Cannonball Run Europe, one of the many high-profile road rally events making the world's idle rich just slightly less idle, is expanding to the US. The founders are inaugurating a new event in mid-2007 called the Great American Run. But more newsworthy than that is its confirmed partner in crime, as it were. That is, motorsports shop Saleen. The winner of the don't-call-it-a-race will receive one of 25 special-edition Saleen Mustangs to be built for the event. According to rally site GT Spirit, the cars — 11 of which have been sold to rally entrants — will be tuned to produce 600 hp. The cars reportedly do zero to 60 mph in under four seconds, with a top speed of 200 mph. They're no TransCom ambulance, but well, Jack Elam's no longer with us anyway. – Mike Spinelli

Unique Saleen Mustang for Cannonball Run winner [GT Spirit]

Related:
J.J., Where'd You Park the Ambulance? Cannonball to Return? [internal]

A quick list of cars I drove on the track include the BMW Z4 M, Jaguar XK, Mazda MX-5, Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Edition, Civic Si, VW GTI, Mazdaspeed 6 and Pontiac Solstice. I was also shuttled around the track by some professional drivers in the BMW M5 and Cadillac XLR-V. Then I road tested (they don't let everything on the track) a ton of new models like the FJ Mr. Farago is reviewing, the new Lexus ES 350, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, and some others I'm forgetting. Let me know what cars you want to hear about most and I'll try to post in order.

BTW I have no idea who came up with the Reverend reference for me and why they use it. It doesn't even fit my religion.

DAY 7: San Francisco - Hearst Castle - Los Angeles Finish Line, July 29th

The Final Battle & The Price of Hubris

Tensions are always high on a rally's final day — laggards want to demonstrate that the fortunes spent on their cars weren't wasted, and the leading drivers give no quarter in their desire to enter the Hall of Legendary Rally Heroes.

Richard Rawlings, having given up trying to revive his 1931 Ford Model A Hot Rod, was now driving his backup car, a 2003 BMW 750iL. Since parking was so scarce in front of the W Hotel, he rose at 6AM to park the car in metered Pole Position across the street. Richard X & Marek Harrison (Aston Martin DB9) parked right behind him, as did the Collins Brothers (Ferrari 550).

Team Polizei was shut out of the legal, metered spots, so we went around the block and backed into the pedestrian crossing — right in front of Rawlings.

We were confident of victory. Our police scanner had 97% of the California Highway Patrol frequencies programmed in, long since verified over three rallies, and we leaving near the front. I was certain the first checkpoint would be on the Pacific Coast Highway, approximately halfway to the finish line. The PCH is one of the best drives in America, and I'd already done it several times in lesser cars, so there seemed little chance anyone could defeat us. I estimated we were tied for 1st place with the DB9 team, and was ready to push a little harder in order to beat them. (Not that this mattered, of course, since this is a rally, not a race.)

We were handed the route card — Hearst Castle Pier — and bolted west 2 blocks toward I-280 South. We were followed by the DB9 and the Collins Brothers, but we lost them in traffic as we proceeded south on the 101 toward Gilroy. Although we spotted several police traps and at least one police helicopter, we evaded them easily.

The GPS had plotted the shortest route to Hearst Castle, so in Prunedale we turned off the 101 and headed southwest toward Seaside, Carmel and the PCH. Traffic was moderate and passing difficult on the two-lane road south of Carmel, so we set an aggressive pace in an attempt to put as much distance as possible between us and the following cars. This had saved us the prior day, and led our competitors into heavy police trouble near Lake Tahoe.

We'd completely lost sight of the other Bullrunners within a half-hour of leaving San Francisco, so I settled into a safe and comfortable 6/10ths pace (80mph) as we enjoyed Route 1 — PCH south. It seemed inconceivable anyone could catch us, and certainly not one car had passed us.

Team Polizei then received a phone call from the Collins Brothers — instead of taking the PCH they had opted to take the inland route, following the DB9 on 101 South all the way to Route 46 (near Templeton), a point only 15 miles from the checkpoint.

Team Polizei was doomed.

We had utterly failed to foresee this alternative. Taking Route 101 90% of the way (instead of the PCH) meant average cruising speeds of 140+mph, far higher than the PCH's safe limit of 90+mph. It was far too late for us to cross over, which meant that the only way to catch up, if at all, was to press to 11/10ths on the PCH.

The Polizei CL600, although the fastest accelerating car (in a straight line) on the rally, is quite heavy and handles poorly, even with the Active Suspension on its Sport setting. High-speed bumps and deep depressions led to the aftermarket 19" tires rubbing in the wheel wells, especially on the rear left side where our intrepid cameraman sat.

We had to try. Losing the stage to the DB9 would be honorable. Losing to the Collins Brothers in the Ferrari F550 would be honorable. Losing to Rawlings in his BMW 750iL was inconceivable.

An hour after the the Collins Brothers's phone call we finally saw the first signs for Hearst Castle — Rawlings' black BMW was just a quarter-mile ahead of us, making the left turn into the parking lot! We'd succeeded in pushing the envelope of rally physics, time and fate to make up for our longer route and slower cruising speeds.

