Letter by Gumball HQ received by one of the Gumballers including entry fee information:

Dear Gumballer,

You are one of the 40 past Gumballers to have already confirmed your wish to participate in the 2006 ‘World Rally’, and have paid the initial deposit to secure this place on the grid.

It is understood that you paid this on the understanding that the total cost of the rally is to be £20,000 GBP. However, after having carried out subsequent and now complete budgeting for the rally we have found that we are unable to offer the 2006 rally on such a large scale with that fee, with the whole event costing us itro $45million dollars (if you only knew what some Governments are like!!!). The predominant single cost associated with flying your cars around the world in particularly specialised and rare Russian Antanov Cargo Planes and passenger Jumbo jets has come in at over £2million alone, leaving us with an unrealistic sum to carry out the various functions in all the various cities throughout the 10 days . We could have offered this rally to you for £20k but accomodation would have been at the local campsites en route, (marsh mallows and baked beans over the camp fire!).

Therefore, as the costs are so extensive we have decided to make the entry fee merely represent the basic booking costs of the various venues, aeroplanes and basic logistics of the event, and as such we are forced into increasing the entry fee accordingly. 120 cars will be able to participate in the whole event, and we are offering 60 places to past Gumballers and 60 places to Gumball virgins. The entry grid will be made up as follows:

25 cars – UK participants
25 cars – North American participants
25 cars – Asian participants (China, Japan & Korea)
25 cars – European participants
20 cars – from the rest of the world (Middle East, South America, South Africa, Oceania, etc…)

As we have done in past years, as loyal past Gumballers you will recieve a discount of 20% with the total entry fee being £30,000 to you (based on 2 persons per car); and £40,000 to new participants.

I realise this sounds alot, however it is basically just £1,300 per day per person, and includes so much that its ridiculous; 5-star everything for 11 days, across 3 Continents, 20 countries, private Jumbo’s and cargo planes, music concerts, a feature film, parties galore, and will undoubtedly go down in the history books!

We know that this news will be upsetting to you but we hope that you understand the situation. This may of course disuade you from participating next year, if so we will be happy to refund you your deposit immediately… although we hope that that will not be the case.

The proposed payment Schedule for the 2006 rally will be as follows:
Deposit (£10,000) by July 31st
2nd Installment (£10,000) by October 31st
3rd Installment (£10,000) by January 31st

We would really appreciate it if you can confirm to us as soon as possible if you still wish to participate in 2006, as already over half the places have gone even before we managed to print up the entry forms, and we have a waiting list hot to trot!

If you have friends that you are trying to get on the rally, they must confirm their place immediately.

Best Regards,

Maximillion

Letter received by Gumball HQ as of 18th of August 2005:

Dear Gumballers,

After much deliberating, and continued high powered talks about next years Gumball 3000, we’ve decided to opt for an alternate route. The North Korean route involved talks with everyone from our very own Prime Minister to the United Nations, and despite being granted unpreceedented permission to enter North Korea and cross the Demiliterized Zone, the overiding opinion from our supporting World leaders and loyal old Gumballers was that we give North Korea a miss. The alternate ‘Asian leg’ will certainly enable you to sit more comfortably over the coming months, without risk of being abducted by Kim Jong IL, and driving wise, it’s the best route ever. We’re also pleased to announce an extension to the American leg – giving the U.S an equal share of the rally and an amazing driving experience!

I personally am a little dissappointed that we have decided to not include North Korea in our plans, as my experience of visiting the little visited country over the past year has been a priviledged experience. However, with an ever changing political climate, and particularly after talking to all those Gumballers that have already signed up for ’06, over 90% of you were more keen on the round the world element than the thought of getting lost in a Communist country, and equally the overiding response was to make the American leg more significant than simply Vegas to LA, so with these comments and suggestions in mind, here’s what’s happening.

With Gumball now looking forward to its eighth year, having previously crossed the USA from east to west, and then again from west to east, lapping Europe and Scandinavia more times than you’d care to mention, and having already ventured into Africa, for 2006 we have decided to go one step further and take you “Around the World in 8 Days!” crossing Europe, Asia and the United States in one 8 day rally, with parties, race tracks and music concerts along the way!

Our awareness in Asia rapidly increasing thanks largesly to having the highest rated TV show following the Gumball on MTV’s ‘Whatever Things’, featuring the adventures of the AiYa gang on the 2004 rally (our film of the AiYa’s experience on the Gumball called ‘Drivin’ Me Crazy!’ will be released at the end of the year. It’s HILARIOUS!!!). With China becoming an increasing global superpower, we decided incorporating them would be the next logical step. Ironically, at the same time as our TV show hit Beijing, the Chinese Government invited us to bring the event to China, as a sort of preliminary event to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. So with that kind of support, Olympic backing, China granting Gumball unprecedented permissions and promoting the Gumball like we’re the Olympics, what more can I say than, China here we come….!

