The runway: perfect for testing your top speed
Short of a run out to Germany (or a permanent move there) there aren’t many places you can go to wind your car up to its Vmax, especially if your pride and joy has a potential top speed that begins with a two.
Even then, the idea of a ratty Transit meandering into the fast lane at 80mph while you’re closing in at 180mph is going to give even the ballsiest driver something to think about.
Thanks to BAA, though, there is now a safer option. Edinburgh airport is holding a charity event called ‘Race the Runway’ in support of Edinburgh-based St Columba's Hospice. As the name implies, this is a chance to fling your car down a 2km stretch of the runway at Edinburgh airport, both in a straight line and on a slalom course. Cars will be timed on both runs and their maximum speeds clocked, with a prize awarded to the fastest time of the day.
Participants and guests will also get a tour of the air traffic control tower, and be fully kitted out in aviation firefighter breathing apparatus to be taken through a fire simulation exercise (though presumably not at the same time as the tour of the control tower).
If you want to have a go at ‘racing the runway’, there is a minimum charity donation of £250, with a minimum donation of £50 for guests.
The event will take place on the afternoon/evening of Thursday 24 September from 3.30pm, with the first cars hitting the runway at 4pm.
Places for both guests and drivers are limited, so if you want a go, and to find out more information, call Maggie Grieve on 0131 551 7731.