JUST RELEASED 2006 GUMBALL 3K ROUTE INFORMATION

[matt_shaw]

Hi Gumballers,

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

 

[GraemeH]

Not sure about this :/ Seems like they'll spend as much time in cargo planes as they will on the road hard driving.

 

[bihus]

Not sure about this :/ Seems like they'll spend as much time in cargo planes as they will on the road hard driving.

And what's the problem in that?
If they go ahead with this plan, it will be an history event, for sure. Or the start of World War III :lol: :?

 

[justin syder]

Of course Kim Jong Ill would allow this, Im sure he's getting a good chunk of money in his pocket.

I think the Gumball is getting overzelous and not staying true to the event. Cargo planes and political stuff is not what you think of with Gumball.

Also, I know he is optimistic and nieve but I doubt driving some sports cars in N.Korea will get everyone to hold hands and sing etc, this is the typical idealist, hippy bullshit that solves nothing.

U2, Rolling Stones in N.Korea and "World Peace Rally". What a hippy

Some ppl need to wakeup to the real world.

 

[bihus]

Of course Kim Jong Ill would allow this, Im sure he's getting a good chunk of money in his pocket.

I think the Gumball is getting overzelous and not staying true to the event. Cargo planes and political stuff is not what you think of with Gumball.

Also, I know he is optimistic and nieve but I doubt driving some sports cars in N.Korea will get everyone to hold hands and sing etc, this is the typical idealist, hippy bullshit that solves nothing.

U2, Rolling Stones in N.Korea and "World Peace Rally". What a hippy

Some ppl need to wakeup to the real world.

I understand you pov (I'm more right wing than left), but I'm glad some things like this happen. The "real world" that would overcome from republican ideas would be too much overkill...

 

[justin syder]

First of all I suggest someone split this into a political topic, "Gumball 2006 and N.Korea"

Second, Bihus what good will come out of this? Do you really think Kim Jong Ill will stop being a dictator and allow an election? Do you think he will stop oppressing his own ppl because of a Gumball? Do you think he will stop building nuclear weapons because of the Gumball?

Also please explain this,

The "real world" that would overcome from republican ideas would be too much overkill...

To be honest i see Maximillion and others that think this is "neat" as a way of being sympathetic to Kim Jong Ill and forgetting what he has done to his country or what he has failed to do for his own ppl. The brainwashing, starvation, telling his govt to release a statement telling ppl eating grass is healthy amidst the countries period of starvation. Im not making that up, I could also bring other stories or details of life in N.Korea. It would make you "wake-up" to the fact that he is an asshole that should be skinned like those animals in the fur vid. But of course a Gumball Rally will change all of that and bring peace, yeah sure.

 

[justin syder]

A post to keep this on topic and not political.

Basically Max's ego is on the rise and he wants to make Gumball so famous and commercial that it will be a household brand.

Why? Is that the spirit of the gumball? To be all "hollywood-like" and elitist and commercial like McDonalds or Pepsi, sure. It will make him super rich.

Another reason for him going all out in 2006 is of course to make sure he gets all the attention and not Ultimate Rally.

 

[bihus]

First of all I suggest someone split this into a political topic, "Gumball 2006 and N.Korea"

Second, Bihus what good will come out of this? Do you really think Kim Jong Ill will stop being a dictator and allow an election? Do you think he will stop oppressing his own ppl because of a Gumball? Do you think he will stop building nuclear weapons because of the Gumball?

I think this can draw some attention on North Korea. It can open the country to some democratic ideas, or at least, can make for some worldwide embarrassment...

About the other statement, I will, but not here, and not now. It's 7:30am and I haven't slept, yet. I also have to find some words I'm missing, if I want to make my ideas clear. If that's remotely possible.

 

[pdanev]

way of
integrating those nations into the wider international community and also for the purpose of encouraging social and cultural
exchange between nations,

that's the biggest pile of crap i've ever heared :lol: im not sure if i should laugh or cry at this :?

justin has a good point about the ulitmate rally

 

[justin syder]

It can open the country to some democratic ideas, or at least, can make for some worldwide embarrassment...

Sorry for being pessimitic about this but I doubt a silly rally or concert will change the mind of Kim Jong Ill.

How about you read this,

In Pyongyang, the rules are very specific about how physically to handle the Kim image.

No one is permitted to point casually at a portrait of Kim Jong Il or his father, Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea. If you find yourself holding a book with a picture of a Kim on the cover, you'd best carry it with two hands, face up, in a dignified manner. And no thumb or fingers are ever allowed to touch or cover Kim's face.

A very good article on how N.Korea is and why this rally might never happen, read it, http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0617/p06s01-woap.html

After that, feel free to tell me that a concert or some hippy rallyers will change the mind of Kim Jong Ill.

 

[justin syder]

justin has a good point about the ulitmate rally

Exactly pdanev, the Ultimate Rally would be of more interest since it would be the first inaugural one, the fact that it is a RACE and not a rally, and the higher quality of cars in the event. No dozen 911 or 360s only high end cars.

So of course Max wants to do something that would make the Ultimate Rally look like a typical rally. He also wants to brand Gumball into a world brand with fame and media attention that would surely help his pockets.

