Gumball 3000 is frequently featured in the media the world over and we are continually asked a whole multitude of random questions about the tour, other events, Maximillion Cooper, film production, apparel, and the brand in general.
We’ve selected some Q&As below from recent media requests that we hope will give you a better understanding of our brand, along with specific information relating to the tour and our other products. If you’d like to ask us anything else please just drop us an email to info@gumball3000.com or give the HQ a call.
TOUR RELATED QUESTIONS:
What is the Gumball 3000 tour?
What’s the 2010 route?
When is it?
How many cars take part?
How much does it cost to participate?
What’s included in the entry fee?
What kind of cars can enter?
Can I do it on a motorbike?
What celebrities drive in the Gumball?
Can you take part if you’re not rich and famous?
If I’m not driving in the tour can I come and see the cars?
When is it on TV?
What’s the point of the Gumball?
Is it for charity?
Is there a prize for coming first?
What did it cost to put on the 2008 tour?
What are the differences between Gumball 3000 and any of the other road tours?
Do you believe millionaires are getting bored of having the same hobbies as golf and fishing and that is the main reason for the success of your tour?
What is the different experience of the 2008 Gumball 3000 tour from former Gumball 3000’s?
What is the true spirit of Gumball 3000?
The total number of participating cars is limited to 120 but every year more and more people want to get involved. Therefore, what is the criteria for choosing the participants, except that the car has to be extremely luxurious and rare?
Many of the cars can drive at more than 300km/h – obviously this is not allowed on public roads, so how does the Gumball work with the authorities to control the event and make it safe?
Now environmental protection is such a hot topic, and are your 120 participating cars paying any efforts to this?
What measures are you taking to protect the driver’s and other road users safety?
What is the Gumball 3000 tour?
In its simplest description, the Gumball is a 3000-mile drive, with 120 cars participating over eight days with additional events and parties throughout the period. Each year a new 3000-mile route is encountered, and over the past 10 years the event has incorporated Europe, North America, North Africa and Asia. Drivers are treated to a 5-star experience that could be described as being the ‘ultimate road-trip’. It’s not a race, and attracts all kinds of people and vehicles to participate; from vintage to modern supercars, and from rock stars and sheiks to the simple car enthusiast. Some say its a modern day version of the infamous 1970s Burt Reynolds Cannonball Run movies, and we have to agree that it does share similarities, attracting the most eccentric group of thrill-seekers imaginable, partying every night with the who’s who of international society and pop culture. This popular culture attraction has contributed to the events recognition as a ‘lifestyle’ event that is unlike any other. Gumball is as likely to appear in the world’s celebrity and fashion media as it is in traditional motoring media.
What’s the 2010 route?
The 2010 tour will leave from London on 1st May before taking in Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Stockholm. All 120 cars will then be airlifted to Boston from where they will continue to Quebec City, Toronto and finally New York seven long days and nights later.
When is it?
The tour traditionally takes place around the first 2 weeks of May. This is so that it does not clash with the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival, two events that many of our clientele regularly attend. In 2008 the tour took part in August, this was so that we could end the event in Beijing at the Olympic Games as part of our ‘10th Anniversary’ celebrations. However, in 2009 and 2010 the tour returned to May.
How many cars take part?
In the first couple of years less than 100 cars took part, mostly just friends of Max’s. However by 2002 with increased demand to participate the grid reached 200 vehicles. After a couple of years of around 200 vehicles, Max decided to cut the grid down to just 120 – this amount seems to be the optimum number, in that there are enough cars to create a HUGE spectacle wherever the tour goes – but its also a small enough number of people that everyone taking part gets to meet each other.
How much does it cost to participate?
The entry fee varies each year depending on the route, for example in 2008 the entry fee was $120,000 per car, with the route that started in San Francisco and finished in Beijing, including flying all 120 cars around the world. However, in 2010, the entry fee is reduced to £30,000 per car for two people, going from London to New York with shipping the cars and the drivers from Stockholm to Boston included. Entrants also now have the opportunity to enter either the European leg or US leg for a fixed fee of £12,000 GBP.
