Cannonball Run challenge

File:Red_Ball_Garage_New_York_-_Mapillary_(uBA-3u6Ib-DPT9UOBMextg).jpg]]File:Redondo_Beach_Marina_(4361864608).jpg, California]]

A Cannonball Run is an unsanctioned speed record for driving across the United States, typically accepted to run from New York City's Red Ball Garage to the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach near Los Angeles, covering a distance of about {{Convert|2906|mi}}.{{r|Roberts_19870422}} {{As of|2021|10}}, the overall record is 25 hours 39 minutes, with an average speed of {{convert|112|mph|km/h|sigfig=3}}, driven by Arne Toman and Doug Tabbutt in May 2020.{{r|Sorokanich_20200820}}

The average speeds achieved in reported runs are far in excess of speed limits anywhere in the United States. Successful record attempts have employed a variety of tactics for evading traffic law enforcement.

History

{{see also| Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash}}The cannonball run began as an unofficial, unsanctioned automobile race run five times in the 1970s from New York City and Darien, Connecticut, on the East Coast of the United States to the Portofino InnNow (as of January 2021) called the Portofino Hotel, the building is located at 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, {{coord|33|50|43.9|N|118|23|50.1|W|display=inline}} in the Los Angeles suburb of Redondo Beach, California. These races were called the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash.{{r|Yates_2003|page=13}}

Conceived by car magazine writer and auto racer Brock Yates and fellow Car and Driver editor Steve Smith, the first run was not a competitive race as only one team was running. The run was intended both as a celebration of the United States Interstate Highway System and as a protest against strict traffic laws coming into effect at the time. Another motivation was the fun involved, which showed in the tongue-in-cheek reports in Car and Driver and other auto publications worldwide. The initial cross-country run was made by Yates; his son, Brock Yates, Jr.; Steve Smith; and friend Jim Williams beginning on May 3, 1971, in a 1971 Dodge Custom Sportsman van called the "Moon Trash II."{{r|Yates_2003|page=13}}

The race was run four more times: November 15, 1971;{{r|Yates_2003|page=61}} November 13, 1972;{{r|Yates_2003|page=98}} April 23, 1975;{{r|Yates_2003|page=144}} and April 1, 1979.{{r|Yates_2003|page=202}}

Format

The traditional start point is the Red Ball Garage on East 31st Street, Manhattan, and its finish is at the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach, California, a distance of just over {{convert|2900|mi}} depending on the route. A second starting point emerged for the 1979 running at the Goodwives Shopping Center in Darien, Connecticut. The route from this point is said to be approximately {{convert|48|miles}} farther than the Red Ball Garage starting point. Since the record is unsanctioned, there are no official limits imposed on cars, routes, technologies, or strategies used in record runs. Record-setting runs are typically self-verified by record-setters through witnesses, toll receipts, continuous video of the run, and GPS tracking. Contemporary record-setting runs are typically driven by a team of drivers and copilots in a high-performance, but inconspicuous car. Cars are commonly modified with auxiliary fuel tanks to extend range, and are frequently modified to increase performance and durability. Cars are also commonly modified to help evade police, using equipment such as police radio, radar and laser detectors and/or jamming, and cosmetic alterations that obscure the car's identity. Several attempts have also implemented police-spotting teams traveling ahead of the record-run in cars or even general-aviation aircraft.{{cite web |last1=Baruth |first1=Jack |title=NY to LA. 26 Hours. 28 Minutes. With A GT-R-Powered, Dual-Control Infiniti Q50. |url=https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/03/ny-la-26-hours-28-minutes-gt-r-powered-dual-control-infiniti-q50/ |website=The Truth About Cars |date=31 March 2015 |access-date=24 June 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Roy |first1=Alex |title=If I Drove It: 26:28 And The End Of Automotive Journalism |url=https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/04/drove-2628-end-automotive-journalism/ |website=The Truth About Cars |date=2 April 2015 |access-date=24 June 2020}}{{Cite web|last=Preston|first=Benjamin|date=2019-12-03|title=These Guys Just Drove an E63 AMG Across America in a Record 27 Hours 25 Minutes|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a30085091/these-guys-just-drove-an-e63-amg-across-america-in-a-record-27-hours-25-minutes/|access-date=2019-12-08|website=Road & Track|language=en-US}}

Legality and ethics

Record attempts are criticized for their illegality and disregard for public safety, as these attempts are not authorized by or in agreement with any law enforcement agency.{{Cite web|last=Preston|first=Benjamin|date=2019-12-12|title=This Cop Thinks Setting Cross-Country Cannonball Records Isn't That Dangerous. Here's Why.|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a30210151/a-cop-who-runs-cannonballs-explains-why-speed-alone-doesnt-kill/|access-date=2020-06-20|website=Road & Track|language=en-US}}