Stage 1
In deciding to start the event from our natural home and future Olympic host city of London, we’re going to kick the proceedure off with a HUGE public music concert the night before the flag drops, setting the scene for an amazing departure the following day (seeing if we can eclipse 250,000 people that attended this year), where cars will take off aiming for for Turkey, crossing 10 European countries, including the cities of Brussels, Salzburg, Budapest, Belgrade and Sofia en route to reach Istanbul where we will do the unimaginable and fly all 120 supercars and 250 people to Hong Kong, using 3 of the world’s largest cargo planes, the Antanov, and one private Gumball 3000 Jumbo Jet for all the drivers! If that experience doesn’t make this adventure a ‘once in a lifetime’ then nothing will!

Stage 2
>From Hong Kong, ‘Mission 2′ of the rally will cover another 1000 miles across the most spectacular countryside ever seen, with checkpoints including some of the oldest ‘Martial Arts’ monestaries and the most futuristic of cities, such as Shanghai, before heading to the ancient capital and 2008 Olympic city of Beijing where an unpreceedented music concert will take place in Tianamen Square. From here, cars will again be loaded onto the 4 private jets, and this time be flown over the Pacific Ocean to the third Olympic host city of Salt Lake in the United States.

Stage 3
>From Salt Lake ‘Mission 3′ will cover the final 1000 miles of the 8 day adventure, starting with races across the famous ‘Bonneville’ salt flats where Sir Malcolm Campbell became the first driver to take a car over 300 mph, reaching a staggering 301.13 in 1935 (lets see who’s going to break the Gumball sound barrier!). From the salt flats of Utah, next stop Las Vegas will play host to a night of partying before the final dash to our fourth and final Olympic host city of Los Angeles to cross the finish line. A music concert will play out the rally followed by a trophy giving bash at Hef’s famous ‘Playboy Mansion’!

Eight days that nobody will forget, continuing our committment to being the “World’s most all encompassing lifestyle eventâ€?. The week of the rally, not only includes scheduling the amazing 3000 mile route, taking in some of the worlds most powerful cities and breath taking scenery, but also includes the organisation of music concerts, parties, Formula 1 circuits, private jets, road closures, and with next years being filmed for a cinema release, then we’ve also got to get more film permits that you could imagine. With this route, global unity, and unparalleled exposure, we aim to succeed in putting on the best week of your lives…the most memorable experience ever!

The entry forms have now gone ‘live’ on our website, so if you’ve already paid a deposit, please take the time to complete your entry form, and if you haven’t but still wish to take up a place, please complete the forms and contact us ASAP. (The password to access the actual form is ‘playboy’). We are aware that the price to participate next year is not cheap, but neither is the event, costing us a shade under $50m to put on, and the experience you will get will undoubtedly be ‘priceless’. With the rally’s appeal all encompassing, ‘from rock star to avid car enthusiast’, judging by the public’s attendance earlier this year the brand will continue to cement itself as both the inspirational and most ‘aspirational lifestyle event’; and the will continue to set the pace as the ultimate playground for the worlds elite high flyers, from the playboy jet-set, to rock stars, film stars and supermodels!

Last year we were aware that we upset several old Gumballers prior to the event as the grid was full by Christmas and we had to turn many Gumballers away, and so this time we’d like to avoid this scenario and so until the end of the month we’re only accepting entries from past Gumballers, afterwhich the grid will be open to new people. Our goal is to fill the grid with 120 of the most amazing and eccentric cars and people from all over the world; taking entries from European, Asian, Middle Eastern, American and all other continents of the world equally. So get your entries in fast…as we’ve got a waiting list of Sultans and Sheiks wanting to show off their unique supercars!

Sponsorship for the 2005 rally was also increased to new levels, with Fortune 500 corporations including Co-Pilot (Microsoft & T-Mobile), VW and Lexus testing the ground for the first time alongside long-time Gumball partners, DC Shoes, TechnoMarine Watches, Meguiar’s, Davida Helmets, Alpine Stars race wear and Von Zipper sunglasses amongst others. With increased global presence, and a route that crosses 13 countries through the 3 most powerful continents of the world, the 2006 Gumball Rally is ripe with unique global sponsorship opportunities for companies to market their products and enhance their brand image in what is the most exciting, ground breaking and highest profile lifestyle event in the world.

In 2006 we will enter the next phase of global development, focusing on our strengths of innovation, notoriety, eccentricity and quality. We will bring the Gumball 3000 unique lifestyle concept and diverse product range to the high street with the opening of our first flagship store in Central London. We will also announce our first foray into professional motorsport, participating in the World Sportscar Series and the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hour Race with our very own ‘Gumball’ car (more news of this coming soon!). In every area, from being a participant in the exclusive rally to purchasing our Top Trumps playing cards, from our clothing collection to our films, we will continue to give customers the quality and services that exceed their expectations, and above all, we will deliver a uniqueness of experience no other brand can surpass.

