RAGING rally racers have slammed claims that Gumball 3000 caused "carnage" in London, blaming "reckless outsiders".
Insiders say everything that unfolded on Sunday night, including property break-ins, was separate to the glitzy supercar event.
Angry residents told horror stories to SundayStar.co.uk over the weekend as the European car tour came to Battersea Power Station.
Individuals were seen breaking into building sites, stealing signs, drifting their cars and revving engines until midnight.
But now, a handful of racers taking part in Gumball 3000 exclusively tell SundayStar.co.uk that the "terror" had nothing to do with them.
A source close to organiser Maximillion said: "The cavalcade was due to arrive before 9pm but unfortunately the superstars were mobbed."
"Someone at Battersea, separate from Gumball, created his own car show by driving without due care and attention."
Rally-goer Ciro Ciampi tells SundayStar.co.uk: "Gumball did an excellent job organising the venue and once inside the crowds were amazing.
"Unfortunately, cars and bikers that were not on the rally thought it appropriate to entertain the crowds on the surrounding streets."
Driving a Lamborghini himself, and a professional event organiser for the "Petrolheadonism" club, Ciro explained: "Any organiser would struggle to control [what happened]."
Gumball car rally branded 'dangerous' as drivers cause 'carnage' in London
He added: "They would have no jurisdiction or powers – inside the parameters of the venue it was very well organised and respectfully civilised."
Sam Hard, also driving a Lamborghini, tells SundayStar.co.uk: "Unfortunately there are always a handful of people that spoil it for everyone.
"The crowds were great, but standing on the streets, blocking the access and emergency routes was beyond the organisers' control.
"I was the first car to arrive in my Lamborghini Countach and the approach was quite sketchy, I struggled to see the main route.
"The Gumball marshalls and security guys did the best job they could to move people out of the way so I could make the grand entrance to the actual event."
On Sunday, Miffed-off resident Liz Owen says she spotted car-lovers, hoping to get a good view of the action, "breaking into building sites".
"From 6pm supercars not in the event were revving their engines all along Nine Elms Lane near Battersea Power Station," she said.
After calling cops "many times", Liz was told the Met "didn't have enough resources to attend" – even when neighbours were "abused".
"This should never be allowed to happen again. How nobody was hurt is anyone's guess."
SundayStar.co.uk contacted Gumball 3000 and the Metropolitan Police for comment.
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