List of records

=Outright Cannonball record=

On October 7–9, 2006, Alex Roy, Dave Maher and filmmaker Cory Welles set a transcontinental record of 31 hours 4 minutes from the Classic Car Club NYC to Santa Monica Pier using a modified [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M5?title=BMW_M5#E39_M5_(1998%E2%80%932003) 2000 BMW M5], averaging {{convert|90|mph}} with a top speed of {{convert|157|mph}}."Tale of Outlaw Racing, With the U.S. as a Course", nytimes.com; accessed December 9th, 2019.[https://jalopnik.com/alex-roy-reveals-transcontinental-run-claims-record-310735 “Alex Roy Reveals Transcontinental Run, Claims Record"], jalopnik.com; accessed December 9th, 2019. A spotter plane was deployed for the daytime sections. This and the U.S. Express are depicted in the 2019 documentary APEX: The Secret Race Across America.{{cite web |url=https://www.apexthesecretrace.com/ |title=Home |website=apexthesecretrace.com}}

In May 2007, Richard Rawlings and co-pilot Dennis Collins allegedly broke the 1979 Cannonball Run time during the 2007 Bullrun entry, driving a black Ferrari 550, modified with extra fuel tanks. Their final time was 31 hours and 59 minutes.{{cite web|date=14 May 2007|title=Did Rawlings and Collins Break the Transcontinental Record?|url=http://jalopnik.com/260307/did-rawlings-and-collins-break-the-transcontinental-record|publisher=jalopnik.com}}

In October 2013, a team led by Ed Bolian with Dave Black and Dan Huang set a transcontinental record of 28 hours 50 minutes in a modified 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG, averaging {{convert|98|mph}} with top speed of {{convert|182|mph}}.[https://jalopnik.com/meet-the-guy-who-drove-across-the-u-s-in-a-record-28-h-1454092837 “Meet “The Guy Who Drove Cross Country in a Record 28 Hours 50 Minutes], jalopnik.com; accessed December 9th, 2019. Black shared driving with Bolian, who served as the primary driver, while Huang served as spotter watching for police and obstructions such as deer or construction using image stabilized binoculars.{{Cite web|last=Antics|first=Arne's|date=2019-12-03|title=My Journey to the Fastest Drive in History|url=https://www.arnesantics.com/my-journey-to-the-fastest-drive-in-history/|access-date=2019-12-08|website=Arne's Antics|language=en-US}}

In November 2019, the driving team of Arne Toman and Doug Tabbutt, with spotter Berkeley Chadwick, set a transcontinental record of 27 hours 25 minutes.{{Cite news|last=Horton|first=Alex|title=These guys finished a record Cannonball Run from New York to L.A., averaging 103 mph. Here's how.|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/12/06/these-guys-finished-record-cannonball-run-new-york-la-averaging-mph-heres-how/|access-date=2019-12-08|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Romine|first=Taylor|date=2019-12-04|title=Team claims it set a 'Cannonball Run' record|url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/cannonball-run-drive-new-record/index.html|access-date=2019-12-08|website=CNN Travel|language=en}} The team averaged {{convert|103|mph}} and reached a top speed of {{convert|193|mph}} on the trip covering 13 states. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG was modified to provide {{convert|800|hp|PS kW|0}} and fitted with an additional fuel tank in the trunk providing {{convert|67|USgal|impgal L}} enabling the team to stop just four times for fuel for a total of just over 22 minutes. The car was also equipped with police scanner, CB radio, a thermal camera to help the team spot police on the ground and in the air as well as a laser jammer. The team left early November ahead of Thanksgiving travel traffic and chose a route based on weather forecasts which provided dry weather through the entire trip.{{Cite web |title=With Perfect Weather, Cannonball Team Races from New York to Los Angeles in Under 27.5 Hours |url=https://weather.com/news/news/2019-12-05-new-record-cannonball-run-new-york-to-california |access-date=2019-12-08 |website=The Weather Channel |language=en-US}}

==During the COVID-19 pandemic==

The record was broken multiple times during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of a reduction in both road users and law enforcement presence.{{cite web|last=Lauer|first=Alex|date=2020-04-13|title=Empty Roads Mean More Street Racing - And Speeding Tickets|url=https://www.insidehook.com/daily_brief/vehicles/street-racing-speeding-tickets-coronavirus|access-date=2020-04-17|website=InsideHook}}

