Baker, Erwin George (Cannon Ball)
Name/Title
Baker, Erwin George (Cannon Ball)Entry/Object ID
2025.1.89Description
Erwin George “Cannon Ball” Baker was one of America’s earliest and most legendary long‑distance racers — a man whose endurance feats helped define the very idea of cross‑country speed records. Born in 1882 in Indiana, he started as a motorcycle racer and quickly became famous for his ability to ride or drive almost anything, for almost any distance, faster than anyone else. Baker completed more than 140 transcontinental runs, often sponsored by manufacturers eager to prove the durability of their machines. His most famous achievement came in 1933, when he drove a Graham Blue Streak Eight from New York to Los Angeles in 53 hours and 30 minutes, a record so astonishing that it stood for decades and later inspired the name “Cannonball Run.” Baker’s career wasn’t limited to record‑setting. He raced motorcycles at events like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, competed in early stock‑car races, and became one of the first commissioners of NASCAR after its founding in 1948. His reputation was built on honesty, toughness, and a near‑superhuman ability to stay alert and mechanically sympathetic over thousands of miles. Baker’s exploits became part of American automotive folklore, influencing everything from endurance rallies to pop‑culture films. He remains a symbol of the era when racing meant grit, improvisation, and the open road.Collection
Dr. Frederick A. Simeone Founder CollectionCategory
Race Car Drivers