Rawlings spotted us and barreled up the ramp. We followed. With both cars horns blaring we raced down rows of parked cars and pedestrians looking for the Bullrun signage. A green Park Police SUV pulled up to admonish us. I stopped to apologize, but Rawlings sped away. We lost 3 minutes, during which time the Ranger suggested the checkpoint was across the street on the Pier, just as the Official Bullrun Card had said, which we had failed to re-read.

We raced across the street just as Rawlings was pulling out and heading toward the finish. The Bullrun checkpoint official then told us we were a mere 22 minutes behind the lead car...the DB9. Although 22 minutes doesn't seem like much, it IS when the leading car is pushing hard. The only way to catch up is if the lead car encounters traffic, and the following car has a clear road and intercepts before hitting the "Rolling Traffic Wall."

We surmised that the DB9, the Collins Brothers and Rawlings had all returned to 101 South via the Mountain Route 46 East, so we reprogrammed the GPS, realizing that picking "Shortest Route" vs. "Fastest Route" that morning had been the critical error.

We were also desperately low on fuel, and as we pulled into the nearest gas station we spotted Rawlings pulling out. Suddenly we also spotted Hayden Christensen and co-pilot Troy Hanson heading northbound on 1, meaning that we were the only car to have taken PCH the whole. On the positive side, despite cruising speeds 40% lower than those who took 101, we were still in 4th place — a tribute to how hard we pressed on the PCH.

We refueled and sped on 46 East back toward 101 South. Police scanner traffic warned of moderate police activity ahead, so we cruised at 7/10ths (120+mph) and searched for the lead cars. Alas, they were nowhere to be found. We pushed as far as Santa Barbara, where rush hour traffic became very heavy and the Collins Brothers called to say they were no more than 3-4 miles ahead of us. It would be almost impossible to catch up in such conditions, nor were there any alternative routes, so we suffered in silence as traffic slowed to 30-40mph.

Just south of Sea Cliff we spotted Tove Christensen (Hayden's gentleman brother) and friend Peter right behind us in the Black 2005 Saleen Mustang GT. They'd been right behind the lead cars throughout the entire, but had suffered due to the car's terrible fuel efficiency.

Actor Hayden Christensen (right) and Troy Hanson, co-pilot and Rolex Grand American Series racer.

For the next hour we battled like blind men knife-fighting in a pit. Traffic was so thick we passed each other dozens of times in vain efforts to gain advantage. We used shoulders, exit ramps, on-ramps and service roads, but neither could break through the solid traffic wall.

Once we entered the LA environs we finally pulled alongside to discuss how we could escape the rush-hour hell of 101. The final checkpoint was the Roosevelt Hotel (once again), and we knew the DB9, the Collins Brothers & Rawlings were still on 101, so we were desperate to pass them by some other means.

Tove recommended Ventura Boulevard and crossing via Coldwater or Laurel Canyon. Police scanner traffic warned of two(!) helicopters on the lookout for two black sports cars eastbound on 101, so getting off was the ideal choice.

We exited on Ventura and our GPS suggested Laurel Canyon was faster, so we placed the green German police lights on the roof and used the parking lane to gain time. We lost Tove and Peter almost immediately and so were forced to rely on the GPS rather than his native-LA traffic knowledge. We could hear the police helicopters overhead and hoped he hadn't been caught already. Laurel Canyon was quick enough that we regained confidence of an 11th hour pass and 1st place arrival.

We arrived at the Roosevelt, no other cars in sight, and our hearts sank as we spotted Richard X and Marek Harrison's DB9 parked alongside the Collins Brothers Ferrari F550. Rawlings was MIA.

Team Polizei had finished the final stage in 3rd place, and all because of a navigational error in programming the GPS.

On the positive side, our trusty cameraman Olly had arranged for Wolfgang, Team Polizei's legendary Taxidermy "Schutzhund," to be delivered to the finish line and placed inside of Rawlings' defunct 1931 Ford Model A Hot Rod. Our honor was somewhat restored.

Amazingly, many Bullrun fans and staff actually believed Wolfgang was a live dog who had "spotted something."

We congratulated Richard and Marek on joining the Legendary Hall of Rally Heroes, already populated by the Collins Brothers, Rawlings and Team Polizei, then I cursed Rawlings for his failure to show up for our little ceremony.

Rawlings arrived a few minutes later, having been trapped in traffic and seen us pass an hour earlier. Hayden & Troy (Lamborghini Murcielago) and Tove & Peter (Saleen Mustang) arrived within the hour, having both been delayed by heavy police activity.

The Bullrun USA concluded with a massive party at the 40 Deuce Cabaret Club, where awards were given out. (Official results can be seen at TeamPolizei.com.)

Richard & Marek (DB9) squeaked past Team Polizei for a 1st place victory, and we graciously accepted 2nd place overall.

The 2005 Bullrun USA ended with only two minor accidents: Dennis Rodman damaged the left side of his Lamborghini Gallardo, and the Bikini Bandits crashed the 1969 Mustang Convertible lent to them by Rawlings.

Peter Malmstrom arrived in LA later that night after spending the day in Lake Tahoe trying to recover the Ferrari F40 the local Police had impounded the day before. We were glad to have befriended him and his fiancee Landi.

We look forward to next year, when Team Polizei will bring a 3rd GPS system and exact revenge, all in the name of the law.

