Art of junk on the wheels
A lot of you might have heard once or twice about Europe rally called Gumball 3000. If not let me give you some background on this. In 1914 American rally motorcyclist tried to drive from one of US coasts to other in the shortest time. Year by year he was making hist time better and finally in 1933 he set a record which was 54 hours what gave him later on the nickname Cannonball. 40 years later car magazine editor wanted to honor memory of Cannonball and organised a race which had same route as Cannonball was driving. Unfortunately due to danger cause by participants it has to be cancelled. Many years later, in 1999 in Europe started first long range race called Gumball in honour to previous Cannonball race and it’s history. Soon race got very elite status, it’s participants were mainly celebrities, sport stars, musicians and car lovers. Cars have to go 5000 km across Europe and biggest city which they’re driving through are treating this as some kind of event or parade. This race some time after it’s start became unachievable for average earning people and it was like this for some years, until 2007.
In 2007 two polish friends has idea to travel across Europe in very old cars and two use this event as occasion to gather money for orphanages. First event of this rally which later became very popular across the Europe had only 2 teams participating and gathered almost 13 000 zł.
Junkbol (polish “Złombol”) is charity rally racing event which starts in Poland and has about 2500 km length. It’s destinations is usually set somewhere in Europe. It sounds nice, so where’s the catch? Drivers can only use cars which were built or designed during communist era in eastern bloc. It’s also so called extreme rally, all the participants have no help or support from organisers. So every team which takes part in it, have to plan their route own their own and take care of all expenses and risks. Main problem for participants might be preparing their car. You are supposed to buy it for less than 1000 zł (about 320 USD) and no sponsorship is allowed.
Main target of this charity race is to gather money for orphanages and the only way to do it is to sell ad space on your car. Also to be able to take part in this race you have to reach target amount from donations which are specified each year by organisers.
In 2015 Junkbal was called the largest charity car rally in Europe. In 2018 participants managed to gather the highest amount of donations in history of this race which was exactly 1 866 050,13 zł with 836 teams taking part in it.
Have you ever heard about Gumball or Junkbol?
What do you think about charity races?
Do you want to take part in Junkbol in future editions?
sources:
https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumball_3000
https://zlombol.pl/
https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z%C5%82ombol
sources:
https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumball_3000
https://zlombol.pl/
https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z%C5%82ombol
Sure! I heard about Gumball and Junkbol and I took part in Gumball, unfortunately not as a competitor but as a spectator – It was quite a lot of fun! The event is so cool, becouse there take part in exclusive and rare cars – something that everyone needs to see.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I didn't take part in Junkbol yet, but my neighbor, with whom we have known since childhood, invited me, so I think it's time for me to take part in the future! I don't know if you've heard of a classic Volkswagen Transporter T2 - that's what my colleague travels like.
In my opinion, charity races are a great opportunity to raise money for a great cause and at the same time a lot of fun for the people participating in them and the spectators. I believe that any form of help is welcome by society.
Oh I thought that Volskwagens are not permitted on such races. To my knowledge drivers should only focus on cars from easter bloc
DeleteJakub, I thought about this one in link below:
Deletehttps://ireland.apollo.olxcdn.com/v1/files/0xt8e1mas1m93-PL/image;s=1000x700
I think it is Volkswagen Transporter T2 but the old one, if I'm wrong, correct me please, becouse I'm not the specialist in this topics.
Such a nice idea! :) I never heard about that. But I really but I really appreciate the ideas of charity racing. Junkbol sounds the most interesting :) Do you take part in it? I'd like to try, how long does this race last?
ReplyDeleteI wanted to take part this year, but due to current situation there might be some problems. Another huuuge problem is that our team doesn't have any mechanic and I think that's a crucial team member
DeleteJakub, for sure! A good professional is a must in that kind of race :D
DeleteSadly it's another event that covid destroyed... :(
I've never heard of these races before (I only know Gumball from cartoons). I think that charity race is great idea to motivate people to help others by creative fun. I wonder how cars are checked - with so many teams it is definitely difficult. I think it would also be interesting if competitors had to restore old cars in the best possible way and collect money from the auction - what do you think?
ReplyDeleteNot interested in participating as a competitor, but I would like to watch Junkbol race. ;)
Zuza this cartoon was my first thought! 😂
DeleteI would also like to watch this race, so many junk cars - it's not something you're used to seeing every day.
Zuza I think that restoring cars would lower amount of competitors. A lot of teams are buying cheapest car which is able to drive and use that kind of junk :D
DeleteHave you ever heard about Gumball or Junkbol?
ReplyDeleteI've only heard about 1st of above. I think it's one of most iconic motorsport event - for me only comparable with Goodwood Festival of Speed. The second one is brand new to me but I had to admit that it get my serious attention!
What do you think about charity races?
