Back in 1914, Erwin “Cannonball” Baker took his Indian motorcycle and rolled out to set the first cross country record. After just 11 days, his trip across the country was complete. Around two decades later, in 1933, he switched to an automobile and drove a Graham-Page Model 57 Blue Streak 8 from New York to Los Angeles to set yet another record. This run would go down in history as the Cannonball Run.
In 1971, Brock Yates, a Car and Driver Magazine reporter, had the great idea of honoring the famous run by hosting five runs sponsored by the magazine in total. In 1972, Dan Gurney and Yates completed the run in a Ferrari Daytona in just 35 hours and 54 minutes. “At no time did we exceed 175 mph,” Gurney said.
Now, in 2016 the Cannonball Run is back. However, instead of focusing on getting from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time possible, this year’s run is for like-minded individuals who want to drive unknown open roads, explore new cities and destinations and share a unique experience with others. “We believe in a notion that all cars and their drivers are created equal, and therefore we exemplify camaraderie to all,” says Scott Oshry, Chief Marketing Officer. “We embrace individuality, embody the movement that Erwin started and Brock Yates furthered, and now we will carry the torch.”
They are looking to separate themselves from other rallies through providing customer satisfaction and utilizing 48 years of combined rally experience.
From start to finish, here is the route for the 2016 Cannonball Run (October 14-24)
- Start – Lenox, MA
- Hershey, PA
- White Sulphur Springs, WV
- Robbinsville, NC
- Atlanta, GA
- Amelia Island, FL
- Palm Beach, FL
- Key West, FL
- Finish – Havana Cuba
The launch party will be in the style of a 1940’s house party at a mansion built in 1893. It’s here that the participants will indulge fine dining, entertainment, beverages and much more. Once the participants cross the finish line in Havana, Cuba, they will then have the opportunity to experience a party that Cannonball Run’s website says you can only get in this part of the world. The participants will spend two days at an amazing resort, bringing the weeklong adventure to what can only be described as an unforgettable experience.
For more information about the inaugural year of Cannonball Run 01 visit their website cannonballrun.com, and if you want to become an official Cannonballer registration can be easily found on the site. Keep in mind space is limited and over half the open spots have been filled for this legendary rally so if your interested don’t hesitate to sign up.
