Welcome to the second Carter Motorsport / Andersen Racing / Lucas Oils workshop update for AndyCarter.net. In our last update the crew were all eagerly anticipating the team's first FIA round of the year at the Main Event. After a trying weekend testing the race weekend was curtailed by two solid days of persistent rain. Although everyone left the track thoroughly disappointed, it wasn't all bad news as in our second qualifier Andy drove the Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster to a personal best speed of 314mph.

Following the Main Event the car made its long journey back home to Denmark where Per, Karsten and the crew have been making preparations in readiness for the second round of the FIA championship at Alastaro in Finland. In the UK we have attended the AACI Summer Nationals at Billing and the Jap Show at Santa Pod promoting the fantastic Lucas Oil products to the general public.

For this update we decided to turn the spotlight on one of the team's two crew chiefs - Per Andersen. On the start line Per can be seen starting the car with the off-board starter motor and behind the car sending signals to help reverse the car following its burnout. In the Lucas Oil pit between rounds Per takes responsibility for downloading and analysing all of the data that is collected from the data logger, Per and Karsten then work together to perfect the tune for the next round.

AC.net - How did you first get involved with drag racing?
PA - I went to Mantorp to see a race in 1983, and that was when I really got hooked! I got my first competition license a year later. Karsten and I ran an A dragster for several years. However Top Fuel was always the ultimate goal for me and when I got the chance to crew as the clutch guy for Jens Nybo in 1995 I took it and haven't looked back since.

AC.net - What is your favourite European track to race at?
PA - It's difficult to choose. I like Santa Pod for the performance it offers, and I like Mantorp for the atmosphere, a lot of our friends join us there every year.

AC.net - What gives you more satisfaction, setting records or winning races?
PA - I enjoy both, I like winning, but records are also nice.

AC.net - What has been your biggest thrill as Crew Chief?
PA - Without a doubt running the 4.64 second 317mph pass with Kim Reymond at Santa Pod in 2003.

AC.net - What are the keys to being a successful Crew Chief?
PA - You must have the very best crew around you, like I think we do. You must be professional about everything you do. Karsten and I work together, both as crew chiefs. Having him as a partner to discuss tune ups with is invaluable - we stop each other from getting lost. Last, but not least, you need a good driver.

AC.net - What are the most important qualities in a Top Fuel driver?
PA - Consistency, you must have a routine in what you do, and be able to tell what the car feels like going down the track.

AC.net - How do you feel Andy handled the car in his first race?
PA - Very well! He did everything the way you can expect from an experienced driver like him. We are very pleased having teamed up with Andy.

AC.net - Have you ever fancied swapping places and getting behind the wheel?
PA - Often! I was thinking about it only last weekend in Vandel [Danish Mid Summer Nats - Ed]. I think I need to do it so I know what it feels like; I think you can tune the car better if you know what the car feels like. But, you need to be more than good to do both!

Over the summer we will be posing questions to other members of the Carter Motorsport / Andersen Racing team. If you have a question you would like to see answered on this page by Andy Carter or any of the crew please send an email to gary@carterracing.co.uk.

Looking forward and July is going to be a very busy month for the Lucas Oil Top Fuel team. We are confidently looking forward to rounds two and three of the FIA Championship in Finland and Sweden and in the UK the show car will be making appearances at the London Drag Racing Show (7th-8th July) and the Bug Jam (20th - 22nd July). Thank you to all of our sponsors and thank you to all the fans who come along to the races and the shows - without your support what we do simply wouldn't be possible.

See you at the track!

Gary Cottingham
Carter Motorsport

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