Cannonball records used to be pretty cool. The trans-continental race was the thing of legend. Of folks doing the impossible with outdated technology, a half a pack of cigarettes, a full tank of gas, and some sunglasses while driving at night. All right, that was the Blues Brothers, but you get the idea.
The Cannonball was something that was positively mythical in its badassery. But that's become less true as the modern age has set in.
I've got one friend who's completed the journey, and I know of and have talked to, a few others who've taken records. Their achievements aren't anything to wag a finger at, but I can't say that they're records are as impressive as those completed back in the day given the level of technology allotted to them. I mean, imagine if Brock Yates had long-distance fuel tanks, night vision, chase planes, advanced radar detectors, spotters, and countless other assists like Waze. It just wouldn't be the same, now would it?
