Gumball 3000 - Supercars, Superstars in Covent Garden
Staged in the operatic hub of Covent Garden was this year's Gumball 3000 car display, an event which Pukka PR covered for the 3rd time on 26 May. The Gumball 3000 brand was founded in ‘99 by Maxmillion Cooper and, the Rally this year again finishes in Instanbul Turkey on 1st June '11.
The well-worn grey, cobbled, open-air Covent Garden piazza was awash with rain, rows of supercars, eco cars, luxurious limousines and old phantoms - pure theatre. The cars weren't enclosed within a grid this time and members of the public were free to get close to examine and take photos of the cars so enthusiasts and tourists loved it. However, at times people were bumping into each other vying, trying to take photos but I managed only just and photographed several of the cars and parts of the piazza - my daughter Gina & I weren't deterred by the rain.
This year the Gumball 3000 car display and ‘start' venue was different to Pall Mall (perhaps Pall Mall being a better venue) and we were able to speak to only a few Rally drivers as few were around including Gumball staff who were difficult to locate - a bit higgledy-piggledy. But while we were viewing cars and I was focused on a turquoise blue Magnum (car that is not champagne...) from between Shaw's Pygmalion pillars emerged two familiar figures, John Barry and his mother Josephine seasoned Rally participants. It's always nice speaking to them and seeing them both in their unique bespoke outfits.
My diverse interests extend to the Gumball 3000 car display and this was another great collection of cars exhibiting exquisite design - Gumball is sheer spectacle and a place to spot celebrities who support the Rally and enjoy the challenge of driving and hardcore partying.
The crowds and fans of ‘The Hoff' were well pleased when David Hasselhoff star of Knight Rider, Baywatch and current judge of ‘Britain's Got Talent' made an appearance in the grid with his entourage. Other celebs we saw were zany Dirty Sanchez and Jackass dancing and fooling around to music from a ghetto blaster. Also saw Shane Lynch of Boyzone who commented he enjoys participating in Gumball not so much to win but for the experience of it - gets a buzz out of it like he does when performing on stage.
©By Amita Chatterji
Gumball 3000 - The Poem
Gumball 3000 means unbridled joys
Opportunity to see big boys' toys -
Supercars, limousines of every kind
Fastback, hatchback whatever comes to mind.
Cars gleaming, steaming, sensual and sleek
Expensive, outlandish not for the meek.
A world class Rally founded by Max Cooper
Drivers think it's simply super-duper...
International stars with their glistening cars,
Party hard in the new Playboy Club bars.
The Gumball brand evokes a week of fun
For drivers partaking and those who've won.
The Rally car display is sheer delight
Cars of every hue a wonderful sight.
An unmissable event for all ages
The Rally completed in various stages.
©By Amita Chatterji - please scroll down to view Gumball photos by Amita Chatterji
Above pics: David Hasselhoff at Gumball press photo call
Above pics: Shane Lynch of Boyzone
Above pics: Gumball 3000 Rally participants
Above: Gumball 3000 particpants John Barry & mother Josephine
Above: shoes exhibited in Kurt Geiger boutique Covent Garden
Above pics: David Hasselhoff
View full collection of Gumball pics in our Gallery here:
http://www.pukkapr.com/gallery/view.aspx?cat=Gumball Supercars Superstars in Covent Garden