As experienced road rally master, I have cruised the USA 3 times and once in Europe. My first rally was with Gumball 3000 in our JDM Subaru WRX from San Francisco to Miami. I later hit the Europe event with GB3K cruising a rental Turbo Diesel Peugeot. Finally as you all read last year, we did the USA leg of Gumball in our Supercharged Porsche 996C2. Now for 2007 we hit the Eastern seaboard of the USA with a vengeance in our 500 horsepower Porsche 996 Twin Turbo. What was a yellow flying machine had now been transformed into the stealth fighter. Completely wrapped in white with a black top, our VividRacing.com Porsche handled the roads with Laser Jammers, Valentine 1 Radar Detector, and the on point navigation from our Eclipse unit. The 2007 Bullrun rally would be a much different experience from day 1 then any other road rallies I have competed in.
Flying into New York, I was suppose to meet the truck driver right off the plane to grab my car. Once I landed I dialed his phone number to see where he was at, only to find his number disconnected! After reaching the main office, I found out that the driver was in New Jersey about 4 hours away and I was stranded. So I rented a SUV and cruised an hour south to my buddy’s house. Later that night we finally met up with the driver in Port Chester, New York where we pushed the car off the trailer. We were now 1 step closer to Bullrunning. The next morning I met up with up and coming pop singer Kristine Elezaj and her father Marash. They were driving a highly modified EVO IX by VividRacing.com. The other car was my man Frank and his fiancée Lynn in a BMW M6. Our group had some breakfast and now prepared to head north to Montreal. What was suppose to be a 4 hour drive turned into a 7 hour adventure.
After each one of us got pointed over by a State Trooper, we sat on the side of the highway waiting for the verdict for an hour. What was now Trooper’s, finally gave us our tickets of 82mph in a 65mph and sent us on our way. As we neared the border of Canada and USA, we hit a crazy rainstorm that slowed us down. We finally reached the border going into Quebec. Our Porsche and the EVO had no problem getting in, but Frank in the M6 was held up. We left Frank in the M6 behind and finally got into Montreal. Crashing out on the beautiful Ritz Carlton beds was very peaceful. Frank finally got across the next morning as they did not stop him this time.
The start of the rally would be in downtown Montreal at St. Jacques Square. With over a 1000 spectators and local media, the cars lined the old street for photo ops as we waited for the checker flag at 11am. With a side bet going on with 2 Bullrunners about crossing the USA from New York to LA in less then 32 hours, we all prepared ourselves for the start. The side bet was for $50,000 and the 2 men in the Ferrari headed out early and left from New York that evening. Beating the world record in 31 Hours and 59 Minutes. With those crazy antics out of the way, 11am had finally been reached and all the cars were fired up. Cars were roaring through the streets of Montreal to the highway as we headed for the US border. Our Porsche, the M6, Bullrun TV Star Jennifer Nicole in her Lotus, and Japanese photographers in a 996TT quickly formed a pack. The drive to the border on highway 89 towards Vermont was pretty crazy. High speed runs, out smarting the Canadian Police, and the first day adrenaline rush was all present. I did learn from my past rally experiences to look elsewhere then the road sometimes as beautiful scenery was all around. After about 2 hours of driving we reached the border crossing. Going back into the USA was much easier and the Border Patrol Officer and I chatted about my home town in Arizona. The speeds slowed down as we drove through Vermont and into New Hampshire for our first lunch checkpoint in a small town. After a quick bite to eat in an old train yard, we jumped back on the 2 lane road. Our pack was reduced to us and the BMW M6 as we made our way into Boston. Arriving at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown, we came in 32 out of 75 or so cars. Time to step the game up for the next day!
Day 2 of the Bullrun definitely was a little more “Go for Broke”. The Vivid Racing 996TT and BMW M6 were out of the starting line in the top 5 cars. We cruised out of Boston’s downtown district aiming for the highway to take us south. We teamed up with a Ferrari 612 and the M6. While we were cruising in the middle of the 2 cars, we blew past a State Trooper with someone else pulled over. I watched him run back to his car and jump in which he then took off after our group. The Ferrari was the last one, and by default, the Ferrari got pulled over. I made sure I was never first or last to avoid the police.
We ripped out of Massachusetts and into to Connecticut where we were to catch a car ferry to Long Island, New York. This was to be a 90 minute ride across the water. We reached the ship 13 overall which was our best finish at a checkpoint. Once all the cars were loaded on, we headed to the top of the ship where I past out on a bench. Once our arrival was announced by the Captain, we ran down stairs and fired up the car. The Bullrunners took off from the ship like a WRC start tearing through the small vineyard towns. After taking a detour because the 1 road through the town was closed from a building fire, we got lost. We finally found our way to the lunch checkpoint at a small winery. The wine tasting was open with some gourmet foods as we relaxed and had locals checking out the cars. After our lunch we started towards our night destination in Atlantic City. We powered through Manhattan and then to the Lincoln Tunnel. The tunnel was so jammed packed with traffic; I was able to creep by the hot dog street vendor for a bite! Once we ended up on the Garden State Turnpike, the drive to AC was a cruise. We finally rolled into Atlantic City; let’s just say this is no Vegas!
