EDRC: A grand finale in prospect

Three FIA titles still up for grabs at the last event of the 2024 season

The FIA European Drag Racing Championship (EDRC) will reach its climax on 6-8 September at Santa Pod Raceway, UK, with a final event in which the battle for the European titles remains open in three of the four FIA categories.

Having hosted the opening encounter in May, Santa Pod Raceway is preparing to close the 2024 edition of the FIA EDRC, at the end of a season which also included two events at Tierp in Sweden and the NitrolympX classic at Hockenheim, visited by no fewer than 54,000 spectators.

As well as boasting the biggest entry list, the Pro Modified category is also proving to be the most hotly-contested and uncertain heading into the final round – there are still six drivers in with a chance of claiming the 2024 crown, although for three of them – Norwegian Stian Rusanes, Dutchman Michel Tooren and Swede Roger Johansson – a winning conclusion will depend on a very favourable combination of circumstances.

The title will most likely be decided between the Dutchman David Vegter, the Estonian Andres Andover and the Finn Jere Rantaniemi. With the final Championship ranking only taking into account the four best results out of a possible five, the trio are separated by just ten points after their worst results thus far are discounted. With over 100 points still up for grabs, it really is a championship up for grabs.

In Top Fuel, the only two drivers to have competed in every round are, unsurprisingly, going head-to-head for the title. Malta’s Duncan Micallef, who won the title in 2017, will arrive in Santa Pod as the leader, with a 35-point advantage over Sweden’s Susanne Callin. Despite missing out on the two Swedish rounds, Switzerland’s Jndia Erbacher still has a slight chance of emerging as champion.

Swedish veterans Jonny Lagg and Tony Bryntesson are set for a final tussle to decide the winner of the Top Methanol category. Lagg has a 38-point lead over his compatriot in the provisional championship standings.

Finally, it’s a foregone conclusion that Jimmy Alund will take his European titles in Pro Stock to 13! Unbeaten since the start of the season, the Swede will be looking to make it a point of honour to remain so by making this final annual event his own. However, he will have to fend off any attacks from his compatriots Robin Norén, Michael Malmgren and Stefan Ernryd, who are ready to do battle for the runners-up spot that is still within their grasp…

Click here to view the current championship standings.