Cannonball Baker, born in 1882, was an American motorcycle and automobile racer known for his long-distance speed records. He gained fame for his cross-country races, particularly the Cannonball Run, which inspired the popular film series. Baker was a pioneer in endurance racing, showcasing the capabilities of vehicles in the early 20th century. His most notable achievement was completing a coast-to-coast trip from New York to California in just 11 days, 12 hours, and 10 minutes in 1914. This remarkable feat highlighted the growing popularity of automobiles and set the stage for future long-distance racing events.