RE: Someone has done the Cannonball in 27hrs 25mins
Discussion
jaykay42 said:
With you 100% - well put, Sir.
I do sympathise with people who had to go through the trauma of involvement in a senseless road accident and I respect their feelings towards excessive speeds on public roads, but you explained very well (just like others did) that speed and danger to necessarily have to go hand in hand - it's just unfortunate that too frequently they do.
Which leads back to your point about everyday driving on UK roads, especially at daytime. I share your frustration!
And in a 30 year old 944 S2....... if anyone out there still has rose tinted glasses on about the joys of a 'manual': just try spend a few hours trying to negotiate the motorways around Manchester during rush hour..... utter, utter hell (and a very powerfully built left thigh!!). I do sympathise with people who had to go through the trauma of involvement in a senseless road accident and I respect their feelings towards excessive speeds on public roads, but you explained very well (just like others did) that speed and danger to necessarily have to go hand in hand - it's just unfortunate that too frequently they do.
Which leads back to your point about everyday driving on UK roads, especially at daytime. I share your frustration!
Arsecati said:
Half my lifetime ago - but burned in to the brain like it happened yesterday and undoubtedly will live with me till the day I die: experiences like that just don't happen every day. Fair bloody play to those lads for what they did - I'd be beside them in a heartbeat if the opportunity ever arose again! 
Yep, have had similar experience. In Oklahoma. 140MPH. Pretty good cop actually on an open highway. He was doing about 120 when I passed him.- they are often pretty good guys
Muzzer79 said:
Perplexed why people are comparing to an autobahn in Germany
On an autobahn, everyone knows it’s de-restricted and drives accordingly.
Jesse and Wilma from Ohio in their Chrysler minivan are not expecting a Mercedes to come up behind them, well into 3 figures, so are not prepared.
It’s this that raises the risk, not the speed itself.
If the American highways were de-restricted then my 49% of concern about this record would be totally removed.
Read the middle part of my post about slowing down to pass upcoming traffic (apart from the cop bit): it's easily done, and nobody got spooked when I passed them, and there was nothing at all on the road when I put the hammer back down again: admittedly only to around 140mph and not 193mph..... but that's all the car could go.On an autobahn, everyone knows it’s de-restricted and drives accordingly.
Jesse and Wilma from Ohio in their Chrysler minivan are not expecting a Mercedes to come up behind them, well into 3 figures, so are not prepared.
It’s this that raises the risk, not the speed itself.
If the American highways were de-restricted then my 49% of concern about this record would be totally removed.
I really wish people would comment from experience, instead of their imagination.
I'm sure these "Cannonball" guys slowed down where necessary too - and I'm also betting they,
1/ Didn't pass Fred and Wilma in their Winnebago at 180.
2/ Didn't go past anyone doing their grocery shopping at 150.
3/ Didn't cross any housing estates at 140.
4/ Didn't do any doughnuts outside No.23 Acacia Avenue at midnight.
5/ Didn't go through any urban underpasses at 135.
They may have got through a few pair of underpants tho' ......
1/ Didn't pass Fred and Wilma in their Winnebago at 180.
2/ Didn't go past anyone doing their grocery shopping at 150.
3/ Didn't cross any housing estates at 140.
4/ Didn't do any doughnuts outside No.23 Acacia Avenue at midnight.
5/ Didn't go through any urban underpasses at 135.
They may have got through a few pair of underpants tho' ......
Edited by ate one too on Thursday 5th December 22:14
RDMcG said:
Yep, have had similar experience. In Oklahoma. 140MPH. Pretty good cop actually on an open highway. He was doing about 120 when I passed him.- they are often pretty good guys
And in fairness, I REALLY had no place to argue with his catching me at 88mph - he said it all with a calm, knowing tone...... and his smile when he handed back my credit card made me realise that I really did get stopped by one of the good ones!! Haha!! Muzzer79 said:
...
Jesse and Wilma from Ohio in their Chrysler minivan are not expecting a Mercedes to come up behind them, well into 3 figures, so are not prepared.
Firstly I expect they slowed down substantially to pass slower traffic and sped up in between; if they didn't I doubt they would have arrived in one piece. Secondly out on the plains most people are doing 75-80, even trucks do 75. A substantial number of drivers do 80-90. Slowing to 100 to pass them isn't going to upset anyone. Kind of like the UK used to be 20 years ago but with a fraction of the traffic. It's pretty obvious that many of those outraged by this have never been to this part of the world.Jesse and Wilma from Ohio in their Chrysler minivan are not expecting a Mercedes to come up behind them, well into 3 figures, so are not prepared.