2005 Bullrun USA Day 7 and Overall results:

Hearst Castle
1st: Richard X & Marek Harrison (Aston Martin DB9)
2nd: Dennis & Michael Collins (Ferrari 550)
3rd: Richard & Sue Rawlings (El Diablo Toro)
4th: Alex Roy & Alli Joseph (Team Polizei Mercedes CL600)

Los Angeles
1st: Richard X & Marek Harrison (Aston Martin DB9)
2nd: Dennis & Michael Collins (Ferrari 550)
3rd: Alex Roy & Alli Joseph (Team Polizei Mercedes CL600)
4th: Unknown

Bullrun 2005 USA Rally Overall Results
1st: Richard X & Marek Harrison (Aston Martin DB9)
2nd: Alex Roy & Alli Joseph (Team Polizei Mercedes CL600)
3rd: Dennis & Michael Collins (Ferrari 550)

Related:
Alex Roy s Bullrun 2005 Wrap-up, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6 [internal]

DAY 6: Reno — Infineon Raceway — San Francisco

July 28th

What happens when 40+ CHP cruisers meet 60+ supercars? Team Polizei didn't want to find out, so we consulted with the Reno Police, who suggested we skip the massive CHP presence on Interstate toward San Francisco and take a longcut south via Route 50. Team Polizei had never visited Lake Tahoe, and a quick discussion among Bullrun veterans the Collins Brothers (Ferrari 550), Richard Rawlings (BMW 750il/1931 Ford), Peter Malmstrom (Ferrari F40) and Richard X & Marek Harrison (Aston Martin DB9) led us to a fateful decision...

We, the best, fastest cars on the rally, would take a longer, smaller route, leaving the rest of the Bullrun to suffer at the hands of the CHP until we picked up I-80 in Sacramento. Theoretically, this would put us far ahead of the main pack.

Team Polizei bolted off the Reno start line, ignored the Reno Police escort to I-80, and took I-395 South toward Tahoe, the Collins' Ferrari 550 and Malmstrom's Ferrari F40 close behind. We thanked Michael Collins (and Microsoft Streets & Maps) for a real-time warning of a toxic fuel spill near Carson City, and raced through residential side streets to skip the traffic jam. Alas, we lost Malmstrom's F40 and drove alone through the towns of Stewart and Glenbrook.

Here we drove along some of the most scenic roads I've ever seen in the United States, cruising at 100+mph without any police interference. We laughed at the terrible massacre likely unfolding upon the other Bullrunners on the I-80 40 miles northwest of us.

The mountains and canyons greatly diminished our police scanner and CB range, so we had no way of warning the Collins Brothers, Malmstrom, Harrison or Rawlings when we started to pick up police scanner traffic regarding several sports cars westbound near Tahoe. This could only be us, which meant local police would begin deploying.

Team Polizei resorted to a "duck under" strategy, whereby we accelerate to put as much distance as possible between us and the location of any civilian calls to 911. This worked as far as South Lake Tahoe, where we heard a helicopter somewhere over the canyon road up ahead. We soon spotted the helicopter and, certain that it was a police helicopter, slowed in case they'd spotted us. Ten minutes later we crested a hill at a modest 67mph only to see 7(!) police cruisers heading Eastbound at high speed, lights and sirens on. We'd accidentally stirred a hornets nest, and they were descending on our friends some 5 miles behind us. We called every phone number we had, and yet were unable to reach them.

Police scanner traffic warned of additional traps ahead, so we exited Route 50 and considered taking even smaller roads west toward Sacramento. Suddenly the Aston DB9 raced past at 85 mph, and we knew we'd have a hard time passing them — Richard X & Marek Harrison had driven hard all week and were difficult to pass. We resumed Route 50 and attempted to catch them, but they disappeared in the heavy traffic in the Sacramento environs.

Michael Collins then called with bad news — they'd been caught with Peter Malmstrom for 140+mph in a 55. Although the Tahoe Police let the Collins' go, Malmstrom's F40 was seized, he was arrested, and his supermodel girlfriend Landi left on the side of the road with no phone or wallet. Even worse, all our efforts had been in vain as Richard Rawling's support semi had already passed Sacramento on I-80, which meant we were now one of the last cars.

With heavy hearts and disappointment we continued at 6/10ths (90mph) toward the Infineon Raceway checkpoint and a late lunch. We arrived approximately 8th, but the standings may never be clear since so many cars got lost or stopped, and many people skipped the checkpoint altogether and continued to San Francisco.

We were served lunch at the Jim Russell Racing School, where we also took out their go-karts in groups of 8. Marek Harrison led the standings, just ahead of Jackass's Ryan Dunn and Bullrun Organizer David Green. Alas, Gumball and Bullrun Veteran Matt Hagan flipped his kart, breaking his collarbone and arm. Team Polizei wishes him a speedy recovery.

Bullrun Organizer Andy Duncan then led a 50+ car Bullrun Convoy toward San Francisco. Although we were all under instructions to stay in convoy, the German Audi A6 Team kept pushing ahead, and as soon as we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge the convoy collapsed and an all-out urban street knife-fight broke out for the winning position. Team Polizei, enforcing the law and justice, employed all 800+ hp in guaranteeing total victory on yet another stage, and pulled into the W Hotel with white knuckles and dirty laundry. San Francisco won't soon forget our arrival that day.

