History of Cannonball Runs
Dedicated to preserving the history of Australian and other lesser-known "Cannonball Runs" from around the world
Australian Cannonball Cup (1984)
On 2 November 1984, 33 teams set out from Sunbury, Victoria on a 3,800 kilometre race across Australia to Fremantle, Western Australia.
32 hours, 22 minutes later, Charlie Kovacs and Len Walsh were first across the line in a six-wheeled Holden HX ute and provisionally awarded the winners of the first Australian Cannonball Cup.
Some time after the race, the organisers controversially disqualified Kovacs and Walsh and awarded the second-placed team of John Hassard, Ian Bray and John Crowle the winners.
40th Anniversary
2024 marked the 40th anniversary of the Australian Cannonball Cup and one enthusiast has paid tribute to the event by retracing the Melbourne to Fremantle route in one of the original cars, which he fully restored.
Cannonball Paradise to Perth (1984 & 1986)
Australia's first Cannonball run!
Organised by Jeff Denmeade when he was just 20, The Cannonball Sea to Shining Sea Paradise to Perth Trophy Dash ran from Surfers Paradise in Queensland, Australia, and finished in Perth, Western Australia.
Although seven vehicles had entered the race, on October 22, 1984 only three cars started after the rest had all pulled out.
The race was won by brothers Alex and Jim Davidson, and Eddie Otto, driving a Trans Am.
There was a second and final running in 1986 with seven teams.
Northern territory Cannonball Run (1994)
The 1994 Cannonball Run was a legal event run in the Northern Territory, Australia from 22 May to 27 May 1994. The race was marred by the death of two entrants and two race officials.
Motorsport legend, Allan Moffat, was one of the organisers of the event.
Because of the deaths, and the controversy that ensued, this was the one and only Northern Territory Cannonball Run.
Cannonball Rally Europe (1981 & 1982)
The Cannonball Europe ran five times from 1981. It started in Denmark and finished in Spain.
Unfortunately the organisers pictures and documents were confiscated by the authorities and never returned, so much information about this event has been lost.
Other Events
Learn more about the event that started it all, the Cannonball Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, and more Cannonball Runs in Australia and from around the world, including motorcycle Cannonballs!
Australian Driving Records
A history of notable Australian cross-country, inter-city and circumnavigation driving records, including "Cannonball Runs".