Gumball Rally 3000 hits Phnom Penh roads with glamour

Jigme Palden Pazo
September 16, 2023

Gumball Rally 3000 witnessed a bevy of supercars hit the road from Bavet International Gate towards Phnom Penh on Sunday. The rally mesmerised the public at Independence Monument Park, Samdech Chuon Nath Park and Wat Botum Vatei Park. Yarn Soveit photo

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A virtual galaxy of international celebrities descended on the land of Angkor Wat as the spectacular Gumball Rally 3000 revved up in Phnom Penh on Sunday. From superstar rappers to sporting legends, the global celebrities are set to take the perception of the Kingdom to another level.

Kicking off on Sunday, the rally of supercars hit the road from Bavet International Gate towards Phnom Penh on National Road 1. Showing off ‘Drifting’ techniques, the rally mesmerised the public at Independence Monument Park, Samdech Chuon Nath Park and Wat Botum Vatei Park. A gigantic international concert roped in Gumball 3000 delegates, billionaires, social media influencers, athletes and rappers.

The second day will see the spectacle make its way to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh. Monday will witness the historic attempt to break the Guinness World Record in front of Angkor Wat for the most supercars assembled in front of a major world heritage site.

On Tuesday the final day of the rally, the delegation will depart from Siem Reap for Poipet International Gate. The exotic automobile rally will see the participation of celebrities and car owners from 40 different countries and will be the world’s largest luxury car show ever assembled in Cambodia.

Showcasing supercars, hypercars and classic sports cars, the extravaganza ropes in a virtual who’s who of international celebrities. Names like Ken Griffey Jr., former Manchester United and France star Patrice Evra, Jimmy Graham, DJ Martin 2Smoove, Andy Purnel, Bun B, CJ Beatz, US streamer iShowspeed in a Lamborghini Huracan STO, Malaysian racing champion Leona Chin, Malaysian actor Zizan Razak, Vietnamese host and rapper Binz Da Poet who will be in a Rolls Royce Cullinan, noted Youtubers Lazarbeam and Lachlan are among the crowd pulling personalities.

The event will raise money for a charitable cause with the funds being raised for Angkor Hospital for Children.

At a pre-rally meeting last week, Ngov Sengkak, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap province had expressed hope that the event would manifest Cambodia as a top tourism destination on the global stage.

He said that the sports sector is among the main sectors pulling tourists to visit, in particular to Siem Reap province and its world renowned cultural heritage sites.

Kuch Panhasa, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Tourism said the rally would elevate the perception of Angkor Archaeological Park and help draw more visitors to the Kingdom.

“The rally is going to present Cambodia’s image globally by reconfirming that it is a safe country,” Phillip Kao, President of Siem Reap Tourism Club told Khmer Times on Sunday. “Good quality infrastructure for luxury cars is available and so is capable expertise to organise international events.”

“As participants drive across Cambodia’s roads, the event will gain global media attention,” said Jeremie Clement, General Manager, Peninsula Phnom Penh. Foreign visitors will become aware that Cambodia has modern infrastructure capable of hosting such an event, changing perceptions and positioning the country as a modern, fun destination. The rally will not only attract immediate visitors but will also create lasting interest for future tourism, particularly among those seeking both adventure and luxury.

Conceived by British entrepreneur Maxmillion Cooper, the brand was founded in 1999. The purpose was to blend cars, music, fashion and popular culture. The international celebrity motor rally is part of a “3,000 mile drive from Saigon to Singapore” that uses public roads.