Virtueller_Aushang.php?AUSWAHL_AUSHANG_ART_ID=6
For the photo gallery:
https://www.dragracingeurope.eu/fiaedc/29-31-aug-hockenheimring/
Text and photo: Remco Scheelings
