You asked how it got started.
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The history of the Gumball began with Robert 'Cannonball' Baker in the U.S. back in the early twentieth century. "Cannonball" became his nickname after he drove a Cadillac from San Diego to New York in 7 days, 11 hours and 52 minutes and began promoting his services to manufacturers with the slogan: "No record, no pay." Baker's fastest official cross-country time was 53.5 hours in a 1933 Graham!
Long after 'Cannonball Baker' had passed away the 'Cannonball' legend continued: To race across America as quickly as possible. A 'semi-official' rally began in the early 1970s under the name of the 'Gumball' continuing the pioneering spirit that he had created. The New York to Los Angeles record was set at an impressive 33 hours 12 minutes!
Inspired by the liberating and infamous 'Gumball Rally' and 'Cannonball Run' films, the first Gumball 3000 rally (3000 because that's how many miles it is) was organised in 1999 by Maximillion Cooper to evoke those memories and bring together the worlds of film, fashion, music and business for a 'fun' motoring experience.
And so the 'Gumball 3000' phenomenon continued, bringing together the most eclectic mix of stars and cars, for an unforgettable experience. !
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It's my understanding that this will be the last year for the rally here in America, at least until the heat cools down. The arrests made in the US are something like 10 times that of Europe (of Gumballers during the rally).
I think we are so interested in it because of the fantasy involved. These people are able to drive the cars we wish we could, do the things that we're not allowed, sleep with the women we dream about, and live in style. That is why the common folk are so interested in it.
I think the millionares are interested in it because they get bored with their normal lives. Golf, sky diviing, and yaughting isn't enough for them anymore. So, this is something new, dangerous, and exciting.
-Ducky