What’s included in the entry fee?
During the period of the event, all accommodation, meals and events within the tour are included in the entry fee. These extra events range from attending VIP parties, race circuits and music concerts, to unique and private venues. We don't provide alcohol during evening parties – we are promoting a safe driving event it is not appropriate to provide copious amounts of alcohol each night. The event is a true once in a lifetime experience, and everything that you will experience is the best of the best.
What kind of cars can enter?
In theory the event is open to any kinds of car to participate; however it is our intention to make the 120 cars taking part showcase ‘the’ most spectacular array of vehicles ever built. Therefore, we’re looking for cars from all era’s and types, including vintage, American, European, sports, customised, luxury and one or two really eccentric ones. I.e. From Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s to Rolls Royce’s, 60s muscle cars, vintage Aston Martins and Bentleys to a low rider!
Can I do it on a motorbike?
Basically NO. Whilst Maximillion is hugely into motorbikes, the Gumball is not designed for motorbikes. The route is designed to have a driver and a co-driver that can navigate. Daily instructions are often sent to drivers via mobile phone, and also due to the duration of the event we recommend that drivers and co-drivers take turns at the wheel. Unfortunately a single motorbike rider would not be able to utilize the above methods.
What celebrities drive in the Gumball?
Each year the Gumball attracts various celebrities to participate. Some are of friends of Max and Julie’s and are entering for fun; others are taking part as a PR effort, perhaps to promote a recent film or album release. Notable celebrity names from the past 10 years include; music stars Travis Barker, Xzibit, Snoop Dogg, Goldie, The Darkness, Placebo, Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay; Jackass’ Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve O, Ryan Dunn, and Chris Pontius, actors Daryl Hannah, Adrien Brody, David Hasselhoff, MTV’s Rob & Big; skateboarders Tony Hawk, Buck Lasek, Salvador Barbier, Willy Santos, Mike Vallely; BMX’ers Corey Nastazio, Rooftop Escamilla, MX’ers Cary Hart, Travis Pastrana; F1 World Champion Damon Hill, Jenson Button; comedians Orlando Jones, Vic Reeves; and supermodels Jodie Kidd, Caprice, Amy Wesson, Tyson Beckford, to name but a few!
Can you take part if you’re not rich and famous?
Anybody can enter the Gumball. However with an annual entry fee upwards of £30,000 and only 120 places available it makes the event very exclusive. But if you have the means then we highly recommend it.
If I’m not driving in the tour can I come and see the cars?
Absolutely! Over the years the various checkpoints have grown into ‘Gumball Festivals’ – allowing fans, families, and everyone to come along and cheer on the Gumball cars and be a part of the Gumball brand. In recent years we’ve also added to the festivities by showcasing as many as 500 cars on display at the various checkpoints that aren’t participating in the tour, as well as hosting skate, BMX and MX demos and even music concerts all for free. So next time the Gumball rolls into your town – make sure you come down and check it out!
When is it on TV?
The tour has been televised worldwide each year since 2000. MTV Networks, Channel 4, Extreme Sports Channel, RTL, TF1, Fox Sports and Eurosport have commissioned both one-off specials and a 6-part series. The 6 part series featuring the 2008 tour will air early in 2009. Exact dates will be announced in the news section of the site when they are announced.
What’s the point of the Gumball?
Gumball is about creating a unique and fun brand that has come to fruition through the adventure of the annual tour– essentially by combining celebrity and popular culture. The Gumball has since become aspirational to many people and has united people of all nationalities and walks of life, transcending status and wealth – all through the language of popular culture and the motorcar. The Gumball is definitely about creating something that is FUN – especially in today’s society where if you watch the news everything seems to be negative. We are here to embody fun, embrace freedom and live life.
Is it for charity?
