We seem to be in an era when ultra-long distance car rallies (around America, around the world) are popular with those who can afford the time and expense. Let's start with the Gumball 3000, inspired by the Gumball movie. I must confess I'd never heard of the Gumball 3000 - even though it kicked off in April, 1999 - perhaps because it was promoted as "the most rock 'n' roll car rally ever staged." Rock is okay (even though I'm a jazz guy) and rallies are fun, but the connection between rock and rally escaped me. Apparently I was wrong. It was created as a 3000-mile party around Europe to bring together the music, film, fashion and sport industries. Anytime Hugh Heffner, Daryl Hannah and 50 Cent join with other celebrities to drive around Europe it has to be an event worth noting.

According to the 2008 pr release, "for its 10th anniversary founder and British business mogul and socialite Maximillion Cooper is taking it from San Francisco to Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and then off to Asia, including a ground-breaking trip to North Korea and a finish in Beijing during the Olympics. In North Korea, working with the UN, Gumball will present the country's first-ever rock concert! Entrants include david hasselhoff driving the legendary K.I.T.T. car from Knight Rider, famous drummer Travis Barker, MTV's Rob Dyrdek (Rob & Big) in a fully customized '69 Camaro as well as Johnny Knoxville and the rest of the "Jackass" guys...driving everything from Ferrari Enzos to Bugatti Veyrons, Rolls Royces, old Cadillacs, low riders and even a few electric cars."

Whoever makes it to the finish should get a gold copy of Louis Jordan's "Don't Roll Those Bloodshot Eyes at Me." That was the very first rock 'n roll recording, years ahead of Elvis. Believe this rally promo and you'll believe anything. My computer got hung up when attempting to open the Website and a little further research revealed that previous rallies had resulted in arrests for speeding and in 2007 a fatal accident involving a hapless non-competitor. Nevertheless I'm creating a blog because this rich person's outrage might actually happen. You may comment (below) on whether or not it should.

[Photo: Knight Rider Shelby GT]