It’s a movie in my memory museum. I keep living and reliving the start of the Gumball 3000. What a trip!
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So I bet you thought that the PUMA coverage for this year’s Gumball 3000 has ended. Well my friends, we still have more for your viewing pleasure.
Stay tuned to pumagumball.com because we are just getting in edits of the video footage we and the Vimby team had gathered while in Cali. Here is the first episode featuring our old pal, David “The Hoff” Hasselhoff. I have to admit, as much as everyone wanted to ask him if he wanted a cheeseburger, most Gumballers were very reserved and respectful. But we can’t lie, it was killing us.
Many tears were shed, and drinks were poured out for lost tires along the route. The Gumball is complete! 1000 miles in 4 days, an impressive stint for all involved.
Max and Julie got up to announce everyone who finished the US leg of the Gumball as well as announcing awards for best car and the spirit of Gumball.
The spirit of gumball trophy went to the Rogue status crew, who were non-stop energy, focus and determination. One dude in their posse only spoke through a megaphone for the entire trip. That is dedication. The best car went to the matte-black Punisher-themed Ford GT-40 (see the earlier Burnout 3000! post for pictures of the ride)
The final party featured the Cuban Brother’s crazy antics again, followed by MSTRKRFT for an all out Vegas-style throw-down.
Hard to believe it’s over… Be seein’ you next year!
The Hard Rock hotel in Las Vegas welcomed Gumballers in proper fashion. To beat the heat, everyone headed down to the famous pool (considered the best in Vegas), for a cool-off.
Praise the Gods of Air Conditioning! Death Valley is named as such for a reason, nothing can live there except for rocks… hot rocks. I made the mistake of kneeling down to take a photo and almost singed my knee off. We spent as little time as possible in this inhospitable place, as Vegas was in our sights.
After the Ivy Rooftop it was hard to believe people made it out and into their cars at 8am. But that’s what makes a gumballer a gumballer… It was time for the desert leg to Vegas. Let’s go.
After loungin’ at the pool, people grabbed a bite and recharged for a bit before returning to the roof later that night. Ivy Hotel’s rooftop club was on point, perfect weather, perfect setting for a serious late-summer night-jam.
As the night progressed, things got more and more out of hand.
San Diego has gracious hosts. The rooftop club at Ivy wins.
Finally a moment to relax and chill by the pool. Ivy Hotel, downtown San Diego.
Out of sheer terror, the San Diego police organized a full police escort for Gumball into downtown SD. Probably smart considering our track record. All side streets were closed as we slithered down, past the waterfront and into the heart of the city.
On our way into San Diego we stopped off at a car show at Qualcomm Stadium. Guests of honor! Crowds swarmed as we lined up the rides. Could only stay about 15 minutes, we got a pool-party to make!
