Gumball Rally Founder Reveals Why It Costs $200,000+ To Enter

Join Maximillion Cooper, the visionary founder of the Gumball 3000, as he takes us on a thrilling ride through the history and evolution of the world's most extravagant car rally. Celebrating 25 years of high-octane adventure, Max reveals how a mix of high-speed cars, celebrity culture, and global landmarks turned a simple car rally into a cultural phenomenon. From its humble beginnings to epic moments like driving into North Korea and partying with rock stars, this podcast episode dives deep into the Gumball 3000's journey of passion, luxury, and the pursuit of the extraordinary.
In This Episode:
Genesis of Gumball 3000:
Discover how Max's eclectic background in skateboarding, modeling, and car racing sparked the creation of the rally.
The Gumball Spirit:
Learn about the challenges and milestones of hosting a rally that combines the worlds of fashion, sports, and music with automotive enthusiasm.
Epic Rally Moments:
Max shares memorable stories from the rally's history, including star-studded anecdotes and behind-the-scenes secrets.
Gumball's Global Impact:
Explore how the rally has influenced car culture globally and the unique interactions it has fostered across continents.
Looking Forward:
Hear Max's vision for the future of Gumball 3000 as it continues to innovate and excite in the ever-changing world of luxury entertainment.
Fascinated by the fusion of celebrity culture and the automotive world? Subscribe for more episodes that explore the glamorous and adrenaline-pumped lives of those who dare to live at full throttle.
A big thank you to Max Cooper for sharing the incredible journey of Gumball 3000. If this episode revved up your interest, please like, comment, and share this video with fellow automotive and adventure enthusiasts.

[@littlemuffin943]

this year was massive for youtubers like DDE

[@dubnutter]

I imagine it would be as a sponsor for the second year

[@reesebroekhoven3962]

Ya can't forget nicos melt down

[@JTL-DK]

After watching this i have two thoughts... 1. WOW What an amazing calm cool person Maximillion Cooper is! 2. Why dosen't this channel have 10+ million followers?

[@benoitdeclercq9722]

simply lovely chat, brilliant chap.

[@Awesomekiid13]

I can understand that some people get all up the duff about the pricetag and remember that some of the things they do it's included like travel cost, shipping cars etc etc.. But the most important thing about an event like this is the possibilities of networking with the high profile people on this rally. Just for an example, Lewis Hamilton just bumped into the CEO of Ferrari at an event and from that conversation we all know what happen there. If I had that kind of money to spend one time in my life, I would do this just to meet people and hope something goods come out from that.

[@jakelewis8345]

ah yes just like pryamid based marketing schemes, they just sell you the idea of what can happen and who could show up, and the potential ppl you could network with. then they all just drive with their friends stay in their cliques and dont interact with most ppl

[@irevisibel9237]

Great guy! Thanks for the interview

[@olliejenson2734]

Max seems such a nice guy.. his passion for what he does & the love he has for it, why would he sell it..? he's already living his dream.!!! come & explore Leicester I'll sit & have a pint with ya 😁

[@littlemuffin943]

this year they had 2 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport's witch is nuts!!!!!! also from the 1st rally (2003) i remember seeing lady victoria harvy on the black lambo LOL LOL if you know you know

[@gtstarwars]

and a pagani huayra, and a regera

[@ExeQtd]

only one was a super sport. But they had some crazy cars. 2 bugs 2 pagani's 1 CGT

[@keltecdan]

I learned of Gumball through the Mischief dvd series.

[@VincentS327]

OG… same here… they should’ve thanked them instead of suing them

[@alexalvestad5192]

amazing content, informative, good atmosphere

[@jjeffress1]

There is a really good movie from the 1970's called Gumball Rally that raced across the US, before the 1st Cannonball Run movie with David Carradine, then later the Burt Reynolds versions. Pretty sure that's where the name and the exact same type of event started.

