Road rally time!

Autoblog Gumball start

This year’s annual Gumball 3000 rally has begun. The Gumball 3000 is an annual international rally that takes place on public roads on a different route each year around the world. The field consists of 120 vehicles. The Gumball 3000 began in 1999 and was founded by Maximillion Cooper who is an artist, fashion designer, film director, racing driver and skateboarder.

It is taking place from May 2nd-8th. The route this year starts from the Santa Monica pier in Los Angeles. The stops along the way which include free concerts and car displays are Las Vegas, Santa Fe, Dallas, New Orleans and ends in Miami. Notable drivers this year include David Hasselhoff, Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Tony Hawk, and Bill "I've got Swine Flu" Wu.

Team Wu is driving a former California Highway patrol car. The car is outfitted with police lights and sirens and other police car equipment. The car will be themed Swine Flu - Team Wu" - Tactical Emergency Response Interception Vaccination Vehicle and the drivers are wearing bio-hazard suits. When the race entered Texas team Wu was 80 miles ahead of second place.

Notable vehicles participating in the rally this year are two Bugatti Veyrons, Audi R8, Jaguar XJ220, SSC Ultimate Aero, and a couple of Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLRs. In addition to those vehicles are a plethora Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins.