There is nothing quite like some free time to enjoy the literal and figurative amusement parks of southern California, but not everyone is wild at having an unexpected break following last Saturday evening’s Long Beach Grand Prix.

Volcanic eruptions in Iceland and resultant ash clouds have now cancelled over 60,000 flights, stranding a reported seven million passengers. Included are a number of ALMS drivers and members from several teams including Aston Martin, Corvette Racing, Risi Competizione Ferrari, Highcroft HPD, Dyson Racing, BMW, and Porsche.

In a motorsports world where million mile flyers are common, they are not alone. The F1 traveling circus finds its teams and personnel scrambling to return to their European bases from Shanghai, the final stop on a five-week swing.

Organizers have already postponed this week’s Moto GP event in Motegi, Japan.

Corvette Racing driver Oliver Gavin, Highcroft’s Marino Franchitti, and Dyson Mazda’s Guy Smith have an extra incentive to head home. After months of serious training, all are entered in this weekend’s London Marathon.

Gavin is targeting a sub-three hour run after missing that mark by less than a second last year.

Running the 26 miles 385 yards of the marathon is not the problem. Traveling the 5,468 miles to the starting line in London without a plane to cross the pond, now that is a challenge.