UEM SUPER TWIN BIKE (AS IN V-TWIN)

Whilst Charley Karling takes his time building a new direct drive, the Uddeholm blower Harley made only one appearance on the UEM tour at Mantorp. This was hardly a low key effort as Karling punted out a new Mantorp track record 6.546 to head what was close to Europe's first all six second Super Twin field.

Another former Super Twin Champion running a restricted season in 2005 is Per Bengtsson and the Bentec Beast - loosely based on a Triumph Twin with a blower. Bengtsson paced the Norwegian field with a 6.739. With another three bikes in the 6.7s and proven six second runners sitting outside the field after just the two qualifiers, another opportunity was missed.

Having been close to the title in each of the past two seasons, Ronnie Aasen maintained a slight lead in the points chase through the wet in Sweden and Norway. The Norwegian's consistent 6.7 performance from his PRP powered mount will look to hold off the challenge of reigning champ Ton Pels as the series moves on to Hockenheim.

TOP METHANOL DRAGSTER

Dave Wilson again stamped his authority all over the Top Methanol Dragster field, top qualifying in both Sweden and Norway with hardly a run outside of the 5.4 bracket. The team are still looking for a 5.3 ticket in Europe, but this will merely be the gloss on yet another banner year for Wilson and team co-owner Anthony Cohen.