Frans Stielberg, Germany, Showdown III jet dragster exhibition
Patricia Kastner, Germany, Competition
Bernard Saz, France, Super Comp
End comment
One can’t help leaving the Hockenheimring left with the slight tinge of regret that European drag racing failed to grasp the opportunity presented a quarter of a century ago when it regularly used to feature at circuit facilities such as Le Mans, Paul Ricard and Monza before sell out crowds, with Hockenheim being the only prominent survivor from those days.
Operational issues aside, and there were a few, this really is how it should be, with immaculate pit and spectator facilities, including self contained pit garages, on site hotel with a restaurant overlooking the circuit start and finish line turned into the FIA pits for this event. But then the history of European drag racing is littered with political shenanigans and personality conflicts that have held back the development of the sport on this side of the pond.
Such thoughts shouldn’t detract from the fact that the Nitrolymp’X is a stunning show, largely orchestrated by outgoing promoter Rico Anthes, and very much containing the stamp of his somewhat forceful personality throughout the meeting. Hopefully, it will continue to provide a return on investment for the owners of the Hockenheimring now that Rico is heading off to the Bahamas and into retirement, and that the full European championship tour, including FIA Pro Stock and the UEM Drag Bike classes, can return to the ‘Ring before too long.