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Cannonball! is a book written by Brock Yates, published in 2003. Throughout the book are stories written by the actual participants in the legendary races held during the early to mid-1970's. Having individual accounts helps give this book a well-rounded feel. From the hilarious antics of the Polish Race Drivers of America (PRDA) to the seriously scary accounts of human and machines pushed to the limits, Cannonball! is a must-read for any gearhead.

There are many fantastic photographs throughout, which is a must for any automotive book. Yates can be extremely narcissistic in his narrative, but he must be commended for this truly amazing race that was his brainchild. It was obviously illegal but run at a time when they could get away with it. Pretty much the optimal time and place. Those who entered probably had no idea how huge the legend of the Cannonball Races would become, on a cult level and mainstream as well thanks to the movies made to capitalize on the incredible stories. Reading the anticedotes feels like reading a movie script, but when you realize all this actually happened it is that much more hysterical and/or amazing. The very infamous ambulance van scheme did occur. The sexy Right Bra Team did race (see below). And you can really draft an RV behind an 18-wheeler.

Unfortunately the days of flaunting driving laws and speeding recklessly across the country in nearly full-fledged race cars are long gone, but this book will give a great idea of what it was like. Although it may lack an expert wordsmith, the stories are well crafted nonetheless. The race-time reporting can seem pretty obsessive and annoying at some points, but to the racers that was the most important aspect during the race. For those of us just along for the ride it really was an amazing race that can never be duplicated - at least not in America. *wink*

2 Shields!