In April 2020, an anonymous crew traveled from the Red Ball GarageThe Red Ball Garage is located at 142 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016, {{coord|40|44|38.9|N|73|58|48.9|W|display=inline}} on the east side of Manhattan to the Portofino HotelThe Portofino Hotel is located at 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, {{coord|33|50|43.9|N|118|23|50.1|W|display=inline}} in Redondo Beach, California—a total of {{convert|2825.3|mi}}—in 26 hours 38 minutes.{{Cite web|last=Melluso|first=Angelo|date=2020-04-09|title=A Team Exploited the Coronavirus Pandemic to Set a 26-Hour 38-Minute Cross-Country Record|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a32092440/26-hour-38-minute-cannonball-record-coronavirus/|access-date=2020-04-09|website=Road & Track|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Branch|first=John|date=2020-04-11|title=Whoosh! That Car That Just Soared by Might Be Heading for the Coast|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/11/us/speeding-tickets-cars-coronavirus.html|access-date=2020-04-11|website=New York Times|language=en-US}} The team averaged {{convert|106|mph}}. The record was completed in a 2019 Audi A8L with additional fuel tanks in the rear storage.{{cite web|last=Gastelu|first=Gary|date=2020-04-10|title=Team allegedly sets new 'Cannonball Run' record on empty highways during coronavirus lockdowns|url=https://www.foxnews.com/auto/cannonball-run-record-empty-highways-coronavirus|access-date=2020-04-17|website=Fox News}}

In May 2020, Arne Toman, Doug Tabbutt, and spotter Dunadel Daryoush set the new cannonball record of 25 hours and 39 minutes in a modified 2016 Audi S6 disguised to look like a Ford Police Interceptor Sedan. Police-evasion modifications included brake light kill-switches, radar detectors, laser diffusers, CB-radio, and a roof-mounted thermal camera. Performance modifications included a trunk-mounted {{convert|67|usgal|impgal L|adj=on}} auxiliary fuel tank sourced from the car used in Toman and Tabbutt's 2019 cannonball run, modified turbochargers, an upgraded heat-exchanger, and custom ECU tuning that allowed for engine-mapping to be changed on-demand to suit either 91- or 93-octane fuel, allowing the car to generate an estimated {{convert|600|hp|PS kW|0}}. The run achieved an overall average speed of {{convert|110|mph|km/h|sigfig=3}}, with average speeds upwards of {{convert|125|mph}} across some states, and which "at no time exceeded {{convert|175|mph}}". This is the widely accepted current world record.{{Cite web|date=August 1, 2020|title=We built a car that's INVISIBLE to cops in 3 days!|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPGcvq4yfNA|website=YouTube|publisher=VINwiki}}Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211210/GOWn1WSYhVQ Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200821002622/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOWn1WSYhVQ Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOWn1WSYhVQ&t=351s| title = We set an UNBEATABLE Cannonball Record | website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |date=21 August 2020 |title=The secret team that set an illegal high-speed Cannonball record has been revealed |url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/cannonball-run-record-audi-s6 |access-date=11 February 2023 |website=Whichcar}}{{Cite web |title=Current Cannonball Run Record Holder |url=https://www.arnesantics.com/projects/current-cannonball-run-record-holder-audi-s6/ |access-date=11 February 2023 |website=Arne's Antics}}

In early June 2020, as reported by Road & Track, Fred Ashmore allegedly completed a solo run in 25 hours and 55 minutes.{{Cite web|last=Melluso|first=Angelo|date=2020-06-19|title=A Man Drove Solo Across America in 25 Hours 55 Minutes in A rental mustang GT|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a32917037/a-man-drove-solo-across-america-in-25-hours-55-minutes-in-a-rental-mustang/|access-date=2020-06-20|website=Road & Track|language=en-US}} The claim has now been cast into doubt by Road & Track after further investigation revealed that the evidence to support the claim had been doctored.{{Cite web|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a38916492/solo-cannonball-record-may-have-been-faked/|title=The 25:55 Solo Cannonball Record May Have Been Faked|first=Benjamin|last=Preston|date=January 28, 2022|website=Road & Track}}

=Double transcontinental record=

In May 2020, the team of Chris Clemens and Mark Spence in a highly modified Mercedes SL500 followed the Toman/Tabbutt team out of New York, drove from the Red Ball Garage in New York City to the Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach, California and then turned around and went back to the Red Ball Garage in 74 hours and 5 minutes.{{Cite web |last=Melluso |first=Angelo |date=2021-07-20 |title=Two Guys Drove from N.Y.C. to L.A. and Back in 74 Hours and 5 Minutes |url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a37080863/back-to-back-cannonball/ |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=Road & Track |language=en-US}}

In April 2022, the team of Nik Krueger, Mark Spence and Wesley Vigh drove from the Red Ball Garage in New York City to the Portofino Hotel and Marina in Redondo Beach, California, then back to the Red Ball Garage in 65 hours and 28 minutes, shattering the prior record by nearly eight and a half hours. The team used a modified 2008 Saab 9-5.{{cite web | url=https://www.saabplanet.com/a-saab-9-5-aero-sets-a-record-in-the-cannonball/ | title=A Saab 9-5 Aero Sets a Record in the Cannonball! | date=4 May 2022 }} That record was beaten just one week later by Bennett Wilson, Chris Ruppmann, and Grady Leno with a time of 65 hours and 19 minutes in a 2012 Mercedes S550 in April 2022.

