A cross-country road race is based on an actual event, the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, organized by Brock Yates to protest the 55 mph speed limit then in effect in the U.S. The Cannonball was named for Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker, who in the roaring 20's rode his motorcycle across the country. Many of the characters are based on ruses developed by real Cannonball racers over the several years that the event was run.
The Cannonball Run
“You'll root for them all...but you'll never guess who wins.”
Media
The Cannonball Run (1980) (TV Spot)
The Cannonball Run (trailer)
The Cannonball Run 1981 TV trailer
Cast
Burt Reynolds
J.J. McClure
Roger Moore
Seymour
Farrah Fawcett
Pamela
Dom DeLuise
Victor
Dean Martin
Jamie Blake
Sammy Davis Jr.
Fenderbaum
Jack Elam
Doctor
Adrienne Barbeau
Marcie
Terry Bradshaw
Terry
Jackie Chan
Subaru Driver #1
Bert Convy
Brad
Jamie Farr
Sheik
Peter Fonda
Chief Biker
George Furth
A.F. Foyt
Michael Hui Koon-Man
Subaru Driver #2
Bianca Jagger
Sheik's Sister
Molly Picon
Mom Goldfarb
Jimmy Snyder
"The Greek"
Mel Tillis
Mel
Rick Aviles
Mad Dog
Warren Berlinger
Shakey Finch
Tara Buckman
Jill
John Fiedler
Desk Clerk
Norman Grabowski
Petoski
Joe Klecko
Polish Racing Driver
Grayce Spence
Chair Person
Robert Tessier
Biker
Alfie Wise
Batman
Johnny Yune
TV Talk Show Host
Lois Hamilton
Seymour's Girl
Simone Burton
Seymour's Girl
Finele Carpenter
Seymour's Girl
Susan McDonald
Seymour's Girl
Janet Woytak
Seymour's Girl
James C. Lewis
Missouri Patrolman #1
Fred Smith
California Patrolman #1
Roy Tatum
Connecticut Patrolman
Dudley Remus
New Jersey Patrolman #1
Hal Carter
New Jersey Patrolman #2
Brock Yates
Organizer
Kathleen M. Shea
Starting Girl
Nancy Austin
Phone Booth Lady
Vickie Reigle
Car Hop Waitress
Bob Stenner
California Highway Patrolman #2
Ken Squier
California Highway Patrolman #3
Samir Kamoun
Bedouin
John Megna
Arthur Rose
Linda McClure
Dour Lady
Laura Lizer Sommers
Lady in Distress
Richard Losee
Trans Am Driver
Richie Burns Wright
Farmboy
Hal Needham
Ambulance EMT (uncredited)
Valerie Perrine
Female Cop Pulling Over Lamborghini Babes (uncredited)
Steve Dressler
Race Car Assistant (uncredited)
Dave Mungenast
Man Kicked by Jackie Chan (uncredited)
Tim R. Worley
Missouri Passerby (uncredited)