He is the reason why Gumball is not cool anymore. Too fame and money hungry and not sticking to the true spirit of Gumball.

 

[bihus]

It can open the country to some democratic ideas, or at least, can make for some worldwide embarrassment...

Sorry for being pessimitic about this but I doubt a silly rally or concert will change the mind of Kim Jong Ill.

How about you read this,

In Pyongyang, the rules are very specific about how physically to handle the Kim image.

No one is permitted to point casually at a portrait of Kim Jong Il or his father, Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea. If you find yourself holding a book with a picture of a Kim on the cover, you'd best carry it with two hands, face up, in a dignified manner. And no thumb or fingers are ever allowed to touch or cover Kim's face.

A very good article on how N.Korea is and why this rally might never happen, read it, http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0617/p06s01-woap.html

After that, feel free to tell me that a concert or some hippy rallyers will change the mind of Kim Jong Ill.

It won't change, but everything must start somewhere. And don't think N.Korea will be like Iraq. If something was done against Kim Wong Il, the deads happening everyday wouldn't be just coallition soldiers like in Iraq.
As I've already said, in other context, it would be a probable start of WW3. You may think that I'm being paranoid, but they're just to powerful, and too damn short-minded for us to feel confident about them. It's a very complex issue, on which we can speculate, but only agree that they've become a very powerful threat, that are too damn close to China. In geography and political terms.

 

[pdanev]

He is the reason why Gumball is not cool anymore. Too fame and money hungry and not sticking to the true spirit of Gumball.

hit the nail on the head

gumball is so "overinflated", a bunch of wannabe cools and bold guys in midlife crisis with some young chicks in their 360s it has nothing to do anymore with the spirit of the gumball, car fans that come together, make a trip and have fun. now its only who can get more speeding tickets, who can show off more, party in fancy hotels and crap like that its soooo lame...

UR on the other hand will be really about guys who's passion is cars. participants like ghostrider, the getaway in stockholm boys etc, make me believe that its gonna be a nice event

 

[justin syder]

bihus-

It won't change, but everything must start somewhere. And don't think N.Korea will be like Iraq. If something was done against Kim Wong Il, the deads happening everyday wouldn't be just coallition soldiers like in Iraq.
As I've already said, in other context, it would be a probable start of WW3. You may think that I'm being paranoid, but they're just to powerful, and too damn short-minded for us to feel confident about them. It's a very complex issue, on which we can speculate, but only agree that they've become a very powerful threat, that are too damn close to China. In geography and political terms.

I dont think a military strike would be necessary or wise unless we are done in Iraq. I would like for the 6 party talks to start up or hope that a revolution occurs but I sure dont think a Rally will do anything.

You need to read the article, if you did you would see how much propaganda and how insane it is there, thus making a gumball trip into the country very very impossible. I also dont think Max got permission from the US, their stance would be "you are on your own". It is too risky, too much of a unrealistic dream and just plain dumb. I think military action in N.Korea is the last option but China needs to pressure N.Korea more and not be so "wishy-washy".

pdanev-

UR on the other hand will be really about guys who's passion is cars. participants like ghostrider, the getaway in stockholm boys etc, make me believe that its gonna be a nice event

Yes even if Gumball go to N.Korea Id still be more interested in URally.

pdanev-

gumball is so "overinflated", a bunch of wannabe cools and bold guys in midlife crisis with some young chicks in their 360s it has nothing to do anymore with the spirit of the gumball, car fans that come together, make a trip and have fun. now its only who can get more speeding tickets, who can show off more, party in fancy hotels and crap like that its soooo lame...

Exactly, the last REAL gumball IMO was in 2004. Kimball leaving made it less of a challenge and more of a posh rally/celeb bullshit than guys having fun pushing their cars to the limit.

R.I.P. Gumball 3000 :lol:

 

[matt_shaw]

dude kimble is driving in the 06 gumball3k rally, he announced it over on the UR forums

 

[Ed.]

Despite all of this Id bet any of you would do the Gumball if you were given the chance

 

[justin syder]

dude kimble is driving in the 06 gumball3k rally, he announced it over on the UR forums

I didnt know that as I dont visit that forum much.

Despite all of this Id bet any of you would do the Gumball if you were given the chance

Absolutely not!! If Max turned it into some hippy protest save the world Rally I wouldnt go even if I was allowed to.

 

[matt_shaw]

Despite all of this Id bet any of you would do the Gumball if you were given the chance

Absolutely not!! If Max turned it into some hippy protest save the world Rally I wouldnt go even if I was allowed to.

dude would you let one person ruin it for you? imagine driving side by side with the great alex roy and kimble. like come on man ALEX ROY! possibly the coolest multi-millionaire in the world!! he basically has my dream life

 

[justin syder]

I dont value time with certain people over my own philosphies and principles.

Would you give oral sex to a man for a 10 car dream garage? One blowjob away from an Enzo dude!

 

[matt_shaw]

I dont value time with certain people over my own philosphies and principles.

Would you give oral sex to a man for a 10 car dream garage? One blowjob away from an Enzo dude!

1. who says alex roy and kimble are on the same page as max?

2. depends... would i be given a sufficient amount of money to maintain these cars? hmmm