Jimmy Ålund Wins Tenth European Pro Stock Championship

Summit Racing-sponsored FIA European Pro Stock racer Jimmy Ålund won his 10th—you read that right, 10th—championship at the season-ending European Finals, September 8-11 at Santa Pod Raceway in the United Kingdom.

Ålund had nine European championships to his credit going into the 2016 season. Winning a tenth championship has never been discussed in the Ålund pit this year, the sole focus being on going rounds and winning races.

The Summit Racing Camaro has taken Ålund to the Number One qualifying spot in all but one race this season. The power was certainly there as Ålund posted Top Speed at every race, both this season and in 2015.

“Speed is power, and I cannot say enough about the support from Summit Racing Equipment and the engine builders at KB Racing who have supplied me with the horsepower needed to win this tenth championship.”

Ålund had a slight points lead going into this final event but the championship was still up for grabs. Due to rain on the second day of qualifying, all teams had to rely on just two qualifying runs. Ålund was the Number One qualifier at Santa Pod with a 6.6125 second, 209.97 MPH pass, but Ljungdahl was only 0.0012 seconds behind with a 6.613 second pass.

“Qualifying was very close to say the least. We took the first spot but only got down the track once due to tire shake,” said Ålund. “Not the best way to go into eliminations.”

Sunday came with perfect weather and the final round came down to Ålund and  Ljungdahl. Lane choice was crucial, and it didn’t go Ålund’s way—Ljungdahl took the win by a mere 0.005 seconds. However, Ålund’s runner-up finish was enough for him to clinch the 2016 FIA Pro Stock championship by 16 points.

“Ten sounds so much sweeter than nine—I'm so proud of this win and the team,” said an elated Ålund. “Qualifying and races decided by just a few thousands of a second. Last year we came in second, less than one round win behind, and this year we win the championship by less than one round. And the class keeps on growing, so next year will be even tougher.”

In addition to winning 10 European championships in 14 seasons of racing, Ålund also tops the list of all-time round wins--not only for Pro Stock but for all classes going back to the start of FIA drag racing in Europe.

“It’s been quite a career, and we'll be back next year to sweeten up those statistics even more,” Ålund said.

The first race of the 2017 FIA Pro Stock Drag Racing Championship series is The Main Event, held at Santa Pod Raceway in the UK. Qualifying starts on May 27, 2017. Visit the FIA European Drag Racing Championship site for more information.