The former US airbase at Edzell will celebrate this year’s 4th of July with an explosive performance from the record breaking jet car, Fireforce II, which will blast its way up the runways this Sunday.
The monthly ‘Race to the Base’ event, hopes to draw thousands of spectators on Independence Day, to view the 10,000 hp, jet powered, saloon bodied car, which can deliver blistering speeds of over 270mph.
The jet car made its first appearance at Edzell at the start of the year, however, due to difficult weather conditions could not reach its maximum potential on the mile long runways. Driver Martin Hill is confident that this time Fireforce II will put in better performance. “If the weather holds out we can guarantee speeds of between 190-200 mph which would mean that Fireforce II is covering an 1/8 mile in just 4 seconds” he said.
The event, is organised by William Robertson, owner of the Fife based World War II airfield at Crail - Scotland’s Drag Strip - who has been successfully running the country’s largest modified car events for the last six years. He comments: “We are delighted that Edzell is proving such a popular venue for enthusiasts. It’s a fantastic location as a drag strip and a great opportunity for car or bike users who want to test the power of their vehicles in a safe, off road environment.
This will be the first ‘Race to the Base’ event, at Scotland’s northern drag strip, which will have a specially designated area for clubs and trade stands as well as a number of other static events such as the ‘Show & Shine’ competition.
The site, which lies two miles from the A90 between Dundee and Aberdeen, is currently owned by DM Carnegie, of Steelstrath Laurencekirk and is used for manufacturing oil services and storage.
Enthusiasts will also have the chance to see the both jet cars, Fireforce I & II, as part of a static display at the Arbroath Sea Front Spectacular the day before Edzell’s Race to the Base, Saturday 3rd July, from 11:00 till 17:30.
Drivers can experience up to 4G during acceleration and 7G decelerating Fireforce 2, which is fitted with an engine originally from a Sikorsky CH-54A or Skycrane Helicopter, and can reach an estimated 270mph in five seconds.
The only requirement to take part at Edzell is a valid UK driving licence, £7 for admission and a £15 signing-on fee, which entitles participants to unlimited runs. At the end of the day personal performance print-outs showing reaction times to the start lights, 60', 1/4 mile times, and top speed will be given out – personal times can also be easily accessed through crailraceway.co.uk
Gates open 9.30am, the strip at 10am. The drag strip will remain open till 4pm. Adults £7:00, children £3:00.
