Bugatti Chiron 'hypercar' among attractions at Athlone-bound Cannonball event

The popular Cannonball supercar spectacle takes place this coming weekend, from September 11 to 13, with the 1,500hp Bugatti Chiron Sport 'hypercar' among the vehicles taking part for the first time.

The family-friendly fundraiser will have a couple of prominent pitstops in the Midlands, with the first day set to finish in Tullamore at approximately 6pm on Friday, September 11, 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 many 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.