DoubleD said:
Muzzer79 said:
Perplexed why people are comparing to an autobahn in Germany
On an autobahn, everyone knows it’s de-restricted and drives accordingly.
Jesse and Wilma from Ohio in their Chrysler minivan are not expecting a Mercedes to come up behind them, well into 3 figures, so are not prepared.
It’s this that raises the risk, not the speed itself.
If the American highways were de-restricted then my 49% of concern about this record would be totally removed.
How do you know that they passed other vehicles at well into 3 figures?On an autobahn, everyone knows it’s de-restricted and drives accordingly.
Jesse and Wilma from Ohio in their Chrysler minivan are not expecting a Mercedes to come up behind them, well into 3 figures, so are not prepared.
It’s this that raises the risk, not the speed itself.
If the American highways were de-restricted then my 49% of concern about this record would be totally removed.
Driving dangerously is an absolute requisite for getting anywhere near the time.
Watch the Alex Roy footage, then remind yourself that these boys were going quite a lot faster than he did.
I think it's probably the headline speed of 193mph that is upsetting people, as that really is ballistic. I doubt these guys went past anything other than cornfields at 193mph though....
That said, a 700hp E63 probably has another 10-15mph on top of that, truly maxed out. I have a 700+hp German wagon and it will quite happily sit North of 150mph, quickly slow to 100mph and then climb back up to wherever it was, in seconds.
In addition, an unfamiliarity with US Interstates and how they lend themselves to high average speeds, especially in the West (although I've never really driven in the East)... I've come across big rigs that are doing North of 80mph many times... The medians on these Interstates are often 100+m wide...
I've driven numerous times from downtown Las Vegas to Moab in just under 6 hours in a standard rental. IIRC, its just over 460 miles... Without trying to set a record... Similarly, 5:15hrs from downtown Las Vegas to Park City...
I'm guessing a lot of time was spent between 120-140mph to offset any time forced to ride at the speed limit (typically between 65-80 on the Interstates these days outside of town) with the speed ramped up beyond that on the open road when conditions allowed.
I'm super curious to know why you can cover ground in the East even faster than the West though? That strikes me as contra-intuitive? But perhaps, that's because you cover the first 1/3 of the journey at night through the early hours of the morning? When do they typically leave NYC?
That said, a 700hp E63 probably has another 10-15mph on top of that, truly maxed out. I have a 700+hp German wagon and it will quite happily sit North of 150mph, quickly slow to 100mph and then climb back up to wherever it was, in seconds.
In addition, an unfamiliarity with US Interstates and how they lend themselves to high average speeds, especially in the West (although I've never really driven in the East)... I've come across big rigs that are doing North of 80mph many times... The medians on these Interstates are often 100+m wide...
I've driven numerous times from downtown Las Vegas to Moab in just under 6 hours in a standard rental. IIRC, its just over 460 miles... Without trying to set a record... Similarly, 5:15hrs from downtown Las Vegas to Park City...
I'm guessing a lot of time was spent between 120-140mph to offset any time forced to ride at the speed limit (typically between 65-80 on the Interstates these days outside of town) with the speed ramped up beyond that on the open road when conditions allowed.
I'm super curious to know why you can cover ground in the East even faster than the West though? That strikes me as contra-intuitive? But perhaps, that's because you cover the first 1/3 of the journey at night through the early hours of the morning? When do they typically leave NYC?
jp-sr71 said:
I think it's probably the headline speed of 193mph that is upsetting people, as that really is ballistic. I doubt these guys went past anything other than cornfields at 193mph though....
That said, a 700hp E63 probably has another 10-15mph on top of that, truly maxed out. I have a 700+hp German wagon and it will quite happily sit North of 150mph, quickly slow to 100mph and then climb back up to wherever it was, in seconds.
In addition, an unfamiliarity with US Interstates and how they lend themselves to high average speeds, especially in the West (although I've never really driven in the East)... I've come across big rigs that are doing North of 80mph many times... The medians on these Interstates are often 100+m wide...
I've driven numerous times from downtown Las Vegas to Moab in just under 6 hours in a standard rental. IIRC, its just over 460 miles... Without trying to set a record... Similarly, 5:15hrs from downtown Las Vegas to Park City...
I'm guessing a lot of time was spent between 120-140mph to offset any time forced to ride at the speed limit (typically between 65-80 on the Interstates these days outside of town) with the speed ramped up beyond that on the open road when conditions allowed.
I'm super curious to know why you can cover ground in the East even faster than the West though? That strikes me as contra-intuitive? But perhaps, that's because you cover the first 1/3 of the journey at night through the early hours of the morning? When do they typically leave NYC?