DAY 6 Results

Infineon Raceway
1st Place: Unknown
2nd Place: Unknown
3rd Place: Unknown

San Francisco
1st Place: Alex Roy & Alli Joseph — Team Polizei
2nd Place: Dennis & Michael Collins — Ferrari 550
3rd Place: Unknown

Related:
Alex Roy s Bullrun 2005 Wrap-up, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 [internal]

DAY 5 - Salt Lake City - Bonneville Salt Flats - Reno July 27th

Anyone who's ever wondered whether a police helicopter can be outrun need only have joined us on July 27th ...

But first ... the 2005 Official Bullrun Punk Rock Band The Numchucks led a raucous party at a local bar the night before, and this led to severe fatigue for the Bullrunners, including Team Polizei. Still, we rose at 6AM to refuel and prep for a no-holds-barred attack on Utah Traffic Restrictions.

Amusing Side Note: The ultra-handsome and well-tanned "Uncle Frank", an allegedly 37-year-old UK ice-cream magnate who drove a 2005 Rolls Royce Phantom, picked up a 40ish blond in the hotel lobby who resembled the loose mother in "Best In Show" and brought her to the Bullrun Drivers dinner the night of the 26th. The woman's husband came looking for her the morning of the 27th, and hotel security had to escort "Uncle Frank" to the security of his Phantom so he could leave the city as quickly as possible.

Salt Lake City NBC-TV affiliate KSL sent a news chopper to orbit over the hotel as we prepared to depart. They joined the Bullrun chopper and two(!) local Police helicopters as Team Polizei led 60+ Bullrunners out of the city west toward our first (and perhaps the coolest ever) checkpoint — the Bonneville Salt Flats.

At least a dozen police cruisers were deployed on Interstate 80 as we formed a long column comprising several million dollars of rolling hardware. Team Polizei set a narcoleptic pace of 67mph as the Police chopper flew overheard at 200 feet, undoubtedly shooting pictures of the drivers and plate numbers. Richard Rawlings, having finally gotten his 1931 700+hp Ford Model A running again, tested the limits of everyone's eardrums as his utterly unregulated engine noisily fired hot exhaust gas through the side-firing pipes toward cars he'd overtaken.

The occasionally heroic Michael Jackson (Red-Flame Painted Mercedes SL500) attempted to pass us several times, but we, Richard X and Marek Harrison (Aston Martin DB9) and the Collins Brothers (Black Ferrari 550) formed a rolling wall to rein him. If any Bullrunners misbehaved we all ran the risk of being arrested.

Police Scanner Traffic warned of traps up to a line about 70 miles west of Salt Lake City, so as soon as we passed the final trap we pressed the CL600, passed 160mph and barreled into the checkpoint in record-breaking time.

Imagine our surprise as the JATO Lamborghini was seen leaving the checkpoint just as we arrived — again they'd left over an hour earlier in order to claim 1st, but of course the veteran Bullrun gentlemen knew better and Team Polizei collected yet another 1st place win.

A total of six (!) helicopters orbited overheard as the Bullruners formed a massive line of supercars and launched across the Bonneville Salt Flats. I strongly recommend that any car fan go there at least once to see what their cars can do. Alas, it's too bad the Bullrun checkpoints are kept secret, because the sight of the world's greatest supercars careening through the desert, spraying plumes of salt and dust in their wakes, was truly once of the most heart-stopping spectacles I've ever seen.

Dennis Rodman and Hayden Christensen then lined up for a Gallardo vs. Murcielago challenge. Victoria's Secret model Landi waved the checkered flag, and 3 miles later Rodman was declared the winner.

"You have much to learn, young padawan driver!," I told Hayden. "Back to Playstation for you!"

As for the JATO Lamborghini, he suffered some sort of engine problem on the flats and was relegated to the dustbin of the 2005 Bullrun.

An hour of baking in the 110 degree heat was sufficient for Team Polizei, so we rushed over to the local gas station to hose the salt off the brakes and undercarriage. We were followed by Rodman, the Collins Brothers and the wiser Bullrunners, whereas the foolish rally drivers who proceeded without rinsing off the salt risked long-term chassis damage and brake deterioration. We felt quite sorry for them, and were happy to sacrifice 1st place in the near-term in order to preserve our car's safety.

It was time to press on toward Reno, our final stop of the day, a mere 420 miles away. This was, even by Bullrun standards, a moderate distance compared to the 750+mile stages we'd had in 2004. We prepared for an 7/10ths high-speed (110+mph) cruising strategy that would conserve fuel and save us one stop and 6 minutes compared to the others. We refueled, reset the scanner and GPS, and set off on our first truly long campaign. This would be a battle of fuel of strategies, and we were intent on victory.

Moderate police scanner traffic warned of several traps, but we passed these easily, even as we heard of drivers being captured far behind us.

