French police nab cannonball run drivers.

[micky g]

I think it's a sweeping generalisation to call participants "pathetic hard-shoulder fcukwits" and "untalented losers."

I've never taken part in such an event, but I do know quite a few people that have taken part in the Cannonball. They certainly do not fit in with the above description. The ones I know, without exception, are hard working, responsible, genuine, lovely people. They love cars and wanted an experience.

Perhaps I've just been lucky and only met the nice ones.......

[flemke]

micky g said:

I think it's a sweeping generalisation to call participants "pathetic hard-shoulder fcukwits" and "untalented losers."

I quite agree, micky. That's why I wrote it the way that I did - the "pathetic fcukwits" being the ones who drive on the hard shoulder, and I referred to "some of the participants" who "show off in their cars" as being the ones who are "untalented losers".

At the same time, one does wonder about the...judgment...of an otherwise perfectly intelligent and decent person who is attracted to an event that promotes itself with stickers, "celebrity" non-entities, a juvenile organiser who goes on TV to assert proudly that he's running the event to make as much money for himself as soon as he can, and internet clips of some of the most incompetent driving ever seen.
Again, let's take it as read that most of the participants are good folk, whose general behaviour and whose driving in particular are above reproach. What I cannot understand is, Why would they choose to associate themselves with some of this nonsense?

[vx11ss]

Sorry to say this but "Arabella" is obviously not interested in what affect her and her cronies stupid actions cause. Shes a female "hooray henry" and doesnt give a toss that they are just adding fuel to the fire re targeting of british drivers in the continent.
A pack of moneyed lager louts, another bunch of britains that the world can look on with dsbelief at their sheer stupidity and arrogance.

[jacobyte]

vx11ss said:

Sorry to say this but "Arabella" is obviously not interested in what affect her and her cronies stupid actions cause. Shes a female "hooray henry" and doesnt give a toss that they are just adding fuel to the fire re targeting of british drivers in the continent.
A pack of moneyed lager louts, another bunch of britains that the world can look on with dsbelief at their sheer stupidity and arrogance.

Bit harsh there, old chap. Like some of posts in this thread, your comments appear rather bigoted, and do not add to constructive discussion.

Road Angel A may well have fired back at some of the less well-considered posts on here, but if you take the time to read the other posts in reply to the more intelligently put questions, you will note that her attitude is not that of "doesnt give a toss" and "stupidity and arrogance".

This is a discussion forum, not a witch hunt.

[CommanderJameson]

micky g said:

I think it's a sweeping generalisation to call participants "pathetic hard-shoulder fcukwits" and "untalented losers."

Based on the evidence that they freely post on t'interweb, I'd say it's a reasonably accurate assessment of a significant subset (and certainly the subset that is associated more-or-less exclusively with these events) of the participants.

I think it's fair to say that *ballers seem to keep their good driving light under a bushel.

[police state]

vx11ss said:

Sorry to say this but "Arabella" is obviously not interested in what affect her and her cronies stupid actions cause. Shes a female "hooray henry" and doesnt give a toss that they are just adding fuel to the fire re targeting of british drivers in the continent.
A pack of moneyed lager louts, another bunch of britains that the world can look on with dsbelief at their sheer stupidity and arrogance.

Bang on the money.



It's a small point, but the Union Flag sticker on the bootlid doesn't do us any favours in the eyes of Monsieur Martin driving in the family Espace as the chavs-in-dinner-jacket roadshow blasts past...

Edited by Gazboy on Tuesday 18th July 00:31

[micky g]

CommanderJameson said:

micky g said:

I think it's a sweeping generalisation to call participants "pathetic hard-shoulder fcukwits" and "untalented losers."

Based on the evidence that they freely post on t'interweb, I'd say it's a reasonably accurate assessment of a significant subset (and certainly the subset that is associated more-or-less exclusively with these events) of the participants.

I think it's fair to say that *ballers seem to keep their good driving light under a bushel.

Yep - and theyr'e all porn stars too.

The net attracts the sensationalist.

[dazren]

Howabout people chill out and get back to arguing the issues of these events?

I don't for a moment think these high profile rallies are responsible for recent political policy to bash the motoring enthusiast over speeding. My problem with these publicised events is the really bad driving shown on TV, giving Mr & Mrs Average a reason to believe that governments recent purge against "speeding" drivers is a good thing, as they are all dangerous ar$eholes.

