Just read on The Times website that European Police may call for a ban on transcontinental road trip events such as Gumball, Cannonball, Carbon Black etc. Considering the very sad incident in Macedonia earlier this month I can understand why the authorities wish to submit the matter to the European Commission.
Some time ago these events seemed like fun for participants and spectators alike. Basically it was started by a guy who thought it would be fun to arrange a cultural travel adventure around Europe or America which covered 3000 miles (approx 4,800km) in 1 week. The idea being to drive about 500 miles each day and then arrive at a beautiful resort where there would be a lavish party. However to add glamour, the criteria for entry was basically for participants to have a larger than life personality, a bank balance that resembled a telephone number, and an exotic car.
The events were successful and soon gained extensive media coverage as well as a cult following which spawned a multitude of similar rallies. Participants were encouraged to respect other road users and the traffic laws, but numerous drivers adopted a more flexible interpretation of speed limits. In the early days most of it went fine, but over the years people pushed their luck further and further to the point where it became dangerous. I am not talking about people travelling at 150km/h on a quiet motorway, but more about what was quoted on The Times website..."Koenigsegg is a Swedish supercar which, while crossing America on the Gumball rally, picked up the biggest speeding ticket ever issued, 242mph" (387km/h). And judging by the numerous videos that participants have uploaded onto www.youtube.com it was probably only a matter of time before the police raised an eyebrow.
In my view it just seems a pity that an initial good idea and exciting travel event is becoming tarnished by those who took things a step too far.
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Road-Trip Banned by Police
May 28, 2007 @ 16:24
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Just read on The Times website that European Police may call for a ban on transcontinental road trip events such as Gumball, Cannonball, Carbon Black etc. Considering the very sad incident in Macedonia earlier this month I can understand why the authorities wish to submit the matter to the European Commission.
Some time ago these events seemed like fun for participants and spectators alike. Basically it was started by a guy who thought it would be fun to arrange a cultural travel adventure around Europe or America which covered 3000 miles (approx 4,800km) in 1 week. The idea being to drive about 500 miles each day and then arrive at a beautiful resort where there would be a lavish party. However to add glamour, the criteria for entry was basically for participants to have a larger than life personality, a bank balance that resembled a telephone number, and an exotic car.
The events were successful and soon gained extensive media coverage as well as a cult following which spawned a multitude of similar rallies. Participants were encouraged to respect other road users and the traffic laws, but numerous drivers adopted a more flexible interpretation of speed limits. In the early days most of it went fine, but over the years people pushed their luck further and further to the point where it became dangerous. I am not talking about people travelling at 150km/h on a quiet motorway, but more about what was quoted on The Times website..."Koenigsegg is a Swedish supercar which, while crossing America on the Gumball rally, picked up the biggest speeding ticket ever issued, 242mph" (387km/h). And judging by the numerous videos that participants have uploaded onto www.youtube.com it was probably only a matter of time before the police raised an eyebrow.
In my view it just seems a pity that an initial good idea and exciting travel event is becoming tarnished by those who took things a step too far.
philMay 28, 2007 @ 16:24
Some time ago these events seemed like fun for participants and spectators alike. Basically it was started by a guy who thought it would be fun to arrange a cultural travel adventure around Europe or America which covered 3000 miles (approx 4,800km) in 1 week. The idea being to drive about 500 miles each day and then arrive at a beautiful resort where there would be a lavish party. However to add glamour, the criteria for entry was basically for participants to have a larger than life personality, a bank balance that resembled a telephone number, and an exotic car.
The events were successful and soon gained extensive media coverage as well as a cult following which spawned a multitude of similar rallies. Participants were encouraged to respect other road users and the traffic laws, but numerous drivers adopted a more flexible interpretation of speed limits. In the early days most of it went fine, but over the years people pushed their luck further and further to the point where it became dangerous. I am not talking about people travelling at 150km/h on a quiet motorway, but more about what was quoted on The Times website..."Koenigsegg is a Swedish supercar which, while crossing America on the Gumball rally, picked up the biggest speeding ticket ever issued, 242mph" (387km/h). And judging by the numerous videos that participants have uploaded onto www.youtube.com it was probably only a matter of time before the police raised an eyebrow.
In my view it just seems a pity that an initial good idea and exciting travel event is becoming tarnished by those who took things a step too far.
philMay 28, 2007 @ 16:24
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