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New York to Los Angeles in 31 hours by car
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When most people drive across the country in America, they do so in 5-6 days. Alexander Roy did it in 31 hours and four minutes.
That, folks, is undoubtedly a world record for traveling from New York to Los Angeles--although it's not officially recognized by Guinness since it is so blatantly illegal. Can you imagine the number of traffic laws and speed limits broken to get from Point A to Point B in such a short time?
And what about the logistics?
Roy didn't just jump in his BMW M5 and take off. The meticulous race car driver not only plotted out gas stations with the fastest pumps, tollbooth wait times, and traffic patterns, but also hired a friend to fly air support to make sure there weren't any Smokeys on the road ahead. Roy also outfitted his car with dual gas tanks, air-to-ground radios, a CB, GPS system, night vision goggles, Travel John urination bags, and plenty of caffeine to stay awake for 31 hours straight while driving at ungodly speeds.
Recently Roy slowed down enough to speak with NPR about his adventure on the road which you can listen to here. Or for a more detailed how-to-do in case you'd like to replicate the same trip, be sure to check out his new book, The Driver: My Dangerous Pursuit of Speed and Truth in the Outlaw Racing World.
Gallery: Alexander Roy
Filed under: Transportation
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Ron.C.Kleckley Nov 28th 2007 9:35AM
Some people really do have a DEATH WISH.
tom Nov 27th 2007 12:49PM
Sold a car in 1978 once to Sandy Sutolo, who modified it for the trip. A big Pontiac Catalina. Three drivers, two tanks, and lots of guts. The things they were concerned about were potholes and animals crossing the road. Since the run takes place on highways, no pedestrians could have been hurt. Other drivers, maybe, but they said they passed them so fast they really weren't an issue.
weenus Nov 27th 2007 11:07AM
he should be locked up for disobeying traffic laws, i`m sure there had toc be acouple of close calls with inoccent drivers or pedestrians.
Glenn Nov 27th 2007 11:21AM
A Death Wish for himself is bad enough, but how about all the others he shares the roads with?
Jen Nov 27th 2007 11:34AM
You might want to check your facts before writing an article. Roy specifically mentioned in his interview with NPR (I caught the original broadcast) that he did NOT use the urination bags because they were to cumbersome to deal with and difficult to use. He also did not use Depends. Instead, he limited his liquid intake, which would make your statement about him loading up on caffine false as well.
peeps Nov 27th 2007 1:23PM
Jolt makes a wonderful caffeine gum. There's pills, too . .
Christopher Patten Nov 27th 2007 12:00PM
Some people really have nothing to do..
Mike B. Dec 7th 2007 11:33AM
I have dreamed of doing that. Never thought it could be traversed that fast. First time I drove from Philly to LA, The only turnpike was in Penna. Took five days. Back then,Rte.66 ran from Chicago to LA. The memory has stayed with me since the Fifties.
mike Nov 27th 2007 12:02PM
What an idiot. I did that drive a couple of times it took me four days and what hell that drive was. I was bi coastal and decided to leave a car in NY. Also a stupid idea because it cost a fortune to park it in Manhatten. I had a new Land Rover. It broke down on the way to NY in Amerillo TX and again driving it back one year later GET THIS IN Amerillo. That drive was hell. Ricky and Lucy lied. Anyway its idiots like this that kill others on the road. HELL DRIVE WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN.
george stanks Nov 27th 2007 1:32PM
I made a trip from Binghamton, NY to Las Vegas, Nv
in 26 hours back in 1978 in a datsun 280Z. The only help I had was a CB radio and a radar detector. I was a lot younger and didn't need much sleep then, but it's more than possible to do as long as you have
a lead foot and the need for speed!
AandR Nov 27th 2007 12:15PM
I DON'T BELIEVE IT !!
The shortest route from NYC to LA is 2820 miles. That would mean driving at 90.6 mph for 31hrs.
No you can't sell me the Brooklyn Bridge.
iamnotfar Dec 10th 2007 4:42PM
We should have an audobon built that runs from the east coast to the west. That would be sooo amazingly cool!!! Imagine all the itty bitty towns that would disappear in that venture. :D
H S Nov 27th 2007 12:25PM
I am tired of people breaking speed limits & disobeying every traffic law in public. Especially racing in supermarket parking lots. I am not impressed by this so called record. Maybe a teeny bopper would be impressed but not me. Recently we just had a local kid ran over at a school crosswalk. Sounds like something this punk driver would do. Its a good thing he did not cross my path or he would have a serious case of lead posioning. Out
Julianna Nov 27th 2007 12:25PM
how many people's lives did he put at risk with his "ungodly speed"? what a jerk.
kad1 Nov 27th 2007 12:41PM
wish he would of called me i would of kept him company . my daughter lives near L.A. could of got a free quick ride
Xxhottrodxx1971 Nov 27th 2007 12:51PM
i drove with my brother fromrochester to sacramento in 53 hours we both drove off and on and people said we wee nuts lol geez
Ed Weir Nov 30th 2007 1:28AM
Check out Wikipedia for: "Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash" and the film Gumball Rally.
It was originally a race to point out the absurdity of 55mph limits on interstates and was officially ended when they got too crowded for safety.
AloysiusWeasley Nov 27th 2007 1:05PM
That's AWESOME! Great planning, with the friend flying overhead, looking for fuzz - I wish I could do that! :D
Emily Nov 27th 2007 12:53PM
Jealous much?
jim williams Nov 27th 2007 1:12PM
I DROVE FROM PITTSBURGH, PA. TO LAS VEGAS IN 23 HOURS. SO WHAT'S SO HARD ABOUT THAT. I DID'NT BREAK ANY LAWS EITHER. I, LIKE YOU KNOW IT CAN AND HAS BEEN DONE. CONGRAULATION!