Cannonball Run
The Portofino Hotel & Marina and the legendary Cannonball Run.
The Cannonball Run: A Legendary Cross-Country Race
The Cannonball Run, officially known as the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, was created in 1971 by legendary race car driver Brock Yates and car magazine editor Steve Smith. This iconic event has become a celebrated and mysterious part of American racing history.
Origins of the Cannonball Run
The race kicked off at the infamous Red Ball Garage on Manhattan’s Eastside in New York City and ended at the then-named Portofino Inn in Redondo Beach, California. The original purpose of the Cannonball Run was to both celebrate the Interstate Highway System and protest against strict traffic laws that many felt infringed on drivers’ freedoms.
A Secretive and Unsanctioned Race
The Cannonball Run quickly became an underground sensation within the racing world due to its illegal, secretive, and unsanctioned nature. Enthusiasts were drawn to the challenge of crossing the country in record time, often with little regard for speed limits and traffic rules.
The Cannonball Run in Popular Culture
The race was held five more times during the 1970s and gained widespread fame with the release of the 1981 film, “The Cannonball Run.” This popular movie, starring Burt Reynolds, Farrah Fawcett, Dom DeLuise, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Jackie Chan, Roger Moore, Terry Bradshaw, Peter Fonda, and many others, became one of the top-grossing films of the year, earning over $100 million at the box office. The success of the film led to sequels, “The Cannonball Run II” (1984) and “The Cannonball Run III” (1989), further cementing the race’s place in pop culture.
The Modern-Day Cannonball Run
Despite its unsanctioned status, the Cannonball Run continues to be an annual event, with the finish line still set at the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach. The race has no official rules or governing body, yet setting a Cannonball record remains a coveted achievement among auto enthusiasts. The record was recently shattered in April 2020, with a cross-country time of just 27 hours and 25 minutes.
The mystique and allure of the Cannonball Run live on, attracting thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts from around the world.
Experience the Run
Snap your pic in front of the iconic Portofino sign, marking the legendary finish line of the Cannonball Run. This historic spot in Redondo Beach has welcomed countless drivers who’ve completed the coast-to-coast challenge from New York to California.
Savor the spirit of adventure with our signature Cannonball Run bourbon cocktail at BALEENkitchen. Inspired by the legendary race, this expertly crafted drink pays homage to the thrill and legacy of the Cannonball Run.
Indulge in a movie marathon of all three Cannonball Run films right from your guestroom, and pair it with our exclusive Cannonball Run craft beer. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the excitement and nostalgia of the Cannonball Run while enjoying a delicious, cold beer.
The Finish Line
Published by auto enthusiast Ed Bolian of VINwiki, the comprehensive list of drivers who finished the Cannonball Run is available here. This list includes detailed information about participants’ times, their names and the vehicles they drove. Since the pandemic, 84 individuals have successfully completed the coast-to-coast race. Notably, in 2023, 15 teams embarked on the journey from New York City, with 13 teams reaching the finish line at The Portofino Hotel & Marina.
| Time | Year | Team members | Vehicle | Notes |
| 271:15 | 1915 | Erwin Baker | Stutz Bearcat | 50 mph (80 km/h) average |
| 179:52 | 1916 | Erwin Baker | Cadillac roadster | |
| 184:16 | 1917 | Alan T Bedell | Henderson 4 cylinder motorcycle | |
| 53:30 | 1933 | Erwin Baker | Graham-Paige model 57 Blue Streak 8 | |
| 35:54 | 1971 | Dan Gurney Brock Yates | Ferrari Daytona | never exceeded 175 mph (282 km/h) |
| 37:16 | 1972 | Steve Behr Bill Canfield Fred Olds | Cadillac Coupe de Ville | 3rd Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash |
| 35:53 | 1975 | Jack May Rick Cline | Ferrari Dino 246 GTS | 4th Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash |
| 32:51 | 1979 | Dave Heinz Dave Yarborough | Jaguar XJS | 5th Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash |
| 32:07 | 1983 | David Diem Doug Turner | Ferrari 308 | US Express Race |
| 31:04 | 2006 | Alex Roy Dave Maher | 2000 BMW M5 | |
| 28:50 | 2013 | Ed Bolian Dave Black Dan Huang | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG | 98 mph (158 km/h) average, 46 minutes stopped. 67 US gal (250 L) fuel capacity |
| 27:25 | 2019 | Arne Toman Doug Tabbutt BerkeleyChadwick | 2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG | 103 mph (166 km/h) average, 22 minutes stopped, 67 US gal (250 L) fuel capacity |
| 26:38 | 2020 | Captain Chaos | 2019 Audi A8 | 106 mph (171 km/h) average. Set during the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic. Unknown Team. Coverage limited to news reporting as of May 2020. |
| <26:00 | 2020 | Unknown | Unknown | Unconfirmed attempt, with unknown driver and car. Record attempt mentioned in a YouTube video released by previous record holder Ed Bolian. |
ADDRESS
The Portofino Hotel & Marina
260 Portofino Way
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
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AWARDS & PRESS
#3 Top Most Romantic Hotels in LA
USAToday’s 10Best, 2019
#19 Hotel in Southern California
Condé Nast Traveler, 2021
