John Cannon

Who was John Cannon?

John Cannon was a sports car racer, who competed under the banner of Canada, though he was born in London, U.K.. He raced in the USRRC series, the CanAm Series and the L&M Continental Series.

In the USRRC he drove for Nickey Chevrolet in a Dan Blocker, of Bonanza fame, sponsored Genie/Vinegaroon

In the first year of the Can Am he was the top finishing Canadian propelled by a fourth place finish in the opening event at his home course, St Jovite. John duplicated that accomplishment in 1968 propelled by a famous win over the dominant McLaren team in a very wet race at Laguna Seca. He also attained top Canadian status in 1973.

Cannon also ran in the Continental Series. In 1969 he drove a F5000 Eagle for Malcolm Starr and won races at Riverside, Sears Point and Mosport. In 1970 Starr Racing was merged into Hogan-Starr Racing Ltd, with team owners St Louis trucking magnate Carl Hogan and Malcolm Starr. Driving a McLaren M-10B, prepared by Tom Jobe and Bob Skinner Cannon won races at Riverside, Kent, Washington and Elkhart Lake, easily winning the L&M Continental Championship.