A cross-country road race is loosely based on a genuine function, the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, organized by Brock Yates to protest that the 55 mph speed limit then in effect in the U.S.. The Cannonball was appointed for Erwin G."Cannonball" Baker, who in the roaring 20's rode his motorcycle throughout the nation. A number of the characters derive from ruses made by real Cannonball racers within the years which the event was run.