Waking up on day 3 from the terrible Trump Hotel and Marina was extremely rough for me. We spent the night playing craps, drinking, and tearing up the boring Sunday night filled with people no younger then 75. After having a deep conversation with the hotel toilet, it was time to head downstairs to the Porsche for our next start. I did not speak to anyone as the mere movement of my body made me sick. With my hood over my head, sunglasses, and hat on, I looked more like a bank robber then a Bullrunner sitting in the passenger seat of the car. Victor piloted the car out of Atlantic City as I moaned and groaned. Finally falling asleep, I was at peace with my old self who was definitely not a partier anymore.
I woke up later to Victor saying, “Dan! We are getting pulled over.” Running in a pack of cars with M6 Frank, who now switched to his Ferrari F430, we were going about 110mph. Since we were the last car, we got taken down by the New Jersey State Trooper. The cop said 94mph but he did not radar us. He gifted us a ticket of 71mph in a 65mph zone which he paced us at. He was pretty young and did not hesitate to name the car models off. He also said he would be doing the same if he had our vehicles. So deep down he was definitely a car guy, but just doing his job. Wishing us to slow down and be safe, we were sent on our way.
Cruising across Delaware and Maryland, we headed to our checkpoint at a large park in Virginia for lunch. After chowing down on some much needed BBQ, snapping some photos, and chatting with the local Police, we got our next route card and hit the road. As we were reminded, Radar Detectors were not allowed in Virginia and if caught, they would ticket you. Bullrun organizers also stressed that any car pulled over going 20mph over the speed limit would be immediately impounded. We took that to heart!
Sprinting from our lunch time checkpoint, we quickly joined a pack of cars cruising at around 95mph. We left our radar detector up but out of view. When we came across the fuzz, we ripped it down fast. Turning down the speed as cops were every where, we quickly go left behind from the group. With the film crew in front of us filming the Porsche, we cruised at a safe 72mph. Tired and only 15 minutes away from the final destination in Staunton, Virginia, a Highway Patrol officer came roaring out of nowhere with lights blazing. I moved over in the right lane, as he passed me, he hit his brakes and then pulled behind me. I pulled to the shoulder and shut down the vehicle. The officer had received call in reports of speeders with stickers that were weaving in and out of traffic. Good think that was not me, but I had to explain that to the pissed off cop. But my downfall was the radar detector. After collecting my information and coming back with the $91 ticket, we chatted about racing, asked if I was part of the Vivid porn company, talked about the COPS TV show, and then he said, “nice car, be safe”. 15 minutes later, we finally approached this small town where a crowd of about 400 locals were waiting.
Tired and not wanting any more hotel food, I jumped in my car after check in and found a local sandwich shop. After eating I went back to the room and crashed out. This is a good and bad thing. Apparently the entire town was out partying for Bullrun. People having house parties, girls throwing themselves at any dude with a wristband, and all out drunkenness. Rumors of arrests circulated. I think it was a good thing I just crashed out. The next morning we left early to a Police escort out of the town and headed to our next destination.
We moved on through South Carolina and then entered Georgia where the State Police had the intelligence of us coming through. Our Valentine 1 and laser jammers continued to keep us out of trouble. After our doing our lunch checkpoint watching the Mopar drift team practice, we crept into the finish in Savannah, Georgia’s Mansion Hotel on Forsyth Park. This was by far the nicest and classiest hotel I have ever been to. With the night’s party at a local club, our VIP section watched the season finale of the Bullrun Spike TV show. While the reality buffs watched to see who the final winner of the show would be, Victor and I hung out with the locals on the other side. Listening to southern twangs, creepy stories, and watching a girl dance by herself like a stripper was more entertaining. After about 6 beers, the bar turned into a Coyote Ugly with dancers on the bar. Soon the whole Bullrun crew came out and took over the dancing girls with cameras, megaphones, and more. Riding the trolley back to the hotel, other Bullrunners paid the driver to cruise to a strip club in the swamps. I chose the safe route and crashed out.
The morning of Day 5 we woke up to the humid Georgia air. Loading up our car, I had to briefly help the EVO IX owners with a mechanical issue on theirs. Our first checkpoint was 4 miles away over the big bridge to a local road racing course. We staged in groups of 3 and were then waved forward behind the pace car. I headed out and gave the Shelby Mustang a good run on the track. At the end of our 3 laps, David Green, Bullrun Co-Founder, was quite impressed how the Porsche road him through turns. We took off early to get gas knowing that we were headed to the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando. Cruising the freeways we saw cops waiting but were not prepared for just our 1 car cruising slowly. Half way to Orlando we got a call that a group of 10 cars was cruising very fast so the Police setup a road block. Rumor has it that 9 people were arrested and 5 cars impounded.
