(Photos at bottom of page)

Euros Day 1 [Monday 23rd July]

Monday is practice only which is to be un-timed - but it appears that anyone with a personal transponder in the car is counting so their times are available on the large plasma screens in the pitting area. Those without a Personal Transponder are able to borrow one for the duration of the event for free by exchanging their EFRA licence at scrutineering. Of course there is some talk that some of the top drivers are not giving away their lap times to the opposition and disconnecting the PT for this practice - whether that's true or not we'll have to see.

The first round of practice was on a slightly damp track but this dried up quickly so the second was pretty much dry. Grip levels are good but not fantastic right now.

	Richard Barton
Jimmy with a 'media pass' wow	Craig Drescher
Hupo over the big jump

The sun had been out all morning but the clouds started to appear at the end of the second round of practice and seem to be increasing . Cars wandering off the racing line were treated to an increasingly deep pile of dust.

The wireless internet connection which had been working early in the day failed toward the end of the second round - some were still able to connect but many weren't. The organisers tried a lot of things but couldn't solve the problem. They said tomorrow they will bring a cable over to my table which was rather nice of them!

The organisers are doing a great job - 110 staff are in attendence over the week to creat a great Euros, and they can't seem to do enough for the racers. Still the atmosphere isn't quite the same as last years event which featured the vocal talents of Scotty Ernst from the USA, commentating on the race. I got told today Scotty will be here tonight and will be doing his thing on the Mic from tomorrow - we'll see if it happens!

A local Finnish driver, Kenneth Sodergard has been driving his own creation today for the first time, and what a first time to test a new car. The car is a mix of Tamiya 501X and Associated B4, along with a whole host of custom machined aluminium parts and carbon fibre. Kenneths brother Bjorn Sodergard designed the car, which uses a short HPI belt to transfer the power to the rear diff from the layshaft. 5 Cells are used along with a 6.5 GM brushless system. Unfortunately the alloy front bulkhead wasn't strong enough for the drivers ambition and the car was put out of action before it really had much chance to show what it could do. Hopefully the car will be seen again soon but sadly not at the Euros 2007.

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This being practice day, it wasn't easy to see who was fast or not - but Neil Cragg and Paul Bradby both looked pretty dialled on the track. In the last practice round of the day, it was worth noting that the 2005 Champion Neil Cragg was able to catch and pass 2006 and current Champion Hupo Honigl - but this being practice neil immediately pulled the car off for a tyre change (to scrub some new tyres for tomorrows qualifiers) The last practice heat - some of the Finnish drivers are well versed on this track. Neil Cragg seems to be quicker than most though.

The first day of the Championships always holds an opening ceremony - which is usually pretty 'cheezy' and more than a little awkward for all but the most patriotic and proud. An 'Olympic Games' style procession of teams held to that countries national anthem took place, with teams lining up on the tracks main straight. Some Teams like the Finnish and British were huge - whilst others like the Russians had only 2 (one racing). The organisers said a few words then the Mayor of Vaasa took over giving the entire history of Vaasa including modern political situation and a full run down on the current economic 'good times' which the area enjoys. This wasn't really expected and in the hot sun it seemed to drag on a little - but it showed just how enthusiastic the local area is to have the mayor raving on about how a World Championships would be nice here. Some of the cars lined up The opening ceremony lasted a while!

The Atomic Carbon S2 looks great around the Euro track	Craig Drescher is racing both classes

After a long day of practice, many drivers were still at the track at 8pm when we left, preparing cars and tyres. The organisers have 24 hour security so many left their racing gear in the pitting tent - or only took the essentials.
Tomorrow there will be two timed practice rounds - the second timed to give the start order in each heat. This will be followed by the first three rounds of qualifying. Tomorrow we'll see just who is fastest and get a good idea of who can win this event.