Owner of the World’s Fastest New Production Car uses his Supercar for a Super Cause
Philadelphia, PA (October 19, 2020) — Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and car enthusiast Dr. Larry Caplin has 316 reasons to smile. Today, Dr. Caplin announced his pledge to raise $316,000 for community programs that support children, youth, and military families worldwide in honor of his SSC Tuatara becoming the new king of speed in the production car world.
With internationally acclaimed professional racing driver Oliver Webb at the Tuatara’s wheel, the record-breaking drive took place on the morning of Saturday, October 10, outside of Las Vegas near Pahrump, Nevada along a seven-mile stretch of State Route 160.
Webb pushed the SSC Tuatara to an average speed of 316.11 mph (508.73 km/h) following two consecutive high-speed test runs of 301.07 mph (484.53 km/h) and 331.15 mph (532.93 km/h). In accordance with record criteria, the Tuatara traveled in opposite directions, clocking its speeds within one hour, to break the world record for “Fastest Production Vehicle.”
Officials were on site to verify all world record criteria was met -- including review of Dewetron GPS measurements, which tracked the speed runs using an average of 15 satellites to confirm the new record.
In honor of achieving this historic record, Dr. Caplin will raise $316,000 for health, wellness, and educational programs for youth and military families through his CF Charities Foundation. Known for hosting his annual charitable Super Car Show Weekend in Philadelphia, Dr. Caplin sees this as an opportunity to both celebrate the accomplishment of SSC Tuatara and showcase how cars can help meaningful causes.
“I am beyond thrilled to own the World’s fastest car because it’s another opportunity to shine a light on important issues that support local communities and serve military families,” said Dr. Larry Caplin. “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be the owner of a historic vehicle, but I recognize that I have a responsibility to use this opportunity to help those who need support in a tangible way.”
In addition to the “Fastest Production Vehicle” record, the SSC Tuatara broke the world records for:
● “Fastest Flying Mile on a Public Road” at 313.12 mph (503.92 km/h)
● “Fastest Flying Kilometer on a Public Road” at 321.35 mph (517.16 km/h)
● “Highest Speed Achieved on a Public Road” at 331.15 mph (532.93 km/h)
In order to claim a world record, the Tuatara had to:
● Be a production vehicle; it must be identical to the same vehicle a customer might purchase.
● Drive the same route in opposite directions, and average the two speeds. This accounts for winds and road grade that may have favored the vehicle as traveling in only one direction.
● Achieve this feat on a public road; this ensures ‘real world’ driving conditions that a race track or runway might not offer.
● Have its speed tracked by a certified GPS measurement system, and have two world-record sanctioned witnesses on site for verification.
● Run on street tires and non-race fuel.
“Breaking the record is amazing, but the true power of this car isn’t the speed,” said Dr. Larry Caplin. “Rather, the true power of this vehicle is how it makes people feel, the intangible moments it will create, and the unifying force it will have to bring people together for a good cause.”
Donations will support health and wellness programs in underserved schools, provide college scholarships to first-generation students, and help military communities and families worldwide. In addition, the SSC will debut at the upcoming CF Charities Super Car Show Weekend for charity in Philadelphia this upcoming June.
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ABOUT DR. LARRY CAPLIN
Dr. Larry Caplin is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who has made it his life’s mission to create and develop solutions that remove barriers and provide healthcare access around the country. He is a national leader on public health issues and healthcare logistics, and founder of CF Charities, a nonprofit organization that promotes educational and enrichment opportunities for youth by providing them the tools, experience and resources essential for a bright and healthy future. For more information visit www.LarryCaplin.com
ABOUT CF CHARITIES
Founded by Dr. Larry Caplin and his wife Kelli Caplin in 2008, CF Charities inspire youth to be the next generation of leaders in their communities through programs and services that focus on leadership development, college access, high-quality care, and exposure to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). For more information visit www.cfcharities.org
ABOUT SSC NORTH AMERICA
Founded by Jerod Shelby in 1998 in Richland, WA, SSC North America is the American hypercar company that created the Ultimate Aero and Tuatara. The Ultimate Aero, previously held the “Fastest Production Car” record, from 2007-2010, after it clocked 256.14 mph. It still stands among the fastest, most versatile supercars on the planet, and has served as the foundation for what would become the Tuatara hypercar. In 2020, the Tuatara reclaimed the world record for SSC, with an average of 316.77 mph. SSC North America is producing 100 SSC Tuatara hypercars. High-speed, high-downforce, and track versions are available to customers. For more information visit www.sscnorthamerica.com
Ron Fleshman
RIS NASCAR Editor. Has been with RIS since the middle 90's. Writes on each of the three main series of NASCAR.