The Cannonball Run Turns 35

**ZeoBandit** · 11.21.06, 09:38 AM

This is a great read. For those that do not know, the Cannonball Run was a race across the country on US highways in the 70s.

The Cannonball Run Turns 35

The cross-country trophy dash redefined excitement and, some would say, automotive irresponsibility

By Steven Cole Smith, Contributor

Date posted: 11-16-2006

Exactly 35 years ago, a little nuclear warhead dropped onto the automotive pop culture world. Look hard, and you can still see the mushroom cloud.

The first rumblings of the pending explosion, now remembered simply as the Cannonball, actually began a few months earlier, in May of 1971, with a reconnaissance run from New York to Los Angeles in a Dodge van. Automotive journalist Brock Yates and crew, mentally weary from the early but prevailing attitude of political correctness, but still a couple of years away from the national 55-mph speed limit, wanted to prove that "good drivers in good automobiles could employ the American Interstate system the same way the Germans were using their Autobahns," he wrote. "Yes, make high-speed travel by car a reality! Truth and justice affirmed by an overtly legal act."

When Yates sobered up, it still seemed like a good idea. Thus was born the original Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, named in honor of Erwin G. "Cannon Ball" Baker, who made 143 trips across America, beginning in 1914 when he crossed the country in 14 days riding an Indian motorcycle on dirt roads. He died in 1960. Lawyers suggested changing "Cannon Ball" to "Cannonball" was enough to protect Yates from any angry descendants Baker may have left behind.

Yates' initial one-Dodge-van run of 2,858 miles was made in 40 hours, 51 minutes, fueled by 315 gallons of gas and 12 packets of Vivarin. Average speed: 70 mph.

But then came a telegram that changed everything. "This constitutes formal entry by the Polish Racing Drivers of America in the next official Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. The drivers are Oscar Kovaleski, Brad Niemcek and Tony Adamowicz. If we can find California, we'll beat you fair and square."

(more at link) http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=117576

**hatchetforce** · 11.21.06, 09:47 AM

**Red** · 11.21.06, 09:56 AM

"Him"

**Interceptor** · 11.21.06, 10:31 AM

The Cannonball is great. I've read and own a signed copy of Brock Yates' book "chronicalizing" each year that they did the old style Cannonball races in the 70s. Its good stuff and almost makes you want to give it a shot yourself. Long live The Cannonball Run.

"Wait a minute, this cat is dead. Get me a new cat! Aw, a tabby. Very nice. {Meowwwwwwww}. Oh, its a boy!"

"I've transferred the power of the don to my son Don, making him "Don Don". At one time, the Canteloni family was the most powerful family of all the families. And now the Tortolinis,the Rigotonis, the fettucinis and even the raviolis are better than we are".

When's Burt Reynold's gonna suit up as JJ McClure for Cannonball III? Hey, Rocky's back so why the hell not?

**fast98dodge** · 11.21.06, 10:37 AM

I think the idea of the Cannonball is great!!!

The One Lap of America is pretty cool too, definitely way organized...

Actually, I'm thinkin' in the next couple of years of doin' the Silver State Classic either after building a 6.1L Hemi Dakota or if I buy a new Challenger, doin' it with that...

**ZeoBandit** · 11.21.06, 10:38 AM

Fenderbaum: We've got a secret weapon. God is our co-pilot!
The Greek: You'll need him!
Jamie Blake: *God* is our copilot?
Fenderbaum: Uh huh...
Jamie Blake: Remember our car?
Fenderbaum: Uh huh...
Jamie Blake: Two seats?
Fenderbaum: Two seats...
Jamie Blake: Where's he gonna sit?
[smack]
Jamie Blake: Where's he gonna sit?
[smack]

**hatchetforce** · 11.21.06, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by ZeoHalen

Fenderbaum: We've got a secret weapon. God is our co-pilot!
The Greek: You'll need him!
Jamie Blake: *God* is our copilot?
Fenderbaum: Uh huh...
Jamie Blake: Remember our car?
Fenderbaum: Uh huh...
Jamie Blake: Two seats?
Fenderbaum: Two seats...
Jamie Blake: Where's he gonna sit?
[smack]
Jamie Blake: Where's he gonna sit?
[smack]

"These Bleeds?"

