Don't talk to Darryl about the hot seat!

FOR local dragster driver Darryl Bradford, being in the "hot seat" has taken on a literal meaning.

Not once this season but twice, Darryl's drag strip outings have ended in a fireball.

In the world of 300mph FIA drag racing, the phrase "hero to zero" applies to anyone who competes no matter who they are.

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Darryl, from Little Common,has suffered to very recent "zero" moments in his 7,000 horsepower dragster.

Racing against the defending FIA European Champion Andy Carter in the B&Q-sponsored car, Darryl was ahead until the engine let go in a huge "fireball."

Darryl stayed calm and rode the flaming car at over 200 mph before coming to a safe stop and climbing out to survey the damage.

"I couldn't see him and I knew I was ahead so I kept my foot down! I had no idea at all I was on fire until I was slowing and could smell burning and realised it was me," said Darryl.

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Top fuel dragsters are the fastest racecars in the world, with mind-boggling acceleration figures of 0-100mph in less than one second, and to 300 mph in under five seconds.

The FIA European Championship which Darryl competes in is a hard-fought series with big prizes and a trip to Monaco with the likes of Schumacher for the year end victor.

Being a local, self funded team competing against well funded teams such as the B&Q car, Darryl and co. are looking for any firms or even individuals to assist them with their dream of challenging for the title.

Right now the biggest fight is to get the car race-ready again in time for the FIA European Finals at Santa Pod in September, and Darryl would love to hear from anyone, no matter how small who would be willing to follow the dream with them!

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When not driving the car, Darryl can be seen presenting the tv coverage of the sport on sky, channel 5 and Eurosport which is always a valuable outlet for any sponsor.

He says: "Its all won and lost in the most intense 5 seconds of your life, but the feeling of achievement and exhilaration is unmatched in motorsports and I can't wait to do it again."

Anyone who would like to assist the team in any way is invited to contact Darryl by email on [email protected] or phone 07739 259916.

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