In October 2024, the team of Nik Krueger, Wesley Vigh, and Christopher Michaels drove from the Red Ball Garage in New York City to the Portofino Hotel and Marina in Redondo Beach, California and back to the Red Ball Garage in 61 hours and 59 minutes, setting the current Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast Cannonball Run Record and reclaiming their short-lived title from 2022. The run used the same 2008 Saab 9-5.{{cite web | url=https://www.saabplanet.com/new-cannonball-two-way-record-saab-9-5-team-conquers-america-in-61-hours-59-minutes/ | title=New Cannonball Two-Way Record: Saab 9-5 Team Conquers America in 61 Hours, 59 Minutes! | date=28 November 2022 }}

=Diesel record=

On April 4, 2020, the three-man team consisting of Sean G. Petr, Jason Adkins, and Mark Spence piloted a 2014 Volkswagen Passat TDI SE from Goodwives Shopping Center in Darien, Connecticut to the Portofino Hotel and Marina in Redondo Beach, California in 28 hours and 30 minutes beating both the previous diesel record and Darien-Redondo time by more than 3 hours. The team averaged both {{convert|25.5|mpgus|mpgimp L/100km km/L|1|abbr=on}} and {{cvt|100.07|mph}} over the {{convert|2,852|miles|km|adj=on}} journey.{{cite web |title=Cannonball Run Record: A Guide to America's Ultimate Illegal Street Race |url=https://gearjunkie.com/motors/cannonball-run-record |website=GearJunkie |date=28 October 2022 |access-date=28 October 2022}}

In October 2024, Las Vegas native Chris Stowell would complete a solo run of 27 hours and 16 minutes in a 2015 BMW 535d, not only breaking the diesel record, but also the last verified solo record (as Fred Ashmore's run is still being questioned) by Carl Dietz in a Cadillac ATS, who ran it in 27 hours and 25 minutes. Stowell also beat the pre-pandemic outright record set by the team of Arne Toman, Doug Tabbutt, and Berkeley Chadwick. Stowel averaged around {{convert|23|mpgus|mpgimp L/100km km/L|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|105|mph|km/h|0}} over the journey. {{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Lucas |date=7 October 2024 |title=Diesel BMW Driver Smashes Solo Coast-to-Coast Cannonball Record |url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a62529753/diesel-bmw-driver-smashes-solo-cannonball-record/}}

=Motorcycle record=

Motorcycle between New York and Los Angeles 1917 to present:

Alan T Bedell drove a Henderson 4-cylinder motorcycle from LA to NYC in 7 days, 16 hours, and 16 minutes on June 13, 1917.{{cite web|title=Fort Wayne Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/29295355/?terms=A.T.%2BBedell%2BMotorcycle|date=June 24, 1917|website=The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette|access-date=June 15, 2019}}
Erwin "Cannonball" Baker drove his Ace motorcycle from LA to NYC in 6 days, 22 hours, 52 minutes in 1922.{{Cite news | author = | date = 1922-10-02 | title = Motorcycle Mark Broken: Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker Again Puts a Crimp in Trying Transcontinental Trip | work = Los Angeles Times | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22274400/ace_motorcycle_cannonball_baker/ | access-date = 2023-06-11 | page = 32 | issn = 0458-3035 | eissn = 2165-1736 | oclc = 3638237 | via = Newspapers.com | df = dmy-all }}
Wells Bennet rode an Excelsior/Henderson in 1922 to cross NYC to LA in 6 days, 16 hours, 13 minutes.{{Cite web | date = n.d. | title = Wells Bennett, on an Indian motorcycle | department = Kansas Memory | url = https://www.kshs.org/index.php?url=km/items/view/226011 | access-date = 2023-06-11 | website = Kansas Historical Society | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230211185126/https://www.kshs.org/index.php?url=km/items/view/226011 | archive-date = 2023-02-11 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all}}
Earl Robinson in 1935 did the run in 3 days, 6 hours, 53 minutes.{{Cite web|url=http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=79|title=A Century of Motorcycling {{!}} The 1930s}}
Rody Rodenberg set his record of 71 hours 20 minutes during June 17–20, 1936, on a 1936 Indian Scout. This was disputed by Dot Robinson.{{cite journal|last1=Robinson|first1=Dot|date=June 1999|title=Riding with Rody|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gfcDAAAAMBAJ&q=Rodenberg&pg=PA8|journal=American Motorcyclist|pages=8–11|access-date=2 November 2018}}
John Penton (of Penton racing fame) set a time of 52 hours 11 minutes for the solo LA-to-NYC motorcycle run in 1959. The trek was made on a BMW R69S.{{Cite web|title=John Penton profile|url=http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=84|website=motorcyclemuseum.org|access-date=2016-02-10}}
Tibor Sarossy, at the time a college student, set a record in 1968 of 45 hours 41 minutes. Tibor used a homemade fuel tank made of jerry cans, which allowed for a reported four fuel stops. He also claims he never slept, although he did pass out from a diet of Hershey Bars and coffee at a produce inspection station in California. He averaged {{convert|58.7|mph}} on a BMW R69S.{{Cite book|title=Motor Cycle News|date=November 7, 1968|page=9}}
Fred Boyajian set a new time of 42 hours 6 minutes on October 11, 1969. Fred used a beer keg to provide extra fuel. Evidence was Western Union telegrams at New York City and Los Angeles.{{Cite web|date=2016-02-29|title=Tale Of Two Cannonball Record-Holders|url=https://ride-ct.com/tale-two-cannonball-record-holders/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=Ride CT & Ride New England|language=en-US}}
Carl Reese left from West Valley Cycle Sales BMW Dealership in Winnetka, California, at 3:15 a.m. PST on August 28, 2015. Reese arrived at BMW Motorrad dealership in Manhattan, New York City, at 9:04 p.m. EST the next day, travelling {{convert|2,829|miles}} in 38 hours 49 minutes (average speed {{cvt|72.88|mph|disp=sqbr}}) on a K1600GT BMW motorcycle. The trip was documented by notaries at both start and finish.{{Cite magazine|date=February 2016|title=How To Race A Motorcycle Across The U.S. In A Record 39 Hours Straight|url=https://www.wired.com/2016/02/how-to-race-a-motorcycle-across-the-us-in-a-record-39-hours-straight/|magazine=Wired}}
Adam Frasca posted a time of 37 hours and 7 minutes. Frasca departed Manhattan, NYC at 12:03 am EDT Tuesday, April 9, 2019, and arrived Redondo Beach, LA at 10:10 am PDT.{{Cite web|url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/new-record-set-for-solo-cannonball-run-on-motorcycle-from-nyc-to-la-817193851.html|title=New Record Set for Solo Cannonball Run on Motorcycle from NYC to LA|website=PRWeb}}
Calvin Cote completed the run in a time of {{Duration|h=35|m=06|}}, departing the Portofino Hotel and Marina on {{date|2019-04-20|MDY}} at {{Format time|03|00|tz=PDT|hour_format=g}} and arriving at the Red Ball Garage on {{date|2019-04-21|MDY}} at {{Format time|17|06|tz=EDT|hour_format=g}}. The {{convert|2772|mi|adj=on}} run was completed on a 2012 BMW K1600 GTL equipped with a {{convert|15|usgal|impgal L|adj=on}} auxiliary fuel tank, radar detector, and radar/lidar absorbing paint.{{Cite news | title = Man breaks cross-country motorcycle mark | url = https://www.hmbreview.com/news/man-breaks-cross-country-motorcycle-mark/article_b0c9d7c8-7ccd-11e9-a9b5-0bc2d6c2ebdc.html | last1 = Orlando | first1 = Alex | work = Half Moon Bay Review | language = en-US | access-date = 2023-06-11 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230404023948/https://www.hmbreview.com/news/man-breaks-cross-country-motorcycle-mark/article_b0c9d7c8-7ccd-11e9-a9b5-0bc2d6c2ebdc.html | archive-date = 2023-04-04 | url-status = live | oclc = 1035055545 | df = dmy-all}}{{Cite AV media | last1 = Cote | first1 = Calvin | title = Cannonball Coast to Coast Record 2019 by Calvin Cote | date = 2019-05-20 | url = https://youtube.com/watch?v=hI5mIUwbscg | access-date = 2023-06-11 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230404084112/https://youtube.com/watch?v=hI5mIUwbscg | archive-date = 2023-04-04 | url-status = live | via = YouTube | df = dmy-all}}
Alex Jones set a new benchmark of {{Duration|h=32|m=52|}} atop his 2014 Yamaha FJR1300. The bike was equipped with a {{convert|7|usgal|impgal L|adj=on}} auxiliary fuel tank, radar detector, laser jammers, and additional lighting. Jones left the Red Ball Garage on {{date|2017-10-17|MDY}} at {{Format time|06|24|tz=EDT|hour_format=g}} and arrived at Portofino Hotel on {{date|2017-10-18|MDY}} at {{Format time|12|16|tz=PDT|hour_format=g}}, covering more than {{convert|2800|mi|abbr=on}} with stops only to refuel.{{Cite magazine | last1 = Huffman | first1 = John Pearley | date = 2021-10-25 | title = There's a New Cross-Country Cannonball Motorcycle Record | url = https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a38053459/new-cross-country-cannonball-motorcycle-record/ | url-access = subscription | access-date = 2021-10-26 | magazine = Road & Track | language = en-US | issn = 0035-7189 | oclc = 1764416 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230404023957/https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a38053459/new-cross-country-cannonball-motorcycle-record/ | archive-date = 2023-04-04 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all}}
Ross "Beau" Earnest set a new time of 32 hours and 32 minutes between April 19-21 2024. The 2008 Yamaha FJR1300 was equipped with an additional fuel cell, laser jammers, radar detector and a thermal night vision camera. Earnest left the Red Ball Garage in NYC on Friday April 19 at {{Format time|10|00|tz=EST|hour_format=g}} and made it to the Portofino Inn Hotel in Redondo Beach, CA Sunday morning April 21 at {{Format time|3|32|tz=PDT|hour_format=g}}. Covering more than {{convert|2,800|miles|km|0}} he only stopped 5 times for fuel and was able to keep an average of {{convert|86.5|mph|km/h|1}}.

