Our Gumball Rally: 3000 Miles, 3 Countries, 65 Ferraris, Only 1 Volvo

Inspired by Cannonball Run, the Gumball rallies have become synonymous with thrills and spills. Alternating between the United States and Europe, with different routes each year, they attract anyone mad enough to risk their car in a hair-raising 3,000-mile race. In May 2004, journalist Clement Wilson and ex-champion jockey Richard Dunwoody joined forces to take a trusty Volvo estate car along the route in an attempt to outgun the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches of their fellow racers. Fueled by Richard's competitive instincts to be the first across the finishing line and the last man standing at the bar, they dashed down the auto route, through Spain and into the desert of Morocco, mixing pain and pleasure as crashes and parties took them from one adventure to another. In this hilarious account they explain why rallying has become so enticing; what it's like to hobnob with the King of Morocco, dance with celebrities in Marrakech, and get arrested in Spain; and why burning rubber has never smelled so good!

Clement Wilson is the senior features writer and motoring correspondent for The European Magazine. Richard Dunwoody is a former National Hunt jockey and three-time Champion Jockey. He has written columns for the Daily Telegraph.