Guinness World Record Attempt: Largest BMW Parade (6 July 2013)

Press statement issued 8 July 2013 by Michael Broom:

"446 is a big number in any book, but it won’t be in the Guinness Book Of World Records.

On 6 July 2013 BMW Car Club Gauteng set out to break the Guinness World Record for the largest BMW Parade. The attempt took place during the Cedar Isle Auto BMW Track Day at Kyalami circuit, and while 446 BMWs were counted on circuit the record will not be recognised by Guinness as official.

The reason for this is that one of the specific requirements as set out by Guinness of the pack keeping in formation, not overtaking and maintaining a consistent following distance was not met. The organisers could only sufficiently and confidently claim that less than 60 cars followed the rules to the letter throughout the entire parade.

Organiser, Michael Broom had this to say “While we may not have a successful claim for Guinness, I am thrilled with the way it turned out. To put 446 cars on a track, do a lap at a slow speed and get them all off again in under an hour was nothing short of a miracle. We had 446 BMW owners in the same place at the same time for a common cause; the resulting camaraderie is worthy of more celebration than a recognition from Guinness. I personally thank each and every person who contributed in any way; it was a day I will remember forever.”

BMW Car Club Gauteng therefore still have a claim number with Guinness as they have chosen not to submit evidence should they decide to attempt it again.

The parade kicked off at 12:00 PM as the feature event of the Cedar Isle BMW Track Day being held on the same day. The rest of the day’s activities included a Time Trial track day as well as two heats of the BMW CCG Club Racing Series, currently the most exciting grass roots Motorsport series in South Africa.

Anyone who owns or drives a BMW were eligible to participate. The rules set out included - cars must all be moving under their own steam, only original BMW models powered by BMW engines may compete and every participant needing to sign a register and give a statement of their participation.

The BMW Car Club Gauteng and Cedar Isle Auto have enlisted the services of Stan Bezuidenhout of IBF Forensic Investigations to handle the requirements as set out by Guinness as well as the correct collection and submission of evidence.