USA's Cannonball Run 2001: Race Across America
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Beau Flynn
Kaya Wittenberg
Natalia Sokolov
Marc Harrison
Hemdee Kiwanuka
Jodi Ann Paterson
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
Reality special commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1971 cross-country race that inspired the 1981 Burt Reynolds film "The Cannonball Run." Six teams of contestants travel across the country in souped-up vehicles in a race from New York City to Los Angeles to collect a $100,000 prize. Each three-person team is comprised of a mix of thrill seekers, including two "Playboy" playmates and a seminary student; an early 1970s model hearse filled with three reality stars; a loving couple paired with the guy's ex-girlfriend; two party-crazed frat boys and a 70-year-old grandmother; two Southern "good ole boys" paired with an Ivy League society girl; and two rappers with a rap-hating firefighter. Each episode tracks the teams as they compete in challenges between two major checkpoints on their route. Armed with a minimal allowance to cover daily expenses, the teams face cash bonus temptations that can cost them time and the race. Obstacles include lost keys, siphoned gas, and detours into less-than-paved roads. Besides the challenges and diversions they meet along the way, the teams have to contend with each other, as they are allowed to sabotage the other teams. The can also form alliances against opposing teams. The teams can even enlist outsiders to help with their sabotage plans. During Episodes 2 to 4, teams are subject to elimination by virtue of their standing during that leg of the race. The remaining three teams battle it to the finish in Episode 5.
