The re-scheduled Festival of Power (formerly known as the Spring Speed Nationals) took place over the weekend of 29 April to 1 May and was blessed with largely favourable weather and excellent track conditions, flying in the face of the incessant rain we’ve been suffering so far this year.
A massive field of close to 300 car and bike entries provided something for everyone and the spectator bank was consequently packed.
Billed as “an action-packed weekend for the whole family featuring the famous annual Jet Car Shootout”, it didn’t disappoint. Add to that multiple drag bike classes, monster trucks, stunt displays and a broad selection of Pro and Sportsman race classes, there was plenty to keep the expectant crowd entertained.
For our money, though, the highlights were the two Top Fuellers piloted by Ida Zetterstrom and Susanne Callin, the Nitro and Nostalgia Funny Cars, the much-anticipated return of the Russo’s Rat Chevelle – now in the very capable hands of Chris Goodale – and the Pro Modifieds, with Wayne Nicholson in particular having a stellar weekend, recording his first ever five to rapturous applause from the crowd, and all the teams in the class.
Jet cars
Old timers at Santa Pod might not be as excited as the youngsters by the jet cars but you only have to watch the crowds run for the banking when they’re announced over the loudspeakers to know these are still a hugely popular attraction. And it doesn’t get any better than side-by-side fives.
Julian Webb put the new Spiderman car through in 6.013 seconds at 253mph at lunchtime on Saturday, but the crowd was up on its feet for the multiple side-by-side fives by Roger Goring in Firestorm and Martin Hill in Fireforce 3 (5.050 / 241
