“The Scoop: One Lap of America Cannonball”
With humble beginnings that reach back to time when polyester suits were hip; the One Lap of America Cannonball has become the ultimate driver’s challenge for the amateur enthusiast. It pushes endurance, skill and consistency to the limit and does so all within the bounds of federal law. Founded by automotive legend, Brock Yates, One Lap of America places its victims, er… drivers, in a course that takes them through vast reaches of the continental United States, only stopping for racetracks and the occasional photo session.
Notice how there was no mention of a solid meal, comfy mattress or hot shower. Oddly enough, gas station stops become a haven for a glimpse of sanity. It is here, that weary co-pilots rekindle friendships, and those distant memories of sleep give way to sugar coated, plastic wrapped gourmet bars.
The One Lap of America course changes each year. This makes winning the event that much more difficult. There are a few essentials required to run in One Lap of America; a $2500 entry fee, a street-legal car, safety equipment and a driver’s license. Participants are also held to having some track experience prior to entering One Lap simply as a precautionary measure. It works to keep you and others alive. Unofficially, you better pack lots of beef jerky, water, and a picture of your childhood hero because by Day 3 you won’t be running on anything else.
The 2007 chapter of the One Lap of America Cannonball established itself with a 5,600 mile round-trip fare, which began at the Tire Rack complex in South Bend, Indiana. An oval track, quarter-mile drag strip, skid pad for both in wet and dry conditions and several varying courses were all on the itinerary for those 87 registered teams. Eighteen individual events at nine different locations set the stage for memorable thrills.
Want to learn more about One Lap of America Cannonball? Visit their homepage to catch up on the 2007 results, as well as previous years. Find out how others scored and what you’ll need to do to compete next year!
by Daniel Bowler
I don't think I had a solid crap for a week after all that junk food. Would I do it again? In a second!!!!
This is an awsome event!!