FHP: Car rally creates problems on the road; Troopers look out for speeders

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol troopers are warning drivers to be on the lookout for souped-up cars racing up the interstate.

Troopers said they’re part of a huge car rally making its way from south Florida to New York, and eventually across the Atlantic.

Troopers already issued tickets to some drivers along I-95 Thursday and one driver was docked at 104 mph in a 70 mph zone.

They said it’s part of a so-called “Gumball 3000”, a 3,000-mile motor rally for charity that started Thursday morning in Miami Beach, and stretches across public roads all over the globe.

But FHP had problems with some drivers as they made their way through Brevard County.

“We did stop several of them traveling very in excess of the speed limit,” said Lt. Channing Taylor. “Eighty, 90, 100-miles-per-hour speeds plus. And some of these areas are under construction. They are working on the side of the road within inches of the white line.”

Local law enforcement agencies were alerted about the rally by Miami-Dade police.

“We pulled all of our troopers up in certain areas on the interstate. The Sheriff’s department also got some calls,” Lt. Taylor said.

WFTV spoke to one driver who was part of the 120-car group.

He said he was encouraged by the police presence.

“I think the officers are doing a great job. I think what they’re doing—I think us—we need to drive safely,” said Pelaydro, who did not want to give his last name.

The cars went to Daytona Beach late Thursday and then they’re off to Atlanta and New York, according to the group’s website.

After that, they’ll be flown across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe, before ending on an island off the coast of Spain.

WFTV