Bob Bondurant, a renowned racing icon, surprisingly owns and enjoys driving a Smart car. He praises its handling and braking capabilities, calling it “fun to drive.” This unexpected affinity for the compact car led to a humorous encounter with a California Highway Patrol officer. While driving back to Arizona from California with his dog, Rusty, Bondurant pushed his Smart car to its limits, reaching speeds of 90 mph while overtaking other vehicles.
A state trooper eventually caught up with him, clocking him at 85 mph and admitting he had to reach 90 mph to do so. Bondurant, amused by the situation, responded with “That’s fantastic!” The trooper, upon realizing he had pulled over THE Bob Bondurant, recognized the racing legend. After checking Bondurant’s documentation, the officer issued a warning instead of a ticket, stating that issuing a citation to Bob Bondurant for speeding in a Smart car would likely result in ridicule from his colleagues. This anecdote highlights not only the unexpected performance capabilities of the Smart car but also the respect Bondurant commands within law enforcement, particularly amongst California Highway Patrol officers who receive training at his driving school. The story serves as a unique point of discussion for enthusiasts in a Smart Car Tuning Forum, showcasing the car’s potential beyond its economical image.