There is also the aspect of basic maths and common sense. The name of the game is about efficiency, ensuring the least amount of time is spent stationary, filling with fuel and that the timing of arriving at more urban environments when traffic is lightest etc. That said, a 700hp E63 probably has another 10-15mph on top of that, truly maxed out. I have a 700+hp German wagon and it will quite happily sit North of 150mph, quickly slow to 100mph and then climb back up to wherever it was, in seconds.
In addition, an unfamiliarity with US Interstates and how they lend themselves to high average speeds, especially in the West (although I've never really driven in the East)... I've come across big rigs that are doing North of 80mph many times... The medians on these Interstates are often 100+m wide...
I've driven numerous times from downtown Las Vegas to Moab in just under 6 hours in a standard rental. IIRC, its just over 460 miles... Without trying to set a record... Similarly, 5:15hrs from downtown Las Vegas to Park City...
I'm guessing a lot of time was spent between 120-140mph to offset any time forced to ride at the speed limit (typically between 65-80 on the Interstates these days outside of town) with the speed ramped up beyond that on the open road when conditions allowed.
I'm super curious to know why you can cover ground in the East even faster than the West though? That strikes me as contra-intuitive? But perhaps, that's because you cover the first 1/3 of the journey at night through the early hours of the morning? When do they typically leave NYC?
The 193 was arguably just done to get a stat for the video as it serves no purpose in the actual challenge. The average speed is high but in reality, 90% or more of the journey will have been on relatively empty, three lane, straight and clear roads where the cruising speed would have been determined to maximise fuel efficiency v time. It’s not going to have been much over 100 in reality. You’re probably looking at a cruising speed of 120-130 sort of area before the equation breaks down.
130 on empty motorways. Everyone on this thread has done close to a ton on relatively busy UK motorways and we all know which is safer by a very considerable margin as each vehicle in proximity is a wild card variable of close to logarithmic proportions.
And this also means that in the urban areas they were travelling nowhere near 100 but even then, they won’t have been cutting through the local highstreet but sticking to the arterial roads.
Is such a thing sensible? No. Is it the lethal, insane thing that a minority of hypocrites are getting all Daily Mail about? No.
fblm said:
Firstly I expect they slowed down substantially to pass slower traffic and sped up in between; if they didn't I doubt they would have arrived in one piece. Secondly out on the plains most people are doing 75-80, even trucks do 75. A substantial number of drivers do 80-90. Slowing to 100 to pass them isn't going to upset anyone. Kind of like the UK used to be 20 years ago but with a fraction of the traffic. It's pretty obvious that many of those outraged by this have never been to this part of the world.
Bang on 1000%SpeckledJim said:
DoubleD said:
Muzzer79 said:
Perplexed why people are comparing to an autobahn in Germany
On an autobahn, everyone knows it’s de-restricted and drives accordingly.
Jesse and Wilma from Ohio in their Chrysler minivan are not expecting a Mercedes to come up behind them, well into 3 figures, so are not prepared.
It’s this that raises the risk, not the speed itself.
If the American highways were de-restricted then my 49% of concern about this record would be totally removed.
How do you know that they passed other vehicles at well into 3 figures?On an autobahn, everyone knows it’s de-restricted and drives accordingly.
Jesse and Wilma from Ohio in their Chrysler minivan are not expecting a Mercedes to come up behind them, well into 3 figures, so are not prepared.
It’s this that raises the risk, not the speed itself.
If the American highways were de-restricted then my 49% of concern about this record would be totally removed.
Driving dangerously is an absolute requisite for getting anywhere near the time.
Watch the Alex Roy footage, then remind yourself that these boys were going quite a lot faster than he did.
Plus, they averaged 103mph over the whole run.
Given the time they spent stationary re-fuelling, the fact that they hit traffic when they left New York and were at walking pace and the time they'd have spent in town in LA to get to the Portofino, it's pretty safe to calculate that all the time that they were on a highway/interstate in clear traffic they were at 100mph+
Genuinely shocked by the levels of criticism and lack of appreciation for this achievement, on this site.
I’d expect the liberal loonies writing letters of outrage to the Daily Mail, but didn’t expect this on PH.
Succeeding in this feat takes months or years of planning, engineering, teamwork, and preparation. Yes, it obviously involves exceeding posted speed limits many miles, but take off your saint wings for just a few moments people ..... are you really out there criticising, yet owning and driving your respective P+J without ever sneaking past the posted limits??
The characters and folklore behind the cannonball records is a long way from the rich w
ker Gumball type events, and shouldn’t be confused. The mantra set back by Brock Yates I believe, as always been “run silent, run deep”, with lots of consideration given to fellow motorists, even if the motivation for this was principally to avoid them calling the cops.