On that note, don’t forget that our London to France ‘Gumball 3000 Deauville Boat Rally’ takes place at the start of next month. If you have entered and are brave enough to be racing against me on this wet and wild experience I will look forward to seeing you for Dinner in Tower bridge on Thursday 1st September, followed by an exclusive VIP party in London’s newest and hottest club Movida. The eccentric mix of 30 boats will be setting off from Tower Bridge at mid-day on Friday when the bridge will open and the race will start in earnest accross the channel. In keeping with Sir Malcolm Campbell’s ‘Land Speed record’s, I’m looking to enter his actual river boat called ‘The Bluebird’….I’m not sure it’s the fastest, but I’m sure to beat the canoe!

Best regards,

Maximillion

Interesting…

Announcement of the Gumball 2006 route received 24th of June 2005:

Hi Gumballers & fans,

With mini Gumball reunions appearing all over the world, if you’re heading for the Goodwood festival of Speed or Glastonbury music festival this weekend I’m sure stories of feeling like a ‘rock star’ as you waded through the masses of people upon entering Vienna will continue to fuel the champagne tents!

Well I thought I’d add a little future news to the gossip, and formally tell you about the 2006 Gumball! Listen up…because this one is going to be ground breaking…. here’s some info to whet your appetite…..take a deep breath before you read this – it’s alot to take in. I apologise in advance for overloading you with info – but this is quite a big deal.

As you are aware the Gumball 3000 Rally route changes every year and has increasingly taken in developing countries, typically those emerging from non-democratic regimes (eg, Russia, Croatia, Hungary, Czech Republic, etc..), as its my way of integrating those nations into the wider international community and also for the purpose of encouraging social and cultural exchange between nations, as well as being great adventures for the events participants. After being courted by the Ministry for Culture in Beijing and meeting with the North Korean Government over 2 years ago; for 2006, to cut a James Bond real life experience short, we decided to consider taking the event to Asia, and after considerable planning and negotiations we have decided to incorporate a 3000 mile route which incorporates Europe, Asia and North America in just 10 days, with the rally starting in London and finishing in Los Angeles.

It is proposed that, following the first leg drive overland from London to Istanbul, we are going to fly all the cars and people to Beijing (in Antanov Cargo Planes), and then drive north into the DPRK (North Korea), staying in Pyongyang before crossing the DMZ into South Korea, across by sea to Tokyo and then again by air to the US to finish the rally in Los Angeles. The provisional date for the rally is April 29 – May 8th 2006, to avoid clashing with Monaco GP, Cannes, etc….

After a year of visiting North Korea regularly, in March we received written permission from The General Kim Jong IL and the government of the DPRK for the Gumball to enter the country from China, and cross the DMZ into South Korea. This is a most exceptional permission, especially given the very high-profile of the Gumball Rally; creating an opportunity to bring people of all nations (including Amercians, Japanese and South Koreans) together, particularly to end the technical war with the US and better global international relations and securities. Since being granted this permission from the DPRK, following meetings at the highest level with the United States goverment we have since gained permission and support from the South Korean, US Governments and the United Nations to support the rally, and all the opportunities that it may create. Therefore the ‘theme’ of next year’s 2006 rally will be a ‘World Peace Rally’. However, with politics being as they are, should events not enable us to cross from North into South Korea, then as a contingency plan we have also confirmed an alternative and equally amazing route from China to Tokyo.

The governments of each continent have also agreed for us to stage ‘Music Concerts’ that will be televised internationally. We therefore plan to organise the first ever music concert in North Korea, and intend for U2 or The Rolling Stones or similar artists to perform. With the music concerts being a major part of the Gumball, especially as they are further opportunities for the various countries, sponsors and public to benefit and enjoy the event, in 2006 we will organise 4 concerts during the 2006 rally in London, Beijing, Pyongyang and Los Angeles.

So thats our big news that we couldn’t discuss until now. I hope you find it interesting to say the least. Its been an incredible 2 years behing the scenes in achieving the above, now I want to exploit it in the best ways possible – as situations like this don’t come about very often in ones life. Afterall, the President of South Korea won the Nobel Peace prize 2 years ago for his efforts in attempting to cross the DMZ – even though his attempts failed. If this all goes to plan, then the media value to the Gumball brand is phenomenal.

Have you seen Team America yet???? Well get ready to meet Kim Jong Il.

Finally, I’ve also attached the ‘post rally press release’ of this years event, confirming some of the highlights, and there’s an indepth version of who got up to no good on the website…talking of which, with our own forum now up and running, going ballistic after we got 57 million hits during the week of the rally, we’ve created a ‘PRIVATE AREA’ to the forum that is exclusive to Gumball participants from all years. To receive your log on password for this please email webmaster@gumball3000.com and Mike Lawrence, our webmaster will sort this out!

Hope to see you at Goodwood…and if you are up for taking part in next years rally, with it being limited to just 80 cars we are taking entries immediately from past Gumballers (before we accept any entries from new people), fees are increased to marginally help cover the cost of the cargo planes, but with the overall cost to put on the event reaching the tens of millions, if you have any ideas and contacts to some major sponsors please let me know. For questions about participating please contact either Nick or Julie in the HQ.

Best regards as always,

Maximillion