Fireforce in Scotland
Jet car to blast up runway
A Scottish airfield, RAF Edzell, built at the start of World War I, a base used by Spitfires, Hurricanes, Mosquitos and bombers during the Second World War, will see a jet blast up its runway for the very first time in its 92 year history.
Although the jet powered machine, Fireforce, will not be taking off from the mile long runway, the 10,000 bhp car will be the first ever jet engine to burst up the air strip, as part of a special new car event, which takes place at the site for the first time on Sunday 14th March 2004.
The first ever 'Race to the Base' Edzell 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.
The Edzell runway has been used in the past as a drag strip by the ex US personnel, however, this is the first time it has been open to the public for drag racing. William Robertson is confident that the Angus base will prove a popular venue for enthusiasts. "Edzell is a fantastic location as a drag strip. It's a great opportunity for car or bike users who want to test the power of their vehicles in a safe, off road environment.
"It is set up as a 'Run what you brung' format and we have specially built, state of the art timing equipment from the States which allows anyone with a vehicle and a license to feel the thrill of a drag strip environment." RAF Edzell was taken over by the US Navy in 1960 for US Naval Security Group Activity, which by the time it closed in 1997 had expanded to include a new school, housing and sports facilities for population of over 2000 people.
The US base sparked huge interest over its 37 year contribution to the Cold War, including intercepting electronic data and signals, mostly from Soviet ships, submarines, aircraft and ground units.
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.
Managing Director, Alan Carnegie, commented: "We have run bike, tractor pulling and rally events over the last couple of years, but this is the first time we have seen drag racing. The mile long runway is ideal for this type of event and we look forward to getting Edzell up and running as a popular playground for every type of motoring enthusiast.
"Fireforce is guaranteed to be a big pull for crowds and it'll be great to see a jet engine power up the strip for the first time in the base's history."
The 10,000 hp, jet powered, saloon bodied car, Fireforce 2, which can deliver blistering speeds of over 270mph, is making its first appearance at Edzell which last year pulled in a time of 7.8 seconds over the 1/4 mile at Crail.
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 www.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.
grahambell said:
Agreed. Seen it run several times. Amazing sight, amazing sound, amazing experience.
Always loved watching the jets do their thing. Not seen Firestorm in the flesh yet, as it tends to run at non FIA events and mainly at SCR, but seen both Fireforce cars plenty of times. Number one was mental enough, but Fireforce 2 is in another league totally. Especially like the afterburner pops that make the control tower at SPR shake!
I remember the late Sammy Miller (sadly missed rocket FC hero) saying it was his ambition to blow out the control tower windows at SPR, and it seems Martin Hill has decided to take up the challenge too. Absolutely mental piece of machinery.
But I can't
Needless to say it is very very very fast and very very very loud
chick47 said:
The Jet Force team have been doing crail for ages I have seen it with my own eyes and I even have It on Video Recorder. Check the gallery at www.crailraceway.co.uk, They haven't been there there for a few months but it is nothing new.
Needless to say it is very very very fast and very very very loud
You want to see them running at Santa Pod....
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