The Santa Pod Story

1940's - 1950's

During World War 2 , military airfields were established all over eastern England. Podington Aerodrome was opened in 1942 to accommodate the United States Air Force, chiefly its 92nd Bombardment Group.

Podington was decommissioned in 1947 and remained largely inactive until the mid-1960s.

1960's

Leading American drag racers compete at airfield sites around England, including nearby Chelveston, in 1964 and 1965.

An independant business group chooses Podington to site a permanent dragstrip - Europe's first.

Santa Pod opens on Easter Monday, 10th April 1966 - 'Santa' to evoke the spirit of Southern Calfornia, cradle of drag racing; 'Pod' after Podington. For two years the start line is located where today's finish line stands. The area behind it (today's dragstrip) serves as the pits.

Phelps family takes control in 1969.

1970's

European Internationals event attracts entries from Sweden. Arnold Sundqvist brings Europe's first jet dragster.

Petersen Publishing Internationals (1973) brings major US stars. Don Schumacher & Paula Murphy debut first full-tilt American Funny Cars. Schumacher's Stardust & Murphy's Miss STP cars remain here, to be driven by Allan Herridge & Owen Hayward.

First 'Run What Ya Brung' public track days are held in 1975.

1980's

Only 16-car nitro field ever assembled in Europe - 1980 September Internationals' Funny Car show. Us Headliners: Don "The Snake" Prudhomme Gene Snow, Tom Hoover, Harlan Thompson.

First 'Doorslammers' event held for full-bodied cars (1984)

First Pro Mod race - Dave Mengay (Monza) wins with 9.47sec ET (1945).

'Bug Jam' Volkswagen festival launched (1987). Volswagen Drag Racing Club, begins prganising VW events (1988).

1990's

Spring Bank Holiday meeting renamed "The Main Event" (1991).

Keith Bartlett forms European Top Fuel Association (1991). MSA British Drag Racing Championship begins - Top Alcohol (Methanol) is designated championship class (1993).

Santa Pod acquires new owners, a syndicate led by Keith Bartlett (1996).

Andy Robinson becomes UK Pro Mod Champion, sets European best marks 6.78/205 (1997). UK's first 4sec Top Fuel Dragster ET - barry sheavills, 4.97/297.19 (1998).

Junior Dragster class is launched.

2000's

Eurodragster.com begins online coverage of drag racing (2000).

Mark Hill clocks his first 5sec Jet Car pass by non-US driver (2001).

Santa Pod stages first Jap Show event (2004), launches Live Action Arena (2005).

Susanne Callin becomes Europe's first 300mph teenager (2005).

The Barn, Santa Pod's dilapidated covered terrace is demolished (2007).

2010's

Santa Pod launches Dragstalgia historic event (2011). Bankside VIP/Quartermile Club hospitality centre opens (2011).

1,000 feet adopted by FIA as Top Fuel Dragster racing distance (2012). Nitro Funny Cars follow in 2014.

Drifting: US star Ken Block competes at Santa Pod in Gymkhana Grand Final (2012). 2013, Podington Airfield war memorial is unveiled. Junior drag racing Fun Day is launched.

Santa Pod instals new finish-line gantry (2015). After several asphalt resurfacings in its lifetime, Santa Pod acquaire a full concrete track. A complete excavation removes all layers of previous track and even the original airfield runway beneath them (2018).

2020's

Covid strikes. After initial lockdown, Santa Pod developes retailed soccial-distancing protocols which allow it to resume racing and admit limited spectator numbers (2020-21).

"Crazy Frenchman" Eric Teboul and his ricket-powered bike clock quikest, festest twi-wheeled quarter-mile ever, anywhere - 4.976sec/290.51mph, then retires (2022).