Drag Racing Europe AB to become FIA European Drag Racing Championship promoter

A newly-formed consortium comprised of representatives of drag racing venues and organisers is set to become the FIA European Drag Racing Championship’s first-ever promoter, providing the series with a stable base for growth and expansion

Drag Racing Europe AB (DRE) was founded by representatives of venues hosting championship events, namely Santa Pod Raceway, along with Scandinavian Drag Racing promoter/organiser, Speedgroup AB.

The agreement between the FIA and DRE covers an initial term of three years, coming into force this season, with the short-term goals being stabilisation of the championship by providing it with conditions for growth, along with making it sustainable both financially and environmentally.

The class structure currently in use in the FIA EDRC will remain unchanged, maintaining Top Fuel, Top Methanol, Pro Modified and Pro Stock classes, but with the creation of a junior class being among the longer-term goals.

The appointment of a promoter should also result in increased media coverage of FIA EDRC, with a dedicated website as well as social media and streaming channels due to be launched.

In order to create a forum for discussion about future strategic development of the sport of drag racing, a championship committee, comprising of representatives of the FIA and the promoter, will also be created and will report to the FIA Drag Racing Commission.

Lars Pettersson, FIA Drag Racing Commission President, said: “I am genuinely delighted with the appointment of a promoter for the FIA EDRC. This should lead to increased professionalism of every aspect of the championship, bringing certain uniform standards across the events. There are also plenty of fascinating stories within the FIA EDRC that are worth telling, such as the considerable success of female competitors over the years, and now, with the right promotion in place, people should finally be able to hear these stories.”

Michael Gullqvist, CEO of DRE, said: “It’s great that we have finally reached this point with an agreement, it will enable us to further develop the FIA EDRC. Our goal is to improve the championship and promote it to a higher level, to the benefit of both competitors and fans.”

Keith Bartlett, Chairman Drag Racing Europe AB, said: “With the new contract for the promotional and commercial rights to the FIA European Drag Racing Championship, we will look to develop the Championship in all areas, including helping the track promoters to improve the structure of the Championship rounds, the marketing and promotion of the Championship and, more importantly, seeking commercial and partnership opportunities.”