Article by OnAllCylinders contributor Pär Willén.
Tierp, Sweden – Pro Stock driver Jimmy Ålund has waited patiently for the last two years, as the worldwide pandemic shut down the FIA drag racing championships during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
But now after the 2022 Tierp Nationals, he’s back in business—and things are looking good.
“These two last seasons have been different to say the least,” Ålund admits. “Drag racing has been such an integral part of what I do going back for decades, it’s great to be racing again.”
Drag racing returned to the historic Tierp Arena in Sweden last weekend, with a packed field of drivers and a crowd of eager spectators. A well prepared track and good weather delivered a great weekend of racing.
Nine Pro Stock teams fought for spots in an eight-car ladder, and after the three qualifying rounds, Ålund was in the top slot—but only 0.013 seconds ahead of the second place qualifier, Stefan Ernryd, who actually held a higher qualifying speed.
“It’s fantastic to be back racing again” Ålund continues. “As usual, going up against these competitors, nothing can be taken for granted but we had a good race package in all and found the sweet spot.”
Weather was perfect again for eliminations on Sunday as Ålund battled through the quarters and semis. In the finals, Ålund bested Finland’s Richard Sundblom with a 0.01-second margin for the win.
“This was a very good weekend for the team and the Summit Racing Camaro,” says Ålund. “The guys gave me a good car and it was up to me to do them proud. Tough racing crowd as usual, the competition in Pro Stock is as tight as it can be.”
The next race for the team is the 2022 Drag Revival at Sweden’s Mantorp Park July 28 – 31.
As for the FIA championship, the Summit Racing Camaro will be at the Scandinavian Internationals, Tierp Arena, August 11 – 14. Then it heads to Hockenheim, Germany for the NitrOlympx at Hockenhemring, August 26 – 28.
The FIA championship season concludes with the FIA European Finals at England’s Santa Pod Raceway, September 8 – 11.
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