Doug DeMuro Recounts His Biggest Story: The 2013 Cannonball Run Record

The Genesis of a Record-Breaking Story

• 💡 Doug DeMuro recounts writing about Ed Bolian and his team breaking the Cannonball Run record for Jalopnik in 2013.
• 🎯 DeMuro, known for his humorous columns, was approached by Bolian to write the story due to his established following and distinct writing style.
• ⚠️ The story presented a challenge as the act was illegal, leading to initial anxiety about publishing it on Jalopnik.

Crafting the Narrative

• ✍️ DeMuro met with Bolian for several hours to gather the full account of the record attempt, including preparations and execution.
• 🤝 DeMuro also sought the perspective of co-driver Dan, who revealed that the team almost backed out just before the run due to an illegal U-turn incident in Manhattan.
• ✨ The writing process was described as a near-supernatural flow, resulting in what DeMuro considers the longest and most impactful piece he ever published.

Publishing and Reception

• 🚀 Jalopnik agreed to publish the story, though editors added cautious language and "allegedly" due to the illegal nature of the record.
• 📰 The story became an instant internet sensation, generating significant buzz and attention, including a repost on CNN.
• 🧐 Some backlash emerged, notably from Alex Roy, the previous record holder, who felt scapegoated by DeMuro's reporting.

The Impact and Legacy

• 🏆 The 2013 Cannonball Run record was a significant event within the car enthusiast community, especially as it had been years since a new record was set.
• 📈 DeMuro reflects that while the story brought him notoriety and built his reputation on Jalopnik, it was never intended to launch a Hollywood career.
• ✅ The story remains the most special and memorable piece of his career, a testament to a unique moment in automotive history.

Sponsor Spotlight: Bridgestone Tires

• 🚗 The video features a segment highlighting Bridgestone's Dueler All-Terrain tires installed on a Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
• 🌟 DeMuro praises the tires for balancing off-road performance with on-road comfort and a 4,000-mile warranty, calling them a perfect solution for his project.