A "gumball style event" that Jim refers to is (or was - it still happens
once in awhile) a coast-to-coast race of the most unlimited style.  Known as
the "Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash" organized by
Brock Yates from one of the automotive magazines (Motor Trend, Car & Driver,
Road & Track, etc.,) and a number of other "speed" enthusiasts would get
together every year to see who could there the fastest, regardless of the
number of tickets one would most likely get.  Also known also as the
"Gumball Rally" (from the movie about it), that's where the term comes
from.  AKA "The Cannonball Run" too.

For more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumball_Rally

or

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannonball_Baker_Sea-To-Shining-Sea_Memorial_Trophy_Dash
--
Jim Thompson
84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
***********************************
On 10/30/07, Maggie Dew <wildebus@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> OK, I give - what is a "gumball style event"?
>
> Maggie
>
> From:    Jim Akiba <syncrolist@BOSTIG.COM>
> Subject: Re: That "peppy" 2.2L
>
> Ha thanks for the link to the Great Vanagon race, very cool. Yeah from
> the low top speeds it looks like the grade and altitude were
> definitely taking their toll. Now someone just needs to take it one
> step further and do a gumball style event in vanagons.