LITLINGTON drag racer Ian King was just short of his own track record when winning his class in Finland at the Alastaro meet.

Royston Crow: Drag racer Ian King. Picture courtesy of Ivan and Rose HughesDrag racer Ian King. Picture courtesy of Ivan and Rose Hughes (Image: Archant)

The Gulf Oil Dragracing – Grand Prix Originals team made the long trip to the `land of the midnight sun’ knowing that they would be unlikely to build on their historic 5 second performance at the previous event at Tierp in Sweden.

Although the Alastaro event is one of the favourites on their tour, the tricky track traditionally lacks the traction and topography required to run world class times.

However, the enthusiastic fans, unique setting and friendly track officials make it an enjoyable experience nonetheless.

And so it proved with many of the top teams unable to conquer the vagaries of the track and the exceptionally warm conditions.

The class was led from the very first qualifier by King setting low ET and high speed of the event with a stout 6.244secs @ 227mph, not far behind their own track record of 6.19 secs set here last year.