After a cross-country trek through strategic checkpoints in destinations like New Orleans, Indianapolis, San Antonio and Las Vegas, all roads will eventually lead to Los Angeles. But before crossing the finish line, every competitor will be given the chance to spin their wheels at the historic Willow Springs Raceway. Pitting thoroughbred Ferraris against muscle-bound Fords, breeding counts for nothing on the Great American Run.
“Whether youre tearing up the pavement in a Lamborghini or a Lincoln, Mini or Maybach, its not the metal that counts but the spirit you bring it with, ” explains Tim Maverick Porter, event organiser and veteran of seven European Cannonball Runs. “The trophy does not necessarily go to the first team to cross the finish line. Rather a target time has been set for each stage of the rally. The winning title will be given to the driver posting the nearest time overall. ”
An adventure of a lifetime or race against time? The choice is yours. Pitting professional petrol heads against those of a more sedate nature, the Great American Run covers 3000 miles in just one week.
Starting on July 29, the 2007 event harks back to the Hollywood heydays of the early 1980s when Burt Reynolds Cannonball movie inspired a generation of road rallies.
This version of the event however has a thoroughly modern twist – a limited edition Saleen S281 Extreme Mustang custom-built and modified by Saleen Inc., manufacturers of the worlds fastest production car, gifted to the title holder.
The stunning performance vehicle benefits from an additional 50 horsepower upgrade on the standard 550 horsepower, 525 lb-ft of torque, Saleens patented racecraft suspension, six-speed transmission, graphics package and internal and external performance enhancements.
The last to roll off a production line of twenty-five, the prize Mustang bears an 18 carat gold plated chassis placard attesting to its limited edition status. Its twenty-four siblings are for the exclusive use of race entrants.
| 
|