[@Queensfinest2023]

and he’s married to Eve Guy is a W

[@814searchrecovery5]

Doing at least one gumball is on my bucket list just to experience the ralley life. Is the 200k in USD

[@markusstevensakabiginfinit9523]

It's typically where the location is... If you happened to be in the start country it's not as expensive... I have done 4 gumballs (3 here in the USA & 1 in europe). The price has gotten more & more expensive every year as it goes on. But they are also trying to out do themselves every year as well. So definitely save your money, get a reliable vehicle & network if you have a business. Definitely a trip of a lifetime but it's very expensive nowadays

[@onrd1775]

Just two lucky bastards

[@jimhartland1939]

When are you going to make a complete car fella .you must have a template for every section now .

[@wadoryujh]

Are we able to get these uploaded a little louder please

[@sixaxles]

Enjoyable interview as usual but I think you’ve got the title a bit wrong? Where is 200k mentioned…. Just asking 🤷‍♂️😇

[@markusstevensakabiginfinit9523]

That was the average cost for gumball 25. Southeast Asia is severely strict on border crossing. So I'm sure alot of money was needed to go through those countries & logistics... unfortunately, gumball has gotten more & more expensive every year

[@sixaxles]

@@markusstevensakabiginfinit9523 but my point was, who said 200 thousand? It probably does cost that much 🤷‍♂️ but nobody said it from memory. Clickbaitey titles are a pet hate of mine. No harm done 😊

[@brandenalexander6038]

Those that said Gumball charges a lot of money to enter, even if you have money you can’t drive in some of the countries like N.Korea. You’re buying influence.

[@RobJowett]

Except he said it was $100,000 to enter, not $200,000

[@extra-dry]

$100k 9nly covers hotels, meals, venues. You still have $2000-$3000 to wrap your car livery, $15,000-$18,000 to fly your car to and from the starting and finishing point, another $10k-$20k or so for the featured charity donation, etc.. trust me, the costs pile up. It is not for the budget conscience. Fortunately, it is easy to find 50-60 or so individuals, when you have 8 billion+ to choose from.

[@eurocon]

that was cool

[@Monster_Rod]

Chapters!

[@davidpartridge4685]

Costing $200,000 can you get a happy meal at maccas with that...

[@Zirion123]

Remember all the planning and the parties etc they plan, not to mention transporting ur car across the world etc etc. Shit aint free

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

It costs 200k to keep the riff raff out if it, they don’t want a load of chavs turning up in Civics🤷‍♂️

[@redchristy]

Or "influencers" in hire cars or youtubers up to their bollox in pcp debt​@@Jabber-ig3iw

[@alexbooth1982]

It costs nowhere near 200k to attend!

[@markusstevensakabiginfinit9523]

​@alexbooth1982 it's not just the attendance, you also have to buy special insurance for gumball, all the fuel, food, souvenirs buy. The charity contributions & the shipping of the car to the start country. Essentially 100k gets you into the rally but then the other costs start to kick in

[@chaseshadow]

All thanks to Mummy and Daddy and being part of the CLUB.

[@robertwallace1162]

Can't even spell the name of your company ffs

[@RoadToSuccessOfficialPodcast]

Apologies for the spelling error during the edit and that is caused you so many issues robert x

[@robertwallace1162]

@@RoadToSuccessOfficialPodcast no problems. Just taking the piss.

[@powerbull5109]

Modelling 😂

[@littlemuffin943]

i watched JWW and DDE's vlog of this years gumball and it was amazing i so wish i had the funds to do it, not beacuse of the luxury or the glits, but the places, people, friends you meet and see, plus the cars im a massive gear head... it would be so cool if gumball did a thing wear they picked like 3 to 5 regular people that are not super welthy to take on the rally and ride with diffrent people on the trip that would be sooooo cool and do like a raffle and the ticket cost 25 bucks or 50 bucks that would make millions for the charities they do the rally for.