I know many people who occasionally drive well over posted limits and I don't regard them as dangerious. I've formed this is opinion by having driven with them and their long term accident history, or should I say lack of an accident history certainly backs up my thoughts!

I don't have a problem with some of the headline speeds being done by the ferrari and porsche driver this thread is about, as I wasn't there and didn't see the conditions. It may well have been safe.

DAZ
(I do the Eurohoon trips with PHers, although I would never go on any tour which was publicised or had "documentary" makers in tow).

Edited by dazren on Saturday 15th July 14:07

[police state]

dazren said:

Howabout people chill out and get back to arguing the issues of these events?

I don't for a moment think these high profile rallies are responsible for recent political policy to bash the motoring enthusiast over speeding.

Nobody here is saying that is the case in the UK (as your broad terms seem to suggest), though the issue of Kent police informing their French counterparts about the 'road show' heading it's way, may be grounds for second opinions...

what is Specifically being debated here is:

A) The feeling is, this is becoming the case on the continent.

B) The resentment felt by those authorities will continue to grow, along with commensurate and 'appropriate' measures.
e.g.: draconian policies & laws.

C) These 'Events' are simply upping the ante, where just about all forms of high speed road craft will be categorised as unacceptable.

The issue has the potential to be far reaching, whereby a uniform system of zero-tolerance is adopted Europe-wide augmented by all manner of expensive technology and 'best practice' procedures... Without wishing to digress, another brick in the EuroState Wall.

From little idiots grow mighty fools..

[dazren]

Having had a convesation at Eurotunnel Customs on my way out on this years minihoon, I'd assumed this "co-operation" with Euro-Plod was already happening. I was just at the head of a queue of three porsches with no stickers etc and the chap asked if we were off on a gumball type run. I of course put him straight about being compared to some of the dangerous w@nkers I'd seen on TV.

As far as future Draconian laws are concerned the last nail has already been smashed into the coffin. I've read that Tony "barsteward" Bliar has signed the UK up to future EU legislation which will allow Euro-Plod to stick points on our UK licences and in addition for bans to be recognised across EU borders (ie get a ban enroute to Lemans and you're banned in all European countries including the UK).

DAZ

Edited by dazren on Saturday 15th July 13:44

[lordbenny]

Lordbenny - you've been told already, if you want to advertise, speak to Ted.

Edited by stig on Tuesday 18th July 08:23

[romanymagic]

lordbenny said:

Pistonheads is not a free advertising site

!!!!

Sorry, but reading some of these posts I must be in the wrong forum. I thought PH was all about the cars, the power, the speed, the aspirations, the achivement and the enjoyment. Obviously this got lost somewhere...

Or is it, the posters on here have issues with some people owning certain cars and doing certain things?

I enjoy driving and I sometimes take certain "risks" but only with me and my car, I will drive my favourite roads very 'early doors' when other members of the public are not on the roads and if in my selfiousness I wipe myself out then that is my choice. I also smoke and drink, my body, my life, my money... we make our choices...

I am really fed up with this nanny state attitude that seems to permeate everything these days, go off and get a life, if you disagree with the gumball/furball/cannonball then don't read about it, don't have an opinion on it, think of your blood pressure...it just might kill ya!

Edited by stig on Tuesday 18th July 08:23

[tinman0]

romanymagic said:

Sorry, but reading some of these posts I must be in the wrong forum. I thought PH was all about the cars, the power, the speed, the aspirations, the achivement and the enjoyment. Obviously this got lost somewhere...

no, you want a website called pistonheads.com.

this is pissedoffheads.com where people get to bitch about cars. some of them are even cyclists.

[ninjaboy]

Sounds like another good reason to hate the french then lol

[anonymous-user]

romanymagic said:

I am really fed up with this nanny state attitude that seems to permeate everything these days, go off and get a life, if you disagree with the gumball/furball/cannonball then don't read about it, don't have an opinion on it, think of your blood pressure...it just might kill ya!

try reading more of the posts. the most vehiment anti xxxball posters here love cars and driving fast and many of us here could afford even the most expensive entry fees without batting an eyelid, so forget your, you're just jealous crap. what we hate is these idiots self publicity giving so much ammunition to the anti car brigade, which will ultimately accelerate the demise of the supercar and the glorious pursuit of "making progress" just for the hell of it.

its all been said before in this thread. you've just got to read it.

ninjaboy said:

Sounds like another good reason to hate the french then lol

the french have always been there for us. when they need us.

Edited by francisb on Tuesday 18th July 07:36

[stig]

romanymagic said:

lordbenny said:

Pistonheads is not a free advertising site

!!!!

