Cannonball Run Europe is an illegal annual 2,500 mile (4,200 km) international motor rally which takes place on public roads with a different route across Europe each year. The route is kept secret and only revealed to drivers at the start of each day of the six-day event, which historically includes time spent at a world-class circuit."Les fous du volant débarquent en France.”, Le Parisien, France, 24 May 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2017.It is named after the Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, and its film adaptation.
History Founded in 2002, it is renowned alongside Gumball 3000 as one of the original events of its kind."Luxus-Raser im Engadin gestoppt.”, 20 Minuten, Switzerland, 9 June 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
The origins of Cannonball Run Europe stem back to the infamous 1970s unofficial road races in the United States; the Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash and the subsequent 1981 movie The Cannonball Run featuring Burt Reynolds and Roger Moore.
Cannonball Run Europe has been criticised in the press with drivers being stopped for speeding, having their driving licences taken by police and their cars confiscated."Der Kampf eines deutschen Polizisten gegen britische Raser.”, Der Spiegal, Germany, 22 August 2005. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
Cars entered include a mix of luxury high-end marques; Bentleys, Porsches, Ferraris"British Cannonball Run drivers arrested for speeding during rally in France.”, The Telegraph, England, 10 July 2010. Retrieved 30 September 2017. and often something quirky; the 2008 Run was won by two English drivers in a Brabus edition Smart."Brabus Smart For Two Defeats 39 Supercars, Wins Cannonball Run Europe.”, Jalopnik, US, 8 August 2008. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
References
External links Official website