In 2006, with a desire to explore more of the globe, an invitation from the Thai Government to bring the rally to Thailand to promote tourism following the disastrous Tsunami, gave rise to Gumball embarking upon its most ambitious route to date, starting in London and finishing 8 days later in Los Angeles. The drive included 3 stages, from London to Belgrade, followed by stage two from Phuket to Bangkok, culminating in the US with the final stage from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles. New sponsors for the event included GPS navigation from Co-Pilot Live, Intel, Van Shoes, Hard Rock Hotels and Iceland Air. CNN and Sky News came on the rally to report daily from the road.


This route required military precision to manoeuvre the 120 cars between Continents on the worlds 3 largest Antonov cargo planes, and to manage even bigger crowds. Authorities in Belgrade, Serbia, confirm that over 1 million people turned up to the checkpoint in Belgrade to see the cars arrive, a turnout equivalent to New York’s Times Square on New Years Eve – it was absolutely ridiculous!

“Thousands of people were lining the streets in anticipation of our arrival” Tony Hawk, Skateboard Legend (2006)


Upon reaching Las Vegas Snoop Dogg performed live at a Gumball concert in the famous ‘Joint’ venue inside the Hard Hock Hotel;

‘Snoop Dogg performs at a Gumball concert’ (2006)


And after closing the famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills for the finish, Hugh Hefner then hosted the awards party for the second time, presenting with Maximillion and Ron Jeremy at the legendary Playboy Mansion.

Maximillion made his directorial debut that year with ‘3000 Miles’, released by Revolver Pictures, following the journey of action sports and Jackass stars Tony Hawk, Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Mike Vallely, and Rooftop Escamilla on the 8 day adventure.