Gumball is not specifically organised for charity – however, each year the event promotes various causes and charities - proactive through the generic media that surrounds the event and its participants – and also allowing participants to take part solely to represent and promote a relevant cause. Over the years we have granted several wishes for the ‘Make-A-Wish Foundation’, and raised awareness for Everyman – Testicular Cancer, and Boarding for Breast Cancer. Both Maximillion and Julie are also proactive with supporting charities independently from the Gumball – and for the past two years Julie has chaired the Eve Appeal Charity in the UK – raising funds and support for ovarian cancer.
Is there a prize for coming first?
There is no prize for coming first – and in fact any drivers caught actively encouraging a racing element to the event are eliminated from the event. However, all entrants are hoping to be awarded the prestigious accolade of ‘Spirit of the Gumball’ Trophy (usually just a gumball machine, complete with gum!) - a prize for the Gumballer who most embodies the free, uncompromising character of the tour. Other awards are randomly recognized for ‘Most Stylish’, Best Car, etc….and each sponsor awards their own trophy for whatever seems fitting. All participants also receive a trophy for simply participating – and over the years this trophy has become increasingly collectable. In 2000 a bronze bust of Burt Reynolds Cannonball Run character, JJ. McClure, was given to all 200 participants – specially commissioned by artist Johnny Cooper (Max’s father), and in 2006 one of these sold on eBay for over $5,000. So if you ever get your hands on a Gumball trophy, make sure you look after it – as one day Sotheby’s are certain to value it at a crazy price!
What did it cost to put on the 2008 tour?
Flying the cars and participants around the world mid event on the worlds most exclusive VIP passenger plane, and largest cargo planes doesn’t come cheap – and to host parties and events every day throughout the eight days makes Gumball a ridiculously expensive event to organise and host. On top of entertaining all 250 drivers, and organising concerts, VIP parties, action sports demos and car displays throughout the route another cost element factored in is to film and broadcast the entire event that includes helicopters, road closures, directors, producers, editors and mobile studios throughout the 3000-mile route. All in all, the 2008 event employed over 300 people to carry out operational tasks to make the event a success, costing around $16 million to host.
What are the differences between Gumball 3000 and any of the other road tours?
Gumball is very unique, it isn’t so much a car tour as a lifestyle that incorporates automobiles, film, fashion, art and sport. Most of our participants would not usually be attracted to participate in a car tour, and many of them are not necessarily really into their cars. However, the attraction of the Gumball transcends social barriers and appeals to the adventurer in all of us, and thus our participants come from all walks of life and nationalities; from skateboarders to Saudi Prince’s, and supermodels to sports stars. For example, in 2008l, Academy Award-winning film director Mike Figgis (Leaving Las Vegas) directed a feature film called ‘Love Live Long’ during the tour, while Vogue used the event as a back drop to a photo shoot, and we filmed an MTV Jackass Gumball Special about Bam Margera skateboarding in North Korea. Gumball has a more creative outlook that appeals to the fashion and film industries as much as the car world; and through our ability to unite cultures and people over the past 3 years we have also worked closely with various United Nations departments. Essentially this is how we came to incorporate North Korea into this year’s unprecedented route as a “world friendship” initiative. Gumball is not a ‘normal’ car tour– but through the language of the motorcar we have been able to be creative and explore the world and unite people from all nationalities.
Do you believe millionaires are getting bored of having the same hobbies as golf and fishing and that is the main reason for the success of your rallies?
I don’t think this is the case – as there are plenty of amazing things for people to do if they have money, and cars will always be high on the agenda. There are literally hundreds of cars rallies and events to participate in; we didn’t invent the car tour, but simply redefined it.
What is the different experience of the 2008 Gumball 3000 tour from former Gumball 3000’s?