Sorry, but reading some of these posts I must be in the wrong forum. I thought PH was all about the cars, the power, the speed, the aspirations, the achivement and the enjoyment. Obviously this got lost somewhere...

Or is it, the posters on here have issues with some people owning certain cars and doing certain things?

I enjoy driving and I sometimes take certain "risks" but only with me and my car, I will drive my favourite roads very 'early doors' when other members of the public are not on the roads and if in my selfiousness I wipe myself out then that is my choice. I also smoke and drink, my body, my life, my money... we make our choices...

I am really fed up with this nanny state attitude that seems to permeate everything these days, go off and get a life, if you disagree with the gumball/furball/cannonball then don't read about it, don't have an opinion on it, think of your blood pressure...it just might kill ya!

Edited by stig on Tuesday 18th July 08:23

PH is about cars and enjoying them. But this thread is about the well publicised antics of a minority, who are helping bring about more draconian legislation so that before long, we'll all be driving vehicles restricted to 30mph.

What will you do with your Z4 then?

'if you disagree don't read about it' - well, it's hard to ignore when it makes national news isn't it.

As for people 'owning certain cars and doing certain things' - are you implying that we're somehow jealous? I think you should take a look at the profiles of some of the posters who are anti-***ball before sticking your neck out. I pretty sure that Flemke is happy with his lot and so am I for that matter....

[richb]

romanymagic said:

Sorry, but reading some of these posts I must be in the wrong forum. I thought PH was all about the cars, the power, the speed, the aspirations, the achivement and the enjoyment. Obviously this got lost somewhere...

Or is it, the posters on here have issues with some people owning certain cars and doing certain things?

I enjoy driving and I sometimes take certain "risks" but only with me and my car, I will drive my favourite roads very 'early doors' when other members of the public are not on the roads and if in my selfishness I wipe myself out then that is my choice. I also smoke and drink, my body, my life, my money... we make our choices...

I am really fed up with this nanny state attitude that seems to permeate everything these days, go off and get a life, if you disagree with the gumball/furball/cannonball then don't read about it, don't have an opinion on it, think of your blood pressure...it just might kill ya!

Some rather controversial comments there Jamie, so it's OK for you go out and take risks on public roads early in the morning, but what if you also happen to "take out" another person who also happens to be driving the roads early morning? Not so good eh? If you took out any of my kids or wife I'd be pretty angry with that. Perhaps it would be better to exercise your "baby" on track days? Regards being on the wrong forum, I beginning to wonder if it's us old-timers that are on the wrong forum? Having been on P'Heads since it's inception I can assure you there are plenty of people on here who have far more exotic cars than a BMW (if that was your point, if not I apologise) as well as there being several active racing drivers, police drivers etc. so we certainly get to use our cars in anger but don't advocate driving like an idiot, pride in your car should also mean pride in your driving. Because some of us do have an opinion that differs from yours doesn't make it any the less valid so why should we shut-up and not comment? You're entitled to your opinion I'm entitled to mine, personally I consider stickering up one's car and playing "pretend" race drivers whilst hooning around on the continent to be pretty facile and likely to get all sports car drivers a bad name abroad. That's all we're saying, sorry it annoys you. Rich...

[romanymagic]

richb said:

romanymagic said:

Sorry, but reading some of these posts I must be in the wrong forum. I thought PH was all about the cars, the power, the speed, the aspirations, the achivement and the enjoyment. Obviously this got lost somewhere...

Or is it, the posters on here have issues with some people owning certain cars and doing certain things?

I enjoy driving and I sometimes take certain "risks" but only with me and my car, I will drive my favourite roads very 'early doors' when other members of the public are not on the roads and if in my selfishness I wipe myself out then that is my choice. I also smoke and drink, my body, my life, my money... we make our choices...

I am really fed up with this nanny state attitude that seems to permeate everything these days, go off and get a life, if you disagree with the gumball/furball/cannonball then don't read about it, don't have an opinion on it, think of your blood pressure...it just might kill ya!

