The FIA European Drag Racing Championship heads to Germany for the NitrOlympX at the Rico Anthes Quartermile of the HockenheimRing on 21-23 August, with championship battles tightening across all four categories.

Although Susanne Callin (Top Fuel), Timo Habermann (Top Methanol) and Andres Arnover (Pro Modified) all retained their championship leads after Tierp Arena, none managed to convert that advantage into victory in Sweden. In Pro Stock, meanwhile, Jimmy Ålund moved to the top of the standings despite still searching for his first win of the season.

CALLIN LEADS, BUT HOME HERO ERBACHER AND RISING STAR MILLAR KEEP TITLE FIGHT OPEN
Reigning champion Susanne Callin arrives at Hockenheim leading the Top Fuel standings after victory at Santa Pod and a runner-up finish at Tierp. However, her advantage is far from secure after rookie Colin Millar claimed his maiden FIA European Top Fuel victory in Sweden, becoming the first Scottish driver to win in the category.

Just 30 points separate the RF Motorsport team-mates, while 2024 champion Jndia Erbacher returns for her home event looking to reignite her title challenge after skipping the Swedish round.

HABERMANN RETURNS HOME ON TOP AS BRYNTESSON CLOSES IN
Top Methanol leader Timo Habermann heads into his home race determined to maintain the momentum from his successful return to championship competition. The three-time European champion won at Santa Pod but was denied a second consecutive final appearance victory at Tierp after engine damage prevented him from starting the final.

That opened the door for Tony Bryntesson, whose victory in Sweden reduced Habermann's championship advantage to just 16 points. With two rounds remaining after Hockenheim, the German-Swedish battle could prove decisive in the title race.

FOUR POINTS BETWEEN ARNOVER AND RANTANIEMI
Pro Modified promises one of the closest contests of the weekend. Championship leader Andres Arnover and reigning champion Jere Rantaniemi are separated by only four points after the Finn defeated the Estonian in the Tierp final.

Behind them, Michel Tooren and Stian Rusånes remain within striking distance after strong performances in recent rounds, ensuring that the fight for both victory and championship points is likely to be fiercely contested at Hockenheim.

Several established contenders, including David Vegter, Marck Harteveld and Bruno Bader, will also be eager to revive their campaigns before the championship reaches its finale at Santa Pod.

ÅLUND HEADS A FOUR-WAY FIGHT
Consistency rather than victories has put Jimmy Ålund on top of the Pro Stock standings. The 13-time European champion has yet to win a race in 2026, but a runner-up finish at Santa Pod and a semi-final appearance at Tierp have carried him into the championship lead.

Just 30 points cover the top four drivers, with Tierp winner Simon Ekengren, Santa Pod victor Stefan Ernryd and reigning champion Robin Norén all firmly in contention. With so little separating the leading quartet, Hockenheim could prove a pivotal weekend in deciding the destination of the title.

Qualifying for the NitrOlympX begins on Friday, 21 August, before eliminations take place on Sunday, 23 August.