With all road trips I have ever taken, the infamous truck tire popped up from a mini van on the highway and took out the front lip of our bumper. Go figure! The rest of our journey was calm and arriving before everyone else, we took our front row parking spot. The night’s party was at a local club with the EP release for Kristine and some promotion from Girls Gone Wild. The dinner was of course amazing and the party was filled with a great atmosphere. The Orlando party was just a foreshadow to Miami!
Leaving the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando on Day 6, Bullrun had a helicopter meet up with us to film the remainder of the rally. We bolted from the hotel and headed for the highway where everyone was moving in a snake like fashion. Our first checkpoint was at Moroso Motorsports Park where our sponsor Pirelli Tires was holding a lunch and time trial for us. Heading to the track was sketchy as cops were everywhere. We saw the first group of cars getting pulled over and got into stealth mode. Once at the checkpoint, we learned that the fastest lap time would receive a free set of Pirelli tires. I dumped the luggage and changed the air pressure as I knew I had a sure win. With a couple of warm up laps I received the green flag and hit the 2 mile track hard. Fast straights, aggressive turns, and lots of different lines to try, I straight killed it. Knocking out the CLK DTM with a 1:45 run, I was in first. I continued to hold first down till we left the track in the first group. I learned later that I was beat by the last 2 guys. One was in a C6 ZO6 Vette and the other in a F430. It was a tight race and I know where I should have improved. Next time!
We pushed through the 60 miles to Miami where we would end up at the Ritz Carlton on South Beach. Immediately after checking in we went to the pool for drinks and some Miami scenery. After resting and relaxing we prepared ourselves for the biggest party of the trip at the famed Versace Mansion. Walking up the steps were Versace was murdered was a creepy feeling. However, this place was truly over the top. Spanish style 3 story compound had a huge pool area and courtyard. Bartenders said that he supposedly haunts the place. Everything including the ceilings was decorated to the T. With Miami’s beautiful people out, and the DJ spinning hot tracks, things began to get out of control. We called the night after partying long as we had an early morning heading to our final destination in Key West.
The final run on Day 7 was from Miami to Key West. This is the most southern tip of the Continental USA and there is a sign to prove it! Enduring tickets, visiting new places, a couple of minor incidents, and meeting many awesome people, I was excited to finally reach the end of this week long adventure. Jamming the street in front of the Ritz Carlton brought out the local Police to help with traffic control. The fake hotel security guards were getting pretty annoyed, so Bullrunners only fueled their fire with engines revving and horn honking. Our breakfast checkpoint was at the new CEC showroom in Coral Gables, Florida. We all got the green flag and made a mad dash for the 11 mile short trip. Once at CEC, we had a full service breakfast while checking out the hot cars and products from TechArt, AC Schnitzer, Brabus, and more. With a quick announcement from Claus Ettensberger, the next route cards were tossed off the balcony in the showroom where Bullrunners grabbed them. Quickly sprinting out of the building and running across traffic to their cars was a sight to see. A police escort led us out of Coral Gables at a high rate of speed to the highway where it was game on to Key West.
Driving into Key West was almost like going to a different country. The buildings, stores, people, were all non city like. Every bridge we crossed, every local we passed, and seeing the water at road level was all an experience. Key West was flooded with police shooting laser and radar about every 500 feet. We cruised in safely to our lunch checkpoint at an offshore powerboat race. With the temperature at around 95 degrees with 90% humidity, it was time to jump back in the air conditioned car for the final destination.
Leaving the lunch checkpoint, the helicopter cruised overhead as we hopped from island to island. A full Police escort supported us with about 20 officers blocking traffic and keeping us on point. As we reached the end a crowd crew which lined the bar filled streets of Key West. Pictures were being snapped from the cars and the tourists. Some people were even screaming. We pulled through the final Bullrun checkered flag, where were given our medals, and a much deserved one. Parking the haggard yet still strong Porsche 996TT, we got out to celebrate with the other Bullrunners. Cheersing glasses, we embraced the others we had followed so intently for a week. Hugs and smiles circulated the parking area. It was finally done.
Gathering a combined 4 tickets, the 2007 Bullrun was definitely a great life experience. As my 4th rally since 2003, this goes down as the best. With so much time behind the wheel traveling through each state, you are truly able to escape and think about life. The people I had met, the roads we traveled, and the peacefulness I took in proved why Bullrun is more then just a road rally. Stories of evading, girls, smashing cars, and speeding from others could go on for days. But some has to be kept for those that experienced it only. My co-driver Victor made the experience memorable. His constant sayings to me everyday reminded me of what not to be in life. At the end of the day, everyone was safe, and another journey was accomplished. If I decide to rally again next year, it is time to go big. Private jet anyone?
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