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High flying super cars take on jet fighter
Michael Bettencourt
Globe and Mail
02 Sept 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/auto-news/high-flying-super-cars-take-on-jet-fighter/article1694138/
Michael Bettencourt
Globe and Mail
02 Sept 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/auto-news/high-flying-super-cars-take-on-jet-fighter/article1694138/
A speed-centric charity event at the Canadian Forces Base in Cold Lake, Alberta, last weekend pitted a variety of super-cars in top speed runs on the base's long runways, highlighted by a drag race between an F-18 Hornet and a modified 860-hp Ferrari Enzo.
Drivers paid $1,500 for the rare opportunity to drive their Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati (MC12!), Porsche or other high-performance vehicle to its top speed on one of the longest patches of pavement in the country (it was $2,000 if they wanted to bring a passenger). Spectators were sold tickets to watch the event, with the proceeds going to four different charities.
The event was organized by Lt.-Col. Rob Carter and ZR Auto, a Calgary exotic car dealer and tuning shop. It allowed owners to experience their cars' ultimate performance without having to worry about safety, tickets or car-confiscation penalties. The drivers received specialized training and practice sessions, while the weekend of events included a car show and parade, and an appearance by the Snow Birds four-plane PR team.
But the highlight of the event was the Grand Finale, which pitted the F-18 Hornet in a drag race against the mean yellow twin turbocharged Ferrari Enzo, run by ZR Auto owner Zahir Rana. Rana told the Edmonton Journal that the car has reached 392 km/h in testing in Germany, which is about 50 km/h faster than the takeoff speed of a fully loaded Airbus A330 airliner.
Large screens were set up with video feeds from inside the cockpits of both speed machines, allowing spectators to see what such acceleration and speed looks like from the pilot and driver's point of view. One hundred cars were allowed into the event, which benefited the Military Families Support Society, Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, Bonnyville Health Foundation and Hearts for Health Care.