High-performance, luxury vehicles make their way to the Pre-Gumball 3000 Rally event on September 2. - Photo: STPM
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is gearing up for an unprecedented moment in its tourism and cultural showcase as the renowned Gumball 3000 Rally makes its South-East Asian debut from September 15-17.
The 3,000-mile rally will feature approximately 130 high-performance vehicles and celebrities driving across multiple countries, with Cambodia being a key stop.
The highly anticipated event marks the rally’s 25th anniversary and is set to attract global celebrities, automotive enthusiasts and media attention to the Kingdom.
Founded in 1999, the Gumball 3000 is not only known for its iconic luxury cars and pop culture appeal but also for its charitable initiatives.
Cambodia, a key stop on this year’s route, will feature a series of public events in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap province, culminating in a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest gathering of supercars at Angkor Wat.
On August 9, Prime Minister Hun Manet met with Gumball 3000 founder Maximillion Cooper in a courtesy visit that underscored the significance of the event.
Cooper expressed his admiration for Cambodia’s natural beauty and historic landmarks, praising the country’s peace and stability.
“The prime minister reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to welcoming the rally and highlighted its potential economic benefits and tourism opportunities,” according to Manet’s Telegram account.
A global celebration of speed and charity
As part of its international journey, the rally will kick off in Saigon, Vietnam, on September 14 before traversing Cambodia and other Southeast Asian nations, eventually concluding in Singapore during the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Cambodia’s stop will see participants, including global stars like Patrice Evra, YouTubers LazarBeam, Lachlan and IShowSpeed, driving supercars such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Lamborghini Huracán.
“We are excited to host this prestigious rally, which is not just about luxury cars but also about highlighting Cambodia's culture, history and charitable endeavours,” said Kuch Pannhasa, secretary of state at the Ministry of Tourism.
The Gumball 3000 Foundation has pledged to support the Angkor Hospital for Children and construct a floating football field in Kampong Khleang, the largest floating village in Siem Reap, as part of its philanthropic mission to raise $200,000.
Events in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
On September 15, the rally will officially arrive in Phnom Penh. Supercars will parade through the streets, parking near Independence Monument, where thousands of spectators are expected to gather. A public concert at Wat Botum Park will cap off the day.
On the second day, the convoy will leave Phnom Penh early in the morning, with a route that takes them through Koh Pich and toward Siem Reap on National Road 6A.
Local cars will join the event at Prey Pros Rest Area for a group lunch, giving fans another opportunity to witness the spectacle.
“Participants will then gather at the Royal Independence Gardens in Siem Reap, where the day will conclude with the Gumball Gala Dinner at the historic Bayon Temple,” according to the event’s schedule.
The grand finale will take place at Angkor Wat on September 17. Over 130 supercars will gather at the temple, with an official attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the largest assembly of luxury vehicles at the site.
“The event will highlight Cambodia's rich cultural heritage on a global scale and provide a significant boost to tourism,” added Pannhasa. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