We drove virtually alone as the Bullrunners with lesser fuel strategies fell behind — only Richard & Marek in the Aston DB9 and the Collins Brothers kept up. We were twice passed by Hayden and his friend Troy in a yellow 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago, but they had to stop repeatedly due to wretched fuel consumption. Dennis evenutally fell behind for reasons unexplained, as did the Aston, leaving only Team Polizei in a pitched battle in the last 20 miles to Reno. Whereas Team Polizei chose to drive our final tank down to its last fumes in order to gain one fuel stop, Hayden's final refuel allowed him to pass us at 170+mph. Heavy traffic in the Reno suburbs slowed him, however, and Team Polizei was able to use guile, green (legal) police lights and sirens (in just a few small instances) to gain on him. Hayden was briefly fooled and hit the brakes, allowing us to pass. Alas, not even the Murcielago could keep up with the 800+HP Team Polizei Interceptor on the straights, granting us breathing room and a small but commanding lead. Hayden valiantly attempted to avenge 5 days of Team Polizei's insults, but we lost them in the city approaches and made a clean entry off the Interstate. The checkpoint was only two blocks from the highway, and Team Polizei arrived in first ... except that ...

Richard Rawlings and Dennis Collins, having both suffered mechanical problems, had bought a helicopter and had it pick them up on the interstate and fly them to the roof of the Reno checkpoint hotel!

Richard claimed victory, but the fans knew better, as even a rally with no rules remains a ROAD rally.

Hayden arrived second, just a few minutes behind us, and we were all warmly welcomed by the people and police of Reno, one of the best rally checkpoints year over year. I will definitely return.

Although the Reno Police are big fans of the Bullrun, the California Highway Patrol was not happy about what would likely ensue the following day. They sent a CHP cruiser all the way from the state line to warn the incoming Bullrunners about the next day's police activity. We were warned of 40+ police cars and 5+ helicopters, but the Reno Police only smiled and gave us directions on a secret shortcut ... a speciality of the Polizei ...

Team Polizei — once again triumphant.

Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
1st Place: Alex Roy & Alli Joseph - Team Polizei
2nd Place: Dennis & Michael Collins - Ferrari 550
3rd Place: Richard X & Marek Harrison - Aston Martin DB9

Reno, Nevada
1st Place: Alex Roy & Alli Joseph - Team Polizei
2nd Place: Hayden Christensen & Troy X - Lamborghini Murcielago
3rd Place: Unknown

Related:
Alex Roy s Bullrun 2005 Wrap-up, Day 4 [internal]

Alex, closer still to the Bullrun 2005 finish line:

DAY 4 — Boulder - Utah MNH - Salt Lake City July 26th

Team Polizei barely recovered from a liver-testing night out in Boulder. The Bullrunners had piled into a school bus driven by the LA Punk Rock Band The Numchucks and nearly gotten into a brawl at a local college bar that will not soon forget the blagging skills demonstrated to various Colorado Co-eds.

Team Polizei, refreshed after fours hours of sleep, left Boulder in pole position and retraced part of our route from the prior day, setting a nice cruise controlled 110+mph pace westbound on the I-70 toward our first checkpoint — the Utah Museum of Natural History, located in the town of Vernal.

Police Scanner traffic warned of several police cruisers ahead, as well as a single helicopter, so Team Polizei used the mountains for cover as we made several high-speed bursts to get some distance between ourselves and the lowly Bullrunners with lesser detection equipment.

Dennis Rodman made a valiant effort to keep up with us in the early stages, pushing his Lamborghini Gallardo hard to make up for his inferior fuel economy. Sadly, the vintage Ford Mustang loaned to the gorgeous Philly-based Bikini Bandit Team was being driven by their cameraman, who, in a fit of poor driving, rammed into the side of Rodman's Gallardo when Rodman stopped short to avoid another car up ahead. The Bikini Bandit Mustang was damaged beyond drivability, but Rodman was able to continue.

Rodman provided high hilarity when police scanner traffic alerted us to an APB (All-Points-Bulletin) on a "Dennis A. Rodman....wanted for theft of fuel and clothing from a gas station in Glenwood Springs [Colorado]....driving a Gold Lexus..."

Apparently Rodman drove away without paying for $40 of gas and a $20 hat.

Rodman attempted to pass us in a tunnel, but the trucks blocked him and we chose to announce over our PA system that although Team Polizei cares nothing for basketball, and although we always thought Rodman was "eine kleine pussie", that Rodman was a pretty good driver and they should let him pass. Rodman thanked Team Polizei and peace was made between us.

Alas, Rodman's fuel lousy economy caused him to fall behind again, and again Team Polizei made a strong AutobahnKriegBlitz, with the Collins Brothers in close behind us.

Police scanner traffic warned of significant police traps waiting for us just beyond the town of Rifle, so it was with tear-streaked faces of delight that Team Polizei took the Rifle exit and headed north on Route 13 through the desert toward Vernal. The Colorado Highway Patrol must have had a very boring day waiting for us, because we could hear them on the scanner for the next hour wondering where the hell the Bullrun had gone.

Team Polizei pushed to 9/10ths through the desert, careful to brake on the dips since high-speed suspension compression was causing the rear tires to rub in the wells and cut grooves that could prove dangerous over time. We were surprised but several police cruisers totally unprepared for our passage, but luckily the scanner had again given us sufficient warning to slow down in time.

The Collins Brothers provided CB backup for our faulty unit, and although 3 Police cruisers were staged against us in the town of Rangely, we passed without incident. We cannot stress enough our thanks to Dennis & Michael Collins, whose voices over the CB provided reassurance during the stressful times we ran at extraordinary speeds through the desert, tempting the terrible fate of a police cruiser hidden in the roadside brush.

