Gumball 2012 advice.

[drifting]

Me and a friend have been saying for years that we would enter the gumball.
2012 looks like it could work.

We do how ever have a few worries. A lot of people that go seem to go are famous or stupidly rich and good looking. Well we are just 'IT geeks' that do alright.

So we was looking for advice and more details from people that have done it in the past.

So do people have a support car? is it worth it?

any advice for the application forum? is car choice important?

Has anyone had personal sponsors? We wanted to use our business all over the car?

Anything else worth knowing?

Thanks in advance.

[SSIIICK]

The Gumball 3000 is a great event. I was going to do it a few years ago, but ended up backing out as I was too young at the time. Anyway, I'm sure you know all about it since you and your friend have been looking into it for quite some time.

You do not need to be famous or stupidly rich and good looking to participate in this event. Obviously, there will be a bunch of very wealthy individuals at this event since it is catered to the wealthier group. Remember though, this event was created for car enthusiasts like yourself to come out and enjoy the exciting adventure with other car enthusiasts.

A personal support car is not really necessary in my opinion. The Gumball is probably one of the toughest events since you are traveling through multiple countries. Make sure you have extra everything. A spare tire is a must. Bring multiple GPS systems (all different types) as well as cellular phones (sat phone if necessary). I would have extra oil and spare parts that may be needed such as plugs for tires, etc. The car should be retrofitted with laser jammers and radar detectors (hidden). I would tint the windows as you do tend to drive through some not so great areas while participating in the Gumball.

For the application form, just be honest. Car choice is a little important to them as they are more inclined to choose a car that is exotic over a regular sedan or truck. On that note, what car were you thinking of bringing? You want something that is going to be reliable and comfortable. There is a lot of car preparations that you should consider. We should talk about that when you let me know what you are considering.

I never asked about personal sponsors for the Gumball 3000. I believe that the sponsors for the event are setup by Gumball and they are the ones who sticker up the vehicles (as far as I know). I would double check this though.

There is a lot we could talk about to prepare you for this event. I have since moved away from the Gumball event and have been more interested in the events that are centralized in the United States as it is a bit more safe (at least in my mind). Lol. Hope this helps a bit.

[drifting]

Well the car choice is what we was thinking a lot depends on. It looks like I will be driving most of it. So i would prefer to use one of my own cars. We was thinking on shipping my R8 out as its pretty easy to drive and reliable. We also thought it would be easier to get parts of it as there will be audi dealers all over the usa.

I will have a 458 by then too but its a lot harsher and wether it will break down is something that concerned me. The guy I will be going with owns a veyron and hopefully will have the a agera. The veyron will need go though a set of tyres in the 3000 miles and there will not be any support if it does go wrong which means we would be out but it is left hand drive which is a plus point means its in the states and i think my friend it keen to take it.

So car choice is very undecided.

We was going to take a 2 GPS units and good old map books. I was thinking of fitting a roof box on to which ever car we take. not sure where a space wheel would go in veyron or r8. oil and tools should be ok I will put the service manuals on my ipad.

laser jammers are something I know nothing about as they are banned here in the uk.

[M3R8]

Flying your car out? You've got to be kidding. You'll realize how funny you are once you get a few quotes

I'd probably be cheaper to buy an R8 locally then sell it a week after.

[drifting]

Flying your car out? You've got to be kidding. You'll realize how funny you are once you get a few quotes

I'd probably be cheaper to buy an R8 locally then sell it a week after.

You know what I mean shipping it over . Flying sounds better


One other thing Is I'm going to need 20-25 days insurance.

[mark25]

If you go in the veyron thats going to cost just over half the entrance fee for a new set of tyres :P but it would gurantee you a spot in the rally. Sounds like itll be an amazing experience tho man make sure you take a lot of pictures! I think Danko (a member here) may also be entering next year in his white R8.

[mark25]

A lot of people that go seem to go are famous or stupidly rich and good looking. Well we are just 'IT geeks' that do alright.

Do all right? Understatement of the year! He has a Veyron and a Koenigsegg CCX LOL :P

[drifting]

Might have a way around the veyron tyres as "we think" we could get some wheels that would fit and there was a guy in the uk that brought one cheap at auction and he refused to pay Bugatti prices so was fitting his own wheels and tyres so it must be possible and there is no way we are going to do 200mph let alone 250mph

I think the tires are more like £5500 each I never asked he just said that need changing from 2500-3000 miles

[mark25]

Hehe I woulda thought if you can afford a veyron the tyre cost didnt matter? As people with cars like this go into a casino and blow £50K and not blink an eye. It does make sense to try and get a different set of wheels are the Veyron tyres are total overkill.

[drifting]

Hehe I woulda thought if you can afford a veyron the tyre cost didnt matter? As people with cars like this go into a casino and blow £50K and not blink an eye. It does make sense to try and get a different set of wheels are the Veyron tyres are total overkill.

He really isn't short on cash but he won't waste it he wouldn't even play the lottery let alone casino

Its easier for it to have different wheels so if we do get a flat stands a chance we could get a new tyre at short notice

We might also have a friend that will follow alone after the us and drive back with me