FAQs
Four Ball Rally, 1984
About The Race
Why haven’t we seen a race like this in 40+ years?
30 teams started, only 11 finished. Why?
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By 1984, law enforcement had coordinated across state lines. They had a national APB out, knew our names and exactly what we were driving, and were waiting for us.
We started to realize it was a trap going in, but we went anyway. We didn’t think we even stood a chance to win; we just wanted to prove to ourselves we could finish, especially with everybody practically hunting us!
What makes the Four Ball Rally different than the Cannonball Run?
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Longer route, different purpose. The Cannonball was organized to protest the 55 mph speed limit and brought a lot of publicity to the cause. The Four Ball Rally was less about making a statement, and more about creating the most legit race in America we could. Most of us had other jobs. We weren't looking for attention, but we sure got it…! The race became so popular in the news and with law enforcement that it couldn’t possibly continue. It became too dangerous.
Wait, didn't someone break the Cannonball record in 2020?
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It’s called the Four Ball Rally. Was it actually a competition?
People have set record times for cross-country runs, but there has not been an organized race since the 1984 Four Ball.
The Four Ball Rally was an actual organized race with 30 teams competing against each other, with law enforcement actively tracking us across state lines. The entire country knew who we were and what we were driving; it was in the news before we even got the the starting line, and only 11 teams made it to the finish.
Whichever way you slice it, racing coast-to-coast across America with no stops at 150mph+ takes serious skill and guts. Still, they're different accomplishments. This record hasn’t been broken because there’s never been the same game with the same stakes—yet.
What's your actual time? I've seen different numbers.
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35 hours and 46 minutes, Boston to San Diego. That's the documented time Tim and I came in at.
How did you get to participate in the race?
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It was by invitation only. You had to have documented driving experience.
That, and…I truly believe somebody upstairs was looking out for me. Maybe my Grandmother’s prayers, like so many of us have protecting us.
If there were no sponsors, how did the you get the Firebird and it’s mods?
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The GM sponsorship was off the record. Every major car company wanted a win in this race. Porsche sent over a team of professional racers from Germany, and that's who we outdrove in the desert!
So you’re a professional racecar driver?
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No. I built a career in the energy business, worked as CFO of ITC Holdings and then founded GridLiance, which was acquired by Blackstone and sold in 2021. I hardly made any money off the race. I drove the Four Ball Rally twice because I loved it.
Is there a chance we could see a race like this in our lifetime?
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The Four Ball Rally was very much a race. In fact, the goal was to create the longest race possible in America. That’s why the start and end points were in Boston to San Diego.
The term rallies has come to mean something different these days. Guys get their cars together for an extended road trip. Sometimes they get up to speed, but it’s not necessarily a competition. The Four Ball Rally was a classic, organized road race and very much a competition. Just ask that Porsche 911…!
That’s kind of up to you ;) Obviously, the stakes are much higher now: stricter law enforcement, better-equipped highway patrolmen, harsher penalties for speeding, instantaneous news broadcasts on social media, etc.
The question isn’t, could it happen again? The question is, will it? Despite these increasingly dangerous stakes…Will the spirit of American adventure live on?
The goal of the Four Ball Rally was to run the longest cross-country race possible in America.
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#1 Best Seller in Automotive History
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Film in Development
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#1 New Release in Memoirs
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The goal of the Four Ball Rally was to run the longest cross-country race possible in America. ✰ #1 Best Seller in Automotive History ✰ Film in Development ✰ #1 New Release in Memoirs ✰
One Mile at a Time:
A Memoir of the Last Great American Road Race
About The Memoir & Film
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When’s the movie coming out?
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We're workin’ on it, I promise! As you read this, we are developing the screenplay and on track for pre-production. If you're interested in being part of bringing this story to the screen, or know someone who should hear this story, let us know: media@onemileproductions.com
Did all of this really happen?
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Yes, this all really happened. These are all real people. Throughout the process of writing and recovering memories, Ed worked with a team of mental health professionals, book publishers, and researchers to fact-check the manuscript with a fine-tooth comb. We’ve got the newspaper articles and telegrams to prove it.
Where can I buy the book?
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What inspired you to write it in the first place?
By 1984, law enforcement had coordinated across state lines. They had a national APB out, knew our names and exactly what we were driving, and were waiting for us.
We started to realize it was a trap going in, but we went anyway. We didn’t think we even stood a chance to win; we just wanted to prove to ourselves we could finish, especially with everybody practically hunting us!
It started as a letter to my kids. I wanted them to know who I am and where I come form. They didn’t even know I was a race car driver! They didn’t know any of this stuff.
After I started writing, I realized…you know I think there’s a book in here!
How can I stay up to date with the film and the stuff y’all are sharing?
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Social Media & YouTube: You can follow us on social media, @onemileproductions and @authoredwardrahill
Blog & Newsletters: And, you can join our email list & check out our blog! We share more in-depth articles about American culture & history, interviews & podcasts Ed’s done, as well as updates on the film.
Direct E-Mail: If you’ve got any questions or comments, you can email us at contact@onemileproductions.com. We'd love to hear from you.