Europe’s premier drag racers, alongside contenders from the USA, will converge on the UK’s Santa Pod Raceway for a high-stakes kickoff to the international season. “The Main Event,” is scheduled for the Spring Bank Holiday weekend this May 23-26, 2025.

It will mark the opening round of the prestigious Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) European Drag Racing Championships, promising intense competition across drag racing’s fastest categories.With nearly 300 entries expected from over 16 nations, the event combines international title chases with UK national championship action. Headlining the show are the earth-shaking 300mph Top Fuel Dragsters. Switzerland’s Jndia Erbacher arrives as the defending FIA European champion, having secured the 2024 title with dramatic late-season victories. She faces immediate pressure from Sweden’s Susanne Callin, the rival she narrowly defeated last year. Both racers boast impressive 3.8-second, 320mph personal bests, setting the stage for a fierce battle. Adding local interest, Britain’s Liam Jones makes his return to the European stage after a five-year hiatus.The FIA Pro Modified class promises explosive action, combining the European opener with round two of the British Championship. Estonia’s Andres Arnover is the one to watch, having already dominated the British opener at Easter by resetting the European Pro Mod elapsed time record with a stunning 5.695-second pass. Arnover, who also holds Santa Pod’s Pro Mod speed record at over 254 mph, will face tough competition from defending FIA champion Jere Rantaniemi of Finland and a strong field including UK veteran Andy Robinson.Nitro-burning Funny Cars will also be thundering down the track in the Funny Car Cup. American racer Terry Haddock arrives as the current standard-bearer, having set new European records of 4.124 seconds and 307.88 mph over the 1,000-foot distance during his Easter event victory. Britain’s Steve Ashdown leads the home defense against the visiting Texan.Two-wheeled action features the FIM European Championship battles in Top Fuel Bike, SuperTwin, Pro Stock Bike, and Super Street Bike. Supporting the international classes are full fields for UK national championships and junior categories, ensuring non-stop racing throughout the weekend, complemented by a range of off-track family entertainment.

As the first points-scoring opportunity for Europe’s elite drag racers in 2025, The Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway guarantees four days of intense, world-class competition. The quest for European crowns begins here, promising record-setting potential and thrilling side-by-side action over the holiday weekend.