michael Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 http://www.gtspirit.com/ More then 24 hours after the deadly accident on Macedonian roads, Gumball 3000 finally announced the cancellation of this years rally. After the fatal accident on Macedonian roads yesterday afternoon Gumball 3000 tried to keep it quiet as much as possible, they kept the families of Marga and Vladimir, locals, fans, drivers and sponsors completely in the dark, it took massive negative publicity in the worldwide media for them to realise the coverup failed and there was nothing else left then to cancel the rally. This totally ignorant behavior caused a lot of disbelieve and anger among the same families, locals, fans, drivers and sponsors resulting in a big anti-Gumball campaign. Sponsors took their websites down and removed all affiliation with Gumball 3000, locals expressed their anger in our comments and mailbox, fans discussed the events on virtually every forum and message board out there and drivers announced their immediate withdrawl. They had 9 years to prepare a scenario in case something like this happened, and they were well aware of the fact that it could. However their latest two press releases however show they didn’t prepare and show that to Gumball 3000 it’s more important to cover their own ass then to tell the truth. Our Gumball 3000 coverage ends here. We share our deepest sympaties with Margarita, who’s still at the intensive care of the hospital in Skopje, and Margarita’s & Vladimir’s family. Issued by Maximillion Cooper on behalf of The Gumball 3000 Rally - 22.30 CET / 03 May 2007 Following our earlier release reporting yesterday’s accident - As a sign of respect we have decided that this year’s Gumball 3000 Rally will not travel any further and will end in Bratislava this evening, May 3rd 2007. As the organisers of the rally we feel that it should be stopped as a mark of respect to Vladimir Cepulyoski who died today after an accident involving one the participating drivers. We are very saddened by what has happened and feel that it would be wrong to continue. On behalf of Gumball 3000, we once again extend our deepest sympathies to his family and we are doing everything we can for them. This is the first time anything like this has happened in 9 years of travelling through over 40 countries with 1000’s of drivers and it is with deep regret that I make this announcement. Maximillion Cooper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 It was only a matter of time before someone died on the rally. Can't beleive it ran as long as it did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soonto_HAS_soop Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 End of the gumball as we know it. It needed something like this to raise the obvious dangers that are involved with something such as this. I have always wanted to take part in something such as this, but would never put myself, or worse even, a member of the public in danger in doing so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soonto_HAS_soop Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 It was only a matter of time before someone died on the rally. Can't beleive it ran as long as it did. For it to be a general road user and not a gumballer makes this worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 It was only a matter of time before someone died on the rally. Can't beleive it ran as long as it did. Sad but true isn't it really... Guess the worst thing is... we sit and watch the gumball videos thinking how mad they are and laugh at it, then to see that makes you think how much of a laugh it really wasn't.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 ..them to realise the coverup failed and there was nothing else left then to cancel the rally. I think that just highlights the dangers of the media even more, not the media reporting, but the media hype and glorification of the Gumball. At the end of the day, nobody watches it because the cars go slow, nobody buys the dvd's and merchandise because it is 'driving miss daisy'... It is wrong for me to say that I am suprised at this, I've seen the clips I know the risks they take, and yes I suppose I'm entertained by the perceived dangers when they do the stupid stuff. Sadly in this world entertainment seems to come at a high price for some party in some form or other... (BB, UFC...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlotte Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 I hope the ill person is ok. There are some safe drivers on the rally though. A family friend has been driving in it for years. I'm sure lots of people that drive sports cars are guilty of driving them too fast, not everyone is irresponsible though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 End of the gumball as we know it. It needed something like this to raise the obvious dangers that are involved with something such as this. I have always wanted to take part in something such as this, but would never put myself, or worse even, a member of the public in danger in doing so. I dont think anyone intended to put the public in danger. I feel its a tragic accident and my condolences go out to the families of the injured and deceased. A reminded for those of you are attending the 'Dragonball' this year, drive safe... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soonto_HAS_soop Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 I dont think anyone intended to put the public in danger. No offence, but when I drive my car, I drive to my limit at the time, and they are governed by the road AND the local/surrounding traffic. It is obvious that most of the gumballers were only worried about one thing, winning. Read the link, the polizei were refusing to "race" as the conditions were so bad. Shame some of the others didn't take note. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlotte Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 Read the link, the polizei were refusing to "race" as the conditions were so bad. Shame some of the others didn't take note. My dad's friend Michael Ross is in 'team polizei'. I haven't read the link but I know he's a safe driver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 No offence, but when I drive my car, I drive to my limit at the time, and they are governed by the road AND the local/surrounding traffic. It is obvious that most of the gumballers were only worried about one thing, winning. Read the link, the polizei were refusing to "race" as the conditions were so bad. Shame some of the others didn't take note. I understand where you are coming from, however your limit and someone elses limit may differ drastically. The drivers may have had the intention of winning the race but i can be sure that they didnt have the intention off killing someone in the process. Its a shame that this happend, lets hope that people will learn from it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tourniquet Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 Sorry this is the first I've heard of anything about this. Who died and is injured (I ded see the names). Are they members of the forum or known celebs or just joe public named as a the victims ? Needless to say thoughts are with the families concerned, fcuk Max ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 The two drivers concerned have been arrested: http://jalopnik.com/cars/gumball-3000/gumballers-nick-morley-and-matthew-mcconville-arrested-after-hit+and+run-fatality-257447.