Another year has fluttered by and so once again we’re blessed with the mechanical orgy that is Gumball 3000. A warm central London Sunday was host to an amalgamation of some of the automotive world’s most exquisite offspring.
With a rally-grid packed full of lustful creations by the likes of Aston Martin, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce, the 2006 Gumball promises to be just as awe-striking as its predecessors, but with one major difference. Past Gumball events were, well, mediocre in comparison to what this year’s 130 contestants have the chance to experience: a tri-continent route. The proposed 8-day journey is simply mind-numbing. The first leg, a two-day adventure from London (UK) to Belgrade (Serbia and Montenegro) is quite uninspired by Gumball standards – but there is a reason. The next stage involves all 120 cars being flown to Phuket (Thailand), followed by a unique rainforest drive to Bankok. The specifics of the air-transit are being kept quiet, but undoubtedly the £30,000 - £40,000 per-car participation costs will be put to good use. Finally, contestants that haven’t been totally overcome by Thailand’s beauty will be flown, again along with their cars, to Los Angeles (USA), and left to “race” to the finishing line in Salt Lake City. The 3000-mile event clearly promises to be the best Gumball yet, and with en-route parties at 5-star hotels, it’s clear how the entrance-fees can be considered justified!
Whilst Gumball 3000 is not exempt from local traffic law, undoubtedly some contestants will feel the urge to challenge the sound-barrier! Expect escapades with the authorities, cars full of speed-trap detectors and plenty of hard cash for dealing with speeding-tickets the “appropriate” way.
With this Gumball event being so extravagant, fans can only guess as to what Maximillion Cooper, the founder, will have in-store for the world next year! Circumnavigating the globe? I wouldn’t put it past him!
Special thanks to Ilya Zheludev for the photos and the report!
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Official AutoSpies.com Gumball 3000 photo gallery