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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
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
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 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.
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.
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
Emily Nov 27th 2007 12:53PM
Jealous much?
john Nov 27th 2007 12:57PM
This story is....... BULLSHIT!!!
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
william Nov 27th 2007 1:08PM
GREAT JOB ROY!!!!!!!!!!!
In 1959, it took me 72 hours Boston to Santa Ana,
in a 1957 Plymouth Fury, 8 hours sleep in Little Rock.
Way 2 go M5. ru up for the cannonball? I am thinking 500SL.
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!
Gumball Nov 27th 2007 1:15PM
This reminds me of the movie Gumball Rally. While illegal, this is something alot of people would like to do, run a road race from New York to LA.
While I would not advising doing this again I will say this, THIS GUYS HAS BRASS BALLS.
Cindy S. Nov 27th 2007 1:22PM
I wish I had as much free time as he does. But going from the East Coast to the West Coast in 31 hours is INSANE!! I wouldn't want to drive near him, I would be scared for my life.
Larry M Nov 27th 2007 1:24PM
In 1976, I drove from Las Vegas to Marlboro, N.Y. in 2 1/2 days. However, becoming impatient, I drove the final 1,000 miles straight through, with the help of stimulants, never stopping except for gas when I obviously took a bathroom break. I never let the speedometer drop under 75 mph. It took me 24 hours. Even 30 years later, with better highways etc., it seems like an impossible feat. I would not believe it without serious documentation.
Jenna Nov 27th 2007 1:25PM
I would rather drive on the road with someone like this who is alert and taking driving seriously than those people who aren't paying attention or just plain don't know what they are doing. You people who are so upset about his breaking the law probably do the same thing (maybe not at 91 mph) but speed or drive distracted.