The Gumball 3000 already has its first two accidents

The Gumball 3000 is that mix of rally and social gathering for eccentrics and millionaires that takes place every year on the open roads of Europe. Chased during previous editions by the police of every country the race passed through, the Gumball 3000 has recently seemed to enter a calmer period, as even city councils now offer their seats of government so the Gumball can display its cars there, in every city. Incredible.

The Gumball 3000 is an imitation of the famous Cannonball races that were held five times in the USA in the 1970s. The aim of those races was to cross the USA from east to west in the shortest time possible. Later, the races gave way to several films of the genre.

But back to this year’s edition, which runs from Copenhagen to Monte Carlo. Although the police now escort the competitors instead of chasing them, the first two setbacks have already happened: a Lamborghini Murcielago and a Ferrari 458 were each involved in accidents. In the first, the Lamborghini left the road after aquaplaning and crashed into some trees.

The Ferrari had worse luck, as it was almost completely destroyed after crashing somewhere in Latvia, with no report of any occupant of the unfortunate cavallino being injured.

The rally started last Saturday and heads through part of Eastern Europe to its finish in Monaco, in time for the start of the Principality’s F1 GP and to celebrate the end of the rally from a hotel terrace.