=Electric vehicle record=

In 1968, the Great Transcontinental Electric Car Race was held between student groups at Caltech and MIT.{{cite news|date=October 1968|title=Cambridge or Bust – Pasadena or Bust|work=Engineering & Science|url=http://calteches.library.caltech.edu/276/01/bust.pdf}}{{cite news|date=October 2004|title=Godfather of the Hybrid|work=Engineering & Science|publisher=Caltech|url=http://pr.caltech.edu/periodicals/EandS/articles/LXVII3/Wouk%20Feature.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210190506/http://pr.caltech.edu/periodicals/EandS/articles/LXVII3/Wouk%20Feature.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-12-10}} The Caltech team, led by EV pioneer Wally Rippel, converted a 1958 VW Microbus powered by lead-cobalt batteries from Electric Fuel Propulsion Corporation of Detroit. The MIT team converted a 1968 Chevrolet Corvair powered by NiCad batteries. The MIT team raced from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Pasadena, California, while the Caltech team raced the opposite direction. A network of 54 charging locations was set up along the {{convert|3,311|miles|km|adj=on}} route, spaced {{convert|21 to 95|miles|km}} apart.{{cite web|title=Popular Science|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kiYDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA106|date=1 January 1969|publisher=Bonnier Corporation|pages=106–108|via=Google Books}} The race began on August 26, 1968, and ended on September 4. Although the MIT team reached Pasadena first, they were towed part of the way. After assessing penalty points, Caltech was declared the winner with a corrected time of 210 hours 3 minutes.{{cite web|title=Diary of a Race|url=https://web.stanford.edu/dept/SUL/library/extra4/sloan/EVonline/diary.htm|website=ev online|publisher=Stanford|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2016-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315005855/http://web.stanford.edu/dept/SUL/library/extra4/sloan/EVonline/diary.htm|url-status=dead}}

With the introduction of long-range EVs, such as the Tesla Roadster (2008) and, in particular, the Tesla Model S, coast-to-coast travel became more feasible. In January 2014, Tesla Motors completed the first coast-to-coast corridor in their supercharging network for the Model S. A team of 15 from Tesla Motors completed a {{convert|3,427|miles|km|adj=on}} route from Los Angeles to New York City run in 76 hours, 5 minutes. (Time included 60 hours, 8 minutes driving, and 15 hours, 57 minutes charging.){{Cite web|url=https://insideevs.com/news/320152/update-trip-complete-tesla-model-s-coast-to-coast-road-rally-play-by-play-update/|title=UPDATE - TRIP COMPLETE: Tesla Model S Coast-to-Coast Road Rally Play-by-Play Update|first=Hamish|last=McKenzie|website=InsideEVs}} In July 2014, a team from Edmunds completed a slightly shorter 3,331.9-mile route in 67 hours, 21 minutes. (Time included 52 hours, 41 minutes driving, and 14 hours, 40 minutes charging.){{Cite web|url=https://www.edmunds.com/about/press/edmundscom-tesla-drivers-set-record-for-cross-country-travel-in-electric-vehicle.html|title=Edmunds.com Tesla Drivers Set Record for Cross-Country Travel in Electric Vehicle|website=Edmunds}}

Carl J. Reese and co-drivers Rodney Hawk and Deena Mastracci took advantage of a newly opened corridor on Interstate 70 to drive the {{convert|3,011|miles|km|adj=on}} route from the City Hall in Los Angeles to the City Hall in New York City in 58 hours and 55 minutes during April 16–19, 2015, a new record for EVs in a 2015 Tesla Model S P85D. The drivers stopped 24 times for electric charging, with a total charge time of 12 hours 48 minutes. As proof, Reese presented 16 documents notarized on both ends, identifying drivers and three eyewitnesses: Matt Nordenstrom, Johnnie Oberg Jr., and Anthony Alvarado. Complete GPS logs recorded by GPSInsight (a fleet tracking company) were sent to Jalopnik and the Guinness Book of World Records. GPSInsight provided GPS tracking equipment to the team to verify the event.{{cite news|author=Patrick George|date=April 24, 2015|title=Article on Team "Uber Qik" Record-Setting Cross-Country Run|url=http://jalopnik.com/they-drove-a-tesla-from-la-to-new-york-in-a-record-58-h-1699782187}}