Some rather controversial comments there Jamie, so it's OK for you go out and take risks on public roads early in the morning, but what if you also happen to "take out" another person who also happens to be driving the roads early morning? Not so good eh? If you took out any of my kids or wife I'd be pretty angry with that. Perhaps it would be better to exercise your "baby" on track days? Regards being on the wrong forum, I beginning to wonder if it's us old-timers that are on the wrong forum? Having been on P'Heads since it's inception I can assure you there are plenty of people on here who have far more exotic cars than a BMW (if that was your point, if not I apologise) as well as there being several active racing drivers, police drivers etc. so we certainly get to use our cars in anger but don't advocate driving like an idiot, pride in your car should also mean pride in your driving. Because some of us do have an opinion that differs from yours doesn't make it any the less valid so why should we shut-up and not comment? You're entitled to your opinion I'm entitled to mine, personally I consider stickering up one's car and playing "pretend" race drivers whilst hooning around on the continent to be pretty facile and likely to get all sports car drivers a bad name abroad. That's all we're saying, sorry it annoys you. Rich...

Stig, Rich, Flemke. My deep apologies, I was in a lousy mood when I typed those comments last night and was offside in my attitude.

Just so you don't think I am a complete tool, when I go out early morning (usually Sunday's), I travel the country lanes, keeping to the speed limits - some are national, others 40mph, but using the car as I see it, to the best of my abilities.

I don't think your opinions are any less valid, guess I just jumped when I should have walked - if you get my drift.

Yes I am aware that my Z4 is not the most exotic machine on here by a longshot, but the car is a compromise as I share it with wifey at the moment and a TVR etc. was not on the list as far as she was concerned...

Please gentleman, be aware that I am truly humbled. I have taken on your points and find myself in agreement and shall now go and hide in my box

[Big_M]

richb said:

Some excellent stuff...

Well put. Personally I can never see the fascination that some drivers have with straight line speed. I would much rather drive the Griffith legally around challenging country roads and through some pretty scenery than hoon on an autobahn. And having lead a 16 strong convoy though France I far prefer travelling alone or in a small group of no more than four cars.

Gumball etc would have no appeal to me whatsoever.

[stig]

romanymagic said:

richb said:

romanymagic said:

Sorry, but reading some of these posts I must be in the wrong forum. I thought PH was all about the cars, the power, the speed, the aspirations, the achivement and the enjoyment. Obviously this got lost somewhere...

Or is it, the posters on here have issues with some people owning certain cars and doing certain things?

I enjoy driving and I sometimes take certain "risks" but only with me and my car, I will drive my favourite roads very 'early doors' when other members of the public are not on the roads and if in my selfishness I wipe myself out then that is my choice. I also smoke and drink, my body, my life, my money... we make our choices...

I am really fed up with this nanny state attitude that seems to permeate everything these days, go off and get a life, if you disagree with the gumball/furball/cannonball then don't read about it, don't have an opinion on it, think of your blood pressure...it just might kill ya!

Some rather controversial comments there Jamie, so it's OK for you go out and take risks on public roads early in the morning, but what if you also happen to "take out" another person who also happens to be driving the roads early morning? Not so good eh? If you took out any of my kids or wife I'd be pretty angry with that. Perhaps it would be better to exercise your "baby" on track days? Regards being on the wrong forum, I beginning to wonder if it's us old-timers that are on the wrong forum? Having been on P'Heads since it's inception I can assure you there are plenty of people on here who have far more exotic cars than a BMW (if that was your point, if not I apologise) as well as there being several active racing drivers, police drivers etc. so we certainly get to use our cars in anger but don't advocate driving like an idiot, pride in your car should also mean pride in your driving. Because some of us do have an opinion that differs from yours doesn't make it any the less valid so why should we shut-up and not comment? You're entitled to your opinion I'm entitled to mine, personally I consider stickering up one's car and playing "pretend" race drivers whilst hooning around on the continent to be pretty facile and likely to get all sports car drivers a bad name abroad. That's all we're saying, sorry it annoys you. Rich...

Stig, Rich, Flemke. My deep apologies, I was in a lousy mood when I typed those comments last night and was offside in my attitude.

Just so you don't think I am a complete tool, when I go out early morning (usually Sunday's), I travel the country lanes, keeping to the speed limits - some are national, others 40mph, but using the car as I see it, to the best of my abilities.

I don't think your opinions are any less valid, guess I just jumped when I should have walked - if you get my drift.

Yes I am aware that my Z4 is not the most exotic machine on here by a longshot, but the car is a compromise as I share it with wifey at the moment and a TVR etc. was not on the list as far as she was concerned...

Please gentleman, be aware that I am truly humbled. I have taken on your points and find myself in agreement and shall now go and hide in my box

No worries chap, everyone's entitled to their opinions, it's the lifeblood of these forums

If it's any help, I quite like Z4s