Staff report
Thousands of residents and visitors gathered on Amelia Island on Friday, June 5, as the internationally renowned Gumball 3000 Rally made its first overnight stop of the 2026 event, bringing supercars, celebrities and a charitable initiative benefiting Nassau County youth, said a recent release.
The festivities began at Poe Pinson Skate Park at Main Beach Park with a Gumball 3000 Foundation Skatepark Showcase, where more than 100 local children received special-edition Captain America skateboards, helmets and protective pads, the release said. The donation was made possible through a partnership between the Gumball 3000 Foundation, Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, Friends of Fernandina Skatepark and the city of Fernandina Beach, according to the release.
After the showcase, the rally rolled into Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, where crowds lined Centre Street to view more than 100 exotic and luxury vehicles, meet participants, shop exclusive merchandise and experience the energy of one of the world’s most recognized automotive lifestyle events, the release said.
Now in its 27th year, Gumball 3000 combines an international road rally with free public festivals while raising awareness and support for youth-focused charitable programs, according to the release. This year’s route began in Miami and concludes in Mexico City ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the release said.
Participating vehicles were driven by a roster of international celebrities, athletes, musicians, influencers and content creators, according to the release. Notable participants included Gumball 3000 founder Maximillion Cooper and Grammy Award-winning artist Eve, actress Michelle Rodriguez, electronic music artists deadmau5 and Afrojack, former NFL standout Jimmy Graham and members of the YouTube channel Daily Driven Exotics, the release said.