On October 18–21, 2015, Deena Mastracci and Reese were joined by Alex Roy. They set a new record for an LA–NYC run in an electric vehicle with a total time of 57 hours, 48 minutes.Patrick George.{{cite web|title=Alex Roy And Two Members Of The Tesla Record Team Just Broke That Coast-To-Coast Record With Autopilot|url=http://jalopnik.com/alex-roy-and-two-members-of-the-tesla-record-team-just-1737911800|work=Jalopnik|date=21 October 2015 }}

On August 24–27, 2016, the LA–NYC record was broken again by a team comprising Alex Roy, Righthook CEO Warren Ahner, and StreetWars founder Franz Aliquo, who completed the run in 55 hours flat in a 2016 Tesla Model S 90D.{{Cite news|title=Cannonballing coast-to-coast in a Tesla 90D: Alex Roy sets a new record|language=en-us|work=Ars Technica|url=https://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/09/cannonballing-coast-to-coast-in-a-tesla-90d-alex-roy-sets-a-new-record/|access-date=2017-07-05}} GPS logs were recorded by US Fleet Tracking, and Comma.AI's Chffr data logger, and data was shared with The Drive.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thedrive.com/tech/5301/how-we-broke-the-electric-and-autonomous-cannonball-run-records?iid=sr-link4The|title = How We Broke the Electric and Autonomous Cannonball Run Records| date=23 September 2016 }}

In December 2017, with an early-production Tesla Model 3, which are delivered to California-based customers only, Alex Roy and co-driver Dan Zorrilla broke the eastbound Electric Cannonball Run record again, driving {{convert|2,860|miles}} from the Portofino Inn to the Red Ball Garage in 50 hours and 16 minutes.{{cite news |last1=Estrada |first1=Zac |title=Tesla Model 3 driven from LA to New York in 50 hours |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/2/16842816/tesla-model-3-la-new-york-record-cannonball-run |access-date=21 August 2021 |work=The Verge |date=2 January 2018 |language=en}} Their drive took place December 28–31 of 2017. GPS data was captured using the GPS Tracks application, and video evidence was shared on YouTube.{{Cite web|url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/new-record-set-for-solo-cannonball-run-on-motorcycle-from-nyc-to-la-817193851.html|title = New Record Set for Solo Cannonball Run on Motorcycle from NYC to LA}}

In July 2019 a family team of Robin Jedi Thomsen, and her parents Lars Thomsen and Betty Legler set a record of 48 hours 10 minutes driving westbound for {{convert|2835|mi|km}} in a Tesla Model 3 Long Range between July 12 and 14, 2019.{{cite news|last=Alvarez|first=Simon|date=2019-07-31|title=Tesla Model 3 sets new EV Cannonball Run record at 48 hrs 10 mins|work=Teslarati|url=https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-3-ev-cannonball-run-record-video/}}

In August 2019, Kyle Conner and Matthew Davis set a record of 45 hours and 16 minutes driving westbound from New York City to Los Angeles in a Tesla Model 3 Long Range which had been modified, including lowering the car for better aerodynamics.{{Cite web|title=The electric vehicle Cannonball Run record was broken twice in one month|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/5/20751975/ev-cannonball-run-record-broken-twice-2019|last=Hawkins|first=Andrew J.|date=2019-08-05|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2019-10-23}}

At the end of 2020, Kyle Conner, Drew Peterson and Tijmen Schreur lowered the EV record to 44:26 despite winter conditions in an Out of Spec Motoring Porsche Taycan with the large battery, aerodynamic wheels, and massaging seats, using Electrify America CCS chargers with up to 350 kW.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211210/GFsjMvCFlig Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210108202005/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFsjMvCFlig Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFsjMvCFlig| title = Beating The Electric Cannonball Record In A Porsche Taycan 4S | website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite web|url=https://uk.motor1.com/news/464945/porsche-taycan-beats-electric-cannonball-record/|title = Porsche Taycan Beats Electric Cross-Country Cannonball Record}}

