Santa Pod, September 10, 2012 - With a number four position, for the second consecutive year MPM-driver Marc Meihuizen was best Dutchman in the final points standing of the FIA European Pro Modified Championship. But still, Meihuizen was not happy at all at the European Finals, as he was hit by serious problems in the second round of qualifying. Transmission and engine damage were the reasons the MPM-racer could not show his real potential and he couldn’t go for the win in the last race of the FIA European Championship and the third spot in the final ranking.
With a great semi-finals finish at the Scandinavian Internationals at Tierp Arena two weeks ago, MPM-driver Marc Meihuizen was fourth in the FIA European Pro Modified Championship, only one point behind Bert-Ove Olofsson from Sweden. The sixth and last race of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship was at Santa Pod Raceway and MPM-driver Meihuizen wanted to go for fast runs, top positions and at the end, the number three plate in the FIA European Pro Mod Championship.
But things turned out completely different for the MPM-driver. In the first round of qualifying the '68 Firebird overpowered the track and lost traction. With three more runs to go, Meihuizen did not take any risk and lifted the throttle. With some adjustments made by crewchief Joeri Woudenberg, Meihuizen was full of confidence the next run would be much better. With a 6.02sec from Bert-Ove Olofsson in the first round, a 6.0 or even 5.9sec should be possible for the MPM-driver. But only a few meters after the start of the second run the Firebird lost power and stopped at the finish line. Back in the pits the team found the reason and how serious the damage was. The transmission broke completely and parts had pierced the heavy metal transmission housing. Caused by the transmission failure the engine had over revved and almost all engine parts were damaged too, including the block.
J.W.R. Racing had all spare parts available, except another block, so the team had to withdraw from qualifying and eliminations. As a result Meihuizen could not improve his position in the championship ranking and ended up fourth in the competitive FIA European Pro Modified Championship for the second consecutive year. But that could not make Meihuizen happy at all, as the MPM-driver wanted to race and set new personal bests.
As the number four in the championship Meihuizen was the best Dutchman again and with David Vegter in sixth, both MPM-drivers were in the top six of the championship. A great result for sponsor MPM International Oil Company.
- Author
- Remco Scheelings
- Photographer
- Remco Scheelings
Dragracing FIA European Finals Main event Marc Meihuizen MPM Racing MPM Sports Pro mod Santa Pod