The 2008 event was an even more incredible experience than previous years because the route incorporated such contrasting cultures. Flying from Las Vegas to Pyongyang, North Korea, was undoubtedly a highlight and a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience for all of the participants; and to round up at the Beijing Olympic Games was a fitting finale to a spectacular week. In previous years we have similarly incorporated parts of the world that are relatively unexplored by the ‘entertainment’ industries that Gumball brings, and therefore it has become our mission to use the event to unite people together from all walks of life and nationalities through the language of popular culture and the motorcar.
What is the true spirit of Gumball 3000?
The true spirit is to enjoy the freedom of adventure that Gumball creates – and for the duration of the tour to escape the daily. Gumball is not at all about driving fast or dangerous – it is simply an adventure that often incorporates unprecedented routes and contrasting cultures – such as going from Las Vegas to Pyongyang this year. The spirit of Gumball trophy that we award at the end of each tour is always awarded to people that have embodied the adventure, and understood that it’s Gumballs ability to unite cultures through the language of the motorcar that is what Gumball is all about – not about how rich you are, or how fast you can drive. This year the Spirit award was given to the drivers of the Bentley Continental GTC.
The total number of participating cars is limited to 120 but every year more and more people want to get involved. Therefore, what is the criteria for choosing the participants, except that the car has to be extremely luxurious and rare?
Over the years we have learnt how to make the tour better each time – and after we hosted nearly 200 cars in 2003 and 2004 we decided that moving forward it was better to entertain a smaller group – where all the participants can get to know each other during the week, whilst still having enough amazing cars to make a spectacle in each city. There is no fixed criteria to participate, our goal each year is diversity – to have as many nationalities in as many amazing, wacky and interesting cars from as many walks of life as possible.
Many of the cars can drive at more than 300km/h – obviously this is not allowed on public roads, so how does the Gumball work with the authorities to control the event and make it safe?
In the early years of the event we didn’t work very closely with the authorities – and we were very lucky not to get into any trouble. However, as the awareness of the event has grown over the years, so has the social responsibility to make it as safe as possible and to make it as big as possible, and thus the event has changed over the years from being something that originally only the participants could enjoy – to what it has become today – a “public festival” that draws crowds of tens of thousands – and in some cities over 1 million people have attended to watch the Gumball arrive! Therefore, as we have matured we now work very closely with the police, local authorities and sometimes the governments of all the areas that the event incorporates, often closing down city centres for the cars to parade through and park on display. In 2007 we closed London's Trafalgar Square through Piccadilly to Park Lane, 3 km of central London for 24 hours with giant video screens, sponsors shops, live music, etc, and similarly this year we closed the centre of San Francisco, Hollywood and San Diego – making the Gumball a public event that everyone can enjoy.
Now environmental protection is such a hot topic, and are your 120 participating cars paying any efforts to this?
For the past 4 years we have actively tried to get as many environmentally friendly cars to participate, but sadly to date not many ‘green cars’ actually cars have the ability to make a 3000-mile drive in eight days. In 2003 one of Gumball's closest friends participated in a Peterbilt Semi-Truck using only potato oil; then in 2004 the actress Darryl Hannah took part using a Range Rover using only 100% bio-diesel; then last year and this year we had several hybrids and electric vehicles, including an electric Tesla GT sports car, a Lexus 600H, several Scions and even a hybrid Lamborghini – so yes, we are very aware and very proactive to make the environment a cleaner place. Unfortunately the car companies or airlines haven’t quite adapted yet to the changing environment or else we could be more effective!
What measures are you taking to protect the drivers' and other road users safety?
With the events increased public awareness and social responsibility we have been approached by the United Nations Road Safety Campaign to help them to promote road safety particularly in third world environments where the road conditions and general public awareness of safety standards are not as high as in many western cultures. Through our voice amongst youth culture we hope that we can help to make young people aware of the dangers of driving – and we hope that some of our celebrities can help voice this message and be responsible and safe whilst participating in the Gumball. This year we are planning to close off nearly 1500 miles of roads just for our use, with Police escorts and marshals – and we also added two race circuits to allow those that wanted to drive fast to have a legal opportunity to do so.
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