The Cannonball Run introduced, then unknown actor, Jackie Chan to American Audiences.
It was also actor Rick Aviles’s first feature film.
For this film, Burt Reynolds became the highest-paid actor in cinema at the time, receiving five million dollars for four weeks of work.
Singer Freddie Mercury bought Burt Reynold’s prop mustache in an auction for $25,000.
The Cannonball Run was originally supposed to be an action film with Steve McQueen. (But he passed away.)
An L.A. Times article quoted legendary race car driver, (and participant,) Dan Gurney as saying, “At no time did we exceed 175 mph.”
Sir Roger Moore pretty much played himself, giving obvious hints to his James Bond character, including the ominous 007 theme song.
Peter Fonda makes a guest cameo appearance as a Hell’s Angel biker in that brawl scene.
Most of the stars of the movie only had to work for two or three days.
The Ferrari used in the movie was owned by the director, Hal Needham.
It was the first Hollywood movie to show bloopers during the end credits.
Sadly, a stunt woman was critically injured in a crash during the filming of the Austin Martin smoking scene. The vehicle collided head-on with a van, leaving her with a broken neck and as a quadriplegic. Amazingly, you can watch the movie online on TUBITV.CLUB (site may require registration). It may be available to rent or purchase online as well. (Here’s the TRAILER on Youtube.)
It was also actor Rick Aviles’s first feature film.