…thanks to fellow Londino driver and Men’s Vogue Editor Hudson Morgan. You can pick up the print version in the current US Men’s Vogue, or preview the first page and some Londino pictures after the jump. Thanks very much for the mention, Hud.
(Above, from left: Hudson Morgan, and Londino organizers Erik & Jens Trulsson.
Below, Londino cars stage @ The Ritz, Paris, 8/24/2007)
Below, Londino cars stage @ The Ritz, Paris, 8/24/2007)
Very Interesting. But the one thing that I don’t like is the quote I read after the title, “…peer pressure keeps the pace at 130 mph.” Isn’t an article like this bringing the Londino to the same level as the Gumball and other “rally” events turned unofficial road races? I thought this is what the Londino was trying to avoid? I know they can do as much as possible to say speeding is what you are not supposed to do, but in the end it comes down to the control of the driver themselves to keep their speeds down.
I know that taking something like this and keeping it exclusive, and low key, will not attract much unwanted attention (i.e. police). But I would hate to see an event like this that has one speeding ticket issued (unlucky for Michael Ross, he was the first) to get a brand for a “rally” for speed. Gumball started out like this, a calm gathering of friends and car lovers, only to spawn into a big dollar entry and business with a slogan for speed. I hope the Londino doesn’t fall this route and stays the same, as I would look forward someday to enjoying it (Gumball was an initial dream, but the $100k fee is a bit much compared to the several thousands it was early on).
Agree with you on that one B.E.M. Maybe Hudson thinks this article won’t be read outside of the states?
Wow!
That didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to. Unfortunately whenever a group of motorists in high powered vehicles get together they can get carried away although from experience I know that texts tend to get embellished for editorial purpose.
Can I swear here? M….r-F….r!!
Lay off, i mean alex alredy stated it.
The future of rallys is uncertain.
I thinks its good that they write up about such a nice event, lets not get caught up in words or statements
LOL
Peace!
Well I know the future of road rallys is up in the air. My local car meets have trouble cruising woodward ave (detroit area road, well known summer “dream cruise” you can read up on if interested) without cops busting our chops. And all we do is hang out in parking lots… We had another where we met in a college parking structure, nothing serious. Next thing we know it makes the Detroit Newspaper and the next few weeks we see 2-3 times as many people. Once the numbers got crazy, the regulars started to not recognize the newcomers and there’s no way to keep their actions in check. Next thing you know, we’re getting kicked out and looking for another location to hang out.
I don’t think the problem is in the rally event itself, it’s when they become too popular, like my local meets, and the “asshats” start showing up and ruining the good time the responsible people have. I’m not saying we don’t break laws (we love good burnouts) and that we don’t speed (we all do) but we know when it’s a proper time to do so. Alex is one of the Gumball participants that actually goes through the means to be in a car at high speed. Upgrades brakes, has a navigator scouting the road ahead, IR cameras for day/night, radar/scanners/CB and the list goes on. For example in the one Gumball event a vehicle cut in front of him on film while he was traveling at high speed. He said, if he didn’t upgrade his brakes, he would have hit the rear of the vehicle. Take that to other rally drivers that just run with what they brung… that’s how accidents happen… that’s how people get killed. People who buy exensive cars (million dollar Rolls) and take them beyond their reasonable limits because they “think” they are good drivers are the “asshats” of the modern day rallys.
You can have fun with a thousand people, but it only takes one jerk to ruin it all.
Well…before anyone gets the wrong impression…somehow I wonder if Hud’s experience was due to the fact that he was in the CLK63 AMG Black? In all honesty, I think the line in question is one of those “it sounded sexy” lines, as most of the participants were in no way interested in those speeds, given their mood, dress, maturity and cars…
130mph? We did it once, and got the first ever ticket on the Londino. I never saw anyone else doing those speeds…unlike on other rallies.
FYI - I’ve already asked my mother if she’d want to do the Londino in her Boxster. I think that says it all. Now whether Jens has room for a grown-up German woman with short blonde hair and driving gloves…well…that’s another matter. LOL -
Best,
Alex
Alex, your mother is always welcome! I am really looking forward to recieving her application - or will she perhaps be part of the new Team Polizei?
I am truly sorry that Hudson seem to have gotten that impression of Londino. We work very hard to make it a very relaxing experience as we hand pick all our participants to fit the Londino adventure.
I refuse to cave to the big brother society and install trackers in every car in Londino to make sure the speed limits are obeyed. One has to be able to use personal judgement.