WOT Becomes Official CannonBall:The Great American run Sponsor

WOT Magazine became a sponsor of The Great American Run 2010 formerly known as the Cannon Ball Run so look for great coverage this fall! Also check out our video of the week for a little teaser video!

The Cannonball name originates from the die-hard adventurer Erwin G. “Cannonball” Baker, the greatest cross-country record breaker of them all. Baker set 143 American distance records, including a 53 1/2 hour coast to coast solo drive averaging over 50 mph in 1933! He died a hero in 1960.

Inspired by the great man and in defiance of the then introduced 55 mph US speed limit, rebellious journalist Brock Yates launched “Cannonball” and the “Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash”.

An account of his tale in Car & Driver Magazine lit the Cannonball fuse. Four subsequent races were held, the climax being the 1979 event – the fastest of them all – which attracted 26 entries and was won by David Heinz and David Yarborough, who completed the entire course in just 32 hours and 51 minutes at an average of nearly 88 mph. The legend of Cannonball was established.

Of course everybody remembers the subsequent Cannonball movies and great fun they were too. Whilst Yates was involved in the creation of the films, he felt the real spirit of the event was somewhat lost in the translation to film and professed his commitment to keeping the Cannonball spirit alive through his editorial and annual Cannonball events.

In October 2002, Tim Porter re-energized the spirit of Cannonball by organizing a new European rally, encompassing 140 new “Cannonballers”, and an astonishing 69 cars.  The machines may have been more modern (save for the 1970s Fastback Mustang), the rules refined to take account of a more modern age, but the spirit of Cannonball was born again with Tim  Porter’s Cannonball European rally events.  And in July 2007, the fun and excitement of Tim Porter’s European rally’s arrived in the States with the birth of “The Great American Run”  a history making event with multi-starting cities and an $86,000 first prize for the winning team

DATES
On September 1st, entrants will take their place on the starting line at Laguna Beach, concluding with the Final Night Awards Party, followed by a farewell breakfast the morning of the 5th. This event will be limited to 50 entries.
 ROUTE
Approximately 1850 miles in total the route will cover scenic, beautiful but sometimes very challenging driving. Chosen and pre-driven by Tim Porter they will be sure to test both ability and stamina to the full. Broken down in to checkpoint stages, the route will remain a closely guarded secret by The Great American Run crew and will only be revealed at the opening checkpoint each morning. The event will start and finish around the Los Angeles area.
 
COMPETITION
Navigate through a series of checkpoints whilst obtaining an average speed of 61 mph over the entire route.  A target time has been set for each stage of the event.  The winner of the event will be the drivers of the car that get the closest overall mileage variance.  The victorious team will be announced at the Final Night Gala Dinner and will take the Title.
 

 PRICE
The event is open to all licensed drivers over the age of 18. The entry fee is $7,995 to include 1 car and 2 drivers ($7500 for previous entrants or bookings paid in full byJan 31st 2010)
 
INCLUSIONS
Luxury hotel accommodation (based on twin/double rooms)
A welcome drink on arrival at each hotel
Secure overnight parking
Breakfasts
Evening meals (limited drinks included)
VIP entrance to parties
Route maps
Official Great American Run and sponsor car decals
A shot at the Title
Final Night Gala and Awards Ceremony at a prestigious venue
Services of the Great American Run Event Managers, Checkpoint Crews, Photographers and Film Crews