Good Sam Roadside Assist vs. Cannonball Grit – What Wins?
It’s not every day that you meet someone who drove coast-to-coast in 35 hours and 53 minutes—legally or otherwise. Even rarer? Doing it in a 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS. We recently revisited the legacy of Jack May, the original owner and driver behind a car that carved its name into the history of the infamous Cannonball Run and recently sold at the Mecum auction during Monterey Car Week. But what can today’s drivers—and the vehicles they depend on—learn from May’s iconic road adventure?
What Jack May’s 1973 Cannonball Dino Teaches Us About Endurance and Vehicle Trust
As Jack May explained in his Cannonball Run interview, his 1973 Dino wasn’t just fast; it was fiercely reliable. Covered in bugs and grit, it roared through mountains and zipped past border-to-border checkpoints without breaking down—a feat few vintage cars could claim today, even fewer without backup service like Good Sam roadside assist or modern vehicle service contracts.
This reliability wasn’t an accident. Like most mechanically savvy drivers of the 1970s, May performed his own upgrades and prepared extensively. However, today’s drivers don’t need to pop the hood themselves—especially when services like DriveSmart roadside plans offer peace of mind coast to coast.
Why Roadside Peace of Mind Is the New Performance Metric
Today’s drivers may not be pushing 120 mph across Nebraska, but emergencies still strike—flat tires, dead batteries, or worse, late-night engine stalls far from help. Having a reliable auto service plan isn’t nostalgia—it’s necessity.
With vehicle lifespans extending well past 100,000 miles, and EV adoption rising, smart motorists are turning to vehicle service contracts and expert roadside support that goes well beyond OEM powertrain coverage. Think of it as the modern equivalent of May’s grease-covered reliability—only now, you don’t need to know your carburetor from your alternator to drive worry-free.
Expert Insights on Extended Road Coverage
As most experts agree, your factory warranty won’t cover everything—and certainly won’t last forever. That’s where extended protection under a vehicle service contract (VSC) comes in. It may not add horsepower, but trust us—it adds confidence.
Driving Vintage Dreams in a Modern Reality
Jack May’s Dino might’ve been born in the analog era, but its sale at Mecum proves our love for high-performance, mechanically pure vehicles persists. Unfortunately, roadside assistance for classics like these isn’t included by default.
That’s why many collectors look into customizable options similar to AAA roadside alternatives—ensuring that even if their car is 50 years old, their coverage isn’t.
How to Protect Classic and Collector Cars Without Losing Sleep
- Choose a roadside product that includes access to specialized towing
- Look for VSCs that cover out-of-pocket repair shop costs
- Ensure your contract covers battery jump-starts and lockout service
- Include flatbed towing for low-clearance vehicles
Looking Ahead: Why Coverage Like Good Sam Roadside Assist Is Evolving
Smart drivers don’t wait until the “Check Engine” light glows red. Instead, they’re investing in forward-thinking maintenance solutions that match the endurance and ambition of drivers like May. Services modeled after Good Sam roadside assist are beginning to incorporate alternative fuel vehicles, digital dispatching APIs, and city-speed towing—all without requiring the high annual fees.
Like you, we believe that driving should feel empowering whether you’re piloting a Ferrari Dino—or just a 2018 SUV. That’s why more drivers are switching from traditional insurance-backed programs to solutions like DriveSmart, which allow flexible plan selection for roadside emergencies.
The Complete Guide to Emergency Road Help—with No Strings Attached
Think you’re fully covered? Most standard insurance providers only reimburse roadside assistance after service—and often limit towing to 5 miles. Modern plans offered by solutions like DriveSmart can give you access to 24/7 services at a lower total cost, with nationwide reach.
From Cannonballs to Commutes—What’s Your Road Safety Plan?
In 2024, performance doesn’t stop with speed. It extends into preparedness. Whether you’re racking up miles on I-95 or waiting in the carpool lane, today’s drivers expect real-time help, smart diagnostics, and instant service initiation. That’s what makes roadside protection just as vital today as high octane was in 1975.
And unlike Jack May, you won’t have to break a traffic law just to reach your destination on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Jack May’s 1973 Dino 246 GTS so special?
Jack May’s Ferrari Dino was not only a performance marvel, but it also withstood a cross-country Cannonball Run without mechanical failure—something most vehicles today rely on Good Sam roadside assist alternatives for support.
Is roadside assistance worth it for older or vintage cars?
Yes. Vintage car owners often choose customized roadside assistance policies that include flatbed towing and mechanical services not covered by standard insurance or warranties.
How can I find a good roadside assistance program?
Look for services with proven reliability, wide coverage, included towing, and options for VSC bundles. Aggregators like DriveSmart make it easy to compare roadside plans tailored to your needs.
Do I still need a Vehicle Service Contract if I have roadside assistance?
Absolutely. Roadside covers emergencies, while a Vehicle Service Contract manages your larger repair bills—especially as vehicles age past their factory warranty period.
What’s a faster way to get roadside help than calling insurance?
Programs like DriveSmart’s digital roadside dispatch allow you to get help within minutes, eliminating long waits typical of insurance companies’ roadside add-ons.
What does roadside assistance typically cost annually?
Roadside assistance costs range from $50 to $150 per year, based on coverage level, service area, and plan detail—and cheaper monthly options are now available through DriveSmart’s plans.
Can I get support even if I’m not near a repair shop?
Yes. National roadside assistance networks provide emergency service coverage almost anywhere—including rural areas and highways not covered by your local garage.
