May 1, 2008 8:25 AM by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen Filed Under: General
The Torpedo Run could be loosely compared to the (in)famous Gumball 3000 which was cancelled half-way through after a fatal accident in Macedonia. The comparison starts and ends with fancy cars, the main difference between the two events lies in the fact that the Torpedo Run is not a race and is solely aimed at automotive passion in its purest form.
Starting at Ahaus on September 12 2008, the Torpedo Run will take the caravan through Paris, Lyon and will eventually reach St Tropez on September 14 2008. Participants will be able to enjoy mountain roads, luxury hotels, fine cuisine and maybe most importantly no hassles from the police since the Torpedo Run management have official clearance from the concerned authorities.
There are no car classifications during the run, all that counts in your passion for driving whether in a new or old supercar, luxury sedan or classic. Last year the impressive line-up included Ferrari F430, Corvette Z06, Lamborghini Diablo SV, Porsche Carrera GT, Wiesmann and Mini Cooper S among others.
Entry costs Euro 3,850 per car (Euro 1,925 per person) and includes everything except gasoline. Participants are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
Torpedo Run 2008: The Paradise for automotive Lifestyle
The paradise for automotive lifestyle has a name: Torpedo Run. This years’ Torpedo Run (www.torpedorun.com) will be held between 12th September 2008 and 14th September 2008. For the fourth year in succession, car enthusiasts can look forward to exclusive lifestyle and an extraordinary mobile party. Torpedo Run is not a race. So the organizers got the official go of the government and administrative authority.
Starting in Ahaus, North of Düsseldorf (Germany), the participants drive to Paris, the luxury capital of France. From thence across the land of the volcanos to Lyon. Before arriving at St. Tropez, the embodiment of jet set tourism at the French Riviera, the drivers will experience thrilling mountain roads and impressive massifs. Each night the Torpedo Runners will stay in luxury hotels, revel in culinary pleasures and celebrate eccentric parties - the cream of the crop.
Cars who join the Torpedo Run are not classified. Whether you are driving a new sportscar, a luxury sedan or a classical car - your passion for the Torpedo Run is what counts. Last year the grid included cars like Mini Cooper S, Hummer H2, Ferrari F430, Corvette Z06, Porsche 997 Turbo as well as Lamborghini Diablo SV and Porsche Carrera GT.
The locations and venues this year are something not to be missed. The motto “Torpedo Run in the altitudes” runs through the events. New challenges and exclusive events are going to await the participants at all times.
The sign-in takes place at the Tobit.Elements in Ahaus, Germany. There the Torpedo Runners become a pilot and get to know what it means to dash an aircraft with high speed over the rooftops of famous cities. The simulators allow unlimited twists of 360 degrees over the roll as well as over the pitch axes - a real adrenaline rush.
12th September 2008: Ahaus (Germany) - Paris (France)
On the first day the Torpedo Runners drive from Ahaus to Paris, the impressive capital of France. This fascinating metropolis has its own legendary charme and belongs to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This luxury city is known for glamour and culinary extravaganze. But before arriving in Paris the participants can look forward to an altitude event loaded with action and fun - probably in a way you have not experienced before.
13th September 2008: Paris (France) - Lyon (France)
From Paris the Torpedo Run continues to the land of the volcanos, a circumscription for the the big Massif Central mountains fascinating by extincted volcanos, glittering crater lakes, impressive volcanic cones and wild gorges. Already the streets of the Massif Central offer drivers a lot of fun. But the Torpedo Run stops in the mountains for a breath-taking event.
From thence the Torpedo Runners drive to Lyon, the French capital of gastronomy. Reasons enough to taste the delicous gourmet food - a pleasure for the fastidious palates. Furthermore Lyon is the number 2 of France concerning the variety of nightlife. There the participants celebrate a wild party and stay overnight.
14th September 2008: Lyon (France) - St. Tropez (France)
Torpedo Run follows the roads to elegant St. Tropez. But before arriving at the Mediterranean coast the drivers will spectacularly conquer the winding and attractive mountain roads of the Western Alps. It is hard to describe the amazing scenery. You have to experience it by yourself - like the daily event located in the mountains. Though the organizers are still keeping some surprises.
St. Tropez is known for its party life and the luxury yachts in the port and the famous Baie de Pampelonne, the biggest sandy beach of the French Riviera. This town offers the perfect atmosphere for the Grand Final, including a delicious gala dinner, where the Torpedo Runners can exchange their experiences of a great weekend.
It's not a race, just a tour? Far more sensible- I just hope that people resist the temptation to speed