The Gumball 3000 -- now in its 16th iteration -- is an intercontinental car rally built on unabashed excess, unbridled thrills and kaleidoscopic changes of scenery.
2014 Gumball 3000 rally —
The Gumball 3000 -- now in its 16th iteration -- is an intercontinental car rally built on unabashed excess, unbridled thrills and kaleidoscopic changes of scenery.
Adam Baidawi
Though entrants can drive whatever vehicle they please, most opt for tricked-out beasts: Porsche, Jaguar, Rolls Royce are favorite rides.
Ride what you like, as long as it turns heads —
Though entrants can drive whatever vehicle they please, most opt for tricked-out beasts: Porsche, Jaguar, Rolls Royce are favorite rides.
Adam Baidawi
From the moment they roar into a new city, the Gumballers have eyes on them. Even those who came into the race with no fame have been transformed into instant (if temporary), intercontinental celebrities.
Fast lane to fame —
From the moment they roar into a new city, the Gumballers have eyes on them. Even those who came into the race with no fame have been transformed into instant (if temporary), intercontinental celebrities.
Adam Baidawi
For participants it isn't a race -- it's a matter of pride, joy and adventure, not milliseconds. "It isn't about racing," says British founder Maximillion Cooper. "It never has been."
No thirst for first —
For participants it isn't a race -- it's a matter of pride, joy and adventure, not milliseconds. "It isn't about racing," says British founder Maximillion Cooper. "It never has been."
Adam Baidawi
Dating website AnastasiaDate tricked out a Lamborghini into an electric violet chariot and threw two gorgeous women into the seats. The pair of Russians caused a sensation everywhere they went.
Hot opportunity for brands —
Dating website AnastasiaDate tricked out a Lamborghini into an electric violet chariot and threw two gorgeous women into the seats. The pair of Russians caused a sensation everywhere they went.
Adam Baidawi
With such mighty exoticism and thrill comes a mighty price tag. This year, the entry fee was the better part of $100,000, ride not included.
Entry fee: High —
With such mighty exoticism and thrill comes a mighty price tag. This year, the entry fee was the better part of $100,000, ride not included.
Adam Baidawi
"There's no purpose to it," grins rapper Xzibit one foggy morning in France. "It's the camaraderie -- the brotherhood."
Brotherhood of 'Brrrrmmmmm!' —
"There's no purpose to it," grins rapper Xzibit one foggy morning in France. "It's the camaraderie -- the brotherhood."
Adam Baidawi
Driving aside, Gumballers are paying for a chance to rub shoulders and join a unique family. "I couldn't give a s---," says one European Gumballer. "Not about the parties, not about the celebrities. I'm here to drive."
Motivations differ —
Driving aside, Gumballers are paying for a chance to rub shoulders and join a unique family. "I couldn't give a s---," says one European Gumballer. "Not about the parties, not about the celebrities. I'm here to drive."
Adam Baidawi
In rallies past, Gumballers have motored everywhere from Marrakech to Bangkok to Dubrovnik to, most remarkably, an incursion into North Korea in 2008.
Where the road goes ... —
In rallies past, Gumballers have motored everywhere from Marrakech to Bangkok to Dubrovnik to, most remarkably, an incursion into North Korea in 2008.
Adam Baidawi
There's nothing official or especially legitimate about the rally -- drivers are subject to the same road laws as any civilian.
... Gumballers follow —
There's nothing official or especially legitimate about the rally -- drivers are subject to the same road laws as any civilian.
Adam Baidawi
Hundreds of thousands of spectators line streets, climb poles and lean over barriers, waiting for a glimpse of the fine-tuned monsters and their famed drivers during the Gumball 3000 week.
Spectator special —
Hundreds of thousands of spectators line streets, climb poles and lean over barriers, waiting for a glimpse of the fine-tuned monsters and their famed drivers during the Gumball 3000 week.
Adam Baidawi
You'd hardly think that after a full day's driving, there'd be more left to give. But as the sun sets, Gumballers cap off a day's work with lots of premium alcohol, elite company and elite entertainment.
Drive hard, party harder —
You'd hardly think that after a full day's driving, there'd be more left to give. But as the sun sets, Gumballers cap off a day's work with lots of premium alcohol, elite company and elite entertainment.
Adam Baidawi