There was more amusement upon arrival in Vernal, as the early departing Richard Rawlings, having substituted a BMW 750iL for his defunct 1931 Ford Model A, was chased into the checkpoint by local Police who drew guns on him as his co-pilot sprinted to the checkpoint desk to declare 1st place. Since this cannot be verified, Team Polizei is recognizing the 1st place arrival of Richard X & Marek Harrison in the Aston Martin DB9, who once again demonstrated driving skill and fuel discipline to arrive a mere 1:30 ahead of Team Polizei and the Collins Brothers.

The local police chief then arrived and demanded to know who was driving in this "so-called rally". I was first to raise my hand, and slowly several others joined me to receive a dressing down. Our trusty camera man, Olly Lambert, caught the whole thing on video, which should make for great TV when the Bullrun DVD is released.

We ate and sprinted to our cars, leaving Vernal in a tight pack onward toward Salt Lake City. Route 40 West was almost totally clear of police, so we relaxed at a clean 8/10ths (125-130+mph). We avoided hard acceleration in order to conserve fuel, hoping that one less fuel stop might allow is to gain an advantage over the hard driving Aston Martin Team.

The final stretch into SLC on I-80 would prove a massive battle. Fuel be damned, the Aston Martin, the Collins Brothers, Peter Malmstrom (Ferrari F40) and Hayden Christensen & Troy X (Lamborghini Murcielago) struck down 50 years of traffic law in an effort to win this stage. All were relentless in pushing ahead, yet Team Polizei's fuel strategy soon left us alone and in the lead as the others were forced to stop, losing precious minutes. Only the Collins Bros. were able to keep up the pace, and our long friendship with them proved invaluable as we dodged what little police interference lay in wait.

The Collins Bros, running Microsoft's Streets & Maps via a laptop with GPS dongle, had superior traffic and weather data than we did, with our quick-on-the-fly (but updated data poor) Garmin 2650, however, they chose to exit the Interstate early and navigate the streets into town. We could only surmise that they had their MS NAV software settings to "shortest route" instead of our Garmin setting of "Fastest Route." We lost them and picked up the NAV-deprived Malmstrom Ferrari F40 Team soon thereafter, but then inexplicably lost them in traffic minutes later.

We cruised into the Salt Lake City Checkpoint in 1st Place, Peter Malmstrom arriving within 30 seconds, than waited for the Collins Bros. to arrive, indignant and confused. Richard X and Marek Harrison arrived 10 minutes later, vowed revenge and shook hands. We'd finally found some worthy adversaries in light of Richard Rawlings ignominious fall from the Hall of Legendary Rally Heroes. Still, we wished him the best for the following day...

Vernal, UT — Utah Museum of Natural History
1st Place: Richard X & Marek Harrison (Aston Martin DB9)
2nd Place: Dennis & Michael Collins (Ferrari 550)
3rd Place: Team Polizei - Alex Roy & Alli Joseph (MB Cl600)
Honorable Mention — El Diablo Toro - Richard Rawlings (BMW 750iL)

Salt Lake City, UT
1st Place: Team Polizei - Alex Roy & Alli Joseph (MB Cl600)
2nd Place: Peter Malmstrom & Landi (Ferrari F40)
3rd Place: Dennis & Michael Collins (Ferrari 550)

Related:
Alex Roy s Bullrun 2005 Wrap-up, Day 3 [internal]

More from Alex:

DAY 3: Telluride — Aspen — Boulder July 25th

Team Polizei was so exhausted from the prior day's drive that we fell asleep by 10PM. This gave us sufficient rest to rise at 6AM, refuel and refit, ready to depart in the pole position. Unfortunately, our longtime convoy allies Dennis & Michael Collins' Black Ferrari 550 had an electrical problem and remained stuck at the start line. Since Team Polizei's CB radio antenna had such dreadfully short range, the loss of the Collins Bros. 20+ mile CB range would be a great loss.

The weather forecast warned of mist and rain — something that would slow the supercars comprising the greatest threat to Team Poliziei's place in the Hall of Legendary Rally Heroes. We set a blistering pace through the mountains Northeast towards Aspen, with only Richard & Marek's Aston Martin DB9 in pursuit. Despite their superior handling, the Polizei CL600's 800+ horsepower guaranteed our mastery in the long straights as we descended into flatter terrain.

Police scanner traffic warned of significant traps as we entered the region of Montrose, Colorado. Luckily, Team Polizei and the DB9 passed the traps without incident, whereas a terrible massacre befell the Bullrunners who attempted to follow us at high speed. The local Police captured Dennis Rodman, English Celebrity James Hewitt, and countless others whilst Team Polizei attempted to drive on through tears of laughter and prideful joy.

We made a right turn in the town of Delta, where yet another trio of local police cruisers awaited at the primary intersection — they seemed amazed that we were so far ahead of the main pack being brutalized by their fellow law enforcement 7 miles south of us.

A traffic-school crushing attack on speed law was then mounted as we bent the laws of physics and projected tire lifespan on the way toward Hotchkiss. A long clean run was made as far as Carbondale, where Police scanner traffic warned of additional police coverage. Again the scanner proved its usefulness, and we proceeded to run at 100+mph through the mountain roads towards Aspen, the DB9 in hot pursuit.

