Interstate Highway System and to protest speed limits, reporter Brock Yates and editor Steve Smith conceived the idea of an unsanctioned, informal race across the country, replicating the 53.5-hour transcontinental drive made by car and bike pilot Erwin George "Cannonball" Baker in 1933. The New York to Los Angeles Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, later shortened to the "Cannonball Run", was staged in 1971, 1972, 1975 and 1979, with the race entries including both amateur drivers and professional racers, such as Dan Gurney (who with Brock Yates "won" the 1971 event driving a Ferrari 365 GTB/4, making the journey in under 36 hours). The stunt served as the inspiration for several Hollywood movies, such as The Gumball Rally, The Cannonball Run, Cannonball Run II, Cannonball Run III, Gone in 60 Seconds and The Fast and the Furious franchise. See also Philip Llewellin References External links Car and Driver USA Car and Driver China Daily Car and Driver Brazil Car and Driver Greece Car and Driver Spain Car and Driver Magazine's history, features, and demographics Car and Driver Television at IMDB Automobile magazines published in the United States Monthly magazines published in the United States Hearst Communications publications Magazines established in 1955 Magazines published in Michigan 1955 establishments in New York City Magazines published in New York City Multilingual magazines Mass media in Ann Arbor, Michigan