Washington State Patrol troopers pulled over Porsches, Ferraris and even a Lamborghini on Interstate 5 this weekend as more than 50 drivers, many in luxury cars, set out on a five-day rally that involves driving from city to city to collect poker cards.
The 2005 Players Run began in Seattle and has stops in Ashland, Ore., San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego en route to Las Vegas. Drivers, who pay $9,800 to participate, collect playing cards along the way until they have enough for a poker hand. After they reach Las Vegas on Wednesday, they’re treated to helicopter flights and rides aboard yachts.
Police said some participants were clocked at more than 120 mph on the Seattle-to-Oregon leg. Drivers veered between lanes, followed too closely and otherwise drove aggressively, forcing troopers to stop all traffic on the freeway with a rolling road block necessary to pull over the vehicles.
Reckless driving citations — with fines up to $1,000 — were issued to 12 drivers. One of those cited was driving a Porsche outfitted with a police scanner and video equipment.
Organizers of the Players Run say the group has rules about driving the speed limit and even disqualifies those caught ignoring them.
“We state very clearly to all the participants that it’s a rally, not a race,” said Valerie Lex.
This is the third year the event has been held.
