Gumball 3000 Rally brings luxurious cars to Albania

TIRANA, May 2 – Scores of luxurious cars of the Gumball 3000 Rally _ the celebrity-packed, high-speed dash across Europe in a variety of souped-up vehicles _ ‘occupied’ Mother Teresa square downtown capital Tirana Wednesday evening in an effort from its organizers to help the tiny Balkan country promote tourism. Racers, who were coming from Macedonia and Athens, Greece, had started since April 29 to cover 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) through 17 countries.
There were 120 cars including several Bugatti Veyrons, Ferrari Enzo’s, Lamborghini’s, customized Rolls Royce’s, The A-Team van and even a Turkish Taxi. Albania was added to this year’s ninth annual race by request from the United Nations. With U.N. agencies working to support Albania’s development and integration into the European Union, the international rally was seen as a way to bring attention to the country’s potential as an eco- and cultural-tourism destination.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha participated at the welcome ceremony climbing on a Porsche and hailing people from there. The executive held a dinner inviting the 250 participating rallers.
“Albanians have been looking forward to this day because they come with the great message of peace, understanding, love and success. That (arrival) is a great honor for Albanians,” said Berisha.
The rally was named after by a 1970s road race _ in which the prize was a gumball machine _ that inspired the movies “Gumball Rally” and “Cannonball Run.” The rally has drawn attention and criticism in equal measure, with some past participants involved in accidents or arrested for speeding. The rally costs 10,000 pounds to enter.