Bombardier Transatlantic Express service whisks NASCAR stars Jimmie Johnson and Casey Mears to Paris
NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson and Casey Mears today arrived at the Stade de France in record time, refreshed and ready to represent the United States and NASCAR at the 17th annual Race of Champions (ROC). Bombardier, a major supporter of motorsport racing, sponsored the flight.
The drivers flew directly to Paris from NASCAR's season-ending gala awards banquet in New York City with the Bombardier Transatlantic Express, a new service that capitalizes on the high-speed and long-range of the pioneering Bombardier Global business jets to connect North America and Europe faster than any civil aircraft since the Concorde.
Most of the flight was conducted at speeds exceeding March 0.88 (562 mph; 904 km/h).
"It would have been impossible to attend both the gala and also participate in the Race of Champions had we not flown in this remarkable aircraft," remarked Jimmie Johnson, who captured second place in the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. "This is the fastest trip I've ever had across the Atlantic Ocean."
The Bombardier Transatlantic Express offers fast, flexible, world-class charter service for people whose schedules cannot be compromised. The speed and comfort of the Bombardier Global Express were necessary to meet the driver's tight schedule requirements: a midnight departure, with arrival in Paris on time and fully rested in order to participate in the race.
Bombardier is a growing supporter of motorsports. It is a long-standing partner and sponsor of Kelley Racing and Marlboro Team Penske of the Indy Racing League and, in 2002, became a major sponsor of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation.
"Our commitment to motorsports reflects Bombardier's passion for performance, precision and innovative design," declared James Hoblyn, vice-president, Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft, adding that Bombardier Learjet, Challenger and Global jets are the most widely used corporate aircraft among top-tier motorsports teams in the U.S. "We are proud to now further this relationship by escorting Team USA to the Race of Champions via the Transatlantic Express," he stated.
About the Race of Champions
The ROC has developed into a truly international event, bringing together stars not only from rallying, but also from international car and bike racing. A highlight is the ROC Nation's Cup where teams from countries worldwide compete for the title of the "World's Fastest Nation."
This year, for the first time, top drivers from NASCAR, Formula One and the World Rally Championship will lead their nations.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2004, were $15.5 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier Learjet, Challenger, and Global are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
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For information
Leo Knaapen
Manager, media relations
514-855-7988
Leo.Knaapen@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com