[@Krzysztof_88]

Ride alongs are not the best idea. I think most Gumballers prefer to have someone they can rely on, not a random dude on a passenger seat. There are many stressfull and dangerous situations on the rally so I don't think that some random people would fit the rally but... they could allow these 3-5 regular people but with their own cars (or rentals), so they can experience it on their own. 25-50 bucks isn't enough though. At least 1000-2000 would be more appropriate. It's still pretty exclusive rally after all, I don't think all these people who paid a lot of money would want to spend their time with some broke ass dudes, I mean they wouldn't even have things to talk about and letting poor people on such venture could end up pretty bad if their car broke or fell apart or smth. I'm not rich myself but I'm beeing realistic. Also as much as I'd love to be a passenger on a Gumball, I know I wouldn't feel comfortable with a stranger on such long journey, no matter if I'm driving or if I'm the passenger

[@SimSoFast]

The early days of the gumball when we done round the world in 5 days, they are the most memorable times of my life, so many people complain about the fact that they never see Max on the gumball, they have no idea the amount of logistics, corporate sponsorship, endorsement and organisation it takes through so many countries legally it takes for people just to pay and drive their cars through these countries, its an unbelievably difficult rally to organise, border control, visa's, years ago having to actually pay people off to let us through, its horrendously difficult and max and his team made it as easy as possible for everyone to enjoy. Its an incredible task. That's really not appreciated but the OG GUMBALL family know, Maximillion and Gareth were instrumental in my life expecially 2001.

[@johnmontag]

Thanks for sharing your experience. What did you drive in Gumball? And, do you ever do it now?

[@SimSoFast]

@johnmontag I have driven a number of different cars from an ice cream van to a dukes of hazard inspired 575LM, the Gumball has changed a huge amount it's evolution has directed the rally to a completely different audience where as before it wasn't about how much money you spent to join the Gumball but tthe diversity of the people, I will always be grateful and part of the Gumball family but it will never be the same as it was in the early day's so I'm extremely privileged to have been a part of it's evolution.

[@SimSoFast]

@johnmontag and yes I'm still involved now and attend the rally every year.

[@littlemuffin943]

this year max was right in with the group it was nice seeing him on everyones vlogs. but yeah the logistics are massive. i think this year was the biggest!!!!!!

[@andreimadalinneagu]

@simsofast, thank you sir for sharing this with us, it means a lot.

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

Gumball was the thing to follow as a car guy back in the early 2000s. No KZbin then, you had to find the videos on P2P services, random FTP downloads or forums. Remember being gob smacked at the antics of Alex Roy, Kim Schmidt, Lonman, Torquenstein etc etc and who could forget the Techademics guys and their movie they made where they sneaked their E36 M3 onto the rally.

[@SimSoFast]

What a fantastic interview, its very rarely max does an interview, growing up with friends of max, Gareth Wood and the skateboarding culture, originally it was more about groups of skateboarders and car racing and of course max's grandfather who done the original movie, Jodie Kidd was a instrumental part of it aswell, Max is such a genuine passionate person, I've always felt so privileged to be in his company and the first time they came to edinburgh and i helped organise the rally from Miami to Ibiza I'll always remember for the rest of my life ❤

[@tonkaboyrich496]

The jacka$$ episode of gumball was when I first heard of gumball. Always wanted to do one but I’m poor. Excellent explore for us in the states

[@RickTheSpud]

That was a great chat guys! 👊 Met Max a few years ago when I dropped a Rolls Royce to the HQ, and got a guided tour! Max has a lovely slow relaxed way about him, it was a pleasure to listen to his journey...

[@RainMakr]

Lucky enough to have been to the office a few times and at the early beginning rally's - the team are great fun, 2006 London was epic. I remember being at the Royal Polo Club in 1999, and one of the rally guys showed me a video of his rolling white Ferrari 355. Seems such a different world back then.

[@MattPedro-oi9os]

Maximillion is a great guy, I am lucky enough to have taken part last year ❤

[@simplymustangsuk7040]

Ben - why you havent got more subs is a mystery - cracking content.

[@RoadToSuccessOfficialPodcast]

Thanks buddy!

[@vamosgr89]

every time I see Max, I am amazed by how calm he looks. I wonder if he is always like that and how he is managing all the stress especially during the rally.

[@breakupgoogle]

Max rocks and its cool that he is related to mr jww.

[@JH-hx9kg]

So Max "What inspired you to start the Gumball Rally" ? Watching the Cannonball Run Movie in 1981 ? The Mongol Rally Is Still the Best...

