Gumball is one of the most controversial and debated events worldwide.
In 1933, a famous motorcycle racer called "Cannonball Baker" traveled by motorcycle from the east-coast to the west-coast of the US in 54 hours. Almost two decades later, the same route was raced by cars.
Due to pressure from political and police organizations, the cannonball race as it was named in 1933, was cancelled in 1979. These events inspired Maximillion Cooper to create the controversial "Gumball 3000" Race, after having seen movies such as The Gumball Rally, Cannonball, Cannonball Run and Cannonball Run 2...which showed a fantasy version of a dream race.
The first real Gumball 3000 race was organized in 1999. The participants were 50 of Cooper's rich friends all with an eccentric taste for adventure. In 2000, the race expanded exponentially. Not only could Maximillion's friends participate, but anybody who had the money was able to register.
The race became bigger and more eccentric year on year. The 2002 and 2003 race was the first to run outside Europe. It started in New York and ended in the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills.
The 2006 rally will be very special, since it is specifically designed to go around the world in 8 days, crossing 3 continents and is being made to feature a film.
The 2006 version consists of 3 missions: The European mission starts in London and ends in Belgrade. The Asian route begins in Bangkok and ends in Langkawi.
And last but not least, the North American trajectory runs from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles. Throughout Gumball, there will be 4 concerts, 120 cars, 240 participants, 3000 miles to cover and millions of fans every inch of the way.
Obviously, the Gumball 3000 race of April 2006 will be the most spectacular to date.
Fortunately for those who can not afford to follow events live, the race will be televised. If you don’t have access to foreign television stations, and you would really like to see what the Gumball race is all about, I think JimTV will broadcast the Gumball-race, with a delay of a few months of course…