Driver Set New Coast-to-Coast Speed Record
A motorist completed the drive from Florida to California in under 23 hours in September 2026.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
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In September 2026, Tommy Thomas drove a 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, to San Diego, California, in 22 hours and 38 minutes. This effort established a new record for the 2,362.1-mile route, beating the previous mark by 57 minutes.
Why it matters
The successful run highlights the precision required for long-distance record attempts, as the driver and his team utilized advanced coordination to navigate traffic and refuel quickly. Thomas undertook the journey following a personal transition.
The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing reached a top speed of 180 mph during the 2,362.1-mile run with a modified fuel capacity of 54 gallons. The team spent only 21 minutes and 43 seconds stationary across the entire trip duration.
The players
Tommy Thomas
He is the driver who set the new transcontinental speed record using a modified Cadillac performance vehicle.
Bronson Justice
He is a performance driver who previously held the record for the route between Jacksonville Beach and San Diego.
Rob Spectre
He is a member of the support team who provided scouting and logistical assistance during the record run.
Christopher Michaels
He served as a key support team member responsible for navigational monitoring and police identification.
The details
To execute the record, the team leveraged traffic cameras, police scanners, and radar applications to monitor the route while support drivers scouted for police presence. The vehicle operated with an average speed of 104 mph, maintaining high velocities despite weather-related delays encountered near San Antonio, Texas.
Timeline
August 18, 2024: A team led by Bronson Justice established the prior record for this route.
September 2026: Tommy Thomas completed the new record-setting coast-to-coast run.
Roadmap
This record attempt reflects the enduring appeal of the Cannonball Run-style challenge, which pushes high-performance production vehicles to their functional limits. Such feats continue to position brands like Cadillac within the competitive landscape of enthusiast-driven performance testing.
The modifications performed on the vehicle, particularly the increased fuel capacity, are specialized for endurance racing and are not applicable to standard consumer maintenance. Daily drivers should note that the speeds achieved during this record run significantly exceed legal highway limits.
The takeaway
Record-setting long-distance drives rely heavily on meticulous logistical planning and support coordination rather than just vehicle power. Drivers interested in such endeavors should prioritize route scouting and real-time monitoring to maximize efficiency during travel.
Further reading
For more on high-speed testing and vehicle capabilities, visit the Performance Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HotCars.
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