In Iowa we have something called the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) sponsored by the Des Moines Register and others. It’s a 400 to 500 mile bike ride with about 10,000 cyclists participating in what some refer to as a party on wheels. My first RAGBRAI experience was back in the 1970s in the fourth year of the ride, and I’ve gone back many times since then. It’s been going for over 40 years now. Groups often create formal teams with a logo and “brand” identity for their team (like racing teams).
I was reminded of RAGBRAI recently when I learned about a similar event that includes high-speed exotic race cars. If top speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour are too slow for you, you might consider the Bullrun Rally where people drive at speeds in excess of 3 times the posted speed limit (160MPH or higher). The race doesn’t take place on a track or pre-approved course. Instead, drivers take public roads and highways, stopping only for the occasional speeding ticket.
Some of the exotic cars have a street value in excess of $100,000. The entry fee is $20,000 to participate and only 100 cars are accepted each year — yet undoubtedly there are many others who follow along to experience the event. The eight-day rally typically spans several states.
One of the teams that participates in the Bullrun is called the Super Speeders. They have their own website (SuperSpeeders.com) and YouTube Channel (YouTube.com/user/SuperSpeedersRob).
As I watched some of the Super Speeders video footage, I was surprised by the law enforcement response to these drivers. They often get warnings from the police. When tickets are issues, the police are very friendly and sometimes reduce the violation by a certain number of miles per hour. This reduces the fine and “points” violation placed on someone’s license (the point system is used to revoke licenses). On one occasion, a driver was going over the speed limit, and driving on a revoked license. He was sent on his way with a small fine. On several occasions, officers give the drivers tips about speed traps and where speed limits are enforced. There’s not one documented occasion of a person or car being searched. I was reminded of the scene from Star Wars IV, “These aren’t’ the droids you’re looking for.”
Perhaps this overwhelmingly friendly response on the part of law enforcement is a result of the consistently polite, friendly, and respectful attitude the drivers have toward the police. They actually have a very good rapport with them. After getting tickets, they thank the police for their service, and on one occasion, after getting a ticket, the drivers got out of their car and used detailing supplies to clean up the officer’s car. The drivers are given products from sponsors, so they had plenty in the trunk. On some occasions, the police and drivers take time to have photos taken together with the drivers. There’s laughter and joking, then the drivers go on their way.
Below are a few selected videos from the Super Speeders YouTube channel.
Welcome Video
140 Miles Per Hour
Below: Police response to people going 140 miles an hour passing in no passing zones, forward to 50 seconds in the video then through 2:55. Officer: “You guys were driving 140 miles per hour so that’s why we’re here to talk.” The drivers are then free to go. Then at 3:30, “We got about fifteen 911 calls complaining … a couple of Lamborghini passed us going 100 miles per hour… I’m going to give you a ticket for 1 mile per hour over.”
Additional Videos
Best Cop Moments Part 3
Best Cop Moments Part 4
Thanks!
I’m grateful to the Bullrun team for surprising me by featuring this article on their website and Facebook page.
Update
For the latest news about Rob Ferretti, read our post from 24 March 2017 – “Rob Ferretti – Porsche 911 GT3 European Delivery.”
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