[@geek9642]

And where did you get the name from?😂

[@marshallmarthes]

41:40 thank me later

[@watchreviews4k]

Interesting content. Keep up the good work on your channel. Regards, WR4K.

[@MEchanicAL_LSTAR]

One question I would’ve asked is there ever been a point when he’s had to ban someone from participating in a rally.

[@fathanrahmanda893]

Yes, i think gumball ban lonman (known for his porsxhe gt2 action). I think lonman banned from gumball in 2006(?).

[@Mpayne]

Wow, Max never does interviews.. this is amazing! 😊

[@glengrimsdale4]

That interview was really enjoyable, very informative and expertly guided. Hat off to you Ben. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Subscribed and ready to watch your other videos 👍🏼

[@RoadToSuccessOfficialPodcast]

The first ones were less complementary worthy. I think i have improved a lot since feb/april this year 🙂

[@brett76544]

I remember the year they flew from Europe to Canada and came down through New York State on I 81, then at the last exit in NY they ducked down onto US route 11 to I 80. The PA state police were lined up on I 81 just waiting, waiting, waiting and waiting for them. Now the NY state police were having a field day writing tickets from Cortland south. They had no idea where they went until they were getting reports on I 80.

[@Bigmirrorman]

Remember the documentary on TV as a kid, really interesting guy and great interview!

[@alpinegeordie]

One day i was working as a removals man and the garage doors opened and at the front of this garage for about 6 cars was a Green Ferrari, all logo'd up in Gumball and sponsors stickers what a sight I now work for this organisation, and after this interview I now know what it stands for. One question in Germany did the cars cross in convoy on the back of trucks? keep on keeping on ! Love from the Alps!

[@Ruckus223]

Fantastic interview, he seems a such a nice person. Just recently watched the Gumball and what the foundation does for the local community is amazing.

[@avmelidor]

Illuminating

[@shanefoster6018]

Let's go. Everyone has to get past the cost of it and realize how much #GUMBALL3000 raises for all the different #CHARITY organizations and how it brings cars and people together wether your in the rally or a small town where you would never see these cars and the joy it brings to those people #LEGEND #LEGENDARY #MENTALHEALTH #MENSHEALTH

[@keltecdan]

A lot of networking with other like minded wealthy individuals as well.

[@mhv7301]

See you in Vietnam 2024

[@Festiv-Col-130]

These cars are very rare to see and through the Gumball Rally we get to meet and listen to their love of owning and driving these cars. To me Gumball is the Challenge Diversity Inspiration Love and Friendship. Thanks Max.

[@viranjith]

What an amazing interview!❤

[@skantflock]

I met him in around 2017 and he looked great , I didn’t recognise him here and thought it was someone else at first

[@Franzino]

How did they fix the issue (legal battle) in Gumball 2010 when crossing the border with Germany?

[@markusstevensakabiginfinit9523]

I have been fortunate to go on 4 gumball rallies (3 in USA, 1 in Europe)... Some of the BEST experiences i have ever had. The cost of gumball nowadays are very expensive but its definitely a trip of a lifetime if you are able to attend... Hopefully they come back to the states soon. And hopefully the cost is outrageous lol

[@chrisyoungs3896]

Great interview. Max is a really good man. I have been watching the rally through the eyes of DDE, Mr. JWW and Nico. Nice to see all it does for the communities around the world.

[@carculturesweden2668]

They should do a rally in the swedish north on the arctic circle and just go as south as possible :D

[@chrissutherland5298]

Glad to see the split screen now matches up with the orange seat strip and mics. Always bugged me 😂

[@viranjith]

Gumball 3000 is like the Oscars but more exciting.

[@kermit0079]

Yes this will be epic and I not even watched yet!!! Haha. I’m going try save watching for when I travel next week, emphasis on TRY😬

[@KingChadKennedy]

I wish Gumball came here to South Africa because we have a gigantic amount of 5 star everything South Africa is literally the Mecca of every travel destination all the most popular travel destinations people go to we have some if not all of the things people go to certain places for all in one place all you people need to do is do research and also our government would approve of gumball coming here and the Minister of Defence and the President would probably give you full and complete freedom here they would literally allow you to speed and they would probably give you police escort aswell just so any police that do pull you over immediately let you go , it baffles me how these guys go through all these logistics and struggle when here in South Africa we literally value care about people that come from overseas come sit with all the travel guides they will literally open up alot of doors for you but no it's always japan or this or that absolutely zero talks about South Africa which honestly annoys me

[@woodoo1]

I met Max at the start of the 2007 rally in London and had a quick chat and he was a decent chap, also saw xzibit and a bunch of others who i evidently don't remember.

