A unique jet powered quad bike 'Pyromaniac', will blast into Aberdeen today for the first time, to perform a new stunt, never performed in the UK before, in preparation for this Sunday's (August 29th 2004) 'Race to the Base' event at Edzell.
Pyromaniac - which was developed in Holland, and is driven by a Rolls Royce helicopter, jet engine, complete with afterburner - will attempt a 360 degree spin, which pilot, Michel Kooy, has never been done in the UK before.
Told by Rolls Royce engineers that it was impossible, the Dutch team behind the 400 kilos, 1400 hp, jet quad, modified it from a free power turbine, which normally drives the rotors, into a jet engine complete with afterburner.
With the ability to accelerate to 60 mph in just one second, Kooy, will attempt the 360 spin in Aberdeen at a specially selected area close to the beach, and if successful, will perform the stunt for crowds on Sunday, as part of an interactive fire show, set to take place at the Edzell former air base.
Kooy is confident that he will be able to complete the spin, he comments: "I think we'll do it this time. The 360 spin is a difficult manoeuvre and I haven't done it in the UK before, due to weather and space limitations.
"Some people say I need serious medication, but there's no doubt that it's a real crowd pleaser. Huge, long flames from the jet-pipe, speed, fire and the sound of a jet fighter. What more could you ask for?"
The 'Race to the Base' event - expected to the biggest crowd puller at the site this year, covered by the 'Fast and Modified' magazine - 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.
Meanwhile, the 10,000 hp, jet powered, saloon bodied car, Fireforce will make a return appearance at the base. Able to deliver blistering speeds of over 270mph, the jet car was unable to run at Edzell earlier in the year, due to difficult weather conditions.
Joining the jet action will be Terry Grant, one of Europe's leading stunt drivers, who will perform at Ezell for the first time. Holding 11 world records, including leaving the driving seat, climbing over the roof and returning to his seat through the passenger window, twice in one minute, all while the car performs a donut, Grant is sponsored by BF Goodrich and Blackpool based sports car manufacturers TVR.
Now recognized as one of the top stunt drivers in the world, Grant will amaze crowds with his internationally acclaimed show, incorporating the 350 bhp TVR Tamora and Legend, 1937 Ford Sedan.
Edzell - Scotland's northern drag strip - 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.
The only requirement to take part at Edzell is a valid UK driving licence, 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 9:00am, the strip at 9:30am. The drag strip will remain open till 6:00pm. Adults £10:00, Children £5:00.
