2009 Great American Race

Jon B

I'm saddened to read that this year's Great Race has been canceled due to the economic situation. But they say there will be one in 2010. Let's hope so!



For a number of years Hudsons have either won, or placed high, in the event, which runs coast to coast in the U.S.

hudsontech

Everything in it's time, Jon. I remember the famous Cannonball Run's started back in the 70's by Brock Yates. For those of you not familiar the idea was to run from New York City (later from Darien, CT) to Redondo Beach, CA, in the shortest amount of time - no holds barred. The record was set in 1979, on the final Cannonball, of 32 hours 51 minutes set by Dave Yarbourough and Dave Heinz in a Jaguar XJS. Considering the speed limit at the time was 55, that's sort of bending it a tad. The average for all runs is probably in the hi 30's somewhere.



The reason I bring this post on-line is there is a Hudson connections - cross-country run aside. The starting point for the first Cannonball in 1971 was the Red Ball Parking garage in New York City. That garage was, in the 1920's, maybe the 1930's, a Hudson dealership.



Incidently the Cannonball run, when Yates and crew were told to knock it off by various law enforcement agencies, morphed into a road rally that went around the edge of the country, returning to it's starting point. Not much is known about that one - maybe it didn't survive because it was not as fun as the Cannonball. However, that said, the Great American Race is the current re-incarnation of Cannonball and the one lap around America (Not sure if that's correct.



An excellent book on the Cannonball is aptly titled "Cannonball! World's Greatest Outlaw Road Race". Available, I believe, on amazon.com and, most certainly, alibris.com - it's a great read.



So, anybody out there with a 7X Hornet ready to try and break that 32:51 record?? Hey, a Hemmings Motor News crew - Dave Brownell, Terry Ehrich and Justus Taylor - ran Hemmings 1937 Ford Panel truck in the 1979 race - actually finished with a time of 61:51.



I really don't think you could get away with it today - tho we do have Uncle Walt out of Frisco trying!!!!!



Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

Memphis, TN

Lee ODell

I could be wrong but I believe the Great American Race is a timed event between check points. The car that comes closest to match the pre set times at each check point win. I don't think it's who gets there first. That would be an interesting race to participate in. Could be fun. Lee

Aaron D. IL

Law enforcement doesn't let anyone have any fun anymore. Now add to the mix big brother type traffic cams.

Sarah Young

Here's a link to the 2007 Great Race which includes a '54 Jetliner at the Savannah, TN stop.

Unknown

I remember reading about the Cannonball Run from '71 through the 70's in Car & Driver Magazine. At the time, I would have loved to have participated. However, there were too many restraints.

In 1994, my son, Matt Royer moved from central Pa. to Las Vegas, and, of course we started visiting once or twice a year. It took us on the average, 48 hours to make the trip driving, with a couple of rest stops for a little shut-eye.

My wife, college age daughter, one of her friends,and myself made the trip in 2001 driving an '01 Dodge Caravan, in just under 35 hours. I know we didn't drive the same route, but adding the 4 hours it took us to drive to New York City from our old home in Pa., and adding the 4 hours it now takes us to drive to Los Angeles from our place in Las Vegas, the 32 hour record doesn't seem to be unbeatable. And yes, we did stop to eat and use the restroom.



Lee

hudsontech

My claim to a "cannonball run" would be Kingsville, TX, to Kennebunk, ME (30 miles north of Portsmouth, NH) with 4 drivers in a 1956 Olds 88 in a little over 47 hours; visited the folks for about 4, 5 hours then back to Kingsville in 43 hours (5 drivers - we went up to pick up one fellows wife in Portsmouth.)



Got back with 6 hours to spare on a 96 hour weekend.



And this was in 1958 - or was it '59 - either way it was before interstates!!!!



Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

Memphis, TN

[Deleted User]

Sarah:

The 54 Hudson Jetliner at Savannah, TN in 2007 for the Great Race I think belongs to Billy Kemp. He watches this forum and participates when able, health issues bother him now. He restored the Jet and a Hudson truck, others that I do not know details. Member of the MidSouth HET Club, served as treasury and other positions. Fine gentlemen, highly sought for his knowledge. Thanks, Bob

Unknown

Sarah Young wrote:

Here's a link to the 2007 Great Race which includes a '54 Jetliner at the Savannah, TN stop.

Sarah. That is my Jet liner. Have been to every place the race stoped for pit stop or lunch. every time it has been close. The driver and navigator of the # 40 Hudson were members of our MidSouth Chapter. Billy Kemp.

Sarah Young

Thank you for confirming ownership. It's always exciting to see Hudsons participating in events like this and a bonus when it's a Jet! I'll be adding the picture to my website soon.