Countdown to Cannonball: Supercar event to visit Athlone area on Saturday morning

The popular Cannonball supercar spectacle begins its three-day road trip today (Friday), with the 1,500hp Bugatti Chiron Sport 'hypercar' among the vehicles taking part for the first time.

The family-friendly fundraiser continues throughout the weekend, with a couple of prominent pitstops in the Midlands.

The first day set to finish in Tullamore town at approximately 6pm this evening, Friday, while day two will commence at the Circle K M6 Athlone service station at approximately 10.30am on Saturday.

Organisers described the Bugatti Chiron Sport as "one of the rarest and most spectacular hypercars in the world," boasting a 1,500hp quad-turbocharged W16 engine and a full exposed carbon-fibre exterior.

"The arrival of the Chiron is likely to be a major attraction for the more than 250,000 spectators expected along the Cannonball route over the three-day event," said the Cannonball organisers.

The line-up of supercars taking part this year also includes Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, Aston Martins, Porsches, Bentleys and more.

At the official stops and finish lines throughout the weekend, spectators will have the opportunity to get up close to these spectacular cars, meet the Cannonball crews, and soak up the unique festival atmosphere.

Over the years, Cannonball has raised more than €2.28 million for Irish children’s charities, and this year the official charity partner is Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland, supporting families whose children are seriously ill and receiving treatment in hospital.

The charity partnership with Ronald McDonald House was officially launched by Offaly motorsport star Alex Dunne recently.