Although we were running at 8/10ths on damp roads, we were suddenly surprised by an astoundingly unsafe high-speed pass by Ryan Dunn & James Hewitt in the Silver Lincoln Navigator. Team Polizei and the DB9 attempted to catch up and pass, but we all agreed via CB that doing so would be unsafe. We waited until several long straights appeared to make our move, but Dunn insisted on testing the Navigator's suspension limits by passing us on several blind turns. Team Polizei ultimately pulled ahead on the slow Canyon Roads in the Aspen vicinity, and the DB9 kindly allowed us to take the lead.

A local Police SUV pulled out and tailed us for nearly 10 miles on the final stretch, slowing our pace to a near-time-travel-backward 34mph. As soon as the SUV turned off, Dunn attempted to pass once again, but the DB9 blocked them and we arrived at the Aspen checkpoint in 1-2 position. Richard, Marek and I proceeded to give Dunn a dressing down, ate in record time and set off toward Boulder, our final destination of the day.

Team Polizei then made two decisions that cost us 1st place for the day. We gambled that the CL600's fuel range estimation was accurate and we could make the final checkpoint without refueling. Alas, several 140+mph runs on I-70 East cost us tremendous fuel, and we found ourselves running low near Aspen. Our Garmin 2650 calculated a route to the nearest gas station, which turned out to be closed. The next one was two miles off the I-70, and the locals refused to let us jump the cue without a fight. Again we were passed by multiple Bullrunners who'd been smart enough to refuel closer to the Interstate.

We refueled and continued East, attempted the Route 6 NE Mountain shortcut into Boulder, and found it closed. The JATO Lamborghini passed us in the opposite direction and flashed. We then decided to gamble it all by taking the tiny Mountain shortcut North via Route 119, which cuts into Boulder 2 blocks from the checkpoint, hoping that the other Bullrunners would get caught in traffic. We chose poorly. 40 minutes of beautiful but slow roads brought us into the checkpoint in 5th place.

Team Polizei would not make that mistake again.

DAY 3 Results
Aspen
1st Place: Team Polizei — Alex Roy & Alli Joseph
2nd Place: Aston DB9 — Richard X & Marek X
3rd Place: Unknown

Boulder
1st Place: Aston DB9 — Richard X & Marek X
2nd Place: Unknown
3rd Place: Unknown

Related:
Alex Roy s Bullrun 2005 Wrap-up, Day 1, Day 2

Alex's latest dispatch from the 2005 Bullrun rally, in which he participated as Team Polizei, driving a 2005 Mercedes/Renntech CL600 "Polizei Interceptor." Repeat after us, "It's a rally not a race, it's a rally not a race..."

Team Polizei's Alex Roy & Alli Joseph skipped the Bullrun Lingerie Party at the Las Vegas Palms in order to get some rest before pushing hard on Day 2. Expectations had been very high both for Team Polizei and our nemesis, Richard Rawlings, yet both of us had fallen short on the Bullrun's first day.

After a law-shredding battle with Emil Rensing (driving a Blue 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo), Team Polizei had squandered a commanding lead into Vegas by losing 20+ minutes during a 120-in-a-65 traffic stop by the Nevada Highway Patrol. In spite of this, Team Polizei retained its honor by achieving 5th place, whereas Herr Rawlings disgraced his family name when his $250,000 custom 1931 Ford Model A blew a tire near the LA Start Line.

The first day's win had been taken by the Hot Wheels-sponsored Red 1963 "Amy & Anton" Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible, who, unlike many rally drivers, had taken the time to prepare the car before the Bullrun and experienced no mechanical problems.

The beginning of the second day of the 2005 Bullrun highlighted the logistical difficulty of overnight rally stops in Las Vegas. Although hundreds of Bullrun fans gathered around the Venetian Hotel Valet to see the Bullrunners depart, hotel security was less than amused by the dozens of high-end sports cars blocking valet traffic.

Teenage tourists were split in their adoration of "Celebrity" Bullrunners Dennis Rodman and Hayden Christensen, but Team Polizei was less than impressed. Apparently Herr Rodman used to play some form of game involving running and balls, and Herr Christensen starred in a movie called Shattered Glass and some movie with Kevin Kline.

Team Polizei und Team Rodman

Although Team Polizei was first on the starting grid, rumors floated of a Lamborghini Murcielago-driving chiropractor from LA who'd left early to gain advantage. The "JATO"-liveried Lambo would prove a wily adversary in the coming days, often leaving early in order to steal the glory of arriving first at each checkpoint.

Team Polizei decided to exact vengeance and humiliation upon Team JATO, pulled out of the Venetian in second place, met a construction detour and turned the wrong way. Compounded with Team JATO's 10+ minute advantage, a law-crushing effort would be necessary to catch them.

The Bullrun/Bravo-network camera chopper followed us as we navigated our way Northeast out of the city towards the Grand Canyon — our first checkpoint.

Team Pollzei in front of that large hole in the ground

Team Polizei quickly exploited the dearth of commuter traffic and launched a blistering attack on Nevada traffic law. Like a superheated chainsaw through Camebert, the 2005 Mercedes/Renntech CL600 Polizei Interceptor easily pushed passed 165mph and outran the Bullrun TV chopper.

Several hours of high-speed cruising brought Team Polizei into contention for the Daily Top 3, but our planned lunch visit to the Grand Canyon was cut short when we spotted the JATO Lambo and Dennis Rodman's gold Gallardo leaving just as we arrived. We ate in record time, and, although Team Polizei feel deep kinship to "Natur und Kultur", we'd have to return another time to admire the Grand Canyon.

