FIA/UEM Nitrolympx, Hockenheimring, Germany

Words and Photos Ivan Sansom & Rose Hughes

The 27th Nitrolympx at the Hockenheimring will linger long in the memory of all that were there, and not for the usual reasons associated with what often is, and definitely should be a marquee event on the European tour. We pointed out the problems with the track surface and the resultant outcome in a couple of Agent 1320 notes straddling the meeting, and don’t propose to rehearse those here. The fallout from the non-event for the bulk of the FIA classes rapidly produced a deluge of heated comments across a variety of social media, with accusations and mud thrown in a wide variety of directions, and still an apology from those responsible for wrecking the surface of the Rico Anthes Quartermile to the racers, crew, and spectators has yet to emerge.

Political maneuverings and individuals trying to save face are perhaps to be expected in the immediate aftermath, but there is a growing list issues relating to track inspection, preparation and championship governance that need to be clarified and dramatically improved upon for the future. These will be high on the agenda items at imminent FIA and UEM commission meetings, the former is due to hold a two day meeting in Stockholm during the latter part of this week. Promises of a track resurface, some including mention of concrete to half track may assist in the future, but a huge number of bridges need to be built once the fog has cleared.

The vast majority of racers want to race at a safe Hockenheimring - it really is a standout venue on the European tour as we have stated many times in the past, and, when the stars align, it has been one of the quickest tracks in Europe despite it’s once a season status. Unfortunately, this year it wasn’t close to the heady heights it has reached previously.

FIA low qualifiers and winner

Stig Neergaard would prove to be the low qualifier in FIA Top Fuel Dragster with a 5.743/198 mph, this ET over 1000 foot wouldn’t have qualified for the field at last year’s event over the full quarter mile.