Santa Pod Raceway’s annual Doorslammers event once again delivered one of the most explosive weekends on the European drag racing calendar, as competitors battled for a share of a staggering £100,000 prize fund across a variety of fiercely contested classes.
Widely regarded as one of the most anticipated events on the Santa Pod schedule, Doorslammers brings together some of Europe’s quickest and most powerful door cars — and with huge money on the line, there was little room for mistakes.
From Pro Modified monsters to Front-Wheel Drive contenders and the ever-popular True Street category, the weekend showcased an eclectic mix of machinery and relentless competition.
The headline act came in the Pro Doorslammers Pro Modified category, where drivers consistently laid down blistering five-second passes throughout the weekend.
In the final, Andres Arnover emerged victorious after defeating Andy Robinson, producing a stunning 5.7-second pass at 259mph to seal one of the biggest wins of the weekend.
Another standout performance came in the fiercely competitive 5-6 Cylinder class, where Konstantin Dinev claimed victory in his brutal five-cylinder Audi S2 after an impressive weekend of racing.
But while the on-track action delivered plenty of drama, one of the weekend’s most compelling stories emerged away from the strip.
Poised and ready to go - Ben Feetham
Pitlane had the opportunity to sit down exclusively with legendary DJ and motorsport enthusiast Carl Cox, who spoke candidly about his growing commitment to supporting young talent through his involvement in junior drag racing.
Cox explained that his decision to sponsor Santa Pod’s junior classes came from a deeply personal place.
“Giving people the opportunities that I never had.”
He admitted the motivation was driven by what he described as an “almost frustration” after seeing talented young racers and their families struggle to fund their ambitions.
Watching parents work tirelessly to keep their children competing left a lasting impression on him — and it became something he felt compelled to help change.
His support extends beyond financial backing.
Cox revealed that Carl Cox Motorsport is also helping young racers build their personal brands through social media exposure.
“One thing we are doing is helping them with the Carl Cox Motorsport socials.”
In modern motorsport, visibility can be just as important as funding, and Cox believes his platform can help open doors for young competitors looking to progress through the ranks.
He also highlighted his desire to see greater female representation in motorsport’s future.
“We wanna see more females, for instance.”
Speaking on the wider importance of youth development, Cox stressed that grassroots racing remains the foundation of future success.
“You’ve gotta have some kind of academy.”
“It has to come from grassroots first — and that’s where I’ll step in.”
His commitment to developing talent also stretches beyond drag racing.
Since 2013, Cox has also operated the Carl Cox Cup, while continuing to support multiple female riders in motorcycle competition.
Andres, Andy and Konstantin - Ben Feetham
When asked whether motorsport or music came first in his life, Cox admitted his love for racing has always been there.
He described himself as someone who always wanted to perform — whether that meant behind the decks or behind the wheel.
“I always enjoyed putting on a performance in anything.”
“I’ve always enjoyed competitive sports.”
He also spoke passionately about his admiration for sidecar racing, calling it one of motorsport’s most underrated disciplines.
“Seeing two guys, girls, husbands and wives going around these corners hanging on for dear life…”
Having experienced life both on the bike and inside the sidecar tray himself, Cox said it gave him an even greater appreciation for the bravery involved.
Ultimately, despite building Carl Cox Motorsport for his own competitive ambitions, his wider purpose has evolved.
"I set up Carl Cox Motorsport for myself, but outside of that I’m able to help others in their quest to do well.”
At an event built around raw horsepower, huge prize money and elite-level competition, Santa Pod also provided a timely reminder that motorsport’s future depends just as much on those willing to invest in the next generation.
And this weekend, alongside the fire-breathing machinery and five-second passes, that may have been the most important story of all.
From jet cars to high performance FWD diesels.. doorslammers has it all - Ben Feetham
ARTICLE SPONSORED BY SPONSORS4RACING
