Anyone driven in the GumBall Rally?

The route for 2013 sounds epic. Ends with the F1 race in Monaco. I'm thinking of entering but I'm not sure how hard it is to get a spot. I just applied online.

The 3000 route takes 13 countries over only 7 days... Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Italy, France and finally Monaco! Departs May 19th.

 

Did it in 2005. Not hard to get a spot if you have the right car and are willing to pay the (high) entrance fees.

It's a pretty crazy and unforgettable experience. If you are in Europe, its not bad. I had to air freight my car from NY to Heathrow and back, which was a considerable expense. US residents can save money by shipping by sea but that requires advance planning.

Don't expect to get any sleep on the rally or to "win" either, that dubious honor is strictly reserved for lunatics that like to reach supercar top speeds on public roads.

I would not do it again. Did I mention your car gets pretty trashed and thrashed from all the driving, sometimes on bad roads...

 

This year the fee is £30,000. They say there is extra hospitality etc because of the 15th anniversary. Will apparently be staying in Monaco till the Monday of the grand prix weekend. It is 3000 miles across Scandinavia and east and west Europe (apparently different route to before). 9 days this year. £30,000 for yourself and co-pilot.

 

Alex Roy wrote a book about his Gumball experiences and his fast coast-to-coast M5 sprint, you might glance at that or even call him to discuss it, seems like he's generally accessible around the NY area.

Looks like an adventure but is probably not my scene. If you do enter, we'll need to hear all about it

 

If you have the resources to, think it is one of those things you'd rather look back on and say what was I thinking, especially the time when... instead of looking back in 10-20 years from now wishing you had gone on one. Be safe, and approach it as you're responsible for your own workplace heath and safety.

 

read the book this year. loved it!

 

Do I get this right. Ship a Ferrari (back) to Europe, then pay about $45,000 to "thrash" the car on "bad roads", with no chance of winning anything , then ship, your damaged car back to the states? I once drove a Volkswagen Camper from Belgium to Burma over a two year period,.If you want "adventure" try that trip on for size. Different strokes.... Good luck. Best

 

+1 might as well just pay a guy 100 bucks to beat up your ferrari with a bat at home

 

is the gumball rally really that bad? the money is meant to include all accomodation and food and obviously the grand prix and hospitality. Yes a lot of money, but it surely cant ruin your car that much? These cars are for driving....

 

But are the roads? Best

 

No idea. Can't see them being so bad. Half the places on the gumball are reserved for people who have previously been on it, surely they would not go on it again and again if it ruined their cars?

Also, think about getting the car wrapped when there or before hand I would suggest to protect from stone chips etc.

 

Sounds like a 60k hoot. Buy a car from a dealer over there do the run and sell it back. No need to export your car. For the cost of air transport.

 

Do not misunderstand me, I see the event as fun. I was just thnking that it takes close to $100,000 before you are done, and allot of time for an experience (maybe forever memorable) that is over all to quickly. For those with the time and money, why not?
A Ferrari driver might actually feel "intimidated" given the "competition". It is a historic event for sure. It really takes committment and time.

For the money, I might do something else, but to anyone doing it has to be pretty special. Best

 

Did it on '04 in a 575M. Ended up spending £12-15k afterwards fixing stuff that was damaged from hard wear on the car (new windshield, new underpanels, new mirror, repainted front etc etc).

Was absolutely an experience - we drove in Mororro with permission to just floor it. So went a little crazy there.

But, but, but. Keep in mind the landscape in Europe has changed a lot the past few years. Massive speeding is no longer really possible without heavy repercussions/fines. The police are well aware of these events now.

 

Mr Roy lacks a sense of humor!

 

Driving through Europe used to be fun. Today,a "spirited" drive will be accompanied by bright camera lights along the highway, each one representing a violation. For example, citations can get costly, 300 Euro's give or take and if using a rental car, they charge an "administrative fee" of around 35 Euro's to process the citation. Best

 

Sounds like fun

 

The Rally's reputation has taken a hit recently after deaths due to desperate driving by the under qualified. I would never want to mix in that crowd and in the current austerity climate which is pretty extreme in Europe, the flagrant excess is embarrassing.

 

You guys should check out www.RedlineRallys.com

Lots of adrenaline and events along the way. Early bird entrance is $2,900 for all 4 days!

Great value.

 

LOL!

 

The Redline Rally is less about ruining your car and more about car enthusiast fun. That being said, I am sure there will be those that wish to challenge speed limits

Luxury hotels, events where you can open your car up (legally) and lots of adrenaline.

You also don't have to ship your car to a different continent lol

The people registered at Redline are there for an exciting drive but not interested in driving into the back of eachother for fun - I am sure some of you know who I am talking about. lol