We soon passed the JATO Lambo, among many other Bullrunners who have much to learn about the performance of the various household appliances they brought on the rally....

Passing the lawnmowers from Italy

The Bullrun/Bravo chopper struggled to follow us as we took a shortcut through a town that must remain unnamed due to the following incident:

Team Polizei wanted not only to achieve official 1st place, but also to pass the cars that'd left so far in advance of us. A shortcut through a lightly populated area in Colorado looked promising, but would require a high-speed, on-road-debate between the law and Team Polizei's driving skill. 30+ minutes of Italian driving led to a meeting with the Colorado Highway Patrol. Team Polizei and the legendary Collins Brothers (in a Black Ferrari 550 Maranello) were pulled over together, and while we waited for our licenses to be processed, police scanner traffic indicated that someone also named Alex Roy had a long list of prior offenses. Luckily, the Officer was convinced of our innate goodness after I explained that Team Polizei was driving in support of the "Schloss und Schnitzel" Autobahn Polizei Charity, and that we were but a luggage car for the Rolls Royce Phantom still a few hours behind. The officer let us go with a warning, and we proceeded into town with great joy. Sadly, several Bullrunners had passed us during this incident — we would have to tread lightly as we attempted to pass in this highly trafficked area.

Colorado Highway Patrol admire the Team Polizei Interceptor

Police scanner traffic indicated 6+ Police Cars waiting for us ahead, and upon a mountain of amusement we sang a song of Schadenfraude in tribute to the Bullrun BMW 645i Convertible pulled over by local police. A second song was sung as we passed Team Polizei's nemesis Peter Malmstrom (and his supermodel girlfriend Landi) in his red Ferrari F40. They too were making new friends with the local police.

Team Polizei then broke one of the cardinal rules of driving and crested a hill at 10+ MPH over the limit. A local police car hit us with instant-on radar and pulled us over, along with Dennis Collins and the unlucky drivers of the BMW 645, who had the distinction of being pulled over twice in the same town.

We were once again passed by several Bullrunners, and although we escaped without a ticket, the two traffic stops deprived Team Polizei of its rightful victory upon arrival in Telluride.

Day 2 Results:
July 24th
1st: Aston Martin DB9 - "Richard & Marek X"
2nd: JATO Lamborghini - "The Doctor"
3rd: Team Polizei - Alex Roy & Alli Joseph

Richard Rawlings was nowhere to be seen, again disgracing his family name. Although Team Polizei considered extending a hand of friendship during the 2005 Bullrun, the Rawlings "El Diablo Toro" Kit Car was unworthy even of grinding coffee, let alone its owner joining the Legendary Hall of Rally Heroes and sitting by Team Polizei's side as equals.

Team Polizei was again pleased to see the Texas-based Collins brothers drive quickly and safely, achieving 4th place via a close convoy strategy with the Polizei Interceptor.

We were also surprised at the extraordinarily quick performance of the Aston Martin DB9 team of Richard and Marek - first time rally driverd who pushed hard and achieved better results than many veterans.

Related:
Alex Roy s Bullrun 2005 Wrap-up, Day 1 [internal]

In his latest video-clip release, Alex Roy shows how much he's learned from New York cabbies, as he and Team Polizei reap the traffic-dodging benefits of trailing an ambulance that's in code red. This one reminds us of threading a needle, only with more speeding trucks coming head-on, and less actual thread. We'll let Alex set the scene.

Team Polizei is in approximately 10th place southbound on the Croatian Coast. A singular opportunity opens up to gain time and risk our lives yet again. We encounter a local ambulance (carrying what is most likely a critical patient) on the way to the hospital in Dubrovnik. Team Polizei activates the M5's lights and sirens, and the Croatian Ambulance pulls over thinking we too are an official vehicle. What follows is 3 minutes of terror...

Team Polizei and the Croatian Ambulance [Team Polizei]

Related:
Brava Firenze: Alex Roy s Gumball 3000 Police Escort [internal]

Back story: During the Italian leg of the Gumball 3000 rally in Europe this past May, Alex Roy, Jalopnik's road-rally correspondent, lead pilot of Team Polizei and king of all media, asked a few Italian police officers (in an Alfa Romeo 145 Subaru Legacy) where they could find a gas station. What followed may be the most insane Gumball 3000 incident ever caught on video. [Update: We owe our new factchecker, Chris, a quart of rocky road. The police car is actually a Subaru Legacy 2.5 AWD. Just awesome.]

Alex and crew ended up getting a high-speed escort from Florence's Piazza Michaelangelo, a chase that that unwound through the twisties of Viale Michelangelo, and out to the A1 autostrada, by the "coolest fucking cops in the world," according to Roy. According to the English chick in the back seat, who provides color commentary, the escort driver was "one mad fooker." And yes, the whole incident was caught on tape. It's 69MBs, but you definitely have time to download this one — trust us.

Also, do not miss Alex's live coverage of the upcoming Bullrun on Jalopnik next week.

Alex's Italian Adventure (MOV.) [Team144]

Related:
Blogging the Gumball 3000; Gumball 3000 Report: Live from the Road; Official and Unofficial Gumball Rally Results; Gumball 3000 Wrap-up [internal]