Hanssen looking to win one for fallen team member in Hockenheim

Hanssen looking to win one for fallen team member in Hockenheim

<img src="http://www.insidetopalcohol.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=329&thumb=1&d=1312512951" align="right" borders="0"/>HOCKENHEIM, Germany – Current FIA Top Methanol Dragster points leader Fred Hanssen and his Islanders Black & White team will have added motivation to win as they enter next weekend’s FIA Nitrolympx at Hockenheimring in Hockenheim, Germany. Hanssen has dedicated the weekend to the memory of fellow Islanders Top Methanol Dragster teammate Paul Ingar Udtian’s brother Stig Udtian, who recently passed away.

Hanssen, a commercial fisherman from Afjord, Norway, reflects on the loss of his teammate and friend.

“All of us at Islanders Drag Racing are very sad to hear the passing of Stig,” commented Hanssen. “He was a big man with an even bigger heart. He will be missed.

“Hopefully we can go and win one for Stig,” Hanssen continued. “That would be a great honor to give to his memory.”

With two races remaining in the FIA points championship, Hanssen is locked in a tight battle with five-time European Champion Dave Wilson. Despite winning the last two events in Sweden and Finland, Wilson has runner-upped to him at both of those, leaving Hanssen little margin for error. Hanssen enters Hockenheim with a slim 38 point lead.

“Hockenheim has been a good track for me,” stated Hanssen. “I won my first European race here in 2008 with my Super Comp Dragster. We were running very well here last year before the rain came. The class is so tough right now; you must always push the edge. I have a great team behind me, so that helps. Wilson has been doing this a long time, so he will be very tough the next two races, and so will the rest of the guys in the class. Hopefully we can get another win for VSP, Fosen Tools, Brad Penn Oil/Tore Grannegen, Hansson Fishing A/S, VP Race Fuels, Victory Valves and RS Bilpleie.”

Qualifying begins on Friday, August 12, and Final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday, August 14. Follow the event’s live coverage on Eurodragster.com. For behind the scenes coverage and web footage of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship, log on to Speedgroup.eu.