What's happening
Twenty teams will compete against one another—with several caveats, Plummer said.
"The cars we use have to have been bought for $500 or less, and we can't spend more than $500 on modifications," Plummer said.
The run will be filled with scavenger hunt-style challenges along the 2,000-plus-mile trip, only stopping to complete the objectives and refuel, Plummer said.
Some of the challenges include:
- Flag in Flagstaff: Present a stranger with a Texas flag in Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Sticker the Sign: Locate a sign with either "crack" or "back" on it and leave behind a 2 The Crack And Back sticker.
- Pay it Forward: Buy a stranger something at a gas station.
- Four Corners Twister: At the corners of Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, have each team member place one part of their body in all four states at the same time.
Zooming in
Plummer's team, named Smoker and the Bandit, will drive a 2008 Volkswagon Rabbit—decorated like a Trans Am.
"Bastrop, especially Tahitian Village neighbors, are really the ones who built it," Plummer said. "They helped get it mechanically sound, fixed the air conditioning, did the pinstriping and made decals for it. Everyone came together."
Upgrades include a roof rack to carry spare parts and tools, an LED light bar and spotlights on the roof to watch for animals in the desert, he said.
Some Context
The term Cannonball Run became popular in 1981, with the first in a trilogy of movies called The Cannonball Run, based on a real 1979 cross-country road race that took drivers from Connecticut to California, Plummer said.
In his own words
"This is a bucket list item for me," Plummer said. "I grew up watching these and wanted to do it all my life. I finally got the chance and I'm ready for it."
What's next
Crowds will gather at the starting line to send off the drivers at 5 p.m. on July 26 at 1010 McLean St. in Lampasas.
Those interested can track their adventure on Facebook by following #smokerandthebandit, Plummer said.