I think that any charity activity it's worth to be admire but for someone who is passioned about "cars" it's a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the world while having fun! I think then it becomes something more than just money - community.
Do you want to take part in Junkbol in future editions?
To be honest at some point it might become a great idea, great enough to transform into reality. Who knows, maybe someday I'll become one of Junkbol ( or Gumboll? ) family member!
So it seems like you're faimliar with this topic. Which one do you prefer to be part of? :)
DeleteI’ve heard about both of them, mainly because I’m a petrolhead. Firstly I’ve heard about gumball and it was really interesting to see a lot of exotic and great cars in one place. Then I’ve heard that there is an alternative for people with cars in opposite conditions to those from gumball and that’s called ‘Junkbol’. I’ve even had a plan to take part in this event but to be honest, my car wasn’t ready for it. I’ve had an FSO Polonez but it had a welded differential and its main purpose was drifting.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the charity aspect of those races is very good and I like and appreciate such initiatives.
That's very uncommon to see drifter with such car. It seems like a lot of work and it must be something rare in this community
DeleteI heard about Złombol, when I did a graphic design for a documentary program about this racing event. This program was broadcasted on the canal plus. I highly recommend to watch it, because participants have various adventures with their cars. This program keeps you in suspense, it’s funny and has nice graphic design. Charity races are important, for they can help, and are organized for a noble cause. Unfortunately, everyone in this race drives a car produced in the communist era. These cars produce a lot of exhaust fumes, which has very bad impact on our environment. In these times we must think about it! Soon this money won’t help us if we have nowhere to live. I wouldn’t like to take part in this rally. There is much more initiatives that are less harmful to our planet.
ReplyDeleteCan I ask you for link to this documentary? It seems like interesting one!
DeleteOf course: https://player.pl/playerplus/programy-online/zlombol-odcinki,23623 😊
DeleteOnly Gumball I've heard of is a character from cartoon. I've heard about Junkbol from my friends, who were part of it at some time.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of charity campaigns and charity support. I think it's beautiful, that there are so many people who want to help and I think it's really great that everyone can help as they like. My partner and her sister support by making packages for the children, because they love to prepare packages and think about what to add there, so that the gift will bring as much joy as possible. Others take part in Junkbol :)
It seems to me that participation in Junkbol can be a great adventure and probably a few years ago, if I had the opportunity, I would take part without thinking. Now private obligations prevent me from doing so.
I think that in few years we can think of gathering small team for this race!
DeleteYes, I've heard. What a coincidence my neighbour from my hometown takes part in "Złombol". It's certainly not easy kind a race, but it's probably a lot of fun for him and his friends. In small town easier to find small company sponsor to participate in this kind of event rather than large corporation but it depends.. Any kind of helping is great I don't have any doubt of it. Hm.. Do I would like to? I think so, if I would get a vacation and in mean time :D learn how to repair cars, With love to, becouse love to spent time fith freaky people as I am!
ReplyDeleteIn the end I attach short material from polish television (DDTVN) lead in this video take Chajzer Jr. (hated by internet media) although the material in some way shows what the thing about "Złombol"
https://dziendobry.tvn.pl/a/na-trasie-rajdu-zlombol-kazdy-musial-byc-macgyverem
It's really nice to hear that such petrolhead topic is loved by so many people and I hope we will meet at this race someday!
Delete1. To be honest somehow I haven't heard about this event. It sounds like really amazing thing. I think the enjoyment in this case has many layers, because first part of this adventure you spend on preparing your car and second on praying that it will reach it's goal. What a satisfaction people have to feel at the finish line, and what an amazing trip they experience. At the time while I was reading your article I have felt envy.
ReplyDeleteI think that everything involving charity makes sense and we need those kind of events even as a contrast for those horrible things that are going on all around the world.
And yes, I would love to take part in futute in Złombol, I think that I will add this to my bucketlist :)
I love to tell other about this event cause it's so uncommon, amazing and is perfect fit for polish reality - car which anyone can afford
DeleteI've never heard of this type of event, but maybe because I'm not interested in things like rally racing. My friends too, but I'm impressed with people who come up with such activities to raise money for orphanages.
ReplyDeleteI do not want to participate in Junkbol in future editions, I prefer to support charity in a different, more graphic way, e.g. by selling paintings.
That sounds reasonable. Have you before taken part in any charity? How was it if yes? :)
DeleteJunkbol seems like a very well-known action, so I'm ashamed that I haven't heard of it before. I liked this idea very much because it is not enough that it is quite original, it also allows us to raise money for orphanages. I think charity races are great initiatives. If any of my friends were going to such a race, I would like to take part. It must be a great adventure and it is worth experiencing something like this, at least once in your life.
ReplyDeleteI really recommend you taking part in one of these. Who knows maybe we will participate together one day!
