I used to love watching that old Burt Reynolds movie, Cannonball Run, when it was in reruns on TV. The idea of blasting across the continent non-stop, fast as you could, in a no-rules road race sounded awesome.
In fact, when they announced the TV show “The Amazing Race” I kind of hoped it would be like that — “Here you are, in Melbourne, Australia. Here’s $100. First one to hit Moscow, then Mumbai, then Minneapolis wins.”
So I’ve been casually following the new Gumball 3000 rally, which is like a sellout version of the original Cannonball Run.
Nowadays, drivers have to pay upwards of $40,000 to enter, and they drive souped-up Lamborghinis. Not in the spirit of the original, which was cooked up by a car magazine writer, and known as the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash.
All the fast cars money can buy don’t always get you away from the cops, though. Check out this video for a taste of the douchebags who do the Cannonball Run Gumball 3000 these days:
If you’re interested in the rally (which is nearing its end) check out posts like this one at autoblog.com, or this take on the arrest warrants from the New York Times.
The Times also profiled a while back this fellow, who was setting a coast-to-coast record in a souped-up technocar.
But I encourage you to Google and to read more about the original. A good starting point is here, or here.
Road trip, anyone?
Grant Hamilton
3 Responses to “Cannonball Run has totally sold out”
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Wasn’t Cannonball Run based on an earlier film called Gumball Rally, or some such thing. Had an Italian racer who ripped off his rearview mirror . . .
Well … that might technically be true (and it might technically star Gary Busey). And in any case, the idea or concept of a cross-continent non-stop race isn’t original or unique.
But Cannonball Run holds a special place in my heart. And both of the movies appear to be based on the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, which really is the coolest of names.
“Cannonball” Baker, by the way, was a motorcycle rider in the 30s who set a number of records, including a cross-country speed record that stood for 40 years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erwin_George_Baker