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 The two drivers concerned have been arrested: http://jalopnik.com/cars/gumball-3000/gumballers-nick-morley-and-matthew-mcconville-arrested-after-hit+and+run-fatality-257447.php If thats true that is bang out of order. Reminds me of that Prince Nassem crash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 Sorry this is the first I've heard of anything about this. Who died and is injured (I ded see the names). Are they members of the forum or known celebs or just joe public named as a the victims ? Needless to say thoughts are with the families concerned, fcuk Max ! The guy that died was a 67 yr old member of the public who was hit by a gumball car. His wife is in critical condition. The gumballers ran away from the scene and tried to leave to country, but were arrested at the border. Sorry Ray, you're a good bloke and all, but I can't agree with your view on this. It could easily happen to any one of us on the convoys.. Must admit that you scared the shit out of me with you swiped in front of me at 140mph and undertook a lorry on the hard shoulder last year on one of the Pod convoys. It's put me off convoys all together (hence my post in the Supra Pod convoy thread... which most ignored ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 Looks like the Fast Car team (Team 100) caused a bit of a commotion in Germany too: http://www.fastcar.co.uk/Glenn_and_Midge_go_Gumballing.YQURlJdoa2rmWw.html Ray, IMO, if they tried to run then they deserve everything the authorities throw at them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayney Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 Safe driver or not, you can't condemn a person who's had little or no sleep because they've been up partying all night and probably still over the legal alcohol consumption level because they've been on the piss up to then get behind the wheel of a super car with no less then 400 BHP and drive 500 miles to the next check point. It’s insane!!! It's a lethal cocktail that was waiting to explode!!! I feel for the local public who have to put up with this kind of insanity!!! But my deepest symphony goes out the families involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 TBH, I think that's going to be the last Gumball. It's had its day... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlotte Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 Safe driver or not, you can't condemn a person who's had little or no sleep because they've been up partying all night and probably still over the legal alcohol consumption level because they've been on the piss up to then get behind the wheel of a super car with no less then 400 BHP and drive 500 miles to the next check point. It’s insane!!! It's a lethal cocktail that was waiting to explode!!! All I know is that Michael trains practically all year for one of these. He never drinks whilst he is on the road. He has been driving super cars for years. Yes there are the idiots and to be honest they should be stopped from entering - although it's all about money. Maybe it's a good thing that's it's come to an end, there are always going to be people that push things to the limit, that live on the edge with no thought for the consequences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 The guy that died was a 67 yr old member of the public who was hit by a gumball car. His wife is in critical condition. The gumballers ran away from the scene and tried to leave to country, but were arrested at the border. Sorry Ray, you're a good bloke and all, but I can't agree with your view on this. It could easily happen to any one of us on the convoys.. Must admit that you scared the shit out of me with you swiped in front of me at 140mph and undertook a lorry on the hard shoulder last year on one of the Pod convoys. It's put me off convoys all together (hence my post in the Supra Pod convoy thread... which most ignored ) Sorry didnt mean to scare you ol'chap. I think 140 leptons is a slight over exaggeration thou. Hope that you will overcome your fear of conveys in future. I've had a few close shaves since and i have totally altered the way i drive these days. Im actually selling my Sup very soon too. If these drivers were driving dangerously then yes its totally wrong. Since i wasnt there i cant comment, but im sure we can agree that yes an accident did happen but presume it wasnt intentional. However after reading a few articles yep it does seem like these guys were driving dangerously and the fact they tried to runaway from the scene makes me sick! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil tt Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 This is terrible, running was not the best idea, and I'm sure they will get in deep do- doos, the problem is alot of people in any cars have broken the speed limit, and it only takes a split second for everything to change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VELOCITY Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 Thats so bad, hope the drivers who tried to run get everything that the authorities can throw at them, feel really sorry for the innocent couple involved and their families. Hope the actions of a couple of really stupid people does no mean the end of this great event. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Peace Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 What a disaster... I dont know the circumstances but it could actually just be an 'Accident' i.e..not speeding. This is such bad news for all Gumball type events, it just means that Governments will put their foots down and try and stop events like this even right down to the Dragonball scale. Great shame, I always wanted to go on one of these...golden age of motoring is def coming to a close if they ban things like this. There are some complete idiots though that go on it and all you need is money rather than driving skill...so many mashed up Ferraris im surprised no-one has died already anyhow. Sad news tho thanks for sharing:( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 I'm pretty sure he's the same guy I watched on the US Gumball with a UK flag on the top going like a bat out of hell through heavy traffic....I'm pretty sure he's been riding his luck for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz Walker Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 I'm pretty sure he's the same guy I watched on the US Gumball with a UK flag on the top going like a bat out of hell through heavy traffic....I'm pretty sure he's been riding his luck for a while. Oh him... thats not good. He was a complete lunatic though. That was the one where the Supra chased him yeah? This sounds like a nightmare for Gumball and all involved. Gaz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.