[@wobblysauce]

Max is great, some other people are just loud.

[@Wesleylewkob]

This one was brilliant 👏👏👏

[@QuantumBlu9x]

Nice🎉

[@sammontana1896]

Max and Mr jww are the most humble people on earth

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

Didn’t he try to shut down Jay cannons events ?

[@viktorhaluzicky5216]

Congrats max

[@TheWrighty68]

Great insight into Max and Gumball 👏 keep it going Ben

[@griptopia]

Maxi seems like a good guy, but charging some people top wack and then letting certain people i know on the thing for free... that isn't cool. i get they might be important for marketing but, it feels unfair. just saying! ;0

[@Distinction_custom_watches]

Welcome to the real world, there are people who cover financial needs and those who cover marketing needs…. Nothing different than every business in the world

[@Joe-tt3fg]

Thats marketing my man

[@danharbun483]

What an awesome episode again ben keep up the good work

[@RoadToSuccessOfficialPodcast]

Thanks Dan 🙌

[@swaterman08]

I was Curius of Shmee would have rocked the DDE Brand on his cars this year.... I guess he talked too much Sht about DDE and was scared to show up.

[@markusstevensakabiginfinit9523]

Shmee put himself in this situation to start with. And then he came with a lame excuse as to why he went on SOC rally instead of gumball. And til this day, he's still talking shit about Mr Jww & DDE

[@viktorhaluzicky5216]

24:11 2001 is the year we met, u came for dinner house in the woods

[@elvmjr]

200K? That’s absurd!

[@CCBGroupe]

How much did you think it cost's. It's funny when people write to some KZbinrs you should go to rally, like it's free.

[@elvmjr]

@@CCBGroupe I been to a few rallies in the States and Mexico. Varying anywhere from 5 to 14 days and I haven’t payed more than 15k

[@CCBGroupe]

@@elvmjr GoldRush rally costs 25.000 $ but with all due respect, Gumball rally and any other rally its not something that can be compared. And I am not defending the price, but its like comparing Rolls Royce and Honda. Meaning you want find Lewis Hamilton on GoldRush. I hope i got my point across. Its expensive but not for everyone.

[@IDv8I]

With 1000 applications a month that kind of says its not. Not everyone will justify it but there are many who can.

[@referencechannel996]

It’s silly…I can do the same thing with friends and don’t pay stupid fees… Unless you want to make him rich 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@markusstevensakabiginfinit9523]

Until you go on a Gumball rally, don't speak down on it... Its an experience of a lifetime... organizing a car rally is NOT EASY...

[@T4_DUDE]

And your hotel costs? closing off highways, city centers, ship your car over the whole world? All for free?

[@darksidevenom6]

when are you getting Mr.JWW on here?

[@chavebomber]

He’s related to max so probably can get an introduction soon

[@alexbooth1982]

Please don’t

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

200,000 😂

[@yota8325]

​@@Angus_____ 50k + all the costs to actually attend the event

[@TheCowlers]

Mr JWW would be a great guest.

[@chrisgreenwood7884]

Depends if Ben wants to fork out 25 grand and future profits for the privilege 🤣🫠

[@davelangford2439]

Mr JWW is by far the most unlikeable person in automotive KZbin. He'd be a terrible guest, he thinks he's better than everyone.

[@jep1912]

What gives this kid the right to ask people decades older than him, anything at all.

[@SPDRMNKY443]

The ability to speak. Also, their willingness to respond.

[@dineomaraba9322]

The kid is audacious and admirable..

[@lokibrux]

Well, you know what they say about fools and their money,. Soon parted.

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

Plenty of fools with plenty of money they don't even miss!

[@powerbull5109]

Delusional lot 😂