Gumball 3000 Occupies Times Square

Gumball 3000 Occupies Times Square

The 14th Annual Gumball 3000 rally takes over New York, as the wealthy and rowdy bad boys of the auto-sphere get together at Times Square once again to start an epic 7-day road rally that doesn't end until all 120 exotic cars reach Los Angeles on May 31st.

Along the way, Gumball checkpoints at the end of each day will provide participants with an opportunity to visit Motown (Detroit), enjoy the race weekend at Indy 500, and party super hardy at the Las Vegas strip.

iMotor Times was there to catch the Times Square starting grid excitement.

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2012 Gumball 3000

This year's 2012 Gumball 3000 is loosely based on the original outlaw New York-to-Los Angeles Cannonball Run race 40 years ago.

Designed to attract an eclectic group of eccentric individuals, the Gumball 3000 events were first founded in 1999 by mastermind founder and CEO Maximillion Cooper. According to Max, "Gumball is about challenging tradition and taking a non conventional approach to exploring and developing cultural and creative boundaries."

2012 Gumball 3000

All participating vehicles wear 'Gumball 3000' racing decals over its rear quarter panels to better identify the pack -- a great example of organized madness

2012 Gumball 3000

Sporting Pixar's Cars Lightning McQueen Livery on a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG sports car, these playboys sure know how to have fun!

2012 Gumball 3000

Featuring a casino-themed livery, did the owner of this half-million dollar Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren win it from a game of poker?

2012 Gumball 3000

New York will have a little rain and an overcast for the rest of the day. This Maserati GranTurismo doesn't seem to mind.

2012 Gumball 3000

The weather didn't put a downer on the gentlemen of Team Capriccio (a Miami, FL based Italian Restaurant) either. They stand in front of their weapon of choice: the McLaren MP4-12C

2012 Gumball 3000

Automaker Morgan CEO Charles Morgan will be piloting a Morgan 3-wheeler during the week-long rally. Ironically named the Morgan 3-Wheeler 'Superdry', a cockpit tent has been installed to keep its interior protected from the moist elements.

2012 Gumball 3000

Readying for Rally start, an entourage moves in moments before showtime.

2012 Gumball 3000

A team riding in a Land Rover Range Rover double-checks their gear and equipment necessary for the days ahead.

2012 Gumball 3000

Other teams hire lovely assistants for an extra hand

2012 Gumball 3000

A mix of camaraderie, competition, publicity, and one-upmanship, teams field a wide assortment of cars for the event. Here's a rare example: Local Motors Rally Fighter

2012 Gumball 3000

Taking the Gumball more seriously than most, this vintage Chevy Belair is installed with an auxiliary gas tank to allow the car to benefit from an extended range. Less stops for gas mean the team can reach California faster than the rest.

2012 Gumball 3000

Their office for the next week, this team performs final electronic prep work in the cabin before setting off. Gumball encourages its participants to use radar and laser detectors during the rally. With the amount of horsepower available per car averaging beyond 500, the reasons are obvious.

2012 Gumball 3000

The Gumball 3000 is particularly proud of its international following. Vehicles made by Rolls Royce are a favorite among Saudi circles.

2012 Gumball 3000

Who knew chrome wrapping had effective camouflage properties? The "Malibu's Most Wanted" #63 Ferrari 458 Italia adopts the color scheme of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren roadster beside it.

2012 Gumball 3000

Unlike the #63 Ferrari, the chrome Lamborghini Aventador of Team Salamone stuck out more than a sore thumb.

2012 Gumball 3000

The race has yet to start, but Salamone and his team already look like winners!

2012 Gumball 3000

A more pedestrian vehicle than most, this Audi RS4 four-door sedan more than makes up for its plainness by showing off its radical graphic finish.

2012 Gumball 3000

This Shelby GT500 does its part to represent the United States.

2012 Gumball 3000

Action shot camera rigs are installed on a number of cars to allow teams to share and remember their epic adventure.

2012 Gumball 3000

Finally, a group picture of the Gumball wolf pack.
You can also follow the rest of Gumball's live coverage at www.gumball.betsafe.com/