In October 2021, the EV record was broken twice in the same rented 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range.{{Cite web|title=A Rented Tesla Model S Just Shattered the EV Cannonball Record |url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a38095522/ev-cannonball-record-tesla-model-s/?src=socialflowTW |last=Hogan |first=Mack |access-date=29 October 2021 |work=Road & Track |date = 29 October 2021|language=en}} The first drive, from Los Angeles to New York City, by Ryan Levenson and Will Wood, lowered the EV record to 42:52.{{Cite tweet |user=klwtts |number=1454085581147983874 |title=The first record (42hrs 52min) was set by Ryan and his cousin Will in a 2021 Long Range Model S that was completely factory stock.}} The second drive occurred on October 22, 2021, leaving from the Red Ball Garage in Manhattan at 11:00 am and arriving at the Portifino Inn in Redondo Beach, CA 42 hours, 17 minutes later. The second drive was piloted by a driver team of Ryan Levenson and Josh Allan. The only modification made to the stock Tesla was to replace the factory 21-inch wheels with the more efficient Tesla 19-inch wheels and to over-inflate the tire pressure to {{convert|47|psi|kPa bar|abbr=on}} for the second drive.{{Cite tweet |user=klwtts |number=1454085582909546502 |title=The second attempt & now the fastest EV to ever make the run, was piloted by @RyanHLevenson & @QuickshoeRacing. The only difference between this record and the previous was the drivers, route, day of the week, and over-pressurized the tires (47psi).}}

In April 2023, Kyle Conner attempted another record with the Out of Spec Motoring team, using a Lucid Air. The trip took 44 hours 32 minutes, which did not set a new record. However, their lead car Polestar 1, driven by Alyssa Zupan, set a new plug-in hybrid record with 45 hours and 38 minutes.{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVGqwgRAVsQ|title = Lucid Air Cannonball Record Attempt! Non-Stop EV Road Trip Across The USA From NYC to Los Angeles}}

In October 2024, Kyle Conner, Tijmen Schreur and Drew Peterson broke the record driving a 2025 Porsche Taycan in 39 hours 29 minutes.{{Cite AV media|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaIOw7gHtPc&t=10984s |title = Under 40 Hours! Porsche Taycan Canonball Run Pushing for the NY to LA Electric Record}} They became familiar with the car’s charging curve the week before after the car was the first EV to reach the finish point in a cross-country EV contest from Seattle, Washington to Boston, Massachusetts named the "I-90 Surge" and involving nine EVs and a comparable ICE vehicle.{{Cite AV media|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1qYsVBKuH0&t=2662s |title = Racing From Seattle to Boston in the Best Road Tripping EV’s}}

=Semi-automated vehicle record=

In April 2015, the first coast-to-coast semi-automated record was set by employees of Delphi. Delphi engineers covered {{convert|3,400|miles}}, San Francisco to New York City, over a span of nine days.{{Cite web|url=https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/203216-delphi-self-driving-car-goes-coast-to-coast-autonomously|title=Delphi self-driving car goes coast-to-coast, autonomously - ExtremeTech|website=www.extremetech.com}}

In October 2015, Carl J. Reese, Deena Mastracci, and Alex Roy set a new coast-to-coast record using Tesla's new Autopilot function. The trio made the {{convert|2,995|miles|km|adj=on}} journey in 57 hours, 48 minutes after departing from Redondo Beach, California on October 18 at 9:15 p.m. PST, and arriving at Red Ball Garage in New York on October 21 at 10:03 a.m. EST.{{cite news|author=Patrick George|date=October 21, 2015|title=Alex Roy And Two Members Of The Tesla Record Team Just Broke That Coast-To-Coast Record With Autopilot|publisher=Jalopnik.com|url=http://jalopnik.com/alex-roy-and-two-members-of-the-tesla-record-team-just-1737911800|access-date=November 16, 2015}} The trip was completed with fewer than 14 hours of charging and 96 percent of the driving done by Tesla's Autopilot system. This record was a first outside of manufacture testing, proving that automated systems can deliver people coast to coast safely in record time.{{cite web|title=We Set A Cross-Country Record In A Tesla That Drove Itself|url=http://jalopnik.com/we-set-a-cross-country-record-in-a-telsa-that-drove-its-1739410767|last=Roy|first=Alex|date=29 October 2015 }}

In August 2016, the semi-automated (SAE Level 2) driving record at 55 hours was set during the electric cross-country record run by Franz Aliquo, Warren Ahner, and Alex Roy in a Tesla Model S 90D, whose "Autopilot" function was engaged 97.7% of the way.{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/09/cannonballing-coast-to-coast-in-a-tesla-90d-alex-roy-sets-a-new-record|title = Cannonballing coast-to-coast in a Tesla 90D: Alex Roy sets a new record|date = 22 September 2016}}

In April 2024, a new semi-automated record was set by Jay Roberts and his wife Gypsy Roberts in a 2017 Prius. The car was fitted with a Comma.ai driver assistance system which ran openpilot. The drive took 43 hours and 18 minutes and was 98.4% autonomous. {{Cite web |date=2024-05-08 |title=Prius Sets ‘Autonomous’ Cannonball Run Record With AI Driving Assistant |url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/prius-sets-autonomous-cannonball-run-180347033.html |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Yahoo Tech |language=en-US}}

Cannonball record progression

class="wikitable sortable"

!Time (hrs:mins)

!Year

!Team members

!Vehicle

!Notes