'Cannonball Run' record repeatedly shattered as US highways empty during coronavirus lockdown

When a team of three hurtled across the US at an average speed of 103 mph last year, many believed their Cannonball Run record of 27 hours and 25 minutes would remain intact for years.

Then came the coronavirus lockdown which saw highways across the US empty, leaving the roads free for speed-freaks while millions of Americans complied with stay-at-home orders.

The temptation of taking on the challenge, which dates back to the early 1970s, has proved irresistible.

In just a couple of months the record in the race, popularised in a 1981 film starring Burt Reynolds, has been shattered seven times.

A driver, calling him – or herself – Captain Chaos got the journey time down to 26 hours and 38 minutes in an Audi 8 – at an average speed of 106 mph.

Now there are unconfirmed reports of at least one motorist – or team - completing the journey from the Red Ball Garage in Manhattan to the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach, California in under 26 hours.

Speed limits are ignored by "contestants" in the unofficial race, which sees drivers putting their pedal to the metal as they race along deserted straight highways.

Dodging speed traps and evading highway patrols is arguably as important as souping up an engine for "cannonballers".

Some reportedly use GPS devices and spotters to scan the road for police cars. They have also carried tanks of fuel to minimise the number of pit stops.

Ed Bolian, a former Cannonball Run record holder, described the speeds reached by the latest teams as "unreal".

"Certainly, we had some over 110 mph averages through states, they were over 120 mph through several states."

How long this record will stand remains to be seen. But with the lockdowns being gradually lifted, the roads are unlikely to be as empty again.