A Saab 9-5 Aero from 2008 holds the record.
From left: Record holders Wes Vigh, Nik Krueger, and Christopher Michaels. (Photo: Nik Krueger)Coast to coast
Inspired by the legendary races, Nik Krueger, Wes Vigh and Christopher Michaels decided to write a new chapter in Cannonball history.
The goal? Setting a new two-way record with a Saab 9-5 Aero from 2008. Their effort resulted in an incredible time of 61 hours and 59 minutes over the 9,044 kilometer distance, which meant they reclaimed the title.
This means an average speed of approximately 146 km/h.
The highest speed they reached was 251 km/h.
The car had extra large fuel tanks. (Photo: Nik Krueger)
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Routined
Already in 2022, Krueger, together with another team, set a record of 65 hours and 28 minutes with the same Saab. Although that record only stood for a week, it paved the way for the even more ambitious attempt two years later.
The start was from the Red Ball Garage in Manhattan, with the finish at the Portofino Inn in Redondo Beach. The one-way trip was clocked at 31 hours and 39 minutes.
The car was relatively standard. (Photo: Nik Krueger)
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Three minute break
After a short break of three minutes, the journey back began. With speeds over 250 km/h and meticulous cooperation, they navigated through the night, fighting fatigue and time pressure.
On Sunday morning, the team returned to Manhattan and the Red Ball Garage. With the help of strategically placed spotters, the journey was completed in an impressive 61 hours and 59 minutes – an improvement of over three hours on the previous record.
The average speed was 145 km/h. (Photo: Nik Krueger) The record and the car
Krueger and his team proved that the Saab, despite its 250,000 kilometers on the odometer when purchased in 2020, still had what it took. Although the car was modified for the challenge, it was largely in original condition.
“It was really a team effort, and possible because of what a great car Saab is,” said Krueger.
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The Saab legacy lives on
The Cannonball community, often referred to as the “Fraternity of Lunatics,” isn’t just about records. It is a celebration of teamwork and the spirit of adventure that defines the sport.
For Swedish Saab enthusiasts, it is particularly gratifying to see how the Saab 9-5 not only broke records but also challenged the dominance of the German cars. A reminder that Saab is still a force to be reckoned with.