Holding the Cannonball Run Record: A Gateway to Unique Opportunities
Breaking the Cannonball Run record in 2019 opened many unexpected doors for me. One such opportunity came when a fan from Germany reached out, inviting me to speak at his company’s annual seminar. Little did I know, this would lead me on a whirlwind journey to TNG Big Techday, one of Munich’s most prestigious technology conferences.
What is TNG Big Techday?
TNG Big Techday is an annual one-day conference organized by TNG Technology Consulting. It focuses on science and technology, particularly information technology. Since its inception in 2007, it has grown into a gathering of approximately 1,500 attendees, featuring expert talks from diverse fields such as physics, mechanical engineering, and even sports. The event invites friends, vendors, and notable speakers, such as the youngest woman to fly around the world and mountaineers who have conquered Everest. And apparently Scofflaw’s like me who like to drive fast.
Revving Up for a Return to the Autobahn
The initial invitation came in 2019 after we announced the Cannonball Run Record, but the pandemic derailed any immediate plans. In 2021, a Zoom call was proposed, which I declined. By 2022, Henrik, my contact at TNG, persisted. He said he was going to loan me his 2016 C7 Corvette to get around and explore—a rare sight in Germany and the perfect car for an American on the Autobahn. Having previously driven on the Autobahn in 2017 during Rob Ferretti’s Adventure Drive in a Porsche Carrera 4, I still had one clear goal back in Germany I needed to achieve: hit 300 kph (186 mph).
While I was eager to experience the Autobahn again, especially with environmentalists pushing to end its unlimited speeds, the timing wasn’t ideal for me. As a last-ditch effort to avoid going, I made flying business class a condition, citing the discomfort of coach on such a long flight with my height—thinking the $8,000+ ticket cost might discourage them. To my surprise, they agreed without hesitation. Despite my busy schedule managing my CNC shop MDI-co and Cannonball Garage, I finally agreed, and the adventure was set in motion.
Staying at Motorworld Munich
Upon arrival in Germany, I stayed at Motorworld Munich, a dream destination for any automotive enthusiast. This unique venue in over 800,000 sq.ft. and includes luxury automotive boutiques, manufacturer showrooms, workshops, and event spaces. My hotel room inside Motorworld overlooked a McLaren and Bugatti dealership—a car lover’s paradise. During my stay, I explored every corner, visiting the showrooms, repair shops, and boutiques.
So I Guess I’m The Keynote Speaker…
TNG Big Techday was being held right here at Motorworld which made it really convenient. As Henrik walked me through the venue, he casually mentioned I would be the keynote speaker closing out the event which I was completely unaware of! Entering the massive Zenith Hall prepared for 700+ attendees, I was stunned. Public speaking isn’t foreign to me, but the scale of this event was on another level.
Right before going on stage, I was warned about potential pushback from environmentalists regarding my Cannonballing exploits. Good to know right before I go on stage! The Autobahn itself is currently under intense scrutiny, with critics arguing that its unrestricted speed limits contribute to higher carbon emissions and environmental harm, fueling calls for stricter regulations to align with their global climate goals.
Despite a technical hiccup with my PowerPoint notes (they were missing from my screen!), the presentation went smoothly. The audience was engaged, and the Q&A session allowed for some great discussions. When asked about the environmental impact of my “long drives”, I countered with the idea that reducing attendance at their soccer games might save more fuel than all my Cannonball runs have ever consumed and that we all could cut back on a lot of things under the guise of saving the planet. Overall, the talk was well-received though, and meeting fans afterward kind of made me feel a bit like a unique German Celebrity like David Hasselhoff.
Driving A Legend: 1993 Porsche 968
After the seminar, I met Nils, a friend of Henrik’s, who offered me the chance to drive his 1993 Porsche 968 left to him by his Father who had passed away. Equipped with a 3.0L inline-four engine—the largest four-cylinder engine ever offered in a production car—it produced 236 horsepower, delivering smooth and consistent power. With over 160,000 kilometers on the odometer, the car still devoured the road like it was the mid-90s. Cruising effortlessly at 150 mph, I felt transported to another era, appreciating both the engineering and the timeless design of this classic Porsche.
The Quest for 300 kph on the Autobahn
The goal of hitting 300 kph (186 mph) on the Autobahn was daunting because the C7 Corvette has a published top speed of exactly 300 kph. While that number may sound straightforward on paper, achieving it in real-world conditions is a different story altogether. A car’s top speed assumes perfect circumstances: ideal weather, a pristine road surface, and, most importantly, enough uninterrupted space to reach and maintain that speed.
The challenge in Germany was finding a stretch of Autobahn long enough, clear enough, and safe enough to test the Corvette’s limits. Traffic, lane restrictions, and even slight inclines can significantly impact the ability to achieve such high speeds. Furthermore, pushing a car to its top speed requires mechanical confidence—everything from tires to aerodynamics must be flawless at those velocities. At 300 kph, even the slightest mistake or mechanical failure could be catastrophic.
Over the course of several days, I scouted potential stretches of Autobahn, attempting runs where I hit the low 290s (180 mph) but always running out of room before reaching the magic number. Drivers in Germany, however, make these attempts more feasible thanks to their impeccable lane etiquette. One notable moment occurred when a BMW Wagon moving at 140 mph in the left lane spotted me in his rearview mirror and calmly moved over, allowing me to maintain momentum—a level of awareness and respect that’s rarely seen on American roads.
Finally, on my last outing, everything lined up. On a long, open stretch of the Autobahn between Munich and Augsburg, I had just enough room to push the Corvette to its limit. With the engine roaring and adrenaline pumping, I watched the speedometer climb until it finally hit the elusive 300 kph. For a brief moment, I felt the thrill of absolute speed and the satisfaction of reaching a goal I’d long dreamed of. It was a perfect culmination of the trip, made all the sweeter by the effort it took to get there.
Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience
From delivering a keynote at TNG Big Techday to driving legendary cars on the Autobahn, this trip was a series of unforgettable moments. It reminded me how the Cannonball Run record continues to open incredible doors and connect me with amazing people worldwide. Whether it was the warm reception from the audience or the sheer joy of driving at top speed, this journey will forever be a highlight in my life.
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