Where there is smoke, there is fire

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amy Abbott
  • 452 AMW/PA
   It's loud, very loud. But  even more impressive than the thunderous roar it liberates from its 10,000 horsepower engine, is the other facet it's known for - its speed. Fast just isn't descriptive enough. 
   The Air Force Reserve Jet Car, which can accelerate from zero to 400 mph in eight seconds, took its first test drive of the season last week at March.  Revving up the engine and spewing fire down the flight line, driver Bill Braack and his team tested the speeding bullet on wheels before starting this year's season of touring. 
   The jet car is used as a promotional tool for the Air Force Reserve and many of the stops this year will be at air shows on the East Coast, starting with Georgia.  As Mr. Braack, a retired Air Force Reservist, explained the car goes wherever the Air Force needs it. 
   At the air shows where it is featured, it gives a spectacular performance of sheer speed and skill.  Car and driver wait on the open tarmac as a designated aircraft approaches at a low altitude overhead.  As soon as the plane passes the car, Mr. Braack lets loose his speed demon and races it down the runway 2,000 feet, leaving behind a thick cloud of smoke, a wild display of crimson flames and, typically, the aircraft that dared to test it.
   Applying the philosophy, if you feed them they will come, this year Air Force Reserve
Command has also decided to add a bonus feature to the performance.  While the jet car sits for viewing by the public at the various upcoming air shows, celebrated Chef Marc will be at the vehicle cooking up delectable treats and attracting attention with his aromatic presence. 
  Combining an extreme speed-mobile with a world renowned chef will offer more than just "fast" food, but an opportunity to spread the word about the world's greatest Air Force and the continuous mission its reservists are supporting around the globe.  
   In addition to giving the car a test run, while the team was at March they also shot some film for an upcoming segment on the food channel as well as for Air Force Reserve promotional pieces.