**twonabomber** · 11.21.06, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by fast98dodge

I think the idea of the Cannonball is great!!!

The One Lap of America is pretty cool too, definitely way organized...

Actually, I'm thinkin' in the next couple of years of doin' the Silver State Classic either after building a 6.1L Hemi Dakota or if I buy a new Challenger, doin' it with that...

i told my dad we should run One Lap in the Crossfire, just to say we did.

**Filthy 150** · 11.21.06, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by fast98dodge

I think the idea of the Cannonball is great!!!

The One Lap of America is pretty cool too, definitely way organized...

Actually, I'm thinkin' in the next couple of years of doin' the Silver State Classic either after building a 6.1L Hemi Dakota or if I buy a new Challenger, doin' it with that...

I've thought about doing the one in the Ft. Davis Mtns. The only trouble is that the speeds the Vette can get to require a cage (which I really don't want to do). I know if I add a cage, the pocketbook would suffer significant damage w/ the "Justification necessary".

Anyway...in celebration of the Cannonball B-day, I'll add this...

"We got enough beer?"

(several cases)
'MM...MM..MMaybe ..."

"We got enough food?"

(1 bag of chips)
'PPP....PPP...PPP...Plenty."

**fast98dodge** · 11.21.06, 01:23 PM

Never heard of the Ft. Davis Mtns one...

**Filthy 150** · 11.21.06, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by fast98dodge

Never heard of the Ft. Davis Mtns one...

It's in west Texas in April (I think).
I'll get the info and fwd to you.

**sisca** · 11.22.06, 12:57 AM

Originally Posted by Red

"Him"

dun-dun- duuuuuuunnn!!! LOLOLOL

**sisca** · 11.22.06, 01:01 AM

Originally Posted by Filthy 150

I've thought about doing the one in the Ft. Davis Mtns. The only trouble is that the speeds the Vette can get to require a cage (which I really don't want to do). I know if I add a cage, the pocketbook would suffer significant damage w/ the "Justification necessary".

Anyway...in celebration of the Cannonball B-day, I'll add this...

"We got enough beer?"

(several cases)
'MM...MM..MMaybe ..."

"We got enough food?"

(1 bag of chips)
'PPP....PPP...PPP...Plenty."

i went to college in canyon tx, at west tx a&m u, where all the fraternities would participate in what we called the Canyonball run...a road race between frats from the phi delt lodge to the bottom of the palo duro canyon where we proceeded to get completely loaded. we either crashed out in the cars or pitched tents, often resulting in gettin the boot in the morning by a (not so) friendly park ranger.

how ya doing yancey??

**Filthy 150** · 11.22.06, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by sisca

i went to college in canyon tx, at west tx a&m u, where all the fraternities would participate in what we called the Canyonball run...a road race between frats from the phi delt lodge to the bottom of the palo duro canyon where we proceeded to get completely loaded. we either crashed out in the cars or pitched tents, often resulting in gettin the boot in the morning by a (not so) friendly park ranger.

how ya doing yancey??

Doin good.

Canyon?!?
That's a BEAUTIFUL place. Almost as appealing as Ft Stockton.

You coming to H-town anytime soon?

**sisca** · 11.22.06, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by Filthy 150

Doin good.

Canyon?!?
That's a BEAUTIFUL place. Almost as appealing as Ft Stockton.

You coming to H-town anytime soon?

yessir i am...on dec 10th for the texans/titans game with my new girlfriend....dude shes sooooooooooo amazing! i plan on getting ahold of you and kt while im there, so be ready!