DeleteI haven’t heard about Gunball on Junbol. Charity races are great initiative. All of initiatives with “Charity” in their names are very good. I’m very impressed that they collected over 1mln polish zloty. WOW. Unfortunately I’m kind of person that prefers to donate not taking part in such race or initiative, simply because I don’t have enough time for that. Finger cross to beat the record!
ReplyDeleteThat's very nice. I think that supporting any type of charity is great!
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ReplyDeleteYes, I heard about Gumball. Certainly this is an extraordinary spectacle that attracts a large number of viewers. This is a good way to pay attention and find donors. I think that every way to raise funds for a charity is a good way. I would love to see this 'on the road show'!
ReplyDeleteThat's nice! Have you ever participated or seen gumball? :)
DeleteI heard about Gumball 3000 and spent many hours watching movies from this event. As for Junkbol, sometimes I saw old cars with many stickers, among which was the Junkbol sticker.
ReplyDeleteI think charity races are great. It's the perfect combination of fun for participants and helping others.
I would prefer to take part in Gumball 3000 :) but if it were possible to take part in Junkbol, it would definitely be a great adventure.
Which one is your more favourite and which is more likely to happen?
DeleteI haven't heard about neither Gunball nor Junkbol. I must admit I like the idea of Junkbol. In my opinion any kind of charity is a good initiative these days. I would like to take part in such race so much! If it comes to me I would add possibility of driving older cars as well (for example older that 25 or 30 years). That would be hone hell of a watch for a spectator.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is new field which is not yet supported globally. So who knows, maybe you can start new "boll" with old cars!
DeleteI've never heard about Gumball or Złombol but it actually sounds cool. It's probably causing pretty pointless pollution but I still believe the idea of reviving old, forgotten cars and using them for charity is not that bad.
ReplyDeleteGenerally speaking I don't mind them but I think there are less harmful way to raise money for charity. Of course, their influence is marginal but even small changes are important.
I'm not an automotive fan but it seems like a cool adventure so I think I'd like to take part in this kind of race once with my friends.
I think that it may sound harmful but a lot of cars are using lpg what is fortunately much better for environment!
DeleteI have never heard about Junkbol or in the matter of fact any other charity race. Therefore thank you for this post it was nice to learn something completely new.
ReplyDeleteI think charity races are a beautiful idea and great initiative. Amount of money that is mentioned in this post i actually quite impressive. I guess I could try to take part in such a race but I have no idea about this type of events and I'm actually not the best driver.
I think it doesn't matter if you're good driver or not. Only required skill is probably patience to be able to drive those old cars through so many kilometers!
DeleteTo be honest, I haven't heard about any of these races, but they seems like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteI think that every charity activities are admirable. This kind of events provides a not only a good chance to spending time in exciting way, but also an opportunity to make a good deed.
For sure I would take part in Junkbol in future editions, but maybe as spectator not as a competitor :)
I hope that I'll see you this year on starting line!
DeleteI have heard many times about these races and I think that it could be a very fun idea for adventure. Especially when the goal is right and involves helping others. I think every kind of charity activity is a great idea. I tried to participate in semi-marathon raising money for WWE, but due to pandemic whole event is cancelled. I didn't think before about participating in Junkbol, but I think it could be fun.
ReplyDeleteSo maybe next year we can start together. Have you thought about car you would choose for such race?
DeleteI haven't heard about Gumball or Junkbol, but from what I have read now it sounds like a lot of fun. Maybe I wouldn't mind to participate on it like a spectator.
ReplyDeleteI think that charity races have a good mission and if it can helps someone who really need it, I will support it.
What a great idea of doing charity! I personally have never heard about Junkbol and Gumball, but now as I found out I think it is very fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI think charity races are cool! It is not only an extraordinary way of helping others, but a great way of spending your free time.
When it comes to taking part in Junkbol I am busy with all the work right now, but in the future I would really enjoy taking part in such happening!
What a great idea of doing charity! I personally have never heard about Junkbol and Gumball, but now as I found out I think it is very fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI think charity races are cool! It is not only an extraordinary way of helping others, but a great way of spending your free time.
When it comes to taking part in Junkbol I am busy with all the work right now, but in the future I would really enjoy taking part in such happening!
I personally like this idea of bringing old cars back to life. I know somebody, who took a „maluch” to the US. Old cars definetely have a spirit in them. I has community sites where people were donating money for events like that. I have heard of long distance trips even to Asia, where outdated cars took part. However a car worth 1000zl is more of a „coffin on wheels” to me.
ReplyDeleteI have heard about gumball 3000 and about history of cannonball. Unfortunately, I have never heard about Junkball and it seems like a lot of fun. I think this is a very original and creative way to gather donations and make them feel more attached to the cause. In my opinion in those kinds of events the most important is to create a vivid community and those races achieved it with huge succes. In the future I would love to take part in Junkball as a competiotor.
ReplyDelete