Back in Business: Jimmy Ålund Pilots the Summit Racing Camaro to Victory at the EDRS Sweden Nationals

After two years of no FIA-sponsored drag racing in Europe (thanks, COVID), the European Drag Racing Series is back in business, and so is Pro Stock champion Jimmy Ålund. He piloted the Summit Racing Pro Stock Camaro to victory at the Summit Racing EDRS Sweden Nationals held at Tierp Arena on June 17-19.

"These two last seasons have been different to say the least," Ålund said, "Drag racing has been such an integral part of what I do going back for decades and it's great to be racing again."

The Pro Stockers came out in force with nine teams battling for a place on the eight-car ladder. Qualifying was tight but after the three qualifying rounds, Ålund was at the top of the charts with consistent 6.60 second passes in the first two rounds. He took the Number One qualifier spot with a 6.06 second/335.40 MPH pass, 0.013 seconds quicker than second place qualifier Stefan Ernryd.

"Nine good cars make for tight racing which is what it's all about," Ålund explained. "As usual going up against these competitors, nothing can be taken for granted, but we had a good race package and found the sweet spot."

The track and weather was perfect for Sunday’s elimination rounds. Ålund won the quarter- and semi-final rounds, giving him lane choice for the final round against Richard Sundblom from Finland. Ålund made the best showing of the two and took the win with a 6.615 second pass as Sundholm struggled with tire shake.

"This was a very good weekend for the team and the Summit Racing Camaro,” Ålund said. "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."

Ålund also competed in the Stock/Super Stock class with a wheelstanding 1968 Camaro sporting a big block motor and manual transmission. Ålund qualified ninth in a very competitive 30-car field. His best showing was in the first round of eliminations on Saturday evening. Ålund had the best reaction time of the entire round and ran a 10.23 against a 10.22 dial-in.

"That was a lot of fun," Ålund said. “This was part of the Swedish championship for the class and I got the opportunity to drive Krister Fogelin’s beautiful car. It worked out real good until round two. I went up against a car in the same class which made for a heads-up round. I was a bit too eager to leave and turned on the red light."

When asked if he would be competing in Stock/Super Stock again this season, Ålund gave his trademark smile.

"We'll see," he said. "that depends on a number of factors, it's not totally out of the question."

The next race for the team is the 2022 Drag Revival at Mantorp Park, July 28-31. The next FIA EDRS Championship event is the Scandinavian Internationals at Tierp Arena, August 11-14.

Learn more about FIA EDRS Championship Racing.

Learn more about the Summit Racing EDRS Series.