Nothing but huge respect for the new record holders, and all of the previous holders and individuals making serious attempts at chasing this goal.
I’d expect the liberal loonies writing letters of outrage to the Daily Mail, but didn’t expect this on PH.
Succeeding in this feat takes months or years of planning, engineering, teamwork, and preparation. Yes, it obviously involves exceeding posted speed limits many miles, but take off your saint wings for just a few moments people ..... are you really out there criticising, yet owning and driving your respective P+J without ever sneaking past the posted limits??
The characters and folklore behind the cannonball records is a long way from the rich w
ker Gumball type events, and shouldn’t be confused. The mantra set back by Brock Yates I believe, as always been “run silent, run deep”, with lots of consideration given to fellow motorists, even if the motivation for this was principally to avoid them calling the cops. Nothing but huge respect for the new record holders, and all of the previous holders and individuals making serious attempts at chasing this goal.
Muzzer79 said:
Most I've hit is 110 and that was years and years back. The only roads you can sensibly get into 3 figures on now are too littered with cameras.
Is your car broken, or do you drive a 2CV? I can think of quite a few roads I could (theoretically) get my 120hp hatchback into 3 figures with no trouble and virtually no risk.Muzzer79 said:
This.
Plus, they averaged 103mph over the whole run.
Given the time they spent stationary re-fuelling, the fact that they hit traffic when they left New York and were at walking pace and the time they'd have spent in town in LA to get to the Portofino, it's pretty safe to calculate that all the time that they were on a highway/interstate in clear traffic they were at 100mph+
Well yes if they averaged 103mph they would have to be well over 100mph on the interstate/clear traffic. Plus, they averaged 103mph over the whole run.
Given the time they spent stationary re-fuelling, the fact that they hit traffic when they left New York and were at walking pace and the time they'd have spent in town in LA to get to the Portofino, it's pretty safe to calculate that all the time that they were on a highway/interstate in clear traffic they were at 100mph+
But our usual perceptions of how to maintain an average speed don't really apply for such vast distances. If i drive to newbury > cardiff in a rush for example, and cruise at 85mph not 72... i still haven't seen more than 67mph average for 96 miles, even late at night.
But that's only 90 mins. You could average 50mph for 9 HOURS and still hit 103 mph average if you then were cruising at 130mph for the other 18. Still bonkers... but not quite as bonkers when in the context of such a huge distance and open highways.
sideways sid said:
I think its quite an achievement, but as comments on here indicate, views are changing towards what is socially acceptable behaviour.
?the attitude of "keep it on the track" has been around for yonks
world doesnt look so pc now does it? oops shattered your fragile, wrong, world view.
Muzzer79 said:
SpeckledJim said:
DoubleD said:
Muzzer79 said:
Perplexed why people are comparing to an autobahn in Germany
On an autobahn, everyone knows it’s de-restricted and drives accordingly.
Jesse and Wilma from Ohio in their Chrysler minivan are not expecting a Mercedes to come up behind them, well into 3 figures, so are not prepared.
It’s this that raises the risk, not the speed itself.
If the American highways were de-restricted then my 49% of concern about this record would be totally removed.
How do you know that they passed other vehicles at well into 3 figures?On an autobahn, everyone knows it’s de-restricted and drives accordingly.
Jesse and Wilma from Ohio in their Chrysler minivan are not expecting a Mercedes to come up behind them, well into 3 figures, so are not prepared.
It’s this that raises the risk, not the speed itself.
If the American highways were de-restricted then my 49% of concern about this record would be totally removed.
Driving dangerously is an absolute requisite for getting anywhere near the time.
Watch the Alex Roy footage, then remind yourself that these boys were going quite a lot faster than he did.
Plus, they averaged 103mph over the whole run.
Given the time they spent stationary re-fuelling, the fact that they hit traffic when they left New York and were at walking pace and the time they'd have spent in town in LA to get to the Portofino, it's pretty safe to calculate that all the time that they were on a highway/interstate in clear traffic they were at 100mph+
103 average means a lot of time under and over that speed.
I love this sort of thing, even though I know I shouldn't really.
I'm not sure about the legal situation in the US though. What happens if some dashcam warrior they happened to pass, submits footage to the local state plod of three figure speeds ? Is there any possible federal offence as well for the overall journey ? I'm just wondering what the legal risks are, since there have been plenty of people in this country convicted on dash cam footage.
I'm not sure about the legal situation in the US though. What happens if some dashcam warrior they happened to pass, submits footage to the local state plod of three figure speeds ? Is there any possible federal offence as well for the overall journey ? I'm just wondering what the legal risks are, since there have been plenty of people in this country convicted on dash cam footage.
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