Motoring News

PLANE GOOD FUN FOR CHARITY
PLANE GOOD FUN FOR CHARITY

FIGHTER jets have been going head-to-head with some of the fastest cars in the world as part of a special charity challenge.

Top pilots from The Royal Air Force 43 (Fighter) Squadron were racing four Tornado F3 aircraft against a fleet of 23 cars at RAF Leuchars in Fife.

The event, which took place down the runway at the Scottish air base, was organised to raise money for Help for Heroes, the charity for wounded servicemen and women.

The vehicles were being driven by specialist drivers, along with three daredevil members of the public who bid at auction for their place behind the wheel.

The fundraiser came about after personnel at RAF Leuchars hired one of Rio Prestige Performance's cars for a function.

Military personnel later contacted the company with their idea for the daring event.

RAF Leuchars spokesman, Squadron Leader Keith Wardlaw said: "RAF Leuchars flying squadrons are always looking for innovative ways to raise money for charity.

"The partnership with RIO provides not only participation and an exciting spectacle, but the chance to raise thousands of pounds for a charity all service personnel identify with."

Rio Prestige general manager Edward Legge added: "This is a really exciting event that will hopefully raise a lot of money for a good cause."

News in Brief

ROADS WORSE DESPITE ANTI-JAM PLEDGE

ROADS WORSE DESPITE ANTI-JAM PLEDGE

TRAFFIC jams on Britain's major roads have got worse despite a Government pledge to ease congestion. The Times newspaper said official figures showed the average motorist now spent an extra 10 seconds...

LONGBRIDGE TO MAKE SPORTS CARS AGAIN

LONGBRIDGE TO MAKE SPORTS CARS AGAIN

A START date has been set for the production of MG cars at the Longbridge plant. Chinese owners SAIC/Nanjing said they will begin producing an MG sports car, the TF LE500, at the Birmingham factory in...

'FAILED FIRMS' CHOSEN AS M25 CONTRACT FRONT-RUNNERS

'FAILED FIRMS' CHOSEN AS M25 CONTRACT FRONT-RUNNERS

POLITICIANS and green groups have heavily criticised the choice of "failed companies" as the preferred bidder for a huge road-widening contract for the UK's busiest route. The Liberal Democrats and the...

MOTOR INSURERS' CLAIMS COSTS SET TO 'ESCALATE'

MOTOR INSURERS' CLAIMS COSTS SET TO 'ESCALATE'

SOARING personal injury claims look set to push up motor insurers' claims costs by 28% during the coming five years, a new report has claimed. The amount motor insurers pay out in claims looks set to jump...

CAR SALES UP ON LAST YEAR, SAY TRADERS

CAR SALES UP ON LAST YEAR, SAY TRADERS

CAR buyers shrugged off rocketing fuel prices and the credit crunch by purchasing an increased number of new motors in April, it has been revealed. With consumers opting for fuel-economic diesel-powered...

THIRD OF COUPLES ROW WHEN DRIVING ABROAD

THIRD OF COUPLES ROW WHEN DRIVING ABROAD

MORE than a third of couples argue when driving abroad, a new poll has shown. Arguments behind the wheel are second only to rows about money for UK travellers, the survey from car rental company easyCar.com...

'GREEN' CAR TOPS SATISFACTION POLL

'GREEN' CAR TOPS SATISFACTION POLL

THE HYBRID electric Toyota Prius is not only tops for being a "green" car but is also the vehicle drivers are most happy with, a major customer-satisfaction survey has revealed. The ultra-low emission...

MAJOR SHAKE UP FOR LEARNER DRIVERS

MAJOR SHAKE UP FOR LEARNER DRIVERS

MAJOR changes to the driving test and the driver learning process, including a star-rating system for instructors, have been proposed by the Government. Aimed at reducing the high accident rate among young...

GERMAN AND JAPANESE SUCCESS AT ENGINE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

GERMAN AND JAPANESE SUCCESS AT ENGINE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

BMW, Volkswagen and Subaru have all received recognition at the International Engine of the Year awards for 2008. Winning the outright title for the fourth year in a row, BMW's 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged...

NUL POINTS FOR UK MOT RATES

NUL POINTS FOR UK MOT RATES

MORE than 20% of cars fail their first MoT test, giving the UK one of the worst records in Europe, figures have revealed. In 2007, a total of 21.6% of three-year-old vehicles in the UK did not pass the...